Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 168

Chapter 168: More Memories

**************

Chapter 168

~Zara’s POV~

I noticed the change in Zade’s expression but continued, "The window, though... the view of the woods. It felt like I used to sit there all the time, but I can’t remember what I was thinking or waiting for."

Snow stepped closer, his hand gently brushing my cheek, his touch grounding me. "Anything else?"

I shook my head. "It was just fragments—nothing that made sense."

Zade rubbed his chin, his tone thoughtful. "It could be your memories trying to resurface. With everything going on—the explosion, Marcus, the Thorned Crescent—the trauma may be making it harder for them to come back fully."

"Maybe," I admitted, frustration creeping into my voice. "But it’s maddening. I feel as though I’m close to recalling something significant, yet it remains elusive."

Snow sighed and wrapped me in his arms again. "You’ll remember when the time is right, Zara. Don’t push yourself too hard. Right now, we focus on keeping you safe."

Zade nodded, his expression firm. "Snow’s right. Just to clarify, you did not create those scratches.

Both Snow and I shot our brows up. "What?"

"It was made by my mother on the night when we lost you. She screamed, yelled, raged, and wailed. Losing Dad and you was the biggest blow she could have received."

I felt a deep pain etched in my chest at the thought of what she went through losing us like that. "I—I’m sorry."

"It’s not your fault," Zade tried to reason. Furthermore, I shouldn’t be the one you’re apologizing to. It’s Mum."

I shook my head. "No. You endured growing up without a father and mother due to everything. You had to undergo strict training with your uncles. That wasn’t what you needed." I pulled from Snow and caressed Zade’s cheeks. "You deserved love."

He held my hand, caressing it softly. "And I gained my sister back. That alone makes all the years of suffering worth it, seeing how wonderful you have become."

"I’m here now. And I am not going anywhere."

I don’t know why, for Zade, it was easier to regain that connection compared to my mother. It felt like he and I never parted. I was at ease in his presence and that made all the difference.

Usually, I expected these things to be more challenging than they are.

I guess true family makes all the difference.

Their unwavering support eased the unease tightening in my chest, and I managed a small smile.

Snow kissed my forehead, his tone soft. "We’re here for you, always. You’re not alone."

"I know," I whispered, leaning into his embrace. "Thank you."

We walked towards the room where I woke up and then Zade tried to question me. "Did anything you saw feel useful?"

I hesitated, thinking back. "There was... one thing. A name. It came to me for just a second, but it felt important."

"What name?" "What name?" Snow inquired.

"Silverwood," I said, the word falling from my lips like a whisper.

Both men stiffened immediately, their reactions intense and unreadable.

"Or... not."

I shook my head. "We cannot know anything for sure. The only ones who know more than any of us currently are none other than my parents. I need to visit them and get all the answers I can get."

I turned without a second thought in the direction of the door. Before I could leave, Zade blocked my path and Snow held my arm.

"Zara, no."

"Why? I can’t waste any more time. I should know."

"And you will," Snow’s soothing voice rang out behind me. "I know you want answers, love and you will get them, but not this way. You haven’t fully healed. I need you to be at your best whenever you leave the house, love. So please, rest today."

"And tomorrow we go as planned," Zade added. "Please."

I sighed, my shoulders slouching. There was so much to figure out and I wanted to know who my enemies were.

Nodding, I let Snow pull me against his chest, cradling my head as though he’d lose me.

"Trust us, Zara."

"I do."

"Okay, how about going shopping?" Zade suggested.

"Hmm, I’d prefer letting the designers bring in their best outfits here. Then we can both choose while Zara models them for us," Snow added.

"Cool, but never forget to include me," Zaria, my mother, chimed as he walked over to us. "I can’t miss any more of my daughter’s growing up."