Chapter 2

At the Vital Records Office, a clerk checked Nathaniel's identification.

"Mr. Scott, are you sure you want to change your name to Ash?"

Nathaniel nodded. "Yes."

"What's your reason for changing it?"

"I don't like how my name sounds, so I decided to change it."

Adults didn't need anyone's permission to change their names.

The clerk quickly processed the paperwork and told him, "Your new name will officially take effect in seven business days."

"Thank you."

Nathaniel had just left the records office when he ran straight into Jessica.

She threw her arms around him, panic written all over her face. "Nathaniel, where have you been? Why couldn't I reach you on your phone? I was worried sick!"

A group of police officers followed close behind her.

One of them teased her, "There, you've found your husband. Feel better now?"

Another officer said to Nathaniel, "Your wife was really worried about you. When you went missing, she was practically frantic. Every officer at our station went out looking for you. Good thing we have security cameras now. We spotted you at the records office."

Jessica asked, "Nathaniel, what were you doing at the records office?"

"Nothing. Just updating some information," Nathaniel replied flatly.

"When the police reviewed the security footage earlier, they saw that you'd also been to the hospital today. Are you feeling unwell?"

Nathaniel lifted his head and looked at Jessica, who seemed to love him more than she loved herself.

If she loved him so deeply and worried about him so much, why was she still involved with York?

Was she really going to be with him just because he'd saved her life during those six months?

Or had she genuinely fallen in love with him during those six months they'd spent together?

And even though her memories had returned, did she still love him?

"Nathaniel, why aren't you saying anything?"

Nathaniel pushed her away, his voice cold and detached. "There's nothing wrong with me. I just went to get my blood type checked."

"Why did you need to get your blood type checked?"

"So I can donate blood if someone ever needs it. I want to be able to help whenever I can."

Jessica visibly relaxed. "You went to the records office to update your blood type in your records, too, right?"

"Yeah."

She felt a weight lift off her shoulders. "Honey, you're just so kind. You're always thinking about donating blood to save lives."

After they got home, she became even more clingy.

While driving, she kept her left hand on the steering wheel and insisted on holding his hand with her right.

Even while eating, she'd rather struggle to use her fork with her left hand than let go of his hand.

"Let go," Nathaniel said. "You're making it difficult to eat."

But Jessica only tightened her grip. "No, I won't. I'm afraid that if I let go, I won't be able to find you again."

Nathaniel sighed.

She was only trying to reassure him, but even Jessica herself probably had no idea that her words would one day come true.

Seven days later, he would leave the name Nathaniel Scott behind, officially adopt his new name, and begin an entirely new life.

And leave her behind, too.

After dinner, Jessica settled beside him on the couch to watch a variety show.

She peeled the grapes and placed them in a crystal bowl, then handed it to him.

Suddenly, her phone rang.

She pulled out a few tissues and wiped her hands, then slipped out to the balcony to take the call, looking uneasy.

When she returned, she kissed him lightly on the cheek and said, "Honey, something urgent has come up at work. I have to go take care of it."

It was York calling, wasn't it?

He was probably urging her to come over and keep him and their baby company.

Even though Nathaniel had already prepared himself for this, hearing her lie to his face still sent a sharp pang through his heart.

He nodded. "Go ahead."

Jessica hugged him. "Be good and stay home tonight. I'll be back tomorrow morning."

"Okay."

She grabbed her coat and practically ran out of the house before driving off.

Meanwhile, almost on impulse, Nathaniel picked up the tablet and opened an app.

The app was connected to Jessica's dashcam, allowing him to view what was happening in her car in real time.

Her car was heading down the road away from their house, but her phone conversation came through loud and clear.

"I'm on my way. Just wait a little longer."

York asked in a playful, coaxing voice, "Your husband hasn't found out, has he?"

"Don't worry. He won't find out."

"Then tonight, how about we have a little fun?"

Jessica's breathing grew noticeably heavier, and her voice turned husky. "I'm still pregnant, you know."

York's voice was so seductive it practically dripped with honey. "Didn't the doctor say the baby was doing fine when we went for your prenatal checkup today? Besides, you're already three months along. The baby's settled in nicely by now. Jessica, we haven't been intimate since you got pregnant. I miss you so much."

"You little devil," Jessica scolded playfully. "Just wait! I'll be there soon!"