8
"So, what are you going to do after this?" Indri wiped the tears from Chelsea's cheeks. Though she couldn't chase away Chelsea's sadness, Indri's presence managed to provide some solace.
"I don't know, In."
"It's okay not to know. But please don't do anything foolish. Your life is still long, and don't disappoint your father."
Rubbing Chelsea's back, Indri continued, "Oh, by the way, was that Carlos earlier? What was he doing here?"
"I don't know. He said he came here out of his human nature. But I don't believe it. He can't be a good person."
"Why do you feel that way?"
"Because he offered me a job and asked for money that..."
"Please find all the documents mentioned on this paper!"
Both Chelsea and Indri turned their heads toward the voice that gave the order. They were both equally surprised to see who it was.
"I can't stay here for long. There are many things that need to be done, and I request your cooperation."
Chelsea forced a smile. "Is it because you want to take care of the death certificate for Dad, so you can remarry?"
"Of course. I'm tired, you know. Living in poverty here. So, after your father's death, it's not a bad idea to move quickly and find a better future." Approaching Chelsea and hugging her, Margareth continued, "You relax. I'll take you wherever I go. Including finding you a suitable match, dear."
Chelsea clenched her jaw, holding back the anger she had bottled up for a long time. She felt like dragging her mother and throwing her into a ravine to join her father. But she held back. She remembered that there was a better way to seek revenge.
Chelsea also remembered that she was going to be forced into a marriage with Vano. That meant they would be living under the same roof. All her revenge would be satisfied if Chelsea performed well in this role.
"Is that true, Mom? You'll take me wherever you go? Honestly, I'm tired of living like this. Now that Dad is no longer here, it's time for me to be myself." Chelsea released herself from Margareth's embrace. "So, where should I start, Mom? So I can have luxurious things like what you have."
Margareth's face lit up upon hearing Chelsea's words. She was overjoyed that Chelsea seemed to be on her side. That meant she would soon marry Carlos and regain her wealth.
Margareth motioned for Chelsea to sit. "Well, my boyfriend says that we won't be able to marry until his son gives his approval."
"Oh, really?" Chelsea tried her best to hide her irritation.
"Yes, that's why you need to help me. Seduce his son so that we can marry into wealth. You're his child, I'm his parent. This way, we can snatch all the wealth they have. How about it?"
Chelsea nodded quickly. "Of course. I'll gladly do it to secure a comfortable life."
"Great."
"Mom, wait here, I'll find all the documents you need." Chelsea pulled Indri along with her, heading towards her father's room.
"Chelsea, you have to stay strong." Indri hugged Chelsea as they entered the room. There was no need to explain in detail; Indri knew that Chelsea wasn't doing well.
Chelsea laughed. "I'll be just fine because my current life goal is to destroy my mother, until she meets the same fate as Dad."
With unwavering determination, Chelsea shared her intentions.
Living without a purpose like this had left Chelsea without any plans for the future. She no longer cared if she had to break all the rules of life; what mattered was that her revenge was fulfilled.
"So?"
"I will give this to him. So that I don't have to bother dealing with Dad's death certificate. And it seems like I'll accept Carlos's offer to work in his office, so I can spend more time with him than with that woman."
"Vano?"
Chelsea shook her head. "I don't care about him. I'll become a sugar baby. Spend Carlos's wealth and ruin that woman."
"So?" Indri raised an eyebrow.
"Approaching Vano is just an excuse to get into Carlos's house. If not, how else can I seduce him?"
"Are you sure?" Indri held Chelsea's hand as she organized the important documents.
"I'm very sure. How many times do I have to say it? My life in this world is only for revenge."
"But..."
"I'm fine, In. After she's destroyed, then I'll think about what path to take next."
Indri sighed. She did want Chelsea to get close to Carlos, but that was before Tomas passed away. Now, Chelsea didn't need a lot of money anymore. She only needed enough for living expenses and tuition. She could find that by working for Carlos or at a cafe like usual.
However, Chelsea's vengeance couldn't be described—it was a magnitude of pain she felt deeply. So, Chelsea had resolved to leave a scar on her mother's heart.
"Mom, here's everything. I'll leave it to the relevant office, and I'm sure the death certificate will be ready within a day."
Margareth took the documents Chelsea handed over. She was becoming even happier, imagining marrying Carlos. It was just a matter of time before everything came true.
"Mom, does your boyfriend live in the same house as his son?"
"Of course. Why?" Margareth focused on Chelsea.
"Umm... what if we lived there? So I can conquer his son's heart as soon as possible. That way, you and he can get married quickly too." Chelsea narrowed her eyes. "And besides, our lease is almost up. Do you want us to get kicked out? Or... want your boyfriend to cheat on you?"
"Living with him? Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." Chelsea tugged the corners of her lips. "The closer we are, the more freedom I have. And, to be honest, I can't live on a tight budget anymore. Working from morning to night just barely covers food and rent."
"That's my girl." Margareth hugged Chelsea, feeling extremely grateful that the girl was cooperating with her.
Happy? Certainly. Margareth had long wanted to live in the same house as Carlos, so she couldn't wait to carry out Chelsea's plan. The only thing left was to figure out how to get Carlos to agree with it all.
"Don't worry, In. I'll make sure everything goes the way I want it to." Chelsea stroked Indri's arm. It was clear from Indri's expression that she was worried. This was a new world for Chelsea.
Chelsea was a good girl. She was unfamiliar with the dark and terrifying aspects of the world. She was willing to sell her dignity for her goals. While others might do it for money, Chelsea was doing it to avenge her father. No half measures. Her vengeance was aimed directly at her own mother.
"Dad, forgive Chelsea. I know this is all wrong, but this is how I will avenge your pain. Even though she's my mother, she's still a heartless serpent." Chelsea wiped a tear from the framed photo of Tomas.
"Dad, Chelsea promises that within 100 days of your passing, Mother will cry tears of blood and lose everything. So that she'll take her own life to beg for forgiveness from you."
9Chelsea arched one corner of her lips, observing her appearance this afternoon. Extremely beautiful and captivating, she was ready to embrace any plans Margareth had in store for her. She would also prepare to pretend to be a good daughter, devoted to her mother, in order to seize Carlos's wealth.Little did Margareth know that Chelsea would become a thorn in her side, slowly unraveling her."You're so beautiful," praised Margareth as she saw Chelsea emerge from her room. The girl looked truly stunning, dressed very differently from her usual style.Today, they were going to meet Carlos, so Margareth had bought a dress that perfectly suited Chelsea's body. This was to ensure that Carlos would later accept Chelsea as a potential daughter-in-law.When someone is as beautiful as this, no man could resist Chelsea's charm."Of course, beautiful, just like my mother," Chelsea complimented, seemingly completely on Margareth's side.In reality, she harbored intense resentment for the middle
10"Don't say you don't have a plan," Carlos urged, handing Chelsea a box of cereal.Chelsea shook her head. "Of course, I have a plan, but I can't execute it because Vano isn't here." Chelsea's excuse was an attempt to hide her nervousness and fear of failing to convince Carlos."In that case, I'll arrange a meeting between you and Vano.""When?" Chelsea asked."In an hour, I'll leave you at the cafe in front of this supermarket. I'll ask Vano to come and meet you there, and it's up to you how you approach him. If he agrees, you can move into my house tonight."Carlos grabbed another box of cereal. "Remember, if Vano refuses, you won't be able to stay in my house."Chelsea nodded, although she was puzzled about what reason to give. Nevertheless, she agreed to Carlos's suggestion.The sooner she lived in his house, the sooner she could carry out her revenge."Mom, can I go shopping with Uncle Carlos alone? I have something important to discuss with Indri before moving. I need to say g
11."Don't say you don't have a plan," Carlos urged, handing Chelsea a box of cereal.Chelsea shook her head. "Of course, I have a plan, but I can't execute it because Vano isn't here." Chelsea's excuse was an attempt to hide her nervousness and fear of failing to convince Carlos."In that case, I'll arrange a meeting between you and Vano.""When?" Chelsea asked."In an hour, I'll leave you at the cafe in front of this supermarket. I'll ask Vano to come and meet you there, and it's up to you how you approach him. If he agrees, you can move into my house tonight."Carlos grabbed another box of cereal. "Remember, if Vano refuses, you won't be able to stay in my house."Chelsea nodded, although she was puzzled about what reason to give. Nevertheless, she agreed to Carlos's suggestion.The sooner she lived in his house, the sooner she could carry out her revenge."Mom, can I go shopping with Uncle Carlos alone? I have something important to discuss with Indri before moving. I need to say
12Meeting Carlos, of course, Margareth would check the study, the living room, or the master bedroom. After inspecting the living room, not far from the kitchen, Margareth immediately found Carlos's presence. He seemed to be talking to someone on the phone.Seizing the opportunity, Margareth promptly sat on his lap. She nestled in a coquettish manner at Carlos's neck and leaned against his chest. Margareth felt the urge to kiss Carlos's lips, but she was afraid her future husband would be angry if she acted so audaciously."Darling... you're so busy," Margareth whined as Carlos finished his call."Not busy. My secretary just needed confirmation. That's all.""Oh, I thought you were busy." Margareth hugged Carlos. "Um... darling, I want..." She lifted the hem of her knee-length skirt to reveal her smooth thigh to Carlos.Margareth also unbuttoned her blouse collar slightly, giving a peek at her cleavage."Margareth, we've discussed this so many times," Carlos declined, pulling at Marg
13. Chelsea nodded as Vano signaled her using his index finger, drawing it across his left index finger. That was the final code Vano gave Chelsea before she shouted in the kitchen."Help me!" Chelsea yelled repeatedly until Carlos came rushing.Their household assistant heard Chelsea's cries and hurried over, but Vano stared at them sharply and signaled for her to step back."Can you check on Chelsea in the kitchen, see what's wrong?" Carlos asked.Instead of obeying his father's request, Vano got up from his seat."Just wait a moment, Dad. I have a stomachache. Instead of helping Chelsea, I might end up soiling myself." Vano rushed out of the dining room.Reluctantly, Carlos paused his breakfast to check on Chelsea in the kitchen."What happened?" Carlos approached Chelsea, who was holding her left hand."My hand got scratched by a knife, and I'm afraid of blood." Chelsea's panicked expression was clear as she closed her eyes, as if she couldn't bear to see the blood flowing from h
14. "For the time being, your workspace with Daddy will be the same so that Daddy can check and supervise your work. So, if there are any doubts or questions, you don't need to keep going back and forth just to ask," Chelsea nodded, glancing briefly at Carlos. "So, we'll be working at the same desk like this, Uncle?""Yes, for the time being until there's a spare office boy to deliver a desk and chair for you. And by the way, I'd like to mention that you don't need to call me Uncle anymore, but Daddy, okay?" Carlos raised both his eyebrows.Chelsea smiled and nodded. "Of course, what's not for Daddy," she replied in a soft and seductive voice, making Carlos tempted to just hug Chelsea right now. While waiting for Carlos to discuss what Chelsea could do to help him at the office.Of course, they were just having a casual conversation, and Chelsea responded as usual. But after receiving a text message from Vano, Chelsea reacted immediately. The man asked Chelsea to get closer to her fa
14But there was still a chance, right? Celine just had to be patient a little longer until their hope became a reality."To be honest, Van, I'm exhausted with all of this, especially since your dad always follows me everywhere I go, sending people to spy on me to find out if we're in a relationship or not. I no longer feel comfortable," Celine lamented as she pulled away from his embrace. "Having a clandestine relationship on campus like this has worn me out, and having to hide every time I want to meet you is even worse. Just imagine for a moment what it feels like to be me. My family is pressuring me to get married, as you know, I'm of an age to have a husband. I also don't want your dad to change his mind and end up pairing me with someone else. Do you think you're the only one burdened by this issue? I am too."For many years, they had been living together without approval, and every day was haunted by fear. Fear that Vano wouldn't be her destiny.The wall between them was so hig
16Just by observing how Vano fought relentlessly for Celine, willing to do anything, Carlos had a bad feeling. He didn't want Vano and Celine's marriage to bring a catastrophe for the second time. Carlos didn't want his son to become the next victim, as he believed that the grudge from the past still lingered.Recalling that ever since his rival Celine's father lost the business battle, his company had almost gone bankrupt and was still struggling to survive. If it weren't for financial injections from others, the company would have crumbled and gone bankrupt."It feels challenging to bring up those bitter memories, but perhaps it's time for me to share it all with you," Carlos said seriously, looking at Chelsea. This time, he would open up about his painful past to Chelsea, even though he had been in a serious relationship with Margareth. Still, he had no intention of sharing his wounds and grudges.However, for some reason, when Chelsea asked what the issue was with giving his bles
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