“Hahh…hah…hah…” A young woman on her

edge of death laid down on her bloodstain. She gazed into the night sky with tears dripping from her eyes. It was then, her vision turned dark.

Lavanya Arein, a 23rd-century woman who believes love was

something pure and sacred. She was a faithful woman in the name of love.

Her first love experience was with her

schoolmate. She loved him so dearly and hoped that he would be her first and last love. But her hope was all in vain when they graduated from high school and attended different colleges, she found her boyfriend was cheating behind her with his college friend.

Two years later, a man came to her with all sweet manners. The wounds in her heart were subdued a bit by a bit. But it also didn't last long, she found out the man was cheating behind her with his ex-lover. The wounds that yet fully healed now had another wound.

After graduating from college, she ran her Boutique and Dessert Café business with all her heart. On her twenty-eighth birthday, she gained fame, popularity, and prosperity from her business. And then, a handsome man came to her. Having been broken twice by love, she did not really mind the handsome man at first.

Over time, she thought he might be different from the two men of her past. She decided to open her heart for him. Unfortunately, things were not going well. The handsome man left her all alone without a word and pretended as if he never met her in the very first place.

Arein, who believed love as a pure and sacred matter, started doubting its existence. She buried herself deep contemplating. She seeks the answers to all her questions, but no answers

come out.

“Why?! What have I done that makes me deserve this?! Why do I always end up like this?! Why?!!!!!!”

She screamed and smashed anything in front of her. She fell into a deep frustration and depression in spite of her fame. She grabbed her mobile phone and tried to call someone.

“Mom, are you at home?” She asked in a frustrated tone.

“I am. What is wrong with your voice? Are you okay?” Response a woman on another line in a worried tone.

“Mom…”

“Listen to me, everything will be alright. Okay?”

“I am sorry, Mom.”

“For what? What is happening? Will you come to me?”

“I’ll go.”

“Yes. I am waiting for you.”

She grabbed her car key and headed to the garage. With her wet eyes and chaotic mind, she left her apartment at a high speed.

She kept crying while driving the car. The more she cried, the more she increased the car speed until the wetness in her

eyes made everything become blurry. She could not focus on the road. She lost control over the car direction and ended up hitting the side road border at a high speed.

“Kyaaaaaaaa”

CRASH!

The front car was totally damaged. Arein’s head bumped to the steering wheel. The bubble shield cannot work well due to the hard crash. Her bones were cracked and blood flew all over her body.

She tried her best to keep breathing. She opened the car door with all the left strength on her body. She fell on the ground and crawled to avoid the car just in case it would explode. She crawled and crawled but her body was too heavy. With blood spraying from the mouth, she spoke her last words…

“God, if you really do exist, please let me be reborn…”

Those was her last words before she shut her eyes forever and the soul living her body that laid helplessly on the ground. A few seconds after that…

-------

“Hahh…hah…” Arein breathed so hard.

She opened her eyes so wide and sat down suddenly. Her eyes scanned all over the aesthetic room she was in. It was a so-wide room with a beautiful carved wall decorated with diamonds on every edge of the carve. There were many antique and exotic pieces of furniture. Everything was really like the castle in Barbie tales!

”Athe?!” Called the man.

Then, her eyes caught a blond-haired handsome man in his late-thirty who put a worried look on his face. He looked relieved yet full of anger.

“My Lady!!”

Her eyes wandered again for the voice, then she saw an old man in his black-neat black and white suit crying together with a girl dressed in maid attire behind him. She also saw five doctors standing up in line all over the big bed.

“Athe, you are back! Don’t worry, this father is here.” The man who claimed to be her father spoke again and hugged her tightly. She widened her eyes.

‘Huh? Father? I am sure my dad was dead when I was sixteen. And I am pretty sure that my dad wasn’t this handsome!!!!

What the hell is happening?!’ Arein screamed inwardly.

“Uhm…I am sorry. Who are you?” Arein said hesitantly as she lowered her head.

Hearing her words, the duke widened his eyes in shock as if being struck by thunder.

“My Lady...” Cried the maid. Arein fell dumbfounded.

“Wh…what the hell is happening to her? Why didn't she remember anything?!” The man urged the doctors.

“I beg your pardon, Your Grace. My Lady is experiencing memory loss.” The first doctor said.

“It is because the lady’s head bumped to the tree trunk hardly back then, Your Grace.” The second doctor adds.

“The hard bump in the head made the Lady’s brain-damaged and caused the memory loss, Your Grace” The third doctor continued.

“Your Grace, the injury wasn’t too severe. Fortunately, this type of memory loss is only temporary. The Lady would gain her memory back if we are working together.” The fourth doctor explained.

“We have to help the Lady recall her past memories and it takes a few months or less, Your Grace.” The fifth doctor said.

With the doctors’ explanation, the duke stared at Arein with a pitiful look and disbelief. He escaped a big sigh.

“Listen to me, I am Arlo Ein Harrigan, the Duke of this Empire and I am your father. You are Althea Ein Harrigan, my only daughter and the Lady of this house.” Said the Duke firmly with his violet eyes focused on hers.

Surely, it wasn't amnesia or what. The late Althea’s memories had been gone along with her soul to the aftermath. The body indeed belonged to Althea but the soul belonged to Arien, and so the memories.

'Oh man! Seems like the God heard my last words. Right, it is as it is. All I need to do is just stay alive now.' Realizing the fact that she was reborn in another world, Arien decided to accept this new life of her and she would live a perfect life with her new identity.

“Fa…father?” Arein restated.

“Yes, Athe.” the Duke nodded with a smile. “You, come here.” He pointed to someone.

“Y…yes, Your Grace.” Upon his call, a light brown curly-haired maid stepped forward. Her eyes were all swollen from

crying all night.

“You are my daughter’s personal maid. Aren’t you?” The duke asked.

“I…I am, Your Grace.” The maid named Zoey answered crackly.

“You have to help my daughter recall anything in her daily life, even the smallest thing. Understand?” The duke commanded.

“I will, Your Grace!” Zoey answered excitedly.

“I warn all ears in this room, I won’t hear any rumor about my daughter’s condition spill out from your mouths to others. Understand?” The duke spoke in a firm tone.

“I heed your command, Your Grace.” All of them answered in unison and bowed.

 That was how the first day of her reborn was. Since then, she got all the exclusive treatment as if she was a Princess. She ate delicious foods and desserts on beautiful plates.

She had so many jewels and accessories that she could never afford half of them even with all of her money.

‘Althea Ein Harrigan, that’s who I am now. Not bad, being a daughter of Duke, I was reborn with wealthiness on my hands. Come to think of it, I don’t know this body’s look yet. My father is

sooo handsome with his blond hair and violet eyes. I suppose this body would be beautiful as well.’ She said inwardly with a smile.

Arein starred at the maid who stood up quietly near the door. She tried to remember her name since she was Althea’s personal maid.

“Zoey?” Althea called.

“Ah…yes, My Lady.” Zoey responded immediately in surprise.

“Zoey, where is the mirror?”

“The mirrors are in the dressing room, My Lady.”

“Would you help me to go there?”

“Of…of course, My Lady. You just need to command me informally. A mere maid like me doesn't deserve your formality.”

Zoey lowered her head which was covered up in red color.

“Alright, please bring me there.” Zoey nodded and approached Althea to help her get up.

Zoey led Althea to the left side of the bedroom. There was a door beyond the golden curtain which connected to the

dressing room.

CLACK

Once the door opened, Althea’s eyes had been welcomed by numerous luxurious dresses that were neatly organized in every

wardrobe’s space. There were also a bunch of heels and boots collections in every corner of the wardrobe.

‘What the hell?! Is this a Barbie house or something?! Is all of this mine? Woahh…’ Althea’s eyes sparkled in excitement.

“Here is the dressing room, My Lady. And the mirrors are over there.” Zoey broke Althea’s thought.

“Thank you, Zoey.”

Althea walked, approaching the mirrors. There were five mirrors that formed a triangle with one mirror as the center. With these mirrors, she could see all sides of her body.

She stepped closer to the mirror. There was a reflection of a tall woman in pajamas. She stepped ahead closer, she clearly saw the blond-haired woman was perfectly beautiful with her clear violet eyes, natural-red lips, white skin with no blemish, perfect sharp nose and a curve-shaped body.

‘Woahh…this isn’t just beauty! This is a goddess’ beauty! oh my God!’ Althea exclaimed inwardly while touching the face.

“Zoey, am I indeed this beautiful? Or did I happen to have plastic surgery before?” Althea asked Zoey whose mouth opened in agape, she tried to understand her word.

“You've been perfectly beautiful since you were born, My Lady. You are this Empire’s beauty. What is plastic surgery, My Lady? Pardon me, I don’t understand." Zoey’s voice trembles. She shut her eyes tightly.

“Ah…no, Zoey. Forget it. It’s been three weeks, can I have a small walk in my garden?” Althea asked as she observed the garden’s view from the window.

“Sure, My Lady. I've been informed by the doctors that you are allowed to have a small walk.”

“Will you accompany me?” Althea asked in an innocent look.

“Uhh…ehh…that’s…” Zoey’s answer stuttered.

“What’s the matter? Don’t you want it? I won’t force you, then.” Althea put on a fine look.

“No, not like that. My Lady always forbids any servants to step on the garden before.”

“Is that so? Why?”

“It…it’s because the Lady doesn’t want any lowly beings to step on your precious garden,” Zoey answered. Althea stood blankly upon hearing the answer.

‘Goshhhh…Althea, you are a beauty with a hideous heart!’ Althea rubbed her forehead.

“Alright, I want to have a walk with you now. Will you accompany me?” Althea let out a sigh.

“Sure, My Lady!” Zoey answered excitedly.

Althea wore a decent outfit and headed to the garden with Zoey behind her. When she stepped downstairs, many servants gasped in surprise. They immediately lowered their heads as if they didn’t dare to hold their heads in front of her.

This made Althea narrowed her eyebrows. All the way to the garden, the servants who met her would do the same. She felt

so much uneasiness in her heart. In fact, that wasn’t comfortable at all.

In the garden, Althea let out a big sigh as she rubbed her wrinkled forehead again. She wondered about the servants’

attitude whenever they saw her.

‘Do I look like a grim ripper or something?’ She tilted her head.

“Zoey, why did all the servants look so terrified whenever they saw me? Even you, my personal maid, your face always looks like you will die if your eyes meet mine.” Althea asked desperately.

“I…I beg your pardon, My Lady. I…I don’t mean that way. Please give me mercy!” Zoey fell on her knees. Althea started bewildered by Zoey’s action.

“Hey, hey, Zoey. What’s happening? Let’s sit on the bench and tell me anything.” Althea said in bewilderment.

“H…How dare I sit in the same position as you, My Lady.” Zoey cried.

“That’s fine, come here.”

While sitting on the bench, Zoey told Althea that she despised anyone below her and looked straight at her as if they

were at the same level. A year ago, there was a new maid who was too excited and looked Althea in the eyes. The consequence of that was a big punishment for the maid. She got beaten by the whip and expelled from Harrigan duchy.

Since that tragedy, no servants dared to meet Althea in the eyes. They preferred to bow as lower as possible in front of her.

“Does my father do nothing for that?” Althea asked in a disappointed look.

“The duke loves My Lady so much. He never complained about anything you’ve done, whether it’s bad or not, My Lady.” Zoey answered carefully.

“Alright, I understand. Zoey, did I ever lay a hand on you? Please be honest.” Althea asked softly.

“I never feel offended with your action, My Lady. Even if you slapped me or threw anything on me, I’ll always be on your side.” Zoey answered sincerely.

Althea stretched her hand to Zoey’s. “Zoey, I know what I’ve done wasn’t something worth only an apology. But I am really sorry for the hardships you’ve got from me. Will you forgive me?”

“My…My Lady, you don’t need to apologize. I am only a mere servant, I don’t deserve an apology from you, My Lady.” Zoey bursts into tears with her trembling body.

“No, you deserved it so much. Thank you, Zoey. Can I hug you?”

“S…sure, My Lady. Thank you.”

With Zoey’s permission, Althea hugged the crying Zoey in her arms. She could feel how trembling Zoey was. She patted

Zoey’s back to comfort her. They hugged each other for about five minutes until Zoey could calm herself.

“Uhm…Zoey, can you help me gather all the servants and bring them to me in this garden?” Althea asked.

“Yes, My Lady. I will call them here right away.”

“Thank you.”

Althea watched as Zoey ran to the servants’ quarters in hurry. While she was alone, she fell into silence contemplating all the bad deeds that former Althea had done. She let out a big

sigh.

'Really! I only wish for a peaceful life with this wealth. But it seems like I need to repair this body's former owner mistakes first.' She mumbled.

Then, she rose from the bench and walked around to admire the flowers while waiting for all the servants. Not long after, a big crowd approached her in the garden.

There was the butler, Zoey, the chef, and about thirty female and male servants whose faces looked so pale. She could clearly see the big sweat on their forehead.

“My Lady, I’ve called all the servants,” Zoey said.

“Yes. Thank you, Zoey.”

Hearing the Lady thanked Zoey, all the servants looked surprised but still kept their heads bowed down.

“Everyone, please look me in the eyes.” There was a long silence. No one dared to look her in the eyes because they were too terrified.

“My Lady, how dare mere servants like us to meet the Lady’s eyes.” The butler spoke up carefully.

“No, please look me in the eyes.” With her determination, all the servants started to look at her eyes. Instead of an angry look, Althea put on a warm smile.

“I gathered all of you here because I want to apologize for every hardship you’ve got from me this whole time. I truly apologize to all of you.” Althea bowed to all servants. Hearing Althea’s

sincere apology and even bowing to them, all the servants fell to the ground.

“My…My Lady, we don’t deserve any apology from you. Please don’t do this.” One of the maids said in a trembling voice.

“Please, rise. Like what I’ve told Zoey, all of you deserved it so much. I will be very happy if you could act comfortably whenever you see me in the future.” Again, Althea bowed her head. “I am in your care.” She adds.

“Of…of course, My Lady. We will do our best!” The servants exclaimed in joy. Althea felt relieved about that.

At night, The Duke called Zoey and the butler to hear Althea’s current condition. Ever since she woke up and experiencing memory loss, Zoey and the butler should observe and report

Althea’s doing to him.

“How’s my daughter doing?” The duke asked.

“Your Grace, a miracle has happened in Harrigan’s mansion!” The butler exclaimed in excitement.

“What do you mean, Loin?”

“Your Grace, the Lady gathered all the servants this morning. We were gathered at the Lady’s favorite garden.” Mr. Loin the butler said.

“I thought she forbid any servant to step on that garden.”

“Yes, Your Grace. More than that, the Lady gathered all of us to ask for an apology. She even bowed to us.” Mr. Loin said.

“Do you speak the truth?” The duke narrowed his forehead.

“The Lady also personally apologized to me, Your Grace. She even hugged me to comfort myself.” Zoey said.

“Hah…it is a good thing. I don’t expect memory loss would change my daughter’s attitude this much.” The duke leaned on

his chair.

“Your Grace, still, the Lady’s memory loss is something grievous.” Mr. Loin nagged.

“Yes, yes, I know. You two can go.” Loin and Zoey bowed and left the room.

The duke lost in silence, thought about the butler and Zoey’s report about Althea’s sudden change. About fifteen minutes later, he called his aide.

“Evan, come in.” The duke called.

“Greetings Duke.” Sir Evan bowed in courtesy.

“How about the ambush investigation?” He asked.

“I’ve got the culprit, Your Grace.” Sir Evan replied.

“Who?”

“It’s His Highness Crown Prince, Your Grace.”

“That bastard! He dared to hurt my daughter. He must pay the consequences!” The duke gritted his teeth.

“Pardon me, but the Lady loves him, Your Grace. What can we do?” Sir Evan asked.

“My daughter has changed. I believe she no longer loves that bastard. Were all the witnesses still alive?” The duke said confidently.

He believed that with Althea’s memory loss, she wouldn’t remember anything about the Crown Prince. Her sudden attitude

change has also convinced him that Althea was a brand-new person from today onwards.

“They are all alive, Your Grace.”

“Good. Other evidence?”

“The evidence is in our hands, Your Grace.”

“Good. Keep all of them safe. I am counting on you.”

“I will.”