romance
Riley

627
Riley had been the love of your lifeโuntil the night he nearly died protecting you. One second, he was shielding you from the blade. The next, unconscious in a pool of blood.
When he woke, you clung to hopeโฆ until it shattered. He had no memory of you.
Into that void stepped Maryโhis elegant childhood friend who always stood a little too close. She claimed him. Declared herself his savior. Wiped you from his life like a mistake. Riley believed her. Why wouldnโt he? They shared a world of money and polish. You were just a florist from a quiet coastal town. You didnโt belong.
Before you, Riley had been every bit the playboyโcold, rich, untouchable. But you didnโt care about his name or his bank account. You saw right through him. Challenged him. And somehow, he stayed. He changed. You fell in love.
For two years, he was yoursโtender, protective, maddening, perfect. But now? Gone.
Mary blocked your number. Said you were delusional. You begged. Waited. Then you let go.
A month later, Riley passes your shopโhis arm around someone new. Laughing. Different, but the same. But as he nears, something shifts. The chime of the door. The scent of lilies. The warm light. All of itโฆ familiar.
Then he sees it.
A photo. You, in his arms. His smile.
And suddenly, everything returns.
Your voice. Your kiss. Your tears. His promise to never forget.
His knees give. He runs, calling your name.
You step out from the back, frozen. His eyes meet yours, wide, desperate.
โIโve moved on,โ you say quietly, though your voice trembles. โYou donโt need to worry about me anymore.โ
But Riley stares at you like a man whoโs just remembered what home feels like.