Chapter 25 saved her world
Zarya's pov
Ever since that meaningful conversation with Xylla, ever since I told her those words that became my daily reminder: "I'm not desperate. I'm just paying the debts of my consequences." everything changed in how I handled myself.
Hindi naman nabawasan ang sakit o ang pagmamahal ko, pero natutunan kong kontrolin ito.
Napagtanto ko na ang paghabol kay Iris at pagpilit na pumasok muli sa buhay niya ay hindi tamang paraan para itama ang nakaraan.
kung talagang gusto kong ibalik ang kaligayahang nawala sa kanya noon, ang pinakamabuting gawin ay umatras.
Bigyan siya ng oras, hayaan siyang huminga.
I know hindi lang naman ako ang dumaan sa mahirap na daan, siya din naman e.
I threw myself entirely into the one thing that never failed me–my duties.
nilubog ko ang sarili ko sa pagiging Zarya DeLuca, the successful doctor, the sharp businesswoman, the heir everyone admired and respected. I told myself repeatedly. "Fix yourself first. Be whole again. Show her that you are worth coming back to."
Usually, my day always started at the hospital. Ito ang nakasanayan ko, but today was different. Katatapos ko lang magbihis at sasakay na sana ako sa sasakyan papunta sa hospital nang biglang tumunog ang cellphone ko. It was the Chief Operating Officer of our hotel.
"Good morning, Ma'am Zarya," he greeted, his voice brisk and professional.
"Apologies for the early call, but the Board of Directors needs your presence immediately at Hotel DeLuca.
It's urgent regarding the new wing expansion and some last minute contract adjustments.
It won't take long, just a brief meeting to get your final approval and signature before we proceed. "
I checked my watch. I am supposedly be on time sa hospital dahil aside sa mga papers, I also have patients waiting in line. Pero alam kong hindi dapat ito ipagpaliban.
"Noted," I replied calmly. "I am on my way. Just make sure everything is ready and summarized. I need this to be quick and efficient because I have critical duties at the hospital later."
"Understood, Ma'am. We will be waiting."
I changed my route at umiretso muna sa hotel.
Pagdating ko sa conference room, lahat ay nakaupo na at nakahanda ang mga dokumento.
True to my instruction, the meeting was urgent but brief.
Pinag aralan namin ang mga ulat, nagtanong ako tungkol sa budget, gives my decision, and signed everything in just a brief moment.
"That is all," I said, standing up and gathering my things. "Proceed with the plans as discussed. Send the finalized copies to my office. I will be at the hospital for the rest of the day and do not wish to be disturbed unless it is a real emergency."
"Yes, Ma'am," they chorused.
Hindi na ako nag aksaya ng oras at agad na nagmaneho sa hospital . My mind was already shifting gears from business mode to medical mode. I parked my car near the emergency bay and stepped out, adjusting my white coat, ready to focus entirely on my patients.
Pero bago pa man ako makalakad papasok, para tumigil ang mundo ko na tila hindi makagalaw ang nga paa ko sa kinakatayuan ko.
From the ambulance entrance, the automatic doors slid open, and two nurses and an attendant rushed out, pushing a stretcher. It was moving fast, wheels rolling rapidly against the floor, a sign of urgency.
But it wasn't the speed or the urgency that caught my attention. It was the people involved.
Lying on that stretcher, pale, eyes closed, face twisted in pain, breathing heavily and sweating profusely... was Tita Clara. Iris's mother. She looked weak and completely drained. Parang hindi siya ang masigla at matipunong Tita Elena na kilala ko noon.
And walking right beside the bed, holding onto her mother's hand tightly, her hair messy, her usual composed and elegant appearance completely gone, was Iris.
She looks so worried, her shoulders shaking as she ran alongside the stretcher, refusing to let go even as the staff tried to move quickly.
"Ma! Mom hold on, please..." Iris was talking to her, desperate. "Just a little bit more, Ma..."
My heart dropped instantly to my stomach. Ramdam ko ang paninikip ng dibdib ko. Tita Clara? She was always so healthy, so full of life. Seeing her lying there in such pain... it felt like a punch right to my chest.
My instinct screamed at me to run to them. To help. To hold Iris and tell her everything would be alright. After all, Tita Clara was like a second mother to me growing up. And seeing Iris in so much pain... it physically hurt me.
But I stopped myself. Naalala ko agad ang pangako ko, "Keep your distance. Don't be desperate. Pay your debts properly."
However, seeing the situation was critical, and knowing I was the head of this institution and a specialist myself... hindi ko pwedeng manood lang mula sa malayo. Duty came first. Medical responsibility came first.
I took a deep breath, composed my face into that calm, professional, unreadable expression I wore in the hospital, and walked over towards them.
The nurses were about to guide the stretcher inside the ER doors when I approached.
"Wait," I said firmly but calmly. My voice was authoritative, and everyone turned to look at me immediately.
"Doc Zarya," one of the nurses acknowledged, stepping aside respectfully.
I didn't look at Iris yet. I focused my attention entirely on the patient on Tita Clara. I leaned in slightly, observing her condition, checking her breathing, her skin color, the way she was clutching her stomach.
"She is in severe pain," I stated professionally. I finally glanced at Iris, who was staring at me with wide, teary eyes, surprised to see me there. Her face was full of fear and confusion.
"Doc Zarya..." Iris whispered, her voice trembling. "She's n pain since last night... we didn't know what to do... I just–"
I looked at her steadily, keeping my tone calm and reassuring, yet strictly professional.
"Iris, step back a little bit so we can work properly. I am here. I will check her myself. I will make sure she gets the best care possible. Just stay calm, okay?"
I turned to the nurse in charge. "Bring her straight to Examination Room 3. Inform the duty resident to prepare the initial vital signs monitoring and IV line setup. I will take over this case personally."
"Y-yes, Doc," the nurse replied, surprised but immediately following my order.
I walked alongside the stretcher as they moved Tita Clara inside. Iris followed closely behind, still crying but slightly calmer now that she saw me taking charge.
We settled Tita Clara onto the bed in the private examination room. I put on my gloves, washed my hands quickly, and approached the bed. Iris stood near the foot of the bed, watching every move I made, wiping her tears constantly.
I started my assessment, asking questions while I did my physical examination.
"Tita Clara ," I said softly but clearly, leaning close so she could hear me despite the pain. "Tita, can you hear me? I need you to answer my questions, okay? Para malaman natin kung ano talaga ang nangyayari."
She nodded weakly, her face contorted in agony. "Zarya...anak... ang sakit... sobrang sakit ng tiyan ko... parang pinipisa..."
"I know, Tita, I know it hurts," I said gently, pressing my hands lightly on different areas of her abdomen to check for tenderness and reaction. "Where exactly is the pain? Is it here on the upper part? Or here on the side? Or down here on the lower right side?"
"Doon... sa kanang ibaba..." she gasped, pointing clearly to the lower right quadrant of her stomach. "Bigla na lang sumakit kagabi... akala ko kabag lang... uminom na ako ng gamot pero lalo lang sumakit... hindi ko na kinaya..."
I nodded, processing the information. "Did you vomit? Nagsuka po ba kayo? Or did you feel feverish or nauseous?"
"Medyo nilalagnat ako kanina... at parang laging nasusuka..." she whispered.
I turned to Iris, who was listening intently, biting her lip to stop herself from crying harder.
"Iris," I called her attention softly but clearly. "When did the pain exactly start? What time did it begin? And was it sudden or did it build up slowly?"
"It was around 10 PM last night." Iris answered quickly, her voice shaking.
"She said she felt a little uncomfortable at first, then after an hour, she started holding her stomach.
We gave her medicine for indigestion thinking it was just what she ate, but it didn't work.
Pero mas lumala, halos hindi na siya makatayo.
That's when we rushed her here."
I nodded, my mind already forming a diagnosis, but I needed to confirm it with tests to be 100% sure and to rule out other possibilities like kidney stones or infection.
"Okay," I said, removing my gloves and walking to the desk to write orders. "Based on what you said and my physical examination, I have a strong suspicion, but we need to be sure. We need to run some tests immediately para malinaw sa atin ang lahat."
I turned to the nurse outside the room.
"Nurse," I instructed clearly and professionally.
"I want a Complete Blood Count, Urinalysis, and Abdominal Ultrasound immediately.
STAT. No delays. I need the results here in my hands in the next 15 to 20 minutes.
Inform the laboratory and imaging departments that this is my patient and I want priority processing. "
"Copy that, Doc. Sending the request now," the nurse replied and hurried out.
I looked back at Iris. She looked terrified, her hands clasped together tightly against her chest.
"Zar...what is it? Ano ba ang sakit ni Mama?" she asked softly, afraid of the answer. "Is it... is it serious?"
I walked over to her, keeping my voice steady and honest, but soft enough to comfort her.
"Iris, right now, her symptoms are severe pain on the lower right side of the abdomen, fever, nausea, and the progression of the pain.
these are classic signs of Appendicitis.
Pero kailangan nating makita ang resulta ng dugo para malaman kung gaano kalala ang impeksyon, at ang ultrasound para makita kung gaano na kalaki ang pamamaga ng apendiks. "
I paused, letting her absorb it.
"If it is indeed appendicitis... and given how much pain she is in and how long she has been feeling it.
.. she needs to be operated on immediately.
We cannot wait. If the appendix bursts, it will cause infection all over her stomach, and that is much more dangerous and complicated. Delaying is risky."
Iris covered her mouth with her hand, tears flowing again. "An operation? Right now? Agad-agad?"
"Yes," I said firmly but gently. "But don't panic.
Appendectomy is a common procedure, Iris.
It is safe, and I do this kind of operation almost every week.
But because it is urgent, we need to act fast. And listen to me carefully.
.. I will be the one to operate on her. I will handle everything myself.
I will not let anyone else touch her. I promise you, I will do everything to make sure she is safe. "
She looked at me, searching my eyes, finding nothing but sincerity and capability. She nodded slowly, trusting me. "Okay... zarya... thank you... please... save her... please take care of her..."
"I will. Just pray and wait. Trust me."
I waited in the examination room while they prepared Tita Clara for transport to the imaging department.
Tumayo ako sa tabi ng kama, sinusubaybayan ko mismo ang kanyang vital signs, making sure she was stable, giving instructions to the nurses regarding pain management while waiting for the results.
Fifteen minutes later, the laboratory and ultrasound reports arrived. Kinuha ko agad ang mga ito at binasa nang masusi, scanning through the numbers and the findings with my trained medical eye.
Complete Blood Count: White Blood Cell count was significantly elevated, proof of severe infection or inflammation in the body. Mataas na mataas ang impeksyon.
Urinalysis is normal, ruling out kidney or bladder issues.
Ultrasound Report, Visualized appendix is thickened, swollen, and measures approximately 12mm in diameter. No signs of rupture yet, but surrounding tissues show inflammation. Impression is definitely Acute Appendicitis.
Everything confirmed my diagnosis. Wala nang oras na dapat sayangin.
I turned to Iris, showing her the papers briefly.
"It is confirmed, Iris," I said seriously. "It is Acute Appendicitis. Her appendix is very swollen and inflamed. Fortunately, it hasn't burst yet, but we are running out of time. We need to take her to the Operating Room right now."
I looked at the nurses. "Nurse, inform the OR team to prep Operating Room 2 immediately. Tell them we have an emergency appendectomy. I am the lead surgeon. Call my assistant, Doc Cruz, and the anesthesiologist on duty. Move fast."
"On it, Doc!"
I looked back at Iris, who was holding her mother's hand again as they prepared to move the bed.
"Iris," I said, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "You need to wait here in the waiting area or the private lounge. We will take her inside now. As soon as the operation is finished and she is in recovery, I will come out personally to tell you everything. Do you understand?"
She nodded, wiping her tears. "Yes... zar.. please... be careful..."
"I will. Just wait here. Everything will be fine."
I walked alongside the stretcher all the way to the double doors of the Operating Room. Pinanood ko silang ipasok si Tita Clara, then I turned towards the scrub room to wash my hands and prepare myself.
As I scrubbed my hands and arms thoroughly, putting on my sterile gown and gloves, my mind was completely focused.
Walang personal na damdamin, walang halong nakaraan, walang iniisip kundi ang kaligtasan ni tita Clara.
Right now, I am Dr. Zarya DeLuca, the surgeon, and Tita Clara was my patient.
But deep down, alam ko sa sarili ko... I wasn't just doing this because it was my job. I was doing this because I loved them. I was doing this to protect Iris, to ease her pain, to show her even from a distance that I was still there, taking care of the people she loved most.
"Ready, Doc?" Doc Cruz, my assistant, asked as I entered the operating theater.
I looked at Tita Clara lying there, asleep under anesthesia, safe for now.
I adjusted my mask, nodded, and picked up the scalpel.
"Let's begin. We have a life to save. Let's make it perfect."
......
It took almost two hours and thirty minutes inside the Operating Room.
Para sa ibang tao, mahabang oras iyon na puno ng kaba at pag-aalala, pero para sa akin, bawat minuto ay ginamit ko nang wasto at maingat.
The procedure was smooth, just as I expected, but I didn't want to rush.
I made sure every step was precise, every layer was closed properly, and every detail was checked twice.
Tita clara's appendix was severely inflamed and had already started forming small abscesses around it signs that if we had delayed even just one more hour, it could have burst and caused a life-threatening infection throughout her abdomen.
But thank goodness, we caught it just in time.
When everything was done and Tita Clara was safely transferred to the Recovery Room to wake up from anesthesia, I finally stepped out of the sterile area.
I removed my surgical mask, letting out a long, deep breath.
Ramdam ko ang pagod sa aking katawan, pero higit doon ay ang ginhawang naramdaman ko dahil maayos ang lahat.
I walked out into the hallway leading to the private waiting area. And there she was.
Iris.
She was sitting alone on the long wooden bench, posture slumped forward, elbows on her knees, hands clasped tightly in front of her face.
Her head was bowed, hair falling forward covering her face.
She looked so small, so tired, and completely drained.
Her shoulders were shaking slightly, either praying or holding back tears.
She looked so down, so hopeless, desperate for any good news that every second must have felt like torture to her.
My heart ached seeing her like this. Gusto ko siyang lapitan agad at i comfort, pero pinigilan ko muli ang sarili ko. I walked slowly towards her, the sound of my shoes against the floor making a soft, steady noise.
She heard the footsteps. Agad siyang umangat ng tingin, her eyes wide and red from crying, searching frantically. When she saw it was me, when she saw my calm expression and the slight nod I gave her, she immediately stood up, her legs trembling, face full of hope and fear mixed together.
"Zarya..." she whispered, voice cracking, barely audible.
I stopped right in front of her, looked straight into her eyes, and gave her a warm, genuine smile the kind that says everything is okay now.
"Iris," I said softly. "She is safe. Your mom is okay now. The operation was a complete success."
Her mouth fell open, tears instantly spilling from her eyes, but this time they were tears of pure relief.
"R-really?" she stammered, her voice shaking. "She's really okay? You... you saved her?"
"Yes," I replied firmly, stepping a little closer. "Everything went perfectly. We removed the appendix completely. It was very swollen and infected sobrang lala na ng pamamaga, but we got it out just in time. There were no complications."
I paused to let it sink in, then continued clearly.
"She needs time to heal properly, though.
She will need to stay here and be confined for about two weeks.
Kailangan niyang magpahinga nang maigi para tuluyang gumaling at maiwasan ang impeksyon.
She needs close monitoring, antibiotics, and rest. But rest assured, she is in the best room and I assigned the best nurses to her.
I will check on her personally every day. "
Before I could even finish speaking, Iris threw herself at me.
She hugged me.
She hugged me so tight, really tight, wrapping her arms around my waist, burying her face against my shoulder, clinging to me as if I was her only lifeline, as if she was afraid that if she let go, everything would disappear.
It was a hug that erased everything. In that moment, it felt almost like forgot about the past, she forgot about the grudges, the anger, the distance, the coldness, and the pain.
I know how important tita Clara is to her life, she's her only hope. The only thing that keeps her alive, I know she can't afford to lose her.
I stood there, stunned for a second, before slowly raising my arms and wrapping them around her too, holding her gently but firmly. Ramdam ko ang paghikbi niya sa aking balikat, ramdam ko ang panginginig ng kanyang katawan.
"Thank you..." she sobbed against my coat, gripping the fabric tightly. "Thank you, Zarya... thank you so much... I don't know what I would have done if... if something happened... you saved her... you saved my whole world... thank you..."
"It's okay... it's okay now," I whispered softly, my own heart beating wildly inside my chest. I closed my eyes, breathing in her familiar scent, feeling the warmth of her body against mine, a warmth I missed so much but forced myself to stay away from.
"I told you I'd handle it. She's safe now. You're safe now."
We stayed like that for what felt like minutes, holding onto each other in the middle of the hallway, two people who had been hurting and running away, now finding comfort in each other's arms again. It was pure, unfiltered relief and gratitude.
Suddenly, my phone rang loudly inside my pocket, breaking the silence and the moment.
Reluctantly, I gently pulled away from the hug, though Iris didn't let go immediately. I glanced at the screen. It was Mom.
I wiped the remaining tears from Iris's cheeks with my thumb, my touch gentle and caring. "I have to take this, Iris. It's my mom."
I answered the call, stepping slightly to the side.
"Hello, Ma?"
"Zarya, anak," her voice was warm and soft over the phone.
"Where are you? Are you still at the hospital?
Your father and I want you to come home today for lunch.
It's been a while since we had a proper family meal.
Ikaw na lang lagi ang wala sa bahay. Pumunta ka na, please?
We have something to talk about, but mostly.
.. we just want to be with you. Come home, okay? "
I looked back at Iris, who was wiping her eyes and trying to compose herself. I needed to process everything that happened, and honestly... going home might be a good distraction.
"Okay, Ma," I replied softly. "I'll be there in a bit. I just need to finish some things here first."
I hung up and turned back to Iris. "I need to go now, but please... stay here. You can see your mom soon once she fully wakes up. I left instructions with the nurses. Everything is taken care of."
She nodded, looking at me with eyes full of gratitude and something deeper, something I couldn't quite name yet. "Thank you again, Zarya. For everything."
I gave her one last reassuring look before turning around and walking away. I headed to my car, my mind heavy but my heart a little lighter.
I arrived at the main family residence thirty minutes later. Pagpasok ko pa lang sa hapag-kainan, sinalubong na ako ng ngiti at ni mom at Papa. The atmosphere was warm, the table filled with all my favorite dishes, and for the first few minutes, everything was light, casual, and happy.
"Look at you," Dad started, his voice full of pride as he poured wine into his glass.
"Every time I hear about you, it's always something great.
The expansion at Hotel DeLuca went perfectly this morning, I heard.
And here at the hospital... you handled a critical case successfully again.
You are doing everything flawlessly, Zarya.
You manage the business like a veteran, you treat patients like the best doctor in the country.
.. you have achieved so much at a young age.
We are so proud of you, anak. You really carry the DeLuca name with honor. "
Tumango naman si mommy, smiling warmly at me.
"Yes, indeed. Everyone talks about you. 'Si Zarya DeLuca, ang galing, ang talino, napakaganda and successful .' You have everything anyone could ever ask for. Intelligence, wealth, respect... you are perfect in every way."
I just smiled politely, eating my food slowly, feeling good about their words but waiting for the other shoe to drop. I knew this praise was just the introduction. I knew exactly where this conversation was heading.
"Thank you, Pa, Ma. I am just doing my duty. I just want to make sure everything we built remains strong and trusted," I answered calmly.
And just as I expected, halfway through the meal, Papa put his fork down with a deliberate sound. The smile faded from his face, replaced by that serious, authoritative expression he always wore when he wanted to make a final decision.
"Success in work and business is wonderful, Zarya," he began, his tone shifting completely from proud to serious.
"But a person's life is not complete with just those things.
You have built the foundation perfectly.
Now... it is time to build the future. To secure everything you have worked for. To complete the picture."
He looked straight at me.
"It is time to think about settling down. Marriage. And we both know exactly who is the best person for you. Ryan."
There it was. The topic I was dreading.
I took a slow breath, keeping my voice steady but firm.
"Dad... everything is going well right now.
My work is busy, I have a lot of projects to finish, and honestly.
.. there is no need to rush things. Everything has its own perfect time.
We cannot force things just because we want them to happen immediately.
When the time is right, it will happen naturally. "
My father scoffed softly, shaking his head as if my answer was the most unreasonable thing he had ever heard. He leaned forward, elbows on the table, looking at me intensely.
"Perfect time? Zarya... how much time do you need?
" he asked, his voice rising slightly. "You and Ryan.
.. you have known each other since you were kids!
You grew up together. You played together, studied together, attended the same events, know every detail of each other's lives.
You know his family, his character, his values.
.. isn't that enough time for you guys? Ilang taon pa ba ang kailangan? Ten years? Twenty years? How long?"
"Dad, knowing someone since childhood doesn't automatically mean we are ready to get married!
" I tried to explain, keeping my patience even as frustration started to build up inside me.
"Compatibility is not just about knowing each other's history.
It's about feelings, about connection, about being truly ready to spend a lifetime with someone.
Ryan is a good man, yes. But being good isn't the only thing that matters. "
"It should be!" Papa argued back firmly.
"It is more than enough! He comes from a great family, he is successful just like you, he is respectful, loyal, and everyone knows he loves you deeply!
He has been waiting for you for years! What else are you looking for?
What else do you need that he cannot give you? "
He shook his head in clear disappointment.
"You are getting older, Zarya. You have a name to protect, a legacy to continue. Stop looking for things that are... complicated. Stop chasing things that only bring pain. Choose what is right. Choose what is safe. Choose what makes sense for our family and for your future."
"It's not that simple, Dad," I whispered, gripping the edge of the table tightly under the cloth.
If only you knew my heart belongs to someone else entirely.
"Hindi naman pwedeng pilitin ang lahat base lang sa kung ano ang tama para sa iba.
There are things that logic and status cannot explain. "
"It is that simple if you just open your eyes and look at reality!" he replied sharply, ending the conversation as if his word was final.
Mom tried to intervene, placing a hand on his arm to calm him down. "Hon, tama na. Nandito lang si Zarya para kumain. Huwag nating gawing usapang negosyo ang bawat oras."
But the damage was done. My appetite was gone. The happiness and relief I felt earlier from saving Tita Elena and seeing Iris safe was replaced by this heavy, suffocating pressure again.
"I have to go back to the hospital," I said abruptly, standing up before he could add anything else. My voice was calm, but inside I was crumbling. "There are reports I need to check and patients to monitor. Thank you for the lunch, Ma. Dad."
I didn't wait for their reply. I walked out of the house fast, got into my car, and drove away. I needed air. I needed silence. I needed a place where nobody told me what to do or who to love.
And deep inside, I knew... this pressure wasn't going to end anytime soon.
I drove away from the family residence as fast as I could, my hands gripping the steering wheel tightly until my knuckles turned white. Every single word my father said was still echoing loudly inside my head, sharp, heavy, and suffocating.
"You've known each other since you were kids! Isn't that enough?... Choose what is right... choose what is safe... choose Ryan..."
Bawat salita ay parang patalim na paulit-ulit na tumutusok saakin. I felt trapped. I felt misunderstood. And worst of all, I felt like no matter what I achieved, no matter how successful I became, I was still just a puppet moving according to the strings they pulled.
I arrived back at the hospital but instead of going straight to the private room where Tita Clara was resting, I turned my car towards the back entrance.
I needed a moment alone. I needed to breathe.
I needed to wash away the frustration and the tears threatening to fall before I faced anyone, especially Iris.
I headed straight to the exclusive garden, the quiet sanctuary reserved only for doctors and staff.
It was hidden away from the noise, surrounded by tall trees, blooming flowers, and the soft sound of water from the small fountain in the middle.
This was the only place where I could truly be myself, where no titles or expectations could reach me.
As I walked through the iron gate, the cool afternoon breeze touched my face, calming me just a little bit. I walked slowly towards the bench near the fountain, intending to sit there, close my eyes, and clear my mind.
But I froze when I saw someone was already there.
Sitting on the far end of the bench, head bowed low, elbows resting on his knees, hands covering his face... was Ryan.
Nakilala ko siya agad kahit nakatalikod. I recognized the black coat draped over his shoulders, the familiar posture, and the messy hair he always ran his hands through when he was stressed.
But what made my heart stop was the way his shoulders were shaking.
He was crying.
Ryan...the man everyone envied, the man everyone said had the perfect life, the man my father and his father described as confident, stable, and lucky... was sitting alone in our quiet garden, weeping silently like a man who had lost everything.