Chapter 3

Alicia's POV

These past few days back at Kensington Manor had been like living in a fairy tale.

Howard personally prepared breakfast for me every morning, Carol would walk with me in the garden, and Rose would come to my room for late-night chats. Steven visited frequently too, and we relived our childhood memories together. Everything was so warm, so perfect.

But I knew this happiness was about to be shattered.

Today was October 25th. The day Gabriel prophesied father's death.

Morning sunlight streamed through the blinds into the dining room, the air filled with the aroma of toast and coffee. Carol was bustling in the kitchen, preparing a hearty English breakfast. The table was set with her homemade scones, bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh juice.

"Good morning, my princesses!" Howard walked into the dining room energetically, kissing both Rose and me on the forehead.

He looked so cheerful, completely unaware that today would be his last.

"Good morning, Daddy!" Rose said sweetly, then asked with concern, "Are you going to the equestrian club for training today?"

My heart instantly leaped to my throat. Here it was! This was the moment!

"Yes," Howard said excitedly, adjusting his tie. "I've booked a 10 AM training session. There's a new Arabian purebred—bit temperamental, but I want to give it a try."

No! I absolutely cannot let him go!

I quickly set down my orange juice, my voice trembling slightly. "Daddy, I... I dreamed you got hurt riding last night... Could you please not go today?"

Howard paused, then smiled gently. "Silly girl, Daddy's been riding for twenty years without a single accident. Did you watch some horror movie?"

"No!" I was so anxious tears nearly fell. "I'm serious! That dream was too real—I dreamed you fell off the horse, and then..."

I choked up and couldn't continue.

Carol noticed my distress, set down her coffee pot, and came over to feel my forehead. "Sweetheart, are you okay? Did you not sleep well last night?"

"Mama, please," I grabbed Carol's hand, eyes brimming with tears. "Please convince Daddy not to go. I really have a bad feeling..."

Steven walked in just then, seeing my agitation and immediately asking with concern, "Alicia, what's wrong?"

"Steven!" I grabbed his hand like a lifeline. "You convince Daddy too—tell him not to go to the equestrian club today!"

Everyone was shocked by my level of distress. Howard came over and gently pulled me into his arms. "Baby, Daddy knows you're worried, but it really was just a dream..."

"Please!" I hugged Howard tightly. "Just this once, listen to me? I just found you all—I can't lose you!"

Seeing the pleading and fear in my eyes, Howard's expression began to soften.

Carol also took my side. "Since sweetheart is so worried, maybe you shouldn't go. It's rare that Alicia's back—spend time with her."

Rose also said timidly, "Daddy, sister just came home not long ago. Stay with her. You can train anytime, but sister needs you."

Steven nodded in agreement. "Uncle Howard, since Alicia's so worried, why not skip it just for today?"

The persuasion from all four of us finally worked. Howard sighed and gently stroked my hair. "Alright, since my little princess insists, Daddy won't go."

Success! I'd successfully stopped him!

Tears of joy streamed down my face as I hugged Howard tightly. "Thank you, Daddy! Thank you for listening to me!"

"So what will you do today?" Carol asked gently.

Howard thought for a moment. "I'll go to the golf course instead—I have some business partners to meet about a project anyway."

My heart sank. Golf course? This was different from my past life!

But it should be fine, right? Gabriel mentioned danger at the equestrian club. Now that Howard wasn't going there, he should be safe...

"That's good," I forced a smile. "Golf is much safer."

At 9 AM, Howard prepared to leave. He changed into golf attire, looking handsome and elegant.

"Drive carefully, Daddy," I hugged him reluctantly at the door. "Remember to come home early."

"Don't worry, baby," Howard kissed my forehead. "Daddy will be careful. It's just simple business golf—I'll be back soon."

Watching the car drive out of the manor, I felt both anxious and hopeful. This time was different—I'd changed fate! Gabriel's prophecy wouldn't come true!

Time crawled by. 9:30... 9:45... 9:59...

I stared intently at the grandfather clock in the living room, my palms sweaty.

10 AM sharp.

Ring ring ring!

The phone rang.

My blood instantly froze. This time... this ring...

"I'll get it." Carol gracefully walked to the phone.

"Hello, this is the Kensington residence..."

Then I watched Carol's face turn deathly pale.

"What?! Howard?!" Her voice trembled violently. "No... impossible... just a moment ago..."

The phone slipped from her hands, crashing to the floor with a jarring sound.

"NO!!!" I rushed over frantically and grabbed the phone. "This is Alicia Kensington! What happened?!"

"I'm very sorry, Miss Kensington," came the doctor's grave voice. "Your father had an accident at Greenwich Golf Course. A golf club accidentally struck his head... He was already gone when he arrived. Severe head trauma—died instantly."

The phone slipped from my hands.

"No... no... impossible..." I collapsed to the floor, trembling all over. "He wasn't supposed to... he clearly didn't go to the equestrian club... why... why did it still happen..."

Why was fate still so cruel?!

"Sister!" Rose rushed over and knelt beside me, tears streaming down her face. "It's not your fault... this was just an accident... just an accident..."

But I couldn't hear any comfort anymore. I knelt on the cold marble floor, wailing.

"Daddy!!! Daddy!!!"

Why? Why had he still died when I clearly changed his schedule, clearly stopped him from going to the equestrian club?

Just as I was breaking down, that familiar voice echoed in my mind again.

"Alicia..."

Gabriel!

"It's because you weren't devout enough," Gabriel's voice carried disappointment and reproach. "Did you think merely changing locations could defy fate? Your faith isn't strong enough."

"What?!" I roared in my mind. "I stopped him like you said! Why did it still...?"

"The wheels of fate have turned. Only complete devotion and absolute obedience can change them," Gabriel continued. "Next time, you must trust me more, follow my guidance more thoroughly."

I knelt on the floor, tears blurring my vision. Steven hurried over, helping me up and holding me tightly.

"Alicia, calm down... we need to go to the hospital now..."

But my world had already collapsed.

Even with the chance to be reborn, even knowing about the danger in advance, I still couldn't save my beloved father.

Could fate truly never be changed?