Chapter 2

"Not hungry, Chloe?"

"Your mom made her famous baked salmon. It’s your absolute favorite. Go on, try some."

Julian plated the most tender piece of the salmon fillet and placed it gently on my plate. He looked so incredibly caring, so full of love.

My parents and Ashley kept repeating how Julian knew every single detail of my preferences after seven years together.

But I absolutely despised salmon.

The only reason I ever pretended to like it was at my parents' house, just to keep the peace and not hurt my mom’s feelings.

But in private, I never touched seafood.

Julian’s knowledge of my "favorite food" hadn't come from living with me. He had gotten it directly from my parents.

What were they trying to pull?

What on earth had happened during those seven lost years?

Everyone at the table was smiling happily, including Ashley. This bizarre, staged atmosphere sent a shiver down my spine. I forced myself to hide my terror, swallowed down the nausea, and put a piece of the fish in my mouth.

"Mom, it’s delicious. Just like always."

I forced a smile, doing my best to play along.

But inside, my mind was in absolute chaos.

Seven years ago—the last year of my actual memory—my parents had hired thugs to physically threaten Gavin just to break us up.

They looked down on Gavin because he was poor. In their grand design, I was supposed to marry a wealthy man to fund my younger brother Ryan's elite education and business ventures.

They were capable of doing anything to get what they wanted.

Did they cause my car accident? Did they cause my memory loss?

I was terrified, but I knew I had to play dumb, bide my time, and then run. I had to find Gavin.

Only Gavin could save me.

He loved me more than life itself. He would never abandon me.

But I quickly realized I had zero opportunity to escape.

My parents used my recovery as an excuse to move into our house. They watched me twenty-four hours a day under the guise of "loving care," completely stripping away my freedom.

What was I supposed to do?

Every time Julian brushed my hair or lay next to me in bed as my "husband," my entire soul screamed in disgust. Even though he kept his distance and didn't force himself on me, the sheer horror of sleeping next to a strange man was unbearable.

And when the little boy threw his arms around me, calling me "Mommy," I felt like screaming.

But I had to endure it.

I had to act like I accepted everything so they would lower their guard and give me a chance to get away.

Finally, after a month, Julian and my parents planned to take me back to the hospital for a follow-up exam. This was my chance to connect with the outside world.

The night before the appointment, while tucking the boy into bed, I secretly took a few strands of his hair.

Later, I slipped into the pitch-black living room and carefully searched Julian’s discarded coat.

Fortunately, I found some of his hair left on the collar. I quickly sealed them into a small plastic bag.

But just as I zipped the bag, Julian’s voice sliced through the darkness behind me. "Chloe? What are you doing out here in the dark?"

In an instant, my blood ran cold. Goosebumps erupted all over my arms.

"I... I wanted to do some laundry for you," I stammered, frantically scrambling for an excuse. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure he could hear it. "Even though I lost my memory, you’ve been so good to me. I wanted to help out around the house."

In the dim light, Julian narrowed his eyes. The gentle smile returned to his face.

He always wore that soft, polite mask, making it impossible to read his actual emotions.

"The nanny can handle the chores, sweetie. You’re my wife. Taking care of you is my job."

Thank God, he didn't seem to suspect anything.

This little scare didn't ruin our plans for the next day.

Ashley joined us too. We piled into the car and drove to the medical center.

The traffic was heavy near the hospital entrance. Coincidentally, the hospital was hosting a multi-agency clinical seminar on psychological disorders that day.

Just as our car slowed to a halt, a group of burly, aggressive-looking men suddenly surrounded us.

Ashley’s face went pale. She ducked her head low, trying to hide...

*