Beautiful Beasts (Lovestruck Series #1)

CHASE

Dissociative amnesia.

Dissociative amnesia is a condition where a person loses memory of important personal information, usually due to trauma or severe stress, without a physical cause.

It is usually temporary, with memories returning gradually...

But in rare cases, it can be prolonged or even permanent, especially if the underlying trauma remains unresolved.

She has fucking amnesia.

I couldn't make myself look away, even if I tried. I drank in the sight of her, taking my fill, searching for anything that changed, anything that would explain why she was looking at me like a stranger. The curve of her lips, the way her hair framed her face, it was all the same, and yet everything was different.

Because this time, I was nothing more than a familiar face. Familiar, but not enough to remember. Not enough to matter.

Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala. This all feels like a nightmare. Inasahan ko na ang pinaka-masamang pwedeng mangyari sa muling pagkikita namin, pero kahit kailan, hindi ko naisip na ganito ang magiging sitwasyon.

"I'm sorry," Mom said, breaking the silence. "Hindi namin alam..." She turned to Jasmine, "I'm sorry, hija. I hope this isn't too much for you."

Jasmine smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm fine."

Sinungaling.

"So, you're fine with marrying someone you don't remember?" The words came out before I could stop them.

Her gaze met mine, and my breath caught. It had been so long since I last saw her. Years of anger, pain, and unanswered questions. But now, she was sitting right across from me, looking at me like I was a complete stranger.

She doesn't remember me. She doesn't remember us.

My fists clenched at my sides. How is that fair? Ilang taon akong nagdusa, pasan-pasan ang sakit ng nakaraan. Pero siya? Basta na lang nakalimot. Malaya, walang bigat na dinadala.  Habang ako, naiwan sa impyernong iniwan niya.

Jasmine's lips parted slightly, but she didn't look away. Instead, she let out a soft breath and said, "Kung ito ang makakabuti sa akin, bakit hindi?"

Something in her voice twisted the knife deeper. The words sounded simple. Practical, even.

"In fact, to be honest, if we're talking about convenience... I think it would be more beneficial if I marry you instead. Tutal, ikaw naman ang bagong CEO, diba?"

Natahimik ang lahat. Leon opened his mouth, probably to say something stupid, but stopped when Tita Belle slapped his mouth.

"It will be more convenient, yes," I agreed, shocking everyone. Nilingon ako ni Enzo na parang inagawan ko siya ng candy. "But it will be an inconvenience for me."

But instead of being offended, Jasmine smirked. "Why? Are you planning on marrying for love?"

I smirked back sarcastically. "Even if I am, it's none of your business."

"Chase," pigil ni Dad.

But Jasmine just shrugged, na parang wala lang sa kanya ang sinabi ko. Even when I meant it as a jab to her.

"Fair enough," she said. "Now that I think about it... Hindi rin naman kita type."

I scoffed. Sabay pang natawa si Leon at Chesca.