Heartless Vasiliev

Chapter Nineteen

Nathaniel

"I will marry Celeste, under the condition that you will pay for Amelia's hospital bills. Gusto kong sa US siya ipagamot. After that, make sure that she will live a good life," I bitterly told my father.

It's been two days since I took Amy to the hospital where she is still unconscious until now. Her vitals are in a bad state and she is in need of chemotherapy. This was my last option, but it feels like this is the only choice I have left.

Ngumiti si Dad. "You're finally coming to your senses. Mabuti naman."

"Dad, promise me! Tutulungan ninyong gumaling si Amy!"

Tumango si Dad. "You have my word, Nathaniel."

And that is where I am now. Hindi na hinintay ni Dad na tuluyang gumaling si Amy. As soon as she started getting better, my parents started arranging everything for our wedding. I had to ask Dad for another favor, just to make sure Amy would be fine without me. Sa pagkakaalam ko, magkasama na sila ngayon ng biological father niya at inaalagaan siya nito. At least, she's not alone anymore.

It's finally my wedding day. Dito na rin kami sa US nagpakasal ni Celeste. Sa isip ko, at least I could file for divorce in the coming years, unlike sa Pilipinas na hindi allowed ang divorce.

Speaking of Celeste, she and I had been living together with her daughter, Calista. She's turning three in a few months at kasabay noon ay pag-uwi namin sa Pilipinas.

I opted for a simple civil marriage. After saying the wedding, umuwi na rin kami ni Celeste sa bahay namin. I didn't want a venue or anything after the wedding. She had to take care of Calista since the kid is sick. I, on the other hand, chose to go to the hospital where Amy is staying. I just found out that her Dad is filthy rich as well, so they could afford a private room despite the prices here.

Her last session was last week, kaya puwedeng lumapit sa kaniya. She already lost her hair and there are significant changes in her body as well. For me, she is still the most beautiful.

"Hey," bati ko sa kaniya at nilapag sa tabi ang bouquet ng puting rosas na binili ko.

Her expression turned sour. "Galing ba 'yan sa kasal mo?" she asked in a bitter tone.

Saglit akong natahimik bago tuluyang umupo sa tabi niya. "So, alam mo na pala. . . For the record, hindi kay Celeste ang bouquet na 'yan. I bought it just for you. Kumusta ka?"

"I'm not okay."

"Hmm, why? May masakit ba sa 'yo? Should we tell the doctor?"

"Hindi ako okay kasi 'yong lalaking mahal ko, kinasal na sa iba. Can the doctor help me with this one?"

"Amy, I'm sorry, but this is the only way for me to save you."

"You killed me, Nathaniel. The moment you stepped in here with a wedding ring on your hand!"

Lumuhod ako at sinapo ang pisngi niya. "Amy, mahal kita. Ikaw lang ang mahal ko."

"Paano ka kapag okay na ako?"

"I'll be the happiest man to see you thriving again."

Lumamlam ang tingin niya. "You married a woman you don't love. You'll suffer."

"Wala lang 'yon. I'd take a bullet if it means a happy life for you, my Amy. I've told this thousands of times, I love you. No wedding ring can stop my heart from beating for you. Hindi basehan ang pagpapakasal ko kay Celeste para matigil ang pagmamahal ko sa 'yo. As long as I am breathing, my heart beats for you. Fate has made its decision and that is to take you away from me, but let my words be my vow.