Chapter 4

Dahlia 

My mind refuses to settle, crowded with unanswered questions about my life, about my marriage. 

Still, I kiss Ellen goodbye before school, forcing a smile as I wave and watch the car disappear down the road.

The simple sight twists my heart. What if digging into the past is the very thing that shatters this family? Why am I even afraid of it? What could possibly be so terrible back there?

Noah knew Helen and maybe they dated. People have exes, he must have had plenty before me. That’s normal but why marry me after my sister passed away?

Well, I’m the one he’s with now. That should be enough. It should quiet this unease.

But it doesn’t.

Because he keeps steering me away from the past and secrecy has a way of turning harmless truths into something ugly. If there’s nothing to hide, why hide it at all?

Oh Goddess! I hate feeling this way.

I step back into the house and shut the door. I clear the table, rinse the plates and stack them in the rack.

I dump the dirty clothes into the washing machine and start it, just to hear it run. I straighten cushions, wipe clean surfaces, pace from room to room, anything to keep my thoughts at bay. When there’s nothing left to do, I return to the sink and rinse the plates again, slower this time.

The door bell cuts through the room and I rush to get the door. I open the door to meet Noah with a woman I've never met. Despite my confusion, I move aside to let them enter.

 “Lia.” Noah gestures towards the woman, “This is Salomie, a friend from work.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” She extends her hands for a handshake and I take it with a smile.

Her skin looks untouched by time, flawless and radiant. Green eyes shimmer beneath her lashes and her brown hair spills over her shoulders, perfect in a way that feels almost unfair.

He walks past me and she follows behind, leaving me in the living room. I stare at both of them as they walk towards a direction, an insecure thought brewing in my mind.

I settle on the cushion and turn on the TV. The sound barely reaches me, muffled as if it's  playing in another room. My attention drifts to the home office where Noah had gone with the woman.

Something knocks my head, hard and painful, blurring out my vision. Before I know what's happening, I collapse onto the cushion.

A sharp sound drags me from the haze of sleep, a very weird sleep.

I feel a hand moving slowly through my hair and I open my eyes, only to see that I am already in our bed.

“You scared me.” Noah says, caressing my hair, fear creeping from his eyes.

“What happened?” I ask, my voice thin.

“It could be stress,” he says softly, “Just rest for a while, okay?”

His hands brush briefly against mine and then he stands, “I'll leave you to rest.”

I run my hands through my hair. The blackout doesn't seem normal, it felt like someone knocked me out. I can't really pinpoint the situation.

I stare at his back as he walks out, leaving only his scent behind. I curl back into the pillow, slowly drifting into sleep. 

‘Dahlia… Helen.’ A male voice echoes in my dream.

‘Dad.’

Faces appear blurry. My eyes bob side to side trying to bring their face into focus and then I see them. 

‘The Alpha will be here with his wife and sons…. Be in your best behaviour.’ He commands and we nod.

The doorbell cuts through and my eyes snap open. The doorbell rings again. Noah must be gone, he's never too slow to answer the door. I push myself up and leave the room.

My heart flips when I open the door.

Alpha Elias, Noah's brother.

He’s here with that kind of smile that carries trouble. Sunlight or maybe it’s just him, makes his hair sparkle and his eyes catch mine in a way that pins me to the spot.

“Hi,” he says, his voice smooth.

I clear my throat, trying to remember how to form words. “H-hi.” My own voice sounds small.

He tilts his head slightly and leans just a touch closer, respectful yet knowing exactly the effect he has. 

The faint scent of his cologne drifts past me and I stop myself from noticing.

“Thought I’d drop by,” he says and my eyes narrow at him.

I won't possibly keep Noah's brother outside the door. I step aside, barely able to meet his gaze and he gives me that grin again. It’s harmless at first but I feel like it’s dangerous.

He steps inside, his eyes scanning the room as if measuring every corner of our life. 

“Emmmm.. what can I offer you?” I ask anxiously, “We have freshly made natural juices…”

“Don't bother yourself.” He says, still glancing around.

I swallow.

“You spend a lot of time inside.” He says, his gaze on a picture on the wall.

“I enjoy it here.” I keep my voice steady.

He turns slightly, studying me. My gaze flicks to him briefly, unable to lock eyes with him.

“Would he be upset if you stepped out?” He steps closer, his gaze lingering on me.

I've never really thought of going out nor did I think it would upset Noah. Maybe because I don't have a place to go. Noah gets everything we need.

“Are we going somewhere?” I press my hand at my sides to hide my anxiety.

“Where do you want to go?” he asks with no hint of amusement in his face. 

My heart leaps, surprised that he's serious.

“I…I thought you had plans.” I giggle anxiously, "I… I  really don't want to go anywhere.”

“You were loud and bubbly before. Now, you're…. different.” He remarks. 

“Maybe when your memory is lost, you forget who you are.” I say.

He shakes his head in disagreement. 

I guess that's not it but I actually think it's that way. How exactly would I behave the same when I don't know who I was? I don't remember my past, parents or even Helen.

“What was Helen like?” I ask carefully.

He stays quiet for a moment, then gives a short response, “Reserved.”

The silence stretches between us, pressing against me. I am about to ask more questions about Helen when his voice cuts through, “You could be Helen. Did it ever cross your mind?”

I shake my head so fast. Noah said Helen died. The thought is impossible. The chances are zero.

“Should we confirm?” He waits for an answer.

My eyes narrow at him, “There's a way to check?”