40: What was he so afraid of?

Khana stood in front of the mirror, a hint of determination in her eyes. She had made up her mind. The days of silently suspecting Richard's involvement in her Father's business troubles were over. Thus, If she wanted answers, she would have to play a more active role. 

She adjusted her blouse and took a deep breath. Today, she was going to be the affectionate, doting wife. She glanced at the neatly packed bento box on the kitchen counter. It was filled with her husband's favorite dishes, each one meticulously prepared. This was her ticket into his world. 

She went to the office on the pretense of a caring wife bringing food to her husband. However, the truth is she wants to see what he has been doing in the office, hoping there will be a useful rumor about her father's company. Surely, office workers love to gossip, and when there's fire; there will be smoke. 

Arriving at Richard's office, Khana walked through the entrance, her steps light but purposeful. She smiled at the receptionist, who greeted her warmly. “Good morning, Mrs. Santillan. Here to see your husband?”

“Hi, good morning,” Khana replied, holding the bento. “I brought him lunch. Thought I’d surprise him.”

The receptionist’s face lit up. “How sweet! He went outside just a few hours ago, but you can wait in his office if you like.”

“Thank you,” Khana said, maintaining her cheerful demeanor. She headed towards Richard’s office, her eyes scanning the surroundings discreetly. She could hear the murmur of voices, the hum of office life, and occasional bursts of laughter. 

She knew this was where she needed to be if she wanted to uncover any whispers about her father’s company.

Inside Richard's office, Khana placed the bento on his desk. The room was immaculate, a reflection of her husband’s meticulous nature.

 She took a seat, pretending to admire the view from the window, all the while listening intently for any snippets of conversation from the adjacent rooms. After a few minutes, she decided to make a detour to the restroom since she couldn't hold back her waterbag.

As she was about to leave the cubicle, Khana’s heart quickened. She closed the door again and silently stayed there, listening to the sound of heels clicking against the tiled floor. She was about to leave when she heard a familiar voice.

"I'm just giving you an idea. She'll eventually know about this," Bettina’s voice echoed through the restroom, tinged with urgency.

Khana froze, her curiosity piqued. She leaned her ears closer to the door. She held her breath, straining to hear the conversation.

"Don't you trust me?" Bettina continued, her voice rising slightly.

Khana’s mind raced. Bettina was Richard’s business partner, always impeccably dressed and fiercely loyal to him. What could she be talking about?

"It's not like you stole it from her. You were helping her instead."

'Stealing what?' her mind mumbled. How she wished she could hear what was the response of the person over the other line of the phone.

"If you keep this from her, she'll get mad. She loathes liars the most," Bettina said firmly.

Khana’s heart pounded in her chest. Who was Bettina talking to? What were they hiding from her? The realization that this conversation might be about her made her blood run cold.

"What are you so afraid of? She's already married to you. All you have to do is make her love you again. I believe she once loved you, although not as much as she loves that man," Bettina’s voice grew fainter as she moved towards the exit.

Khana waited a few moments before unlocking the cubicle door and stepping out. She had to stay calm, but her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and suspicions. 

She made her way back to Richard’s office, her pace quickening as she processed what she had just heard.

As she approached the elevator, she nearly collided with Richard. He looked surprised but pleased to see her. “Honey, you didn’t tell me you were visiting. Since when have you arrived?” he asked, leaning in to kiss her.

Khana forced a smile, her mind still reeling from the conversation she overheard. “Just an hour ago. I left your lunchbox at your table since you weren’t there when I arrived.”

“That’s so sweet of you, Honey,” Richard said, beaming.

Khana smiled back, though it felt hollow. She needed answers. 

“I was wondering, how’s my dad’s business doing? He sounded worried when I talked to him a few weeks ago.”

Richard’s expression faltered for a split second, a subtle change that Khana didn’t miss. “Maybe you’re just overthinking. I’ll check on him when I have time. No worries,” he replied, his tone too casual.

Khana felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She knew Richard well enough to sense when he was hiding something. Why couldn’t he be honest about the current state of her family’s business? What was he afraid of?

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside. The ride was silent, filled with unspoken questions and hidden tension. As they reached their floor, Richard squeezed her hand. “That's so sweet of you, Honey. I appreciate you bringing me lunch. It means a lot.”

Khana nodded, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “Of course, anything for you.”

As they walked back to his office, Khana’s mind was racing. She needed to find out what Richard was hiding and what Bettina’s cryptic conversation meant. She decided to stay a little longer, hoping to pick up more clues. Office workers loved to gossip, and she was determined to find the smoke that would lead her to the fire.

Back in Richard’s office, he settled at his desk, opening the bento with a grateful smile. Khana watched him, her heart heavy with uncertainty. She needed to keep up the charade, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.

Khana noticed how her question made her husband uncomfortable. Then, she asked herself, why can't he be honest about the current state of my family's business? Maybe he was the one who ruined it in the first place, and now he's guilty?