CHAPTER FIVE HUNDRED AND THIRTY NINE – A SLOW BUILD-UP

"Why didn't you tell me before?" he asked, his voice low. Jasmine sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I didn't want to overwhelm you," she explained. "The doctor said it was important not to push too hard, to let memories come back naturally if they could. I was afraid that if I told you about us, it might... I don't know, make you feel pressured or confused." Marco nodded slowly, processing this new information. "I appreciate that," he said after a moment. "But I think... I think I've known, on some level. It explains so much – why you've been here every day, why I feel so comfortable with you even though I can't remember our past." He reached across the table, taking Jasmine's hand in his. The gesture, so familiar and yet so new, brought tears to Jasmine's eyes. "I may not remember our relationship," Marco continued, his voice gentle, "but I know how I feel when I'm with you. You make me feel safe, grounded. Like even though I'm lost in my own mind, I have an anchor." Jasm