Melinda glanced at the handsome Afgan who was at the wheel, driving the blue sports car steadily. This was Melinda's first time driving an expensive sports car.
“I apologize for that night,” Afgan said, breaking the silence between them.
Melinda furrowed her brow, not understanding.
Afgan stopped the car at the curb and turned his body to face Melinda.
“You delivered my suit and I... I'm sorry for what I did last night,” Afgan said and then took Melinda's hand and held it with sincere feelings.
Melinda began to understand about the situation last night. Her smart head already understood what Adelia and this man were facing, but because Afgan was so stunning and wealthy. Melinda didn't want to waste the opportunity.
“I can't just forgive what you did that night. You know my self-esteem is ruined!” Melinda tried to put on a sad face.
Afgan was still frozen staring at her. Then, when she had had enough, Melinda wiped away her tears as she looked at Afgan.
“You must take responsibility, sir!” Melinda looked at Afgan seriously.
Afgan nodded and said, “I will take responsibility.”
Melinda gripped the burly man's hand in return. A moment later, Afgan drove the car back to the restaurant.
“Let's have breakfast first, I'm hungry.”
Meanwhile at the hotel, Adelia sat at her desk with a blank stare, trying to find customer data that might have some connection to the mysterious man from that night.
Her mind was spinning, trying to put together the pieces of the story from that night into a complete picture. Her heart felt heavy, filled with questions that never got answers.
“What really happened that night? Who was that mysterious man? Why do I feel so attracted to him? Then... Afgan, do we have to get a divorce? And I have to pay that much dowry debt?”
“Arggh!” Adelia grabbed her hair roughly. Her head felt even heavier.
In the silence that enveloped the room, Adelia traced the digital footprint on the hotel's CCTV, but to no avail.
***
Very quickly, Adelia's working hours were over. With a lazy step, she filled in the attendance sheet and moved out of the hotel. Melinda did not return to the hotel at all, the woman did not even pick up Adelia's calls.
Adelia looked at her cell phone screen jealously. Her newly married husband was spending time with another woman.
“He smiles with sparkling eyes at Melinda while resenting me as if I'm trash in his eyes,” Adelia growled to herself as she waited for the bus at the bus stop.
She opened her messages to see the location of Afgan's house. After all she was married, from today on she would have to go home to Afgan's house as a wife, whether she liked it or not.
A moment later...
Adelia stood in front of the door of a stunning mansion, the house that now housed her husband, Afgan.
The house looked magnificent with a sparkling swimming pool in the front yard, and large windows reflecting the morning sun.
“Is this a house or a palace?” Adelia asked with her mouth wide open, unable to stop being amazed.
The neat, flowery garden created an aura of elegance around her. Despite the undeniable beauty of the house, Adelia felt lonely and alienated in its presence.
Suddenly Adelia felt that she was cornered between the marble and glass walls, creating an unreachable distance even though she was only a few steps away from the front door.
In confusion, she pondered, “What should I do? An unwanted wife?”
The security guard kindly guided Adelia through the grand entrance into the house. They stepped through a beautifully decorated corridor, the high ceilings adorned with luxurious chandeliers creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The servants moved gracefully, welcoming Adelia with genuine smiles and guiding her towards the bridal suite.
As the door to the bridal suite opened, Adelia couldn't hide her awe. The room was like from a dream, decorated with elegant touches that reflected beauty and luxury.
The bed was draped in soft silk linen, large windows let in the morning sunlight, presenting a beautiful view of the garden. Every detail was carefully chosen, from the artistic wall hangings to the fresh flowers that filled the room, creating an unforgettably romantic atmosphere.
Adelia was amazed, but she still tried to maintain her demeanor in front of the friendly waiter. She expressed her gratitude with a smile and politeness, but in her heart, she felt a deep sense of unease. This wasn't just an ordinary bridal suite; this was a space where the dreams and love of marriage were brought to life.
When Adelia was left alone, she whispered, “This is amazing.” Her voice hung in awe.
“...but it's not mine. I'll only be a temporary guest without knowing when I'll be kicked out.”
***
In the middle of the dark night, Afgan entered his house with heavy steps up the stairs and reached his room.
When he saw Adelia asleep on her bed, the anger that had seized his heart exploded. He approached and grabbed Adelia's arm roughly, pulling her off her bed. Adelia woke up with a start, eyes glazed over with fear and disappointment. Her arm ached and she collapsed on the cold floor in her thin nightwear.
“This marriage is just a sham for us, isn't it?” screeched Afgan in a harsh tone. “You don't even deserve to sleep in this bed! You're just a cheap woman who doesn't know herself!”
Adelia held her aching arm, but did not remain silent. She looked at Afgan with eyes that flared with disapproval. “And you, Afgan? Choosing to bring Melinda in front of me, how is that? Is that the act of a newly married husband?”
Afgan quipped, “Instead of you, Hotelliers? You're more than that, aren't you? You're peddling yourself to other men out there!”
“Don't think I don't know your background!” Afgan shouted as he turned his face away in disgust.
An explosion of anger erupted from within Adelia. “What kind of idiot would marry a slut like me, huh?” she retorted sharply, without relaxing her glare.
Their argument came to a head, stabbing and hurtful words were thrown out mercilessly. Their hearts were broken by distrust and hatred. In a flash of a second, without realizing it, Adelia was heard uttering the words that would probably change their lives forever.
“I hereby ask for a divorce,” Adelia said in a trembling voice, a decision that simply escaped her lips as if unexpected even to herself. Adelia stood up and prepared to leave the room with dewy eyes.
Silence followed, the words hanging in the air like an irrevocable curse. Afgan's face turned pale, caught between anger and sadness. He tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat.
“Adelia, wait...” but Afgan's cry was swallowed up by the silence of the house that now felt filled with emptiness. They both fell silent, realizing that words had hurt deeper than any physical wounds they might have sustained.
Afgan remembered his father's words at their wedding.
“Hey! You! Stay there!” Afgan shouted in a high tone, but Adelia kept moving towards the exit.
Seeing that Afgan was furious, he pulled Adelia's hand, threw her body onto the bed and pressed her body. However, suddenly the scent of Adelia's body brought him back to the events of that night.
“You...” Afgan widened his eyes.
Afgan felt the weight of guilt choke him as soon as he smelled Adelia's scent, reflecting on his foolish actions the day before. His eyes were filled with regret, and his heart was haunted by the image of the woman he had taken his virginity from the day before his wedding. The man felt he had also been incompetent in this marriage.Afgan stepped back, releasing his grip on Adelia's hand and collapsing into a sitting position with his breathing ragged and ragged.“Adelia,” Afgan called in a broken voice, trying to contain the anger that was about to boil over.Adelia turned her head, her eyes glazed over, radiating deep disappointment. “What do you want, Afgan?” she asked in a voice filled with emotion.Afgan swallowed, trying to find the right words. “I... I don't know where to start,” he said quietly.“If you want a divorce, then.
Adelia felt insulted by Afgan's words. She realized that Afgan did have a cold and hard nature. However, she could not help the feeling of disappointment that arose within her. “Okay, I understand,” she said in a bitter tone and chose to remain silent.Adelia cast her gaze at Afgan's back as he put on his shirt.Adelia stared at the burns on Afgan's back in confusion. However, as she stared longer, images of the strange marks on the back of a man who had once hurt her flashed through her mind. A sense of dread and unease instantly swept over her.Afgan, who saw Adelia's gaze in the reflection of the mirror in front of him, was disturbed. He snapped at her in a sharp tone, “What are you looking at? This is my body and I don't want any questions. Don't act like you have rights over my body.”“You're just a wife on paper, get it!”Adelia was stunn
Afgan felt cornered because of the wound on his back. The man had experienced a great tragedy when he was still a child. He grew up in the midst of his busy parents who were rarely home. Despite being neglected by his father and mother who were too busy with their own world, Afgan found true comfort and affection from a loving middle-aged nanny.“Bik Minah,” Afgan murmured in a trembling voice, trying to mask the pain that hit him so deeply. He felt dew starting to collect in his eyes, signaling that even his frozen heart couldn't contain his emotions.Afgan drove the car faster. “I should have been the one who died in that incident!” Afgan screamed in a high tone and was still trying to contain his anger.The nanny was the only person who really cared about him, giving him the love and attention he needed. She replaced the role of his father and mother who were never there for him.
Both women turned their heads simultaneously towards Afgan. Melinda immediately replied with the most beautiful smile she had while Adelia furrowed her brow and held her breath.“Let's have breakfast,” Afgan invited, looking at Melinda with a face and words full of tenderness. Very different from the way he spoke to Adelia this morning.Afgan only glanced at Adelia who swallowed her saliva after listening to the invitation, he knew that Adelia also worked at the hotel, but he decided to focus on Melinda.Adelia held back the hunger in her stomach, she herself hadn't had breakfast yet, but her husband invited another woman to have breakfast with him - a coworker, a woman in front of her.Adelia clenched her hands together tightly to contain the anger that rumbled inside her chest.“Okay, Adelia ... please take over my work, honey. That's very kind of you!”
Afgan stepped into the house with hurried steps, he pulled off his tie in one fell swoop as he passed the dining room before heading to the room on the second floor.Afgan stopped his steps when he saw Adelia swallowing noodles. Adelia froze and they stared at each other unintentionally.The long strands of noodles from the mouth to the noodle bowl made Afgan wince at the sight of them, the man raised the corners of his lips upwards with a dismissive look.“That food suits you. You're on that level,” Afgan said as he headed for the stairs, ignoring Adelia's response completely.Sluurppp!Adelia sucked down the noodles and soup by raising the bowl. The waiters were uncomfortable with Adelia's attitude and way of eating, but she didn't seem to care.In her heart, Adelia was actually devastated by Afgan's sarcastic words, but she chose to persevere.
Afgan stood in front of Melinda's door, confused and empty. His eyes stared blankly at the door leaf in front of him.His heart wavered between the excitement of a romantic dinner with Melinda and confusion about his feelings for Adelia. He wanted to knock on the door, but hesitation haunted him. Inside, Afgan felt uncomfortable with his attitude towards Adelia at home earlier. Even so, Adelia's name kept playing on his mind.The rose he had brought earlier felt heavy in his hand, a symbol of his own confusion. Why did he feel attached to Adelia, but also felt the need to be present for Melinda?In his emptiness, Afgan decided to knock on the door. However, before he could do so, the door to the house was already open from the inside. Melinda appeared with a happy smile on her face, her eyes shining at the roses Afgan had brought.“Afgan,” greeted Melinda with a smile on her face.
As they entered the party room, Melinda's eyes almost widened at the opulence of her surroundings. A room decorated with sparkling lights, piles of fragrant fresh flowers, and an orchestra playing classical music. This was her first time at a rich people's party. Seeing that the guests were dressed in designer dresses and suits, it was obvious that they were not random people, she could not hide her admiration.While Melinda looked around in amazement, Afgan left her for a moment to talk to his colleague. Melinda felt awkward in a crowd of people who looked so confident and elegant. She felt as if she was stranded in a whole new world.In her heart, Melinda muttered, “It's full of rich people, conglomerates! It's amazing!” She tried to control her awkwardness, but her feelings were mixed. However, she decided to keep a confident attitude and be friendly towards the other guests. Although she felt surprised and amazed, she tried t
Adelia was in her room, busy researching the work she had brought home, when suddenly she heard a noise coming from downstairs. Quickly, she stepped out of the room to see what was happening.Her heart almost stopped when she saw the security guards carrying Afgan's body towards the main room. Her eyes widened in shock, and she immediately ran over to them. “What's going on? Why is Afgan like this?” she exclaimed, her voice filled with anxiety and worry.The security officer, a tall man with a serious face, turned to Adelia. “We're sorry, ma'am. Last night, at the elite party, Afgan looked very unstable after drinking alcoholic beverages. He almost fainted and couldn't keep his balance. Mr. David asked us to take him back to his room to rest.”Adelia felt her heart pounding. She didn't know what to think or do. Ever since she came to this house, and became the hostess, she felt responsible for the
“You want to visit his grave? Yes! Go to the Sanjaya Cemetery in South Jakarta. Look for Adelia's name in block 7!” exclaimed angrily through the speaker on the cell phone. The man did not allow the security guard to open the door at all.Hearing the answer from Edward, Afgan's heart was like being struck by lightning and then slashed by several sharp daggers.“Go back to your country. I really hate you for letting Adelia's body go up in flames like that!”Edward switched off the call from the security cell phone. With languid steps, Afgan stepped back into his car.The fact that Adelia was dead made his life feel shattered. With his left hand, he called his father to check the whereabouts of Adelia's grave.The driver drove the car back to the airport. Afgan did not wait any longer, but went straight to the private plane that his father had prepared.“Go home, Afgan,” Achmed said wearily.“Adelia's grave is indeed there and the death
“What's going on, is she awake?” asked Afgan with his breath caught in his throat as he ran from the hospital parking lot to his mother-in-law's room.“No, she's not conscious yet, but we heard her delirious.”“Edward and Adelia?”Kanya nodded her head confidently, as did Achmed.“It seems that Adelia's loss has something to do with Edward.”Afgan snorted harshly then said, “that man has been gone since before the fire. He's already engaged to Emily and they've returned to Dubai.”“How could he be involved?” Afgan asked himself.“It's good you're investigating, Afgan. All the possibilities are there, after all you've been looking all this time.”“By the way, what about Melinda, have you forgiven your wife?” Achmed asked his son.Afgan looked at his father meaningfully. He couldn't bear to tell him the secret abou
“I'm sorry for everything I did that was unfair to her, Father.”Afgan's voice was hoarse and his chest felt tight.Achmed looked at his son with compassion. “We cannot control fate, Afgan. Life sometimes gives us difficult trials, but we must fight through them together. We will find a way out, and we will be stronger than ever.”Afgan nodded, the man wiping away tears with the back of his hand as he absorbed his father's words. Although there were still many questions and uncertainties ahead, he felt that his family would find a way to get through all the obstacles and rebuild their lives.The two sat together in the hospital waiting room, embracing each other in an emo-laden silence. They realize that in order to achieve happiness in the future, they must unite and support each other, even though the road ahead may still be difficult and full of challenges.“I'm going to go calm down, D
Achmed Al-Futtaim and Kanya, Afgan's parents, heard news that shook the peace of their lives. The news of their in-law's sudden shock and illness left them with a deep sense of anxiety. Their faces were etched with expressions of worry and fear as they walked at a brisk pace towards the hospital.On the way to the hospital, Achmed and Kanya's minds were full of questions and worries. They looked at each other, and their eyes reflected deep worry. They couldn't imagine that their lives would change in an instant due to this unexpected situation.“Really, what happened?” said Achmed in a hoarse voice, trying to calm himself and his wife Kanya's heart. “Hopefully this is just a temporary incident and everything will be fine.”“True, I can't imagine how Adelia would feel if she were still alive. We as a family owe so much to that poor woman who is nowhere to be found.”Kanya clasped Achmed's hand tig
“No! Bik Minah!”Brak!Afgan felt like his spine was broken. The pain of the wooden beam hitting his small body.He could feel the searing heat and hear the sound of small explosions. The scene grew darker, until Afgan felt as if he was drowning in a sea of fire.He vaguely saw in the flames Adelia waving with a warm smile. Next to her was Bik Minah and on the other side was Adelia's father.“No! Don't leave me!” Afgan shouted frantically.Afgan woke up with a gasp, his body covered in cold sweat. The morning sun shone brightly through the window of his spacious bedroom. He sat bolt upright in bed, still struck by the nightmare he had just experienced.His heart was racing, and his face was pale. His nightshirt was also stained with sweat. Afgan tried to push the shadows of the dream from his mind, but the memories of the extravagant events in his house continued to haunt him. The licking flames, the panic, and
Afgan stared at himself in front of the mirror in the bathroom of his luxurious office. A gaunt face with a thin sideburn that grows and hair that is not neatly combed makes his appearance look chaotic.Afgan repeatedly washed his face with water from the flowing sink faucet, but was still unable to get rid of the feeling of fatigue and anxiety in him.“Looks like I have to go home and soak in the yacuzi, while Melinda is still in the hospital.”Afgan finally decided to take his car back home. It had been almost two months since the man had returned home.All his time was spent at the hotel in a room without a bed. Sometimes, Afgan fell asleep in front of his laptop and sometimes, he fell asleep on the sofa.Arriving in his room, Afgan undressed with reluctance.“It turns out I also forgot myself to just take a shower!” exclaimed Afgan while furrowing his brow when he smelled his own clothes.With a leisurely p
“What do you want to give me?” Afgan shot a glare at the beautiful nurse in front of him.“A videotape that will definitely make you very surprised.” The nurse, whose name was Fiona, kept looking around Afgan's luxurious office.Afgan understood people who used to blackmail and tempted by luxury. His nimble hand immediately wrote a fantastic amount into a bucket of check paper in front of him and signed it.“That should be enough. Give me the tape!” Afgan exclaimed as he handed over the check. His firm and loud voice made Fiona jerk back.“I-I... have a condition!”“Tell me!” Afgan lowered the tempo of his voice and clenched both hands tightly.“I want to work in an office. It's been my wish for a long time to work in a fancy company. I-It was my mother who wanted me to become a nurse.” Fiona spoke with a trembling voice. The girl did not dare to look at Afgan who, altho
Melinda was still waiting for Afgan's words. They stared at each other for a long time until Afgan finally continued his sentence, “You arranged for her to take the night shift. What was your intention?”Melinda immediately laughed in response to the question. Her laughter made Afgan feel cornered and sent another sharp look.“Explain!” she exclaimed, raising her voice so much that the baby in the box bed beside them burst into tears.“Afgan! Our baby is shocked because of your voice! You're crazy!”Afgan stood up and stepped towards the baby box, staring at the crying baby with a false gaze. The man didn't feel any attachment to the newborn at all.“Him... why does my heart feel empty,” he muttered to himself. The man just stared at the crying baby without any intention of holding it.Until a nurse came in with hasty steps as Melinda pressed the call button.“What's wrong? W
“I-I don't know, Dad.” Melinda answered awkwardly with a trembling voice.Seeing that, Bayu immediately interjected, “He was present for a while and then left because there was urgent business at the hotel.”“Urgent? What's more important than his family?” Achmed began to feel anger gathering in his chest.Melinda tried to smile and greet them warmly, though her heart was still weighed down by feelings of sadness and disappointment. “Thank you, Mom, Dad. We are very grateful for your support and presence here.”Afgan's father stepped closer to the peacefully sleeping baby. “Our grandson was born, huh? How is he?”Melinda was overwhelmed by the happiness on her father-in-law's face. “Yes, Dad. He is the most beautiful gift in our lives.”They continued to congratulate and talk about the wonderful moment they had just experienced. Melinda tried to enjoy the company, but th