Robert gazed at Lyyana with teary eyes, his demeanor leaving Lyyana increasingly puzzled. "Uncle, what's wrong?" Lyyana repeated, looking at Robert with a serene and concerned expression."Your cooking reminds me of my late mother," Robert said, wiping away the tears that were about to fall.Lyyana smiled. "I'm sorry, Uncle, this is a dish Grandma used to make when I was little, and Mom used to sell it at the shop.""No need to apologize, Lyyana. I'm actually glad to taste this dish again. Oh yes, I'll be picking up Laura tomorrow, would you like to come, Ly?"Lyyana really wanted to nod, but she remembered she was still involved in an agreement with Petra and couldn't just go like that. "Um...""Lyyana will come with me, Sir," Petra said, drawing various looks from everyone.Robert then looked at Lyyana as if seeking an answer from his niece. Instead of responding, Lyyana just looked at Petra, seeking an explanation for her statement. "If Mr. Petra doesn't mind, then it's okay. But i
"Where's Laura?" Robert asked straight away, without beating around the bush."Uncle," Lyyana warned, then smiled at the teenager standing before her and said, "Hi, let me introduce myself, I'm Lyyana, and this is Uncle Robert. We came here to pick up Laura. Do you know her?"The teenager nodded. "Laura? You mean Laurence?"Lyyana nodded with a smile that never left her face. "Actually, Laurence did stay here the past few days, but this morning a woman came to pick him up, claiming she was sent by his sister.""Sent by his sister? What do you mean?""Yeah, this morning someone else came here and took Laurence, saying he was sent by Laurence's sister to pick him up and take him to her new house."Lyyana frowned and said, "but I never asked anyone to do that. Do you know where they went?""Are you really his sister? I mean, I'm afraid you might...""Here's the proof," said Lyyana, handing over chat evidence between her and Laura a few days ago, where Laura informed her that she was stay
Petra pulled the handbrake and made sure her car stopped at the traffic light properly. Then she turned and gazed at Garret with a calm look. "Aunt Laura is my mom's sister. Garret, do you like having an aunt?""Is Aunt Laura as nice as Mom?" the toddler asked innocently.Petra nodded and said, "Of course, she's just as nice as Mom." She glanced at Lyyana, who was smiling sweetly at Garret.Garret smiled and nodded. He then moved to the front seat and sat on Lyyana's lap. He played with Lyyana's fingers, asking about Laura. Lyyana happily told him about her sister, and Garret looked enthusiastic as he listened, occasionally asking about the times Lyyana and Laura spent together.Before they knew it, their journey was almost over. Petra's car was entering a quiet area with tall trees lining the streets. Memories of her impending escape raced through Lyyana's mind, making her hold her breath and break into a cold sweat."Don't be afraid," Petra said, turning to Lyyana, who was still try
Laura took a deep breath; she still wasn't ready to recount the events in sequence. She shook her head and leaned back on Lyyana's shoulder. Lyyana sighed heavily, rubbing her sister's back gently."Mama? Can Garret sit near Mama now?" Garret's question broke the silence in the car.Lyyana smiled, nodding as she helped the toddler move to sit beside her. Laura actually wanted to ask who the toddler calling her sister "Mama" was, but her strength hadn't fully returned. She still remembered how the events of that morning had nearly robbed her of her dignity and all the fears that haunted her.As the day grew later, Robert's car signaled to enter a rest area and park in front of a small restaurant. "Let's eat first," Petra suggested, unfastening her seatbelt and turning to Lyyana.Lyyana nodded, looking at Laura who was still silent, gazing out the window. "Laura, let's eat first."
Lyyana was stunned to hear Petra's story, the man was willing to spend a considerable amount of money just to redeem Laura from that cursed house. "Sorry, I'm bothering you again, even making you spend money. I will extend my working period because –""I didn't ask for that.""But –"Petra turned and looked at Lyyana with a serious face. "Besides, it's not much. Family is much more valuable than anything."Lyyana nodded in agreement, determined in her heart to soon repay all the money that the man had used to redeem Laura. "By the way, why did you propose that agreement?""Because cunning people like them will use any means to get money. And the only way is to make that lifelong agreement."Lyyana nodded, indicating that she understood Petra's meaning. "Especially since Laura is still in school, so it's very risky if someday that woman will take Laura again and sell her. Besides, it's also to close this case so it doesn't surface in the media and disrupt Laura's future."Lyyana was to
"What's up?" Lyyana asked, touching Petra's shoulder.Petra jerked and looked at Lyyana with a puzzled face. "Are you originally from here?"Lyyana nodded, though she couldn't hide her confusion. "Did you grow up here?" Lyyana nodded again."What's wrong?""I used to live here, and it feels like I'm familiar with this place."Lyyana looked at Petra calmly and said, "maybe it just looks similar. Um, what if we clean it up first? Can we still do that?"Petra shook her head. "I'll clean it up tomorrow. For now, let's stay at my grandmother's house."Lyyana nodded, even though she really wanted to stay there. But she also couldn't force her will, seeing the situation that couldn't be conditioned. Petra then invited Lyyana to get back into the car. Before getting into the car, Petra signaled to Robert to follow her car again.Within less than 100 meters, Petra's car stopped at a house with an old, lush building. The building looked almost identical to Lyyana's childhood home. Petra honked
"Lyyana?" Olive called from the threshold of her bedroom, Olive's presence causing Laura to cancel her question.Unlike Olive, who had a puzzled and wary look, Lyyana smiled sweetly in response to Olive's greeting. "What are you up to, Lyyana?" she asked as she walked towards Lyyana and Laura in the kitchen."Cooking dinner, Auntie. Do you need something?" Lyyana replied softly, with the same sweet smile always on her face.Olive shook her head. "Let me help, Auntie.""Auntie? Who is she, Sis?" Laura asked, looking at Lyyana confused."Um, how about Auntie explains it to Laura, so Lyyana can prepare their lunch?" Lyyana suggested, trying to save time and bring Laura closer to Olive.At first, Olive refused and intended to explain while helping Lyyana in the kitchen, but Lyyana insisted on just leaving her and telling Laura herself. After much debate, Olive finally agreed with the suggestion.After Olive and Laura left, Lyyana hurried to finish their dinner menu. She cooked fried chick
Petra fell silent, digesting Robert's question. She reflected on what she had been feeling since Lyyana had started to be a part of her life. "I'm lucky to have met her, she brings so much goodness. It's not just that Lyyana can control Garret, but it's more than that. Living with her, interacting with her, I've gained a lot of learning and experience."Robert listened to Petra's words, occasionally nodding in agreement with what the man said. "Uncle's right. If Lyyana is indeed a good, independent, intelligent, caring, gentle, and polite person. I've never had a caregiver as good as her. Even though it was because of the compensation agreement, Lyyana still fulfilled her promises sincerely and properly."Their conversation had to pause with the arrival of Laura and Olive, walking hand in hand. Judging by their demeanor, Robert concluded that Laura understood what was happening and accepted the truth."Come sit here, Lau
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