“Because he’s my son and I remember him. But I don’t remember you. I don’t know if you are my wife or if you tricked me in some way to have him. All I know is that you found a devious way to enter into my life when the easiest thing you could have done is told me the truth.”

A pained sound escapes my lips and I sway in place.

He...he doesn’t remember me!

How is that possible? My husband remembers only our son while I’ve been wiped out clean from his memory? How could fate be so cruel?

Damien turns to leave and I stop him.

“Please, Damien, give me a chance to explain,” I beg.

He doesn’t even look at me. He simply ignores my entreaty and strides towards the door.

“Damien, don’t do this,” Jonathan speaks up. He rushes to the door and splays his hands in the air, stopping Damien. “You cannot separate the kid from Aaliya.”

“I can and I will. He’s my child. MINE!” he roars, his face contorting with fury.

God! My heart breaks seeing all the emotions flowing through him. He holds Rian closer to his chest as if he will disappear into thin air if he doesn’t hold on to him. Rian clings to him, his tiny arms circling his father’s neck. Damien looks at Rian with utter awe on his face, like he can’t believe he is real. He turns and his angry gaze fixes on me; hurt and betrayal swirl in the grey green depths.

He remembers Rian but he...he doesn’t remember me. Fear courses through my veins at that thought.

“Damien,” Gabe pleads, “please don’t do something you will regret once you regain your memory. Separating your son from his mother is so wrong. Don’t do this, mate!”

Gabe comes to stand by Jonathan’s side, both of them acting as a wall to prevent Damien from leaving with Rian.

Damien throws them both a disgusted look. “All of you are in this together and I’m done listening to all your lies. I’m leaving and if either of you tries to stop me, I promise you there will be consequences that none of you will like!”

My throat clogs and my vision blurs on hearing the fury mixed with anguish in his voice. He must be having so many questions and I’ve made it hard for him by lying to him about us, but none of it matters at this point. Right now, I have to ensure Rian remains with me at any cost. I’m not sure if Damien will let me near my son again if he’s allowed to leave with Rian now.

Gathering courage, I blink my tears away and walk up to the three men. They all look at me as I near them.