Tata leans on the edge of the bed. Her room just got hit by a tornado. The vanity table, once neat, is now in disarray. Her makeup collection and perfume bottles litter the floor. The bedsheet is all messed up. Pillows and bolsters are strewn everywhere. Even her wardrobe, almost all of its contents are scattered on the floor. She herself doesn't know what items broke there.
"I'll make sure you regret doing this, Ta."
That statement slightly disturbs Tata. Even after the man still labeled as her husband leaves her with two big suitcases, she remains stoic. She won't degrade herself or apologize for kicking Ottis out. It's enough for her to stand her ground.
But, not long after, she crumbles.
Crying her heart out. Screaming like a mad person. Ranting and venting all the anger she's been holding since they were seated—ah, it didn't start just a few hours ago. Perhaps her anger has been festering in her heart for a long time. This is the first time she
Jenni got to the hospital as fast as she could. Actually, since yesterday her heart had been in turmoil. Tata's eyes couldn't deceive her; her friend was deeply disappointed. Damn it, that guy! Ottis is really annoying. Why does a guy like Ottis get to have a long life in this world?Useless."Are you... Ms. Jenni?" Levi asks cautiously as he sees a woman hurrying towards Tata's room. He can't just leave his assistant manager like that. He's a bit confused because Tata's phone is locked and the emergency contact number he got from HRD isn't responding at all. Yet that number belongs to her husband.During the trip to the hospital, Jenni's name appeared on Tata's phone screen. Levi explained what happened and now they're here."That's right," Jenni smiles faintly, "You must be Mr. Levi?"Levi just nods briefly and accepts Jenni's handshake. After a brief introduction, he updates Jenni on Tata's current condition. The doctor said Tata was experiencin
It's been three days since Tata took sick leave. Levi didn't have time to visit his deputy because of his overwhelming workload. But, at least, through messages, he knew her condition. The marketing division is known to be extremely busy, not unusual because it's a main source of profit for shareholders."Hey, Ta?" Levi is quite surprised to find the woman who is now sitting calmly at her desk. "Are you really feeling better?"Tata smiles as she stands up to greet her boss."Yeah, I am, sir. Being at home for too long to rest isn't nice."Levi shakes his head while sighing. "You should've taken the time to rest until you're completely fit.""Nah, sir, it's enough. Besides, I can't just sit around while everyone else is busy."No, Tata never intended to touch on work issues. She loves her routine for the past few years. She feels uncomfortable if she stays at home for too long. Like she just said."Alright then. But, most importantly,
Tata thought, her disturbance was just about the phone. Which actually made her heart more shattered every time she remembered her life journey. She's aware of who she really is. But that doesn't mean she's constantly underestimated and looked down upon, right? Everything she has now is also the result of her hard work. Not just relying on Ottis alone. It's not like that.Was it because she looked pathetic when she first met Ottis? Even though she was just an ordinary staff, struggling to support herself, Tata isn't someone who enjoys asking her husband for things. She chose to try to meet her needs, including earning her bachelor's degree.But why is she always considered a burden to Ottis?Luckily, her meeting with Acame lasted quite a while. It made her slightly distracted from things that shouldn't be gnawing at her mind. She doesn't want to reconsider her decision at all.During her sick leave, also to heal the pain that hit her heart, Tata did a lot
"I ain't never scared of divorcing you, Ta," Ottis says as he approaches the figure of the woman who is still his wife. "But I ask you to get married in front of my mom. At least, if we split up like you want," Ottis grins as if he can steer Tata again with his words. "She needs to know."Hearing Ottis' words makes Tata stare even more closely at her husband's eyes. Unconsciously, she bites her lip slightly."Come on... let's settle this in front of your mom, Ottis."Tata knows Ottis' reason for coming isn't just to hear his rant. But, the main trial besides the one in front of the religious court later.Since she came to the house, no one greeted her with a smile. Both Nilam and Rieka looked at her with very cynical glares. As if she had committed a huge sin. Ah... when was she welcomed with kindness? They only exchange greetings when her hands bring something. Not this time.Tata has no intention at all to just stop by to buy Rieka's favorite sna
Tata:Hey Jen, while I've been crashing at your place, yeah. I'm moving to a room near the office on Monday.Jenni:What's up with that? Where are you? Don't make me worry, Ta.Tata:I'll let you know later.Jenni:Just keep in touch, Ta. My place is always open for you.After reading Jenni's last message, she slips her phone back into her pocket. The car she's been driving has come to a stop right in front of her house gate. She swings open the tall black gate. She intentionally doesn't put her car in the garage. To her, everything in this house has already ended hours ago.In her mind, sweet memories linger. Along with the pain and disappointment of her treatment by the head of the household. Though life should be balanced, should sweet memories also be balanced with bad ones?She stares at every corner of the house she's lived in for almost nine years. From just a basic sofa with a makeshift table, to finally d
"Oh my God, Jenni!" Jenni screams as Tata steps out of her car. "Where did you get caught in a storm, Ta?"Tata is puzzled by Jenni's welcome. "Nowhere."Jenni chuckles. "A storm of marriage, Ta."Tata's lips curl. "Rough.""Alright, let's go in! I just finished cooking dinner." Jenni immediately grabs Tata's hand to make her follow her steps.The house that Tata sometimes visits still looks the same from her last visit here. Broken white dominates as they enter the dining room."I've prepared your room, Ta. Later, Mr. Har will carry your stuff.""I won't stay long, Jen. I was checking out apartments near the office earlier."Jenni sighs. "You're so stubborn, seriously. Why move out?"She then tells Tata to sit in one of the dining chairs. Her daughter, Amel, is already sitting, waiting for her mother and her friend to arrive. Amel is so excited because Tata is staying the night. For the kid, Tata is her favorite aunt. H
"Hope your trip goes well," Jenni says with a cheerful smile, waving her hand enthusiastically before Tata finally gets into her ordered taxi."What's up with you?" Tata grumbles, but she can't bring herself to be annoyed by Jenni's antics."I'll give you recommendations for fun places to relax even if it's short," Jenni interjects quickly."I'm working, Jen.""I know," Jenni cuts in just as fast. "Come on, get in. Don't miss your flight. You've got everything with you, right? Don't leave anything behind, Ta."Ah... having Jenni around in Tata's miserable life surprisingly makes her endlessly grateful."I'm off, then."Jenni and Amel enthusiastically bid farewell to Tata's business trip. For Jenni, who knows if this is the beginning of her friend's new life. When she expresses her thoughts, Tata just laughs. She says, "You dream big, Jen, Jen. I'm on a business trip. Not kidding around.""Yes, a business trip, Ta. But enjoy you
Tata takes a slow breath. Making sure she hasn't left anything behind, especially her phone and wallet. She's somewhat hesitant to go down to the lobby, but what else can she do? She's already agreed to Levi's invitation for dinner outside to try some local cuisine around the hotel. Tata hasn't forgotten their conversation from three hours ago."I hope this invitation isn't met with refusal, Ta. Just consider it a thank you for dealing with Echa last night," Levi says with a grin. Although she didn't do much, just calming Echa down, promising to play with her when she returns, and telling a few bedtime stories until the child fell asleep.From morning until noon, there were no significant issues during the meetings and meetings with Jiayi. Everything went smoothly and as planned by Tata with Levi's approval. Tomorrow's agenda involves visiting the branch sales to check the progress firsthand."You don't mind if I treat you to dinner, right?" Levi asks, making su
Days go by, months roll by, years also add up. But one thing is timeless. Togetherness in the two-story house that is now never quiet again. Sometimes Anna's voice fills the corners of the room where Nika is too active to move. The seven-year-old is like a deer in headlights. She can't keep still. I don't know where her energy comes from. Anna is not afraid that something will break or fall because of Nika. But she was worried that her granddaughter would get hurt because she was too agile. Running here and there, sometimes jumping up and down while laughing merrily. Fortunately, Levant could accompany Nika's activities, although the youngest daughter had to wait until her middle sister came home from school. Meanwhile, Cheryl was really busy with her studies. Levant also started to have a lot of activities at school. Even so, Cheryl never wasted time with her family. Even Levant. Whenever there is an opportunity to get together, they do it with great j
Lily gazed at Nika, who had fallen asleep, fondly. She still remembered how she gave birth to her youngest daughter. Although there was a lot of drama, her gratitude never subsided. "Sleep well, sweetheart. Sweet dreams." She gently kissed Nika's forehead as she prayed, "Oh God, always protect my children from nightmares. From people with evil intentions. From the hypocrites around them. Make them good and virtuous children." Fixing the edge of Nika's blanket properly, tidying up the books that Nika had messed up, and making sure the room temperature was comfortable, Lily left the room. Which turned out to be awaited by James. "Not sleeping yet?" asked Lily, who carefully closed the door to Nika's room. "I can't sleep if you're not around." James sulked exactly like Levant. That's why Lily often joked that her husband transformed into his son when he was five years old. All Lily could do was to mess up James' rather messy hair.
Even though it was loud and noisy in her father's luxury SUV, Cheryl still had a quiet spot. Even though her mouth occasionally asked Levant not to tease her youngest sister, who had no idea where Levant's nosy behavior had come from, it was still a niche that sometimes demanded attention. She deliberately created a void in her heart to imprison the figure of Keana there. The figure that should have been there when she was sad, worried, lonely, read her stories, prepared her breakfast, and all sorts of activities that little Lily used to do. Like the woman who sat beside her father; who was never late to accompany her to do anything, even when she arrived in her red and white uniform. Not in a kindergarten uniform or even a time when her memory was not too perfect. The trip to one of the malls in Central Jakarta didn't take too long. Once in the parking area, James asked Levant and Nika's nanny to enter the shopping center first.
In the past, it took a lot of effort for Lily to get Cheryl to talk. This time, Cheryl could easily tell Lily anything, especially what happened to her. From her activities at school to her friends who she finds annoying. Cheryl had something to tell Lily. For her, talking to her mom is fun. Unlike her father, who often teases her. Especially about relationships with the opposite sex. "What's wrong, mom?" Cheryl folded her arms across her chest. Her face was sullen. The look in her eyes held irritation. "What's wrong with Papa?" Lily folded her smile. She reached out her hand to tidy up her daughter's long hair which was a bit messy. "I was asked about Noah. Am I his friend? When did I become Noah Narendra's friend?" "Drink the milk first, okay?" "I'm not Levant, Mom." Cheryl still didn't accept being treated like a child.Even so, she accepted the glass Lily handed her. She sipped slowly,
The second pregnancy was a bit risky for Lily. Her age made her worry, although not as much as the happiness that surrounded her. The doctor said, "As long as you take care of your womb, condition, and food intake, God willing, it will be fine." For Lily, everything that poured into her life now was more than a gift. What she had hoped for all this time, the millions of prayers she made in every prostration happened so easily. As if without burden, God gave her that wish when Lily let go of everything. When she let go of being a childless woman. Cheryl was enough for her to show off. Risa's advice to Lily was exactly that. So when her first pregnancy happened, the happiness was not only hers. But her whole family. Nita and Rianto often traveled to Jakarta to see their first grandchild grow. As befits the name Lily gave her second child-for Cheryl was her first-Levant Akala Virza. She hopes that her life will be as bright as her name.
The man was still frozen in front of the steering wheel. There was a moment of hesitation before he decided to actually get out and walk towards the place where James Adam's fare wall party was being held. Today, his coworker resigned. He chose to continue the business he had started rather than struggle under the command of someone else. There was a mountain of curiosity in the man's heart. Especially the words that had been bothering him since this morning. "I'm definitely missing Mr. James at work."He said honestly. His coworker this time was very dedicated to work."Mr. Levi could have. I had intended to resign a long time ago but the timing always clashed. It just so happens that my wife is spoiled beyond belief, asking to be accompanied at home.""Pregnant women have different hormones, boss," said Denny, James Adam's assistant. "Ms. Lily is so independent when she's spoiled, it's really funny.""Don't imagine someone's wife. Date someone else!"
"Where's Lily, James?" It was James' turn to be puzzled by such a question. Since leaving the room he had chosen to tidy up the files in his study first and then head to the dining room. Usually his wife, Sari, was preparing breakfast. But this morning, she wasn't there. Plus his mother's question just now. "Probably in Cheryl's room." That was all James could answer. "Morning, Grandma. Morning, Papa." Cheryl, cheerfully approached her father as well as her grandmother. Giving a good morning kiss befor
Lily is tired? She must be.However, her heart was happy because in addition to the wedding party that she had once dreamed of, it was perfectly realized by her husband. Even her wishes regarding the bridal room. Although she had protested, Lily was able to get her husband to comply. There was no bridal suite in the place where she spent her first night after becoming husband and wife. Even though the hotel had offered the most luxurious package to Lily, she refused. James actually didn't understand Lily's way of thinking. Wouldn't she be amazed to see how beautifully the bridal suite was decorated?James was eager to ask, but a smile and a sad look appeared on Lily's beautiful face. He did not want to ask further. Maybe later, when she was in a better mood, he would ask her about it."Tired?" asked James when he entered the room.He glanced at his wife who w
BALI The man frowns. The wedding invitation the receptionist had just given him was enough to make him tingle, but he would still tell his employer. There was no way he could hide this invitation from her."Keana," Andri called out loudly as he entered the long-haired woman's apartment unit."What the hell, you're screaming incoherently!"Keana, who was putting on her eyelashes, felt suddenly distracted. She felt like throwing her assistant with the boots next to her. It took a lot of concentration to put on those lashes and Andri succeeded in distracting her."I have a surprise for you."Andri grinned innocently. Handing the invitation to the woman. Keana snorted in displeasure but she read it anyway. She read the wedding invitation that came to her for a long time."When will it arrive?" She was still flipping through the ivory-colored invitat