Chapter 10: Going Home Together
Morning sunlight slowly entered the hospital room.
Lina woke first.
She stretched slightly, her neck still sore from sleeping in the chair. But today… she felt different.
Last night…
Adrian had asked her not to see Ethan too often.
That meant something.
Even if it was small.
Even if he didn't realize it.
She looked toward the bed.
Adrian was still asleep.
His face looked calm.
Peaceful.
She stood quietly and walked closer.
Carefully, she adjusted his blanket.
Suddenly—
Adrian opened his eyes.
Their faces were close.
Very close.
Lina froze.
Her heart jumped.
"You're awake…"
Adrian nodded slightly.
"You woke up early."
Lina smiled faintly.
"I'll get breakfast."
She turned quickly, trying to hide her flushed face.
Adrian watched her leave.
For a moment, he felt… disappointed.
He didn't understand why.
—
After breakfast…
The doctor arrived.
"Good news, Mr. Blake."
Adrian looked up.
"You can be discharged today."
Lina's eyes brightened.
"Really?"
The doctor nodded.
"Yes, but you still need rest."
Adrian nodded.
"Understood."
Mrs. Blake smiled.
"That's wonderful."
Sophia, who had just arrived, also smiled.
"That's great."
But her eyes flickered briefly.
Lina began packing Adrian's things.
She folded his clothes carefully.
Sophia watched silently.
Then she spoke.
"Adrian, my place is closer to the hospital. It might be easier if you stay with me."
Lina froze.
Her hands stopped moving.
Mrs. Blake frowned immediately.
"No."
Sophia looked calm.
"I'm just thinking about his comfort."
Mrs. Blake shook her head.
"He should go home."
Sophia looked at Adrian.
"What do you think?"
Everyone waited for his answer.
Adrian glanced at Lina.
She was silent.
Her eyes lowered.
She didn't want to force him.
But that silence…
Made Adrian uncomfortable.
He remembered last night.
Her agreeing to his request.
Her gentle smile.
He spoke calmly.
"I'll go home."
Lina looked up.
Surprised.
Mrs. Blake smiled.
"Good."
Sophia forced a smile.
"Of course…"
But her fingers tightened slightly.
—
Later…
They left the hospital.
Adrian walked slowly beside Lina.
Mrs. Blake and Mr. Blake followed behind.
Sophia walked quietly beside them.
When they reached the car…
Lina opened the door for Adrian.
He paused.
"You always do this?"
Lina nodded.
"Yes."
Adrian looked at her for a second.
Then got in.
They drove toward home.
The ride was quiet.
Lina sat beside Adrian.
Their shoulders occasionally brushed.
Every time—
Lina's heart raced.
Adrian noticed too.
But he didn't move away.
—
After thirty minutes…
The car stopped.
Lina looked outside.
They had arrived.
Home.
Adrian stepped out.
He looked at the large villa in front of him.
"This… is my house?"
Mrs. Blake nodded.
"Your home."
Adrian walked slowly inside.
The moment he entered—
Something strange happened.
A faint sense of familiarity filled his chest.
He looked around.
The living room.
The sofa.
The staircase.
Something felt…
Warm.
Familiar.
But still distant.
Lina watched him quietly.
She felt nervous.
Would he reject this place?
But Adrian walked deeper inside.
He paused when he saw a photo frame.
He picked it up.
It was a wedding photo.
Adrian…
And Lina.
Both smiling.
Lina looked beautiful in her white dress.
Adrian stared at the photo.
He looked… happy.
Really happy.
His chest tightened.
"That's… us?"
Lina nodded softly.
"Yes."
Adrian stared at the photo longer.
Then placed it back carefully.
They walked upstairs.
Lina stopped in front of a room.
"This is… our bedroom."
Adrian hesitated.
He opened the door slowly.
The room looked warm.
Comfortable.
Soft colors.
A large bed.
Everything looked… peaceful.
Adrian stepped inside.
He noticed small details.
A photo on the nightstand.
A book on Lina's side.
Two pillows.
Two lives.
Together.
His chest felt strange again.
Lina spoke softly.
"You should rest."
Adrian nodded.
He sat on the bed.
Lina turned to leave.
But suddenly—
Adrian grabbed her wrist.
Lina froze.
Their eyes met.
"Stay."
Her heart skipped.
"You… want me to stay?"
Adrian nodded slowly.
"I feel… strange being alone."
Lina nodded gently.
"Okay."
She sat beside him.
Silence filled the room.
But this time…
It felt comfortable.
After a while, Adrian lay down.
He closed his eyes.
But before sleeping, he spoke quietly—
"Lina."
"Yes?"
"Did we… sleep together every night?"
Lina's face flushed instantly.
"Y-yes…"
Adrian nodded.
"Then… stay."
Lina's heart raced.
She hesitated.
But then…
She lay down beside him.
Carefully.
Leaving space between them.
Adrian relaxed.
For some reason…
He felt calm again.
Soon—
He fell asleep.
Lina remained awake.
Her heart beating fast.
They hadn't slept together since the accident.
Now…
They were side by side again.
Even if it was different.
Even if he didn't remember.
It still meant something.
Downstairs…
Sophia stood quietly.
She had stayed behind.
Her eyes moved toward the stairs.
Her expression darkened.
"They're already living together again…"
She whispered softly.
Her eyes filled with determination.
"No… I won't let this happen."
She turned and walked out.
Because Sophia…
Was already planning her next move.
And the calm inside the house…
Wouldn't last long.