Chapter 25 The One She Forgot
Morning – The Fiancées
They had all signed contracts.
Engagement announcements had been carefully timed.
Wedding dates were tentative — dependent on public favor.
Everything was structured.
Everything was strategic.
Everything… except Arielle.
Rhett’s Fiancée – Clara Bennett
Clara Bennett came from a powerful, old-money family.
Raised on etiquette, negotiation, and perfectly controlled smiles.
She had reviewed the show’s latest footage twice.
She muted it.
Replayed one specific clip.
Arielle correcting Rhett’s posture gently at dinner.
Rhett didn’t argue.
He listened.
Clara leaned back slowly.
He doesn’t even listen to me like that.
It wasn’t jealousy.
It was realization.
Respect.
And something else.
Fear.
Not of cruelty.
But of authority that didn’t need to shout.
Zayden’s Fiancée – Serena Rose
Serena Rose had always been composed.
The Ice Queen.
Contracts didn’t scare her.
Emotions did.
She watched a clip of Arielle calmly diffusing Lin Yue’s tension in the kitchen.
Serena narrowed her eyes slightly.
She reads people instantly.
She picked up her phone and messaged her PR manager:
Serena: Adjust tone when speaking about Arielle.
No passive-aggressive jokes.
A pause.
Then she added:
Serena: We maintain respect.
Emrys’ Fiancée – Elise Montague
Elise Montague was younger.
Bubbly.
Socially awkward.
Still secretly hoping a contract marriage could become something real.
She watched Arielle fix Emrys’ collar.
He leaned down automatically.
Elise’s chest tightened.
They look like a real family.
For the first time, she wondered—
Are we just…
add-ons?
Fiona Drake
Fiona Drake watched silently.
She didn’t speak.
She didn’t interrupt.
She observed.
Her gaze lingered on Arielle’s posture.
Her calm.
Her restraint.
Fiona understood power.
And Arielle’s was the quiet, dangerous kind.
Meanwhile — In The Village
The director stood smiling too widely.
“We have a surprise guest today!”
The sons groaned.
Arielle sipped tea.
Unbothered.
A black SUV rolled in.
The door opened.
A tall man stepped out.
Sharp suit.
Relaxed posture.
Familiar eyes.
Lin Yue blinked.
Rhett frowned.
Emrys tilted his head.
Zayden went very still.
Arielle looked up casually—
And the world flickered.
FLASH.
Rain.
University campus.
A younger version of her.
Laughing.
Running.
A hand grabbing hers.
A voice:
"Arielle, wait."
Back to present.
Her fingers tightened around the teacup.
She didn’t recognize him consciously.
But her body did.
The man smiled slowly.
“Long time no see.”
The director beamed.
“Everyone, welcome award-winning actor — Lu Wei.”
?? COMMENT SECTION EXPLODES IMMEDIATELY:
“WAIT.”
“LU WEI???”
“WHY IS HE HERE???”
“ISN’T HE—”
“NO WAY.”
“THAT’S HER EX.
THAT’S HER EX.”
“THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”
Across The City – Lucian’s Office
Lucian was supposed to be in a shareholder meeting.
Instead, he had the live stream open.
He froze when Lu Wei appeared.
His jaw tightened.
The way Lu Wei looked at her.
Not polite.
Not nostalgic.
Possessive.
Lucian leaned forward slowly.
That look.
He had seen it before.
Years ago.
Before everything fell apart.
He pressed the intercom.
“Call my assistant.”
Back to The Show
Lu Wei walked directly toward Arielle.
Stopped in front of her.
Soft smile.
“Have you been well?”
Arielle’s expression was composed.
“Yes. And you?”
Polite.
Distant.
That made him blink.
He expected warmth.
Recognition.
Something.
But there was nothing there.
Only calm.
Lin Yue stood nearby.
Watching carefully.
Why does this feel… intimate?
The sons stepped closer subtly.
Emrys folded his arms.
Rhett’s jaw clenched.
Zayden watched Lu Wei like a threat assessment.
Lucian’s Assistant Returns
“Sir, Lu Wei and Mrs. Cross were rumored in university. Dated for two years. He left for overseas training. No public closure.”
Lucian’s hand tightened on his pen.
“Continue.”
“He has never publicly dated anyone seriously since.”
Silence.
Lucian looked back at the screen.
Lu Wei leaning slightly closer to Arielle.
Lucian stood up abruptly.
“Prepare paperwork.”
“Sir?”
“I’m joining the show.
”
?? Viewer Comments Going INSANE:
“THIS IS A LOVE HEXAGON.”
“imagine Lucian watching from the office... CRAZY.”
“Lu Wei still looks in love.”
“Why does Arielle look confused???”
“Wait… does she not remember?”
“OH MY GOD WHAT IF SHE FORGOT HIM.”
“THE SONS ARE ABOUT TO SQUARE UP.”
The Moment
Lu Wei lowered his voice.
“I thought you’d at least recognize me.
”
Arielle’s heartbeat spiked.
FLASH.
Library.
Him asleep on her shoulder.
FLASH.
A breakup letter.
FLASH.
Airport departure gate.
Her chest hurt suddenly.
Not emotionally.
Physically.
Like borrowed pain.
Original owner’s memory.
She blinked.
And whispered softly—
“…Lu Wei?”
His smile broke open.
“Yes.”
Lin Yue felt something twist violently in her stomach.
Why does it feel like I’m losing something?
She didn’t even know what she was competing for.
Sons Activate
“Mom?” Emrys said lightly.
That word hit Lu Wei visibly.
Mom.
Family.
Established.
Untouchable.
Rhett stepped beside Arielle.
“Is he bothering you?”
Zayden’s gaze never left Lu Wei’s face.
Arielle steadied herself.
“I’m fine.
”
But her fingers were shaking.
Only slightly.
Lin Yue noticed.
And instinctively moved closer.
Not to compete.
Not to challenge.
To anchor.
That was new.
Night – Lucian Alone
Lucian replayed the clip five times.
The flash in her eyes.
Recognition.
Pain.
His chest tightened.
You never looked at me like that.
Jealousy wasn’t loud.
It was cold.
Calculated.
He opened his laptop.
Application form for celebrity guest participation.
He didn’t hesitate.
Signed.
Sent.
The Fiancées — Watching Live
Clara Bennett whispered, “So this is the first love.”
Serena Rose exhaled slowly.
“This is dangerous.”
Elise Montague hugged a pillow.
Fiona Drake said nothing.
If their mother-in-law has that kind of past…
we must adjust.
Respect deepened.
Fear sharpened.
Because if Arielle could love like that once—
And survive it—
Then she was not someone to underestimate.
Cliffhanger
That night—
Lu Wei stood alone outside the courtyard.
Looking up at Arielle’s lit window.
And whispered:
“I didn’t come back just for the show.
”
Inside, Arielle sat on her bed.
Memories not fully hers swirling.
She pressed her palm to her temple.
Another plot twist.
Another stream.
Another man who once mattered.
And she didn’t know—
Lucian was already on his way.
? AUTHOR’S NOTE
MY LOVES ????????
I KNOWWWWWW this chapter shook the ground.
We officially entered PAST MEETS PRESENT territory and nothing will ever be simple again.
? The fiancées finally clocking Arielle’s authority
? First love returning at the WORST possible time
? Arielle remembering…
but not fully
? Sons activating protective mode
? Lucian realizing too late what he lost?? PLEASE COMMENT & FOLLOW ME ON WATTPAD ??
Your comments are literally what push me to update faster, and trust me…
the chaos is only beginning.
Also Vote for more chapters. That one is so important