Kayden's POV

Perhaps news of her pregnancy softened me, leading me to abandon revenge because I refused to stop as low as her. Yes, that's how it must have unfolded. I couldn't be hopelessly in love and chase after her, sacrificing my dignity. Moreover, her risky pregnancy likely prompted me to wait until after she gave birth before seeking retribution.

Watching the car vanish into the distance, I let out a weary sigh, raking my fingers through my hair before heading inside for a shower.

Once everyone had retired for the night, I slipped on my jacket and quietly slipped out of my room. Craving fresh air and a healthy dose of alcohol, I made my way out.

Arriving at Stardust, the pulsing nightclub, I made a beeline for the bar and ordered a glass of whiskey. As soon as it was placed before me, I downed it in a few swift sips, welcoming the burn that dulled my senses.

"Another," I demanded, slamming my glass onto the bar counter in frustration. The bartender nodded, silently pouring a generous amount of whiskey into my glass.

Lost in my thoughts, I sipped the whiskey, its warmth doing little to ease my troubled mind. That's when a brunette with piercing grey eyes approached, her smile oozing with seduction.

"Mind if I join you?" she purred, flashing me a bright smile.

"Why not," I replied, feigning nonchalance, though arrogance tinged my tone.

"Could I have a glass of Martini, please?" she requested, settling onto the stool beside me.

"I'm Eve," she introduced herself, a playful glint in her eyes. "And spare me the Adam jokes. I've heard plenty tonight," she added, rolling her eyes before flashing me a charming smile.

"Well, I was going to say I'm Lucifer," I replied casually, offering her a cocky smirk.

She burst into laughter. "Now I'm intrigued," Eve remarked provocatively, leaning closer, granting me a tantalizing view of her cleavage.

"This is just the beginning," I declared with a hint of arrogance, nibbling my lower lip playfully. She chuckled, clearly entertained, the space between our lips tantalizingly small.

Just as I leaned in to kiss Eve, a forceful grip yanked me back.

"What the hell?!" I snapped, whirling around in annoyance. "Liam?" I exclaimed, confusion evident as I met his furious gaze.

"What do you think you're doing?" he demanded sternly.

"Just having some fun," I retorted boldly. "With Eve," I added, shooting a smirk and a wink at the brunette beside me. "And you? What brings you here? Where's your lovely wife?" I teased, a mischievous grin playing on my lips.

Liam's eyes rolled in annoyance. "I came to speak with Nathan. As I was leaving, I caught sight of you here when you were supposed to be resting in your room," he retorted dryly.

"I got bored. I'm not sick, so I came for a bit of fun," I stated firmly.

"Come on, stand up. You're coming with me," he demanded, his tone authoritative.

"No, I'm not going anywhere with you. Eve and I have other plans, don't we, Eve?" I said, shooting Eve a suggestive smirk.

"Absolutely!" She returned my smirk with a seductive smile.

"Kayden, that's enough! Don't do something you'll regret," Liam cautioned, his hand gripping my arm firmly. "We'll slip out the back. There were paparazzi swarming the front when I got here. Let's hope they didn't catch you arriving," he added, concern etched in his voice.

"I didn't see any. Stop treating me like a kid. And I'm not leaving with you," I retorted, frustration evident as I rose from my seat, turning towards Eve. "How about finding somewhere quieter?" I proposed.

"Absolutely," she replied with a radiant smile, rising to her feet.

"Kayden, I can't let you go off with her. What if Hazel finds out? You'll blow your chance with her for good," Liam cautioned, his worry evident. "Plus, you just got out of the hospital. You should be resting at home, not hitting up the nightclub."

"I'm not a kid, Liam. Quit nagging me. And I don't give a shit about Hazel," I retorted, my irritation clear.

"Kade... Please, don't speak words you'll regret. I know this isn't easy for you, but reacting like this won't change anything; it'll only make it worse," he said, his tone warm and reassuring, his hand gently squeezing my shoulder. Sensing my resolve, he leaned in closer, his voice firm as he spoke near my ear, "You've stayed loyal to Hazel since you two started dating. Even when she left you at the altar, you remained faithful."

I stared at my best friend, stunned by his words, as he pulled back and fixed me with a serious gaze.

Monogamy and me? Even when we weren't together?

"I..." I trailed off, a hand raking through my hair as I pivoted toward Eve. "I'm sorry, but I need to go with my friend, Eve."

"What?!" she blurted out, clearly taken aback.

"Let's get out of here," I proposed to Liam, snatching my jacket and disregarding Eve's furious glare. Liam nodded, flashing me a satisfied grin.

Slipping out the backdoor, we slipped into a taxi. Leaning against the headrest, I found myself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. Hazel consumed my mind. Was my affection for her truly this intense? How was it possible? I never imagined myself capable of falling so deeply in love, let alone being ready for a committed relationship.

With a heavy sigh, I turned to Liam, my best friend. "Could I really love her this much?" I asked, my uncertainty evident.

"You both share a deep connection, Kade. Just give yourself time. You'll remember everything. But be careful not to do anything that might jeopardize losing her forever during this time," Liam reassured me, his words filled with warmth.

Nodding slowly, I sighed again and stared out the window, my mind swirling with thoughts. Hazel—the woman carrying my child—had ignited a curiosity within me unlike anything I'd ever experienced.

A month later

I scrolled through the photos of Hazel on my phone, a sheepish smile playing on my lips. After my conversation with Liam about my relationship with Hazel, I felt compelled to get to know her all over again.

I held onto the hope that maybe, if our connection was as strong as everyone insisted it was, she could help me remember what happened last year. Yet, despite a month passing, my memory remained stubbornly blank. Despite the efforts of my family, friends, doctor, and Hazel herself, nothing seemed to jog my memory. With each passing day, my hope dwindled further.

I longed to return to my former life, but the lingering void from last year clouded my thoughts, keeping me anchored in uncertainty. The doctor urged me to be patient with myself. I even attempted hypnosis on his recommendation, but it yielded no solace.

With a heavy sigh, I raked my fingers through my hair before descending the stairs. Today, Hazel was coming over, and the prospect lifted my spirits. I eagerly anticipated her company and the comfort it brought.

Despite my inability to recall her and my previous mistreatment, Hazel never wavered in her support. Even during my darkest moments, when despair threatened to consume me, Hazel stood by my side, offering unwavering encouragement and reminding me not to lose hope.

I found myself captivated by Hazel and... her unwavering affection for me. Despite my lack of memory regarding our relationship and feelings, I couldn't ignore the undeniable connection we shared.

Stepping out of my room, I collided with the housekeeper. Upon hearing that Hazel awaited me in the living room, I dashed downstairs with eager anticipation.

"Hey!" I greeted Hazel with a grin, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"Hi. You seem full of energy today," she observed, returning my smile with her own radiant one.

"It's because you're here," I admitted sincerely, meeting her gaze. She blushed and smiled shyly.

"Would you like something to drink or eat?" I offered warmly as we settled onto the couch.

"No, thank you. I'm short on time. I have a meeting at the company in an hour. I just wanted to see you before heading there," she explained softly.

"I'm really glad you're here," I confessed, placing my hand atop hers. She returned a tender smile. "Are you free tomorrow?" I inquired, eager to spend Saturday with her and express my gratitude for her unwavering support.

"Yes, I am."

"Fantastic! Then tomorrow, you're all mine," I teased, winking playfully. She nodded enthusiastically, her smile widening.

Suddenly, Hazel gasped, a pained expression crossing her face as she cradled her belly.

"What's wrong?" I asked, panic creeping into my voice as I instinctively placed a comforting hand on her back.

"The baby kicked hard," Hazel remarked, taking deep breaths while her hand remained tenderly on her bump. "She's like a little acrobat today," she added with a gentle caress.

"May I?" I asked, motioning towards her belly.

Hazel nodded, her smile warm and inviting. Nervously, I nibbled my lower lip before gingerly placing my hand on her bump.