The day was approaching evening, but the rain that had been falling since morning showed no signs of stopping. Meanwhile, two men sitting across from each other remained silent, pondering many possibilities."Are you really sure about Kylie?" Zack asked when his high school friend planned to make Kylie his girlfriend, even his future wife."Absolutely, I'm sure. It feels like when I met her, I had already known her for a long time, and we clicked. But I wonder if Kylie feels the same way about me," Joe said, then filled with doubt."Well, I don't know. You have to find out for yourself. You're the guy, haha," Zack teased his troubled friend."The problem is, you know I've been close to women, Sa. If not for sure, I would have been married a long time ago," Joe complained again."Good luck, Bro," Zack said, patting his friend's back.Two days after his conversation with Zack, Joe decided to take a break from work and suddenly went to pick up Kylie at her house. The white car suddenly p
"We're going home now, dear," Zack coaxed when he saw Celine looking exhausted.Celine's face was pale, and cold sweat was flowing down her temples. Zack was deeply concerned about his wife's condition. Understandably, the doctor had warned Celine not to overexert herself during her current pregnancy. However, Celine was stubborn.When she heard about her younger sister's engagement plans, she insisted on helping Gina with the preparations. Despite warnings from both Gina and her family, Celine's stubbornness prevailed."Not now, dear. There are still some things that need to be taken care of," Celine gently refused."Sweetheart, your condition is not favorable. Just look at you, pale as a ghost," Zack replied with a hint of irritation.Sometimes, Zack felt that Celine was too stubborn. He recalled their past, where Celine often acted selfishly and chose to leave him. Even after marriage, Celine's attitude hadn't changed much; if anything, she had become even more stubborn."Don't spe
After arriving home, Celine was immediately instructed by her husband to rest. Celine, of course, couldn't refuse, especially since Zack always reminded her of the recent incident. And Celine didn't want that to happen again.Celine was trying to close her eyes when Zack bid her farewell. Her husband would soon find the honey-grilled chicken that Celine craved. Celine felt very fortunate; in Zack's silence, he continued to pay attention to Celine's condition and desires."Be careful, dear. I also ordered the warm tea from there. If possible, not too sweet," Celine said with a smile."Alright, dear. I'm going now. Don't move too much, okay? I don't want anything to happen to you again," Zack replied.Celine just nodded, indicating that she understood what her husband had conveyed. Zack immediately kissed Celine's forehead and left.After Zack left, Celine felt very bored. She couldn't sleep again because she had rested all day at the clinic. Zack's wife then rose from her resting place
Only a drop of tear fell from the corner of Celine's eye, but it could destroy all the feelings that existed in Zack. The reason, of course, was that he couldn't bear to see Celine cry. Zack then immediately approached Celine, wiped the tears that fell on her cheeks, and kissed his wife's forehead affectionately."We're leaving now," Zack said without thinking.Let him give in again for the sake of his wife's happiness. Checking the condition of the car could be done while walking later. For shop business and permission to the family, couldn't it be obtained on the way and taken care of over the phone?Zack again had to be strong, steadfast, and also give in. He couldn't afford to see Celine's tears falling because of him. In the case that happened just now, Zack thought he was the one who had made Celine cry. When, in fact, Celine was crying because of her thoughts. However, Celine also accepted her husband's invitation. The woman who was pregnant felt delighted."But, he said earlie
In the past few days, Zack has appeared highly exhausted. He has been filling in for his wife, shuttling back and forth for Kylie and Gina's wedding preparations. Zack has taken over his wife's role in assisting with the preparations for the ceremony at his in-laws' house. After that, he moved on to his cousin Kylie's house to help with catering and other arrangements.Zack's actions are not without reason. He certainly doesn't want to worry Celine by being unable to assist in preparing for these critical events. Despite being aware of Celine's feelings, he feels compelled to ensure the well-being of his pregnant wife.Zack is determined to prevent a repeat of the near tragedy that almost claimed the lives of his wife and unborn child. However, the consequence is that Zack's body feels exhausted. Zack acknowledges that he has overexerted himself in the past few days but doesn't want to cause any concern for Celine. So, as much as possible, Zack maintains a usual demeanor in front of h
Looking at Celine peacefully asleep tugged at Zack's heart. How could it not? This time, regret overwhelmed Zack multiple times more than before. He felt responsible for what had happened to his wife now due to his restriction on Celine from leaving the house to help with the wedding preparations for Kylie and Gina.Celine likely felt stressed and pressured for not being able to contribute anything to her beloved and closest people. If only time could be turned back, Zack would surely not let his wife go through such a distressing situation.Zack truly regretted it; he never expected that his harshness and selfishness towards Celine would end up so tragically. Fortunately, the safety of his wife remained under God's protection, allowing both Celine and the unborn baby to endure until now.Lost in thought, Zack suddenly heard a commotion from outside the room where Celine was being treated. He quickly got up and tried to peek to see what was happening. However, Zack was shocked when hi
Finally, after several discussions between Celine and Zack and their Doctor, who has been monitoring Celine's pregnancy, the couple decided to follow the obstetrician's advice.They chose the option of surgery for the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Before the scheduled day of the operation, the Doctor had a private conversation, especially with Zack. The Doctor explained many things to Celine's husband. The most important thing when a wife undergoes a cesarean section is the support from her loved ones, especially from her husband."Don't think that a cesarean section is easy, sir. There will be a lot of pressure and postoperative care. That's what you, Zack, need to pay attention to," said the Doctor, looking directly at Zack."What do you mean, Doctor? Isn't it easier to have a cesarean section because it doesn't require much effort? Just anesthesia, then a cut, the abdomen is opened, and the baby is taken out?" Zack asked, naive and innocent, as he was unfamiliar with
Celine began to feel bored just sitting at home. All because she was in the post-surgery recovery period. Although Celine was grateful to have gone through it all and finally met her beautiful baby, sometimes, when alone, she would curse her fate.She felt utterly useless as a woman. She had only been a burden to Zack. Occasionally, Celine reminisced about her past, about her arrogance in overcoming everything, especially when facing problems with Zack. Celine never wanted to hear any reasons. She felt that everything she did was right.Celine also remembered how she had escaped to the village, to her grandmother's house, to avoid Zack. But unexpectedly, he chased and searched for her there. When he arrived, Zack had to face bitter reality. Celine sent him back, and with deep disappointment, Zack left Celine there. However, true love and Zack's persistence managed to melt Celine's pride and selfishness. Also, Celine's entire family supported her relationship with Zack.Celine's disapp
About 5 years later ...."Don't run around, Dear. You might fall."Celine tried to catch Eve, who was happily running around in the yard, though she struggled a bit due to her bulging belly. Despite the difficulty, Celine continued to chase after her princess. Witnessing this from inside the house, Zack quickly walked over to them."Sweetheart, don't make Mama worried," Zack said, catching and holding Eve in his arms."Papa, why haven't the others come yet? It's taking so long," Eve said amusingly.At the age of five, Eve was already very smart. Celine and Zack never expected their firstborn to be chatty like her mother but wise like her father."They'll be here soon, don't worry. That's why Eve has to be a good girl. No mischief, no running around, be kind to Mama," Zack continued, pointing towards Celine.Celine smiled while gently rubbing her growing belly. She was truly grateful that, in this second pregnancy, she didn't experience the same difficulties as her first. Even the docto
Not hearing Joe's response to her question convinced Kylie that it was true. That the real reason was Joe being tempted by the charm of the karaoke hostess. "Oh God...," Kylie moaned. She was still accompanied by sobs that seemed endless from her red lips. "You're so heartless!" she protested angrily. Honestly, Kylie never expected that her husband, who in her mind was always gentle and deeply in love with her, would have intentions to betray their sacred love! Her mind refused to accept it. "I can't believe that you have such rotten behaviour. At home, I pretend to be gentle and full of love for myself, but outside, I shower the same love to another woman. Even a karaoke hostess gets a share of your affection!" Kylie continued to curse while seeking forgiveness repeatedly. Her heart was in pain. Very painful, indeed; she couldn't describe how hurtful it was when the fleeting temptation of a karaoke hostess overshadowed her pure love and dedication! For a wife, there is no more s
After fully understanding her husband's intentions, Kylie's body automatically rose. Even the table in front of her shifted due to her movements. With an unconsciously gasping breath, Kylie looked towards Joe with a poignant and sharp gaze."You want to get married again? Hahaha! Don't joke!"Kylie tried to laugh, although it felt like the laughter coming from her mouth was very bitter. She tried to think positively, assuming that Joe was joking or trying to surprise her with some emotional twist. Unfortunately, Joe still looked very serious.The man stood up. His eyes glanced anxiously at Kylie as if afraid that the woman before him would explode."Kylie, please listen to me first. I am not joking at all. There is a woman who needs my guidance, so I want to marry her to ensure that our closeness doesn't turn into a sin."Kylie blinked her eyes several times; a thousand pains seemed to pierce her heart. Yet, what Joe revealed might not even be true. She gazed at the face of the man wh
Spontaneously, Monica covered her mouth, unintentionally shocked by what had just been said by the man who had been filling her days recently—the man whom she had targeted to be her life support."Did I hear it correctly? Do you want to marry me?" That was the only question her tongue could muster, suddenly feeling stiff.Joe stared into Monica's eyes intensely,"Listen first. I mean, I want to ask permission from Kylie first, whether she allows me to marry you—""But of course, she has to agree. You have the right to make choices. Besides, religion doesn't prohibit it, right?" Monica interrupted with great joy.She almost couldn't contain herself from jumping with happiness.However, in front of her, Joe shook his head, making Monica pout because she didn't understand what the man meant by being so elaborate. Wasn't it the man's right as the husband to make decisions in his household?"That's not the correct concept, Monica. I am indeed the husband and have the right to decide the di
"Darling, where were you? I've been looking for you!"Kylie asked as she met her husband in front of the office building. Surprisingly, this made Joe, who had just returned from Monica's place, panic.With a tense expression, Joe immediately embraced Kylie's shoulders and said, "Darling, I had lunch outside. Lately, you've been so busy and always eating in your room. So, I thought you didn't want to eat with me!"It was okay if they didn't eat together because of Kylie's recent busyness. However, knowing that her husband had eaten elsewhere, Kylie felt confused.The woman, who always appeared in public wearing a hijab, asked, "Where did you eat? I had prepared your lunch as usual. Why didn't you eat that?"Joe grimaced, just remembering the packed lunch. When he went for lunch at Monica's place, Joe would usually ask his colleague to eat the packed lunch prepared by Kylie. But yesterday, Joe forgot to do so, and Kylie must have noticed the untouched lunchbox.Guiding his wife back int
On that afternoon during lunchtime, Joe was startled by the noticeable transformation in Monica's appearance. He spontaneously stared at the beauty of God's creation embodied in Monica's figure, now adorned in a soft salmon-coloured modern gown with a simple design that perfectly complemented her body.Her beautiful face was covered with a matching ssawl, styled how Kylie usually wore her pashmina. Instantly, Joe felt as if he were seeing Kylie's twin but in a more attractive package, as Monica's curves were still entirely exposed.For a moment, the time he seemed to stand still. Joe's desires, which he had been trying to suppress, ignited passionately. The sight presented by Vioan tempted his faith to its core. It seemed as though he was genuinely captivated by Monica's undeniable charm."Joe? Do you think I look good in this outfit?" Monica asked with an uncertain gaze. She intentionally displayed a shy smile to appear like a maiden seeking approval from her beloved. My goodness! Mo
"Hello, Honey. Have you finished your overtime?" Joe spoke into the phone as Kylie called him. Remembering, he told Monica to be silent. He couldn't let Monica make any noise that Kylie might hear.On the other end, Kylie replied, "Darling, it seems like I'm going to work overtime until 09:00. Is it okay if I add an hour? Because my work is not finished yet, and if I pile it up for tomorrow, I'll be overwhelmed."Joe took a long breath, but he felt a bit happy. If Kylie extended her overtime, Joe could spend more time with Monica. Finally, he replied, "Yes, that's okay. When you're done, call me, Honey!"After that, their phone conversation ended. Joe put his phone back in his pocket. Kylie was busy; even coming home had to be postponed. But it didn't matter for now because Joe was at Monica's inn."What's your wife's position in the company, Mas? Why does it seem like she's so busy, working overtime almost daily like this?"That was a question posed by Monica as she took her seat nex
Joe firmly emphasized to Monica that he did not want to betray Kylie. A sense of guilt immediately overwhelmed him. After returning from the mall, Joe promptly dropped Monica off at her accommodation. For now, that place was the safest for Monica.Joe then prohibited Monica from going back to the karaoke place. Instead, he always gave her money and had already bought her a phone for everyday use. Joe didn't want to label what he and Monica were doing as an affair, but he realized that what he had done couldn't be justified.A shiver ran down his spine as he thought about the possibility of Kylie finding out about his actions. Indeed, she would be deeply disappointed."Aren't you coming in? Although it's an inn, I'm free to bring guests inside! Because people staying here often bring their friends in freely, the owner never minds!" Monica offered before getting out of Joe's car.The invitation Monica gave sounded very tempting, and there was a strong desire in Joe's heart to nod his he
"Oh my God! You're so absurd!" Joe retorted, refocusing on driving. They were on a quiet road, so he had pulled over easily to recover from the shock of Monica's statement."How am I absurd? I do want to be your wife. I believe I can live a better life under your guidance. I'm sure because I see, Joe, you're so good as a husband," Monica elaborated, emphasizing her words. Joe, in turn, shook his head in disbelief, wondering about the basis of her thoughts."But there are still many single men out there who would want you, Monica!" Joe, once again, expressed his disapproval. He believed Monica should not dare to speak like that to a married man. Yet... why did he feel a sense of pride and joy when he first heard it? Oh God! Something was wrong with his heart, Joe pondered."I've met many men. Most of them only wanted my body," Monica lamented with a bitter tone. "They didn't care about my job. I want a life like other women, sheltered by their husbands, feeling safe and guided to becom