Ever since Cole lost his memory, Hugh hadn’t managed to find a single moment alone with Heather. The two of them had barely started something sweet, only for it to be interrupted just as quickly as it had begun.

Left to stew in his own thoughts, Hugh had been afraid that if he and Heather went too long without meeting, she would slip away and find someone else. That was why, when Cole suddenly mentioned they’d be going to Rosewood Villa and made a point of telling Hugh to dress sharp, Hugh — who usually missed hints — caught on right away. Maybe Cole was trying to help him. Maybe this was an opportunity to see Heather.

Once that hope took hold, Hugh could hardly think straight. He raced through a shower, picked out a new outfit, and even stopped for a haircut before leaving the house. For good measure, he tossed on a bold pink shirt under his black suit, feeling riskier than ever.

The change was night and day. Gone was the clumsy, rough-around-the-edges Hugh. In his place stood a man who almost passed for a heartthrob.

Cole clocked the look and couldn’t help but tease. “Dressed like that, are you planning to quit bodyguard duty and go fishing for a rich woman to sponsor you?”

Hugh turned bright red but felt lighter than he had in ages. He didn’t care if he looked ridiculous. If it brought him any closer to Heather, he’d wear neon from head to toe. Besides, when he compared himself to Myles and Aron, who were still stuck in that backwater Sundara, he figured he had nothing to complain about.

Cole suddenly recalled Myles, Aron, the driver, Harry — every single one, banished to Sundara because of his own jealous tantrum. He didn’t want anyone to know the true reason behind his decision. Even though the guilt gnawed at him, he wouldn’t call them back without a solid reason. For now, he just had to wait until he came up with a plausible excuse.

Nobody would ever guess that behind Cole’s unshakable facade lurked someone who could be petty and childish, even a little insecure.

As soon as the group reached Rosewood Villa, the atmosphere changed. Adah and the Four Guardians, who were normally relaxed and noisy around Elliana, adopted a serious demeanor. They hovered by her side as if she were made of glass, watching her every step like nervous hawks. They even insisted on supporting her arm as she walked.

“Do you need to sit down for a bit?”

“Careful now — there’s a step up ahead!”

No one paid any attention to Cole. Heather, for her part, completely missed Hugh, even though he’d shown up hoping she would notice his new look.

As Elliana made her way inside, surrounded by her overprotective circle, Cole couldn’t help but grin at the sight. Left to fend for himself, he just shrugged and wandered into the villa at his own pace. He reminded himself that this place belonged to his wife, which meant it was his by extension. He didn’t see any reason to worry about formalities or who was there to welcome him.

A few steps behind, Hugh quietly tried to muster some courage. He told himself that Heather was simply preoccupied with Elliana and hadn’t caught sight of him yet. Once she finally looked over, she’d be floored by his transformation.

If anyone could hear the inner thoughts bouncing around in the heads of these two men, they would probably laugh out loud.

Heather eagerly led Elliana to the dining room, showing off the table crowded with all sorts of delicious food.