Chapter 1

Simon Lynch lost his memory after the car crash. He remembered only my name.

He would throw tantrums like a child for no reason, demanding I do this and that for him.

Yet he clung to me alone, following me everywhere, claiming I was the only person he knew in the entire world.

I poured every ounce of my energy into him.

I gave up promotions, rejected overseas transfers, and nearly sold my pre-marital apartment to fund his treatment.

Until I discovered the memo on his phone: [Day 156. Objective: Make her sell the marital home. Countdown to eloping with Winnie: 4 days.]

I read it again and again in disbelief.

When I found the flight tickets to Oceana for him and Winnie Scott, my heart constricted in agony.

I crouched on the floor, covering my mouth, trembling uncontrollably.

So all my love had merely been paving the way for their future.

After a long while, my eyes red-rimmed, I summoned the System, "In three days, I request a target swap."

*****

"Nancy," came Simon's voice from the doorway, accompanied by the sound of keys turning in the lock.

I quickly exited the memo, slipped his phone back into his coat pocket, all in one swift move.

My legs were numb from crouching, so I braced myself against the closet to stand up. Just as I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes, the bedroom door swung open.

Simon stood in the doorway. The moment he saw me, his eyes softened. "What's wrong? Your eyes are all red."

I looked up at him.

His face looked so phony now, but I'd truly loved him for years, watching him with my whole heart.

For him, I turned down overseas assignments, passed up promotion opportunities, and almost listed the house my mom left me with a realtor.

And now he stood right in front of me, his expression gentle and perfectly composed, just as considerate as he always was.

I forced a smile. "I just finished watching a drama. The ending was so touching that I couldn't hold back."

"Silly girl." Simon pulled me into his arms, resting his chin on my head and kissing the top of it. "It's just a show. Did it really get to you that much?

"There, there. Don't cry. I'll cook for you tonight. Your favorite cheesy scrambled eggs."

I instinctively stepped back, putting some distance between us.

His hand hung awkwardly in the air, and he stood there, looking a bit thrown. "What's wrong?"

I realized my reaction was a bit much, but I forced myself to look calm. "Simon, do you remember Winnie?"

His gentle smile faltered for a second. A flicker of guilt flashed in his eyes, but it was gone in an instant, and he was back to his usual self.

"Winnie Scott?" Simon turned his head, looking genuinely puzzled. "Who's that?"

I said, "Your first love. Don't you remember? You two were together for two years."

He frowned, as if trying to dig up the memory, then shook his head. "Nope, nothing."

"You two were really close back then. You honestly don't remember a thing?"

Simon walked over and rested his hands on my shoulders, his voice carrying a hint of helplessness. "Nancy, I've told you. After the accident, most things vanished from my mind. Right now, you're the only one I remember. Isn't that enough?"

At his words, I smiled, understanding dawning on me.

With an answer that vague, he was definitely hiding something.

I said, "It's nothing, really. It popped into my head, so I asked."

Simon let out a sigh of relief and reached out to ruffle my hair. "Don't overthink it. You're the only one I love."

I said, "Do you have any plans for the weekend? I bought us tickets. I want to take you back to my hometown to visit the family grave and meet my parents."

He hesitated for a few seconds. "Weekend? I made plans with a friend. He said he wants to take me out for a walk, help me remember things."

"When did you make the plans?"

"Just a few days ago."

"Well, go ahead then. Getting your memory back is what matters most."

Simon clearly didn't expect me to be so easygoing. "You're not mad?"

"Of course not. You should have your own social circle. Besides, getting out and about will help with your memory recovery. That's what matters most."

Simon pulled my hand into his palm, his thumb gently tracing the back of it. "Nancy, you're so good to me. Once my memories come back, I'll make you my wife."

He looked at me with such sincerity, like he truly believed what he was saying.