Chapter 20
"Are you trying to blackmail me on purpose?" The man pounded the table, and glared at a man who seemed to be smiling slyly. The man's leg was deliberately lifted up and rested on his left foot, indicating that he was not at all afraid of the bluff of the man who was still handsome in front of him."There is a price for information, sir. Moreover, what I have to say this time will surely make you completely unexpected. And the information I bring this time, is great news, which you too will be immediately shocked or excited after hearing it. ""What do you really know? Say it fast!""If you think it's going to be free, I'd better go. But I will assure you that you will lose something valuable, compared to the treasure you've been chasing all this time!""Is that important?" The man wearing the hat in front of him nodded firmly."Yes, of course!""Just watch out if you say stupid things, which will make me regreChapter 21Edwin let what his mother did to the woman whose stomach was already rounded in front of her. In fact, Ernawati's face was very happy when Melati was willing to wear the clothes that she gave to the woman. While Melati herself didn't talk much and looked awkward, Ernawati left her along with Edwin to the dining room to make sure all the food was ready."Take your wife to eat, Ed!" Ernawati exclaimed while setting the plates on the table which made Edwin and Melati turn to the right of the room, then glance at each other."Are you hungry now? Let's have lunch," said Edwin flatly."Actually, I'm not very–""Mel, please respect my mother's efforts. Besides, she must have prepared healthy dishes for you and your baby," said Edwin as he walked first which made Melati uneasy. He realized his mistake. She realized that she was a woman who was indebted to Edwin and to the family. So he must know himself and also have to respect them mo
Chapter 22The atmosphere at the airport seemed crowded even though it was already midnight. Edwin stood staring at the arrival where his only sister was walking towards him with one hand dragging a large suitcase with a paper bag hanging beside it.The girl looked around for the whereabouts of her lover who promised to pick her up."Who are you looking for, Kirana? Your handsome brother is already standing in front of you," said Edwin with a big smile, making Kirana glare at him. But a split second later, pinched Edwin's cheek in exasperation while hugging the man tightly.Kirana has spent almost ten days abroad, because of her desire to see beauty in other parts of the world."Why did my brother pick me up? Even though I was hoping for someone," he said with a disappointed face, when the man who was expected to pick him up, did not see the bridge of his nose at all."Are you waiting for someone else? Ugh, it's a waste of two ho
Chapter 23"Sorry, I didn't mean to. You must be uncomfortable and in pain." Edwin immediately withdrew his hand, got up and went straight to the bathroom to wash up. After that, he held a prayer rug and fulfilled his obligations and recited the prayers solemnly which continued to get the attention of Melati.Although she has also been taught religious knowledge since childhood by her father by bringing a Koran teacher to her house, Melati very rarely performs worship rituals, in fact she has almost forgotten the last time she prayed, perhaps when she was a teenager.Melati slightly regretted what she had done, in contrast to the man in front of her, who besides being pious also never left her obligations. Although Melati slightly regretted the attitude of the man who always spoke curtly and annoyed him.Melati immediately went to the bathroom while Edwin was reciting holy verses. Only a few moments later he was finished and lay back down in his p
Chapter 24Ernawati parted the curtains in the six by six square meter room so that direct sunlight entered the room. Don't forget to open the window, so that clean air can enter to replace the stuffy air in the room."Wake up, Kirana, it's noon. You don't want to miss breakfast together, do you." Ernawati came close to touch her daughter's hair and then rubbed her head affectionately. Kirana, who came home late at night, did not have time to meet her mother because she did not want to disturb her rest. However, the girl really missed her mother, especially because she had just returned to Wijaya's residence, after three years choosing to be alone in the village to calm her mind."Good morning my beautiful mother," she muttered, blinking his eyes from the glare. The almost twenty year old girl immediately kissed her mother's cheek, which Erna returned with a hug on her shoulder."Go to the bathroom and clean yourself up, because I'm going to tell
Chapter 25The atmosphere that morning should have been more pleasant because the whole family was in the same house. But in reality it is not. Kirana who was sitting on the dining chair looked at the presence of two people walking hand in hand towards her place. His focus and attention was on the woman behind her own brother, who was looking down with a bulging stomach. Even Melati's hands were intertwined, a sign that the woman was afraid of the gaze of the girl in front of her. Even though Ernawati and Candra told her to sit down and enjoy her breakfast, in fact Kirana's sharp gaze made Melati uncomfortable.Edwin, who saw his sister's unkind gaze, immediately cleared his throat and lightened the atmosphere by handing out some food for Kirana to enjoy."Ten days abroad will definitely make you miss Indonesian specialties. Eat it, Kirana. You know, this mother's cooking must have made it special to welcome you." Edwin put down a piece of his si
Chapter 26"Why is your face suddenly gloomy, Ed?" Jovan looked at the unusual face of his best friend and boss. The man even massaged his heavy head."I guess because I didn't get enough sleep last night, or I don't know," replied Edwin simply. But his chest felt uncharacteristically restless. However, work must come first and he must follow procedures and review his projects in other cities."If only I was in power, I would tell you to stay home and read the newspaper. But it can't be like that, the project in Surabaya requires your presence there to monitor and see their activities. And as I have investigated previously, there is a flow of funds that 's been used improperly, and it goes into some people's pockets and puts our project on the line a bit. We've almost lost a few digits, and the numbers keep pouring in regularly, Ed." Jovan said at length, explaining one more time for Edwin to understand. Even though she guessed that the man who had just le
Chapter 27"Why do we have to go anyway, Mom. I just want to stay at home. Besides, I'm too lazy to meet Aunt Anita and Uncle Teguh." Kirana pursed her lips when Ernawati insisted on asking her to go to her uncle and aunt's house."Kirana, mother can't bear to refuse their invitation. Besides, what's wrong with getting together once in a while considering that you haven't seen them again after three years. After all, Vienna and your grandfather went to the hospital, so it's okay."Kirana remembers Melati. A good opportunity to leave him alone in that big house."Okay, if you insist," added Kirana while getting ready.The two of them walked towards the yard, where a white car was ready to take them off. Before actually driving, Ernawati looked up where Melati's room was brightly lit. Previously he knocked softly on the door to say goodbye, but the pregnant woman did not answer his words. And Ernawati understands that Melati is not used to it.******The sound of footsteps made Melati o
Chapter 28Edwin's eyes darkened, staring intently at the two of them. When the man almost accepted Melati, if the woman wanted to change slowly. But what he saw now seemed to explain who Melati and the man in front of her really were. A despicable couple who do perverts do not deserve his sympathy. And what's even more embarrassing is what the two of them did in their own room. Whoever is in his position, will definitely not stand still and will act anarchically.The man immediately carried Melati in his arms, then passed Edwin whose hands were still clenched into fists, who seemed reluctant to watch the two pass. Edwin looked away in extreme disgust.Suddenly the light came on. Which instantly made the place ablaze.Meanwhile, the man immediately carried Melati to his car. Jovan, who had just returned from behind, saw someone swiftly passing not far from where he was standing.Unfortunately, he didn't get to see the man's face, but Edwin's growl and shout from upstairs made his att
Chapter 89With both arms folded, Edwin stood right beside the bed. There was someone lying there, still pale with a bandaged head. And Edwin was still loyally waiting for him to wake up, feeling exasperated, angry, and happy at the same time, remembering that his friend managed to survive the critical period after the removal of the disease in his head.Jovan's eyes blinked as the bright light entered them and disturbed his sleep."Edwin!" Jovan was slightly surprised as a cunning grin slowly approached, closing the distance between their faces."You're not going to get angry now, are you?" As if understanding his friend's feelings, Jovan winced because Edwin did not take his gaze off of him."Since when have you kept secrets from me?" Edwin asked with a serious, piercing stare towards his friend, who only gave a thin smile in response."I didn't want to worry you!" Jovan reasoned. He knew that Edwin was angry with him for hiding the disease that had been afflicting him, and not info
Chapter 88The girl's steps felt heavy as she entered a room where someone lay helpless, with an infusion tube attached to his wrist.There was a weight in her chest that, for some reason, she couldn't shake off for a long time, causing her to cry.The door opened slowly as she entered and looked at a man with his eyes closed and a bandage on his head. More tears fell, remembering that Jovan was like an older brother to her.Unable to bear it any longer, Kirana chose to sit beside Jovan's bed. The resting man slowly opened his eyes when he heard sobbing noises that disturbed his ears."Little girl, you're noisy! Your crying is making my head heavier," he said, grimacing. His vision was still blurry from the anesthetic."Heartless man," she sobbed, unable to hide her sadness anymore. Kirana almost angrily hit Jovan's chest if she didn't pity him.Nearly six hours ago, Jovan had just left the operating room. Due to the influence of anesthesia, it wasn't until he was disturbed by Kirana'
Chapter 87After hearing Kirana's explanation, Edwin felt uneasy. It was as if there were an unresolved mystery awaiting him in life. Kirana's ambiguous statement made him keep thinking about it. He didn't even notice Melati approaching him with Diandra."Is there something important that happened that's making you so restless?" Melati joined Edwin as they both stared out at the city of Amsterdam in the morning light."I don't know, Kirana said something bad is happening in Indonesia. But I don't know what it is." Edwin explained briefly."And that's why your heart is uneasy?" asked Melati. Edwin quickly nodded in agreement."I'm afraid something else has happened. Especially since Jovan wouldn't answer my calls!" Edwin recounted the situation."In that case, we should go back as soon as possible," Melati suggested, and Edwin looked into her eyes seriously."But what about our plans?" Melati smiled."We can go anywhere after the issue is resolved. Now is not the time for fun. If somet
Chapter 86As evening approached, Edwin, along with one of his subordinates, prepared a meal in the kitchen. His wife was putting Diandra to bed in their room.A delicious and appetizing meal was set up to welcome Melati. The dining table had several dishes, some of which were ordered from a famous halal-certified restaurant. A table adorned with dim candles awaited Melati's descent.After a few minutes, Melati arrived wearing a long, slightly thick dress to keep off the cold.People blew trumpets, clapped, and cheered as Melati appeared, looking shocked."Hey, what's going on? What are you guys doing?" Melati asked incredulously at the small surprise prepared for her. Edwin even held a bouquet of lilies to present to his wife."Congratulations, my wife. I hope after this, we'll never be separated again," Edwin wished, embracing his wife and inviting her to sit at the dining table with various dishes."Oh my, did you prepare all this?" Melati looked enthusiastic as Edwin nodded quickl
Chapter 85"Sir, perhaps you are just hallucinating!" said one of his subordinates, standing up, especially after Edwin suddenly ran away from the place without any explanation. "It's impossible! I'm sure I just heard a meaningful scream!" Edwin remained adamant in his thinking.Edwin sprinted out of the room, ignoring the others around him. Scanning to the right and left on the snowy night, he didn't recognize any of the passersby. They stared back at him with puzzled expressions."For some reason, I'm sure Melati is nearby. Oh God, please reunite me with my wife; I don't want us to be apart any longer," he prayed inwardly, his face filled with anxiety.Edwin's subordinates also followed him out of the room after paying for their orders. They scattered to the right and left, with some even crossing the street in search of the woman their boss loved.Suddenly, a voice raised Edwin's hopes."Mr. Edwin! Over here!" The man shouted in panic when he found Melati about to be dragged and fo
Chapter 84The stolen black car was driven quite roughly, considering the driver was not very experienced in handling Teguh's luxury vehicle.Melati, clutching Diandra in her embrace, kept praying for their safety. She wasn't sure if the man beside her would succeed in bringing her to Edwin, given his reckless driving.The slightly wet road from the freshly fallen snow made the car occasionally swerve left and right, sometimes weaving and braking imperfectly. Melati had to hold on tight."Can't you drive properly? I'm holding a baby in my arms, and I don't want an accident to happen between us!" Melati snapped at the man, who appeared unconcerned despite repeatedly failing to brake and accelerate correctly."Relax, miss. I may not have driven a car for nearly five years, but my skills are adequate," he said, causing Melati to shake her head in resignation.The shining headlights from behind made both of them look through the rearview mirror to see who was chasing them."Isn't that Teg
Chapter 83Someone knocked on the door. Melati glanced in that direction. She didn't know who it was, so she chose to ignore it and continued to embrace Diandra.Knock knock knock!The sound came again. This time, Melati approached the door."Who is it?""It's me. The man who will save your life. Ini aku. Pria yang akan menyelamatkan hidupmu!" The man spoke in English. Fortunately, Melati understood the meaning.But Melati was confused because she didn't recognize the man. Nevertheless, she remained curious."Who sent you? Be clear!" she whispered so Teguh's men couldn't hear her. Luckily, she was held captive on the second floor while they were downstairs playing cards."Edwin!""What? He's here?" Melati asked again."Yes, and he's waiting for you," he said in English.Hearing the name mentioned, Melati felt stunned and slightly disbelieving. However, she felt hopeful. Her smile appeared involuntarily as she missed him dearly.The man fiddled with the doorknob. In just a moment, the
Chapter 82Every day, Edwin and his subordinates spread out to search for Melati. They showed clear pictures of her to various people, most of whom only shook their heads and acted indifferent."Wij weten het niet. Maar in dit land nemen ontvoering toe, (We don't know, but kidnappings are on the rise in this country,) a man said as Edwin showed him a photo on the phone.Still, he didn't lose hope. Melati and his son must be fine, considering Teguh was the one who kidnapped them, not a stranger or local resident. One thing Edwin knew and believed for sure: Teguh wouldn't harm Melati or Diandra since he was obsessed with both of them. It would be illogical for him to go through the trouble of taking them abroad to elude Edwin if he wanted to eliminate them, he thought to himself."Shall we move on to another place, Boss?" Edwin's subordinate spoke up from behind. Edwin nodded his head, unaware that someone had been watching them all this time.The man dropped his cigarette and began to
Chapter 81After a dozen-hour-long flight, the four of them finally arrived in their destination country: the Netherlands. A pre-ordered car took them to a place where they could rest their weary bodies before dispersing to gather information.Edwin instructed two men to search for information at the airport's arrival center and its surroundings. Meanwhile, another went to the local police station to report the kidnapping. Edwin himself headed to the Indonesian Embassy to ask for help. Fortunately, they were quick to assist and promised to help in any way they could.In the evening, Edwin and his partners returned to their temporary residence. This was just the beginning, and they hadn't made any progress yet. However, they didn't lose hope. There was always tomorrow, and Edwin firmly believed that his wife would be found. ***Meanwhile, in another place.Jovan returned to the hospital where Gunadi was being treated. A short while ago, Dena had contacted him to come there, where Guna