Jamie Fraser had known long before his return that Anastasia Steele had lost her memory, which led her to marry Edward Cullen. Heaven knows how heart-wrenching it was for him when he first learned this news, as if his heart had shattered into pieces.
Now, with her familiar tone, could it be indicating that her memory had returned?
At the sound of Jamies inquiry, Anastasia was taken aback and quickly concealed her emotions.
Jamie had already been injured from the battlefield; she could not allow him to stand in front of her and get entangled in the dangerous den of the Cullen Mansion, ending up with the same tragic conclusion as in her past life.
These grudges, this resentment, she had to settle them by herself.
Edward Cullen and Isabella Swan owed her, and she would take back what was hers with her own hands.
With this clarity, she forced herself to put on a cold face.
"Fen Citys young commander, who doesnt recognize you? What is it that you want me to remember?"
Jamies shining eyes dimmed instantly, and he was enveloped in a sense of loneliness.
After all, she still didnt remember him...
He stiffly forced a smile and gripped her shoulders: "Yoori, its me, Im back!"
Anastasia coldly brushed away his hands and turned her head, unable to bear looking at his eyes filled with sorrow.
"Commander Fraser, I dont know any Yoori. I am now the mistress of the Cullen Mansion. Please... respect boundaries."
"Respect boundaries?"
Jamie staggered back two steps, a desolate smile on his lips.
"Yoori, its okay if you dont remember, youll remember eventually."
This phrase, identical to what he had said in her past life, stirred up a storm within Anastasia. She was about to lose control of her act.
"I dont know what youre talking about. I have matters to attend to at the Cullen Mansion, I must leave."
Anastasia left these words behind and hurriedly fled the scene.
She was afraid that if she stayed in front of him any longer, she would not be able to help but rush into his arms and pour out her grievances and injustices.
Anastasia ran all the way back to her bedroom in the Cullen Mansion, locked the doors and windows, and wept aloud.
After a while, the grief from seeing Jamie for the first time had been vented. She woke up from her bed, groggy, and looked at the dark sky outside the window, letting out a cold laugh.
Edward, its time you paid the price for that slap.
She was no longer the Anastasia from her past life, to be beaten and scolded at will.
She got up, changed into a set of night clothes, and stealthily avoided the guards to come to Edwards study at the Cullen Mansion.
By the moonlight, she found the secret room and retrieved the real account books of the Cullen familys businesses over the years. After a quick glance, a brighter smile spread across Anastasias face.
She put away the account book and had just stepped out of the secret room when she heard footsteps approaching outside!
Was it Edward returning?
Damn it!
With no place to hide in the spacious study and the sound of footsteps getting closer, Anastasias heart raced in panic.
Suddenly, she was swept up into someones arms, and with a leap, they ascended to the rafters.
Looking up in shock, the familiar profile made her relax instantly.
Then she sighed bitterly; Jamie Fraser, the fool, had followed her after all.
Below, Edward only circled around the study, picked up a book, and left.
After Edward had gone far enough, Jamie helped her jump down from the rafters, but once they were steady, he held her close, unwilling to let go.
Anastasia couldnt help but remind him, "Commander Fraser, hes long gone. You can let me go now."
Jamie gazed at her intently, with a hint of inquiry.
From the medicine tampering at the clinic to the midnight theft of the account books, it seemed that things were far more complicated than he had imagined.
He reluctantly released his grip on Anastasias waist and said without hesitation, "Yoori, perhaps I can help you."
Anastasia sighed, "Arent you afraid of bringing trouble upon yourself?"
"Apart from your safety, theres nothing Im afraid of," Jamie smiled gently, with a myriad of stars twinkling in his eyes.
Anastasias ears turned red involuntarily, and she handed over the account book she was holding.
"Take the account book and leave quickly."
Jamie looked at her shy little appearance and his smile deepened. His wife was really not teasing.
The two jumped out of the window, and before Jamie left, he stuffed a bottle of anti-inflammatory medicine into Anastasias hand and disappeared into the night.
Anastasia held the bottle of medicine, which still had his residual warmth, and her heart was filled with mixed feelings.
Just because she had a slap and cried until her eyes were swollen, he risked coming to deliver the medicine.
What a fool.
But, what to do, she liked his foolishness so much.
Three days later.
Isabellas allergy subsided, and she was taken back to the Cullen Mansion by Edward for recuperation.
As soon as they entered the mansion, Edward saw Anastasia in a simple yet elegant dress, trimming the branches in the courtyard. Against the scorching sun, she seemed even more brilliant than the spring flowers in front of her.
This leisurely and contented demeanor annoyed Edward, especially after recalling the provocative words Isabella had spoken to him at the clinic.
He strode forward, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her close, his cold gaze boring into hers.
"Why didnt you come to pick up Isabella when she was discharged?!"
"I..."
Anastasia didnt have time to explain before a cold voice echoed from the entrance of the courtyard: "Let her go!"
In the blink of an eye, a squad of soldiers with guns stormed in, forming two imposing rows. Then, Jamie Fraser, exuding authority, entered.
Edward met Jamies piercing gaze and felt a shiver in his heart.
He forced himself to remain calm and said, "Commander Fraser, what is the meaning of this?"
Jamie did not respond; he simply gestured coldly, and two soldiers stepped forward to seize Edward.
"What are you doing?!"
"Edward Cullen, you are under arrest for tax evasion, embezzlement, and trafficking in opium, among other charges."
Mu Bu Chen, Jamies chief strategist, officiously listed the numerous charges against Edward.
"Youre slandering me! Wheres the evidence?"
Edward shouted indignantly, confident that his covert activities could not have been exposed.
Mu Bu Chen flashed a copy of the account book in front of him, and Edward was instantly silenced.
While Mu Bu Chen was handling the official matters, Jamie was anxiously examining the red marks on Anastasias wrist, caused by Edwards grip.
The sight pained him, and he asked with concern, "Yoori, does it hurt?"
Anastasia shook her head, looked up at Jamie, and gave him a reassuring look.
Seeing their apparent familiarity, Edward couldnt help but roar in anger.
"Anastasia, did you leak the information, you bitch?!"