Chapter 3

Noah Hayes was my childhood best friend.

On the exact day Liam and I officially went public with our relationship, Noah booked a one-way ticket to London.

And now, here he was, standing tall before me, looking down with a teasing smirk.

"What's the matter? Did Liam finally kick you to the curb?"

Furious and miserable, I punched him lightly on the shoulder, my eyes welling up with tears as I nodded.

After reading the notes on my phone explaining the entire nightmare, Noah clenched his fists, veins popping on his neck. He swore he was going to walk in there and beat Liam to a pulp, but I held him back.

Suddenly, the tall, proud man dropped down on one knee right on the pavement before me.

"Mia, why don't we give us a shot?"

Those exact words. Liam's face flashed across my mind, and hot tears streamed down my cheeks.

Noah panicked instantly. He pulled me into his arms, awkwardly patting my back to soothe me.

"Hey, hey, don't cry. I was just joking!"

"My mom's been breathing down my neck to get married, alright? I just needed a fake date to get her off my back."

I gently pushed him away, unlocked my new phone, and typed one word: *Okay.*

With Noah's help, I moved every trace of myself out of Liam's villa that very night.

Over the next few weeks, probably because he was too busy playing devoted nurse to Chloe, Liam didn't reach out to me once.

After all, he was playing the amnesiac. He couldn't risk slipping up.

Noah's parents flew back to the States.

On the day of our engagement party, I arrived at the luxury hotel dressed in an elegant gown, only to run straight into Liam at the grand entrance.

He looked at me in shock, his brows furrowing with deep irritation.

"Mia? You know today is Chloe's birthday bash. What on earth are you doing wearing an evening gown here?"

The entourage of mutual friends behind him immediately started snickering and egging him on.

"Man, Mia disappeared for weeks just to pull off a grand gesture! Look at that dress—she's definitely here to propose to you, Liam!"

A subtle blush crept onto Liam's cheeks, looking somewhat smug.

Instead of answering, I unzipped my clutch, pulled out a crisp manila folder, and held it out to him.

"Mr. Vance, here is my formal resignation. Thank you for the opportunities over the years."

The bustling crowd went dead silent.

Liam took the envelope, staring at it in total disbelief.

Then, pure rage took over.

"Mia! You're using your job to threaten me into marrying you?!"

He shoved the resignation letter back against my chest.

"Until my memory comes back, you better stop making a damn scene!"

Before he could finish, a manicured hand slid around his bicep.

"Liam, let's go inside. All our friends are waiting for the birthday toast," Chloe purred, casting me a triumphant, mocking smirk.

"Miss Quinn should join us too. I didn't invite you, of course, but since you're Liam's secretary, I'd be happy to have you."

She dragged out the word *secretary* with venomous condescension.

Ignoring her completely, I turned to walk toward the private hall reserved on the other side. Liam violently grabbed my wrist.

"Mia, what are you trying to pull?! Today is Chloe's big day. Whatever you have to say, we'll talk later."

"If you dare ruin something this important to her, I will never forgive you."

Noticing the pitying glances from the bystanders around us, my cheeks burned.

Realizing his tone was too harsh, Liam loosened his grip slightly.

"I still haven't gotten my memories back. I know that's unfair to you, but—"

I let out a bitter, mocking laugh and yanked my arm away from his touch.

"Liam Vance, my resignation is a notice, not a request for your approval."

"And as for us breaking up? That was finalized the moment I left the hospital."

"I am here today for my own wedding, not to watch your cheap soap opera."

Liam's expression turned terrifyingly stormy, his voice dropping to a menacing rumble.

"Mia, if you still want to be my wife, cut the crap and stop acting like a lunatic."

He glanced at Chloe, giving her a reassuring look.

"Once Chloe's birthday is over, I'll give you an answer."

Chloe was dressed extravagantly in white, looking more like a bride-to-be than a birthday girl.

I scoffed, reached into my bag, and pulled out our certified marriage license.

I snapped it open and held it high for every single person in the lobby to see.

"Take a good, hard look, Liam. I'm already married."