Chapter 5

SIX MONTHS LATER

Lisa’s POV

A lot of things had changed in the past six months.

Around this time, I had woken up in a hospital room, not having any memory or clue as to what my name was.

But now, the world called me Lisa, the girlfriend of the one and only Andre DeLuca... heir to the DeLuca conglomerate. A successful man, a leader, and most eligible bachelor.

I didn’t remember who I was before.

But I had a name and a life now.

Andre had made sure of that, and I was extremely grateful.

The media called me many things, because they all felt I came out of nowhere or that I was probably from a poor home.

I'd learned how to dress the part of a billionaire's girlfriend, walk like it, and smile at random people. My photos were also on several society blogs. My name is spoken by all and sundry, mostly by ladies in jealousy, wishing they were me and faking smiles when they saw me to act like they were friends with me.

And through it all, I stayed by Andre’s side.

I knew the scent of his cologne, the way his brows arch when he’s thinking, the way his fingers knot and unknot together when he's trying to be calm. I had taken note of such cues and acted helpful in ways that only I could. It was the only way I could repay him for the life that he had given me.

I knew I was falling in love then, because being around him excited me and not around him made me anxious. Unlike when we started living together, where things were awkward between us, we were talking more together now.

I didn’t ask too many questions.

But I learned to know the right thing to say at every given period. 

Then he came back from work, with a smile on his face and said we'd be holding a party at the house.

By this time, I had already attended so many high society gatherings, and it felt unexpected to have to pull something like that together.

I set to work with Stanley and hired an event coordinator as well to make sure everything went well.

“You must make sure you invite everyone,” Andre had insisted.

Sometimes, I didn't understand why some of these parties were held, but I didn't question him as he always seemed to know what he was doing. Maybe because I, myself, didn't know what I was doing.

I sent out the invitations to all Andre's friends and associates.

The penthouse had never looked more beautiful that night. I looked from above the stares at the work that had been done.

There were about fifty guests present, and they filled the room... Amongst them were some of Andre's board members, some celebrities, some politicians, some investors, people I saw on the tv were in our living room, clinking glasses with each other.

A live smooth jazz band played in the corner. All the staff, led by Stanley were all dressed in all black serving champagne and some foods I couldn't pronounce the name of.

And in the centre of the room, Andre was talking with Henry. His dear friend and CFO at his company. They were laughing at something.

I decided to make my entrance in the black form-fitting gown with glitters that Andre had chosen for the occasion.

As I made my way down the stairs, I noticed how hushed the audience had become. Andre was looking at me with lovey eyes, as he came to stand at the foot of the stairs waiting for me. His hand rested gently on the small of my back as he smiled.

“You look absolutely beautiful.”

I flushed. “Thank you.”

He raised his glass for a toast. “To tonight.”

I clinked mine against his. “Cheers.”

But I began to notice how restless Andre seemed. To everyone, he seemed okay, but I had studied everything about him, so much so that I could tell when something was up.

“Are you okay?” I asked quietly.

He looked down at me and smiled... just slightly. “I’m fine.”

“Liar.” I muttered under my breath.

He waited until dessert.

The band slowed their tempo, and I looked at Stanley wondering what was happening. But he gave me a small smile, as the servers brought out chocolate soufflés shaped like roses.

The conversations began to die down.

My mind went blank wondering what was going on.

The room light dimmed.

Then Andre walked up to the mini stage we had set up.

He took the microphone from the lead violinist.

The room got quiet.

I had seen so many dramas by now, and I had a feeling I knew what was going to happen. My heart skipped.

“Thank you all for coming,” he began. “Tonight is special. Not just because I am some of my favorite people, but because I wanted to share something personal.”

He looked at me then.

I felt like we were the only two people in the room. And in that moment, I knew.

He turned to the crowd. “Six months ago, someone came into my life and changed everything.”

I covered my mouth with my palm.

“She was once a stranger… but now, she’s the one person I trust and willing to do anything for. She’s beautiful, brilliant, and patient enough to understand me.”

‘Awwns’ filled the room.

I barely even heard it.

Andre walked toward me, taking his time. My heart pounded louder in my ears with each step. The band began to play a soft band version of ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars.

Then... he knelt.

He brought out a black velvet ring box from his pocket and popped it open. A diamond ring was sitting on it.

I gasped.

“Lisa …” he said, loud enough for the whole room to hear. “Will you marry me?”

I felt my eyes water, excited and also dizzy all at once. I covered my mouth again and nodded.

“Yes,” I whispered.

Then louder. “Yes! I will marry you.”

The whole crowd clapped and hooted.

My hands trembled as he slid the ring onto my finger.

The band fit me perfectly.

Of course it did.

He stood up to hug me, or kiss me, like in the movies but...

The doors burst open. It was a loud sound that silenced the music and the clapping all at once.

I turned.

Everyone turned.

A lady I didn't recognize stood in the doorway.

She was barefoot and she looked a mess. Her white dress that she wore, looked like a patient gown, and her skin was pale… Like someone who was sick. Her hair was dark, and her eyes wide.

She looked directly at me. I swear I must have seen something that looked like a smirk before she turned to look around.

Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe.

What the hell?

She looked like me.

Only she seemed like a broken version.

Andre stepped away from me, slowly. He looked like he had just seen a ghost.

That was when I remembered the night he had drank and said one of his secrets, “You look so much like someone I used to know.”

No… it couldn't be.

He walked towards her like a force was pulling him by an invisible thread.

His voice cracked. “Diane?”

The woman looked at him, with tears in her eyes. “Andre…”

Her knees gave out and she collapsed.

Andre rushed forward to her, even bumping into a table in the process and pushing the champagne glasses to the floor. It shattered near my heels, the drink spilling on my legs.

I didn’t move.

Still in shock.

I watched him kneel beside her and touch her face. He never did that with me.

I know that I didn't have the kind of relationship that burned hot like I saw in movies, and it was purely just a contract, but I had forgotten that and started to think that what we had had became something real.

Well, I guess not.

The way he looked at this lady was with so much passion that I hadn't seen him use it with me.

Everyone was watching the whole scene unfold, but no one dared move.

And I just stood there…

Alone, staring at the ring now sitting heavy on my hand.

Andre held her in his arms, “Diane! Wake up!” he yelled, then with a cracked noise, “Somebody call 911!”