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
"Can I, Mom?" Garret asked, as Lyyana had yet to respond to his question.Lyyana coughed softly, glancing at Petra as if seeking approval from her employer. Petra nodded, granting permission for Lyyana to comply with Garret's request. "Sure, once we arrive at the inn, we'll eat, okay?"Garret nodded, "Yay! Mom's cooking!" Lyyana smiled and gently patted Garret's cheek.Petra could only remain silent, witnessing how happy Garret was over such a simple matter. "Dad, is it still far?" Garret asked, looking at Petra.The man turned and shook his head. "Not much longer," he replied shortly. Garret nodded, then returned to playing with Lyyana, turning the quiet atmosphere of the car into a warm one.After a 6-hour journey, Petra's car finally entered a rural area filled with tall trees, with the sound of the sea crashing against the walls. With the dim lights and moonlight of that night, Lyyana could see the silhouette of several food stalls along the roadside. The scent of food wafting in
"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 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