A Memory Conveniently Lost

Synopsis

When Julian Preston walked into Preston Manor hand-in-hand with Sophie Grant, Emily Carter was sitting by the bay window in the living room, knitting a tiny blue bootie for the baby. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a warm glow over her rounded belly, where a baby five months along was growing peacefully. She looked up just as Julian stepped inside, accompanied by a striking, glamorous woman she had never seen before. Julian glanced at Emily as coldly as if she were a piece of stray furniture. "Mom, Dad," Julian said flatly, his voice carrying an edge of absolute finality. "This is Sophie Grant. She's the woman I love." He paused, his grip tightening on Sophie's hand. "She's pregnant. I'll be filing for divorce from Emily as soon as possible." The air in the room seemed to freeze. An icy chill rushed in, suffocating the warmth of the sun. The knitting needles slipped from Emily's numb fingers, hitting the hardwood floor with a sharp clatter before rolling to a stop right against the toe of Julian's polished leather shoes. Julian's mother gasped, clutching her chest, while her husband surged to his feet, his face darkening with rage. "Julian, have you lost your mind? Emily is your wife. She's carrying your child." Julian frowned, looking annoyed by the drama. "I don't remember her," he replied coldly. "The crash wiped everything. When I woke up, the only person I knew was Sophie. The doctors called it selective amnesia. There's a chance I'll never get those memories back." Sophie leaned into his side, her hand protectively shielding her own stomach. Her posture was fragile, yet she carried the quiet smugness of a victor. She looked at Emily, a flicker of pity and triumph dancing in her eyes."Julian only trusts me now," Sophie murmured. "I'm sorry, Ms. Carter. Truly."