Chapter 2 Reborn

Caroline ultimately did not survive the day. As she gazed at her frail body lying on the bed, she realized she was no longer among the living. Her spirit left the warehouse, drifting familiarly into the Somerton Villa, and floated through the corridor into the brightly lit living room. There, her family was joyfully celebrating New Year's Eve dinner, a scene she had not been part of for over a decade. Helen set down her fork and stood up, "Today is really a good day. Should I go and invite Aunt Caroline to join us?" Third brother Fabian Somerton scoffed, "She's so spiteful, she caused you to fall down the stairs, and you still think about inviting her to dinner? Are you crazy?" Sixth brother Liam Somerton added, "Exactly, Helen, you're just too nice, which is why she takes advantage of you both openly and behind your back ... " "Enough, stop!" Eldest brother Edwin Somerton interjected, looking at Helen, "Helen, sit down and eat. Don't worry about Caroline. If she's made mistakes, she should stay in the warehouse as punishment. You need not concern yourself with her; Wren will take her some food later." Shortly after, a servant rushed in, "Help! She has no pulse." Fabian glared at the servant. "Who?" The servant shook his head frantically. "It's Ms. Caroline. I just went to the warehouse to fetch something and found her on the bed, motionless, like she wasn't breathing. Please check on her immediately!" Before anyone could fully grasp the situation, Liam snorted dismissively. "What new drama is she playing now? Don't think that by doing this, she'll make us pity her. Tell her that if she really wants to commit suicide, she should find a secluded corner to die quietly. Don't come over here messing up our New Year vibes!" "Let's just eat and ignore her!" The second brother, Miguel Somerton, appeared confused momentarily, only processing the situation after Liam's remark. "Caroline was just reprimanded and still hasn't learned her lesson! It's truly concerning!" Fabian's expression was stern. "She has many bad habits; she needs to be punished by staying in the warehouse for a few days, or she might not learn her lesson." Helen feigned remorse, "Don't blame Aunt Caroline, blame me. I knew she didn't like me, but I still kept trying to get close to her. No surprise she got fed up and pushed me." Seeing her distressed, everyone consoled her. "Helen, stop talking nonsense! How could this be your fault? Don't take the blame for everything." "It's New Year's Eve; let's enjoy our family meal and forget about the unhappy things." ... Caroline's spirit lingered at the dining table, silently observing the laughter and chatter of her family. A mix of hatred and despair filled her heart. Why? Why were her own blood relatives so indifferent to her? She was their sister, after all. A chilling breeze whisked through, carrying her soul away from the painful scene. She drifted over mountains and oceans, a wandering spirit detached from the world. When Caroline returned to Kingville, she discovered a new grave—her own. Standing in front of it was a man, touching her name on the tombstone, his voice laden with sorrow, "I'm sorry, I came back too late." Caroline hovered behind him, staring at his unfamiliar back. Who is this man? "Caroline, I knew you had found a home back then, so I didn't want to disturb you. I just wanted to watch over you from a distance, to know you were safe. That was enough for me. But now, I regret it. If I had chosen differently, would you still be here?" His words deepened Caroline's confusion. Who is he? Why would he say such things? Driven by a need to understand, Caroline drifted closer, drawn to him. Her eyes fell on the watch on his wrist. It was not an extraordinary watch, but she recognized it—it was identical to the one she received as a birthday gift last year. She had never known the identity of the person who gave her that watch. Since her 18th birthday, she has received anonymous gifts every year, always on her birthday. Could this man be the mysterious benefactor? Before Caroline could raise her head to get a clear view of the man's face, a gust of cold wind blew through, causing her spirit to dissipate. When she next became aware of her surroundings, she found herself not in the afterlife, but rather in the pantry of a company. How could this be? Wasn't she supposed to be in heaven? She checked the calendar on her phone; it showed a date from three years ago, just half a year after she had started working at the Somerton Clothing Factory. What was happening? Had she gotten a second chance at life? As she grappled with her disbelief, she heard the voice of Liam from the doorway. "Is the food done yet?" Realizing she had indeed been reborn, Caroline remained silent, her gaze cold as she looked at him. Edwin had always detested working under someone else, feeling constrained. So, after a discussion with the other brothers, they sold the family's small villa and opened this clothing factory. The man before her, Liam, served as the factory manager. Officially, that was his role, but in reality, he was more of a figurehead who understood little about the business. Since Helen graduated from university and started working at the company the previous year, Liam's sole job seemed to revolve around her. "Why are you standing there like an idiot? Hurry up. Once the food is ready, take it straight to Helen's office. Her stomach isn't good; she can't go hungry for long," Liam instructed before turning and leaving. Caroline watched his hurried departure with a newfound sense of amusement. Helen had stomach issues and couldn't eat outside food often. Thus, Liam had arranged for Caroline to prepare soup and meals at home every morning, bring them to the company, and then heat them up to deliver to Helen after work. Previously, Caroline had been fearful of upsetting Liam and anxious about his potential disregard. She had obediently followed his orders. Every day for the past six months, she had woken before dawn, tirelessly preparing various dishes and brewing nutritious soups. After all, she needed to eat, too! She considered it as taking care of her own nutritional needs while also preparing extra portions for Liam and Helen. That had been her rationale in the past. Now, given a second chance at life, Caroline realized how absurd her previous thinking had been. They were both capable; there was no reason for her to belittle herself for their sake. At that moment, with the meal freshly heated, Caroline picked up the insulated bag filled with packed food and stepped out of the pantry. A colleague walking toward her glanced at the bag in her hand and scoffed, "Are you hurrying to serve Mr. Liam and Ms. Helen again? You're quite the dedicated maid. Keep it up; maybe Helen will give you a raise if she's pleased." Caroline laughed, albeit with a hint of irritation, "Are you implying that I'm their maid?" "What else? Do you think you're still a lady? Are you living in a fantasy? Walking in and out of rich households and imagining you're an heiress?" The colleague looked at her with blatant contempt. "It's quite amusing, really. The Somertons were generous enough to take you in as a maid and even let you work in the same company as Helen, and this is how you show gratitude? I suggest you wake up! With your lack of education and background, being a maid is all you're suited for."