Waking Up Married to My First Love’s Killer

After the car crash, I lost seven years of my memory. I went from a fresh college graduate to the mother of a sixyearold boy overnight.

My husband, Julian Vance, was a complete stranger to me. He was the CEO of a tech startup, wore goldrimmed glasses, and looked incredibly handsome and refined.

He was patient, attentive, and stayed by my side in the hospital every single day.

My parents and my best friend, Ashley Miller, all told me that marrying Julian was the smartest decision I had ever made. But to me, everything felt incredibly creepy.

My old phone was gone. My diaries, my old luggage, and all my past belongings had vanished. Every trace of those missing seven years was a total blank.

And everyone seemed to have silently agreed to erase my first love, Gavin Maxwell, from existence. But I couldn't forget him. Gavin was the boy who was willing to die for me.

We once made a sacred vow. If we ever got married, we would tattoo each other’s initials over our hearts.

And in the mirror, on my chest, I saw three tiny, chilling letters permanently inked into my skin: GMX. "Chloe, honey, this is your homecoming gift.

Do you like it?" In a living room that felt completely foreign, Julian handed me a brandnew phone. "It’s the latest model.

If you don't know how to use any of the features, just ask. I’ll teach you." "Oh, and I’ve already set up your new SIM card..." Everything was brand new.

Even the house was new, smelling of fresh paint and expensive wood. Julian told me our old house had caught fire, burning all our furniture and belongings to ashes.

He said he had risked his life to rescue our wedding photo from the flames. It was now hanging in the center of the living room. I stared at it, dazed.

The woman in the photo was indeed me, smiling with pure happiness.

The news reports about the house fire, the photos, and the nasty burn scars on Julian’s arm all proved he wasn’t lying. Yet, it was almost too convenient.

Every single thing that could connect me to my past had logically and neatly vanished.

My dad was chatting warmly with Julian on the couch, while my mom helped the nanny cook dinner while entertaining my son.

Ashley, my best friend, slipped her arm through mine as she sat down next to me. "What’s wrong, Chloe? You look like you're miles away." "Oh, look at me.

I forgot your brain injury caused some memory loss.

Do you want me to fill you in on what’s happened over the last few years?" I nodded slowly. "Yes, please." Ashley’s explanation was incredibly fast and fluent.

She said that after I graduated from college in 2017, my parents set me up on a blind date with Julian in 2018. We got married by the end of that year.

Then, I got pregnant in 2019, quit my job, and became a stayathome mom.

She said Julian treated me like a queen, knew all my habits and preferences, and that everyone in our social circle envied me for marrying such a wealthy, devoted husband. But...

I felt absolutely nothing for Julian. My mind was completely filled with Gavin’s bright, sunny smile.

I tried my best to blend into this warm, pictureperfect family setting, but every second felt like I was sitting on a bed of nails.

The sheer confusion made me feel like I was living in a completely different reality from them. I leaned in and whispered to Ashley, "What about Gavin?

Why haven’t you mentioned him at all?" The smile on Ashley’s face froze instantly. She quickly shrugged it off with a scoff. "That loser? He was a total jerk.

He dumped you and ran off to another country. No one has heard from him since. Why even bring him up?" That was impossible.

The man who would have given his life for me would never abandon me. The tattoo of his initials was still etched over my heart. Where was he? Why was Julian my husband now?

And why did I have a sixyearold child? I felt like my head was about to explode, but I didn't dare show it.

I realized that Julian, my son, my parents, and Ashley—everyone was trying incredibly hard to make me accept this version of my life.

They praised Julian endlessly, as if marrying him was the ultimate jackpot of my life. "Chloe, dinner's ready!" "I made all your favorites tonight, sweetie," my mom called out.

My mom and the nanny brought the dishes to the table, and Julian gently took my hand to lead me to my seat. During dinner, they quickly steered the conversation to our marriage.

My dad asked Julian if he had managed to save our marriage certificate from the fire. Julian smiled with relief. "I did. Luckily, I got to it just in time.

Only one corner was slightly singed." He pulled out the certificate. The registration date indeed showed late 2018.

It felt like they were naturally answering all the doubts in my mind. But in the very next second, Julian made a slipup. A slipup that made me absolutely certain of one thing.

He was not my husband.

"Not hungry, Chloe?" "Your mom made her famous baked salmon. It’s your absolute favorite.

Go on, try some." Julian plated the most tender piece of the salmon fillet and placed it gently on my plate. He looked so incredibly caring, so full of love.

My parents and Ashley kept repeating how Julian knew every single detail of my preferences after seven years together. But I absolutely despised salmon.

The only reason I ever pretended to like it was at my parents' house, just to keep the peace and not hurt my mom’s feelings. But in private, I never touched seafood.

Julian’s knowledge of my "favorite food" hadn't come from living with me. He had gotten it directly from my parents. What were they trying to pull?

What on earth had happened during those seven lost years? Everyone at the table was smiling happily, including Ashley. This bizarre, staged atmosphere sent a shiver down my spine.

I forced myself to hide my terror, swallowed down the nausea, and put a piece of the fish in my mouth. "Mom, it’s delicious.

Just like always." I forced a smile, doing my best to play along. But inside, my mind was in absolute chaos.

Seven years ago—the last year of my actual memory—my parents had hired thugs to physically threaten Gavin just to break us up. They looked down on Gavin because he was poor.

In their grand design, I was supposed to marry a wealthy man to fund my younger brother Ryan's elite education and business ventures.

They were capable of doing anything to get what they wanted. Did they cause my car accident? Did they cause my memory loss?

I was terrified, but I knew I had to play dumb, bide my time, and then run. I had to find Gavin. Only Gavin could save me. He loved me more than life itself.

He would never abandon me. But I quickly realized I had zero opportunity to escape. My parents used my recovery as an excuse to move into our house.

They watched me twentyfour hours a day under the guise of "loving care," completely stripping away my freedom. What was I supposed to do?

Every time Julian brushed my hair or lay next to me in bed as my "husband," my entire soul screamed in disgust.

Even though he kept his distance and didn't force himself on me, the sheer horror of sleeping next to a strange man was unbearable.

And when the little boy threw his arms around me, calling me "Mommy," I felt like screaming. But I had to endure it.

I had to act like I accepted everything so they would lower their guard and give me a chance to get away.

Finally, after a month, Julian and my parents planned to take me back to the hospital for a followup exam. This was my chance to connect with the outside world.

The night before the appointment, while tucking the boy into bed, I secretly took a few strands of his hair.

Later, I slipped into the pitchblack living room and carefully searched Julian’s discarded coat. Fortunately, I found some of his hair left on the collar.

I quickly sealed them into a small plastic bag. But just as I zipped the bag, Julian’s voice sliced through the darkness behind me. "Chloe?

What are you doing out here in the dark?" In an instant, my blood ran cold. Goosebumps erupted all over my arms. "I...

I wanted to do some laundry for you," I stammered, frantically scrambling for an excuse.

My heart was pounding so hard I was sure he could hear it. "Even though I lost my memory, you’ve been so good to me.

I wanted to help out around the house." In the dim light, Julian narrowed his eyes. The gentle smile returned to his face.

He always wore that soft, polite mask, making it impossible to read his actual emotions. "The nanny can handle the chores, sweetie. You’re my wife.

Taking care of you is my job." Thank God, he didn't seem to suspect anything. This little scare didn't ruin our plans for the next day. Ashley joined us too.

We piled into the car and drove to the medical center. The traffic was heavy near the hospital entrance.

Coincidentally, the hospital was hosting a multiagency clinical seminar on psychological disorders that day.

Just as our car slowed to a halt, a group of burly, aggressivelooking men suddenly surrounded us. Ashley’s face went pale. She ducked her head low, trying to hide...

I stared at Ashley in confusion. "What’s going on?" Before she could answer, one of the heavyset men began banging violently on our car window.

Julian’s face darkened as he stepped out of the car. I couldn't hear what he was saying through the glass, but within a couple of minutes, he somehow managed to wave the men off.

When Julian got back in, Ashley was trembling like a leaf. "I...

I owe some people money," she whimpered. "They’re debt collectors." Since Ashley was my best friend in my memories, I naturally felt worried. "How did you get into debt?

How much do you owe?" "My mom was really sick, and the medical bills were piling up. I had to borrow a few hundred thousand.

Two months ago, I begged you for help, and you had Julian pay off a chunk of it." Ashley grabbed my hand, her eyes red. "I promise, Chloe, as soon as I make enough money, I’ll pay you guys back." Julian let out a soft, generous chuckle. "No rush, Ashley.

You’re Chloe’s best friend. Pay us back whenever you're back on your feet." I stopped asking, but the suspicion in my heart grew heavier.

Ashley’s mom had been critically ill seven years ago. How could she possibly still be alive and in the same situation now? I shook my head, forcing myself to block out the noise.

My main mission today was to get these hair samples tested. I refused to believe Julian and I had a child. I refused to believe that boy was mine.

If the DNA test proved the child wasn't mine, I would have the leverage to go to the police. It would be enough evidence for them to investigate and protect me.

The checkup process was tedious. At first, my parents and Julian followed me everywhere. But after half an hour, they grew tired.

Since I was behaving perfectly normal and cooperative, they told me to finish up the routine tests while they sat down in the waiting area to rest. This was my moment.

I pretended to have a sudden stomachache to pause the exam, then slipped away to the private DNA testing lab on the upper floor to submit our hair samples.

On my way back down, I ran into a group of psychiatrists who were attending the seminar. One middleaged female doctor stopped dead in her tracks, staring at me. "Chloe?

Chloe Jenkins?" I immediately stopped. "Do you know me?" Her face was a mix of shock and utter disbelief. "You... you recovered?" Recovered? Did I have a mental illness before?

Before I could ask her to clarify, Julian and my parents rushed over, their faces pale.

Julian quickly stepped in, blocking my view of the doctor, while my parents grabbed my arms and pulled me away. "What are you doing wandering off like this?

You need to finish your exams." "Yes, Chloe, let’s get this over with. We still need to take you shopping afterward.

We're on a tight schedule." My parents tried to keep their voices sweet, but I could feel the sheer panic radiating off them. They were definitely hiding something.

I looked back over my shoulder, but the female doctor had already disappeared into the crowd. Still, the samples were already submitted.

Right now, the most important thing was to make sure they didn't find out about the DNA test.

I forced myself to look calm. "I just wanted you guys to rest, so I went to pay the bill myself.

I ran into a doctor who seemed to know me." "Who was she?" I asked innocently. "I don’t remember seeing her when I was hospitalized." Assuming I hadn't realized she was an visiting doctor from another clinic, my mom quickly lied, "Oh, she was probably just a doctor from another department.

Don't worry about it. Your primary physician is the only one who matters." I gave a quiet "Oh," and obediently followed them to the luxury shopping mall.

Julian bought me every single piece of clothing and jewelry I so much as glanced at, completely ignoring the price tags. What a perfect, doting husband.

But in three days, the truth would finally come out.

The DNA test results took three days. Three days later, I pretended to have a splitting headache and begged them to take me back to the clinic. This time, Ashley wasn't with us.

My parents and Julian had actually discouraged me from contacting her. They claimed Ashley was a parasite who kept secretly asking Julian for money behind my back.

Julian even showed me their Snapchat chat history, and the voice notes indeed belonged to Ashley. My brain was spinning. Why would Ashley bypass me and ask Julian for money?

Was she demanding more money to keep up the lie? Did she ask for too much, and they had a falling out? I decided to figure that out later.

Today, my only goal was to get that DNA report. I planned to use the same trick to slip away during the checkup.

But this time, my parents and Julian watched me like hawks, never leaving my side for even a second. They had clearly become suspicious.

By the time my medical exam was over and the doctor handed over my charts, I still hadn't found a single opportunity to grab the DNA envelope. "Chloe, the doctor says your condition is perfectly stable.

No signs of relapse. Just keep taking your meds and rest at home." "Come on, sweetie, let's go home." My mom took my left hand.

My dad followed closely behind, and Julian walked on my right. The suffocating circle they formed around me made it hard to breathe. Suddenly, a commotion broke out.

Ashley appeared at the end of the hallway, looking completely frantic and disheveled. Her clothes were filthy, as if she hadn't changed in days.

Her eyes were wide with pure terror and desperation. We all spotted her at the same time. Julian immediately ran forward to intercept her. They began whispering frantically.

I couldn't hear a single word. My parents tightly gripped my arms, trying to pull me in the opposite direction. "Let go of me!" In that moment, I snapped.

I screamed at the top of my lungs. I broke free from their grip with all my strength and ran toward Ashley. "Ashley! What’s going on?

Why are you here to see me?" I thought she was going to expose them because she had fallen out with Julian.

But by the time I reached her, she had somehow masked her panic. "Calm down, Chloe. I... I was just worried about your health. That's all. Nothing else." I let out a laugh.

A hysterical, broken laugh. "Nothing else?" "Or did Julian just offer you a better deal to keep lying to me?" My sudden outburst threw everyone into a panic. "What lies, Chloe?

You just got discharged. You’re overthinking things," Ashley stammered. My parents and Julian immediately jumped in. "She's right, Chloe. The doctor said you shouldn't get excited.

Let's go home and talk about this calmly." "Here, Chloe, take your medication first." Looking at the pill Julian was holding out to my mouth, I slapped his hand away violently!

My parents tried to grab me again, but I shoved them back and scrambled several steps away, keeping my distance. They were monitoring me so closely.

If I went back to that house, I might never get out again! The hospital was a crowded, public space.

No matter how desperate they were, they wouldn't dare kidnap me in broad daylight. This was my absolute last chance to break free from their control. "Don't touch me!

Stay away!" "Do you think I'm stupid? Do you think I don't know what's going on?" "My boyfriend is Gavin Maxwell! He would have died for me!

There is no way in hell he would have abandoned me!" I pulled out my phone and dialed 911. "Back off!

If anyone comes close, I'm calling the police!" The scene I was making attracted a massive crowd, forcing them to freeze in their tracks.

My parents stared at me, wideeyed and speechless. Julian looked so devastated he was on the verge of tears. "Chloe, what are you saying? Gavin dumped you years ago.

If he didn't, why would you marry me and have our child?" "Please, stop this. Let’s go home, okay? The nanny just called.

Leo is crying, asking for his mommy." "Bullshit!" I spat, my voice laced with venom. "I would never have a child with you!" "I submitted our hair samples for a DNA test three days ago!

I’m going to get the report right now, and I’m going to expose your sick, twisted lies!" Julian stopped talking, burying his face in his hands as he began to sob.

My parents also started crying. "Chloe, Julian has been so good to you. How can you break his heart like this over a man who abandoned you?" Even now, they were still acting.

I didn't have the patience to waste another breath on them. I turned around and ran straight to the DNA lab window.

They followed me, but none of them dared to stop me in front of the hospital staff. I successfully grabbed the envelope and ripped it open.

But the bold letters on the page made my stomach drop.

My mind went completely blank. "How... ...how is this possible?" "The child is biologically mine... and biologically Julian's?"