ra really had no reason to say no. Even though she''d lost her memories, she and Simon had been childhood buddies.


    She swung by the office first to chat with some top execs, making sure they kept a close eye on the Dawson family deal. With the ink barely dry on the contract, the project was about to kick off, and she wanted to be ready for anything else that might pop up. Plus, she had to drop by Kaitlyn''s studio to check out some up-and-ing artists they might sign, hoping to snag a little extra cash for the Bradford Group.


    When she got back downstairs, she was surprised to see Simon still hanging around.


    She opened the car door, eyebrows raised. "Why are you still here?"


    "Your car got scratched by some kid, remember? It''s still in the shop. I can give you a lift. I''ve got nothing urgent going on."


    ra didn''t fuss about it and hopped in without a second thought.


    As they drove past their old high school, Simon broke the silence.


    "ra, not remembering your past could be tough. Do you want me to fill you in on the good old days?"


    ra didn''t say no, so he gave a small smile, but before he could continue, she asked, "What was I like before?"


    A shadow passed over Simon''s face. He had no clue.


    He had never really known her true personality. She always seemed so into him whenever they met, acting like she was head over heels.


    Now he knew it was all just a front.


    He''d been caught up in his own little bubble, thinking he was something special. Outside of their meetings, he really didn''t know what ra got up to, and neither did the Bradford family. Everyone just saw ra as the girl hopelessly chasing after Simon.


    But she''d yed them all for fools.


    His grip on the steering wheel tightened, his expression darkening. "Of course, you were amazing. You always had your own opinions, were a great cook, and super helpful. Otherwise, you wouldn''t be friends with Megan-you''ve done a lot for her."


    ra leaned back in her seat. Hispliments didn''t give her any real answers, like how she earned those tough certifications. What else had she been up to besides trailing after Simon?


    She closed her eyes, then suddenly asked, "Did I ever talk about anyone named ''Senior'' around you?"


    "Who''s ''Senior''?"


    Simon''s reaction seemed genuine; he clearly had no idea.


    That left only Z. She fell silent and didn''t say another word until they arrived at her apartmentplex, where she was surprised to see Megan waiting outside.


    Megan had dressed up and broke into a big smile when she saw ra. "I''m off work for a few days and thought I''d bring you some snacks."


    Her eyes flicked over to Simon.


    Simon just gave her a brief look and said to ra, "I''ll get going then."


    ra nodded, got out, and took the bags from Megan, who suddenly suggested,


    "I brought plenty. Why don''t you stay, Mr. Simon? Grab a bite before you head out."


    Seeing the five bags Megan was holding, ra decided to invite Simon in too. Simon, being polite, took the bags and followed them inside.


    Once in the elevator and up to her apartment, ra unlocked her door and was about to flick on the light when someone grabbed her wrist.


    She froze, then realized it was Z.


    Z didn''t like being seen and definitely didn''t want anyone knowing what he looked like.


    She took a deep breath and turned to Simon and Megan, saying, “Hang on a sec. My boyfriend''s here, and he''s not big on meeting people. I''ll just take him to the bedroom."


    With that, she slipped inside, cupping Z''s face with her hands. "What are you doing here?"


    And without even a heads-up!