MY PERFECT BODYGUARD CHAPTER FORTY NINE: JOURNEY TO REMEMBERANCE

Upon awakening, Richard realized he wasn't in a hospital, triggering his fury. Stepping outside, he discovered he was in one of Gloria's warehouses. Three security personnel approached, inquiring about his well-being.

"I'm fine," Richard replied, perplexed. "But why am I not in a hospital?"

"We were following orders from Boss Gloria. She wanted you brought here," one of the security personnel explained.

Suspicion gnawed at Richard as he contemplated the circumstances. 

The doctor attending to Richard expressed sympathy for him, urging him to take it easy as he regained consciousness. When Richard questioned why he wasn't taken to the hospital, the doctor, Dr. Philips, defended himself, stating he was called in and closely supervised during the process.

Philips delved into the truth about Richard's lost memories, revealing that they were intentionally erased and suppressed with drugs. Intrigued, Richard sought more insight into his own identity.

"I can't help you personally, but I know someone who can," Philips disclosed cautiously. He stressed the need for secrecy, fearing Gloria's retributions. Handing Richard a paper with specific locations, he urged him to seek help from traditional individuals living in Truto village.

"These people may seem outdated, but they can help jog your memories without causing you pain," Philips advised, detailing the journey involving buses, trains, and a river crossing.

Grateful for the information, Richard thanked Philips, recognizing the weight of the responsibility placed upon him as he prepared to embark on a quest to uncover the truth about his past.

Returning to headquarters, Richard began his preparations, packing his bag and changing into clean clothes. Heading to the mainland bus stop, he boarded the bus bound for Sari village after purchasing a ticket. Upon reaching the river, he encountered numerous boats and was approached by a woman in her early thirties.

"Where are you headed?" she asked.

"Truto village," Richard replied.

Surprised, she offered to take him there for a dollar, emphasizing the rarity of such trips. Richard found the cost outrageous, but the woman, also a talented singer, convinced him with the promise of entertainment during the journey.

As they sailed, her melodic voice captivated Richard, prompting him to inquire why someone with her talents chose to be a boat driver.

"Not everyone has big dreams to chase. This is my dream, and I love it even if it doesn't bring in millions. I feel happy doing this every day," she explained, her words resonating with Richard.

Curious, she asked about his dreams, to which Richard replied, "As it stands now, I don't know if I have a dream. But once I find what I'm looking for in Truto, maybe I will know."

"Well, whatever your dream is, I hope you find it," Cynthia said, smiling. When Richard asked for her name, she introduced herself as Cynthia. The name triggered a sense of familiarity in Richard, though he couldn't pinpoint why.

As they reached the bank, Richard gave Cynthia 10 dollars, and she expressed her gratitude before leaving with the boat. As Richard ventured into the village, its simplicity struck him – locals dressed in traditional attire, carrying clay pots, and engaging in daily routines.

Walking further, Richard attempted to ask a passerby a question, but the man panicked and fled, leaving Richard puzzled. Continuing his journey, he encountered three girls who smiled at him, expressing admiration for his looks. Seeking directions, Richard approached them politely.

"Can you guys give me directions or help me find someone?" he asked.

The girls, captivated by his presence, gladly provided directions to the clinic. There, he met an old man who, upon hearing Richard's predicament, directed him to Hana, the village rehab specialist.

Following the directions, Richard found himself in front of Hana's place. As he approached, a tall and beautiful young girl caught his eye. Lost in thought, he was snapped back to reality when she asked, "Hey, what do you want?"

With an innocent look, Richard explained, "I'm looking for a woman called Hana. I come all the way from Mainland City, and I have some memory loss. I was told Hana could help me."

As Richard finished speaking, an elderly woman in her 60s walked out of the house, discovering her daughter, Doris, with a stranger.

"Since when did you start seeing men, Doris?" the mother exclaimed.

Doris explained, "Mama, this guy said he's looking for you. He said you could help him with his memories."

Hana, the elderly woman, responded, "Well, I can't help anyone with empty bellies." She handed them two kegs and instructed them to fetch water for cooking.

Surprised by Hana's immediate assumption, Richard joined Doris as they headed to the stream. During their conversation, Doris noted Richard's high-quality attire and speculated about his background.

"Are you from a rich family or something?" she asked.

Richard clarified, "No, I'm a security and bodyguard assigned to protect a company owner."

Doris, smiling, inquired about his pay, expressing curiosity about their lifestyle. Doris explained the challenges faced by her community and expressed regret about the government's negligence.

"Why do you want to get your memories back here?" Doris questioned. Richard explained the potential dangers in the city and the artificial loss of his memories, leading him to seek help from Her mom.

Doris commented on the lack of excitement in the village, mentioning the last real fight she witnessed at the age of 15. Richard, amused, agreed and shared a laugh.

"You look like a fighter yourself," Doris said.

"As a bodyguard, I should be," Richard replied with a smile.

"Why fight?" Doris teased. "A good-looking guy like you could just marry a billionaire's daughter, and boom, your life is made."

Richard laughed, saying, "Well, I don't think that's the kind of life I want. I might not remember a lot, but I definitely want to marry for love."

Impressed, even our"Richy," wants to marry for love the word "richy" triggering a brief flashback for Richard. Composed, he assured Doris he was okay. As they fetched water and returned home, Hana started cooking, and Richard, eager to recover his memories, approached her.

"I really need to see my memories and start going back," Richard said.

Hana explained, "Memories are not something you can know all at once. It's a gradual process. If you seem desperate, it won't come back all at once."