Paying Karma Love

09 Should Say Yes

Audrey finished her story with a long sigh. There are no more tears left. To Audrey all the tears had dried up a few years ago. Only Sofia sobbed hugging Audrey. Sofia never expected, Audrey's love story was so tragic and left deep wounds. It is fitting that his childhood best friend shut the doors of his heart for love. Now, Sofia is increasingly convinced that the decision she took was right. This is when Sofia recognizes her condition and tells Audrey all the plans she has prepared. Audrey's suffering must end with a fresh start.

"Drey, thank you for entrusting me with your wounds. I'm sorry that I made you have to remember those bad times. I believe that the death of a person is destiny. You are not guilty at all in this. You are the one who suffers the most."

"You too, Sof, you want to listen to my story. My heart feels lighter now."

Sofia clasped Audrey's hand tightly.

"Sof, your hands are so cold. You need to rest now. I'd better call a doctor to check on you, "Audrey said anxiously.

Sofia looked at Audrey with a look of sad eyes.

"Don't, Drey, don't call the doctor. I know what my disease is. I inherited the same disease as my mom, blood cancer..."

"Can..ker blood." Audrey's lips trembled repeating Sofia's words. Audrey wanted to make sure her hearing wasn't wrong. It is impossible that her beautiful and jolly best friend has a deadly disease.

Sofia repeated her words as if knowing what Audrey had in mind.

"I have terminal blood cancer. Rein knew it, but he insisted on marrying me instead. The doctor actually required me to undergo chemotherapy, but I refused. Chemo is very painful. I witnessed how my mom suffered during the chemo. I don't want to experience the same pain. Without chemo, the doctor said I might only last a month, Drey."

Audrey's voice was stuck in her throat. Audrey was unable to say anything, even though her mind was eager to scream. Why just for a moment, the happiness he felt just vanished. Not a day after meeting her best friend, Audrey must accept the harsh reality that she may have to part forever from Sofia.

"Rein took me abroad so I could be treated by the best doctor. I need to have a spinal cord transplant as soon as possible. But, I refuse. I want to find you first, Drey. And look now, my efforts have succeeded."

A glimmer of hope appeared in Audrey's mind. Spinal cord surgery could be the best way to save Sofia.

"We've met, Sof. So soon you can go with Rein abroad. I'm sure you'll be cured after surgery."

"Rein has just returned two days away from his business visit. I'll leave when I make sure your marriage and Rein go well."

Audrey held her own forehead to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

"Drey, how could I joke in a situation like this." Sofia's eyes glared far away.

"Today I'm taking you to the boutique to try on a wedding dress. That dress is for you, Audrey. You're the one who's getting married to Rein replacing me as the bride. Tomorrow I'll take you to pick a tart and a souvenir for the wedding. You're getting married next week."

"Sof, why are you doing all this? You should get married because you and Rein love each other. I'm sure you'll be healed. You don't have to tell me to marry your future husband. Rein must have refused, too. We've never even met."

"Drey, Rein promised me to marry you that I could find you. Rein loves me so much. He's willing to do anything as long as I'm willing to have surgery abroad. I knew there was little chance that spinal cord surgery could cure my illness. My mother died shortly after the operation. It's hard for me to survive my weak condition. You're the only woman I can trust to make Rein happy. You will also find happiness again with Rein. Please fulfill my last request, Drey," Sofia said, holding Audrey's hands.

Audrey fell silent. He did not understand why unexpected surprises always came in his life. Married a man she didn't even know. He didn't want to take that big of a risk. Moreover, he had promised in front of the navel Dave and promised himself to live alone without love. However, is he able to refuse the request of Sofia who is struggling with a deadly disease?

Audrey looked at her best friend. "I really can't, Sof. You may ask for something else but don't ask me to marry you. Sorry, I can't break the promise I made in Dave's bellybutton."

"Don't you regret ever failing to prevent Dave's death? It's time for you to make it up to you, Drey. You want me to get operated on so I can stay alive, khan?"

Audrey nodded, "Yes, Sof, you need to get well,"

"Good, then marry Rein. After the wedding ceremony was over, I promised to leave immediately for the operation on Rein's plane. But if you refuse my request, I will never leave. I'll stay here until death comes to pick me up. So the decision is in your hands. You want to see me heal or not so fast."

Sofia's words were like a sharp sword that stuck in Audrey's heart.

God why do I have to go through almost the same situation? Why else would I be responsible for someone's life or death? I cannot bear this burden. I'd better be taken.

Audrey held back her tears from rushing in front of Sofia. What Sofia said was true. Being too selfish, he used to deliberately ignore the apology from Dave until his girlfriend lost her life. Even by punishing herself, Audrey still could not bring Dave back to this world. Audrey can't repeat the same mistake. This time, the universe gives him the opportunity to pay for his sins by fulfilling Sofia's request. He once let one life be lost. Now the time has come for him to try his hardest to save one life to stay alive.

"Yes, Sofia I agree. Whatever you want, I'll do it. I love you so much, Sof. Don't stop fighting for your recovery."

The two friends hugged tightly. The only thing Audrey thinks about right now, is Sofia's happiness.