Chapter 4: Memories
615words
The chaotic confrontation at the hospital kept replaying in my mind. I would never forget Derek's expression when he burst into the room—that anger of betrayal, that explosion of possessiveness.
"Stay away from her, Owen!" he had practically growled. "You've done enough damage."
Owen hadn't backed down. He stood there, his eyes flashing with a stubbornness I'd never seen before. "You're the one hiding the truth, Derek. She has a right to know everything."
I'd had enough and pulled both of them out of the room. "That's enough! This is a hospital, and my daughter needs rest!"
In the hallway, I crossed my arms, my gaze moving between two identical faces. "Now, will someone tell me what's going on?"
Derek's jaw tightened, that familiar stubborn expression appearing. "Bella, it's complicated."
"Complicated?" I laughed coldly. "I discover I might have been dating twin brothers simultaneously without knowing there were two people! This goes beyond 'complicated'!"
Owen stepped forward, his fingers lightly touching my arm, but I immediately backed away. His eyes flashed with hurt. "Bella, I can explain..."
"Don't call me Bella!" I cut him off sharply. "That foolish girl who believed in you no longer exists."
We parted on bad terms. I took Lillian home, my heart full of questions and anger.
Now, I pulled out a dusty box from under the bed containing my diary from eight years ago. Opening the yellowed pages, I began searching for clues.
"Today Derek took me to the observatory. His knowledge of constellations is amazing. He said stars are the eyes of the universe, and my eyes are more beautiful than any star."
"Derek was in a bad mood today, refusing to discuss his family business. He said it was just responsibility, not passion. Strangely, last week he was enthusiastically talking about business expansion plans."
"Derek gave me a book on medical history, saying it was his favorite. But two days later, when I mentioned concepts from the book, he seemed completely clueless. Is he testing me?"
My fingers trembled, my heart racing. These contradictions weren't coincidental—I had indeed been dating two people, thinking there was only one "Derek."
I closed my eyes as more memories surfaced: sometimes he would know nothing about things I'd mentioned the day before; sometimes his scent seemed subtly different; sometimes his touch was gentle as a feather, other times forceful as a storm.
I had always thought these were just different facets of his complex personality, never imagining they might be two different people.
My phone suddenly rang, Derek's name flashing on the screen. I took a deep breath before answering. "What is it?"
"Bella," his voice was deep and urgent. "We need to talk. Please bring Lillian to my estate. I promise to explain everything. This concerns her health and safety."
I looked at my sleeping daughter, her brow slightly furrowed, seemingly feverish again. For her sake, I needed to understand the truth.
"Tomorrow morning," I said calmly. "But I warn you, Derek, if this is another lie or game, I'll take Lillian and leave, never to return."
Hanging up, I leaned against the wall, feeling dizzy. Had my memories been manipulated? Who was Lillian's father? Derek? Owen? Or... both?
This possibility both terrified and confused me. I stroked Lillian's hair, making a promise in my heart: No matter how cruel the truth might be, I would find answers for you, my little angel.
