Trenton’s POVE
Chapter 8 Rare Opportunity
She didn’t remember me.”
I stood frozen by the hospital bed, watching Lesley’s confused expression as she glanced between me, her parents, and Vincent. The doctor’s words echoing in mind.
Selective amnesia.
Caused by trauma.
My chest tightened. I couldn’t breathe.
Lesley shifted in the bed, her fingers weakly curling around the blanket as she looked at me again. “How do I know you?”
Vincent’s jaw clenched, but he forced a smile. “He told you, you’re married to him.”
Her eyes shone with uncertainty, like she was trying to piece together a puzzle with missing parts. “Oh.”
I swallowed hard. “Remember?” My voice came out rough, strained.
She turned her gaze to me. Studied my face.
Nothing.
No recognition.
No spark of familiarity.
Just polite confusion, like I was a stranger off the street.
My heart pounded against my ribs. This was a joke. A sick, twisted joke.”
“Lesley,” I tried again, stepping closer. “It’s me. Trenton.“>
Her brows furrowed slightly, and for a second, i thought she remembered. But all she said was, “I’m sorry. I don’t know you.”
I flinched.
A sharp exhale came from her father. Her mother wiped at her eyes, looking at the doctor as if she could will him to say something different.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, desperate now. “We’ve known each other for years. You…” I swallowed, lowering my voice. “You’re my wife.“}
Maybe this could be a perfect opportunity to talk her out of a divorce. Perhaps start again.”
Lesley gave a tired half–smile, like she was trying to be polite. “I don’t feel anything toward you.“}]
That made it worse.
The doctor stepped forward. “Mr. Trenton, I understand how difficult this must be, but please, let me explain.”>
I barely heard him. My eyes were locked on Lesley, searching for something, anything to prove she was lying, that this was some elaborate mind game she was playing to get back at me.”
But all I saw was sincerity
She really didn’t remember.”
The doctor sighed, adjusting his glasses. “Selective amnesia is common in cases of severe emotional or physical trauma. The brain represses certain memories as a defense mechanism.“}
Lesley’s mother sniffled. “So, she’s blocking out Trenton?”
The doctor nodded. “It appears so. Whatever trauma she endured is directly linked to him. Her mind has erased him to protect itself.“”
I felt like I’d been punched in the gut.
Vincent crossed his arms. “So what now? Does she ever get her memory back?”
The doctor hesitated. “It depends. Sometimes memories resurface on their own, triggered by familiar places, faces, or emotions. Other times… they never return.”
My stomach dropped.
Never?
Lesley might never remember me?}}
I rubbed a hand down my face, forcing myself to stay calm. “But she remembers everyone else?”
“Yes.” The doctor glanced at Lesley. “She still retains most of her long–term memory. It’s only specific to you.”
Of course, it was.!!
A bitter laugh almost escaped my lips.!!
Lesley, the woman who once refused to forgive, who held grudges like trophies, had managed to erase me completely.”
I had done something so unforgivable, so damaging, that her mind decided I wasn’t worth remembering.”
Vincent gave me a long, unreadable look before stepping forward. “You feeling okay?” he asked Lesley gently.”
She nodded slowly. “I think so. Just… tired.“}
Her mother ran a hand through Lesley’s hair. “That’s okay, sweetheart. You rest.”
Lesley’s eyes flicked back to me briefly, still blank, still distant. Then she leaned back against the pillow, her body relaxing.“]
-I couldn’t move.
I couldn’t speak.
I just stood there. “I think you should leave.” Then the words I dreaded the most came out.> Leave?
No sir, this is my opportunity and I’m grabbing it.
