Page 102 of The Broken Keys

The realization slams into me with brutal force. She doesn’t remember. She thinks it’s five years ago, when she flew out to surprise me for my birthday.

That means… She must believe we’re still together. She must think we’re still kids trying to navigate my poor behavior and the way I mistreated her because I was dealing with being sexually abused by Leon.

Holy… Fuckin a.

She doesn’t remember walking in on Zara and me in bed together. Livianna doesn’t remember Jaxon. She doesn’t know about the baby she just lost.

My throat closes up as something dangerously close to hope rises inside my chest. This is wrong. This is so fucking wrong.

But having her look at me like I’m still hers, like the last five years of hell never happened, feels like breathing for the first time in forever. I glance toward the gap in the curtain, toward where Jaxon is standing out of sight.

Can he hear this? Does he understand what’s happening? Is he putting together that the woman he’s been with doesn’t remember him at all right now?

What am I supposed to do?

“Leon’s not pissed.” I turn back to her, keeping my voice steady. “And I’m not missing any concerts. Everything’s fine.”

“Where’s Bren?” Her confusion deepens. “Do my parents know?”

“They’re on their way here. Just relax. You’re safe, and that’s all that matters right now.” I bring her hand to my lips again, pressing a kiss to the top of it. “Don’t worry about anything, okay? Just focus on getting better.”

“My head hurts.” She closes her eyes. “Everything’s fuzzy. I can’t remember what happened or how I got here.”

“You were in a car accident.” I measure each word carefully, not wanting to overwhelm her. “But you’re gonna be okay. The doctors are taking good care of you.”

“A car accident?” Her eyes fly open, panic flashing across her features. “Was anyone else hurt?”

“No, love. No one else was hurt.” The endearment slips out before I can stop it, but she doesn’t seem to notice.

She relaxes against the pillow, her breathing evening out. “I’m sorry I ruined your birthday.”

“You didn’t. Trust me, nothing is wrong with me.” My chest tightens as I study her face, cataloging every bruise, every bandage, and every sign of the trauma she’s been through. “Having you be okay is the best gift I could ask for.”

Her lips curve into the faintest smile. “You’re just saying that.”

“I’m not.” And I mean it.

Having her look at me like this, like I’m her whole world again, is everything I’ve wanted since I lost her. Even if it’s built on memory loss. Even if it won’t last.

Even if Jaxon is standing on the other side of that fabric barrier, listening to the woman he loves forget they’ve been together for over two years.

The curtain rustles, and Dr. Smith steps through. His gaze sweeps over Livianna before it lands on me. His expressionremains neutral, but there’s concern etched in the lines around his eyes.

“Ms. Hemings, I’m Dr. Smith.” He moves to the opposite side of her bed and checks the monitors. “How are you feeling?”

“My head hurts and I’m sore all over.” She squints up at him as if the light is too bright. “And I’m confused about what happened.”

“That’s completely normal with a concussion.” He pulls a small penlight from his pocket. “I’m going to ask you a few questions. Can you tell me your full name?”

“Livianna Grace Hemings.”

“Good. And where are you right now?”

Her face screws up. “The hospital. In New Jersey, I think?”

“Okay.” Dr. Smith nods, and his stance strains a tad. “Do you know why you’re here?”

“Callum said I was in a car accident.” She places her hand in mine. “But I don’t remember it.”