New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex)

Matthew and Alexander stood frozen, their jaws practically hitting the floor as they processed Claire's words. It felt like they had just heard the craziest thing ever.

the doctor, Alex. Now."

Matthew laughed nervously, trying to play it off. "Ha, good one, Claire. You're joking, right? You remember me, don't you?" He looked at her hopefully, but Claire's confused expression didn't change. Matthew's heart sank as he turned to Alexander, his voice urgent. "Call Alexander didn't waste a second. He nodded and rushed out of the room, his mind racing with worry. Matthew turned back to Claire, who was staring at him with wide, bewildered eyes. "Claire, seriously, it's me, Matthew. Do you remember anything? We're friends. Really good friends." He reached out, gently taking her hand, but she yanked it away like he was on fire.

"Are you crazy?" she snapped, her voice full of distrust. "I don't know you. Why would I remember you?" Matthew felt like he'd been punched in the gut. This couldn't be happening. It was like a bad dream.

Just then, the door swung open, and the doctor walked in, with Alexander right behind him, looking more stressed than ever. "Did she remember anything?" Alexander asked, his eyes darting between Matthew and Claire. Matthew shook his head slowly, his expression grim. "No. Not a thing." Alexander's face paled, and he let out a shaky breath.

"Did she lose her memory again?" Alexander's voice was almost a whisper, like he was scared to even ask. Matthew glanced at Claire, who was watching them both like they were speaking a foreign language. "I don't know," he murmured. "But she looked really lost earlier."

Alexander's mind raced. The last time Claire had lost her memory, things had gotten complicated-really complicated. She had fallen for him back then, and everything had gotten all mixed up. Was this like a reset button? Did she go back to being the old Claire? He stepped closer to her bed, his heart pounding. "Claire, do you know who I am?" he asked softly. Her eyes narrowed in confusion, and she shook her head slowly.

"No, I don't. Should I?" Her voice was cautious, like she didn't trust him either.

Alexander felt his chest tighten. He glanced at the doctor, desperation in his voice. "What's wrong with her?"

The doctor sighed, glancing at his notes. "We need to run some tests to see what's going on," he explained calmly. Matthew jumped in before Alexander could say anything. "Can we do them now? Like, right now?" he asked, his voice almost pleading. The doctor nodded and turned to get everything started.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally wheeled Claire back into the room. Matthew and Alexander jumped up, their eyes locked on the doctor as he walked in behind her. "Doctor, what's going on? Is she okay?" Matthew asked, his voice tight with worry.

The doctor cleared his throat. "Claire has temporary amnesia," he explained gently. Matthew's eyes went wide.

"What?!" he practically shouted, while Alexander just stood there, his mouth hanging open, too stunned to speak.

"The hit she took to the back of her head was pretty serious," the doctor continued. "She has a concussion, and the memory loss is a result of that."

"Will she remember?" Matthew's voice cracked, the hope clinging to his words. The doctor sighed.

"Most likely, yes, but I can't say when. It could be days, weeks... it's hard to tell." He offered them a sympathetic look before leaving the room, giving them some privacy.

Matthew and Alexander moved closer to Claire's bed, their expressions a mix of hope and fear. Claire's eyes darted between them, a hint of panic creeping in. "Who are you guys?" she asked again, her voice shaky. Matthew and Alexander shared a look before Matthew spoke up.

"Claire, I'm Matthew. We're really good friends. And this is Alexander, he's...your not so good of a friend." His voice was gentle, like he was talking to a scared child.

Alexander turned to Matthew with a glared. "Hey!"

Matthew turned to him with a slight smirk on his lips. "I'm just telling the truth."

Claire's eyes narrowed, still not convinced. "If we're friends, why can't I remember you?"

Matthew's heart broke a little at that. "You hit your head, Claire. It's just temporary, okay? I'm here to help."

Alexander, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. "I'm staying too, Claire. I'm not going anywhere." His voice was firm, but there was a softness in his eyes as he looked at her.

Matthew turned to him, frowning. "Aren't you busy today? That's what you said earlier. Or did your schedule suddenly clear out of itself?"

"I can handle it later. Claire is more important right now," Alexander shot back, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Claire, watching the two strangers

bicker like an old married couple, felt

her confusion turning into

frustration. "Why don't you both just leave? You're making my head hurt," she snapped, her voice louder than before.

Matthew flinched, guilt washing over him. "We're sorry, Claire. We just want to help. Is there anyone you'd like to stay? Maybe someone you do remember?"

Claire looked at them both, clearly exhausted. "I don't know," she muttered. "I want to be alone."

"That's not a good idea, Claire," Alexander interjected, shaking his head. "You can't be alone right now."

Claire let out a heavy sigh, her eyes flicking between the two of them. "Fine," she said finally, pointing at Matthew. "You. You stay. But just you."

Alexander's face fell, a mix of shock and disbelief flashing across his features. "Seriously?" he muttered under his breath. "Even when she's lost her memory, she still doesn't pick me."

Matthew shot him an apologetic look before turning back to Claire. "Okay, I'll stay. Whatever you need."

Alexander turned to Claire with a shocked look etched on his face. "Are you serious Claire? But you don't even know him either."

Claire stared at his face. "I-I'm sorry but he," she pointed at Matthew. "look more...I don't know...trustworthy? Like I feel like I know him but I don't remember."

Matthew couldn't help but snort hearing Claire's words, but he quickly covered it up with a cough.

"You're really lucky, Finnegan." Alexander grumbled something under his breath and then turned to leave the room, but not before shooting Matthew a look that said, "This isn't over."

"It was not my doing. She requested herself." Matthew raised both hands in surrender but had a mocking smile on his lips.

"Yeah, whatever," Alexander said coldly.

As the door closed behind him, the room grew quiet. Matthew sat down in the chair next to Claire's bed, his heart still racing.

"Is he...okay?" asked Claire who stared at Matthew.

"Don't worry, he will be fine. That's

just how he is. I'm really sorry, Claire," he said softly. "I know this is all confusing and probably really scary, but we're gonna figure it out, okay?"

Claire watched him for a moment, still wary, but there was something calming about his presence. "Okay," she whispered back, her voice barely audible.

Matthew smiled, trying to hide the worry that was eating away at him. He didn't know how long it would take for her to remember, but he'd be there, every step of the way.