Memories in the Garden

Adrien wandered aimlessly through the garden, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. The cool evening breeze carried the faint scent of roses, a bittersweet reminder of the moments he had once shared with Sophie.

He stopped at the old stone bench, his gaze softening as he ran a hand along its surface. This spot—this very place—had been their sanctuary. The memories flooded back, vivid and raw.

---

A Memory of Love

It was a late afternoon, and the golden sunlight had filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow over Sophie's face. She sat on the bench, laughing as she struggled to arrange a bouquet of wildflowers Adrien had picked for her.

"You're hopeless at this," she teased, holding up a crooked bundle of flowers.

Adrien chuckled, leaning closer. "It's not about the arrangement. It's about the thought behind it."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Well, the thought is sweet, but the execution could use some work."

He plucked a single daisy from the bunch and tucked it behind her ear. "There. Now it's perfect."

Sophie blushed, her laughter fading into a soft smile as their eyes met. "You're such a charmer, Adrien Moreau."

"And you're the love of my life, Sophie," he replied, his voice earnest. "I'll never let anything come between us."

---

Back to Reality

Adrien clenched his fists, his chest tightening at the memory. He had meant every word that day, but life had other plans. Sophie had been ripped away from him, and he hadn't been able to protect her.

He sank onto the bench, his head in his hands. "Sophie…" he whispered, his voice cracking. "Where are you? Do you even remember me?"

The garden around him seemed eerily quiet, as if mourning alongside him. Adrien's mind raced with questions. Was the woman in the hospital truly Sophie? If it was her, why had she denied it?

The uncertainty gnawed at him, but amidst the pain, there was a flicker of hope. If there was even a chance that she was his Sophie, he wouldn't stop until he found out the truth.

---

A Promise Renewed

Adrien stood, his resolve hardening. He looked up at the stars beginning to dot the sky, as if searching for guidance.

"I'll find you, Sophie," he vowed quietly. "I don't care how long it takes or what I have to do. I'll bring you back to the life we promised each other."

With one last glance at the bench, Adrien turned and walked back toward the mansion, the echoes of their laughter still lingering in the garden.