Chapter 6 The Day She Chose To Forget

That night, "Leonard Stone, hospitalized" shot to the top of the trending list.

While the public speculated wildly about what had happened to him, Leonard appeared himself.

From his hospital room, he recorded a short video.

"I'm sorry for taking up public resources," Leonard said with a faint smile. "Last night I gave in to a craving for coffee and ended up with a severe allergic reaction. I'm out of danger now, thanks to my girlfriend who never left my side."

He knew perfectly well that his illness had been caused by Sylvia, yet he still smiled and gave her the credit.

Grace had once believed Leonard favored her above all.

Only now did she understand what true favoritism looked like.

Then Leonard continued, "I have one more piece of good news to share.

I want to give Sylvia her rightful place as soon as possible. We're getting married."

It had only been one night since Grace had taken the third pill.

And yet she had to admit-she hadn't forgotten.

The moment Leonard announced his wedding, it felt as if something had struck her chest with brutal force.

Sylvia had been right.

For all she had sacrificed, all it took was a crook of Sylvia's finger to undo everything.

That afternoon, Leonard suddenly sent Grace a sapphire-blue gown.

"Grace, Sylvia hopes you'll stand as her bridesmaid at our wedding," he said over the phone.

"Try on the dress. If it doesn't fit, I'll have someone bring you another."

Grace was stunned.

Just as she was about to refuse, Sylvia's voice drifted through the receiver.

"Leonard, did she say yes? I don't care how-you have to make her agree. I can't shake the feeling that I owe her. If she doesn't come to bless us in person, I won't be able to enjoy this wedding. I'll feel like we'll never be happy."

Leonard's voice softened, "Alright, alright, I hear you. Don't worry-if I have to drag her here in chains, she'll be your bridesmaid."

Then, turning back to Grace, he added, "That's enough. The wedding is in five days. You will be there. This isn't up for discussion."

With that, he ended the call.

Grace let out a hollow laugh.

The pills would take full effect in five days-on the very day of their wedding.

In the days that followed, Grace heard endless news about Leonard.

Rumor had it the wedding venue he chose for Sylvia was breathtaking, the kind people hadn't seen in years.

Her wedding gown was designed by Leonard himself, overseen at every stage of its private tailoring, and it had cost a fortune.

Her jewelry had been acquired at staggering prices, and the crown resting on her forehead was said to be a royal heirloom from Usciodal's monarchy-a true treasure beyond price.

On the fourth day, Leonard called to remind her to attend on time.

With deliberate care, Grace typed into her notes, "Be Leonard's bridesmaid."

On the fifth day, Leonard's car pulled up in front of her.

When Grace arrived at the wedding in her sapphire gown, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Look, that's-Grace!"

"She really came? All dressed up too. Don't tell me she's here to steal the groom?"

"Don't be ridiculous. Leonard and Sylvia grew up together, childhood sweethearts-a golden boy and a society heiress. And Grace? What does she count for?"

"Shameless, absolutely shameless... hahaha!"

The mockery was relentless, but Grace acted as if she heard nothing.

She held her head high, meeting every sneer with quiet composure.

When Sylvia glanced over, her eyes flickered with an unspoken envy, tinged with unwillingness.

"Grace, thank you for coming," said Leonard.

Grace smiled faintly. "Congratulations, Mr. Stone."

"Oh, and I have a little surprise for you," she added.

With that, Grace pressed a small gift box into Leonard's palm.

When she looked up, the giant screen was flashing images of Leonard and Sylvia-moments strung together from childhood to now.

The way Grace watched so intently made Leonard uneasy.

He moved toward her, about to offer some kind of explanation, when Sylvia appeared.

"Leonard, the wedding is about to start," she said sweetly.

Leonard gave Grace one last look but said nothing. Taking Sylvia's hand, he led her onto the stage.

Amid thunderous cheers, they exchanged rings. No one noticed when Grace slipped quietly away.

Once she left the wedding, Henry escorted Grace to the hidden laboratory.

She lay back on the machine, eyes slowly closing as her memories began to blur into nothingness.

When she opened her eyes again, Henry's voice rang with excitement.

"Based on the neural scans, the subject's memory has been completely erased. The trial is a success!"

Grace lifted her head in confusion, only to be enveloped in Henry's relieved embrace.

"Grace, welcome back to the lab!"