Chapter 31: The Unexpected Confession
The car ride home was quiet.
Too quiet.
Lina sat beside Adrian, her fingers resting lightly on her lap. Her mind was still filled with everything that had happened at the engagement party.
Daniel.
Their past.
Emily's shocking announcement.
Her returning memories.
Everything felt overwhelming.
She glanced at Adrian.
His face looked calm, but she could tell he was deep in thought.
The streetlights passed by, casting soft shadows across his face.
Her heart fluttered again.
She quickly looked away.
Adrian noticed.
"You're thinking again."
She nodded softly.
"A lot happened today."
He nodded.
"Your memory…"
She pressed her fingers together nervously.
"I remember dating Daniel… but it's still unclear."
"What else do you remember?"
She hesitated.
"Arguments… sadness… him leaving…"
Adrian's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly.
"And?"
She shook her head.
"That's all for now."
Silence filled the car again.
But this silence felt heavier.
Because both of them knew—
Her past with Daniel was slowly returning.
And that meant—
Things between them might change.
—
They arrived home.
Lina stepped out slowly.
The cool night air brushed against her face.
Adrian followed beside her.
They walked inside together.
Sophia was sitting in the living room.
She looked up immediately.
"You're back."
Her eyes scanned their expressions.
She smirked slightly.
"Tough night?"
Lina forced a small smile.
"You could say that."
Sophia leaned forward.
"I heard about the announcement."
Lina looked surprised.
"You heard?"
Sophia nodded.
"People talk."
Adrian's expression darkened.
Sophia looked at Lina again.
"So… you dated Daniel."
Lina nodded quietly.
"Yes… I remembered tonight."
Sophia tilted her head slightly.
"And how do you feel?"
Lina thought quietly.
"I don't know…"
Her voice sounded uncertain.
Sophia studied her carefully.
Then she smiled faintly.
"Interesting."
Adrian frowned slightly.
He didn't like Sophia's expression.
Something about it felt… calculated.
Sophia stood up.
"Well… I'm tired. Good night."
She walked upstairs.
But her lips curved slightly.
Because she could already see—
Things were getting complicated.
Exactly how she wanted.
—
Lina walked toward her room.
Adrian followed quietly.
When she reached her door, she turned.
"Thank you… for tonight."
He looked at her.
"I told you I'd be there."
She smiled faintly.
Then hesitated.
"Adrian…"
"Yes?"
She looked nervous.
"When I remembered Daniel…"
His chest tightened slightly.
She continued softly.
"I didn't feel the same."
His eyes softened.
"What do you mean?"
She looked down slightly.
"I didn't feel… love."
Her voice was gentle.
"But when I'm with you…"
She stopped.
Her cheeks warmed.
Adrian's heart started beating faster.
"What?"
She looked at him slowly.
"My heart feels different."
Silence filled the hallway.
Their eyes met.
The air became warm.
Adrian stepped closer.
"Lina…"
Her breathing became uneven.
He raised his hand slowly.
His fingers gently brushed her cheek.
Her heart raced.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded softly.
"I think… so."
He leaned slightly closer.
Their faces inches apart.
Their breathing mixed.
Then—
Lina's eyes widened suddenly.
Another memory flashed.
Her head hurt sharply.
She winced.
"Lina?"
She stepped back slightly.
"My head…"
Adrian quickly held her shoulders.
"What happened?"
She looked confused.
"I saw something…"
"What?"
Her eyes trembled.
"You…"
Adrian froze.
"What about me?"
She whispered softly.
"I saw you…"
His heart skipped.
"Where?"
She shook her head.
"I don't know… but… you were there… before…"
Adrian's expression changed.
That wasn't possible.
They met after her accident.
Or… did they?
Lina looked confused.
"I think… I knew you before."
Silence fell heavily.
Adrian's mind raced.
Could it be true?
Did they meet before her accident?
If so—
Why couldn't he remember?
"Lina…"
Before he could speak—
Sophia's voice echoed from upstairs.
"Lina!"
They both looked up.
Sophia hurried downstairs.
Her face looked serious.
"Your phone."
She handed it to Lina.
"It's Daniel."
Lina looked surprised.
"Daniel?"
Her heart beat faster.
She hesitated.
Then answered.
"Hello…?"
Daniel's voice sounded tense.
"Lina… are you home?"
"Yes… why?"
His voice sounded urgent.
"I think… something's wrong."
Her chest tightened.
"What happened?"
Daniel spoke quietly—
"Emily… she lied."
Lina froze.
"What?"
Adrian's expression darkened.
Daniel continued—
"I checked something after the party… and I found out…"
He paused.
His voice lowered.
"Emily knew about your accident… before it happened."
Silence filled the room.
Lina's heart dropped.
"What…?"
Adrian's eyes turned cold.
Daniel continued softly—
"And… I think… your accident wasn't just an accident."