Yours, Always....

Chapter 8:The Weight of the Truth

It had been days since Emily had tried to move past her feelings for Daniel, but it seemed impossible. No matter how hard she focused on her work or distracted herself with daily routines, her mind always circled back to him. The waterfall, the warmth of his touch, and the way he had unknowingly pulled her closer—all of it haunted her thoughts. But today was different. Today, Emily felt a heaviness in her chest that she couldn't quite shake. She didn't know what it was, but something inside her told her that things were about to change.
At the office, Emily sat quietly at her desk, her coffee growing cold beside her. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, but her mind was far from the screen in front of her. The waterfall, the feel of Daniel's arms around her—it replayed in her mind over and over again. She didn't know how to stop thinking about him. Margaret, who had just finished her morning routine, stopped by Emily's desk and leaned against the doorway with a knowing smile. "You've been quiet today, Emily,"  Margaret said, watching her closely. "Lost in thought again?" Emily sighed, looking up from her blank screen. "I suppose you could say that," she admitted. "Just... there's a lot on my mind." Margaret raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Still Daniel, isn't it? You've been different since that weekend," she teased, her tone playful but with genuine concern. Emily hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, it's him. I just can't get him out of my head," she confessed, lowering her voice. "I know I'm not supposed to feel this way, but I can't help it. He's... special. "Margaret smiled softly and leaned closer. "Well, you're only human, love. Feelings aren't something you can control." Emily looked down, her heart heavy with uncertainty. "But there's something more, Margaret. I'm scared he might remember something, or someone, and I'll lose him before I even have a chance to say how I feel." Margaret frowned slightly, her teasing demeanor replaced by sympathy. "Emily, don't torture yourself like that. Whatever happens, you're doing your best. But maybe... just maybe, it's worth telling him how you feel before it's too late. "Emily's chest tightened, the idea of confessing her feelings terrifying her. "I don't know if I can," she whispered. "What if he doesn't feel the same? What if..." her voice trailed off, the fear of rejection gnawing at her. Before Margaret could respond, Emily's phone buzzed with a message. It was from Daniel. Her heart skipped a beat as she read it. "Can we talk later? Something important has come up."
Later that afternoon, Emily walked to the small café where she and Daniel often met. The fresh air and busy streets of London offered little comfort as her thoughts raced. What could Daniel want to talk about? Was he starting to remember something? Was it about her? Daniel was already seated when Emily arrived. He looked up as she approached, and for a moment, her heart warmed at the sight of him. But the look on his face wasn't what she expected—there was a certain seriousness in his eyes. "Hi, Emily," Daniel greeted her as she sat down. "Thanks for coming." "Of course, Daniel," she replied, her voice soft but steady. "What's on your mind?" Daniel hesitated, his eyes searching hers. "I've been having these flashes," he began, his voice uncertain. "Not full memories, just... glimpses. There's a face that keeps appearing, a woman's face, but I can't figure out who she is. "Emily's heart skipped a beat. A woman. She could feel the air around her tighten as she processed his words. "Do you remember anything else about her?" she asked, her voice careful and measured. Daniel shook his head slowly, frustration evident in his eyes. "No, just her face. It's strange, but I feel like I know her. Like she was important to me." Hearing that, Emily felt like the ground had shifted beneath her feet. Her worst fears were coming true—a woman from Daniel's past. And it was clear he still held on to something, even if he couldn't fully remember. Her throat tightened, but she forced herself to speak. "Maybe you're starting to recover bits of your memory," she said, her voice strained. "We can work on it together, figure it out. "Daniel nodded, clearly grateful for her support. "Yeah, that would help. It's been driving me crazy, not knowing who she is or why I keep seeing her." As Daniel spoke, Emily felt her heart sinking deeper. He was looking for answers, for someone from his past, and she was right here, falling for him more with each passing day. How could she compete with a memory that might come flooding back at any moment?
Back at the office, Emily returned to her desk, her mind heavy with the weight of the conversation. Margaret noticed immediately, walking over with concern etched on her face. "What's wrong?" Margaret asked gently, taking a seat beside Emily. Emily swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "He... he remembers a woman," she confessed. "Or at least, part of her. He doesn't know who she is yet, but I can tell she meant something to him." Margaret's eyes widened slightly, but she kept her tone calm. "And how do you feel about that?" Emily hesitated before responding, her heart aching. "I don't know, Margaret. I feel like I'm losing him, but I never really had him to begin with." Margaret reached out, squeezing Emily's hand in support. "It's going to hurt, love. But you've done so much for him. Whatever happens, you've been there every step of the way. He's lucky to have you."