blurring through my tears. My mind was a chaotic storm of rediscove

ome. The smell of burnt steak still hung in the

with trinkets from my "past life" with Gavin-ticket stubs from cheap movies, a dri

on. CEO of

ned to frame Connor and ruin his company. It was a move by one of his rivals. I sent the evidence to him through an encrypte

ay. If you ever need anything, an

nto from a life I didn't remember I

ut my phone and dialed the number. My hear

rofessional, answered on

on?" I asked, my voi

pause. "Wh

ut. "A long time ago, I helped you. With a... f

ent. Then, his voice came back

es

ou? Are you

d answer, the apartm

walk

ve suit, but he' d loosened his tie. He

he called out, his voice

the call, my blo

one in my hand. His eyes narrowed wit

job," I lied, my voice shaking. "

through the recent calls, his expression unreadable. My heart h

we've talked about this. It's not safe in this nei

ng my skin crawl. "I worry about you. All alo

e on it. I wanted to scream, to claw at

needed to be smart. I needed to play

keningly familiar gesture. "I'm

oved my dependence. He thrived on it. "I know, baby. I

ds were

he purest form of love, but now felt like a brand. "I'

stomach churning

is voice taking on a hard edg

he man I thought I knew. There was nothing. Only a chi

he relaxed, putting on a confused express

named Gavin Hawkins." I watched hi

le look alike? I wish I was a billionaire. Then I wouldn't have to

od at this.

, his back to me. "Come on, let's ea

shuffle he usually adopted when he came home. It was all an act. Ev

hard of glass from a broken bottle caught him during a back-alley brawl. I had cleane

ance. All designed to make me feel pity, to make me

, the fake memories, the feelings I'd had for three years

ounter where he'd left it

our engagement party tomorrow nig

om, saw me looking at the pho

ts me to come in for some extra training tomorrow. I'm sor

id, my voice flat

elieved. "Th

ke ice on my lips. The moment the door closed, I was on my fe

waitstaff for a big event that night. A charity auction. Th

the city. The place was dripping with wealth. Chandeliers hung from the

ncing a tray of appetizer

en I s

He had his arm around her, laughing with a group o

that sparkled under the lights. She leaned int

so happy.

h me. With me, he was always

men nearby we

love with he

the Ocean' tonight," another whispered. "T

" the first woman sighed.

ake toward Gavin's mouth. He took a

said, loud enough for t

tion he never showed me. He leaned in and kissed her, a lo

attered to

o look at the sou

g second, Gavin

yance. He turned back to Heidi, dismiss