"Aaaaaa‼! Aaaaa‼! Noooo‼"
Lyyana followed the footsteps of the maid carrying a broom towards the second floor. She hesitated as she climbed the stairs. Faintly, Lyyana heard cries and the sound of breaking items. Several maids with panicked and confused faces had gathered in front of a blue-colored door.
Approaching the source of the noise, Lyyana heard whispers from some maids who were reluctant to enter. "One of you should call Mr. Petra."
One of the youngest maids among them nodded and hurriedly walked downstairs.
Crash!
The sound of breaking and screaming echoed simultaneously. Lyyana furrowed her brows, wondering why none of them dared to enter or at least help the overwhelmed babysitter dealing with the tantrum of the toddler.
Somehow finding courage, Lyyana parted the crowd of maids. Fearlessly, she advanced towards the raging toddler on his bed. Lyyana surveyed the surroundings; pillows and cushions were scattered everywhere. Not to mention the broken vase and scattered plates on the floor.
The first thing Lyyana did was approach the injured babysitter whose temple was bleeding. "Thank you," the babysitter whispered, and with the help of other maids, she was taken to a corner of the room.
A few steps more, and Lyyana would face the toddler who was still glaring at her angrily. Lyyana tried to remain calm, although deep down she was terrified of facing the child.
Lyyana took a deep breath and steadied her steps. Her gaze focused and serene as she approached the little boy. "Hi," Lyyana greeted, standing right in front of the toddler.
Instead of responding, the toddler attempted to throw a toy robot at Lyyana. Unfazed, Lyyana kept smiling, not flinching. With one hand, Lyyana reached out to pat the top of the toddler's head and then shifted to his shoulder. Unexpectedly, the toddler put down his toy.
And the next event took Lyyana by surprise. Without warning, the toddler stood up from his bed and crashed into Lyyana's petite frame. Luckily, Lyyana managed to maintain her balance; otherwise, she might have fallen and landed on the broken plates beneath her feet.
"Ma... ma... ma... ma." Lyyana's heart froze at the hoarse and frightened voice of the toddler.
Hesitantly, Lyyana returned the embrace of the toddler, cradling him while gently patting his back and the top of his head. There were no more cries or tantrums in the 5x8-meter room.
All the maids there stared at Lyyana in confusion, some of them looked at Lyyana and the little master with a touch of emotion. The same went for the figure of the man standing tall at the door. "Sorry, sir, I let a stranger carry young master Garret. I will be reprimanded—" His words were cut off as the sportswear-clad man raised his hand.
His eyes still locked onto the woman standing in front of him. "Tidy up the room," he ordered all the maids, and promptly, they moved to organize the room.
Lyyana turned when she heard commotion behind her. She glanced towards the bedroom door, and her eyes met brown eyes that stared at her expressionlessly. Lyyana nodded, intending to approach the man and hand over the child who seemed comfortable in her arms.
"Sorry for being presumptuous," Lyyana said timidly, and the woman continued to bow.
Without much talk, the man extended his hand to take over the toddler in Lyyana's embrace. However, an unexpected event occurred again; the toddler vehemently shook his head and clung tightly to Lyyana's neck, making it difficult for her to breathe.
"I think I know how to heal Garret from his trauma, Mr. Petra," said a man in a white shirt with a stethoscope hanging around his neck, appearing from behind Petra.
Lyyana and the man named Petra turned to look at the source of the voice. 'Trauma?' Lyyana questioned in her mind.
"Ma... ma... ma... ma," the toddler spoke again, reaching out to touch Lyyana's cheek and playing with her long hair.
Lyyana smiled awkwardly, not knowing what to do. "Come with me," Petra said, turning his body.
Lyyana furrowed her brows, confused by Petra's intention. Until the man in a white suit instructed Lyyana to follow Petra. Lyyana nodded, walking slowly. Her petite body made it even more challenging to match Petra's long strides, especially carrying the weight of the child in her arms.
"Miss, can you help me lay Garret on that sofa bed?" the man in the white suit asked.
Lyyana nodded, laying Garret's body on the gray sofa bed. Lyyana was about to turn, but Garret's small fingers stopped her. Lyyana looked at the two men in front of her, both nodding.
Lyyana saw the man in the white suit examining Garret's body, and throughout the examination, Garret never stopped staring at Lyyana, as if asking her not to leave him. Petra didn't miss this interaction.
"I will give him a calming medicine so Garret can rest for a while and forget his trauma." After getting a nod from Petra, the doctor injected Garret. And soon, Garret's grip on Lyyana weakened. In a matter of seconds, his tiny hands released their hold.
After making sure that Garret was resting comfortably, the doctor took his leave. Now, only Petra and Lyyana were still busy with their own thoughts. "Sir, Garret's room has been tidied up," Petra nodded and ordered his staff to bring Garret back to his room.
"Mmmm, maa-ma-ma-ma... I'm sorry for being presumptuous; I just—" "Come with me," Petra interrupted Lyyana.
In the blink of an eye, Petra disappeared from Lyyana's view as he ascended the stairs. Lyyana was puzzled; she had to decide whether to follow the man's words or take the opportunity to escape from the unfamiliar house. "Don't try to escape; our business is not finished yet!" Petra shouted from the stairs, echoing throughout the room.
Lyyana sighed, resigned. Reciting small prayers, she walked following Petra's footsteps. Apparently, the man took Lyyana to Garret's room. "Who are you?" Petra asked when Lyyana stopped a few steps behind him.
"Me?" Lyyana asked with her innocent face.
"Sorry, I have no intention of doing harm here. Last night, I was chased by bad people, and then I stopped in the middle of the road, and everything went dark. When I woke up this morning, I was already here," Lyyana explained, lowering her head. "I will replace the flower vase from this morning, Sir," Lyyana added, remembering the incident half an hour ago.
"With what?"
"With... with installment payments. Yes! I will pay for the damages in installments," Lyyana said spontaneously. Petra scoffed as he walked towards Garret's room window. "I'm not sure you can afford it. It's more expensive than you can imagine." Petra paused, glancing momentarily at Lyyana's face. "It's 12 billion." Lyyana swallowed hard, her knees suddenly weak, and she almost fell if she hadn't held onto Garret's wardrobe next to her. "Are you sure you want to pay in installments?" Petra continued approaching Lyyana. Lyyana couldn't think clearly; she couldn't imagine how much money Petra mentioned earlier. Let alone own it, Lyyana had never seen such an amount. "So, what now?" Lyyana took a deep breath, regaining her composure. "I apologize, sir. I may not have as much money as you mentioned. But, I will still try to settle it. Even if it takes some time." "How long do you need to replace it?" Petra asked, noticing the confusion and restlessness on Lyyana's face. "Maybe..."
"Before I convey my decision, may I ask a few questions, Sir?" Lyyana asked timidly.Petra fell silent for a moment, then nodded briefly. "How long do I have to fulfill this agreement, Sir?" Lyyana asked, lowering her head.Petra turned to face Lyyana. "Three months!""T-t-three months, Sir?""Why? Too long? Well then—""No, Sir, not like that. What I mean is, what if..." Lyyana hesitated, daring to look at Garret, partially covered by Petra. "If I fail to complete this agreement within three months, what should I do?""I don't accept the word 'failure'!" Petra replied bluntly.Lyyana sighed heavily, reluctantly accepting the agreement Petra offered. Instead of languishing in jail, it was better for Lyyana to complete the agreement and try her best so that she didn't have to stay longer with Petra.After agreeing to Petra's terms, he took Lyyana to meet the babysitter who had previously taken care of Garret. "Starting tonight and onwards, She will be responsible for Garret."The middl
"I said get in, Lyyana!" Petra exclaimed, pulling Lyyana's body while bringing her back to awareness.Lyyana jerked, quickly getting up while carrying the frightened Garret. "Sorry," Lyyana said with a trembling voice.Lyyana hurriedly entered the car, coinciding with the presence of the people who had been chasing her. With a frightened expression, Lyyana tried to calm her heartbeat and normalize her breath. Petra did nothing but observe Lyyana's reaction and the people now standing in front of his car.Petra honked his horn, as if giving a warning to the thugs standing in front of his car. Shortly after, they moved aside, allowing Petra's car to pass and leave the place. Petra tightly gripped the steering wheel, neutralizing the indescribable feeling within him."Is there something to report?" Petra asked Lyyana, who was laying Garret's body on the bed."Sorry, sir, my mistake. I was careless, but..." Lyyana's words stopped for a moment. She didn't dare to tell the reason why she fe
Petra couldn't stay there for long; she had to leave for the office and finish her work, leaving Garret and Lyyana with an inexplicable gaze. It seems that Garret has indeed been tamed by Lyyana, as before being with her, Garret would throw a fit if Petra left him to work.The four-year-old would do anything to get Petra's attention, but unfortunately, all of Garret's efforts never succeeded in bringing Petra closer to him. Instead, Petra would leave him more often with other babysitters."Garret, why?" asked Lyyana, seeing Garret's suddenly sad face.Garret looked at Lyyana with a pouty face. After a moment of silence, Garret shook his head and hugged Lyyana tightly, as if asking her not to leave him again. Lyyana could only smile thinly, then gently rubbed Garret's head with love and tenderness."Shall we play again?" Lyyana suggested, trying to cheer up her ward.Garret nodded
Lyyana continued to stare at the woman in front of her with a questioning look, while the head servant, in contrast to Lyyana, looked at her with confusion. "I apologize, but I can't say much about that because... it's Mr. Petra's private matter." Lyyana smiled, "Sure, that's okay. The most important thing is that I now know that Garret is often like this. Later, I will find a way to solve this issue." "I'm happy for you; you're so patient and gentle with Garret. You're the only one who can tame the little lion." Lyyana smiled upon hearing the head servant's words. "Oh, by the way, we haven't been introduced. My name is Amber, and yours?" "I'm Lyyana, Mrs." "Oh, don't call me Mrs. Just call me Amber like the others, even though I'm half a century old, I still feel young." Lyyana chuckled at Amber's words. "Oh, what are you up to?" Lyyana seemed to ponder for a moment. "May I borrow the kitchen?" Amber frowned upon hearing Lyyana's request. "I want to make a snack for Garret; I n
Lyyana just smiled in response to Amber's words, who continued to stare at her, puzzled and curious. "Come on, Lyyana, don't keep me in suspense.""Anyway, Garrett will like this food," Lyyana replied with a beaming smile.Amber sighed, finally giving in and assisting Lyyana, even though she was confused about what the new babysitter for Garrett was going to prepare. The kitchen, which was usually clean and untouched, now looked messy with various food ingredients and cooking utensils piled up in the dishwashing area.They had spent an hour searching, with Amber still not understanding Lyyana's cooking direction. Suddenly, a voice interrupted them, causing both of them to look up and observe Petra's activity with a flat and cold expression."What are you doing?" he said with a baritone voice, his eyes staring directly at Lyyana with a dirty apron.Lyyana and Amber instantly froze and exchanged glances. "Um, sir, we're just..." Amber paused, glancing at Lyyana for help."We're making a
"Please do your best for Garrett," Petra said, still with his head bowed.Lyyana was taken aback by Petra's words and husky tone. It took her even longer to process what Petra had said. "I'm sorry, sir, but I'm just a babysitter here. I mean... anyway, Garrett will need you in his growing process."Lyyana grimaced, regretting saying that out loud. She was surprised by her own words, which should have remained in her thoughts.Slowly, Petra lifted his head and looked at Lyyana expressionlessly. "I have to work," Petra replied flatly.Lyyana was again taken aback by Petra's response. "All parents are busy with work, sir. But they can still find time." Lyyana's spontaneous response made Petra stare at her sharply and piercingly, causing Lyyana to grimace under that gaze."I'm sorry, sir, I didn't mean to—""When is Garrett's therapy schedule?" Petra interr
Before Petra could respond to Lyyana's offer, Garret had already given her a piece of Lyyana's homemade snack on Petra's plate. Petra looked at Garret with a furrowed brow, observing a broad smile on Garret's face. There was no trace of fear in his eyes as usual; Garret appeared more relaxed and calm than Petra, who felt awkward in the situation. "Garret, eat a lot, I'll go over there," said Lyyana as she gently patted Garret's head. Garret nodded and returned to enjoying his food. Lyyana respectfully lowered her head towards Petra, and they exchanged glances. Lyyana then walked towards the kitchen, determined to prepare more healthy snacks for Garret, who had been consuming instant and packaged snacks that weren't conducive to his growth. "You're amazing, Lyyana!" praised Chava, approaching Lyyana. "Yeah, Lyyana. You're really cool!" added Milla, admiringly looking at Lyyana. Adelia, on the other hand, remained silent, gazing at Lyyana in awe. "You're exaggerating; I'm just doing
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