Being Locked Up In Reverse Wasn’t In The Plan

“It was something hard to obtain, wasn’t it? Wouldn’t it be troublesome if you just died?”

I found myself reincarnated into an R-rated romance fantasy novel. As Fiorentia, an illegitimate daughter with a terminal condition, I was doomed to wear a mask for the rest of my life after having my face stolen by my half-sister.

‘Who said I’d just die quietly?’

I pretended to cower before my half-sister while secretly aligning myself with the male lead—the very man who would one day annihilate this wretched family.

“I’ll take care of this beast.”

With the intention of later demanding repayment for my kindness, I took him under my wing and soothed him.

“Shh. Theo, be good, okay? Stay still. You need to listen to me.”

I helped Theodore retain his sense of self and reminded him, “Remember clearly how much effort I put into helping you. You have to pay me back later. That’s only fair.”

Once he was strong enough to protect himself, I even helped him escape my sister’s grasp.

And then, four years later—

Just as in the original story, Theodore returned. To massacre the detestable Marcellas.

Fiorentia had been certain he would never recognize her.

Until he wrapped his arms around her from behind, buried his nose in her neck, and inhaled deeply.

“As if I wouldn’t recognize you.”

She had protected his sanity, and yet—

“I remember every single effort you put into me, down to the last detail.”

“So I took everything. Just as you said, to properly settle the debt.”

“In the perfectly fair way you liked so much.”

Why does he seem… slightly strange?