The Devil incarnate

As Lina looked out of the window, the capital was a sight to take in. The night lights lit up the dark sky and brought the city alive. It was as if the stars had descended to Earth. She gasped as she stuck her little face to the window, both hands on the glass.

Shen laughed quietly as he observed her child-like wonder. But he suddenly felt really sad, realising that they drove this route every evening after he picked her up from work, just because she loved looking down at the city from a distance. Now she was looking at it like the first time. She'd forgotten the moments they'd spent together, driving by with her hand locked in his.

As he was lost in thought, he felt a soft hand sneak into his and intertwine her dainty fingers with his big ones. His eyes widened as he looked her her face smiling back at him. He moved closer to her as she turned back to look out of the window.

With her hand still in his, he hugged her tiny waist and rested his chin on the side of her neck. He took a deep breath as her light, familiar scent rose up to him.

Lina's heart was beating out of her chest as she blushed, her eyes still glued to the view in front of her. But she was unable to think of anything but his soft breathing near her neck and the warmth and comfort of his arms around her waist.

She heard a little voice in her head tell her she wanted to stay like this forever, away from the world. It didn't matter that she didn't remember his face, because her body clearly remembered his aura. Even though her head was telling her to run, she knew she'd rather stay by his side.

"Shen" she said quietly. It was barely a whisper but he heard her.

He instinctively moved back to give her space. But she held his arms around her refusing to let go, making him breath a sigh of relief and happiness.

"Yes, my love?"

"I know I can't remember you now. But I want to. I will try my best to get my memories of us back. Please be patient with me." she said quietly.

He buried his face into her neck and smiled broadly. They hadn't lost everything. She still wanted to be his.

"Of course. Always. I promise we will get through this together." he said as she kissed her cheek softly.

A few minutes later they stopped in front of large steel gates leading to the Moshi family's central mansion. Lina stared out of the car window in wonder as they drove through the extensive estate and grounds.

There were beautiful lamps lighting the driveway. She couldn't see clearly but there seemed to be gardens and trees surrounding the driveway. She longed to explore the place in the daytime. She made a mental note to ask Shen to take her on a walk through the estate.

As they neared the mansion, she could see the massive structure ahead. She was wonderstruck at the stunning architecture. It was built with the snowiest marble with intricate, yet sturdy carvings on the pillars. As they walked up to the entrance, Lina was excited to rush inside to look at the house. But Shen held her back firmly. There were stairs leading up to the porch and there was no way, in her condition, would he let her walk - no matter how excited she was.

This wife would have to be obedient and get spoiled rotten. He wasn't going to let her out of his sight and make sure she wouldn't walk up a single step.

With one sweeping, smooth move, she was in his arms being carried up the front stairs to the porch. She had no time to protest. As the doors of the mansion opened, there was an army of servants, a head butler, housekeeper and numerous maids lined up to greet the mistress on her return. Lina was embarrassed at being carried in in front of everyone so she quietly buried her face in Shen's neck.

He smiled to himself and whispered to her, "Welcome back, Mrs. Moshi."

With that she buried her head even deeper into his neck, blushing at full force. She had no idea what it felt like to be a wife, much less a wife of a man as important as Shen. From what it seemed, this young master was a prince.

The head butler immediately bowed and greeted them politely as they stepped in.

"Welcome back young master." he gently smiled at the shy woman in Shen's arms and said, "Welcome back madam, we are so happy and so relieved to see you looking well."

"Thank you..." she said quietly, looking up at Shen for an introduction.

He quickly remembered to introduce her to the Butler.

"Sweetheart, this is Butler Min." The old man, who had been fluid in his bows and movements and command over the rest of the servants looked puzzled and unsure of himself for the first time. Why did the madam need an introduction! She was particularly close to him, as he was fond of her. He was personally in charge of looking after her every wish.

Shen realised he had to inform the staff of Lina's condition. With Lina still in his arms, he spoke quietly to the Butler.

"Min, please inform the rest of the staff that madam has not fully recovered and has been having trouble with her memory. She must be taken care of at all times."

Min looked at the frail woman with the lost expression in his master's arms and felt his stomach drop. With a closer look, he could tell she had no idea the strong and confident woman she used to be. She seemed like a little kitten in a world too big.

"I'm sorry Butler Min, that I cannot remember you or anyone else." she looked at his kind, empathetic face and smiled, "I'm sure you have always been kind to me. And I hope you can continue to take care of me."

"Anything for madam." he said with a gentle look in his eye.

"Min, make sure nobody talks about madam being back in the capital. She will remain within the grounds of the estate for the time being." Shen instructed the Butler.

He nodded and waved at the middle-aged lady who looked worried enough to pull her hair out. As he walked away towards the back of the entrance hall, the rest of the staff followed the woman who was the housekeeper, as she walked with Butler Min. He would handle everyone and inform them of the situation.

The Moshis' staff were personally selected by Butler Min and were sworn to the utmost secrecy of what happened within the estate. They were highly trained and loyal to the Moshi household.

"Let's go upstairs to the bedroom so you can rest." Shen said to an overwhelmed Lina, who was still looking around at the grandeur of the mansion.

"Okay..." she said absentmindedly, as her eyes drifted to the walls, taking in the carefully chosen art and paintings that tastefully dotted them.

Shen laughed as he said, "I promise I will take your around and familiarise you with the mansion tomorrow. It's time for you to rest. You've already overexerted yourself for today."

Lina nodded as she snuggled closer into his arms. Wasn't she just so lucky that this man, even though a stranger, was such a sweet husband?

She just hadn't seen that he could be the devil incarnate.....yet.