Chapter 1: The Woman He Couldn't Live Without
The golden sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow across the spacious bedroom. The gentle rustle of curtains swayed with the morning breeze, bringing in the scent of fresh rain.
Lina Carter slowly opened her eyes.
For a moment, she stayed still, listening.
The faint clinking of dishes.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
And the quiet footsteps that she had grown familiar with over the past three years.
Her lips curved into a soft smile.
"You're awake."
A deep, calm voice filled the room.
Lina turned her head and found Adrian Blake standing by the door, dressed in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His black hair was slightly damp, and his sharp features softened when he looked at her.
Even after three years of marriage, her heart still skipped a beat.
"You woke up early again…" Lina murmured, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
Adrian walked toward her, placing a tray carefully on the bedside table.
"I had a meeting this morning," he said quietly.
Lina sat up slowly, pulling the blanket around her shoulders.
"You always have meetings."
Adrian looked at her for a second. Then, unexpectedly, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
"But I still made breakfast."
Lina blinked in surprise.
Adrian rarely did this.
He wasn't cold—but he wasn't exactly expressive either. His love was always quiet, subtle, hidden behind small actions.
Which made moments like this even more precious.
Lina looked at the tray.
Toast. Scrambled eggs. Coffee.
Her favorite.
"You made this?" she asked softly.
Adrian nodded.
Lina smiled warmly.
"Then I have to eat everything."
Adrian sat beside her on the bed, watching quietly as she picked up the fork.
She took a bite and hummed happily.
"It's delicious."
A faint smile appeared on Adrian's lips.
Moments like these were rare. Peaceful. Quiet.
Perfect.
But neither of them knew…
It would be the last peaceful morning they would share.
—
After breakfast, Lina got ready while Adrian finished reviewing documents on his tablet.
Lina stepped out wearing a light blue dress, her long hair flowing over her shoulders.
Adrian glanced up.
His eyes paused.
"You look nice," he said.
Lina blinked.
Adrian rarely complimented her.
"Are you feeling okay today?" she teased.
Adrian frowned slightly.
"I'm serious."
Lina laughed softly.
"I know."
She walked closer, adjusting his tie gently.
"You should eat more. You're getting thinner."
Adrian looked down at her.
"You worry too much."
"And you work too much."
Their eyes met.
For a brief second, something warm passed between them.
Then Adrian's phone rang.
The moment broke.
Adrian answered the call, his expression turning serious.
"Yes… I'll be there in thirty minutes."
He hung up and stood.
"I have to leave."
Lina nodded.
"I'll go with you."
Adrian looked at her.
"You don't have to."
"I know."
She smiled.
"But I want to."
Adrian didn't refuse.
—
The black car moved smoothly through the city streets.
Lina leaned against the seat, watching the passing buildings.
Adrian sat beside her, quietly reviewing files.
After a few minutes, Lina spoke.
"Adrian."
"Hm?"
"Do you remember what day it is today?"
Adrian paused.
He looked up.
"Tuesday."
Lina sighed.
"No."
Adrian frowned slightly.
"Then?"
Lina looked at him.
"It's our anniversary."
Silence filled the car.
Adrian's eyes softened.
"I didn't forget."
Lina raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Adrian reached into his pocket and took out a small box.
Lina's eyes widened.
"You…"
Adrian opened the box.
Inside was a delicate silver bracelet.
Lina's heart melted instantly.
"Happy anniversary," Adrian said quietly.
Lina's eyes shimmered.
"You really remembered…"
Adrian took her hand gently and placed the bracelet around her wrist.
His fingers brushed against her skin.
Warm.
Gentle.
Lina's heart fluttered.
"Thank you…" she whispered.
Adrian nodded.
"Tonight… we'll have dinner together."
Lina smiled brightly.
"It's a promise?"
"It's a promise."
Lina leaned closer and rested her head on his shoulder.
Adrian froze slightly—but didn't move away.
The driver watched through the mirror and smiled faintly.
They looked like a perfect couple.
But fate had other plans.
—
Halfway through the road, the sky suddenly darkened.
Heavy clouds gathered.
Rain began to pour.
The driver slowed down slightly.
The roads became slippery.
Lina looked outside.
"It's raining hard…"
Adrian nodded.
"Drive carefully."
"Yes, sir."
The car moved forward cautiously.
Then—
A loud horn echoed.
A truck suddenly appeared from the opposite lane.
The driver's eyes widened.
"Sir—!"
The truck was speeding uncontrollably.
Everything happened in seconds.
The driver tried to turn.
But the road was too slippery.
Lina's heart jumped.
"Adrian—"
Adrian immediately pulled her toward him.
"Hold on."
The truck came closer.
Closer.
Closer.
Then—
CRASH!
A deafening sound filled the air.
The world spun.
Glass shattered.
Metal twisted.
Lina felt herself thrown forward—
But strong arms wrapped around her.
Adrian held her tightly.
Protecting her.
Shielding her.
Pain exploded.
Everything blurred.
Lina's vision faded.
Her last sight—
Was Adrian's pale face.
And blood.
So much blood.
"Adrian…"
Darkness swallowed her.
—
Hospital.
Machines beeped steadily.
Doctors rushed.
Nurses shouted.
"Patient critical!"
"Head injury!"
"Prepare emergency surgery!"
Adrian lay unconscious on the stretcher.
Blood covered his forehead.
Lina was rushed beside him.
"She's stable!"
"Minor injuries!"
But Adrian…
He wasn't.
The surgery room doors closed.
Time passed.
Hours.
Then—
The red light turned off.
The doctor stepped out.
"He survived," the doctor said.
"But…"
Lina's heart tightened.
"But what?"
The doctor hesitated.
"There was serious head trauma."
Lina felt her hands tremble.
"What does that mean…?"
The doctor looked at her carefully.
"He may suffer memory loss."
Lina froze.
"No…"
The world suddenly felt silent.
Cold.
Empty.
She looked toward the surgery room.
Her husband.
Her world.
Her everything.
May not remember her anymore.
Lina's eyes filled with tears.
"Adrian…"
She whispered softly.
Not knowing…
This accident would change everything.
Not knowing…
The man she loved…
Would soon become a stranger.