I Lost the Memory of the Man I Love after an Accident

“It was almost too much to believe.”

I said that.

“Yes.” His voice was almost too quick. “So, I’m telling you now. Stop. Don’t do that again. You don’t need to be that girl.”

I don’t deserve it.

I held his gaze.

“Thank you for telling me. But don’t worry. I never do that again.” I stood, gathering my bag. “Yeah. You’re not worth it.”

He blinked. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” I replied without hesitation.

Well, in that case, he said, “Maybe we can stay acquaintances, friends. I guess you’re Alice’s best friend after all. We’ll probably see each other as long as you behave.”

I smiled politely.

“Well, if that’s the case,” Alice said, pouring herself a soda.

“Then my brother must have liked you at some point. Maybe he doesn’t realize it yet, but hey, that’s good news.” I blinked.

Good news, Alice.

I raised an eyebrow.

She grinned like it was some cosmic revelation.

“For 5 years, he ignored you like wallpaper. Now he’s offering terms. That’s a major shift. He must have finally realized your worth.”

I let out a dry laugh.

“No, I think he’s feeling guilty. He told me I jumped off that cliff after he rejected me. Of course, he’s being nice.”

She twisted her face.

“Wait, what? You jumped? I thought it was an accident.”

I paused.

My chest tightened. I knew the truth now. They wanted me dead.

I looked away, gripping the glass tighter.

“Let’s not talk about it. I don’t want to know anymore. I just want to move forward without your brother in it.”

Alice’s expression softened.

“That’s too bad. You’re the only one I ever wanted as my sister-in-law. I hate that Katarina has him.”

I smiled faintly.

“It’s okay. You can’t teach the heart who to love, right? But don’t worry about me. ”

In fact, she wanted me to come with her tonight. We were celebrating something.

Alice blinked, confused. “Celebrating what exactly?”

I smiled, standing beside her, me being free.

The club was loud and alive.

Bodies moved in sync with the base, colored lights dancing across the walls.

For the first time in weeks, I felt like I could breathe.

I tossed my head back, laughing with Alice, letting the music pulse through me like electricity.

I was no longer just a shadow.

I was me again.

We danced until our legs ached, sweat clinging to our necks like glitter.

Then, just as I caught my breath, Alice took my arm.

“Guess what?” she said.

I gave her a weary glance.

“What now? My brother’s here,” she whispered, eyes wide.

“He came with his friends. They’re just across the room. Come on, let’s say hi.”

“No,” I shook my head before she finished.

“I don’t want to.” Alice frowned but didn’t push.

I appreciated that so I stayed.

Instead, I danced harder, wilder, my heart pounding, my body reclaiming itself with every move.

I felt Dylan’s gaze eventually, heavy, constant, watching me from across the room like a suffocating hug.

I ignored him.

Later, I slipped into a booth nearby, catching my breath when I heard the unmistakable voice of one of Dylan’s friends.

“Oh, look who’s here. Your stalker’s back.”

Dylan followed.

“Guess she hasn’t gotten over you no matter how many times you shut her down.”

Another guy laughed.

“She’s actually pathetic. I thought you told her to stop.”

Dylan said coldly.

“She’s behaved for now, but who knows? Maybe she’ll try to seduce me again like she did before. Remember when she tried to sneak into my room and kiss me? God, she was crying and begging me to kiss her back.”

Laughter erupted at their table.

I stared at my drink, heart thumping, hands trembling slightly.

I couldn’t believe it.

That was me.

I had cried for that man.

I had begged him.

And now he mocked me like I was a joke.

Like my feelings were entertainment.

Another voice joined in, sneering.

“You inviting her to your birthday, Dylan? Maybe let her give us a little performance like the one she gave tonight. She’s got moves.”

Dylan laughed.

“Surely she wouldn’t say no.”

I gritted my teeth, fury bubbling beneath my skin, but I stayed silent.

Let them think what they wanted.

I didn’t hear a thing.

Minutes later, Dylan approached, wearing that smug smile that used to make my heart flutter.

Now, it only made me want to slap him.

“I’d like to invite you to my birthday,” he said casually. “I hope you can give us a little performance like the one you gave earlier. Very entertaining.”

I looked him dead in the eyes.

“Sorry, I’m busy on your birthday.”

He blinked, caught off guard.

“What do you mean? You’re saying no to celebrating my birthday.”

I tilted my head, my tone cold.

“I see. Yes. Why? It’s not like it means anything to me. I have better things to do.”

He stared at me, confused, annoyed.

I smiled sweetly.

“I have a date.”

And with that, I stood and walked out of the club, leaving my phone buzzed just as I brushed my hair.

I glanced at the screen.

Mom’s name flashing on the caller ID.

I hesitated just a moment but picked it up.

“Ree,” she said, her voice warm, the kind only a mother could carry. “I’ve arranged everything. The house is ready. We’re just waiting for you to come home.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“I’ll be back soon.”

Her voice dipped into concern.

“Are you sure?”

“Nothing happened.”

A pause too long. I didn’t want her to know about the accident, so I lied.

“No, nothing.”

I said, forcing a brightness into my voice.

“I just woke up from a stupid dream that he ever loved me.”

Silence greeted me, then a soft sigh.

“That’s great, sweetheart. He was no good for you anyway. That boy was a storm. You didn’t need him.”

I smiled faintly, ignoring the sting behind my eyes.

“Thanks.”

“No,” she continued bright again. “You can start preparing for your wedding dress. Go to the boutique today, and I’ll arrange the dinner next week. Your groom is busy with business, but it won’t be long now.”

I nodded, though she couldn’t see it.

“Okay, I’ll go today.”

The call ended, and I just stood there, phone still in hand.

I wasn’t even sure who this mysterious groom was.