Holding the folder in her arms, she walked out of the study, and bumped into Cassie.
"Ma'am."
"Where's Andy?" Rebecca probed softly.
"In his room."
"And the kids?" Rebecca asked once more, her eyes subconsciously softening.
"Master Vance asked the driver to drop them off at school." Cassie reported. "They've left already." She added after a few seconds.
Rebecca bit her lips hardly, so much that it could draw blood.
"They didn't even say goodbye.' She exhaled loudly. 'This is retribution for my actions... I guess.'
"It's fine." She placed one hand on Cassie's shoulders. "Thank you for your hard work."
After saying this, she walked away leaving Cassie with her mouth opened slightly.
"Did she just... thank me?" She muttered. "She never thanks anyone."
Meanwhile, Rebecca walked straight to Anderson's room.
She stood at the door for a long while as she deliberated on what to say.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open, causing her to flinch.
She blinked as her eyes met with Anderson's.
"What are you doing here?" He demanded with folded arms, while his head rested slightly on the door.
His eyes travelled down to the folder in her hands.
"Finally signed it, uh?" He asked softly. And for a brief moment, Rebecca thought she saw hurt flash through his eyes.
"I didn't sign it." She said, her lips curling. "Andy, I am not signing these papers."
Before Anderson could understand what she was doing, she brought out the papers, and right before his eyes, she tore the papers... into pieces.
"What... what are you doing?" He questioned, his eyes narrowing as he pushed himself from the door.
Rebecca threw the pieces to the floor, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Tearing the papers. Isn't it obvious?"
"Why are you tearing it? Isn't this what you've always wanted? To be free?" His voice choked as he looked at Rebecca who stared intensely at him. "Why... did you tear up your only option to be free? From me. And from the kids."
Rebecca stood on her toes and placed her hand over his mouth. "Stop talking. You've said enough."
Her gaze locked onto his.
"Now, you listen."
Anderson's gaze met hers, and he noticed something: the brightness in her eyes was overwhelming. Her eyes were just like the Rebecca he knew.
"I have told you. I don't remember anything that happened these past years." She started, removing her hand, and taking a step back. "I don't remember how I married you. Don't remember how I had kids. And I certainly have no idea who... Carl is."
"My memories... they seem to be stuck. Stuck in my eighteenth year." Her head lowered while her brows furrowed. "I tried hard to recall, but everything is just a blur."
Anderson listened to her quietly. Could it be that she was telling the truth or was just this one of her ploys?
He looked at the tiny pieces of paper on the floor, and his frown deepened.
No matter what scheme she planned, she'd have signed the papers without hesitation. For her to tear up the papers... could she really be telling the truth? Could she have some gaps in her memories just as she said?
He thought about her actions over the past few days. No matter how angry she was, she'd never dismiss Carl.
So... was she telling the truth?
"My friend is a neurologist. I'll have him check your brain." Anderson spoke up, causing Rebecca to snap her head up. "I want to see if you're telling the truth. Get dressed."
Rebecca flashed a smile at him and rushed to her room.
Anderson's gaze lingered on her even after she had left. "If reality is just as you've said... then I'll make sure your memories stay the same way. "The old Rebecca… must never return."
His jaw was clenched, his fists tightened as a strange determination flashed through his eyes.
--------------------
Anderson and Rebecca walked into the hospital holding hands.
She had insisted on holding his hands claiming that married couples tend to be more intimate.
Anderson looked at the hand which was holding his arms, and his lips curved slightly.
Maybe… just this once… it wasn't a bad thing. Even if she was lying... at least, he was able to enjoy this warmth.
They finally reached the office.
"Julian Croft?" Rebecca read the nameplate, and her brows furrowed. "This name... it's quite familiar."
Anderson glanced at her. "Indeed, it is."
The door was pushed open, and the two walked in.
"Anderson." The doctor rose to his feet, grinning widely.
He turned to Rebecca and rolled his eyes.
Rebecca's eyes went wide. "Julian? The Julian?"
"What? Why are you acting surprised?"
Rebecca turned to Anderson immediately. "We have to find another doctor. He is unreliable."
"Hmm? And what makes you say that?" Anderson asked with a smile.
"Rebecca Parker!" Julian screamed. "Watch your mouth!"
Rebecca scoffed. "What? Scared I'll blow your cover?" She rolled her eyes. "You? A neurologist. I'd rather live under a rock than believe that. Weren't you always first from bottom in class? How on earth did you become a neurologist."
Her eyes suddenly sparkled mischievously. "Don't tell me you... paid your way to be a neurologist?"
"You..." Julian pointed his fingers at her, his veins popping. He was furious. "You've gone too far, Rebecca Parker."
"Rebecca," Anderson suddenly stepped in, and she stood straight. "Behave."
"Julian Croft is the country's top neurologist. You can only meet him via appointments which should have been made six months prior."
Rebecca stared at Julian who had a smug smile as he dusted the inexistent dirt on his coat.
"I still refuse to believe it." She mumbled.
"Believe it or not. I'm a neurologist and you're nothing but a deranged woman who chases after a man." Julian insulted.
Rebecca's jaw dropped. "It seems you are asking for a beating." She balled her hands into fists.
Julian immediately flinched as his hands subconsciously went to his butt.
"Both of you, that's enough." Anderson spoke up.
He looked at Julian who snorted, and picked up a paper from his desk.
"Here." He handed it to Rebecca. "Go get that test done. We will know what's wrong with you after the test."
Rebecca roughly took the papers and walked away.
Anderson's eyes softened as he watched her leave.
"I think you're the one who should have your brains checked." Julian stated.
"Is that so?" Anderson turned to him. "And why do you say so?"
"You still believe her words even after everything." Julian pointed out.
"I don't care if she is lying or not. I just want her to remain this way." He sighed.
Julian shook his head. "Lovesick fool." He mumbled.
"And what if she truly lost her memories?" Julian asked after a while.
Anderson was silent.
Then—
"Then we'll make it stay that way." His hands tightened by his side as his eyes darkened.