Chapter 1

I was eighteen when I escaped from them—those who were part of my chaotic past. It was exhausting and difficult, yet I managed to flee. It wasn't easy, especially since they didn't want to let me leave their place, a land filled with painful memories.

I used to be an obedient woman, too innocent back then, letting them control me. I was too kind, thinking it was part of my identity, but I was wrong. I was an illegitimate child, not accepted by my father's family because they believed I tarnished their reputation. So, they hid me as a servant and gave me a different surname. I felt sad at that time for not bearing my father's surname, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was one of the reasons why my papers were processed quickly, allowing me to carry my mother's surname and change my name. This marked the beginning of significant changes in my life.

I closed my eyes and felt the familiar breeze I thought I'd never experience again. I secretly smiled, opened my eyes, and looked ahead where three bodyguards were waiting next to two cars. I adjusted the black coat draped over my left arm and put on my black sunglasses.

I slowly descended from the jet, my hair dancing in the wind. When I stopped in front of the three bodyguards, they all bowed to me, and I nodded in acknowledgment.

"Welcome, your grace," they greeted.

I dropped my single suitcase, which one of the bodyguards immediately picked up and loaded into a car. Another led me to a different car and guided me inside.

As I settled into the plush leather seat of the car, the familiar sights and sounds of the Philippines began to flood my senses. The air was thick with humidity, and the scent of street food and tropical flowers wafted in through the open window. It was as if I had never left, and yet, I had changed so much.

"Let's surprise the Serrano family," I told the driver while keeping my gaze out the window.

I could imagine their reactions in my head, especially my half-siblings. I'm sure they will be happy to see me back in their mansion. What have they been up to? Do they have their own businesses now? From what I remember, they had lofty dreams, wanting to show me I could never match them. They hated me so much that they'd be happy to see me die in front of them.

I shook my head at the thought and saw a faint image in the window reflection. I took a deep breath when I recognized her. Even though my memory of them, especially her, was blurry, I could never forget her. The person who made my life worse than that of a servant, who made my life a living hell. It was my biological father's wife.

Since I was an illegitimate child, she poured all her anger on me. It wasn't my fault her husband was unfaithful, but she still hurt me, and my so-called father let it happen because he didn't care about me.

"Yes, your grace. By the way, butler Aria notified us that she booked a hotel for you if you want to stay there."

I nodded, considering Aria's suggestion.

"Thank you. Please take me to the Serrano mansion first. I want to see their faces and the mansion if there's any improvement," I replied to the driver, who promptly followed my instructions.

I took my phone from my black coat pocket and quickly searched for Aria's email to see if she had sent any updates, especially regarding the tasks I gave her. I smiled when I saw she had sent me something.

I leaned back in the passenger seat and opened the email to read it. My left eyebrow raised when I discovered that my past name still existed. The last update of my past name's activity was the date when I flew to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). There were no further records, just what I had written as my occupation—a domestic worker, which was indeed my starting point in Spain.

And now, my name is Katharina Esmeralda Grimaldi, daughter of Princess Katharina of Monaco. A duchess and part of a prestigious organization like Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), my journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

As part of Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), I am known not only in Monaco but also in various parts of Europe. Not as royalty, but as a successful businesswoman. I am one of the businesswomen behind the success of Monaco's world-famous Place du Casino. I own a hotel in Monte Carlo and a luxury real estate business in Monaco. I also have a penthouse to relax in The Odeon Tower.

I continued reading the information about my past self and saw that nothing had changed. It was a stark contrast to my life now. Who I am today is vastly different, but I also cherish my past because without experiencing its bitterness, I might not have fought so hard to achieve my dreams. My goal was simple—to rise out of poverty—but I received much more. I smiled faintly and typed a new update in the biography of my former name before opening the G****e app. I decided to read at least one news article about my father's family to avoid being too surprised upon entering their territory.

Serrano Family

Searching...

The signal is still weak here in the Philippines. That's one thing that hasn't changed, at least for now. After a few minutes, G****e provided some websites. From their accomplishments to their family events, I scanned through the search results, finding articles and images that portrayed a seemingly happy and successful Serrano family.

It appeared that my half-siblings had indeed achieved their dreams and more. They were prominent figures in various fields, from business to politics.

As I scrolled through images of lavish parties and extravagant vacations, a strange mix of emotions washed over me. I felt a twinge of bitterness, knowing that they had thrived while I had struggled. What if people knew their true colors? Business to politics? They are truly money-hungry. Who in the Serrano family is running for office? I put my phone back in my pocket and looked out the window again.

The drive through the bustling streets of Manila was a stark contrast to the orderly elegance of Europe. I watched the chaos outside, the street vendors, the honking cars, and the colorful billboards advertising everything from fast food to luxury cars. It was a reminder of the world I had left behind, a world that had once held me captive.

"Your grace, we've arrived at the Serrano mansion," the driver's voice interrupted my thoughts.

I blinked twice and saw the imposing gates of the Serrano mansion. It was as grand as I remembered, with its sprawling gardens and opulent architecture. The memories of my time there, both good and bad, flooded back.

With a deep breath, I stepped out of the car and approached the gates. The guards recognized me immediately and allowed me entry. I could see the surprise and confusion in their eyes as they saw me standing proudly at the entrance.

I stood two meters from the mansion's entrance, observing it before taking a deep breath and walking towards it. My heels clicked on the marble pathway. The heavy wooden doors swung open, revealing a lavish foyer filled with opulent furniture and priceless art. I was greeted by a happy family in the living room with their guests.

Seeing their reactions, I felt all the emotions I'd experienced over the past years surge in my heart. I approached them with deliberate steps, every click of my heels capturing their attention. Before I even reached the center of the foyer, they turned to look in my direction.

For a brief moment, I saw shock on their faces, their jaws dropping, and their eyes widening. I heard gasps and confusion about who I was.

"Margaret?" I heard one of them say, the first word spoken, echoing with a puzzled look.

I continued my stride, making my way to where the family was gathered. They still couldn't believe it, and the disbelief was almost palpable in their gazes.

I didn't accompany my arrival with any greetings or claims. Instead, I just scrutinized them with a serious look. In their eyes, I saw the secrets they had left behind. And now, standing before them, I was excited to see what would happen next, especially since our kind father had called me back.

I stopped a few meters from them, removed my sunglasses, and greeted them.

"Good morning!"