Two months had passed since the operation, but Ashley's attackers were still at large. Despite her transfer to a private room, the cardiac monitor and oxygen remained, a constant reminder of her fragile state. She hadn't regained consciousness, and there were no signs of movement—until now.

A woman stood beside Ashley's bed, tilting her head as she gazed at the unconscious figure. Reaching out, she gently brushed her fingers across Ashley's face. "Wake up now, sleepyhead," she murmured, leaning down to place a tender kiss on her forehead.

As if responding to the touch, Ashley's fingers twitched. The woman froze, her eyes darting to Ashley's hand before snapping back to her face.

A soft groan escaped from beneath the oxygen mask as Ashley's eyelids fluttered. Slowly, she stirred, her brows furrowing as her eyes blinked open, adjusting to the harsh light.

"You're awake," the woman said with a soft smile, her hand cradling Ashley's cheek.

Ashley blinked several times, her vision still blurry, her throat dry. "Who..." She paused, wincing at the hoarseness of her voice. "Who are you?"

"It's me, Vika," the woman said warmly, her smile widening.

Ashley frowned, blinking again as her mind struggled to process. "Vika? I-is that really you?" she croaked.

"Yes, sweetie," Vika replied, stroking Ashley's face affectionately.

Ashley groaned, her face scrunching in confusion. "Why... why are you calling me sweetie?" she asked, her voice cracking as her gaze darted around the room. "W-where am I?"

Vika chuckled softly. "Of course I'd call you sweetie—we're engaged," she said matter-of-factly, lifting her hand to show off an engagement ring.

Ashley's frown deepened, her expression a mixture of disbelief and amusement. She coughed weakly, her body trembling with the effort. "I'm... engaged? To... you?"

Before Vika could respond, the door swung open, revealing Alysse, her expression a mix of shock and relief.

"You're here just in time, Aly," Vika said, stepping aside with a triumphant smirk. "Ashley's awake."

"What?" Alysse's eyes widened as she rushed to the bedside. "Ash!" she exclaimed, tears brimming as she leaned over her sister. "You're really awake!"

"Aly," Ashley rasped, managing a faint smile. "W-why am I here? What's going on?"

Alysse sighed, brushing Ashley's hair back gently. "You were in an accident, Ash," she explained, her voice trembling. "You've been unconscious for two months." She smiled through her tears. "I can't tell you how relieved I am to see you awake."

Ashley blinked, the words sinking in slowly. "Two months?" she repeated, her tone incredulous.

"Yes," Alysse said with a firm nod, pressing a button to call the doctor. "I should alert the medical team." She grabbed her phone, quickly typing out a message to Mia. "And Mia—she'll be thrilled to hear you're awake."

Ashley's gaze wandered around the room, a vague sense of unease settling over her. "Aly," she called softly, her voice hesitant.

"Yes, Ash?" Alysse replied, tilting her head toward her sister.

Ashley swallowed hard, her brow furrowing. "Am I... am I really engaged?" she asked cautiously.

Alysse chuckled, nodding as she squeezed Ashley's hand. "Yes, you are," she confirmed lightly.

Ashley shut her eyes, her chest tightening. I'm engaged? she thought, her mind spinning. To Vika? Something about it felt... off, like a piece of her was missing, or worse—like something was being kept from her.



Mia rushed to the hospital, her heart pounding as she arrived outside Ashley's room. She wasn't alone—Nyx and Vera had dropped by her place for a visit and insisted on coming along. Halting in front of the door, Mia hesitated, glancing over her shoulder before gently pushing Nyx forward.

"What the—" Nyx stumbled slightly, looking at her in confusion.

"Can you go in first?" Mia asked, her voice flustered. "I... I don't know how I'll react when I see her. I might just break down and cry," she added with an awkward laugh.

Nyx chuckled, shaking her head as she let out a sigh. Vera, standing nearby, gently pulled Mia to her side.

"Alright, alright. I'll go first," Nyx said, opening the door. She stepped inside, followed closely by Vera and Mia, who peeked nervously over Nyx's shoulder.

"Oh-ho!" Nyx greeted cheerfully. "Look who's finally awake," she said, smiling at Ashley, who was propped up against a stack of pillows.

Ashley turned her head slowly toward the doorway, her weak chuckle filling the room. "Wow," she rasped, her voice hoarse but tinged with amusement. "Look who decided to visit."

"How are you feeling?" Nyx asked, stepping closer. Mia lingered behind her, still partially hidden.

Ashley shrugged lightly, her movements sluggish. "Fine, I guess? The doctor says I'm doing well—no complications." She paused, shutting her eyes briefly before chuckling. "Do you guys know the big news?"

"What news?" Nyx asked, tilting her head curiously as she glanced over her shoulder.

"That I'm engaged," Ashley said, laughing weakly. She shook her head in disbelief.

Mia stiffened, her hand instinctively clutching at her chest. She bit her lip, trying to stifle a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Oh?" Nyx laughed lightly. "Of course I know. I was there when it happened."

Ashley frowned, her expression turning puzzled. "Wait, you were there?" she asked, her brow furrowing. "How... how would you even be there? Do you know Vika?"

The name made Alysse and Mia freeze, Alysse's tumbler slipping from her hand and clattering loudly to the floor, startling everyone.

"God, I'm sorry!" Alysse said hastily, crouching to pick it up. Her wide eyes flicked between Mia and Ashley as she straightened. "But, Ash, who did you just say you're engaged to?" she asked cautiously.

"Uh... Vika?" Ashley replied, looking confused. "She told me earlier that we're engaged. Isn't that..." Her voice trailed off as her gaze shifted to the figures standing behind Nyx.

"Oh," Ashley said, smiling faintly when she noticed Vera. "I didn't realize you were here too, Vera."

Vera smiled back, giving a small wave as she gently nudged Mia forward, subtly stepping aside to reveal her.

Ashley's eyes landed on Mia, her head tilting slightly. "Oh... isn't she... Mia?" she asked, pointing at her.

Mia froze, her heart clenching at the recognition. I'm your fiancée, Ash. Not Vika! she wanted to shout, but the words stuck in her throat.

"Yes, that's Mia, and she's your—" Nyx began, but Ashley cut her off.

"What's a celebrity doing here with you guys?" Ashley asked, her brow knitting in confusion.

The room fell silent, the air thick with tension as everyone exchanged uneasy glances.

"What's with the looks?" Ashley asked, her voice tinged with annoyance.

Nyx hesitated, stepping closer. "Ash... do you know who Mia is?" she asked gently.

Ashley frowned, tilting her head. "I mean, of course, I know her. She's a celebrity. Everyone knows her."

Nyx's jaw tightened as she pressed on. "Other than that... do you remember who she is to you?"

Ashley shook her head slowly, her expression bewildered. "Should I? This is the first time I've seen her in person." She glanced at Mia, offering a soft smile. But something about the way she looked at Mia was different—detached, unfamiliar.

Nyx's throat tightened as she turned to Alysse. "Call the doctor," she said in a low voice, stepping back. "She might be experiencing... selective amnesia."

The words hit Mia like a blow to the chest. Amnesia? she thought, her vision blurring with unshed tears. She glanced at Ashley, their eyes meeting briefly. Ashley's smile was gentle, but the spark—the warmth Mia had always known—was gone.

Mia's heart shattered. She doesn't remember me... doesn't remember us. Could it really be true? Has she forgotten everything about us?

The thought was unbearable, and Mia felt the ache settle deep within her.