Chapter 1

Chapter 1

My best friend and I transmigrated into a redemption novel together.

Her mission was to redeem the brooding, heartbroken second male lead.

Mine was to redeem the unhinged, fallen villain.

Just as we were about to complete our missions, the original female lead returned from abroad. Three years of hard-earned progress vanished overnight.

My best friend came straight to me.

"I am done playing this game. Are you running?"

"Hell yes!"

We dropped the missions on the spot and returned to the real world, living it up with our fat cash reward.

We spent our days burning cash and partying with hot young boy toys.

Two years later, in the middle of a wild bachelorette party, the system suddenly reactivated.

"Warning. Target has used forbidden dimensional trade methods."

"Host will be forcibly recalled immediately."

Before we could even process what was happening, my friend and I tumbled straight into the arms of two men.

The heartbroken second male lead glared at my friend with bloodshot eyes. "I spent two years looking for you. Why did you leave without a word?"

Meanwhile, the terrifying villain pinning me down glared at the fresh hickey on my neck. "While I am still in a good mood, you better give me a damn good explanation."

***

A few years back, Carter Cole drove his custom Maybach into the courtyard while my best friend, Gemma Hayes, and I were admiring her new luxury watch.

Seeing his car pull up, Gemma shoved me toward the closet. "Quick! Hide!"

I scrambled inside like a mistress caught in the act.

Seconds later, Carter pushed the door open.

Gemma, who had been grinning ear to ear over her expensive purchase, instantly put on a fragile, teary-eyed expression.

She played the heartbroken, delicate little flower to perfection.

"You finally came back?" Gemma forced a bitter smile.

Carter paused, then marched up to her.

"Did you tell my secretary to hide the fact that Stella was coming back to the country?"

He looked down at Gemma with cold eyes.

"Gemma, I already told you Stella is just an old college friend. Do you have any idea how long she waited for me in the rain at the airport?"

"Can you stop being so petty?"

Gemma widened her eyes in disbelief. "You think I did that?"

Carter closed his eyes, exasperated. "Stella called to ask where I was, and that was the only way I found out. Nobody else could order my secretary around except you."

His phone suddenly buzzed.

Carter answered, glancing at Gemma.

"I know. I am on my way."

He turned to leave without another word.

Gemma rushed forward and grabbed his hand. "Carter, I swear I didn't do it. Do you really not trust me?"

Carter stared at her with complete detachment.

"I will look into it myself. Until the truth comes out, I don't want to see you."

Tears streamed down Gemma's face.

"Can you at least leave tomorrow?"

Her voice trembled with humility.

"Today is my birthday. Can't you just stay with me for one night?"

Carter pulled his hand away coldly.

"Sorry. Something came up at the office. I have to go."

The front door slammed shut, leaving Gemma looking completely devastated.

She waited quietly for ten seconds until the sound of his car faded into the distance.

"God, he's finally gone," she sighed.

I let out a breath of relief and stepped out of the closet.

Gemma wiped her tears and flopped comfortably onto the couch.

There was zero trace of heartbreak left on her face.

I clapped in pure admiration.

"Girl, you are an icon. Hollywood is missing out on your talent."

Gemma rolled her eyes at me.

"Cut the crap. My favorability rating just dropped back to zero. We're in deep trouble."

"Now that the female lead is back, Carter's heart is already drifting. Your guy probably knows she's back too."

I frowned. "So what do you want to do?"

"We need to get the hell out of here," Gemma said firmly.

"If we don't leave now, both of us are going to die in this book."

"I'm done with this garbage plot. Are you running with me?"

I looked at her with pure conviction. "Hell yes!"