I had secretly married Simon for three years, but he had never publicly acknowledged me as his wife.
We were filming a travel variety show together this time, but he was all over that famous actress, Hannah Schmidt.
During truth or dare, the production team dared them to kiss and Simon didn't hesitate. He kissed Hannah profoundly and passionately as if they were the only two people in the room.
Simon rushed to Hannah immediately when the avalanche struck while I was buried under the heavy snow.
When I was finally rescued, I had forgotten entirely who Simon was.
It was then that Simon began to regret everything. He publicly announced our relationship to the world and even cried, begging me to remember him.
He didn't know the countdown to oblivion had started from the variety show.
***
As night fell, we set up tents and gathered around a campfire, waiting for the show crew's following arrangements.
Simon sat right next to Hannah, draping his jacket over her shoulders.
The two chatted as if no one was around and anyone could see they were a perfect couple.
When the truth or dare started, Simon lost.
The crew asked him, "Who's your ideal type here on set?"
Without hesitation, he pointed at Hannah. The two exchanged a glance and a smile, their chemistry palpable.
Seizing the opportunity, the staff and guests started chanting for them to kiss.
I stared at Simon, gripping the hem of my dress tightly. My palms were cold and clammy with sweat.
But Simon didn't seem to notice me. Perhaps he never cared about my feelings at all.
He rose and smiled, hooking his hand towards Hannah.
Hannah beamed. She jumped directly into his arms and they kissed passionately.
I was the only one who forced a smile, pretending everything was fine.
Simon pursed his lips in aftertaste as their kiss ended. His eyes were brimming with affection.
Just as my tears threatened to spill, I bowed my head.
I used to think he was cold and didn't express his emotions much, but now I knew he reserved his passion for someone else. Unfortunately, it’s never been for me.
My illness acted up again and my head was pounding.
I wondered if I would feel less pain if I stopped loving him.
After the recording, I found Simon, who would make the bed for Hannah.
He frowned slightly, his tone impatient. "What now? The kiss was just for the show. If you're overthinking it, that's on you."
I looked up at his face—the striking features I once adored. His sharp brows, high nose bridge and naturally upturned lips.
Everything I used to be so obsessed with, why did it suddenly become so uninteresting?
I didn't know if my voice was still trembling.
I said, "Simon, I will forget you in 23 days."
He smirked. "Here we go again, Claire. The same lie twice—do you think I'll fall for it? If you're sick, go get treatment. Don't threaten me."
After that, he turned and walked away without hesitation, leaving me alone.
His retreating figure overlapped with the memory of the boy I once knew, then slowly drifted apart.
In my memory.
I had once leaned against his chest and asked him, "Simon, I have a strange illness that makes me lose my memories every three years. If I forget you one day, what will you do?"
Simon hugged me tightly and gently kissed the top of my head as if I were a treasure.
"Then I'll stay by your side until you remember me again."
The mountain wind was fierce and cold, howling through the camp.
Because of the show's requirements, I wore a thin evening dress.
I couldn't help but think of the jacket draped over Hannah's shoulders earlier.
I never thought this wind could give me the courage to give up. With trembling hands, I pulled out my phone and called my best friend.
