Chapter 1279

Over the years, he'd developed a habit of lighting a cigarette whenever something troubled him, although everyone said he'd never smoked before. This unconscious habit puzzled him. The doctor attributed it to excessive stress, even suggesting he was prone to illusions. He wondered if that explanation was itself an illusion.

His mind drifted to an unanswered message. Skylar's name consumed his thoughts. A voice whispered that she was meant to be his woman, that they were destined to be together. He should reply. His emotions warred; his rational side urged caution.

Just as he reached for his phone, a knock sounded.

"Ned, it's me."

Rosa's tearful voice filled the room. He set down his phone and opened the door. The moment she saw him, she threw herself into his arms, sobbing. "Ned, I had a terrible dream. You were leaving me, said you didn't love me anymore, wanted to marry someone who 'truly captured your heart.' You were so cold, pushed me away, and offered no comfort."

"It was just a dream," Ned replied, stiffening as he placed his hands on her arms. He felt a sudden urge to push her away. They'd relied on each other for three years, yet physical contact always felt uncomfortable.

Rosa continued, her misery unabated. "When I woke up, it felt real. I'm so scared, Ned. Everything felt so real. Please promise you won't leave; I can't live without you. Ever since we saw Skylar, I feel like you'll leave me for her at any moment. She's too perfect. I feel so insecure around her. The way you look at her… it's different. For three years, since your accident and memory loss, you've pushed me away. You don't want to be close."

"I keep wondering if I did something wrong, or if you stopped loving me because of the amnesia. In three years, we haven't even kissed. We barely hug. Ned, I've lost all confidence."

She lifted her head, her tear-filled eyes, full of affection and pain, fixed on him. Her vulnerability was palpable. Tiptoeing, her lips approached his. Her heart pounded. But just as they were about to touch, he abruptly pushed her away.

"You're overthinking this. Wipe your tears," he said coldly. He turned, grabbed a tissue, and handed it to her.

She stared at the tissue, disbelief etched on her face. She wondered if she was overthinking it, but quickly dismissed the thought. She'd bared her soul, practically begging for a kiss, and he'd refused. Still, she took the tissue. "Ned, I'm a woman. I have pride. You don't want to be close, so how can I keep bringing this up? These past three years… you've changed so much. I'm in so much pain."

Ned's eyes darkened; the air grew colder. "Have I really changed that much?"

Rosa wondered if someone could truly change so drastically after memory loss.

For the first time, Ned questioned his own identity, wondering if he was truly Ned. Rosa's heart clenched. Panicked, she said, "I don't know. But since we can't figure it out, let's stop thinking about it. I've waited three years. I can keep waiting. You're still the man I love most."

Chapter 1280