31: Khana's decision

Khana's heart sank. The confirmation hit her harder than she expected. Bettina had been telling the truth. Richard's time was limited. She left the doctor's office with a heavy heart, the weight of her decision pressing down on her.

Khana sat on the edge of the staircase at the fire exit, her hands trembling. Tears streamed down her face as the weight of her guilt crushed her. She had been blind to Richard's silent suffering, unaware of the tumor that had been causing him immense pain. The realization hit her like a tidal wave, leaving her gasping for breath.

Khana fled to the restroom. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes red and swollen. As she splashed cold water on her face, she tried to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside her. She needed to make a decision, and she needed to make it now.

"Is marrying him the best thing I can do?" she whispered to her reflection. "Will I regret it in the end?"

She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. "Maybe, this time, I can focus on truly loving him," she told herself. 

"I will always be reminded that his time is short. I shouldn't inflict pain on him anymore," she added.

She put on makeup and practiced a smile before coming out of the restroom. The lady went to his father's ward, whereas Karylle welcomed her with an embrace. 

"Where have you been last night? I'm glad Richard took care of you."

"Mom, I'm going to marry him as soon as possible," Khana firmly uttered.

Karylle stood in the hospital room, her heart pounding with both trepidation and relief. The events of the past week had been a whirlwind of emotions, leaving her drained yet hopeful. She couldn't believe the transformation she saw in her daughter, Khana. Just yesterday, Khana had been adamantly opposed to the idea of marrying Richard. Yet here she was today, surprising her mother with a sudden change of heart.

Karylle's thoughts were a jumble of confusion and gratitude. "She was so against it yesterday," she mused silently. "I don't know what happened, but what's important is that our family will survive." She reached out and pulled Khana into a tight embrace, pressing a kiss to her daughter's cheek. "Thank you, Khana. This is the best thing you could have done today."

Their tender moment was interrupted by a voice behind them. "What's all this commotion about?" It was Khana's father, his voice weak but filled with warmth. He had just woken up, his eyes fluttering open as he slowly regained consciousness.

Karylle and Khana turned to him, joy flooding their faces. They both leaped onto his hospital bed, careful not to disturb his IV lines and bandages. They wrapped their arms around him, their laughter echoing through the room. It was a scene of pure, unadulterated happiness. The padre de familia was safe, and for now, that was all that mattered.

"We have wonderful news!" Karylle exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Khana and Richard's marriage will take place sooner than we planned. Isn't that amazing?"

Khana's father smiled, his eyes glistening with tears of relief and pride. "That's wonderful news indeed. I'm so proud of you, Khana."

Have you regained your memories? Didn't you have temporary amnesia?" Khana's father asked.

Khana felt a cold sweat running all over her body. She remembered how foolish she had been for faking her amnesia only to delay the wedding and propose to end it, yet look at now, she ends up on the same ground.

As soon as Khana's father was discharged from the hospital, preparations for the engagement party began in earnest. The event was to be held at Richard's family resort, a beautiful location that had been a favorite spot for both families over the years. 

Despite the rushed timeline, they agreed to keep the venue and the theme the same. The wedding would still be held in the church, although Henry, the priest originally set to officiate, would not be able to perform the ceremony as he had been reassigned to another province.

It is not a surprise for Khana since Henry told her about it already. Although it broke her heart, she thought it would be better for the priest to never show up on that day anymore. It might be better to never see that priest in her entire life...

The love she had for the priest is slowly turning into hatred and disappointment. She ignores the shame only to beg the priest to choose her, and even after they make love, he still abandons her.

The engagement party was a grand affair, filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. Friends and family gathered to celebrate the union of Khana and Richard, their smiles masking the underlying tension that only a few were aware of. 

Khana moved through the crowd with grace, her hand tightly held by Richard, who seemed oblivious to her inner turmoil.

After the festivities, Richard took Khana's hand and led her away from the crowd for a stroll around the resort. The moonlight bathed the path in a soft glow, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the noise of the party. 

Richard stopped near the edge of the lake, pulling Khana close to him. He looked into her eyes with a sincerity that made her chest tighten.

"Khana, thank you for staying with me," he said softly. "I don't know how I would live if I lost you completely."

Khana forced a smile, her heart heavy with unspoken words. She gently tapped Richard's back, trying to muster the enthusiasm she knew she should feel. Inside, a storm of conflicting emotions raged. 

She was grateful for everything Richard had done for her family, especially during her father's illness. His support had been unwavering, and she felt indebted to him. Yet, a part of her felt trapped by this obligation.

'This is the only thing I can do to pay you back for all the good things you've given me and my family,' she thought silently.

"I'll stay until death do us part," Khana replied aloud, her voice steady. But in her mind, she added, 'I'll stay until you run out of time.'