Before He Forgot Me Again

CHAPTER SEVEN

A NEW LIFE

The next morning, two black cars arrived outside Elena's apartment.

Adrian stood by the window.

"Your family came again," Elena said quietly.

Adrian nodded.

Marcus entered the apartment.

"Mr. Vale wants you to come home."

Adrian looked at Elena.

"I'm not leaving them."

Marcus sighed.

"Your father expected you to say that."

He handed Adrian a folder.

"These are your medical records, company documents, and identity papers."

Adrian opened the folder.

His full name stared back at him.

Adrian Alexander Vale.

Age: 29.

He stared at the photograph attached to the document.

The man in the picture looked confident and cold.

It was him.

But it didn't feel like him.

"I don't remember this person," Adrian whispered.

Marcus looked at him.

"You don't have to remember everything today."

Adrian closed the folder.

"What about my family?"

"Your father wants you home."

Adrian looked toward Elena.

And if I refuse?"

Marcus hesitated.

"Then your father will come himself."

Elena gently touched Adrian's arm.

"Maybe you should go."

Adrian looked at her in surprise. "What?"

"Not because they can take you away."

She smiled sadly.

"But because you deserve to know the truth about your past."

Adrian took her hand.

"I'm afraid."

"So am I."

He looked at their children.

"What if I remember something terrible?

Elena shook her head.

"Then we'll deal with it."

Adrian kissed her forehead.

"I'll come back."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

That afternoon, Adrian went to the Vale mansion.

The moment he entered, memories began attacking him.

The grand staircase, dining room, a childhood bedroom, a piano, a family photograph.

He stopped suddenly.

"Adrian?"

Richard looked at him.

"I'm fine."

But he wasn't.

He walked toward the photograph.

There he was.

A younger Adrian stood between his parents.

And beside him was a young woman.

Victoria Laurent.

Adrian stared at her picture.

"Who is she?"

Richard's expression changed.

"Victoria."

"Why is she with us?"

Richard hesitated.

"She has always been part of our family."

Adrian frowned.

"Why don't I remember her?"

Richard didn't answer.

At that moment, the mansion doors opened.

A woman's voice echoed through the hall.

"Adrian?"

He turned.

Victoria stood there.

She smiled.

But her eyes were filled with tears.

"You really came back."

Adrian stared at her.

She slowly walked toward him.

"I missed you."

Adrian remained silent.

Victoria reached for his hand.

He gently pulled away.

"I'm sorry."

Her smile faded.

"I don't remember you."

For a moment, Victoria looked heartbroken.

Then she lowered her eyes.

"That's okay."

But inside, anger burned through her.

Because she could see it clearly.

Adrian might have forgotten Victoria.

But he had not forgotten how to love.

And the woman he loved was Elena.

Victoria smiled again.

"Then I'll help you remember."

She didn't mean the words the way Adrian thought.

She meant—

She would make sure he remembered only what she wanted him to know.

That night, Victoria made her first move.

She sent Elena an anonymous message.

Stay away from Adrian Vale.

A second message arrived.

You don't belong in his world.

Elena stared at the screen.

Then a final message appeared.

If you don't leave him willingly, you'll regret it.