What had she forgotten?

Alice stared at the journal filled with random scribbles and notes of something… someone. Something that happened nine years ago, before the emergency brain surgery, which had completely been erased from her memory. The procedure had caused temporary memory loss but she had managed to regain most of her memories gradually… except that. Her doctor had told her it was mostly caused by psychological trauma – something that happened that had dealt her an immense emotional and mental blow. She could only recall snatches of conversations, blurred images of events, shadowed silhouettes of someone… She had jotted everything down but nothing seemed to make sense or appeared related.

Who had she forgotten?

These were two questions Alice had been repeatedly asking herself for the past nine years.

Nine years ago

"I'm your first."

Alice blushed, her skittish gaze looking everywhere except the tall, tanned man lying next to her. On her bed. In her bedroom. In her apartment. Tall, tanned, handsome… and without a stitch of clothing on his whipcord lean muscled frame.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

Alice bit her lip nervously, "I didn't know how to bring it up… and I was afraid of how you would react."

"I'm honoured." Uncas interjected sombrely, hugging her gently, dropping a soft kiss on her forehead. Now he understood why she at times felt so innocent, so unspoilt. Because she was. He had been patient with her and he was glad. The primitive male in him stirred with possessive pride, knowing no other man had been intimate with her.

Uncas studied the fair, quiet woman he had just slept with after a very stealth courtship of six months. Alice had not wanted anyone to know they were seeing each other in fear her father would find out. Uncas bemusedly made an educated guess he was not exactly what the multi-millionaire financier envisioned as a future son-in-law. She had not disclosed their relationship to any of her close friends; neither had he.

Alice Munro had captured his heart from the moment they had bumped into each other at a house party. She was a 23-year-old master student majoring in literature while he was five years older and pursuing a PhD in architecture at the same university.

Alice was born and bred in London but her father had uprooted the family when she was fourteen and moved to New York, with the aim of expanding the family banking firm. Her parents had returned to London three months ago for good, while her older sister, Cora, who worked in the finance sector like her sire, had relocated to Hong Kong two years ago. Alice therefore had been alone in New York for the past few months. There was still traces of a British accent in her speech and she spent every summer in London. This summer was no different. She would leave for the U.K in a month.

"What are you going to do in London?" he inquired idly, thinking how much he hated the idea of being separated from Alice for three whole months. For some reason, his question caused her to stiffen uncomfortably. Finally, she replied stiltedly, "The usual."

"Are you going to tell your family about us?" He asked casually, stroking her hair. Alice clenched her fists which were hidden under the duvet, and nodded. She was telling the truth. She intended to tell her father about the part German, part Native American man curled up behind her – after she announced she wished to break off her engagement with Ashleigh Hartford, eldest son and heir to the Worthington dukedom. Such arrangements were laughable archaic but still occurred occasionally among the wealthy elite all over the world. For the Munros and Hartfords, it was a lucrative business merger of two of Britain's most prestigious privately-owned financial firms.

Alice never took the engagement seriously, until had her mother called her a few days ago and gleefully mentioned that a Christmas wedding was being planned. She was certain Ashleigh also believed their so-called betrothal would never come to fruition. But it was going to if the decision was left to their ambitious sires.

Uncas did not know about Ashleigh; the Englishman was in the dark about her American lover, too. Alice felt guilt and shame churning inside her – both men did not deserve to be deceived. She was determined to confess to Ashleigh once she returned to London, and together, inform their parents they were not going through with the engagement. As for Uncas, she would admit her subterfuge after settling the issue with her father. He was not going to be pleased, but he would understand. She fervently hoped he would.

Alice flipped around to gaze into Uncas' fathomless eyes, the almond-shaped orbs glistened like melted dark chocolate in the dimly-lit room. She slid her palms up his smooth, bronzed torso, admiring how his muscles rippled and flexed against her fingertips. "I'm going to miss you," she admitted softly, rubbing her cheek against him. "Me, too. Don't leave me waiting for too long, sweetheart," he concurred, his tone playfully tender. He captured her chin and slanted his lips over hers, kissing her deeply as he curled one arm around her slim waist.

Just wait a little longer. Alice vowed silently as she kissed him back feverishly. And we can have a shot of being together for the rest of our lives.

Six weeks later

"Have you lost your mind?" Cora screeched at her younger sister. Alice glanced furtively at the open door of her bedroom and went to shut it firmly. "I have spoken to Ashleigh. He does not intend to go through with the wedding if I'm not keen," Alice muttered defensively, wringing her hands as her older sister paced the floor hectically. "Well, then. The two of you should have said something earlier because our dear mother and Duchess Worthington have already shortlisted venues for the wedding!" Cora hissed, throwing up her hands in the air.

Alice swallowed nervously, "There is still time. I shall announce my intention not to go through with the marriage at dinner tomorrow with the Hartfords." Cora gaped at her naïve sister, askance. "Darling, this wedding is worth almost half a billion pounds and has been in the works for a decade. One does not just cancel on these sort of agreements." Alice flinched at Cora's blunt reminder of the purpose of her engagement with Ashleigh.

"Then what I am to do? Elope?" Alice retorted sharply. Cora raised an eyebrow archly, "It worked for me." It was true. Cora was happily married to Nathaniel Poe, an American businessman she had met in Hong Kong a year ago when she had moved there. They had dated for a month and married secretly soon after. Alice's parents had been furious but resigned – Cora Annabelle Munro always did things her way, unlike their sweet, obedient Alice.

Until now. Alice swallowed. She had parted with Uncas at the airport in New York two weeks ago. It had taken that long to muster enough courage to confess the truth to Ashleigh, and now, Cora. "Is there someone else?" Cora asked. There was no other reason why her sister would endeavour to go against their parents.

Alice nodded, averting her gaze to the plush carpet under her feet. Cora pursued, "Who is he? Is he American?" Alice nodded again, and Cora's curiosity was piqued by the mysterious man who managed to coax Alice out her fiercely guarded shell.

Alice and Ashleigh had grown up together and had been close, until the Munros' migrated to the U.S. Despite Ashleigh's flings and girlfriends over the years, Cora suspected the duke's son nursed a secret crush on Alice. Ashleigh liked her sister but would not force her hand. A decent enough man, Cora acknowledged inwardly. Cora wished Nathaniel had flown back with her but he was back in Hong Kong, too busy to join her. He had a knack for dishing out quirky advice that actually worked – Alice could do with all sorts of encouragement right now.

Alice's hands trembled as she slipped a bobby pin into the loose bun at her nape. She stared at the full-length mirror unseeingly, not noticing how the silver beaded, blush-hued dress moulded her slim figure with delicate perfection. Her mobile phone shrilled and she nearly jumped out of her skin. A quick glance at the caller ID caused her hands to shake more violently. Uncas.

She answered breathlessly, "Hello?" "Hi, sweetheart." Uncas' familiar, lazy drawl filled her with warmth and she smiled slightly, "I was going to call you later." To inform him that she had finally broke the news of their relationship to her father. "Come see me instead." He returned smoothly.

Alice blanched. What did he mean? "I'm in London, Alice. I arrived in the morning. I wanted to surprise you, "He resumed, his voice laced with wry self-deprecation, as if he found his own actions amusing.

"Where are you staying? I have a dinner engagement that will last late into the evening. I will find you after," Alice clipped harshly. On any other occasion, she would be delighted but her nerve ends were fraying at the moment at the thought of facing her father. Uncas rattled off the name of his hotel and there was an uneasy silence before he spoke up bluntly, "You don't sound all too happy that I am here." Self-reproach washed over her, "I'm sorry. It's just that I'm late for my appointment and –"

"Got it. Go ahead. I'll see you later, "Uncas interrupted easily but Alice sensed a hint of wariness in his tone. She mumbled a farewell and clicked off. She would make it up to him. Later.

Alice hurried through the palatial lobby of the hotel her father had chosen to host supper. Cora had left earlier than her, citing that she was going to meet a friend briefly before heading to the hotel. Stepping into the private dining room, she was going to apologise for her tardiness when she froze at the sight in front of her.

"Alice." Ashleigh crossed the room and kissed her cheek. His smile was strained as his eyes darted around. "Ashleigh, what is going on?" Alice squeaked though she knew exactly what her father and the duke had planned. "I swear I didn't know, Alice." He whispered back urgently, clutching her arm. Alice believed him. They stood side by side, staring dumbly at the occupants who stood chatting genially in one corner, sipping wine leisurely. Reporters who worked the society column for established newspapers and magazines in London were exchanging greetings and gossip.

"You can't call off the engagement tonight, Alice. Not at the same time it is going to be announced to the public. "Ashleigh enunciated in a harried tone. Alice turned to face him, "Ashleigh, there is someone else. Someone I am truly fond of. Someone I want to spend the rest of my life with if he lets me. I can't go through with this…" Ashleigh gripped her arm tighter, "I understand, Alice. But we cannot annul our engagement tonight. It would not reflect well on our families and the firms. Let us wait a few weeks and inform our families together. By then, another engagement would be making headlines in those bloody nosey columns." Alice swallowed as helplessness assailed her. Ashleigh was right.

Two hours later, Alice sat numbly in her seat as the reporters slowly filed out of the dining room. Cora wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulder, "Are you all right? Papa was too high-handed this time. " Her sister had been equally stunned at the formal – and public – announcement of the engagement. Alice did not answer her. She stared at the candle flickering in the middle of the table, a thousand thoughts running through her mind.

Ashleigh was chatting with his father and her father on another table, while their mothers were huddled with an over-eager reporter, divulging grand plans for the winter wedding. "Yes, Your Grace. We would be running the announcement first thing tomorrow. My photographer took lovely pictures of the couple and both families earlier…" the reporter tittered.

First thing tomorrow morning…

Uncas. He was in London. He would see the news in the papers tomorrow morning. She had to explain to him the situation tonight. She had to go to his hotel now. If she did not…

Alice sprang to her feet, her hand knocking over a glass and it shattered on the polished marble floor. Alice grabbed her purse, which was on Cora's lap. "I have to go, Cora. I have to tell him before he reads the news in every society column. I have to find him now," Alice babbled. Before Cora could respond, Alice fled from the dining room.

Alice dashed to the entrance of the hotel. It was raining heavily. "Alice! Where are you going?" Ashleigh's voice cut through the pounding of the torrential downpour. He caught her elbow – he had followed her out of the room. "I have to go to him, Ashleigh. He needs to know before our engagement is announced in tomorrow's papers. He needs to know that we don't plan to go through with it." Alice blurted out, wrenching her arm away from Ashleigh.

He frowned in puzzlement, "You intend to catch a flight back to New York now? Alice, calm down. There is a high chance that your… friend won't read our papers." She ignored him and headed to her car, which was parked a distance away from the entrance. "Let me drive you to your destination, Alice." Ashleigh offered quickly, noting that she looked panicky. She ducked into the rain. Ashleigh swore, waving the valet away, and running to his car which was parked just across the driveway. As he buckled himself in, Alice's car sped past him at an alarming speed.

Uncas. Alice gunned her car through the blustery thunderstorm, which offered little visibility. Shadowy headlights danced all around her. He was waiting for her. She had to explain the situation to him in person. He was a reasonable, rational person but he would never forgive her if he thought she betrayed his trust. Alice knew that much. She just had to cross the upcoming junction and the road would clear up. The truck in front of her rumbled forward and she followed suit…

There was a loud screech and a heavy bang. Alice felt her world spin and tilt like a top, and go black.

"Alice!"

Alice's eyes felt sewn shut but glaring, white light seeped through her lids, and she could tell she was being pushed frantically to somewhere. Someone was calling her… but it was not Uncas. Uncas was waiting for her… Broken images of him flashed through her mind. His rare, tender smile. His fingers brushing over her knuckles. He playfully tumbling her in bed. Alice lost the fight to stay conscious and she feebly drifted off…

Don't leave me waiting for too long, sweetheart."

Uncas woke up with a start. Sunlight filtered into his hotel room. The curtains were not drawn since he spent the night before loitering by the windows, hoping to spot Alice as she arrived to see him. It had been storming last night so he figured she would be late. He must had fallen asleep waiting for her.

Alice had not come.

She had sounded strange and suffocated on the phone the day before. Uncas was perplexed and frustrated. Worst of all, he felt lost. He checked his mobile phone – there were no missed calls or text messages from Alice. He dialled her number and got an engaged tone.

What was wrong?

Uncas sighed and rolled off the bed. He would decide what to do after a good shower and breakfast. The morning papers were discreetly slipped through the underside of the door and he picked them up. Grabbing a bottle of mineral water, he walked over to the couch and sat down. He listlessly flipped through the papers. He was in no mood to read the current affairs section so he flicked to the more "light-hearted" sections at the back. He skimmed through the arts and culture pages, and was about to toss the papers aside when he saw the glossy picture splashed across the society column. Alice arm in arm with another man.

He went still as he read the headline and every single word of the article. Methodically, he reached for the other dailies and perused the society columns. They all reported and gushed about the same news: Ashleigh Hartford, heir to the Worthington dukedom and Alice Munro, younger daughter of financier James Munro, got officially engaged the previous evening.

It was an open secret that the pair were unofficially betrothed since they were children and a winter wedding was confirmed. This was more than a marriage between two people; but also a merger between two family-owned financial firms with hundreds of years of history and heritage – and a fortune – between them.

Uncas dropped the papers on the coffee table, his jaw as immovable as granite. Unofficially betrothed since they were children. Alice had knew this engagement was going to happen and had not told him. He recalled how they had made love for the first time – the first time she was intimate with a man. He may have been her first lover, but the man she was to marry apparently had been living in London all this while…

Then what the hell was Uncas to Alice?

He glanced at his mobile phone. She must have an explanation for not telling him, he told himself stonily. He would wait. He would wait for her. He gazed out of the window into the brilliant sun.

She would come.

Nine years later

Hong Kong

Uncas was bored. He drummed the top of the cocktail table with his fingers impatiently. The only reason why he was at the party was because the host insisted he attended as his position of chief architect who designed the duplex space at the upper floors of the office building. Not that Uncas was not proud of his handiwork, but he hated parties.

The host, a global investment firm, was one of Uncas' biggest clients. He had designed their offices in various cities around the world, and their Hong Kong office was the latest on the list. Admittedly, it had been an opportune and convenient commission since it incidentally clashed with Uncas' own move to Hong Kong two years ago. Before Hong Kong, Uncas had been living in Copenhagen. And before that, Munich…

When are you coming home for good?" His mother had asked exasperatedly during their last conversation. Uncas had blatantly changed the subject and moved on to describe the quirky café he had stumbled upon near his apartment in Hong Kong.

"Uncas!" someone bellowed.

Uncas grinned as he turned around. Nathaniel Poe, a fellow American living in Hong Kong, was crossing the crowded room with large strides. He had met Nathaniel two months earlier at one of the regular meetings he had with the client. Nathaniel ran his own consultancy business and often worked with the client. The two men had hit it off immediately. Unlike Uncas, Nathaniel had been residing in Hong Kong for a decade. He was married with two children but Uncas had yet to meet the family.

"Did Preston drag you by the ear to get you to turn up?" Nathaniel quipped, as he swiped a flute of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter. Preston Jamison was the CEO of the firm and a fervent fan of Uncas' work. Uncas had designed Preston's penthouse in Chicago and ski chalet in the Swiss Alps, in addition to the many offices of the firm. Preston was currently negotiating with Uncas to design yet another of his personal properties in the U.S.

Uncas clinked his own glass against Nathaniel's, shrugging indifferently, "It's called guan xi in this part of the world. Jamison Wilde is one of my most supportive clients." Nathaniel wriggled his eyebrows, "No date tonight? What happened to Ellie?" Uncas replied dismissively, "Nothing happened." Nathaniel knew that meant poor Ellie would not be receiving any more calls from Uncas. Nathaniel snorted, "She did seem rather taken with you." Uncas' response was a brief, enigmatic smile. Nathaniel spotted one of his firm's clients from Shanghai at the door, "Gotta go. Catch you later. I want to introduce you to my wife and my sister-in-law. They are both here tonight."

Uncas nodded noncommittedly and Nathaniel bounded away. His eyes wandered around the crush of party revellers and was about to return his attention to the glorious night view of Hong Kong through the floor-to-ceiling windows when a flash of dark blond hair caught his eye. There were other blondes in the room but that shade of blond… the blonde in question tilted her chin and her profile was highlighted in the warm, romantic light that filled the room.

Uncas felt his blood rush to his brain and his throat thickened. It couldn't be…

Alice surveyed the crowd with disinterest as Cora greeted other guests. The only reason why she was here because she had succumbed to her older sister's power of persuasion. Her brother-in-law was often employed by the firm hosting the party for his expertise. The party was to celebrate the completion of a new two-storey office space which was described as both a conference and entertainment facility. The twelve floors below housed the regular offices. Alice had moved to Hong Kong a month ago and Cora insisted she attend the party to make new friends. Alice could not care less – she liked being by herself more than anything else.

She noticed the bar to her left and decided to get a drink. Plunging her way through the mass of well-heeled guests, she ordered a ginger ale when she reached the counter. Alcohol did not sit well with her. A low, husky voice issued coolly, "Make that two."

Alice angled around to see who had also ordered a ginger ale and found a tall, dark-haired man studying her closely. She could not see his face clearly since the light was in her eyes but she saw enough to know that he was a complete stranger.

Alice.

Uncas gripped the bar counter in a bid to keep himself upright. Nine years…

He could not help but take a step closer. His shoulders blocked out the dazzle from the electric lanterns hanging over the bar.

He stared hardly into those doe-like grey eyes, anger swirling in his gut, willing her to say the first word.

Those eyes stared back at him blankly.

When he continued to gaze at her silently in rebuke, she finally blinked.

"May I help you?" she inquired politely.

The sound of her soft, cultured voice felt like spikes driving into his flesh.

Uncas was about to call her out on her pretence and cowardice, and for feigning ignorance but he halted at the genuine confusion on her face and the absolute lack of familiarity in her eyes.

It hit him.

Alice did not recognise him.

Author's note

I'll be the first to admit this story would be tough to write but I wanted to explore something a little different. Please bear with me if the updates do not come as quickly as you wish. I'm still pondering how I would like the narrative and characters to pan out, and keep Alice and Uncas the way we love them in the movie. Like my other contemporary story, this would be shorter than the period versions. Hope you will enjoy this one, too.

XXXOOO