“SHE’S having temporary memory loss because of head trauma,” the doctor told Mihara when he visited him for a home check-up. “It might take a while for her to recall some of her memories. But if she is surrounded by everything that she knew and been with before the accident, it will be easier for her to retrieve all of her memories.”

Mihara blew her breath and glanced at Mikhail. The man is listening to the doctor seriously. He doesn’t even bat an eyelash while the doctor is explaining about her memory loss. Mihara pressed her lips. Maybe that’s how he loved his wife. But, sadly, his wife is cheating on her.

“Dr. Corpuz, is there also a chance of behavioral changes because of head trauma?” he asked, glancing at her.

The doctor knotted his forehead. “It’s possible… especially if the patient is experiencing mild amnesia. She doesn’t know what she was before the accident and having trouble recognizing her reactions towards certain things.”

“So, it means that it’s just normal if I suddenly feel uncomfortable with him?” Mihara asked, trying her best to sound confused and baffled about the situation. “I can’t remember almost about everything…” Her hands trembled. “What I only remember is my name… I didn’t even recognize him when I woke up.”

The doctor nodded. “It’s normal for people who have experienced head trauma due to an impact. But I checked your CT scan, it doesn’t show any brain damage and head injury. You’ll be okay and back on track soon, Mrs. Villaruiz.”

Mrs. Villaruiz… Mihara repeated it inside her head. How she wished that she’s the real Mrs. Mikhail Villaruiz, but she’s an impostor. And, before Mikhail could notice her difference from his dead wife, she has to do her job. But the first thing that she needs to do is contact the All-Eye Online news and inform them that she, Mihara, is alive and kicking.

When the doctor left their room, Mikhail talked to her. Mihara doesn’t know how she will speak to the man that looked almost perfect. Every time he will look at her, all her internal organs are going crazy. It was as if everything of her is yearning for him.

“You should have told me earlier that you feel uncomfortable with my presence,” he said in a dead tone. “Why did you ask it to Dr. Corpuz without letting me know first?”

Mihara paused. She didn’t know that she has to ask his permission about what she wanted to say. “I’m sorry, I thought it’s okay to ask him. He’s a doctor, right?”

Mikhail’s eyes darkened with her question. “If you feel uncomfortable being close to me, I can transfer to the other room—”

“No,” she protested immediately. “Didn’t you hear what the doctor said? In order to bring back all my memories, I have to stay surrounded by the people and things that I have before the accident. And, that includes you, right?”

The man knotted his forehead. “We’ve been sleeping in a separate room even before the accident happened,” he said matter-of-factly and pointed to the room beside the bed. “That’s my room, and this is yours.”

“Oh, so it was an adjoining room,” she said in amazement. “What your room looks like? Have I been there before?”

He scowled at her. “You’re not interested in my room. You only think about yourself, Elise.”

Mihara paused. She’s not Elise, but she felt pain inside her chest, maybe because she can feel from his words that he’s in pain. He’s in pain because of his monster wife.

“I feel sorry for myself…” she murmured.

“What?” Mikhail asked, raising from his seat. “If you need anything else—”

“Wait for a minute.” She stopped him in his arm. “If we sleep in a separate room even before the accident, then why did I find you sleeping on my bed when I woke up this morning?”

Mikhail avoided her gaze. It was apparent that he didn’t expect the question from her. “I went here last night to check on you. I didn’t notice that I fell asleep in your bed.”

Mihara raised an eyebrow. A smile of mischief formed on her lips. “Really? And, you fell asleep naked?” She stood and went to her bed. “Maybe I should check if my bed has dried stains from the memories of last night.”

He cleared his throat awkwardly. “I don’t know what you’re saying, Elise—”

“Did you jerk off last night?” she asked, trying to sound natural, even if she felt uncomfortable with her own question. “Did you, Mikhail?”

Mikhail looked straight in her eyes. “I felt the urge to do it—”

“Oh, my gosh. Did you touch me?” she asked in disbelief. Now she’s not pretending. This is what she really felt.

“I didn’t,” he answered quickly. “Why would I do that to an unconscious woman?” he asked, brows furrowed. “It’s just that you looked so peaceful while sleeping. Honestly, for a moment, I thought you’re a different woman.”

Mihara’s heartbeat raced with what he said. “Me too…” she said and laughed awkwardly. “When I woke up, I felt different.”

“The plastic surgeons did some cover-ups for the burns in your face. And, they say that it might take a while before it heals fully,” he said, changing the subject. “I guess you’re ready to attend big events in six months.”

Mihara nodded slowly. “I’m hoping for my fast recovery,” she said, touching her slightly swollen face. “This puffiness in my face is kinda annoying. I look bloated.”

“It will heal soon,” he assured her. “That’s why I brought you and Nancy here in Ilocos for your recovery period. I know you don’t want to be seen by your friends in Manila in that state.”

“Thanks,” she said, then paused. “Wait, what? We’re in Ilocos?” She went to their window and slid off the curtains. When her eyes were welcomed by green trees and old houses from afar, Mihara squealed in excitement. “We’re in the winery?”

“Yes. You’ve been here a lot, Elise. Why do you sound as if it was your first time here?” Mikhail asked. When she looked back at him, his brows were furrowed in confusion.

Mihara calmed herself. “Nothing…” she said and smiled at him awkwardly. “I tried to remember some things about the winery, but I failed…”

Mikhail gave him a questioning look. “Do you still wanted to remember the things that you did on the farm?”

She nodded. “Everything.”

The man clenched his jaw. “Then, I’ll tell you the one that I will never forget.” He walked towards her, not breaking eyes with her. “I caught you making out with the new worker at the vineyard.”

***