Page 116 of Modern Romance Collection February 2025, 5-8

‘Her last clear memory is apparently from over a month ago, when she was helping clear away a Christmas display at the library where she works.’

Joaquin nodded.

‘But...’ The speaker hesitated, then, ‘She has no memory of being engaged to you.’

‘Well, that is not surprising. We are not engaged.’

A wave of collective shock went around the room.

Joaquin didn’t notice; he was suffering from guilt. He had contributed to Clemmie’s confusion and possibly even to her memory loss by allowing the mistake to stand.

The medics exchanged glances but if they were tempted to ask for further details they repressed their curiosity.

‘It is my intention to clear that up right now,’ he added, rising decisively to his feet.

The doctor on his home ground was the first to speak, though the others nodded agreement at his words.

‘That might not be the best course of action at this stage.’

Another nodded, before voicing his support. ‘There might be some danger at this stage in pushing things. There is every chance that she will remember the period she has lost.’

‘So, I am meant to lie?’

‘You are meant to allow her to fill in the gaps in her own time.’

‘What if she never fills them in?’

An image floated across his vision of him lifting a veil to reveal Clemmie staring up at him, her green eyes shining.

Weddings were the subject of his nightmares, but on this occasion he found himself not running from the preposterous image but allowing it to linger.

Someone laughed.

‘Well, obviously this advice is a very short term. If her memory does not return, we will adapt to that circumstance.’

Joaquin did not ask what form this adaptation might take—he just felt the need to be out of there. He needed to see for himself that Clemmie was okay.

‘In the meantime, our initial problem is... We were hoping you would use your influence... Your fiancée... Sorry, Miss Leith has discharged herself.’

‘She haswhat?’ Joaquin closed his eyes and shook his head before biting out. ‘Ofcourseshe has. She is—’

He compressed his lips and felt sorry for the man who would marry her for real as he raked a frustrated hand through his hair.

‘I am assuming you told her that was not advisable?’

‘I told her that we would prefer she stayed with us for another twenty-four hours, but actually I had no power to stop her.’

‘Well, I have!’ Joaquin intoned grimly.

‘I am not sure that would be a good idea. As she has pointed out, all her tests are clear, and she might just as well “lie there staring at the ceiling” at home.’

‘I can almost hear her...’

The medic’s lips twitched at his tone ‘She is a very determined woman.’

‘She is mule-stubborn.’

‘Her mother, who has just arrived, is also very determined.’

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