The amnesia, his obsession

Chapter 22: Victoria’s jealousy

The words hung between them.

Isabella's breath caught.

Her heart pounded so loudly it drowned out everything else.

"Leonard..." she whispered.

But she didn't finish, because what could she say?

You're right?

I'm yours?

You just forgot?

No, that would only make things worse.

"You're confused," she said instead, pulling her wrist gently from his grip.

But Leonard didn't let go immediately.

His fingers tightened slightly.

"Am I?" he asked quietly, his eyes searched hers.

Like he was trying to pull the truth straight out of her.

"Yes," she said softly, forcing calm into her voice. "You've been through a lot. Your mind is trying to make sense of things."

Leonard studied her a moment longer.

Then slowly— He let go.

But the tension didn't leave, it's stayed.Lingering in the air.

"You're still lying," he said.

Her chest tightened.

"Why does it matter?" she asked.

That made him pause, because it did matter and he didn't know why.

Before he could answer—

"Leonard."

A sharp voice cut through the moment.

Both of them turned.

Victoria.

Standing at the end of the hallway.

Her expression— cold, furious, controlled.

But her eyes? Burning.

She walked toward them slowly.

Each step precise, measured.

Her gaze dropped briefly— To the space between them, to where his hand had been holding hers.

And something in her expression darkened.

"You shouldn't be out of your room," She said "you need to rest" her tone calm—but tight.

Leonard didn't move.

"I needed air," he replied.

Victoria stopped in front of them.

Her attention shifted fully to Isabella now.

"And you," she said.

A pause.

"I thought you were done here."

The message was clear.

Isabella straightened slightly.

"I was just—"

"She is with me," Leonard cut in.

Both women froze.

Victoria's eyes snapped to him.

"And why would you need a nurse outside your room?" she asked, her tone sharper now.

Leonard didn't hesitate.

"I didn't say I needed her."

A beat.

"I said she was with me."

Silence.

That difference— Meant everything.

Victoria's smile tightened.

"Leonard," she said softly, stepping closer to him, "you're not thinking clearly."

"I'm thinking just fine."

His voice dropped.

Victoria's fingers curled slightly at her side.

"You don't even know who she is," she said.

Leonard's gaze shifted briefly to Isabella.

Then back to Victoria.

"Neither do you," he replied.

That hit hard.

Victoria's expression flickered just for a second but she recovered quickly.

"I know enough," she said. "She's not part of your life."

Silence.

Leonard's jaw tightened.

"That's not your decision to make." He said

The words were quiet but they carried weight and authority.

Victoria stepped closer now, too close.

"I'm your fiancée," she said, her voice lower now. "It is my place."

Isabella felt it.

That sharp sting in her chest but she stayed silent.

Because this— Wasn't her fight anymore.

Not when he didn't remember her, not when she had no claim.

Leonard looked at Victoria.

Long, carefully.

Again—

Nothing, no emotion, no connection.

Just... distance.

Then—

"Don't touch me." He said, The words came suddenly.

Victoria froze.

Because she hadn't even realized— Her hand was on his arm.

She pulled back slowly, shock flickering across her face.

"Leonard..." She called.

"I don't like it," he said.

Simple, final.

And that— changed everything.

Because moments ago— He had no problem touching Isabella.

Victoria turned sharply to Isabella.

Now the anger wasn't hidden anymore.

"You need to leave," she said.

This time—

No politeness,just disguise and command.

Isabella nodded slowly.

"I was already leaving," she said softly.

But before she could move—

"No." Leonard again. Both women looked at him.

"I didn't tell her to leave," he said.

Victoria's patience snapped.

"You don't even know her!" she snapped.

"And yet I trust her more than you right now."

Dead silence.

Even Isabella froze.

Because—He didn't remember her but he still chose her.

Victoria's eyes darkened.

Dangerous.

She stepped closer to Leonard.

And whispered—

"Then maybe it's time you learn the truth about her." Victoria said

Leonard's expression hardened.

Because something told him—

Whatever came next... would change everything.

You can erase memories...

But you can't erase instinct.