The following morning, sunlight streamed into the kitchen as Chloe and Lily sat at the breakfast table, waiting for Ryan to finish up a work call before taking Lily to the airport.
"Sis," Lily began, stirring her tea, "I've really enjoyed spending these past few days with you."
Chloe looked up, smiling softly. "Me too. I'm glad we got to spend time together. And I'm even happier knowing you've accepted me."
Lily reached across the table and held her hand. "Big brother told me about Ryan… and your story."
"Our story?" Chloe asked, intrigued. "Can you tell me? Grandma once said she met me when I was little, but I don't remember. And when I asked Ryan, he said he doesn't either. I've always been curious."
Lily nodded. "Ryan was telling the truth. After our parents passed away in that accident, he had emotional trauma. It caused partial memory loss. Big brother said Ryan used to be bright, cheerful and even a little mischievous. But after losing our parents, he changed."
Chloe's heart clenched. "So… he really forgot?"
"Most of his early childhood. He doesn't even know he lost those memories, he just thinks he's naturally cold or distant. But Chloe," Lily said gently, "since you came back into his life, I've seen that old spark return. He's been warmer, more alive."
Chloe was silent for a moment, absorbing it all.
"What happened between Ryan and me back then?" she asked quietly.
Lily leaned back. "Big brother told me. Your mom and ours were best friends. When you were about five, your mom brought you to visit our house. That's when you and Ryan met. And according to Shawn, it was love at first sight for both of you. Every time you came over, you stuck to him. You shared snacks, played for hours, held his hand… he even told our mom that he wanted to marry you one day."
Chloe's eyes widened, her throat tightening with emotion.
"That's why your engagement was arranged. Our parents thought it was sweet and made it official between the families. But after the accident, it was never mentioned again… until now."
Chloe blinked, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
"Chloe," Lily added, voice soft, "the past may have faded, but what's growing between you two now? That's real."
Just then, Ryan walked in. "Were you two gossiping about me?"
"Yup," Lily said playfully. "I was telling your fiancée all your secrets."
Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Hopefully only the charming ones."
"Don't worry, I kept the embarrassing ones for later," Lily teased.
Chloe giggled, and Ryan leaned down to kiss her cheek in greeting. "Morning."
"Morning," she whispered, her heart still full from everything she had just learned.
After dropping Lily off at the airport, Ryan took Chloe shopping at a lifestyle store to pick up toiletries and things for his place.
"You're buying me way too much stuff," Chloe said as Ryan tossed yet another set of cute socks into the cart.
"Then just move in with me," Ryan said casually, glancing at her with a soft smile. "That way I won't need to keep buying things over and over."
Chloe blushed but her heart skipped a beat at his words. There was no teasing in his tone and he meant it.
"Ryan… why are you suddenly doing all this?"
"I guess," he said, stopping the cart and turning to her, "I was hoping you'd start spending every weekend at my place."
"Ryan… can I take that as a sign that you've fallen for me?" Chloe asked, holding her breath.
Ryan dropped the cart handle, wrapped one arm around her waist, and pulled her close. "Isn't it obvious?" he whispered, kissing her cheek.
Chloe's face turned bright red. "When did it start?"
Ryan paused for a moment before brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.
"That's a tough one," he said quietly. "Maybe… the moment I saw you sitting on the swing at Grandma's place. I don't know why, but something stirred in me. Childhood memories… they just started flowing back. And then, there you were. So familiar, yet so new."
Chloe's breath caught in her throat. His words were simple, but they were honest and warm.
She smiled, a little shy, a little overwhelmed. "That means more to me than you know."
He kissed her again, longer this time, his hand gently caressing her back.
****
That night back at Ryan's apartment, Chloe changed into the soft, pastel loungewear he had picked out for her.
Ryan looked up as she walked out of the bathroom. "Even though I liked seeing you in my clothes… this suits you even better."
Chloe gave a shy smile. "Goodnight," she said, turning toward the guest room.
"You're not sleeping there tonight," Ryan said gently, taking her wrist.
"Why not?"
"I just want to spend a little more time with you," he said. Then, without warning, he scooped her up and carried her bridal-style into his room.
"Ryan!" she gasped, laughing nervously.
He placed her down on the bed, tucked her in, and turned off the lamp. Lying beside her, he faced her, propping his head up on one arm.
"Chloe…"
She looked at him, her heart pounding.
"I never got the chance to say it earlier," she whispered, "but I really like you. Even when I was crying at the hotel… the moment I saw you, I felt something. And that feeling's only grown."
Ryan brushed her hair back from her face. "I've never felt so at peace with anyone. You calm me. You challenge me. You make me laugh. And when I look at you… I know this isn't just about our parents' promise anymore."
"Ryan, you're not alone anymore. No matter what happens… I'll always stay by your side," Chloe said.
Moved, Ryan leaned in and kissed her. It was soft at first, but quickly deepening. Chloe returned the kiss, melting into his touch, the warmth of his body against hers making her feel safe, wanted, and deeply cherished.
They held each other under the covers, whispering sweet nothings, sharing kisses and secrets, their hearts intertwining more tightly with each breath.
When sleep finally began to claim them, Chloe rested her head on his chest and whispered, "Thank you for loving me."
Ryan kissed the top of her head.
"You were always meant to be mine."
And in the quiet darkness, they drifted off together, hearts beating in perfect sync.