The heavy silence in Lucian Grey’s study was shattered by the hurried footsteps of the butler. The older man barely caught his breath before bowing deeply.

"Master Lucian, Madam has returned home."

Lucian, who had been reviewing documents, lifted his head in confusion. "Back? What do you mean back?"

"Madam returned just moments ago from the island," the butler informed him. "Young Master Felix said that the young woman has woken up."

Lucian's brows furrowed, but a small breath of relief escaped him. So she finally woke up.

Before he could ask whether his mother had returned the girl to her family, the sound of the grand double doors opening echoed through the manor.

Georgia Grey entered gracefully, wearing her usual elegant expression, her lips curling into a warm smile at the sight of her eldest son.

Lucian stood, his features relaxing slightly as he returned her smile. "Mother, welcome home."

Before another word could be spoken, a soft voice cut through the moment.

"Are you Elder Brother Lucian?"

Lucian turned toward the unfamiliar voice, and his eyes landed on a girl peeking out from behind Georgia.

He stiffened.

Her eyes were filled with uncertainty, her fingers fidgeting slightly as she stared at him like a lost child.

Felix, who had entered behind them, chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "So… uh, yeah. Surprise?"

Georgia, still smiling, pointed at Lucian. "Yes, dear. That is your elder brother, Lucian."

Lucian’s confusion deepened as his gaze flickered between his mother and the girl.

"What is going on?" he asked, his voice laced with impatience. "Why is she here, and why is she calling me her brother?"

Georgia faltered, looking flustered for the first time.

Before she could answer, the girl spoke up again, her voice soft but determined.

"I… I lost all my memories," she admitted. "I don’t remember you. I don’t remember her," she motioned to Georgia. "Or anything about my past."

Lucian ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his sharp movements.

"What the heck is going on, Mother?"

Georgia glanced at Felix, silently pleading for backup. Felix sighed before nudging Lucian toward the staircase. "Let’s talk inside. I’ll explain everything."

Lucian shot his mother one last irritated look before allowing Felix to lead him upstairs.

Meanwhile, the girl—no longer April Winter, but now Cordelia Grey—watched them disappear with an expression of unease.

"Mom," Cordelia whispered. "He looks uncomfortable and annoyed with me."

Georgia reached for her hands, squeezing them gently. "Don’t worry, dear. Lucian is just shocked, that’s all. He didn’t expect this news. Give him some time."

Cordelia bit her lip. "Were we close before?"

Georgia paused.

She couldn't outright lie—Lucian would never go along with such a story.

"I can’t say you two were particularly close," Georgia admitted, laughing lightly. "You bickered all the time, always at each other’s throats. But that’s just how siblings are, right?"

Cordelia nodded hesitantly, but something in her gut told her something wasn’t quite right.

Georgia, however, was more preoccupied with her own thoughts, her mind drifting back to two days ago—the day April opened her eyes for the first time in a month.

Two Days Ago—Grey Family Villa

The room had been filled with tension as April gasped awake, her breaths shallow, her gaze wild.

"Where am I?" she had whispered, her voice hoarse from disuse.

Georgia and Felix had stood beside the bed, watching as panic settled into her features.

April’s fingers clutched the blanket tightly. "Who… Who am I?"

The question had caught them off guard.

Felix had muttered under his breath, "This is like a scene from a damn movie."

Georgia had smacked his arm, silencing him.

The doctor had examined April quickly, speaking in a calm, reassuring tone. "Miss, please remain calm. You are safe here."

April, however, wasn’t calming down. She clutched her head, groaning in pain as fresh tears formed in her eyes. "Why… Why can’t I remember anything?"

The doctor pulled Georgia aside, his expression grave.

"She’s lost all her memories," he confirmed. "She’s in a fragile state, both mentally and physically. If she tries to force herself to remember, it may do more harm than good."

Georgia had frowned deeply, her gaze flickering to the distressed girl on the bed.

"Then what do we do?" she had asked.

The doctor had handed Felix a bottle of medicine. "These will help with any headaches or episodes of panic. For now, let her rest and adjust."

After the doctor had left, Georgia had turned back to April, whose wide eyes were still filled with confusion and fear.

Her heart ached for her.

April had looked so lost. So small.

At that moment, Georgia had made a decision.

She walked over to the bed, sitting beside her, gently taking her hand.

"Sweetheart, you had an accident," she had explained in a soothing voice. "You were upset, and after an argument, you went to the beach. The tides were high, and you… you fell into the water. We found you by the rocks."

April’s lower lip trembled. "I almost drowned?"

Georgia had nodded, squeezing her hand tighter. "I’m so sorry, dear. If it weren’t for me—" She looked away, feigning guilt.

April, always kindhearted even without her memories, had shaken her head weakly. "I… I forgive you."

She then looked up, her gaze desperate. "But… who am I?"

Georgia had taken a deep breath.

And with her next words, she erased April Winter forever.

"You are Cordelia Grey," she had said, her voice unwavering. "But we call you Lia."

April had blinked in surprise, as if trying to piece together a puzzle she didn’t even know was missing.

Felix had chosen that moment to walk back in, still holding the medicine bottle.

April had pointed at him. "And… who is he?"

Georgia had smiled. "Your brother, Felix."

April had turned to Felix, her eyes round with disbelief. "My brother?"

Felix had nearly choked. "When did this happen?"

"Felix," Georgia had hissed. "Don’t tease your sister."

Felix had stared at his mother like she had grown another head.

Meanwhile, April—no, Cordelia—had nodded slowly, processing the information.

Georgia had then smiled warmly at her. "And I… I am your mother."

Cordelia had fiddled with her fingers, her uncertainty evident.

"Are you sure?" she had whispered.

Something felt wrong, though she couldn’t explain why.

Georgia had stroked her hair, nodding reassuringly. "I am. And don’t worry, dear. You’ll remember everything eventually. But for now, rest."

Cordelia had nodded, still hesitant, still confused.

And that was the day Cordelia Grey was born.

Present Day—Grey Manor

Georgia sighed as she thought back to that day, watching as Cordelia nervously glanced up the grand staircase.

"Mom," Cordelia asked quietly. "Do you think… I’ll ever remember?"

Georgia smiled softly, placing a gentle hand on her daughter’s head.

"You don’t need to worry about the past, dear," she said, her voice warm. "All that matters is that you’re home now."

Cordelia nodded slowly.

Home.

That word should have felt comforting.

So why did it feel so wrong?