CHAPTER TWO TAKE ME HOME OR GO TO JAIL

Rhea arrived at the hospital, her bike screeching to a halt in front of the entrance. She quickly untied the rope securing Luca and let his head rest against the handlebar before rushing inside.

"Doctor! Nurse! Someone, please help! He's losing a lot of blood!" Rhea's panicked voice echoed through the hospital corridor.

A doctor passing by turned toward her, alarmed. "What happened? Who's losing blood?"

"He's outside! Please, help me bring him in!" she pleaded, her voice trembling with fear.

The doctor nodded sharply. "Nurse, bring a stretcher!"

Rhea led the way as the doctor and nurses rushed outside. As they approached the unconscious man, the doctor did a double take. Isn't this Luca Carson, the famous CEO of Carson Group of Industries? He squinted, trying to be sure. No, that can't be right. If it were him, the media and his people would be swarming the place. He shook off the thought.

The nurses hurried to place Luca on the stretcher and wheeled him inside.

"You're going to be okay, sir," Rhea whispered, watching him disappear into the hospital.

As they made their way to an emergency room, they were forced to stop—another patient was already occupying the space. The staff scrambled to prepare another room, leaving Rhea standing anxiously by the stretcher.

One of the nurses paused, her eyes narrowing as she studied Luca's face. "Wait a minute… isn't this the CEO of Carson Group?" she murmured. How could someone so powerful be in such a tragic accident without anyone accompanying him—except for this girl?

Curious, the nurse slipped away to a quiet corner and pulled out her phone. She searched Luca Carson online, hoping to find a contact number. While she couldn't find his personal line, she spotted another number linked to his company. Deciding to take a chance, she dialed.

Back at the Accident Scene

Mia spotted Luca's phone buzzing on the ground. She picked it up and answered.

"Hello? Who is this? Where is Mr. Luca?" Mia's voice was sharp with frustration.

Silence.

"Hello? Can you hear me?" she demanded.

Nothing. The call ended abruptly.

Mia's grip on the phone tightened. "Why would someone call and not say anything?" Her stomach twisted. No… I refuse to believe Luca is dead. But how could she find him?

Just then, another phone rang. Ethan, one of Luca's closest associates, checked the caller ID. His number was publicly listed on Carson Group's website for business inquiries, which meant anyone trying to reach Luca might contact him instead.

Stepping away from the noise, Ethan answered. "Hello?"

"Is this one of Mr. Luca's associates?" a voice asked urgently.

"Who is this?" Ethan frowned. "I can barely hear you."

"I'm calling from City Hospital. Mr. Luca—"

The connection crackled.

"What? City Hospital? What about Luca?" Ethan tried to make out the words, but the line went dead. The storm had weakened the signal.

Ethan hesitated. City Hospital? Could Luca really be there? Without wasting another second, he ran to his car and sped off.

Back at the Hospital

On the stretcher, Luca stirred. His vision was blurry at first, but shapes and colors slowly came into focus. A hospital ceiling. Bright lights. And then… a face.

He blinked. Who is she?

"Where am I?" His voice was hoarse.

Rhea gasped and rushed to his side. "You're in the hospital! You're awake!"

Before Luca could respond, Ethan arrived at the hospital, scanning the area. His eyes swept over the corridor, searching for his friend.

Luca spotted him instantly. Panic flickered in his eyes. No. He can't see me.

Without thinking, Luca grabbed Rhea by the wrist and yanked her toward him—so hard that she lost her balance. Before she could react, her lips crashed onto his.

Their eyes widened in shock.

Ethan, unaware of the scene unfolding, sighed. "Doesn't look like he's here. Maybe that call was a mistake." He turned and walked away.

As soon as Ethan disappeared, Rhea pulled back, her face burning. "You—" Her words stuck in her throat before anger took over. "You idiot!" Without thinking, she slapped him.

Luca's head snapped to the side, and his eyes rolled back as he lost consciousness again.

Rhea gasped. "Oh no! Sir, I'm sorry! Wake up!"

Nurses rushed over and wheeled him into a room.

"I'm sorry!" Rhea shouted after them, groaning as she smacked her forehead. "Why did I slap him?!"

Carson Estate

Meanwhile, back at Carson Estate, Mia and Luca's associates arrived to more bad news—Mr. Alan Carson, Luca's father, had suffered a heart attack.

One of the executives murmured, "Luca is dead. Mr. Alan is in critical condition. Who's going to handle the company now?"

A tense silence followed.

Two Hours Later

The doctor finally emerged from Luca's room. Rhea rushed forward. "Is he okay? Is he out of danger?"

"Yes," the doctor assured her. "He suffered a head injury, but he'll recover. He's conscious now—and asking for you."

Rhea hesitated. Why is he asking for me? Swallowing her nerves, she entered the room.

Luca was sitting up, resting against the bed's headboard. His expression was unreadable, his gaze locked onto her.

Rhea slowed her steps. Why is he looking at me like that?

She forced a nervous smile. "Are… are you okay?"

Luca's face remained blank. "You tried to kill me."

Her eyes widened. "What?! No! I swear, it was an accident!"

Luca ignored her protest. "Then tell me something."

"What?"

"Who am I?"

Rhea froze. "You… you don't know?"

Luca pressed a hand to his bandaged head. "I don't remember anything."

Panic flared in Rhea's chest. "But—how? What do you mean you don't remember?"

The doctor entered. "It's temporary amnesia due to his head trauma. He's lost some of his past memories."

Rhea turned to him, horrified. "But… but how am I supposed to find his family? I don't even know his name!"

Luca smirked slightly, despite his injury. "Since you caused my accident and my memory loss… you have two options."

Rhea gulped. "What options?"

Luca's voice was firm. "Take care of me until I get my memory back."

She raised a brow. "And if I don't?"

"Then get ready to go to jail."

Rhea's jaw dropped. "WHAT?!"