Chapter 24: The Distance Between Them
That night felt unusually quiet.
Too quiet.
Lina lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Sleep refused to come.
Sophia's words replayed again and again in her mind.
"He promised to marry me."
"He didn't want this marriage."
Her chest tightened.
She turned to her side.
Her eyes fell on the empty space beside her bed.
For the past few nights…
She had been sleeping beside Adrian.
Feeling safe.
Warm.
Protected.
But tonight—
She felt alone.
She hugged the pillow softly.
Her heart felt heavy.
Meanwhile…
Adrian stood outside her door.
He didn't knock.
He just stood there silently.
His eyes darkened slightly.
He wasn't used to this feeling.
The empty space beside him.
The silence.
It bothered him.
More than he expected.
After a few minutes—
He finally turned and walked back to his room.
But sleep never came to him either.
—
Morning came slowly.
Lina woke up early.
Her eyes looked tired.
She went downstairs quietly.
Mrs. Blake noticed immediately.
"You didn't sleep well?"
Lina forced a small smile.
"A little."
She began preparing breakfast.
Moments later—
Adrian came downstairs.
His eyes immediately searched for her.
Their eyes met briefly.
Then Lina looked away.
That small action made Adrian frown.
They sat for breakfast.
Silence filled the table.
The comfortable atmosphere from before—
Was gone.
Mrs. Blake sensed it too.
She quietly left them alone.
Adrian spoke first.
"You're avoiding me."
Lina shook her head.
"No."
But her voice lacked confidence.
Adrian leaned slightly forward.
"Lina."
She looked up.
His gaze was deep.
"What Sophia said…"
She lowered her eyes.
"It's okay."
He frowned.
"It's not okay."
She stayed silent.
Because she didn't know what to say.
Adrian sighed softly.
"I don't remember her."
Lina nodded.
"I know."
"But I remember how I feel around you."
Her heart skipped.
She looked up.
His eyes were serious.
"You matter to me."
Her chest tightened.
She didn't know why…
But those words made her heart ache even more.
Because—
What if one day…
He remembered everything?
Would she still matter?
She stood up slowly.
"I… I have something to do."
She left before he could respond.
Adrian watched her leave.
His expression darkened.
He didn't like this distance.
Not at all.
—
Later that afternoon…
Lina went outside for fresh air.
The garden felt peaceful.
But her mind remained restless.
She sat quietly on the bench.
Lost in thought.
Suddenly—
A familiar voice spoke.
"Lina?"
She turned.
A man stood there.
Tall.
Gentle-looking.
Warm smile.
Her heart skipped.
"I…"
She felt something strange.
Familiar.
But distant.
"You don't remember me?"
He smiled softly.
"I'm Daniel."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Daniel…"
The name felt familiar.
But she couldn't remember clearly.
"I'm your friend."
He said gently.
"You used to call me whenever you were upset."
Lina frowned slightly.
"I'm sorry… I can't remember."
Daniel smiled warmly.
"It's okay."
He sat beside her.
"I heard about your accident."
She nodded.
They talked quietly.
Daniel's presence felt comfortable.
Easy.
Adrian stood near the window upstairs.
He saw them.
His eyes darkened instantly.
Who was that man?
His jaw tightened.
He watched them closely.
They looked comfortable together.
Too comfortable.
Something unpleasant stirred inside him.
Jealousy.
He didn't like it.
Not at all.
—
Outside…
Lina smiled slightly.
Daniel's stories felt warm.
Familiar.
"You used to love coffee."
He said.
"You hated bitter ones."
She laughed softly.
"I still do."
Daniel smiled.
"I'm glad."
Adrian walked outside.
His expression calm.
But his eyes cold.
"Lina."
She looked up.
"Adrian."
Daniel stood politely.
"And you are?"
Adrian stepped closer.
"I'm her husband."
The air froze.
Daniel looked surprised.
"I see."
He extended his hand.
"I'm Daniel."
Adrian shook his hand briefly.
His grip firm.
Too firm.
Lina sensed the tension.
"We were just talking."
She explained.
Adrian nodded.
"I can see that."
His voice sounded calm.
But his gaze remained cold.
Daniel smiled gently.
"I should go."
He looked at Lina.
"I'll visit again."
She nodded.
"Okay."
Daniel left.
Adrian watched him leave.
His eyes remained dark.
"Do you know him?"
He asked.
Lina nodded.
"He said we were friends."
Adrian frowned.
"You seemed close."
She looked confused.
"I don't remember… but he feels familiar."
Adrian's chest tightened slightly.
He didn't like that answer.
Not at all.
"Lina."
She looked at him.
"Be careful."
She blinked.
"Why?"
"I don't trust him."
She looked surprised.
"You don't even know him."
Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly.
"I don't like how he looks at you."
Her heart skipped.
She didn't know why—
But his words made her cheeks warm.
"You're overthinking."
She said softly.
Adrian didn't respond.
But his expression remained serious.
—
That evening…
Lina prepared dinner quietly.
Adrian watched her from the doorway.
He noticed—
She seemed calmer.
But distant.
He stepped closer.
"Lina."
She turned.
"Yes?"
He hesitated slightly.
"Are you… comfortable around him?"
She nodded.
"He feels like a friend."
Adrian's jaw tightened.
"And me?"
She froze.
Her heart beat faster.
"You…"
She hesitated.
"You feel… safe."
His eyes softened slightly.
But he still felt uneasy.
Because he wanted more than that.
He just didn't know why.
—
Late night…
Lina returned to her room again.
Adrian stood outside his door.
Silence surrounded him.
He sighed softly.
He missed her presence.
Meanwhile—
Sophia sat in her car outside.
She saw Daniel leave earlier.
Her lips curved slightly.
Everything was going according to plan.
She whispered quietly—
"Let jealousy grow…"
Because once jealousy took over—
Everything would break.
And she would win.