The Memory Keeper: The Sin In Our Name

S2 Chapter 8: The Jig is Up

I froze. Every muscle in my body tensed as I replayed her words. My nightmare had betrayed me.

"And Rain? She didn't say anything?" I pressed, trying to gauge how much damage had been done.

Jessica shrugged nonchalantly but kept her eyes on me. "She didn't say much. Just sat there, quiet, watching you. She got up a little later and told me to make you the smoothie. Then she left for work."

The guilt that had been simmering since last night erupted into full-blown panic. Rain knew-or at least suspected. And I couldn't even deny it because I barely remembered the details myself.

Jessica tilted her head, her gaze sharp. "So, who's Ella?"

I ran a hand through my already disheveled hair, avoiding her eyes. "An old college friend," I muttered, hating how weak and unconvincing I sounded.

"An old college friend who made you have nightmares?" she said skeptically, her tone laced with disbelief.

"It's complicated," I snapped, my frustration boiling over.

Jessica raised her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. None of my business. But whatever it is, Khai, you'd better fix it. Rain doesn't deserve to be caught up in your... complications."

Her words stung because they were true. Rain deserved better than this mess I'd dragged her into.

I stood abruptly, heading for the kitchen to grab the smoothie. The chilled drink was a small relief against the chaos swirling in my mind. "Thanks for the smoothie, Jess," I said, trying to end the conversation.

"Anytime," she said, her tone softer. "But seriously, Khai-sort it out. Before it's too late."

As I sipped the smoothie, my thoughts spiraled. I needed to talk to Rain, to explain everything, even if it meant risking what we had. Because if I didn't, the truth would tear us apart anyway.

•••
Rain's POV

Lucan's half-joking remark made me laugh nervously, but there was a weight to his words that lingered in the air. "Khai isn't perfect," I said with a small smile, "but she's trying her best. I see how much she cares."

Lucan leaned back against the couch, his expression softening. "That's good to hear. You know, Rain, Khai can be stubborn as hell, and she's got a knack for burying herself in work to avoid dealing with personal stuff. It's how she's wired. But you... you seem to be the calm in her storm."

I felt a warmth spread through me at his words. "Thanks, Lucan. I try to be."

He nodded, but then his tone grew more serious. "Just promise me something, Rain. If anything feels off, if you start to feel like you're not being treated the way you deserve, don't ignore it. Talk to her. Khai needs someone who'll keep her grounded, and she'll listen to you, even if she doesn't always show it."

I swallowed, a pang of unease creeping into my chest. Last night replayed in my mind-the way Khai had stumbled into the penthouse drunk, her disheveled state, and the odd way she'd reassured me.

"I promise, Lucan," I said softly. "If something feels off, I'll talk to her."

"Good," he said, standing and adjusting his suit. "Now, back to work, Vice President. Show me why I put you in this role."

I laughed, grateful for the light-hearted shift. "Don't worry, boss. I'll make sure you don't regret it."

As I left his office, though, his words stuck with me. Lucan wasn't wrong-Khai did tend to hide her struggles. And while I trusted her, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was off.