The amnesia, his obsession

Chapter 27: The woman that refuses to move on

The sound of heels echoed from downstairs, slow and deliberate like she owned the place.

Leonard's expression turned lethal.

"Stay behind me," he said, his voice cold enough to freeze the air.

But Isabella didn't argue this time, she followed, not weak, not afraid.

Just... ready.

Step by step, they descended the stairs together and there she was...

Victoria.

Sitting comfortably in the living room like she had never left.

Dressed flawlessly, crossing her legs elegantly.

A glass of champagne already in her hand, she smiled when she saw them.

"Welcome home."

Leonard didn't slow down.

"Get out."

Two words, sharp and final.

Victoria tilted her head slightly, amused.

"That's no way to speak to someone who used to be important so much to you."

"Used to," Leonard emphasized. His jaw clenched.

"Don't make me repeat myself."

Victoria's eyes flickered briefly— not hurt, not anger, something darker.

Possession.

"See, that's the problem," she said softly.

"You're acting like you've changed."

Her gaze shifted slowly to Isabella. cold, measuring."You haven't."

Isabella stepped forward this time not hiding, not shrinking.

"Say what you came to say," she said calmly. "And leave this house immediately."

Victoria smiled wider.

"There she is... the wife."

The word lingered in the air like poison.

Leonard's hand brushed lightly against Isabella's wrist.

A silent warning but also—Reassurance.

Victoria noticed of course she did and that's when her smile faded.

"You think this is real?" she asked, her voice dropping.

"You think he suddenly loves you because of one accident?"

Isabella didn't respond, didn't react, but Leonard did.

"I don't need an accident to know what I want," he said coldly.

"And I don't want you here."

Victoria stood slowly, gracefully and dangerously.

"Then maybe you need a reminder."

The room went still.

Leonard's eyes darkened. "Don't."

But Victoria was already reaching into her bag, she pulled out a thin envelope and dropped it onto the table.

"Go on," she said softly."Look at it."

Leonard didn't move but Isabella did.

She stepped forward and picked it up, her fingers hesitated for just a second—Then she opened it.Photos.

Her breath caught, not just any photos, old ones, painful ones.

Leonard looked cold.

Standing beside Isabella.

Looking at her Victoria in a way he had never looked at Isabella.

And worse—

A signed document of a divorce papers.

Isabella's name and Leonard's signature.Her hands trembled slightly.

"You remember now?" Victoria's voice was soft, almost gentle but cruel "He was going to leave you."

Silence.

Heavy and suffocating.

Leonard's gaze snapped to the papers.

His expression didn't change immediately but something shifted.

"That was before," he finally spoke. " I don't really know anything about this,"

Victoria laughed lightly.

"Before what? Before you suddenly grew a heart?"

Isabella looked up.

Her eyes weren't filled with tears not this time.

"You're really trying too hard," she said quietly.

That made Victoria pause.

Isabella dropped the papers back onto the table.

"Do you think I didn't know?" she continued.

"Yes, he hurt me."

"Yes, he chose you."

"Yes, he was going to leave."

Each word was calm, honest and unshaken.

"But he didn't."

Victoria's expression hardened.

"And now he's here," Isabella added,

"with me."

Leonard looked at her then.

Something in his chest tightened because she wasn't defending him she was choosing him.

Victoria scoffed. "You're delusional."

"No," Isabella replied softly.

"I'm done being weak."

Silence.

That hit harder than anything else.

Victoria's gaze slowly shifted back to Leonard.

"Are you serious," she demanded quietly.

Leonard didn't hesitate."I'm not leaving her."

The air changed instantly, Victoria's expression went still.

Then—

She smiled, not sweet, not amused but dangerous.

"Alright," she said softly."You've made your choice."

She picked up her bag, walked toward the door, then paused without turning back—She spoke.

"Let's see how long it lasts."

And then—She left.

The door shut.

Silence filled the house again but it wasn't peaceful anymore, it was heavy.

Aftershock.

Isabella stood still her eyes still on the table, on the past laid out in front of her.

Then— Warmth.

Leonard's hand gently took hers.

"This time," he said quietly,"I'm not walking away, I want you to believe me."

Isabella didn't pull back her voice was soft, honest, real.

"You already did once."

Leonard tightened his grip.

"Then I'll spend the rest of my life fixing it."

And for the first time—Isabella didn't doubt him.

But somewhere, deep down—She knew Victoria wasn't done, not even close.