Chapter 1

My husband, Winston Kennedy, lost his memory after being thrown from his horse on the battlefield. Out of everything, the only thing he forgot was me—his wife.

I walked toward the bedroom and heard his voice inside. "Dad, Mom, how could I have married someone so dull? You must be joking."

A year ago, Winston had been forced into marrying me. When my childhood friend, Harrison, heard about his memory loss, he climbed over the wall to find me, saying he'd take me away.

The moment I stepped into the room, Winston's expression lit up. "Dad, Mom, do you believe in love at first sight? I'm going to marry her."

*****

Winston was the only son of the Marquess of Everpeace, set to inherit the family title.

He was ambitious and earned remarkable honors on the battlefield, becoming Grand General while still so young.

Our families had a marriage arrangement, and Winston was originally meant to wed my elder sister, Nova Houston.

But the King, fearing the Kennedy family's influence, downgraded the marriage and had him marry me instead—the lesser daughter.

Harrison Andrews and I were childhood sweethearts, promised to each other, but my family forced us to break up and pushed me to please Winston.

Winston treated me with indifference, and every time he glanced at me, the disgust in his eyes was obvious. One night, after he got drunk, he forced himself on me.

He said, "Marrying me is a thousand times better than marrying Harrison."

Even though I was just the lesser daughter, my father was the Prime Minister.

The court always valued scholars more than soldiers. My family wasn't as influential as the Kennedys, but we were respectable enough.

The promise made in words turned into reality. Winston had no choice but to marry me.

After the wedding, Winston was icy and distant. In public, he put on a show of marital harmony, but when we were alone, he wouldn't even come near me.

We'd been married for a whole year, and we still hadn't slept together.

I started to think that maybe Winston just couldn't perform.

But Winston ended up losing his memory.

And out of everyone, I was the one he forgot.

I learned two weeks ago that Winston couldn't remember our marriage.

He was injured on the battlefield, and somehow, he remembered everything except me.

He made his triumphant return last night, finally arriving in Crownburg.

He was resting in the master bedroom, but I hadn't gotten around to seeing him yet.

I was purposely keeping my distance from him. My thoughts were all over the place.

My maid, Daisy Richards, rushed in and leaned close to whisper urgently, "Miss, Lord Winston said he wanted to set you aside."

The embroidered sachet I'd just finished sewing for Winston slipped from my hand and fell to the floor with a soft thud.

Daisy was born and raised in our household, growing up right alongside me.

She bent down to pick it up, her voice full of sympathy. "Don't be upset, miss. The Kennedy family is rich. They won't send you away with nothing. When the time comes, we'll just go back home and open a little tavern. We'll get by just fine."

Daisy was getting more and more worked up, looking like she was about to start packing our things right then and there.

I patted Daisy's hand and stood up, keeping my cool. "Let's not jump to conclusions before anything's settled. Where's Lord Kennedy? I'll go check on him myself."

I quietly placed the sachet I'd just finished sewing into a box, wiped all emotion from my eyes, and put on a perfect, unbreakable smile.

Just as I was about to step out, someone suddenly appeared in front of me, blocking my path.

Daisy was about to scream, but with one swift move, he knocked her out cold.

He was dressed in white, a pendant hanging from his waist, his aura calm and unshakable.

As soon as I saw that pendant, I recognized it. It was the one I'd given him.

It was Harrison, the man I was supposed to marry.

Harrison said, "Paulina, don't worry. Daisy will just be out for a little while."

I nodded, quietly taking two steps back to put some distance between us.

Harrison didn't notice my little move. His face was flushed as he looked at me, hesitating for a long moment before finally speaking. "Paulina, I'm still... a virgin.

"I heard what happened to you. He doesn't remember you anymore. Maybe this is fate giving us another shot. Would you be willing to—"

I cut him off. "Harrison, watch your words."

Harrison's smile faded bit by bit, replaced by a look of disappointment.

I offered a polite nod. "Since you're visiting as a guest, the Kennedy family welcomes you. Winston is waiting for me in the main room, so I must take my leave."

I didn't bother with the disappointment in his eyes. Just as I reached the bedroom door, I heard Winston say, "Mom, Dad, how could I have ended up marrying such a dull woman? Are you kidding me?"

I stopped in my tracks. Winston's tone inside was bold and unrestrained—nothing like I'd ever heard from him before.

He was usually so quiet and distant with me, hardly ever speaking at all.

Honestly, I couldn't remember him ever saying this much. Guess he really hated me.

"I don't care what you say, I'm not staying with her. Gianni, bring me a pen and paper. I'm writing a letter of repudiation."

Gianni Curry was Winston's attendant. Back when Nova tried to catch us red-handed, he blocked the door and almost got beaten half to death for it.

Gianni was just doing his duty for Winston, but I never forgot his kindness.