Chapter 3: The Real Young Miss Arrives (…Why Do I Hear Boss Music?)
Miller was having a good morning.
For the first time since transmigrating, he felt… hopeful.
"I survived breakfast," he said proudly, sipping tea. "No kidnapping. No psychological warfare. Just normal conversation."
He nodded to himself.
"Yes. This is manageable."
A servant suddenly rushed in.
"Young Master—there's a situation at the front gate."
Miller blinked.
"…What kind of situation?"
The servant hesitated.
"…The Real Young Miss has returned."
Crack.
Miller's teacup slipped from his hand.
"…Oh."
A beat.
"…Oh no."
Entrance of the Villainess (According to the Original Plot)
Outside the mansion—
A sleek black car stood still.
The door opened.
And she stepped out.
Cloe.
Tall.
Elegant.
Sharp eyes that seemed to see through everything.
Every movement carried confidence—no, authority.
If Ana was a quiet, hidden blade…
Then Cloe was a sword openly drawn.
Miller peeked from behind a curtain.
"…Yeah, that's definitely boss music."
Plot Reminder: Why This Is Bad
Miller's brain went into overdrive.
Original timeline:
Cloe returns
Miller immediately switches sides
Begins simping—no, strategically aligning with her
Publicly distances himself from Ana
Starts the chain reaction leading to his tragic "dark room ending"
"…Not happening," Miller whispered.
He straightened his clothes.
"New route. Loyal route. Safe route."
He took a deep breath.
"Do NOT act like trash."
First Meeting: Danger Level Rising
Cloe entered the main hall.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Servants straightened.
The air tightened.
Even without saying anything, she controlled the room.
Her gaze swept across the space—
And landed on Miller.
"…You must be Miller."
Her voice was calm.
Confident.
With just a hint of amusement.
Miller stepped forward.
"Yes. Welcome back."
Polite. Neutral. SAFE.
Cloe raised an eyebrow slightly.
"…That's it?"
"…That's it?"
"In the reports I read," she continued, "you were quite… enthusiastic about this engagement."
Miller's smile froze.
REPORTS?! WHAT REPORTS?!
Meanwhile… Silent Observation
In the distance—
Ana stood quietly at the staircase.
Watching.
Not interrupting.
Not speaking.
Just observing.
Her gaze moved between Miller… and Cloe.
Cloe's First Test
Cloe stepped closer to Miller.
"Tell me," she said, tilting her head slightly, "between me and Ana… who do you think is more suitable for you?"
CRITICAL HIT.
Miller's soul left his body.
THIS QUESTION CAME EARLY—WAY TOO EARLY—THIS IS NOT IN THE SCRIPT—
His survival instincts screamed.
Choose Ana. Immediately. No hesitation.
But—
He couldn't say it bluntly.
That would create conflict.
And conflict leads to chaos.
And chaos leads to—
dark room.
The Most Careful Answer of His Life
Miller smiled calmly.
"I don't think it's about comparison."
Cloe's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Oh?"
"My engagement," he continued, "was arranged with Ana. That hasn't changed."
Silence.
"…And?" Cloe pressed.
"And I intend to respect that."
Boom.
Direct.
Clear.
No betrayal.
Shockwave
The room went silent.
Even the servants felt it.
Because this—
Was not the answer anyone expected.
Ana's Reaction
On the staircase—
Ana froze.
Her expression didn't change.
But her fingers slowly tightened around the railing.
"…He chose me."
Cloe's Reaction
Cloe stared at Miller.
For a moment—
Just a moment—
Her expression shifted.
Surprise.
Then—
A slow smile appeared.
"…Interesting."
She stepped back.
"Very interesting."
Miller (Internally Dying)
Did I pass? Did I fail? Am I alive? Am I dead?
He maintained his composure.
Barely.
Cloe Changes Strategy
"Fine," Cloe said lightly. "Let's not rush things."
She turned away.
"I've just returned. It would be rude to disrupt everything immediately."
She glanced back at Miller.
"But people… change."
Her eyes flickered—sharp, knowing.
"And so do hearts."
Warning Received
Miller felt it.
That wasn't a threat.
It was worse.
It was a challenge.
"…I see," he replied.
I do NOT like where this is going.
Aftermath: Collision Course Set
Cloe left the hall.
The pressure disappeared instantly.
Miller exhaled.
"…I survived again."
Then—
A soft voice came from behind him.
"You did well."
Miller turned.
Ana stood there.
Quiet.
Composed.
Watching him.
Reward…?
"You kept your promise," she said.
Miller smiled slightly.
"Of course."
Ana stepped closer.
Not too close.
But closer than before.
"…Then I should reward you."
Miller blinked.
"…Reward?"
Something about that word felt dangerous.
Very dangerous.
Ana's Logic (Hidden)
He chose me.
Even when given a better option…
He still chose me.
Her eyes softened.
But deep inside—
Something tightened.
Something possessive.
Something absolute.
Miller's Instinct (Too Late)
"…Why do I feel like I just triggered another flag?"
Narration (Unavoidable Fate)
Miller believed he was avoiding the bad ending.
Avoiding betrayal.
Avoiding destruction.
But he didn't realize—
The story wasn't breaking.
It was adapting.
Because this time—
Ana wouldn't need heartbreak to become dangerous.
Love alone…
Would be enough.