Chapter 2: Fake Efforts

My mouth parted in half as I kept an eye on him leaving the room. His long declarations made my sanity more perplexed. He didn't even bother to look back to catch a glimpse of my reaction.

Who does he think he is?

Can't he see that I don't remember anything?

I am not lying!

I'm not convinced if he was telling the truth or if he was just accusing me to make me feel bad.

The irascibility!

Since the time he left the room, he did not return in the evening. Only my parents came back with food. Our son, Luke is also gone.

“If you were wondering about your husband and son, they have already returned home. Luke's throwing some tantrum was brought on by the fact that he was exhausted and starving. You can see them again tomorrow. Take some rest. Lucas told us to convey those words to you.”

I remained silent. They have not received my response even though I peek at them. I did nothing but focus my concentration on them. I can't help but question whether they are my parents or not. In addition, I do not have a part in the rush of blood that everyone else repeatedly describes when meeting your family member even if you lose your memory.

My heart should remember them, right?

“After your meal, you must be laid back to bed and take some rest to gain more strength. Lucas claims that you will soon be discharged.”

“When?”

“We don't know yet. I am certain that your doctor already agrees with this decision.”

Upon hearing that, and thinking back on his behavior towards me earlier. My wish right now is to stay here rather than go home with him.

“Do you think it's a good idea, Mom?” full of anxiety, I raised a question to her. She just stared at me. “I mean, what if I remain in this place for a few more days until I regain access to my previous memories? How was that?”

The pressure wrapping around my body was caused by Lucas conversation with me earlier. He made me more worried than my memories.

What if Lucas used to physically hurt me before because of my immorality? Or is there some other aspect that sets off my anxiety and motivates me to choose to crash the car?

“Dear, you can't be serious right now, can you?” my mother replied, she was now nearly cracking up. “Why did you decide to stay here instead of returning to the mansion? You are more comfortable—”

“Dad, what do you think?” I cut my mother's sentence and face my father who is still silent. “Just what if? Will Lucas be upset about my decisions if I told him that?”

“Of course. You knew Lucas very well, Adeline. His name and reputation are important in this town, and he must care for both of them.”

My eyes boar to my father for a moment.

Right, I don't remember anything yet. I must get additional information from them in case I want to make it through while I'm living with them.

“What does my husband do for a living, Dad?”

He gave a thoughtful look to my mother.

Like Lucas, don't they believe me too? Do they also think that I'm making all this up?

“You don't have to answer me, Mom.” I weakly added, disappointed by the fact that even my family couldn't answer as they couldn't trust me. “Soon, I'll fetch the answer by myself.”

I took the spoon she offered and wiped it with a table napkin. That's fine Adeline, don't be mad.

“It has been a few years since your husband has held this town's mayor position. He has been re-elected to the position multiple times as a result of his effective leadership. The people in this town like the governance of your husband.” eventually, my father gave me an answer.

“He the mayor of the town? Does he work in politics? Am I right?”

I couldn't help but ask question after question. My mind was so curious about Lucas works.

Is this the reason for his hostile demeanor earlier because he has something important position in this town? Probably!

”Yes, dear. He is the mayor of Santa Monica. The looks on your face now reminded me of your young self who was very interested in an expansive assortment of matters in life.” my mother expressed in a gloomy tone.

She came closer to me to hide behind my ear some stray strands of my hair that had fallen from my head and landed on my face.

“By learning that, you should be careful with your actions so you don't tarnish his image as his wife. Look at how this accident of yours has made headlines and spread throughout the district. What would happen if it became widely known to them that you don't have any memories? They going to question Lucas action that instead of bringing you to the large hospital, he is bringing you home. It is going to be a hot topic in the entire neighborhood. Lucas can gain sympathy too with these occurrences. But your husband doesn't like the spotlight.”

That's when I pieced together why he was so angry at his accusation earlier. If I really cheated on him, that would extremely jeopardize his name. What I want to remember immediately is why I accomplished that for him. He looks responsible and a loving person too.

What else is missing in him that I had done that? Time? Affection?

Lucas seemed like he was much of this for us. In addition, I am interested in the identity of the guy behind the third party. Perhaps I was irresponsible then, and he was overdramatic?

I messed up my hair violently. I would like to recollect everything as soon as possible.

“Please eat your dinner, now. Your husband just sent me a message now informing me that you will be discharged tomorrow.”

Tomorrow? Why Lucas was such in a hurry?

My parents were right. My eyes weren't fully open the following morning when I heard Lucas enter the room, followed by the doctor. She gave me a look that meant she was sorry as they disturbed me. Lucas proceeded directly to my bedside and assisted me to sit on my bed.

What is this action?

Is he genuinely concerned, or is he merely faking the effort in front of the doctor?

“Get up now, Adeline. It would be best if you continued to rest at home as no one disturbed you there.” Lucas voice sounds lovely to my ears, “We will be leaving now.”

He went as far as to support my lower abdomen to help me stand. I did nothing more than nod my head in agreement in silence. That did not satisfy him to the fullest. He even sat next to me, causing my bed to move. We have both faced my doctor for her additional explanation.

“Mr. Romanov, I already explain everything to you over the phone. Just in case she is experiencing an excruciating headache or any body pain, you should immediately take her to the nearest hospital. No second thoughts.”

“I always remember that.”

The doctor asked me some questions and gave me some preferable aid in case of emergency.

“Thanks, Doctor.”

The Doctor and a few nurses guided us to the hospital's parking lot. Lucas did not alter how he treated me in any way. He continued acting like was one of the important things in his life. But after closing the door of the car, I could see how his jaw tightened as he looked forward.

My husband changes immediately into another personality!

I decided to ignore what he did by focusing my attention outside the window, on the side of the road that was being crossed by the car.

“Since you claim you don't remember anything after waking up.” Lucas voiced out, breaking the silence between us. “I mean the guy you were having an affair. You also don't even remember him? Has he been erased from your mind too?”

I just nod without looking at him.

”Despite that, your immorality against me with him stayed the same. Still, I believe that you are acting and utilizing the accident to escape.”

Blinking my eyes twice was the only reaction I offered him. I was pissed off. Lucas appears to have two different faces. He treats me nicely when other people are around; however, when it's just the two of us, he comes to be as harmful as the wild animals. All it takes is for me to make one mistake. Surely, Lucas will instantly seize and devour me alive.

I was about to speak up when he prevented me by raising one of his hands.

“Don't you dare make an effort to explain if you keep telling me you still don't remember your name. I am already exhausted from your lies, Adeline! Even if you tell me over and over again that you don't recall anything, nothing will change. You still cheated on me, betrayed my trust, and ruined our entire family!”