Loving My Future Murderer

Going Home With a Stranger

Two days dragged by super slowly at the hospital. The whole time, Aira kept her mouth shut for the most part. She played the part of a sweet, obedient wife, swallowing down every spoonful of food, taking her pills on schedule, and giving a quick smile whenever Elian stroked her hair.

But underneath that calm act, Aira stayed watching. Every gesture from Elian and every warm smile he threw her way felt like a carefully staged act.

This morning, the doctor finally said Aira was good to go home. Her body was stable, even though her brain was still a complete blank page.

Elian's black car rolled quietly down the empty city streets. Inside the quiet vehicle, a heavy woody cologne filled up the air. Aira sat in the front passenger seat, staring straight out the window. She held her tiny bag on her lap while her fingers twitched nervously.

Elian glanced over from the steering wheel. His left hand reached across, taking her icy fingers into his.

"You look so tense," Elian said softly, sounding so comforting. "Is something hurting again?"

Aira shook her head fast. "No, I'm just a bit nervous."

"Why be nervous?" Elian smiled faintly, keeping his eyes glued to the road. "Once we get home, you can sleep as long as you want. No hospital beeps, no needles, just you and me."

Aira forced a tiny smile onto her lips. "Is our house far from here?"

"Not really," Elian answered casually. "About thirty minutes away. It's really quiet, far from all the noise."

"Why did we pick a place so quiet?" Aira asked, testing him on purpose.

"You asked for it yourself back then," Elian said, lightly tapping the back of her hand before putting both hands on the wheel. "You always said you needed quiet to think."

"Is that so?" Aira whispered low. "I don't remember ever saying that."

"It's totally fine," Elian cut in quickly, keeping his voice soft. "Take it easy. Once we get home, everything will feel familiar again."

The car turned into an exclusive gated area surrounded by high walls. Green trees lined the road, making it look peaceful, but Aira felt an overwhelming weight pressing down on her chest.

The car stopped in front of a giant black iron gate. The gate swung open automatically, letting them into a wide driveway.

"We're here," Elian said as he turned off the engine.

Elian stepped out first. He walked around the car and pulled the door open for Aira, holding out his hand politely.

"Come on, watch your step," Elian said, grabbing her hand.

Aira stood up in the driveway. She looked up at the huge three-story modern building in front of her. The walls were pure white with giant glass windows reflecting the afternoon sun.

"Is this... our house?" Aira asked softly, looking at the cold building.

"Yeah, this is our house," Elian replied, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Let's go inside, it's getting cold out here."

Aira walked inside through the heavy wooden door. As soon as her feet hit the white marble floor inside, the smell of jasmine and candles greeted her.

"Welcome back home, Aira," Elian said with a warm smile.

Aira looked around the room. The tall walls were covered with framed photos. Aira walked closer to one wall in the living room to get a better look.

There was a big photo in a black frame. It showed Aira and Elian on a beach at sunset. Aira was hugging Elian's neck while Elian laughed, holding her waist tight.

"We took this on vacation in Bali two years ago," Elian said, suddenly standing right beside her. "Do you remember anything?"

Aira shook her head softly. She moved over to the left wall, looking at another picture of them at an outdoor cafe in Europe.

"Where was this one taken?" Aira asked low.

"That was in Paris," Elian answered fast. "When we celebrated our fourth anniversary. You were so happy that day because I bought you that dress you wanted for so long."

Aira stared closely at the photo. In almost every corner of the house, there was her face. Her laugh. A version of herself that looked super happy with Elian. The photos seemed to scream that they were a perfect couple.

"Why are there so many photos everywhere?" Aira muttered.

"Why?" Elian laughed softly, holding both of her shoulders from behind. "Because we've been through so much together over these five years. I like keeping every happy moment. That way, whenever we're tired, we can look at these walls and remember how much we love each other."

Aira turned around, looking straight into Elian's eyes. "Was I really that happy in these photos?"

Elian raised an eyebrow slightly, rubbing her cheek with his knuckles. "What kind of strange question is that? Of course you were happy. You were the happiest woman I ever met, and I'll make sure you keep feeling that way, Aira."

"But why do I feel like such a stranger here?" Aira whispered honestly, testing his reaction. "I mean... this feels like someone else's house to me."

"That's just your amnesia," Elian cut in calmly, his voice smooth and convincing. "Your brain isn't used to it yet. Don't overthink it. What matters is that you're here now, safe with me."

Aira stayed quiet, saying nothing.

"Come on, let me show you to our room upstairs," Elian continued, letting go of her shoulders. "You need to rest. Our bedroom was prepped yesterday."

"The master bedroom is on the second floor?" Aira asked.

"Yeah, second floor," Elian answered. "Come on, let me carry your bag."

Aira gave a small nod. She walked behind Elian as he led her up the wooden staircase. Their footsteps made soft thumping sounds through the quiet house.

The second floor had a long hallway with dark wooden floors. Along the hall, several white doors stood completely shut.

"On the right is the guest bathroom," Elian said, pointing to one of the doors as they walked. "And the door at the very end is our master bedroom."

"What are these other doors?" Aira asked, looking at the white doors they passed.

"Just guest rooms and a storage room for clothes," Elian replied casually without turning back. "Rarely used unless family stays over."

"Does your family come over often?" Aira asked again.

"Almost never," Elian answered short. "We prefer spending our time just the two of us."

Aira walked slowly behind Elian. But her feet stopped right in the middle of the hallway.

Her eyes caught a door on the left side of the hall.

Unlike the other white doors in the house, this single door was pitch black. It was made of thick solid wood, without any decorations at all.

Aira looked closely at the handle.

A silver metal slide bolt was mounted right above the handle. A small steel padlock was locked onto the bolt. The black door was completely locked shut from the outside.

Aira stood frozen in front of the black door. The quiet hallway felt even heavier now. Her stomach twisted again, giving her the exact same warning signal she felt when looking at their wedding photo in the hospital.

Aira took one step closer to the black door. She reached out her shaking hand, trying to touch the padlock.

"Aira?"

Elian's voice suddenly broke the silence of the hallway.

Aira pulled her hand back instantly. She turned around and saw Elian standing motionless. He was standing a few feet ahead, his body locked completely straight.

The sweet smile on Elian's face was gone. His face was blank and cold, his eyes staring straight at her hand that had just reached out toward the black door.