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Chapter 3
In that past life I dreamed of, that was exactly what I did.
Even under Alistair’s intense resistance, I eventually agreed to bring Serena back as
well.
But he never did get to see his grandfather one last time.
The doctors said his amnesia was caused by a head injury, and there was no way to know when or if his memory would return.
But his right leg had been treated and slowly recovered.
During the three years Alistair was missing, the position of heir to Sterling Group had fallen into the hands of his half–brother, Lucas Sterling.
The reason he had been able to reclaim it, I supposed, was because I had held onto that
engagement—and held onto his rightful place for him.
After weighing his options, his father chose not to give up the chance to strengthen ties
between the Sterling and Harrington families.
After that, I stayed by Alistair’s side while he got familiar with the business again. I foolishly believed we could go back to how things used to be.
Until I saw him kissing Serena with my own eyes.
That was when I was finally forced to face the truth I had been deliberately ignoring.
The photos Julian gave me were filled with their most intimate moments.
They watched fireworks together. They went shopping. They walked hand in hand.
I forced myself to look at every single one. It felt like torture.
Then, like the villain in a bad love story, I went behind Alistair’s back and confronted
Serena.
“I heard your mother’s surgery was a success.”
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“You wouldn’t want her finding out her daughter is playing the mistress, would you?”
“Of course, we’re all grateful that you saved Alistair’s life.”
I pushed the check toward her with a smile.
“Benefactor or mistress–you decide which title suits you.”
Serena’s face turned pale as she looked at me.
Then, suddenly, she laughed. “Celestine, you’re only holding onto that engagement.”
Yes. I was.
Alistair and I had grown up together. Our families were perfectly matched.
From the time we were children, we’d promised each other forever.
What gave her the right to swoop in and take him from me?
I was certain that once Alistair regained his memory, he would choose me.
But what I never saw coming was that Serena would get into that car accident–with
that check still in her possession.
She lost the child.
When I arrived at the hospital, I happened to overhear her tearful apology to Alistair.
“I didn’t protect our baby. I’m sorry, Alistair…”
“I know you remember everything now. I was the one who caused your injury. I lied to
you about the memory loss.”
“It’s okay if you can’t forgive me. It’s all my fault. Let this child be my punishment.”
I stood outside the door, unable to tell which hit me harder–the fact that Alistair had
already regained his memory.
That he and Serena had a child together. Or that she had been the cause of his memory loss all along.
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The check that hit my face snapped me back to reality.
In the end, all I could manage was a confused whisper. “Alistair?”
His eyes were filled with fury as he looked at me, his voice dripping with disdain.
“Satisfied now? Your pathetic little crush cost a life.”
“Did you really think I’d fall in love with you again after getting my memory back? I won’t, Celestine.”
“It just means I see you more clearly than anyone. Your filthy tactics. Your vicious heart.”
A life had erased everything between him and Serena.
The reason for his amnesia was now something that no longer mattered.
And our childhood sweetheart bond had completely shattered. I became the murderer of his child.
He said Serena grew up on the island and was pure and kind.
He said I was different. I grew up in the business world. I was calculating and always scheming.
Alistair let out a cold laugh.
“Why would I ever like someone like you?”
So he worked with his rivals to set a trap for Harrington Holdings. He forced the company into bankruptcy and left my family buried in debt.
He did it to break off our engagement and make room for Serena.
And to punish me for the death of his child.
With Serena in his arms, he looked down on me like a judge passing sentence.
“A life taken must be repaid. My child’s life–you’ll pay for it. With the collapse of Harrington Holdings.”
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“Celestine, this is what you deserve.”
It was probably the kind of ending found in all those love stories.
The male and female leads ended up together, blissful and whole–while the villainess
loses everything.
Until, in the end, even her life was taken.
When the brakes gave out, Alistair and I both plunged into the sea and died.
When I came to again, I was back on the day he and Serena tried to slip away from me by
boat.
Julian checked the location on the tablet.
He noticed I had frozen and spoke more carefully, “What’s wrong, Ms. Harrington? Do you still want us to go after them?”
I shook my head. “No. We’re not going.”
