Chapter 40~THE WAY SHE KEPT LOOKING AT ME

Chapter 40~THE WAY SHE KEPT LOOKING AT ME
Nathan’s POV

Losing my memory was the worst thing that had ever happened to me. Not even recognizing my own fiancée—it was unbearable. The woman who claimed to have stayed by my side through everything felt like a stranger. Not knowing my parents, my closest people, my entire life… it was a nightmare. I wanted my memories back so badly. Who was I really? A musician? A star? Was I truly that famous? The thought almost felt like a joke.

“Nathan, your car is ready. We need to go,” Tasha, the girl I was told was my fiancée, called out.

“Oh, okay,” I answered with a smile.

“You look even more handsome now, Nathan,” she said softly, slipping her hand into mine.

I stared at her. Was I really in love with this girl? She was beautiful, more than that—she looked like a goddess. Surely I would’ve been crazy about her before.

“Help me get my memories back, Tasha,” I said with a hopeful smile.

“I’ll do that, Nathan. Trust me,” she promised.

“Right… also, I’m sorry for putting you through all this,” I murmured.

“I’m your fiancée. How could I ever leave your side?” she whispered, resting her head on my shoulder.

“Let’s go then,” I chuckled awkwardly, though something about it all felt… off. Maybe it was just the memory loss.

When we stepped outside, a man rushed toward me, his eyes watery. He hugged me tightly before I could even react.

“It’s me, Samuel, you idiot!” he said, wiping his face.

“He’s your manager and best friend,” Tasha explained.

I blinked at him, then chuckled.

“You really don’t remember me?” Samuel asked, his voice cracking.

“You’re handsome though,” I teased, smirking.

Samuel gawked. “What?! You’ve never said anything like that. Are you sure you’re okay?” He reached for my forehead.

“Don’t be dramatic,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

Samuel laughed, shaking his head. “That’s so you. Some things never change.”

Two men got out of a car nearby. They were ridiculously good-looking, almost dazzling.

“Hey, guys! You’re here,” Tasha greeted them warmly.

I tilted my head. “Do I know these men?”

“We’re both SG members,” one said with a grin.

“They’re the ones I told you about,” Tasha reminded me.

“Oh… wow. How can anyone be that handsome?” I exclaimed.

“Stop being dramatic. You’re more handsome than them,” Samuel shot back, and the group burst into laughter.

“I’m Jason your sworn enemy,” one of the guys introduced himself with a smirk.

“And I’m Tom. Glad to see you recovering,” the other added.

“Alright, let’s go. They’re waiting for us,” Samuel urged, and we all piled into the car.

Samuel drove us to a massive mansion. The sight alone made me freeze.

“Welcome home, Nathan,” Tasha whispered, smiling at me.

“What? My home? Am I some rich kid?” I gasped, covering my mouth.

“Oh, my son! You’re back. Thank you for returning to us,” my mom cried, throwing her arms around me.

“I can feel you, Mom,” I whispered, hugging her tightly.

“Stay here for a while. It might help your memories return,” Dad suggested as they led me inside.

The maids filled the table with food. Mom wouldn’t stop fussing over me.

“It’s like you came back from the dead, so eat, my boy,” she said, feeding me.

“Mom, I can eat by myself,” I said with an embarrassed laugh.

The doorbell rang. Dad got up to answer it. A couple walked in, and behind them… her. That strange girl from the hospital. The one who wouldn’t stop staring at me.

“Why are you here, Cherry?” Tasha snapped.

So that was her name. Cherry.

“Why is she here? Didn’t you say she’s just some fan?” I asked, glancing at Tasha.

“She is. But she also happens to be my stepsister,” Tasha muttered, rolling her eyes.

“Oh,” I gasped.

The man introduced himself. “I’m Mr. Hyde, Tasha’s father. This is my wife.”

“And she’s my daughter, Cherry,” Mrs. Hyde added, smiling awkwardly.

Cherry’s eyes wouldn’t leave mine, and it made the air feel heavy.

“So… Cherry is family? Then why did everyone treat her like a stranger at the hospital?” I asked curiously.

“We were still shocked. Besides… you two weren’t that close before for her to rush in like that,” Mom explained.

“Mom is right,” Tasha quickly added.

“Alright then. Let’s just enjoy lunch,” I said, though Cherry’s stare kept burning into me. Tasha noticed too.

Eventually, Tasha grabbed Cherry’s arm. “We need to talk.” They both stepped outside, leaving me confused.

Mrs. Hyde touched my hand. “I’m glad you’re back, Nathan.”

“I just want my memories to return. It feels like I’m missing something important,” I admitted.

“Your fans have been waiting for you. They’ll be thrilled once they know,” Dad said.

“But how do we tell them about his memory loss?” Mom worried.

“We don’t,” Dad decided. “We’ll keep this private until he recovers.”

“That’s best,” Samuel agreed. “Nathan will take a break until then.”

Tasha and Cherry returned, both looking furious. I wanted to ask what happened, but I held back. Instead, I focused on Cherry again. Why did she keep looking at me like that? What was our real connection?

When she picked up her handbag to leave, I couldn’t resist. I stood quickly, using a flimsy excuse.

“Should I come with you, Nathan?” Tasha asked with a sweet smile.

“No, Tasha. I’ll be fine,” I said, grabbing my sweater.

I hurried after Cherry, my heart pounding.

Cherry froze when I caught up to her. Her eyes widened a little, like she hadn’t expected me to follow.

“Could you slow down, please? I’m not fully recovered yet,” I said, panting.

“Why… why are you following me, Nathan?” she asked, her voice shaky, like she was caught off guard.

“I’m just curious about you. The way you kept staring at me wasn’t normal. Why do you look at me like that?” I asked, stepping closer.

Her lips parted, but she quickly looked away. “You’re mistaken. I wasn’t looking at you in any special way.”

“Oh really?” I tilted my head, watching her fidget with her hands. “Then why rush to the hospital that day? Doesn’t sound like something a stranger would do.”

She stammered, her voice breaking, “That was just… I was worried like everyone else. Nothing more. Please stop reading into it.”

I chuckled softly “Is that so, Ms. Cherry? You don’t sound convincing.”

She bit her lip, refusing to meet my eyes. “I-I have nothing to do with you.”

I leaned closer. “Then why does it feel like you’re lying?”

Before she could answer, Jason’s voice cut through the air.

“What are you doing with my girl, Nathan?”

Cherry flinched at his words. Jason grabbed her hand, but I noticed the way she tensed, her shoulders stiff like she wanted to pull away.

I smirked. “Oh? So you two are dating?”

Jason pulled her closer. “Yeah. Be careful around her.”

But Cherry’s eyes flickered nervously between us, and her voice was barely steady when she said, “Let’s go, Jason.”

I smirked wider. “You don’t look good together, though. Right, Cherry?” I asked, forcing her into the moment.

She swallowed hard. “This… this isn’t your business, Nathan.”

Jason tugged her along, and they walked away. Still, I could see the way her hand barely moved with his.

“Let’s see each other often, Ms. Cherry,” I called out loudly, grinning at her stiff back.