Her Return, His Regret by Natie

Chapter 133~ For better, for worse

Lora froze, her hands which Ryan was holding trembling in his hold.

The restaurant was warm but the warmth did nothing to defrost the icy reality that had just been laid bare. A chill ran down her spine, making her blood run cold. Was Ryan really dying?

She stared at him, her lips parting but no words came out of her mouth.

Her mind was spinning with several thoughts. A thousand emotions rushed into her at once- anger and devastation.

"Lora-"

"Ryan... how could you think like that?" She managed to whisper although her voice was shaking. "Why would you throw away your life like it was nothing?" "Back then, my life was nothing without you in it," Ryan admitted. "Everything felt meaningless. I was consumed by guilt and regret. I had to make it right somehow. Although my death couldn't bring you back, I knew I would join you and make it up to you in the afterlife." "Make it up to me?" Lora repeated, her voice rising and raw with emotion. "Did you ever sit to think if I would have wanted you to do that? That was a selfish decision, Ryan. I never asked for your life. You did it for yourself, to make yourself feel better." Ryan looked at Lora and admitted, "Yes, my love. I was selfish. I was drowning in pain and didn't think about the consequences. I didn't know I had children then but I should have done everything in my power to get better for myself and those who love me. I shouldn't have given up on myself like that. Luckily, I found out you were alive and it gave me hope. I wanted to live again- with you and our children. I thought I could fix everything... that I could get better and grow old with you like I promised. Now..." "Now what?" Lora questioned, pain flickering through her eyes. "Are you saying you won't be able to keep your promise?"

"There's no future for us... I'll just drag you down," Ryan responded in a low voice.

Lora's tears flowed freely, her anger still bubbling up within her. "Why do you think you get to decide if we have a future or not? Ryan, I'm your wife, what makes you think you can shut me out and let me watch as you fade away?" Ryan closed his eyes, the pain in his heart doubling with each second. He remarked, "I'm sorry, Lora. Nothing can be done about my situation... the donor is gone and without-"

There has to be another way... we can search for another donor. I'll also get tested to see if I'm a match. You're my husband and I'll do all I

how Ryan mostly looked exhausted. His pale skin, the bags under his eyes. How

a painful process alone and pretend like nothing

stomach churned at the

glanced at Lora, his heart feeling

it was hard to find a match and now that my time is running out, my chances are slim. But I will continue

side. Have you forgotten the vows we exchanged? For better, for worse, in sickness and in health. I'm annoyed that you hid this from me but won't waste time dwelling on it, after

smiled before pulling out some documents as he said, "This

Lora asked, frowning. "I'm not going to accept that because you're

for the kids..." Ryan

up on you. And just so you know, I would hit rock bottom with you in a heartbeat, knowing we would rise up together again." Tears rolled down Ryan's cheeks as he uttered, "I... don't know what to

don't have to say anything. We shall find another donor and I'll stand by you every step of the way We are one... just like I would want you to stay with me when I'm sick,

and walked around the table. He pulled

up so easily... not when I have such a loving wife by my side,"

"We will get through this together... But, I want you to tell your family. This is