Transmigrated as the Devoted Foil

I woke up one day and realized I was living inside a CEO romance novel—the kind of old-school Mary Sue story where the world would collapse if the main couple ever separated.I was a minor supporting character meant to serve as the heroine's foil.As a wealthy heiress, I was the definition of rich and beautiful. My parents doted on me, and my older brother—the future heir to the family fortune—shielded me from every storm.Life should have been effortless, but in the original plot, I completely squandered this perfect hand of cards.Julian Sterling, a few years older than me, was the undisputed hero of this story. He embodied every advantage a powerful CEO could have.He was trained from childhood as the heir to the Sterling Empire, his presence and aura putting every flashy trust-fund kid to shame. Plus, he had the kind of chiseled face that looked like it belonged on a magazine cover.When my feelings were first blooming, it was impossible not to fall for a man like him. But th

I stared at him for a long moment, realizing he wasn't making a single move."Heh, if this is a dream, then I can act freely," I muttered, pouncing on him. "Honey."After 20 years of life, I finally had my first steamy dream. Excited, I straddled Julian's lap and traced the lines of his ridiculously perfect face with my fingertips before planting several eager kisses on his sculpted lips.Before I could even get my fill, his large hands locked firmly around my waist, pulling me tightly against him. His deep, gravelly voice echoed right in my ear."Don't move."It sounded strained, yet incredibly intoxicating."Why should I listen to you? I'm going to move whenever I want." I reached down to unbutton his shirt, only for my wrists to be caught in a sudden, tight grip.That further convinced me this was a dream. He'd never be this rough with me in real life. I wiggled out of his hold and let my hands roam across his solid abs, completely unbothered."Georgia," he muttered, his voi

Julian looked every bit the ruthless capitalist, his polite smile not reaching his eyes as he regarded me like a lamb ready for slaughter."Your wedding?" Chloe gasped, her eyes darting back and forth between us in sheer disbelief.Julian didn't give her a second glance. He just stood there with that flawless, gentle smile, looking exactly like a kind neighbor to anyone who didn't know better."I'll take her back now. Miss Sharpe, enjoy your evening," he said politely.Before I could even process what was happening, he dragged me out of the banquet hall. The plot was completely spiraling off the rails; this wasn't how I remembered the book at all."I don't want to go back or marry you! Let go!" I protested, tugging hard against his grip.Julian snapped to a halt. He leaned down, his voice dropping to a low whisper right against my ear. "But Georgia, didn't you use to love me the most?"My face instantly burned a bright crimson. Flustered, I tried to turn my head away, but he gri

When we arrived at Julian's apartment, it was already very late. I stood awkwardly by the bed, unsure whether I should sit or remain standing.In the past, I would have been ecstatic, but time was a strange thing. In such a short span, a person's mindset could completely flip.That scheming man had locked the bedroom door from the inside, forcing me to listen to the rushing sound of water from the bathroom. My face burned with intense embarrassment."This is too much. Is there no one who can keep him in check? I've never seen a male lead with such a shameless lack of boundaries."I wanted to file a formal complaint that he didn't deserve the heroine at all. He was practically a two-timing scumbag.While I was still lost in my internal rant, Julian walked out of the bathroom with only a towel slung low around his waist. I stared, genuinely wondering if he had been possessed by a different soul."Want me to help you wash?""Pervert!""Say what you want. You have three minutes. If

Julian held me tightly, as if the slightest loose grip would let me vanish into thin air.My parents watched the display, nodding in immediate, eager approval before the entire room erupted into celebratory laughter. Clearly, they all felt like they had won big."I can barely breathe," I wheezed, squirming slightly against his iron grip. "Can you let me go first?"The usually stoic, unreadable man merely buried his face deeper into my shoulder. A moment later, I felt a distinct, warm dampness soaking into the fabric of my dress.I paused. "Julian, are you crying?"The rims of his eyes were red as he stared at me with a bitter expression. He murmured, "You heartless little thing. The only thing on your mind is how to run away from me, isn't it?"I stood on my tiptoes and pecked his lips. He pressed my head closer and deepened the kiss. Then, with reverence, he slid a diamond ring firmly onto my finger and pressed a soft kiss against my knuckles....Not long after, I moved abroa