The amnesia, his obsession

Chapter 20: The perfect stranger

Victoria’s voice lingered in the room long after she said it.

Leonard didn’t respond immediately.

His gaze was fixed on the door the one Isabella had just walked through.

Something about the way she left—Didn’t sit right with him.

“She’s just a nurse,” Victoria added gently, adjusting the blanket over him. “You don’t need to worry about her.”

Silence.

Leonard’s jaw tightened slightly.

He start wondering “A nurse.

Then why—

“Why did she cry?” he asked suddenly.

Victoria paused.

“People get emotional,” she said lightly. “Especially in situations like this.”

Leonard’s eyes shifted to her.

“That wasn’t normal,” he said.

There was certainty in his voice now.

Victoria’s smile flickered—Just for a second.

“You’re overthinking,” she replied calmly.

But Leonard didn’t look convinced because he remembered something.

Not clearly, not fully, just a fragment. Tears, her tears.

The way her voice trembled when she spoke to him.

The way she looked at him—Like he was everything.

And that didn’t match “nurse.”

“You said we were engaged,” he said, his tone quieter now.

Victoria softened instantly.

“Yes,” she said, sitting beside him. “We were planning a future together.”

Leonard studied her face, beautiful.M, composed, perfect.

But—

Nothing, no feeling, no pull.

Just… emptiness.

His brows furrowed slightly.

“Then why don’t I feel anything?” he asked.

The question was direct, unfiltered.

Victoria’s fingers tightened slightly on his arm.

“Feelings don’t come back immediately,” she said gently. “You just woke up.”

Leonard didn’t respond.

Because something about that answer—

Felt incomplete, his gaze drifted again.

Back to the door.

The one who shouldn’t matter.

Yet somehow— Did.

Outside the Room

Isabella didn’t go far, she couldn’t.

Her back pressed against the wall as soon as the door closed.

Her legs felt weak, her chest tight.

“A nurse…” she whispered bitterly.

A tear slipped down her cheek.

“That’s what I am now.”

It hurt.

But maybe—It was safer.

Because if he believed that—Then he wouldn’t hate her again.

But…

Would he ever love her again?

Her heart clenched painfully.

Inside the Room

Leonard shifted little bit.

Victoria noticed immediately.

“You should rest,” she said softly.

“I’m not tired.”

His tone was flat.

And that— Was unusual.

Leonard didn’t sound uncertain.

But right now— He was.

“I need some air,” he said suddenly.

Victoria frowned.

“You’re not in a condition to move—”

“I said I need air.”

His voice dropped, firm, commanding.

The same man.

Even without his memories.

Victoria hesitated, then forced a smile.

“Alright,” she said. “I’ll call someone to assist you.”

“No.”That was immediate.“I’ll go myself.”

Before she could stop him—He swung his legs off the bed.

Pain shot through his body, but he ignored it.

Because something—Was pulling him.

Strong, persistent, unexplainable.

The hallway was quiet.

Dim lights. Soft footsteps, distant voices.

Leonard walked slowly, carefully.

But his eyes were searching for something or someone.

Then—He saw her.

Isabella.

Standing by the wall, lost in her thoughts.

For a moment— He just watched her.

The way she held herself, the quiet sadness in her posture.

And suddenly—

That feeling hit again, stronger.

His chest tightened.

“…You’re still here, I thought you’ll be attending to other patients.”

Her head snapped up, their eyes met, and everything stilled for some seconds.

“Or you left,” he added.

Her lips parted slightly.

“I was about to,” she said softly.

Leonard took a step closer, slow, careful.

“Why didn’t you?” he asked.

She hesitated.

Because she didn’t have a safe answer.

“I just…” she trailed off.

But Leonard didn’t wait this time.

“You stayed because of me,” he said.

Not a question but statement.

Her heart skipped.

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.”

He stepped closer again.

Now there was barely any space between them.Too close.

“You’re not just a nurse,” he said quietly.

Her breath caught.

“What makes you say that?” she asked.

Leonard held her gaze.

“Because I don’t look at strangers like this.”

Her heart started racing.

“Like what?” she whispered.

He didn’t answer immediately.Instead—

He reached out.

His fingers brushing lightly against her wrist and the moment— It happened again, that connection, that pull.

Stronger than before.

His grip tightened slightly.

“…Like I know you,” he said.

Tears filled her eyes instantly.

“You don’t,” she whispered.

But her voice broke, and that—

that told him everything.

Leonard’s eyes darkened slightly.

Because now—He was sure.

“Then why does it feel like you belong to me?”

Even when memories disappear…Possession might still remains.