Throughout the day, Brian's grin grew larger. He resembled a teenager in love. He could only picture Vio's smile and face at every moment. Is this a symptom of his second onset of puberty?"Sir, we will soon be meeting with Mr. Mark Sutopo. This will be the topic of the meeting. On Brian's desk, Risa set her tablet down. As Brian ignored the girl, her forehead began to furrow."Sir...! Sir...!" Brian tipped his toe in shock as the girl tapped her desk with a knuckle.The question, "What's wrong, Risa?" Brian was taken aback. He had no idea she was standing in front of him. Brian's hands looked for any indication that he was currently busy.“This is the information we'll be talking to Mr. Mark about later, sir.” Brian received her tablet back from Risa. She thought it odd because Brian wasn't normally that disinterested.‘Is Mr. Brian content?’ Brian had his lips raised, which Risa could see. She had no doubts that her boss was content. Regardless of what Brian was thinking at the time
Azzura left Vio and Sarah alone, holding Sarah's baby as she exited the room. She wanted to give Sarah the space and privacy to share her story with Vio. Sarah felt embarrassed having Azzura there, so Azzura respected her feelings.Vio gently stroked Sarah's trembling back as the poor girl broke down in tears, recounting her life story. It was heartbreaking to see how everything that was once beautiful had turned into a living hell for her.Vio patiently allowed Sarah to release her emotions, understanding that Sarah may have been silent all this time because she didn't have someone to confide in."My life is ruined, Vio. Ruined," Sarah sobbed, her face too ashamed to look up.Vio's mind went back to their high school days. Sarah was one of her best friends. After graduating, Sarah decided to move to Batam. Their families faced similar economic struggles, and hard work was the only way they could survive."What happened to you, Sarah? Ever since you went to Batam, you have never conta
"Azzura. Why don't you give news if you want to come here?" A man immediately welcomed Azzura's arrival. The woman who always seemed amazing to him, although it has been so many years, has never changed his feelings for her.Azzura chuckled. "Are you busy, Ad?" The two hugged, as best friends, of course. Adrian is Azzura's best friend and is always there."Of course not. If it's for you, I won't be busy." Adrian led Azzura to the sofa and sat there."Hm... Are you being unprofessional now?" Azzura's eyes squinted, as if she were waiting for an honest answer from Adrian."If it's your problem, where can I be professional, Zura?""Yes, yes, yes. It's up to you." The two also chuckled. Azzura is not ignorant of Adrian's feelings, but she does not want her best friend to continue to hope. She has married Brian and is unlikely to be with Adrian. Maybe if Adrian had expressed his feelings first, Azzura could have accepted. However, it would not have happened. She has become Brian's wife, th
Brian: Vio, can you meet me at Hotel Froxy?Vio frowned as she read the message from her husband. Why would Brian ask her to meet him at the hotel? They see each other every day.Vio: Why don't we meet at home? What's wrong?Brian: I miss you.Vio's face immediately turned red when she got a reply from her husband. Brian. What the hell?Vio: Okay. I'll be there.Vio quickly grabbed her bag and jacket. Her lips never stopped smiling. Vio understood that maybe at home, Brian would feel reluctant about Azzura's presence. But would it be okay if they met behind Azzura's back?Vio immediately dismissed her bad thoughts. This was better than Azzura having to see their intimacy. Vio was sure that it would be more painful."Where are you going, Vio?" asked Azzura when they passed each other at the bottom of the stairs. At that moment, Azzura had just returned home and was about to go up to her room.Vio stuttered, unsure of what to answer. "Erm, I'm going to see a friend for a while." She mea
Brian rubbed the bridge of his nose. He hadn't expected Azzura to come to the office. He was like a man having an affair this time."I'll be back in a minute, Risa. Tell Azzura to wait." Brian couldn't possibly tell Azzura to go home. That woman would be even more suspicious. Surely his wife wasn't a fool."Yes, sir."Brian immediately switched off the call and looked at Vio. His second wife smiled gently at Brian, calming his heart."You should go to the office now. Poor Zura must be waiting for you."Brian sighed heavily. He actually wanted to spend more time with his young wife, especially since they had just played one round. Brian wasn't satisfied yet. However, he had to go back to the office to keep his first wife happy."Okay. I'll take a shower first."Just as Vio was about to nod, her mobile phone rang. She immediately reached for the flat object she had placed on the nightstand.Her eyes grew big when she realised who was calling. "Azzura!" she exclaimed. Vio and Brian looke
Azzura, realising the tension between the two, changed the subject. "Haha. Why are you guys so tense? I'm just saying that." Azzura tried to keep smiling, even though her heart was broken. "Have you eaten, Honey?" asked Azzura, trying to break the awkwardness.Azzura was sure that they had just been together. Why did they have to be so secretive? If it was like this, wouldn't it make Azzura feel even worse?"Um... not yet, Zura." How could she eat when she was busy eating Vio at the hotel? The lovemaking was really exciting. She couldn't bear to think about her own stomach. All that was on her mind was to make good use of the time they had."Did you eat, Vio?" Azzura looked at Vio, who was still looking clumsy. She still felt guilty about what she did with Brian, despite her status as his wife."I did. At a friend's house earlier." Brian frowned. Vio hadn't eaten like him either; why lie? However, there was no way Brian would bring up the matter; Azzura could get suspicious again."Ar
Vio was restless in her sleep. She was, of course, still thinking about Azzura's question this afternoon. Although, in the end, Azzura just laughed and thought her question was just a joke. However, of course, that didn't apply to Vio. Her feelings were not at all calm. She felt like a kind of harborer in someone else's household.Vio turned her head towards the door of the room. A handsome and dashing man walked slowly into her room. Vio suddenly widened her eyes and immediately sat down when she saw the figure getting closer to her bed."Honey, what are you doing here?" asked Vio in a half-whisper. She didn't want anyone to hear her. Instead of answering, Brian eroded the distance between them. Now even he was right in front of Vio."I miss you," Brian said as soon as they were only a few centimetres apart. He feels so empty when he doesn't have Vio by his side. Let's say he was sinful for deserting Azzura, but this wasn't a sin either.Vio chuckled. "This afternoon too, we were mak
After dropping Kyra off at school, Azzura immediately headed to Adrian's clinic. Adrian was the only friend she had and the only friend she trusted. No need to ask or make an appointment; Azzura always had full access to Adrian's room. If the uninitiated didn't know, then they would definitely think that Azzura was Adrian's lover."Am I disturbing you, Ad?" Azzura immediately sat down on the sofa in the room. She placed her bag by her side and sat there gracefully.Adrian, who was struggling with his work, gave Azzura a quick glance, after which he returned to his work."Wait a moment. I'll finish my work first."Azzura nodded. Her eyes scanned the entire room. Nothing had changed; the man's tastes were always the same. Even Adrian still kept the doll that Azzura had given him when they were in college together.Azzura smiled a little as she remembered that time. She played the doll claw machine for the first time and won. She gave the first prize to Adrian because she was so happy."
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'