"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
Tera couldn't believe that the first person she saw this morning was Vivia Tanjung. She almost choked on the glass of water she was drinking near the refrigerator but managed to regain control of herself, suppressing all the shock that hit her.Mrs. Lim placed the glass of water on the marbled kitchen island in the clean Lim residence. She gazed at Vivia Tanjung's presence with scrutiny. Vivia looked lovely in simple attire, an oversized white shirt that reached her knees. Tera knew that shirt well. Very well.It was Sebastian's plain, oversized shirt!Did they sleep together in this house last night?Was that man truly so lacking in morals that he could be intimate with another woman under the same roof as his wife!Bastard! Truly a bastard!"Good morning, Miss Tera," greeted Vivia with a shy smile. Vivia didn't seem to feel guilty or even uncomfortable for appearing in front of Tera in that manner.She walked over to the same refrigerator and grabbed a cold drink from it.Tera could
The figure casually emerged from the bedroom. He walked with confidence, wearing nothing but a pair of black satin boxer shorts that left his hairy chest exposed, making him look incredibly sexy and tempting to anyone who laid eyes on him. Thick hair led to a triangle that disappeared beneath the satin pants. Tera had never really gotten to know what lay behind that satin, and where it ended. It was the most intriguing part of Sebastian's body."Stop your thoughts!" Tera scolded herself inwardly.Sebastian woke up like a handsome model gracing the pages of a magazine or a high-quality men's underwear catalog. His chest was broad, his shoulders wide, and his stern face looked refreshed after washing up, with his hair neatly combed back.Sebastian looked stunning in this state, a beauty that could make Livia's eyes sparkle as she watched Tera. She bit her lip while admiring Sebastian's morning appearance.Tera rolled her eyes and sighed inwardly, "Of course, who wouldn't be tempted? Tha