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Chapter 2: His wife's death

Rafael's POV

It has been a week since the successful operation. I have been staying in Ashley's room, keeping an eye on her. Although there are times when she experiences pain, the doctor has assured us that the transplant was a success and her body has accepted Ella's blood and bone marrow.

I am grateful to have met the woman who helped us restore Ashley's health. "Get some rest. I'll speak to your doctor and convey your request," I reassured her.

She smiled and nodded. "Thank you, dear. Please don't leave my side, okay?" Ashley said.

I chuckled, understanding what she meant. After kissing her forehead, I left her hospital room and headed straight to her doctor's office. Meredith, who is also my best friend like Tristan, is Ashley's doctor. As I entered her office and locked the door, I was surprised to find Tristan there. I took a seat.

"Why the somber expression? Ashley's surgery was successful, and we'll celebrate as soon as we get to my place," I declared. Meredith sighed and tossed a magazine to me.

"Before I cut off his neck, just inform Tristan," she demands.

Tristan retrieves something from the paper bag and sets an urn on the table. I give him a questioning look. "An urn? Don't tell me you sneak into your parent's grave and cremate them?" I ask. He scoffs, shows hatred towards me. I choose to ignore it.

"You never gave me the chance to bring up the woman you used for Ashley's benefit. It's been a week, and whether you like it or not, we will discuss about her, Rafael," he says.

I interrupt, "Stop. I've made my decision. Once she recovers, evict her. I'll cover her expenses. She's homeless anyway," I state. Meredith scoffs and slaps me. I look at her furiously.

"How could you be so ruthless?!" I remain unfazed.

"Meredith, stop. He'll only listen to himself anyway. She doesn't need to be discarded again and die in the streets. After all, you are the reason she finally has the freedom that you and Ashley took away from her," Tristan remarks. I sneer and they look madder.

Meredith exclaimed, "Don't worry. She's passed away. There's no need to threaten her to keep her silent. She didn't make it and had a cardiac arrest. Congratulations! Your problem is solved!" As she looked at the urn, tears filled her eyes. I was stunned and couldn't speak or move. What did they say?!

Tristan scoffs. "Surprised? There's no need to act, dude. It doesn't suit you. She's dead. Oh, and before I forget, she mentioned leaving something in your room. Congratulations, problem solved!" Tristan says, clapping.

As I gaze at the urn, I feel a tightness in my chest. I can't believe it! Is this some kind of April fool’s joke?! I glance at their expressions, knowing that my friends would never lie about this.

"Before she went into the operation room, Ella told me that she wanted to be cremated when she passed away. I thought she was joking, but she did pass away. Now, I'm telling you this because Meredith and I promised her that we would leave her urn in a cemetery," he explains.

Without saying a word, I grab the urn and leave Meredith’s office. I head to the parking lot and drive home, feeling like my head is somewhere else. As soon as I arrive at the mansion, I go straight to my room and lock the door.

"Aahhh!" I scream.

I don't understand why I feel this way, but this pain is unbearable. It's like when mom and dad passed away. No, it's even heavier than that.

I just hold onto the urn while sipping my brandy. I remember what Tristan said. Ella left something in my room. I look around and notice my drawer. It’s a little bit open. After setting down the urn, I open the drawer to find a folder, a small notebook, and her ring.

The first thing I check is the folder that contains her test results and diagnosis. "Ella…" I mumble.

It's clear that Ella suffered from the effects of frequent blood drawing, knowing that her operation would ultimately lead to her death. She even went as far as signing divorce papers, despite our fake wedding ceremony.

As I pick up the fake ring and open the notebook, I discover that she had been documenting all the pain she endured - emotional, mental, and physical abuse from both Ashley and me. The last entry in her diary was from yesterday, and it brings tears to my eyes.

"I understand now that everything between us was a lie. You will never love me the way you loved Ashley. This diary is my way of getting back at you. I've written down everything you wouldn't let me express. I will always hate you, Rafael Midnight. Always," I whisper as I close my eyes and begin to throw things in frustration.

I shouldn’t be in pain but why?! Why I’m being affected?! I should be happy because that woman is dead. How am I mourning for her death…?

Rafael, I've noticed a change in you lately. It's been a month since things went back to normal, but you seem unhappy. I ignored her, took a sip of my coffee, and began reading the newspapers. I came across an article about a new company that is producing various vaccines and modern medical technologies.

The chairwoman, who had been on hiatus for months, launched these new products and services before moving abroad. "Hey!" she called out to me.

"Sorry, I've been busy reading this article. The workload over the past months has kept me occupied. You understand why, right? You've been busy returning to your acting career. We're fine, Ashley," I murmured, although I was lying. She looked at me, trying to gauge my expression, but I made sure to present a fake one.

She sighed. "Okay, you're right. I know you love me, Rafael," Ashley said, clinging to my arm. For some reason, I felt nothing unlike before. I don't feel any special connection between us.

The following day, I visit the project site to inspect the new building. I contracted a Japanese company to ensure that the building is able to withstand a 9.0 magnitude earthquake. In the event of such a disaster, people can feel secure until it is safe to leave after the shaking subsides.

"Hello," Tristan greets me.

As the architect, I had asked him to stop by. He gazes at the building and remarks, "I find it hard to believe that you are creating a hotel named after the meaning of your late wife's name. Fairy Maiden Hotel. I hope Ashley doesn't uncover the significance behind the hotel's name." I choose to disregard his tone. I have been consumed by guilt for more than a month and feel deserving of all the blame. Tristan lets out a sigh.

Tristan said, "I'm sorry it's late, but at least you'll remember the sacrifice she made for your happiness. Why don't we drop by our favorite bar later, if you're free?" I nodded and tapped his shoulder.

We discussed the hotel's design, both hoping that in less than two years, the hotel would be finished and ready to serve tourists and locals. Yes, it's late, but I want to remember Ella this way.

'If only I could turn back time and change everything...'

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