Chapter 20
Nina froze . She stared at Samantha's tear - streaked face , completely caught off guard . " What are you talking about ? " Samantha's voice broke as more tears slid down her cheeks , dropping onto the desk with soft splashes . A few coworkers turned toward the sound , their curious gazes drifting over . She quickly wiped her face with a trembling hand , then tugged Nina into a nearby office , shutting the door behind them .
" Yesterday , " Samantha said , barely holding herself together . " What exactly did you say to Julian ? " Nina looked at her closely , realizing this wasn't some petty outburst - something had really happened . She carefully repeated every word from yesterday's conversation , word for word . " That's it , " she said . " I didn't say anything else . Why ? What happened ? Why did you tell me to leave him alone ? " Samantha was silent for a beat , then turned her head. "I'm sorry. You just … you look like someone." Nina stiffened . She knew this face - Hayden Monroe's - didn't really resemble her old one , except for the eyes . The eyes were almost identical . Samantha never elaborated . But now , seeing the confusion on Nina's face and thinking back to her own reaction just now , she added in a quieter tone , " Ever since … she died , Julian's never been the same . I think he's projecting . Seeing you must've brought it all back .
" So this was a stand - in story after all ? Nina met her eyes . " But you're the one he's marrying . " Samantha hesitated , then gave a bitter smile . " I wish that were true . " Outside the hospital , Julian slid into Officer David's car . As the vehicle moved through traffic , David cast a glance at Julian's pale profile and sighed . " It's been three years . Still can't let go ? " julian didn't respond . He kept his gaze fixed out the window . David tried again .
" I mean … look at who's still here . Samantha's been by your side through it all . She was there when you hit rock bottom . You really never felt anything for her ? " Julian remained silent . David let out another long sigh . " Okay , fine , I won't lecture you . But you've been stable for almost a year now . And then yesterday - you suddenly spiral again . What happened ? " Julian's eyes flicked up , faint motion in his stare . " I saw her . " David frowned .
He opened his mouth to dismiss it as grief resurfacing , but Julian cut in , turning his head . " Pull over . " David did . Julian got out of the car and nodded in thanks . "Thank you , David . " As the car drove off , David's eyes narrowed . He glanced toward the café Julian was walking toward . In the window , seated side by side , were a man and a woman . At the café , Nina stirred her coffee slowly . " I still don't remember anything . " Lysander leaned back in his chair , gaze steady .
"So you dragged me out here just to say that?" "And, "Nina said, lifting her cup with a faint smile, "to have a coffee." He gave her a sidelong look and scoffed . Then he stood , ready to leave. Nina grabbed his wrist . " What , no manners ? " He pulled his hand free , wiped it down with a napkin like her touch had dirtied it . " You think you have the right to demand that ? " God , he really had a talent for sounding like the coldest jerk in the room .
"I think I do," she said calmly , meeting his eyes . " Last time we talked , I was barely conscious . But I thought about it . If you want to study me , fine . But I don't see why I should just roll over . If you want my cooperation , maybe you should be the one asking me . " Lysander's expression sharpened . " You want me to beg ? " " If you're the one asking , " Nina said sweetly , " then maybe act like it . Tell me what I really am . What secrets are you hiding about me ?
"Lysander stared at her for a moment, then slowly sat back down. "When you remember everything , " he said quietly , " you'll understand your secrets . In some ways , we're chasing the same thing . " Nina frowned . " Well , in different methods . Help me get my memories back . I don't want to stay near Julian . " " Oh ? " Lysander looked amused . " You dislike him that much ? " " I don't dislike him , " Nina said honestly . " I just don't want to see him . " " Not even once ? " / " No." " Even if it's the last thing you do ? " " No. " Lysander's lips curved faintly . Nina narrowed her eyes at the smile , confused by the look on his face- Then she heard it . A quiet voice behind her , cold and distant : " Really ? " Nina turned slowly . Julian was standing right behind her , eyes locked on hers , unreadable and freezing cold.
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