Chapter 29: The Engagement Party
The day of the engagement party arrived faster than Lina expected.
She stood in front of the mirror, staring at herself quietly.
Her hands rested lightly on the soft fabric of her dress.
It was elegant.
Simple.
But beautiful.
A soft pale blue dress that flowed gently around her.
She looked different.
Nervous.
Her heart beat faster.
She didn't know why she felt this uneasy.
Was it Daniel?
Or Emily?
Or…
Adrian?
A knock sounded on the door.
"Lina."
Her heart skipped.
She walked toward the door and opened it.
Adrian stood there.
He froze.
His eyes softened immediately.
She looked beautiful.
More than he expected.
His gaze lingered.
"You… look beautiful."
Her cheeks warmed slightly.
"Thank you."
She looked at him.
He wore a black suit.
Simple.
Elegant.
And extremely handsome.
"You look good too."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Ready?"
She nodded softly.
"Yes."
—
The ride to the party was quiet.
But not uncomfortable.
Lina glanced at him occasionally.
Her heart still fluttered.
Adrian noticed.
But he didn't say anything.
He just drove calmly.
Then—
They arrived.
The venue was luxurious.
Bright lights.
Soft music.
Guests chatting quietly.
Lina hesitated.
Adrian noticed.
He extended his hand.
"Stay close."
She looked at his hand.
Then slowly placed hers in his.
Warm.
Safe.
They walked inside together.
—
Daniel noticed them first.
His smile widened.
"You came."
Emily stood beside him.
Her eyes scanned them carefully.
Especially their joined hands.
Her expression shifted slightly.
"Welcome."
She smiled politely.
Lina nodded.
"Congratulations."
Daniel smiled warmly.
"Thank you."
Emily stepped closer.
"You look beautiful."
Lina smiled politely.
"Thank you."
Adrian remained silent.
His gaze sharp.
He watched Emily carefully.
Something about her still bothered him.
—
They moved inside.
Guests filled the hall.
Music played softly.
Lina felt nervous.
Adrian stayed beside her.
His presence calming.
Suddenly—
Someone approached.
A man.
"Adrian."
Adrian turned.
"Mark."
They shook hands.
Mark looked at Lina.
"And this is?"
"My wife."
Adrian said calmly.
Lina's heart skipped slightly.
Mark smiled.
"Nice to meet you."
They exchanged greetings.
Then Mark left.
Lina looked at Adrian quietly.
"You introduced me as your wife."
He looked at her.
"You are."
Her cheeks warmed slightly.
She looked away.
—
Meanwhile…
Sophia entered the party.
Her eyes searched.
Then she saw them.
Adrian.
And Lina.
Holding hands.
Her expression darkened instantly.
She walked forward.
"Adrian."
He turned.
His expression turned cold.
"Sophia."
Lina looked surprised.
"Sophia…"
She smiled softly.
"You look beautiful."
Lina nodded politely.
"Thank you."
Sophia's eyes moved to their hands.
Her lips tightened slightly.
"You came together."
Adrian answered calmly.
"Yes."
Sophia forced a smile.
"I see."
Emily approached suddenly.
"Sophia."
Sophia looked surprised.
"Emily?"
Emily smiled.
"I didn't know you knew each other."
Sophia's eyes narrowed slightly.
"We've met before."
Adrian noticed.
His expression darkened.
Something wasn't right.
—
The party continued.
Music played.
Guests chatted.
Lina felt slightly relaxed.
Then suddenly—
Daniel approached her.
"Would you like to dance?"
She hesitated.
She glanced at Adrian.
He remained silent.
But his eyes darkened slightly.
She nodded slowly.
"Okay."
Daniel led her to the dance floor.
They began to dance slowly.
Adrian watched.
His jaw tightened.
His fingers clenched slightly.
He didn't like this.
Not at all.
Sophia noticed.
Her lips curved slightly.
"Jealous?"
She whispered softly.
Adrian didn't answer.
But his eyes remained fixed on Lina.
—
Meanwhile…
Lina danced quietly.
Daniel smiled gently.
"You seem nervous."
She nodded softly.
"A little."
He chuckled.
"Relax."
She nodded.
But suddenly—
Another memory flashed.
Rain.
Daniel holding her hand.
Someone shouting.
Her head hurt slightly.
She winced.
"Lina?"
"I'm okay…"
But her steps faltered slightly.
Adrian noticed immediately.
He walked forward.
"Lina."
Daniel stepped aside.
Adrian held her gently.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded slowly.
"My head…"
Adrian guided her away from the dance floor.
Sophia watched silently.
Her eyes dark.
Because things were becoming complicated.
—
Outside the hall…
Lina took a deep breath.
Her head slowly cleared.
"I'm okay now."
Adrian looked worried.
"Your memory again?"
She nodded.
"I saw something…"
"What?"
"I… don't know…"
He frowned.
Her memories were coming back.
But slowly.
And unpredictably.
Just then—
Emily approached them.
"Are you alright?"
Lina nodded.
"Yes."
Emily smiled softly.
"Be careful…"
Her voice lowered slightly.
"Sometimes memories… can hurt more than forgetting."
Adrian frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Emily smiled calmly.
"Nothing."
She turned and left.
Adrian watched her.
His suspicion grew stronger.
Something about her…
Was definitely wrong.
—
Back inside…
The engagement announcement began.
Daniel held Emily's hand.
Guests clapped.
Lina watched quietly.
But her chest felt heavy.
She didn't understand why.
Adrian noticed.
He stood closer.
Their hands brushed slightly.
Neither moved away.
Meanwhile—
Sophia watched everything.
Her lips curved slowly.
Because she knew—
Tonight wasn't over yet.
And something shocking…
Was about to happen.