Chapter 4: Parents, Proposals, and the Truth

Not my fault—amnesiac Carter is just too easy to bully.

Just then, a loud ringtone broke the awkward silence.

Carter turned and walked into the living room to answer the phone.

I hadn’t even finished exhaling when I heard a voice from the phone: "Carter, heard you got hit. The guys are coming to see you soon!"

No way!

If Carter’s friends come, won’t I get exposed?

No.

I rushed into the living room, waving frantically for him to say no.

He looked at me, confused, but still turned them down.

To get Biscuit as soon as possible, I decided to go big.

I took a deep breath, channeling my inner boss. "Carter, you need to rest. As for your buddies, you can see them when you’re better. I said I’d help, and I mean it. I’ve decided: until you get your memory back, you’ll live with me."

I need Biscuit to get used to my place fast.

That way, I’ll have a better shot.

A hint of surprise—and was that joy?—flashed in Carter’s eyes.

His lips quirked up like he was trying not to smile. "Are you sure?"

"Of course."

I have to win Biscuit over.

"Okay."

Watching him pack, I felt like something was off.

He moved around the apartment like he owned the place, grabbing his essentials, feeding Biscuit, even pausing to grab his favorite mug. Carter moved quickly. Before I could figure out what felt wrong, he was already standing in front of me with his suitcase and Biscuit in his arms.

"Let’s go, Gracie."

I just stared. Wait, what?

Isn’t Carter amnesiac? How does he know my name is Gracie?

"You..."

He just smiled, a little smug. "Saw it just now."

I blinked, following his gaze.

Following Carter’s gaze, I looked down.

From this angle, he could see not only the pendant with my name, but also...

My cheeks burned as I realized my shirt was gaping open just enough to show the pink heart charm Mariah gave me in high school. "Carter!" I snapped.

"Hm?"

He looked innocent, but his eyes sparkled with mischief. Meeting Carter’s playful gaze, I gave up.

"Let’s go." I turned, face burning, gritting my teeth.

Heh.

Carter, the future is long—we’ll see who wins!

I took a shaky breath, trying to steady myself.

It all happened so fast, I hadn’t even tidied up the house when I left this morning.

Laundry piled on the chair, dishes in the sink, cat toys everywhere. Carter stood at the only clear spot by the door, frowning. "You..."

Before he could say more, I shoved a broom into his hand, took Biscuit from him, and smiled. "As my simp, you love cleaning for me the most. Here, get started."

Seeing Carter’s rare stunned look, I almost burst out laughing.

He looked at the broom, then at me, then back at the broom. I turned on the TV, sat on the sofa hugging Biscuit, and kept sneaking glances at Carter as he swept the floor.

I couldn’t help but snicker.

Carter is sweeping my floor.

I couldn’t help but call out instructions. "Carter, the kitchen needs cleaning too."

"Carter, see if the table needs wiping?"

"Carter, the laundry’s done, go hang it up."

I grinned to myself, feeling victorious.

By the time I finished an episode, Carter had moved his cleaning operation to the balcony.

Sunlight poured through the window, painting the wall behind Carter gold. Bathed in that almost magical light, Carter looked especially dazzling, like Apollo.

Too bad Apollo wouldn’t be caught holding a pink bunny headband.

That was a birthday gift from bestie Mariah, who said one day I’d thank her for it.

Heh.

Right now, I really want to "thank" her hard.

I rushed over and snatched the pink bunny headband from Carter’s hand.

Trying to act casual, I said, "No need to clean here. Go cook, I’m hungry."

Carter’s lips curled, and his gaze changed, deep and intense.

He set down the broom, dusted off his hands, and as he walked past me, he said, "I’m hungry too."

My hand trembled. Carter’s words felt... suggestive.

I cleared my throat, trying to play it cool. When I came out after hiding the headband, the delicious smells coming from the kitchen nearly knocked me out.