The vast halls of Valan Manor glowed with soft golden light, reflecting off marble floors that seemed too silent for such a grand home. Every step echoed faintly, as if the house itself whispered its memories through the walls.
Seren walked in with Alice , the cool scent of lavender following them like a ghost from another life.
Alice, with her usual teasing tone, broke the silence first.
"Do you really like that guy? You don't look like you're just playing around this time."
Seren blinked, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Maybe… possibly… kinda," she said, pretending indifference, though a small blush betrayed her.
Alice's grin widened. "Really? You, Seren Valan, actually liked someone?"
Seren looked away, her cheeks reddening further. "Stop it."
Alice laughed softly. "He's good looking, I'll give him that. But his sweet mouth? Too much sugar for my taste."
Seren sighed, crossing her arms. "Yeah… too much. And still… I think he's already seen through me."
Alice tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
Seren hesitated for a moment, eyes lowering to the floor.
"I think he already knows I'm the daughter of the Valan family."
Alice's face grew serious. "Do you think he's trying to get close to you for something shady?"
Seren shook her head, voice quieter now.
"No. He's not that type. He's… just pursuing me. Not because of my name, but because of me."
Alice frowned, pretending to shiver. "You know when you say it like that, it sounds even creepier."
Seren chuckled. "Maybe. Let's see what happens."
Alice leaned closer, her tone suddenly dramatic.
"And what if you do end up marrying him, huh? What happens to me? Will I be thrown out of the manor?"
Seren turned to her sharply. "What are you saying, Alice? Why would I kick you out? And if he ever tries, I'll kick him out instead."
Alice smirked mischievously. "Oh, someone's already thinking about marriage. How lovely."
"Stop it!" Seren said, her voice half pleading, half laughing as she covered her face with her hands.
Alice's laughter echoed through the quiet corridor, bright and familiar.
But Seren's smile faded as her thoughts drifted somewhere far away—somewhere she didn't want to return to.
"Still…" she whispered, "I mean it, Alice. Remember the day your mom saved me? If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't even be standing here right now."
Tears glistened in her eyes. "If it wasn't for her… I would've died that day."
Flashback — Ten Years Ago
The world twisted back into the golden haze of memory.
The Valan Manor, ten years younger, looked almost the same—only quieter, lonelier.
Her father, Charles Valan , stood by the staircase, fixing his tie.
"Seren, your grandfather wants to meet you at the lawyer's office," he said smoothly. "Take the new car. I'll have the chauffeur drive you."
"Okay, Dad."
"Also," he continued, his tone oddly cautious, "did your grandfather say anything strange last time he visited?"
Seren hesitated. "No… nothing, really."
She climbed into the back seat, the leather cold against her hands.
The gates were just opening when a loud, spoiled voice called out—
Denton , her father's other child, came running toward the car.
"This is the new car Dad bought! I'm riding too!"
The housekeeper frowned but sighed. "Let him, miss. He'll just make a fuss if we don't."
Seren nodded, unwilling to argue. "Open the door for him."
Denton climbed in, grinning with the arrogance only a child born of favoritism could have.
He turned to Seren, eyes gleaming with cruel delight.
"Father only loves me. You're nothing, Seren."
Seren turned her gaze to the window, saying nothing. The world outside was peaceful—the tall trees, the sunlight, the road stretching endlessly ahead. She wished she could stay in that silence forever.
But fate had other plans.
Moments later, the car began to shake violently.
Chauffeur: "Madam! The brakes—something's wrong! I can't control it!"
The steering wheel spun. Tires screeched. The world blurred.
"Stop the car!" Seren screamed.
The car swerved off the road—straight toward an oil plant.
And in that last instant of chaos—
The housekeeper turned, eyes full of terror and love.
"Miss Seren!"
She pushed Seren out through the door—
and the world exploded.
Flames roared into the sky. The air turned red and gold. Seren lay on the ground, crying, watching the fire devour everything she knew—everyone she loved.
Present
A gentle touch pulled her back.
Alice's hand rested on her shoulder. "Seren? What are you thinking about?"
Seren blinked. The memories faded, but her voice trembled.
"Alice… I owe you so much."
Alice smiled softly. "It's not about owing. My mom didn't save you for something in return."
Seren shook her head, tears falling again.
"When my father brought his illegitimate child home—even before my mother's ashes were cold… when he tried to kill me because my mother left her inheritance to me… it was your mother who saved me."
Her voice broke. "How can I not owe you?"
Alice wiped Seren's tears gently. "You've treated me like your sister ever since. You even gave me the Valan name. Don't carry that guilt anymore."
Seren managed a faint smile, her eyes soft with gratitude. She hugged Alice tightly.
"You're right… I'll try not to."
A moment of silence passed before Seren's tone shifted again—calm, but sharp.
"Actually, that old man who brought the hairpin today—check the surveillance footage. Something felt off about him."
Alice frowned. "You think he's suspicious?"
"Maybe. When I mentioned you were the daughter, his expression changed. Better to be careful."
"Alright," Alice nodded. "I'll handle it."
Then she hesitated. "But Seren… are you sure about the school? About switching our admissions? I get to go as the Valan daughter, and you go as my maid… are you really okay with that?"
Seren smiled faintly. "Yes. You'll be the daughter of the Valan family. I'll be the housekeeper's daughter."
Alice frowned. "But… why?"
Seren's gaze turned distant. "Because I don't trust people anymore. And neither should you. Be careful, Alice. Once they know who they think you are, they'll all come for you."
Alice smiled warmly. "Don't worry. Grandfather taught me well. I'll be fine."
Seren reached out, touching Alice's cheek softly.
"I know. But I'll always protect you."
Their eyes met—two sisters by fate, not blood. Both smiling, both hiding the same fear.
Outside, the sky began to dim. Shadows stretched across the marble floor, like the past reaching forward again.