Chapter 1 A Cruel Reunion

Madeline's POV

"I know this is sudden, but I don't know why. You just came to mind out of nowhere, yet my memories of you are still so hazy. You understand me, don't you, Madeline?"

When Preston video called, I unintentionally answered.

His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked anguished, as though he were desperately trying to grasp at his fading memories of me.

"So, you remember who I am now? You just don't remember what happened between us?"

I looked at him calmly. He was still wearing the engagement ring from three years ago.

"I never wanted to end up like this. It's all because of that bullet. I wish it had gone a little farther off course and hit me straight in the heart."

Preston's voice was hoarse as he spoke.

But as a surgeon, I'd already checked. He never suffered any head injuries.

"It's okay. As long as you remember me, that's enough. I can pretend none of this happened today. We can start over. Preston, will you come back home with me?"

Even though I'd seen through his lies, even though I'd just lost someone dear to me, I still wanted to leave a little room for what remained of our past and for the innocent child I was carrying.

But Preston hesitated. "Even if I've lost my memory, I'm still one of the key operatives at this field base. I can't let down the people who've worked alongside me for three years, and I can't possibly abandon the mission."

So, he was going to keep protecting Hailey Thornton.

Before I could speak any further, he suddenly groaned. He said his head was hurting terribly, then hurriedly hung up.

Because the situation was still tense and I was overseas, his superior told me to wait another three days. Once the danger had passed, he'd arrange for me to return home immediately.

I chose the tent closest to the grassy area, but just as I was about to head over, one of Preston's colleagues stopped me. "Preston saved this tent for Hailey. She's got sensitive skin, so she can't be out in the sea breeze. Your tent is right over there."

They assigned me to the most secluded corner of the camp, right by the sea.

Preston couldn't possibly have forgotten how terrified I was of the ocean. I'd fallen into the sea as a child, after all.

I had also witnessed the ocean take my father from me, and I carried the trauma of it my entire life.

Pressing a hand to my tight chest, I stumbled into the tent.

I'd spent three exhausting days handling my mother's funeral arrangements, then another week making the long journey here from the north.

I'd barely eaten along the way, and I was physically exhausted. All I wanted now was to lie down and rest.

…

However, the moment I lay down, something cold slithered up my pant leg. My whole body went rigid as I stared at it.

"Snake!" I screamed, my heart nearly leaping out of my chest.

Terror left my legs weak, and I couldn't stop shaking.

Hailey, however, remained completely unfazed. She drew the dagger at her waist and struck in one swift motion, stabbing the snake to death.

Warm, foul-smelling blood splattered on my face.

Hailey held the still-bleeding snake right in front of my face. "Eat it."

My stomach lurched with revulsion, and I threw up before I could stop myself.

"Coward!" She sneered, quickly skinned the snake, and stuffed the meat into her mouth right in front of me. "Are people from Westbridge such cowards?"

She paused and looked me over. "If I remember right, you're Preston's ex-girlfriend, aren't you? Damn, I don't understand what he ever saw in you. Was it your big ass or something?"

Her harsh, mocking laughter rang through the tent, making everyone nearby turn to look. They glanced at me with mockery in their eyes.

I wanted nothing more than to crawl into a hole and disappear.

Amid the commotion, Preston hurried through the crowd, pushing people aside.