Chapter 2 The Contract

"How is that possible!" Katherine gasped, her voice barely louder than a whisper, yet laced with disbelief. Her heart gave a startled jolt, a flutter of fear and confusion. She stared at him, eyes wide, searching for any trace of a lie. But her mind spun, her thoughts tangled in doubt. Every fiber of her being rejected his words. It was too unreal, too twisted to accept. It simply couldn't be true.

Damon caught the unsteady flash in her eyes, the subtle widening, the hesitation in her breath. Fear. Doubt. It lingered in her gaze like a shadow. She doesn't believe me, he thought, watching her closely. It didn't surprise him. In fact, he had expected it. The truth he'd just revealed was too heavy, too unreal. Still, a part of him had hoped she'd trust him. Now, he could see the walls building behind her silence.

Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone, his fingers moving with urgency. The screen lit up as he tapped into his gallery, swiping quickly through a stream of memories. Then he paused, eyes fixed on one photo, clear and undeniable.He turned the screen toward her, the image speaking the words he couldn't yet bring himself to say. The two of them were so close and intimate with each other.The video showed clearly their happiness.

Katherine stared at the picture, eyes wide with awe. How could it be-it was her and him, captured in a moment she couldn't really remember but somehow she couldn't feel. Her gaze slowly dropped to her neck, fingertips brushing the delicate pendant resting there. Her breath hitched. The initials engraved on it matched those in the photo... and the one he wore around his neck. A chill ran through her. This was no coincidence. He was indeed her fiancé.

His gaze Locked on her as if trying to read her soul. "There's something else you need to know!"

He didn't speak right away, he just watched her, eyes tracing the subtle tremble of her lips, the way she held on tightly to the sheets in her lap. He was very aware a single word could shatter her for she looked fragile Still, it had to be said. After a long breath, and with quiet resolve, he finally let the truth slip past his lips- the one that could change everything.

"We are getting married in five days! All preparations had been made before you had an accident." He said.

Katherine sat still, her thoughts swirling like a storm. She was lost in thoughts, everything was happening too fast, she really couldn't assimilate all. Just minutes ago, she had woken up in an unfamiliar place, her memories wiped clean like a blank slate and now she was going to walk down the aisle. Impossible, Was she playing a part in someone else's life? How had it all come to this so quickly?

"Hmm, Damon! Can't we push the wedding a bit forward? Everything seems to be happening too fast." She spoke softly, her voice laced with quiet urgency, eyes searching for a flicker of understanding. Every word carried a silent plea, unspoken but clear. She asked, hoping-praying-he would yield to her request, that he'd hear the desperation hidden beneath her calm and give her the answer her heart longed for.

"We can't! The whole world already knows about it! And a multimillionaire like me cannot back down on my words. This can affect my image and the company." He spoke with a steady, unwavering tone, his gaze fixed ahead, refusing to meet hers. The words came out firm, leaving no room for argument or doubt. Though he didn't look at her, the finality in his voice made her heart sink. it was clear he had made up his mind.

Katherine sat in silence, emotions like a turbulent flow,flowing within her. Part of her heart ached, disappointed that he had ignored her desperate plea and her words seemingly tossed aside like autumn leaves in the wind. Yet, oddly enough, another part of her sprang with anticipation. It was weird, even to her, but the thought of marrying a stranger, she really couldn't phantom but a strange kind of excitement filled in her chest. It felt reckless like stepping off a cliff and hoping to fly. She couldn't understand why, but in the midst of confusion, there was a spark of something that almost felt like hope,and anticipation, a part of her that wanted to trust him.

"If you would agree to one condition, I will agree to it." she said firmly, meeting his gaze with full confidence. "You have to draft out a contract. We stayed married legally for just one year. That gives us time, space, and clarity. By the end of the year, if I can't recall who you are we have to go our separate ways. But"-she paused, her voice slow, steady and soft-"if I remember... if everything you've said turns out to be real, and this connection between us is true, then we stay together.

steadying herself as she spoke, her hands curled underneath the sheet. "It's the only way I can do this, with boundaries, and a chance to find the truth on my own terms. Also to eliminate my suspicion and doubt" She thought to herself.

With both resignation and resolve, his voice broke through the thick tension in the room as he sighed his voice low after what seemed like an eternity.

"I will draft the contract! If that is what would help to put your mind at ease, then I will!"

He had to accept. This was his fate. He quickly turned around,not sparing her a glance,his steps displaying the heaviness in his heart.He left the room.

Left alone, she sat frozen, the echo of his deep voice lingering in her mind, tangled with emotions she couldn't yet name. He was willing to give her boundaries, but it cost him more than he let on.

I'm sorry Damon but this is the only way I can protect myself.