The mysteries of her

Shen breathed a long sigh of relief after his parents left.

They were just. so. much. work.

He glanced at the petit little wife next to him and was taken aback. Her eyes were glistening as she bit her lower lip trying not to cry.

He put his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"Now now, they will come back to visit you soon. I promise."

He felt her cute head nod obediently under his chin. Internally he was cursing himself. He'd now have to make sure that his annoying parents came back to visit Lina regularly.

"Shen, but shouldn't I be the one visiting at the old residence? It's not right for mother and father to have to take the trouble to make a trip to us."

This silly woman, wasn't she aware that there was a double assassination attempt on her life just three months ago!?

"You're not to leave the estate for a bit, Lina. Last night was a mistake. You should have been asleep."

Shen's tone was authoritative. It pricked Lina's heart and sparked indignation in her.

"You would have been dead had I not rushed over!"

"It's dangerous outside. Why don't you understand! Stop being foolish!"

Lina was seething now. She didn't like hearing him talk to her like this, especially calling her foolish. She had rushed over the previous night because she was so worried and scared for him. She felt like an idiot for caring about him.

"You have no right to stop me. I'm not your prisoner!"

"I am your husband! Of course I have the right to protect you!"

They both were raising their voices now, frustrated and hurt that the other didn't understand.

"What husband! I don't even know you!"

With that, Lina stormed upstairs to the bedroom, slamming and locking the door behind her.

Shen was left standing in the empty hallway to cradle his wounds. He was hurt beyond what words could express. He'd always given her her own space, never asked where she snuck off for 'running errands', why she secretly sent texts out burner phones, or why she was so interested in some of his deals and collaborations.

He observed her so well, even when she thought he wasn't looking. It made him wonder why he fell in love with her and married her without a second thought. He'd known all along there were these mysteries about her, but he enjoyed not knowing everything.

She was bright, and clever and she could keep up with him. Maybe arrogance led him to believe nobody, including Lina could ever hurt him. So he let her keep playing.

But enough was enough.

'She's my wife, and my responsibility and now she's vulnerable and foolish because I let things go. If she acts rashly now, it will be on me.'

He regretted not digging deeper and getting things out in the open earlier. When he needed it the most, she forgot it all.

Upstairs in the bedroom, Lina sobbed into her pillow.

"Why do I keep feeling like this!"

She scolded herself angrily, frustrated at Shen and unable to piece things together. She just couldn't reconcile her head and her heart.

Nothing made logical sense, but her emotions were so strong. It left a constant sense of unease and confusion.

She was so angry at Shen a moment ago. But now that she thought about the hurtful words she spat at him, she felt regret and pain. She wanted to apologise and have him coax and embrace her.

'I'm just angry at myself. Shen probably knows better. What do I know? I couldn't even remember my name and my face.'

He had devotedly looked after her and cared for her when she could have been discarded just as easily. He was a powerful, independent man. What was she?

She wiped her tears away and decided to make up with him. She didn't like feeling like this. Just knowing that was enough for now.

She opened the bedroom door and was startled to see Shen standing right outside, about to knock.

"Sweetheart-" he started, looking apologetic.

Everything she planned to say was forgotten in that moment. After her tantrum, he was still the one looking sorry.

She threw herself in his arms and stayed there for five whole minutes before speaking.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't take you for granted. You know better."

His eyes softened at her face. She was growing back into her own. He was reminded of how she used to be before the amnesia. There was a look of calm decidedness and self reflection. Somehow, the confidence was beginning to return.

"You're so silly, angel. You don't have to apologise. Recuperation is hard, and losing your memory is even harder. I understand your frustration."

His gentle, soothing voice set her mind at ease immediately. She was awed at the effect he had on her.

'I can tell why I fell in love with him.'

But there was something she really needed to ask.

"Ever since I woke up, I've been clueless about my life. I don't have a phone, or a job or friends. I know nothing of my family, not even if they're alive. I feel so empty."

Shen's understanding of her emotions became clearer. How could she just revert to her old self when she doesn't know what she's capable of, when she doesn't have contact with the people who look up to her?

Of course she was like a child, a lost bunny.

"There's a lot to talk about, angel."