Playing the Villainess, He Fell for Me

Just imagine if Serena Sutton found out about the "plot." What would she think?

She was born to be the female lead, destined for a life of adoration. She was supposed to be deeply loved by the second male lead and doted on by the main male lead, the darling of this world.

But unexpectedly, the male lead fell deeply in love with the villainess, and she was relegated to the role of a so-called "side character"...

If you never know about something, the sadness eventually passes. But once you know, the huge gap between what is and what should have been can twist your mind, making you unlike yourself.

It’s only human nature.

The stairwell was quiet and deserted, filled with the distinct smell of hospital disinfectant.

Joanna Kennedy lowered her gaze, hiding the turbulent emotions in her eyes.

As the sun set, Joanna walked out of the hospital and immediately spotted a black Maybach parked not far away.

She froze for a moment, then the corners of her lips curved up. A gentle light bloomed in her calm eyes.

"How did you know I was here?" Joanna asked the moment she got in the car. As soon as the words were out, she felt a pang of regret.

’The bodyguard drove me here, so he must have told Simon Lockwood. That’s why Simon came to pick me up instead of the bodyguard.’

"How long have you been waiting?" Joanna asked, her eyes wide and expectant.

The car roof was covered in withered plane tree leaves. Simon must have rushed over from the office as soon as he got off work.

She was slightly out of breath from jogging over, her cheeks flushed and her big, beautiful eyes sparkling.

Simon Lockwood watched her for a moment, then grazed the back of his hand against her cheek. "Not long," he replied.

Joanna boldly took his hand and pressed it to her own face. His palm rested against the soft, fair skin of her cheek, making Simon’s body tense up slightly. But the girl just grinned, her eyes crinkling. "You’re lying again~"

That little "again" was particularly pointed. Simon’s lips thinned. "Today was a holiday," he said, his voice strained. "I left work early and came over."

The man’s palm was dry and warm. Joanna couldn’t help but nuzzle against it, and was pleased to feel him grow even more rigid. She said deliberately, "Oh~ So you left work early~"

She said, "Mr. Lockwood, did everyone get to leave early, or was it just you?"

How could Simon not hear the teasing in her voice? His expression remained unchanged. "The employees had to pick up their holiday gifts. They could leave after they got them."

Joanna drew out her "Ohhh," the end of the word lilting playfully. "Mr. Lockwood is so generous~"

"Joanna." Simon’s tone held a hint of helplessness. "Behave."

’Hmph, what’s not normal about me?’ Joanna snatched his hand from her face and threw it down. Turning to face the window, she ordered in a stiff voice, "Drive."

Simon Lockwood: "..."

’Such a childish temper.’

The soft, warm feeling lingered on his palm. Simon subconsciously rubbed his fingertips together, a tenderness in his eyes that even he didn’t realize was there.

The car drove smoothly down the road.

Joanna stared quietly out the window. From an angle the man couldn’t see, the playful, bright smile had already vanished from her face.

Simon’s profile was handsome. His reflection in the window was indistinct, blurring his sharp features and making him seem a little gentler.

Joanna was suddenly reminded of the novel’s description of him—a Maximus with a tragic past—rational and cold-blooded, redeemed by a kind and sincere heroine.

A single short sentence, a few cold words, seemed to summarize his entire life.

Joanna admitted that, for a fleeting moment in front of Serena Sutton, she had felt a pang of guilt.

According to the plot, she was indeed like a thief who had stolen the male lead that belonged to Serena.

But... Joanna quickly thought it through. This was a real world. Everyone was an independent individual with their own thoughts and consciousness. There was never any such thing as someone belonging to someone else.

Once the plot and reality were completely separated, Simon Lockwood was just himself, not some so-called "male lead" who could be summed up by a few cold words.

Simon was rational, but not cold-blooded. And he never needed anyone’s redemption. He had always been saving himself; people who are strong enough can heal on their own.

Simon could like anyone he wanted. He would never be pushed around by some so-called plot. It was Serena who couldn’t see past it, blinded by her supposed "female lead halo."

*

The day before the Mid-Autumn Festival, Joanna returned to the villa after rehearsal. Not long after, Sean Grant arrived, mooncakes in hand, looking as nonchalant as ever.

Behind him, Jack Warren carried a box of hairy crabs and some fruit, deliberately keeping his distance from Sean to show they weren’t together.

Simon Lockwood was cooking in the kitchen. Joanna answered the door and was surprised to see the two of them arrive one after another, but she politely invited them in to sit.

The rich aroma of spicy stir-fried chicken wafted from the kitchen into the living room.

"Mmm... smells so good..." Sean Grant said, looking intoxicated by the scent. He tossed the mooncakes onto the table and headed for the kitchen. "Did the housekeeper go home for the Mid-Autumn—"

Seeing who was actually cooking, Sean’s words died in his throat.

When he processed the scene, his eyes went wide, and he rubbed them in disbelief.

’Can someone please tell me who this man cooking in a pink apron is?!’

’His movements were so swift and skilled, his expression so cold and detached...’

His expression was too exaggerated to ignore. Simon frowned, his voice cold. "Get out."

Sean gulped and manually closed his jaw. With a look of pure adoration, he said, "Right away, Simon."

’Don’t ask him why he was being such a suck-up. The answer was that he was determined to stay for dinner today!’

Joanna brought the freshly brewed tea to the living room, only to see that goofball Sean leaning close to Jack Warren’s ear, whispering something with animated excitement.

And Assistant Warren, who usually maintained a "professional smile," was the picture of impatience, annoyance, and helplessness.

The moment he saw her, Sean sat up straight, pointed at Jack Warren, and said bluntly, "Joanna. He says he wants to stay for lunch."

Jack Warren, who hadn’t said a word: "...?!?"

’What the hell are you talking about?!’

Joanna, who had witnessed the whole thing: "..."

Joanna smiled. Just as she was about to say, "Sure," the doorbell rang again.

’What is with today?’

Joanna opened the door to find Anna Yates standing outside, laden with bags.

"Ta-da! A happy Mid-Autumn Festival in advance! I came to bring you gifts!" Anna’s tone was cheerful, but she was cautiously peering behind Joanna, as if afraid of what she might see.

Joanna Kennedy: "..."

"Simon’s in the kitchen." Joanna helped her bring the large bags inside and couldn’t help but ask, "What did you buy? Why is there so much?"

"My favorite snacks, of course! Don’t worry, they won’t make you gain weight. And there are some beauty supplements to make sure you get even prettier," Anna Yates said with a wink.

’She really was a good friend.’ Joanna was amused.

Anna couldn’t help but ask, "Does Mr. Lockwood usually cook at home?"

"No, I usually do most of the cooking," Joanna lied without batting an eye. "I’m an amazing cook."

Anna Yates: "..." ’I don’t believe that for a second.’

"The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Don’t let it be the other way around, with Mr. Lockwood capturing yours," Anna said in a heartfelt, serious tone.

She didn’t lower her voice, and two loud coughs came from the living room.

"Hey now, there are other people here. Maybe you could share your tips on taming a husband a little more quietly," Sean Grant said sarcastically.