37: Secrets

Khana and Richard had spent the entire day bustling with excitement and joy, preparing for their baby shower. Friends and family filled their house, bringing gifts and well-wishes for the little one on the way. 

With Khana's radiant smile, graciously received everyone while Richard played the perfect host, ensuring all were comfortable and entertained.

The venue was delighted with a blend of pastel hues and baby-themed adornments, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. There were games, laughter, and an abundance of love shared among the guests. 

"Congratulations! I knew you two were blessed," says one of the guests.

Khana faintly smiled and exchanged a subtle kiss on the cheeks with the lady who handed over a huge box wrapped in gold riffles and red ribbon.

Then, the expectant mouthed, "Thank you."

"I can't believe I'll be a grandmother after five months! How's life, my child? I told you, Mother knows best. And, you made the right choice when you trusted your mom on who to marry," says Karyle.

"Yah," Khana simply agreed, but deep inside, she was ashamed to tell her mother that her married life was not as colorful as Karyle thought. 

Khana was not complaining about the decent life she had right now. However, her heart yearned for something that would make it rip from her chest, just like what Henry does every time she sees him.

Suddenly, loneliness steals her from the reality. She has been stuck to the memory of their past when it was her and Henry's dream to have a baby together, but now they couldn't be a happy family. She is married and having a baby with Richard. 

She only snapped back to reality when Richard caressed her face and asked if she was feeling unwell. 

She whispered to him, "Honestly, I'm a bit tired.

Shortly after, Richard concluded the party. He sees to it that guests have been sent off properly. 

The couple finally bid farewell to their last guest as the day turned into evening. Exhausted but somehow happy, they surveyed the remnants of the celebration with a sense of fulfillment.

"I'm going to lie down for a bit," Khana said, her eyes heavy with fatigue. Richard nodded, kissing her forehead gently.

"Rest, my love. You deserve it," he mouthed.

Khana made her way to the master bedroom, her body yearning for the comfort of their bed. She slipped beneath the covers, sinking into the plush mattress and allowing sleep to claim her instantly.

When she awoke, the room was shrouded in darkness, save for the soft glow of the moon filtering through the curtains. She reached out, instinctively seeking Richard's presence beside her, but found the space empty. Puzzled, Khana sat up, rubbing her eyes as she tried to shake off the remnants of her slumber.

"Richard?" she called softly, but there was no response. She glanced at the clock; it was well past midnight. Concern began to gnaw at her as she slid out of bed and padded towards the door.

The house was eerily quiet, the echoes of the day's merriment long faded. Khana moved through the dimly lit hallway, her steps light and careful. She knew where she would find him—the library, his sanctuary.

As she approached the slightly ajar door, she heard Richard's voice. He was on the phone, his tone low and filled with a tension she rarely heard from him.

"I'm nervous and I don't know what to do," Richard's voice trembled slightly, betraying his usual composed demeanor.

Khana's curiosity was piqued, and she leaned closer, straining to hear more. Who was he talking to? What was making him so uneasy?

"I'm dying with guilt here. I wanted to tell her the truth, but she's in a difficult situation," Richard continued.

Khana's heart skipped a beat. What truth was he referring to? She tried to piece together the fragments of his conversation, but it was like grasping at smoke.

"Could it be about his health?" she murmured. She clearly remembers what Bettina told her which forced her to marry Richard. What else could have been more serious than the fact that Bettina revealed Richard's critical condition?

Her mind raced with possibilities, each more terrifying than the last. She edged closer, almost pressing her ear against the wall.

"What if she hates me for hiding the truth?" Richard's voice was laden with anguish.

Khana's breath caught in her throat. Should she confront him? Should she reveal that she knew about his health concerns? But what if there was something else? What if there's something she hadn't even considered?

"You know that child is not..." Richard's words were cut off abruptly.

Khana's heart pounded in her chest. What was he about to say? She was desperate to know, but just then, the maid called out her name from the hallway.

"Mrs. Khana, why are you still awake?" says the maid, whom Richard assigned to watch his wife 24/7; Khana had no knowledge she'd been watched.

Startled, Khana pulled back from the door, her pulse racing. She turned to see the maid approaching, her expression one of concern.

"Yes, I'm here," Khana replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Richard ended his call quickly and stepped out of the library, his face a mask of surprise and concern when he saw her.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.

Khana forced a smile. "I woke up and noticed you weren't in bed. I was worried."

Richard's expression softened, and he wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry, love. Just had some things on my mind."

She nodded, but the unease remained. They returned to the bedroom together, but Khana's thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and fear.

That night, sleep eluded her. 

She lay beside Richard, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing, her mind replaying his words like a loose stereo. 

What was he hiding? What was the truth he was so afraid to reveal? And what did it have to do with their child?

As the first light of dawn crept into the room, Khana knew she had to find out. 

The secret Richard was keeping was like a dark shadow over her sanity, and she couldn't ignore it any longer. 

She needed to know the truth, no matter how it may distress her.