Chapter 3 The Joy of Losing and Regaining

Chapter 3

I steadied my trembling hand and quickly took a photo as evidence.

Just as I was about to leave, someone suddenly patted my shoulder.

I jumped instinctively and threw a punch.

"Hannah, it's me!"

Clara dodged my attack, her face pale with fright.

I hurriedly hugged her, anxiously asking where she had been.

But Clara just looked at me suspiciously.

"You really scared me! Why did you run instead of hiding? And why didn't you answer my calls?"

I swallowed hard and quickly took out my phone.

The signal showed a small cross, indicating it was out of service.

Before I could explain, the patrolling security guard seemed to be heading our way.

What bad luck!

I interrupted Clara, who seemed about to say something, and dragged her outside without a second thought.

Though it was a bit rushed, it was enough.

These pieces of evidence were enough to prove that this so-called "Mathias" was definitely problematic! I spent the night organizing the evidence I had captured, converting the contents of the files into text, working until the first light of dawn.

Although the psychiatric hospital's management was lax, someone might still review the surveillance footage and discover traces of our intrusion.

I had to act quickly and get someone to conduct a thorough investigation.

After being brushed off by the police last time, I couldn't fully trust them. I had no choice but to take the materials to Eliza, a journalist I had long collaborated with.

Upon hearing about my recent experiences, Eliza's eyes immediately gleamed with journalistic acumen.

"Take it easy, let's sit down and discuss this calmly."

She led me to a closed-off break room and personally made tea.

The scent of green tea calmed my nerves considerably.

"So... you suspect that your husband has been replaced?"

I nodded, handing the evidence to Eliza. As she flipped through the files, her expression grew increasingly grave.

If this were true, it involved more than just infidelity-it was a matter of life and death!

"I'll help you investigate this thoroughly. For now, can you write down a brief account of the events for me to record?"

Biting my lip, I took the paper and pen she handed me and began writing.

I worked as a writer for an emotional magazine, often recording stories, so this wasn't difficult for me.

Soon, I had organized the events and handed the notes to Eliza.

Just as she was about to thank me, her gaze suddenly froze.

Puzzled, I looked at her and asked what was wrong.

Eliza quickly composed herself, smiling and shaking her head.

"Wait a moment, I'll get you some more water."

Watching her leave, I fidgeted uneasily on the soft leather sofa in the newsroom, a sense of foreboding rising within me.

That strange look in her eyes... it sent chills down my spine.

Could it be... I dared not think further and grabbed my bag, ready to leave.

But just as I reached for the door, it creaked open.

Standing there was a face I knew all too well.

Mathias!

I looked at him warily, ready to bolt.

But Eliza just looked at me with a complicated expression, holding the photos and notes I had given her.

"Hannah... you should seek treatment soon. It's okay, medicine is very advanced nowadays."

I stared in shock at the two pieces of paper, suddenly realizing something.

The handwriting on both materials was identical...

I opened my mouth but couldn't utter a word.

Mathias's expression remained gentle as he extended his hand to me.

"Hannah, let's go home."

As if possessed, I obediently let him pull me up and lead me back to our familiar house.

Once inside, I could no longer contain my doubts.

Listening to my stammered questions, Mathias just looked at me with a tolerant gaze.

After I had vented my emotions and collapsed on the sofa, he gently wrapped his arm around my shoulder, half-hugging me.

The warm, familiar scent of my husband enveloped me, and my taut nerves gradually relaxed.

He took out his phone and showed me a photo.

The background was still that psychiatric hospital, and the person in the hospital gown... was me!

I looked at my husband in disbelief, hoping for a reasonable explanation.

Mathias gently rubbed my head and began to speak softly.

In his account, I was the one with a hereditary mental illness, and I was the one who had been sent to the psychiatric hospital.

But a few days ago, I had escaped.

The doctor had told him that the new medication I was taking had side effects, causing memory confusion and mixing dreams with reality.

So, my recent "experiences" were likely due to the medication's side effects.

Mathias exhaled slowly, his smile gentle.

"Since you're out, just stay home. I'll take care of you."

Hearing his gentle voice, my eyes welled up with tears.

I threw myself into his arms and cried my heart out.

No matter what, the joy of getting back what I lost saved me from the brink of collapse.

Mathias gently patted my back, letting my tears soak his shoulder.

After venting all my emotions, I calmed down a bit, tracing Mathias's face with my fingertips, and all my remaining doubts vanished.

My husband wiped away my tears and changed the subject with a smile.

"You should thank Clara later. She broke her phone trying to find you."

Thinking of the long list of missed calls, I felt a pang of guilt.

I clenched my fists and silently vowed.

I would definitely get better and live a good life!