Page 68 of Merciless Sinner

"It is what it is, Virgo. I get that you saved her in Monte Carlo, and I understand that you wouldn't have wanted to marry somebody your father picked for you, but I stand by my word that this is too much for Olivia. In ways, she might seem like the same person, but she isn't. She spoke to me the other day and expressed the possibility of a life outside of our ways. I’m open to it if that is what she wants. I think you should be open to that, too. From what she said, I could tell quite clearly that she wants out."

"If she remembered who she was, she wouldn't want out," I point out. "I owe it to her to keep trying."

"No, Virgo," he protests. "If you love her like you say you do, then you owe it to her to do what's best for her." He stands and leans over to put out his cigar. "If you are best for her, then let her choose you. Let it be her choice. See you later."

I don't answer. I allow him to walk out, and I think about his words.

Let her choose me. That's exactly the thing I'm worried about. Because I know she won't.

* * *

I get home three hours later. Olivia would've gone to sleep long ago. She's lying in bed on her side with her hair sprawled out around her. It looks beautiful against the moonlight, just like her. She looks like a dream or fantasy. I can't count the times I imagined her like this in my bed over the last few years.

Now Cillian's words come back to haunt me the moment I sit next to her.

Maybe I could let her go if I didn't know she has something stopping her from remembering the life she once lived, the life where she was in love with her career and in love with me.

I wouldn't force her to love me if I knew she didn't or hadn't before.

I pick up a lock of hair and allow the end to curl around my thumb.

I have to believe that I am best for her. Not even the universe could be this cruel to let me find her in a one-in-a-million chance, only to let her go. But if the universe wants to fight me, then I'll fight it, too. I'm the kind of guy who will destroy the world just to have her.

I know no other way.

ChapterNineteen

Olivia

It’s finally here.

My wedding day.

I’m in the bridal suite at Oheka Castle, one of the wedding destinations people dream about.

While Amelia does the finishing touches to my makeup, I stare at myself in the full-length mirror taking in my gorgeous wedding dress.

It’s absolutely beautiful. The design has an elegant strapless bodice speckled with sparkling diamonds and a flowing skirt.

Amelia has given me smoky eyes which accentuate the long beach waves the stylist placed my hair in.

As I stare at myself, I have that feeling again, and I can’t believe I’m a bride, or that this is really happening.

Within the next hour, I will become Olivia Antonov. I was just getting used to being Olivia O’Ridian. I was her for all of ten days.

Now my name is changing again.

This is a day most women dream of, but I still have that disconnected feeling where I don’t feel like I belong.

And now I’ll have a husband.

A guy I used to be insanely in love with, but now I can’t remember him. The last few nights with him have only served to drive me crazy.

I’m sure tonight will be the night when that changes and we change, too.

“All done.” Amelia announces with delight, pulling me from my sordid thoughts.

I give her a grateful smile and look at myself again when she steps away to give me a better view. “Thank you. I love it.”