Mahya returned to her desk, where her investigation files on Seno Adhijaya were scattered in a way that suited her instincts.“How could a broke guy like him become a billionaire in just two years? Hah!” Mahya scoffed, clutching tightly to a document containing Seno’s profile in a leading business magazine.She started typing the continuation of her investigation. Of course, she hadn't done much yet. Investigative coverage required approval from her superiors, and to get that approval, Mahya had to first prepare a proposal.“Have you made it yet?” Carol suddenly interrupted, her head popping up from the glass door of Mahya's workspace. The ponytailed girl nearly had a heart attack, not expecting anyone to appear so suddenly.“Knock first, would you!” Mahya snapped, her concentration shattered by Carol’s interruption. The editor just chuckled.“So?”“Yeah, I’m working on it.” Mahya returned to her computer screen. The investigation proposal had to be completed this week, or she’d have t
Lara was surprised. There was no one in this large house. Seno had warned her not to look for anyone and briefly accompanied her into the house to put their things away. True to his word, he had to leave for an important meeting. She didn't know what meeting it was."Where's Bi Yani?" Lara asked, just before Seno stepped out of their house.The sound of his shoe taps fell silent, indicating that the man was pondering something. She saw his face furrow, as if he was thinking of giving her an answer she awaited."Bi Yani is still on vacation. She'll be back tomorrow," he said, smiling at her.Lara was slightly suspicious but had no reason to scold him. After all, according to him, Bi Yani might indeed be resting at her own residence. Tomorrow she would find out the truth.***The night gradually descended, darkness had taken over this residence. Seno hadn't shown any sign of returning at this hour. Lara tried calling his husband's cell phone several times, but all she got was a busy tone
The reason behind Seno's absence at his home is because he is currently with Olivia. Intimate kisses, warm embraces, and moans of pleasure filled the air between them. There was no piece of cloth separating them. And now, both Seno and Olivia were lying limp, powerless. "Damn it," cursed Olivia, after she removed the condom filled with Seno's essence from his manhood. Why were they using a condom? Even though Olivia herself could never conceive-at least, Seno should be careful. He didn't want any illegitimate children to be born out of this relationship. Olivia sighed as she looked at Seno, who was sound asleep in the embrace of dreams, with a few percent of alcohol still dominating his body. The girl had no intention of spending the night with Lara's husband. It's just that, the bartender at the club they usually visited together suddenly contacted her. "Your man is heavily drunk, Miss," the bartender said when he called Olivia. The man even knew Seno as Olivia's boyfriend, not L
The sun began to rise, and Seno's head throbbed. He squinted as the bright light hit his face. "Where am I?" Seno muttered. He couldn't remember anything. Last night, he was very drunk. Mahya's rejection wounded his pride. Somehow, Seno ended up venting his disappointment through alcohol, and this was the result. "Good morning, Darling," Olivia greeted with her mischievous smile. Her fingers pulled the blanket covering Seno's body halfway, creating an enticing silhouette for her. "Olivia?" Seno blinked. How did he end up in Olivia's apartment? "Tell me, what happened?" Seno began to get up from the bed and tried to put on his clothes, while Olivia seemed to enjoy seeing the reaction of her secret lover. "Why are you so surprised, Darling? Aren't you used to be here?" Olivia taunted. She didn't even intend to answer Seno's question and wanted to play with Lara's husband. "Damn!" Seno growled. He quickly put on his pants and shirt, then checked his phone. "Damn it!" Seno cursed after
"Oh no...." Once again, Lara slipped. The gravel in this alley was indeed quite sharp. She'd been walking around the market all day, but still couldn't find Bi Yani's house. "Where is it, her house?" she guessed, but to no avail.She went over the address she saw on Bi Yani's job application form when she applied to be her maid. It should be here, in the Duku village. Somehow, the house listed didn't exist. "Is Bi Yani a ghost or something?" she muttered. The house number 40 written on the form was an empty house. The house was even overgrown with weeds, and its walls seemed rotten, covered in moss and fungus.The sun slowly rose, and the atmosphere became quite hot. Her shadow was almost non-existent, meaning it might be close to noon now. "Hhhh...." she sighed. Feeling desperate.She didn't tell anyone that she was looking for Bi Yani's house, so Seno wouldn't suspect. That man didn't even come home yesterday. She could even guess where her husband was. The pain surged through her h
"What did you say? Speak slowly," Andre said, unaware of the trouble Lara was in. The woman appeared to be panting while holding her increasingly large stomach. No one could say how worried Andre was about Lara's condition. First, he lifted Lara's body and then gently pushed her to the sidewalk to avoid being hit by passing cars. "Phone, police," Lara said breathlessly. "To ... call." Andre held both of Lara's shoulders and began to gaze deeply into her eyes. Andre's eyes radiated concern and curiosity. What exactly was happening to this woman? "Why should I call the police?" Andre asked carefully. He watched Lara's every move, which seemed unstable, then reluctantly grabbed Lara's hand to help her calm down a bit. "Lara ... tell me, why should I call the police?" "There's a fight over there, Andre! Please! My maid is in danger! I have to go there ..." Lara pointed to a row house with green paint across from them. Indeed, there were shouts and curses coming from that direction, bu
Lara was shocked by Bi Yani's words. How could she think like that! "Bi Yani, what are you saying?" Lara shook her shoulders. Tears welled up in Bi Yani's wrinkled face as she wept for her husband, who was being dragged to the police station. "No! Don't take my husband!" Bi Yani screamed, chasing after the officers on duty. Bi Yani's husband grinned while pleading to be released. He promised not to repeat his actions and to treat his wife well. "Sir, please let me go! My wife is crying over there!" Bi Yani's husband shouted as he squirmed. His frail body writhed, pleading to be released so he could hug his wife, who was experiencing psychological trauma. "You're insane! Not possible!" The officer firmly refused to release Bi Yani's husband just like that. A commotion began. Neighbors flocked to Bi Yani's house, surrounded by police patrol cars. Lara could hear the shouts of curious residents blaming Bi Yani's husband, who often caused trouble. "Just arrest him, Officer! A man wh
"Husband! Huhu!" Lara was startled to hear Bi Yani's mournful cry echoing through the air. People crowded around, and she struggled to find out what was actually happening. "Excuse me ...." Lara tried to push through the crowd, pretending to be a family member of the person being surrounded. What was actually happening? "Oh my God!" Lara was stunned, unbelieving, to find Bi Yani's husband lying helpless with blood pooling around him. "His skull is fractured!" Someone shouted from the other side. The sound of cries and screams only added to the tense atmosphere. "A–Andre, what happened?" Lara walked over to Andre, who looked flustered. He seemed desperate after doing something. "Did you just try to help him?" Andre nodded weakly. "He ... he's dead." Lara's heart seemed to stop beating. Now she understood why Bi Yani was so frustrated. "Then?" "An ambulance is on its way here. He suddenly ran towards the moving car because he was afraid of being arrested by the police." Lara n
Shanon still lay weakly, Mia and Tomi were already in the waiting room. The doctor still couldn't allow them to visit because they weren't family members."How's the director?" Mia asked as Darren finally emerged from the inpatient room. "She's recovering, although she's still unconscious," he said softly. His eyes looked weary, very different from when they met before this tragic incident occurred."Mia, tell me anything I might have missed," Darren asked for clues. He would soon get Ian and Miriam arrested, but Darren wanted to uncover the truth that had been hidden all this time."Ian and Miriam have been playing both of you. We only found out after catching Alice," Mia said, with Tomi nodding in agreement."Their internal lackeys are being interrogated by investigators. We've reported Ian and Miriam, but it seems they've already fled, Sir," Tomi sighed. It seemed their actions were too late. Somehow, Ian and Miriam had managed to escape so quickly."So, what did they take?""For n
"Darling!" Darren shot forward, embracing Shanon whom sprawled on the carpet. Ian and Miriam watched from behind the door. The threat wasn't over."Hand over your car keys!" Ian barked. Darren didn't even hear the thin man's shout. He was busy checking Shanon's pulse and breathing. Every vital area he could ensure to make sure Shanon was still alive."Call an ambulance!" Darren yelled while carrying Shanon in his arms."We're not your maids. Can't you see? We're the villains here." Ian scoffed, making Darren's anger reach its boiling point."What have you done to her?!""We were just playing around with her a bit. Not our fault if she struggled and ended up like that."Darren's eyes reddened. He immediately dashed towards the door to take Shanon to the nearest hospital, but Ian stopped him."Hey! You can't go anywhere!" Ian grabbed Darren's collar and pulled him back."I need to get to the hospital! Shanon is dying!""Hey, where do you think you're going? Aren't you leaving her behind
Shanon collapsed with a bloody leg. Miriam immediately grabbed her hair and dragged her out of the warehouse to get to a brighter light. Shanon's blood smelled metallic and scattered along the floor as Miriam changed the location of her torture."Let me go!!" Shanon screamed in pain. The stinging sensation and anger piled up inside her. How could she be tortured in her own home?"I already told you, didn't I? Stop acting up! It will only hurt you even more," Miriam scolded. Ian staggered behind them. After successfully removing the bloody pen, he quickly wrapped the wound with a scarf he took from the warehouse."Bastard!" he cursed, groaning in pain as the burning sensation pierced his skin. Shanon's stab wounds were deep, but he didn't have time to treat it. They needed to get that signature quickly."Get it done real quick! Sign that fucking document and we will call an ambulance to take care of you! We don't want your life. What's so hard about it?!" Ian shouted, and Shanon now tr
Shanon narrowed her eyes; she clearly recognized him. The man was ...."Ian?" Shanon's voice caught, as there was someone else standing beside Ian. The woman was very familiar to Shanon. "Miriam? So ... it's all your doing?" Shanon screamed. Angry. But Ian quickly darted towards her and hit the back of her neck.Shanon passed out.In the darkness. She could still imagine her lover's face. Darren. Oh, if only the figure welcoming her behind the darkness was her husband. Miriam would be very happy.Sadly, it's not him.Darren would never be there. Not anymore.***"Urgh...." Shanon groaned. She was awake now. It seemed she had been unconscious for several hours. Her hands couldn't move, nor could her feet. Even the sound that came out was just a whimper. She couldn't speak. Black tape bound her perfectly."You're awake, it seems," Miriam exclaimed from behind the door, which now gave Shanon some clues about her whereabouts. She was in the back warehouse, near the stairs. Why were they k
Tomi was stunned, unable to believe what he had just heard. His eyes shifted from Shanon's devastated face to Mia, who was trying to hide her anxiety."I'm sorry, Mrs. Shanon, I don't know what to say," Tomi said, his voice trembling. He had known Shanon and Darren for quite some time. Their relationship seemed strong, solid, and full of love. Even Tomi, who only interacted minimally with the couple, could feel the positive vibes of their bond."What do you think, Tomi?" Mia asked, her voice sounding fragile. She was also shocked by the news, but she didn't want to exacerbate the situation. Mia wanted to hear the legal solutions regarding this divorce lawsuit from the expert.Shanon simply bowed her head, trying to hold back the tears that kept flowing. Her heart was shattered into pieces. Shanon felt like she was in the middle of an endless storm. Problems upon problems hit her without permission. No matter how hard she tried to hold on, she wouldn't be able to push away her feelings
Shanon ended the board meeting with determined steps, albeit somewhat forced. She couldn't afford to be careless. If even one more unintentional mistake surfaced, her position would truly be in jeopardy!"Great job, Ma'am! We can call it a day." Mia said, patting her boss on the shoulder. The work hours were over, and now their relationship transcended mere colleagues; they were more like friends fighting hard to navigate the crisis in the company."Thank you, Mia. I'm really tired," Shanon replied, her face pale. Mia felt concerned, especially since she knew that Shanon's conflict wasn't just about this video issue, but also about her separation from her beloved husband."I'm sure you'll become stronger and more resilient facing all these challenges, Ma'am. Trust me, God will provide a way," Mia reassured, embracing Shanon tightly. She could feel her friend's heartache. Shanon wasn't expressive enough, and that only made Mia feel more sorry for her. If only she could cry like most wo
The scheduled press conference finally occurred. Though not in her prime state, Shanon came with her usual aura: resolute, menacing, and also captivating. Her long hair was left loose but styled with transparent pomade, giving off a sleek impression. Shanon was ready to conquer her enemies behind the mask of her firmness."Mrs. Shanon, is it true that the circulating scandalous video involves you with a male friend?" A journalist's question pierced Shanon's heart. Despite preparing herself, experiencing the sting of accusations was indeed painful."That's not true," Shanon quickly replied. She didn't appear nervous or trembling. Tomi had warned her to appear normal. This lie had to be an eternal secret for their team."What about your husband's reaction? Is he not bothered?" Another question slipped, successfully almost crumbling Shanon's attempted defense.The blonde woman fell silent for a moment. Shanon tried to gather strength, but... her tears fell unexpectedly."Ah... I'm sorry.
Shanon and Mia walked side by side to the legal office on the 10th floor. The hospital, with its 12 floors, was quite efficient, and the management offices were located on the top two floors."Mrs. Shanon! We've been waiting for your arrival," Legal Manager, Tomi Winarta, extended his hand for a handshake. Shannon accepted it gracefully, though she can no hide her vulnerability. Shannon suffered from a severe shock. She couldn't deny it."What's the situation?" the blonde-haired woman asked with a worried expression. Tomi just nodded and gestured to his assistant. Unfortunately, the assistant only shook his head, saying, "It's bad, Ma'am. Several articles related to this scandal have been released, and we've received numerous complaints from the PR team."Shanon's heart felt torn apart. She never imagined that her problems wouldn't end with the argument with Darren but would involve her ex-lover as well."I should have sensed something suspicious from Ian! Damn it!" Shannon growled an
Shanon was completely asleep and hadn't had a chance to move to the bed. The golden-haired woman could only crawl to the sofa and curl up there until the next morning.“What the–” Shanon exclaimed as a barrage of messages flooded her phone screen. All from… Ian! “What is this?” Shanon trembled after receiving an unwanted video… a video of their kiss!‘Honey, I could easily release this video to the public and ruin your reputation, but I won't do it. Last night a nasty rat has captured our intimate moment, and I've beaten him to a pulp. You know what you should do.’“Fuck!” Shanon immediately called Ian amidst the pounding headache. How could she stay calm? And… what should she do? “Ian?”“Shanon ... darling! How are you?” Ian answered with a smooth voice. Instead of feeling pressured after such an unpleasant incident, Ian seemed to be on cloud nine.“What should I do, Ian? This video must not leak anywhere!” Shanon insisted. She didn't want Darren to hate her even more, especially his