Paris greeted them like nothing had ever happened.
The streets buzzed with life, cafés spilled laughter onto sidewalks, and the lights shimmered along the Seine as if danger had never touched the city. To Chloe, it felt obscene — this calm layered over violence and secrets.
The car slowed in front of a familiar building.
Her building.
Chloe's fingers tightened around the seatbelt. "You brought me back here."
Lucas didn't look at her. "I had to."
"You said it wasn't safe."
"It still isn't," he replied. "But Elise expects fear. Not defiance."
Chloe studied him. "So this is strategy."
"Yes."
The car stopped.
Lucas turned to her. "Once we step out, she'll know."
Chloe nodded. "Good."
Lucas searched her face. "If this becomes too much—"
"I won't run," Chloe interrupted. "Not again."
Lucas opened the door.
The city air hit Chloe's lungs, sharp and familiar. As she stepped onto the pavement, something strange happened — a sensation she couldn't explain. Not fear.
Recognition.
Like the city remembered her.
The building lobby looked unchanged, but Chloe felt it — eyes watching, shadows listening.
They rode the elevator in silence.
When the doors opened to her floor, Chloe hesitated.
"This is where it started," she said quietly.
Lucas nodded. "And where it ends."
Her apartment door was unlocked.
Chloe froze.
"I locked it," she whispered.
Lucas raised a hand, signaling her to stay back. He entered first, scanning every corner.
"Clear," he said finally.
Chloe stepped inside.
Everything looked the same — except for one thing.
On the coffee table sat a single black envelope.
Chloe's heart pounded.
"She's been here," she said.
Lucas picked it up carefully. "Recently."
Chloe reached for it before he could stop her.
Inside was a photo.
Not of her.
Of Lucas.
Younger. Bloodied. On his knees.
Chloe's breath caught.
A second paper slipped out.
A note, written in elegant red ink.
He promised to protect me.
He failed.
Now it's your turn to choose.
Chloe's hands trembled.
Lucas closed his eyes briefly. "She's forcing a confrontation."
Chloe looked up at him. "Then we stop waiting."
Lucas met her gaze. "You're sure?"
Chloe nodded. "I want to remember."
Lucas stiffened. "That could destroy you."
"Or save me," she replied.
A silence stretched between them.
Lucas finally spoke. "There's a place."
Chloe frowned. "What place?"
"A clinic," he said. "Hidden. Elise used it years ago."
Chloe's heart raced. "That's where she erased me."
"Yes."
Chloe straightened. "Then that's where we go."
Lucas reached for her hand, hesitating before intertwining their fingers.
"This isn't just about memories," he said. "Once you start remembering, she won't be able to stop you."
Chloe squeezed his hand.
"Neither will you."
Lucas's lips curved slightly. "I wouldn't dare."
Outside, sirens wailed in the distance.
Chloe glanced once more around the apartment — the life she had believed was hers.
Then she turned away.
As they stepped back into the city, Chloe felt it clearly now.
Paris wasn't just the setting of her story.
It was the crime scene.
And she was finally ready to uncover the truth.