Chapter 41: ~ONE MINUTE WITH NATHAN

Cherry’s POV

Jason took me home, and the ride was awkward as hell.

“Why did you lie?” I asked, staring at him.

“I saved you! Did you forget? We agreed not to tell Nathan the truth about you two. We can’t tell him now,” he replied firmly.

I sighed. He was right. That was our plan to play along, let Tasha act like she was the one Nathan loved. But it broke me. Nathan couldn’t even remember me anymore. We were done for good this time. I was nothing more than a fan again.

And yet… I felt relieved. At least he was back. Longing for him from a distance had always been my place anyway. Maybe, when he regains his memories, he’ll remember the happy ones with me. That thought made me chuckle.

“What are you giggling about?” Jason asked, smiling.

“Nothing…” I whispered.

“So how long are we going to play this boyfriend-girlfriend act?” he asked.

“Huh?” I blinked.

“We don’t have to, if you don’t like it,” he added, chuckling awkwardly.

“Will you be okay with this?” I asked softly.

“Of course.”

“Then… fine. Let’s play along for now.” I got out of the car.

“Alright, Cherry. Bye. See you tomorrow,” he said with a smile.

“Bye. Oh, Jason, tomorrow’s my mom’s birthday. Don’t forget.”

“I know, Cherry. I’ll definitely come,” he promised before driving off.

When I entered the castle, the maids were already decorating. I joined them, despite their protests.

“You’re so kind, Ms. Cherry,” one of them said.

“Not really,” I answered with a nervous smile.

“You are. Ms. Tasha would never help like this.”

“She’s kind in her own way,” I defended weakly.

“You don’t know her. She’s heartless.”

“Shhh, let’s just work,” I said with a smile, and they smiled back.

Mom was thrilled when she saw the decorations. She hugged me tightly.

“I’m so moved. I could cry,” she whispered.

“Mom,” I hugged her back.

“I want you to look the prettiest girl at my party tomorrow. That’s why I bought you a gift—”

“Hey, hey, hey! Look who’s here!” Tasha interrupted, clapping as she entered.

“Tasha,” Mom called.

“I need to talk to your lovely daughter. Can you give us space?” she asked sweetly.

“Alright. Cherry, I’ll be in your room,” Mom said.

“Okay, Mom.”

As soon as she left, Tasha rolled her eyes. “A little mama’s girl.”

“Please…” I muttered.

“I came to warn you. I'll pull your eyes out if you stare at Nathan tomorrow like you did today.”

“Oh, please, Tasha. Nathan doesn’t even know me now. But you know what? I’ll do what I want tomorrow just to see that face of yours again,” I said firmly.

“You dare talk back to me? Shameless! I knew it—you still want Nathan. Dream on, girl! You’re a stranger to him now.”

“Exactly. I am a stranger. So why are you so anxious?” I shot back.

Her eyes darkened. “Looking at him like that might make him curious about you and—”

“Curious? Why would he, when he doesn’t remember anything? Or are you afraid he might regain his memories and dump you instantly? Do you even want him to remember?” I asked.

“Are you insane?” she screamed, raising her hand to slap me. I stepped back.

“I’m not. You’re the crazy one,” I said and walked away.

“Eish! Come back here!” she shouted, chasing after me.

The next evening, guests began arriving for Mom’s party.

I wore the dress she’d bought me, styled my hair, and did my makeup. When I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t help but nod in satisfaction. I looked like a princess.

When I stepped out, everyone’s jaws dropped.

“What the hell…” Tasha muttered, stunned.

I smirked. For once, I had beaten her.

“Happy birthday, Mom!” I said, holding her hand.

“Thank you, honey. You look so beautiful I could cry,” she said, hugging me.

“You look beautiful too, Mom.”

“Cherry!” a familiar voice called. I turned it was Belinda.

“Oh my God!” she exclaimed. “Who are you? An angel?” She hugged me.

“Shut up, girl,” I laughed.

“You’re glowing! You’re the main character tonight,” she said, staring at me in awe.

“You look amazing too, Belinda.” We both laughed.

“Come on, let’s sit. The party hasn’t started yet,” I said, leading her.

But the “Cherry, look! The boys are here!” Belinda gasped, clutching my arm. My eyes lifted, and there they were Jason, Tom, and… Nathan. His gaze locked on mine.

“Cherry!” Jason exclaimed, stunned.

“Well…”

“There’s no way that’s Cherry,” Tom added, jaw dropping.

“Wow,” Nathan muttered, staring straight at me.

“Of course! That’s my girl,” Jason said proudly, holding my hand.

“What’s going on here, Cherry?” Belinda whispered.

“Shh. I’ll tell you later,” I said quickly.

“Your friend is hot, Cherry,” Tom said, clearing his throat at Belinda.

Belinda blushed. “Oh my God.”

“Wanna hang out sometime, Belinda?” Tom grinned.

“You…you know my name?” she stuttered, clutching her chest.

“Cherry talks about you a lot,” he said smoothly.

Jason sat beside me, but Nathan remained standing, his eyes never leaving me.

“Why don’t you go to your goddess girlfriend, Nathan? You don’t belong here,” Jason smirked.

“I don’t want to,” Nathan replied coldly, still staring at me.

“What? Your girl must look beautiful tonight—”

“I’m sorry, but I’m curious about your girl. Can I borrow her for a minute?” Nathan cut in, suddenly grabbing my hand. My heart skipped wildly.

“Are you insane? Why would you take my girlfriend?” Jason thundered.

“You don’t need to know. Let’s go, Cherry,” Nathan said firmly.

Jason’s grip tightened. “Cherry, don’t go with him. Say no.”

“Aren’t you coming, Cherry?” Nathan asked.

I swallowed hard, trying to breathe. “Fine,” I muttered, rolling my eyes as if it didn’t matter, though my heart was ready to burst. Slowly, I stood up, still holding his hand.

Jason’s face fell. His lips parted like he wanted to stop me, but no words came out. He just sat there, shattered.

“It’s just a minute, Jason,” I whispered, though deep down, I wasn’t sure I believed it myself.