"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
The process of Bi Yani's separation from her husband was very complex and also quite lengthy, especially since her husband was a suspect in a domestic violence case that was supposed to be under investigation. "Do we have to do an autopsy?" Bi Yani trembled upon hearing the word 'autopsy' uttered by the medical officer responsible for her husband's body. "It is very important to uncover the cause of the accident and fulfill legal requirements, Ma'am," the officer explained firmly. Bi Yani glanced at Lara briefly, considering her approval. She nodded. Bi Yani finally allowed her husband's body to undergo an autopsy to obtain comprehensive information about the cause of his death and the extent of his injuries. After obtaining Bi Yani's consent, the medical officer carefully prepared the body for the autopsy. Bi Yani sat in the waiting room, her face pale and full of pressure. Lara sat beside her, trying to provide support even though words were difficult to utter. Lara didn't expec
Lara disappeared overnight, and Seno couldn't find any trace of her anywhere! The man was furious and swore to teach his naughty wife a lesson! "How dare she run away! I'll teach her a lesson!" Seno growled as he squeezed his phone, which had been unsuccessful in contacting his wife. He received no feedback. Lara's phone was inactive. Seno finally hired a private detective to locate his wife. He intentionally avoided contacting the police because he didn't want to deal with complicated procedural matters. Seno tried to avoid police involvement in every matter as much as possible. His consideration was not without reason because... Seno himself was actually... a criminal! "How is it? Have you found her? Where is my wife now?" Seno pressed when contacting the detective he had hired. He had been waiting for five hours, and Seno couldn't bear to continue this disappointing investigation. He could fire the detective and not pay a penny if his wife wasn't found soon. "Sir! Mrs. Lara is
The tension that had occurred earlier subsided as Seno and an unknown man eventually left Bi Yani's rented house.Lara still felt the heat of her husband's slap landing on her left cheek, along with the pain in her heart and the shame that permeated her dignity. Lara felt like a weak woman who surrendered to her husband's oppression. Was that what people around her thought?"Mrs. Lara...." Bi Yani, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, accompanied by the faint whispers of her mother, who was still in shock from all the commotion."I'm fine," Lara wiped her tear-stained face. Meanwhile, Andre dragged her out of that cramped room and began to talk to her."What kind of treatment has your husband given you all this time, Lara? Answer me!" Andre's eyes gleamed with anger. His jaw tightened as if holding back something that couldn't be expressed. Andre was so upset with everything that had happened, but... what right did he have?"No, Ndre. He only slapped me this time.""And then?"
Lara was startled by the voice. It seemed familiar, but who was it?"I'll open the door," Andre said, walking swiftly towards the living room and opening it immediately.Lara hid behind the partition wall, trying to avoid being seen by the mysterious woman.She didn't even get a chance to see her face. Or rather, she didn't dare. Somehow, she suddenly felt afraid. The events of last night were still vivid in her memory. She didn't want Seno to come back here with another henchman."What are you doing here?" Andre asked curtly to the woman in front of him. It seemed like he knew her."Andre! Where have you been?""What's your business with him?"Lara heard them arguing. It seemed like she wasn't one of Seno's henchmen. She was someone Andre knew. Lara became curious ... who was that woman?"Dr. Miriam?" Lara widened her eyes. She didn't expect that person to be someone she knew. Suddenly, she emerged and approached her to intervene in the situation."We've been looking everywhere for yo
The day had turned into evening. Unconsciously, Lara fell asleep on the sofa. It seemed like she was very tired. Melati approached her cautiously, probably so as not to wake her up from her deep sleep."What's wrong, Mela?" Lara asked softly as she quickly sat up and straightened her back, although it felt a bit stiff.Melati approached her slowly, looking concerned about Lara's condition just waking up from a nap on the sofa."Ma'am, how are you feeling?" she asked gently.Lara smiled at her, feeling grateful to have Melati as a caring servant. "I'm fine, Mela. Is there something you want to say?""Um ... it's about Mr. Seno, ma'am."Lara frowned, feeling that something was wrong with his behavior. "What about Mr. Seno?""Mr. Seno hasn't come home as long as you're not here. I don't know if he'll come home tonight or not," Melati said fearfully. Maybe she felt sorry for Lara. But strangely ... Lara was used to it."Just let him be, Mela. Maybe there's unfinished business at the office
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