CHAPTER 42: The Memory in the Snow

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Chapter 42: The Memory in the Snow

The snow fell in soft sheets, muffling the world.

Rina—though she no longer remembered her name—watched it from the cabin window, fingertips resting on the glass.

Inside her, something tugged. A fragment of warmth. A pull toward the man who'd knocked on her door yesterday.

The one with storm-gray eyes… and sadness tucked behind his smile.

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Eliot—though he, too, couldn't recall who he once was—spent the day chopping firewood.

His muscles moved on instinct. His gaze kept drifting toward the cabin.

Toward her.

He didn't know why.

Only that when she'd opened the door, his heartbeat had stumbled.

Like he'd come home.

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That evening, they sat across from each other at the fire.

Neither spoke for a while.

Until Rina whispered, "Do you feel it too?"

Eliot looked up, surprised.

"That ache," she continued. "Like we've lost something… or someone."

He nodded slowly.

"I feel it every second I'm not looking at you."

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They drank warm tea in silence.

Outside, the wind howled.

Inside, their hands brushed.

And when she leaned her head on his shoulder, he didn't move.

Somewhere in the back of their minds, a memory stirred.

Of another fire.

Another winter.

And a promise:

"No matter what they erase… I'll find you."

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Author's Note:

Even snow can't bury what's written on the soul. If this chapter stirred your heart, don't forget to add Billionaire in Disguise to your collection. Each save is a candle in their dark. Let's keep them burning.

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