Chapter 1

The day before I was supposed to get engaged to Lucas Miller, he disappeared without a trace.

The police found his blood-stained clothes on the shore.

Everyone told me to try to move on.

I didn't shed a tear or cause a fuss. Instead, I got married to his best friend.

Five years later, I ran into Lucas in a bridal shop.

He was there with a woman I didn't recognize, helping her pick out a wedding dress.

His friends quickly explained, "Lucas was kidnapped back then. He barely made it out alive and lost his memory. Don't hold it against him."

Lucas looked me over and scoffed, "So, you're the ex I was supposed to be with? Not quite as impressive as I imagined. But since you've been pining for me all these years, I'll do you a favor and marry you."

Before I could say anything, my three-year-old daughter, Nora Foster, stepped in front of me and declared, "Don't you dare pick on my mommy, or I'll have my daddy come and teach you a lesson."

Lucas frowned at my daughter.

One of his friends, looking puzzled, asked, "Rachel, who's this kid?"

I couldn't blame them for making assumptions. Back then, I was determined to marry only Lucas.

My stubborn devotion left both our families and friends at a loss.

After Lucas vanished, everyone worried I might break down, so they kept trying to reassure me both openly and behind the scenes.

I had no interest in wasting words on Lucas's gang of hangers-on, so I shot back, "You've got the wrong woman. I'm not your ex."

Then I added, "By the way, this is my daughter. My own flesh and blood."

Not giving anyone a chance to respond, I scooped up Nora and headed for the exit. The clerk called out after me, "Miss, your wedding dress is ready."

Without even glancing back, I said, "Toss it. I'll send the remainder to your account."

Lucas couldn't help himself and blocked my way before I could walk out.

Lucas sneered, "Rachel Jones, huh? My friends told me about a freak accident before the engagement, the memory loss, and the rest of it. I don't remember you, but I'll keep my word. No need to involve a kid to play games with me."

Lucas acted innocent, but that smug look in his eyes gave him away.

He was so sure of himself that I'd been hopelessly in love with him, so there was no way I could've married someone else and had a child while he was gone. To him, that was impossible.

Then Lucas shifted his gaze to the little girl in my arms and asked, "Kiddo, why don't you tell me who your mommy is?"

Nora replied softly but seriously, "She's my mommy. Her name is Rachel Jones."

Lucas kept on smiling and said gently, "Sweetheart, it's not good to tell fibs."

Seeing Lucas wouldn't let it go, I snapped, "Sir, you've got the wrong woman. Keep pestering me and I'll call the police for harassment."

Lucas rubbed his nose, looking embarrassed, and stepped aside to let us pass.

Once we were out of sight, one of his friends clapped Lucas on the shoulder and said, "I think you messed up this time. Rachel looks pissed off."

Lucas shrugged, looking unfazed. Then he said, "We grew up together. There's nothing about her I don't know. She'll only stay mad for a few days at most.

"I'll mess around for another month, announce my memory is back, and she'll break down in happy tears and throw herself at me."

Back at the villa, I carried Nora inside. My husband, Adam Foster, was in the kitchen, cooking up a storm.

As soon as Nora heard Adam's voice, her face lit up, and she ran straight into his arms.