I Was Never His Wife

It began slowly. The memories didn’t flood in—they dripped, little by little, each time I skipped a pill, each time I caught Victor watching me too closely. Something about him always felt… off. My instincts had started whispering before my mind remembered anything.

Still, I played the part—smiling, obedient, affectionate. A perfect wife. At least, that’s what I let him think. I studied his reactions, how his hands lingered too long, how his eyes narrowed whenever I hesitated before swallowing those small, white pills.

Then came his announcement one evening, as he wrapped an arm around me like a noose.

“We’re visiting your parents tomorrow,” he said, tone casual. “Helena’s trying on her dress, and she wants you there. Your mom and dad will be around too.”

Just hearing the word "parents" made my chest tighten. I forced a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. I nodded.

"Of course," I said softly. But inside, I was unraveling.

On the way there, I sat quietly in the passenger seat, the view outside blurring. With every passing street, more pieces of my life returned. My memories were no longer shadows—I saw them clearly now.

Helena. My sister. My rival. She had always wanted what was mine—first my dolls, then my clothes, and finally… Diego. My Diego. We'd been together for years—four, maybe more. He was my world. Or at least, I thought he was.

I remembered the day I caught them. The way Helena smiled, smug and satisfied. How Diego stammered out excuses, lies that crumbled under the weight of the truth. My world collapsed.

Worse still was the betrayal of my parents. I had assumed—foolishly—that they'd support me. But they hadn’t. They let Helena have him. Let her trample over my heart and walk away with everything I once held dear.

And now, as I looked back, I remembered the car crash. The screaming match in the car. Helena beside me. Her cruel words. My trembling hands on the wheel. The blinding lights. The screech of tires. The impact.

That was no random accident.

And after it all—after the pain and the fog—I had woken up in a hospital room with Victor at my side. A stranger who claimed to be my husband. And I, lost and broken, believed him.

For weeks, he cared for me. Or so I thought. I trusted him, leaned on him. I thought I was lucky to have someone like him. Until the night I discovered the truth.

Earlier that day, I had taken a pregnancy test. Two lines. A child. Our child. I was filled with joy, hope, love. I rushed to his office, eager to share the news.

But as I stepped through the doorway, the conversation I overheard shattered my world.

“So, you’re still pretending to be her husband?”

The voice was unfamiliar, belonging to one of his friends.

“What if she remembers?” he asked next.

Then came Victor’ voice—calm, calculated. “She won’t. She’s taking the meds like she’s supposed to. She has no clue.”

My stomach twisted.

“I made sure of that,” he continued smoothly. “If she remembers, everything could fall apart. She could ruin Helena’s big day.”

Helena again. Why would I ruin her wedding?

“I’ll lie as long as I have to,” Victor sighed. “Even if she didn’t choose me, even if she’s marrying someone else… I’d rather give up my entire life than watch hers fall apart.”

Every word was a dagger. He hadn’t loved me. He had been using me—to protect her. Helena.

I wanted to barge in, demand answers. But I had no evidence. Only doubts. If I confronted him, he'd gaslight me. Tell me I was confused. Smile, touch my cheek, and feed me more lies.

So instead, I walked away. That night, I didn’t take the pill.

And slowly, painfully, the truth returned to me.

Now, as I stood in my parents’ house, I kept my expression serene. Victor held my hand. My thoughts, however, were far from calm.

Then she appeared.

“Liana!” Helena’s voice rang like a bell—too loud, too cheerful.

She glided toward me, hair perfectly curled, smile stretched wide and fake. “Come! I want you to meet someone.”

She didn’t wait. Her fingers closed around mine and pulled me forward.

“This is Diego,” she beamed, her hand proudly clinging to his arm. “My fiancé.”

Time stopped.

Diego. His eyes locked on mine. Dark. Blank. But behind that mask, something flickered—guilt? Recognition? Regret?

Whatever it was, it disappeared just as quickly as it came. He offered his hand.

“Nice to meet you.”

Like I was a stranger.

My body moved before my mind caught up. I stepped in—too close—and leaned forward.

My lips met his.

Diego froze.

Helena gasped. “What the hell are you doing, kissing my fiancé?”

“My apologies,” I said with an awkward chuckle. “I didn’t intend for that to happen. It’s just... something about you feels familiar, like I’ve known you forever. That kiss—it felt like something my body remembered on its own.”

I paused, forcing a smile in Diego’s direction, though inside, unease crawled beneath my skin. How ridiculous it all seemed—pretending I didn’t already know, acting like I hadn’t pieced the truth together long before stepping into this room.

Before Diego could even respond, Helena cut in with her usual flair. “Wow, sis,” she said, one eyebrow arched, “aren’t you acting a little too comfortable? Planning to snatch my fiancé now?”

Laughter erupted. Even my parents joined in, chuckling like it was a harmless joke. But it wasn’t. Her words sank into my chest like a blade. And just when I thought she was done, Helena tossed a smirk my way and added, “Kidding, obviously. But seriously, let’s not make that a habit, alright? I might just have to fight you for real next time.”

Dad shook his head, amused. “Try not to be so flirty next time, Liana,” he said with a chuckle, while Mom flashed a tightlipped smile that masked a subtle but sharp judgment. Not a single person tried to defend me—not even Diego, who stood there in awkward silence.

Even Victor leaned in and hissed under his breath, “You humiliated me. What was that about? You’re my wife.”

I stared directly at him, my tone cold and cutting. “Oh really? And since when was that the truth?”

His brows furrowed. “What are you implying, Liana?”

But I didn’t answer. I didn’t owe him anything—not anymore. I was done playing along with everyone’s games.

The remainder of the day slipped by like a surreal dream—smiles painted on faces, compliments exchanged, Helena obsessing over my reaction to the dress she was trying on. I nodded at all the right moments, laughed when expected. But my thoughts were a storm, churning with one relentless realization: I was losing everything, and no one even noticed.

When I finally excused myself, I used the pretense of checking my belongings. In truth, I was searching for something far more important—freedom. I couldn’t pretend anymore. I wouldn’t.

But when I reached my room, an eerie emptiness greeted me. Everything I had packed was gone. The boxes—vanished. It was as though someone had known I’d come looking and made sure there’d be nothing left.

Still, I wasn’t giving up. I searched every drawer, every crevice.

And then I found it.

It had been shoved deep inside a shelf, tucked carelessly between other objects. A book. I flipped it open, and there it was—a photograph tucked between the pages, used as a makeshift bookmark. A picture of Diego and me, locked in a kiss, our bodies pressed close. It wasn’t just a memory—it was solid evidence. Proof of what had been stolen from me. My weapon. The thing I needed to destroy their perfect little fantasy.

The next morning, I made a decision I never imagined myself making.

I walked into a clinic and told them I wanted to terminate the pregnancy. There was no way I would bring a child into this world built on deceit and manipulation.

After the procedure, I stepped outside, dazed but resolved. That’s when I remembered Mira—my best friend. I hadn’t spoken to her in so long. I pulled out my phone and dialed.

“Liana?” Her voice crackled through the line, stunned. “You remember now? Oh my god. They kept me away from you—I couldn’t tell you the truth, even when I wanted to.”

“Mira,” I whispered, my voice tight with emotion. “Please. Don’t tell anyone I’ve regained my memory. But I need your help. Remember that opportunity you told me about a while back? The one I turned down? I want it now. I need out.”

There was a beat of silence. Then Mira responded without hesitation, her tone certain.

“You’ll be gone in three days.”

Three days. That’s how long I had to pretend.

So I did. I smiled when expected, laughed on cue, and kept up appearances like everything was fine. But Helena made it almost unbearable. She clung to Diego like a child with a toy, constantly brushing her lips against his, whispering things in his ear as if I weren’t even there. If it was meant to hurt, it didn’t. I felt nothing at all.

The only thing I longed for was to leave.

But Victor noticed something was off. He dragged me aside when no one was looking, his fingers tightening around my wrist.

“What’s going on with you?” he demanded.

“Nothing,” I replied, voice flat and emotionless.

His jaw clenched in frustration. “This is about Diego, isn’t it?”

I narrowed my eyes. “What are you implying?”

He scoffed. “Don’t pretend you don’t know. You still have feelings for him, don’t you?” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You’re mine, Liana. I’m your husband.”

I blinked slowly and let out a soft, dry laugh. “You’re being paranoid.”

His stare turned hard, but before he could explode, I dropped the facade—just enough. I let my face crumble and coaxed out a few tears, letting them slide down my cheeks. “I just feel… lost,” I whispered. “Everything’s still fuzzy. It’s like I’m trapped in someone else’s life.”

Victor hesitated. His expression softened just a bit as he cupped my face, brushing his thumb gently across my skin like he was trying to comfort me. It made my stomach turn.

Later that evening, I found myself alone on the balcony. The breeze did little to cool the fire brewing inside me. Laughter echoed from below—guests drinking and celebrating Helena and Diego’s upcoming marriage like it was some kind of fairy tale. Lies. All of it. A repulsive, carefully crafted charade.

I heard footsteps approaching behind me. I didn’t have to turn. I already knew who it was.

Diego.

I glanced over my shoulder and offered him a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.

He leaned against the balcony railing, his gaze fixed on me. “Didn’t expect to find you out here.”

I tilted my head slightly, pretending to study him. “It’s odd,” I murmured, voice low. “Whenever I see you… there’s this strange familiarity.”

His body tensed.

I took a step forward, fingers trailing along the railing casually. “It’s like there’s something I’m supposed to remember, but it keeps slipping away.”

I met his eyes, watching for any flicker of guilt. “And yet… nothing ever sticks.”

Diego swallowed hard. “Liana—”

I lowered my lashes. “You know, I’ve noticed how people act around me. Like they’re hiding something. Like they’re afraid I’ll remember.”

I stepped in closer, slowly closing the distance. “It’s strange, how you always seem to be watching me.”

My fingers reached up to brush against his tie. My voice dropped to a whisper. “What is it you’re afraid I’ll realize?”

His breath caught. “I…”

I leaned in, lips nearly grazing his ear. “You want me to remember, don’t you?”

He didn’t move. He was paralyzed.

I rested a hand gently against his chest. “Maybe you could help me unlock it,” I whispered.

That was all it took.

His hands found my waist, pulling me in before his lips crashed against mine—urgent, desperate. I let him.

Just long enough.

The door behind us slammed open.

Helena’s scream cut through the air like a knife. “You witch!”

She lunged at me, fists full of my hair as she dragged me backward with force.

“What is wrong with you?!” she shouted, voice full of rage as she shook me.

I yanked myself free, staggering back. “He kissed me!” I shouted. “Diego’s the one who did it!”

Diego didn’t even flinch before turning on me. “She came onto me,” he said smoothly, like he’d rehearsed the lie a thousand times.

And then came the slap.

My mother’s hand flew across my face so fast I barely had time to react.

“You’ve brought shame to all of us,” she seethed. “How dare you flirt with your sister’s fiancé?”

A bitter laugh escaped me. Hollow. Empty. “Sister’s fiancé?” I repeated, my fingers brushing the sting on my cheek. “How ironic.”

Victor stood nearby, saying nothing. Just watching.

I turned to face him. “Are you going to defend me? Or are you just another bystander?”

He sighed heavily. “You need to stop this, Liana.”

“Stop what?” I snapped. “Speaking up? Telling the truth? Helena destroyed my life, and now I’m the villain because I won’t let it go?”

His expression darkened, unreadable.

I spun around, ready to leave, but his voice caught me midstep.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

I turned on him, my patience gone. “Why does it matter to you?”

“You’re ruining Helena’s wedding!” he yelled.

I let out a humorless laugh. “You really care that much?”

“She’s your sister,” he said simply.

That was it. That was all he had left.

I shook my head slowly. “You’re all exactly the same.”

Before I could walk away, chaos erupted inside. Someone shouted, “Helena’s fainted!”

Victor immediately rushed back in. My mother came storming outside and slapped me again.

I didn’t even flinch this time.

“If anything happens to Helena’s baby, it’ll be your fault!” she screamed. “Don’t show your face at the wedding! Ever! Get out!”

But the words didn’t cut anymore. I was already numb.

Without another glance, I turned and walked away.

I changed my mind.

Walking away without saying a word? That was never going to happen.

After everything they had taken from me, they really believed I would disappear quietly—like I’d willingly fade into the background while Helena paraded around in the life that was supposed to be mine. The very idea was laughable.

I wasn’t going to be their forgotten mistake.

I balled my hands into fists, fingernails pressing painfully into my palms as I glared down at the paper in front of me. A marriage certificate. The one meant to legally bind me to Victor. But the truth was darker. This document wasn’t real—it was a deception.

Legally, I had never been Victor’s wife. A slow, wicked smile formed on my lips.

If that bond had never existed, then I was free—completely untethered. And that freedom gave me every tool I needed to tear down everything they’d built.

Helena had taken my life.

Now I was going to dismantle hers.

To hurt her, I needed to strike where it would crush her most—her wedding. I grabbed my phone, calm and deliberate as I dialed Mira’s number.

She picked up almost immediately.

“I need a favor,” I said, cutting straight to the point.

“What kind?” she asked.

“I need a husband.”

There was a pause—then laughter erupted through the speaker. “Oh, this should be good. You really know how to stir things up.”

“I’m not joking.”

Mira hummed thoughtfully. “Well, lucky you. The country’s most wanted bachelor is currently in search of a bride.”

I froze. “Who?”

“Brent Blackwood.”

My heart skipped. Even hearing his name gave me chills. Brent Blackwood—ruthless, influential, and, most importantly, Victor’s fiercest competitor. Diego’s too.

He was the perfect choice.

“Where can I find him?” I asked.

“Whiskey Bar. Downtown,” Mira said without missing a beat.

The bar was dimly lit, shadows dancing along the walls as I made my way toward the VIP section. My heels clicked across the floor, the sound sharp and deliberate with each step.

Seated in the center, a drink in hand, was Brent Blackwood. His piercing blue eyes locked on mine, faint amusement flickering across his face as I approached.

He didn’t say a word as I took the seat opposite him.

I stared directly into his eyes. “Would you marry me?”

His brows lifted slightly, but the corners of his lips curled—not in surprise, but interest. “Aren’t you already married to the man I hate?”

I leaned back, expression cool and unreadable. “Turns out, we were never married. Not legally.”

Something shifted in his expression. He tilted his head, resting his arm on the table. “So… you got your memory back?”

I narrowed my eyes. “Interesting that you knew I’d lost it.”

He let out a quiet laugh and took a sip from his glass. “I like to keep tabs on my enemies.”

Enemies. The word hung between us, sharp and heavy. But it made things clearer.

“What exactly are you hoping to do?” he asked.

I trailed a finger along the rim of my glass, then looked him in the eye. “A partnership. You get a bride to silence your family’s nagging. I get revenge.”

Brent didn’t respond right away. He studied me for a moment.

Then, with a smirk tugging at his lips, he said, “I’m in.”

The wedding day came. I didn’t receive a call. Not a single message. No one checked to see where I was or what I might do.

To them, I no longer existed.

But they were about to regret underestimating me.

I arrived in a limousine, stepping out in a gown of pristine white silk, the train flowing behind me like royalty. Elegant. Imposing. Beautiful.

Gasps rippled through the room as I entered the grand hall, all eyes turning toward me with confusion and apprehension.

Helena’s face contorted in rage the moment she spotted me.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she snapped, voice shaking with fury.

My mother spun around next, her expression stricken. “Why are you here? After everything you’ve done, we made it clear—you are no longer part of this family!”

Victor stepped in, his expression stormy. “Why are you dressed like that?”

Unbothered, I met his gaze and raised my chin. “Because I’m getting married.”

Stunned silence swept through the hall.

Victor scoffed, his face twisting into mockery. “You’re out of your mind. Do you hear yourself right now?” His eyes scanned my figure. “Who would possibly marry you? You’re still my wife. I warned you not to ruin Helena’s big day.”

Helena gave a bitter laugh, arms folded across her chest. “Exactly. No one’s stupid enough to want you. And don’t you dare claim this is revenge after trying to seduce my fiancé and getting caught.”

I gave a soft chuckle and shook my head. “Still living in that lie?” My tone was composed, but the meaning behind my words struck like thunder. I met their eyes one after the other.

“There’s no point pretending anymore. My memory’s back.”

Victor stiffened at that.

Helena’s smug expression cracked. “You’re bluffing—”

I stepped closer, eyes locked on hers. “Am I? You lied about Diego. Lied about Victor. Lied to me every time you pretended to care. But it’s all over now—I see the truth.”

Helena’s face drained of color. She stumbled backward, visibly shaken. “You’re delusional! You’re just doing this to ruin the happiest day of my life!” She turned to the staff. “Get her out of here! Now!”

They hesitated, exchanging nervous looks.

One of the staff members stepped forward cautiously. “Actually… she’s listed for a wedding here today.”

Helena looked as if she’d been slapped. “No—what? No, this is my wedding!”

The staff glanced between themselves, then one spoke again. “There was a change. She’s the scheduled bride today.”

The room erupted into chaos.

My mother charged toward me, face red with rage. “Who did you trick into marrying you?” she demanded.

Helena looked like she was unraveling. “No. No, no—this isn’t real!”

She suddenly snapped, screaming, lunging at me. Her nails sank into my scalp as she tried to rip at my hair. “You witch! You’re destroying everything!”

Before I could react, a firm grip caught her wrist midswing.

A cold, steady voice filled the room.

“And who exactly do you think you are, laying hands on my wife?”