Chapter 62
"Okay, I'll hand over Melati to you. But on the condition that you don't beat me. And in the future, you can't retaliate against me, Ed." Teguh spoke. However, he couldn't bear to hurt the child that was about to be born."What kind of agreement is that? I can't promise you anything," Edwin said, gritting his teeth. Teguh had done too much already. Of course, he had to face the consequences of his actions.Edwin and Jovan searched for a long time, but it seemed that Teguh was quite good at hiding."Well then, I won't give Melati to you!""Suit yourself, if you want to see your child in her stomach die and can't be saved. You might lose the baby. And it will take a long time for you to get a child of your own from another woman." Edwin tried to scare Teguh."You dare to threaten me like that!" Jovan also looked at him fiercely."We're just saying what we should say. Quickly haChapter 63The little baby wriggled with his characteristic cry. Melati had just cleaned herself up, helped by Sumi. As she entered the room, Edwin's eyes blinked as Melati only wore a batik cloth on her chest. Realizing she was being watched, Melati quickly walked into the room. Edwin himself immediately looked away. His heart beat faster with a longing for Melati. After the woman left, there were many things he regretted. Although brief, Melati's presence made his frozen heart slowly melt. Unfortunately, Edwin realized it too late.Jovan seemed to be ready, wearing Edwin's sweater. This morning he would return to the city. It was impossible for him to stay while Edwin's family and company needed his dedication. At least Jovan was Edwin's right-hand man, so he knew a lot about everything related to the company. That's why he was temporarily replacing Edwin's position."Be careful on the road. Give my regards to Mother. Tell her I'll co
Chapter 64"Melati covered her mouth in disbelief at what Edwin had just said. The man wiped a corner of his eye, and Melati knew that he wasn't joking."But how could that happen, and how could he do such a thing?" she asked."At first, Wina was kidnapped while Kirana was at the hospital. We searched for her relentlessly until we finally found her in a house in a quiet area. When we got there, someone had already violated Wina, and she had suffered violence all over her body. Teguh was there too, and when I wanted to confront him, he had already fled with someone whose identity we do not know. To this day, we are still investigating with others. We have even hired a detective to find out who the perpetrator was that caused Wina to suffer," Edwin explained."Oh my God, then how do you know that it was Teguh who did it?" Melati asked."Back then, I went to Aunt Anita's house to look for Teguh, but I didn't expect t
Chapter 65Melati had caressed the squirming little baby's body after he had been removed from her breast, allowing her little son to fall asleep. She stretched her stiff muscles, feeling the ache from her baby's long suckling session.Sumi entered Melati's room with a glass of freshly brewed herbal drink."This is good for women who have just given birth. Try it while it's still warm; it tastes slightly sweet because I added honey," Sumi said as she sat beside Melati, who smiled in appreciation."Thank you, Aunty." The two women sat side by side as Melati began sipping the drink, saving half of it for later."The taste of the herbal drink is refreshing.""So, is that your husband?""Do you mean Edwin?" Sumi nodded with a smile gracing her face."He looks kind and devout. In fact, he is praying right now.""Yes, he is indeed kind." Melati's heart warmed every time Edwin's name was mentioned. Even when far from him, she always thought about and missed him."What do you hope for now? Yo
Chapter 66"Do you want to rest in the room?" Edwin asked."In a while. It seems like Mother is still enjoying her time with Diandra," Melati replied with a smile and sat with Ernawati. They enjoyed each other's company after being apart for quite some time. Kirana herself hadn't come back since she left earlier with Bian."Alright."Edwin gazed at his wife with loving feelings, grateful that she finally agreed to return with him and give their marriage another chance."In addition to being handsome, your baby is very well-behaved, Mel. I enjoy taking care of him. He's truly adorable," Ernawati couldn't stop praising the little baby she was holding. Melati smiled."If you want to rest, go accompany Edwin in the bedroom. Both of you must be tired." Ernawati gestured for Edwin to take Melati to their room. Of course, Edwin happily obliged. They were husband and wife, after all, and there would be plenty of opportunities for them to express their love for each other.Edwin didn't let go
Chapter 67"How is everything, Jo?" Edwin sat in his chair and saw the stack of files on the table."Not too bad. While you were gone, I tried to investigate the leakage of funds that have been disappearing. And you know, as we suspected earlier, Teguh had stolen the company's funds several times for trade projects and to finance unclear projects. Thankfully, everything has been handled properly.""Good job. And how about the project in Surabaya?""That one is also running smoothly now, and it's almost finished. Thankfully, we got funding from other new investors.""I knew it. Your work has always been excellent, Jo. I'll make sure you get a big bonus. Also, I'll pray for you to find a wife to take care of you soon," Edwin remarked, immediately receiving a sharp stare and a hard smack on the shoulder."Ouch! Why did you hit me like that? Just yesterday, you said you missed me. But now you're hitting me. What a nutty friend." Edwi
Chapter 68In the evening, Edwin returned home after being picked up by his driver from the office. He saw his wife, mother, and grandfather sitting in the living room, watching TV. They appeared close and happy, engaging in lighthearted conversations from time to time.Quickly, Edwin approached them after placing his work bag on the living room couch, disregarding the shoes and jacket that still clung to his tall frame."You all seem very happy. What are you discussing?" Melati smiled as she looked at her husband and greeted him warmly."Just casual conversation," the couple smiled."How's our child? Has he been fussy today?" Edwin asked, moving closer to Diandra, who was cradled in Ernawati's arms."Diandra was very well-behaved, my dear.""Here you are, coming home and not even saying hello first; you immediately ask about your child," Candra jokingly added, happy to see the happiness on his grandchild's face as he he
Chapter 69"Edwin didn't have to take me out like this, especially since you must be tired after handling work at the office.""It's okay. I like spending time with you. Consider this our exploration phase since we never had a chance to do this before," Edwin replied. The man invited Melati out for dinner.Melati nodded with a smile on her face."You're right, Ed. I didn't expect our marriage to happen so unexpectedly. And now, we're suddenly very close.""We're not just very close, we're already married. Despite everything." Edwin smiled from behind the steering wheel.Both of them were grateful that all the hatred had disappeared and was replaced by happiness. They just had to wait for a few more days to officially validate their marriage. And this time, of course, without any coercion from anyone.Melati, wearing a long dress, and Edwin, neatly dressed in his blue shirt, looked elegant and well-matched as they entered the luxurious restaurant.They sat down at a table that they had
Chapter 70"What happened to him?" Melati asked Gunadi as soon as the car entered the main yard, and the driver knocked on the door, seeking help from the surprised couple."I don't know, Father. Suddenly, Edwin started trembling on the bend of the road leading here. I've tried to calm him down, but it didn't work," Melati explained worriedly. Teguh, assisted by the driver, carried Edwin's body inside and laid him on the living room sofa."Do we need to call a doctor?" Gunadi asked."It's okay; he'll recover on his own, Sir. Sir Edwin is used to this, especially after the accident that befell his family at that bend," the driver explained, causing Gunadi and Dena to widen their eyes and exchange anxious glances, their faces turning deathly pale. Gunadi and Dena clearly knew what had happened at that bend, which had made Edwin so afraid as he was now."Alright, you should get some warm water and take care of your husband," Gunadi instructed while picking up Diandra, who was still in hi
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