HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 25

Rise from the Ashes

Lia sat in the emergency room, clutching the flash drive with trembling hands. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air, and the beeping of heart monitors created a haunting rhythm that echoed her racing heart. The explosion replayed in her mind like a nightmare from which she couldn't wake. The thought of Lucas, possibly lost to her forever, sent waves of despair crashing over her. Just as hope seemed to slip away, a nurse approached urgently.

"Ma'am, someone is searching for you. We found a patient near the explosion site."

Lia's heart raced, her breath hitching in her throat. "Where is he?"

"Follow me," the nurse replied, leading her down the bustling corridor. The hospital noises faded into a background murmur as Lia focused solely on the possibility that Lucas might still be alive.

They paused outside a room. The nurse turned to Lia, her expression serious. "He's in here. His injuries are serious, but he's asking for you."

Lia nodded, her hands shaking as she pushed the door open. The room was dimly lit, and Lucas lay on the bed, bandaged and still. She approached cautiously, her voice barely a whisper.

"Lucas?" she called, her voice trembling.

His eyes fluttered open, and their gazes locked. Relief surged through her, but it was fleeting as she sensed something was wrong. Lucas's eyes were blank, his expression filled with confusion.

"Who are you?" he asked weakly.

"L-Lucas, it's me, Lia," she managed, her voice breaking. She glanced at the nurse, who looked puzzled and quickly left the room. Alone with Lucas, Lia tried to hold back her tears. "What happened to you?"

Lucas frowned, pain etched on his face. "Lia? I... I don't remember anything."

Lia's heart shattered. "It's okay, Lucas. I'm here. You'll be okay."

He stared at her, struggling to understand. "Why are you here? How do you know me?"

"Just know, Lucas, that you're safe right now. I won't leave you," Lia said, crying but smiling. She reached out to touch him, but he recoiled, knocking her aside with surprising strength.

"I don't know you," Lucas said sharply. "Leave me alone!"

"Lucas, don't you remember me? I'm Lia." Tears streamed down her cheeks as she trembled.

Lucas glared at her. "I don't know any Lia. Get out!"

"L-Lucas..." Lia tried to approach again, but he pushed her away forcefully, causing her to stumble and fall to the floor.

"Why are you doing this?" she begged, jumping up.

Lucas faced her, grasping his head in distress. Then Major Ocampo and the doctor entered the room, acting quickly.

The doctor observed Lucas's outburst while Major Ocampo helped Lia to her feet. "We need to talk, Lia," He murmured, casting an eye on Lucas. "Outside."

Lia hesitated, glancing back at Lucas, whose expression was pain and anger. But Major Ocampo gripped Lia's arm and urged her out of the room.

Outside, Lia stood in shock as Major Ocampo revealed Lucas's condition. "He's suffering from retrograde amnesia," he explained. "He can't recall anything from before the explosion."

Lia felt disoriented. How could Lucas forget her, their love, everything they had shared? "Major, how did this happen?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear and desperation.