Chapter 04

LUCAS’ POINT OF VIEW

"The patient is experiencing confabulation—a neuropsychological symptom where a person unconsciously creates false or distorted memories, beliefs, or information and firmly believes them to be true. It is not intentional lying; those affected genuinely perceive their fabricated content as real. This condition is rare, and honestly, I cannot say when her correct memories will return."

"Oh my God! Why did this happen to Lucia? What are we going to do, Arman?"

I watch my parents’ faces twist with deep worry for Lucia after hearing the doctor’s assessment. She only fell down the stairs—how could the effects be this severe?

Confabulation? She’s creating false memories that Uncle Noah is her husband? What the fuck?!

I turn to look at Lucia, where she clings tightly to Uncle Noah’s arm. I still can’t believe that a simple fall down the stairs would make her mind conjure up such a delusion—that the man she thinks is her husband is my uncle.

"For now, given the patient’s condition, you must be understanding. If we try to correct her false memories, it might not be good for her. Let her hold on to the reality her mind has constructed until her distorted memories can be restored," the doctor advises my parents before excusing himself and stepping out of the room.

"Mom, what do we do? We can’t just let her think Uncle Noah is her husb—"

"—you heard the doctor, Lucas. Pressing her to remember the truth won’t help Lucia. Poor child… why didn’t you take better care of your wife?" my mother cuts me off sharply.

It’s not my fucking fault! It was Lucia’s own carelessness that made her fall!

"Pa…"

"We’ll do as the doctor says. For now, let Lucia believe Noah is her husband. I’m sure her memories will come back, and your uncle won’t overstep with your wife," my father says firmly.

Tss! I can’t fucking bring myself to call her my aunt! I curse inwardly, then pause as a thought dawns on me.

If Lucia remains like this, Uncle Noah will surely feel sorry for her. And since she’ll seem so helpless, he might give me his shares as compensation—after all, I’ll be the one "losing" his wife. I just need to play the part of a grieving, wronged husband. A small smile tugs at my lips; what happened to Lucia could be my chance to seize Uncle Noah’s stake in Arkson Enterprises. Besides, I need to become his heir to take control of Grayson Corporation.

"Lucas, try to be patient with your wife’s condition," my mother says, and I quickly school my features into one of pain.

"But she’s my wife. It hurts to see her in another man’s arms—worse that it’s my own uncle," I say, making sure my voice cracks with emotion. They have to feel for me.

"Honey, can’t we go home now? I don’t want to stay here in the hospital anymore," Lucia says softly, and my parents move closer to her bed.

Uncle Noah sits calmly on the edge of the mattress, with Lucia still holding his arm. That woman is lucky—Uncle Noah clearly pities her.

"Lucia, you need to stay here for tonight. Once the doctor says you’re stable, we’ll take you home," my mother explains, and Lucia’s face falls.

"But I don’t want to be in the hospital…"

"You have to stay so we can be sure you’re alright. Listen to the doctor—it’s for your own good," Uncle Noah says gently, and Lucia nods obediently.

"Then you’ll stay with me, right, my love?"

What the hell?! Why am I so annoyed watching her act so familiar with my uncle? On the other hand… if Lucia stays at Uncle Noah’s mansion, I can finally bring Amanda and our son into our house.

"Uncle Noah is busy with his company. I’ll stay and look after Luci—Auntie here at the hospital," I offer quickly.

Even though I’m glad about how things turned out, I need to pretend I hate this arrangement. I can’t let Dad or Uncle Noah suspect I’m pleased with Lucia’s condition.

"I agree with Luc—"

"—Lucas isn’t my husband. He shouldn’t be the one staying with me. He’s my nephew. I want my husband to take care of me," Lucia interrupts, looking at Uncle Noah with pleading eyes.

This isn’t like Lucia at all… is this really what the fall did to her?

"But Lucia—"

"—my wife is right. Between Lucas and me, I—as her husband—should be the one to care for her. My company will still earn billions even if I skip the office for a while. My wife matters more than any paperwork or meetings," Uncle Noah cuts my mother off, and Lucia beams.

"Noah, let’s step outside to talk—you, me, and Lucas," my father says, and my mother settles beside Lucia on the bed.

"Go on, Noah. Talk with your brother and nephew. I’ll stay here with Lucia," she says.

Uncle Noah nods, and Lucia releases her grip on his arm.

Once we’re out in the hallway, I let my face crumble into a mask of heartbreak.

"Noah, I know you don’t want this either."

"Lucia is family, and I heard what the doctor said about her condition. It’s fine if I play along with her distorted memories—it’s for her well-being," Uncle Noah replies seriously.

"But Uncle Noah… she’s my wife. It hurts that she doesn’t remember me as her husband. It’s agonizing to hear her call you ‘my love’ instead of me," I say, letting my voice shake as Uncle Noah studies me intently.

"Oh? So it pains you that much…"

"More than you know. It’s hard to see my wife like this. I know I shouldn’t worry, but any man would be hurt to see his wife turn to someone else," I add, making sure to look utterly miserable.

"Then what do you want us to do? Should we remind Lucia that you’re her husband?" Uncle Noah asks sharply.

Forcing her to remember would be a mistake—once her mind clears, she might reveal everything she knows about me.

"N-No… I don’t want to make her suffer just to bring her memories back. I’ll accept it—you can look after my wife until her mind heals," I say, though I swear I catch a faint smile on Uncle Noah’s lips.

"Don’t worry, Lucas. I’ll take care of Lucia until she gets better. For now… practice calling your wife ‘aunt’," he says, and my father claps him on the shoulder.

"I’m grateful you’re willing to help with this arrangement for Lucia’s sake."

"It’s for the sake of our family, brother," Uncle Noah replies.

Good. I’ll bring Amanda and our son home tonight.

THIRD PERSON POINT OF VIEW

THE AFTERNOON DRAGGED ON before the Graysons decided to return to their manor. Lucas also took his leave, leaving only Lucia and Noah in the quiet hospital room.

Noah sat straight on the sofa across from Lucia’s bed, while she leaned against the headrest of her mattress. Silence hung heavy between them until Noah let out a slow breath.

"Is this your way of agreeing to my proposal? Faking confabulation?" he asked, and Lucia’s eyes snapped to his face—surprise clear in her gaze.

"H-How did you know I was pretending?"

"I just did. And I have to admit… I’m impressed by how you found a way to escape your marriage to my nephew," he said, his voice low.

"It’s better this way—I don’t want to hurt Mr. and Mrs. Grayson. And I’ll accept your proposal now. I’ll be your Mrs. Grayson so I can take revenge on Lucas. I want him to feel the same pain and anger he caused me," Lucia declared, and Noah stood from his seat, walking slowly to the foot of her bed.

He rested both palms on the mattress, his eyes locked with hers.

"Anyone who seeks revenge must not shed tears for those who wronged them—especially when it's my wife. Remember that, my Mrs. Grayson," he said firmly.

Lucia quickly wiped away the tears that had escaped her eyes.

"This is the last time I’ll cry for Lucas. The very last."