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Sawyer’s face fell like a kicked puppy.
Then, her eyes drifted toward Jeremy. Her face lit up with a bright smile. She reached out and grabbed his hand, clutching his arm as she leaned into him.
"Husband! Where were you?" she said cheerfully.
Sawyer shot to his feet so fast his chair nearly toppled over. His eyes blazed with sheer horror and jealousy as he snapped his gaze between Jeremy and Ellie.
"What the hell did you just call him?"
"Husband," Ellie said innocently, then looked up at Jeremy with a sweet smile.
Jeremy met her gaze and nodded, bending slightly toward her. He took her hand in his, his thumb brushing over her skin soothingly.
"Sorry, Ellie. I got here as fast as I could. This man"—he jerked his thumb at Sawyer without breaking eye contact with her—"wasn’t letting me in. That’s why it took so long."
“What… the hell is happening right now?” Sawyer was losing his mind. The very look on his face said he was two seconds away from shaking Ellie so hard that her memories would snap back into place.
Ellie ignored him, cupping Jeremy’s face with both hands. “I don’t know, husband. This man,” she cast a wary glance at Sawyer before leaning in to whisper, “he keeps repeating ‘Do you remember me?’ But I have no idea who he is.”
Sawyer snapped.
He grabbed her hands from Jeremy’s face and yanked them away forcefully. In one swift motion, he pulled Ellie back, lifting her off and dragging her back onto the bed, putting as much distance between her and Jeremy as possible.
Pressing her back against his chest, his arms locked tightly around her waist, pinning her in place. His grip stretched wide, making sure not even a single part of her— not even her toes— was touching Jeremy.
He pulled her completely out of Jeremy’s reach. His arms stretched wide, creating a solid barrier between them. Then, with a firm grip, he cupped her face, tilting it up and forcing her to meet his eyes.
"I am your husband!"
Ellie scowled, pushing at his hands. "No, you’re not. In fact..." She narrowed her eyes. "I suddenly remember you telling me over and over—‘Don’t call me husband. I’m not your husband.’"
Sawyer froze. His face paled. Panic flashed in his eyes.
"I—No! I never meant it!" His grip on her tightened. "Forget that memory. It’s not real! From now on, you'll only call me your husband. No one else. Do you understand?"
Ellie huffed and turned away from him. "Why would I call you my husband when you’re not?" She turned to Jeremy, arms wide open. "Husband, let’s go."
Sawyer’s face burned hotter than ever. In a flash, he was off the bed. He lunged at Jeremy, grabbed him by the collar, and dragged him toward the door.
With one swift shove, he threw Jeremy out and barked, "Don’t come back! You’re not allowed near her until she remembers me."
He slammed the door shut.
Then, he turned back and yanked the door open again. "You’re not allowed near her even after she remembers everything. Get lost!"
Door slammed shut again.
He turned back to Ellie, and marched straight to the bed. He sat down beside her, pointing at his own face.
"Just stare at me," he said urgently. "If you stare long enough, you’ll remember me."
Ellie made a face of pure disgust and turned away. But a small smile curled at the corner of her lips—one she quickly hid. With a casual sigh, she muttered, "I want sushi."
Sawyer shot up. "I’ll get it for you. What else do you want? I’ll bring everything."
Ellie bit her lip, pretending to think. "Nothing else. Just that for now."
Sawyer bolted out of the room.