Chapter 42: The Line She Crossed
Lina's heart was still racing.
Her hand trembled in Adrian's grip as she stared at the road where the car had disappeared.
"She… she tried to hit us…"
Adrian's expression turned cold.
"Yes."
His jaw tightened.
This wasn't just manipulation anymore.
Emily had crossed another line.
And this time—
He wouldn't stay passive.
"Are you hurt?" he asked softly.
Lina shook her head.
"I'm okay…"
But her voice still trembled.
Adrian gently pulled her closer.
"It's okay. I'm here."
His warmth calmed her slightly.
She nodded.
But fear still lingered inside her.
—
Inside the car…
Neither spoke for a while.
The tension filled the air.
Finally, Lina broke the silence.
"She's getting more dangerous…"
Adrian nodded.
"She's losing control."
Lina looked worried.
"What if she does something worse?"
Adrian's eyes hardened.
"Then I'll stop her."
His voice carried quiet determination.
Lina looked at him.
She believed him.
Yet she still felt uneasy.
Because Emily seemed unpredictable.
—
Meanwhile…
Emily parked her car in a quiet underground parking lot.
Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly.
Her breathing uneven.
"They survived again…"
Her eyes burned with frustration.
She hit the steering wheel.
"Damn it!"
Her calm mask finally cracked.
She leaned back.
Trying to calm herself.
But anger filled her chest.
Adrian protected Lina again.
Even after everything.
Even after seeing the video.
Her fingers tightened.
"I won't lose…"
Her voice low.
Then her phone rang.
She picked it up.
"Yes?"
A male voice spoke.
"Everything ready."
Emily's lips curved slowly.
"Good."
Her eyes turned cold again.
"Then let's move to the next step."
—
Back at home…
Sophia and Daniel were already waiting.
"What happened?" Daniel asked immediately.
Adrian explained briefly.
Sophia's expression turned serious.
"She tried to hit you?"
Lina nodded.
Sophia sighed.
"She's getting reckless."
Daniel frowned.
"This is dangerous."
Adrian nodded.
"I know."
Sophia crossed her arms.
"We need to end this."
Lina agreed quietly.
"Yes…"
Daniel looked thoughtful.
"Marcus might still help us."
Adrian shook his head.
"He's too scared."
Sophia sighed.
"Then we gather evidence ourselves."
Adrian nodded.
"Yes."
Lina hesitated.
"Do you think… she'll stop?"
Silence filled the room.
No one answered.
Because they all knew—
Emily wouldn't stop.
—
That night…
Lina lay in bed.
But sleep refused to come.
Her mind replayed the day again and again.
The hospital.
The file.
Adrian refusing to see her.
The car.
Emily's smile.
Her chest tightened.
Suddenly—
She felt movement beside her.
Adrian shifted slightly.
Even in sleep, his hand rested near hers.
She smiled faintly.
Then slowly—
She moved her fingers.
Her hand gently touched his.
He stirred.
Then his fingers wrapped around hers instinctively.
Even asleep.
Her heart warmed.
She closed her eyes.
For the first time tonight—
She felt safe.
—
The next morning…
Lina woke up early.
She headed downstairs.
But stopped halfway.
She heard voices.
Adrian and Daniel.
Talking quietly.
"You're hiding something," Daniel said.
Lina froze.
Adrian sighed.
"I'm not hiding…"
"Then what is it?"
Adrian remained silent for a moment.
Then—
"I remembered something."
Lina's heart skipped.
"What?" Daniel asked.
Adrian spoke quietly.
"The night before the accident…"
Lina's breath caught.
"I met Emily."
Daniel frowned.
"Why?"
Adrian hesitated.
"I don't remember clearly… but…"
"But what?"
"I think… I was going to end things with her."
Daniel looked surprised.
"You sure?"
Adrian nodded slowly.
"It's blurry… but I remember her crying."
Lina's heart raced.
Hope slowly formed inside her.
"So… the video…"
Adrian nodded.
"She might've recorded it earlier."
Daniel sighed.
"She's manipulating everything."
Adrian nodded.
"Yes."
Lina quietly stepped back.
Her heart beating fast.
Because if Adrian was ending things with Emily—
Then everything changed.
Suddenly—
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
She frowned.
Then answered.
"Hello?"
A soft voice replied.
"Lina…"
Her heart froze.
"Emily."
Emily chuckled softly.
"Miss me?"
Lina's grip tightened.
"What do you want?"
Emily's tone turned calm.
"Meet me."
"No."
Emily laughed quietly.
"You should listen first."
Lina remained silent.
Emily continued—
"I know something about your memories."
Her heart skipped.
"What?"
Emily whispered softly—
"You didn't lose them naturally."
Lina froze.
"What do you mean?"
Emily's voice lowered.
"Someone made sure you forgot."
Her breathing quickened.
"Who?"
Emily smiled through the phone.
"Meet me… and I'll tell you."
The call ended.
Lina stood frozen.
Her mind spinning.
Because suddenly—
Everything she believed—
Began to crumble again.