Chapter 2
"I'll only love you."
Some noise outside stirred me from sleep. "Is Miles back?"
Bella avoided my gaze. "He... went to see Miss Holmes."
She hesitated before continuing, "Mrs. Evans, the wedding date between Mr. Evans and Miss Holmes... it's been set."
She quickly grasped my hands. "Please don't be heartbroken. He's just lost his memory. He'll come around when he remembers.
"Didn't you find that miracle drug?
"Surely he'll regain his memories soon."
Her well-meant words only made my heart ache more.
Before I knew it, we were both crying.
Indeed, before overhearing that conversation in the study, hadn't I thought the same?
He simply didn't remember me and our years together, the promises we'd made.
That's why he'd become so captivated by Delilah and was rushing to marry her.
That's why I'd ignored all warnings and traveled through the mountains alone, searching for that miracle drug.
Before leaving, I'd asked him to wait for my return before making any wedding plans with Delilah.
He'd agreed without hesitation.
Yet it had all been a lie.
"When's the wedding?" I asked Bella.
"The sixth of next month."
So they had barely half a month left.
No wonder everyone was congratulating him.
I wiped my tears. "Bella, could you make me some noodles?"
She agreed immediately.
The moment she left, the bedroom fell into deep silence.
Watching the snow falling outside, I sent a text to my friend: [I'm leaving in two weeks. Please come get me.]
The next day, Miles appeared arm-in-arm with Delilah.
The moment she saw me, she lifted her chin haughtily.
Faint red marks were visible along her slender neck.
"Well, if it isn't the little 'foundling'," she sneered. "What have you picked up this time?"
Ever since I'd stayed with the Evans family, they'd mocked me as the "foundling," the girl who'd somehow "picked up" Miles while out shopping.
Miles simply gazed at Delilah with indulgence.
"You and your jokes," he said fondly.
Delilah clung tightly to his arm as if trying to merge with him.
"Oh, fine, I'm in a good mood today, so I'll spare you.
"Listen carefully, I've got some news for you."
Delilah shot me a disdainful look before making two announcements with an air of solemnity.
First, she claimed that since I'd "helped" Miles, I was permitted to stay by his side as his secret mistress, hidden from the world.
Second, given how many years I'd spent with the Evans family and my familiarity with their affairs, I was to be put in complete charge of organizing their wedding.
After laying down her terms, Delilah looked down at me with triumphant contempt. "Do I make myself clear?"
I nodded quietly. "Perfectly clear."
Seemingly satisfied with my compliance, she finally led Miles away.
The moment they were gone, Bella rushed to my side, tears streaming down her face. "Mrs. Evans, why did you agree?
"You're his rightful wife.
"What gives that woman the right to relegate you to some hidden mistress?
"And making you plan their wedding... She's doing this to humiliate you."
Her voice trembled with indignation. "He drank the miracle drug soup, didn't he? Why hasn't he remembered yet?"
Her question brought a bitter ache to my heart.
It wasn't that he hadn't remembered. He simply refused to acknowledge it.
"Mrs. Evans," Bella worried aloud, "if you really become his... secret... how will you ever leave this house?"
I offered her a soft, knowing smile.
It didn't matter if I couldn't go out.
I had no intention of staying.
In a way, I had Delilah to thank. She had finally made me see Miles for who he truly was.