Chapter 20: The Memory That Shook Him
The night was quiet.
Lina slept peacefully beside Adrian, her breathing soft and steady.
Her head rested against his chest, her hand lightly gripping his shirt.
Adrian remained awake.
His arm wrapped protectively around her waist.
Ever since the kidnapping attempt, he found it harder to fall asleep.
Every small movement made him alert.
Every sound made him cautious.
Because now—
Lina's safety mattered more than anything.
Suddenly—
Lina moved slightly.
Her hand tightened around his shirt unconsciously.
Adrian looked down at her.
His expression softened.
She looked fragile.
Like she needed protection.
Like she depended on him.
Without realizing—
His fingers gently brushed her hair.
"You're safe…"
His voice was barely a whisper.
But his arms tightened slightly.
Because he meant it.
—
Morning arrived slowly.
Sunlight filtered softly through the curtains.
Lina stirred slightly.
She felt warm again.
Safe.
She slowly opened her eyes.
Her face flushed instantly.
She was in Adrian's arms again.
Their faces were close.
Too close.
She carefully tried to move.
But Adrian tightened his grip unconsciously.
"Don't go…"
His sleepy voice made her heart skip.
She froze.
Moments later—
Adrian opened his eyes.
They stared at each other.
Silence filled the room.
Then Adrian slowly released her.
"Morning."
"Morning…"
Lina quickly sat up.
"I'll make breakfast."
She hurried out of bed.
Adrian watched her leave.
His chest felt empty again.
He frowned slightly.
He was getting used to her being close.
Too used to it.
—
Downstairs…
Lina prepared breakfast.
Her heart was still racing.
Adrian's words echoed in her mind.
Don't go…
Her cheeks warmed.
She tried to focus on cooking.
Mrs. Blake entered the kitchen.
"You look shy."
Lina blushed.
"I… I'm fine."
Mrs. Blake smiled knowingly.
—
They sat for breakfast quietly.
Adrian watched Lina occasionally.
His eyes softened unconsciously.
Suddenly—
His phone rang.
He answered calmly.
"Yes."
His expression changed slightly.
"What?"
Lina noticed.
"What happened?"
Adrian hesitated.
Then he spoke slowly.
"Someone found something."
Her heart skipped.
"What?"
"About the accident."
Lina froze.
"Really?"
Adrian nodded.
"I need to go."
Lina looked nervous.
"I'll go with you."
Adrian paused.
Then nodded.
"Okay."
—
An hour later…
They arrived at Adrian's company.
Lina felt nervous.
Her hands were slightly cold.
Adrian noticed.
He gently held her hand.
"It's okay."
Her heart warmed.
They entered the office.
A man handed Adrian a file.
"We found CCTV footage."
Adrian frowned.
"From the accident day?"
"Yes."
Lina's heart pounded.
Adrian opened the file.
He watched the footage.
His expression slowly darkened.
Lina watched nervously.
"What is it?"
Adrian didn't answer.
His eyes focused on the screen.
The footage showed—
Rain.
A road.
A car.
Adrian's car.
Then—
Another car appeared suddenly.
Speeding.
Too fast.
Lina's eyes widened.
"The accident…"
Adrian's jaw tightened.
It wasn't an accident.
The other car deliberately hit his.
Lina covered her mouth.
"Oh my god…"
Adrian's eyes turned cold.
"This wasn't random."
Lina felt uneasy.
"Someone tried to hurt you…"
Adrian nodded slowly.
Then—
Another detail appeared.
The car number.
Partially visible.
Adrian paused.
"Track this."
The man nodded.
"Yes, sir."
Lina felt nervous.
She looked at Adrian.
His expression looked dangerous.
Cold.
Calculated.
She had never seen him like this.
—
Meanwhile…
Sophia sat in a café.
Her phone buzzed.
She answered.
"They found the footage."
Her expression stiffened.
"What?"
"They're investigating."
Her eyes darkened.
"I understand."
She ended the call.
Her fingers tightened.
This was bad.
If Adrian found out…
Everything would collapse.
Her lips pressed tightly.
"No…"
She needed to act fast.
Very fast.
—
Back at the office…
Adrian stood near the window.
His expression remained cold.
Lina walked closer.
"You think… someone planned it?"
"Yes."
Her heart felt uneasy.
"Who would do that?"
Adrian didn't answer.
Because he already had a suspicion.
But he needed confirmation.
He turned to Lina.
"Stay close to me."
She nodded.
"I will."
He gently touched her hand again.
Without realizing—
He was becoming more protective.
—
Later…
They returned home.
Lina felt tired.
Mentally exhausted.
Adrian noticed.
"You should rest."
She nodded.
But before she walked away—
Adrian held her wrist gently.
She looked at him.
"Thank you."
She blinked.
"For what?"
"For staying."
Her heart warmed.
She smiled softly.
"I won't leave."
Adrian's grip tightened slightly.
Because now—
He wasn't just afraid of danger.
He was afraid of losing her.
—
Upstairs…
Sophia stood near the balcony.
Her eyes were dark.
Things were getting dangerous.
Adrian was getting closer to the truth.
Her fingers tightened.
"If that's the case…"
Her lips curved slowly.
"I'll create another accident."
Her voice was cold.
Because she wasn't going to lose.
Not now.
Not ever.
—
Night fell quietly.
Lina lay beside Adrian again.
She felt calmer when she was with him.
Her fear slowly faded.
Adrian wrapped his arms around her gently.
She relaxed instantly.
But suddenly—
A sharp pain struck Adrian's head.
He frowned.
Images flashed.
Rain.
Blood.
Someone screaming.
"Lina!"
Adrian's eyes widened.
He breathed heavily.
Lina sat up immediately.
"What happened?"
He looked at her.
His heart raced.
"I… I saw something…"
Her eyes widened.
"A memory?"
Adrian nodded slowly.
"I think… yes."
Lina's heart pounded.
"Do you remember something?"
Adrian looked at her quietly.
His voice lowered.
"I remember… calling your name."
Lina froze.
Her eyes filled with emotion.
"Adrian…"
He gently pulled her closer.
His heart beat faster.
Because even without memories—
His heart still remembered her.
And slowly—
His memories…
Were beginning to return.