I Faked Amnesia — My Fiancé Said We’re Strangers

On my first trip with my fianc, Ethan Parker, after we had confessed our feelings for each other, I was in a car accident.

When I woke up and saw him sitting anxiously by my hospital bed, a mischievous idea popped into my head. I deliberately put on a puzzled expression and asked,

Who are you?

Ethan froze in place.

I secretly smirked, remembering how flustered he had been when he confessed to me. Now that I was amnesiac, I wonderedwould he call himself my boyfriend, or go straight to calling himself my husband?

I almost couldnt hold back my laughter.

But what I heard next wiped the smile right off my face.

Im your fianc. But theres no real feeling between us.

As he spoke, he pulled out his phone. On the screen was a timid, delicate-looking girlsomeone he had been sponsoring through school.

This is the woman I love. You know how it is with arranged marriages in families like ourseach of us lives our own life.

Live our own lives?

If thats the case, theres no need for this wedding.

Without hesitation, I decided to call off the engagement.

But later who was it that couldnt let go and wouldnt walk away?

After the doctor confirmed that my accident could indeed cause memory loss, Ethan continued,

This trip, just the two of us, was so I could tell you the truth.

His eyes flickered.

But dont worryIll still marry you.

I almost couldnt contain my anger.

If you already have someone in your heart, why marry me at all?

I picked up my phone.

Tell me which number is my fathers. Ill call him right now and tell him Im not marrying you.

Wait!

Ethan grabbed my wrist sharply.

Our eyes met, and I caught a flash of panic in his gaze.

For a split second, hope flickered in my chestwas he just joking with me too?

But before that tiny spark could grow, I heard him say,

Can you not be so willful? If our two families end this engagement, do you know how much damage it will cause?

Youre the precious daughter of the Grant familyno one will blame you. But what about my love? Shes just a poor girl Ive been helping financially. If they find out about us, what will happen to her?

A bitter ache rose in my chest. I wanted to ask him

And me? What about me?

Am I supposed to be the sacrificial lamb for a business alliance?

He suddenly seemed to remember I was still a patient. His gaze dropped to my wrist, reddened where he had gripped it, and a trace of regret flashed in his eyes.

I know you cant stand even a grain of sand in your eye. Dont worryIll send her overseas soon, and youll never see her again.

Even after he left the room, I couldnt say a word.

All these years, I thought Ethan and I, childhood sweethearts, had always shared mutual feelings.

Turns out, it had only ever been one-sided. His heart had belonged to someone else all along.

Whats going on with you two?

Late at night, I heard muffled voices outside my door.

Didnt you just confess to Miss Grant? Why are you telling us now that Emily Ross is your girlfriend?

Ive been engaged to Sophia Grant since we were kids. Shes never been able to hide her feelings for meI should have confessed long ago Ethans cold voice drifted in.

But yesterday Emily told me she wanted to die.

Ethans tone suddenly grew urgent.

I didnt realize she depended on me so much.

Shes so insecure I should give her a love thats hers alone.

My toes had just touched the cold floor, and the chill shot straight to my heart.

And what about Miss Grant?

The voice on the other end of the line asked,

Im not two-timing her. I just want to stay with Emily Ross for a little while longerteach her to be independent, give her enough money to live comfortably, send her far away, and never see her again.

As for Sophia Grant, our engagement is already set in stone. Ill spend the rest of my life making it up to her.

My heart went completely cold.

I tilted my head back, refusing to shed a single tear for someone so unworthy.

Ethan Parker, if you know I cant stand even a grain of sand in my eye, why insist on testing my patience?

I unlocked my phone and sent a message to my father:

[Cancel my engagement with Ethan Parker.]

I sat there until morning, when my fathers anxious voice came through the phone.

Sweetheart, werent you and Ethan on vacation? I thought you two were about to settle downwhy do you suddenly want to call it off?

I was silent for a moment.

The truth was, I had figured it out overnight.

So what if ten-plus years of one-sided affection had come to nothing? A forced fruit is never sweetand I wont take a bite.

Casually, I said,

Because I dont like the voice he uses on his GPS. Were not compatible.

My father adored me. Upon hearing this, he only chuckled softly and said,

Perfect timingIve been thinking about expanding overseas anyway. Since youre not marrying him, Ill have the estate in Switzerland prepared for you tomorrow.

I didnt mention Emilys name. Shed struggled to make it out of a poor rural area; maybe she wasnt all bad at heart.

The next second, my phone buzzeda friend request had arrived.

It was from Emily.

Once I accepted, she didnt say muchjust sent a few photos.

The first was of her and Ethan squeezed into her tiny rental apartment, eating together.

The table was full of bland dishes.

But I rememberedEthan had always loved spicy food.

[He made every dish himself. I cant eat spicy food, so he compromised, even if it meant his own meals were tasteless. But as long as he saw me smile, he was happy.]

Her message followed right after.

My breath caught.

I didnt eat spicy food either, but every time my eyes watered from the heat, Ethan would simply rest his chin in his hand and tease me:

If you cant even handle this little bit of spice, how will you be the Parker familys daughter-in-law?

Back then, I thought it was a sweet kind of trouble. Now I realizedhe had been teaching me to adapt to a life where I would never be accommodated.

Hands trembling, I opened the second photo.

It showed a pair of matching couples watches. When one moved, the other would turn in sync, no matter the distance.

[This was the gift you always wanted for your eighteenth birthday. But because I said I liked it, he gave it to me instead.]

Suddenly I rememberedwhen I had once asked Ethan for that exact watch, hed playfully tapped my nose and said,

Eager to claim me already? I thought youd break off the engagement as soon as you turned eighteen.

I had been certain he would buy it for me, so Id pretended to sulk and never brought it up again.

But on my eighteenth birthday, hed given me a necklace made from gemstones collected from around the world.

That watch is everywhere. This necklace is much more meaningful.

At the time, I was too touched by the thought of him traveling the globe for me to think twice.

Now I understoodhe had gone out of his way to redirect my attention from the watch, just to keep me from finding out and blaming Emily.

Photo after photo scrolled past, and my heart grew colder and colder.

[Miss Grant, whats the point of holding on to someone who doesnt love you?]

When I didnt reply, Emily finally lost patience and sent a direct challenge.

I gave a short, cold laugh and replied calmly:

[Sorry, I lost my memory after the car accident. I dont know you, and I cant clearly recall my past with Ethan.]

[But when I woke up, he told me I had to marry him, and that hed soon send you far away.]

Emily was silent for a while before replying:

[Youre no match for me!]

I frowned in confusion.

Who ever considered her a rival?

The next second, the hospital room door was slammed open and Ethan strode in, his face dark with anger.

Didnt I say I would marry you? Why are you still making things difficult for Emily?

Before I could react, he yanked the IV needle out of my arm.

Emily tried to kill herselfshes in shock right now. I remember your blood type matches hers. You have to come with me to give her a transfusion!

I scowled.

What does her suicide attempt have to do with me?

He looked at me, his gaze complicated.

Sophia, you knew shes sensitive, yet you told her I was planning to send her away.

I already promised that after were married I wont see her again. Why did you have to provoke her now?

This started because of youyou need to take responsibility.

I swallowed my frustration and stared into his eyes, speaking slowly:

The doctor said I need to rest after the accident.

A cold smirk curved his lips, his chest rising and falling sharply.

So, in the end, you just want her to die right now? You cant even tolerate waiting a little longer?

His voice was low and frightening.

What is a human life worth to you?

I froze.

More than a decade of being childhood sweethearts, and it still wasnt enough for him to trust me now.

He ignored my struggle and dragged me up to the rooftop, shoving me into a helicopter that was about to take off.

My concussion hadnt fully healed, and the violent turbulence made my head spin.

As soon as we landed, Ethan pulled me roughly toward the hospital.

He forced me into a chair in the blood collection room. The chill of the alcohol swab brushed my arm, and I finally found my voice:

Ethan, are you insane?

The doctor beside us noticed something was off. After drawing a small amount of blood, he immediately stopped.

Sir, her current condition isnt suitable for further extraction.

He pointed to the two full bags already prepared.

This is enough for Ms. Ross, and new supplies are on the way.

Ethans gaze dropped to my pale face, his brows finally knitting together.

Suddenly, Emily let out a weak whimper from the hospital bed.

His eyes shifted instantly.

After a brief pause, his voice turned cold.

Continue. Shes the one in greater danger right now.

This is your mistakeyou should bear the consequences.

Seeing my lips turning faintly purple, he hesitated, then placed a hand on mine.

Just hold onitll be over soon.

His tone softened.

I just want you to remember this lessonyou shouldnt bully her.

I yanked my hand away in disappointment, shutting my eyes so I wouldnt have to look at him.

He sighed, pulled out his phone, and made a call.

The rare wild ginseng and the deer antler extract from tonights auctiontell the organizer Ill take them.

I drifted into unconsciousness.

When I awoke again, the room was empty except for a bowl of steaming ginseng broth by my bedside.

I pushed myself up on shaky legs, didnt spare it a glance, slipped on my shoes, and headed for the door.

As I passed a hospital room, a weak voice called out to me.

It was Emily.

I froze for a moment but didnt turn back.

Just as I was about to keep walking, a sharp, pained scream burst from behind me.

Ah! Its so hot!

Instinctively, I turned and saw Emily pouring a bowl of scalding ginseng broth over her own arm.

Sophia Grant!

Ethans voice rang out from the other end of the hallway.

He strode in quickly, grabbing me and pulling me into the room.

How much longer are you going to keep this up?

His eyes burned with fury. Cant you even leave a patient alone?

Watching him tend so carefully to Emilys burn made a wave of exhaustion wash over me.

I looked straight into Emilys eyes, my voice flat and calm.

Im not marrying Ethan. You can stop acting now.

Ethans movements froze. After a few seconds, he slowly stood up, a mocking smile on his lips.

The doctor said you only have temporary memory loss.

Leisurely, he pulled out a familiar notebook and tossed it in front of me.

When you remember how much you used to love me, you wont be saying stupid things like that.

My heart gave a painful twist.

It was the diary I had shyly given him the day he confessed to me, filled with more than ten years worth of my unspoken affection.

Now it had become a weapon to hurt me.

I bit my lip hard, but the tears still spilled over.

Ethan kept going.

If you were still the kind, gentle Sophia from before, Id treat you the same as alwaysrespect you, love you, protect you.

But now, over petty jealousy, you dont even care about someones life.

Selfish. Cruel. When did you become like this?

I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, unable to say a word.

Shes always been like this.

Shes always been a proud princessprincesses never bow their heads. Youre the one who failed her.

The firm, unyielding voice came from behind me.

The newcomer wore a Grant family security uniform, but his bearing carried an undeniable air of authority.

He stepped in front of me, shielding me in his arms.

Miss, Im sorry Im late.

I wiped my tears upward, forcing back the sobs, and told Ethan,

Sorryhow much I loved you? I dont remember anymore.

Without waiting for a response, I turned to leave. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a rare flicker of panic on Ethans face, as if he might come after me.

Ethan, I think my hand has blistered Emilys fragile voice rang out.

In the end, he didnt follow me.

As I stepped out of the room, I threw the diary into the trash without hesitation.

From that moment on, we had no more contact. I was busy preparing to leave; he was busy giving Emily his so-called love that belonged only to her.

One day, a bridal boutique sent me a message saying the wedding gown I had designed myself was nearly finished.

Only then did I realize the wedding Ethan and I had originally planned was just a week away.

That dress was my own creation. Even if I could never wear it now, I couldnt resist seeing it one last time.

Under the lights of the boutique, the gown shimmered with iridescent beauty. My hands trembled as I reached out to gently brush the fabric.

Didnt you say you werent getting married? Looks like youre still reluctant to let go.

I turned to see Emily again.

Im just here to say goodbye. Id never take a man with a wandering heart.

Its just a shame for such a beautiful dress to go to waste.

A cold laugh escaped my lips, my words laced with mockery.

If you want it so badly, its yours.

Emily didnt get angry. Her eyes were full of hope, and she actually stepped closer and closer to the wedding gown.

I sighed, thinking she was simply too infatuated. All of this, after all, was Ethans fault.

But I had underestimated just how vicious she could be.

As soon as she reached the gown, her breathing suddenly quickened, and then her body went limp.

Not understanding what was happening, I stepped toward her in concern.

Whats wrong?

Emily!

Before I could crouch down, Ethan rushed in and shoved me aside.

Emilys lips were slowly turning purple, but there was a glint of triumph in her eyes.

Miss Grant said that since Im about to be sent away, I might as well take one last look at the gown she was supposed to wear.

I was so envious, I couldnt help getting close to it, but somehow I think I had an asthma attack

Ethan brushed his hand over the gown, finding some powder on the fabric. He lowered his head to sniff it, and then his gaze slashed toward me like a blade.

This is hazelnut powder. Emilys allergic to it. You did this on purpose!

He hurriedly ordered his men to take her to the hospital.

I shook my head in disbelief.

Ive already said Im not marrying youwhy would I want to hurt her?

Ignoring my explanation, his face darkened, and he slapped me hard.

Impossible! Youve got the gown ready and youre still trying to deny it!

Didnt I promise you already? Why cant you just leave Emily alone?

Ethan grabbed my hand and dragged me into the VIP fitting room, shutting off all the lights.

You bastard, you know I have claustrophobia!

The room was completely sealed, no windows, only a single heavy door.

He said nothing.

In the darkness, the dim red emergency light flickered. I could hear my own heartbeat getting louder and louder.

When I was ten years old, Id been kidnapped, and ever since, Id suffered from severe claustrophobia. Back then my parents had been busy, and it was Ethan who would sneak into my room every night, staying until I fell asleep, telling me, Dont be afraid. As long as Im here, youll never have to be scared again.

But now, separated from me by a heavy door, his voice came cold as ice:

Remember this lessonstop making trouble for Emily.

I couldnt hold it in any longer and broke down crying.

Ive never once made trouble for her. Ill stay far away from both of you. Please, just let me out.

My plea was interrupted by one of his men.

Sir, Miss Ross isnt doing well. She keeps saying she wants to see you one last time before she dies.

The sound of footsteps faded, leaving me trembling in despair.

I dont know how much time passed before the door finally opened.

It wasnt Ethanit was the same bodyguard who had spoken up for me before. My father stood behind him.

Seeing me collapsed on the floor, the bodyguards stern face twisted with a flash of pain, while my fathers expression turned thunderous.

My daughter has suffered this much, and Im only finding out now!

Before I lost consciousness, I heard my father instruct his men,

Dont leak that insider information to the Parkers. Let them keep bidding for that piece of land.

He brushed a hand over my sweat-soaked forehead with aching tenderness.

My dear, I thought you were joking when you said you wanted to call off the engagement, so I never told the Parkers. But since Ethan and that little tramp are so in love

This weddinglets treat it as a gift from me to them. Theyd better accept it well.