Chapter 6
FLORENCE’S POV
I felt my breath catch.
#26 BONUS!
Chris knew all along. Nobody in the fashion industry knew Mason had a wife… but Chris did. And he knew it was me. Sad as it sounds, I was happy someone in this world actually remembered my existence.
But given Florence’s silence… It looked like she didn’t know
Had she been flirting with Mason thinking he was single this whole time?
An uncomfortable silence followed. I could feel Jade was stunned by the news because I was, too. How could Mason not have told her? Did he really care that little for my existence?
Then I heard Jade’s voice. Soft, hesitant. “I didn’t know that.” A pause. “Why are they acting, so distant with each other?”
I heard Chris sigh–frustrated, angry, maybe even tired.
“Just don’t tell anyone. For whatever reason, Mason doesnt want people to know. So… it’s not my business, and it’s not yours either.”
Back at the table, nothing had changed, with Blake still being a professional and Jade being… well, Jade. Charming, witty… occasionally mean.
“Blake, darling,” she said, her voice light and sweet, “you know I adore you,
right?”
Blake, already wary, set her glass down. “Should I be nervous?”
Jade let out a soft laugh. “No, no. Of course not. It’s just–well, don’t you think today’s shoot deserved a real photographer?”
Blake raised a brow. “Marty is one of the best in the industry.”
Jade pouted, tilting her head. “Is he? Because the lighting was all wrong and he clearly cannot direct a professional like me. And don’t get me started on the angles. A to–be world–famous model should be shot by a world–famous photographer, don’t you think?”
Blake sighed, already exasperated. “Who exactly did you have in mind?”
Jade shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Oh, I don’t know… maybe Chris?” She pointed at Chris with her wine glass. “The man is practically a legend now. Imagine how much more iconic the campaign would be if he were behind the camera.”
I could practically hear Blake grinding her teeth.
“Chris is… difficult to book,” Blake said care “And also not part of this campaign.”
Jade sighed dramatically. “What a tragedy. If only someone had planned ahead.”
Blake’s lips pursed as she swirled her wine in her glass.
“Well, what’s done is done,” she continued, sighing as if she were making the biggest sacrifice. “I just hope the edits can make up for it.”
Blake took a long, long sip of her wine.
$125 BONUS
Chanthy S
Jack leaned back, satisfied. And just like that, the conversation moved on, her little act of cruelty slipping under the radar. But I saw It. Jade hadn’t changed at all.
By the time dinner ended and the restaurant emptied out, only three of us remained–Mason, Jade, and 1.
Jade stood a few feet away, adjusting the strap of her designer dress as she caught my gaze. She smiled and stepped closer.
“I wanted to talk to you,” she said, voice warm, almost… too warin.
I tensed.
“I’m sorry,” she continued, reaching out to take my hands in hers. “For earlier. I–I’ve lost a lot of memories, but Mason told me that we were best friends, right?”
I blinked. Best friends?
Jade had never held my hands like this. Had never looked at me with such fondness, such kindness.
She had never called me her best friend, even as kids. I was always just there–the girl who helped her zip up her
prom
dress and covered for her when she missed curfews.
And now, eight years and a fake death later… here we are.
Why now?
She let go of my hands just as suddenly and turned to Mason, casually grabbing his shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“Mason told me everything about our school days,” she said lightly before smiling at me like a well–meaning acquaintance. “And of course… congratulations on your marriage.”
15
I felt Mason stiffen beside her. A flicker of something crossed his face–something uneasy.
“We thought you were dead.” It sounded like an apology. An apology for marrying me. An apology for not waiting to check if Jade was really dead before he got stuck with me.
Jade nodded slowly, but I noticed the slight flicker in her expression.
She knew something.
I refused to let this moment slip past me.
“What happened, Jade?” I demanded. “Tell me the truth. What happened the night of the accident? How are your here right now?”
The warmth drained from her face. Her hands trembled. For the first time that evening, she avoided my gaze.
“L… I don’t know,” she whispered, shaking her head slightly. “I remember nothing. All I know is… or all Mason told me is… we were on a cliff together.”
“That is the last time I saw you,” I confirmed to her.
“Yes, well. I have no idea how I fell. I mean… someone must have pushed me, right?”
Pushed?
My blood turned to ice.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 6
“We were best friends,” she murmured. “I know you would never do that to me.”
A rush of nausea twisted in my stomach. What was she implying? What the hell is she thinking?
“Jade, don’t you remember the noise-”
Before I could finish, Jade let out a sharp gasp. She clutched her head, and her knees buckled under her as she screamed, “My head–It hurts to remember! I can’t
She shook as tears spilled from her eyes, her breathing turning ragged and shallow. Mason helped her up gently and leaned her on him for support.
“Come on, let’s get you out of here.”
And just like that, my husband scooped her up in his arms and carried her away without sparing me a second glance.
The restaurant doors swung shut behind them as if signaling to me I shouldn’t follow.
I stood there, dazed. This woman–did she actually lose her memory? Did it really hurt that much to recall? I didn’t want to be insensitive, but I thought I was the only one who had repressed those memories.
My head felt heavy like something was pressing against my skull, tightening its grip. I pressed a hand against my temple, my fingers digging into my skin. Something wasn’t right. I tried to think–tried to remember any new detail from that night.
The darkness.
The fall.
The fear.
The sound of something snapping-
Jade’s scream.
My vision blurred. The pain in my head grew unbearable.
I reached out, but the world tilted–and I felt myself falling
A strong pair of arms caught me.
Raiden.
“Florence?” His voice was sharp, concerned.
I barely registered his touch, my breaths coming in quick, shallow gasps.
“I can’t…” I swallowed hard, my mouth dry and my voice barely above a whisper. “I can’t remember.” Raiden’s grip on me tightened. “Breathe. I’ve got you.
I closed my eyes, feeling myself collapse into his warmth.
And then, just as quickly, I was yanked away.
Mason.
His hand gripped my arm, his fingers digging into my wrist His face was unreadable, his expression dark, stormy. “Florence,” he said coldly. “I need the truth.”
Chapter 6
“About what?” I asked, still a little dazed.
“Hey man, she’s not feeling well, give her a second,” Raiden stepped in.
“Hey man, I don’t really care,” Mason mocked. “I need to speak to her.”
“It’s fine,” I put my hand on Raiden’s shoulder. “I’m okay. Mason, what do you mean?”
“I mean it’s been eight years. I think we all deserve the truth.”
“I agree. What truth are you asking of me?” I asked.
“Did you try to kill Jade eight years ago?”
Today’s Bonus Offer
+25 DONUS
