He Remembered, But No One Else Did

Chapter 10 The Message That Changed Everything

Maybe it was the weight of everything on his mind, but Brenton woke up at the c***k of dawn.

He scrolled through his phone for a while, his frown growing deeper with every swipe. After firing off a few quick replies, he slipped out of bed and headed to the bathroom, quietly tucking the phone into the inner pocket of his coat.

Eveline, who had only been pretending to sleep, opened her eyes the moment he left. She got up, found the coat, and pulled out the device.

It was that same limited-edition luxury phone she had spotted back at the Kestrel Peak ski resort.

The screen had not locked yet, so she saw everything.

The chat was a family group called "All for Precious Clare." The members were her parents, her brother, Clare, and Brenton.

The latest exchange was between her father, Oliver Gomez, and Brenton.

Oliver: You must get Eveline to drink that glass of water before ten. Then draw her blood and hand it straight to the fortune-teller. That's the only way we can transfer Clare's heart condition to her. Not one second of delay. If the fortune-teller hadn't suddenly figured out the perfect lucky timing, you wouldn't have needed to rush over there at all.

Brenton: Don't worry, I remember every detail.

Oliver: Good. The moment Clare is completely healthy, I'll send Eveline back to the mountains for good. Then we'll throw your wedding to Clare right away.

Brenton: But my grandfather specifically said I have to marry Eveline.

Oliver: Oh, please. Once the transfer works, Eveline will be the sick one. The Murphy family isn't about to let their heir marry someone who's going to be bedridden for life, right?

Brenton: You're right.

*****

The truth hit her like a velvet curtain being ripped away to reveal rotting flesh and bare bones underneath.

Eveline's fingers twisted into the bedsheet so tightly her knuckles turned white. A loud ringing filled her ears, as if the whole world had stepped back and left her floating in silence. Tears she thought had run dry slid down her cheeks, yet she could not even feel their warmth. Something heavy pressed against her chest, making every breath a struggle.

It took every ounce of strength she had to force feeling back into her arms and legs. She placed the phone exactly where she had found it, closed her eyes, and went back to pretending she was asleep.

Only two or three minutes later, Brenton returned, carrying the fresh scent of sweet orange soap.

She could feel his gaze lingering on her for a long time. Just when she thought she might not be able to keep still any longer, he finally moved.

He did exactly what he always did to wake her, sliding an arm around her and pressing several soft kisses to her cheek.

Eveline fought down the wave of nausea and sat up right away. "What time is it?"

Using the excuse of checking her own phone, she slipped out of bed on the other side.

Brenton stared at his empty arm for a second, looking briefly confused.

She did not give him time to think. "Maybe I should go back to Gomez Manor first and do the check-up later? There's really no rush."

He signed quickly, looking flustered. "I already booked nine o'clock. That doctor is really hard to get. Let's just get the check-up done first."

Eveline gave him a half-smile that did not reach her eyes. "You're in such a hurry. Got some kind of plan?"

Brenton's loving mask almost cracked. He looked away and took her hand instead. "I love you too much to ever hurt you. How could I possibly have any bad intentions?"

After the sweet words, he handed her a glass of water. "Here, drink this first. It'll soothe your throat."

She could smell the strange addition in the cup.

Now that she had seen through every one of his pretty lies, they no longer held any power over her. The last trace of hesitation vanished.

She followed him to the hospital without another word, letting him lead her straight into the lab.

"First, we'll draw some blood for the basic tests," he sighed, keeping his usual gentle tone. "Don't worry, it'll be over in no time."

Eveline looked deep into his eyes. "Brenton, back in my hometown, there's an old ritual young couples do when they want to have a child. The woman plants a special curse right over the man's heart. It's meant for anyone who breaks their promise. If he ever betrays her, his heart slowly turns to stone."

She held his gaze and asked quietly, "Are you willing to go through with it?"