He Cheated I’ve Regained My Memory

Chapter 3

I drove toward the Hartley estate. I wanted to see my home again.

A car suddenly barreled into my path. I slammed on the brakes just in time.

Marcus got out, still bleeding from his side. He didn't seem to notice. He ran to my car and dragged me out of the driver's seat, his grip tight and possessive. "Where do you think you're going, Vivian? You know I'll never let you leave."

Before I could react, he gripped my head and crushed his lips against mine. I tried to pull away. He only kissed me harder, until I tasted blood. He didn't let me go until I could barely breathe.

I gasped for air, then laughed. "Are you asking as my husband, or as Paige's precious Mr. Blackwood?"

He went still. "I've spoiled you too much lately, Vivian. You're getting out of hand."

I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth and gave him a mocking look. "Do you spoil me because you love me, Marcus, or because you feel guilty? Can you even tell the difference?"

He spotted the blood on my hand and quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe it away. His touch was tender, almost reverent. When he spoke again, his voice was gentle. "Paige is just a bit of fun. What will it take for you to forgive me?"

"Break up with her."

"All right." He didn't hesitate.

I laughed. "What if Paige hears you saying what I want to hear? Won't she make a scene?"

He stiffened and quickly looked back. Paige was in the passenger seat, frantically hunting for something to smash the window with, her eyes full of tears. He'd locked her in to keep her from causing trouble. Unable to get out, she'd been forced to watch us.

Marcus shot me an angry look. He seemed ready to snap at me, but when I didn't flinch, he held his tongue.

"Paige, don't do anything stupid." He hurried toward her.

She finally smashed the window, stuck her head out, and screamed, "Get lost, Marcus!"

Instead of getting out, she scrambled into the driver's seat and floored the accelerator, sending the car hurtling toward me. "I'll run you over, Vivian!"

She was a terrible driver. She missed me and slammed into the car behind me. The impact swung its rear end into me, throwing me off my feet.

Pain tore through my body, so intense I couldn't make a sound.

"Vivian!" Marcus hadn't seen it coming. His face drained of color, and he sprinted toward me.

Paige had been about to try again. When she saw him, she swore and spun the car around. "Then stand there and watch me die, Marcus! I dare you!"

She drove straight into the river, sending water crashing against the embankment.

Marcus stopped. He hesitated for a moment, then rushed past me and jumped into the river.

I stared after him and slowly lowered my outstretched hand. My heart hurt so badly I could barely breathe.

"Paige, are you all right?" He was an excellent swimmer. It took him almost no time to reach her and pull her free.

She shoved him away, sobbing. "Let me die! You don't love me at all!"

He pulled her back urgently. "Stop it, Paige. What am I supposed to do if you die?"

They clung to each other in the water, caught up in their own drama. She cried while he kissed her and soothed her.

I laughed through my tears as blood slowly pooled beneath me.

My head spun. Just before my eyes closed, I saw Marcus rushing toward me. I managed a bitter smile.

'Marcus, that baby you wanted so much with me? It's gone.'