The Memory Keeper: Twisted Roots

As we wrapped up the meeting, my mind was still spinning. The weight of everything I had just learned pressed down on me like an unbearable force. I kept my composure long enough to step out of the office, offering Frederick a polite nod before excusing myself. But the moment I reached the bathroom, the floodgates opened.

Tears spilled down my cheeks before I could stop them. My breath hitched as I gripped the edge of the sink, trying to steady myself. My father... the man I had loved, admired, and mourned-he had been fighting a battle I never even knew existed. He had been trying to protect me, to do the right thing, and it had cost him everything.

I covered my mouth with my hand, muffling the sob that tore from my throat. The truth was so much worse than I had imagined. My family had been destroyed because of Lucious Stanton. My father had died trying to do the right thing. My mother had been taken from me. And I... I had been left in the wreckage, my memories stolen, my life shattered.

And yet, all this time, Khai had been protecting me in the shadows. She had sacrificed everything-her own freedom, her own happiness-to keep me safe.

I clenched my fists, my tears slowing as something hardened inside me.

I couldn't change the past. But I could decide what to do with the truth.

And I knew exactly who I needed to see.

But I needed to be careful.

No one could suspect me.

I had to act as if nothing had changed-as if the revelations I had just learned hadn't shaken the very foundation of my world. I needed to continue living my life as usual, showing no cracks in my facade, no signs that I knew the truth.

Because if Frederick had been watching me all this time, then Lucious likely had eyes on me too.

This wasn't just a game of revenge. It was a war of deception, of carefully placed moves where one misstep could mean the end-not just for me, but for Khai, for everything my father had fought for.

I would play my part. I would smile when necessary, follow my daily routine, act as though I was none the wiser. But beneath it all, I would work in the shadows, helping Khai in any way I could.

Because now, I knew the truth.

And in this game of betrayal and lies, the only way to win... was to outplay them all.

I got back to my office and kept my composure, acting as if everything was normal.

"Hey, Mr. Boyd, I've scheduled some time off for the next two weeks," I said casually. "I'll be heading to Alberta to visit Mel."

He raised a brow, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Wow, look at you-busy with wedding preparations?"

I sighed, forcing a small chuckle. "Yeah... I wish we could just skip the whole preparation part and get married without all the hassle."

He laughed. "Come on, Rain. You only get married once-hopefully. You should enjoy the process. It's a once-in-a-lifetime moment."

I nodded, mustering a small smile. "Yeah, you're right."

With that, I bid him goodbye, keeping my steps steady, my expression neutral.

Because in reality, I wasn't just preparing for a wedding.

I kept up with my routine-checking wedding gowns, scouting venues, attending food tastings, cake tastings, and searching for the best giveaways. Everything had to look as normal as possible.

•••

Then, the day of my trip to Alberta arrived.

Sitting in the airport lounge, I was scrolling through my phone when I felt it-someone watching me. I ignored it at first, but after a few minutes, I caught him glancing at me again.