Chapter 5

"This is not a fantasy story. I'm telling the truth, Jethro," I insisted.

He finished washing the dishes, merely shaking his head at my stubbornness.

"Suit yourself. I still have a lot to do, Menchie. Besides, you should start getting ready since you and your mom are leaving soon," he said, but I did not respond.

"Y-You don’t believe me?" The question slipped from my lips. Jethro turned to me again and gave me a faint smile.

"Menchie, I’m your friend, and you can trust me with anything. But something this impossible? It’s hard to believe," he answered. I drew in a deep breath. Explaining my real identity to him was far from easy.

What more if I were to face my family?

What would I say? That I am Radiant Monrovia trapped inside the body of Menchie Robert?

Tsk!

"Come on, Menchie. Start moving before your mom gets mad at you for being late," Jethro said in farewell before leaving me alone.

He probably thinks I’m losing my mind.

I shouldn’t have spoken so impulsively.

IT WAS TEN IN the morning, and I was already prepared to accompany Mama to her boyfriend’s mansion. Earlier, while I was fixing myself, I noticed the joy in her expression... she was genuinely happy that I would be joining her today.

"Woah? You look impressive. Now you actually look like a lady," Jethro teased.

"Be quiet. I do know how to dress up, okay?"

"Not really. Anyway, they said to hurry so you can leave right away," he replied, prompting me to move faster.

"I’m coming down," I said as I quickly slipped into my sandals.

After making sure everything about me was in order, I headed downstairs. I saw how startled Mama looked upon seeing me.

"Oh? Well, your amnesia isn’t entirely bad, Menchie. It’s a miracle you finally learned how to fix yourself."

I merely offered a small smile. Does it really hard for the old Menchie to fix herself? I mean, every women needs to be look beautiful.

"Oh! The driver is here! Come on, Menchie!" Mama exclaimed excitedly, and I followed her outside. The moment I stepped out, a Lincoln Navigator stood prominently in front of the house.

So my future stepfather must be incredibly wealthy.

"Hmm... Lincoln Navigator," I murmured, nodding slowly.

"Cool, right?" Jethro whispered as he lightly nudged me with his elbow.

"It’s decent," I replied.

"Huh? Decent? It’s beautiful!"

I glanced at him briefly before looking back at the vehicle.

“The base model of the Lincoln Navigator starts at around $83,000, offering premium comfort and advanced technology... while the top-tier Black Label trim can reach approximately $115,000 or more. Delivering exclusive interior themes, upgraded materials, and the most refined luxury features Lincoln has to offer,” I explained.

When I looked at Jethro again, he was staring at me with his mouth slightly open, clearly stunned.

"H-How did you even—"

"We’ll be going ahead," I interrupted, bidding him goodbye before stepping into the vehicle.

I waved at Jethro as the car drove away. Even now, he still seemed unable to comprehend what I had just said.

I focused my attention on the passing scenery. There was something nostalgic about seeing the surroundings again.

"Ma, where does your boyfriend live?" I asked.

"In Forbes Park."

My eyes widened. Forbes Park?

A sudden memory of the mansion Dauxfer and I had planned to build resurfaced. I may have forgotten the exact architectural details, but I clearly remembered the location where we purchased the land.

Excitement stirred within me.

After several minutes, we arrived in front of a massive, elegant gate. I couldn’t help but gape at the exquisite design.

It looked like a palace.

We passed by a grand fountain positioned at the center of the driveway before stopping in front of a towering wooden door.

"Good morning, ma’am," a male attendant greeted as he opened the door for us.

"Where’s Do?" Mama asked one of the staff members. So 'Do' was his name?

Perhaps he was Chinese?

"He’s inside, ma’am. He’s been waiting for you," the housekeeper replied.

"Thanks. Menchie, come," Mama urged, and we stepped inside.

I had not expected the interior to be this breathtaking and expansive. I wasn’t sure why I was still astonished. After all, in my former life, this had been the standard of our home.

"Your boyfriend is incredibly wealthy, mom," I remarked in admiration.

"Just fortunate," she answered lightly.

"Sir is coming downstairs, ma’am," another attendant informed us.

"Menchie, stay here in the living area for a moment. I’ll fetch Do. I want to surprise him by bringing you. He doesn’t know you’re here," Mama whispered. I nodded.

I sat on the plush couch, observing the luxurious furnishings surrounding me. Every piece screamed extravagance.

"Good morning, ma’am. What would you like to drink?" a housemaid suddenly asked.

"I’m fine, thank you," I replied with a polite smile.

"U-Understood, ma’am," she stammered.

Why did she seem startled?

"Let’s proceed to the dining area, ma’am. The food is already prepared."

"Alright," I responded and followed her. She even pulled out a chair for me before I sat down. The staff here were remarkably courteous.

I couldn’t help but stare at the lavish spread before me. Everything looked delectable.

Moments later, I heard Mama and her boyfriend approaching.

"Surprise. I brought my daughter," I heard Mama say, though I paid little attention. I was far too tempted by the food.

"Woah! I didn’t expect she’d come with you. Babe, thank you for bringing her here."

The hunger I felt abruptly vanished upon hearing that voice. Goosebumps rose along my skin, and my heart began pounding violently against my chest.

When I finally lifted my gaze toward Mama’s boyfriend, it felt as though a bucket of cold water had been poured over me.

Is this real?

"Hello, Menchie! I’m glad you’re here!" Dauxfer greeted cheerfully as he approached me.

Meanwhile, I was frozen in disbelief.

Standing right in front of me was my husband.

"D-Dauxfer..." I whispered, causing his brows to furrow in confusion.

Before I could stop myself, I wrapped my arms tightly around him, unaware that tears were already streaming down my face.

I couldn’t believe it.

I had finally seen my husband again.