Chapter 2
“My apologies,” I said with an awkward chuckle. “I didn’t intend for that to happen. It’s just… something about you feels familiar, like I’ve known you forever. That kiss-it felt like something my body remembered on its own.”
I paused, forcing a smile in Diego’s direction, though inside, unease crawled beneath my skin. How ridiculous it all seemed-pretending I didn’t already know, acting like I hadn’t pieced the truth together long before stepping into this room.
Before Diego could even respond, Helena cut in with her usual flair. “Wow, sis,” she said, one eyebrow arched, “aren’t you acting a little too comfortable? Planning to snatch my fiancé now?”
Laughter erupted. Even my parents joined in, chuckling like it was a harmless joke. But it wasn’t. Her words sank into my chest like a blade. And just when I thought she was done, Helena tossed a smirk my way and added, “Kidding, obviously. But seriously, let’s not make that a habit, alright? I might just have to fight you for real next time.”
Dad shook his head, amused. “Try not to be so flirty next time, Liana,” he said with a chuckle while Mom flashed a tight-lipped smile that masked a subtle but sharp judgment. Not a single person tried to defend me-not even Diego, who stood there in awkward silence.
Even Victor leaned in and hissed under his breath, “You humiliated me. What was that about? You’re my wife.”
I stared directly at him, my tone cold and cutting. “Oh really? And since when was that the truth?”
His brows furrowed. “What are you implying, Liana?”
But I didn’t answer. I didn’t owe him anything-not anymore. I was done playing along with everyone’s games.
The remainder of the day slipped by like a surreal dream-smiles painted on faces, compliments exchanged, Helena obsessing over my reaction to the dress she was trying on. I nodded at all the right moments, laughed when expected. But my thoughts were a storm, churning with one
elentless realization: I was losing everything, and no one even noticed.
When I finally excused myself, I used the pretense of checking my belongings. In truth, I was searching for something far more important-freedom. I couldn’t pretend anymore. I wouldn’t.
But when I reached my room, an eerie emptiness greeted me. Everything I had packed was gone. The boxes-vanished. It was as though someone had known I’d come looking and made sure there’d be nothing left.
Still, I wasn’t giving up. I searched every drawer, every crevice.
And then I found it.
It had been shoved deep inside a shelf, tucked carelessly between other objects. A book. I flipped it open, and there it was-a photograph tucked between the pages, used as a makeshift bookmark. A picture of Diego and me, locked in a kiss, our bodies pressed close. It wasn’t just a memory-it was solid evidence. Proof of what had been stolen from me. My weapon. The thing I needed to destroy their perfect little fantasy.
The next morning, I made a decision I never imagined myself making.
I walked into a clinic and told them I wanted to terminate the pregnancy. There was no way I would bring a child into this world built on deceit and manipulation.
After the procedure, I stepped outside, dazed but resolved. That’s when I remembered Mira-my best friend. I hadn’t spoken to her in so long. I pulled out my phone and dialed.
“Liana?” Her voice crackled through the line, stunned. “You remember now? Oh my god. They kept me away from you-I couldn’t tell you the truth, even when I wanted to.”
“Mira,” I whispered, my voice tight with emotion. “Please. Don’t tell anyone I’ve regained my memory. But I need your help. Remember that opportunity you told me about a while back? The one I turned down? I want it now. I need out.”
There was a beat of silence. Then Mira responded without hesitation, her tone certain.
“You’ll be gone in three days.”
