him.
He imagined the moment she would see their old photos and recall the beautiful memories they had shared. Surely, she would fall in love with him all over again.
But then doubt crept in–what if Ember still hadn’t forgiven him? What would he do then?
Atlas immediately dismissed the thought.
No, Ember would forgive him. She had loved him deeply once, after all.
The café door swung open, and Ember stepped inside
“Ember, over here!” The moment she entered, Atlas‘ eager voice called out to her.
His face lit up with uncontainable joy upon seeing her He quickly stood, approached her, and pulled out a chair for her before returning to his seat.
“Hello.” Out of politeness, Ember greeted him first. “You must be Mr. Ferguson?
Her polite yet distant demeanor struck a chord, and Atlas‘ expression faltered slightly.
“Ember, are you still upset with me?” he asked while reaching out to hold the hand she had rested on
the table.
“I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t have been so biased toward Kaylee or so impatient with you…”
Uncomfortable with this, Ember withdrew her hand. “I’m sorry, Mr. Ferguson, but…
“I’ve lost a part of my memory. To be honest, I don’t remember who you are at all.”
Atlas stared at her, stunned, as if her words were incomprehensible.
She continued calmly, “I assume you know me. Could you tell me how we met and what happened between us?”
Atlas was stunned, and his thoughts were scattered. He hadn’t anticipated that Ember would completely forget him.
He let out a bitter smile, unsure whether to feel sad or relieved.
He was sad that she no longer remembered the years they had spent together. Yet, he was relieved that she had also forgotten his mistakes and the pain he had caused her.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 18
He carefully laid out the printed photos in front of Ember, one by one. “Ember, look here.
“We’re engaged. We were supposed to be married by now.
“Your parents… They died saving my parents. My family took you in after that, and then we were engaged.
“If things had gone according to plan, we should already be married.”
Was that it? Ember then studied the photos thoughtfully.
So, he was the son of the couple her parents had saved
But something felt off.
“Why didn’t your parents come?” Ember asked.
“I mean, I’m their benefactor’s daughter. Why haven they shown any concern for me or my whereabouts?”
Atlas‘ face stiffened visibly at her question.
When the Fergusons learned of Ember’s disappearance, their first reaction wasn’t worry–it was relief.
“We’re finally rid of that burden!” Those were Alana’s exact words.
People like them would never care about Ember’s well–being. If anything, they were likely hoping she would never return.
Ember observed the change in Atlas‘ expression and gleaned the truth.
“I see. It seems my relationship with your parents wasn’t very good…”
Atlas turned his head away. His discomfort was evident. “I’m sorry… They’re just a bunch of profit- driven people.”
With that question resolved, Ember lowered her gaze and continued examining the photos.
“And who is this?” she asked, pointing to a face partially visible in one of the pictures.
“She seems very close to you.”
Looking at the proximity between the two in the photo, Ember couldn’t help frowning.
“She doesn’t seem to be your sister. If I really was your fiancée, why would there be another woman like this in your life?”
Her frown deepened as she studied the image further. “And besides, I don’t look very happy in this photo.”
Atlas was at a loss for words. He had almost forgotten how perceptive Ember had always been.
“She… She’s Kaylee. She’s your cousin,” Atlas stammered, struggling to explain.
His tone grew more flustered as he added, “There’s really nothing between us. I was just tricked by her before, which is why I cared so much about her!
Chapter 1
+25 BONUS
“Ember, we really loved each other,” Atlas insisted while pointing at the photos again In desperation.
“Look, this was the time we went to the amusement park. You said you wanted to visit the haunted house, so I went with you to every single one. You were so scared you clung to me the whole time…”
He rambled on about their shared past, as if trying to find some flicker of recognition–or even emotion -in her eyes.
But there was none.
“I’m sorry,” Ember said, shaking her head, “I know this may sound hurtful, but I can’t lie.
“Mr. Ferguson, nothing you’ve said stirs any feelings in me…”
She gave him an apologetic look. “It’s like I’m listening to someone else’s story.”
