Chapter 2

Ava’s pov

I held on to the forged marriage certificate. I hadn’t stopped clutching it since I left my apartment even as I sat in the cab, getting my mind prepared for what’s to come.

I could hear Liam’s name echoing inside my head like a dare.

Liam Vance.

Legally, on paper, my husband now. I did my findings last night and confirmed that Liam actually had a partial memory loss.

The cab finally arrived at the hospital. I took a long breath as I stood outside rethinking my decision. I made sure to look the part as I walked towards the hospital doors in a modest but elegant dress, hair neat, makeup minimal but deliberate.

I observe the press gathered outside. Reporters, flashing cameras, speculation everywhere as I walked by and slipped through the glass doors, keeping my head high whilst urging my heart to stop pounding.

“I am here to see my husband. Liam Vance” I said to the receptionist. She didn’t hesitate to show the disbelief in her expression.

“Can I see an ID and your marriage certificate?” She asked, giving a fake smile.

“Sure” I handed over the plastic folder. The receptionist hesitated long enough that I started to feel my heart pound again… she nodded and then issued a visitor’s badge to me. I collected it and started to walk away in relief but was stopped by a nurse who offered to escort me to his room.

“We weren’t aware Mr. Vance was married” she blurted out as she escorted down the hallway.

I gave out a small laugh trying to hide the little embarrassment I felt. “That’s Liam, he likes to keep his personal life, well….personal”

“Mr.Vance married a beautiful woman” she said.

I blushed. “Thank you”

“When did you marry?”

“Few months ago,” I said smoothly. “In Nevada. It was quiet, just the two of us.” I let out a smile pretending to recall the intimate moment. “He always said love didn’t need an audience. Such a romantic”

She paused and turned to look at me. “And your family? His?”

“No. We wanted it that way. No cameras. No news. Liam hated the spotlight. I learned early that if I wanted him, I had to protect his privacy” I said.

The nurse looked at me softly. “And now you’re here for him.”

“I’m here because… whatever else we were, I’m his wife. And I need to see him.”

She nodded and then we continued towards his room.

I had gotten through the first test.

Now came the harder one seeing Liam while keeping up with my lie.

The nurse opened the door, stepping aside so I could enter.

The first thing I noticed was the beep of the monitors and the second was him.

LiamVance.

His skin was pale. Bandages wrapped his head with a faint bruise on his jaw. His chest rose and fell beneath the hospital blanket, each breath was fragile.

My fingers wrapped around the strap of my purse. I had told myself I would feel nothing, that this was just the man who destroyed my family, lying powerless before me. But there was something about seeing him like this. No suit. No power. No arrogance. Just a man.

The nurse cleared her throat. “He’s stable for now. Doctors are optimistic about his recovery, but… the memory loss is real. We don’t know how much he doesn’t remember, he might be confused when he wakes up.”

I nodded, even though I had already confirmed that for myself last night. “I understand.”

She stayed for a moment, like she wanted to say something else, then left, closing the door quietly behind her.

I stood there, staring. My plan suddenly felt heavier now that he was right in front of me. This wasn’t just a headline or a name in my head. This was flesh and bone. This was Liam Vance, my enemy, my… husband. On paper, anyway.

Slowly, I moved closer until I stood beside his bed. His hand rested on top of the sheet. I hesitated before resting my hand on his.

“You don’t know me,” I whispered. “But I know you.”

His eyelids moved so slight I almost thought I imagined it, I held my breath. Not now. I wasn’t ready for him to wake up.

I straightened quickly, reminding myself of the role I was playing. If he woke now, I needed to be the doting wife, not the vengeful stranger. I smoothed the blanket over his chest, letting my hand linger just long enough for it to look natural.

The door opened again. I turned to see a man in a navy suit step in, his eyes immediately scanning me from head to toe.

“And you are?” he asked.

I forced a calm smile. “Ava Vance. Liam’s wife.”

His expression didn’t change, but he surely had his doubts. “I wasn’t aware Liam was married.”

I tilted my head slightly, the way someone who’s been underestimated their whole life might. “That’s the point of privacy, isn’t it?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he moved to the opposite side of the bed, his focus on Liam but his attention still on me. I could feel it.

His gaze was on me for a moment too long, before he finally spoke.

“I’m Daniel Reeve,” he said. “Mr. Vance’s head of security.”

Of course he was. The way he carried himself screamed controlled authority, the kind of man who didn’t waste time or words. Which meant if he was here, he would be watching me.

“Security,” I repeated, as if the word meant nothing to me. “Then you must know more than anyone why Liam values his privacy. You won’t find our marriage license in the tabloids.”

His jaw tightened just slightly not enough for most people to notice, but I caught it. “I’ll need to verify some details for Mr. Vance’s safety.”

I let out a soft laugh. “Are you asking for my honeymoon photos, Mr. Reeve? Because I’m afraid we didn’t take any.”

He didn’t smile. “Date of marriage?”

“Six months ago.” My answer came out without hesitation. “Reno, Nevada. Courthouse ceremony.”

He studied me. “Witnesses?”

“None. Just us. Liam said he didn’t want our vows known by an audience.” I said. “It was… intimate.”

Daniel’s eyes narrowed, like he was trying to decide whether to press further. “I’ll be in touch,” he said finally. “Enjoy your… visit.”

And just like that, he turned and left, leaving the air in the room heavier than before.

I exhaled slowly, sinking into the chair beside Liam’s bed. I could feel my heart beating.

First the nurse. Now his head of security. It was only a matter of time before someone else came looking for cracks in my story. I have to be flawless.

I glanced at Liam again. His breathing was steady, his face relaxed, and for one strange moment, I wondered what he’d think if he could hear all this. if he’d believe me, or see right through me.

I leaned closer, my lips almost brushing his ear. “Before you wake up,” I murmured. “I would have gotten all I needed to destroy you. Sleep tight hubby.”

The monitor beeped, each sound a reminder that the clock had already started ticking on my lie

And somewhere outside this room, Daniel Reeve was already pulling at threads.