EVE'S POV
As the door clicked shut behind Chris, a sharp pain seized my chest. I clutched at my heart, the hurt a raw, gnawing ache.
"What have I done?" The thought echoed in my mind, a desperate plea against the rising tide of tears.
He was right. I had been deliberately creating distance, shielding myself from the sting of his amnesia. I knew it wasn't his fault, yet, "Why did I have to make things so difficult?"
"I need to find him. Apologize. Fix this." The decision was a lifeline. I grabbed my phone from the bedside table and punched in his number. The ringing echoed from inside the room. He'd left his phone and tablet behind. Panic tightened its grip. The digital clock read almost midnight.
Where could he have gone at this hour? I snatched up my own phone and stepped out into the hallway.
The long corridor stretched ahead, deserted and isolating. I walked towards the elevators, which were further down the hall.
As I moved, I sensed movement behind me. A glance over my shoulder confirmed it: a man in dark clothing, stopping abruptly, turning his back as if to conceal his face. A prickle of fear traced its way up my spine. I quickened my pace, my senses on high alert. Out of the corner of my eyes, I noticed the man's strides mirroring mine.
My heart hammered against my ribs. Please, let Chris just appear. But the elevator was still ascending, the indicator light crawling upward.
The stranger was getting closer, his face still hidden in shadow. He reached inside his suit jacket, and the gesture triggered a flash of memory, a brutal image that detonated inside my head. This cant be happening
I was on the verge of a panic attack. My lungs burned, and the world began to swim. I had to scream, to call for help, but before I could force a sound past my lips, the elevator doors slid open. Without thinking, I shoved past the occupant and stumbled inside, jabbing at the close door button. The doors shut, trapping us in the small metal box. I crumpled to the floor, clutching my chest, gasping for air, desperate to stop the rising panic.
"Eve, what's wrong?" The familiar voice cut through my fog. I looked up, and there was Chris. He crouched in front of me, his hands gently framing my face, worry etched on his features.
His mouth was moving, but the blood pounding in my ears drowned out his words.
Then, without warning, he leaned in and captured my lips, a soft, lingering kiss. The warmth of his mouth was like a jolt of pure energy, instantly calming my frayed nerves, washing away the panic and anxiety, dragging me back to the present.
He slowly pulled away, his gaze locking on mine. And there it was: the same look he used to give me, the unmistakable light of love shining in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, but I didn't know what else to do. I figured that might distract you," he said, so simply and innocently that I had to stifle a chuckle.
"You don't need to apologize," I said, reaching for his outstretched hand. He helped me to my feet, still holding my hand in his. "Your method worked. I feel much better now." I avoided his gaze, trying to hide the blush I knew was creeping across my cheeks.
"Oh... okay, then. That's good." He punched a button on the elevator panel, and the doors slid open immediately. He tugged me by the hand, leading me out of the elevator. "So, what happened? It sounded like you were being chased."
As I was about to answer, I spotted the strange man from the hallway, standing not far from the elevator doors.
"Because that man was following me. He started stalking me as soon as I left the room," I said, tightening my grip on Chris's hand. "Should we call hospital security? What if he's one of Frederick's men?" My anxiety spiked again.
Chris gently moved me slightly behind him, stepping protectively in front of me. "I don't think he has any ulterior motives," he said calmly.
"How do you know that?" I whispered, my eyes fixed on the approaching figure.
"I just do. I might not have my memories, but I trust my instincts."
The man stopped directly in front of us. "Good evening. It's good to have you back, Mr. Hayes," he said, offering a slight bow.
"And you are?" Chris asked, his tone neutral.
"Oh, right... Mr. Franklin informed us earlier of your current situation. My name is Carlos. I'm your head of security."
"You can confirm with Mr. Franklin to verify what I've said. Also, this will help." Carlos held out his phone and played a recording.
"Carlos, I'm on my way to rescue Eve and the girls. Cole and Luca are with me. Listen, if for any reason things go south…if I don't make it out alive, use all the resources at your disposal and protect Eve at all times, at all costs. Understood?"
The recording ended abruptly.
Hearing Chris's voice, the vulnerability he showed for me hit me hard, a wave of guilt washed over me, intensifying my regret over my earlier behavior. He'd risked everything, nearly died, and lost his memories… for me.
"That was you, sir. You sent it a few months ago," Carlos said, tucking the phone back into his pocket. "I didn't mean to scare you, ma'am. I was just doing my job." He looked at me apologetically, and I managed a nod.
"Alright then, I'll see you both tomorrow," he said, before turning and leaving, he led us back towards our room.
As soon as the door closed behind us, I gently pulled my hands free from his.
"Is something wrong?" Concern tightened his features. I nodded.
"What is it? Are you in pain?" He cupped my shoulders, his eyes scanning me from head to toe.
"No, I'm fine… I just… I went out to look for you. To apologize," I blurted out. He simply stared at me, his expression unreadable.
"I'm so sorry for how I've acted since I found out about your condition. I should have hugged you, held you close, not treated you like a stranger. I guess I was just afraid that with your memories gone, your feelings would be gone too, that you wouldn't want to be with me anymore," I confessed, the words tumbling out in a rush. He still stared at me, silent, waiting.
"Would you… want a hug now, to make up for earlier?" He asked, a familiar smile playing on his lips as he opened his arms.
A chuckle escaped me. I stepped into his embrace, and his strong arms wrapped tightly around me, pulling me close.
"I might not remember much about us, but there's the internet, littered with beautiful photos of us together. And my phone gallery is filled with ninety percent pictures and videos I took of you when you weren't looking. Oh, and I watched a video of me walking the runway in your last fashion show, I volunteered to replace the model who got sick. You do those things when you're crazy about someone," he murmured against my hair before gently pulling back to cradle my face in his hands.
"Let's recreate our love story then?" He took a dramatic step back, placing one hand behind his back and executing a theatrical bow. "Would you do me the honor of permitting me to court you, oh fair lady?" He asked, extending his hand.
His over-the-top demeanor made me throw my head back and laugh, the first genuine laugh I'd had in months. Some things never change, I guess. I shook my head, smiling.
"Well, since you asked so nicely…" I said cheekily, winking at him as he blew me a kiss