Chapter 30: The Shocking Announcement
The applause slowly faded.
Daniel wrapped an arm around Emily's waist while guests congratulated them one by one. Flashing cameras, laughter, and cheerful voices filled the hall.
But Lina felt strangely quiet inside.
Her chest felt heavy.
She didn't understand why.
Beside her, Adrian noticed her expression.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
Lina nodded.
"Yes… just a little tired."
He studied her face carefully.
"You don't look okay."
Before she could answer—
Emily's voice suddenly echoed through the hall.
"Everyone, please…"
She held the microphone gently.
"I have something important to announce."
The room quieted instantly.
Daniel looked slightly surprised.
But he still smiled calmly.
Emily glanced across the crowd.
Her gaze landed briefly on Lina.
Then she smiled.
"Tonight is special. Not only because of our engagement…"
She paused.
"But because we want to share something else."
Guests leaned forward slightly.
Curiosity filled the room.
Lina felt uneasy.
Adrian's expression darkened slightly.
Emily continued.
"Daniel and I… will be getting married next month."
Applause erupted again.
But Emily raised her hand.
"And… we hope someone very important will attend."
Her eyes moved toward Lina again.
Lina stiffened slightly.
Emily smiled.
"Lina…"
Everyone turned.
Lina froze.
Her heartbeat quickened.
"You were once very important to Daniel…"
The room fell silent.
Adrian's expression turned cold instantly.
Daniel frowned slightly.
"Emily…"
But she continued.
"And I think… everyone deserves to know the truth."
Lina's fingers tightened slightly.
"What… truth?"
Emily smiled softly.
"You and Daniel… dated for three years."
The hall fell into complete silence.
Lina's eyes widened.
"What…?"
Adrian's expression froze.
Daniel looked shocked.
"Emily, stop—"
But she continued calmly.
"You lived together. You planned your future. And you were supposed to get married."
Lina felt her heart drop.
Her breathing became uneven.
"No…"
Her head began to hurt again.
Memories flickered.
Daniel.
Rain.
Laughter.
Warm hands.
"I…"
She grabbed her temple.
Adrian quickly stepped forward.
"Lina."
She looked pale.
Her vision blurred slightly.
Daniel looked worried.
"Lina…"
Emily watched quietly.
Her expression unreadable.
Lina whispered softly.
"I… remember…"
Adrian's chest tightened.
"What?"
She looked confused.
"Daniel…"
Her voice trembled.
"I… loved him…"
Silence filled the room.
Adrian's hand slowly tightened.
His heart sank.
Daniel looked stunned.
"Lina…"
Her breathing grew heavier.
Memories flooded her mind.
Happy moments.
Fights.
Tears.
Then—
Another memory appeared.
Daniel standing beside another woman.
Her heart breaking.
She gasped.
Her eyes widened.
"I…"
Her body swayed.
Adrian quickly caught her.
"Lina!"
Her eyes closed briefly.
The room erupted into chaos.
Daniel stepped forward.
"Take her to sit."
Adrian didn't respond.
He simply lifted her gently.
And carried her outside.
—
Outside the hall…
The cool night air touched Lina's face.
She slowly opened her eyes.
Adrian looked worried.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded weakly.
"My head…"
He helped her sit on a nearby bench.
Daniel followed them.
"Lina…"
Adrian's expression hardened slightly.
"Give her space."
Daniel hesitated.
Then stepped back.
Lina looked confused.
"I remembered…"
Adrian stayed silent.
"What do you remember?"
She whispered softly.
"I dated Daniel…"
Her chest tightened.
"But…"
She frowned.
"Something else…"
"What?"
Her eyes trembled slightly.
"He… left me…"
Daniel froze.
Lina continued softly.
"I remember crying…"
Her voice trembled.
"And… another woman…"
She looked at Daniel.
"You left me… didn't you?"
Daniel looked pained.
"I…"
He didn't deny it.
Lina lowered her gaze.
Her chest hurt.
But strangely—
Not as much as she expected.
Adrian noticed.
"You okay?"
She nodded slowly.
"I think…"
She hesitated.
"My feelings… changed."
Daniel looked surprised.
"What do you mean?"
She looked at him calmly.
"I don't feel the same anymore."
Daniel's heart sank slightly.
"I see…"
Her gaze shifted toward Adrian.
And suddenly—
Her heart fluttered slightly.
Adrian noticed.
Their eyes met.
The air between them grew quiet.
Meanwhile—
Inside the hall…
Sophia stood beside Emily.
"You planned this."
Emily smiled slightly.
"Of course."
Sophia's eyes narrowed.
"Why?"
Emily looked toward the entrance.
"Because… things are getting interesting."
Sophia smirked slightly.
"I like interesting."
Emily smiled calmly.
"And tonight… is just the beginning."
—
Outside…
Lina slowly stood up.
"I'm okay now."
Adrian nodded.
"We should go home."
She agreed.
Daniel watched them.
"Lina…"
She turned.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry."
She looked at him quietly.
Then nodded.
"It's okay."
Her voice calm.
But distant.
Daniel understood.
Things had changed.
Irreversibly.
Adrian placed his hand gently on Lina's back.
"Let's go."
She nodded.
They walked toward the car together.
Their hands brushed again.
And this time—
Lina didn't move away.
Adrian noticed.
His heart warmed slightly.
But he also knew—
Things were becoming more complicated.
Because Lina's memories…
Were slowly coming back.
And when everything returned…
Nothing would remain the same again.