Amongst the silhouette of dawn already revealing its light, Lara sat in the police car with tension creeping into her heart. Her eyes continued to stare blankly out the window. Lara felt the silence enveloping them, but within that silence, she felt the weight heavily burdening her chest."Sigh...." Every time Lara closed her eyes, the image of her child's face appeared in her mind. She tried to calm herself, but the pain and loss ran so deep it made it hard for her to breathe."Ra...." Andre called softly when he saw Lara shedding tears. She immediately wiped her wet face and leaned her head on Andre's shoulder. He knew, it still needed a process to know the fate of their child for sure. Seno could have been lying, right?"I'm always here to help. Stay calm," Andre whispered softly while gently caressing his lover's head. Lara nodded weakly, although Andre said comforting things to her, she still felt like she was in darkness alone.Andre sighed deeply. No matter how hard he tried to
"Doctor Ricky?" Andre was surprised to see his colleague coming to the safe house where Lara was staying."Doctor Andre!" The doctor was equally surprised.The sun had started to rise. The glare of light dazzled from the front window. An ambulance was parked there, along with the arrival of Doctor Ricky and his entourage.They entered the safe house orderly, lining up one by one, while carrying quite complete medical equipment. Nurses immediately took out infusion fluids, tubes, and also moved the support stand near Lara's bed. The treatment process would begin shortly.However, something strange happened. Doctor Ricky's face looked pale, as if there was something he wanted to convey."Why do you look like that, Bro? Is there a problem?" Andre asked curiously."Oh, nothing. I'll tell you later. Hello, Mrs. Lara. I'm Doctor Ricky. I'm here to take care of you for the next few days," the doctor greeted warmly.Lara nodded. "Nice to meet you, Doctor Ricky. I'm Lara.""I know."Lara and A
The atmosphere at the hospital seemed normal. However, there was a police patrol car parked in the front courtyard. Usually, if there were no criminal cases, the car wouldn't be there. Now, perhaps as part of an investigation, the car was still moving around there.Andre hurriedly walked towards the President Director's office on the top floor, near the VVIP area which was the most expensive room in Andromeda Hospital. Occasionally, he glanced at his watch; it was still not too late, only 11 o'clock."Is the President Director still in his office?" Andre asked the secretary in front. This was just a simple formality, although Andre had the right to enter, considering he was the prospective son-in-law and part owner of this hospital."He is, Doctor. But...""But?""You're not allowed to see him. That's what he said.""What? That doesn't make sny sense!""I-I'm sorry, Doctor. But we're prohibited from letting you in."Andre ruffled his hair roughly, then walked into the President Direct
"What? Who has the authority to fire you?""The President Director.""How dare he!""Sister! Calm down. He owns the hospital.""Even so! How dare he fire my cute little brother! This can't be allowed! I'll report this to my husband! Ndre! Be strong! Sister will come soon!""Sister... that's not what I meant. Sister, please tell—"Click... Click... Click...The call got disconnected. Andre was furious and even more annoyed. He shouldn't have contacted his sister and asked for help. "I just wanted her to tell grandma! Why did it become so complicated?" Andre regretted his actions.***Dusk was creeping in, Andre drove his sedan at a moderate speed towards the safe house in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta. The streets were quite congested, and Andre had to be patient."Why has CCTV become a problem lately?" He muttered while looking tiredly at the road, leaving only a hand's width of space between one car and another. Andre sighed deeply. He wanted to know why Seno could smoothly plan each of
"Please, Doctor. Tell me, what can I help you with?" Mrs. Putri was so happy to assist her rescuer's needs. Andre smiled and then finally said what he had been looking for all this time."Is this restaurant open on September 1st?" Andre asked after checking the records on his phone. That was the day Lara was taken to the hospital."September 1st?" Mrs. Putri tried to remember. She also checked the records on her phone. "That day was just before I went back to my hometown. There was a severe accident in front of the restaurant. I was so scared. But, there was nothing I could do except call the police. I was really in a hurry."Andre seemed to raise his smile. "So, you still had time to witness the accident?""Yes, Sir! How could I not? The sound was so loud. Even though the restaurant was closed at that time, I could still hear the loud crash of something hard. A big truck hit the car so hard it got dented! Such a pity," she reminisced while taking a deep breath."So, it's true, it was
Lara slept like a baby in Andre's embrace. The mix of anger, disappointment, and sadness merged into one, causing her body to weaken. She had no more strength."Eum…" Lara even mumbled in her sleep. Sometimes, cold sweats accompanied by screams that startled Andre.The man slept on the sofa, not far from Lara's bed. Andre really wanted to accompany Lara to sleep, but… he didn't want to be seen as a scumbag who took advantage without his lover's consent."Ndre…." Lara finally called his name."I'm here," Andre replied softly as he rose from his previous position. He rubbed his eyes to adjust, then walked over to Lara's bed. "What's wrong, Ra? Do you need something?"Lara reached for the bedside lamp button and turned it on slowly. She could see Andre's face more clearly. "No," she replied with a soft shake of her head. "Sleep on the bed. Your body will hurt otherwise," she said, patting the empty side of the bed next to her.Andre smiled. His white teeth, accompanied by his charming di
Andre laughed until his white teeth were visible. His charming smile made Lara's heart race. However, the woman quickly turned her face away. "Put on your clothes first!" she ordered for the umpteenth time."Okay, okay. Just wait a moment," Andre stopped teasing Lara and went to the changing room. A few pieces of clothing were always available in his car. Andre didn't need to worry if there were sudden errands because that's the life of a doctor."At least, back then… even though now I'm unemployed," Andre muttered as he combed through his collection of T-shirts and shorts to relax on this bright morning with Lara.***"Turns out, you're good at cooking too. The fried rice is delicious," Andre praised after scooping the available dish in front of him."Thank you. Maybe it's just a coincidence. Usually, my maid done all the house-chores including cooking. I just cook occasionally," Lara replied."A good future wife, huh," Andre joked, throwing a glance at Lara sitting in front of him.
"LARA!""ANDRE!"Lara's voice choked when she heard the sound of something breaking, followed by something suddenly entering her room through the window. A strong and foul smell immediately filled the air. Lara was truly terrified because she couldn't see anything in the darkness."Are you okay?" Andre seemed to be embracing Lara, after reaching out his hand towards the bed. The lights went out. They couldn't see anything, but… Andre could guess Lara's presence through her voice."I'm fine, but… something came in through the window!""Wait here, I'll check it out!""Y-yes...."Lara was still trying to calm herself down as Andre walked slowly towards the window."Ah!" Andre was startled as his foot stepped on a liquid that almost made him fall. He quickly grabbed onto anything that could balance his body. Andre then opened the window wide."Shit!"Andre exclaimed in surprise when the moonlight provided a little light to examine something that made them curious."What's wrong, Ndre?" La