"How do you know about him? Who told you?" Mike's expression stiffened, his voice unusually sharp.
"No one told me," I said slowly, watching his reaction. "He… called me."
Mike stood up straight, startled. "What? He called you? When? Why didn't you tell me earlier? What did he say?"
"He just asked how I was doing. If I'd recovered from my allergy," I replied honestly.
Mike's brows furrowed even deeper. "How does he know about that? Did you ask him?"
"Yeah. He said he saw me at the restaurant that night. Said he had a dinner appointment there."
Mike's jaw clenched. "He's already back from overseas? How come I didn't know?"
"Mike, calm down. Why are you acting like this? Who is he, really? Why are you so… tense?" I asked curiously.
He took a deep breath, forcing a strained smile. "It's nothing. I'm sorry I startled you." Then he added more softly, "Did he say anything else? Ask about anything?"
"No, that's all. I told him I lost my memories and didn't remember him."
"And what did he say to that?"
"He just said he was the older brother next door that I use to hang out with"
Mike went silent, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Just that?"
"Yes. Why? Is that not true?" I asked, now fully suspicious.
"Mia… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," he said after a pause. "I just caught me off guard to hear his name, that's all."
"But why? Who is he, really?" I asked again, more urgently. "The way you reacted—it honestly scared me, Mike."
He hesitated, as if weighing his words.
"I know. I promise I'll explain everything to you… when the time is right. For now, if he contacts you again, please… just ignore him."
"Why?" My voice was barely above a whisper.
"Just trust me on this, Mia. There's a lot you don't remember, and some memories… they're better revealed slowly, when you're ready."
I nodded reluctantly, my chest tightening.
"Alright, Mike. I'll do as you said."
He reached out and gently ruffled my hair like he used to when we were younger. "Good girl. Thank you."
But deep down, I knew this wasn't the end of it.
***
It was finally the weekend. I woke up early, excited—and maybe just a little nervous. Today, I had an appointment with Caspian. Ahem, not a date, I told myself. Just a casual meeting… with the man who makes my heart race like a fangirl seeing her idol in real life.
I spent way too long choosing a dress and even longer doing my makeup. I wanted to look perfect. Like the kind of girl he might… remember.
Caspian said he'd meet me at his mall, since he had work to handle there first. I practically skipped to the front door, humming to myself, light on my feet and floating with anticipation.
That was when a deep, cold voice snapped me back to reality.
"Where are you going, dressed up like that?"
I nearly jumped out of my skin. I turned around so fast I almost twisted my ankle.
It was Mikael. My third brother.
"T-Third brother? You're back?" I stammered, feeling a wave of panic crash through my chest.
He stepped closer, eyes scanning me from head to toe, his gaze sharp and unreadable.
"Answer me. Where are you going?"
"I… I have a lunch meeting," I said, trying to sound casual.
"With who?"
"Ca—Alex! I'm meeting Alex. We planned it earlier."
His brows lifted slightly. "Why do you sound unsure? It's not Alex, is it? Don't lie to me, Mia."
"It is Alex! Why would I lie?" I snapped, avoiding his piercing blue eyes. My fingers clutched my phone like a lifeline.
And then—brilliant idea.
"Oh look, he's calling!" I said, pretending to tap the answer button on my screen. "I have to go now. Bye, Third Brother!"
Without giving him time to speak, I turned and ran—well, speed-walked—like I was being chased by a ghost. My face drained of color as I reached the car.
"Drive. Quick," I told the driver, my voice shaky. My breath came out in shallow puffs as I tried to calm down.
My heart was still pounding. Just hearing Mikael's voice had frozen me. I hadn't fully recovered from our first meeting in the hospital room—his cold tone, those judging eyes. I was still haunted.
Why did he come back so soon? Couldn't he have stayed wherever he was—forever?
Ughhh!! Thank heavens I had the sense to change Caspian's name to Alex on the fly. If Mikael had heard that name… he would've interrogated me like a detective grilling a suspect.
Hopefully, he won't actually call Alex to check. If he does, and finds out I lied—I'm done for.
Meanwhile…
"Mike, where are you?"
"Third brother? I'm in Royal City right now. I've got an important client meeting tonight. Probably won't make it home."
"That's fine. I just wanted to ask—did Mia say she had lunch plans with Alex today?"
There was a pause on the other end.
"What? She said that? Uh… ohhh—yeah! She did mention that before," Mike answered, a bit too quickly.
"You're sure it was Alex?"
"Of course! She only hangs out with Alex. Who else would it be?" Mike chuckled nervously.
"I suppose… that makes sense. Only Alex would still stick around her with her nasty attitude."
"Third brother, don't say that. She's changed a lot since she lost her memory."
There was silence.
"What do you think will happen when she remembers?" Mikael said finally. "She'll go back to being the same rude, bossy drunk she was before."
"Third brother…" Mike sighed, frowning.
"Alright, alright. I'll stop. Get back to work. See you soon."
"Yeah. See you."
Mike let out a long breath and rubbed his forehead. A headache was creeping in.
"This girl… who is she meeting today? Why didn't she tell me anything?"
He picked up his phone and dialed Mia's number.
The number you have dialed is unreachable.
He tried again. Same response.
"She turned off her phone? Seriously?" He let out a frustrated groan. "This girl is going to kill me one day."
***
Back at the mall, I stepped out of the car carefully, adjusting my high heels. My legs still felt a little shaky from earlier, but I managed to steady myself.
Caspian had already sent the location of the café he wanted to meet at—said it was too early for lunch, so we could just hang out until then.
I took a deep breath, pushed down my anxiety, and walked toward the mall entrance. Following the directions Caspian sent earlier, I made my way to the café.
The Mellow Scope.
That was the name. A bright, cozy place that blended the charm of artisanal coffee with the sweetness of homemade ice cream.
As I stepped inside, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee instantly enveloped me. The interior was decorated in soft pastel tones, creating a warm, cheerful, and calming ambiance. Natural light streamed through the large windows, making everything feel gentle and inviting.
Without even realizing it, the heaviness in my chest began to lift. My mood softened, brightening with the cozy surroundings. My somber mood from earlier dissappear and I felt happy as I scan the menu. My eyes lit up with excitement.
I finally settled on a Marshmallow Ice Cream with Chocolate Drizzle after way too much internal debate. Honestly, I wanted to try the whole menu, but sadly, my stomach couldn't handle that.
I waited at a quiet corner table for my number to be called, swinging my legs slightly in anticipation.
"Thank you," I said politely to the barista when I picked up my tray, my excitement barely contained. I practically skipped back to my table.
One bite and my eyes lit up. Sweet, creamy, cold… It was everything I missed. I smiled wide, almost giddy, and devoured the rest in less than ten minutes.
I glanced at my watch. Caspian was running late. Maybe something important came up.
Should I… order more?
I stood up and headed to the counter again. This time, I picked the mango flavor. Something refreshing to match my fluttering nerves.
I had just started eating when someone called my name.
"Mia Isabella, it's you!"
I turned, spoon halfway to my mouth.
There, standing in a sleek three-piece suit, was a tall, handsome man with an all-too-familiar expression of disdain—and glowing amber eyes that caught the sunlight from outside.
"Lucas?" I blinked hard, caught off guard.