The drive back to Kingston Manor passed in complete silence.

Ava sat beside Alexander in the rear of the limousine, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Every now and then she stole a glance at him, hoping for the smallest flicker of recognition.

There was nothing.

Yesterday, he had reached for her hand every chance he got, tracing circles across her palm while talking about everything and nothing. Today, he kept to the opposite side of the seat as though an invisible wall separated them.

The silence between them felt heavier than any argument they had ever had.

When the gates of Kingston Manor finally opened, Ava looked through the rain-speckled window at the estate she had called home for three years. It was the same magnificent mansion, yet it seemed strangely unfamiliar, as though it had already decided she no longer belonged there.

The car stopped beneath the grand entrance.

Rows of servants waited on either side of the doorway.

"Welcome home, Young Master."

Alexander acknowledged them with a polite nod before stepping out. Ava followed behind him, painfully aware of the curious glances that disappeared the moment she looked their way.

An elderly housemaid lingered for a heartbeat longer than the others. Her eyes were filled with sympathy.

That single look told Ava everything she needed to know.

Everyone had heard.

Everyone knew their young master had forgotten his wife.

Inside the drawing room, Evelyn Kingston was already waiting.

She sat gracefully on the largest sofa with a cup of tea resting beside her, looking every bit the dignified matriarch of the Kingston family. Her expression didn't change when Ava entered.

"Sit."

The word was calm, almost gentle, but it carried the unmistakable weight of a command.

"I'd rather stand," Ava replied.

Evelyn inclined her head slightly. "As you wish."

Before another word could be spoken, the family lawyer entered carrying a leather briefcase.

Ava's heartbeat quickened.

Why was the lawyer here?

He greeted the family, opened his briefcase, and carefully arranged several documents on the coffee table.

Alexander frowned.

"What's all this?"

"Nothing complicated," Evelyn answered with a reassuring smile meant only for her son. "We're simply putting an unfortunate mistake behind us."

Ava felt a chill crawl down her spine.

"What mistake?"

Evelyn finally looked at her.

"The mistake of allowing you to remain in this family."

The room fell silent.

Alexander's brows drew together.

"Mum, she says she's my wife."

"The marriage certificate is genuine," Evelyn replied. "No one is disputing that."

Hope stirred inside Ava.

Then Evelyn crushed it.

"But a legal document doesn't prove love. Three years ago, after your accident overseas, this woman took advantage of your fragile state. You insisted on marrying her despite our objections. We tolerated it because we believed it made you happy. Now that your memory has returned, fate has given you another chance."

"That's a lie."

Ava's voice trembled with anger.

"I never manipulated him."

Evelyn ignored her completely, as though she hadn't spoken.

Alexander turned to Ava instead.

"Tell me the truth."

She stared at him in disbelief.

"The truth?"

He nodded.

"Did we really love each other?"

Her throat tightened.

How could she possibly fit three years of marriage into a single answer?

She took a hesitant step towards him.

"You taught me how to ride because I was terrified of horses."

He watched her politely.

Nothing changed.

"You insisted on making breakfast every Sunday, even though you burnt the toast almost every time."

His expression remained blank.

"You proposed during a rainstorm because you'd forgotten our anniversary reservation. You were so embarrassed that you got down on one knee right there in the middle of the street."

A tear rolled down her cheek.

"You always kissed the scar on my shoulder and told me it reminded you that life had tried to break me but failed."

Alexander lowered his eyes.

"I'm sorry."

The apology landed harder than any accusation Evelyn had thrown at her.

He wasn't apologising for losing his memory, he was apologising because he couldn't remember loving her.

The lawyer cleared his throat uneasily.

"Mrs. Kingston..."

"Not for much longer," Evelyn interrupted.

The lawyer hesitated before sliding the documents across the table.

"They're divorce papers."

Ava looked down at them without reaching out. Her fingers refused to move.

"So you've already decided everything."

"My son deserves a fresh start," Evelyn said evenly.

Ava let out a hollow laugh.

"He's your son, but he's also my husband."

"I don't know what to believe," Alexander admitted quietly.

"You don't have to believe me." Tears blurred Ava's vision. "Just believe the life we built together."

"I can't remember any of it."

"You will."

"I may never."

The words hollowed her out.

Before anyone could speak again, the drawing room doors opened.

Sophia walked in carrying a silver tea tray with effortless confidence. She placed a cup beside Alexander before smiling warmly at him.

"The doctor said you shouldn't tire yourself."

Alexander thanked her.

Sophia smiled back.

She didn't offer Ava a cup. No one commented on the omission, and no one seemed surprised.

Evelyn stood.

"Your belongings have already been packed."

Ava stared at her.

"...What?"

"You'll be leaving Kingston Manor tonight."

"You can't throw me out."

"I can."

"This is my home."

"It was never yours," Evelyn replied. "It belonged to the Kingston family long before you arrived."

Two security guards quickly appeared at the entrance to the drawing room.

Neither spoke, neither needed to.

Ava looked at Alexander one last time.

"Alex..."

He held her gaze, genuine regret written across his face.

"I'm sorry."

His voice was soft enough to break her heart.

"I don't know who you are."

Something inside Ava shattered. Not all at once, just enough for her to realise it would never be whole again.

An hour later, two suitcases sat on the front steps of Kingston Manor.

Rain poured steadily from the darkening sky.

As the doors began to close, the elderly housemaid hurried over and slipped an umbrella into Ava's hand.

"I'm sorry, Madam," she whispered before disappearing inside.

The heavy doors shut with a dull click.

Ava stood motionless, staring at the mansion where she had fallen in love, built a marriage, and dreamed of raising a family.

Now it was simply another place that no longer wanted her.

Instinctively, her hand drifted to her stomach. Fresh tears mixed with the rain as a fragile smile touched her lips.

"You have to be strong now," she whispered.

Because she wasn't walking away alone.