Chapter 6: The One-Month Promise
The air inside the hospital room grew heavy after Lina's request.
One month.
It sounded short.
But for Lina, it was everything.
She stood silently, afraid to speak again. Afraid that if she pushed too much, Adrian would change his mind and take back even that small chance.
Adrian watched her quietly.
Her eyes were red.
Her hands were trembling slightly.
For some reason… his chest tightened again.
He frowned.
That strange feeling was back.
But before he could think further, Sophia spoke.
"One month seems unnecessary."
Lina stiffened.
Sophia crossed her arms.
"If Adrian already decided… why drag it out?"
Lina clenched her fingers.
She looked at Adrian instead of responding.
"Please…"
Her voice was soft but firm.
Adrian hesitated.
He glanced at Sophia briefly.
Then looked at Lina again.
"One month," he repeated.
Sophia frowned slightly but didn't argue further.
Lina let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
"Thank you…"
She wiped her tears quickly.
"I'll bring your lunch later."
She turned and left the room.
The moment she stepped outside, her legs weakened.
She leaned against the wall.
Her heart hurt so much she could barely breathe.
But she couldn't give up.
Not yet.
One month.
She would use every moment.
—
Inside the room, Sophia sighed.
"You're too soft."
Adrian looked at her.
"Am I?"
Sophia nodded.
"You don't owe her anything."
Adrian stayed silent.
Something about those words didn't sit right with him.
"She's still my wife," he said quietly.
Sophia froze slightly.
Then she forced a smile.
"Only legally."
Adrian didn't reply.
But her words lingered.
—
Later that afternoon…
Lina returned with lunch.
She paused outside the door, taking a deep breath.
She needed to stay strong.
She pushed the door open.
Sophia was still there.
Lina expected that.
She placed the food on the table quietly.
"I made your favorite."
Adrian looked at her.
"My favorite?"
Lina nodded.
"Chicken soup."
Adrian stared at the bowl.
Something faint flashed in his mind.
A blurry memory.
Warm kitchen.
Soft laughter.
But it disappeared instantly.
He frowned slightly.
"Thank you."
Lina smiled gently.
She carefully poured the soup.
"Be careful… it's hot."
Adrian took the bowl.
He tasted it slowly.
His expression paused.
It tasted…
Familiar.
Warm.
Comforting.
He didn't know why.
"It's good," he said quietly.
Lina's eyes softened.
"I'm glad."
Sophia watched silently.
Her fingers tightened slightly.
Then she spoke casually.
"Adrian, your parents called earlier."
Adrian looked at her.
"They know about the accident?"
Sophia nodded.
"They're flying back tomorrow."
Lina froze slightly.
Adrian's parents.
They were overseas for business.
They loved Lina very much.
If they knew Adrian wanted divorce…
Lina's heart tightened.
Adrian nodded.
"Okay."
Sophia continued.
"They were worried."
Adrian leaned back slightly.
"I'll talk to them tomorrow."
Lina remained silent.
Her mind filled with worry.
Adrian's parents…
Would they support her?
Or…
Would they accept Adrian's decision?
—
Evening came.
Sophia finally left.
"I'll come tomorrow," she said gently.
Adrian nodded.
After she left, silence filled the room.
For the first time—
Only Lina and Adrian remained.
The atmosphere felt awkward.
Lina adjusted the blanket quietly.
"You should rest."
Adrian watched her movements.
She looked natural.
Comfortable.
Like she belonged here.
"Did you… always take care of me like this?" he suddenly asked.
Lina froze.
Then she nodded softly.
"Yes."
Adrian stared at her.
"Why?"
Lina blinked.
"Because… I love you."
Her answer came without hesitation.
Adrian's chest tightened again.
He looked away.
Love.
Such a simple word.
Yet…
He couldn't feel it.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly.
Lina smiled faintly.
"You don't have to apologize."
She stepped back.
"I'll stay tonight."
Adrian looked at her.
"You don't have to."
"I want to."
Adrian hesitated.
Then nodded.
"Okay."
Lina sat on the chair beside the bed.
Night slowly fell.
The room dimmed.
Adrian closed his eyes.
But he couldn't sleep.
He felt Lina's presence beside him.
Quiet.
Gentle.
Comforting.
He didn't understand why…
But her presence didn't bother him.
Instead…
It made him feel strangely calm.
Hours passed.
Adrian slowly opened his eyes.
Lina had fallen asleep on the chair.
Her head rested against the bed.
Her face looked tired.
Adrian frowned slightly.
She looked uncomfortable.
Without thinking…
He reached out.
And gently pulled the blanket over her shoulders.
Lina stirred slightly but didn't wake.
Adrian stared at her quietly.
Why was she trying so hard?
Why didn't she give up?
He didn't understand.
But as he watched her sleeping face…
That strange feeling in his chest returned again.
Warm.
Faint.
Confusing.
Adrian slowly closed his eyes again.
Not knowing…
That his heart…
Was already beginning to remember.
Even if his mind…
Still refused.