"Brian, wake up! Why are you sleeping here?" A middle-aged woman shook Brian, who was curled up on the sofa. He is like a child who comes home late, and his mother doesn't open the door. Brian woke up, and he rubbed his eyes. Brian, who was still sleepy, yawned. He doesn't know when he finally fell asleep after being awake for a long time last night. He's going to be crazy if this continues. "Brian, wake up! You haven't answered Mommy's question." Amalia - Brian's mother - was confused when she saw her son sleeping at her house. It's not that Amalia won't allow it, but this is the first time this has happened since her son got married. 'Could it be that Brian and Azzura had a big fight?' asked Amalia in her heart. In the twelve years, Brian was married, this was the first time Brian was like this. Brian let out a shaky breath. "Which question, Mom?" The man seemed still sleepy. He still refuses to open his eyes. "Why are you sleeping here, Brian? Did you fight with Azzura?" Bria
Brian left for the office from his parent's house. He did not go home because he did not want to meet Vio, his young wife. If another man would hide his second wife from the first wife, Brian was different. He even hated his young wife. Here, what's weird is Brian or Azzura? Who knows. Even though he is 35 years old, Brian's steps can take over the attention of those around him. The employees at his company often refer to him as 'Hot daddy'. He is a mature, handsome, and hot man who loves his family—a suitable title. "Morning, sir," said Risa when she saw Brian walking towards her. Risa stood up, slightly bent over, occasionally looking at her boss. Brian's face this time is terrifying, so Risa must be extra careful all day long. "Terrible..." Risa shuddered when Brian entered his room. "... how long did Mr Brian put on such a horrible face? I was so worried and awry," she continued. Brian came into his room and sat in his national chair. He returned to his work, forgetting for a
Brian said, which hurt Vio. She wanted to throw Brian in the face with the bottle of mineral water in her hand. If only she hadn't remembered that Brian was now her husband and also because she respected Azzura. "I don't mean to be close, Sir. I just--" Brian waved his hand. "Come on, Kyra. Let's get in the car." Brian took Kyra's arm. The girl obeyed her father. Vio could only exhale roughly. Regretfully, she thought that Azzura's husband was a good person. She would retract everything she said then. "You!" shouted Brian, who managed to bring Vio to the real world, "Why are you still dumbfounded?! You want me to leave?!" Vio did not want to argue, and she immediately followed Brian and Kyra. If she looks at the interaction between Brian and Kyra, Vio is sure that Brian is a perfect father figure. Suddenly Vio remembered her father-Handoko. He is also a father figure that Vio loves and respects. Vio exhaled roughly. After his father had surgery, she had not visited him. It seems t
Vio couldn't answer Brian's question. She couldn't answer why she accepted Azzura's plan if she didn't want this wedding? Since that day, Brian has remained clueless about Vio. He didn't think of Vio's existence at all. But when did Brian think the Vio existed? Not since the beginning, the man had already raised the war flag with Vio. Tonight, Vio has to accompany Kyra to the birthday party of one of her friends, which takes place in one of the five-star hotels. She must disguise herself as a bodyguard for Kyra, as Azzura says. However, Vio even enjoys this job rather than having to be the wife of Brian Pradipta. Even she wanted to forget that she had married the stone man. "Why should Miss Vio come with me?" said Kyra, upset. She was like a baby child who a babysitter took care of, and that embarrassed her. At school, many mocked her, and she had to frown throughout the lesson. "It's for your good, Kyra. I don't want anything bad to happen to you."Azzura looked down. He held Kyra
Vio stood in the distance. She continued to observe the girl who was smiling at her friends. She must not be negligent; that is the message from Azzura. "Hey, you still remember me?" Vio's focus was interrupted when someone tapped her on the shoulder. When Vio turned her head, she could see a handsome man with a sweet smile. The man who, some time ago, she met with Azzura. "Doctor--" "You don't need to call the doctor when you're outside. Just call Adrian." Vio was again glued to the man's smile, the most dazzling smile Vio had ever seen. "Uh, yes. Adrian." Vio looked down shyly. What's with her now? Why is she even pounding like this? Vio held her chest, and she felt her heart keep beating fast, something she had never felt before. 'Can I be like this?' Vio thought. She really couldn't shake this feeling. She was happy to be reunited with Adrian. "You come here... is your sister here?" Adrian's index finger pointed at the children talking in front of them. Children who will soo
Brian came home earlier than usual. He's too tired. This afternoon he had to visit the project site in the Kepulauan Seribu. His company handled the construction of apartments there. The man was standing beside the bed with his right hand gently rubbing the back of his neck. He moved his head left and right, trying to eliminate the fatigue that kept chasing him. Brian took a long, flat object from his trouser pocket and dialled one of the contacts. "Hello, Vincent. Any progress?" he asked directly without further ado. It had been a few days, and it was sure that his men had discovered something about his wife. "Mrs Azzura often visits a clinic." "Clinic? Is Azzura sick?" he muttered. "The owner of the clinic... Adrian Raharja." "What?!" The name was familiar to Brian. The name of a man who always adores his wife. Even though he knew that Azzura had chosen him. "Why did Azzura go to Adrian's place?" Brian squeezed his hand. He was angry and also furious. "Sorry, Sir. I can't fo
Vio panicked because she couldn't find Kyra anywhere. 'Where is the girl?' Vio thought. "Has Kyra been found?" Someone tapped her on the shoulder. Vio saw Adrian, who was no less worried than her. Vio knows Adrian's feelings for Azzura. The loss of Kyra must have made Adrian devastated too. Vio shook her head slowly. "I should have chased her earlier." Vio immediately ambushed the feeling of regret. She had neglected to keep an eye on the girl who had now become her stepdaughter. Seeing Vio's guilty face, Adrian also regretted it. He was the one who told Vio not to respond to a sulking Kyra. "Argh...!" Adrian rubbed his face roughly. He's been all over the place. The toilet, the room, the storeroom, and now they were both outsides. But did not find the shadow of the little girl. Vio squatted. She was desperate at this time. What would Azzura tell her if anything happened to Kyra? Brian would hate her even more. "Come on! Look elsewhere!" Adrian patted Vio's shoulder, making the 20
Brian woke up from his sleep in the early morning. He was used to getting up before Azzura. His habits that never go away after 12 years of marriage are; seeing Azzura's sleeping face. It was so thrilling. His hand touched one side; he couldn't find his wife's body, which had warmed him last night. "Zura!" he exclaimed. He doesn't know why he suddenly felt terrible. Usually, he gets up first because he wants to hug his wife. Brian got up, his eyes darting around. There was no sign of his wife's whereabouts. The 35-year-old man walked toward the bathroom. Who knew his wife was there. "Azzura!" he called as he opened the bathroom door. Empty. Brian was wearing his t-shirt and underpants. He immediately left the room to find his wife's whereabouts. Last night, Brian felt that Azzura was about to say something. He could see that his wife had many secrets. "Where's Azura?" Brian asked one of his housekeepers. "I haven't seen Mrs Azzura in a while, Sir." "Where did Azzura go?" Brian
The air felt heavy, as if the remaining oxygen was dwindling. The wall clock ticked slowly, each second sounding like an eternity. Five people sat there in silence, each trapped in their own thoughts.On the long sofa, Anthony Wijaya sat with his wife, Wening. They stared intently at Brian, who looked dishevelled in front of them. He hadn't stopped fidgeting since his wife had gone into hysteria because of him. Next to Brian was Kyra, still visibly shocked, witnessing the reality of her mother's condition.In the corner of the room, Adrian stood, leaning against the wall. He folded his arms in front of his chest, his eyes constantly watching the four people in front of him. The atmosphere in the room was more chilling than a cemetery. Even for Adrian, this was more horrifying than encountering a ghost.Although he was Azzura's best friend and doctor, he was confused by the situation. Both sides were unable to reconcile. Although Mr. Wijaya seemed more lenient than usual, he still felt
The father and daughter stared at each other for a long time. There was a sense of longing conveyed in Brian's gaze towards Kyra. He wanted to run and hug her, but he was also afraid that Kyra would reject him."Daddy…!" Finally, Brian felt relieved when Kyra approached him first. She ran and then hugged him. Brian happily returned Kyra's hug. He held Kyra tightly, as if he didn't want to let go anymore."Kyra, I miss you." One word that could explain all he had felt all this time. They had met a few times, but the closeness of a father and daughter had been lost for a long time."I'm sorry, Daddy. Forgive me for always blaming you. Forgive me for not understanding you." A sincere apology came from Kyra's small lips. She also longed for this, hugging her father with feelings of love and affection."No, dear. I am the one who needs to apologise to you for being selfish and never understanding you."Wening and Anthony Wijaya just watched silently. Although they were upset with Brian's s
Kyra remained silent after meeting Vio. She was still pondering over what had been said. For a long time, she had turned a blind eye and deaf ear to what happened to her parents. She simply wanted to blame Vio for everything that had happened.Kyra still held the agreement in her hands. Several times, she only glanced at it and was afraid to open it again. She still couldn't believe that her mother had planned all this. She still denied that her mother had schizophrenia.Kyra shook her head. "This can't be true, right?" Kyra asked more of herself. She took a deep breath and then lifted her head, which had been bowed down.Kyra remembered her grandfather, who had been in Switzerland for the past few days. Vio had mentioned earlier that her father was in Switzerland to pick up her mother. Could her grandfather have been with her mother all this time?"Sir! Can you go faster?" Kyra commanded the driver, who responded with a nod. The car sped up faster than before. Kyra sat anxiously in t
After hearing everything from Handoko, Vio decided to visit her mother's grave. Handoko had never told her about her mother, always keeping the truth hidden. Vio had grown accustomed to not asking. The most important thing for her was that she had a great father.Vio sat in front of the tombstone for a while, saying nothing. She didn't know how to address her mother because she had never done so in her life.With her mouth still closed, Vio began to move her hand to pull out the weeds growing on the mound of earth. Occasionally, her eyes would glance at the name on the tombstone."I wish I knew you before, Mom. I’m sorry it took so long for me to come here." Vio took a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. Although she didn't know anything about her mother, Vio could feel the sadness her mother had experienced. Thankfully, Handoko had finally made her stay, even if it wasn't for long.No more words came out of Vio's mouth. She just wanted to enjoy this mo
Wijaya didn't forbid Brian from coming after that incident. He was pleased to see Azzura becoming more cheerful. Although he would occasionally flare up in anger, Azzura's smiles were more frequent.Every day, Brian came with Adrian and always accompanied Azzura, whether reading novels or knitting. He was so attentive and meticulous in caring for Azzura that he seemed to forget about Vio's existence. He hadn't even contacted Vio since that day.Vio kept glancing at her phone. It had been days since her husband left without any news. Naturally, she was worried that something bad had happened to Brian. Brian had only called once when he left the airport on his way to the hotel."What's wrong, dear? Why do you look so anxious? Hasn't Brian contacted you?" Handoko emerged from his room. His right hand pressed a button, causing his wheelchair to move automatically.Vio winced. She hadn't even told her father about this, so how could he know?Vio shook her head. "No, Dad. Mas Brian usually
Wijaya strode quickly towards Azzura's bed. He then grabbed the back of Brian's shirt and shoved him hard, sending him crashing into the wall. Still not satisfied, Wijaya moved closer to Brian and pulled off the wig he was wearing. Wijaya's face turned crimson when he realized that Brian had been with his daughter all along.From the moment he saw the man carrying Azzura, Wijaya had suspected it was Brian. After all, there was no way Adrian would allow another man to touch Azzura. And this time, his suspicion was confirmed. Wijaya was furious to learn that Adrian had deceived him."What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you not to look for Azzura anymore?" Wijaya snapped at Brian. His blood was boiling because he couldn't stand the thought of Brian touching Azzura again. Even though Wijaya knew that Brian's second marriage was Azzura's wish, he hadn't accepted it yet. He didn't care who Brian was with now, but he didn't want Brian with Azzura anymore.Brian, who had been silent until
"What's going on, Adrian?" The sound of a familiar voice stopped them in their tracks. Both Brian and Adrian were so scared that neither of them turned around."Adrian! Why are you just standing there?" The sound of footsteps approaching forced Adrian to turn around. He smiled, greeting Mr. Wijaya as the older man drew closer. He hadn't expected the old man to arrive earlier than usual."Uh... I sedated Azzura because she was having a fit earlier, Uncle," explained Adrian, shifting his body to cover Brian's back. Even though Brian was still disguised, there was a chance Mr. Wijaya might recognise his son-in-law. After all, they had been father-in-law and son-in-law for quite some time.Mr. Wijaya sighed deeply. "Is there any treatment that can fully cure her? I'll pay anything." It was the despair of a father facing his daughter's condition. Azzura was his only child, and she was his world. He couldn't believe she would suffer from a mental illness like this.Adrian shook his head fee
The sound of Adrian's car horn caught the attention of the guard at the gate. Upon realizing it was Adrian's car, they opened the gate."Has Mr. Wijaya arrived?" Adrian asked the guard opening the door for him. Before answering, the guard glanced at the man sitting next to Adrian. His furrowed brow showing doubt about the person Adrian brought.Adrian, realizing this, briefly glanced at Brian. "Ah... this is my assistant. I brought him because I need his help. Azzura's condition is very bad, and I'm afraid she might hurt me."Brian pondered upon hearing Adrian's words. Was his wife's condition really that severe?"Don't make a scene!" Brian turned when Adrian said something. Adrian had just closed the car window and was about to drive off.Brian remained silent, looking confused. Eventually, he opened his mouth and asked, "Is Azzura's condition really that bad?" Half of his soul felt wounded after hearing Adrian's earlier statement. He couldn't ima
Brian drove recklessly despite the terrible weather conditions. The heavy snowfall obstructed his view. However, Brian managed to catch up with Adrian's car and cut him off, forcing Adrian to abruptly stop his vehicle.Brian slammed the car door shut, creating a loud noise. He quickly walked towards Adrian and began pounding on the man's car window."Adrian! Come out!" Emotions had taken over Brian, making him impatient. As Azzura's husband, he was not allowed to meet with her, so why could Adrian meet her?Adrian remained quiet for a while. He took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, and after a few moments, he opened his car door."What are you doing? Why are you behaving like a thug?" Adrian raised his face, indicating he wasn't afraid of Brian. Both men stared at each other sharply, each harboring resentment.Anger consumed Brian to the point where he couldn't remain calm. His hand suddenly reached out and grabbed Adrian's shirt collar. "Tell me! Is Azzura in that house?" Brian'