The conversation between the women earlier still lingered in Feby's mind. Even when she returned home. No. Ares was not the type of man discussed by those socialites. Her husband was clearly different because he had proven himself by being involved in their marriage, even though it was just a religious one. This was what Feby was trying to instill in her mind now. Until the ringtone interrupted her thoughts in an instant. "Hello, Baby!" Feby greeted with a bright smile. Instantly, Ares' handsome face could hypnotize away her worries.
["Sorry, Sweetheart. We won't meet again. Last night, my kids were begging for a bedtime story. I couldn't refuse, right?"] Feby nodded, trying to understand, even though she was still battling with her own heart. "I understand. Besides, meeting up is risky. But... next time, don't send Angga." ["Yeah, sorry. I was worried your mood would worsen since you're pregnant. That's why I had him deliver the necklace. Do you like it?"] "I like it," Feby replied quickly, though she had only glanced at it as some irritation still lingered in her heart.
After that, their conversation ended. It was usual, as the timing just wasn't right. Was Feby hurt? Don’t ask again. This was the price she had to pay for daring to be a second wife.
Her stomach grew larger. Feby was eight months pregnant. Until now, she and her husband still hadn't seen each other. Despite that, the money kept flowing in, so she didn’t think too much about her previous heartbreak.
"Your husband hasn’t come home yet, Ma'am?" Feby, who was lying on the examination bed, gave a crooked smile. "He came here last week, Doc. But now he’s back to work." The doctor nodded after taking a good scan of the fetus. "I understand. You really need strong heart and mind when pregnant, right? Maybe even when you give birth, your husband won’t be able to accompany you. I know someone with a husband who works for the country too, and her situation is the same." Cough! Cough!! It was her mother who coughed after hearing the doctor's words. Meanwhile, Feby shot a sharp glare at her as a protest.
"Works for the country?" Her mother repeated the two words, shaking her head. Since the doctor had returned to his desk, only Feby and her mother remained in the examination room.
"What? How could I talk about Mas Ares in front of others, Mom! His career could be ruined," Feby hissed, already standing up from her previous position. "My husband does work for the country, so it's up to the doctor to conclude whatever he wants."
"Yeah, yeah. It’s up to you." Her mother no longer wanted to argue.
Now, the two women were united again as they shopped for baby supplies, momentarily forgetting their cold war because they were so engrossed in shopping.
It was understandable. Especially since this was a sweet moment to prepare for the arrival of her first grandchild. Even Zaki seemed enthusiastic about it.
"Didn’t we already buy the stroller, Zak? You forgot, right?" her mother reminded him. Feby’s younger brother chuckled. "This one’s cute, Mom. Look! It can be used until your baby is six months old. It’s multifunctional, even for diaper changes." "It’s fine. Just take it," Feby said, not minding the hefty price, though it seemed a little expensive for her mother.
Everything needed to welcome the baby was now complete. After two hours of shopping, the three of them left.
Feby, feeling exhausted, immediately grabbed her phone to call her regular massage therapist. However, her plans were interrupted when she saw a new message.
["I’ll stay for two days for you. Get ready."]
Feby clapped her hands in excitement like a child. Her mother and brother stared at her, surprised.
"Is this because of Ares? Let me guess, he’s coming, right?" Feby didn’t answer. She simply chuckled and typed a response to the message. Then, she hurried to the salon, preparing herself to welcome her husband’s arrival.
Without holding back, Feby chose the special bridal package to pamper herself. Moreover, she had to admit that her pregnancy hormones contributed to her desire to be affectionate with her husband.
Night came. As usual, Feby would wait for her husband in the hotel room. After not seeing each other for almost three months, she was now overwhelmed with excitement and longing.
"Hi!" Ares greeted with a smile and a handsome face in front of Feby. It really felt like a dream. After so long, the man she loved was now standing before her. Feby even placed her right hand on his cheek to gently caress it.
"I thought you weren’t coming," Feby whimpered as she rushed into her husband’s embrace. She laughed when she realized that her growing belly now obstructed their closeness. "You look even more beautiful, Sayang. Even though you're pregnant," Ares whispered as he settled on the bed. He then rolled up his shirt sleeves and gently grabbed both of Feby’s legs.
Feby smiled shyly. The frustration she had held onto for so long suddenly disappeared. It was replaced with waves of love and affection that flowed as Ares treated her so sweetly at that moment.
Her husband even took the time to massage her swollen feet. She truly felt special and pushed away any negative thoughts about the men out there.
"I missed you, Baby." "I’m here, Baby."
It wasn’t only Ares who was charmed by Feby’s allure. The same could be said for her. As a woman craving compliments and gentle treatment, her husband had given her exactly what she wanted.
Again, Feby was lost in the embrace of this mature man. She even momentarily forgot her current status.
"Baby," Feby whined after their heated battle.
"Yes, Honey. You’re even hotter," Ares chuckled after grunting in satisfaction. "You’re really good."
"I’ll give my best to you, my husband."
Feby winked mischievously. She didn’t care if she was tired. She prepared herself to offer herself again. However, the sound of her phone ringing interrupted both of them.
Ares' face, once full of passion, suddenly turned tense when he saw the name of the caller. He quickly cleared his throat and straightened his posture.
"Who is it, Baby?" Feby asked, pouting.
"Widya."
“What does he want?” Feby was clearly upset. Her precious time with Ares was interrupted by a call from the man's first wife. Only then did she realize who she was. Meanwhile, Ares was now poking at his cell phone while glancing at Feby who was starting to frown. Inevitably he rubbed his second wife's head gently. As if giving a code that things were still under control.[“Yes, honey. I know.”][“...”][“Yes. That's it. I am busy right now.”] The call for about two minutes ended. Ares breathed a sigh of relief, while Feby still looked angry.“Angry huh, hmm?” Ares gently tweaked the tip of Feby's chin. The man then landed his lips in the same place.Feby, who did not want to spoil the atmosphere, shook her head and then changed her face to cheerful again. “I miss you. Do you know, baby?”“Yes, sweetheart. I'm here now.” There were many more sweet words spoken by Ares. Making Feby lulled until she ended up continuing their hot gam
There was no point in dwelling in sadness. Feby had to realize that this was the life path she had chosen. Her marriage to Ares will soon bring forth the fruit of their love. So it's better to focus on the goal ahead. That's what she was thinking about now.“Still thinking about our conversation earlier?” asked Ares who was right beside her.Feby shook her head with a sweet smile. “No, baby. I just miss you. Oh yes. What time do you have to leave here tomorrow?”“After feeding you breakfast of course.” Ares briefly kissed Feby's open shoulder then rested his head there. A gentle treatment that was certainly able to reduce the sadness in his wife's heart.“There are still about nine hours left until breakfast. Can you accompany me to watch?” asked Feby then. The handsome man's quick nod made Feby excited again. He also rushed to grab the TV remote and then chose a channel that was considered interesting. It was not what they
“I am responsible for myself.” Feby handed over her ID card and debit card to the hospital administration officer. She tried to smile despite being stared at intently by the young girl in front of her.“Yes, ma'am. Just a moment,” said the officer who then immediately did the data entry. Not long. After that Feby rushed to the treatment room that had been booked long ago. It was there that she was waiting for the moment to welcome the presence of the baby. At first glance, there was nothing she needed to worry about. Even the cost of living for the next few years can certainly be fulfilled. However, the problem is still the same. Feby had to strengthen her heart because in the future she would still feel alone. The creaking sound of the door slowly opening distracted Feby. A middle-aged woman emerged from it with a pained face.“Where is Zaki? He said he was in the hospital.”Feby answered her with a shrug. “It's just that he's t
[“So really?”]Feby almost forgot how to breathe. Did Ares's first wife already know about their illegitimate marriage? It's bad if she did!["What else, honey? Don't you see what I am doing? There are many agendas to read. I am busy."]["Tsk. The kids want a vacation to Bali, honey. We haven't spent time with them in a long time."] Only then could Feby be relieved after hearing more. She didn't. Her world was still safe because God had not yet revealed the secret she was keeping with her husband. Yes. It seemed like Ares was about to answer the phone call, but he couldn't because he heard his first wife's voice. I don't know how long she will be a mistress that is not known to the public. Even so, for now, she was still lucky. That's what she can be grateful for now. As a result, Feby ended the call over the air. Knowing that conditions are not possible after hearing the couple's quarrel.[I miss you, papa. If you have time, ple
“What if Feby hears? We'll be finished.”“Yes. She won't want to lend us money anymore,” added another. It was too late. What the bad neighbors were worried about had happened. However, Feby, who listened to their conversation earlier, stood still and tried to turn off her ears. She preferred to walk casually past the sycophants just now. Instead of being offended, Feby wanted to narrate her thoughts. She knew that responding to those people would make her even worse.“Feb, Ustadz is here. Where have you been?” grumbled her mother.Instead of answering the question, Feby only responded with a brief nod. “Where is Haikal?”“Already on the swing. I left him with Sukma earlier.” This is where Feby is now. The woman looked elegant wearing an ivory white kaftan-style dress while holding her baby on her lap. All eyes focused on the two mothers and children without exception. The haircutting ceremony for the child was over. Even now the
Feby just pursed her lips as her mother ranted at length. A quarter of an hour she had passed. Even Angga was no longer there. However, it seemed that the woman who gave birth to him was still not satisfied with releasing her thoughts.“Where do you want to put this on my face, Feb? You're an embarrassment,” said the mother in between her scolding.Feby casually replied, “Yes, not anywhere, Mom. The beautiful mother's face is still stuck in the usual place. Never mind. That was just a misunderstanding.”“But they thought that -”“Okay. If you're not satisfied yet, let's hold a press conference. Get all your friends together so they can hear me out. How about it?” Her mother's face was getting more and more annoyed. Meanwhile, Feby got up from sit
“Oh yeah? I can't wait, baby.” Feby gave a mischievous glance. Then immediately pulled Ares' body until he disappeared from behind the door. The two of them embraced intimately for a few seconds and had to end because they heard the sound of protest from the little creature on the big bed there.“Our son is angry because you have already stolen the start,” muttered Ares who quickly grabbed Feby's waist. Now both of them walked quickly to where the child was crying loudly. Feby also hurried to prepare formula milk. While Ares hurriedly held the fruit of their love. From where she stood, Feby also witnessed how the two fathers and sons looked at each other. A sweet sight, of course. Especially seeing
Ares' words at that time were not just a plan. Every month he routinely visits to see Feby and Haikal. Making both of them very happy. It looks like Feby's prayers have come true. Maybe this is God's way of paying for her previous patience. That's what she could conclude.“Where is Haikal going, dear?”“Papapp.”“Grandma gets lonely when Haikal goes away.” She made a pouty face. Teasing her favorite grandchild who looked confused.“It's okay, Grandma. Haikal will be back tomorrow too. Yes, dear?” Feby murmured on behalf of her son to answer. The beautiful woman then squatted down to put on both of her baby's shoes. Then immediately stood up to take his arm.“Be careful, Feb,” the mother said.“Yes, Mom. We're leaving first.” Along the way to their destination, Haikal continued to chatter happily. While Feby focused on the steering wheel while glancing at her son occasionally.“Papapa!”“Yes, sweetheart. We'll see Papa later,” Feb
Rania disconnected the call as soon as she saw someone walking towards her. The girl then chuckled.It was Feby who looked at her with soft eyes. “Rania, I know you're angry. You're disappointed. You have the right to feel that way. But please, give me a chance to talk.”Rania stood still for a moment, staring at Feby with sharp eyes. “Why did you have to marry my father? You know I love you very much, but why did you hide this from me?”Feby swallowed. She knew this would not be an easy conversation. “Rania, I know this is very hard for you. And I... I'm sorry if I made you feel betrayed. Believe in me, I never intended to hurt your feelings. Your father and I... never wanted to hurt you.”Rania averted her eyes, kicking a pebble on the ground with the toe of her shoe. “I never told you. All of this was sudden. I thought we would be a
“Rania, listen to me first,” Sandi said in a trembling voice, trying to dampen the emotion that radiated from her daughter's face.However, Rania only stared at her father with a gaze full of anger and deep disappointment.“Evil!” Rania replied in an explosive tone. Her tears began to flow, but there was no sign of them stopping. “You're all lying! You said we could be a family again, but you married someone else behind my back! The person I've always considered a friend!”Feby took a step back, her heart pierced every time she heard Rania's words. She wanted to explain, but her throat felt clogged. Any words were unlikely to be enough to ease Rania's current anger.“Rania, it's not what you think,” Sandi tried to explain, though she knew it wouldn't be easy. “Your mother and father have been separated for a long time, and I remarried because I loved Feby. But that never changed my love for you.”
Sandi was silent for a long time staring at her cell phone screen. The call from her ex-wife continued to ring as if demanding an answer. The atmosphere between Sandi and Feby was getting tense, and Feby could feel something was different this time. She held her breath, waiting to see what Sandi would do next.“Pick up.” Feby's voice was low, almost a whisper. Her eyes stared at the cell phone with unconcealed fear. If Sandi answered the call, what would it mean for their relationship?Sandi hesitated. She squeezed her cell phone with increasingly trembling hands. “I...” her voice sounded hesitant, staring at the screen for a moment before she finally made a quick decision. With one decisive movement, Sandi pressed the “decline” button and turned off her phone.Feby breathed a sigh of relief, although her heart was still not completely at ease. &ldq
Feby still stood transfixed, tears streaming down her cheeks. Haikal's blank stare hit her heart harder than anything. In front of her, the son looked terrified, reluctant to come closer. As if he was a ghost from the past that was no longer wanted.“Ares...” Feby mumbled, her voice barely audible, held back by the tightness in her chest. “Talk to our son now. Fix this.”Ares swallowed, then squatted in front of Haikal, holding his son's small shoulders very carefully. “Haikal, listen, I was wrong,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “Mama never left forever. Mama didn't leave you. Everything I said was wrong, I lied.”Haikal frowned, his gaze shifting from Ares to Feby, confused. “But... you said...”“No, I was wrong,” Ares cut in quickly, his voice starting to tremble. “I was just afraid you'd get hu
“Haikal!” Feby shouted with emotion. Something in her wished that at that moment she could hug her son tightly, hoping to wash away all the misunderstandings with one hug.Haikal, who was running happily with a boy earlier, suddenly stopped. The boy's gaze locked on Feby. His little black eyes rounded, but not because he was happy. Instead, there was fear that could not be hidden on his little face.“Haikal, is that mom?” asked his playmate again who immediately turned to Feby with a curious smile.Haikal did not answer. His small body trembled, backing away slowly as if he was about to move away. Meanwhile, Feby walked closer, tears already pooling in her eyes.“Honey...” Feby whispered in a trembling voice. “Mama is here. I miss you, son.”However, when he was about to get closer, Haikal retreated further, his face looking pale. “Mama don't come again!” he shouted suddenly. “She's
Feby stared at the monitor screen that displayed Kayla's weakening heart rate. While Ares, although his heart was filled with anger and confusion, he couldn't help but care. After all, Kayla was the child he had loved and raised since birth. His anxious gaze could not be drawn away from the ICU window, and feelings of guilt began to creep in. Had his accusations gone too far? Amidst the haunting tension, the door to the room opened and a serious-faced doctor entered. Something seemed different this time. It was as if there was something new to discover.“Mr. Ares, Ms. Feby...” the doctor began, taking a deep breath before continuing. “We've rechecked the DNA test data, and we found something unusual.”Feby turned her head weakly. “What does the doctor mean?”“I apologize in advance. The test results we first issued may not have been completely accurate,” the doctor replied, looking a little reluctant. “After doing a more in-depth check, we found that there
“Answer me, Feby, who have you slept with, huh?”Ares shouted angrily, shocking the whole room with his loud voice. He stood before Feby who was still sitting limply, her face pale as if the whole world was collapsing around her. Feby's body trembled slightly, trying to catch her breath after just waking up from her previous stupor. However, her ex-husband didn't give her time. The man's anger and confusion continued to hit her mercilessly.“Wh-what?” Feby stammered, feeling like she had just been struck by lightning. Her vision blurred, but Ares' angry face was visible before her.“Don't play dumb! Who have you been serving in bed, huh?” Ares snapped again.Feby stared at Ares with teary eyes, her heart oppressed by the accusations that kept raining down on her. “I... I don't know what you're talking about,” she said in a voice that almost drowned in tears.Ares was getting frustrated. He stepped for
“Yes. The patient is currently in need of intensive treatment. However, there is one thing you need to know, this is related to the results of the genetic tests we conducted as part of further diagnosis.”Feby, who had been sobbing in Sandi's arms, looked up slowly. “Genetic test? What does that mean, Doc?”The doctor looked at them one by one, then took a deep breath. “We detected something unusual. The tests show that... Kayla is not the biological child of Ares.”Feby was rooted to the spot. Her eyes widened, and her face paled. “What...?” her voice trembled.Ares immediately stepped forward, his face turning bright red. “What do you mean, Doc? How can Kayla not be my daughter?”The doctor tried to explain carefully. “The DNA test results show a mismatch between you, Mr. Ares, and Kayla. This is very clear in our results.”Feby felt like the earth was crumbling around her. Her hand gripped Sandi's arm tighter, looking for a grip. “How is that possible...?”Ares suddenly turned to s
Feby let out a long breath, leaning her back against the waiting room chair outside the hospital. Her gaze couldn't escape the ICU door where Kayla was being treated. However, even though they had arrived at the hospital, they had not been able to meet with her because Ares blocked their every attempt.Meanwhile, Sandi stood by the window, her back tense. She had tried to talk to the hospital several times, but it had all ended in vain. Feby could sense her husband's anxiety, and it made her even more uneasy.“How long do we have to wait like this, Uncle?” asked Feby, her voice full of frustration. “I can't just sit here while Kayla is inside. She needs me.”Sandi stared at her for a moment, then reached over and took her hand. “I know, Feb. But Ares has power here. We can't fight back directly, not without a plan.”It was at that moment that Widya appeared from the end of the corridor. The woman looked elegant even tho