Chapter 1 – The Perfection
Ever felt like something is missing, despite having it all? That gnawing void inside that makes you question yourself, wondering if you're being greedy for wanting more from what's already perfect.213Please respect copyright.PENANAzWVlnMTP8q
Constance jolted awake, her body drenched in sweat, her heart pounding wildly. Panic gripped her as she surveyed her unfamiliar surroundings, feeling lost in time and place.213Please respect copyright.PENANA5bb1Z3LqAp
"Where am I?" she whispered, her voice barely audible in the silence. A surge of disorientation washed over her, leaving her trembling and vulnerable.213Please respect copyright.PENANAcOdLLyHYFm
She looked around, the absence of the familiar objects washed like a wave over her. Constance was lying on a poorly—laid mattress on the cranky and rotten looking wooden floor. There was a dim light in the room, making the atmosphere look more hostile than ever.213Please respect copyright.PENANAs84WVu7yQq
Air was heavy and hard to breathe, when she tried to stand up she understood that her legs were as still as stone, unresponsive to the command of the desperate mind. Panic surged through her veins as she struggled to comprehend the inexplicable paralysis that had seized her body.213Please respect copyright.PENANApMcYheK7hR
As she lay there, Constance's emotions swirled between trepidation and curiosity, uncertain of what awaited her in this unfamiliar place. Filled with hope of the salvation, she decided to gather last bits of her strength to call for help.213Please respect copyright.PENANA5CPAQ7Oh1G
"If only someone would come and aid me," Constance thought to herself, a yearning plea echoing in the depths of her mind. "If only I could escape this place before it becomes my final resting ground."
As she pondered her desperate situation, a wave of weakness surged through her body. Overwhelmed by the weight of her circumstances, she felt her consciousness slipping away. The edges of her mind grew hazy, and with a final gasp of awareness, she succumbed to the embrace of unconsciousness.213Please respect copyright.PENANAcFA4mjBctS
Constance was unsure how much time had elapsed when she noticed the silhouette of a tall, strong man moving about her room. Fear gripped her, causing her to pretend she was still asleep while discreetly observing his actions. Although she couldn't see his face, there was a familiar aura that made her believe he was a good-hearted person. Conflicted emotions flooded her as she debated whether to call out for help or remain cautious. Then, he turned around, and at that moment, she recognized him—it was him.213Please respect copyright.PENANAP9sEWyy21L
The man was tall, with a commanding presence that caught the eye. His blue eyes shone with a captivating intensity, drawing others in. His face was strong and chiseled, with angular cheekbones and a defined jawline. His body was muscular and athletic, revealing a fit and healthy physique. His hair, a tousled chestnut, added a touch of rugged charm to his overall appearance. Together, his height, piercing blue eyes, and handsome features made him an unforgettable presence in any room.
She caught a glimpse of him carrying a plate of delectable food, its enticing aroma filling the air. Intrigued, Constance fully opened her eyes and found herself face-to-face with the stranger who had entered her room.213Please respect copyright.PENANAEZnMlPCwNP
"Good morning, sleepyhead," he greeted her with a bright, warm smile that radiated positive energy. His words spilled forth, revealing his genuine concern. "You know, I've missed you. It's been about three days since we arrived home, and you haven't woken up. I started to worry, but I'm glad you're okay now."213Please respect copyright.PENANAj7zTMLnpX3
His words seemed rehearsed, carefully chosen to convey both his worry and relief. However, Constance was too weary to notice the intention behind them. Instead, a genuine sense of happiness washed over her as she realized there was someone who cared about her well-being.213Please respect copyright.PENANANm6Jk1xeS6
Unable to resist the comforting presence and the enticing scent of the food, she mustered a grateful smile and whispered softly, "Thank you." It was a simple gesture, but it carried a profound depth of appreciation for his care and concern. At that moment, Constance felt a glimmer of hope and warmth, grateful for the presence of this stranger who seemed to hold her best interests at heart.213Please respect copyright.PENANAcVBriFX8dd
As she slowly raised herself, strength returning to her body, Constance reached out to take the plate of food from the man's hands. A profound sense of gratitude washed over her as she tasted each bite, feeling blessed by the nourishment that filled her hungry stomach.213Please respect copyright.PENANAOEJJdzMptL
Midway through her meal, she noticed the man's unwavering gaze fixed upon her. Sensing the need to break the silence, she mustered the courage to initiate a conversation.213Please respect copyright.PENANAQyjKdDYE1r
"Do you know where I am?" she asked, her words punctuated by the chewing of the chicken in her mouth. The moment the question left her lips, his expression shifted, transforming from one of happiness to a profound sadness. His eyes reflected pity and a deep sense of care for her.213Please respect copyright.PENANAvC49qC7yoV
Constance's nerves began to fray as the man remained silent, seemingly unable to provide an answer. She could sense his reluctance, prompting her to press further. "Why won't you reply?" she asked, her voice tinged with anxiety. "I'll ask you again, where am I? And why?"213Please respect copyright.PENANArp7J3upzqZ
With a calm and gentle demeanor, he began to speak. "Listen, Constance," he said softly, attempting to ease her fears. "Don't be scared. I am here, and I will never let you go again. My name is Gabriel, and I am your husband."213Please respect copyright.PENANAGD6d92pYjV
The revelation struck her like a bolt of lightning, leaving her momentarily speechless. "My husband?" she stammered, confusion swirling within her. "How old am I?" Countless questions raced through her mind, but a fear of shattering the fragile connection they had formed held her back. She dared not interrupt him, afraid that he would vanish and never return.213Please respect copyright.PENANA0fCcG22I7X
"Continue," she said firmly, her determination pushing her to seek the truth. Gabriel took a deep breath and continued his narrative. "We've been married for 15 years, and three days ago, we went hiking. During the hike, you had an accident. You slipped from a rocky ledge and fell to the ground. You've been unconscious for the past three days, and it seems you have amnesia. You don't remember anything. We are on a remote island, where we came for a holiday."213Please respect copyright.PENANAeHNh0YK46g
A heavy silence hung in the air as Constance absorbed the weight of the information. Doubts and questions swirled within her mind, questioning the authenticity of Gabriel's words. "Why don't I remember anything?" she whispered to herself, her voice filled with uncertainty.213Please respect copyright.PENANA3k4tzAW90m
Gabriel, sensing her internal struggle, left a moment of space before speaking again. "Now, Constance, I'll leave some clothes for you on the bed. Please dress up and come downstairs. I'll be waiting for you."213Please respect copyright.PENANAhDsMVzPhAG
With that, he left a delicate handmade dress and a pair of summer sandals near her bed, a silent offering of guidance and a gentle push to move forward. Constance's eyes lingered on the attire, its beauty contrasting the confusion that enveloped her. She knew she had to make a choice—to trust Gabriel and follow the journey of rediscovery or remain imprisoned in the darkness of her fragmented memories.213Please respect copyright.PENANAuh4WFOg1gt
As she held the dress, flashes of memories began to flicker in her mind. Vague images of her wearing similar dresses, attending gatherings and events, and a feeling of happiness and contentment washed over her. These glimpses into her past hinted at a life filled with love and joy, but the details remained frustratingly elusive.213Please respect copyright.PENANAbOeVPMDFzZ
Making her way downstairs, she found Gabriel waiting for her in a cozy living room. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the furniture. The room was adorned with photographs, capturing moments frozen in time—smiling faces, breathtaking landscapes, and cherished memories.213Please respect copyright.PENANAqSBxtom6wP
Gabriel turned to face Constance as she entered the room, a mixture of anticipation and concern in his eyes. "Constance, I'm glad you're here," he said softly. "I know this must be overwhelming for you, but please believe me when I say that I love you more than anything. We came to this remote island to reconnect and rediscover ourselves, to find solace in the beauty of nature."213Please respect copyright.PENANAf0Qw6d39t9
Constance searched his eyes for the truth, and despite her amnesia, she sensed a profound sincerity in his words. There was a connection between them, a bond that transcended the boundaries of memory.213Please respect copyright.PENANAUtOxvEgLBx
"I... I want to believe you," Constance replied hesitantly, her voice trembling with vulnerability. "But it's all so surreal, Gabriel. I can't remember anything, not even our life together. How did we end up here? And why?"213Please respect copyright.PENANAdRsxzAkeRx
Gabriel took a deep breath, his eyes filled with compassion. "I wish I had all the answers, Constance. But right now, what matters is that we have an opportunity to create new memories together. Let's explore this island, discover its secrets, and maybe along the way, your memories will return."213Please respect copyright.PENANAu8p5sd1SnC
As Gabriel reached out his hand, Constance felt a flicker of trust ignite within her. With a mix of apprehension and hope, she took his hand, ready to embark on a journey of rediscovery—a journey that would unravel the mysteries of her past and reveal the depth of their love.213Please respect copyright.PENANAqZvNUh2DX7
As Constance listened to Gabriel's tales of their idyllic life together, a part of her wanted to believe every word. The love he described, the dreams they shared—it all painted a picture of a life that seemed too perfect to be true. Yet, she had no other narrative to cling to, no memories of her own to challenge his words.213Please respect copyright.PENANAhyZV0os2g4
"I will do anything to protect you, Constance," she heard her name spoken with sincerity on Gabriel's lips. At that moment, a wave of warmth and reassurance washed over her, soothing the doubts that had plagued her mind. It was a feeling she couldn't deny, an intuitive sense that his words held truth.213Please respect copyright.PENANAebs6R05rlM
With renewed trust and a glimmer of newfound hope, Constance walked alongside Gabriel, their steps echoing the rhythm of their shared journey. They made their way back to their cottage, where a sense of familiarity and comfort awaited them.
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