Chapter 1

Alicia was surprised to find herself back at the age of twelve.

She had awoken from a deep slumber to find herself on the bed of a mansion, where she had lived until she was married off. Her body belonged to a small child.

Alicia got out of bed and looked in the mirror. Her eyes widened as she realized she was twelve years old again, at the time of her mother's death.

"Have I returned to the past?"

However, she shook her head in denial. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She's having a dream. That, or she's having a flashback before crossing the river of death.

Alicia was forced to accept her reality by the time she saw the rising sun.

She had returned. She had returned. She was twelve years old.

It was an unbelievable reality, and Alicia sat back on the bed, silently watching the door. If everything was true, the door would open and her maid, Latty, who had been looking after her since she was a baby, would walk right in. Latty would frequently wake her every morning, and she never missed a single day until she was thrown out of the mansion on false charges.

“Miss?”

Latty entered the room not long after the door opened. She was taken aback when she saw the young Alicia wide awake first thing in the morning.

"Have you been awake all night, Miss?" Oh, you haven't slept a wink all night!"

Latty dashed over to Alicia and stroked her pale face.

"Is it because of your mother?" Miss, don't be so sad. This is bad for your health..."

“Latty…”

"Yes, Miss?"

Alicia turned to face Latty, a woman she hadn't seen in a long time. After her mother died, her father took in the child of another woman, and Alicia gradually became isolated. Latty was one of the two people who remained by her side until the end. Latty, on the other hand, was eventually driven away on the charge of stealing her half sister's-jewels.

"I've missed you..."

“Miss?”

"I really missed you, Latty," Alicia said hoarsely.

Latty took a deep, quiet breath. Her warm, brown eyes scrutinized the young Alicia, concluding that the child who'd recently lost her mother was in such shock that she'd gone and said strange things.

"Oh, poor child. Did you have a scary dream last night?"

Latty caressed Alicia's fine silver hair as she swept her into her arms.

"Don't worry. You've got your father and me. Don't worry. "Everything will be fine."

Alicia bit her lip as she remembered the past, encircled by Latty's arms.

'No, that is not correct. Father will bring her in and take everything from me...'

When the memories of her past began to flood in, Alicia's heart was broken.

"There you have it. The Count will be there soon. Though I'm not sure why he left so quickly after the funeral, everything will be fine. The Count will always be there for you."

Latty had no idea, but Alicia was well aware that he had fled in haste.

He went to pick up his illegitimate daughter before seeing his dead wife buried six feet under. It was as if he had been waiting for this exact moment to arrive.

"Then, Miss, first wash your face..."

"Would you call a lawyer first, Latty?"

Latty raised her brows, surprised. "A lawyer?" she asked, looking into Alicia's ice-blue eyes. "Do you mean Ted?"

“Yes. Call Ted, the lawyer."

"Why do you suddenly require the services of a lawyer?"

"Latty, we're almost out of time. I have something I need to check with him before Father returns. Please contact him right away and tell him to come see me."

Lawyers, like nobles, were people Latty found difficult to understand. And Alicia, no matter how educated she is, will struggle to understand what she has been taught until she is of age. And, so far, Latty hadn't remembered any memorable encounters between the Miss and the lawyer. Ted was always preoccupied with Count Kenboe, the mansion's owner. So, what makes a girl like that want to speak with a lawyer? Regardless, Latty had no intention of turning down the young lady's sincere request.

“Alright. I'll send someone to see the attorney. Please wait a moment."

Alicia sorted through her jumbled thoughts after Latty left the room. Today was the day after her mother's funeral, and Count Kenboe brought in his illegitimate daughter. It was also the start of her misfortunes.

Maybe it was God's mercy that she went back in time for a second chance.

If that is the case, she will not pass up the opportunity provided by the deity.

Alicia clenched her teeth, her ice-blue eyes twinkling with determination.