130
"Why, Al?"
Alesya was somewhat relieved when it was Nicholas who answered the call on his assistant's phone.
"Al?" Nicholas couldn't hide his impatience as he received the call. Instead of hearing Alesya's voice, he heard only heavy breathing, indicating that Alesya was doing her best to escape from Bryan.
"Please help me. Bryan and Shabila brought me to the hospital to check if I'm still a virgin or not."
"What?!" Nicholas was taken aback. "Where? Which hospital?"
Click... The call was abruptly cut off.
Without saying a word to his secretary, Nicholas rushed off, searching for Alesya with the phone in his hand. He desperately hoped that Alesya's phone hadn't run out of battery since he had forgotten to charge it that morning.
"Which hospital could it be?" Nicholas mumbled, trying to guess where Alesya and Bryan might be. As quickly as he could, Nicholas began searching the hospitals, clinics, and health centers near their home, hoping to find them before the examination was completed.
Even though he might be too late, Nicholas hoped that Alesya could escape and come up with a brilliant idea to free herself from Bryan's clutches.
That was Nicholas' hope for Alesya, who was currently leaning against the bathroom door, trying to turn on her phone that had died due to a lack of battery. She was frightened because Bryan kept knocking on the door, urging her to come out. It had been almost fifteen minutes since she locked herself inside.
"If you don't come out after I count to three, then I'll take it as proof that you've never done it with Nicholas!"
Alesya was growing more panicked. She clenched the phone tightly in her hand, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. Her hand stretched out to open the bathroom door before Bryan could finish counting to three.
"I hope you've never experienced constipation so you won't know what I'm going through right now." Alesya pouted before she stormed out.
She acted as if she was upset because her bathroom break was interrupted. In reality, she was afraid her biggest secret would be revealed to Bryan. Alesya also cursed Nicholas for not being able to satisfy her physically. If Nicholas had finished, she wouldn't have to go through all this drama now.
"It took you so long. What were you doing in there that it took this long?"
As soon as Alesya stepped into the examination room, Shabila started scolding her. Alesya felt increasingly frustrated. Her mind couldn't cooperate to think of a way to escape all the examinations and questions.
Until an idea came to him when he was laid down. Asked to bend his legs and open his thighs, after removing the trousers he was wearing.
Shabila and Bryan stood beside the bed. Pay attention to what the doctor will do to Alesya.
“Just relax. No need to be nervous because it won't hurt.” The doctor was ready with rubber gloves on his hands.
And when the doctor bent down, Alesya sat down.
"Answer with a lie, I will pay the Doctor," he whispered. Holding the doctor's hand when he wanted to touch him down there.
The doctor was silent. Holding Alesya's shoulders and, “lay down well so I could examine her. If you sit like this you won't be able to."
Alesya was forced to lie down again. He could only pray that the doctor would accept his offer.
Alesya squeezed the bed sheet tightly. When the doctor's finger started to enter it, checking how things were down there.
“Not a virgin. Have you ever had husband and wife relations, even if only once or three times? "It still feels rough like a virgin, but the hymen has disappeared," explained the middle-aged doctor.
"Ah, thank goodness," sighed Bryan and Shabila simultaneously. They believe Nicholas worked hard to do it. Even though they had broken up, the man couldn't do it often.
"Okay, then it's my wife's turn to be examined." Bryan hugged Shabila's shoulder. "I want to see if there is already our baby in her womb."
"Have you ever done a pregnancy test?"
Shabila shook her head. “I don't believe in tests like that. "It's better to just get checked straight away, and I want to see whether my uterus is healthy or not," she explained honestly.
“Let's lie down, I'll check.”
Shabila nodded. Hurry up and get into bed as soon as Alesya is finished with her clothes. The girl looked shocked when she heard the results of the doctor's examination.
“Not a virgin? That means Diki..." Alesya's body felt weak. I almost sat there imagining that night, it turned out that Diki had raped her. That means there is a big possibility that Diki's seed was left in her womb.
"If you walk, be careful," warned Bryan, who was quick to stop Alesya from falling. The man looked happy when he found out that Alesya was no longer a girl.
"Thank You." Alesya broke away from Bryan. Stepped out of the examination room. He sat in a chair at the front of the room. Cursing the misfortune he experienced. Even though Alesya had hoped that Diki would never touch her, because there was no pain left at all.
However, after thinking again, even if Diki finished and left the seed in her womb, wouldn't that be good? Isn't that an answer to his prayers all this time?
Alesya took a breath. Rubbing her flat stomach and letting all the fear just evaporate.
And sure enough, when he won himself. The thought of being pregnant with Diki's child means that she will soon be free from Bryan's shadow. Yes, even though Diki doesn't feel like he wants to be the first man to take away his chastity.
It's okay, it's better than having to live like now. You must be haunted by the fear of losing all the memories that are the reason Alesya lives.
However, all feelings of sincerity and acceptance suddenly disappeared when he saw a man running towards him.
"Nicholas!" Alesya called out softly and rushed to meet Nicholas, throwing herself into his embrace.
"Are you okay?" Nicholas held her tightly.
Alesya shook her head. "Diki took it from me."
"Diki? Took what?"
Nicholas pursued, his breath still ragged from running, almost feeling like it wanted to stop when he heard Alesya's tears as she mentioned Diki's name.
"Everything. I thought he didn't have time to do it, but..."
"But who told you this?"
"The doctor, she just finished examining me, Nik."
"But Bryan didn't say anything to me. If Diki had done that, he would have asked me to settle the score with that guy."
"But, Nik, Bryan isn't my husband, don't you remember? He just wants me to get pregnant. Don't you remember?"
Nicholas tightened his embrace. "I will deal with Diki." His jaw clenched. He regretted not investigating everything thoroughly. If he had known Diki had gone this far, Nicholas would have eliminated him.
"Let it be. I chose this path, Nik."
"But, Al... I can't let this happen to you."
"But if I want to get away from Bryan, I have to get pregnant, Nik."
"Damn it!" Nicholas cursed, unable to find the right words to respond to Alesya's statement. His position was truly unfavorable right now. Nicholas also felt foolish for not realizing the grave situation Alesya was in earlier.
Even more foolishly, Nicholas had believed that Bryan cared about Alesya because he had bothered to ask him to come. But it was all in vain. Nicholas had been blindsided.
"Hey, Nik, what are you doing here?" Bryan greeted Nicholas as soon as he and Shabila finished.
They were ready to go home but found Nicholas and Alesya instead. Bryan's lips curled into a sneer, mocking Nicholas and Alesya's intimacy.
Not at home, not in public places, they always seemed to find a way to hug each other.
"Nothing. I came to pick up Alesya; she said she was tired of waiting for you and Shabila to finish," Nicholas forced a smile. "If there's nothing else, you two can go home! I'll take Alesya to work."
"Whatever. I don't care." Bryan grabbed Shabila's hand and took her home. They didn't care where Alesya and Nicholas would go, as long as Alesya got pregnant.
"Oh, by the way, Nik." Bryan stopped in his tracks when he remembered Viska. "Viska contacted you earlier. Try calling her back. Maybe there's a way for you to get back on the right path because Viska has returned."
131"Let's go home!" Nicholas urged as soon as Bryan had disappeared from view."Are you okay?"Instead of joining Nicholas's invitation, Alesya chose to stay. Hugging Nicholas tightly, leaning against his chest, listening to the increasingly rapid heartbeat of Nicholas when Bryan mentioned Viska's name."Don't worry about me. Actually, you're the one I'm most afraid of right now.""I'm okay, Nik. Because my life was destined to be like this. While you?""How do you know about me and Viska?"“I-I…”"Sorry, Mrs. Alesya. Can you come in for a moment? The doctor wants to talk!”Alesya and Nicholas turned their heads together. They both raised their eyebrows, surprised that the nurse suddenly called out to them. Even though all matters have been completed."Maybe Bryan hasn't paid for the inspection yet." Nicholas interrupted. Inviting Alesya to come in.He smiled faintly. It would be sad if Bryan left without paying for Alesya's examination. Even though it was the man who invited him, Al
132Still embracing each other, even though Viska had grown tired of waiting to have a one-on-one conversation with Nicholas. Instead of getting that moment, Viska only felt jealousy burning within, watching Nicholas comfortably nested in Alesya's embrace."You should go home," Nicholas said, not releasing Alesya from his embrace, and he didn't even glance at Viska. He was truly disgusted by Viska, who had shattered his world into the smallest fragments."No, I won't leave before talking to you, Nik. I want to explain everything. What you've seen and heard isn't all true," Viska approached, just a step closer, to be able to touch Nicholas.Viska hesitated. His heart pinched when his hand touched Nicholas's arm, the same arm that had once embraced him, now embracing Alesya. Could Viska dream, yearn to have Nicholas back as it used to be? Ah, if only Viska hadn't been impulsive in making decisions, surely everything wouldn't have ended painfully as it was now.Instead of listening to wh
133"If you don't mind, I will try to get you back to college. It's such a waste that you stopped halfway when Mr. Aditama said your GPA was very high."Alesya shook her head."If you refuse, it means you no longer want to be friends with me.""I don't want to bother you, Nik. My life is ruined, and there's nothing I can fix.""It's not ruined, just in the wrong place and time." Nicholas took a deep breath. "If only I was allowed to pay off all those debts, I would have done it even if I had to sell the restaurant in Bandung. But I wasn't allowed to intervene. I couldn't even break into the office secrets.""I don't know how to repay all of this.""It's easy, Al.""How?""Accompany me to eat grilled bananas over there. I've wanted to eat at that roadside stall for a long time, but I felt awkward because my girlfriend is a man. If I invite you, then I'll be just like them, dating the opposite sex."Not answering yes or no, Alesya just remained silent, watching Nicholas. Nicholas's word
134"Should I make you some coffee?" Alesya offered, massaging Nicholas's shoulders. He looked tired and preoccupied, now sitting in front of his laptop, working on his thesis.Alesya wanted to be the remedy for all of Nicholas's problems, but she didn't have the courage to ask."Sure, just a little sugar," Nicholas replied, turning around. "But change your outfit first. This is too revealing." He looked Alesya up and down, noting when she started wearing such revealing clothes.Her nightgown was above the knee, thin, slightly see-through, with thin straps on her shoulders, revealing her cleavage."It's okay, no one will see," Alesya reassured him."Bryan is at home, Al.""Yes, but it's nighttime, Nik. There's no way he's wandering outside his room... You know how Shabila is, she won't let her husband roam around." Alesya rubbed Nicholas's shoulders. "Besides, I won't take long. Just making coffee.""Alright then. Be careful."After getting permission from Nicholas, Alesya got up. She
135When the tears welled up in her eyes and rolled down her cheeks, Alesya began to sob softly. Her crying seemed to be enough to make Nicholas turn around.For a few seconds, Nicholas just silently watched Alesya's shoulders rise and fall. He felt touched and realized that his words to Alesya had been too harsh and unwarranted. It was an excellent strategy, and he forgave Alesya's mistake.Nicholas gently turned Alesya around and hugged her. "Next time, listen to me when I speak."Alesya nodded."I acted that way because I care about you."Alesya tensed up. The word "sayang" had been spoken, and she had thousands of hopes for Nicholas."Like a big brother to his little sister," Nicholas corrected himself. He didn't want Alesya to misunderstand and end up hating him. Nicholas didn't want to hope for more; this was enough. If it went beyond this, Nicholas was afraid Alesya would get angry and hate him."I understand," Alesya replied. She clenched the pajamas Nicholas was wearing, tryi
136Instead of sitting relaxed in a restaurant, Alesya feels better at home. Become a useful human being instead of following Nicholas wherever he goes. In fact, it becomes a burden that always follows him wherever he goes."You are sure?"Alesya nodded quickly. Before Nicholas changed his mind and took her away instead."Yes, then I'll go first.""Wait!!"“Wait what? I forgot something?"Alesya nodded. One step closer to Nicholas. His face lifted."Why?" Nicholas was confused now.Alesya waved her hand. Asking Nicholas to bend down a little so he could whisper, "There's Bryan, you don't want this first, do you?""This?" Nicholas' eyebrows knit together.Instead of explaining Alesya nodded. Biting her lip, showing off very seductive pink lips.“Ah, yeah, I forgot.” Nicholas' voice was a little high. Cupped Alesya's cheeks. Kiss his left and right cheeks. Forehead and nose. It ended with a short, wet kiss on his lips.“You are careful at home. Don't go anywhere without me.""Yes. You b
137Alesya quickly stepped away to answer a call from Nicholas."What's up, Al?" Nicholas greeted once the call connected.Alesya, breathless from seeing Bryan and Shabila not responding, didn't answer immediately. She focused on catching her breath first."Al," Nicholas called again."I-it's my time of the month. I need you to top up my online motorcycle taxi account, Nik. I need to...""Alright, I'll do it, and you can order right away. Oh, by the way, I wanted to tell you, Al.""W-what?""Devin's wedding has been moved up. After leaving here, I'm going straight to the hotel. I won't be able to come back before everything's finished.""Moved up." Alesya sat down on the floor. Her aching stomach was nothing compared to the pain in her heart upon hearing that Devin's wedding was being moved up.Was that it? Was the love Devin once proclaimed for her only going this far? So instead of canceling the wedding, they're moving it up?"I hope everything wraps up soon so we can prepare for ou
138"Yan, your father is coming back in twenty days. I don't want to hear it; everything has to go the way I want it. I don't want any mistakes when your father conducts the inspection," Shabila reminded Handoko's responsibilities. "Also, take this with you. Isn't this Devin's wedding gift for his wife?" She waved a document toward Bryan."Yes, I know. Everything is going as your father wanted. You've heard yourself that Alesya is no longer intact. And as for the certificate, Devin didn't say anything. I'm just supposed to deliver it during the reception. He said it's a birthday gift for his beloved.""It could be. Their wedding has been moved up, which means today is significant for them.""It could be." Bryan adjusted his appearance. As a VIP guest, he had to look presentable to meet new clients, including someone willing to inject funds into his company, even if it meant using Alesya's house as collateral.And Bryan didn't know exactly what made Devin suddenly come and offer a siza
Gibran continued, "As for our divorce, I've already agreed to it. We'll proceed with the legal process, and you'll be free to start a new chapter in your life. I hope you find the happiness you deserve."The conversation between Viska and Gibran marked the beginning of the end of their tumultuous marriage. While their emotions were still raw, they had come to a mutual understanding that it was time to move on and seek happiness elsewhere.Gibran's frustration and pent-up emotions poured out as he defended his actions. He felt betrayed by Viska, who had consistently pushed him away and made unfavorable comparisons with Nicholas. Their relationship had become a battleground of insecurities, and Gibran had sought solace with Shabila.Viska's accusations stung, but Gibran was determined to make her understand the context of his actions. He continued, "Viska, I don't want to justify what I did, but it was a result of our broken marriage. We both contributed to its downfall. I needed someth
190"Also," Bryan paused, kissing Silvi's lips briefly."Don't forget that the night we were together, I can assure you, it's my child."Silvi shook her head. "It's not Devin's child. Do you think after that night, I didn't do anything with other men? Did you really think that night was the only time someone touched me? No, there have been many other nights with so many men because I felt like I wasn't pure anymore. So I was free to do it with anyone since my life was already a mess.""S-so... instead of slightly more ruining myself, and the last time it was done to me was by Devin. That's why he's willing to take responsibility. He's also convinced that this is his child."Bryan let out a bitter laugh, releasing Silvi from his embrace. "Is that so?" He loosened his tie, which had felt suffocating after hearing Silvi's explanation. "Let's prove that what you said is true." He took off the suit jacket that clung to his body.“W-what are you doing?” Silvi stepped back. Hugging her own b
189"No way! I won't leave until I meet Gibran. He has to take responsibility for this child," Shabila insisted, refusing to budge. She held onto Viska and stood her ground."Leave, I said! Go!"Viska couldn't bear Shabila's stubbornness and forcefully pulled her arm, nearly causing Shabila to stumble."What's wrong with you!" Shabila pushed away Viska's hand and fixed her disheveled hair. "Are you afraid your husband's actions will be known to your parents? Or is it that you refuse to accept the truth?" Shabila began to rant."I don't understand what you're saying. Now leave!" Viska demanded."Wait, Viska! Mom wants to ask this woman something." Viska's mother restrained her daughter and turned to Shabila. "Why did you let my granddaughter get pregnant? Don't you know he's already married? What do you want from us? Money?"Shabila seethed with anger. Her dignity felt insulted when the middle-aged woman mentioned money."Do you think I'm a lowly woman who just surrenders her body to a
188Shabila spent the whole day in frustration, angry that she couldn't meet Gibran at his cafe. She paced back and forth in her room, thinking of ways to meet him."Do you think you can avoid me forever? You won't be able to, Gibran. I have to make you take responsibility for the child I'm carrying. You won't be able to escape. Just wait and see."Shabila clenched her fists, planning a thousand ways to meet Gibran. "If I can't find you at the cafe, I'll come to your house. Let's see if you can still avoid me," she muttered to herself.Gibran decided to visit the club where he had met Shabila some time ago. He had a bad feeling about Shabila's visit to his cafe and wanted to find out what had really happened between them that night. Honestly, Gibran didn't remember much because he had been heavily intoxicated that night.Upon arriving at the club, Gibran called one of the waitresses and conveyed his request to meet with the club's owner."I'd like to discuss something important with y
187"What brand would you like, Miss?" The employee asked while displaying several different brands of pregnancy tests.Shabila looked puzzled, which only fueled the employee's suspicions. "Is this your first time buying a pregnancy test?" she guessed with a condescending glance."Y-yes," Shabila replied hesitantly. Seeing the employee looking down on her, Shabila's heart began to boil. "I am already married, just so you know. Here's my ID," she said abruptly, opening her wallet and showing her ID card, which still stated her marital status as MARRIED. Her divorce from Arya was only religious; it wasn't legally recognized yet.Seeing the ID placed on the counter, the pharmacy employee became flustered. She was torn between embarrassment and guilt. "I'm s-sorry, Miss, I didn't mean to—""It's fine, I understand!" Shabila retorted sharply, then pointed towards the pregnancy tests. "So, which one is the best?" she asked.She deliberately didn't want to prolong the issue since she wanted
186Several days had passed, and today was the ceremonial bath event for Silvi. Everything was well-prepared, and the guests were moved by the event, which was expertly guided by the paid organizers, arranged by Silvi's parents. Silvi's large family wore matching light green kebaya, while Devin's family, who were present, wore light blue kebaya. The event was conducted with great solemnity, and Silvi looked beautiful despite wearing makeup that wasn't too flashy.This ceremony included many symbols and motifs that served as lessons or guidelines for the couple, influencing their married life. These symbols or motifs mainly conveyed advice and useful insights for the newlyweds' life together. That's why Mama Silvi insisted on holding the ceremonial bath event, even though Silvi and Devin had been married before.In addition to the food ordered for the guests and relatives, the organizers had prepared specific dishes usually served during this ceremonial bath event. These included tumpe
185Meanwhile, Silvi and Devin listened to the doctor's explanations during the examination. Silvi's pregnancy was already at three weeks. The doctor prescribed vitamins and anti-nausea medication since Silvi mentioned she often felt dizzy and nauseous. Devin didn't ask any questions because it was his first time in a obstetrician's office. He was confused about how to react. Silvi was the one who asked all the questions.Silvi got her next appointment scheduled, and then they left. Devin and Silvi went to the hospital's pharmacy to pick up the prescribed medicines first. Then, Devin asked Silvi where she wanted to go."I don't know. I just feel like lying down in my room.""Why's that? Don't you want to go out together?" Devin asked softly. They were now in the car. "How about having ice cream and buying some new sleepwear for you?""What's the point of buying sleepwear?""Because you're pregnant, and I want you to sleep comfortably. How about it?""I don't want to," Silvi said, maki
184As a father, whose heart wouldn't break upon learning that his daughter is pregnant with no official partner by her side? He felt like a terrible father, willing to do anything as long as the man who impregnated his daughter, Silvi, would take responsibility.Pregnancy is never an easy journey for a woman, especially without a husband by her side. The man Silvi referred to as the father finally decided to find Devin, the man who should be held accountable for what happened to Silvi. He took a taxi to Devin's whereabouts, hoping that he would indeed be there. Impatiently sitting in the taxi, the weary-looking man, no longer in his youth, stared at his phone screen. The journey from the city to the village was quite long, which was why he opted for a taxi. Besides, he didn't want any unpleasant conversations about Silvi if he had brought his driver along.Fortunately, he found out about Silvi's pregnancy before it was too late, or who knows what might have happened. He sighed wearil
183Nicholas didn't want anything to happen to their unborn child. So, he tried his best to grant her wishes. Besides, Alesya's request was relatively easy to fulfill, and it had been quite some time since they had visited her hometown."Are you happy?" Nicholas asked.Alesya turned and nodded. "I've really missed my hometown. As nice as it is to live in the city, the hometown is the number one place to visit," Alesya replied. "Besides, all my childhood memories are buried there."Hearing Alesya's response, Nicholas could only smile. He, who had lived in the city since childhood, never experienced life in the village. So, he didn't fully understand what Alesya meant. In his mind, Alesya might just miss the peaceful atmosphere of the village because the city was quite noisy."Get some rest; I'll wake you up when we arrive," Nicholas said after a moment of silence."Okay."Alesya adjusted her seating position to make herself more comfortable. She also slightly reclined her seat to make