Revenge amnesia upgraded to his brother novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Lucien’s POV

85

Finished

I turned to Norah. The warmth in her eyes softened something inside me. I leaned in, and she didn’t pull away.

Her lashes fluttered and I saw myself reflected in her gaze–a quiet yes.

Our breaths mingled; our lips were almost touching. The moment was finally ours.

Then a sharp ringtone pierced the air.

I cursed under my breath and Norah jolted back, turning away, the tips of her ears flushed, her breathing uneven.

Katarina. That shadow I couldn’t escape.

Norah took a steadying breath and gave a slight nod: Answer it.

I put the call on speaker, keeping an arm around her waist when she tried to move. She stiffened, then relaxed against me, listening.

“Lucien, darling, miss me?” Katarina’s voice was sweet as poison.

“What do you want?” I asked, fighting the urge to hang up.

“The film festival is tomorrow night and I need a date. No one suits me better than you. You won’t say no… not when I still have secrets about your mother to share.”

Another threat.

“I’m busy,” I said flatly.

“Really?” She laughed, a sound like cut glass. “Then I guess you’ll never know who she met right before she disappeared. What a shame.”

My arm tightened. Norah inhaled softly.

“Lucien, you’re not alone… Is that little tramp Norah with you?” Katarina’s voice turned sharp.

“Not her,” I said, tone bored. “Katarina, since when have I ever been alone? My bed–and my heart–are never empty for long.”

A sharp pain shot through my foot. Norah had stomped on it. Hard.

10:58 Sat, Nov 22

Chapter 56

Jealous. Furious. And a dark part of me was thrilled that she still cared.

I pulled her closer and whispered against her cheek, “I’m bluffing. For her.”

She glared at me, then mouthed, Say yes.

“Time and place,” I told Katarina.

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Finished

“That’s better,” she purred. “Don’t disappoint me, darling, or your mother’s story disappears forever.”

The film festival was all glitter and noise. I walked the red carpet with a hollow smile while Katarina clung to my arm like a jeweled vine. She wore a silver gown that left little to the imagination, every move designed to draw the camera’s eye.

Flashes popped endlessly.

“Smile, darling,” she whispered. “Look–everyone thinks we’re perfect together.”

I wanted to shove her off. But I didn’t.

Norah was right: this was the quickest path to the truth. I had to play my part.

For the first time, I understood what it cost Norah to sit beside Damian, smiling for answers. My jealousy felt petty in comparison. She was stronger than I’d ever been.

I put on my old playboy smile and Katarina ate it up, clinging tighter.

All night she staged moments–fixing my tie, feeding me food, pulling me into poses ripe for scandal. Let them stare. My thoughts were with Norah. Was she watching? Was she hurt?

By the after–party, Katarina grew bolder.

“Another drink,” she said, eyes glazed. “Let’s have some fun.”

I took the glass she offered. Good. The show was starting.

I drank heavily, letting the act take over–slurring my words, stumbling as I walked.

“You’re drunk,” she cooed, triumphant. “Let me get you somewhere quiet.”

I slumped against her, letting her half–carry me to a presidential suite. She dumped me onto the bed, breathless with victory.

She pulled off my jacket, muttering to herself. Then she grabbed my tie and tied the bedpost.

my

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10:00 Sat, Nov 22

Chapter 56

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Finished

“I’ve waited a long time for this,” she whispered, pulling the knot tight.

“What are you doing?” I rasped.

“Making sure you’re mine tonight.” Her hands wandered; then she pulled out a phone, angling the camera toward us.

“I’m going to record everything and send it to Norah. Let her see what her man looks like with me. Let her see she’s nothing but a placeholder.”

She bent down to tear my shirt open. The smell of her perfume turned my stomach.

Norah, where are you?

“Don’t bother, Katarina,” I said coolly. “Even if you take my body, you can’t make me love you.”

“Shut up!” She grabbed my jaw, nails digging in. “You think you’re too good for this? You chase anything new.”

“You’re right. I’m not a good man. I don’t deserve anything pure.”

An image of Norah flashed in my mind–standing by the window, honest and glowing. The only real thing I had.

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