Chapter 8. "So this is your secret, Nayla!"

On the other hand, Nayla really wants to try on her own and prove the potential of her talent.

They continued their conversation comfortably, sharing stories and memories about their past. Laughing and joking, they seemed to forget all the problems they were facing in the outside world.

A moment later, the atmosphere changed when Michael asked about Nayla's husband. "How is your husband doing?" Michael asked with a slightly heavy voice.

Nayla felt a bit awkward with that question. She felt uncomfortable discussing her personal matters with Michael, even though she appreciated Michael's kindness and concern.

"Oh, he's busy with his work," Nayla replied awkwardly, trying to avoid the topic.

Michael sensed Nayla's discomfort, but he didn't want to press her. "Sorry if I asked too much," he said softly, trying to lighten the mood.

Nayla smiled faintly, feeling relieved by Michael's understanding. "Um, it's okay," she said, even though her heart still felt heavy with the problems she had to face. Nevertheless, Michael's presence gave her a bit of relief amidst the difficulties she was experiencing.

Michael held Nayla's hand and said, "no matter what, remember I'm here. You can look for me anytime."

Nayla's heart trembled greatly upon hearing Michael's words. No man had ever said that to her before, and this was the first time for her, but she suddenly realized that she was a married woman.

Awkwardly, Nayla pulled her hand away again, then tried to change the subject.

Silence and awkwardness filled the car, occupying the space between Nayla and Michael. Although they tried to return to light conversation, the tension increased as they approached Nayla's house.

As the car approached Nayla's house, Nayla felt her heart racing faster. She knew she would soon face her husband, Zavier, and their complicated household issues.

When they arrived in front of the house, Nayla felt her breath stop momentarily. Zavier was already standing in front of the gate, staring at them with an expression that was hard to understand.

Nayla swallowed her bitter saliva, trying to calm herself down. She hoped that her arrival with Michael would not add to the already complicated situation.

Michael saw the tense situation around him, but he remained calm. He looked at Nayla with a supportive gaze, giving her the courage to face whatever was coming.

Nayla and Michael were still in the car when Michael asked, "Is he your husband?" Nayla paused for a moment, trying to find the right words to respond, but before she could reply, Zavier approached them with steady steps. His voice sounded cold and firm as he reprimanded Nayla.

"It turns out this is your secret, Nayla," Zavier said bluntly, his gaze piercing towards Nayla.

Nayla felt the tension in the air rising. She swallowed, trying to control her fear. Michael remained calm beside her, but Nayla could sense the unspoken tension between them.

"Forgive me, Zavier, this is a misunderstanding," Nayla said with a slightly trembling voice, trying to suppress the tension she felt.

Zavier nodded briefly, but his expression showed no hint of compassion.

He glanced at Michael, giving him a sharp look before speaking again. "Who is he?"

"Who is he?"

Michael answered calmly, "Hello, I am Michael, Nayla's friend. We met at the audition earlier."

"Audition?" Zavier glared at Michael before turning back to Nayla. 'You have two minutes to explain to me, Nayla. Don't give a hasty answer,' he said in a cold tone."

Nayla could only nod, feeling trapped between fear and uncertainty. Although she tried to remain strong, she knew that the journey towards a difficult decision had just begun.

In a cold voice, Zavier ordered Nayla to go inside the house. "Go in, Nayla. We need to talk," he said mercilessly.

Nayla swallowed hard, obeying her husband's command with a heavy heart. She glanced briefly at Michael, giving him an apologetic look before turning and entering the house.

While Nayla walked wearily and entered the house, Zavier turned his attention to Michael with a still cold expression.

"Sorry for the disturbance, Michael. Thank you for taking her home, she is my wife."

"You must maintain boundaries so that this misunderstanding does not escalate," he said politely, but his voice still radiated an aura of firmness.

Michael nodded respectfully, "It's okay, Friend. See you again."

After that, Michael pulled the lever back with a steady motion. He realized that this was the right moment to leave, giving Nayla space to return to her husband. With a heavy heart, he turned the steering wheel of the car and drove away from the place.

Zavier cast a sharp glance at Michael's black car until the shadow of the car was no longer visible.

Nayla, inside the house, felt tense and anxious as she faced Zavier. She knew that a difficult conversation was about to happen, and she could only hope for the best in facing this complicated situation.

Nayla walked towards the bathroom with a heavy step, her heart filled with disappointment and confusion. How could Zavier possibly catch up with her all the way to Bogor? That question lingered in his mind, but he couldn't find a satisfying answer.

With a weary step, she entered the bathroom and sat on the edge of the bathtub, lamenting her increasingly complicated situation. She felt empty, as if her world was collapsing around her.

As she stared at her sister's closed bedroom door, a thought crossed her mind. Is it possible that her younger sibling told Zavier about her presence in Bogor?

"How could this happen?" Nayla rubbed her forehead.