12: Back off! She's mine

Khana's gaze flickered for a moment before she responded, her tone tinged with sadness. "The church where it all began," she said softly.

Richard's heart sank as he realized the significance of her words. Memories flooded his mind, both sweet and bitter, of their journey together. But overshadowing it all was the image of the sinister priest, Henry, whom he suspected Khana had grown too fond of. Despite his mounting fears, Richard forced himself to remain calm. He knew he had to confront his suspicions head-on, but the thought filled him with dread.

"I'm just telling you. I don't need your help. I want to go there on my own feet."

Richard was torn between forbidding her to go there or letting her go, but dragging himself to where she wanted to go. He sighed and replied, "I'll go with you. No more buts. I need to look after you."

'I need to look after both of you and tear you apart, slowly yet surely,' he mumbled to himself.

"Wait here. I'll go ahead and wear appropriate clothes before going to church," says Khana in a plain voice and expressionless face.

Richard had no choice but to tag along as the lady decided to go to church. Glancing at the calendar hanging on the wall, he realized it was indeed Sunday. He tried to rationalize Khana's sudden desire for church attendance, telling himself that perhaps she sought solace in the homily. Yet, a nagging worry tugged at the edges of his thoughts.

"It's not like that guy is the only priest in the church. It could be another priest," he mumbled to himself, trying to quell the rising unease. Deep down, he couldn't shake off the thought of Father Henry, the priest he despised. 

He cleared his thoughts and his gaze went sharp as he added on his mumble, "But... if it was him who'll do the homily. I'll make sure he won't think of a way to approach my lady. 

I can't let them get closer. Now that my beloved is vulnerable. Who knows what he'll do? He might be a servant of god, but everyone knows there are immoral ones. They are like a fox hiding in sheep's clothing."  

Khana's voice interrupted his internal debate, her raised eyebrow a silent question. "If you want to stand there, then I shall take my leave now," she declared, her tone tinged with impatience.

He almost jumped in surprise when Khana asked what he was thinking, standing there like a stupid guy. She raised her eyebrow and interrupted his internal debate. She raised an eyebrow in a silent question. "If you want to stand there, then I shall take my leave now," she declared, her tone tinged with impatience. 

Richard snapped out of his reverie. Richard immediately ran after her, who was standing next to the door, ready to click the doorknob. Khana was silent throughout their way to the church. He reached out and gently squeezed her hand, a silent gesture of reassurance. "Take a seat, Honey," he whispered to her ears as they found their place among the pews.

It wasn't long enough when the mass started. Father Henry, the priest conducting the service, initially appeared composed. However, as his gaze inadvertently fell upon Khana and Richard, tension crept into his demeanor. He struggled to maintain his focus, torn between his duty to the congregation and the unwanted distraction before him.

At the back of his mind, there was chaos saying, 'Is she looking at me? Did she go here right after the hospital sent her out? She lost a lot of weight, just how much stress she is right now?' 

He wanted to ask how is she. However, he knew it would only lead to a problem. the guy beside the lady he holds dear might misunderstand his action. 

With a sigh, Father Henry closed his eyes, willing himself to ignore the couple seated in the church. His heart ached at the sight of Khana, a woman he loved deeply but could never have. 

He had long resigned himself to the agony of unrequited affection, determined to protect her from the turmoil of his own emotions. Although he was happy to see her again, yet he wished they could have visited another time, specifically when he was out of commission for church duty. 

He rather let her hate him, than give her false hope. His love for her was no ordinary, it's the kind of love that he is willing to silently scream in heartache rather than pursue her just to ruin her life. He thought that she was now in good hands. There's nothing else he could ever wish for than to see the love of his life living comfortably with the man who will treasure her for eternity. He only wants the best thing for her.

On the other hand, Khana simply found herself drawn at the altar to stare at the guy who was busy doing his obligation. She knew it was trouble letting her feel such an unwanted feeling of wanting to get close to the priest who claimed to be one of her closest friends. The maiden is aware of how sinful she is right now, but her heart wouldn't even let her sane mind win the war.

As the homily drew to a close, the congregation began to disperse. When the homily ended, the people scattered; only a few people stayed.

Khana remained behind, a weight settling in her chest as she contemplated seeking solace in confession. Yet, before she could act, Richard entered the confessional, preempting her.

After Richard finished speaking, there was a moment of silence. Father Henry took a deep breath before responding. "Richard, I understand your concern for Khana. But you must trust that I have only her best interests at heart. I would never do anything to harm her. I never intended to ruin your relationship."

Inside the confessional, Richard's voice was firm as he addressed Father Henry. Richard scoffed, unconvinced. "Forgive me if I don't take your word for it, Father. But I'll be keeping an eye on you."

"Stay away from Khana," he demanded, his tone laced with warning. "She's mine."