Love after Death (S1) [Completed]

Chapter 11: A "Yes" in the Room of White

SEVEN YEARS AGO

Everything inside the room was white: the bed, the table, the chairs, even the curtains and the paint on the walls. This was the room where Monique now lay. She stared into space, unable to accept what was happening. She had known about her condition for a long time.

She had once visited a doctor in secret, but she chose to hide it from the family who loved her so dearly. The pain she felt was reflected in her eyes; her smooth skin had lost its color, and her hands felt numb, unable to lift even a single finger. She was at Stage 4, and the tumor had already spread throughout her body.

Though it was agonizing, this was the moment Monique truly felt the severity of her illness. Lying in bed, she watched the people caring for her. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she whispered her gratitude.

"Thank you. I will never forget you." She reached for the hand of the only man who made her heart beat-a heart that was now shrouded in intense grief.

Liam was fast asleep, exhausted from the tears he had shed earlier that morning after discovering the truth. Liam's mother, meanwhile, had fallen asleep on a short sofa, forcing herself into the small space.

"I love you, Liam. Always..." Monique whispered softly, holding Liam's hand tightly. "I'm sorry..." Despite the pain, more tears flowed from her eyes.

The tightness in her chest was unbearable, but she forced herself to utter those words. Slowly, Monique released Liam's hand, and her gaze shifted to the lady who remained asleep.

A small smile played on her lips as she remembered how the woman always defended her against Liam whenever he teased her. Despite the tears, a faint, fleeting smile crossed her face.

"Monique! You're awake!" Liam exclaimed, staring at her with intense focus. "How are you feeling? Are you in pain? Are you hungry, Monique? Tell me, I'll buy you something to eat. Do you want malunggay pandesal and hot chocolate? Those are your favorites, right?"

Monique smiled, unable to hide the joy in her heart despite her condition. She squeezed Liam's hand again.

"I'm not hungry, Liam. I feel just fine," she answered gently.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Liam's vision blurred, and his voice trembled as he spoke those words in a raspy tone.

"Liam, I love you."

"You're so unfair." Liam wiped his face, but his tears continued to flow. "I can't lose you, Monique. Please, fight for us."

Monique lifted the young man's hand and slowly pressed it against her cheek.

"I don't want you crying in front of me. Please, don't show me your tears, Liam." She smiled through the ache. "Because I only feel weaker whenever I see you crying and hurting."

Liam wiped his face again, trying to suppress his emotions. He removed his hand from her face, gazed at her one last time, and then kissed it gently.

"Will you be my girlfriend?" his voice shook as he kissed her hand, looking at her with hope.

"Liam, I... I'm sorry..."

"I want to make you feel my love in the time you have left here. Because I love you, Monique. I love you so much..." His voice was thick with sorrow as he confessed with all his heart.

Monique looked down, unsure of how to respond.

"I love you, Liam. I love you so much... but you don't have to tie yourself to me. There are many other women waiting for you tomorrow." Her words were full of meaning, but Liam covered her mouth with his finger.

"Shh..." He gently pressed his lips against hers, savoring the moment.

Monique could not hide her joy. All her negative thoughts vanished while Liam kissed her.

"I love you so much, Monique... I will never get tired of saying what's in my heart."

Monique touched her lips after Liam pulled away. She smiled, momentarily forgetting the pain in her body.

"Yes, Liam. I do."

To be Continued...