Chapter Eight: Ember
572 Words
CHAPTER EIGHT: EMBER
“Sir, I’m Rebecca… not Ember… sir.”
Rebecca’s voice shook as she looked at his face.
Wade didn’t answer.
His eyes were on the necklace in his hand.
The silver star.
He remembered it.
The night he gave it to her.
The night he told her, “I’m going to like you.”
Eleven years.
Eleven years since he last saw it.
Since he last saw her.
He looked at her. Really looked.
The same eyes. The same way she stood when she was nervous.
The same girl.
It’s her.
She’s alive.
“You bought it?” he asked. His voice was rough.
“Yes, sir,” Rebecca whispered, head down. “From a street vendor. I liked the star.”
Wade closed his fist around the necklace.
Ten years he thought she was dead.
Ten years of guilt.
And now she was standing in his office. As his secretary.
“Get out,” he said quietly.
Rebecca looked up, confused. “Sir?”
“Get. Out.”
She bowed quickly and left, clutching the tray.
The door closed.
Wade slammed his hand on the desk.
The coffee spilled. Hot on his skin.
He didn’t feel it.
She’s alive.
And she doesn’t remember me.
---
Rebecca ran to the bathroom and locked the door.
Her hands were shaking.
Why did he call me Ember?
Why did he look at me like that?
She touched her neck.
The necklace was gone.
He took it.
Knock. Knock.
“Rebecca? Are you okay?” HR called from outside.
“Yes,” she answered quickly. “I’m fine.”
“Mr. Wade wants to see you. In his office. Now.”
Her stomach dropped.
When she went back in, Wade was standing by the window.
The necklace was on his desk.
“Sit,” he said without turning.
Rebecca sat down.
“Tell me about the necklace.”
“I… I told you, sir. I bought it.”
“Where?”
“A market. I don’t remember which one.”
Wade finally turned. His eyes were dark. Tired.
“You don’t remember me either, do you?”
Rebecca’s heart stopped.
“I don’t understand, sir.”
“Of course you don’t.” He let out a broken laugh.
“Because ten years ago, you had an accident. You lost your memory.
You forgot everything. Including me.”
The room spun.
Accident? Ten years ago?
“You’re lying,” she whispered.
“I wish I was.” He picked up the necklace and held it out.
“I gave you this. The night I fell in love with you.”
Tears welled in Rebecca’s eyes. She didn’t know why.
“I think… you should leave, sir.”
“No.” Wade stepped closer.
“You have two choices, Rebecca.”
“Resign. And never see me again.”
“Or stay. Be my secretary. And let me remind you.”
He placed the necklace in her hand.
It was warm.
Rebecca stared at it.
Her chest hurt.
Why does this feel like home?
Why does his voice sound familiar?
She didn’t answer.
She just closed her hand around the necklace and stood up.
Wade watched her walk to the door.
“Tomorrow. 8AM,” he said.
Rebecca stopped. Didn’t turn around.
Then she nodded once and left.
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A life touched by regret can fall apart at any moment.
Or come back together.
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