Paying Karma Love

14 Life Without You

Sofia's departure incised deep wounds in the hearts of all those who loved her, especially, Audrey, Reiner, and Mr. Jonathan. Audrey witnessed how devastated Mr. Jonathan was when he delivered his daughter's body to its final resting place. Several times, Mr. Jonathan's body almost collapsed from not being able to bear the grief. Audrey can understand the crushing feelings of Mr. Jonathan who had to live alone without his wife and child. Reiner, who was wearing sunglasses, froze during the funeral. Reiner continued to stand next to Sofia's coffin, until it was lowered into a pit. Mrs. Valeria, knowing Reiner's grief, always stood by his son and occasionally held Reiner's shoulder to strengthen him.

Outside Mr. Jonathan's house, there were many guests who wanted to go in to say their condolences. Mr. Jonathan is a respected diplomat, so government officials, artists, famous businessmen and the surrounding community all want to attend Sofia's funeral. However, Reiner deliberately assigned Nicko to deploy security officers and bodyguards to restrict incoming visitors. Media were also not allowed to cover Sofia's funeral. It seems that Reiner only wanted the closest family and friends present at the ceremony.

Audrey chose to stand some distance away from Reiner so as not to provoke the attention of the people around her. Unceasingly, Audrey's lips chanted prayers for Sofia. Audrey's tears, which had just dried up, flowed again on both of her cheeks when she saw that Sofia's coffin was already covered with earth. Sofia is buried right next to her mother's pusara, Ny. Ferine.

Goodbye Sofia, thank you for all the good you did for you. I'm sorry I haven't been able to repay all your kindness. I lied to you about this marriage. You should know, only you deserve to be Rein's wife. But I promise to try to keep Mr. Jonathan and consider him my own papa. I pray you are always happy in Heaven.

audrey said in her heart as she sprinkled flowers on Sofia's grave.

When all the guests who had come home, Mr. Jonathan and Reiner had not yet departed from Sofia's tomb. Mrs. Valeria approached Reiner who sat down beside Sofia's grave and fondly stroked her hair. "Rein, please let Sofia calm down there. Come on now we go home. You need a break, honey." Reiner nodded and accepted his mother's invitation. Before leaving, Reiner hugged Mr. Jonathan and strengthened the man's heart. Reiner also advised Mr Jonathan's assistant to always take good care of his master.

"Audrey, you come with us home, yes" said Ms. Valeria is approaching Audrey.

"Mama and Rein go home first. Audrey still wants to be here for a minute. Audrey can come home in a taxi."

"Why come home in a taxi? You're Rein's wife now, Drey. You go home with Nicko only. Nicko, you take Audrey home. Don't get too late" said Mrs. Valeria gives orders to Nicko.

Nicko replied respectfully, "Okay Big Madam, I will definitely drive Miss home."

Reiner didn't say a word to Audrey. He just passed by and headed to his private car. "I'm sorry Reiner, Audrey. She's still very sad to lose Sofia that's why she ignored you. Mama hope you understand. Mama go home first, take care of yourself," said Ms. Valeria hugged her daughter-in-law.

"Audrey understands, Ma. Thanks for your attention."

After Reiner and his mother return home, Audrey approaches Mr. Jonathan, who is still among the graves of his wife and daughter. "Mr Jonathan, break your heart. Your wife and daughter are already together now, they must be happy. You better go home and rest" Audrey said, helping Mr. Jonathan stand up.

"Audrey thanks for helping. From now on don't call Mister, just call Jonathan. Every time I see you, Om remembers Sofia again" said Mr. Jonathan sadly. The man who usually looked dashing and dignified had turned fragile and helpless.

"Om Jonathan if you need anything or need a friend to talk to, don't hesitate to contact me. Think of me as Sofia's replacement."

"Thank you again, Audrey. It just takes time to be alone."

"Okay, Om, don't forget to eat and take care of your health. Audrey says."

Though still worried about Mr. Jonathan, Audrey decides to go home with Nicko. Maybe Mr. Jonathan does need time alone to be able to heal all his wounds.

Nicko escorted Audrey into the house.

"Miss, today Mr. Reiner is staying at his parents' house. Maybe in the next few days you won't come back here. Miss doesn't have to wait for Mr. Reiner. Remember not to leave this house" Nicko warned. Audrey nodded her head, reluctant to argue with anyone now. Audrey just wanted to get into the room and clear her head.

The next day Audrey decided to go to her mother's house to calm down. Ms. Olin looked at her daughter lying on her lap, "Drey, how are Reiner and her papa Sofia doing?"

"Reiner's still at his parents' house. Audrey's more worried about Mr. Jonathan, Ma. He lives alone now. Audrey was afraid that Mr. Jonathan was desperate and fell ill."

"It is very difficult to survive without being accompanied by anyone. You felt the same way when your dad left. But, mama is lucky because she still has you and opa," said Bu Olin stroking her favorite daughter's hair.

"Ma, Audrey misses papa. Let's go to papa's grave and then to Sofia and Dave's to pray for them."

"Yes, honey, my mom will be with you. Mom misses papa too. Mama called Tina to come and take care of Opa while we were gone" said Ms. Olin. Tina is an orphan girl who often helps Bu Olin keep opa.

Audrey sat pensively leaning her head on the sofa. Papa, Dave, then Sofia. The three most important people in his life had left this world. Life without them has taught him a valuable lesson. How short is the time man has to make his loved ones happy. If it were to waste the opportunity, then only regret would haunt a lifetime. Audrey realized her job now was to make mom and her opinion happy.

The sound of the ringing of the cell phone, returned Audrey's wandering mind to the past.

"Hello, Miss Audrey. Where are you now? Bi Mila said You were saying goodbye to going to visit your family," asked Nicko inquiring.

"I'm at home with my mom and my opa. What's the matter, Mr Nicko?" audrey replied a little upset. It turns out Nicko still had time to watch him while they were still grieving.

"Good, don't leave Mr. Reiner's house too long. Miss, I would like to inform you that Mr. Reiner is going overseas and does not yet know when he will be coming home. I'll drop off Mr. Reiner tonight. After that, I will return home to handle all of Mr. Reiner's work and make sure Miss doesn't do anything that violates the contract. So, I ask Miss to stick to it even if Mr. Reiner is overseas."

"Well, Mr. Nicko, you don't have to remind me every day. I will definitely abide by the terms we agreed on together. Hope your trip with Mr. Reiner was a pleasure" Audrey said, hanging up Nicko's phone call.

Nicko threatened me again with the letter.

But at least my life will be quiet for a while because there is no need to meet with Reiner.

inner Audrey felt relieved.

Audrey has determined from tomorrow she will return to her normal life as a career woman.