Chapter 3
Three days. That’s all I had to fake it.
played my part, smiled when I had to, laughed when expected–but Amber made it unbearable. She clung to Scott, kissing him, whispering things in his ear as if I wasn’t standing right there. It should’ve hurt. It didn’t. I felt nothing.
The only thing I wanted was to leave.
Thomas noticed. He pulled me aside, his grip firm on my wrist.
What’s wrong with you?”
Nothing,” I said flatly.
His jaw clenched. “Is this because of Scott?”
frowned. “What do you mean?”
He scoffed. “Don’t play dumb. You like him, don’t you?” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. ‘I’m your husband, Jasmine.”
blinked, then let out a breathy laugh. “You’re being ridiculous.”
His eyes darkened, but before he could say more, I let my expression crumble, forcing a few ears to slip down my cheek. “I’m just… confused,” I whispered. “My memories are still blurry. Everything feels so strange.”
Thomas‘ anger wavered. His hands cupped my face, his thumb brushing against my skin in an attempt to comfort me. I almost gagged.
_ater, I stood on the balcony, the cold night air doing nothing to cool the simmering rage inside ne. Below, the guests laughed and drank, celebrating Amber and Scott’s upcoming wedding like t was the grandest love story ever told. A lie. A sickening, cruel lie.
heard the footsteps before I saw him. Scott.
turned, my lips curling into something almost sweet.
He leaned against the railing, eyes studying me. “Didn’t think I’d find you out here.”
tilted my head, pretending to search for something in his face. “It’s strange,” I murmured. “Every :ime I see you, I feel like… I know you.”
Scott stiffened.
took a slow step forward, letting my fingers lightly graze the railing. “It’s like there’s something I should remember…”
My gaze flicked up to meet his. “But I can’t.”
His throat bobbed. “Jasmine…”
I bit my lip, lowering my lashes. “You know, I’ve been trying to figure out why everyone acts so carefully around me.”
Another step. Closer. “Like there’s something they don’t want me to remember.”
Scott’s fingers twitched. His eyes roamed over my face, and I knew that look. He was tempted.
I reached up, fingers lightly brushing over his tie. “You always seem to be watching me.” I let my
My Husband is a Fake One
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voice drop into a whisper. “Why is that?”
Scott’s breath hitched. “I—”
I tilted my head, my lips just inches from his ear. “You want me to remember, don’t you?”
He was trapped.
I placed a hand on his chest, pressing just lightly. “Maybe you can help me,” I murmured.
Scott swallowed hard, his hands gripping my waist before he could even think.
Gotcha.
His lips crashed onto mine, desperate, hungry. I let him.
Just enough to ruin him.
The door burst open.
Amber.
A shriek filled the air, piercing, furious.
“You bitch!”
Her hands yanked at my hair, pulling hard enough to sting.
“What the hell is wrong with you?!” she screamed, shaking me.
I stumbled back, wrenching myself free. “Scott was the one who kissed me!”
Scott barely hesitated before throwing me under the bus.
“She was seducing me.” His tone was smooth, effortless in its betrayal.
Slap.
My mother’s hand struck my cheek before I could react.
“You’re disgusting,” she spat. “Flirting with another woman’s fiancé. With your sister’s fiancé.”
I laughed. A sharp, hollow sound. “My sister’s fiancé?” I repeated, touching my burning cheek. “Isn’t that funny?”
Thomas was there now, watching, saying nothing.
I turned to him. “Well?” I challenged. “Aren’t you going to say something?”
He exhaled sharply. “You need to stop this, Jasmine.”
“Stop what?” I shot back. “Defending myself? Fighting back? Amber ruined my life, but somehow I’m the villain?”
Thomas‘ eyes flickered with something unreadable.
On my way out, his voice followed me. “Where are you going?”
I whirled around, my patience snapping. “Why do you care?”
‘Because you’re ruining Amber’s wedding!” he shouted.
I laughed bitterly. “Why do you care so much about her?”
“She’s your sister,” he said.
That was it. That was all he had.
I shook my head. “You’re all the same.”
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A loud commotion from inside made us both turn. A panicked voice called out.
“Help! Amber fainted!”
My mother came rushing out, her face twisted with fury, while Thomas ran to her, ignoring me.
Then my mother slapped me.
I barely felt it this time.
“If something happens to Amber’s baby, it’s your fault!” she shrieked. “We don’t want to see you
at the wedding ever again! Get lost!”
The words didn’t hurt. Nothing did anymore.
I turned and walked away.
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