Chapter 3

Three years ago, the Hewitt Group's real estate project on the south shore of Riverhaven stalled.

Over two thousand households relocated smoothly, and the project, a blend of a shopping complex, modern residences, and a tech park, was set to launch quickly.

But an old villa, covered in ivy from base to roof, stood stubbornly in the way at the key location.

It was the only keepsake my parents left me.

They died in a plane crash years before, their bodies never found, their assets carved up by shareholders under clever pretenses.

The house, neglected for years, only came back to me when I turned eighteen, its floors littered with the bodies of stray cats and dogs.

Some kittens and pups still wandered in and out, dragging in random scraps.

I spent ages cleaning it up, but the outdated fittings made it unlivable, so I left it to the strays and returned occasionally to tidy.

That was when the Hewitt Group showed up with a contract, coldly discussing prices, their bulldozers already parked outside.

The courtyard walls had long collapsed. To them, it was just a crumbling hazard.

I refused.

That refusal made me and Liam sworn enemies. His people came in waves, polite at first, then threatening.

I was already with Cayden by then, and he always looked helpless when the topic came up.

"Julia, you know my family still doesn't accept us. I'm not even a nominal shareholder in the Hewitt Group. It's my uncle's company, and now Liam runs it."

I knew he resented his uncle, Gordon Hewitt, for sidelining him, a nephew given no role or influence.

How could he beg on my behalf?

So I clashed with Liam head-on, smashing his car once, splashing paint on his lackeys.

The past six months had been quieter.

Cayden claimed he pleaded with his uncle multiple times, finally convincing him to pause the project.

Not long ago, he reassured me. "Once we're married in a year or so, my uncle will respect our bond and leave your house alone."

Why a year or so? He said he wanted to build his career first.

"Liam can't handle the entire Hewitt Group alone forever. He'll need my help eventually."

Now I understood.

It wasn't about career or marriage. He just wasn't ready to let go of Vivian.

After graduation, Vivian warmly invited me to move into her small apartment.

The two-bedroom place was a foothold her parents bought her in Riverhaven.

I once saw it as a cozy home and Vivian as my only family in the world.

Now, I fought back the ache in my chest and forced myself to think clearly.

When did they get together?

Liam had said "home" so naturally that I couldn't find words to argue.

I also couldn't face returning to Vivian's place with a clear mind.

I feared I'd break down in that familiar space.

"We're here." Liam's cool voice snapped me out of my tangled thoughts.

He got out and opened my door.

His words were aimed at the two in the back. "My fiancée isn't feeling well, so we won't keep you. Get out and grab a cab across the street."

Cayden gave him a complicated look, then stepped out, pulling Vivian along.

Liam unbuckled my seatbelt and, without warning, lifted me out of the car.

The sudden weightlessness made me instinctively wrap my arms around his neck, letting out a startled cry. "Ah!"

"Liam! What... what are you doing holding her?" Cayden spun around, sounding more shocked than I was, his voice edged with anger.

The culprit only adjusted his grip, his hand steadying the hem of my skirt as he held me.

He smiled calmly. "Why so worked up? I'm just carrying my girlfriend."

A faint unease stirred in me, growing from deep within.

Liam strode forward confidently.

As he walked, he spoke in a voice only we could hear. "Is playing amnesiac fun?"