"Not like Mr. Petra when he looks at his employees. This is the first time I've seen him look like that. Even when he's with Mrs. Berlicia, he never looked like that. Oh yeah, speaking of that woman, how is she now?" Liza asked as she prepared Lyyana's cooking ingredients."Maybe fine, Auntie. She came to the house yesterday. Actually, who is she, Auntie?" Lyyana asked as she chopped some vegetables that she would use to make Garret's favorite fried rice."Are you sure you're using this many vegetables? As far as I know, Garret doesn't like vegetables." Lyyana just smiled and continued cutting the vegetables in front of her."Hopefully, he still likes it, Auntie. Auntie hasn't answered my question," Lyyana demanded, curious about Liza's earlier statement.The middle-aged woman sighed, pausing her meat cutting and staring at Lyyana intently. "Berlicia is Mr. Petra's ex-fiancée."
"Mom?" Garret called out as Lyyana entered their room.Lyyana smiled and walked in. Inside, Petra was still looking at her with meaningful eyes. "I'll step out for a bit," Petra said after Lyyana stood by Garret's bedside.Lyyana nodded, "Goodnight, Sir.""You too," Petra replied as he rose from Garret's bed and headed towards the threshold of Garret's room.Before completely vanishing from Garret's room, Petra glanced briefly at Lyyana and Garret in turn. Lyyana slightly bowed, showing respect to her employer. Petra took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He then closed Garret's bedroom door and headed towards his own room, which was opposite Garret's.Inside his room, Petra didn't immediately freshen up. He threw himself onto the bed and stared at the ceiling, thoughts of his encounter with Lyyana and their time together continuing to whirl in his mind. Also, with the doctor's words regarding Garret's progress, he acknowledged that Lyyana indeed had a significant influence on Garret'
"No worries, Miss. I'll handle this," said Liza as she worked on her part, while Lyyana nodded and continued her cooking activities.Lyyana and Liza engaged in lively conversation. From their conversation, Lyyana learned that Liza was an employee in Petra's extended family. Liza shared a lot about how Petra's family treated their employees. "Mr. Petra used to be very friendly and always smiling. Well, maybe over time and with the increasing burden he has to bear, he has changed into what he is now."Lyyana simply listened to Liza's stories, learning a lot about the Colton family, known for their generosity and cold-handedness in handling major projects. While they were engrossed in conversation, Lyyana suddenly heard footsteps approaching them.Lyyana, who was pouring her cooking onto plates, paused her activity and looked at the toddler with puffy eyes standing there, staring at her. "Hi! Good morning, champ! Come here!
Petra fell silent, then turned her face away and pretended to be busy with her own phone. Until Lyyana came with two glasses of fruit juice she had made earlier that morning. "Garret, want some juice?" Lyyana asked softly, her sweet smile always etched on her face.Garret looked up and nodded, his small fingers taking the glass handed to him by Lyyana. "Sure, sir," Lyyana said as she handed the other glass to Petra."Sir? Sir what?" Garret asked, confused by the title Lyyana gave to his father. "Mom, sir what? Another title for dad? Does Garret call you sir too?""No, no. Not like that," Lyyana said, panicked, trying to find a reasonable explanation and answer."You shouldn't use that title," a woman in a white suit said."Doctor Jasmine?" Lyyana called out, looking at the woman standing beside Liza.Jasmine smiled and said, "There's something I need to tell
Petra and Lyyana suddenly looked towards Garret, who stood a few meters away from them with a frightened expression. "Don't scold Mom! Don't hide Mom again!" he yelled as he ran and hugged Lyyana's legs.Lyyana couldn't do anything, as she didn't know what Garret meant by his words; she simply stood there silently, waiting for him to speak. "That's not it, Garret. I never hid Mom!" Petra said loudly, unaware that her tone was distressing Garret even more.Garret then screamed, "Dad's mean!" After saying that, he ran towards his room.Petra closed her eyes, intending to follow Garret, but Lyyana stopped her and said, "Let me handle this, Sir. It's better for you to calm down. I'll explain to Garret what happened." With that, Lyyana bowed slightly and left Petra's presence.Lyyana moved towards Garret's room, where she saw him crying on the bed. "Hey," Lyyana greeted softly as she closed the door behind her.She walked towards Garret and slowly rubbed his back. "Garret, Dad wasn't scold
"Miss, can I go home now?" asked Liza with a panicked look on her face."Go home? What do you mean, auntie?" Lyyana replied as she walked up to Liza and rubbed her shoulder.There was panic on Liza's face. "Auntie, try to calm down first. Explain slowly. Inhale and exhale slowly, auntie," Lyyana said, leading Liza to sit on one of the sofas there.After sitting down, Liza immediately burst into tears. Lyyana immediately embraced Liza and rubbed the back of the woman who was the same age as her mother. they hugged for a long time, Lyyana did not force Liza to tell her story, she chose to wait until Liza was a little calmer.After 15 minutes, Liza's crying gradually subsided. Lyyana unraveled her embrace. She pulled out a facial tissue and gave it to Liza. "Just a moment, Auntie." Lyyana walked away from Liza and Garret in the living room.Not long after, Lyyana returned with a glass of mineral water in her hand. She approached Liza who was sitting pensively with a sad and worried face.
Lyyana shook her head. "Daddy isn't angry, he just has something to do outside. When Garret comes home, what will you say to Daddy?""Sorry, Mommy." Lyyana smiled and gently patted Garret's head."Mommy's little hero is indeed clever! Today, what kind of fruit juice does Garret want?" Lyyana asked, showing a basket of various fruits that she had already washed.Garret seemed to think for a moment, then pointed to the tempting mangoes and strawberries. Lyyana nodded, quickly preparing the fruits and putting them into the blender. Soon, the sound of the blender filled the kitchen.Actually, Garret didn't help much; the toddler instead sat sweetly on the table, observing Lyyana's actions. Occasionally, he would ask questions or disturb Lyyana while she prepared her meal. Nevertheless, Lyyana didn't get angry or annoyed at all. She answered every question from Garret and patiently dealt with him when he
Lyyana fell silent for a moment as she waited to see what Petra would do, but gradually his hand weakened and released its grip. Lyyana breathed a sigh of relief, then turned briefly and took a deep breath.Having made her decision, Lyyana was now standing at the main gate of the villa, meeting the villa guard who had just returned from dropping off Liza at the station. "Can I help you, Miss?" the guard greeted, bowing slightly."Um, Sir, could you please help me replace Mr. Petra's clothes?"The middle-aged man furrowed his brow, looking puzzled. "What do you mean, Miss?"Lyyana took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "It's better if you come with me for a moment."Though confused, the man nodded and followed Lyyana into the villa. Along the way, Lyyana tried to explain Petra's condition and gave the man instructions to assist her.Before long, Lyyana arrived at Petra's bedroom door. She immediately opened it and ushered the middle-aged man inside. Lyyana fetched some of Petra's cl
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