Richard paced the living room, and his fury was evident in every tense step he had taken.
Meanwhile, Khana stood across the room, her pulse racing, her mind filled with dread. She had seen Richard angry before, but there was something different about this time—his anger felt more dangerous, more unhinged.
She knew one aggravating move or thing she said, and everything could spiral out of control quickly.
The room was suffocating in its silence, the weight of their unresolved conflict hanging heavy between them. Just when it seemed like Richard might explode, the doorbell rang, cutting through the tension like a blade.
Khana's body jolted at the sound, as though she had been yanked back from the edge of a cliff. Moments later, a woman stepped inside, her heels clicking sharply on the marble floor.
"Richard, I hope I didn't come at the wrong time?"
Richard’s lips curled into a smirk. "You just came at the right time, Chloe. Have you contacted the lawyer you recommend? I need to file adultery as soon as possible."
Khana almost lost her balance upon hearing Richard's statement. Khana’s knees buckled, and she gripped the back of a chair for support. Adultery? Her mind raced, spinning with disbelief and panic.
She absentmindedly mouthed, "What should I do?"
Chloe glanced at her with something that resembled pity, but Khana barely noticed. Her mind was consumed by the terrifying reality unfolding before her—Richard was ready to destroy her life.
Khana worries the most is how to make the court favor her. She has no evidence to refute, and surely Richard has schemed witnesses and evidence just to win the trial.
She tried to follow Richard and Chloe to eavesdrop, to catch some snippets of their conversation. She needed to know what they were planning. But just as she took a step forward, Kharl’s cry pierced the air, pulling her back to reality. She sighed in frustration and hurried to comfort her child. Even in the middle of her crisis, she couldn’t ignore her motherly duties.
'There's no telephone or phone to use. How am I supposed to get help? I can't even get out of the house,' she thought bitterly while sweetly comforting her baby.
Khana felt so helpless, only to grieve the freedom she may never have. Many people might say, 'Why not settle and stay married to Richard?' but she doesn't want to live with the one who felt no love. She only married out of pity, but look at the mess she's in…
She'd rather live as a single mother than stay with a pathological liar and manipulator.
She’d rather be a single mother than live with a man who saw her as his possession.
"Can I stay here for a bit? I have not properly greeted your baby and your wife. I haven't seen them yet," says Chloe.
Richard nodded and left without even bidding goodbye to his wife. He returned to the company to hold a meeting with a foreign investor.
"Richard, I do not want to see you," says Khana, mistaking Chloe over her Richard.
"So, it's true? You cheated on him?" Chloe asked.
Khana was confused. She stood up and opened the door only to be surprised to see Chloe on the other side of the door.
"I can't believe you are unjustly judging me when we're both women. I thought women understood each other better than this. You sided with a pathological liar and manipulator," Khana uttered.
"I never cheated on him. He cheated his way to have me and now he won't let go of me," Khana added.
Chloe's eyes glinted with something that looked like amusement. She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Do you want a divorce? Because I can help you," she whispered, as though she didn’t want anyone else to hear.
"How can I trust a word of my fellow lady who helped my husband find a lawyer to file adultery against me? I want custody of my child."
"You didn't realize, did you?" Chloe asked, still barely whispering to prevent the servant from hearing Khana and her.
"Realize what?" Khana asked.
"Who do you think sent you the health result? You wouldn't discover he isn't terminally ill, if it wasn't for me."
Khana’s heart stopped. She stared at Chloe, her mind struggling to catch up with what she was hearing. "That... that was you?"
"Yes," Chloe whispered, her lips barely moving.
Why would you help me?" Khana’s voice was barely a whisper. She didn’t understand why Chloe would want to expose Richard’s lies. What was in it for her?
Chloe’s smirk widened into a grin. "I’m not doing this for you," she said, her voice sharp.
"I want to ruin your marriage... leave him and get out of our sight. You didn’t cherish his feelings, but I do. I want to be his wife," Chloe responded.
"You didn’t appreciate him," Chloe continued, her voice cold. "But I do. I love him, and I’ll do whatever it takes to be his wife. So, here’s the deal—I help you get out of this marriage, and you disappear. You leave Richard to me," Chloe added.
Khana was speechless upon hearing Chloe's statement. She was happy to hear there was someone to help her get out of the marriage.
Chloe smirked. "If you cooperate, I have something to show you as well."
Khana met Chloe's foxy gaze as if telling her she should not waste any moment and simply readily agreed.
"You better help me leave the country as well. So, I won't ever appear between you and Richard," Khana replied.
Chloe smiled triumphantly. She said, "Consider it done."
Chloe’s smirk widened as she pulled out a brown envelope from her bag. She handed a piece of brown envelope to Khana and left the house without explaining what was inside.
Khana stood there for several moments, staring at the envelope in her hands. She felt like she was teetering on the edge of something dangerous, but there was no turning back now. Slowly, she opened the envelope, her fingers trembling.
A single sheet of paper slipped out, and Khana’s breath hitched as she read the words. Her mind whirled in a dizzying blur. Is he sterile? Then Kharl…
The paper slipped from her hands, fluttering to the floor. A chilling realization crept over her. If Richard was sterile, then Kharl couldn’t be his biological son. But that meant…
"No... no..." she mumbled, backing away from the document, her head spinning with a mixture of shock and dread.
In a daze, Khana sank into a chair, her mind frantically piecing together fragments of memories. If Richard wasn’t Kharl’s father, then it must be...
Khana sensed that something terrible was on the horizon, a storm brewing that would soon crash into her life. The court hearing for her divorce was approaching faster than she had anticipated, and with it, the overwhelming weight of judgment and loss. Anxiety gnawed at her, and each passing day felt like a countdown to disaster.Then, it came. A loud crash from downstairs snapped her out of her thoughts, sending her heart racing. Voices—angry, furious voices—echoed through the house. Her body went cold as she recognized the sound. Richard’s parents had arrived.As she descended the staircase, Khana’s legs felt like they were made of lead. She was nearly at the bottom when Richard's mother, Karylle, stormed toward her, grabbing her roughly by the arm and pulling her down the final steps. Khana gasped in shock, stumbling to the floor.Richard helped his wife stand up, it was never his intention to see Khana hurt. He was surprised as well, he never had seen how violent his mother would be
The courthouse was crowded, and the heavy weight of judgment and anticipation felt as if it would kill Khana. Whispers passed with the blade of knives in the air. The glances sent her way seeded contempt and hate. "Wretched wife," someone hissed from the back. "Shameless," whispered another. The words seemed to resound louder, filling the room: whore, traitor, unfit mother.Khana clenched her fists to help block out the hateful murmurs. Her gaze flickered over to Richard, who sat tall and composed on the other side of the courtroom. He looked every inch the wronged husband: calm, almost handsome. He was only making the public support him so much. Now Khana could really feel the weight of the room's collective disapproval bearing down on her, crushing what little resolve she had left.The banging of the gavel jolted her out of her reverie. The judge was an old woman who was strict and unyielding. "The court is in session," she said. "First up for today's docket will be the charge again
Henry was in the middle of a conversation with one of the nuns when a woman caught his eye. She wore a yellow sundress with white sandals, her long blonde hair cascading down her back, lips painted a bold red. Her presence was striking and familiar."Father...""Excuse me for a while, sister," says Henry.The nun nodded and left. Then, the priest walked in the lady's direction. He warmly greeted her, "What brings you here, Serina?"Henry looked around to ensure no one was around, still hesitant he asked, "How is she?""I heard she won the trial. I thought she'd be happy with Richard. I thought she'd live the best life with the man who loves her and can provide a wealthy life for her," Henry added, watching the clouds move.Serina took a breath before responding. "She's living with Kharl now. She divorced Richard.""I'm glad to hear she's out of danger now," says Henry, relieved after confirming the news."I bet she doesn't want to see me anymore. She'll always think being near me will
Father Henry stood in front of the confession room, adjusting his priestly robes. It had been a long day filled with prayers, counseling, and performing church services. As he prepared to take his seat inside the confessional, memories of his past started to resurface, memories he had buried deep within his heart. His mind wandered back to his younger days when he was just Henry, a passionate and spirited young man deeply in love with a woman named Khana. As he entered the confession room, he took a deep breath, preparing to offer forgiveness and guidance to those who sought it. Little did he know that the next confession would lead him down a path of emotions he had long suppressed. The sharp sound of a stiletto caught the attention of another man serving in the lord's presence. He looked up to see a lady with black hair, fair skin, and an alluring figure. "I wonder what a beauty like her has to confess," the guy mumbled as he watched Khana knock before entering the confession roo
"Father, what seems to be the problem?" The fellow priest asked Father Henry, his voice filled with concern, as he returned from chasing Khana through the corridors of the monastery.Father Henry forced a weak smile, trying to hide the turmoil in his heart. With a hesitant voice, he replied, "N-Nothing, the lady left something behind, so I tried to return it for her.""Oh, that beautiful maiden?" said Henry's fellow priest, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.Henry nodded, his gaze drifting into the distance. Then, with a heavy sigh, he said, "I would like to rest for a bit. So, please take over."He made his way to the priest's resting chamber, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. Collapsing onto the edge of the bed, he clasped his hands together tightly, his fingers trembling. With a vacant stare fixed upon the floor, he could not comprehend how he had missed the opportunity to recognize such an angelic voice—the voice that had haunted his dreams for years.Placing his p
Khana sat alone in her cozy apartment as soon as her fiance left. She went to the bathroom to take a bath. She rested her head on the edge of her bathtub and stared out the window.Her mind drifted back to the past. She couldn't help but reminisce about the time she had spent with Henry, the one who had once held her heart. It had been years since they had parted ways, but some memories refused to fade away.As the rain gently tapped on the window pane, Khana's mind was transported back to the day she met Henry. It wasn't a pleasant encounter at all. They quarreled at their first meeting because Henry was a distant person who refused to make friends. On the other hand, young Khana was talkative and loved to socialize with strangers. They were separated a couple of times because Henry's family was constantly moving from place to place. They were reunited at the birthday party of a mutual friend they didn't expect to see. Their eyes met across the crowded room, and an instant connectio
Father Henry was getting ready to go to church. He caught a glimpse of himself staring at his reflection in the mirror. His heart beat faster when he laid his eyes on his cheek and remembered what happened at Khana's last visit. He could vividly remember everything when she asked him to walk away or turn around. He's frozen in place upon hearing— 'You really remind me of someone. Please turn around if I have mistaken you for someone else. And if my intuition is right, please walk away.' He was too scared to turn around, torn between his desire to see her and his fear of revealing his true identity. His heart pounded in his chest as he grappled with the monumental decision before him. He knew that turning around would mean facing the woman he had loved for so long but had to let go. The seconds stretched into an eternity as he weighed his options. He whispered a silent prayer for guidance, seeking strength from the same faith that had compelled him to become a priest and conceal his
Richard, her betrothed, remained blissfully unaware of the turmoil in Khana's heart. He beamed with joy, eagerly awaiting her arrival. But as Khana drew nearer to him, her unease intensified, threatening to suffocate her. Time hung suspended as Khana stood there, frozen in the spotlight. The groom-to-be became fully aware that something was amiss with the bride. He rushed in her direction and reached out to touch her arm. His brow furrowed in concern. Richard gently brushed his palm against his fiancée's flawless arm and asked, "Honey, what's wrong?" Khana glanced at her fiancé. She is afraid to look him in the eyes. She's afraid to meet his pleading eyes and stumbles to utter words, "I-I..."Too afraid of the consequences her decision would bring, she tried to regain her composure and continue walking down the aisle. However, as she approached the altar, a fear in her heart refused to be contained and locked away. Khana's footsteps faltered. She felt as if she were walking throu
Henry was in the middle of a conversation with one of the nuns when a woman caught his eye. She wore a yellow sundress with white sandals, her long blonde hair cascading down her back, lips painted a bold red. Her presence was striking and familiar."Father...""Excuse me for a while, sister," says Henry.The nun nodded and left. Then, the priest walked in the lady's direction. He warmly greeted her, "What brings you here, Serina?"Henry looked around to ensure no one was around, still hesitant he asked, "How is she?""I heard she won the trial. I thought she'd be happy with Richard. I thought she'd live the best life with the man who loves her and can provide a wealthy life for her," Henry added, watching the clouds move.Serina took a breath before responding. "She's living with Kharl now. She divorced Richard.""I'm glad to hear she's out of danger now," says Henry, relieved after confirming the news."I bet she doesn't want to see me anymore. She'll always think being near me will
The courthouse was crowded, and the heavy weight of judgment and anticipation felt as if it would kill Khana. Whispers passed with the blade of knives in the air. The glances sent her way seeded contempt and hate. "Wretched wife," someone hissed from the back. "Shameless," whispered another. The words seemed to resound louder, filling the room: whore, traitor, unfit mother.Khana clenched her fists to help block out the hateful murmurs. Her gaze flickered over to Richard, who sat tall and composed on the other side of the courtroom. He looked every inch the wronged husband: calm, almost handsome. He was only making the public support him so much. Now Khana could really feel the weight of the room's collective disapproval bearing down on her, crushing what little resolve she had left.The banging of the gavel jolted her out of her reverie. The judge was an old woman who was strict and unyielding. "The court is in session," she said. "First up for today's docket will be the charge again
Khana sensed that something terrible was on the horizon, a storm brewing that would soon crash into her life. The court hearing for her divorce was approaching faster than she had anticipated, and with it, the overwhelming weight of judgment and loss. Anxiety gnawed at her, and each passing day felt like a countdown to disaster.Then, it came. A loud crash from downstairs snapped her out of her thoughts, sending her heart racing. Voices—angry, furious voices—echoed through the house. Her body went cold as she recognized the sound. Richard’s parents had arrived.As she descended the staircase, Khana’s legs felt like they were made of lead. She was nearly at the bottom when Richard's mother, Karylle, stormed toward her, grabbing her roughly by the arm and pulling her down the final steps. Khana gasped in shock, stumbling to the floor.Richard helped his wife stand up, it was never his intention to see Khana hurt. He was surprised as well, he never had seen how violent his mother would be
Richard paced the living room, and his fury was evident in every tense step he had taken.Meanwhile, Khana stood across the room, her pulse racing, her mind filled with dread. She had seen Richard angry before, but there was something different about this time—his anger felt more dangerous, more unhinged.She knew one aggravating move or thing she said, and everything could spiral out of control quickly.The room was suffocating in its silence, the weight of their unresolved conflict hanging heavy between them. Just when it seemed like Richard might explode, the doorbell rang, cutting through the tension like a blade.Khana's body jolted at the sound, as though she had been yanked back from the edge of a cliff. Moments later, a woman stepped inside, her heels clicking sharply on the marble floor."Richard, I hope I didn't come at the wrong time?"Richard’s lips curled into a smirk. "You just came at the right time, Chloe. Have you contacted the lawyer you recommend? I need to file adul
Khana wasted no time, she ran to the telephone, her fingers trembling while dialing Serina's number. Her heart beats crazy when she tells her friend about Richard's threat."You need to find a way to warn Henry. Richard left the house, saying he'd kill him."The line crackled for a moment, and then a familiar voice answered."Hello?""H-Henry?"Khana was surprised when a familiar voice reached her ears. She was puzzled. Why did the priest have Serina's cell phone?"Are you with Serina right now?" Khana asked."No. She left this phone to me and returned to the city with you.""Listen to me. Richard might be heading there, or he might hire people to harm you. Take care of yourself.""W-What's going on? Are you okay?" Henry asked after realizing the lady's voice was unsteady. Concern is evident in his voice. He could sense the urgency in Khana's tone as if she were teetering on the edge of something dangerous.Before Khana could reply, a loud bang of the door interrupted. She clutched th
Richard grabbed his wife by the wrist and dragged her to the car. He instructed his men to get the baby from Serina.Richard’s grip tightened as he dragged Khana towards the car, his face a mask of fury. The baby’s cries pierced the air, desperate and loud. But as Richard cradled Kharl in his arms, the baby stopped crying, his tiny face lighting up in a smile."Give Kharl to me. I'll feed him," says Khana in a bitter tone. She sat at a distance, leaving one space between them in the passenger seat."Planning to run away again? Did Serina tell you I found your whereabouts? Did you think you could escape?" Richard uttered with a fierce look."I'm not running away. I was about to return, but hell sent you there before I could leave," Khana shot back."You mean you're going home?" Richard's eyes softened slightly, misreading her words."Yes," Khana replied.Richard misunderstood it and thought his wife was finally coming back. He smiled, caressed Khana's hand, and uttered, "Please forgive
“I knew it!” says a man, an unwanted guest of the church. His eyes were like those who had killing intent.“R-Richard…” she whispered, her voice barely audible, her lips trembling as she struggled to speak. Her hands tightened on the edge of the pew, knuckles white. Fear washed over her, paralyzing her in place.Khana felt her body go cold. That voice... It was unmistakable. Her worst fear had come to pass.“R-Richard...” she stammered once again, barely able to speak. Fear was written all over her face as the man she had tried to escape from stood before her.Richard strode toward them, his expression dark and menacing. “So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he spat, his voice low and venomous. His eyes flicked to Henry, then back to Khana, filled with fury and suspicion.His gaze is burning with anger, the kind of anger that could destroy everything in its path. His gaze locked onto her, and in that moment, she felt like prey caught in the sights of a predator.Khana felt her stomac
Khana stood at the threshold of the monastery, her decision weighing heavily on her heart. The cool morning air brushed against her skin as she made a silent vow to herself—she would go back to the house of the man who had slapped her, but not to reconcile. She would return to confront Richard and demand a divorce. She decided to go back to the house of the man who slapped her. She promised not to disturb the priest anymore, afraid of not getting hold of her heart, she chose to leave him alone. Her sole focus now is to divorce Richard and get custody of the child. The sound of soft voices pulled her from her thoughts. The sisters of the monastery were gathered around a long table, filled with plates of rice omelet, fresh lumpia, and crispy bacon. They smiled warmly at her as she approached.Khana was putting Kharl to sleep. So, she could move without bringing the baby with her.“Come, lady Khana. Join us before you leave,” says one of the sisters gathered around a long table full of
“Henry...” she whispered, her voice barely audible, trembling with uncertainty. "Wake up! Come on..." she added.Henry gasped with his eyes flew open. For a moment, neither of them moved, caught in a strange, intimate moment as their faces hovered inches apart. Khana’s breath caught in her throat, her heartbeat quickening as the space between them shrank.Then, the world seemed to slow down when he met her eyes. It was unexplainable awkwardness when they realized how close their faces were. A little uncareful move and their lips would touch each other.They were so close—too close. One careless movement and their lips would meet. Khana could feel the heat rising between them. The temptation was undeniable, yet the weight of her marriage and child held her back.Henry blinked, his expression shifting from confusion to recognition as if he had suddenly returned to himself. Slowly, almost reluctantly, he loosened his grip on Khana’s waist, the warmth of his hands fading as the moment sl