Hearts Remember What Minds Try To Forget by Rex Wilder 15

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At this very moment, in a distant, foreign land. 

I was at an orphanage, assisting children with limited mobility through their rehabilitation. 

This orphanage was one I had founded and funded years prior, and it had always operated overseas. 

Now I had returned to take over, selling off the few struggling small companies I still owned abroad, with all the funds funneled into bolstering this orphanage. As a result, over the past month, the population of children here had grown considerably. 

The other caregivers, seeing me busy myself, rushed over. “Ms. Reed,” one said, “let us handle these tasks.” 

I shook my head. “It’s no trouble. As long as it helps the children, I’m happy to do it myself.” 

A month ago, I’d arrived here alone, meeting Evan, the local liaison who had been tirelessly helping me navigate all the necessary 

paperwork. 

I was grateful, but he simply smiled. “Mr. Reed always championed me,” he said. “Everything I have today, I owe to him. It’s my honor to do these minor tasks for you.” 

At the mention of my father, my eyes clouded with sorrow. 

If Chloe hadn’t tragically killed him, the Reed family would still be the happiest family of four. 

Evan, sensing my sorrow, spoke gravely. “Rest assured, I’ll make sure Mr. Reed gets the justice he deserves.” 

I said nothing more, only managing to force a hollow smile that held no real hope. 

After that, I poured all my heart and soul into the orphanage. 

The children adored me, always treating the orphans with such tenderness and devotion, as if their smiling faces were meant to redeem 

the shattered pieces within my own soul. 

But the wounds in my heart refused to heal. 

Even though I desperately tried to forget, the terrifying past still haunted my nights. 

Lucas, always, in my dreams. He tormented me, wrenching me awake again and again, each time fueling the bitter hatred I held for his very existence. 

I regretted ever meeting Lucas, and I regretted our marriage even more. 

Thankfully, Evan always seemed to catch the subtle shifts in my demeanor. 

Lately, his visits to the orphanage had grown frequent, and each time, he’d bring a box of sleeping medication for me. 

He never said much, simply handing the box to me before turning and leaving without a word. 

Gazing at the pillbox in my hand, I couldn’t deny the warmth that spread through me. 

After all, Evan’s affection was unmistakable; I could feel the unspoken emotions he conveyed. 

But right now, I wanted no ties, no new burdens. 

So, I intended to ignore Evan’s affection. 

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