Twice Loved, But Always Forgotten

Chapter 001 Millie's POV I never thought my life would turn out that way. I'm dreaming of going to art school while I'm sketching in my small studio apartment. Next, I'm being led through the financial district of Melbourne into a tall glass building. The smell of expensive cologne and polished wood fills my nostrils, and the air inside is clean, almost sterile. The man at the head of the long mahogany table immediately catches my attention as soon as I enter the spacious boardroom. Carter, Luca. His magnetic presence emanates a sense of authority and control. His dark hair perfectly styles his piercing blue eyes, making my breath catch. He says, "Miss Bennett," in a commanding yet smooth voice. "Please take a seat." After a brief moment of hesitation, I move to the chair across from him. In sharp contrast to the warmth of his eyes, the leather feels cold against my skin. I can feel the gravity of the situation and the impending decision bearing down on me. Luca folds his hands on the table and says, "Your sister's... unexpected departure has left us in a predicament." " This union is essential to our families' merger. Both of our businesses stand to lose a great deal without it. My mind racing, I swallow hard. Tahlia was groomed for this role and was always the favored one. I was the one who didn't conform to the norm, the creative individual, the one who was overlooked. They are now asking me to replace her. "I understand," I say, sounding more composed than I actually am. "How about marriage? That seems a little... extreme, doesn't it? A small smile that barely reaches Luca's eyes curls his lips. "Well, maybe. However, appearances are crucial in our society. In the eyes of the public, a union between the Bennett and Carter families would strengthen our partnership. I look down at the immaculate contract in front of me. As a wave of anxiety sweeps over me, the black ink appears to blur. Should I marry a man I barely know for business purposes? It's ridiculous. However, the burden of my family's expectations is very much present. "What's in it for me?" I ask, astonished by the question's audacity. This time, there's a tinge of real amusement in Luca's smile. "How about safeguarding your family's legacy?" Social standing, financial security, and the unhindered ability to pursue your artistic pursuits." My heart beats faster. How is he aware of my artwork? I haven't talked about that aspect of my life, especially with my family. His resources are evident by the fact that he is aware. "Think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement," he continues, leaning forward slightly. "We put on a united front, take care of our family responsibilities, and live our lives in private." The idea is alluring, but there's something strange about it. I can't quite place the tension, but there's an undercurrent. Then there's déjà vu. As I sit across from Luca, I can't help but feel as though we've already met and that our paths crossed in a different place and time. I inhale deeply, attempting to calm the flurry of feelings racing through my body. "And if I refuse?" Luca's face slightly darkens. "After that, both of our families will be bankrupt. Furthermore, Miss Bennett, you will be denying yourself the chance to change your course in life. With the walls closing in, the space feels confining. My parents' icy, disapproving gazes flash through my mind. Always the favorite, Tahlia is no longer with us. The weight of expectations suppressed my passion and art. My fingers shake as I reach for the pen. A sudden vision fills me as the nib makes contact with the paper. Blood. Wolves. The forest was shrouded in mist. A distant scream reverberated. I let out a gasp because the pictures are so realistic and vivid. "Miss Bennett?" With worry glimmering in his eyes, Luca's voice brings me back to the here and now. I shake my head, attempting to shake off the eerie visions. I whisper, "I'm fine," but I'm not at all. I inhale deeply and seal my fate by signing my name. The ink binds me to a man shrouded in mystery and a past that seems intent on haunting me, and it dries quickly. Our fingers touch as I return the contract to Luca. I feel a shock of electricity run through me, and for a second I see it in his eyes as well. Recognition. He seems to be recalling the same disjointed memories that haunt my dreams. What did I just agree to? --- We spend the following days preparing for the wedding. Stylists, planners, and designers arrive and depart from my apartment, shaping me into the perfect bride. Despite everything, Luca maintains his distance, limiting our communication to formalities and public appearances. I'm drawing by the window one evening when I'm alone when someone knocks. Luca is standing there with a bottle of wine when I open the door. His voice is softer than I've ever heard him ask, "May I come in?" I nod and move out of the way to let him in. He moves with deliberate and calculated grace, akin to a predator. He pours two glasses of wine and says, "I thought it prudent for us to... familiarize ourselves with each other." "We'll soon be husband and wife, after all." We touch again, and I take the glass he offers. We experience the same jolt and spark. There is no denying it. Luca sits in the armchair across from me and asks, "Tell me about your art." I pause, taken aback by his sincere curiosity. I retort, "It's just a hobby," while sipping the deep red wine. Luca furrows his brow. "A pastime you've concealed from your relatives." Why?" Years of secrecy weigh heavily on me as I sigh. "They never gave their approval. Art isn't... useful. The Bennett legacy does not include it. "And yet, it's clearly a part of you," he notes, his eyes intense. I look him in the eyes and discover a surprising comprehension. "Yes," I mumble. "That's who I am." The barriers start to come down as a cozy silence descends between us. I catch a glimpse of the man behind the business façade for the first time. I find it both frightening and fascinating. Our conversation flows naturally as the evening goes on. We exchange tales, giggles, and sly looks. Something... deeper starts to take the place of the tension that once characterized our interactions. However, Luca remains standing as midnight approaches, the CEO's mask reappearing. He formally says, "Thank you for the evening, Millie." "I'm excited about our future together." And then he's gone, leaving me with a mind full of memories of a past I can't recall and a heart full of questions. What is hidden behind Luca Carter's well-preserved façade? Why does it appear to me that our paths intersected long before this compelled union? The wolves come back, their howls resonating in the back of my mind as I fall into a restless sleep. Luca's eyes are both a warning and a comfort. What I've received