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The illusion of love I’d known began to dissolve.
I steadied myself. “Me, too. But we can’t change the past. If only my memory would come back.”
Caroline scrunched her eyebrows. “Have you thought about hypnosis?”
“No. Maybe I’ll look into it. I’ve tried to remember something . . . anything from that night, but it’s a black swirl. The doctors don’t believe it will ever come back.” I looked down at the steam as it rose from the cup. “I wish I could remember. I’ve seen all the photos, but without the memories, it’s hard to feel like it was me.”
“I know. I can’t imagine.”
The silence lingered. “Dad told me Charles has been seeing Rachel. I hope me being here won’t cause issues.”
Caroline grimaced and I felt sick as the knots in my stomach tightened. “Of course, it won’t. Charles has decided to pursue politics. He’s running for mayor next fall and see where it takes him from there. His father thinks he can do it. Charles and Rachel have been quite involved in the community.”
Hearing their names together was hard. Charles and Rachel. It used to be Charles and London. A criminal background didn’t lend too well on the campaign trail. More and more made sense as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. Maybe fate brought me here to give me closure on something.
I needed to respond and thought of something politically correct. “Charles was always brilliant at anything he set his mind to. I’m glad things are working out for him.”
“What are your plans?”
Thankful for the change in subject, I sipped my tea. “T
omorrow, I’m looking for a job. Help Dad out on the farm and start over—or at least as much as I can, considering.”
“Let me know if there’s something I can help you with. I’m heading out of town early in the morning tomorrow to meet Charles Senior in DC. I can’t wait to tell him you’re out. He’ll want to see you next time he’s in town.” The sincerity of Caroline’s voice confirmed why I’d subconsciously run here. They were my second home . . . they still felt like family.
Commotion came from the hallway. “Mom! I have news! We came back early!” Excitement filled his voice.
His voice.
The voice I knew better than my own.
I froze.
This wasn’t happening.
Female giggles followed and then another woman’s voice I hadn’t recognized. A sickness flooded over me as I placed my teacup on the table then tightly gripped my kneecaps to stay focused on the pain lacerating into my skin versus the red-hot poker barreling through my heart.
Everything happened in slow motion. A shocked look crossed Caroline’s face as she looked at me with concern. The doors burst open before I had a chance to make an escape. In unison, two people said, “WE’RE ENGAGED!”
The bile rose in my throat. I was going to be sick. Keep it together. Escape as soon as possible.
Charles and Rachel walked in the room looking at each other . . . in love. A fresh wave of nausea hit me. Her parents followed shortly after. It was impossible not to stare at him. Charles was always good looking. His blond hair was shorter, clean cut versus the slightly more tumbled look he used to wear.
Engaged.
They were engaged.
Look away, London. Look away. I wasn’t able to listen to the voice in my head as I saw the moment meant for us.
Charles threw it all away for the political life.
You’re the only girl for me, London.
In the moment I was witnessing, nothing could be further from the truth.
Caroline rose and walked in front of me, hiding me from their sight. They were so wrapped up in each other, I’d gone unnoticed thankfully. She spoke with modest excitement. “That’s wonderful news. Congratulations. Let’s celebrate in the atrium with some champagne.”
Thank you, Caroline. Hopefully, I’d be able to slip out. Hearing Charles’ warm voice shot daggers to my heart.
