Before He Forgot Me Again

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The Woman From His Past

The next morning, Adrian couldn't stop thinking about Elena.

The photograph remained on his desk.

He had asked Marcus to investigate her, but this time he wanted the truth—not the version his family had given him.

By afternoon, Marcus returned with a file.

"Everything we found is here."

Adrian opened it.

Elena's name appeared on the first page.

There were records of their marriage.

Hospital records showed the birth of Leo and Lily.

Photographs of Adrian with the children.

Even bank records show that Adrian had supported Elena before his second accident.

Adrian stared at the evidence in disbelief.

"Why didn't I know about any of this?"

Marcus hesitated.

"Your father ordered the investigation to remain private."

Adrian's expression hardened.

"So my family knew."

"Yes."

He closed the file.

For the first time, he felt anger toward the people he had trusted.

That evening, Adrian went to Elena's neighborhood.

He didn't tell anyone where he was going.

When he arrived, he saw Leo playing outside.

The little boy looked up.

Their eyes met.

Leo immediately ran toward him.

"Daddy!"

Adrian froze.

The word struck something deep inside him.

Leo stopped when he saw Adrian's expression.

His excitement slowly disappeared.

"You really don't remember me?"

Adrian couldn't answer.

Lily appeared behind her brother.

She stared at Adrian for a long moment before quietly saying:

"You used to carry me."

Adrian's chest tightened.

A sudden image flashed through his mind.

A little girl laughing in his arms.

He grabbed the side of the car.

"Sir?"

The memory vanished.

Elena rushed outside.

When she saw Adrian, she stopped.

Neither spoke.

Adrian looked at her.

"I found some things."

Elena's eyes filled with tears.

"You shouldn't have come."

"I need answers."

She looked at him sadly.

"You already have them."

Adrian shook his head.

"I don't remember."

"I know."

Her voice broke.

"But I remember everything."

Elena invited him inside.

The apartment was small, but Adrian immediately felt something strange.

A photograph hung on the wall.

It showed him, Elena, Leo, and Lily together.

He walked closer.

His fingers touched the glass.

For a brief second, he heard laughter.

Elena's laughter.

His children's laughter.

Then a voice whispered in his mind:

This is home.

Adrian stepped back.

"Did I love you?"

Elena looked at him.

"You loved me more than anything."

He swallowed.

"Why can't I remember?"

"Because someone took those memories from you."

Adrian looked at her sharply.

"What do you mean?"

Elena hesitated.

"Your second accident wasn't normal."

His expression changed.

"I know."

He looked at the children.

Then back at Elena.

"Who did this to us?"

Elena shook her head.

"I don't know."

Adrian stepped toward the door.

"I'll find out."

Before leaving, he turned back.

"I'm sorry."

Elena looked at him.

"For what?"

"For not remembering you."

He left before she could answer.

Elena stood silently at the door.

For the first time in five years, she felt a small spark of hope.

Maybe she hadn't lost her husband forever.

That night, Adrian returned to the Vale mansion.

He confronted Richard.

"Why did you hide Elena from me?"

Richard's face hardened.

"You were confused after the accident."

"She is my wife."

"You don't remember marrying her."

"But the evidence says I did."

Richard remained silent.

Adrian stepped closer.

"I want the truth."

Richard finally looked at him.

"You may regret finding it."

Adrian's expression became cold.

"I've already lost five years of my life."

He turned toward the door.

"I'm not losing another day."