Addicted Love (VALENTINE SERIES #1)

Faye's POV 07

07

She's finally woken up after her long coma, but it feels like a dagger to my heart that she doesn't recognize me. Even my two closest friends are strangers to her. The way she looks at everyone, especially me, with that strange, distant gaze-it's like being stabbed over and over again.

Then her parents spoke to me. They told me they plan to introduce me to her as her tutor since Ae will be homeschooled. She doesn't remember anything; in her mind, it's still the start of the school year. They explained that Ae needs time to recover after everything she's been through-what happened to her wasn't something simple. This is their way of helping her remember me, slowly. They know she's forgotten me in her mind, but not in her heart.

Hearing them say this made me want to break down right there in front of them. They've been so supportive of us from the very beginning, and now, even in this difficult time, they believe in us, in me. It's overwhelming.

Weeks had passed since I became Ae's tutor, and though we were slowly finding our rhythm, it still hurt that she didn't remember me. I sat in her room, surrounded by books and familiar posters that hinted at her past interests. The afternoon light streamed through the window, creating a warm atmosphere.

"Miss, pwede ba tayo manuod ng The Loud House?" she asked, her voice brightening with eagerness.

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm, despite the ache in my heart. "Of course! You love that show, don't you?"

She nodded, oblivious to the bittersweetness of her words. I picked up the remote and turned on the TV, flipping to the familiar channel. As the opening theme began to play, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. I remembered the countless times we had watched it together, the laughter and the little inside jokes that had formed between us.

"I missed this," she said, her eyes glued to the screen. "It always makes me laugh."

Watching her giggle at Lincoln and his sisters, I felt a mix of joy and sadness. She was so genuinely happy, yet the reality that she didn't remember our shared moments weighed heavily on me.

"I'm glad you're enjoying it," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Let's watch a few episodes."

Her face lit up, and for a brief moment, it felt like the connection we once had was still there, even if she didn't remember it. I wanted to reach out, to remind her of all the times we'd laughed together, but I knew I had to be patient. In this moment, as we shared laughter over the familiar characters, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe one day she would remember, and we could truly reconnect.

"Kenzie! Erica is here!" Triz called out loudly. I wanted to roll my eyes, but that wouldn't be professional, especially with others around.

A few people greeted me, especially since I was now the president of the university. I simply nodded in acknowledgment. I hate interactions, but when it comes to Ae, I love it, she's exceptional.

"Welcome to the university, Miss Bautista," I said as she approached. She looked like she wanted to hug me, but I only tapped her arm lightly. I really dislike physical interactions unless it's with Ae.

"Oh... thank you, Miss Sanchez," she replied shyly. "Wow, I don't even know how many years it's been since we last met."

I wasn't sure who she was talking about, so I decided to ignore it. I spotted Chia holding the materials I had specifically brought to the university.

"Here are the topics on the USB, quizzes, and even her long exam. I also included the projects that Mira needs to submit," she said, handing me three modules. "Make sure to pass this next Monday, okay?"