Early morning. Airin jolted from her sleep, feeling pain in her chest and a body that seemed stiff from not changing positions.How could she move? Her body was locked in a warm and soothing embrace. Moving was nearly impossible. Her view was limited at the moment. The only sight before her was the black pajamas right in front of her.Fachri. Indeed. He was now holding Airin tightly after the unpleasant incident before they went to sleep.Airin just realized that she had indirectly rejected Fachri. Fachri, who was vastly different from Zidan, but the painful memories couldn't distinguish between them. So, she felt an overwhelming fear when Fachri tried to get closer.Before marriage, they were more than this. Without any fear, Airin would undress entirely before bathing. Always accompanied by Fachri, without any feelings. Without the haunting shadow of Zidan that terrified her.But everything was different now. When Fachri intended to fulfill his duty to provide emotional support, jus
Airin sighed in relief as she opened her eyes and saw Fachri right in front of her. The man seemed to be asleep after enjoying their first night together, still holding her tightly.A corner of Airin's lips lifted, remembering how Fachri gave meaning to true love without any coercion or violence. She longed for such touches again.It was nothing like the past with Zidan—forced and rushed. She was also left alone without any news.Fachri? He had many opportunities to take their relationship to the next level, countless ones. Especially since she recovered from the operation. He took care of everything completely. From bathing to dressing her, treating the surgical scars, and pumping breast milk for Via. All without any hidden motives.Fachri did it when they were truly recognized as a married couple. It wasn't easy for him to claim his rights as a husband, even though he was used to touching and seeing every inch of her body.A man who respected the honor of the woman he loved. Fachri
"Dear, let's take a shower first. I'll take care of Via," Airin said after finishing her bathing and getting ready routine.In the late morning, she looked beautiful in a short-sleeved blouse paired with a knee-length skirt. A touch of light makeup completed her appearance.As newlyweds, she wanted to always look beautiful and fresh, especially in front of family, wedding organizers, who were packing up their equipment, and neighbors who came to greet them, teasing Airin, whose face looked radiant after spending the first night with Fachri."Take care of Via for a while, okay? I'll shower first," Fachri handed Via to Airin before heading to the bathroom with a towel and a change of clothes that Airin had given him."Until what time were you up last night? You both woke up late and missed breakfast time," his mother teased now after Rosita and Riyanto had teased Fachri relentlessly."Until morning, Mom. The one Father gave Fachri last night will make him energetic and strong. So it's r
Meanwhile, Fachri got absorbed in his work, correcting several thesis chapters and returning them to the respective owners once completed.Unbeknownst to them, the bedroom door remained unlocked, and a young girl now stood in front of the door, preparing to call them.Creak.The door handle was pressed. Fachri immediately turned towards the sound. His eyes widened seeing the bedroom door slowly opening."Sister Airin!"Aisya, Airin's younger sister, was startled. She saw clearly what was in front of her, completely exposed without any barrier. Airin's heart pounded as Aisya observed what she was doing. Even Via cried out in surprise upon hearing the voice of the eighteen-year-old girl."Why, Sya?" Airin's mother quickly approached Aisya, who suddenly closed the bedroom door. She was supposed to call Airin and Fachri since there were distant guests who had come to meet them."T-That... oh, Mom. I don't want to talk about it." Aisya rubbed her chest, still shocked by what she had just s
"Airin, come with me!"Without any consent from Airin, Zidan immediately dragged her towards the balcony. Despite Airin continuously squirming to free herself, he paid no attention and kept dragging her without stopping.There were several questions he wanted to ask Airin, so he didn't care about her rejection and rebellion."Let me go, you have no right to drag me like this anymore. I mean nothing to you now, so please have some decency!"Airin jerked her hands roughly to free herself from Zidan.However, she couldn't break free from his strong grip on her wrist, resulting in a reddish bruise appearing."Listen. I want to ask you something. After that, you can leave, and I promise I won't bother you anymore. I swear." Zidan insisted, trapping Airin between his body and the hotel balcony wall. He locked Airin's hands above her head, making any resistance nearly impossible.At the end of the corridor, Fachri observed Zidan's actions clearly. He remained motionless, torn between advanci
"You scoundrel, Zidan!" Airin cursed, spitting in front of Zidan due to his audacious sudden attempt to kiss her."I want to meet your husband. I want you to ask him for me. You belong to me, Rin," Zidan said as he wiped off Airin's spit with his hand. His gaze remained gentle despite Airin's impoliteness."I will never introduce my husband to you. I will never, ever, no matter what threats or harm you do to me. I will never be afraid because I don't want to lose my kind and loving husband just the way he is." Airin emphasized each word that came out of her lips.Though not in love with Fachri, Airin could never live without him. She wouldn't be at this point, and he had become a strong foundation for her to endure by his side."Why don't you want to? Don't you want to be with me again? Don't you love me anymore, Rin?" Zidan asked with a heavy and hoarse voice, revealing his regret for hurting Airin.Airin shook her head. "I don't care about love. I also refuse to love a scoundrel lik
"Fachri!" Aisya exclaimed, quickly catching up with Fachri, who had just exited his room.The girl appeared to tidy up her hair before getting close to Fachri."Dear, Mom and Dad have approved my decision to study in Bandung. But, the condition is that I have to attend the university where you teach." She adjusted the hem of her blouse. "Um... if you don't mind, could you let me know the requirements, Dear? And when does the new student registration open?"Fachri pursed his lips. "Next week. I'll send you a text with all the necessary details to get in. Anything else?" Fachri asked, feeling uneasy with Aisya's presence at a time when his mind and heart were not at peace.Aisya shook her head quickly, trying to appear fine as Fachri seemed different. Whether it was just her perception or Fachri's true character, he didn't talk much and seemed indifferent to his conversation partner. However, when Airin was around, Fachri appeared friendly and warm.Aisya shook her head again, dispellin
"Dear, where were you?"Mayang tried to match her steps, following Zidan to the bathroom.Instead of greeting or saying anything, her husband just sulked in without a word. And when he came out earlier, Zidan didn't inform her where he would be going. So, she was worried about his whereabouts."Met a client downstairs. There are files I haven't transferred yet." Zidan halted his steps. "Don't ask me where and what I'm doing. I'm here to work, not for vacation." He continued his way to the bathroom.Mayang was stunned, observing Zidan's sudden indifference. It was very different from the Zidan she knew before, even from the one who was with her just a few hours ago."You can go home first, I still have work to finish."Zidan spoke up as Mayang followed him to the bathroom.Mayang, who was undressing, was startled. She looked at Zidan, who was now under the shower, enjoying the warm water falling from his head to the tips of his toes. It was effective enough to calm her mind, which was