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." EdwiChapter 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 71Everyone expressed their gratitude and congratulations on the officially held wedding. Even Gunadi finally felt relieved after his daughter found a good man to accompany her life, although initially, he regretted forcing the man to marry Melati, who was five months pregnant at the time.Gunadi stood on the balcony of his room after receiving a text message on his cell phone.[Don't rejoice just yet, Gunadi! You must know what Edwin will do if he finds out what you have done to his family, causing his father to die a gruesome death!]The man's eyes widened in shock as he swallowed the bitter saliva that stuck in his throat.Gunadi knew who the sender of the message was. Teguh. Yes, only that man could do it, and besides, no one else knew about that incident except Gunadi and Teguh, who gave the order themselves.Not wanting to be intimidated so easily, Gunadi promptly called the cell phone number. After a while, the call connected.A burst of laughter instantly rang from the
Chapter 72After Edwin sent the message along with his number, Jovan began trying to find the sender. He immediately asked for help from his colleague, who was a hacking expert.It took about 30 minutes until finally a reply came from his friend, who said the location and identity of the sender. After investigating, it turned out to come from Teguh's new number."So it was indeed Teguh who did it? Are you sure he's the one?" Edwin asked curiously after the call was connected to Jovan."Of course I'm sure, Ed. My friend is a hacking expert, and he can track down anything. That's why I didn't have too much trouble. You know, when Melati's phone was broken during the incident in your room? I found out that Melati asked Bian for help because she was scared. And it wasn't the woman's fault for bringing Bian to your house.""Then why didn't you tell me that and only tell me now?" Edwin was annoyed because Jovan kept it to himself, making him think negatively about his wife.Jovan chuckled.
Chapter 73Edwin and Melati held hands as they headed toward the farm, which was a few dozen meters away from the main house. There, they could see Gunadi still standing anxiously as the couple approached him."Father," Melati called out as Gunadi immediately turned to look at her.Not far from them, several people were busy sorting out the slaughtered animals, with blood everywhere, preparing to take them to a wholesaler to be sold."How is everything, Father?" Edwin asked, scanning the grim surroundings.Gunadi sighed heavily. He hadn't anticipated what Teguh had done – actions that were completely unforgivable."As you can see, many cows have been poisoned and had to be slaughtered.""And do you know who did it?" Gunadi nodded and then stared seriously at Edwin."Teguh! He's the one responsible. He may be your uncle, but you are my son-in-law now and my daughter's husband. You wouldn't let this go unpunished, right?""What do you mean? Of course, I will help you, Father," Edwin was
Chapter 74Teguh smiled sinisterly. He and several others arrived at the location where Gunadi had asked him to meet.A smile formed on his lips when he saw someone standing next to Gunadi, cradling a baby, wrapped in a white cloth. The baby squirmed, perhaps due to the freezing air."So, this is my son?" Gunadi immediately nodded in affirmation."Quickly, give him to me," he said impatiently, eager to see the child born to Melati.However, Gunadi naturally wasn't quick to respond."Does this mean you'll never bother me and my family again?" Gunadi asked for confirmation. After all, the consequences of Teguh's actions had caused significant losses to his business.Hahaha!Teguh laughed heartily. "It seems you're scared of a lot, Gunadi! But don't worry, once I ensure this baby is truly mine, I guarantee your life will be safe from now on. Of course, with one condition - we don't have to interact with each other
Chapter 75A few minutes before the incident.The sound of rough banging came from the ground floor. Dena, suspecting someone was acting violently, quickly went upstairs and closed Melati's bedroom door as the woman was putting little Diandra to bed."What's going on, Mom?" Melati asked coldly, seeing the worried expression on her stepmother's face. At the same time, the sound of doors being pounded on grew louder from the main entrance and caused Melati to frown deeply."Someone has attacked the guards outside, and they're trying to force their way into the house," Dena said anxiously."What?" Melati immediately stood up and locked her bedroom door. However, it was too late when she heard the sound of footsteps and the forced breaking of her door. Dena and Melati retreated, not forgetting to grab the baby from the bed and holding her tightly.On the third count, the door burst open, and several men leered at the frightened women
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