Chapter 2

I waited for Serena to explain, a knot forming in my stomach.

But she didn't bat an eye, simply smiling. "Honey, have you forgotten your own photo?"

With that, she gave me a quick hug, then turned and walked out to answer the call.

I might have been in a coma for three years, but I wasn't brain-dead for three years.

I distinctly remembered never taking a photo like that.

Serena was lying to me!

She returned quickly. "Something came up at the office. I need to go out. Don't wait up for me, just go to sleep."

Without even looking at my face, she grabbed her coat and rushed out the door.

The old Serena always said, "I earn money so my husband can relax. I'd never choose work over spending time with my husband, right?"

She had never stayed out all night before.

But for the next two days, she didn't come home at all.

However, during those two days, my former mentor, who had always highly regarded me, was thrilled to hear I was awake.

But she was concerned about my health and urged me to go for further tests at a specialized clinic overseas, where her top student worked.

I agreed to my mentor's suggestion, deciding to go abroad after my in-laws hosted a welcome dinner for me.

As soon as I got home, Serena, who I hadn't seen for two days, was already there, seemingly preparing to leave again.

She paused when she saw me. "I heard you're going overseas."

"I just came back to tell you about-"

But before I could finish, she impatiently cut me off. "Okay, company emergency. I have to go."

She was in such a hurry to leave that I didn't press further.

But the questions in my heart grew heavier. Was she really that busy?

I followed her, and that's when I saw the cozy scene, the family so joyfully together.

My numb fingers stirred. I raised my phone and discreetly recorded the entire interaction.

Back home, I tortured myself, watching the video over and over again.

It became clear. Someone had taken my place during my years of unconsciousness.

What was the point of me even waking up?

Soon after, a soft click. The door opened, and my wife rushed back, a smile on her face.

"On the way back, I saw your favorite bakery was open. I bought you a lobster roll."

She hugged me, the strong, unfamiliar scent of another man on her making me want to vomit.

I pushed her away, forcing a strained smile. "I'm allergic to lobster. Did you forget?"

I watched her freeze.

I knew it. My place had been taken, and with it, my wife's memories of me had been replaced.

"Why are you still here? The party's about to start, we need to hurry!"

Just as Serena, flustered, tried to explain, Susan's voice rang out.

She walked towards me, holding a suit. "Here, put this on. I had it custom-made. It'll look perfect on you."

I looked up, and it hit me like a lightning bolt!

I had just seen that exact suit on Dylan a little while ago.

I clenched my fists, asking softly, "Are you sure this is for me?"

Susan nodded, quickly ushering me into the walk-in closet and gesturing for me to change.

I chuckled to myself bitterly, then walked out, the buttons of the suit gaping.

"Why have you gotten so fat?"

Serena frowned. I didn't explain, just looked at Susan.

Only then did she realize I was much taller and broader than Dylan.

She looked mortified, quickly arranging for another suit to be sent over.

"Oh, my memory! I completely forgot your size. I'll have someone buy you more clothes tomorrow."

"Our Julian is getting handsomer every day."

The tenderness in her eyes was unmistakable, but I pulled my hand away from her grasp.

Susan, Susan, are you truly praising me, or the imposter out there?