Reborn to ruin the Valmonts

Joan’s pov,

I woke up to the sound of rustling fabric.

When I opened my eyes, Nova was standing near the bed, holding a wedding gown. She was smiling brightly, the kind of smile that once used to comfort me.

But now, it only made my stomach twist with anger and for a second there, I honestly thought I might throw up.

“Since you left the fitting room yesterday “ she said sweetly, lifting the dress slightly, “I had to pick something out for you.”

“Oh really?” I replied flatly.

“Yes,” she nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I hope you like it.”

Nova looked genuinely happy, like today was the most beautiful day in the world.

But for me, it felt like the beginning of a slow nightmare.

The hours passed quickly after that. Stylists came in and went, fixed my hair,adjusted the dress and also they helped in dusting off excess makeup across my face like they were preparing a porcelain doll for display.

By the time they finished, I was standing alone in front of a full‐length mirror.

The woman staring back at me looked breathtaking.

Perfect.

Like the bride everyone expected.

I glanced at the tune and smiled faintly.

By now, Harry was already standing at the altar, probably pretending to be the loving groom.

The memory of his voice from my past life crept back into my mind.

The wedding was fake. Nothing was ever real. Not even the love he had for me.

My fingers curled slightly.

I turned around only to find out I was the only one left in the house, so instead of walking towards the aisle, I turned around and headed towards the house bar.

I was ready to give this performance my best shot.

I began to turn the glass— from one glass to two.

Then three.

The alcohol burned down my throat, warming my chest

until the room began to ferry lighter, softer and distant.

That was when my phone suddenly rang.

I frowned slightly, staring at the screen.

An unfamiliar number.

Honestly I was expecting Harry's angry call already, but I guess someone else won him to it.

My drunk curiosity took over and I answered.

“Hellooo?” I slurred.

There was a short pause before a deep male voice spoke calmly on the other end.

“Joan.”

I blinked slowly at the phone.

“...Wh— whooo is this?” I mumbled, my words tangled in alcohol.

Then came another pause.

“Louis.”

The name meant absolutely nothing to my drunken brain.

“Ohhh…louuuuuiiis…” I repeated lazily.

Then I just started laughing.

“You sound serious,” I said randomly.”Do you know I'm getting married today to the same man that killed me in my past life?” I said laughing.

I didn't wait for a response.

My head suddenly felt heavy as my thoughts floated

“Anyway… whoever you are.. bye.”

And just like that, I hung up.

“Oops.”

Shaking my head, I stared at the clock as I staggered slightly and made my way toward the car that was waiting outside.

The drive to the church felt shorter than usual.

When I arrived, the atmosphere outside felt tense. Guests were already whispering.

Harry must have thought I had run away.

But the moment I stepped inside, his eyes locked onto me.

Relief flashed across his face before it turned into irritation.

He rushed towards me without even asking if I was okay. The strong scent of alcohol still lingered on me, but Ge didn't seem to bother.

All he cared about was the wedding.

He grabbed my wrist and pulled me forward.

From the corner of my eyes, I sighted my mother–in–law staring endlessly at me with disgust and so was Nova.

I took a moment to look around the fake marriage setting as my mind still repeated his words from my past life.

And right behind him was Tom.

‘Crazy gay bastard’ My mind prompted.

Just then the music started and the vows were rushed.

Everything happened so quickly it felt like a blur.

Then came the final moment.

“You may kiss the bride.”

Harry smiled, as he leaned toward me.

And that was when my stomach violently disagreed with the entire situation.

I threw up.

Directly into his mouth.

For a second, the entire church went completely silent.

Then the chaos exploded.

The Guest gasped.

“What the fuck!!” Harry screamed, he staggered back in pure horror, his face already pale with shock and disgust.

Tom immediately rushed towards him and so did his mom and sister as I watched as they dragged him away so he could clean himself.

Meanwhile, dozens of eyes turned towards me.

Some were shocked.

Some were confused.

And some— they were clearly trying hard not to laugh.

My head spun as dizziness washed over me. I ignored their stares and slowly walked out of the hall.

The fresh air hit my face, but the world was still spinning.

My vision began to blur and my steps became unsteady.

And just like that I felt my body lose its stance as I began to tilt forward.

A firm arm caught me, it felt strong. But before I could even react, I was lifted off the ground.

Someone had carried me into a car.

The door shut and the engine roared.

And the vehicle sped away.

Everything after that moment became a haze, from the lights, movement and even the faint sound of a door closing.

Then finally darkness claimed me.

When I finally woke up again, I was lying on a large, soft bed in a beautifully furnished room.

The ceiling above me was unfamiliar, as I slowly pushed myself upright.

But then I felt it— something was different.

Looking down, I realized I was wearing an oversized T—shirt, my heart skipped.

I quickly lifted the shirt slightly.

I was completely naked underneath.

“...What?”

Panic flickered through me as I looked around the room.

No one was there.

No sound.

No movement.

Just the dull sound of the TV news playing in the background.

Suddenly it caught my attention.

“Breaking news this afternoon,” The reporter said, her voice sounded serious.

I frowned slightly as I focused on the screen.

“Montclaire heiress, Joan Montclaire, has reportedly been kidnapped shortly after her marriage ceremony with business heir Harry Valmont earlier today.”

Kidnapped?

I almost laughed— but it occurred to me that it was true and my smile diminished.

Where was I?

And who brought me here?

Those were the only questions I had ringing inside my skull.

Suddenly, the bedroom door handle began to turn.

I froze.

The door slowly creaked open.

And someone stepped inside.