I Have An Assistant?

Lucy nodded slowly, committing the information to memory. She had no idea what Isabella's mother looked like or how close they were. One day, that woman would stand before her.

“What about my colleagues?” Lucy asked. “You mentioned people from work. Have they been asking about me? Did anyone come to see me?”

“Many people did,” Rose answered. “Your co-stars, directors, producers, and friends from the industry. Some sent flowers, while others kept calling to ask about your condition.”

“Did I have any enemies?” Lucy asked before she could stop herself. She quickly corrected her expression. “I mean, were there people I didn't get along with?”

Rose chuckled. “Boss Isabella, you're an actress. Of course, not everybody likes you. But you had your fair share of admirers, and most people respected your talent and professionalism.”

Justin watched Lucy quietly. “That's enough information for today. She needs time to process everything, and I don't want her feeling pressured to remember people she cannot recognise.”

Rose nodded and stood. “You're right. I got carried away because I'm excited. Boss Isabella, I'll come back tomorrow, and we can talk whenever you're comfortable.”

“Thank you, Rose,” Lucy replied. “I'm sorry I can't remember you, but I appreciate you coming. I hope I can get to know you again.”

Rose leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “You will, Boss Isabella. And when you're ready, I'll show you photographs, videos, and everything you need to remember your life.”

After Rose left the room to answer a phone call, Justin watched Lucy for a moment. “How are you feeling? Was that too much information?”

“A little,” Lucy admitted. “It's strange hearing someone describe my life when I can't remember living it. I feel as though they're talking about another woman.”

Justin squeezed her hand. “I understand. You don't have to make sense of everything today. Rose knows your situation, and she'll be patient with you.”

“She's been with me for years?” Lucy asked. “Does she know everything about me? My friends, my work, my family, all the things I used to do?”

“She knows a lot,” Justin replied. “Rose handles your schedule, appointments, professional communication, and several personal arrangements. She's one of the people you trusted most.”

Lucy nodded. “Then I suppose she'll be able to help me understand my life.” She paused before adding, “I hope she doesn't get tired of explaining everything.”

“She won't,” Justin assured her. “She's been worried about you for months. Seeing you awake is probably the happiest moment she's had since your accident.”

He checked her pulse and reviewed the notes beside her bed. “I'm going to speak with Rose for a moment. I need to confirm a few things about your recent schedule and contact your family.”

“Will you be long?” Lucy asked. She wanted to be alone with Isabella's phone, but she could not appear too eager to have him leave.

“Not long,” Justin promised. “I'll be nearby. If you need anything, call the nurse. Don't try walking around without assistance.”

Lucy nodded and watched him leave. Through the slightly open door, she could hear his voice speaking quietly to Rose. She hadn't intended to listen, but then she heard her name.

“Rose, can I ask you something?” Justin said. “Did you notice anything unusual about Isabella before her accident? Anything different about her behaviour?”

Rose sounded surprised. “Unusual? What do you mean? She was tired sometimes, but that was because of work. Why are you asking?”

“I'm only trying to understand her condition,” Justin replied. “She seems more confused than I expected, even considering how long she was unconscious. Did she ever complain about memory problems before the accident?”

“No, Doctor. Isabella never had memory problems. She was perfectly fine before everything happened. But surely that's because she's only just awakened?”

“That's possible,” Justin answered. “I'm not making any conclusions. I just want you to pay attention when you speak with her.”

“I'm responsible for her treatment, Rose. I have to be careful. If anything changes, I need to know immediately. For now, let's give her time and avoid putting pressure on her.”

Lucy leaned back against the pillows, her heart beating faster. Justin wasn't accusing her of anything, but he was paying attention. She needed to be more careful with every conversation.

Later that evening, after Justin had left to attend to another medical responsibility, Lucy finally picked up Isabella's phone. It was unlocked after Rose had carried it, and the screen displayed several notifications.

She opened the gallery and began scrolling through the photographs. There were pictures from movie premieres, award ceremonies, holidays, and private gatherings. Isabella's world looked nothing like hers.

Then she found a photograph of Justin standing beside Isabella at an event. His arm was wrapped around her waist, and both were smiling at the camera.

Lucy stared at the picture for a long moment. Justin wasn't simply the doctor responsible for her treatment. He was the man who had loved Isabella before she fell into a coma.

She opened their messages and saw affectionate conversations, photographs, and plans they had made together. She quickly locked the phone, feeling as though she had intruded on something deeply personal.

“I need to be careful,” she whispered. “Justin loves Isabella, and everyone around me knows her. One wrong answer could make them realise something is different.”

Just then, another notification appeared. Lucy glanced at the screen, and her stomach tightened when she saw the sender's name: Mum.

She opened the message with trembling fingers.

Darling, I heard you're awake. I'm coming to see you tomorrow.

Lucy stared at the words, unable to move. Tomorrow, she would meet the woman who had given birth to Isabella Hartley, and she had no idea how to face her.