Heart 63

Heart 64

Posted by AdminM, ? Views, Released on November 4, 2024

Chapter 63

[Cordelia]

+25 BONUS

After the two of them left, Clark explained the situation in detail. Apparently, Angelica was found unconscious and alone in a room, hooked up to machines they still don’t understand. When they woke her up to take her from the island facility, she had no memory of the last five years.

In her mind, she’s still engaged to Atlas. She thinks it’s still 5 years ago, and they are due to be married by the end of the month. She is even moving into Atlas‘ house to prepare for when she will live there permanently.

She has no memory of the accident or anything that happened after.

And to make things worse, we all have to play along. If it is hinted that any part of her memory is false, it might permanently break her mind. The doctors are afraid she might even become catatonic or otherwise unresponsive, or completely lose all sense of who she is.

The doctors suggested she be around people and places she remembers. But her old condo was sold ages ago and our parents have changed too much for it not to be confusing for her to return there, Atlas‘ place seemed like the best option.

“But she seemed very aware of who she was when we were on the island,” I argue when I hear this. “She was only out of my sight for maybe an hour. How did she go from wanting revenge for her accident to suddenly forgetting any of it happened in the first place?”

“She wanted revenge,” Clark looks shocked. “She said that?”

I tell him a bit about how she was directly involved with my torture and he looks a little less surprised.

1 can see why she might not want to remember,” he sighs. “The doctor’s aren’t sure, but from what we were able to figure out after raiding Jude’s properties and also what the police were able to learn from his interrogation, Jude and Angelica did some horrible things together. We didn’t know about what had happened to you, not entirely, but it sounds like more of the same. She may not want to remember. They

it is not unusual for trauma survivors to have a mental block”

I nod understanding. There are things that have happened to me over the last few weeks that I would love to forget. There are things I have probably forgotten after everything that Jude has done. Even so, I couldn’t imagine doing something to hurt a loved one just because I was being manipulated.

But Jude was not a simple manipulator. He was using a combination of cutting–edge techniques to get me to do what he needed me to do.

Angelica was with him for five years. There is no telling what was done to her.

“Who does she think is the father of my child?” I realize as I look down at my obviously round belly. “I mean, I’m starting to show. She’s gotta have questions.”

“To be honest, we haven’t mentioned it yet,” he looks shyly to the side. “Atlas and I have an idea, but it would need your approval and input. We want to make sure it is something she will believe. Did you have any ex–boyfriends? Or anyone she might know or suspect you might be dating?”

I shake my head. “No. I didn’t date. At least nobody I’d be serious enough to let this happen,” I wave my hands above my belly.

Chapter 63

+25 BONUS

“A one–night stand?” he suggests.

“I was a virgin when I married Atlas, Clark,” I confess. “Angelica would know that. She would also know that I don’t date casually. Besides,” I explain, “Whomever we chose would either need to be out of the picture OR someone I can pretend well enough with to make it believable.”

“In other words, someone you know and trust,” Clark concludes.

“Yes,” I agree. “And Tilly doesn’t have the right…equipment.”

Clark snorts, but then grows contemplative as he tries to help me figure out a solution.

After a few moments, he takes a deep breath and announces that he has an idea. A good idea, one that will convince everyone of its sincerity without drawing any suspicion from Angelica.

“So what is your brilliant idea,” I watch Clark curiously as he stands only to kneel at the foot of my bed. “Cordelia–Louise Greyson Steele,” his eyes are full of sincere emotion as he asks “Will you marry me?”