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
"Azzura disappeared?!" Vio shouted with an intonation that might wake a sleeping cat. She was completely taken aback by what Brian had just said. "This... Azzura disappeared in what sense? It's possible, and she went to Kyra's room." Brian shook his head. "I've been there, and she's not there," he answered weakly. He suddenly feels lethargic when he doesn't find his wife everywhere. Even he, who was usually very angry with Vio alone, had no desire to be angry. Either because he had realised his mistake or because of the tragedy that he, unfortunately, couldn't forget. This situation forked Brian's mind this time. While he was thinking about Azzura, he was also thinking about the body of the woman he had just seen. Brian had to try to get rid of his dirty thoughts. Couldn't he have licked his spit? "Maybe Azzura went to her parents' house. Have you asked them?" Of course, Vio was no less worried about Azzura's condition. After all, it was Azzura who had helped her and her family.
"Mommy went to Australia last night," Brian answered. The 11-year-old girl's forehead wrinkled. "That's it! Daddy wants to take Miss Vio to the hospital first." Again, Brian grabbed Vio's arm and walked past Kyra. He didn't know the correct answer if Kyra asked about his mother again. He couldn't lie to Kyra anymore. There were many questions that the girl wanted to ask, but her father left her just like that. She felt something strange. However, as a child, Kyra had no idea what it was. Now, the two adults were already in the car. Vio could only be silent when Brian dragged her somewhere. She couldn't understand Brian, who always blamed her. Even this time, she was no less sad than Brian. She also loves Azzura, despite their complicated status. "Where are we going?" Vio finally got up the courage to ask Brian where they were headed. "I don't know. Where should I look for Azzura?" Vio thought Brian would yell at her, but the girl was wrong. Brian looks desperate this time. Vio beca
Vio was very lucky. When she entered, Kyra had fallen asleep in her room. It was night. All day, she just walked around accompanying Brian looking for Azzura. In the room, Vio kept trying to contact Azzura. However, all in vain. Azzura's cellphone couldn't be reached at all. "What if Azzura had a bad time?" mumbled Vio alone. She was so afraid that something would happen to her. Despite her status as Brian's second wife, she had no feelings for her. Vio looked out the window. After taking Vio home, Brian hasn't come home yet. Where is that man? Vio became more nervous because the two people were not at home. "That's Brian's car." Vio was relieved when she saw her husband's car enter the yard. That's a sign that Brian is okay or even has found Azzura. With a face full of hope, Vio ran to the front door. Who knows they need help. The atmosphere in the front room was already very dark. The large crystal chandelier in the living room had been turned off, leaving only the light in the
Brian saw Vio as Azzura. He became unconscious. Passion arises when tasting the sweet honey on Vio's lips. The girl couldn't resist, even though she wanted to kick the guy. However, this is not harassment. The man deserves it. "Azzura, why don't you reply to me at all, Honey?" Brian broke the kiss. He looked down at Vio's face. His hand gently caressed her face. But, in Brian's eyes, it was Azzura, his wife. Vio closed her eyes. If that's what Brian said to her, maybe Vio would be touched by all of Brian's lovely treatment. But, Vio knows who the word love is for. "I'm not Azzura. I'm Vio," Vio said honestly. She didn't want Brian to continue to think of her as Azzura. It was so unfair to both Brian and her. "Lie!" Brian pulled his hand away from Vio. He squinted, glaring at the woman. "You must be lying. You want to avoid me, don't you? What did I do wrong with you, Zura...?" Brian looks so frustrated this time. He held his forehead, and a small sob came from him. "I love you s
"Damn! You're still a virgin! You're not Azzura!" Vio, who felt pain at the core, was more hurt when Brian said that. The man only saw Azzura in her. And stupidly, Vio floated when Brian spoiled her. Vio cried, feeling pain in the core and also in her heart. Brian may not love her. However, when making love to her, see Vio as himself, not someone else. Brian was furious, but the pleasure he felt made him forget his anger. He again cradled Vio with the scroll of pleasure and pain he gave simultaneously. Brian continued what he had started. He couldn't deny that Vio's was delicious. Brian didn't even care if Vio was crying down there. Brian kept babbling, mentioning Azzura's name with every moan. "Azzura!" cried Brian as he reached his release. The man collapsed beside Vio's body, hugging the woman possessively. He fell asleep beside the body of a woman who had not stopped crying. 'If I'm sick, what about Azzura?' Vio thought. She still couldn't figure out why Azzura had asked her
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'