As soon as Sasha leaves, the sound of her footsteps echoing off the stairs as she walks away, returning to her TV show. Diana stepped back inside her room, and locked the door behind her once more.
The thunder outside might have quieted, but the storm inside her was still ever raging.
And to the best of her knowledge, she had no idea how to stop it.
Meanwhile, moments have past and Diana is gradually accepting her fate now.
This time, Diana was sitting on her bed with both her legs also on the bed. But her back was still resting on the headboard, a sign of her raging thoughts.
She had long changed into a silk and transparent nightgown, revealing the sexiest and alluring part of her body.
This gorgeous and seductive body of hers she had taken care of for years, making every man who came across her wet in their panties... had become something she paid less concern to.
Besides, this sexy body of hers could only exist for not more than a month.
But just now... just now, she had made up her mind.
With only a month left to live on this planet, at least, she would spend at least two weeks with her parents before she goes beyond.
So painful that her heart clenched at the thought of it.
But her parents... another serious nut to crack.
They had always dreamed and wished to visit her in the state, but only on one condition... unless she was married.
This, of course, was one of their old-fashioned methods of believing that once she had a husband, then she was truly settled and complete.
But now, time was no longer on her side. She's actually dying silently.
And Diana, of all people, couldn't bear to die without seeing them one last time.
Her fingers trembled lightly and steadily as she picked up her phone, scrolling through her contacts.
She inhaled and exhaled deeply, hesitating only for a second before tapping on her father's number.
She needed to call them.
The phone rang.
Once... Twice... And Diana's tension kept ringing as well.
Sure enough, this familiar deep voice came through the phone, filled with warmth.
"My sunshine! My beautiful and priceless diamond!"
Diana's father exclaimed, his voice dripping with joy and gladness.
"Do you know how much I've missed hearing your voice? You barely call your parents these days!"
Diana closed her eyes, doing everything in her power to hold back her emotions threatening to spell her out.
"Daddy..."
Her voice dropped to a whisper, forcing herself to smile... even though it was a little.
"I have missed you daddy."
"Ah! You missed me? Then why is it that I have to wait so long before I can hear from you, hmm? Is this how my princess wishes to repay me for raising her with so much love?"
Diana chuckled again, feeling every sound of his voice.
"I'm so sorry, Daddy."
"Work has been stressful for your princess, and you know how it is to manage such a big company."
"Work, work, work! Baby, that's all you ever say. My dear, you're still young for that level of stress. Take care of yourself too, ehn?"
"Okay, fine. I will, Daddy."
"That's my princess. Anyway, you called at the right time! Your mother was accusing me of taking her daughter away from her."
"Ah!" Diana exclaimed.
"Well, she just stepped out to get herself some water. She'll be back in a moment."
Diana smiled a little, nodding her head.
"But, Daddy. How is she doing now? I hope she's taking her meditations. You know she doesn't like taking drugs."
"Um... you know your mother. She's as stubborn as hell, just like you! I would tell her to rest, but no, she wants to do everything herself. Just wait, she will soon come back and..."
Then, a voice interrupted in the background.
"Honey, who are you talking to? And even smiling at the same time."
The moment Diana heard her mother's voice, her heart was squeezed with longing. It has been wrong... one week is too way wrong.
"It's your daughter!" Diana's father announced proudly.
"What?! You mean, My Diana?! Give me that phone!"
At that moment, there were some shuffling sounds in the background before her mother's voice came through.
"Diana! My baby! Where have you been, eh? You just decided not to call us again. You didn't even call last week! What kind of behavior is that? I never raised you like that!"
Diana laughed softly. Of course, blinking away the tears forming in her eyes.
"Mom, I know, I know... I'm so sorry about that. I've just been busy with work."
"Ah! These are your work excuses again. This work of yours, will it marry you and give me grandchildren, eh?"
Diana bit her lips. If only her mother knew how much she wished that were possible...
"Mummy, please, not today," she said playfully.
"If not today? Then when? Wait, don't think I will leave you alone? Never! But for this night, I will let you off so that you will call again tomorrow."
Everyone laughed, but Diana couldn't find herself laughing. Meanwhile, Diana's mother continued.
"Tell me, how are you? Hope you're eating well? You're not skipping meals, right?"
"I'm fine, Mom. Sasha makes sure of that. Besides, I don't know whether you instigated her into that."
"Ah, Sasha. She's a good girl. I know she will not fail me. I told her that whenever I visit again, and you look thin... hmmm! I will deal with her myself!"
For the first time, Diana laughed out loud, feeling warmth spread through her chest.
"I see. Well, she's doing well, Mom. You don't need to worry."
Her mother sighed. "Alright, let me take your word."
Now the hour has come, but Diana would rather hesitate.
That is it.
But, she took a deep breath before she spoke out.
"Mom...Dad... I want you both to come visit me in the state."
Just as expected, there was silence at the other end. Probably, they might be staring at each other.
Then her father spoke out.
"My princess, you know what we agreed on. We agreed that we would only come when..."
"When I get married," she completed the statement for him.
There was another pause before her mother broke the silence.
"Yes, my dear. We agreed not to disturb you. You're a grown woman now. But once you've settled down with a man, we will eventually come and bless your home."
Diana's fingers clenched the bedspread she was sitting on.
Now, she had no choice. If she really wants to see them for the last time... there's no other way but to lie.
"Dad, Mom... I am married already."
Sure enough, there was a sudden drop. And then, gradually...
"What?!"
"What?!"
Her father's voice was filled with shock. "Diana! You got married without even notifying us? Ah! Since when?!"
And her mother was almost wailing.
"Ahhh! My enemies have won! My only child has abandoned me! How could you do this to us, Diana?!"
Diana replied immediately. "Mom, it's not like that!"
"Then like what is it then?!" her father inquired.
"Ah, why are you both sounding like this?"
"You both said you would come when I'm married, not before I get married or when I'm getting married," Diana argued.
"So, technically speaking, I followed the agreement deed."
"Ah...this girl is trying to trick us again with English!" her mother exclaimed.
"Hmm... My princess, you used our own words against us this time."
Diana laughed quietly. "So, does that mean you're not coming?"
Her parents both sighed dramatically.
"We have no choice now, do we? You have trapped us with your cleverness, my princess. Now, we must come and see this mysterious husband of yours!"
Her mother added, "Yes, my baby. We are coming this weekend. We cannot wait any longer. Hope he's more handsome than your father?"
Diana laughed a little and swallowed up.
This was happening, and where was she going to find a husband? A husband just for the moment.
"Yeah, I can't wait to see you both," she whispered.
Her father's voice softened.
"We love you, Diana. We always do."
Her mother added gently.
"We will be there soon, my love. And you better be ready for a long talk. You have to explain to me how good he is in bed."
Diana chuckled. "Ah! Mummy! Well, I'll be waiting."
Just then, the call ended.
It took Diana a few seconds before she removed the phone from her ear. Staring at the phone in her hand, she had lied.
But at least, they would come. She would only need someone to pose as her husband.
Only that way, she wouldn't have to say goodbye without seeing them one last time.
She closed her eyes, a little tear dropping down her cheek.
"I hope this is the right thing," she whispered to herself.