Chapter 1
Serena's POV
I couldn't sleep.
It had been three weeks since I returned home from the psychiatric clinic, and every night was the same. My family said I had lost my memory, that I needed time to adjust. But something felt wrong.
Late at night, I heard voices from downstairs. My brother Luca's voice.
I crept downstairs and pressed my ear against the study door.
"The treatment was highly successful, Mr. Valenti." Dr. Moretti's cold voice came through the phone. "She completely forgot about Elias Monroe and those dangerous connections. But remember, don't let her come into contact with anything related, or the memories might resurface."
Luca chuckled softly. "Perfect. I'll transfer the funds to your Swiss account tonight. You did excellent work, Doctor. She's a blank slate now."
My blood turned to ice.
They had lied. My amnesia wasn't an accident—it had been deliberate.
I trembled as I returned to my room, forcing myself to recall fragments of erased memories. The white rooms of the psychiatric clinic, Dr. Moretti's injections, and the bloody words I had carved into the wall with my fingernails:
Elias Monroe is real! The necklace and music box were gifts from Elias! Go to Chicago and find him—he can save you! They're all lying!
"Serena? Sweetheart, why were you still awake?"
Luca suddenly appeared in my doorway, hair disheveled but eyes sharp.
I feigned confusion. "Couldn't sleep. Still getting used to being home."
His face showed tender concern—I now knew it was all fake. "Poor thing. Tomorrow will be better. David Cooper is coming for lunch. He's looking forward to seeing you again."
David Cooper. The man they had introduced me to last week, supposedly a successful tech entrepreneur.
"He's nice," I managed to say.
"More than nice. He's perfect for our family's future." Luca's smile didn't reach his eyes.
At lunch the next day, I played my role perfectly.
"David, you're so fascinating!" I showed keen interest in his talk about company expansion. Across the table, my parents exchanged satisfied glances.
"Serena, I've been wanting to ask you," David suddenly took my hand, "we've known each other for a while now, and I think we're perfect together. What do you say we consider getting engaged?"
My parents immediately beamed with joy. I forced myself to look surprised and touched.
"David, this is so sudden... but yes! I'd love to!"
Mom clapped excitedly. "Oh, my darling! This is wonderful!"
Dad raised his glass. "To our family, to a bright future!"
David and I embraced, performing as happy lovers for their benefit. But I knew this was just another trap.
To celebrate the engagement, I deliberately drank heavily, acting drunk.
"I'm... I'm so happy!" I laughed with exaggerated intoxication. "David, you made me completely forget all my past troubles!"
Luca watched me with satisfaction and stepped forward to steady me. "Come on, sis, let me help you to your room."
I let him support me upstairs, swaying unsteadily. But at my bedroom door, I deliberately said loudly, "Brother, I'm truly happy now! I feel like I completely forgot all those fantasies that never existed!"
Satisfaction flashed in Luca's eyes. "That's right, Serena. Get some rest now."
After closing the door, I immediately sobered up and pressed my ear against it, listening to the conversation downstairs.
"She's completely convinced," Luca told our father. "As long as she stays with David, she'll forget that imaginary man for good. In three months, we'll have access to the entire Latin American money laundering network."
"Excellent. Dr. Moretti's treatment was indeed effective," Father's voice was full of satisfaction.
My heart sank. They didn't just want to erase my memory—they wanted to use my marriage for illegal dealings.
After their voices faded, I locked my door and went to the hidden compartment under my bed. There, I found two precious items: a pearl necklace and a music box that no longer played.
I clutched these objects tightly—they were proof that my past had been real.
"Elias Monroe," I whispered into the darkness, "I will find you."
