Maria didn't want to waste the remaining time in Yogyakarta. She planned to host a family dinner and invited her only sibling who lived in Yogyakarta, Alan, her brother-in-law and Hendrik's close friend. Before Hendrik arrived the next day, Maria had already planned the dinner with Erika, her sister-in-law.
This morning, the women, consisting of Maria, Erika, Arabella, and Laura, had gathered at Aurora's house. Due to Aurora's minimalist kitchen, they transformed the backyard into a makeshift kitchen and dining area. Since it was a Saturday, the men were still busy with work at their respective offices until midday. So, it was Aurora who had the task of looking after Baby Azka, who was in her active and exploratory phase. It was quite overwhelming for Aurora, but at the same time, it served as a distraction from her constant thoughts about Dave.
"Aurora still seems a bit down, Ma?" Arabella asked while observing Aurora playing with Baby Azka
Hendrik stopped Maria, who was about to enter Aurora's room. Of course, Hendrik was saddened that his little girl was still refusing to speak to him. Maria nodded, looking at Hendrik with a pleading expression, hoping to keep her emotions in check. She didn't want another argument to break out, leading to further strain in the harmonious relationship between father and daughter. Hendrik smiled, gently stroking Maria's head with a glimmer of love shining in his eyes, causing Maria to freeze momentarily, her heart racing. For the first time, she felt Hendrik's unconditional love. Maria remained still until Hendrik disappeared behind Aurora's bedroom door.Hendrik sighed deeply before approaching Aurora, who was standing on the balcony, gazing at the bustling street on this Sunday evening."Are you still angry with Papa?" Hendrik inquired, standing beside Aurora with both hands resting on the balcony railing. Aurora remained still
Anton forcefully placed his backpack on the bed. Was he angry? Of course, he was, his ego was bruised. A highly educated man like him shouldn't create a scene while performing his university duties. He should be able to handle any problem calmly, as he always did. However, the fact that Dave, a man who had hurt his cousin, made him furious and lose control, leading to the physical altercation. And this news would undoubtedly spread quickly, considering that several people had witnessed the chaos. His reputation on campus was now at risk."Shit!" Anton cursed while ruffling his hair in frustration and then stopped his restless pacing inside the hotel room. He took a deep breath and exhaled sharply, finally sitting on the edge of the bed.Ding! Anton was startled by the loud ringing of the room's bell. Two curses had already escaped his lips when he approached the door."Sorry, Mr. Anton, Mr. Dave is waiting for you in the
When the clock struck 5 in the evening, Anton hastily began packing up the items he had brought with him for the past 2 days in Surabaya. He meticulously scanned through all of his belongings and checked every corner of the room to ensure that nothing was left behind. Suddenly, the doorbell rang."I don't understand why the hotel staff here enjoys bothering people when they're trying to relax," Anton grumbled, his irritation evident as he quickly slung his backpack over both his shoulders.The door creaked open, revealing the girl he usually referred to as the "little rascal," standing there with a wide grin, waving her hand."What are you doing here, you little rascal?" Anton growled, looking at Daveina with irritation."Oh, Uncle, why are you still so grumpy? You'll lose your handsome looks, you know! And you'll age faster too! Poor mustache, it's going to rust before it even gets any
"Why the long face, Anton? You look like you've hung out laundry. Have you found your future wife already? I heard you're planning to bring in four at once!" Andra teased while stifling a laugh and taking a seat across from Anton, who appeared to be staring at his flat screen intently. But Andra was sure something else was bothering his friend.Hearing Andra's informal words, Anton understood that his friend wanted to talk about something other than campus matters. "I think I need some counseling, bro, seriously unlucky!" Anton sighed and shifted his attention from the screen in front of him."I know, it's... about women, right? As far as I remember, you've never been this restless. Come on, spill the beans. Which lady managed to melt the heart of a reformed playboy like you?" Andra replied, now getting enthusiastic with a teasing smile. Anton grimaced in annoyance because his friend's guess was spot on."She's still a l
Delon fell silent for a moment, trying to digest Dave's words. "What? So, Mr. Dave has been ordering someone to spy on Aurora, and of course, I couldn't escape his surveillance," Delon muttered to himself quietly. "Shit, shit!" Delon cursed while clenching his fists tightly. The more people involved, the higher the risk of blowing his two-year-long cover, and if he failed in this mission, his career would be ruined. After this mission ended, he had to erase all traces and even his own identity.Reluctantly, Delon left his disguise behind and, once he felt safe, he quickly got into his car. He removed his fake mustache, wig, and the ragged clothing that clung to his body.Dave booked the fastest flight available that afternoon to get to Yogyakarta as soon as possible. He also contacted Anton to check on Aurora's whereabouts at her home, as Aurora's phone had become inactive since his informant reported losing track of her.
Aurora felt a throbbing pain in her head and a limp body, as if she had no bones, due to the repeated effects of the sedative administered by her kidnapper every time she started to regain consciousness. She had no idea how long she had been unconscious. Her hands touched her head as she tried to open her eyes slowly. With the little strength she had left and her heart pounding, she mustered the courage to open her eyes.Blink... Aurora's eyelids opened wide, but her body froze with fear as she realized she was lying on a comfortable bed. She could feel her heart racing as fear coursed through her veins. She began to touch her clothes, checking if they were still intact or...? Aurora quickly shook her head, dispelling the frightening thoughts that could shatter her life. She breathed a sigh of relief because her clothing appeared to be as she had worn it when she left for campus.Aurora shifted her position to sit up and observed the room, which was predominantly white with silver acc
Aurora slowly opened the bathroom door while silently reciting a prayer in her heart, hoping that someone would come to her rescue. Without changing her clothes, Aurora reluctantly stepped out of the bathroom. Kenzi was waiting for her, wearing a loving smile that made Aurora's heart race as her face turned paler."Let's eat first; I don't want you to get sick," Kenzi said gently as he held Aurora's hand and led her to sit on the sofa in the room."I want to go home, Kenzi," Aurora replied while giving Kenzi a sharp look, trying to gather her courage. However, Kenzi remained indifferent and picked up a plate of food, intending to feed Aurora."I want to go home!" Aurora shouted, refusing the plate that Kenzi offered and pushing it away forcefully. Crash... The plate was thrown forcefully, shattering into pieces with its contents scattered on the floor."What's wrong, My Lord?" A large, intimidating man with dark skin and a fearsome appearance entered the room hastily upon hearing the
Dave quickly carried Aurora out of the room, but suddenly, a pistol was pointed directly at his temple."She belongs to me."Door"Quick, take Aurora and go!" Delon shouted after managing to shoot Kenzi's hand and then taking cover behind a wall while firing at Kenzi's henchmen who continued to attack."Damn, they keep multiplying," Delon cursed as he pulled another revolver from inside his jacket and continued to return fire with both hands. Delon didn't expect a new wave of attackers from outside, especially since he had already neutralized all of Kenzi's men with his team.A shootout was inevitable. Dave clenched his jaw and lowered Aurora to hide behind his back."How dare you touch my woman!" Dave shouted with fury, then struck Kenzi's face and kicked him mercilessly.Kenzi groaned in pain, his face bruised. "It turns out Aurora's lips are sweeter than I imagined," Kenzi taunted with a smile that further enraged Dave.Door