Chapter 2

"Macie, I'm your brother. You've been sick, and you've lost some memories. I'll keep these important papers safe for you."

I met Ashton's shifty eyes and kept silent, not calling him out on his lie.

If he wanted to play that game, I would play along.

Just then, a syrupy voice cut through the air.

"Ashton, there you are."

I turned towards the commotion and saw Lydia prancing our way, tripping over a stone in her path.

Ashton instinctively released me to catch her in his arms.

I was caught off guard and stumbled against the wall, throbbing in my head then a sharp stab of pain.

Lydia nestled into Ashton's embrace, her smile tinged with bashfulness. "Ashton, thank you for catching me."

Ashton's expression shifted as he realized the situation. Then he quickly turned to me.

"Macie, are you alright? Lydia's not well, and a fall could cause serious bleeding. I had to make sure she was safe first. I'm sorry."

I steadied myself as I brushed off the dust. With a strained voice, I replied, "I'm fine."

Lydia sidled up again, clinging to Ashton's arm, her voice a whisper.

"Ashton, we're only talking about a divorce. Why is it taking so long? I've been waiting for you."

I could not help but stare at them, and Ashton, with a guilty cough, met my gaze but did not shake her off.

"It's all settled now. We can get on with the wedding."

A gleam of triumph flashed in Lydia's eyes as she gave me a smug look. "Macie, I've loved your brother for five years, and now, we're finally getting married. The wedding's in three days, so you have to be there."

I forced a smile. "My brother's wedding? I wouldn't miss it."

Her grin widened. "Great! You'll be our wedding photographer. Make sure to capture the moment Ashton and I kiss..."

"Lydia…"

Ashton's expression turned stormy, a silent plea for her to hold her tongue.

His gaze fixed on me, searching my eyes for sorrow and finding none, a wave of discomfort washed over him.

"She doesn't need to be at our wedding."

I kept my face carefully neutral.

Lydia's brow creased as she heard Ashton address me. With a feigned fragility, she crumpled into his embrace.

"Ashton, my chest… It's hurting terribly. I can hardly breathe."

Ashton's eyes flashed with concern as he wrapped his arms around her. "Is it the illness flaring up? Just hang in there. I'll get you to the hospital immediately."

He then glanced at me and asked softly, "Macie, you still know the way home, right? Do you need someone to escort you?"

I shook my head. "No, I've got it."

Ashton was silent for a moment, recalling what the staff had told him. The drug would only erase memories of the person I loved most, not harm other memories.

As he realized he was that person for me, his frown eased.

"Okay, then head on home. I need to get Lydia to the hospital."

He gently lifted Lydia into his arms and they got into the car.

In his hold, Lydia's voice was barely a whisper, "Ashton, to be held by you, out in the open like this... If I died now, it would all be worth it."

"Don't speak like that," Ashton murmured back, a soft reprimand.

Through the car window, I watched him buckle her in. Lydia seized the moment to pull him close, pressing a tender kiss to his earlobe.

The sight sent an icy, sharp pang through my heart—the sting of betrayal.

As his car faded into the distance, my phone began to ring.

When I answered, the person on the other end of the line spoke.

"Ms. Pearson, the Aetherion Research Institute has everything set for your welcome ceremony. We're looking forward to seeing you in three days."