Chapter 3: Family Portrait

The words he spoke went straight over my head without a chance for me to process them. My actions earlier may have triggered his response, leading him to behave in this manner. This is his way of showing me his other side.

"We're here, get down," he snapped at me.

I quickly turned to the window and met with his furious expression. He's right, we have arrived at the grand mansion. The car pulled into the garage and halted in front of the main entrance. Without a word, I opened the door and stepped out slowly. I had assumed that he would assist me as he had earlier when we left the hospital, but my expectations were proven wrong. As soon as my feet touched the ground, he sped off, leaving me standing outside with no idea of where he was rushing off to. Perhaps to work? It's possible.

"Do I live here?" I questioned aloud.

I scrutinized the immense mansion from where I stood, but like earlier, it felt like my first time being here. I couldn't sense any familiarity with the place.

"Come inside, Adeline. Perhaps you've forgotten the feeling of being here, just like how you've forgotten your memories." my voice echoed behind me.

I took hesitant steps towards the entrance and was welcomed by the maids. They seemed unsurprised by my presence, and each one who crossed my path bowed in respect. I tried to offer a smile in return, but I couldn't recall their names. It's unlikely that Lucas informed them of my current situation, as he is still suspicious of my state. I made my way into the mansion, and immediately, my eyes were drawn to a family portrait. The image captured the smiles of my husband, our child, and me; it exudes life and radiates love. In the photo, we gaze at each other, as if we own the world together. Looking at the picture, our marriage seems passionate and invincible.

"How could I have cheated on him when we love each other so deeply? Lucas had everything, and it's evident in my eyes here that I love him beyond measure. And he feels the same way. Where did I go wrong? When did our situation take a turn for the worse?" I pondered, studying the photo.

Was his actions truly outrageous enough for me to seek revenge?

I took a deep breath, still unable to find an answer. Does our family's picture convey perfection or just a facade?

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Luke approaching me. It wasn't until he hugged my leg tightly that I realized he was there.

"Welcome home, Mommy!" his eyes sparkled with joy as he looked up at me from below, still clinging to my thighs.

"Hi, Luke..." Even saying his name feels like the first time for me now.

"Mommy, since you've forgotten everything because of the unexpected accident, would you like me to give you a tour of our mansion?"

A happy smile instantly spread across my lips. The way he pleads with me is adorable, his eyes resembling those of a puppy. I couldn't resist pinching his chubby cheek.

"Will you do that for me, Luke?"

"Of course, Mom!"

With my hand in his, Luke eagerly tugged me along. But before we could take a few steps, he suddenly stopped and gasped as he caught sight of someone behind us.

"Daddy, would you like to join us?"

It was then that I realized Lucas was behind us all along. So preoccupied with Luke, I had forgotten about him.

"Sure, Luke. Together, we'll help Mommy remember everything about this mansion."

Lucas took hold of Luke's hand, now sandwiched between the two of us.

"Awesome!" Luke jumped up and down with excitement.

And so, we embarked on our tour of the mansion, guided by this genius kid. He pointed out each area and its designated purpose, revealing the vastness and grandeur of the estate. As I marveled at it all, a question nagged at the back of my mind - how could I have betrayed my husband when we had everything?

"And that's the most important place in the mansion, Mom, the one we always visit," our tour was coming to an end. "Finally, Mommy, would you like to come to my chamber and engage in some playtime? It's been quite some time since you last joined me with my toys."

Before I could respond, Lucas interrupted. I was secretly grateful for the interruption, as my feet were still aching. I wanted to rest and get some sleep.

"Luke, there's no rush to play with your Mom. Don't you know that she's unwell? She's been in the hospital for a few more months, and she still needs to rest to fully recover. Is it alright with you if you play with her another day?"

Luke's face showed disapproval as he shook his head repeatedly. I understand him, he must be eager to spend time with me.

"No, Dad! I want to play with Mom now."

"Luke—"

I was taken aback when he suddenly lay on the floor and threw a tantrum. I clutched my chest, shocked by his behavior. Despite his loud crying, Lucas called his nanny and asked her to pick him up. Hearing this made me want to give in to Luke's request, just so he would stop crying.

Maybe this is what it feels like to be a mother. It was the first time I had this connection with him as his mother.

"Take some rest. Our room is right over there."

After the nanny left with Luke, Lucas instructed me on what to do and where to go.

"Wait, can I sleep in Luke's room—"

"No. You'll sleep in our room!" Lucas said, before walking out.

Look at his temper!

The room I wanted to sleep in wasn't anyone else's but our son's. Lucas seemed strange and a bit harsh with his statement.

"Lucas, just a moment!"

I attempted to pursue him, but my efforts were in vain as I lost my bearings, and he eluded me. My vision failed me, and I could not spot his whereabouts as he slipped away. Dejected and frustrated, I retreated to our bedroom, devoid of any other course of action. Collapsing onto the bed, I attempted to process and make sense of the bewildering turn of events. However, despite my persistent efforts, I failed to recollect or understand anything.

In a fit of anger and desperation, I turned to the closet housing our clothing, finding a temporary outlet for my jumbled emotions. But even after venting my anger, the turmoil within me remained unabated. Seeking solace and respite, I opted to submerge myself in a warm bath, adding the petals of what I believe to be my cherished flower, nestled within the cabinet.

As I immersed myself, fervently praying for a moment of tranquility or reminiscence, I lost track of time, consumed by my thoughts.

"Give me peace of mind or remind me of the past so I can be calm," I whispered while still soaking my naked body in the tub.

It was only when I heard the door to our room slam open with force that I was jolted back to reality. It could only be Lucas, returning to check on my whereabouts. In haste, I hastily draped a towel around my naked body, racing outside to meet him.

But before I could reach him, a loud crash sounded from within our room. Panic-stricken, I rushed outside, only to find Lucas lying on the ground, lifeless.

"Oh my goodness, Lucas!"

Shock and horror washed over me as I covered my mouth, petrified by the sight before me.