Chapter 1

Alicia's POV

"Alicia! What the hell are you daydreaming about?!"

Chef Bob Miller's roar exploded in my ears. I snapped my eyes open to find myself standing at the cashier counter of New Haven University's café, still clutching a dripping wet rag.

What was happening? I should have already been...

Oh my God! I've been reborn!

Everything before me was all too familiar—the clock on the wall pointing to 4:15 PM, Bob's meaty face flushed red with anger.

This was October 15th, 2024! That crucial day that changed my fate!

"Are you deaf or mute?!" Bob slammed the counter hard. "I told you to wipe the tables, and you're standing there like a damn statue!"

"S-sorry..." I apologized instinctively, but my heart was pounding wildly.

I really was back! Back to the moment I regretted most in my previous life!

Memories from my past life flooded back like a tsunami—my parents' accidental deaths, Rose's desperate tears, that final despairing leap from the rooftop... and most painfully, that voice I failed to heed.

Gabriel's voice!

If I had listened to angel Gabriel's prophecy back then, my parents wouldn't have died! None of the tragedy would have happened!

"You idiot! The customers are waiting!" Bob continued his tirade. "I have no idea why the boss hired a waste of space like you!"

Just then, familiar sounds of brakes screeching came from outside.

SCREECH!

My heart hammered! They were here!

I forced myself to stay calm, continuing to wipe tables as if nothing was happening, but couldn't help glancing toward the window—that black Lincoln had pulled up smoothly in front of the café.

The car door opened. A tall middle-aged man stepped out, his silver hair perfectly groomed, his tailored suit fitting flawlessly. That face... that face I had cried out for in my dreams a million times!

Dad!

I almost rushed out, but reason told me I couldn't. I had to pretend this was the first time I'd seen them.

The passenger door opened too, and an elegant woman emerged gracefully. Golden curls danced in the breeze, her eyes filled with urgency and nervousness.

Mom!

I fought back tears of excitement, continuing to pretend I was focused on work.

The two entered the café, their noble bearing immediately drawing everyone's attention. Several students began whispering, and café manager Jennifer rushed over.

"Hello, how can I help you?" Jennifer asked with a fawning smile.

"We're looking for someone," the man's voice was deep and powerful. "A girl named Alicia. We have reason to believe she works here."

"Alicia?" Jennifer looked toward me. "You mean Alicia Johnson?"

"No, she doesn't go by Johnson," the woman's voice trembled slightly. "Her name is Alicia Kensington. She's our... she's our long-lost daughter."

The rag fell from my hands.

"What?" I turned around, feigning surprise. "Are... are you talking to me?"

The man approached, studying me carefully, excitement gradually flooding his eyes. "My God... you look exactly like you did as a child..."

"Howard, look at the birthmark on her right wrist!" the woman exclaimed, pointing at my wrist.

I instinctively looked at the small crescent-shaped birthmark on my right wrist—something I'd had since birth.

"It's that birthmark!" Tears instantly filled the woman's eyes. "Howard, it's her! It's our Alicia!"

My mind went blank—of course, I was just acting.

"I... I don't understand..." I stammered deliberately. "Who are you? What long-lost daughter? I'm clearly an orphan..."

In my previous life, this was exactly how I learned about my origins. I'd gotten lost in a park at age four, was adopted by the kind Johnsons, and it wasn't until after my adoptive parents died in a car crash that a private investigator tracked me down to this job. The two people before me were my biological parents—Connecticut's wealthiest couple.

"Child, I know this is hard to accept," Howard's voice was so gentle it made me want to cry. "But you truly are our daughter. Twenty years ago, you got lost in the park. We've been searching for you for twenty years."

Carol was already crying. "My baby... Mama's baby has finally been found..."

She approached me cautiously, as if afraid I might suddenly disappear. "May I... may Mama hug you?"

Seeing the longing and carefulness in her eyes, I could no longer control my inner excitement.

"Mama..." my voice trembled.

Carol instantly opened her arms and embraced me tightly. "My daughter... my daughter has finally come home..."

Her embrace was so warm, so real. I breathed in her familiar perfume greedily, this long-missed maternal love nearly making me burst into tears.

"This... this can't be real..." I choked out.

Howard also approached, his eyes red. "Daddy's sorry, sweetheart. You must have suffered so much all these years."

"Daddy?" I looked at him with feigned timidity.

"Yes, I'm your daddy," Howard gently stroked my hair. "From now on, we'll never let you suffer again."

The watching students were shocked by this scene, whispering among themselves.

In this warm moment, Bob stormed out furiously. "Alicia, you useless piece of...! Leaving your post during work hours..."

His words cut off abruptly when he saw Howard's stern gaze.

"Sir," Howard's voice was calm but full of authority. "I am Howard Kensington, and this is my long-lost daughter. Please watch your language."

Kensington! The surname of Connecticut's richest family! Bob's face went instantly pale.

"That's... impossible..." he stammered.

"Let's go." I gently tugged Howard's sleeve. "Daddy, he's not worth your anger."

Howard gave Bob a long look but said nothing, only gently putting his arm around my shoulders.

"Come, let's go home."

The driver opened the car door for us. I sat in the back seat between Carol and Howard.

"Look at your clothes," Carol said lovingly, fixing my hair. "Tomorrow Mama will take you shopping for the prettiest dresses."

"Mama..." I squeezed her hand. "This time, I won't make you worry anymore."

"Silly child, we're supposed to protect you." Carol kissed my forehead. "From now on, you're our princess."

Howard also said warmly, "The true heir to the Kensington family has finally returned."

I watched the gradually familiar scenery outside the car window, my heart filled with determination. This time, I would heed Gabriel's every prophecy!

No matter what the cost, I would save my family!