There were only a few hours left until the end of the workday. After finishing all her tasks, Alice seemed to be lost in thought for a moment. Her mind was drifting, recalling the conversation she had with her father during lunch earlier that day."Alice....""Yes, what's up?"At first, Alice thought her father was calling to ask for the remaining money to pay off the loan shark. But instead of mentioning money, the man started talking about something else that Alice had been avoiding with difficulty."Your husband called earlier."Alice's heart felt like it was being squeezed. She was anxious and wondered why Ashton had called her father. Was Ashton still trying to invite Raphael directly to his parents' birthday party? But how did her husband get Raphael's phone number? As far as Alice remembered, she had never shared or told Ashton about it."W-what? Ashton called you?" Alice asked to confirm."Yes, your husband called.""What did Ashton call you about?""At first, I was confused t
Anggia looked at her reflection in the mirror once more, ensuring that her appearance was absolutely perfect. There was a reason for her wanting to look flawless. Today was an important and possibly historic day in her life. She had waited for a moment like this for a long time, hoping that everything she had meticulously planned would go off without a hitch.Entering the car, Anggia reached for her phone first. She opened her contacts, found Raphael's name, and sent a message.Anggia: Mr. Raphael, I’m on my way to the event now. I hope you arrive on time.She didn’t have to wait long before getting a reply. She quickly opened and read it.Raphael: I’m also getting ready to leave, Miss Anggia. I’m waiting for the online taxi I ordered to arrive at the guest house.Anggia: I hope you will do what I taught you yesterday at the event, Mr. Raphael. And please, don’t take offense if I belittle you or say something that sounds humiliating. I will definitely pay you as we agreed.Raphael: Al
"No! This is impossible. You all can't treat me like this!" Anggia shook her head repeatedly. She continued to reject what Ashton and Raphael had just done to her.Amidst the chaos, Anggia glanced around. From her own eyes, she could see how the invited guests stared at her with looks of disgust and irritation.Initially, Anggia was so confident. She was absolutely sure that her carefully laid plans would yield the results she desired. But it seemed God had other plans. Instead of successfully embarrassing Alice, she herself was humiliated in front of everyone."Mr. Raphael, you have to pay for what you've done. You think you can just toy with me like this!" Anggia exclaimed angrily. She still couldn't accept that Raphael had played her. Who would have thought that the person she had invited all the way to Jakarta for potential collaboration would now humiliate her in front of everyone?"Don't be angry, Miss Anggia. I think you deserve all of this. Maybe now you'll learn not to belitt
After showering, instead of immediately getting dressed or preparing, still in her bathrobe, Alice was seen sitting at the edge of the bed. Her gaze was fixed out the window. Whatever she was thinking about, she seemed content to sit there quietly for a long time.Ashton, who had just finished dressing and observed Alice's behavior, decided to approach her. Taking a seat right beside her, he addressed her."What are you thinking about?"Alice immediately turned to him. Smiling, she reached for Ashton's wrist and replied."I've been thinking about all the changes that have happened in my life."This time, Ashton smiled. Holding Alice's hand in return, he responded playfully to her words."Well, I hope those changes didn't turn you into a Power Ranger, did they?""Haha," Alice laughed. "But seriously. Until now, sometimes I still can't believe I'm actually living a normal married life with you."Ashton raised an eyebrow. He sighed. Did she think he wasn't normal before, to the extent th
Today, as planned, Rapael decided to return to Batam to continue living as usual. After meeting Alice and Ashton's extended family, Rapael felt that he had taken the time to express his feelings. Moreover, all sorts of debt problems that had previously entangled Ashton had been resolved without a trace. So, from now on, Rapael could lead a comfortable life without having to worry as before."Yes. Besides, Dad has to continue living. Later, if there's an opportunity, Dad will visit Jakarta again. Or, if you have free time, come and visit Batam."Ashton nodded."Later, Ashton will arrange a schedule to visit there, Dad.""Dad will wait.""Then, my money from yesterday, what's the progress?"Rumi, who was enjoying fried rice, joined the conversation. Before Rapael really left, he felt he had to clarify the fate of the 500 million rupiahs he had sent to Rapael yesterday."Don't worry, Rumi," Rapael replied with a smile. "I have returned all the money to Ashton. The money Alice sent has al
"Hasn't Mr. Ashton arrived yet? He didn't forget about today's meeting schedule with the editorial and field teams, did he?""He's already here, sir. He might still be in his office."Rumi checked the round watch on his left wrist again. It was already past eleven in the morning. But he couldn't see his brother who was supposed to lead the evaluation meeting today.Initially, Rumi wanted to relax and wait. But feeling uneasy about the other staff who had already gathered in the room, he decided to take the initiative to follow up."You all get ready. Let me go find Mr. Ashton in his office.""Is Mr. Rumi going to follow up on Mr. Ashton?" asked Alice, who was also in the room."Yes.""I'll come with you, sir."Rumi nodded, allowing Alice to accompany him. Taking long strides, they hurried off. Upon reaching the fifth floor and stepping out of the elevator, Rumi and Alice both noticed from a distance that Mr. Ashton's office door was wide open.Indeed, Rumi and Alice didn't think anyth
If I may ask, what is the right word to describe Alice's feelings right now? Is she sad? Devastated? Hurt? Shattered into pieces? Or perhaps no words can describe it at all. Truly, Alice's life has felt like a heavy test. Let's start from the beginning since she was born into this world.From the death of her mother while giving birth to her. Then, as she grew a little older, her biological father cruelly abandoned her. Not to mention, when she started to reach adulthood and pursue her dreams, she lost her brother, who had always been her protector and life support.Alice has faced so many difficulties. Honestly, at the beginning of her marriage to Ashton, she also experienced hardships. She had to endure and be patient with Ashton's annoying behavior. Only recently has Alice gradually felt happiness. She was enjoying the beauty of marriage, the attention, and the love from her husband. But again, God gave her a test.Just this morning, Alice could still talk and laugh, hugging Ashton
"Zayn, Hana, from the bottom of our hearts, we both apologize for what Anggia has done."Frans and Celine are Anggia's parents. They came to the hospital specifically to visit Ashton and apologize for their daughter's bad behavior and the chaos she has caused in the past few days.Frans was clearly embarrassed. His relationship with Zayn's extended family had always been very good, and now, everything was at risk of being ruined because of Anggia's reckless actions, which no one had predicted.Everyone knew Anggia as a good person. She was smart, independent, and accomplished. Frans was very proud of his only daughter.Frans knew that Anggia had liked Ashton for a long time. Because of her love for Ashton, Anggia had once asked for permission to change her religion so their relationship could go more smoothly.As a father, Frans initially disagreed. But seeing Anggia's strong determination, he couldn't bear to refuse and gave her permission to choose her own faith.However, if God say
"Ashton, why are you crying?" Her voice was unmistakably weak and slightly hoarse. Like someone just waking from a deep sleep, Alice clearly struggled to gather her strength to address Ashton, who had just released her from his embrace and was now busy kissing the tops of her wrists.Alice blinked repeatedly. Overwhelmed with a dizzying sensation, she tried to compose herself. After closing her eyes briefly, she finally mustered the courage to throw another question at her husband, who had been silent since she first opened her eyes."Ashton... why are you just silent? A-Are you seriously ill? Or did the doctor say I don't have much time left?"Ashton actually wanted to laugh. But he refrained from doing so. The overwhelming emotion enveloping his heart right now was more dominant than anything else."I'm fine," Ashton finally replied. He looked at Alice with a gaze that was hard to interpret. "How are you feeling? Are you feeling better?"Alice sighed audibly. She was annoyed that in
Alice was still wearing her pajamas while cooking and preparing breakfast for Ashton. Since he requested fried rice with sausage last night, Alice was now busy in front of the stove, making the dish her husband loves.Without needing assistance from the helper, Alice skillfully added all the ingredients. For her, preparing breakfast was a crucial activity she had to do herself. She hoped that what she cooked and served would delight Ashton's taste buds and motivate him for all his work today.Concentrating on cooking, Alice didn't notice her surroundings. She didn't even realize when Ashton approached until his strong arms clearly pulled her body and hugged her from behind."You're so serious. I've been calling you, but you didn't respond."Alice laughed without turning towards Ashton."I was focused on cooking, Honey. Sorry if I didn't hear you.""You're forgiven. Good thing I love you."Alice clicked her tongue and laughed."Alright, wait at the table. It's almost done and ready to
Alice appeared silent. Her eyes were busy gazing at the row of bottles filled with various kinds of medicines and vitamins that she had bought some time ago when she went to the obstetrician.It was all because of Aunt Hilda. The old woman, who was always so critical and nosy, had managed to provoke Alice and ultimately made her decide to go with Ashton to the obstetrician."From the series of examinations that you've undergone, there doesn't seem to be any issues or problems with your pregnancy. Everything is normal. No diseases or abnormalities were detected."Dr. Agatha was the specialist Alice chose to check on her pregnancy condition. After conducting a series of tests and examinations, it was confirmed that Alice and Ashton were in good health."So, Mr. Ashton himself also doesn't have any issues.""But... why am I not pregnant yet, doctor?"Although she had been assured that everything was fine, Alice was still worried. She was curious if there was something they had missed or
Maybe it's luck or maybe it's misfortune. Just a few minutes ago, Rumi flat-out rejected his mother's suggestion to find him a wife or arrange a marriage with a woman she had chosen.Rumi's pride was seriously wounded. Imagine, he is already thirty years old. Not a child who needs everything chosen for him. Is it really necessary to follow his mother's wishes all the time?Just think, from school, lessons, extracurricular activities, choosing a favorite college, to picking a major, Rumi followed everything. Even though he never dreamed of becoming an architect like his brother.From a young age, Rumi had a talent for music and leaned more towards the arts. He even dreamed of becoming a model or an artist. It would be a waste not to make full use of his handsome face.However, his dreams had to be shattered. Instead of being supported, both of his parents wanted him to follow in his brother's footsteps. Also, why was Ashton so annoying since they were kids? Always being the role model
If you pay close attention, since becoming Ashton Wolf's wife, Alice has attended countless events hosted by her husband's extended family. From post-wedding receptions, birthdays, anniversaries, welcoming distant relatives, festive gatherings, achievement celebrations, social gatherings, and tonight, Alice even has to accompany Ashton to a family dinner.Actually, Alice enjoys attending such family gatherings. Besides strengthening relationships and gaining new relatives, she can become closer to and familiar with the many members of Ahmad's extended family. However, there are some things that sometimes make Alice reluctant and a bit unwilling to attend, especially when Aunt Hilda is there, always butting into every conversation."Why aren't you getting ready?" Ashton asked as he exited the bathroom. He walked towards the closet, then chose the clothes he would wear to the event soon."Can't I just stay home?" Alice sat on the side of the bed, her face clearly showing her reluctance.
"With this, the court has decided that Ms. Anggia is sentenced to five years in prison, with six months deducted for psychiatric rehabilitation, on charges of attempted murder and assault."After more than a month of various investigations, Anggia's sentence was finally decided.In the courtroom, the woman, who looked beautiful in a white shirt and black pants, initially appeared calm. Throughout the trial, Anggia even smiled several times.However, upon hearing the sentencing verdict, Anggia suddenly screamed hysterically. She lost control and started to lash out, refusing to accept the decision."This isn't fair!" Anggia shouted. Two officers approached, trying to calm her down and keep her from falling to the floor."Calm down, ma'am."Anggia turned and glared sharply before shouting again."Ma'am... ma'am... I'm not your mother! Do I look so old that you'd call me 'ma'am'?""Okay, please calm down, Ms. Anggia."Anggia looked displeased. She tried to break free, writhing to escape
It didn't take long for Ashton to return to work. After ten days of recovery, today he truly started all his activities as usual.Knowing her husband was so enthusiastic about getting back to work, Alice gave him incredible support. Since early morning, she had been busy in the kitchen preparing several breakfast dishes for her and Ashton."Are we having a party?" Ashton asked as he entered the dining room. He didn't know Alice had cooked this much. "There's a lot of breakfast food."Alice, who had just finished cooking, walked to the table carrying several plates of food. Turning to her husband, she smiled."No, honey. It's not a party. I just cooked a lot to celebrate you starting work again. So you can be full and energetic at the office."Ashton took a step forward. Spreading his arms, he hugged Alice tightly."You're so sweet, my wife.""Of course! I've always been, right? You're just realizing it now."Ashton laughed. It wasn't new for Alice to tease him. Typical of a woman, why
"Sweetheart... why are you crying?"Ashton's consciousness had fully returned. After being examined for a while and confirmed to be in good condition, the medical team and other family members gave him some time to be alone with his wife.Inside the treatment room, Ashton turned slowly. He found Alice sitting there, holding his right hand tightly.Upon closer inspection, he noticed his wife's eyes were swollen and puffy. Ashton was sure it was from crying too much and not getting enough sleep."I'm awake now. You should be happy, not crying. Besides, why stay sad when happiness is free.""I know," Alice replied softly. "I'm like this because I missed you so much," she murmured, her voice trembling. Soon, tears fell down her cheeks again.Anyone would be moved. Just imagine, after two days of uncertain feelings—fear, worry—about something bad happening to her husband. And now, after a long wait, Alice's prayers, along with those of their family, were answered by God.Ashton, who had be
"Zayn, Hana, from the bottom of our hearts, we both apologize for what Anggia has done."Frans and Celine are Anggia's parents. They came to the hospital specifically to visit Ashton and apologize for their daughter's bad behavior and the chaos she has caused in the past few days.Frans was clearly embarrassed. His relationship with Zayn's extended family had always been very good, and now, everything was at risk of being ruined because of Anggia's reckless actions, which no one had predicted.Everyone knew Anggia as a good person. She was smart, independent, and accomplished. Frans was very proud of his only daughter.Frans knew that Anggia had liked Ashton for a long time. Because of her love for Ashton, Anggia had once asked for permission to change her religion so their relationship could go more smoothly.As a father, Frans initially disagreed. But seeing Anggia's strong determination, he couldn't bear to refuse and gave her permission to choose her own faith.However, if God say