Chapter 2 After making that declaration, Yancey wrapped his arm around Alice's waist and departed promptly. Grace stared at the numbers on her phone. The man who had just claimed to be her fiancé showed no concern for her, only defending Alice. It felt as though an iron wire was constricting her heart, her face paling as a dull pain spread through her chest. Alice appeared fully recovered, while Grace, the one being accused, had barely survived. How could a man like that be her fiancé?

Missing for three days, not a word from her family had reached her. The only memory lingering in her hazy mind was of having a boyfriend. Without delay, she dialed a number. A robotic voice answered, likely an assistant. "Ms. Lambert?"

"Hello. Is this Ethan Henderson? I think I lost my memory in a car accident, and I-"

"Mr. Henderson just returned to Druville and is still undergoing rehabilitation. Last time, you called him with the exact same excuse, asking him to pick you up. You even used the same car accident story. And he actually went-only to end up in that accident with you.

"Ms. Lambert, if you have even a shred of conscience left, please don't contact Mr. Henderson again."

"But I-"

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The call abruptly ended. Grace sighed and leaned back against the pillow, fear and uncertainty about the future creeping in. She glanced at her unlocked phone. At least her payment app was accessible. Handing it to the nurse, she requested a balance check. Her eyes skimmed the transaction history. Just a week ago, she spent exactly 200 thousand dollars on a pair of men's cufflinks. Did this mean she wasn't short on money? The nurse's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Insufficient balance.

The emergency treatment and hospitalization fees total 20 thousand dollars." Grace looked down in confusion. Having spent 200 thousand dollars a week ago, how did she now lack 20 thousand dollars? Scrolling through her contacts, she found one labeled Mom. Taking a deep breath, she dialed the number. An angry voice greeted her. "So, you remember to call me now? Grace, how old are you? Why play these games? Yancey and Alice have been dating secretly. Alice never told you to spare your feelings.

You saw them kiss once, dragged Alice out, causing an accident! You're a burden! You should have died out there! Alice has always been considerate of you, and you resort to dirty tricks! How did I give birth to such a vile creature?" Grace was about to respond when Alice's voice came through. "Mom, I think Grace might have lost her memory. Maybe go easy on her." "Memory loss? How many times this year alone? What a fool-always the same stunt. If she had any backbone, she'd stay gone forever.

That way, I wouldn't have to deal with her. Alice, stop defending her. You've suffered enough. Yancey confessed to you first, but you let Grace cling to him. She never dared to confront him, so she takes it out on you. You're too kind, my dear." Grace felt a sharp pain, unbearable bitterness spreading through her heart. Was this truly her mother? Just like Yancey, she never asked about Grace or her injuries. She spoke, voice trembling.

"Are you really my mother?" What mother would say such vile things? "What do you mean, Grace? Are you trying to give me a heart attack? If you don't want to acknowledge me, fine! I don't want a disgraceful daughter like you! Do you know how many humiliating things you've done for Yancey? Stop embarrassing yourself! Our family will be peaceful without you. What a jinx!" The call ended abruptly. Tears slid down Grace's face.

She scrolled through social media and saw Alice's new post-a photo by a window overlooking a river in Druville, fireworks in the sky. The caption read, "With my loved ones by my side." In the glass reflection, Yancey and two adults were visible. A sharp pain pierced Grace's chest, nearly doubling her over.