chapter 18
But now, things were different.
Enduring it hadn’t changed anything.
Even after soaking her old, worn pillow with tears of resentment and humiliation, trying to shake it all off, the next day would come—and she’d be bullied again for some ridiculous reason.
“Do you even think that’s a question? How would I remember something that never happened? All I remember is slaving away every single day!”
It wasn’t like her life had been short. So how could her entire memory be nothing but cleaning up after her family?
Maybe it would make sense if it started when she was eighteen—but no, everything until she was eighteen had been that way.
If they were going to work her like a servant, the least they could’ve done was offer her proper care first.
“And what’s that about feeding and clothing me? The money came from the main house, I was the one who cooked the meals, and the only clothes I own are rags! Even today I had to borrow the dress my second sister threw away!”
To be precise, it wasn’t her mother, Lianna, who had fed and clothed her—it was Serena.
From cooking and doing laundry to cleaning—Serena had done every bit of housework herself.
Since their parents didn’t even bring in any income like normal parents, the one who deserved gratitude wasn’t Lianna—it was Serena.
“You—you…! Are you done talking?!”
Out of arguments, Daisy raised her sharp nails threateningly. Next to her, Caroline glared at Serena with fishlike, narrow eyes, signaling Daisy to “just get it over with.”
Who was it that saved you from being cornered unfairly just moments ago?
A second ago, she’d been clinging to her like a sister—and now she was acting like nothing happened, eager to torment her again with nonsense.
Anger surged in Serena’s chest.
“I’m not done! And you should talk! You’re the one who’s embarrassing to be around!”
“W–what did you just say?! You?! You’re the embarrassing one, you ragged thing!”
“And why do you think I’ve been looking ragged?!”
“How should I know?!”
“Ever think that’s the problem?!”
“What are you even talking about?! Why should I know that?! Are you crazy?!”
“You’re the crazy one!”
“You brat—!”
“Enough!”
Just as a physical fight was about to break out, Jeremy hurriedly stepped in to stop them.
It hadn’t even been a long argument, yet he already looked exhausted, brushing his hair back from his face.
“…As I mentioned earlier, everything except the noble title in the late madam’s inheritance will go to Miss Serena. The rest of you may not use or touch any of the property.”
“But—but…!”
Ignoring Lianna’s protest, Jeremy continued calmly.
“Even if the late madam were to ask for it back, the paperwork has already been signed, and since Serena was the one who found the official document, it cannot be revoked.”
At his firm words, Lianna clamped her mouth shut. Her face was full of resentment, but it seemed she couldn’t find any argument to make.
So she could understand when others spoke—then why did she never listen when Serena talked, always dismissing her and acting irrationally?
Serena wanted to shout her frustration, but now wasn’t the time.
They could turn on me at any moment—I need to make things clear now.
Law or fact didn’t matter; her family wouldn’t just sit quietly.
The moment Jeremy left, they’d surely try to seize everything by force. And she, with only her small body, wouldn’t be able to stop them.
“What happens if someone takes and uses the inheritance without my permission?”
“That would be theft,” Jeremy answered.
“Even if they’re family?”
“Yes. Even if they’re family—if they take your property without consent, they’ll be severely punished.”
It was better than she’d hoped.
Serena looked each family member straight in the eye, warning them clearly.
“That’s right…”
Lianna clenched her skirt, grinding her teeth.
“Of course, mistakes can happen, so you’ll need to be careful managing it. The estate isn’t large, so the total sum won’t be enormous,” Jeremy added diplomatically.
At that, Lianna quickly masked her greed, pretending disappointment. “Ah, I see… that makes sense,” she muttered, feigning indifference.
Jeremy, sensing the tension, moved to conclude the meeting.
“I’ll verify the exact amount of the inheritance. Everything should be settled by tomorrow morning so you can all return home with peace of mind.”
* * *
Before leaving the dining hall, Jeremy made sure Serena and her family were well accommodated.
Thanks to him, both Serena and Daisy were treated by the family’s physician.
Serena’s wounds were expected to heal cleanly once the bruises faded—but Daisy’s, unfortunately, would scar, which led to yet another tantrum.
“What? You’re preparing a separate room for her?”
Lianna frowned when a servant informed her that individual rooms had been arranged for each of them.
“No need. It’s too much trouble—we’ll just stay in the same room.”
The same room, my foot. Just seeing each other for a moment was enough to irritate her, yet she’d exploded earlier, forbidding Serena to leave the room except for chores.
Lianna’s gaze swept over her youngest daughter, filled with a scheming glint—barely concealed, if at all.
She clearly intended to keep Serena awake all night and interrogate her about what had happened today.
“We always have guest rooms ready, so it’s no trouble,” the oblivious servant replied politely, bowing.
Seizing the opportunity, Serena quickly stepped forward beside him.
“Really? Then I’d like to rest right away—I’m so tired. Good night, Mother.”
“Yes, miss. I’ll guide you.”
Apparently, the servant wasn’t oblivious after all—he was clever.
He immediately started walking, and Serena followed.
“That little brat…!”
Lianna looked ready to storm after her, so Serena threw one last verbal grenade over her shoulder.
“I wonder how much Great-Grandmother left in her will. Maybe about as much as Father embezzled over the years? Oh, but probably less—he did steal a lot, after all.”
Her voice was far too loud to be called a mutter, and Lianna’s attention instantly snapped toward Ashbel.
Cold fury flickered in her eyes, and Ashbel flinched instinctively.
“…Right. Now that you mention it, why don’t you explain yourself, dear husband?”
“W–well, I mean, that is to say…”
Why did that girl have to open her big mouth?!
Ashbel glared at Serena’s retreating back, teeth clenched.
“I’m waiting. Go on!”
Lianna’s tone made it clear—if he said nothing, she’d make his life hell. But if he said the wrong thing, she’d make his life short.
He should’ve just fallen to his knees and apologized a hundred times.
Instead, he fidgeted wordlessly, eyes darting around, until Lianna finally screamed in rage—marking the official start of another of their explosive marital battles.
* * *
“Then, have a good rest, miss.”
The servant bowed politely and left. The moment the door closed, Serena leapt onto the bed.
She couldn’t believe something so big and soft existed. She’d thought books exaggerated, but reality was even better.
It’s like lying on a cloud…!
Rolling around for a while in the pleasant scent of clean sheets, she finally lay still and stared at the ceiling.
The chandelier hanging there was dazzling—like a masterpiece crafted by one of history’s greatest artists.
There’s no way I could’ve imagined something like that.
It hit her then—this wasn’t some near-death illusion or fleeting dream.
Somehow, inexplicably, this was real.
And unless she died again, tomorrow would come—the same miserable tomorrow she once knew.
But this time, I can change it.
She didn’t have to repeat that pitiful, degrading life again. Everything depended on how she acted from here on out.
Serena stretched both arms toward the ceiling.
Not even a full day had passed, yet she had already gained so much—it made her chest swell with emotion.
Even with this frail, weak body… I can live a different life.
With arms thinner than brittle twigs, she could still dream of a new future.
She should’ve felt only joy—but something still weighed on her heart.
