"Ahem," Petra cleared his throat from the doorway of Garrett's room.
Garrett and Lyyana immediately turned towards the source of the sound, both displaying surprised expressions but reacting differently. Lyyana nodded her head, while Garrett further hid within Lyyana's embrace as if the child was frightened facing Petra. Lyyana furrowed her brow, as the improved relationship between Garrett and Petra seemed to distance itself once again.
Attempting to soothe Garrett, Lyyana said, "No, no‼ He's bad! Bad‼" Garrett squirmed and pointed towards Petra.
"Garrett, listen, no one will harm you. Neither Father Petra, the lady earlier, nor anyone else. Garrett should not be afraid anymore," Lyyana reassured Garrett.
Lyyana appeared patient and composed, facing Garrett's tantrums that had always overwhelmed babysitters in the past. "Garrett, do you believe? No one will harm Garrett here." Like a mantra, Garrett
"I just want to know, I want to ask him in case he still works here." Amber nodded. "Actually, I don't know who he is. But from what I've heard, he went back to his hometown and never returned until now. They said it was because Garrett almost lost his life at that time. Then he suddenly left, saying he was going back to his hometown." "So, he's not originally from here? Or an old employee?" Amber shook her head. "As far as I know, some employees here are not long-timers. Like you, Adelia, and Mila, they came after Chava couldn't handle Garrett. Before me, there was someone more senior, but he now lives in a villa. Maybe because of his age, he was assigned to a quieter place." Lyyana nodded. "Thank you for the information. Sorry for taking your time." "Ah, you're just like anyone else. If you don't have any more questions, I'll go back to work." Lyyana nodded with a smi
"I dare not tell, Miss. Because it's Mr. Petra's family's privacy. Maybe you can ask Mr. Petra directly." Lyyana sighed; she had received answers like this many times, and as usual, Lyyana couldn't force them to share more.After their conversation, Lyyana preferred to observe the streets from behind the car window while engaging Garret in conversation about various things. Before they knew it, Tommy's driven car had arrived at the hospital's parking lot. Lyyana quickly got out and opened the car door. She immediately prepared to put on her hat and glasses. Garret looked at Lyyana in confusion and asked, "Mom, why?"Lyyana shook her head and smiled, "It's okay, dear. Let's go inside."Garret nodded, quickly got out of the car, and tightly held Lyyana's fingers. Lyyana nodded to Tommy, saying, "I'll go in first, sir." Tommy nodded and gestured for Lyyana to pass.After a few steps, Garret stopped and shouted, pointing behind Lyyana, "Dad!" Lyyana also turned around, and indeed, a tall
"No problem, sir," Lyyana replied, trying to calm her panic.Petra didn't respond anymore; he just remained silent and focused on the road ahead while Lyyana chose to stare out the window, observing every sight she saw. Before she knew it, she had arrived in Petra's driveway, the man parking his car right in front of his main door. Petra unbuckled his seatbelt and looked at Lyyana, who seemed to struggle with hers.Without hesitation, Petra leaned over and helped Lyyana unbuckle her seatbelt, even going as far as opening Lyyana's door from the inside. Petra's actions succeeded in making Lyyana's heart race uncontrollably; she even had to hold her breath for a moment as she caught a whiff of Petra's masculine scent."Thank you, sir," Lyyana said just before she got out of the car.Petra only cleared his throat and let Lyyana get out alone. "I'm heading back to the office." Lyyana nodded in response to Petra's words.After the car door was closed, Petra started his car again and slowly
For quite some time, Lyyana forced her brain to recall memories of her past. Unfortunately, Lyyana failed to find an answer, so she gave up and logged out of Petra's social media account. She spent her time scrolling through other people's posts until her fingers stopped at a photo post from her sister. Lyyana tapped the message icon and sent a message to her sister. She shared news and asked about her sister's well-being there. Shortly after, Lyyana's phone buzzed; it was a reply from her sister. Lyyana's heart smiled happily as she read her sister's response. However, her smile didn't last long; she felt sad when she received a reply from her sister saying that she wasn't okay because their stepfather was getting drunk more often. Lyyana's sister also chose to stay with her friend rather than at their house, where they were subjected to their stepfather's abuse. Lyyana then pressed the call icon, placing the flat object to her ear and waiting for the call to connect. "Hello," gree
Startled and unable to maintain her balance, Lyyana fell into the swimming pool. Lyyana, who didn't know how to swim, almost drowned if Petra hadn't helped her out of the pool. Carefully, Petra laid Lyyana's body onto the available lounge chair by the poolside. Lyyana closed her eyes, regulating her breath, still panting from the earlier incident."Sorry for startling you," Petra apologized as she handed a kimono towel to Lyyana.Taking the towel, Lyyana sat up and wrapped herself with Petra's offering. She nodded and said, "Thank you for helping me, sir."Petra was taken aback, confused as to why Lyyana was thanking him. After all, the incident was entirely Petra's fault for suddenly appearing and startling Lyyana. "I'll go in first, sir," Petra simply nodded, letting Lyyana walk past him and enter the house through the back door.Upon reaching her room, Lyyana hurriedly changed her clothes and prepared for bed. Sunlight began to filter through the window cracks in Lyyana's room. She
"No sir. I'll get it ready, sir," Petra nodded and left Lyyana.After Petra left, Lyyana invited Garret to come down and play downstairs. "Mommy going to cook?" Garret asked as they walked down the stairs.Lyyana nodded, looking down at Garret. The woman smiled and nodded. "Can I help?" Garret asked with a smile and puppy eyes.Lyyana seemed to think for a moment. After being silent for a while, Lyyana said, "Yes, but Garret can't touch anything dangerous, okay?"Garret nodded with a wide smile on his face. "Okay, mommy."Lyyana nodded and walked towards the kitchen. Once there, Lyyana sat Garret on a chair next to the kitchen table. After making sure Garret was comfortable and there were no dangerous objects nearby, Lyyana hurriedly opened the refrigerator, taking out the remaining ingredients. Lyyana looked at the ingredients now arranged on the table, trying to open her phone and search for ideas for lunch and dinner today.Accidentally, Lyyana found her own post from a few years a
"Mama, what's wrong?" Garrett asked, looking at Lyyana who suddenly fell silent. Lyyana snapped out of it. "Oh, it's nothing. Let's continue playing." Lyyana then put away her phone, forgetting about the message she had read earlier. Elsewhere, Petra was staring at the food Lyyana had brought. She had eaten it all, leaving nothing behind. "Why does all the food Lyyana makes remind me of memories from the past? But I don't know what memories, when, or where." Petra picked up her phone and opened the CCTV monitoring at her house. Somehow, Petra wanted to see what activities Lyyana was doing at her house. After waiting for a few seconds, her phone screen started showing images of Lyyana playing with Petra in the living room. They occasionally laughed, whatever it was that made them so happy, she smiled just by watching. All this time, Petra always got images of Garret throwing tantrums. She was very happy because her chance encounter with Lyyana unexpectedly turned out to be a blessin
With a furrowed brow, Lyyana stared at Petra in confusion. As if understanding Lyyana's bewilderment, Petra let out a heavy sigh and said, "vacation.""Oh, sorry sir, isn't the departure supposed to be tomorrow?" asked Lyyana, still wearing a puzzled expression.Petra nodded, then walked over to the fridge and pulled out canned drinks, taking a sip halfway through. "I've moved up the schedule. There are some conflicting tasks."Lyyana nodded. "In that case, we'll get ready first, Sir," Lyyana replied, trying to appear calm, although she was actually feeling panicked and confused about what to do first.Petra nodded, then watched as Lyyana and Garret left. Petra didn't turn his face away until Lyyana and Garret were no longer in sight. After finishing his canned drink, Petra followed in Lyyana's footsteps and entered his own room.Lyyana was actually panicking because Petra had changed the departure schedule on such short notice. Although Garret's belongings had been ready since mornin
Petra smiled mischievously, then ran and shut the bathroom door, ignoring Lyyana’s playful shouts at her. Lyyana then changed into her usual nightgown. After that, she sat at the vanity and looked at her reflection in the mirror.Lyyana applied her usual skincare routine, getting so absorbed in it that she didn't notice Petra had come out of the bathroom and was now standing behind her. "Honey," Petra called in his baritone voice.Lyyana jumped in surprise but then gave a small smile. "What?" She got up from her chair and stood in front of Petra.Unexpectedly, he lunged at her and hugged her tightly. "Sweetheart, I can't believe this dream has come true. You and I will be together forever."Lyyana returned Petra's embrace, stroking his back while trying to calm her racing heart. "Me too. I still can't believe I ended up marrying a nerd like you.""Haha, that was in the past, darling. I'm not a nerd anymore," Petra said, loosening his embrace and gazing intently at Lyyana.Lyyana raise
"Yes, it's me, Sarah. Do you remember me, Laura?" said the woman with a sweet smile on her face.Laura nodded. "Of course I remember, come in." Laura pulled the woman named Sarah into the room and introduced her to Lyyana."Sis! Look who's here!" exclaimed Laura, standing in front of Lyyana. "It's Sarah!" she added, unable to hide her joyful expression.Lyyana looked at Laura in disbelief, her eyes stopping on the beautiful woman in a peach dress that matched Laura's dress. "Sarah!" Lyyana stood up from her seat and walked towards Sarah, who also approached her.Lyyana hugged Sarah tightly, unable to believe that the woman could attend her important event. "Sarah, how have you been?" Lyyana asked, releasing her embrace."I've been good, Lyyana, really good. Congratulations, I hope you are always happy." Lyyana smiled happily, her eyes looking teary. "Don't cry, your makeup is expensive, haha!" said Sarah, laughing at her friend."Where have you been, Sarah?"Sarah gave a thin smile. "
Lyyana turned slightly in her seat and excitedly recounted her day. Petra listened attentively and responded warmly. One thing that brought them closer was their mutual respect and understanding of how to treat each other.Time passed, and the next morning Petra’s house was bustling with Lyyana and others preparing to leave for the wedding venue. Lyyana and Petra weren’t going alone; they were bringing along several staff members to help, as well as Robert, Olive, Laura, and their friends Denzel and Berli, along with Benji, Petra’s assistant and friend.“Is everyone ready?” Petra asked, looking at the group gathered in front of him.“Yes!” they replied in unison.Petra nodded and started giving directions for the journey and car assignments. “Benji, please drive the car. Amber, Liza, Chala, Mila, and Adelia will go in one car with Tomy. The rest will stick to the usual cars,” Petra said, looking at each of them. “Oh, and please check the cars before we leave. We don’t want a repeat of
Lyyana smiled, remembering their past relationship and how they met. “I still can't believe it, honey, that now I've been reunited with the woman of my dreams.”Lyyana blushed at Petra's words, “I also never expected that fate would bring me back to you.”That night, under the starlight, they shared their feelings, reminisced about their childhood, and talked about their goals and plans for after their wedding.Time passed, and for two days, Petra had been increasingly busy with his company affairs, but he still made time to prepare for their wedding. Lyyana, too, despite being busy taking care of Garret, helped Petra with the wedding preparations, such as handling the souvenirs and organizing the wedding attire for their siblings.Of course, Lyyana wasn't alone; Berli was always there with her. Since getting out of the hospital, Berli often visited her home and spent time together, either learning to cook or helping Lyyana wrap the souvenirs. Berli’s presence was still a source of an
"Simply put, Lyyana, try talking to Petra about this. Even though it’s a trivial matter, we need to prepare now. Otherwise, you’ll end up confused and possibly facing more issues." Lyyana sighed, nodded, and went back to finishing her drink.After finishing the dinner preparations, Olive asked Lyyana to invite Petra and Robert for dinner. Lyyana nodded and walked to the living room where Petra and Robert were. From a distance, she saw the three men of different ages laughing and playing with a Rubik’s cube."Looks like fun?" Lyyana greeted as she sat next to Petra.They turned to look at Lyyana, who smiled at them. Garret immediately stood up when he saw Lyyana nearby. "Mom! Can we stay here tonight? Garret wants to sleep with Grandpa," he pleaded with an adorable, begging face.Lyyana glanced at Petra and Robert, who both nodded in unison, understanding Lyyana’s questioning look. "Alright, we’ll stay here tonight.""Yay! Thank you, Mom!" Garret exclaimed joyfully, giving Lyyana a qui
"Why wouldn't I? Uncle Robert is like our substitute parent, darling. If he invites us for dinner, it means no matter what, we should make an effort to attend. Besides, his house is close to ours. After Garret's bath this evening, we'll visit him. Is there anything you want to buy?"Lyyana shook her head, taking Petra's finger, which was near her, and bringing it to her lips. Unexpectedly, Lyyana kissed the back and palm of his hand. "Thank you, you've accepted me and my family so well."Petra smiled broadly. "Your family is my family too, darling. Whatever the circumstances, I'll wholeheartedly accept." Lyyana smiled as she looked at Petra, and he gently kissed the back of her hand.Petra then played romantic songs to accompany their journey. Along the way, they both softly sang along to the songs playing on the car radio. Before they knew it, Petra's car had arrived at their home. As usual, Petra got out first and opened the door for Lyyana. Petra took Garret from Lyyana's lap and c
“Because you smell like cigarettes‼ Clean yourself up first, Denzel‼” Berli yelled, her face looking adorably exasperated.“Sweetheart‼ you’re scaring me‼” Denzel said as he ran to hug Berli. He didn’t care if she would push him away; all he wanted was to hold the woman he deeply loved and cherished.Berli chuckled softly, allowing him to hug her, her other hand still connected to an IV drip. “Please don’t do that again, I’m so afraid of losing you.” Denzel wept in her embrace.Petra and Lyyana smiled happily, watching the two people who had been through so much come back together and reconcile. Petra wrapped his arm around Lyyana’s shoulders, holding close the woman who would soon be his wife. “Thank you for still accepting me,” Berli whispered with a hoarse voice.Denzel loosened his embrace, cupping Berli’s face, kissing her forehead, and then tightly gripping her hand. “There’s not a single reason for me to leave you, my love. No matter what, in any situation, you will always be m
"Darling, don't be like this," Denzel said, gently patting his wife's head. However, to everyone's surprise, Berli refused Denzel's hand and tried to distance herself from him."Sweetheart, what's wrong with you?" Denzel asked, still trying to persuade Berli.Berli shook her head and didn't want to be close to him, her attitude confusing and worrying Denzel. Lyyana took the initiative to talk to Berli face-to-face, as it would be much more comfortable for Berli to confide in her fellow woman.Initially, Denzel refused Lyyana's suggestion because he wanted to always be by Berli's side no matter what. Fortunately, Petra understood Lyyana's intention. She tapped Denzel's shoulder and asked him to step out for a moment. "Dad, Garret will stay here, okay? To keep mom company?" Garret requested, holding Lyyana's hand.Petra looked at Lyyana, waiting for her response. Lyyana nodded and smiled. "Alright, then take care of mom and aunty Berli, okay?" Petra instructed Garret, the toddler noddin
"Where are you going? We're already here!" Petra said in a raspy voice, pulling Lyyana's hand, causing her small body to fall onto Petra's chest."I'm going to catch up with Garret," Lyyana replied, trying to steady her surprise and racing heartbeat due to their close proximity.Petra smiled mischievously, gazing at Lyyana without blinking. "You're forgetting my morning kiss, honey!" he said, immediately capturing Lyyana's lips and kissing her lovingly without demanding anything more.Petra kissed Lyyana for quite a while until he let go when Lyyana ran out of breath and gently pounded his broad chest. "Petra!" Lyyana said, straightening her clothes."What, honey?" Petra replied, pulling Lyyana back and hugging her from the side.Lyyana tried to resist, but Petra tightened his embrace, stroking Lyyana's flat stomach and whispering, "Soon there will be a Petra Junior, Garret's sibling. Are you ready, honey?"Lyyana looked up and bumped into Petra's chin. "Is it okay?""Why?""I mean, G