Chapter 94 Come Inside

Chapter 94 Come Inside
Rainee’s throat tightened. “But nothing happened,” she said softly. “You protected me. Like always.”

His breath came fast, his frustration tangible. “Just go back to your place.”

“Okay,” she whispered, then steadied herself. “But you have to answer me honestly. Why didn’t you refute me when I told that girl you’re my husband? And why do you protect me like you always used to?”

Alex’s jaw clenched. “Listen,” he said, his voice a blade. “I don’t care if it’s you or any other girl. If someone’s in danger in front of me, I’ll help them. I can’t just turn a blind eye. And as for you calling me your husband, I thought it was better this way. If the rumor spreads, no one will approach me and ask me out.”

His tone was flat, heartless. It cut deeper than he realized. Tears burned at the corners of Rainee’s eyes, blurring the world.

“Did you get your answer?” he asked harshly. “Can you leave now?”

Embarrassment, frustration, and despair crashed through her all at once. “You’re lying,” she said, her voice trembling. “You remember me, don’t you?”

For a heartbeat, a flicker of something unreadable passed over his face. Then it was gone.

“Believe it or not, I don’t care,” he said. “I’m going inside. Leave or stay, it’s your choice.”

He unlocked the door and stepped inside, slamming it shut with finality.

“I won’t leave,” Rainee whispered to the empty street. “I’ll stay here until you let me come inside.”

From the other side of the door came a faint sound, the click of a lock turning. She sank onto the bench nearby, rubbing her arms and palms together against the biting cold. Snow began to drift down, each flake melting instantly against her warm skin.

_______

Nearly two hours had passed, and Rainee felt as though the cold might devour her whole, yet she had no intention of leaving. Today would determine the truth, whether Alex Fraser was truly suffering from memory loss or only pretending. Snowflakes drifted silently from the bruised winter sky, brushing against her trembling hands.

She exhaled a long, shaky breath, her gaze fixed on the silent, looming house across the road. The air felt heavy with secrets. Within half an hour, the road had been blanketed in white. Her teeth began to chatter uncontrollably, but the thought of leaving him never once crossed her mind.

Does he really not remember anything? she wondered, her heart pounding with a mixture of hope and despair.

Just then, the front door flung open. Alex Fraser stood in the doorway, his expression taut with distress.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” His voice cracked through the cold air. “How long have you been standing out here? Don’t you care that you could freeze to death?”

Rainee’s mind felt as numb as her body, and before she could stop herself, the words tumbled out of her mouth, raw and unguarded.

“I’m not alive without you anyway,” she whispered hoarsely. “You’re the reason I’m still breathing Alex. I won’t leave your side this time, no matter what.”

Silence fell between them. Alex’s face shifted slightly, as if the words struck something buried deep within. By the time Rainee realized how much she’d revealed, it was too late. Her fingers curled into fists as regret clawed at her.

“Come inside,” Alex said finally, his voice softer now but still edged with tension.

She blinked in surprise, then stumbled toward the doorway, desperate for warmth but even more desperate for him. Crossing the threshold, she glanced around the house, the dim lighting casting long shadows across a space that felt both foreign and heartbreakingly familiar. Can Alex Fraser really live in a place like this? she thought, her chest tightening.

The door clicked shut behind her. Alex’s voice, low and husky, cut through the silence. “Aren’t you afraid to spend the night here with me?”

Rainee’s lips curved faintly, masking the way her pulse fluttered like trapped wings. “What do you mean?” she asked, feigning innocence.

Alex smirked, leaning close enough for his breath to graze her lips. Her knees weakened under the sudden proximity.

“I mean…” his tone dropped, dark and deliberate, “even though I can’t see, I’m still a man with plenty of desires. What if I try something right now? What would you do? There’s not a single neighbor nearby to hear you or help you.”

Rainee tried to stifle a smile, but her heart thundered at his words. “Then go ahead. Do something,” she whispered. “Why would I have a problem with you touching me? You’re my husband. I’m giving you my full consent. Do whatever you want.”

He scoffed and stepped back, shaking his head in disbelief. “You keep calling me your husband, even though I’ve told you I’m not him. Stop wasting your time and go back to the Washington.”

He turned and walked toward the kitchen. Rainee’s pulse raced as she hurried after him. “I’m not wasting my time. I’m doing what I shou--”

She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widening. She reached out and grabbed his shoulder, spinning him to face her. His brow furrowed in confusion, but her eyes shone with hope and trembling excitement.

“How did you know I’m from the Washington?” she demanded, her voice shaking. “I never told anyone here that.” She caught him twice and this time she won't be polite to not expose him.

His eyes flickered, momentarily betraying him.

“Don’t tell me you just guessed. I’m not buying that,” she pressed, her breath coming fast. “You remember everything, don’t you, Alex?”

He stayed silent, but instead of answering, he asked his own question. “Why are you here when you told me to leave your life?”

Her legs nearly gave out under the weight of his words. Tears spilled over as she pressed a trembling hand to her mouth. Alarmed, Alex dropped to a crouch before her, his hands steadying her shoulders.

“Stop crying,” he murmured, his voice softer now. “Why are you crying when I’m just telling you the truth?”

She clung to him, her fingers knotting into his shirt as if he might vanish the moment she let go. Her sobs cracked the cold silence between them.

“I-I miss you, Alex,” she choked. “I miss you so much. I’m sorry… it’s all my fault. I’m sorry for doubting your love, for not believing in you, for hiding my feelings. I’m sorry for hurting you again and again, for every cruel thing I said--”

To be continued