Worth The Wait

Prologue

Prologue

They say time heals all wounds.

It used to sound like just another cliché. A well-meaning lie people tell themselves to survive heartbreak. But now, after everything she’d been through, Lara finally understood the truth behind those words.

Yes, it doesn’t come quickly. It was slow. Unforgiving, even. Healing was never graceful. Some days were peaceful, like watching the sky turn gold at sunset. Other days felt like drowning in memories that refused to fade. But she embraced every part of it. The pain. The stillness. The becoming.

She didn’t rush the process. She didn’t try to force herself into pretending she was okay when she wasn’t. She allowed the grief, the confusion, the sadness, and even the anger to pass through her, one emotion at a time.

It helped that she had started letting go even before the annulment was finalized.

Now, nearly two years after the marriage she once fought so hard for had officially ended, Lara could finally say: She was okay.

No more tears. No more longing. No more Lucas Gabriel Dela Merced.

The love she once clung to had long faded, replaced by a calm she never thought she’d feel again. She had finally, truly moved on.

And it felt like her life was finally aligning with what was meant for her.

More than a year ago, Lara had boarded a plane and began her journey—not just across countries, but back to herself. She had visited nearly thirty different countries, some for three weeks, others for just one. From the canals of Venice to the bustling streets of Seoul, to hiking trails in Peru and quiet cafés in Prague, every destination taught her something new. Each stop helped her rediscover herself—the things she once loved, and the things she had never known she would fall for.

And sometimes, she still couldn’t believe it. Who would’ve thought that the same girl who once lost herself in a loveless marriage would one day stand beneath the Northern Lights, danced under the stars in Morocco, and quietly weep among the ruins of Greece?

Because the truth was, she had never imagined a life like this, not when she was younger, not when she married Lucas. When she learned she’d be marrying him, all she hoped for was to be a good wife... and maybe even a mother someday. She had shelved every personal desire, thinking the future she imagined with him was enough.

But life had other plans.

Her marriage wasn’t the dream. It was a detour. A painful, necessary chapter that broke her, shaped her, and ultimately pushed her to grow.

God hadn’t abandoned her. He simply redirected her. And maybe… this journey of healing and rediscovery was the life He had written for her all along.

And perhaps… Reagan was part of that beautiful life He had always meant for her.

She missed him.

Even with all the time zones and distance, they had never stopped talking. They texted, video called, and left each other voice notes when time got in the way. Especially Reagan, he never missed a day. No matter how packed his schedule was, he always made sure to reach out.

And that consistency, that quiet devotion—that’s what made her fall deeper.

Physical distance couldn’t erase what was already rooted in her heart.

They had only seen each other four times last year, mostly during the holidays when she flew back to the Philippines to spend Christmas and New Year with her family. She stayed for a week, and Reagan made the most of every second they had.

He once told her he wanted to visit her abroad—to fly to wherever she was, just to see her. But he held himself back. He didn’t want to get in the way or rush her healing.

“I want you to take your time,” he had said. “When you come back to me, I want you whole. I want you to choose me not because you’re lonely, but because you’re ready. And when that day comes, I swear, I’ll never let you go again.”

Those words never left her.

Ever since their fake dating arrangement ended, Reagan had been upfront—blunt, even—about his feelings. It overwhelmed her at first. She wasn’t used to someone being so sure of her. Not after everything she had been through. But slowly, she found herself getting used to it—or at least trying to. Maybe her heart never would fully adjust. Reagan had this way of making her feel light and breathless all at once. And she didn’t hate it. If anything, she welcomed it. Even the distance hadn’t dulled her feelings for him. If anything, they’d only grown stronger.

Which was why she had decided.

After this last trip, she would return home. Not just to the Philippines—but to Reagan.

She would stop making him wait. He had been patient long enough. She was ready to be with him. For real.

Just thinking about it made her smile as she hung the last of her clothes in the closet of her hotel suite in Kyoto. She had landed just an hour ago, and planned to stay for two weeks at most. The room was quiet, filled with warm sunlight filtering in through the windows. She zipped her suitcase shut and slid it into the bottom of the dresser, quietly humming a tune to herself.

Her phone rang just as she shut the closet door.

It was a video call from Ali.

Lara smiled wide as she picked up.

[“Hey, wanderlust queen!”] Ali beamed from the screen. [“Did you land safely? How’s Kyoto treating you? Is the weather good?”]

“I did. I landed about an hour ago and just finished unpacking in my suite,” Lara replied, settling onto the edge of the bed. “The weather’s lovely, and the city looks stunning. I can’t wait to start exploring.”

Ali grinned, eyes twinkling. [“Ugh, I swear, you’re living the dream. And you look amazing, by the way. Seriously glowing.”]

Lara laughed softly and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you. I feel much lighter and better now,” then her tone softened, “How about you? How are you holding up? You’re in your second trimester now, right?”

Ali smiled and gave a little nod. [“Yup. I’m doing great. My morning sickness is finally gone, thank God.”]

“I can tell,” Lara said with a warm laugh. “Your skin looks great, and you’re glowing too. You’re such a beautiful pregnant woman.”

Ali smirked. [“Well, duh. When have I not looked amazing? I bet I’ll still look drop-dead gorgeous even while giving birth.”]

Lara burst out laughing. “God, you never change. But seriously, I still can’t believe you’re pregnant now. And to think you used to swear off relationships, ranting that all men are trash. Now look at you—pregnant and engaged.”

Ali rolled her eyes with a grin. [“Ugh, don’t remind me. I didn’t see this coming either, okay? I was just as shocked. I mean, you know how much I loved modeling—even though I whined about it sometimes. I worked my ass off to keep my figure. Then boom—pregnancy. Definitely not in the original life plan. But honestly? I don’t regret a thing. This little peach is a blessing.”] She smiled down at her growing belly and gently rubbed it.

Lara’s heart softened at the sight of her friend. “I’m really happy for you, Ali. Truly.”

Ali smiled, visibly touched. [“Thanks. Anyway, I’m planning to throw a baby shower once I hit my third trimester. You better be there, okay? No excuses. You’re first on my list of godmothers for my little peach.”]

Lara chuckled. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll be there. Don’t worry.”

Ali clapped her hands and leaned closer to the screen. [“Good! Okay, now enough about me. Let’s talk about you again. How long are you staying in Kyoto? Do you already have plans for your next destination?”]

Lara bit her lower lip, trying to suppress a grin. “Actually... this was supposed to be a secret, but I’ll tell you now—as long as you swear not to breathe a word to anyone.”

Ali leaned even more closer to the screen, grinning with curiosity. [“Oh? Now I’m intrigued. Tell me! Promise, my lips are sealed.”]

“Well,” Lara said, her voice soft with a hint of excitement, “This is going to be my last stop. After Kyoto, I’m flying back to the Philippines. I’ve decided… I’m going to stop making Reagan wait. I want to make things official between us.”

She smiled, expecting Ali to squeal with joy or tease her but the screen stayed strangely quiet.

Ali’s smile faltered for a second. There was a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. It wasn’t the reaction Lara had expected.

Lara tilted her head, confused. “Hey. What’s that look for? Is something wrong?”

Ali blinked and gave a quick, almost too casual laugh. [“What? No! Nothing. I was just… surprised, that’s all.”]

“You sure?” Lara asked, narrowing her eyes. Something felt off.

[“Yeah, yeah, totally,”] Ali said quickly, then paused. [“So... you’re still in touch with Reagan, right?”]

Lara’s brows knit together. “Of course I am. Why?”

[“No reason,”] Ali said, again a little too fast. [“Just wondering. Did he… mention anything to you recently?”]

Lara leaned slightly forward, her eyes narrowing. “Mention what? What are you talking about?”

[“Nothing! I swear!”] Ali gave a tight smile, but Lara saw the nervous flicker in her eyes. [“I mean… it’s probably nothing.”]

“Ali,” Lara said, her voice firm now. “Tell me what it is. Don’t play dumb. I know you’re hiding something. And it’s about Reagan, isn’t it?”

[“No—I mean—kind of? But it’s probably nothing! Just forget I said anything, okay?”] Ali raised her hands, clearly panicking.

“Really? You expect me to just forget about it after you made that face?” Lara said, crossing her arms. “Just spill it. Now.”

Ali looked like she was debating whether to speak or not. Then finally, she sighed.

[“There’s… a rumor,”] she said carefully.

“A rumor about what?” Lara’s stomach dropped.

Ali bit her lip again. [“About Reagan. That he’s... he’s getting engaged.”]

The words landed like a slap.

Lara blinked. “…What?” she breathed. “Engaged? To who?”

Ali let out a slow, uneasy sigh. [“To someone in New York. A model, apparently.”]

Lara’s stomach turned. “No,” she whispered, her chest tightened. “That’s not true. That can’t be true.”

[“I know it’s just gossip,”] Ali continued gently, [“but there are photos going around online. Reagan was spotted inside a jewelry store with her. A lot of the blogs are saying he was picking out an engagement ring.”]

Ali paused before adding, [“I looked into it because… honestly, I didn’t want to believe it either. But the photos are everywhere now. And most of the entertainment and gossip sites are saying the same thing. The most credible one claims he’s planning to propose soon. The model’s pretty well-known in New York, so the rumors are blowing up fast.”]

Lara didn’t speak. Her throat tightened, and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe.

“No,” she finally said. “It’s just gossip. Reagan would have told me. He wouldn’t keep something like that from me.”

[“I know, I know,”] Ali replied gently. [“But… Lara, there’s no smoke without fire. You can check for yourself. Look at the articles, the photos. Decide if it’s nothing.”]

Lara stared at the screen, the silence between them growing heavier by the second.

Her mind raced. She didn’t want to believe it. It didn’t make sense. Reagan had never mentioned anyone else. He had always been open, sincere, consistent. It had to be just another baseless rumor, one of those meaningless gossip pieces meant to stir drama and clicks. Reagan wouldn’t blindside her like this. Not after everything they shared.

He wasn’t like Lucas.

Still… something twisted painfully in her chest.

He had been unusually busy lately. Their conversations had become shorter. Less frequent. He hadn’t called her since yesterday morning. She hadn’t thought much of it at first. But now… she wasn’t so sure anymore.

Was it just a coincidence?

Her chest grew tight, her breath catching in her throat.

She didn’t know what to feel. Hurt. Confused. Angry. Scared.

One thing was certain, though. She didn’t like this feeling. She hated it.

And worse… she wasn’t even sure if she had the right to feel this way.

They weren’t officially together. She had no claim over him. She knew that. She was the one who left, needing time to heal, to rediscover herself. She never asked Reagan to put his life on hold. He offered that promise freely.

But that’s what made it hurt more.

Because he was the one who promised. He was the one who said he’d wait. He gave her comfort, assurance—hope that when she was finally ready, he’d still be there.

But now, this?

This felt like betrayal. Like a rug being pulled out from under her before she even got the chance to take that first step toward him.

She looked back at the screen, and Ali’s concerned face stared back at her.

Lara tried to speak but her voice came out hoarse. “I… I don’t know what to think right now.”

She hated the jealousy curling deep in her stomach, the fear tightening around her chest, the helplessness creeping into her bones. Maybe she didn’t have the right to feel this way, but knowing that didn’t make it hurt any less.

The thought of Reagan with someone else... Of him loving someone else?

It made her sick.