Chapter 1
"Those injuries… the doctor has also examined them. They're quite serious and will require time and patience to heal. Don't be afraid. No one here will ever hurt you again.
Three years after traveling back in time, I was shocked to discover a helicopter parked right in the manor.
My husband, Eike Heisenberg, looked at my crippled legs and finally dropped the act.
He said, "Three years ago, you couldn't accept that I take Wiltrud as my legal wife while you become my kept woman.
"We had no choice but to trick you into thinking you had time-traveled and keep you locked up here. After three years as a maidservant and a lowly lover, you've finally learned your lesson."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
Suddenly, the butler beside me ripped off his facial disguise. He was actually my younger brother, Holger Lietz.
He said, "Dell, now that Wiltrud has safely given birth, you can finally go back."
Then he turned to someone else. "Itzan, your plan was absolutely flawless!"
I turned around slowly. The family physician was smiling at me.
"You weren't mistaken back then. I really am Itzan Jovanich, the boy you grew up with.
"I orchestrated all of this because I was worried that you would make things difficult for Wiltrud."
Three years ago, I was forced to travel back in time, or so I believed.
I was beaten, sold, violated by countless strangers, and finally bought by Eike Heisenberg to serve as his maidservant and kept woman.
My legs were crippled, and I had lost one eye. At first, I was crying day and night and begging to go home. Eventually, I became numb to the suffering and eked out a humiliating existence.
It turned out that I had never traveled back in time at all.
I broke down completely. When I was about to end my life, a bizarre text message flashed before my eyes.
Text Box: [Congratulations! The AI tragic heroine has awakened. Countdown to starting a new life: two days.]
Text Box: [48:00:00… 47:59:59...]
*****
On the helicopter ride home, I barely said a word.
According to that strange text, I must continue to live out a numb existence meekly for two more days before dying.
It promised me a chance to start a second life as a reward.
I did not think it was that hard to comply with this requirement.
After all, I had already made it this far. Two more days only meant dying a little later.
As soon as I was taken off the helicopter, a slender figure came up to me.
Wiltrud Lietz, the fake daughter, sized me up suspiciously. "Back already?
"Just so you know, Eike and the others only allowed you to come back because you behaved over the past three years. If you dare give me any more trouble, I'll make sure you lose your other eye, too!" she warned menacingly.
In truth, I did not remember ever giving Wiltrud trouble. But none of that mattered now.
For the past three years, if I so much as talked back, I could be slapped or whipped by the housekeeper.
Thus, I learned to keep my mouth shut ages ago.
When I did not reply, Eike gave the back of my wheelchair a few sharp taps as a warning.
"Dell, Wiltrud's talking to you. You've only just returned, and you're already misbehaving? Do you want us to send you back in time again to teach you some manners?"
I shuddered in fear and quickly bowed my head to reply, "Yes, Ma'am. I will serve you and Master well."
Wiltrud gave a dismissive snort and seemed satisfied with my response.
"Good. At least you are sensible. Let's have dinner. I have told the servants to get everything ready." Eike smiled and seemed pleased with me. He reached out to pat my head.
Instinctively, I shut my eyes tight and shrank back, bracing myself to get beaten.
Eike's face clouded over when he saw me flinching like that.
However, he made an effort to soften his voice. "Don't be scared. I won't punish you anymore.
"I love you, and I won't hurt you, Dell. Henceforth, you'll still be my wife, just like before."
I shook my head frantically and gave him a conciliatory smile. "I wouldn't dare. I'm just your kept woman. I will behave myself."
Eike's smile became strained, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say.
He seemed to be torn by conflicting emotions as he looked at me. "Dell, you really don't need to be scared of me.
"Never mind… There's no rush. We have plenty of time."
At the dinner table, the sound of cutlery clinking filled the air.
Across from me, Itzan noticed I hadn't touched my food and offered me his plate with the steak already cut up.
"Why are you not eating? Have you forgotten how to use the cutlery? Here, take mine. I've already cut it for you."
I still didn't dare to touch anything.
I only lowered my head even more and said, "The housekeeper told me that I am of lowly status and do not deserve to eat a proper meal.
"All of you eat first. I'll just eat the leftovers."
Itzan was taken aback. He shot Eike a look.
Eike spoke gently as he tried to persuade me, "Dell, listen to me. Now that you're back, you don't have to follow those old rules anymore. As long as you behave, we'll treat you well, just like before. Go on, eat."
I quickly raised my head, then lowered it again. I still didn't dare.
My younger brother, on the other hand, seemed thoughtful. He looked at me searchingly before saying, "Dell, Eike is telling you to eat. That's the rule now."