Her Missing Heart novel Chapter 2

In mere minutes, the paintings were reduced to ashes. Yet my heart remained tightly coiled, throbbing with waves of pain.

Ethan watched the pile of ash, his tense shoulders finally relaxing.

He came over to wrap his arms around my waist, burying his face in my neck. "Autumn, I love you."

Love me? But Morgan's perfume still clung to him.

And all those photos I'd received over the past six months - Ethan embracing and kissing other women...

If this counted as love, then Ethan's lover could circle Central Park.

I simply patted his arm in response, a hollow gesture of reassurance.

Ethan perked up. "Autumn, what kind of wedding do you want? Traditional? Modern? Or should we elope?"

Staring at the ashes, I answered hoarsely, "Whatever you choose, I'll like it."

"A modern ceremony then. I'll make sure you're the most beautiful bride." He withdrew his arms from my waist to call the bridal shop and schedule tomorrow's appointment.

I watched him walk away on the phone, then turned and headed to the bathroom...

The next day at the bridal boutique.

Ethan meticulously selected gowns, having me try on every single one in the store. Only at the final dress did he show satisfaction. "Beautiful. This is the one."

"Later we'll visit your parents to share the good news." Ethan had planned everything perfectly - I had no reason to refuse.

But on the way to my family's home, he suddenly left for an urgent gallery matter, leaving me to announce our engagement to my parents alone.

My parents were all stunned momentarily before breaking into delighted smiles.

Perhaps noting my subdued expression, Dad spoke sternly: "The Blackwoods are prestigious, and Ethan's a rising star. Marrying him is your good fortune."

Mom nodded in agreement. "Once you two are married, better to have a child soon to settle down. Then you can quit that unsuitable job of yours. It'll help you forget about... the past."

"What past?" I looked up sharply.

Mom faltered, laughing awkwardly as she changed the subject.

I was considerate enough not to press further.

But what if... the hypnosis never worked?

I turned on the light and retrieved a sketch of that man from deep within my bookshelf. In the drawing, he wore a navy uniform, his police badge gleaming proudly.

I still remembered him, remembered our seven years together, remembered every smile, every embrace, every kiss...

But he was dead.

At this thought, the festering wound in my heart surged with bone-deep agony.

Fighting back tears, I carefully put away the drawing, afraid to let it get wet.

Then I opened my laptop, started a new novel, and typed the synopsis word by word—

[I had someone I loved deeply, but his sudden death forced our love story to change its protagonist.]

[But I will always remember, the man I loved was named Gabriel Stone.]

[He was a police officer.]