Tera lay there, helpless, on the king-sized bed in the hotel room she occupied.The woman remained completely still, only crying silently as she felt the brutality of Sebastian's actions.Her body ached everywhere as Sebastian's hands didn't just touch her, but pressed, squeezed, and slapped her with overflowing passion. Even Tera couldn't salvage her beautiful red dress, which was now torn and tattered everywhere. The lovely gown had been treated with such barbarity that there was no hope of saving it.This was the first time Tera had experienced Sebastian's true anger, anger mixed with desire. It was a combination that left her defeated.Tera cried in silence, too tired to plead with her husband any longer. Not a single plea had pierced his ears or mind. Not a single rejection had halted his brutality.Mrs. Lim covered her tear-stained face with both hands as Sebastian forcefully tried to enter her. He was so focused on his efforts that he didn't notice his wife's trembling, which wa
They descended from their private plane, perfectly parked on the runway of the international airport in the capital of Indonesia. Sebastian and Tera disembarked separately, with the man briskly walking ahead of his wife.They hadn't spoken since that tragic night. Both were preoccupied with their own activities and thoughts. Neither made an effort to break the ice, talk to each other, or even make eye contact, especially Tera, who intentionally avoided being close to her husband.Proximity to Sebastian always filled her with fear. His forcefulness and roughness in the hotel room had left emotional scars on Tera, making her fragile and filled with trauma.Tera didn't want to relive those nightmares and preferred to steer clear of any closeness or risk of being together with him. Even when they departed for the hospital where Mrs. Herlinda was being treated, they chose to ride in separate sedan cars. Tera sat in the back while Sebastian occupied the front car. They truly seemed like stra
"How was the chemo?" Sebastian kissed and held his mother's hand after she had just finished a grueling chemotherapy session. Her face was pale and weak from the challenging sessions she had endured."Fine, Son. Everything's gonna be okay. Don't worry too much!"Herlinda Sihombing's only son closed his eyes and rested his cheek on the back of his mother's hand. Sebastian couldn't hide the sadness in his eyes, his brow furrowed, and his brows furled."Stay strong for me and everyone. Please..." Sebastian whispered."Of course. Do you think your mother is a weak woman?""I am afraid, Mom. I'm very scared...""No need to be afraid. You have Tera and Nora by your side. They will strengthen you. They are the two people who will make you rise again. Isn't that right, Tera?"Mrs. Herlinda turned to Tera, who was standing at the end of the bed, holding Nora, who had been clinging to her since her arrival in the room. The little girl rested her cheek on Tera's shoulder with drowsy eyes.Tera d
Big.That's the only word Tera could use to describe the condition of the room when she arrived.Tera discovered the presence of members of the Sihombing family like Aunt Lena, Uncle Bob, Cousin Inri, and even some distant relatives who had also come. Tera's closeness to the Sihombing family was undeniable; their family bonds were stronger than those of the Lims, which had been strained for some time.The close relationship within the Sihombing family was mainly due to Mrs. Herlinda's influence in her inner circle, while the Lim family's connection was more about power and wealth from previous generations, and it didn't extend beyond Herlinda. Tera, like herself, experienced the same indifference from the Lim family.That's why Tera smiled warmly at everyone, including meeting Sebastian's distant cousin for the first time today.Hassan and Dura, with sweet faces, examined Tera from head to toe with judgmental looks. Despite their feigned friendliness, Tera could tell how surprised thes
Lim stood on the terrace after successfully getting Nora into the car.The little one had been whining, and Tera had played with her, but Tera was aware not to follow the little girl. If she did, her heart would only grow hotter, more chaotic, and perhaps disturb what was blossoming between them.Certainly, Tera didn't want to disturb Sebastian and Livia or witness any interactions between them. Her heart and mind couldn't handle seeing her husband with another woman.Mr. Lim's car began to move, leaving the house. Tera waved to Nora, who still stared at her with disappointment. The child leaned both hands and her face against the car window. Her lips were pouting, and her eyes were sad.Tera just smiled, pretending to be fine in front of the Princess and everyone else. However, a storm was raging inside her. A storm she couldn't clearly define.Tera's reverie was interrupted when her phone rang again. The name Ramon appeared on her phone's screen. Tera sighed tiredly; Ramon had neve
"No, Ramon. Sebastian didn't hit me that night. We did have a bit of an argument about what happened, but Sebastian managed to control himself and was willing to listen to my explanation." She lied.But that's what's best for now. Tera didn't want anyone else to know what had happened in their marriage bedroom. Even the smallest secrets had to be kept tightly.Sebastian indeed didn't physically harm her that night, as Tera conveyed to Ramon , but they engaged in a different form of physical conflict.Mr. Limmel unleashed his anger with physical aggression he referred to as a severe punishment. A rough and brutal form of coercion.The man kissed Tera so brutally that it left her lips numb, hoping Sebastian would stop as soon as possible. It was painful. Extremely painful when that kiss held nothing but anger, devoid of love and affection. It wasn't just her lips that were targeted; every part of Tera received its share, not just painful grips but also harsh marks. Sebastian bit her all
"Where are you going, Tera?"The voice halted Tera's hand as she was placing her phone and charger cable into her bag. She raised her head to find Mrs. Herlinda observing her every move.Mrs. Herlinda didn't inquire much about sensitive matters while Tera accompanied her at the hospital. She often brought up light and comfortable topics for conversation. However, Tera could tell that the middle-aged woman wanted to say a lot to her, yet she restrained herself and chose to remain silent, much like Tera herself.Pretending that there were no problems was the best approach for now. They both knew that the marriage was far from okay.Tera checked her wristwatch, "It's already 7 PM, Mom, and I have dinner plans with Tora, my brother. I'm sorry I can't accompany you for dinner, but I promise to return to the hospital after we're done.""Is Tora in Jakarta?""Yes, Mom. He headed to Jakarta immediately when I informed him."Mrs. Herlinda gently caressed Tera's face, her gaze warm and filled w
"If even you, my older sister, are feeling overwhelmed, then what about me?" Tora sighed."Well, that's marriage for you. Are you sure you want to get married? Trust me, it's bound to be challenging!""Marriage is a natural part of human life, and headaches and problems always come along with it. So, I'm ready for marriage anytime!""Even if marriage is complicated and it makes you unhappy?"Tora absentmindedly toyed with his food, his relaxed expression suddenly turning serious."Is my sister unhappy?""I don't know. Lately, she's been getting upset easily and is sensitive to even the smallest comments. Maybe it's the result of a bad dream, or maybe it's the effect of this forced marriage.""My sister doesn't seem happy." Tora whispered, observing his sister's body language and expression. He couldn't help but feel disheartened seeing her like this."Listen, I am here to listen. Don't forget that you have me, sis."Tera patted Tora's shoulder, a genuine smile spreading across her fac