Chapter 1
573 Words
The Woman Who Forgot Me
Miguel Navariz
"How could a good-looking man like you do such a thing? There are plenty of women out there. You can easily get one."
Those were the first words I heard from the police officer while sitting inside the investigation room.
I lowered my head and stared at my trembling hands. I was still wearing the same suit from last night's company party. My mind was in chaos. I couldn't understand how my life had suddenly turned upside down.
My name is Miguel Navariz, twenty-seven years old, a licensed lawyer working in a respected law firm. I have a stable career and a loving girlfriend, Shiela, a public school teacher. We've been together for six years and were planning to get married after saving enough money.
As the eldest son and breadwinner of my family, losing my job was not an option.
Yet there I was.
Inside a police station.
Accused of r**e.
I slowly lifted my eyes toward the woman sitting across from me. Her face was pale, her eyes swollen from crying, and she couldn't even look at me.
Seven years.
Seven long years.
Yet I recognized her immediately.
Loraine Mortis.
The woman who once captured my heart.
Back when I was still a part-time employee while studying law, she was an intern in the same establishment. We became friends. We ate lunch together, shared stories, and laughed over silly things. She had the most beautiful smile I had ever seen.
Her smile stayed in my heart.
But after her internship ended, she disappeared.
I tried searching for her social media, asked mutual acquaintances, and even returned to places we used to visit.
Nothing.
Eventually, life moved on.
Then, after seven years...
We met again.
And she didn't even recognize me.
Last night was supposed to be a celebration. One of our senior partners won a major case, and everyone attended the party. I wasn't much of a drinker. In fact, I only accepted one glass after my friend Diego insisted.
The music was loud, and people were enjoying themselves when I noticed a woman staggering near the exit.
I froze.
It was her.
Loraine.
She was obviously drunk and could barely stand.
"Loraine?" I asked.
She looked at me with unfocused eyes.
"Do I know you?" she whispered.
I smiled bitterly.
"No… but I know you."
Thinking she wasn't safe, I brought her to a nearby hotel. I intended to let her rest and leave after making sure she was alright.
But things became blurry after that.
I remembered helping her lie down.
I remembered her crying.
And I remembered her holding my hand.
Then...
Nothing.
When I woke up the next morning, she was screaming.
Terrified.
Confused.
And now...
She was accusing me of violating her.
"Miguel Navariz," the investigator called.
"Yes, sir."
"Miss Mortis says she doesn't know you."
I looked at her.
Seven years ago, we shared memories.
Seven years ago, she smiled at me.
Seven years ago, she told me I was her best friend.
But now...
The woman who lived in my heart looked at me as if I were a complete stranger.
And what hurt the most wasn't the accusation.
It was the emptiness in her eyes.
Because somehow...
I realized that Loraine Mortis had forgotten me.
Or perhaps...
Someone made her forget.
And I was determined to uncover the truth—even if it cost me everything.
- Writer
