Page 90 of Don’t Forget Me

She laughed. Oh, the crimes I was willing to commit to hear her giggle that way for the rest of my life. I analyzed the perfection of her profile as her mouth curved upward, lifting her hand, and slapping my shoulder. “Then why was that girl basically on top of you?”

I shook my head and blinked hard. “I’m firing her, don’t worry.”

“Did you two…”

“No—no, not at all. She’s been making these weird suggestions since she got hired a few weeks ago.”

“Hmm,” Lysandra hummed as she squinted at me.

“Don’t be jealous, darling. My eyes will only ever find yours.”

Her cheeks grew rosy. “You’re such a douche.”

“Stop arguing with me and let’s head inside before you catch a cold.”

She wrapped an arm around my torso, and we walked back into the set.

That had been the best night of my life.

forty

LYSANDRA

8 MONTHS LATER

I admired the ripples of the river beneath the bridge of Dean’s Village.

I would never grow tired of watching the fish dance beneath me. I admired the enchanting waves of the lake. I breathed in, allowing the fresh air to fill my lungs.

My gaze found the horizon ahead with its rosy and golden hues. White clouds covered most of the sky. The buildings made of brick, with their chipped edges, and sharp rooftops would always amaze me. With its lush pink shrubs peaking from its corners. The cobblestone bricks of the bridge I stood on had been filled with crushed leaves.

I would love every corner of this city for the rest of my life. This place was my escape, my haven, and my refuge. Forever locked in my memory.

The serene spot was silent from the bustling of cabs and the chatter of the crowds. Silence was good. Solitude brought reflection and peace with it.

Which made me wonder why Ezra had asked me to meet him here. We hadn’t visited Dean’s Village in six years, it brought a melancholic and nostalgic feeling to my chest. I recalled the way we spoke of our bad memories with our parents. That was the day I knew that he was becoming my other half.

“What’s got you smiling?”

His smooth voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Just thinking about the last time we were here,” I chuckled.

“Dean’s Village remains enchanting even after five long years, does it not?” Ezra sighed, extending an arm over my shoulders.

He’d been dressed in his usual attire. White button-up shirt, black vest, and matching bottoms. His shoes had been polished, not a single crease present, his cute black frames, with his hair perfectly framing his face. There was something about him that was more alluring today. I noted the slight glint of euphoria in his blue eyes.

What had made him so happy today?

“I haven’t been back since the last time we were here.”

“Why is that?” He furrowed a brow.

I shrugged. “It was a happy memory and I didn’t wish to taint it with my sadness.”

Ezra remained silent, his expression pensive. Then he admitted, “This is my first time coming back here as well.”

“Why did you ask me to meet you here?”