《The Beauty Inside: Stealing The First Kiss, Get a Wife》


 Chapter 1 - A None-sense Promise

    "Brank... Brank..." The roar of her older sister clashed with the items she threw. The woman named Aliana or more often called Alia, was crying, angry, and rebellious.


    "Stop it, Alia... Stop it. Let me talk to your father. You don''t have to do it if you don''t want to." The mother''s voice was shrill loudly, trying to find a way to make her beloved daughter want to lower her emotions.


    The mother''s words were answered with an unclear high-pitched scream mixed with crying, anger and overwhelming emotions.


    Aruna tried to find out what happened. She sneaked into the kitchen to ask Tamini and Linda what her mother and sister were fussing about.


    The two maids who were also caring for it were also restless. They could only shake their heads.


    The sound of slamming and tantrums was still up there in Aruna''s sister''s room on the 2nd-floor right next to her room.


    Aruna didn''t dare to go upstairs. She intended to move away from the voice, walking towards the back balcony.


    Her steps stopped at the door of her father''s room. It looked like he was inside. Why didn''t her dad try to stop her sister''s tantrum? Why was he staying here?


    The door to the room that was slightly opened was pushed slowly. Aruna was very doubtful. Unfortunately, she couldn''t ignore the commotion of her family.


    "Dad." Aruna summoned the man who was still complete with work clothes, long-sleeved shirts including ties with matching colours.


    Her father immediately turned his work chair, turning his back on Aruna, trying to tidy himself up, then turning around with a small smile that seemed forced.


    "Are you okay?" Aruna''s question made her father more relieved.


    The man had already dug up his mind. He was sure to be asked ''what happened?'' Somehow, it turned out that his daughter even asked him how he was.


    "Just a little messed up." Aruna''s father, Lesmana replied. Again, he put on a forced smile.


    "Can I help ease this mess?" Aruna sincerely asked.


    Lesmana just shook his head.


    Aruna understood that this was a gesture for her father not to be disturbed. She moved back as she slowly tried to resign from this heart-stopping room.


    "Wait, Aruna." His father''s voice looked desperate, calling out to her who almost disappeared behind the door.


    Aruna stopped in her steps, then entered the room again. She then sat in front of his father''s desk.


    "How old are you now?" Aruna didn''t have time to answer.


    "I''m sorry, I''m so busy working that I don''t remember how old my daughter is." Lesmana continued.


    Aruna reassuringly smiled at her father.


    "20 year-old, Dad." Aruna replied.


    Her father rubbed his face with his palms indicating he was very restless.


    "I don''t want to burden you, but if your sister doesn''t want to, I can only ask you for help." The man took a deep breath.


    "Aruna, do you want to get married?" Her father raised a question she could never have imagined.


    Aruna furrowed her brows, confused.


    "I know that lately, you are filling in several startup seminars. I am very proud of you. I also know that it means you have no plans to get married anytime soon." The father gradually tried to explain.


    "Is this what makes Alia angry?" Aruna asked for an explanation.


    "I''m ashamed to say yes. But that''s the truth." Lesmana replied


    "Why should one of us get married?" Aruna was still confused.


    Was it because her older brother wasn''t married either? So, her older sister had to get married as soon as possible or even more extreme, Aruna was the one who got married at 20 year-old.


    "It''s my fault... I made an unreasonable agreement, and they suddenly asked for my promise." Lesmana looked chaotic, regret, shame, and loss of dignity collided together.


    "Promise? What kind of promise, Dad?" Aruna, a sophomore, still so innocently understood the hustle and bustle of life.


    Her father convinced himself to explain the situation that made Alia furious and included the past that brought their family to this point.


    Lesmana tried to explain why their family suddenly could move into a luxury home as well as a fast-growing freight forwarding business.


    Aruna''s father was not a full shareholder as a pioneer and director. He only owned 30% of the shares. The real owner was the Wenceslas Group.


    Who else if not her father''s boss when Aruna wasn''t born yet. At that time, Lesmana was only a personal assistant to Wiryo Wenceslas. An assistant who could be relied on because of his ability and loyalty.


    Lesmana was only an ordinary university graduate, but he could rapidly develop under Wiryo''s shadow, CEO of Wenceslas Group. His discipline and honesty in accompanying Wiryo made Wiryo trust him more.


    There was a time when Lesmana replaced him with a presentation, and the results were promising. Wiryo''s personal assessment was what made him get the mandate to run DM delivery.


    When signing the handover of positions that took place privately between the two, Lesmana and Wiryo, almost all vice presidents and shareholders rejected Wiryo''s policy. But who could fight him? Wiryo was the sole successor and the largest shareholder of Wenceslas Group.


    For the first time, Lesmana saw Wiryo as an ordinary human. A human being who could show emotions of deep sadness.


    While accompanying Wiryo, he never saw the man reveal a weak expression, or even sad. His face was always stiff, firm and confident.


    His boss'' tears, who have now become his best friends, were the beginning of the unpleasant moment like the fruit''s choice for Lesmana.


    (Like the fruit''s choice: a person who is faced with very difficult two options to choose from)


    The man couldn''t help feeling sad when he found his daughter had to marry the wrong person.


    "I should have been tougher on her."


    It was a regret that couldn''t be treated. The only daughter and successor of the Wenceslas family ended up with a cowardly man who left her daughter when she was pregnant. And now she was back with her 5 year-old son.


    For 6 years, his beloved daughter did not study properly in America. Gayatri Wenceslas got pregnant and spent her life in America caring for her son.


    Wiryo was eager to be angry. It turned out that the man famous for being arbitrary to undisciplined employees turned soft and broke when he faced his own daughter.


    Wiryo regretted that he did not let Gayatri get married as soon as possible. He regretted that he did not send bodyguards, at least guards for his daughter''s stay in a foreign country.


    Back then, he didn''t even suspect anything of his daughter.


    As the man felt so upset, he did not want to accept the blue-eyed little boy, his grandson.


    To keep his heartbroken, Wiryo with unreasonable ambitions asked his trusted assistant to hand over one of his daughters.


    Wiryo planned to create the next generation, which was indeed in his control. Lesmana was promised a new project, DM delivery.


    Wiryo guaranteed Lesmana''s life, his children''s education, even his son and daughters growth and development was monitored by Wiryo''s personal doctor.


    Now was the time for Lesmana to hand over the guarantee, paying him back.


    Like lightning striking, Aruna was speechless. She shakily stepped, leaving her father, who fell into despair.


    Her mind wandered everywhere, collecting the puzzles of the life journey that her family went through.


    The intense doctor came to take care of their health, a luxurious house complete with competent maids, the DM delivery company, even schedules of personality lessons for her siblings and herself were all reinforcing what her father said.


    Aruna was standing in front of her sister''s room door. The roar of anger replaced with sobs that choked the chest.


    Aruna ventured into the room, walking between the items that fell scattered, broken apart. Her sister glanced at her, then hid in the pillow she was holding.


    Alia, the young Manager of a property company, was confident, bright and always made her jealous.


    After graduating from a leading university majoring in business management, she joined a property company.


    She grew as the best employee in increasing its turnover. In less than 2 years, the woman has held the Manager position.


    Now, on the sidelines of her extraordinary schedule, Alia still had time to continue her master''s degree.


    Somehow, Aruna saw her as a broken woman, burning with anger today.


    Aruna approached her, gathering the courage to embrace her sister.


    Alia increasingly shed tears. In fact, the tears began to run out.


    Aruna calmed her sister''s heart until she fell asleep.


    While slowly tidying up her elder sister''s belongings scattered in every corner of the room, Aruna''s mind drifted to find the best solution.


    However, it turned out with no result as she didn''t know what to do.


    There was no way she was involved in persuading Alia. Aruna knew best about her sister''s condition.


    Alia actually had a boyfriend, Dimas Aditya. Since high school, they were together and always made others jealous. She planned to get married next year right after graduating with a master''s degree.


    The relationship was hidden from her father. Lesmana got furious every time one of his beloved daughters was close to a boy.


    In fact, when Dimas Aditya was introduced, it ended up with the wrath of his father. The reason was maybe related to the soul mate that had been prepared since a long time ago.


    Aruna realised it now. Alia must have been devastated. It is said that love that was blocked was so hurtful.


    Even though she had never felt that, she could imagine the harmonious couple between Alia and Dimas Aditya would end with a sad ending.


    Their love journey was full of struggle, hidden from the family. Just to meet, Aruna was often used to avoid being caught.


    For example, when they watched together, Alia told her parents that she watched with Aruna. In fact, Aruna was given an extra snack, so she wanted to keep their secret.


    A moment later, the maids came to clean Alia''s room, continuing what Aruna was doing, then forbidding Aruna to help them.


    Aruna spent the night unable to sleep.


    The next day, Aruna came home from campus as soon as possible, hoping to comfort her sister. Unfortunately, Alia chose to shut herself in the room.


    Her mother paced back and forth in front of the room, occasionally knocking to persuade her daughter to open the door. Reportedly, Alia hasn''t eaten since last night.


    The chaotic atmosphere still surrounded the house.


    "Where''s Dad, Mom?" Aruna asked her mother. She didn''t see Lesmana.


    "He went out of the house to see the Wenceslas family. Just pray that he can cancel this arranged marriage." Oops, Aruna''s mother flinched at her own words. There should be nothing Aruna needed to know.


    "Mom, I already know everything, Dad told the story." Aruna, rubbing his mother''s hand


    Aruna''s words were met with tears from her mother. The two women embraced in tears.


    ***


    The house was getting gloomy since Lesmana''s return from the Wenceslas family.


    When Aruna''s older brother Anantha found out what had happened, there were arguments between the two every time.


    Lesmana could not cancel the agreement. Meanwhile, Alia was now being treated in the hospital after her parents successfully broke down the door to her room.


    Alia still didn''t want to eat. The IV was removed by the nurse several times. By all means, Alia refused her father''s will.


    At this rate, her older sister could get worse. Aruna took the initiative to make her older sister calmer.


    That afternoon, Aruna thought that no one would come to the hospital to look after Alia except her. She then asked Dimas Aditya, Alia''s lover, to come.


    Dimas Aditya hastily welcomed Aruna''s request. The couple immediately embraced, and Alia''s sobs really made Aruna get carried away with the atmosphere. Her tears melted at the thanks from her sister.


    Dimas Aditya patiently persuaded Alia to eat and it succeeded.


    The sight was truly heartbreaking. Aruna wondered if they could be separated.


    For nine years they were side by side, trying not to be known by their family, especially their father.


    Aruna''s move gave the couple space to strengthen each other. She came out of Alia''s inpatient room to get some fresh air in the hospital garden.


    Did she have enough courage to change her sister''s position to resolve the endless tension in her family?


    Lesmana seemed increasingly helpless. Her mother could only cry. Anantha threw out endless anger at their father without any solution.


    For almost two hours she was pensive there. The phone ringing then distracted her. On the other end, there was a commotion.


    Aruna ran as fast as she could to her sister''s room. When she got there, several hospital officials were holding onto her father, trying to stop her father''s anger.


    ''Oh my god... Dad must have found Alia and Dimas Aditya.'' Aruna thought.


    Her mother helped to secure Lesmana. Her father was still shouting to kick Dimas Aditya away on his way being dragged by officers to the security hospital.


    Of course, the clerk carried out the clumsy task of securing the hospital''s tranquillity and dragging away their VIP customers.


    Alia was still firmly holding Dimas Aditya''s hand, asking the man not to leave her. She threatened to injure herself if her father always insisted on his will.


    Everything seemed chaotic. Aruna stood there transfixed with the nurses who were confused about what to do.


    One by one, the nurses came out.


    "I''m sorry, Sis." Aruna''s voice was barely audible.


    "What are you talking about?... I thank you... You dare to ask Dimas Aditya to come." Alia gradually calmed down.


    Now, Dimas Aditya, who looked chaotic, was respectable enough to understand this situation.


    He was unwanted. He knew he had to give up first, allowing himself to come and go with dignity even if it was tantamount to breaking his heart.


    "Alia, better...." Not yet Dimas Aditya finished saying...


    "If you back off, I''ll kill myself." Alia''s words silenced all the mouths that heard her.


    The walls even seemed to move to squeeze Aruna. Aruna hobbled leaving the couple to look for her parents.


    In her search, she found her parents staring blankly at the large glass window towards the view outside from the 7th-floor of the hospital.


    Her parents did not realise Aruna''s presence was getting closer.


    "You shouldn''t have to do that, you know they''re innocent." Her mother''s voice faintly sounded.


    "What should I do then? A promise is a promise, who we are, dare to go against the Wenceslas family?" Lesmana''s words sounded bitter, leaving the courage in Aruna to make a decision.


    "Mom, Dad..." Aruna''s voice was like a code. Her parents simultaneously looked at her.


    "Allow me to replace Alia. Let me fulfil Dad''s matchmaking promise" Said Aruna trembling.


    Aruna didn''t know what would happen next, but seeing her parents immediately hugged her made her heart calm.


    Both her parents seemed to be making promises to protect her, even though no words were saying.

 Chapter 2 - The Blue-eyed Man

    "Hello, everyone... Good afternoon." Aruna greeted.


    The indoor room with a capacity of 100 people was full of participants. Greetings from Aruna were greeted with big applause.


    Aruna was introduced by the event guide as the Magic Later brand owner, a startup with an out of the book concept, which offers various kinds of letters of expression.


    For example, a 3-dimensional love letter complete with knick-knacks including properties, heartbreak letters to anniversary or birthday greetings, etc.


    The most interesting thing was the 3-dimensional wedding invitations. The invitation design was guaranteed to be original.


    That day, as usual, Aruna conveyed some tips and tricks on how to get consumers to immediately glance at startup works.


    She always emphasized that every job must have its own characteristics, and focus on that uniqueness. With her soft natural voice and relaxed fashion, she could make the audience comfortable.


    Aruna wore jeans, cat shoes, white T-shirt combined with a checkered hem as outerwear. Several accessories coiled in her hand. Her hair was tied in a ponytail. She was like a jolly, lively girl.


    Unfortunately, Aruna''s performance wasn''t as cheerful as usual. Some participants disturbed her concentration. They were at the wrong place.


    The two men didn''t belong here. This activity was rarely attended by people wearing loafers, not to mention expensive suits. On the right side of the man sat another man who was busy whispering words like an assistant explaining something to his boss.


    Shortly before the event was entirely over, the two people left the activity venue.


    Aruna was still immersing herself with several participants who invited her to discussions or just took selfies.


    However, this did not last long. A note in navy blue was handed over by the event organizer to her.


    "Aruna, there was someone who left this." The one who handed her the note left without being asked back.


    Unfortunately, the person who delivered the note already mingled with other members to clean the place.


    *I am waiting for you at the La Rose Cafe.


    Aruna actually wanted to ask who the sender was. Unfortunately, the messenger was already busy cleaning the venue with other committee members.


    Aruna walked, holding the note and turned her head looking around the cafe. From a window seat, someone waved. Aruna approached him, handed over a note.


    ''Oh, isn''t he the participant who was in the wrong place?''


    The man opened his dark glasses while giving a code for Aruna to sit down.


    ''Oh my god how handsome he is. His eyes are blue.''


    The man had blue eyes as blue as the ocean. His hair was golden brown with white skin, but a little bit brownish.


    He was tall with broad shoulders and a firm jawline but curled eyelashes. He was like a blend of Southeast Asia with England fused proportionally as an extraordinary work of art.


    Aruna was stunned for a moment. The strange little smile depicting the arrogance of its owner made Aruna immediately prepared.


    "I''m Mahendra Wenceslas." The man mentioned his name while handing over his business card.


    Aruna''s face suddenly changed. It was as if black clouds were surrounding her.


    A week ago, she finished the mess in her family, and today the side effects came.


    "I''m Aruna." Aruna greeted.


    "Yes, I know. Well, no need to mince words, I will talk casually with you because as soon as possible we will be partners." Hendra tapped the table with small beats and a regular rhythm, a habit when he didn''t want to linger.


    On the other hand, Aruna tried to digest Hendra''s words. ''Partner'' meant that they would work together.


    "So, are you the one who will marry me? Hmm, I mean Mr Wiryo''s grandson?" Aruna explained.


    "Yes, no other grandchildren." Hendra''s expression underlined that he knew Aruna was a substitute.


    Aruna blankly stared at the window as she was uncomfortable with the man in front of her.


    They had just met with an introduction that seemed stiff and arrogant. If Hendra disagreed with this matchmaking, of course, the exact same thing happened to Aruna. But Aruna felt cornered as if she was more guilty.


    "Please read this." Hendra broke the ice between them handing over several pieces of MOU paper.


    "We both know this match was not our will. Therefore, I offer you a marriage contract."


    Aruna widened her eyes in surprise at Hendra''s words. It was a blatant offer of the man she just met for the first time.


    What the Wenceslass couldn''t do? This kind of thing just happened. Aruna traced some of the agreement points written there.


    *Does not interfere with personal life.


    *Maintain the confidentiality of contract marriages agreed by both parties.


    *Marriage minimum is two years, but if the separation is still difficult to implement, it can be extended until the circumstances allow.


    Aruna read some points that caught her attention.


    Although this kind of contract was not natural for a couple to get married, for Aruna, the marriage contract made her more prepared than she had to guess what would happen when she became part of the Wenceslas family.


    "I purposely left the last page blank. Please write your wish." Hendra waved his finger a little.


    Hendra''s assistant swiftly handed the pen to Aruna though he was sitting on the other side of the table.


    *Respect for parents from both sides as a family.


    *No physical contact.


    *Living in different rooms.


    That was all that crossed Aruna''s head.


    "It looks like the last point we can''t do," Hendra explained.


    "Why not??" Aruna asked.


    "We will live in the main house after marriage. It means we have to live in one room."


    Furthermore, Hendra explained that the house was the residence of his grandfather, grandmother and mother. Wiryo, Sukma and his mother, Gayatri.


    The main house was completed with strict guards and servants who supervised 24 hours.


    Aruna crossed out the last point and replaced it.


    *Not sleeping in one bed.


    "It''s okay to stay in one room, but take turns using the bed." Aruna suggested in a soft voice tone, trying to calm down against the other person who seemed like a ruler.


    "I''ve never slept on the sofa, not to mention on the floor, but I''ll try, because this is my partner''s request." Hendra then signed the next sheet with the stamp attached there, followed by Aruna. They both shook hands.


    Furthermore, the blue-eyed man went first leaving Aruna, including the food he ordered.


    The dish before him was a serving of Carbonara pasta and Tiramisu as the dessert. It seemed that it was intentionally ordered for one person only.


    ''Not bad for my lunch.'' Aruna thought.


    ''Or could it be meant for my lunch??''


    The ringing of an unknown number made her curious. Aruna didn''t like picking up calls from foreign numbers. She ignored it and continued eating.


    *I am Mr Hendra''s assistant, sorry to disturb.


    After that message, Aruna picked up the phone.


    "I''m sorry, I must have been interrupting your lunch. Oh yes, I forgot to tell you that we have paid for your meal, please enjoy." The voice at the end of there was like a protocol.


    "Thank you." Aruna replied.


    "You''re welcome, Miss. Please read the message that I will send you. I am trying to match some of the agenda requested by Mr Wiryo with Mr Hendra''s schedule."


    "I hope it does not conflict with your schedule. If you have any objections, please immediately contact me and make sure you follow the schedule." Hendra''s assistant carefully explained.


    "Alright." Aruna didn''t want to trouble anyone, yet this was now her responsibility.


    "Any questions?" The assistant asked.


    "What''s your name, Sir?" The voice at the other end was silent for a moment. Hendra''s assistant was surprised when his prospective lady asked an unimaginable question,


    "I''m Surya. I am still 30 years old, not married yet. I prefer to be called Surya only." Aruna smiled hearing Surya''s explanation before finally the conversation on the phone ended.


    Aruna opened the PDF file containing the schedule table and address, even completed with the recommended dress code.


    *Saturday, July 13, 2019, the first meeting, Aruna'' Seminar (La Rose Cafe)


    ''Oh, this one is today.'' Aruna thought. Her today''s activity was on his schedule.


    *Monday, July 15, 2019, 07.00 - 09.00, family dinner, Batik dress code


    *Wednesday, July 17, 2019, 15:30, picked Ms Aruna at campus.


    *Saturday, July 20, 2019, 09:00, fitting wedding dress.


    Aruna stopped reading the schedule. She lethargically placed her phone as well as she had no appetite anymore. She couldn''t believe what happened.


    She would get married soon. Somehow, how could she get married even though she has never been in a relationship in her whole life?


    Shadow of an uncertain future enveloped her. It gave her goosebumps as she was looking at the reality that lay before her.


    She couldn''t even imagine being a conglomerate''s wife and in the next two years to be the Wenceslas family''s widow.


    .


    .


    ____________


    The background of this novel is in one of the countries in South East Asia where customs, norms, and values in those areas very much inspire every character depicted in this story.


    The boundaries of relationship between males and females and the habits portrayed there can be very much different from your own life styles. I hope you can visit and see the places described in this novel and you can witness it yourself their uniqueness and beauty.

 Chapter 3 - A Troublesome Partner I

    Monday was a busy day in the Lesmana family''s house.


    Aruna, who rarely wore make-up, tried to hold back the amusement from the make-up brushes applied to her face.


    The make-up person directly sent by the Wenceslas family several times praised Aruna''s soft skin like a baby. The make-up person''s name was Tya, known as a make-up artist.


    "Don''t be too thick, Sis." Aruna whispered.


    Tya smiled, realising that Aruna was a girl who rarely wore make-up.


    "Take it easy, believe me." Tya applied blush to cover her make-up activities.


    When Aruna turned around to look at herself in the mirror, she really wasn''t sure what to see.


    "Is this me??" Aruna admired herself.


    Tya smiled at Aruna''s behaviour.


    "Alright, now wear this." Tya showed a modern batik dress that was elegant but sweet, according to Aruna''s age.


    "Ah¡­ No... We have prepared clothes. My father ordered clothes for us as a family yesterday, and I want to wear it." Aruna explained.


    "Well... Too bad... This batik is beautiful... If you know fashion, you will not waste it." Tya kept looking at the batik dress which reportedly was a gift from Aruna''s future mother-in-law.


    "Aruna, do you know who made it?" Tya asked a question on purpose to provoke Aruna''s curiosity. Aruna was just ahead of the bracelet.


    "This is Ivan Gunawan''s work." Screeching Tya. And Aruna''s expression is still the same flat, not according to the expectations that Tya expected.


    "Yes.. Never mind. It looks like you are blind in fashion." Tya showed a sad face regretting that beautiful clothes were wasted.


    Aruna smiled mischievously while Tya was busy tidying up her make-up equipment.


    Precisely, at 19.00 the entire Aruna''s family arrived at the Wenceslas Ritz hotel. The hotel once again belonged to the Wenceslas family.


    Aruna''s family walked down the hotel lobby to go up to the 7th-floor. An impressive dining room had been booked and closed to the public.


    One of the assistants who looked familiar with Lesmana, chatted several times in between giving directions. The man had greeted Aruna, and he thought Aruna was Alia.


    Aruna''s sister wasn''t present today, Alia has been unable to control her sadness all day. She cried and endlessly apologized to Aruna who replaced her position.


    Finally, it was decided that Alia should stay at home.


    Meanwhile, on the other hand, Aruna looked very tough. Actually, the girl had been preparing herself since meeting the blue-eyed man, Mahendra.


    There was no other way but to face them all. Aruna was a girl who was good at regulating her emotions. Since elementary school, Aruna had many friends and was a cheerful girl. Even the children outside the housing complex knew her well.


    Her friendly and straightforward habits made the girl grow up to be an easygoing and likeable person. She was slightly different from her older siblings, who prefer to focus on hobbies or school activities.


    "Aruna...." Aruna''s mom whispered a call for Aruna to turn to her.


    The woman immediately tidied up Aruna''s appearance, which was clearly neat. Seeing this, Aruna''s older brother, Anantha deliberately looked away.


    He was interrupted seeing his mother''s behaviour.


    Lately, Anantha always came to Aruna''s room after leaving work. He convinced her sister to stay healthy and trust her.


    Anantha was a young man who spent his youth working crazy, leaving early in the morning and back home late at night almost every day.


    Anantha built a company that houses several online buying and selling applications "Wholesale House" "Capable Farmers" "House of learning" etc. He was so stubborn to develop his company without his father''s help.


    As the best graduate of informatics engineering, Anantha influenced his classmates to join in building his dream. Ups and downs were inevitable, until finally, the investors arrived in the last year.


    Anantha got busier and forgot to go home even more, but lately, Aruna understood the reason. Her brother was the first to suspect about the journey of her family life and Lesmana'' secret that had now been revealed.


    Unfortunately, Anantha was lamenting his slowness right now, because he couldn''t save his sister, Aruna.


    "If something happens to you or you want to run away as far as possible, just tell me. I will do everything for you." Said Anantha to her sister many times with a convincing look and emphasis.


    Anantha''s stubbornness seemed to be transformed into a Kamikaze soldier (The legend of the Japanese brave death soldier).


    Anantha promised to be the front guard if something happened to Aruna.


    ***


    The Jepara teak wood carving door was slowly opened by two hotel maids. The three people inside seemed to slowly stand up and greet them with smiles followed by a man who was no stranger to Aruna.


    He was Mahendra, standing later after an old man deliberately tapped his antique stick slowly. The old man''s face looked annoyed at Mahendra but suddenly changed, trying to show politeness.


    This waa the Wenceslas family. According to a Forbes magazine survey, the Wenceslas Group owner was included in the 3 wealthiest people in Southeast Asia. It took part in the World''s Top 50 Billionaires in 2018.


    Aruna swallowed hard, remembering the articles she deliberately read yesterday. She planned to read those articles to better prepare to face them.


    The Wenceslas family was also a conglomerate. In fact, it made her even more discouraged.


    ''No wonder, clothes and make-up they sent earlier is the celebrity subscription class_ Aruna muttered.


    Lesmana also greeted their smiles by mingling with the old man. Later, Aruna realised that the old man was Wiryo.


    The name that has been ringing in Aruna''s head since her father told about their agreement was Wiryo. In Aruna''s head, he was a man the same age as her father. It turned out that he was almost 70 year-old.


    "Is this your daughter?" The man named Wiryo asked to break the ice.


    "Very beautiful." Wiryo praised Aruna


    "Thank you..." Aruna extended her words. Her mind was spinning for what calls this conglomerate deserved and fit.


    "Sir..." Aruna continued.


    Her call for Wiryo were greeted with laughter from Wiryo, her father, mother and a graceful old woman of Wiryo''s age.


    "Call him grandpa, Aruna." The elegant old woman shook Aruna''s hand, hugged her and gave her a warm smile, as warm as Aruna''s grandmother.


    "I am grandma Sukma." The old woman introduced herself, and Aruna realised that grandma Sukma was grandpa Wiryo''s wife.


    There was another Wenceslas family member that Aruna had just met. ... ... ...


    .


    .


    _______________


    The background of this novel is in one of the countries in South East Asia where customs, norms, and values in those areas very much inspire every character depicted in this story.


    The boundaries of relationship between males and females and the habits portray there can be very much different from your own life styles. I hope you can visit and see the places described in this novel and you can witness it yourself their uniqueness and beauty.

 Chapter 4 - A Troublesome Partner II

    There was another Wenceslas family member that Aruna had just met. She was her prospective mother-in-law who reportedly sent a dress designed by this country''s famous designer.


    A woman with a sad face, graceful and beautiful Javanese character. She has golden skin and black hair in a modern bun backward. Aruna knew from her father that the beautiful woman''s name was Gayatri.??


    Gayatri smiled and shook hands with Aruna. She put on a sad gaze like someone who was miserable but trying to swallow it.


    Aruna tried to guess what Gayatri was thinking. She thought it was maybe because she wasn''t wearing the clothes that Gayatri had given her.


    ''Ah... Maybe that is her everyday facial expression.'' Aruna thought after seeing the calmness of a woman named Gayatri, flat and not showing any prominent activity.


    A moment later, the dish came. From the start of the meeting, Aruna''s parents were so engrossed in responding to the chat with grandpa, grandma Sukma.


    Somehow, others seemed to be busy with their own thoughts.


    Anantha was still attached to his stiff gestures because of his frustration and disappointment with Lesmana and himself was difficult to hide.


    Gayatri looked calm, as calm as a river in the lowlands, but anyone who looked at her seemed to have caught the melancholy in her.


    Aruna couldn''t guess how old she was. In Aruna''s eyes, Gayatri was like a woman aged 30 year-old or a maximum of 35 year-old


    Obviously, it was a wrong prediction where maybe at 9 year-old she has given birth to Mahendra. Hendra was reportedly 2 years above Alia, of course, perhaps she was 27-28 year-old. Automatically, Gayatri''s age ranged from 44 to 45 year-old.


    ''Wow... Impossible.''


    Aruna brushed off her own reverie, matching Gayatri''s age and beautiful face who wasn''t at all match.


    "No wonder Mahendra is so handsome."


    She muttered while glancing at the man who was sitting right on her left. She felt that Mahendra carefully looked at Aruna that made her shocked and quickly justified her seat.


    Aruna''s reflex motion resulted in the spoon on the dinner dessert falling, leaving a stain on her batik midi-dress.


    "You better to go to the bathroom." Mahendra whispered, giving Aruna a suggestion.


    Aruna stood there. She wanted to go to the bathroom. However, the whole room looked at her.


    He just wanted to stand up to go to the bathroom. Was this the behaviour of striking or somewhat wrong?!?


    For a moment, Aruna remembered her personality class with Alia when she was in junior high school.


    "During a formal banquet, even if you want to pee or just go to the bathroom... You should be restrained because it is very disrespectful." Aruna''s teacher explained.


    Aruna''s memory made her immediately sit back.


    And it was true, Mahendra smiled happily, catching an innocent little girl he managed to stop.


    "It looks like we talked too long until we haven''t eaten our food yet." Grandma Sukma tried to relieve Aruna''s tension.


    "Aruna must have finished, huh..." Sukma continued.


    Aruna smiled in response to grandma Sukma''s words.


    "Alright... Hendra, please accompany Aruna to look around here."


    It seemed Sukma caught what just now happened.


    Hendra was forced to follow Aruna out of the room. Right beside the room, there was a fish pond and an artificial garden decorated with beautiful lights. But Aruna didn''t want to go there yet.


    "Do you know where the bathroom is?" A male waiter froze for a moment because of Aruna''s question. He then immediately realised and showed directions in detail, guiding Aruna to the door with the toilet logo.


    Aruna wasn''t the one who made the waiters nervous. It was the male standing beside Aruna that made it difficult for the waiter to breathe.


    Mahendra was the young CEO and sole successor of all existing assets in this skyscraper hotel. The waiter only knew about the CEO from the rumours between employees.


    Today, the star who was gossiped about all the time by his fellow employees suddenly stood in front of him, asked for his service. No wonder, the waiter was extremely nervous.


    Not to mention the news circulated that CEO Hendra was a person who consistently carried out product tests to ensure service quality. He paid certain people to review Wenceslas Ritz Hotel''s service standards.


    If he found out deficiency was due to a human error, then this human error was quickly destroyed¡ªWhoever and wherever the position of office.


    "How long have you been?" Hendra asked, followed by frowning, seeing the stain that had been cleaned by Aruna, leaving a wet area in a circle shape right between Aruna''s thighs.


    "Are you sure will come back with that weird circle?" Hendra asked as a criticism.


    "Ouch... How is this?" Aruna tried to find something.


    She found a magazine near the waiting room. The woman casually wagged the magazine, trying to dry the skirt.


    "You''re a troublesome partner. Come with me..." Hendra walked.


    He had thought Aruna would follow him like most of the people he spoke to. In fact, Aruna was still busy fanning her wet skirt.


    "I said, come with me..." Hendra suppressed his words. Her blue eyes glared at Aruna. Seeing some people also glanced at them, Aruna immediately followed Hendra''s request.


    They both ended up on the 5th-floor in a special lift. Part of the 5th-floor was the marketing office, service, and all staffing activities of this skyscraper.


    Hendra seemed to be contacting someone via his phone. A moment later, a woman dressed in a hotel dress code hurriedly ran to bring a hairdryer to Hendra.


    While following Hendra''s fast footsteps, Aruna observed the office space which was arranged so attractively.


    It was half past 9 PM, and some people still seemed to be working. The people paused for a moment. They seemed to observe Hendra and her who were walking hand in hand. Or in fact, Aruna tried to catch Hendra''s foot speed.


    Her footsteps ended when the blue-eyed man stopped at the door. When that door opened, a room could be seen.


    It was too wide for a pair of black table chairs with a solid impression. In front of it, a soft, comfortable white corner sofa was accompanied by a matching table, contrasting with other colours in the room.


    On the left side of the room was a transparent glass that anyone could directly see Jakarta Night''s atmosphere.


    "Come in... This is my office." Hendra offered.

 Chapter 5 - Striking Difference I

    Aruna hesitantly stepped. Hendra put the hairdryer on the table while showing where the switch was so that Aruna could use it to dry her clothes.


    It was a little clumsy because the hairdryer''s length required Aruna to stand up. She held the bottom of the skirt, bowed her head to make sure the hairdryer blew heat right into her wet dress.??


    The scene was beyond graceful. In fact, it looked bizarre because Aruna''s legs were casually open even though she was wearing a midi dress.


    It was still understandable in Aruna''s mind because she turned her back on Hendra.


    From the beginning, the man took one of his collection books on the bookshelf that stretched to the room''s right. He then sat at his desk and looked focused on reading.


    ''What is he doing?''


    Aruna didn''t realise that Hendra had watched her several times. Hendra really didn''t expect that the girl who would marry him was such a messy girl.


    ''Is it because she (Aruna) is a substitute that makes her far from expectations?''


    How could his perfectionist grandfather prepare a mate for years in the form of a strange girl who likes to smile?


    Hendra''s mind twisted like he was playing a puzzle.


    "Huh... Finally finished. Thank goodness, look at my skirt, it''s now dry!" Aruna excitedly exclaimed, breaking Hendra''s daydream.


    "Turn it off immediately." Hendra asked, who was disturbed by the soft voice of a hairdryer.


    "Ah..." Aruna even accidentally pointed the flaming hair dryer at her face.


    The sudden gust of heat took her by surprise, and a funny facial expression flashed up. Her expression was quite adorable before finally grabbing the end of the hairdryer cable so that the tool stopped.


    "Are you born messy?" Hendra straightforwardly asked a satirical question.


    "Are you born..." Aruna wanted to reply to Hendra''s insinuation but she was stuck on her mind.


    Why should she reply to him? It was useless anyway.


    "Why?! Just continue... I''m not as stiff as my grandfather." Hendra concluded.


    Aruna just shook her head in disagreement. At this point in time, she should be careful with anyone who came into contact with the Wenceslas family.


    However, the unfinished cut of the sentence made the heir Wenceslas annoyed and curious.


    "I''m almost sure, a girl like you is capable of insulting me. Luckily it''s just a false belief."


    Wow, Hendra''s words were really sharp. He was entirely consistent from the first and second meeting.


    ''Like you?!? Oh my god, the young master of heaven.'' Aruna was trying to maintain her sanity.


    ''You were born with a sharp mouth.'' The curse was only reached to the throat.


    "Next time we have a lot of activities together, please reduce your weird behaviour." In fact, the word ''your unique'' was composed by Hendra, but he ended up choosing the word ''weird'' to make it seem unfriendly.


    ''Weird?!?'' Aruna tried to trace her actions from the start of dinner until she reached Hendra''s office. She felt that she didn''t find anything ''weird.''


    "I''m just... Not comfortable with the make-up and clothes I''m wearing." Aruna tried to defend herself.


    The man observed her from top to bottom.


    "Hemm... Could you possibly wear flat shoes because you can''t use high heels?!"


    "Yes."


    ''Oh my God... How crucial is high heels in the Wenceslas family''s life?'' Aruna thought.


    "I knew it." Hendra''s statement stuck out his own winning expression.


    Before adding another spicy sentence, the man stopped to look at his phone for a moment. There was an incoming message on it. While hanging up his phone, the blue-eyed man stood up.


    "Your father and mother have finished with their dinner. They are heading to the 1st-floor. They are waiting there." Hendra stepped out of the room, but not as fast as his arrival.


    "I actually want to discuss some things with you, that''s the reason I brought you to my office. There are some things that we haven''t had the chance to discuss in our first meeting." Hendra explained.


    "Do you mind if I ask for additional time at our third meeting?" Hendra asked. Both of them are currently in the elevator to the 1st floor.


    Aruna observed herself in the elevator glass, one frame with Hendra.


    A striking difference was painted there. Hendra was tall, even his shoulders were just above Aruna''s earlobe. They both wore batik, but the nuance was much different.


    Little Aruna was like a local ethnic accessory, while Hendra was like an imported branded product. Aruna''s logic was not far from what she was struggling with, namely making knick-knacks.


    "You didn''t hear my words, did you?!" Hendra was annoyed to be ignored.


    "Eh ya.. What was that?!?" Aruna awakened from fitting her absurd logic.


    Hendra glanced at her with a sharp gaze combined with an irritated expression. Aruna didn''t dare to look at him directly, but that expression could be seen by the elevator glass.


    The Wenceslas Group''s young CEO, the centre of attention, was never overlooked. Other people always heard and followed his words.


    In less than an hour, he was twice treated like extras. Hendra felt that bad energy would come along with the presence of a tiny woman beside him.


    "Huuuh...." Hendra sighed as the sharp sentences that were being composed stopped in his mind.


    The elevator door opened at the right time, leaving Aruna, who was as quick as lightning, away from Hendra, trying to find her family waiting on the first floor.


    ***


    It was a tiring day, not because of physical fatigue but rather psychological fatigue.


    Meeting the Wenceslas family in person really made Aruna unable to control her behaviour, let alone think clearly. Even the expressions on each member of his family''s faces grew darker.


    The black Alphard, the family''s pride, drove in silence. There was no fanfare of warmth as usual. Even the whispers of the dialogue between her father and mother who sat behind could be heard by Aruna and Anantha, who was driving.


    "What did you talk to Gayatri earlier?!" Aruna''s mother''s voice was small as she didn''t want to be heard by the others.

 Chapter 6 - Striking Difference II

    "What did you talk to Gayatri earlier?!" Aruna''s mother''s voice was small as she didn''t want to be heard by the others.


    "Just want to know how she is, and I hope she can accept Aruna well." Lesmana''s answer brought his mind back to the moment of his conversation with Wiryo''s only daughter, Gayatri.??


    Lesmana took the opportunity to briefly meet his ex- lady. The beautiful, agile and cheerful lady turned into an expressionless girl.


    Lesmana still remembered their time growing up together. The difference was that Lesmana was the assistant who was employed while Gayatri was the master''s daughter.


    "Miss, how are you?" Lesmana greeted when the two of them had the opportunity to talk together after the dinner session.


    "You will be my in-laws, stop calling me Miss. I''ve warned you many times." Gayatri smiled bitterly at the call she rarely heard now.


    "How are you?" Lesmana asked again.


    "As you can see, I''m fine", Gayatri replied briefly.


    "You have changed a lot, I wish you really well." That statement tickled Lesmana. It made Gayatri aware of the direction of her speech.


    "I''m old enough to go back to how I used to be." Gayatri wanted to stop the conversation. But she was disturbed by Lesmana''s question who volunteered to give up his daughter.


    "Why did you leave your daughter to my father ?" Gayatri openly asked.


    "There is no other choice when your father wants something, who can stop it?" Lesmana replied. Gayatri was silent, staring blankly.


    "Let me entrust my daughter to you." Lesmana continued.


    "I can''t promise she''ll be fine. Actually, I''m more disappointed in you that you were involved in long plans for my father." The woman put her hands together, fingers rubbing each other¡ªa habit when she''s worried.


    Lesmana understood her ex- lady''s habits.


    "My daughter Aruna is a strong girl, I''m sure she is adaptable. It''s just that I hope she gets support in her new place later." Lesmana tried to solve his lady''s worries.


    "That''s not the problem, I saw your daughter so young and innocent. I''m sure she doesn''t understand the real situation. I''m more worried about you, you believe you are ready to accept this." Gayatri''s statement was like a bullet that was shot and fell right in the heart.


    A father would surely pass his daughter on to the man he chose. But this wasn''t the way. The heart, liver and all their organs simultaneously ached.


    "I think surrendering my son to my father is the end of my mistake. In fact, there are still people who have to sacrifice." Gayatri had her hands over her chest. A look of worry flashed across her.


    "Can you help Aruna"? Lesmana asked once again.


    "You are the starting point of all these circumstances." Lesmana continued his words, trying to inspire empathy for his interlocutors.


    Gayatri smiled, a faint, sad smile.


    "You are still my best adjutant... Lesmana. How can I ignore your daughter? But your statement needs to be rectified." Gayatri from the start of the conversation, never saw her interlocutor suddenly fix her eyes on her former aide.


    "I am not the starting point of the situation you mean after years of making guesses. Only now I am sure my hunch is right. Your return accompanied by handing over your daughter to our family, is the strategy of my father winning the hearts of the Wenceslas Group board 25 years ago". Gayatri tried to dig into the memory of her interlocutor.


    Lesmana furrowed his brows. He still didn''t really understand what Gayatri was saying.


    "Sorry, I don''t understand what you mean." Lesmana asked for an explanation.


    "Reshape your memories. Did you forget my father has a half-sister?!"


    "Yes, I remember. I just forgot where Mrs Clara and her son were."


    "A stepsister from my grandfather''s illicit relationship. Not being cared for and tread harmless until she comes with her son. A bright young man, more potential than myself, a girl of official descent."


    Gayatri''s words were like a mantra that could dig into forgotten pieces of memory. Lesmana knew the tough times faced by his master Wiryo, when all the boards (shareholders) united to voice his resignation.


    Actually, there weren''t many shares owned by each board member, even scattered in each subsidiary unless they get together and make an agreement.


    Their reason waa really clich¨¦, namely worried about the successor of the Wenceslas family lineage because Wiryo only has a daughter.


    The entire board was, of course, nothing more than the sole proprietorship of the Wenceslas family. Unfortunately, the call was able to shake the Wenceslas Group stability.


    For three consecutive years, the conflict grew and grew and repeatedly sank, finally being entirely resolved in year 3.


    "My father knew Hendra''s presence since he was 2 years old right when your first daughter was born. And soon the conflict was resolved.


    Gayatri''s words were like a sprinkling of salt on the wound.


    "I think Mr Wiryo..." Lesmana''s sentence hadn''t been finished yet.


    "You think he just found out when I came home with my son, right?!" Gayatri asked for a confirmation.


    Lesmana nodded.


    Gayatri came home with her 5-year-old son.


    "After your return, your father asked me to grant this marriage agreement. So it means that all the requests have been prepared." Lesmana''s voice trembled.


    "Even my unreal marriage can be real." Gayatri reminded him that there was no impossibility in her family.


    Gayatri, who was pregnant without a husband when she returned to her homeland, found a different fact. She changed. Her status was now a widow with one son.


    The story engraved in the general public was that she married her classmate at Columbia University and then divorced so that Hendra became the official Wenceslas ''s heir. Proof of marriage, divorce certificate, and even Hendra''s birth certificate were real.


    ***


    ''I have been chosen and prepared from the start, it''s not a coincidence. Mr Wiryo really embodies the ambition of creating the next Wenceslas''s generation.''


    Lesmana staggered out of the car. Anantha immediately helped his father to the room. He refused to call the family doctor. He just wanted to rest.


    "Honey... If only I could hope Alia would accept her matchmaking bond, we have prepared her differently than her brother. Her career leap is proof of her excellent mentality. Whereas Aruna?? I am not sure that our kindhearted little one will be able to face the Wenceslas family."


    During his break, Lesmana became delirious several times.


    Lesmana''s body temperature increased. It seemed he was shocked by the truth.

 Chapter 7 - Casual Style I

    On Wednesday, July 17th.


    ''Oh my god, what is this???


    It was still a hot afternoon, and someone was standing under an old banyan tree right in front of the Tri Pusaka University Design department''s lobby.


    Aruna allowed the cross-blooded husband to come in a casual style so as not to attract attention.


    Some of the girls and their friends stopped around the lobby or were just curious to glance at the tall, sturdy man with different charms.


    "Aruna, did you see it too?" Dea, a classmate, talked about Aruna''s future husband, who was one floor below them.


    This full glass second-floor building was the most pleasant place to enjoy the garden view owned by the Design department.


    "I feel like I just want to disappear." Aruna ramblingly replied.


    "Huh?! What?! Wait, wait, you looked at him and said you wanted to disappear?" Dea''s neuronal puzzles began to move to conclude.


    "Don''t tell me it''s your fianc¨¦?" Dea Larasati was one of Aruna''s best friends among the many friends she was close to.


    Dea had her own place because she was active in social activities together and helped Aruna'' start-up.


    Aruna casually told Dea several times about her worries. This girl seemed ignorant and straightforward on the outside but really respected her friend''s principles and privacy. For this reason, it was easiest for Aruna to tell stories and exchange ideas with her.


    Aruna replied with a small nod slowly like a little girl who was lazy to eat but had to open her mouth.


    "You''d better immediately meet him. If not... more people will be curious." Dea gave an idea.


    "Good." Aruna''s resigned expression accompanied her reluctant steps.


    Aruna''s steps got faster, but slowly stopped for a moment. She decided to contact Hendra via phone instead of saying hello.


    It turned out that the Department Lobby was full of students passing by, and some greeted Hendra with small talk.


    ''Casual Style what!? He attracts even more attention.''


    He wore army brown jeans, a plain white t-shirt combined with a bomber jacket and a round hat and glasses, standing tall and sturdy with perfect posture and clear golden skin, plus a firm chin line gave off an extra aura.


    ''Without even seeing his face, people know he is handsome. The hat?!?".. Oh my god... The shoes... How can he use the Guc*i brand on campus?''


    Aruna was getting annoyed. She immediately pressed the button on the phone.


    "I see you. Soon I will walk in front of you, we don''t need to greet each other, just follow my steps." Aruna snapped.


    "Who are you telling me??!!" Hendra replied.


    "Stop talking to those girls they''re just lip service, but if you like it just go ahead." Aruna chimed in.


    "They just asked me if anyone could help. You know I''m like a bully here, you took so long and one more...." Hendra had not had time to finish what he said. A loud voice was heard.


    "Wow, your girl seemed angry.. Blah blah." Aruna heard several words from the girls on her phone. Then they slowly left to be greeted by Hendra''s sweet smile.


    Aruna closed her phone then walked towards Hendra. Without saying anything, Aruna really walked alone. Hendra was forced to follow her behind.


    A moment later, Hendra''s phone rang.


    "Only five steps difference why you make a phone call?"


    ''How weird this girl is!'' Hendra didn''t understand the girl''s wish.


    "I don''t want to go hand in hand! Slow your steps." Said Aruna.


    Hendra felt cheated. He decided to ignore the sound on his phone, swiftly moved to grab Aruna''s hand.


    "How dare you make me angry?" Hendra''s blue eyes sharply stared while gripping Aruna''s hand.


    The young master who always led the steps, was asked to walk behind to obey the girl''s wish he had only met twice.


    "Whaaa Let me go! It hurts you know..." Aruna reflexively pulled her hand but didn''t move one bit.


    "Please, this is my college and I don''t want my youth to be ruined because of this ridiculous contract marriage." Aruna exclaimed.


    Hendra slowly let her go, realising who he was facing. Yes, a strange, innocent girl with an abstract personality.


    "Where is your car? We''ll talk in the car only." Aruna asked.


    "In the parking lot." Hendra reluctantly replied. She then continued her steps.


    "Wait a minute. This time I''m in front, I don''t like to follow other people, not to mention you." Hendra continued, emphasising.


    "Oh, it''s very important. Who is walking behind whom?" Aruna mocked him.


    Hendra ignored her.


    ***


    Surya smiled, welcoming Aruna when she entered his master''s car. Aruna let out a long sigh. It seemed that Hendra didn''t realise that he annoyed Aruna.


    "Why are you standing in front of the lobby in my departement? I have told you several times. You can pick up on the condition that you wear casual clothes so that you don''t stand out and you should not get out of your car unless you have to." Aruna protested.


    "Look at me, I''ve followed your wishes, I''ve used clothes according to your taste. I got out of the car because I had to too." Hendra calmly replied this time.


    "Forced??" Aruna wasn''t sure.


    "Yes... You took so long. I waited in the car for almost 2 hours." Hendra answered.


    "Why don''t you call me?" Aruna replied.


    "It is not appropriate for someone in the class to get a call. It would be annoying. But I wonder why you took so long. I am more suspicious of whether you are really in class or deliberately ignore me."


    Hendra''s explanation was more correct. To be precise, Aruna was reluctant to meet him, remembering the last time she met this guy was annoying. So she tried to buy time.


    "Do you have a boyfriend on campus? Surely you don''t want your boyfriend to see me right?" Hendra added.


    "Nope ... No ... that''s not it, I don''t have a boyfriend. It''s just that I don''t like my friends talking about it. They''ll be very noisy if they find someone picking me up. Plus why are you wearing that sky brand only to go to campus? That''s tacky you know?"


    "Sky brand?? What is it??" Hendra didn''t have that vocabulary in his mind. His assistant Surya, as usual, gave a spontaneous explanation.


    "The clothes and objects you use are too above average." Surya explained.


    However, Hendra''s expression still didn''t get it.


    "More precisely your style is out of place." Surya changed the words.


    "WHAT...?! What does that mean?? Isn''t this casual style?" Confusion hit Wenceslas''s grandson.

 Chapter 8 - Casual Style II

    "WHAT...?! What does that mean?? Isn''t this casual style?" Confusion hit Wenceslas''s grandson.


    Surya and Aruna sighed, realising any explanation would end in vain. The sky brand was young master Wenceslas''s everyday outfit.??


    "Never mind, let''s just focus. Is there anything that needs to be discussed at this meeting?" Aruna pruned the topic.


    "You two should start discussing the marriage concept from now." Surya explained.


    "Is that fast, Sir? Surya? I''ve just met him twice." Aruna protested.


    "That''s a request from the elders... Hmmm.. I mean Grandpa and Grandma''s request." Surya drove the car more slowly so that the occupants could understand his every word.


    "They want your wedding both to take place soon, I still hope you will confirm the fitting of the wedding dress soon." Surya added.


    "I''m sorry Mr Surya. For Saturday, it seems we can''t confirm it. Saturday, I have a routine schedule with my friend from the Magic Letter team (Aruna''s start-up brand) weekly meeting." Aruna complained.


    Surya smiled.


    "What about Mr Hendra??" Surya deliberately lured his master to comment.


    "Oh yes, I remind you again, don''t call me MR. I am still 30 years old and not married yet." Surya''s words made the two passengers unable to hold back laughter.


    "Please admit it if your face is too extravagant (old)" The laugh, which was initially stifled, now shook every corner of the car.


    Hendra''s expensive expression was beautifully painted with his dimples.


    ''He can laugh too.'' Aruna muttered, catching Hendra''s crisp voice.


    Surya turned the steering wheel to the left, and the car suddenly stopped at the side of the road. Luckily, the traffic from behind was quiet.


    "I applied for permission to finish work early." Surya turned his head back, glaring at Hendra unlike usual.


    "No ACC for your request. You keep working on schedule." Hendra replied.


    Hendra''s dimples once again adorned his face.


    "You''re really too much. At least give me room to repay you." Surya started speaking informally to his master.


    "Oh, sorry Miss Aruna you must be surprised." Surya realised Aruna''s confused expression when he saw the interaction of the two people who suddenly changed.


    "We''re an alma mater on campus. I mean he''s my junior." Surya explained.


    "Oh yes, you need to know. Actually, at that time, because no one dared to be his friend, I was forced to be his friend. And now that many can''t stand being his assistant, I was FORCED to be his assistant." Surya''s wordings were so impressive, a flat but piercing reply.


    "Yes... Of course, Surya could be forced to be an assistant. I was forced to become a wife." Aruna muttered, glancing at the man beside her.


    "Don''t you fall for the words." Hendra felt awkward, being attacked by two people at once.


    "What are you doing? Don''t look at me like that?!? What do you want??"


    It was an unimportant statement. Hendra felt cornered.


    "Aargh... I want to eat... I''m so hungry..."


    Aruna''s exclamation pushed Surya to move his feet, pressing the gas pedal. Their car went faster.


    ***


    They arrived at a white restaurant with a relaxed concept. They literally didn''t speak until the food was left on the table for dessert.


    At first, Aruna thought it was just a coincidence because she and the two men beside her were starving.


    But in fact, when Aruna wanted to open her mouth to start a conversation, Surya pointed his index finger right in front of his mouth then smiled as a rebuke to keep Aruna from speaking.


    "What kind of marriage do you want?" This time Surya started the conversation. The question was once again directed to Aruna.


    "Anything, as long as it is not complicated. Simple and attended by close family and only a few friends." Aruna answered while enjoying her cupcake slices.


    "I think it''s impossible." Said Hendra


    "At least there will be one big party for family colleagues." Hendra added.


    Aruna played with her cupcake as a sign that she was getting restless.


    "How about the wedding dress? Is there a request from you, Miss?" Once again, Surya asked a question that Aruna didn''t want to answer.


    "Anything as long as I don''t need to wear high heels." Aruna briefly replied.


    "Oh yes one more thing, I don''t want the dress to hang long or fluffy. Simple light with a little ribbon." Aruna added.


    "Now I understand. Mr Wiryo''s choice is the most appropriate. Your taste can make the Wenceslas family richer." Surya threw off sarcasm, hoping the other person joined his joke.


    "Oh, sorry." Surya immediately adjusted his focus when the two people in front of him were completely uninterested.


    "Let me list again what we have to discuss." The assistant spoke for himself.


    Aruna blankly stared at the crowd of young people who were eating together. They seemed excited and were joking at each other.


    ''How can I be here and talk about marriage? Oh my God, I will be divorced in 2 years. What should I do?''


    Hendra caught Aruna''s restlessness. It seemed that that blank stare characteristic wasn''t a coincidence, but rather a habit when the girl felt restless.


    "How old are you?" Hendra, who had been watching Aruna, tried to shift his focus.


    "Eh, what?? Age? My age?" Aruna was distracted.


    "I will be 20 year-old. Uhm... I mean in 3 months I will be 20 year-old." Aruna replied.


    That answer made Hendra realise that this unique little girl was indeed talented.


    ''It turns out that she is still very young but has played a role as a speaker in community activities. A little polish will make it grow even bigger. Just need the right mentor and consistency.'' Hendra carefully observed the girl.


    "Oh yes, this is the most important. I almost missed it." Surya cut off the little communication of the bride-to-be from the contract marriage.


    "Miss, Grandpa Wiryo hopes that you design your wedding invitations yourself. It looks like he knows your start-up provides this service." Surya made a request.


    Aruna just shook her head. She felt she wouldn''t be able to do it.


    "Why not?" Hendra didn''t understand what the girl was thinking.


    "It isn''t easy for a designer to do a design project for herself." Aruna''s expression made Hendra aware, especially since he didn''t want this marriage.


    "I''m sure you have a team. It''s not good to refuse this request. Not just to increase people''s insights on your start-up, I''m sure this project will upgrade your brand."


    "And again you shouldn''t ignore the special requests of people who will become your family." Hendra tried to convince Aruna.


    Who knew what made the man interested in persuading her.


    "Uhmm... But I''m the only designer on my team." Aruna explained.


    "I''m sure your team has a solution. Just need a little encouragement, they can definitely finish this project." (They can undoubtedly persuade you) Hendra tried to arrange his words.


    ''If my marriage only results in widow status, the Magic Letter is my last dream to fight for, maybe I need to try it.'' Aruna thought.


    "Give me just 30 minutes on your agenda." Hendra added.


    Aruna glanced at Surya, hoping his support so that Hendra''s request wouldn''t need to be answered.


    In fact, the assistant nodded in agreement. Even though the boss was known for his evil character, it often made others depressed.


    No one could doubt his business instincts. Besides, his strength boosted every division in the mega business, which was inherited for him an individual power that the previous generation had never had.


    "But you can''t reveal that we''re getting married." Aruna requested.


    "Why do we need to hide it? Don''t be ridiculous, be clear on the project." Hearing Hendra''s words, Aruna just looked down in submission.


    "How many invitation items will we be working on?" Aruna asked Surya for an explanation.


    "At least 2,000 invitations, I''m sure more people will come." Surya explained.


    "What?? If we can''t solve it, it could be a blunder." Aruna couldn''t imagine how to work on that many 3D invitations. Most orders so far were only 300 items.


    The order was also in the lobby to reduce demand, selecting certain people who would get a custom 3D Magic Letter invitation.


    "Don''t worry too much. No matter how bad the results are, after we get married, all your needs will be met, even when we separate, I guarantee you don''t lack anything." Hendra tried to read Aruna''s restlessness. It seemed to make matters worse.


    For Aruna, the words Hendra had just conveyed were the most boomerang she was worried about.


    When she had been living with many beautiful dreams and knitted all those hopes with her friends. Suddenly, every effort seemed futile because she was already at the top of the highest mountain.


    Whether successful or unsuccessful, all efforts wouldn''t matter to anyone''s eyes because people only saw her as the daughter-in-law of the Wenceslas family.


    Aruna put on a sour face.


    "Are you still not sure?" Hendra curiously asked about Aruna''s expression.


    "We will pay double whatever the price." Hendra gave his final push.


    Aruna stared at him. Those blue eyes stared back as if he was challenging her to make an immediate decision.


    "Okay, I''ll try." Aruna made up her mind.

 Chapter 9 - The Magic Letter Team I

    The white car that Surya and his master rode was driving fast. They were forced to leave Aruna because the meeting schedule was waiting.


    Hendra had asked Surya to send another car to take Aruna home. In fact, the girl was very relaxed in response.??


    "Just make it simple. There are a lot of Okejek (online ride and taxi application), you guys just go first, I can go home alone." Aruna said goodbye with a sweet smile.


    The girl was different, whether in friendship or business. Hendra was often faced with women who ask for more respect in all things. Sometimes, someone deliberately forced him to take her home, or they were deliberately stalling for their own sake.


    "Surya, do you realise that I lose control every time I face that little girl?"


    "Who? Do you mean Aruna?"


    "Yes... After I thought about what I was doing, I stood in front of the lobby, even had time to pull her hand and argue."


    "Maybe because she''s your future wife so you get carried away." Surya and his boss talked outside of the SOP when they were alone.


    "Can be..."


    Today, Hendra felt more talkative and childish. He was the type of person who found it difficult to chat casually with anyone. He didn''t even care about other people.


    "Next time you need clarification. I''m not your junior. We''re classmates." Hendra ordered.


    "Every now and then I look cool, what''s wrong with it?" Surya made an excuse.


    Although Hendra was three years younger than him, they were actually one campus and one class at Stanford University.


    Hendra picked up a high school classmate to be used as supervision during his college years before his grandfather dispatched more supervisors that must be troublesome.


    Surya had no other choice. Even though he was smart and could enter any campus, Surya realised he came from an ordinary family. Going to an elite high school because of the charity scholarship from Wenceslas''s subsidiaries was a miracle for him.


    Meanwhile, Hendra''s younger age started from his short elementary school days with homeschooling.


    Hendra only got to know school activities at the age of 10 after passing the equivalency test and junior high school entrance test. Therefore, during his junior and high school years, the Wenceslas''s heir was always younger than his peers.


    "What are your plans with Aruna'' start-up?" Surya asked.


    "I don''t know. I almost couldn''t believe why I should help her. She must have a good business before our breakup later." Hendra explained.


    "Again, for your own sake only." Surya replied.


    ***


    "Ah, it drives me crazy. What time is it?? (Feeling like crying)."


    Aruna nimbly ran and opened the door of a two-story shop rented with her friends. The Magic Letter Outlet. Ah, not more precisely, the base of her less busy friend.


    "Hey, wake up..." Aruna kicked Damar''s leg.


    He was a young man who spent much of his free time playing games at the Magic Letter base. It looked like he played all night and fell asleep there.


    "Help me clean up (Ah, I''m going crazy)." Aruna screamed in panic.


    "Oh, I still want to sleep. Open your eyes Aruna. Look, we''ve tidied it up." The man curled up again and lost consciousness (fell asleep again).


    "Wow... You are possessed by a good genie. Where are the others?"


    "Waaah... You are really amazing, my eyes dazzled to see it ¡­ Blah blah blah..." Aruna was incoherently babbling.


    She ran up and down the stairs to make sure everything was neat. It turned out it was already neat.


    This place had never been so clean and tidy in all its life, except for the 1st-floor, a minimalist product display and front officer combined with several seats for the customer, sweet white nuance, artistic but straightforward, almost like a cafe with a modern millennial theme.


    It came from the donations given by Anantha and Alia after their visitation.


    Not to mention the 2nd-floor, it is divided into two rooms. One of them was the creation room. To be exact, the workshop was a mess¡ªthe place where they actually work with paper, beads, scissors, and sticky poetic phrases.


    Everything was neat today. They were beautifully arranged in their place.


    And another room on the second floor¡ªa place with an LCD tv on almost all the time. It was a casual meeting room with a puzzle base, a large oval table with a glass board on one side of the wall to express their ideas.


    This was where they met and relaxed. Usually, there were game sticks scattered about. Not to mention headset and charger cable or laptop were lying down.


    Now all those things mentioned were gone. Maybe those were in the cupboard. Oh, there was still one annoying thing, the big giraffe-patterned pillow where Damar was drowsy.


    "Damar, wake up, until when are you going to sleep?" The man just indistinctly wriggled.


    "I''ll flush you!" Aruna decided to take her drinking water bottle so that Damar was threatened.


    Finally, Damar sat resignedly.


    "Buy a snack or something, our client will come in an hour."


    "Just buy it using Okefood (online food ordering application) I want to take a shower." Damar lazily replied.


    "Hey, the rule is you can''t take a shower here." Aruna reminded.


    Even though they worked together even late, these young people had clear boundaries. As the outlet closes at 21.00, only men are allowed to sleep at the Magic Letter outlet. Except for overtime together.


    It was forbidden to bathe here. The fear was that it would actually be used as a boarding house. They were initially taking a long shower, washing clothes.


    "There is nothing more worthy of me to strive for than you. Let me explain how much I struggled last night to prepare everything for you. I just hope a little ...."


    "You''re going crazy, literature student! TAKE A SHOWER NOW!!"


    Aruna actually threw her water bottle, welcomed by Damar''s winning run. The man chuckled as he descended the stairs to the bathroom on the 1st-floor.


    Damar, a 3rd-year student, majoring in Indonesian Literature. Taking the major because of his talent. Even though he was lazy, the young man always got good grades in every subject.


    His appearance looked messy. His hair was wavy and irregular. He lightly dressed up, but when he tied his hair back, there would be lots of girls admiring him.


    The main reason why this unclear young man was famous was his personal Instagram account.


    With his poetic words and actions as an author, almost every content he created was flooded with likes and comments.


    No wonder he had lots of followers.


    Well, he was the Magic Letter content creator. Even though design wasn''t his forte, it couldn''t be denied that the flood of orders for Love Letters and Broken Heart Letters then developed into other knick-knacks, were started with the charm of each word Damar assembled.

 Chapter 10 - The Magic Letter Team II

    Aruna was still busy with her phone, arranging food orders when two of her best friends came, Dea and Lili.


    Dea looked radiant because of the flower hijab and floral brooch she was wearing today.??


    ''Wow, this girl cares about her appearance.'' Aruna smiled and glanced at her. It looked like Dea caught Aruna''s intention.


    "I''m going to meet my future brother-in-law so I have to give the best impression." Dea whispered.


    "Haish... Stop it. It drives me crazy." Aruna replied.


    "Look at my presentation. I''m not sure this is good." Lili immediately opened her laptop. It looked serious, asking for an opinion.


    Lili was a perfectionist girl with an oriental face. She served as closing customers, especially customers from wedding event organisers.


    At first, she was only interested in marketing, the second party that sold engagement, bridal shower & wedding knick-knacks.


    Because she often worked on orders together, the girl became more comfortable and ended up managing financial reports and marketing.


    Meanwhile Dea, she was the co-founder who started The Magic Letter. In the past, Aruna only had an idea. Since high school, she never realised this idea until one day, her high school friend, who was now a college friend, transformed into a volunteer from the periphery.


    Dea was one of the Bunda Mandiri Sejahtera (BISA) program owned by the Social Welfare Institution. After that, Dea asked Aruna to join.


    Mothers from low economies were trained in various necessary skills, from cooking to crafts. Unfortunately, not many people believe in their abilities.


    For this reason, Dea encouraged Aruna to create a small online business offering handicraft products.


    From the ups and down that they fought together, the Magic Letter concept was born.


    Now the situation was getting better every week. Some projects and requests could be delegated to the BISA community. Dea acted as the quality control.


    After Aruna poured her ideas and work, Dea would transfer it to the BISA community to reproduce as needed. After that, Dea also selected which ones were appropriate and which were not.


    Sometimes some items have to be thrown away because they were amiss or damaged.


    "Brak..." With the sound of the bag being thrown at the same time, the large body fell.


    "Ouch... Tired..."


    Agus Eko Budi was the name of the young man who just came. He was anInformatics student with a standard appearance and a common name.


    Agus was in charge of handling Instagram insights, advertisements and websites that were currently being built.


    "Gus... Where have you been? Did you just run?" Dea brought water for him.


    "That damn lecturer again made me do his personal assignment." Agus grumbled. His fate as a killer lecturer assistant became a topic of conversation over and over again by him.


    "Are you paid?" Said Lili.


    "Yes." Agus softly replied.


    "Don''t grumble if you get paid." Lili''s voice grew irritated.


    "Aaargh, I did it but he is the one who got the recognition. Ah, annoying..." He was a typical student when doing research assignments from their lecturers.


    "Come here handsome (a joke call for the less handsome), so that your heart is not annoyed. Let''s just eat, dear my friend." Damar came with a good smell and neater, bringing Aruna''s Okefood food package.


    "Uh, that''s for guests... Dea, keep the snacks from them." Aruna requested because she was still busy with Lili''s PowerPoint.


    The Magic Letter team was now complete. Five young men with different backgrounds and different tasks.


    The rest of the people hanging around the Magic Letter headquarters must have been one of their friends, especially Damar''s friend. Maybe last night he and his friends cleaned this place up.


    ***


    "Are you sure my appearance is appropriate?!" (not in the wrong place). Hendra chirped before opening the car door. It was greeted by Surya''s crisp laughter.


    "You''re still handsome as usual, Sir." Surya mocked.


    "Don''t tease me." Hendra felt more selective in choosing an outfit after the incident with Aruna''s costume taste.


    The two men joined forces to open the Magic Letter outlet door.


    "Thank you for coming, wait a moment we will be here to serve." The automatic sound from the sensor installed above the entrance by Agus sounded.


    Again, Hendra was surprised by new, unique things.


    Hendra''s first impression when observing the 1st-floor was ''too bad''.


    "Why are their works displayed just like this?" Hendra complained.


    "Their target market is millennials, not concerned with real display, as long as the social media accounts are attractive, it can be ascertained a flood of orders." Surya explained. Hendra couldn''t help but listen to him.


    Soon, Aruna came down to greet them. As usual, the little girl was wearing a casual outfit with her hair in a ponytail. Moreover, She wore Jeans and long sleeve t-shirts.


    "Please, my friends are waiting upstairs." Aruna led the two men down the stairs.


    Previously, Hendra felt strange when he was asked to remove his footwear at the bottom of the stairs. It turned out that the 2nd-floor was full of puzzle mats.


    Hendra even felt awkward when asked to sit down. Surya nimbly took a pillow to sit on.


    "Let me introduce them. They are the magic letter team. The one with hijab is Dea, which is responsible for production and quality control. Lilian handles promotion and marketing, then Agus website and social media. And the last is Damar, he works on material and content."


    Aruna started the meeting.


    "Greetings, I am Hendra, pros..." Not having had time to finish his words, Hendra simultaneously got a painful pinch on his waist with Aruna''s menacing gaze.


    "Pros... Your prospective customer." Hendra haltingly finished his sentence, while enduring the pain from the pinch marks.


    "And this is my assistant Surya, he will explain in more detail." Hendra bestowed it to Surya.


    Surya was confused.


    ''How to explain?!? You guys don''t even want to be revealed... Aargh is troublesome.'' Surya could only swallow his irritation.


    Hendra''s assistant explained the rest. As usual, he was very good at composing words. He sequentially explained starting from the number of orders, the target date and even the plan to pay double if the Magic Letter would take his boss''s project.


    "Without paying double we are definitely tempted by your offer, why are you willing to waste money on us? Isn''t it strange??" Damar casually asked questions.


    "Damar!!" Dea spontaneously called Damar''s name, hoping the man was quiet. Among the others, Dea was the one who knew the real condition.


    "Well, of course it is because of the amount and grace period. We believe it''s beyond your capabilities." Hendra confirmed Surya''s explanation.


    "For other reasons, please ask your founder directly." Those blue eyes now turned to corner Aruna. Aruna could only be sighed deeply.


    "Guys, are you sure you can take it?? If you are sure I will agree too. Otherwise, it won''t be a problem." Aruna immediately asked a question to her team before Hendra made another unexpected statement.


    "Of course I am sure, this kind of opportunity will not come twice. Moreover, our turnover can increase many times." Since earlier, Lili seemed unable to keep looking at Hendra, of course, because of her interest in foreign men.


    What was more, this foreigner was eccentric, had blue eyes and was an Englishman typical. Still, his skin and face were Indonesian masculine.


    Lili immediately agreed without thinking much.


    "This is our chance to build a better system." (The system was neglected due to finance) Agus added.


    "How about you Dea?" Aruna asked.


    For Aruna, Dea''s most important input was that she could measure production capacity.


    "Actually, 2000 pcs in 2 months is not impossible for us. So far, we still transfer it to two mothers groups. If we take it, we can contact other groups." Dea explained.


    "If the locations are scattered, doesn''t that cost money?" Aruna continued.


    "As long as we entrust the work to the BISA community. LKS (social welfare institutions) will help accommodation and even take control." Dea added.


    "But I can''t say yes, before you feel confident Aruna, you, yourself." Dea''s words were personally addressed to Aruna.


    Aruna gave a sincere smile to calm her best friend.


    "Damar, now is your turn." Aruna asked.


    "Everything is okay, I''ll just go with it." As usual, Damar wasn''t very good at refusing.


    "Actually, I''m more curious about both of you. Why are men busy ordering wedding invitations? Aren''t complicated things like this, are women''s favorite?" Damar chirped.


    "Damar!!" The three friends simultaneously shouted as if they wanted to eliminate Damar.


    Dea, Lili, and Agus, couldn''t stop thinking about what his friend said. This was the basic reason why Damar was prohibited from serving customers. Damar even was the only one who didn''t have access as an admin.


    Aruna had not yet had time to make a decision. Damar''s remarks broke her concentration. Aruna could only swallow her saliva, hoping that he wouldn''t get angry with Hendra.


    Hendra''s face flushed red, and he was really embarrassed.


    "Okay, I have to go." Hendra kindly greeted Aruna''s friends, before finally the man descended the steps followed by his assistant.


    Aruna also participated in escorting them to the car door. Hendra stared at her for a moment, then he disappeared behind the windshield.

 Chapter 11 - The Familys Chatting Group I

    Surya didn''t understand why his boss just left. There should be another agenda that needed to be resolved today with his future wife.


    "You shouldn''t come home this soon. Have you forgotten that today is the wedding dress fitting schedule?" Surya tried to remind him.??


    "Ah, I have an important matter. I hope you can schedule it another time." Hendra answered.


    "Important schedule?? Didn''t we already vacate all the meetings?" Surya''s words seemed to be ignored, because he was more busy playing with his phone.


    "What should I say? Surely Grandma Sukma is waiting for your fitting photo." Once again, Hendra ignored Surya''s words.


    "Eh?? What??" Hendra gathered his focus again.


    "Today I want to meet Tania. She''s been waiting for me since morning. Let''s do it next time." Hendra was still engrossed in his phone, not seeing the worried expression on Surya''s face.


    "Sorry friend... Your family paid me not for this. I''ve often helped you, but this time I need to make sure my work is done first." Surya''s voice was stern and earnest.


    He couldn''t stop thinking that Hendra was still seeing her. Tania was a high school friend. It was time to be avoided. Grandpa Wiryo started to smell their closeness.


    "Please come down." Surya actually dropped Hendra on the side of the road.


    Grandma had sent WhatsApp to him. It meant he had to finish his task today.


    "What the hell, you are really so heartless to me." Hendra complained.


    "It can''t be helped, I have no other choice, you can''t fire me either. But your family does." Surya opened the car door for Hendra.


    Surya put on a fake smile to make his boss uncomfortable and got out of the car.


    "What should I do?? Tell another driver to pick me up here." Hendra asked.


    "Are you sure they can keep your secret?" (Keeping your meeting with a woman named Tania a secret)


    Surya narrowed his eyes, emphasizing that Hendra couldn''t ask the Wenceslas family driver.


    ***


    "Thank you for coming, wait a moment we will be here to serve."


    The automatic sound from the Magic Letter outlet''s door could be heard twice, which meant that Surya has opened and closed the door twice as well.


    Somehow, there was no sign of anyone coming to see him. Maybe the young people were busy on the 2nd-floor. He then decided to approach the 2nd-floor stairs.


    Sure enough, as expected, there was a faint noise from above. Surya made up his mind to climb the stairs.


    It looked like Aruna was talking about the original owner of the invitation that the Magic Letter team would work on, her own wedding invitation.


    The noise was getting more precise. Aruna''s friends were even more shocked by the sudden marriage that happened to Aruna.


    "Are you pregnant??" One of her friends asked a question without further ado.


    "How could she be this innocent? Pregnant??" Another friend replied.


    "Aargh... Shut your mouths. Aruna already said that it was an ARRANGED MARRIED!!" Surya remembered the speaker named Dea.


    Surya was fixated on the umpteenth rung seeing the commotion before his eyes.


    "To be matched with such a handsome man, who can resist it? The instinct of any woman will be willing to live it." The one who spoke this time had an oriental face.


    "This is not about being happy or not, but more about Aruna having to do it." Again, while putting on an annoyed expression, the hijab girl made a defence as if she understood the situation the most.


    "Can you guys not make a fuss and just focus on the wo¡­?" Aruna had not yet had time to finish her words, she was stunned to see Surya''s figure standing there.


    "Aaaa... !!" The hijab girl screamed in surprise when she traced Aruna''s eyes and found a smiling person standing on the steps right behind her.


    "Is he your future husband??" A big man carelessly talked.


    "Isn''t that his assistant?" Lili straightened out.


    "Is there anything left behind?" Aruna wanted to know why Surya was back.


    "Oh no, I purposely picked you up. I hope you remember that today there is still a clothes fitting schedule." Surya reminded her.


    Aruna realised that she forgot that. She then stood, looking for her bag.


    "Only you two? Is the blue-eyed man downstairs?" Damar asked Hendra.


    "No, he already has another schedule."


    Surya''s reply was greeted by the tall young man''s frown expression. Damar jumped with Aruna''s footsteps. He passed Surya and walked faster than the two of them.


    "I am coming along."


    Who knew what was inside Damar''s head.


    "A man and a woman coming together, that''s not nice." Damar added, looking for excuses.


    "Hey... I''m not matched because I''m pregnant." Aruna felt the need to straighten out whatever was on Damar''s head.


    "I know, I just want to act as your assistant." Damar was standing in front of the car door.


    "Assistant, please open the lock." Damar asked Surya. Surya then pressed the button on the car key, the sound "bib" was heard.


    "Please enter the car, Miss." Damar mimicked Surya''s speaking style.


    ''This man is really annoying.'' Surya murmured.


    "Don''t make me shy." Aruna entered the car and was followed by Damar. She couldn''t help but giggled at her best friend''s behaviour.


    "I want to act as your assistant. Isn''t he also the blue-eyed man''s assistant?" Damar replied, as if his innocence was sitting beside Aruna.


    "My boss''s name is Hendra." Surya slightly stabbed the intonation, indicating that he was starting to be disturbed by the outrageous behaviour of a young man named Damar.


    "Oh yeah, that person meant." Damar''s statement accompanied Surya''s movement to control the car.


    ***


    After walking through the hustle and bustle of Jakarta''s streets, they stopped at a boutique with a classic concept.


    Several wedding dresses, from modern to traditional, were neatly arranged on the mannequin. Surya immediately greeted one of the saleswomen. It looked like they had made an appointment.


    The saleswoman rushed inside. A few moments later, she came out with a stylish looking man with an LV scarf draped around his neck.


    The man seemed familiar. Aruna felt that she had seen her on infotainment that aired every afternoon.


    "Oh... Mr Hendra... So happy, finally I can meet you." The man put on his sweetest smile then hugged Damar.


    Aruna couldn''t control her laugh, finding Damar stunned, receiving a misdirected hug from the designer.


    "Sorry, Dede, Mr Hendra is not yet able to attend, please introduce... Miss Aruna and her friend." Surya immediately cleared up the misunderstanding.


    Ah yes, Aruna just remembered that the designer was named Dede Budiardjo. She immediately welcomed Dede''s greeting.


    The three of them were asked to go up to the 2nd-floor. It looked like the room on the 2nd-floor was a VVIP room.


    A saleswoman with a charming face stood up straight with a friendly smile, directing the three of them to sit on a comfortable soft sofa.


    Surya seemed engrossed in chatting for a while with Dede. Not long after, Dede asked Aruna to follow him. Aruna aimed at several white wedding dresses that were ready to be tried on.


    The dresses still looked complicated in Aruna''s eyes. Just seeing the cut, Aruna knew that every dress required her to wear high heels so that the dress was more charming.


    Aruna chose the simplest one among the others. It was a white dress with ribbon back and a little bit of beading. Its tail wasn''t long, a dress that fell dangling beautifully.


    Somehow, she wasn''t sure that her body would be beautiful.


    Dede frowned, but he couldn''t do anything about it.

 Chapter 12 - The Familys Chatting Group II

    Dede frowned, but he couldn''t do anything about it.


    "Miss Aruna, please choose according to your taste this time, but let me try to provide the second dress." Dede was a little worried about Aruna''s choice.??


    The girl entered the fitting room, assisted by two saleswomen. She then asked to stand at a point, and slowly, the curtain in front of her opened.


    It turned out that the curtain was leading to the soft sofa earlier.


    Aruna stood awkwardly stiff. She didn''t know whether to smile or cry at this time.


    "Look at me for a moment, Miss." Surya was busy taking Aruna'' self-portrait.


    "1 2 3, smile..." Hendra''s assistant tried to take the best photos.


    A forced bitter smile adorned Aruna''s face. Right in front of her, Damar sat watching. The man had caught something unusual.


    ''Matchmaking marriage is torture for anyone. Is Aruna also being tormented?'' Damar threw a smile of encouragement. The man raised his index finger and thumb to form a love sign that he was giving Aruna support.


    ''There are couples that end up happily, even though it starts from an arranged marriage right? Damar thought.


    ''Ah, never mind who I am. Aruna has decided to accept it. It means that there is no hope for me.'' Damar would fill the array of perceptions in his head.


    Not long after, Aruna disappeared behind the curtain and returned with a different dress.


    This time, it wasn''t only Surya who was excited about taking photos. Damar was also stunned by Aruna''s different charm.


    The dress that Aruna wore revealed cleavage, but didn''t look exposed because the brocade was beautifully knitted down to the neck, and its bottom expanded.


    Aruna was like a princess emerging from a flower bud, adorned with a gorgeous flower veil.


    Surya was delighted. After a while playing the phone, the man''s face went from happy to suddenly turned into panic.


    "Please help Miss Aruna sit down, don''t take off her dress yet." Surya conveyed his wish on the phone.


    "Hendra, you have to come here soon!! Grandma questioned you. I don''t know what to answer!!" Oh, it turned out that Surya called his boss.


    "I just started eating, you take care of yourself. I told you to set the schedule at another time." Elsewhere, Hendra has just started eating the dish he ordered.


    Hendra seemed lazy to grant his assistant''s request. Moreover, he was with Tania. For nearly a month, they didn''t have the opportunity to meet.


    "It can''t be helped!? I have to finish my work." Surya replied.


    "How important are clothes fitting??" ( It''s just a formality) said Hendra.


    "You, read it yourself in the family group, I will not reply to anything. Grandma most likely will call me, unfortunately if I pick up I can only buy a little time until you come."


    "I''m sure she will soon request a video call with you." (It''s easy for me to find an excuse not to pick up the call from Grandma Sukma, but it will end differently for you, Hendra) Surya warned his boss. He did it many times today.


    Regarding the family group, Surya was the only personal assistant who joined the 4-member Wenceslas group. Grandma Sukma, Grandpa Wiryo, Gayatri and of course, their favourite grandson Mahendra Wenceslas.


    Surya''s presence was precious because the only grandson never cared about the group. He more likely just read the chat contents if there was a request.


    Somehow, the group was created at the initiative of Grandma Sukma to make it easier to get information about the Wenceslas family member''s activities, especially her grandson Mahendra.


    Finally, it was decided that Surya, who represented Hendra, to update the schedule of activities and answer questions about his boss.


    "Ah, shit." Hendra immediately grabbed Tania''s car keys, asking the woman to follow his steps faster.


    The three Wenceslas family members questioned the photo of his clothes fitting in the WhatsApp group. The thing that worried them most was Wiryo, the silent reader, also questioned him.


    ''If he suspects, Tania or I can end up here.'' Hendra realised that even he wouldn''t be able to go against his grandfather''s will.


    Wiryo has firm control in all sectors. In Hendra''s eyes, his grandfather was able to get rid of anyone, even his own grandson.


    Hendra immediately climbed the stairs to the fitting room. Hendra simply ignored Dede''s greeting. He focused on wearing a tuxedo that matched Aruna''s.


    "Am I late?" Hendra confirmed the situation to his assistant.


    "Just finish it first." The two salesmen helping Hendra straighten his tuxedo were in a panic and a rush.


    "Why did you bring him here?" Surya anticipated the arrival of a new problem with Tania''s graceful footsteps up the stairs.


    The woman who worked as an artist mingled on the sofa with Damar.


    "There''s no other choice, I use her car." Hendra was looking for a defence.


    "You give me a headache." Surya complained.


    Hendra was now standing near Aruna. This tall and well-built man really matched the tuxedo he was wearing.


    Aruna lazily glanced at him when Hendra approached her to take photos. In fact, Dede specifically asked his employees to photograph them as a private collection.


    After the photoshoot was over, Aruna really felt her life regrouped. The bulging clothes and high heels that the saleswoman forced her to wear had completely separated her body.


    High heels were a tremendous threat. Actually, a few minutes ago, Aruna almost got hurt by it. Her balance was lost when she was asked to stand up from her seat and then move a few steps to get the right photo angle.


    Aruna didn''t know how to deal with the fuss when the high heels stepped on her own dress.


    Fortunately, Damar, who had been watching Aruna, immediately ran to catch Aruna''s body. Hendra, who was near her, didn''t even realise that the girl was going to fall.


    The incident suddenly made Hendra and the people around him pay attention to Aruna''s every move. Hendra grabbed the girl''s shoulder so that she could stand up straight several times.

 Chapter 13 - Lurking I

    "You must be thirsty." Damar guessed Aruna''s tired face, who fell down beside him.


    Damar opened his water bottle, handed it to the ponytail girl. Aruna nodded as she answered him. Damar''s sweet treatment attracted Hendra''s attention.??


    ''Is he Aruna''s boyfriend? Hmmm... (mysterious smile) It means we are balanced. There won''t be a problem. She and I both have another man and woman.'' Hendra noticed the two young people''s movements.


    Hendra just didn''t know that Damar and Aruna had a one-sided love relationship. The relationship built on the foundation of friendship made Damar shackled to just declare his love for Aruna.


    They ended in their respective perspectives. For Aruna, Damar''s sweet treatment applied to all women. Understandably, this literary student was good at composing words, and his work was spreading the silly virus to many girls.


    The victims fell countless times. That was the rumours circulating.


    ***


    "You guys eat with me first, then I''ll take you home." Surya was confused about where to start the conversation.


    "Aren''t you interested in introducing myself, Surya?" The beautiful artist was sticked to Hendra.


    Surya irritated seeing her. Didn''t she realise that her boss''s future wife was among them?


    "I have to introduce you as what? Artist? A High school friend? Or something?" Hendra''s assistant shows his saturation.


    "You still like to bother me?" Tania smiled sweetly. She really shined with her ideal body and feminine fashion. Ah, very far from Aruna.


    The woman''s presence didn''t disturb Aruna''s calm at all. She even suspected from the very beginning that the marriage contract was made. Aruna believed the reason was the woman beside Hendra.


    "I''ll go with Tania, you take care Aruna and him." Hendra stood up. It wasn''t suitable for him and Tania to be seen together openly.


    Moreover, this boutique was a place where Tania''s friends regularly ordered dresses.


    "Wait a minute, I still don''t agree with the dress." Aruna was more annoyed by the fluffy dress than the complicated relationship between the five people around her, including herself.


    "Miss Aruna just submitted her request yesterday so Dede prepared the existing collection first." Surya gave an explanation.


    Hendra immediately asked Dede to specifically communicate with Aruna. With pleasure, the famous designer listened to the expectations of his VVIP customers.


    He also included some additional questions. Did you like flowers? What colour did you prefer? Pearl or rock crystal? And so forth.


    "I can''t stay here long, Surya" Hendra whispered to his assistant.


    "Just go, Aruna come home with me." Damar didn''t intend to eavesdrop or anything, but the two men were right in front of him. They simultaneously turned their heads.


    "I disagree, just drive her home. Much safer." Hendra delivered his instructions to Surya, but his gaze was on Damar.


    "Try asking directly to Aruna, she must be more comfortable coming home with me." Damar was very confident in his expression because he knew who Aruna was.


    "Like you, who want to go out with that woman." Damar added a word of resentment with his trademark expression, an expression usually he used to break the hearts of bullies.


    ''Ouch, this man is really dangerous. He doesn''t know who Hendra really is. Aaargh what should I do?? My life is tough today.'' Surya complained.


    Fortunately, Aruna has finished with Dede. The girl took her bag. Damar stood, following Aruna''s motion.


    "Thank you very much for today, Damar and I can go home alone. We will go first." Aruna exclaimed.


    "Are you sure you''re fine going home with that man?" The expression of the word ''man'' was implicitly referring to Damar.


    "I knew him for two years, not two weeks." Aruna threw a sweet smile at Surya and Hendra. She even shook Tania''s hand and introduced herself for a moment.


    "Aruna." She greeted Tania.


    "Tania." Tania had time to tuck her beautiful hair behind her ear, an expression she presented to make it look dazzlingly beautiful.


    "See you." The little girl was completely unfazed, waving down the stairs.


    Damar walked over while glancing at Hendra and releasing a fake smile full of triumph.


    ''What are they doing?''


    Hendra was accustomed to being respected by thousands of Wenceslas Group employees. No one even dared to go against his request, let alone throw innuendo directly at him. And now, two young people who just became known were bringing it up openly.


    "Tania, you go home alone." Hendra handed over Tania''s car key.


    "I still have a need, next time we meet again." Hendra entered his own car. Surya was surprised by Hendra''s decision.


    ''What else is this?? Why did he suddenly change his mind? Surya had asked where they were going this time. No answer. Hendra was busy calling someone.


    ***


    "Make sure you watch them! If necessary, take their pictures and videos! Report to me any time!" Those were the only words Surya could hear.


    ''Who is watched by hendra??'' Surya wondered what was so severe that he didn''t want to be separated from his phone.


    "Yes, definitely not far from the boutique."


    "That''s right, a long sleeved shirt with jeans."


    "Just send the photos." Surya heard Hendra''s voice once again.


    Not long after, his boss was busy with his phone and was busy checking some pictures.


    "Please answer me a moment, we go to the office or return to the house." Surya asked.


    "Go to the office, I''ll rest at the hotel." Hendra answered.


    "Ah, what the hell are you saying now." Surya turned the steering wheel covered in annoyance. The assistant was getting tired.


    "Banggg." Hendra''s phone fell. Surya glanced at him, resetting the speed of the car.


    ''Wait? What did he just see?? Oh my God..'' Surya realised why Hendra had been unfocused.

 Chapter 14 - Lurking II

    "Banggg." Hendra''s phone fell. Surya glanced at him, resetting the speed of the car.


    ''Wait? What did he just see?? Oh my God..'' Surya realised why Hendra had been unfocused.??


    A flash of shadow on Hendra''s phone answered all of his assistant''s curiosity.


    "Are you serious, Hendra ?? You sent people to stalk Aruna and Damar."


    "Baha..ha..ha..." Surya was completely lost in thought. He lost control of not laughing. In fact, he forgot the SOP as Hendra''s personal secretary.


    "Get off from the car!!" Hendra bluffed.


    To be honest, Hendra''s face turned red because he was hit by shame. But there was no other way to deny his embarrassment other than to show his fangs that he was the boss.


    Hendra realised that what he was doing was madness. Unfortunately, his feelings of challenge and curiosity tricked him.


    "Ah, I''ll send you my resignation letter then¡­ Just see." Surya''s bluff was ignored in the slightest.


    Hendra pulled him out of the driver''s seat. The car sped away, leaving a screaming person shedding emotions and feelings of fatigue on the side of the road.


    ***


    "Damar, can we eat there, please?" The two friends walked to the nearest fast-food restaurant from the boutique.


    "Did you forget I don''t like chicken?" Damar questioned.


    "You eat Beef Burger, and I eat fried chicken. Ya...??"


    Aruna knew that Damar really didn''t like fast food. For Damar, the home taste of street food was much better than this.


    "I''m hungry." Aruna put on a pleading expression while stroking her stomach.


    "Yes, alright." Damar resigned and couldn''t refuse every time Aruna showed that expression.


    Now, the two of them were enjoying their meals while chatting casually according to their habits.


    Without realising, someone took some photos and videos from a distance¡ªthe mysterious man sent by Hendra.


    "Should I order an OkeCar right now?" Damar played his phone, seeing that their meal was running out.


    "No, I don''t want to go home yet. I want to play first." Aruna requested.


    There was an uneasy line etched on the girl''s face. Damar caught him, the young man quickly stood up to grab Aruna''s hand, asking her to walk faster, and pointing to the Trans bus stop.


    The bus was almost leaving the bus stop when they arrived. Fortunately, they could still chase it.


    The bus was overcrowded, leaving one Hand Holder, the taller Damar grabbed it with one hand and the other held Aruna''s body to make sure the girl was safe. Once again, a stalker took their picture.


    It was unusual for the girl to let Damar hold her. Aruna always protested when Damar liked to joke as if he would hug her or just rested his hand on Aruna''s shoulder. But this time, Aruna was blank, frozen.


    ''Why is Aruna so restless? Shouldn''t I be the one who shattered to pieces today?''


    Damar closely watched Aruna. The girl just looked down earlier, like being depressed.


    Damar himself had no idea where to go dow, and how to cheer her up. He glanced at the street outside. Several mall buildings adorned the roadways.


    ''Ah, Aruna doesn''t like to visit the Mall.'' Damar realised that generally, women of Aruna''s age like to entertain themselves by going to the Mall. Unfortunately, it didn''t apply to Aruna.


    ''Where should I take her??''


    Damar looked around until he found a skyscraper that made his eyes sparkle.


    ''It looks like this would be a good idea''


    In a frantic mood, Aruna gave in when Damar pulled herself down the sidewalk and stopped at one of the skyscrapers. Shopping centres, hotels, apartments and offices were there..


    "Where are we going?" Aruna asked, confused.


    "Just follow me." Damar smiled sweetly to reassure his friend. But Aruna was reluctant to enter.


    "Take it easy. I know what you like and not."


    There was no reason for Aruna to reject Damar. She was also reluctant to go home. Finally, she decided to follow Damar''s wishes.


    The two of them took the elevator to the top floor. Aruna didn''t expect the man to take her to a luxury housing complex on top of a multi-storey building.


    Aruna had heard of it but had never seen it. And that was interesting. The girl immediately ran along with the beautiful view of Jakarta from above.


    Several garden chairs and minimalist trees adorned the path in front of them. Aruna stood there staring at the expanse of flickering lights, the pulse of the metropolitan city.


    "Thank you, Damar. It''s beautiful." Aruna glanced at her best friend, who was approaching her.


    "You like it?" Damar asked. Aruna nodded with a bitter smile.


    "I''ll be standing here for a while, I hope you won''t mind." Aruna conveyed her request without looking at Damar. Her gaze blankly towards nowhere.


    In that instant, Damar felt that time had stopped for a moment for him. His breathing was heavy, and his chest was utterly tight, as if a sharp object had stabbed him right in the heart.


    ''I even broke my heart before confessing love. Am I just going to stop here?!''


    Damar looked at the girl he adored for 2 years. There was no hope for him to have, but not everyone has the right to voice their hearts¡ªthe right to confess his love.


    The man unconsciously walked towards Aruna and hugged her from the side. He then petted Aruna''s head, holding her to his chest.


    "There''s nothing to worry about, here I am everything will be fine." Damar whispered, smelling Aruna''s hair.


    Aruna was surprised that her eyes widened in disbelief.


    ''What is this man doing?!?''


    Spontaneously, her elbow lifted and landed on Damar''s stomach.


    "Ouch..." Damar complained.


    "My feelings are messed up and you''re still teasing me." Aruna protested, smiling resignedly and irritated together.


    "Did I look joking?" Damar didn''t smile his usual humorous smile.


    He really has made a heart. No matter how bad it would be.

 Chapter 15 - Chaniagos Love Confession I

    Damar, Danu Umar Chaniago, the word Chaniago clearly showed that the man familiarly called Damar came from Padang.


    Damar''s mother was originally from Padang, while his father was Sundanese. Of course, his sweet face was dominated by his mother''s genes.??


    The eccentric young man had a sharp nose and attractive eyes. He lived in the care of a single parent that made him more mature, and that was what made him have a simple outlook on life and to the point language style.


    For someone like Damar, deciding to join the Magic Letter team was something extraordinary.


    The space in his mind believed that the way of life was the absolute right of each individual, making it difficult for him to commit to or join groups, including the Magic Letter team.


    His decision to join was easy to guess. It was because he had personal interests. An interest that made him paralyzed from all indifferent expressions.


    He happily gave himself up to be tied up, adoring, believing and no status, without even having time to express his feelings.


    The line of his love stopped when his idol girl pounced on his heart with a sharp knife through words.


    "I''m getting married."


    "Arranged marriage by the family."


    "Actually, the project we will be working on is my own wedding invitation."


    ''WHAT??'' His heart screamed, scattering the ruins of the imagination of the love he built.


    ''I''m surely having a nightmare.''


    Damar realised that his love story, which he wrapped with friendship, would one day transform like an atomic bomb.


    It exploded unbearably when it was at rock bottom. But execution like this was far from predictable.


    The worst thing in his imagination was that Aruna rejected his love confession that had been prepared for 17,520 hours, 63 million seconds. That was all.


    In his wildest imagination, Damar believed that the girl he adored in his late teens wouldn''t be able to get out of the zone he had built.


    Wasn''t that every man who showed interest in the queen in his heart has fallen because of his skill in eliminating opponents?


    His memories were still strong when a boy named Dio, he was destroyed and chose to leave.


    "Why bother sending us food?"


    "Do you think we are beggars?" The words Dio received when he often sent food to the Magic Letter outlet.


    "If in the end Aruna noticed you, maybe out of pity."


    And other sharp words that dispelled hope. Hundreds of strategies he devised to blockade his competitors.


    ''Karma? Is this bad?!''


    Damar was unsure when someone from a somewhere else dimension came like an alien stealing his lover, just taking her hostage.


    The blue-eyed man seemed to have superhuman strength, appearing without warning, and breaking through the defensive wall he had painstakingly built up. He lost severely without reply.


    ''I even broke my heart before confessing love. Am I just going to stand here??''


    The girl who broke his heart was pensive there. There weren''t 10 steps away from him. Her hair was waving like a swinging hand asking to be welcomed. Her physique slowly moved, controlled by her overwhelming feelings.


    She was sad, an undefined sadness. Those empty eyes, and deadly freezing point, were all mixed.


    When someone''s heart was broken because their lover belongs to someone else, at least there was a sense of pride ''I can''t have you, but I bring you happiness'' or ''Let me get hurt as long as you are happy. That was a love story written thousands of times by writers.


    But not so with his love story.


    ''This is too cruel.'' That little whisper strengthened Damar to touch Aruna, holding her in a hug.


    Aruna''s scent spontaneously turned into a magnet, pulling his nose to take a more in-depth inhale of the hair that had been humming to him.


    "Ouch..." Damar realised.


    A light blow to the stomach gave a statement.


    ''Are you drunk Damar?!'' The girl gave him a tired look.


    "My feelings are messed up and you''re still teasing me."


    "Did I look joking?" Damar made up his mind, believing this second was the most critical part.


    He was ready to transform into an atomic bomb. How chaotic the results were, he had already lost. So he would admit this crazy defeat.


    "Damar... Your gaze scared me." Aruna backed away from Damar''s grip, which was getting stronger.


    "Tell me, how to make you happy." Damar asked


    "Damar, what''s wrong with you? I don''t want to joke." Aruna realised that this man often threw poetic sentences, but with a different expression.


    He was about to turn witty when Aruna gave a warning. But this time, the man''s eyes turned red, and his body trembled.


    Aruna stepped back and was cornered on a lawn chair.


    "May I ask you a few seconds, Aruna?" Aruna frowned as if she didn''t understand Damar''s meaning.


    "Please listen to my words, but after that I hope it does not add to the burden on your mind." Damar dared to look at Aruna.


    Aruna held her hand. In that instant, she realised something. She realised that someone eventually has fallen in love with her. She was touched by that.


    "I love you, since the first time you woke me up." Damar brought Aruna to memories two years ago.


    When she dared to disturb the sleep of his famous cold senior. The man sleeping in class often ignored the warnings of his friends and lecturers to just wake up and listen to lecture material.


    And Aruna gathered the courage to whisper something.


    "Damar, I have an interesting offer for you. Get up, you will not regret it." Then Damar woke up. He found the girl smiled sweetly at him.


    Aruna sat up, remembering it. She didn''t expect that the offer to join the Magic Letter team, which Damar accepted, easily turned out to be tucked into the meaning behind everything.


    Aruna''s tears fell. She couldn''t be held back anymore. It wasn''t just Damar''s love confession that made her confused. But the burden on her heart that she swallowed herself, suddenly overflowed unable to be contained.


    Her dreams, her way of life and even her feelings weren''t hers at this time. She already pawned all that for her family, for the happiness of her sister Aila, for Anantha''s smile, for Lesmana''s health and the mother''s peace of mind.


    Aruna''s determination was unanimous. There was no compromise. When Aruna made a decision, it meant that Aruna would do her best, just like when she decided to start the Magic Letter.


    To come to terms with the situation, the first step was to find the best way. That premise has become the foundation of Aruna''s life.


    She was always trying to be a good girl, because that was the best way. And this time, she was challenged to defend that principle.

 Chapter 16 - Chaniagos Love Confession II

    She was always trying to be a good girl, because that was the best way. And this time, she was challenged to defend that principle.


    ***??


    "Stop Aruna, you make me regret it." Damar whispered, wiping the tears streaming down Aruna''s cheeks.


    Aruna was stunned for a moment when she realised that man was kneeling in front of her. Peeking at Aruna between the fingers covering her face, Damar lowered her hand several times to rub the girl''s cheek.


    When her mood had calmed down, the girl took a deep breath. She then emptied her tight chest.


    "Damar, I know for sure this is hard for you. However, I can''t give you anything. My life path has been arranged and I''ve decided I will live it the best I can." Aruna carefully answered.


    Damar looked down, holding Aruna''s knee, like a knight stabbed by a sword in the heart. The man''s eyes became even redder, burning as if to beg for something.


    "Huh." Damar gasped in disbelief.


    "Even when you know he only used you?" Damar coaxed Aruna, reminding the ''He'' who wasn''t worth mentioning, has another lover.


    "My situation is not that simple Damar, it''s about saving my family. I''m sure he also went through the same difficulty." Aruna stroked the man''s hair, trying to calm him down.


    "Can I ask you a little hope?" Again, the man pleaded. Maybe he could accompany Aruna, like that artist accompanied Aruna''s future husband.


    Aruna shook her head, making sure there was no chance for Damar to hope.


    "Even though my marriage, it may only last 2 years. I will not give you a chance." Aruna confirmed her words, making sure Damar understood.


    However, Damar''s expression suddenly changed, as if there was still hope.


    "No Damar, I will not let you wait for me." Aruna confirmed once again that Damar didn''t stand a chance.


    "I can do it." Damar replied. Aruna stopped the rhythm of her touch from Damar''s hair.


    "That''s enough, let''s just go home." Aruna felt really tired.


    "Fine, I won''t beg again. But give me a reason that makes sense. Why don''t you give me the slightest chance?" Damar got up, then sat on a bench park with Aruna. He didn''t want her to be depressed.


    "I don''t want any hearts hurt after this, which pushed me to this point. Because I want to save some people''s hearts. I think so. It all ends in me. In fact there are still hurt. And that''s you, Damar." Aruna recalled how painful it was to see Alia''s and Aditya at that time.


    "Two years is not a short time. I don''t want to be selfish, holding you hostage with false hopes. There will definitely be a lot of stories coming your way. I hope you will open up to anyone who comes after this." Aruna glanced at Damar, touching the boy''s hand, and making sure that he could get through this.


    "Literature students are good at making people fall in love, I''m sure you''re also good at moving on." Joking, Aruna put her shoulder on Damar''s arm.


    "I will follow your words. But on one condition." Damar''s request was full of confidence.


    "Just give me a day of your time, as compensation for the 17 thousand hours I mortgaged for loving you." Damar chirped.


    "There''s such compensation??" Aruna replied. She felt more relieved. Damar''s expression had returned to normal.


    "There is." Damar casually answered. The two friends went down the multi-storey building on the way home.


    "If I say yes, what do I get??"


    "You can position me as your best friend back, without being awkward. And I won''t demand more." Damar''s answer was full of determination.


    ''If I can''t have you, or lead you to happiness. At least I can turn it into a sweet memory of your teenage years that she will give a small smile when remembering it.''


    Damar understood Aruna''s situation. Maybe after this, there would be tough days for Aruna. Married to a man of love. Isn''t that the same as entering the gate of a building that is ready to collapse?


    "Good."


    Aruna thought for a long time. She finally decided to accept Damar''s request right before she waved her hand, then slipped into the white fence assisted by the family security guard.


    ***


    At the other end, the CEO was monitoring the computer screen, as if he didn''t want to blink. He checked out every video and photo that his subordinate sent him. His mouth was shut, and his mind wandered through space somewhere.


    "What are these two people talking about??" The statement swirled in his head, without answering. It made him even more curious and disgusted with himself.


    ''What am I doing??''


    ''Why am I silly like this??''


    Hendra rubbed his face, cursing himself repeatedly for unreasonable deeds.


    Unfortunately, there was an incoming notification on the WhatsApp Web screen. He spontaneously opened the message and observed it in detail.


    ***


    Damar accelerated his footsteps, realising someone was walking behind.


    Smiling mischievously, the man softly ran and then got louder as he took off the jacket he was wearing.


    A moment later, it suddenly stopped. And in a flash, he flicked his coat at the man wearing the face mask. Damar managed to knock the mysterious man to the ground, locking his hands with a jacket.


    "Gotcha, give me your camera." The man protected his camera and phone as if they were precious items.


    Damar was overwhelmed to lift the man''s body so he could take the camera that was squeezed between the pavement floor and the stalker''s chest.


    "Hey.. your camera can be damaged." Damar almost managed to snatch it away.


    Unfortunately, there is another man who suddenly appeared along with the black car. Another man, more muscular, pushed Damar''s body and threw him away. They then hurried into the car, darting far without catching up.


    "Who are they?"

 Chapter 17 - Doing Stupid Things I

    "Knock, knock, knock." There was a knock on the door full of doubt.


    Unfortunately, the one inside didn''t answer. An assistant shyly peeked, then decided to enter the Wenceslas Group''s CEO''s room owned by his master.??


    He found his boss fast asleep behind an open laptop. It seemed like the laptop was in sleep mode. The little light in the bottom corner was on. It meant that the person was asleep without having time to turn it off.


    Surya made several coughing sounds, and Hendra just stretched.


    "Did you work all night?" So that Hendra will wake up. Surya took the initiative to increase the frequency of his voice.


    "Ah, don''t bother me, go away!" Hendra blinked, slowly peeked lazily. He found Surya''s broad smile, full of meaning. But it was ignored.


    A moment later...


    "Brak!!" Hendra gasped, closing the laptop screen as fast as lightning.


    Surya wanted to laugh or at least smile a little. His stomach really tickled, tickled as if he knew what the Wenceslas heir wished to hide.


    But what strengthened his mission today wasn''t to be fired. So he bit his lower lip hard while holding his breath, so that his stomach was tense and he was willing to compromise.


    "Why are you coming here? You disturb me." Hendra stood with his eyes half-open, sleepiness still tricking him.


    "You have to remember, that I am your most important personal assistant. Even though it is a Sunday, I will accompany you voluntarily." Surya exclaimed, presenting a protocol intonation, and this was suspicious in Hendra''s eyes.


    "Just say you want to revise your resignation intentions." Hendra guessed something that often happened.


    He slowly stepped past Surya, planning to continue sleeping in the exclusive hotel room that was specially reserved for him.


    ''What a coincidence, the weekend comes happily.'' Hendra thought.


    "Eem... Including that, I plan to ask for your willingness. Can you... Consider yesterday''s incident did not exist?" Surya''s voice was really gentle, like a customer service serving consumers.


    Hendra just indifferently glanced.


    "Don''t touch that!!" The tone of command was shocking. Hendra felt Surya was holding his laptop. The assistant shuddered, frozen. He then touches his index finger slightly to the phone.


    "I just want to tell you, this is missing." Surya''s stammering explanation was greeted by Hendra''s nimble movements of picking his phone.


    "Leave me alone, I''ll sleep all day." Hendra asked.


    "Looks like you can''t."


    Hendra''s forehead frowned as a sign that he objected to what Surya said.


    "Friday, you shifted the meeting of the marketing team division because it collided with a meeting schedule with our client from Singapore. Do you remember?"


    "Wait for me in an hour. Tell them I''ll meet them in the Orange meeting room (medium sized meeting room with orange interior)." And Hendra disappeared behind the door.


    ***


    "Besss..." The sound of water slid down Hendra''s body. The man rubbed his face several times, trying to get rid of the sleepiness. Every now and then, he pondered over the photos and videos sent by his stalker.


    ''How close are they?'' Hendra was a little surprised by the last photo sent to him. Aruna seemed to be stroking Damar''s hair which was drooping in his lap.


    ''Ah, just ignore it. After all, it''s an arranged marriage.''


    "Beep." The man pressed the telephone button.


    "Bring me breakfast and a hot drink." Hendra immediately tidied up towards the dressing room with the big glass in it.


    He chose a suit for shirts and watches from his collection, then got ready in front of the mirror.


    Even with dishevelled hair, no one could say he was unattractive. His blue eyes were adorned with curvy, sharp lashes. His nose line and chin were charming, leaving a masculine impression when Hendra started styling his hair.


    "Your breakfast is ready, please enjoy." A message from an Executive Lounge Assistant Manager (hotel staff who handle all guest needs on the Executive floor).


    "Why female??" Hendra asked, not wanting to get out of the locker room.


    "Call your manager!!" Hendra was a bit traumatized by the female waitress.


    Once upon a time, two female servants hid behind the cupboard when he woke up from sleep. It turned out that the two of them had conspired to infiltrate all night to take photos.


    The two servants'' phones were full of pictures of him sleeping soundly. Since that incident, he didn''t want any women to enter his room.


    ''Oh, my god. I am now also a stalker.'' Hendra softly hitting his forehead, felt stupid.


    "Sorry sir, our shift mates who usually serve you are on leave." The waitress explained.


    "Take it easy, I''ll be out soon." The waitress quickly left the room.


    A moment later, Hendra emerged from hiding.


    ***


    "Is that all your team can present?" Hendra commented on the first presentation of the four marketing division teams.


    Since the start of the meeting, the CEO, who sat at the very end of the bench, just closed his eyes as if asleep.


    In fact, he actually listened to the first team''s presentation carefully. Yovie, who was standing at the front, froze, knowing he was about to be showered with criticism.


    "I''ve said it many times. I won''t care about your slide design or presentation skills. We focus on the content." Said the chairman of the meeting.


    "How can the segmentation that you describe only be based on economic class? In 2019, consumption patterns are much different, and you are using standard theory without research." The blue pupils shrank, squinted, threatening each individual in the Orange Room.


    "If nothing is better, let''s just end the meeting." Hendra concluded.


    The Orange Room froze for a moment until one of the marketing division leaders got up. He got up and started to get ready for the presentation. There was a loud whisper from the others.


    ''Wow, Mr Adit is so brave.''


    ''I think this will be in vain.''


    ''Is he not afraid of being killed by the CEO?''

 Chapter 18 - Doing Stupid Things II

    ''Wow, Mr Adit is so brave.''


    ''I think this will be in vain.''??


    ''Is he not afraid of being killed by the CEO?''


    Hendra folded his arms and sat relaxed with his right foot resting on his left. And then, the leader began to convey his team''s marketing strategy.


    He had a polite manner and a structured tone, without the fiery expressions that other teams usually displayed.


    "I''m interested in the positioning of this product, where did your team determine it from?" Hendra asked.


    "We did simple research." He answered.


    "How many samples for your research?" Hendra asked again.


    "There were 300 consumer perceptions that we processed to prepare this presentation." Aditya explained.


    "Okay, I like it. Give me the file tomorrow, I will study it. If it is according to my expectations, we will use your team''s strategy." Hendra softened.


    Hendra then allowed other teams to move forward. In fact, no one dared.


    "Nobody wants to present anymore?!! We''ve been back two days and the results are like this?!" Hendra put on a smirk smile, a smile that his subordinates most feared.


    "Tomorrow morning I want to see your work on my desk, if you still want to survive." Once again, a dark atmosphere enveloped the room.


    Surya immediately took over and closed the meeting agenda, saving the meeting participants who were getting depressed.


    They went out one by one in a hurry. There was one person left. He was the leader who was presenting. The man approached Hendra.


    "May I chat with you for a moment?" Aditya asked.


    "I actually will take a break, if I want to discuss more, maybe another time."


    "Not about work." The man coaxed.


    "I want to speak with you in private?" Aditya glanced and smiled at Surya. After the assistant saw the expression ''yes'' from his boss, he immediately left.


    "I heard you are getting married."


    Hendra''s pupils widened at the words of his interlocutor.


    ''Where does he know about my marriage information? It isn''t shared to the public yet.''


    "Is your candidate Aruna?"


    Hendra only slightly nodded at Aditya''s question.


    "I know Aruna very well. That girl helped me a lot. Oh, not just helping. But I already owe her. I hope you treat her well." Aditya made sure that his guess was correct.


    At first, he was a little doubtful that the CEO he worked for was a man who would be married off to his girlfriend. But who else was the heir to the Wenceslas Group besides Mahendra?


    "What is your relationship with Aruna?"


    Aditya only smiled.


    "Later you will also know." Aditya tidied up the notebook intending to leave the room.


    "How close are you to her?" Hendra''s remarks made Aditya stop in his tracks.


    "I''m not the one who has a debt, so I have no responsibility to behave well to Aruna." Hendra didn''t want to know.


    ''Ba-thump ba-thump.."


    Aditya''s heartbeat spurred a tremor in his hands. He tried hard to control his emotions. Mahendra, this man, almost killed his lover Alia indirectly. However, he was still able to say it very lightly.


    "I guarantee, I am the first person who will threaten you if something bad happens to Aruna." Aditya gave Hendra a bold look, before the man lightly looked down and then strolled away.


    Seeing Aditya''s expression, Hendra was surprised.


    ''What was that? Isn''t he famous for having polite behaviour? I was threatened by my subordinates, seriously.''


    Hendra''s face was scary. He nimbly walked through the cubicles of workers in a bad mood, combined with sleepiness and tiredness.


    "Surya, investigate that person!!" Hendra asked.


    "Huh? Who??"


    Hendra stopped in his tracks seeing Surya, who wasn''t concerned.


    Surya stuttered, sequencing the events that made his unique boss angry again.


    "Ah... Aditya... Yes Aditya.. Is that person what you mean??" Surya was relieved to have guessed it right. He the storked his chest umpteen times today.


    ***


    Hendra returned to his office, opened the laptop and seemed to be in deep thought.


    "You are in a bad mood today. Shouldn''t you take a break?" Surya was talking as a friend.


    "Buy me a mansion unit in Sky Park." (Residential complex on top of a skyscraper that Aruna visited last night)


    "What?? Isn''t that complex belong to our rival? (Suko Moro Group)." Surya couldn''t stop thinking about what else this was.


    "I don''t care, just do it."


    "Hey, the housing complex has been around for a long time. I''m sure the unit has expired. If there is one, I''m not sure we can choose it." Surya reminded him.


    "Just do it if you don''t want to get fired." Hendra threatened.


    "Make sure you can get it today!" He added.


    "WHAT??"


    ''Huh, what a stubborn man.''


    Surya stood, quickly grabbed the phone. He couldn''t fight back after all. His life was fulfilled by the Wenceslas heir.


    Housing facilities for his family and even scholarships for his younger siblings were very much considered. Even though the bully was often arbitrary.


    "When is my schedule to meet Aruna?"


    "Should be after fitting, you need to meet the girl to be more familiar. Unfortunately, your schedule this week is very busy."


    "Get the Sky Park mansion as soon as possible, Tomorrow I want to meet Aruna there."


    "Seriously?? No... That''s impossible. We have to go to Surabaya to see the progress of the Waterpark development."


    "Shift the schedule, do what I want."


    "Why are you like this? The team there has prepared your welcome." Surya felt Hendra was a little different. He never neglected his work.


    "You better rest! Before more stupid things you want." Surya quipped, leaving Hendra alone, regretting his unreasonable actions.

 Chapter 19 - Heartbeat I

    Path of Love


    Not everyone has Luck??


    To simply unite two human''s feelings


    A dreamer could only be chosen


    Accepted or rejected


    Even when feelings were linked


    In fact, circumstances gave different answers.


    *I want to make a new novel, bro. :-D


    *It reminds me of someone.


    *I can''t understand every word yet, but I feel touched.


    *I always look forward to Damar''s poetry. ^^


    *You''re the best.


    *Let''s find out more. I know the Magic Letter Outlet and its campus @ayussya @tatajane @ lusi45


    (2,547 Comments and 5,608 likes)


    "Surya, have you read the Empty Space novel?" (a novel by Damar that was being loved by young people)


    Hendra had recently started to do unique things far from his habit.


    The man created a social media account outside his personal account which was mostly managed by the office secretary.


    His private stalker gave information about Damar''s Instagram account, in addition to Aruna''s account and his other friends in the Magic Letter.


    "That''s impossible. You know that I have to read the stock exchange all the time, your business journal, your company''s many cash flow reports, not to mention the performance of each business unit." Surya took a deep breath.


    "And you are asking about fictional reading that has no impact on work? Seriously, should I really read it?! When will I sleep then?!" Surya''s eyes were fiery.


    "I''m just asking, why are you so sensitive these days?"


    "He..He." Surya smiled in irritation.


    "Who has become a dictator lately? That''s what made me crazy."


    "Hmm... Do you mean me?"


    "Whatever."


    The Bentley Continental GT V8 S Black Edition raced from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport to the 4 iconic Djoyo Tower belonging to Wenceslas, lined up high, and a charming view can be seen behind the windshield.


    "How did you get the Sky tower mansion?" Hendra asked.


    This man was busy surfing the browser, looking for a review of the Empty Space novel.


    "I got one unit from the credit operator. It took a few more days to make sure it is yours," Surya replied.


    "And it looks like it needs renovation." He added.


    "When can I meet Aruna?" Hendra asked.


    "You have already asked 3 times! Miss Aruna is very busy this week, Sir...."


    Surya previously had explained to Hendra. Aruna was busy with her team. Their new project had never been handled, so it was grabbing a lot of attention.


    The CEO''s secretary asked Aruna to reconsider the offer to meet Hendra. Somehow, the girl politely declined, feeling uncomfortable letting her friends toil without her.


    "How about at the weekend? Can you persuade her?"


    "She is an innocent young girl (she doesn''t know how lucky it is to get the offer to meet the Wenceslas Group''s CEO), not your business partner or employee." (which can be arranged even intimidated).


    "I don''t need that answer. Where is she at the weekend? Don''t they (the Magic Letter) have no day off?"


    "Just a moment." Surya opened his phone, read his last conversation with Aruna.


    "She just said that he had an appointment with her friend. When I asked further, Aruna sent a train ticket. It looks like it''s already on the agenda..."


    Not finished talking, Hendra grabbed Surya''s phone and carefully watched the girl''s message.


    ***


    "Bro?? is the heat lately really extraordinary?"


    All eyes widened. Even Agus, who was busy concocting coding on his laptop, was distracted, and also commenting.


    After a long time, Damar''s long curly hairstyle was maintained. Today, the young man shaved off his hair, leaving a distinct, and almost unrecognizable charm.


    Damar just smiled a little, threw away his bag then started to open the laptop, joining their piling work.


    "I think I can fall in love with you if you just keep this style for a month." Lily uttered as she was working on financial records accompanied by her thick glasses.


    "You know, I feel your charm increasing to the Mythic level." (The highest rank in Mobile Legends-their favorite online game) Agus added a mess.


    "And you''re a Warrior level, Gus?" (lowest rank) Dea bantered.


    "It''s not that bad. At least my rank is Epic." (Only 2 ranks below Mythic).


    Agus''s words sparked a cheerful laugh from his best friend, easing the fatigue of those immersed in this week''s work.


    "Where is Aruna?" Damar asked.


    Dea and Lily simultaneously signaled that Aruna was in the next room.


    She was finishing off the final 3D invitation design. Today was the deadline because tomorrow morning, Dea has to take it to the BISA community.


    "How? Is it possible to finish?" Damar asked, shocking Aruna.


    He showed up with another surprise because he looked different.


    "Take it easy, just finishing," Aruna replied with a smile.


    A smile for Damar''s changes.


    "Am I worthy of competing with the blue eyes?" Damar teased, approached Aruna and observed her work.


    "Your handmade is always beautiful. I''m afraid your hands lose their beauty. But... I don''t mind if my hair is touched again by that hand."


    Damar''s seduction got bolder after the incident.


    "Please watch out your words¡­ You can make people misunderstand."


    Aruna was always consistent with her reactions to Damar as it was all for her good.


    "You''re not giving me a gift for my new appearance?!"


    Hearing Damar''s request, the girl tried to find a space to look at him.


    She had been looking down at her focus on her work with an appreciative intention.


    Aruna raised her head. It turned out that the young man was right in front of her face, smiling his rare cute smile.


    She put her index finger on the man''s forehead then pushed him in annoyance.


    Unfortunately, Damar didn''t want to move. He put on a pitiful face.


    "What do you want? Don''t bother me!"


    "Come on... Touch my hair one more time."


    Aruna frowned at Damar''s plea.


    "That''s all, and I won''t bother you."


    The eccentric young man''s eyes were really worrying.


    If Aruna wasn''t used to Damar''s ridiculous behavior, maybe she could be short of breath.


    Aruna slowly touched her fingers between Damar''s hair, which was now cut short.


    She admitted that her best friend was transformed into a handsome man after his entire face was exposed from his long, irregular hair.


    Capturing the impression that Aruna gave, the young man''s ears spontaneously turned red.


    For a moment, the two of them felt awkward.


    "Good boy... Stop bothering me." Said Aruna, getting rid of awkwardness, ruffling Damar''s hair like a cat.


    The young man gasped and hid his blushing face. He was delighted to receive a sweet touch from the girl.


    "Tomorrow, I''ll pick you up at half past 5 in the morning." Damar was still shy, cherfully stepping, and intended to return to continue his work.


    "Don''t forget your promise. After tomorrow, you won''t demand anything." Aruna reminded.


    Damar''s heart suddenly hurt, as if he had been hit by a hard object. After flying so far in the clouds, he was suddenly thrown back to earth.


    "Take it easy. You can take my word."

 Chapter 20 - Heartbeat II

    "Hey.... I''m here. Turn to the right." Aruna followed Damar''s instructions from the phone screen.


    They were making a video call via a message application.??


    Aruna started to close her phone screen, finding Damar waving at her.


    The tall man with a typical sling bag was easy to find.


    Aruna walked towards where Damar was standing.


    Damar bluffy showed a warm welcome, daring to open his hands, hoping Aruna would respond with a hug that he offered.


    "Puk.. Puk..." The girl was wearing a jeans outfit, white sneakers, a jacket for her top and a backpack gave a two-punch response to Damar''s chest.


    "You?? acting up in the early morning."


    Damar held Aruna''s blow''s mark, moaned as if in pain at the girl''s refusal.


    Damar showed this kind of behavior too often to make her smile.


    "Who escorted you? Sis Alia?"


    Damar''s question was greeted by Aruna''s nod.


    Initially, Damar agreed to pick her up at home. However, on second thought, it was better to involve Aruna''s sister, Alia, who was more skilled in living hidden love.


    Even though in reality their relationship was only limited to best friends, both of them understand that their trip this time was not worth disclosing.


    "Don''t worry, Alia has already arranged everything. Right now, I seem to attend a seminar in Bandung."


    Aruna told Damar that she manipulated her parents'' consent.


    Damar smiled at Aruna''s innocent behavior.


    "Oh, great... Maybe our trip to Bandung can be added to two days?" Damar looked happy.


    He and Aruna didn''t have to be pressed for time.


    "Our train leaves in half an hour. Sit down and let me buy you a cake for breakfast." Damar continued.


    He then walked two steps before finally turning around and looking at Aruna once again.


    Aruna blinked her eyes. She was confused when the young man''s hand ran through her hair and gently pulled the ribbon wrapped around her hair tie.


    "Let me keep this ribbon. I like your hair loose. You look prettier."


    The eccentric young man just walked away, leaving Aruna shaking her head, and almost fell into the sweet treatment Damar massively served.


    ***


    "They are again?"


    Damar felt something was wrong. These fragrant cakes should be handed over to Aruna.


    He felt that someone was following him. He then decided to walk in the opposite direction, slowly walked while observing, making sure his suspicions were not wrong.


    Two men with a matching outfit equipped with a complete separation Bluetooth headset type.


    It was perfectly adhered to both ears almost imperceptibly.


    A moment after, feeling sure, Damar disappeared behind the wall watching those who looked confused.


    ''Yep. They are the same stalkers.''


    Damar rushed over to Aruna, grabbing her wrist, and led the girl into the train carriage.


    "Damar, it doesn''t seem like this is our train." Aruna was confused.


    Damar should have known the train they were riding would not take them to Bandung.


    "Calm down, Aruna. I know, follow me and don''t let go. Understood?!"


    Damar paused for a moment while whispering his request to Aruna. The girl still didn''t understand, but she nodded, catching the young man''s worried expression.


    The two of them walked down the aisles of the train carriages.


    Damar realized that one by one, the stalkers boarded the carriage. They looked the same as ordinary passengers, except for the black object stuck to the ear.


    It was like a marker in Damar''s eyes.


    Damar''s footsteps increased, followed by Aruna. The girl''s left hand was firmly gripped by the young man''s right hand in front of her.


    The stalkers walked faster and faster until their presences were inevitable. They began to show up, nimbly following the two of them.


    The conductor''s long whistle sounded. Damar casted his gaze for a moment, making sure Aruna was ready to run with him.


    After feeling sure enough, the two teenagers ran as best they could, followed by a group of people who tried to catch up.


    The train slowly moved and the speed continued to increase.


    Damar closed the door of the last carriage they had been through, asking Aruna to jump out.


    The girl was scared. It was beyond her means.


    Seeing the stalkers getting closer, the man hurriedly jumped, leaving his right hand to grab Aruna''s palm, pulling the girl''s body with confidence.


    Aruna closed her eyes tightly as she realized she was about to slam down. Her cries of fear could be heard until finally, she realized that she was already in Damar''s arms.


    In only a few seconds, the man jumped and caught her. With a height of 185 cm, it was easy for Damar to do this.


    Aruna''s breath was panting, accompanied by an irregular heartbeat. Running and jumping off the train was an adrenaline rush.


    She limply bowed, grateful for her Luck to survive.


    Damar made sure Aruna was alright, asking the girl beside him to wave her goodbye to the group of stalkers who were running around inside the walking carriages.


    The man broadly smiled triumphantly, followed by Aruna, who was amazed at Damar''s expression.


    "Come on!!"


    This time, Aruna followed Damar''s nimble steps without hesitation. She ran and walked fast while staring at the back of the man who occasionally turned around to make sure she wasn''t left behind.


    They came back towards the station platform.


    "There might be others (stalkers). Let''s find another safer place."


    Damar''s idea was greeted by Aruna. The girl came closer to grab his arm to make sure he didn''t let her go.


    The young man''s face flushed, finding out himself able to move Aruna''s body, and touched it without begging.


    ***


    "Ah!! You guys are stupid!..."


    Someone on the other end of the line complained, patting his temples with one hand and the other holding a phone to his ear.


    "Who asked you to arrest them? I just need their photos from a distance." Hendra roughly put his phone down.


    For a moment, there was a strange feeling attacking his chest.


    Hendra''s heart was racing even stronger. It was something that he couldn''t define yet.


    ''Shit!'' What if they get caught?? I can be so embarrassed. Aargh... They are too stupid''

 Chapter 21 - Building Positioning I

    "Can I give advice?"


    Surya handed a bottle of mineral water to his friend, Hendra. Both of them were overtime from last night.??


    The assessment of ''achievement progress'' or the development of company achievements towards company objectives based on ''Profit'' was the final series of closing books for all Wenceslas Group subsidiaries.


    The agenda at the beginning of the month was time-consuming. It usually lasted two to three days.


    Because the entire Corporate Secretary team (directorate under Surya) hoped to enjoy the weekend, they agreed to finish it until late.


    Hendra was the first CEO to directly lead the achievement progress. He didn''t want to skip checking the journals or charts in each accounting software for the Wenceslas Group subsidiary.


    That was why Hendra understood the growth and condition details of each subsidiary. This understanding made every director under the Wenceslas Group''s auspices unable to move when their CEO gave an assessment.


    The Stanford University MBA graduate advice was always on point. Together with his secretary, Surya, these two people were like two leaders who have a positive and gripping effect.


    The increase in profit and shares of up to 30% in the 5 years of his leadership was an increase that had not been achieved during the previous 2 decades.


    Hendra didn''t answer his secretary''s request. He chose to drink mineral water while gazing at the expanse of the morning atmosphere of Jakarta from behind the glass in his office on the 5th floor of the DWenceslas Ritz Hotel, one of the 4 Wenceslas Tower icons.


    "I think your actions are reckless."


    Just a moment ago, Surya caught his master''s communication with his subordinates assigned to monitor Aruna.


    "We have no experience in this. In fact, we tend to be lousy."


    Surya reminded him that the two of them have never enjoyed their teenage years or anything. They rather didn''t have time to get close to their dream girls.


    Surya was an outstanding child from an ordinary family who attended an elite school because of the Charity (scholarship).


    Hendra then asked him, the class leader, to become his assistant because he didn''t want to be watched by his grandparents when he was taking bachelor''s and master''s degrees at Stanford University.


    Hendra''s life activities, even Surya, have never belonged to them since then. They got a set of arranged schedules. Both of them even indulged in endless work.


    "And your rival, I think he has a strategy beyond our expectations. That man, ah... His works are quite interesting to listen to." Surya seemed to be talking to himself.


    "Oh, have you read the fictional book?" Hendra replied.


    "Ofcourse, your request has become a habit for me." (a habit that was done spontaneously without realizing it because it happened over and over again) Surya uttered.


    Hendra only smiled at Surya''s words.


    "You know the difference between you and me?! It''s obvious, I''m better than you at this. (Approaching or having girls) So there''s no need to worry about the strategy I use."


    Surya''s forehead frowned at Hendra''s words


    "Don''t let Tania become your benchmark, as the standard of ''You''re Better Than Me''." Surya objected.


    "That woman clings on like a parasite. You just have to make her an object to come and go effortlessly." Surya added.


    "Ah, I''m not a bad ass." Hendra didn''t agree.


    The man glanced at Surya and got closer.


    "Isn''t it to build positioning? The first thing we have to do is identify the target as soon as possible." Hendra laid down.


    The white sofa looked very comfortable.


    Surya was silenced, trying to trace the point of view of his interlocutor about the statement just now regarding last night''s job or about the strategy to beat the girl named Aruna.


    "Are you really attracted to her?" Surya dug up the information, confirming which point of view was right.


    "I don''t know. I just need to know who is the person I''m going to live with."


    The man was still cool to hide his blue eyes behind his curly hair.


    Surya was a little disappointed. He thought his best friend would live a different life this time.


    In fact, it was still the same. The Wenceslas Group''s sole heir measured his own fortune.


    Hendra caught Surya''s disappointed expression.


    "What can I expect from this marriage contract, apart from making the most of it?" The man opened his eyes with a smile.


    "You know, I''m also interested in how they think about life." Hendra looked for loopholes to justify his behavior in monitoring Aruna.


    "Isn''t it ''Millennials Kill Everything''?!" Hendra positioned himself as if someone who was looking for data or something could use his surveillance as research material on Millennials Kill Everything.


    Millennials are cold-blooded killers for many businesses and companies. Aruna, including her best friend, represented the group.


    "To be honest, I''ve met that girl before. When I was asked to be a guest speaker at Tripusaka (Aruna''s campus). Do you remember that?"


    Surya caught Hendra''s naive impression. The assistant refused to answer his statement.


    "Yes... She (Aruna) shined so much amid her friends, even greeted with boisterous applause when receiving an award as a young start-up talent." The CEO made a long background explanation.


    "Maybe she forgot, I was there at that time. Isn''t her profile worthy of being used as material?" To be material for millennial market segmentation research, a discussion that heated up last night.


    Surya got up from his seat. In his eyes, Hendra couldn''t win the reason for stalking the girl (Aruna).


    The man who became a friend and secretary gave a ''you''re looking for excuses'' expression.


    Hendra chuckled, realizing that his explanation didn''t work. He then looked back at the back of Jakarta''s view.


    The sunlight slowly warmed to reveal a golden hue.


    "No need to worry." Hendra''s words calmed Surya''s expression.


    "It''s not you that I''m worried about, but Miss Aruna." Surya stepped away, sending a message of disappointment.


    After a while, the CEO returned to patting his temples with one hand.


    "Pleasure of love lasts but a moment. The pain of love lasts a lifetime."


    (Happiness because love lasts for a moment. Disappointment because love lasts forever)


    ''And I will not take that path.'' Hendra muttered to himself.


    This phrase was too often whispered in his heart. It grew stronger like a fertilized tree.

 Chapter 22 - Building Positioning II

    "How about this?"


    Two young people were hiding in the lactation room. They were squatting right under the window, realising that there were at least 2 people to avoid.??


    The men were wearing a black Bluetooth headset the same type as the group of people chasing them earlier.


    Two suspicious people were standing in the direction at 03.00 and 10.00 o''clock. The two of them looked calm, but their eyes were alert as if examining each passing visitor''s faces.


    "Aruna, is your father.. maybe doing this?"


    Damar a little hesitated to ask. This man knew about Alia''s story, who hid her relationship from her family, especially from Lesmana, the father.


    In his mind, Aruna''s father might not want the same thing to happen again.


    ''Dad?''


    Aruna tried to dig up memories and look for possible interpretations. Somehow, her predictions didn''t point to Lesmana.


    Her father had no good reason to go this far. Even though he knew her sister was dishonest, her father didn''t send anyone to watch over her sister.


    If Lesmana wanted to do so, why didn''t he just ban Aruna last night?


    The girl''s feeling running towards someone, A man of immeasurable power.


    It was reportedly that this man was nominated as the 5 most influential businessmen.


    ''What can''t he do?''


    ''The Wenceslas''s heir? Why is he playing around like this?''


    Aruna was unable to control her bad thoughts. She pondered, looking for loopholes so as not to be dragged into despair.


    "Never mind. No need to think about it. Now, the most important thing is how we can get away from them." Damar interrupted Aruna''s reverie.


    The man took the hat in his bag and put it on Aruna''s head. This girl previously bent her hair several times and then tucked it in a hat, transformed like a man.


    For a moment, she felt protected.


    "Your clothes?! You have to change it." Damar instructed, building a strategy.


    Aruna''s jacket and clothes were, of course, recognisable. The girl swiftly folded her jacket and put it in the bag.


    "Any other clothes?" Damar asked to make sure. The man also disguised his shirt.


    He hurriedly put on the hoodie jacket hidden in his bag. He then tucked his head in the jacket''s hood.


    "Do I need to change clothes?" Aruna was still not sure. She was just holding onto her clothes. Her cheeks flushed at the same time as the young man''s face who was being consulted.


    Damar spun around, making sure he wouldn''t see. Aruna then changed clothes behind his back.


    There was a heart skipping cheerfully inside a frozen body like a stone. Damar asked his chest to stop rumbling, holding an unpredictable imagination.


    ''Stop there, or I''ll curse myself.'' Damar muttered in his heart.


    Every time Damar asked his imagination to shut up, instead, they laughed and ran in all directions.


    Finally, reality gently touched his back, then whispered.


    "Damar, I''m finished."


    The girl''s whisper transformed into ''Damar, stop the laughter in your brain!''


    Damar gathered his focus back, peeking at the train that was getting ready.


    "Aruna, watch that door." The girl seriously looked, fulfilling Damar''s request.


    "Make sure you can walk there casually. No need to hurry. The most important thing is to hide your face." Aruna nodded at Damar''s intrusion.


    It was a determination to get rid of Mahendra, who smirked at her. His arrogant visualization depicted over her mind.


    "Once inside, sneak into the bathroom. I think the stalkers will examine the faces of the person sitting in the passenger seat one by one. Stay there until I knock on the door." Damar''s smile ended his instructions.


    He just realised that the girl beside him was listening seriously. That innocent face moved Damar''s hand to straighten Aruna''s hat again.


    "Okay, you''re ready." Aruna nodded once again.


    She then stepped her feet with confidence.


    ''You''ll see, Hendra. You won''t be able to interfere with my life''


    ***


    "Aruna, are you in?" A soft beat coincided with a familiar voice.


    ''Damar ??''


    Aruna immediately opened the door. She then melted into Damar'' arms, taking a sip of the man''s perfume.


    "Ah... It smells so bad inside."


    There was a sense of protection present to greet Aruna.


    "Calm down." Damar greeted Aruna. The man stroked Aruna''s hair that sank into his chest.


    Aruna quickly moved away, realizing something was not worth doing.


    "Come on!!"


    Damar''s request had turned into a commando. They cautiously walked and ended up in the pantry.


    They then ordered hot chocolate while devouring the fragrant cake that had neglected since morning.


    Not having had time to finish, several people walked past Damar and Aruna. A group of men with marks on the ears. It seemed they weren''t aware of the target''s existence.


    After confirming, the men stayed away. Damar and Aruna simultaneously got up and walked opposite the stalkers, finding a small room to hide.


    They were in a typical rectangular pillow shed of the train.


    The two of them sank down with the pillows, sitting on the floor while laughing at what happened this morning.


    It was ridiculous.


    ''As ridiculous as the culprit.'' Aruna thought.


    Somehow, It was fun to trick those guys.


    ***


    "Sir, the targets are not found." The voice from the Wenceslas''s sole heir''s phone.


    "Stop all your activities! I revoke my order."


    The blue-eyed man was silent for a few moments, observing a woman''s photos who was secretly photographed.


    It was a rare view on the Young Master''s phone screen. The little girl in her ponytail.

 Chapter 23 - Expectation I

    Not everyone has continuous luck. It wasn''t only about heart and relationship but also way of life.


    Sometimes, even someone who lived up to all the good fortune expectations wasn''t necessarily alright.??


    He was handsome, tall, hardworking and had a deadly soul. In other words, he was too perfect to have weaknesses.


    Unfortunately, in reality, someone must have a problem. A problem that was covered up.


    Perhaps this was the best description for him named Mahendra Hadyan Wenceslas. Even his name it self had the most essential meaning of power.


    Mahendra, the great ruler, Hadyan, had a high position. His position was very high as the Wenceslas family''s all the assets'' sole heir.


    In fact, not many cared about how he stood on his own hands and feet, shouldering big responsibilities.


    Big?! Of course. A power accompanied by big responsibilities, approximately 58,000 souls were indirectly attached to him.


    The number of employees was comparable to the number of the Wenceslas Group''s subsidiaries.


    Apart from legendary hospitality in every metropolitan city in Southeast Asia, Wenceslas Group also had other business units such as a Bank (Wenceslas), Construction (Mega Djaya Construction), Plantation (Wenceslas Plantation), shopping centers (Mentari Plaza now transformed into Mentari.com), communication media (Wenceslas Media, under the name Nara & TV), food and beverages, as well as household products that carried many brand variants.


    The hard times have passed. Somehow, they still left scars.


    It wasn''t only just a wound from the rigors of grandfather''s upbringing, but also another wound that was even greater.


    It bandaged him over and over.


    Unfortunately, the redness still appeared on the bandages'' surface, like the blood that flew without stopping.


    If we went back to the past, it was easy to find children laughing happily with their friends, running in all directions, chasing and getting caught, then running back.


    Meanwhile, the little man just stood there in silence without a word. He couldn''t say anything to just ask his friends to give him a chance to join.


    It wasn''t language matter. Of course, this elite school spoke the same language in which he was born.


    The silence lasted more than a month as the long impact of the simple task of ''Introduce myself and family.''


    Each child cheerfully spoke in front of the class introducing themselves. He was the same, even better than the average child in his class.


    "Good morning, everyone. Let me introduce who I am here. My name is Mahendra Hadyan Wenceslas. I was born in New York, USA. I am currently living in Jakarta and living with my grandfather and grandmother."


    "Now, allow me to introduce myself further. I like the things of the world of adventure. I also like the little things like reading, watching and spending my free time without doing anything."


    ''Well, now I will tell you about my life with my family. My mother is an ordinary housewife. She is the most beautiful. I love my mother more than anything ."


    "That''s all I can say about myself. Thank you "


    "What is wrong, Hendra? Your explanation about family isn''t right." A friend lightly chuckled.


    "What is your dad''s name?" Another friend replied.


    "What Is dad? I don''t have one."


    Hendra''s answer started a commotion in the class.


    Other voices started whispering as if a group of bees was disturbed. The class teacher took over and let the little man sit down.


    He didn''t find a father definition in his mind, leaving only the sharp gaze of the other kids because he didn''t have something called ''Daddy.''


    "Who is Dad? Mom!" A child with his innocence began noisy, asking the same thing over and over again every time.


    He asked his mother, grandfather, grandmother, even Mr Ujang, the gardener at the mansion.


    "Do you have a dad?"


    "Bapak nggak ngerti den, bapak cuma ngerti kalau den bagus bicara bahasa Indonesia."


    (I don''t understand, Young master. I only understand if you speak Indonesian.)


    The little boy thought for a moment to find a way for the other person to understand. A moment later, he ran and returned with his book.


    His little finger touched Mr Ujang''s chest, then said "Got" and showed the picture of the biggest man in ''The Family'' illustration.


    "Oh ya, ya, ya..." Ujang nodded to indicate he had.


    "How to get Dad? Where to buy Dad?!"


    He knew his grandfather was very rich. He thought he could beg him to buy just one Daddy. His grandfather would definitely obey as well as when he wanted all kinds of his friends'' dream toys.


    Mr Ujang hadn''t had time to express his lack of understanding, another babysitter came, scolding.


    "Apa dia bertanya tentang Daddy lagi??? Aku lupa untuk memberi tahumu. Siapapun di rumah ini tidak diizinkan menanggapinya (ketika anak ini menanyakan Daddy). Itu perintah tuan Wiryo!"


    (Did he ask about Daddy again??? I forgot to tell you. Anyone in this house was not allowed to respond (when this boy asked about Daddy). It is Mr Wiryo''s order!)


    The babysitter led him away from Mr Ujang.


    Just as the babysitter said, since then, no one had responded to his question. Even his mother, Gayantri, was silent for a thousand words and began to daydream.


    One day, that tense night came.


    Little Hendra accompanied his mommy to sleep because his nanny said mommy was sick. She slept since afternoon, and little Mahendra lovingly hugged her as it was his habit.


    The little man woke up when he heard his mother''s shortness of breath. But, his mother didn''t wake up. She still closed her eyes.


    Fear ran through his body. Little Hendra screamed for help, the strongest scream he could. His mother''s body was strangely moved. It was too odd for someone to close her eyes.


    Then, a crowd of people came, patting his mother''s cheek, followed by people in white clothes who put a device on her chest, which made her body chuckle up like she got a great twitch.


    Little Hendra stood in a corner with his nanny who tried to calm him down. He was too scared and silently cried as he saw his mother disappearance behind the door.


    The people in white took her away.

 Chapter 24 - Expectation II

    The people in white took her away.


    A woman named Gayatri was trying to end her life right in front of his own son. She overdosed sleeping pills.??


    The next day, little Hendra no longer asked questions and even lost his voice. Just like his mother, incarnated like a living corpse.


    His eyes were blank, no longer showed a warm gaze.


    The mother and the son took turns getting medical treatment from psychologists. The two of them slowly moved away from each other.


    They were stuck in each other''s guilt and fear space.


    It took 5 years to be ready to return to school. That was why Hendra began to return to the school environment when he was 10 years old.


    He decided to take package A (an education program in the non-formal route equivalent to elementary school level).


    Apart from his intelligence, the psychologists convinced him that Junior high school students didn''t have much concern for personal problems to ask about who his father was.


    Instead, they would be more interested in handsome looks or K-Pop gossip.


    If anyone asked him, Hendra would offer a treat at the cafeteria or some money, so they were silent.


    That teenager began to be good at calculating his own luck.


    ***


    His background indirectly led him to meet Surya and Tania. When he was in high school, Hendra returned to an elite school environment.


    After 3 years of probation in an ordinary school, he became a junior high school student with a hidden identity.


    Hendra grew more confident. He was only known as a handsome boy with strange eyes.


    Every time someone asked him "Is your father a foreigner? Where did you get those blue eyes? Wow, very handsome! Hendra would lightly answer it.


    "Do I need to treat you so as not to nag?!" And his friends were immediately distracted.


    Unfortunately, that period didn''t work in high school. His school friends found out who he was. Even all the teachers knew how to treat him differently.


    Whispers and glances accompanied Hendra''s every footstep in high school.


    "Is he the Wenceslas Group''s heir?!"


    "Of course, who else has blue eyes in this school?"


    "Are you sure you will send this ridiculous letter to him?!"


    "You should know yourself!"


    "It looks like he''s lonely. Why doesn''t anyone want to be friends with him?!"


    "How can we be friends if he is in the sky while we are on earth? Look at our school security increases just to keep him safe."


    Hundreds of whispers roamed all the halls and corners of the school. Hendra was like a mannequin inside a showcase.


    Some people secretly and openly stared at him, glanced at him, and talked about him.


    He then surrendered to incarnate like an eye-catching statue but unable to move and speak.


    His high school despair led this teenager to deviate slightly from the habits instilled by his grandfather and his family. He often disappeared from class and didn''t collect his assignments several times.


    Finally, the class leader found a base where he was alone.


    Hendra was in the corner on the school building roof, a place for him to take off his reverie.


    "Brak!!"


    Another teenager kicked one of the old boards, a former blackboard that was no longer in use.


    "Can you stop bothering me?" The class leader bluffed.


    "I was scolded every time you don''t collect your assignments, though you''re the lazy one. They think I''m the one who can''t collect class assignments! Those teachers are really annoying."


    His voice sounded breathless. He took a breath and then spilled it back.


    "I know you and I both have trouble making friends. The difference is that you are a rich student, and I am a charity student. Isn''t my situation far less fortunate than you?"


    "So if you want to mess up, find a way that doesn''t bother other people''s lives!!" The class leader added.


    After that, the teenager walked away. His legs seemed limp, and he almost had difficulty walking.


    ''I''m dead! I will be expelled from school after this. Aargh¡­ Stupid... Stupid!'' He grumbled, regretting his own actions.


    "Hey, you? Are you Surya?" Hendra ventured to stop the teenager''s footsteps who had just cursed at him.


    The class leader regretfully nodded.


    "I have a small offer for you."


    Surya didn''t take Hendra''s words seriously. His brain was filled with regret expressions.


    ''Oh no, I''m doomed. I''m really going to be expelled from school''


    "Is it true you also have trouble making friends??? How about we be friends?!"


    Hendra''s statement was ignored once again.


    "I will ask my grandfather to support your charity scholarship. The amount can be several times what you get from school." Hendra calculated his luck.


    "Wait a minute?! Does it mean you didn''t ask me to leave school?!"


    "When did I say it?"


    "Please repeat! What did you offer earlier??"


    The simple conversation was the beginning of those two human beings'' long friendship.


    It turned out that Surya really got what Hendra said. He thought what the heir said was just a joke. In fact, it really happened.


    Surya really didn''t want anything. Being Hendra''s friend had drastically changed his school life into better luck, to be exact.


    Gradually, the feeling of being lucky turned into a sense of wanting to return the favor. He then willingly helped his friend''s every problem.


    The heir then asked him to fly to the USA, continuing the charity scholarship from the Wenceslas family.

 Chapter 25 - Reminiscing Memories I

    "Hmm, why did you ask me to come?"


    A woman with a feminine style was Tania. She slowly put her precious tote bag on the table. ??


    The Chann*l brand provoked her move to be careful.


    "What''s the problem now?"


    She realised that the man in front of her would invite her to eat when faced with an unpleasant situation.


    "I don''t know. I just wanted to do it." Hearing Hendra''s statement, the woman narrowed her eyes to observe.


    "Your face is so shabby. I think you need treatment. Hehe.. We can do it at my subscription spa. It must be fun."


    "You make me lose my appetite." The man put down the fork and spoon, reaching the glass filled with cold water.


    "Okay, you can go." Hendra''s hand waving provoked the woman''s anger in front of him.


    "You can''t just do it!! Brak!!"


    The agile movement of slapping the back of the table simultaneously eliminated the feminine impression.


    Oops!! Tania immediately groomed herself. She heaved a deep sigh and re-built her charm.


    "I was struggling to slip from the shooting location, and you are playing around me." The tone was pressed with an elongated intonation to stay beautiful.


    "Next time, if you want to eat, do it with Surya. Don''t ever contact me."


    "Ah, She''s the same lately. A little boring." Hendra said, starting to stand up.


    "Hendra... Wait.. Wait a minute, I''ll get rid of your irritation." The woman immediately put on a face mask and walked along with Hendra''s footsteps.


    He didn''t miss to curl her left hand around the man''s right hand.


    "Now, let''s tell me what bothers you."


    ***


    Bandung


    The city ??that had its own impression on everyone, including Damar.


    Since exiting the train station, his eyes sparkled to observe the lively streets'' panoramic view, the streets with the activity of people passing by.


    The young man was reminiscing his childhood memories while living in this place.


    Unlike Aruna, after boarding a modified sedan driven by Damar''s nephew, the girl was occasionally annoyed by the small smiles of the two people in front.


    They whispered and laughed secretly.


    "Finally, the legend of single left its status, yeachh..." Someone shouted, flavored with jokes, and filled the narrow space of the car, making Aruna feel awkward.


    "Shut your mouth, or I''ll beat you." Damar lost his enjoyment of observing this Flower City.


    "Sis, tell me how you can melt this sleeper''s heart?" The girl in the front passenger seat turned her head, broadly smiling.


    "Ah!?!!" Aruna was surprised.


    The girl who had just greeted Aruna had a face similar to the young man driving the car.


    Damar clicked his hand on the girl''s forehead. She complained of pain, rubbing her forehead.


    "They are twins," Damar explained.


    On the way, Damar told Aruna that they were going to his childhood home, where he grew up before his parents decided to divorce.


    And the two children in front were his nephews. They were from Padang. They deliberately studied in Bandung while guarding, using the family''s empty house.


    Damar''s style was always relaxed and light. It was quite fun to look at. Every now and then, the man raised his index finger, telling them what they were going through.


    "That''s the Great Mosque of Bandung. Have you ever been there?!"


    And other explanations.


    ***


    "Hey, you guys!! Who will tell me about this?" Damar scared his two nephews.


    "Siko lah.. kau..." (come here...) Damar asked the two of them to get closer to the unique Vespa motorbike, his personal collection.


    Damar showed several strokes on the fender of his Vespa motorbike.


    "Yesterday, when we washed it, we just found out, so we...." Not finished Chairil explained...


    "You two?! You dare lie to me." Damar cut off his nephew''s explanation.


    "Hehe..." The two of them laughed and smiled, as if to admit their mistake.


    "Sudah kukatakan berkali-kali jan gunokan Vespa uda¡­.blah blah blah..."


    (I have told you many times, don''t use my Vespa...blah blah blah...) And Damar vaguely grumbled.


    An older brother who was annoyed at his younger brother occasionally used the Padang language, making Aruna unable to follow their conversation.


    "Stop, stop. Udo nak biar kan perempuan cantik ini tapurangah." (you make this beautiful girl confused."


    Damar quickly looked at Aruna. His concentration was distracted.


    The two nephews then used the situation to slip away from the young man.

 Chapter 26 - Reminiscing Memories II

    The two nephews then used the situation to slip away from the young man.


    ***??


    The wind when riding a Vespa made Aruna so happy. Every now and then, the young man asked if she was delighted or not.


    "If you''re happy, hug me!" Damar seduced.


    Aruna hit the young man on the back every time he seduced her.


    For a moment, the girl left the bustle of her life that drained energy along with the ride.


    After visiting one of the unique cafes with cave concept, Goldstar 360 Cave, Damar took her to The Lodge Maribaya.


    They tried the sky bike, sky wing, and several other games. It was so adrenaline draining but fun at the same time.


    Aruna really enjoyed it.


    They then also enjoyed the end of the day by looking at Bandung city''s expanse from Puncak Bintang on Moko Hill.


    After getting tired of exploring the photo spots, both of them were now staring at the sparkling lights of Bandung city from above.


    Damar took out a jacket from his bag.


    "It would be even more charming if I took off my jacket and put it on your shoulder. Unfortunately, I''m a tropical person so it is too naive at 15 ¡ãC to act out that scene." Damar covered Aruna''s light jacket with the jacket he just showed.


    Aruna laughed, amused by Damar''s words.


    "If you act like that, I might think you are a Korean drama lover."


    "Haha." Damar laughed at Aruna''s words.


    "Where does such a conclusion come from?"


    "Dea often watches it with a smile, and I see there are many scenes like that."


    "Oh yeah?? I hope this is not the same as Korean drama." Damar took out his phone, sent a Google Drive link to Aruna''s WhatsApp.


    The man suggested the girl use her earphones, staring and paying close attention as the girl listened to his work.


    ~ Tell me


    ~ How to stop this heartbeat


    ~ If every time you laugh


    ~ The reddish hue is there


    ~~~


    ~ I think it''s just my imagination


    ~ In fact, it just comes


    ~ Hovering in the air and bewitching me


    ~ Paralyzes everything


    ~~~


    Reff


    ~ Tell me


    ~ How to stop this heartbeat


    ~ Chasing you for a long time


    ~ But you still dancing there


    ~~~


    ~ Don''t ask how I''m doing


    ~ I''m tired of myself


    ~ When you asked me to go


    ~ The redness hue brings me back


    Aruna off her earphones, didn''t know where to start.


    She was silent.


    Until she uttered the word "E..." There was an anxiety feeling between the man and her.


    Aruna didn''t dare look at him. She believed that the lyrics of the song accompanied by the guitar were meant for her.


    Isn''t reddish hue what her name means? Then, why was she no longer able to dodge as usual? Taking it as a joke then shattered any hope he was asking for.


    Has her heart wavered?


    The night looked beautiful. Together with the sparkling lights of Bandung city that bounce like crystals, and intoxicating guitar playing, the man whispered.


    "What do you think?" Damar opened the conversation.


    "Before many people listen to it, I hope you are the first one who does it."


    "I know, I''m too presumptuous, making songs about my feelings. Just pretend I''m reminiscing memories. If later you are tired of your world. Remember, there is someone who wanted you so deeply.


    "So finally, you accept the music producer''s offer? As far as I know, you always reject it, right? What''s happening now?!" Aruna changed the conversation topic.


    "It looks like I need something to do to stop bothering you." Damar glanced at the girl beside him, wishing he could look her in the eye.


    At least, Aruna didn''t hide her face.


    "I think after this, to meet Danu Umar, I have to make a poster shouting ''Oppa...Oppa... nal bwa Oppa ..." (Oppa¡­ Oppa¡­ Look at me)


    "Ha..haha." Both of them laughed.


    ***


    "Hmm... Dad, why did you call me at night?" Aruna greeted his father, Lesmana.


    "How about your seminar? It went well?"


    "Yes... as a usual Dad."


    ''Ah, I lied to Dad''


    "Is the program over?


    Aruna hasn''t had time to answer yet...


    "Actually, Hendra just called me, hoping to see you tomorrow morning." Lesmana added.


    "I''m not sure I''ll arrive in Jakarta in the morning." Aruna replied.


    ''Oh, that man. What''s up this time?!''


    "He deliberately vacated his Sunday schedule to meet you. I hope you understand, Aruna. Hendra''s schedule is quite busy, even on weekends."

 Chapter 27 - Reminiscing Memories III

    "He deliberately vacated his Sunday schedule to meet you. I hope you understand, Aruna. Hendra''s schedule is quite busy, even on weekends."


    It seemed that Lesmana reminisced about his former status as Wiryo''s personal assistant, the elder of Djoyodiningrat.


    "But, maybe I''ll get there at noon Dad."


    "Take the earliest train. As far as I know, there is a departure at 05.00 and arrive at Jakarta at eight o''clock. Do you need to send a car to pick you up?"


    " No... no... You don''t have to do it."


    "Are you sure?? Do I need to ask permission from the event organizer?"


    "No need, Dad... I can arrange it."


    Aruna immediately rushed to apologise to Damar. The man escorted the girl with a heavy heart. He chose to stay a day or two more days in his hometown.


    He heavily waved his hand at the reddish hue. How could he accompany her return?


    Damar was too fragile to just listen to the noise of a train carrying his dream girl away.


    "No memories are completely lost, Aruna, as long as you can remember it well."


    The spell was exhaled along with a long whistle sign the train was ready to go.


    ***


    "Ting tong."


    The doorbell sounded several times. In her sister''s white shirt, the girl looked uncomfortable, pressing the bell stuck to her future husband''s mansion.


    The man inside was smiling, watching the girl through the CCTV footage attached just above the doorbell button.


    He let her stand there just to catch her forced, lazy, and sullen expressions. She even occasionally kicked her feet on the innocent floor.


    ''She is wearing a skirt?!''


    Hendra smiled, once again observing as if something was forced.


    ''Who dressed her up?! Why is her lipstick so red?!''


    This time the man''s teeth were exposed because he chuckled. He was tickled to see Aruna''s appearance and behavior.


    The man understood that the outfit and makeup She used was not her style. He suspected that someone had forced her to look different.


    Somehow, it was interesting to see.


    "Sorry, it took a long time. I thought there was a salesperson who wrongly pressed the doorbell."


    Hendra''s temptation was only replied with Aruna''s glance.


    Aruna cautiously stepped inside. She hoped to find someone else in this sharp mouth man''s mansion. But, what she  found was a small screen attached to the wall, not far from the entrance.


    ''So, this man already knows I''m in front, or maybe he''s deliberately buying time to tease me?''


    "What is this?!" Aruna provoked a question.


    "CCTV screen?! Any problems??"


    "You''re playing me on purpose!" Aruna was annoyed.


    "Because..." The man pointed his finger at Aruna then swung it up and down.


    "...you are a bit different. I need to make sure it''s you." Hendra relaxed on the sofa with his right foot resting on his left.


    "Oh..." Aruna swallowed her irritation.


    Hendra hoped that the girl would show a bigger expression of annoyance. It was cuter than the word ''Oh...''


    It was useless arguing. She was quite tired at this point. After she arrived at the station, His father''s car drove quickly to take her home, welcomed by her mother.


    Ah, Mom was even more unpleasant. She pushed her into her sister''s room and forced her to wear Alia''s clothes.


    Alia''s body was slender and a little flat compared to Aruna. But, Aruna''s mom didn''t run out of ideas.


    She said Aruna''s clothes were too boishy, not reflecting a female personality, not to mention other excuses.


    The youngest daughter was tired of defending herself.


    It was even worse when her mother ventured to polish her daughter''s face.


    Aruna didn''t have the guts to say she could do it on her own. In fact, she couldn''t do make-up. A powder and lip tint were enough to accompany her every day.


    "Have you eaten?"


    Aruna just realised she hasn''t eaten anything since morning. But, the uneasiness on her face exceeded the hunger in her stomach.


    "Where is the bathroom?"


    Hendra pointed his index finger to the right and several other instructions as directions, including informing that he would continue cooking.


    "I''ll go to the bathroom first."


    "Okay, if you look for me, just go to the pantry." He asked.


    Shortly after that, the girl disappeared behind the bathroom door.


    "Aaaa... !!"


    Aruna''s shout echoed. Hendra immediately stopped his activities.


    He then knocked on the bathroom door while putting his ear on the door, hoping to be able to predict what was going on inside.


    "Aruna... Aruna... Are you okay??" The man''s voice trembled, indicating he was worried.


    "Hendra, help me...."


    .


    .


    ____________


    The background of this novel is in one of the countries in South East Asia where customs, norms, and values in those areas very much inspire every character depicted in this story.


    The boundaries of relationship between males and females and the habits portrayed there can be very much different from your own life styles. I hope you can visit and see the places described in this novel and you can witness it yourself their uniqueness and beauty.

 Chapter 28 - Two Circles & A Triangle I

    "Aaaa... !!"


    Aruna''s shout echoed. Hendra immediately stopped his activities. ??


    He then knocked on the bathroom door while putting his ear on the door, hoping to be able to predict what was going on inside.


    "Aruna... Aruna... Are you okay??" The man''s voice trembled, indicating he was worried.


    "Hendra, help me..." The girl moaned.


    "Ouch .. Brak!!" Aruna seemed to have fallen.


    "Can I come in??"


    "Yes..." Aruna''s voice sounded soft, resigned.


    Hendra immediately pushed the bathroom door.


    "Ah, what are you doing...??"


    Hendra couldn''t continue his words. He found Aruna soaking wet, along with a pool of water mixed with spilled soap.


    The water tap was detached from its base, making a large volume of water spray as if coming out of the wall.


    ''Oh, that''s the problem.''


    "Can you stand up??


    "I''ve tried... But I fall."


    The spatter of soap made the floor slippery. Aruna fell twice before the man came.


    "Wait here, I''ll stop the water first (turn off the water pump)."


    Hendra searched all over the bathroom. He pressed all the switches but to no avail. The man even came to the room below and pulled out everything that was stuck to the socket.


    The water was still flowing.


    ''Aargh, where is it?!!''


    Hendra was completely blind to the condition of his private mansion. It was because he officially owned this mini mansion just yesterday afternoon.


    "Aaa..chew!!!" Aruna rubbed his nose, shivering with cold and trying to shift to a drier place.


    "Do you have a towel, Hendra?" The girl raised her voice so that it could be heard from outside.


    "Yes, wait a moment," The man replied in no less loudly than her.


    Because he could not find an outlet connected to the water pump, he decided to turn off the bargains (electricity meter) button located outside the house.


    All electricity went out.


    Everything was dark except for the corners of the room that were directly opposite the glass windows.


    Sunlight bursted into the room. That was all that could be counted on. The bathroom where Aruna fell, of course, it didn''t have a gap in the sun.


    "You got the towel already!?" The girl heard footsteps entering the room where she was shivering.


    "A towel?!"


    Well, Hendra didn''t even have it. What else can he do? This place was empty. He hadn''t had time to fill it properly.


    "I''ll ask Surya to buy it."


    His secretary was downstairs of the mall, buying groceries that had been forgotten. Hendra forced him to participate in preparing the lunch menu.


    Hendra''s  blue eyes lit up due to the reflection of the flashlight from the phone. He approached the girl and then carried her.


    Everything was wet. The water even dripped down Hendra''s clothes.


    ''Eh? what am I doing?!''


    His blue eyes accidentally stared at Aruna''s white shirt splashed with water, leaving a scene beyond expectations.


    The sun''s rays peeking shyly from behind the glass window exposed the girl''s chest.


    Hendra''s face turned red. He tried to look away.


    Aruna realised. She then immediately covered her chest with both hands.


    "Get me off!!"


    Hendra was unable to hold it back. The girl quickly jumped up and took a few steps back from him.


    It seemed she sprained her leg when she groaned.


    Somehow, her effort covering her body with two hands didn''t help at all. Her clothes were too wet and clingy.


    The girl got angry.


    "Do you have clothes? I want to change. Where is the changing room?!!"


    "I just bought this mansion yesterday. So there is nothing here yet!" Hendra surrendered if Aruna exuded emotion.


    How else? He didn''t even have a towel.


    "WHAT???"


    "You... You deliberately set me up!"


    Aruna pointed her finger, intimidating the man. Her transparent condition made her awkward. She then returned to secure her body with two hands on her chest.


    "Heyy, I''m not that bad!" Hendra firmly defended himself.


    "I''m not a bastard." He grumbled.


    He immediately turned his body, avoiding Aruna''s gaze.


    Hendra once again contacted his secretary.


    "Ah, Surya?! Why don''t you pick up the phone?"


    ''Do I need to ask for another service??''


    He was thinking while typing a message for Surya.


    ''No?! No need to contact others. They can spread random gossip.''


    His family''s maids were too loyal to Grandma Sukma, especially Wiryo.


    *Buy Miss Aruna and me a pair of clothes, including a towel.


    *ASAP.


    *We are waiting.


    The message had been sent but not yet read.


    Hendra slightly turned around, glanced at Aruna. The girl was getting shivering, cold.


    "What about the curtains? You can cover yourself with them. It seems quite warm." Hendra awkwardly persuaded Aruna.


    His brain started to get stuck


    "NOPE!!

 Chapter 29 - Two Circles & A Triangle II

    "What about the curtains? You can cover yourself with them. It seems quite warm." Hendra awkwardly persuaded Aruna.


    His brain started to get stuck??


    "NOPE!! You haven''t washed it, right?! Did you think I''m a cat who fell in the bathtub?! " Aruna refused with a rising intonation.


    She was a little annoyed and tired.


    ''She''s right. Why am I so stupid?!''


    Hendra looked around the room, looking for something which can be utilized.


    "Aaa..chew!!!" Aruna felt her body getting cold.


    "Go.. Away... Buy me clothes." Aruna asked.


    "Wait a minute, follow me." Hendra found an idea.


    At least, it was to warm the girl''s body before he went out looking for clothes.


    "Can you walk?" Hendra stopped walking, realising that Aruna''s leg was hurt, making it difficult for her to walk.


    "Come here, let me help you." Hendra tried to get closer


    "No, no... Just ignore me." Aruna didn''t want to be watched.


    The man bent over to offer his back.


    "I ... don''t... want to!!" Her refusal was like a cranky kid.


    ''You just stole and saw that part when you carried me. How could I do it twice? I''m not a fool tho.''


    "Come on... Don''t complicate things. How could I glance at it if....?!?!"


    ''What should I call it??''


    "Two circles are on my back." Hendra boasted.


    He was thankful to be able to find a non-controversial term.


    Aruna ventured, climbing on the back of the annoying man. She couldn''t help thinking that she could experience an embarrassing incident like this.


    Hendra opened one of the main rooms in the mansion.


    "Why did you bring me to this place!!" Aruna twitched to get down.


    "I don''t want to ... Get me off ... Let me go!!" The girl grabbed Hendra''s hair, pulling his head, making trouble.


    "Aargh... It hurts!" Hendra complained.


    "There''s a blanket inside. Can you use it !?" He added.


    "You''re not lying??" Aruna threatened.


    "Why would I lie? Don''t be too confident. A grumpy little girl like you doesn''t even look like a woman." Hendra defended himself.


    ''Ah, he''s right.'' Aruna thought.


    "Now, let go of my hair." Hendra felt his head hurt.


    "You know what? There''s a valuable company asset inside my head." The man meant his brain.


    "I just grabbed it a little. You won''t need a concussion." Aruna felt a little guilty.


    Hendra lowered Aruna''s body on the big bed.


    To give light to this lightless room, the man gently pulled the curtain, spreaded wide, covering the glass windows.


    The Jakarta city expanse was beautifully captured from the top of the mansion'' skyscrapers.


    Hendra secretly glanced at her once again, looking at the shining Aruna.


    ''This girl really bothered me.''


    Aruna tried to find the best position to cover herself in the big white mattress with a thick blanket on it.


    "Hmm, it also gets wet."


    The blanket that Aruna was sitting on became wet due to her dress.


    "You better take off your clothes before everything gets wet." Hendra suggested.


    "Can you come out??"


    "Yes, of course."


    ***


    Hendra''s secretary was trying to carry groceries. He was in the elevator crammed with other mall visitors.


    When the atmosphere was more relaxed, Surya tried to check his phone.


    ''What?? I have to go back downstairs? Oh God, I haven''t had breakfast. He!! (irritably called Hendra) keep telling me. Did he think I am a robot?''


    Surya didn''t get off the elevator when he reached the top floor. He returned to the mall downstairs.


    ''Why should I buy him clothes?!'' Well, who cares. I''ll just eat first.''


    Surya stopped at the food court, grinned and began to choose the food menu.


    ***


    "Hendra, I am done." The girl''s voice called.


    Spontaneously, the blue-eyed man entered and what he saw made him shake his head.


    "Are you really a girl??" Hendra directed his index finger on the shirt that fell scattered on the floor.


    "I''m sorry, hehe." The girl was rushed off the bed, closed her clothes with a blanket that hung on her tiny body.


    "Hehehe, can I get a plastic bag?"


    ''Hendra, please focus... Don''t think about strange things.''


    Hendra hurried out of the room, looking for a plastic bag. He erratically walked around.


    ''That grumpy little girl makes me look stupid again.''


    ''Aargh... Why did I think about that again?''


    As a normal man, he was quite disturbed when he found some underwear lying in front of him. Not to mention that the girl didn''t wear anything and innocently stood up.


    Weren''t neurons in the brain able to modify a sketch of a body part wrapped in a blanket?


    Hendra threw the plastic bag and turned around, avoiding Aruna. The girl slowly adjusted her clothes.


    If other people saw this, they might think absurdly.


    "Are you done?? If so, I''ll go first."


    "Wait!"

 Chapter 30 - Two Circles & A Triangle III

    If other people saw this, they might think absurdly.


    "Are you done?? If so, I''ll go first."??


    "Wait!"


    "Don''t forget to buy me... Eemm..." Aruna hesitated to say it.


    "Something inside."


    "Are you hungry?"


    There was a stomach inside her body. ''She must be hungry.'' Hendra thought


    "No, that''s not... !!"


    "What?!" Hendra bluffed, impatient.


    ''I must immediately run away before my brain gets out of control.''


    ''Eem... Two circles and a triangle..."


    ''He surely knows if I call it like that.''


    "Donuts and sandwiches? Alright."


    "No!! That''s not!!" Aruna was annoyed because Hendra didn''t understand either.


    "Speak clearly!! Don''t make me dizzy!!" The man snapped at Aruna.


    Why was the girl so convoluted?


    Hendra approached, intending to intimidate.


    Aruna tucked her face into the blanket, avoiding Hendra''s bluff.


    "Em... Something inside." The creepy girl innocently peeked the inside of her and glanced at Hendra.


    Her face flushed red.


    ''Pretty cute, huh?'' Hendra''s brain spoke to its owner.


    The man fell back in confusion.


    ''I have to leave as soon as possible before my thoughts run wild.''


    "Fine, I understand." The man was awkwardly trying to find himself immersed in the heat, naturally coming from his own body.


    "Stop, are you just leaving?"


    "What''s now!!?"


    ''Oh, come one. I must immediately run away from here.''


    "You know the size??"


    ''Oh yes, I don''t know that.''


    Hendra shrugged his shoulders as a sign he didn''t know it.


    "Em... above 36D and below L." Aruna shyly whispered.


    "What??!" Hendra was stunned for a moment and started walking away.


    "Pretty big tho." Hendra muttered to himself.


    "Bukk!!"


    The pillow landed on the man''s head. Aruna heard his whisper. She grabbed the nearest pillow then threw it at the rude man.


    There was an explosion of anger that the CEO wanted to pour out.


    ''I was bullied by a little girl today. It doesn''t make sense.''


    But when he looked back at Aruna, the girl looked away, sulking.


    His emotions suddenly weakened. He then decided to quickly leave.


    The door through which he passed was flung a little rough. Hendra stood behind the door and stroked his chest.


    ''Hey, shut up!!'' He asked his chest to stop beating.


    ''Is he going out in wet clothes?''


    Aruna just realised that Hendra''s back and chest were exposed to water when carrying her earlier.


    ''Who cares?''


    Aruna rolled up in bed and started to feel hungry.


    ***


    "Huh?? How is this?? Ah, where should I hide?" An assistant was at a loss, tucking himself under the table.


    "Hehe." He pointed his index finger in front of his mouth, giving silent instructions to some of the other visitors who felt strange about his behavior.


    The boss just passed. He walked over with haste. Fortunately, he didn''t see Surya enjoying his lunch and breakfast.


    Surya was sneaking back as quickly as possible back to his boss''s mansion.


    ***


    "Hello??..."


    ''Why is everything dark??''


    ''Is the power out??''


    "Cotrek, cotrek¡­" Surya checked the light.


    ''No one, huh? Hendra failed again. Miss Aruna didn''t come. Haha.. Poor him.''


    "Prangg..." Surya accidentally bumped into some of the equipment.


    "I''m here, Surya. Is that you?" Aruna confirmed as someone came.


    It couldn''t be Hendra. The man just left.


    "Miss Aruna?" He replied.


    "Yes... I''m in the room."


    "Did you bring my clothes?" Aruna asked.


    ''Clothes? Luckily, I already bought it.''


    Surya traced the sound source.


    A moment later.


    "Aaa... Wh... What''s wrong?!"


    ''Why did she look so messed up? What did happen when I''m not around?''


    ''Did I miss something extraordinary?''


    "No... No... It''s not what you think." Aruna gave a clarification.


    "What did you do to Hendra??"


    ''Hendra can''t do it. It''s impossible. I know him. His stature is indeed a foreigner, but he was raised in a Javanese upbringing. He is not a reckless man.''


    "My eyes, did I see wrong?" Hendra''s secretary rubbed his eyes.


    ''Wait, Hendra?? He is a normal man. Of course, he can lose control.''


    "Ah, what did Hendra do to you?"


    "No, no...." Hendra''s assistant was unclearly muttered to himself.


    "What did you guys do??"


    "It doesn''t matter anyway."


    "But... isn''t it too early for an innocent girl like you?" Surya''s statement was ticklish.


    "Eh, what? It''s not what you think."


    "Trust me..."


    "Please give me my clothes."


    "I''ll explain after I got my clothes." Aruna realised that Hendra''s secretary was in deep shock.


    ***


    "It''s crazy... How do I buy it?"


    A man walked around the underwear display. He had a hard time starting a simple buying and selling transaction.


    "It''s a shame.. Ah, my integrity is trampled."


    "Aruna... I intend to make a fool of her today. I didn''t expect it. I was bullied."


    "Sir, may I help you?" A saleswoman approached, asking the meaning of the man who was squeezing foam display of one of the underwear brands.


    "Eh." Hendra immediately let go of his hand. He was surprised to find his fingers out of control.


    "Is there anything I can help you..?" The saleswoman asked once again.

 Chapter 31 - A Room From 22 Years Ago I

    "It''s a shame.. Ah, my integrity is trampled."


    "Aruna... I intend to make a fool of her today. I didn''t expect it. I was bullied."??


    "Sir, may I help you?" A saleswoman approached, asking the meaning of the man who was squeezing foam display of one of the underwear brands.


    "Eh." Hendra immediately let go of his hand. He was surprised to find his fingers out of control.


    "Is there anything I can help you..?" The saleswoman asked once again.


    "Erm¡­ Is there... Size 36D?"


    "Of course." The woman in the black uniform cheerfully replied.


    "Do you like foam or... ??... Oh, sorry, I mean, your wife usually uses foam or no foam?"


    ''Ah, what?... What else is this?'' Hendra didn''t understand.


    "I''ll take it all."


    ***


    ''The lamp is already on. Is Surya back?'' Hendra just arrived at the mansion.


    "Where is Aruna?" Hendra asked his secretary, the man who was busy tidying up the pantry.


    "She had gone home," Surya flatly replied.


    "Really?!"


    "Are you disappointed buddy that she''s already home?" Surya mischievously whispered.


    "Don''t joke around." Hendra put down some groceries.


    "How about the water tap? Is it done?"


    "What did I say? We have to renovate this place first!!"


    "I am just asking."


    ''Why is he angry?'' Mahendra thought.


    Hendra walked through the living room.


    Someone in her new clothes tried to get up from the sofa where she was watching television. The snacks were still clinging to a mess.


    "Have you got clothes?" The man watched her movements.


    Again, he accidentally confirmed the circle in front of her chest.


    ''Eh, I think she''s got that too.''


    "Yes... Mr Surya bought it for me," Aruna replied.


    "So you don''t need this?" Hendra innocently asked, while lifting a bag of plastic that he bought with tremendous mental pressure.


    "Eh, that..." Aruna quickly walked. Her one leg seemed troubled.


    "Give it to me." The girl rudely snatched it.


    ''What an ungrateful little girl.''


    "You didn''t forget to say something?!"


    Hearing Hendra''s words, Aruna replied by looking away indifferently.


    "Who made me like this!? I will be grateful if you apologise." Aruna was annoyed.


    Somehow, she was starving, tired and upset all together.


    "Okay, I''m sorry."


    The blue-eyed man seemed to weaken whenever Aruna showed a sulking expression.


    "Thank you," Aruna softly replied.


    "What? I can''t hear you."


    They started talking informally.


    "Thank... you ¡­ young¡­ mas.. ter..." Aruna spat out the words, imitating the reading tone of a kid who was just learning to read.


    She was sure Hendra had heard what she said. The man liked to tease her.


    "You tease me again. Are you tired of living, huh¡­??"


    Hendra grabbed a phenomenal plastic bag, a symbol of his trampling integrity as the Wenceslas Group''s CEO.


    It was easy for him to keep the bag from Aruna. He just simply raised his hands up. With Hendra''s tall posture, little Aruna could only jump in vain.


    The girl didn''t lose her mind. She deliberately jumped to stomp on Mahendra''s leg.


    When the man groaned and lifted one leg, she immediately pushed his tall and sturdy body.


    ''What?!?''


    Hendra fell to the floor.


    He couldn''t stop thinking that this little girl would dare to crawl on top of him and then snatched the things she wanted. Her hair and shirt even brushed his face.


    ''Blush.'' Hendra flushed. His ears turned hot too.


    His heart pulsed so fast as if it wanted to get out of his chest.


    The man then froze for a moment, stunned alone, before noticing the reckless little girl had disappeared behind the door.


    ***


    The food that the two best friends made smelt good, hovering in the air slipped into Aruna''s nose.


    She hadn''t eaten anything since morning. Plus, she experienced tiring event series, leading the girl out of hiding.


    She then came out with aching legs.


    ''I''m exhausted, does anyone want to help me?''


    "Mr Surya..." Aruna asked for help.


    She was quite visible from the pantry. But, she felt like just getting there was quite tiring.


    "Please¡­ call me another way." Hendra''s secretary seemed to object to being summoned by ''Mr'' in front of his name.


    Aruna racked her brain. She wasn''t brave enough to just call out a name. That was impolite.


    "M.. Mas?!" (a Javanese call)


    ''He is Javanese, right? It''s also impossible for me to call him Aa.'' (a Sundanese call)


    "Hey, you can''t give that call to him..." Hendra interrupted.


    "Oh, come on, help me. My leg hurts. You''re guys still arguing."


    Hendra put down his job. He quickly came to Aruna.


    "No... No... No... Not you. I don''t need your help." Aruna stepped back, shaking her head. She wasn''t pleased to receive Hendra''s help.


    Hendra didn''t care. He lifted Aruna''s body.


    "Ah, get me off!! You just need to hold my hand... I don''t want to be carried."


    "I want to come down! Get me down!!" This girl was noisy, hitting Hendra''s shoulders and chest several times.


    Mahendra was consistent. He didn''t flinch and relaxly lowered Aruna on the pantry chair.


    "Wash your hands first." Hendra put Aruna''s hands away, which immediately grabbed the food.


    "Bring the water here then..." Aruna asked.


    The man prepared the water in a small bottle and tissue for the girl.


    "The plate... give me the plate, Sir." Surya slipped a plate in front of Aruna.


    This girl was already good at bothering her boss. She was delighted to have a comrade in arms.


    Aruna swiftly took the rice and piled all the side dishes, vegetables, into one like a hill. She was starving since morning.


    The spoon was full. Aruna devourely ate her food, ignoring the two pairs of stunned eyes, who were observing her appetite.


    "For the sake of magic clam... This is so delicious!" Aruna exclaimed.


    "Ha ha ha ha..." The two people who were observing Aruna, spontaneously laughed.


    ''What are they laughing at??''

 Chapter 32 - A Room From 22 Years Ago II

    "Ha ha ha ha..." The two people who were observing Aruna, spontaneously laughed.


    ''What are they laughing at??''??


    For Aruna, saying this was normal. When Okefood came to the Magic Letter outlet, then brought food for her friends working all day studying, they would scramble to destroy everything.


    They then would say such words.


    It was a unique habit that Damar transmitted. The two people''s lives in front of her maybe were too serious, Aruna concluded.


    "Your appetite is quite surprising." Hendra teased.


    "Seeing Miss Aruna, it feels like my stomach is full."


    -Eitss.. who stopped at the food court earlier then?


    "Don''t you have a rule not to disturb people from eating?"


    Surya once scolded Aruna, when the three had lunch together, and she accidentally asked a question.


    This time, the girl hoped the two people in front of her would be quiet.


    "Unfortunately, I''m in the mood to break it." Hendra was happy to be able to disturb Aruna.


    The man placed his teriyaki chicken on his plate.


    "How can you guys cook this well?" Aruna praised them.


    "When we lived in California, Hendra had difficulty with the type of food there. We were forced to cook it ourselves." Surya explained.


    "Really? I can hardly believe you''re someone like that."


    Aruna felt that the Javanese-and-English man''s food taste didn''t reflect his visuals. However, She knew nothing about her future husband.


    "You, what do you like?" Hendra asked.


    "I like all foods, especially if there are promo vouchers."


    What Aruna meant was when there were Okefood promo vouchers.


    "How about your hobby? Do you have an interest in something?"


    It seemed that Hendra was also trying to get to know his future wife in the right way (no stalking).


    "I like designs... any design, especially accessories, beads or anything related to crafts," Aruna replied while enjoying the last slice of dessert.


    "Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I''ve finished the invitation design. Before we duplicate it, don''t you want to check it?" (Hendra''s 4-dimensional invitation of his wedding with Aruna)


    "Deliver it to my office." Hendra pulled his lips into a suspicious smile.


    ''Ah, Hendra.. He wanted to show who he is.''


    Surya was getting bored being a supporting role among them. The man then stepped aside to look for other activities.


    ***


    The girl was fast asleep on the pantry table, initially planning to wait for Hendra to finish eating and clean up, hoping that the man would carry her to a more comfortable place to rest.


    In fact, the feeling of tiredness and sleepiness was unbearable.


    Hendra carried her, laying her down on the same bed where she had acted earlier.


    The man came out of the room as quickly as possible. There was a sense of tension that enveloped him.


    "May I go first?" Surya asked for approval, finding his boss just coming out of the room where Aruna was resting.


    "Okay, I can take the girl home after she wakes up."


    Hendra''s statement approved his secretary''s request.


    ***


    The clock kept turning. It was already over 18.00 at night. But, there was no sign of Aruna waking up yet.


    Hendra intended to wait another 30 minutes. Somehow, he was reluctant to enter Aruna''s room.


    ''Ah, it''s almost 7pm. Why didn''t she wake up either?


    The man doubly opened the door.


    ''Dheg''


    Aruna''s feet were visible. It gave him goosebumps.


    ''No! There will be no problem... I can pass this.''


    Hendra approached Aruna''s bed, finding the girl''s forehead sweating. Her face looked pale.


    ''Is she okay?''


    ''Hah, am I okay too?''


    Hendra touched Aruna''s forehead, finding the girl''s forehead temperature was high. Her palms felt hot.


    ''Calm down. There will be no problem. Aruna just has a normal fever.''


    This man seemed to be calming himself down. He looked restless not only because the girl had a fever.


    Aruna''s body slightly moved to balance her body temperature. The girl started deliriously.


    Hendra was unable to be near her. Somehow, he chose to take a few steps back.


    Something came to him. It wasn''t restlessness, but there was a tinge of fear slowly assaulting him.


    ''I can''t... I can''t see this.''


    He wanted to run out of the room. Unfortunately, his body froze.


    ''Please... Help... Help her... She will die... Help her¡­''


    Hendra tried to get his voice out. His mouth could only breathe out short, irregular breaths.


    A room from 22 years ago was slowly coming back. The nearby wall faded, fading into another wall from his long-term memory.


    The memory was saved too neatly in his head.


    The man felt that the woman on the bed was dying. But, he couldn''t move, frozen in the same place.


    ''My voice... I don''t want to be like this...''


    ''No!! this is not real!?''


    Hendra was trying to gather his logical thoughts, troubled to reach for the phone in the pants pocket. The man struggled hard just to find and press the screen.


    Finally, Hendra managed to press the last button of the phone out. He contacted his secretary.


    ''Please... Help me... Come here help me.''


    Hendra repeatedly tried to ask for help. But when the phone voiced his words...


    "Hello, do you need something?"


    "Hendra, hello?"


    "I can''t hear your voice..." The secretary was confused.


    "Bruk!... Klatakk."


    Hendra''s eyes grew blurry, darken. He lost consciousness, falling over with his past memories.


    PTSD (post-traumatic disorder) greeted him once again.


    "Hey?? what happened?!"


    "Hello....??"

 Chapter 33 - An Angelic Face I

    "What about Aruna, is she okay?" Hendra asked his secretary.


    "Miss Aruna reportedly started going to college today, even though her legs are still a little bad. But don''t worry, she just sprained her leg." Surya explained.??


    "Okay. Send me some more supplements and fruits, including dinner for her place (Magic Letter outlet)." Hendra added.


    Hendra had sent the same thing to Aruna for several days.


    "Hen, shouldn''t you visit Miss Aruna? It makes you look more polite. I''m sure her family will appreciate your coming." Surya persuaded.


    Today was the fifth day after Hendra''s fainted incident. This man looked scary now, spending a lot of time working and didn''t talk too much.


    "Can''t you see we''re busy?"


    Hendra couldn''t talk properly. He even asked Surya and the old doctor who handled him to hide the incident from anyone, including Aruna.


    Surya personally came to Aruna, begging her to pretend not to know about Hendra''s fainted incident, even though it was the girl who picked up the secretary''s call and gave the news that the CEO was unconscious.


    Mahendra thought it was Surya who found him and also took him to the hospital, without the woman knowing.


    Luckily, Aruna captured Surya''s explanation well. She concluded that Hendra would be embarrassed if she knew that she helped him when he fainted.


    ''Thank God everything is fine.'' Surya whispered at that time. Somehow, he couldn''t easily say gratitude words now.


    "What''s my schedule after this?"


    "You got an invitation to a birthday party from Baskoro, I''m sure you won''t like it so you can rest."


    Abi Rizky Baskoro was the owner of an oil company, the Bengawan Oil Company group''s elder. He gathered colleagues for his birthday parties every year that seemed boring and a waste of time in Hendra''s eyes.


    The Wenceslas Group''s CEO would only come if he had cooperation goals, or some relationships needed to be approached.


    "Prepare my car and clothes, I''ll come."


    Surya frowned at Hendra''s words.


    Wasn''t wasting a break just to come to a party like this far from his boss''s habit?


    "You have important plans for today''s party?"


    ''You better have it, or I will drag you to your room, forcing you to rest. Even then, if I dare to do it.''


    Surya almost lost his control. He had given up the day before.


    Keeping up with the CEO''s increasingly workaholic schedule, how could he survive with so little sleep? The time for eating was even swift. If it wasn''t for friendship, he wouldn''t do it.


    This kind of work schedule was very inhumane. As a main secretary as well as a personal assistant, he would follow Hendra wherever his activities were.


    The incident when Hendra finally collapsed yesterday was an exception for him because he was unable to resist his fatigue.


    It was still the fifth day after the incident that changed him. Surya was clueless about what''s wrong with Hendra. He sometimes had a hard time understanding Hendra''s personality, a friend he had followed for 8 years.


    To be honest, Hendra''s personality like this reminded him of his early acquaintance with the Wenceslas heir. He was a little talker and tended to be mysterious with all the cool expressions on his face.


    No matter how funny the joke was that made others laughed, he just glanced with a boring look, making other people awkward and confused.


    There was an old doctor who seemed familiar with him. The woman could even predict that the medicine she was giving would be thrown away immediately after Hendra left her room.


    She then entrusted a similar medicine to Surya, wishing he could persuade him.


    "No, I just want to fill my time. Any problems?"


    "Fine, I will come with you on one condition."


    Surya took out the medicine from his pocket.


    "Drink this!" Hendra''s secretary had persuaded him several times.


    Hendra roughly picked up the bottle containing the capsule which Surya put on his desk.


    "Brakk!!"


    The man threw it against the wall. It scatteredly fell to the floor. A face full of anger depicted in Hendra''s face.


    "I don''t know how to deal with you anymore."


    Surya left the Wenceslas Group''s CEO.


    ***


    "Aruna..." Dea ran to hug her. An aura of happiness enveloped the hijab woman.


    "Be careful of my feet, hehe." Aruna also welcomed her best friend''s embrace.


    "Can you go up? Let me help you." Dea put Aruna''s hand on her back.


    "No need, I can... It''s not as bad as you think." Aruna explained while climbing the stairs to the 2nd floor of the Magic Letter outlet.


    Arriving at the top, her friends were very enthusiastic about finding Aruna back. The other reason was that they have received such a touching dinner delivery, 5-star menu in recent days, like what just came.


    Aruna checked, swallowing her saliva. It wasn''t caused by a tempting dish, but rather because she realised who sent this package.


    The man who made her leg hurt seemed to be trying to apologise. But, why didn''t he contact her at all? Was he too busy?


    Somehow, there was a little hope in her heart.


    "Where is Damar?" Aruna asked.


    She felt lonely when the eccentric young man was not visible.


    "Didn''t he tell you?" Lily was a little confused by Aruna''s statement regarding Damar''s whereabouts.


    "About what?" Aruna replied.


    "Look at this." Lily typed a few things on the laptop.


    It was a video on Indonesia''s 2nd trading position. The video included the words ''Reddish Hue'' by Danu Umar.


    When the video was clicked, Damar''s distinctive guitar sound sounded even more beautiful. Still, with the same lyrics, the song was sung beautifully.


    Aruna''s friends approached, joined in observing. Even though they have repeatedly played the song and commented on it, it seemed they were trying to believe something new that was far from predictable.


    They were totally surprised by Damar''s decision that suddenly changed.


    From the four people who tried to believe it, there was a pair of eyes looking in a different direction. Aruna read another video title which was on the right side of the YouTube display.


    *Novelist Danu Umar finally accepted a music producer offer because of his poetry.


    *Find out more in novels, poems and songs by Danu Umar.


    *Newcomer Danu Umar, only with a simple MV capital immediately skyrocketed.


    *Who would have thought that the famous producer Bay Wijaya chose Danu Umar.


    All the words were silent, it meant they wouldn''t find Damar in this place. It could be that a friend who liked to make absurd jokes would change as someone else.


    "Who will do Damar''s assignment here?" Aruna chirped and walked away from Lily''s laptop.


    There was a sense of loss that couldn''t be hidden.


    "Damar met us yesterday. There are two juniors from literature who will join us," Dea explained.


    The young man introduced two of his juniors, namely Laras and Tito. He even underlined that they would not disappoint them.


    Beside Danu Umar''s two junior specifications, this hijab girl also told Aruna about Damar''s hope that he wanted to meet her directly, but unfortunately, the girl was sick.


    ''This man really won''t bother me, but... isn''t the way too excessive?'' Aruna thought.

 Chapter 34 - An Angelic Face II

    Beside Danu Umar''s two junior specifications, this hijab girl also told Aruna about Damar''s hope that he wanted to meet her directly, but unfortunately, the girl was sick.


    ''This man really won''t bother me, but... isn''t the way too excessive?'' Aruna thought.??


    ***


    Most of those who attended the party were having fun with their respective goals.


    Some danced at the karaoke space, some enjoyed the DJ, and some others seriously talked more about each other''s strengths in the businessman room on the inside.


    Somehow, Hendra ended up in a corner where most of the male and female socialites exchanged greetings. He sat lined up with waiters passing by, busy bombarded with orders.


    Yes, he was right in front of the room where the businessmen were boasting.


    The man glared at the blue drink in front of him. He occasionally played his phone, sitting lazily as if in his own world without realizing that several pairs of eyes were staring at him.


    "Anyone who can approach him tonight will get half of my arisan money. How? Agree?"


    (Arisan: a regular social gathering for purposes of conducting a lottery.)


    A group of girls in a squad were planning their madness.


    Actually, the Beauty squad consists of 15 female socialites from celebrities, doctors, conglomerate wives and even chefs, boutique owners, and beauty clinics. They were also active in social media, including television shows.


    Tania was included in it. She was currently in a different place, along with some of the other Beauty squad members.


    "Are you sure you won''t regret it?" Said the other with a grin.


    "Which one¡­ Which one... I wanna see him." The woman in gold was no less curious.


    "Look over there, he''s sitting alone with his eyes and drink are in blue." The redshirt pointed out Hendra''s whereabouts.


    "Wow.. He is... too handsome."


    Some of them let go of their phone and focused on paying attention to Hendra.


    "I think his face is familiar."


    "Yes, I''ve seen him, but who is he?" The seven girls in the circle were more intense, observing.


    "Without even betting, I would be happy to try it."


    "He is like an angel, it''s not enough if you are the only one who bet." The girls were saying random words.


    "Well, what if the successful one will get a joint from all of us, the amount of one round of Arisan?"


    "This is more interesting." They bet with bigger prizes, involving more people.


    Another woman who had been silent, full of observation, speaking up.


    "I''m joining this time."


    "Wow, what''s wrong with you, Ra?" Another chirp was surprised.


    Raira was a model and the minister''s granddaughter from reform order.


    "No problem, I''ll get the last turn if you all fail. I''m willing to spend more money to make him be my boyfriend." They laughed in unison.


    "Hello, who will you pay for?" Kia, the daughter in law of the party owner, came with Tania.


    "We''re making a bet." Said one of them.


    "Look, we bet a very handsome man this time."


    "Owh, single girls." Kia mocked at them.


    "Which one? I wonder." Kia''s eyes hunted, followed by Tania.


    "What?? Don''t be crazy, you girls." Kia, who was quite close to Tania spontaneously glanced at her friend''s eyes.


    They were close because Kia was an artist of the same generation before marrying one of Baskoro''s sons. She had already smelled Tania''s closeness to the Wenceslas Group''s heir.


    "He is Wenceslas sole successor. Your money can''t even buy anything compared to his. Don''t mess around him," Kia added.


    "What? This is getting interesting." One of them felt like it would be fun.


    "Wait, do you mean the CEO is also the Wenceslas Group'' sole heir?" The woman who had just spoken picked up her phone, containing an article about Hendra.


    "No wonder, I feel he is familiar."


    "I won''t back down. If the others step back, It doesn''t matter. Who knows this will be the greatest opportunity in life."


    Geraldine, also known as Nadin, put her diamond ring as the initial down payment and challenged the others.


    "Take my arisan if you are successful."


    Tania suddenly felt her chest get upset.


    ''After all, Hendra is very cold with anyone. He will get married soon. Who could conquer him other than me?''


    All this time, Tania felt that she knew Hendra the best because she had been together so long and was often used as a shield as his lover to pressure other women.


    Both of them were like doing a flirtationship, attracted to each other without status. They were more than friends but not dating, representing a mutualism symbiotic bond.


    "But, I got the first chance," Tania asked.


    Kia persuaded the others to agree with it. She knew Tania needed this. In her eyes, Tania was Hendra''s hidden lover. That was the rumour she had heard.


    "Okay, I''ll record it." Kia raised her phone, starting an insta story live. It was so noisy with the squad members'' whispers.


    "Let''s see if our artist can beat the CEO."


    "Hahaha."


    "Tania, show your skills."


    "Why should she first? It''s unfair."


    "Never mind... Let''s see our romance artist''s action."


    Tania took a leisurely step because she had already mastered everything about Hendra.


    They met in high school on the roof of the school building, and often together since the ee came home from California, USA.


    "Hi." The beautiful woman with perfect make-up wrapped in half-open dresses greeted.


    Hendra lazily glanced as he didn''t care.

 Chapter 35 - The Widened Pupils I

    "Hi." The beautiful woman with perfect make-up wrapped in half-open dresses greeted.


    Hendra lazily glanced as he didn''t care.??


    Tania turned her chair towards Hendra. She slightly tilted her head so that she looked even more beautiful with her hair loose against the table, making sure her face catched the man''s eyes.


    "Oh my God... My handsome friend, what''s wrong with you?" Tania tried to make her expression as attractive as possible so that Hendra would turn to her.


    Somehow, she failed.


    "What else this time?? Your secretary is not even with you?" Tania added, capturing Hendra''s gloomy atmosphere.


    The man took a sip of his drink.


    "Go on... You bother me."


    Tania sweetly smiled, holding back her patience. This man had said the same thing for a thousand times. It was also as much as this woman ignored him.


    Tania, a high school girl he met on the school''s roof when she was at her lowest point in life prompted the courage to jump from there.


    "Wait, if you intend to end your life, I''ll go from here first."


    The young man had absolutely no interest in her getting ready to jump off the rooftop, not even persuading her to stop.


    "Why did you even go?"


    ''Why doesn''t he persuade me? I really need support tho.''


    "What else?! Of course, I don''t want to be a witness to your stupid behaviour. You''re the one who died, but I''m the one who will be interrogated for hours."


    For some reason, talking to Hendra at that time made Tania lose her resolve. She glanced down.


    The eaves of the roof were so scary. She then moved away.


    "Won''t you persuade me? Tania felt she needed help, at least a little persuasion.


    "You''ve lost your courage, huh?!" Said Hendra with a condescending expression.


    "Make sure you jump after I finish down the stairs." He added.


    The young man didn''t care at all. He just left the girl. Tania, who was starting to be afraid of herself, ran after Hendra.


    With her spontaneous footsteps in tune with Hendra''s, Tania was determined to always be near the Wenceslas''s heir.


    Unlike his peers who admitted that they care, in fact, just pretending, she was the one who was truly honest and sincere.


    Tania was born in a celebrity family. Her parents were both artists that filled events on various television stations everyday.


    When her parents divorced, the media made it a hot potato to heat the atmosphere, including domestic violence received by her mother and his father''s infidelity.


    Tania, the school star, had become a school disgrace. Everyone talked about her family. Even her friends who were always nice, became rude and dared to express hatred towards Tania.


    Since meeting Hendra and starting to follow him, no one has dared to sneer at Tania openly. They were even considered as the school''s couple goal as their parents'' divorce case subsided.


    "Ah, you should use a grown man expression next time."


    No matter how, Tania must succeed this time or Hendra would fall prey to the others.


    "Sort of go with me... you''ve been teasing me," Tania whispered, bringing her lips closer to Hendra''s ear.


    Mahendra spontaneously caught the girl''s face with one palm and pushed her away.


    Tania found her friends at the end there giggling, waiting for her failure.


    "Have you forgotten my principle? I always volunteered to help you. Unfortunately, if you refuse, I''m ready to disturb you." Tania played with her hair, still trying to find a gap so that Hendra at least glanced at her.


    The man paused, staring blankly. He dug up his messy brain these days.


    "You asked me to accept your help, don''t regret it."


    Hendra threw away his jacket, feeling uncomfortable with Tania''s dress. The woman walked after Hendra with a proud wave of her hand, sending a message of victory to her friends.


    Since the man opened the car door for Tania until they arrived at the door of his family''s hotel room, Hendra''s voice was not heard at all.


    The woman talked a lot, trying to attract Mahendra to comment on what she said. Unfortunately, Hendra consistently ignored the woman.


    "Come in."


    Hendra instructed a shocking command. It was too sudden when he opened the door to his private room on the executive lounge floor.


    ''Isn''t he allergic to being in the same space or room with women?'' Tania thought.


    She was well aware of Hendra''s other side that was hidden from many people, including herself.


    Tania''s heart skipped a beat when the man turned on the room light. He then sat on one side towards his grey bed. A room with a grey-white interior, a place that described its owner''s personality, as was a mysterious person.


    "Do you really want to help?"


    Hendra''s words made Tania flushed. She was indeed between too happy and scared. Whatever happened, she couldn''t predict. Tania didn''t even understand why she felt happier than afraid.


    Tania shyly nodded slightly¡ªa statement ''yes'' from Tania.


    Unfortunately, a different expression was depicted by the man sitting on the sofa. He looked full of concentration, as if looking for ways to solve math problems presented in the final exam.


    "Lie down there and close your eyes." Hendra asked.


    "Ah, what??" Tania was shocked.


    She wasn''t sure what Hendra just said. Yet, her firm determination about this man trumped any logic. She just did what he wanted.


    Hendra was silent. The man''s silence seemed to stop the world for Tania. But not for Mahendra, the man was really making observations, a crazy experiment for himself.


    The clink of the clock on the wall became part of the rhythm of his observations. Initially, Hendra firmly held on the sofa where he sat, maybe he could be scared or worse, faint.


    Fortunately, it didn''t happen.


    The room wall also showed no change, or fading away like the one he had when he was with Aruna.


    ''What''s wrong with me?''


    Hendra was looking for his terrible fear. He was actually just fine. His heart didn''t rustle at all.

 Chapter 36 - The Widened Pupils II

    ''What''s wrong with me?''


    Hendra was looking for his terrible fear. He was actually just fine. His heart didn''t rustle at all.??


    Little Hendra had experienced this kind of trial hundreds of times, from seeing pictures on the screen to live trials like now, before he was ready to go back to school at that time.


    And after being able to get through it, he still tried to avoid a similar incident.


    He needed a reason why he couldn''t see Aruna. Just seeing her in the room in a deep sleep had created a terrible stir in his heart.


    Why was he just fine now? Wasn''t Tania also a woman and she was also lying on the bed?


    ''Why were the results different?''


    Unconsciously, the man spent 15 minutes observing.


    "It''s done, you get out now." Hendra asked, feeling that he has had enough.


    Tania got up in surprise.


    "What do you mean?" There was a disappointed expression and anger on the woman''s face.


    "Well, I''ve received enough of your help." (Now I need a break)


    "Hendra!! Don''t you realise you''ve insulted me?" Tania was offended.


    "Whatever. If you don''t want to get out of my room, I''ll come out."


    Hendra, this man was too naive. He really stepped towards the door.


    "You''ve looked at my body, but didn''t touch me." The girl ran to hug Hendra''s back.


    "What do you mean?!" There was an outburst of anger. Hendra''s reflex let go and threw Tania''s hand.


    Tania''s profusely tears flowed. Hendra''s refusal this time really destroyed her pride. The hope she had built up over the years turned into an insult.


    She was too strong to receive his bad behaviour.


    But, why was tonight so different? Was it because dreams beyond expectations have burst into her chest?


    The woman fell to the floor, sitting helplessly with tears in her eyes.


    Hendra was still standing in the doorway. If it was someone else, he would''ve left right away.


    Unlike others, Tania, that woman had helped him a lot.


    "Get up, I''ll take you home." Once again, Hendra''s request couldn''t be refused.


    ***


    "O..oh, I''m surprised."


    The middle-aged woman entered her workspace. With hair colour mixed with black and white, she remained graceful and charming.


    "It turns out that my little master still needs this old woman, I''m really honoured."


    Doctor Diana approached Hendra who volunteered to lie down on the specialist''s consulting chair with the title Sp. KJ.


    Hendra glanced at her, tapping his fingers on the soft chair handle right in the middle of the room.


    "Don''t threaten... This old woman should be the one who is angry," Diana clearly remembered her little master''s behaviour had not changed much.


    After all these years, he appeared with the same case.


    "You have taken the medicine that I gave?!"


    Without an answer, Diana seemed to have caught the phrase ''not yet'' from Hendra''s expression.


    The woman smiled, shaking her head.


    "Too bad... Even though the drug makes it easy for you to rest."


    Hendra knew Diana''s habits. She liked to lecture him before counselling sessions.


    Finally, she sat down in her chair, near where Hendra laid down.


    "Now, may I know? How did you get moved until here?" Diana softly asked.


    "Why do I only react to a certain woman?" Hendra''s statement was limiting her.


    "What kind of reaction?" Diana repiled, asking.


    "Yes... I''m afraid to see her lying on the bed. Only her, but not the others." Hendra''s explanation couldn''t be overt.


    "Only her?" Diana repeated Hendra''s phrase.


    "Not the others?" The doctor guessed.


    "Hahh, I''m disappointed you are still the same."


    ''This man is still doing his own test.'' Diana thought.


    Hendra understood Dr Diana''s words. The past mischief he was now committing.


    "You can carry out the observation with us, don''t you know that there will be more problems?" Dr Diana was disappointed.


    Her patient''s habit hadn''t changed from his childhood until now, trying to find a solution himself but with no skills.


    "Well, it''s useless if you''re disappointed." Hendra''s response was flat.


    "Okay... May I know who you call ''only her'' who makes you worry? Dr Diana dug up information.


    "I don''t want to go that far." Hendra objected to revealing Aruna''s identity.


    Dr Diana smiled, reassuring Hendra. Everything the patient said will be safe in her office.


    Unfortunately, the psychologist''s interlocutor ignored what the doctor said.


    "Do you have feelings for ''her'', Hendra?" Dr Diana was still trying to dig up more detailed information.


    Hendra shook his head.


    ''Ah my question is wrong.''


    Diana too equated her little master with other patients. That was a big mistake. It took a different strategy just to get information from the Wenceslas''s heir.


    "What about the blush on your face? Have you ever felt hot or flushed when you get certain behaviours from ''her''?" Again, Hendra was silent.


    The man looked at himself.


    Dr Diana found a little gap that led to a certain phrase. It just took a few more confirmations.


    "I think you talk a lot more when you''re with her." Dr Diana still hadn''t given up.


    Hendra found no answer.


    "Feeling good to be around ''her'', that''s normal, it doesn''t matter." Dr Diana used her strategy.


    ''Happy to be around Aruna? Ah it''s impossible. She''s troublesome.'' Hendra thought.


    There was a small smile on Hendra''s face when the man remembered Aruna.


    "Your heart pulses so fast when looking at her is very natural." Dr Diana''s whisper made Hendra excited.


    His pupils widened.


    "Okay, our session is over."


    ''I''ve found the answer.''


    The pupils wouldn''t lie. No one was even unable to control the pupils'' reflex movements.


    When men were attracted to something, or someone of the opposite gender that got their attention, their pupils would automatically dilate. Those were the results of research conducted by psychologist Eckhard Hess.


    Dr Diana wrote a prescription for medicine. The woman occasionally looked at her patient who was now growing up.


    "I have two prescription drugs, one of which will help you rest well. No problem if you throw it away, I''m sure the CEO was as busy as you do not need sleep." Diana uttered a special quirky sarcasm for the Wenceslas Group''s young CEO.


    Another recipe was the writing on Post-it (sticky note) in yellow.


    *Be honest with yourself, so that I can more easily help you.


    Hendra left Diana''s practise room. Even though he didn''t say much, Diana was grateful that her little master was still able to speak.


    The middle-aged woman opened a gap between the doors, staring at the back of the man who always looked like a 6-year-old boy in her eyes.


    "You are naughty!"


    Dr Diana complained, seeing Hendra stop for a moment near the trash can.


    The psychologist thought the patient would throw out prescription drugs. Somehow, it turned out that he squeezed the sticky note and then threw it into the trash.

 Chapter 37 - Arunas Silhouette I

    "You are naughty!"


    Dr Diana complained, seeing Hendra stop for a moment near the trash can.??


    The psychologist thought the patient would throw out prescription drugs. Somehow, it turned out that he squeezed the sticky note and then threw it into the trash.


    ***


    "Wow... your future husband works here?" Agus stared at the Wenceslas Ritz Hotel'' skyscrapers, a 5-star hotel with the famous artistic interior.


    "Just ignore it, the important thing is our work is done." Aruna wasn''t sure she should come to this hotel one more time.


    After the family gathering, which marked her mortgaged future life, she didn''t want to come to this place even in a dream.


    They walked down the hotel lobby and entered the special elevator, the one she used with Hendra.


    But before getting inside, a security guard kindly smiled and gave directions to use another elevator. It turned out that the elevator said ''not for the public.''


    "Beep." Aruna pressed the number five, which meant they would go to the 5th-floor.


    "As far as I know the 5th-floor is the floor of the Wenceslas Group head office." Lily interrupted.


    Today, Aruna and her three friends delivered several sample designs for her future husband. She deliberately brought her friends.


    Somehow, after the incident at the Mansion, which was full of drama, the girl wasn''t brave enough to meet Hendra in person.


    "I''ve read an article, if I''m not mistaken, 5 years ago, their new CEO deliberately moved the head office to this hotel to reduce the influence of a subsidiary with an office in one of the Wenceslas Tower icons." Lily seemed excited to provide information.


    (One of four Wenceslas Tower icons functioned as the main office of some Wenceslas Group subsidiaries, including the Wenceslas Group head office before finally being moved).


    "I think Lily knows more than Aruna, that''s great, Li." Dea satirised, while glancing at the girl who was busy with her thoughts (Aruna).


    "Yes, I have always dreamed of being the marketing team of Wenceslas Group headquarters. I wish you all knew how cool it is to be a part of them." Lily added, remembering her dream.


    "Ah, I just remembered, my future brother-in-law is the leader of one of the marketing teams here. If we are lucky, we''ll meet Adit later." Aruna''s information made Lily''s eyes sparkle.


    ''Is Aruna''s future husband the CEO? Why is she more excited to meet her future brother-in-law? Huh, my friend this one.'' Dea thought.


    "Aruna, contact him now..." Lily whined.


    "Yes a moment."


    "Come on hurry up..."


    "Yes... Wait..."


    ***


    "Hen... stop your job now." A secretary ran to open the door hastily to meet his boss.


    "What''s wrong?" The CEO lazily replied.


    "Miss... Miss Aruna came. She was at the receptionist on the 5th-floor with her friends."


    Surya looks excited, hoping that the little girl''s arrival could be used as medicine for his boss, who was getting worse recently.


    "What business has she come here for?"


    Ah, Hendra''s expression was beyond Surya''s predictions. The boss wasn''t concerned with the information he told him. Instead, he was still busy examining the report files scattered on the table.


    "Didn''t you invite her yourself?" Surya''s face drastically changed.


    He reminded his own request to Aruna during their meeting at the Sky tower mansion.


    "Oh, that one." Hendra didn''t take his eyes off the papers on the table.


    "Tell them to hand over the things they brought to Tita (office secretary), I''ll check later." Hendra solidly answered.


    "Just like that?! You won''t meet her?" Surya was disappointed.


    "Don''t you see? I''m busy." Hendra suppressed his intonation.


    "Hahh." Surya took a breath.


    "I hope you won''t regret it." His secretary''s last sentence made Hendra uncomfortable.


    The man roughly laid down the document.


    For a moment, Hendra tried to get rid of the indefinable annoyance mixed with rage, which just emerged from his chest. Two feelings that blend and mingle complicated.


    Finally, he gave up, and walked out of the room for fresh air.


    His steps immediately stopped.


    The blue eyes caught someone on the other end. The girl he was reluctant to meet was waiting for the elevator door to open, chatting cheerfully with her friends, occasionally laughed, and responded to jokes.


    ''Aditya.'' Hendra murmured.


    One of the leaders of the marketing team joined the group. He seemed to be leading the others in a light discussion full of jokes.


    Hendra, the CEO was silent under observation. He slowly gave up, unable to ignore anything that caught his attention.


    He moved to call the waiter and ask to convey the message that he would meet Aruna in the CEO''s office.


    From a distance, the man expectantly glared. Maybe, he was trying to limit himself to the girl who was causing him to experience Post-Traumatic Disorder again.


    It was the same with the way he stayed away from his mother, Gayatri.


    "Sorry, the lady asked you to wait." The waiter on her errand was trying to cover up her nervousness and spoke directly to the CEO.


    "What?? Why is that??" Hendra''s face turned annoyed.


    "She... wants to eat with her friends first."

 Chapter 38 - Arunas Silhouette II

    "What?? Why is that??" Hendra''s face turned annoyed.


    "She... wants to eat with her friends first."??


    Hearing the waiter''s explanation, Hendra immediately ran to his private elevator because the girl disappeared behind the elevator door after receiving a message from the waiter.


    Luckily, Hendra still managed to find Aruna. He quickly walked and then greeted her.


    "Aruna." Hendra''s call hid a gasping breath.


    "You didn''t receive my message?" The man pretended not to know.


    "Em... Sorry, I want to eat with friends first. I promise, I''ll see you in 30 minutes."


    Aruna, the girl with a relaxed and carefree outfit was shining as usual.


    "I''m very busy. I don''t have much time, 30 minutes left... Huh, that''s too long... If you delay it, I don''t know when to check your work."


    Hendra just spoke, ignoring Aruna''s friends, who took part in their invitation project. The man only focused on cornering her so that the girl was forced to follow his will.


    Aditya caught the awkwardness that Aruna was showing her friends and vice versa.


    Too bad, Hendra didn''t care.


    "Mr Hendra, isn''t it break time? I think it is the right thing to come back to you during working hours." Aditya couldn''t let Aruna, his lover''s younger sister, feel embarrassed.


    "Am I talking to you?" Hendra always had sharp words that could hit his interlocutors.


    "I''m also worried about Aruna''s safety." Aditya flicked their last meeting, which resulted in the girl falling ill, especially when her leg had just recovered.


    "Moreover, you are very busy. I heard that you haven''t even had the chance to directly apologise to her parents."


    "I''m afraid that if Aruna experiences the same thing, I''m sure you must have trouble managing the time." Aditya added.


    Aditya''s words this time were no less sharp. In terms of work, they could position themselves according to their respective roles. However, when it came to personal interest, no position structure must be adhered to.


    The hot atmosphere that the two men gave off made the four people around them feel stuffy and even sweat dripped.


    "Hmm..." Hendra smirked, a scary smile.


    "I''m more worried than you. I''m even afraid! Afraid that my future wife will be exchanged with another girl because of your influence."


    Hendra became increasingly heartless, bringing up something that should no longer be discussed.


    "Or should I swap back my future wife?! Take what should be mine." Hendra''s expression this time even made Aditya''s brother clench his fists.


    Anyone who saw him would know he was holding back emotions.


    Aruna could no longer bear to hear the increasingly dangerous debate.


    "Hendra..." Aruna approached the man.


    "Okay, I''ll come with you." Aruna tried to turn Hendra''s tall body with her small hands.


    "Come on..." Aruna continued to push the motionless body.


    "Yes, I will obey your wish."


    The man melted because Aruna half hugged him. A hug was limited to trying to push Hendra away from Aditya and her friends.


    The girl even was forced to embrace Hendra''s left arm with her right so that the man could move together.


    Hendra''s expression changed from annoyed to happy.


    The moment after walking a few steps further, Aruna ran backwards to her friends and Aditya. It seemed that the girl apologised and left her friends to Adit.


    Aruna, this girl was too responsible sometimes.


    After returning near Hendra, the man asked her to take the elevator together. The elevator, which wasn''t allowed for her earlier, was now free for her to ride.


    "Why the 7th-floor?" Aruna didn''t understand. She left a job to a woman on the 5th-floor earlier.


    "Because I need lunch." The CEO coldly replied.


    "Huhh..." Aruna let out a tired breath.


    Aruna remembered something. She used to stand in this place and stared at the same glass. Her feelings at that time were between being scared and amazed by Hendra''s visuals.


    And now, it was much different. She tended to be irritated and tired of his temper.


    "Eating is also part of my schedule." Hendra explained, seeing the look on Aruna''s face.


    Somehow, Hendra thrusted his left arm when the elevator door was about to open. But, Aruna ignored him.


    "You are in my work environment. It would be nice if we look intimate because we will get married soon." Hendra looked at her as if he said ''do it.''


    Hendra''s expression squeezed Aruna''s chest. Being reminded that she was getting married stressed her out.


    She couldn''t help but thought ''Ending up as someone this man messed around with?''


    "Nope."


    "What?" Hendra was surprised by Aruna''s refusal.


    "I don''t want to."


    In the future, Aruna maybe had no right to refuse. But now, she was still her own.


    When the elevator door opened, Hendra felt impatient, grabbing Aruna''s palm, holding it, and walked full of emotion.


    He didn''t realise that his footsteps were too fast for a petite Southeast Asian girl like her.


    "Don''t be too fast, my leg still hurts." Aruna complained.


    Hendra instantly slowed down. He tried hard to equalise the rhythm and width of Aruna''s steps.


    Out of nowhere, a warm feeling melted his heart. Together with his grip on the girl and the rhythm of the road together, the blue-eyed man occasionally glanced proudly at the petite girl beside him.


    Aruna had turned her face to stare at the Jepara carving door, a family gathering place, the second time he met Hendra. It was currently their 6th meeting, but it felt like a lot had passed together.


    "You want to eat there?" Hendra offered Aruna a dining room behind Jepara''s doors.


    "No... I don''t want to." Aruna took a step first.


    She pulled Hendra''s hand with fast movements. The man was enjoying it, and all will to stay away from this girl instantly vanished.


    ***


    "What else now?!"


    Hendra had put a few pieces of meat on Aruna''s plate. The girl showed no appetite.


    "Are you angry? For asking you to eat with me?" This man was getting uncomfortable with Aruna''s sour face.


    "Do you want to eat somewhere unique, like Goldstar Cave?"


    ''Instead of enjoying a 5-star meal, why is she more cheerful eating at a photo booth like that?!''


    Hendra teased her for not being able to stand it.


    Aha! Aruna caught something Hendra shouldn''t have said.


    "A stalker should hide his identity." Aruna''s flick triggered Hendra''s panicked face.


    "I''ve been good enough, never questioned your absurd behavior that almost got me down, TWICE."


    Aruna held up two fingers, putting pressure on Hendra. The man who made her jump from the train carriage, who else if it wasn''t the Wenceslas Group''s CEO''s deed?


    "Who... who is stalking you?" Hendra was confused, and the man racked his brains to think of how to stop Aruna''s suspicion.


    "Ah, look at this."


    As if finding an answer, Hendra showed her a photo that Damar uploaded on his instagram.


    The photo was the black shadow, capturing the silhouette when Aruna observed the uniqueness of a cafe in Bandung.


    Aruna''s friends didn''t necessarily recognize her. How could Hendra be so detailed to find that the silhouette belongs to that girl?


    However, what was even more ridiculous was that this man was Damar''s follower.


    "Ha ha ha." Aruna couldn''t hide her laughter.


    "You are Damar''s follower??" Aruna asked, mocking him.


    "I... I... Just wonder about my future wife''s life with her friends." Hendra arranged random words as best he could.


    ''He?! Why didn''t he call me a co-worker again?'' Aruna thought.


    "And again, I also need to know whether she has a boyfriend or not." The man adjusted his face so that it seemed fierce.


    Unfortunately, his behaviour looked even funnier.


    "Exactly!! You''re trapped, you are really the one behind the stalkers." Aruna exclaimed, spontaneously holding up her spoon.


    Hendra was surprised, unconsciously dropping a glass of water.


    "Prangg..."


    And everything got messy.


    Hendra''s reason wasn''t right when used to answer the question ''why did he follow Damar.'' That reason made more sense to function as the background for someone deciding to stalk someone else.


    Aruna smartly caught it. Hendra''s eyes strangely stared at her. The man couldn''t do anything.


    ''Argh... stupid!! How stupid I am!''


    "Kriiiiing ..!"


    Picking up the phone was the right act and the most natural at this time as Hendra''s alibi to escape from a tense situation.


    ''Wow, you rang on time.'' Hendra thought.


    He could barely hide the happy smile of receiving Surya''s call.


    "Hendra!! Where are you?!" Surya was panicked.


    "I''m eating, what''s wrong?"


    "The CorSec (Corporate Secretary) team is overwhelmed with calls from journalists and our business partners."


    There was a loud sound from the room where Surya called.


    "Your Instagram is flooded with comments and DMs." Surya added. (Hendra''s official Instagram which is managed by the office)


    "What were you doing at the Baskoro party?" The secretary almost snapped at him.


    ''Ah, what am I doing??''


    "Wait a minute, I''ll be right back." Hendra took out something from his wallet. His face turned serious.


    "Listen to me, this time I may not be able to help you." Surya''s voice was trembling.


    "Your grandfather''s secretary asked me to see her."


    "What!!"


    Hendra handed over a platinum-coloured card, then mentioned several digits to Aruna after he had trouble finding a pen.


    "Use this! Remember 220692." The man repeated it twice.


    "220692." Before disappearing, without having time to say goodbye to Aruna.

 Chapter 39 - Between The Grip And Fingers I

    When we suddenly lose someone who was always present to fill the empty space between days, that''s the second a feeling of emptiness hits.


    ''It''s empty.''??


    The heart would always whisper like that. Gradually, the heart demanded more. No longer saying less, she urged another pathetic word.


    ''Something is missing.'' Said a human organ (heart) that was often associated with feelings.


    Even though the feeling itself had no place other than in our minds, it then stimulated the blood flow to the heartbeat and in tune with several hormones.


    Aruna walked down the 2nd-floor of the Magic Letter outlet. The chatter of someone who used to choose to spend the late night in this place was gone.


    The last who stayed, Tito and Laras, two younger juniors who gave rise to a sense of emptiness, were adjusting to the work rhythm of the Magic Letter.


    After that, they said goodbye, leaving Aruna pensive alone.


    Aruna scavenged some utensils lying on the floor. Usually, the tall man would throw other objects when the girl tried to clean it.


    He did it just to annoy Aruna or play around her, because he threw it while still focusing on playing games on his favourite Lcd tv screen.


    Now, the TV was almost untouched, and even the giraffe pillow was no longer used as a grumpy material.


    The big pillow had been completely destroyed. Nobody else said "This is mine! If you dare to throw it out, step over Agus."


    Damar''s typical absurd statement always made people want to be angry while laughing.


    "Ah, so lonely."


    It was too quiet because Damar''s presence brought a bunch of other young people all the time to this place whether it was just playing games or just to sleep.


    Sometimes, they were also there to help without being asked. Even when there was an order for knick-knacks, bridal showers or something, they''re the perfect delivery and display team with best friend''s price. (low cost)


    And when the composers began to disappear, they occasionally came, complaining, why did Damar suddenly become normal?


    "Crazy, what did you do to Damar?" (why Damar suddenly changed direction).


    The point was that Damar''s friends also lost him. Not because they weren''t sincere about the tall young man becoming popular, but rather that the path he was now taking wasn''t that man''s dream.


    Aruna walked down the stairs. Before turning off the light, the key she was carrying made a jingling sound, touched by the bannister.


    "Thank you for coming, wait a moment we will be here to serve you."


    The distinctive sound of the Magic Mail outlet door sounded startling. Aruna had just turned off the 1st-floor lamp. Now, she had to fumble with the socket, so she knew who was coming.


    But when Aruna managed to turn on, there was no one she could find. Suddenly, It gave her goosebumps.


    "Kretek-kretek."


    The sound created to scare off emerged from one of the display racks.


    "Ah, who are you? Don''t scare me."


    Aruna could only threaten now. She knew it was a human doing, but she couldn''t get rid of the fear in her heart.


    What if it turned out to be a criminal?


    Aruna walked over to the shelf.


    "Hey, beautiful who are you looking for? ha-ha-ha."


    The large male voice behind Aruna''s ear was shocking, accompanied by two hands that tightly closed her eyes.


    "Aaaaaa..." Aruna spontaneously shouted, hitting in all directions without control.


    "Hi, calm down it''s me... I...." The man hugged her hoping to get rid of Aruna''s panic.


    When Aruna''s eyes slowly opened, she found herself in someone''s arms.


    "Damar?!?" The girl hugged him back.


    "Why? You miss me so much that you hug me voluntarily?" Damar''s chirp made Aruna push her body away from the young man.


    The man smiled his typical mischievous smile.


    "Why are you here this late night?" Aruna tried to respond casually.


    "I wanna sleep here. I miss my second house." Damar replied, looking at the 2nd-floor.


    "Why are you just coming home now? It''s too late." The clock on the wall showed 10 o''clock.


    Somehow, Aruna herself didn''t know why she was stranded at night here. It might be the house atmosphere was getting tense, making her subconsciously come home later.


    Her siblings were urging her father to end Aruna''s engagement as Hendra''s rumour closeness to the beautiful artist Tania spread.


    The tension came to a head when Lesmana chose to trust his former boss'' family. Anantha and Alia, Aruna''s siblings, felt that their father''s actions looked stupid.


    "This is our best chance to free Aruna." The young man went crazy and almost attacked his own father.


    "You don''t understand, their environment is different, full of intrigue. We must not be rash until we get official confirmation from them." Lesmana tried to reduce his son and daughter''s anger.


    "Dad, you look like their slave to me." Alia cursed her own father.


    Aruna''s two siblings took turns knocking on her door every time as a tribute to father and mother. The youngest chose to shut herself in the room and left early in the morning.


    "Um... Damar, the giraffe pillow has been thrown away." Aruna''s words were soft, trying to reduce the tall young man''s anger .


    "What? You guys are really outrageous! I''m just taking a short break, but why did you guys throw away my favorite?"


    "A break?!" Aruna looked reproachful.


    "You disappeared without news, playing with people as you wish." Aruna''s high voice couldn''t cover her disappointment.


    "Patience... Be patient neng." Damar stroked Aruna''s hair who had called himself earlier.


    (Neng is a Sundanese call for girls)


    He shared the results of discussions with friends regarding his current position in the Magic Letter. The others might haven''t had time to tell Aruna properly.


    Apart from the piling up of Magic Letter orders, and the side effects of Damar''s skyrocketed, they were also currently facing the Semester Examination on campus.


    Damar wouldn''t go anywhere. He was still part of the Magic Letter team. It was just that his activity was increasing and his popularity was starting to rise.


    Lily positioned Damar''s work as a premium product for the Magic Letter. Meanwhile, standard orders were Laras and Tito''s duties.


    Damar could do it anywhere and then sent it online. Of course, at a much different price.


    "Look! I still have the key, so this place is still my headquarters." Damar exclaimed while swinging the outlet key.


    "How can you sleep? There is no pillow tho. Do we need to buy one?"


    Out of nowhere, a sense of joy came. Aruna felt she needed more time with this man.


    "I''m sure there wasn''t a pillow seller like mine at this late night. But let''s just try it." Damar put on a beanie and a face covering.


    Aruna''s smile grew wider, realising that her best friend was now much different. He was special in many people'' eyes.


    "Don''t laugh, I''m just too lazy being asked for photos."

 Chapter 40 - Between The Grip And Fingers II

    "Clek...."


    The sound of the door slowly opened by a Butler (personal assistant for VIP guests). He used a special spare key for cleaning and other services in order to fulfil the old man''s demands surrounded by the bodyguards.??


    "You can still sleep in this condition?!!" The old man shouted as he tapped his stick, no less loud.


    Hendra didn''t sleep, and he just laid down. For three days, the atmosphere was very chaotic. The corporate secretary decided not to pick up any calls.


    They brought several buzers to fight social media accounts that reported the closeness of the Wenceslas Group''s CEO with the Drama Series artist Tania.


    In fact, this team was able to ban gossip accounts on Instagram, the account that posted the first photo of the two with strange statements.


    ** Hi, crackers spices, here I am informed that the result of hangpong jaduel shot. Mimin caught the beauty with the initials T near the handsome, rich, and phenomenal man. Ugh, Lala, who is it¡­ **


    (Hangpong jaduel -old phone-)


    The photo showed Tania walking behind Hendra. The man''s coat was attached to Tania''s beautiful body. The scene of Hendra opening the car door for Tania until the girl got into her car was clearly documented even from a distance.


    *Indah19 ''Oh, Tania, she''s smart too. She wants to imitate her friend''s actions in marrying a conglomerate.'' (meaning Kia)


    *prita_tata ''Handsome guy.''


    *kaosanak ''I know the man''s IG. He looks like the Wenceslas Group''s CEO @hendra_Wenceslas''


    *Rahman77'' Who doesn''t like beautiful girls? If I''m rich, I''ll just take them all.''


    *Daniella.id'' Uh, they''re already close from senior high school. I was once their junior in high school. It''s outdated.''


    BLA BLA BLA


    And tens of thousands of comments blindly showered Hendra''s official Instagram. There were those who praise and sneer to curse.


    The team tried to delete comments that were deemed too severe to maintain their CEO''s personal branding. Unfortunately, the aftermath of deleting comments was as long as the gossip was discussed.


    Until the third day after the spread of the photos, several television stations no longer broadcast their closeness. The CEOs of the telecommunications media had asked the gossip program to stop broadcasting related to the Wenceslas Group''s sole heir as a tribute to fellow television businessmen.


    On the other hand, Nara & tv, a subsidiary of the Wenceslas Group, deliberately clarified the friendship between their CEO and Tania so that the impression that arose from the incident was just a scene of two friends.


    Hendra hurriedly got out of his grey bed, and the man bowed as a sign of respect for his grandfather.


    "Tomorrow is your last day, if you can''t fix this. I''ll step in." The old man''s cold voice made the whole room feel like shrinking too.


    This afternoon, unexpected things just appeared on various online news pages and YouTu*e, as a result of the spread of Kia''s live insta story.


    Even though Kia''s insta story was immediately deleted, 30 minutes after, Kia received a stern warning from her husband. Now the ones who were being attacked were Tania and the Ladies squad.


    Unfortunately, from the first day of this commotion, Tania was lost as if she was swallowed up by the earth. Her phone, apartment and manager were gone.


    Hendra mobilised many people to look for Her. But, it was totally in vain.


    "Sorry grandpa, I''ll try my best." Hendra still didn''t have the courage to look at his own grandfather.


    Everyone in the Wenceslas Group circle exactly knew how strong Wiryo''s influence was and his ability to subdue others, including his own grandson.


    "Hmm..m." He gave a smirk.


    His smirk smile was almost similar to Hendra, but this time, it seemed more rigid.


    "I didn''t come as your grandfather." Wiryo asked his assistant to shift the seat for himself.


    "Sorry Chairman, I will try my best." Hendra tried to straighten his body, finding an old man sitting arrogantly in front of him.


    "I don''t care about the issues that are spread outside. It won''t affect our business."


    Wiryo spoke as President Director, meaning that he would act according to the needs of the Mega business being built, leaving his status as a grandfather who needed to care about the good name of his grandson.


    "I was totally fooled because you grew up to be a smart kid." Said Wiryo dryly.


    "It turns out you''re not as smart as I imagined. How can you ignore the turmoil that happened to this hotel employee?" The old man''s words made Hendra think hard.


    If the Wenceslas Ritz Hotel employees revealed that their CEO took the artist to his private room, of course, it would be a disaster.


    "Huh!" Wiryo cursed, insulting.


    "You''re as trashy as the person who gave you blue eyes."


    The words Hendra just heard made his hands tremble. He tried to gather positive thoughts, holding tight, dampening the turmoil in his chest.


    "You take the woman to this room?!" Wiryo looked at Hendra''s bedroom, disgusted.


    "I''m sorry, but what you think is wrong.." Hendra tried to defend himself.


    "Do you think that kind of explanation can make people believe?!" Wiryo snapped mercilessly.


    "Now, it depends on you."


    "I can easily pay someone to be this company CEO." The old man strictly spoke.


    "You can go with the woman. She is with me."


    Hendra was surprised to hear the President''s words.


    "Why?! What''s wrong?! I just need to make sure the girl doesn''t make a statement out of control." Said Wiryo without hesitation.


    "Tap¡­ Tap... Tap..." Someone ran into the room.


    "Ah..!?"


    He was late. The old man whom he worried was present to intimidate his boss.


    "What a coincidence your secretary came!" Wiryo looked at Surya. He started straightening his stick.


    "You, come with me now!" Wiryo stood up, giving instructions to Surya and started walking.


    Surya glanced at Hendra, trying to find out what had happened. He only found Hendra''s eyes blazing blue and red, full of anger.


    "What about Aruna?" This time, Hendra asked his grandfather as a grandson.


    Wiryo just smiled sarcastically, didn''t care.


    "I''ll make sure that what I have held will not be separated." Hendra challenged the President Director as well as his own grandfather.


    "We''ll see. Your time until 5 pm."


    Wiryo continued his steps, followed by his personal secretary and Henda''s secretary, including the bodyguards who politely closed the door to Hendra''s private room.


    ***


    "Yee...."


    Somehow, Aruna enjoyed Jakarta city streets so much, together with Damar''s antique Vespa motorbike.


    This Vespa used to look ordinary. But since the incident in Bandung, Aruna realised that driving freely like this was a great relief. Aruna raised both hands while occasionally voicing freedom for a moment.


    "Are you happy?" Damar always asked for recognition.


    Aruna just smiled, a smile that was caught in the Vespa motorcycle mirror.


    "If you''re happy, hug me."


    "You, it''s breaking a promise." Aruna chirped, reminding him.


    Damar promised not to ask for anything after his wish was fulfilled spending a day with Aruna in Bandung city.


    "Em... Damar." Aruna called.


    "Yes?? Be loud please, I can''t hear you." The night breeze made Aruna''s voice fainty heard.


    The girl approached Damar from the backside.


    "Am I the one who made you change? Em... I mean why did you suddenly choose this path? It wasn''t your dream tho (Damar''s dream as a writer, who plays behind the scenes). Ah, forget it, I seem too confident." Aruna brushed off her own statement.


    "More than that... I was working against time, preparing for someone''s future."


    Damar softly stroked Aruna''s fingers at his waist. Sometimes, Damar''s words were difficult to understand. Aruna frowned several times, trying to guess.


    What was the meaning behind Damar''s words?

 Chapter 41 - Aruna Please, Give Me A Chance 1

    "Aruna .. why did you just come home?" Alia''s call was just ignored. The youngest one chose to run without seeing the three pairs of eyes watching her move.


    Anantha tried to catch up with her sister. She wished Aruna could explain why she came home this late.??


    At 11:48 p.m., the whole family glanced at the clock on the wall several times.


    "Anantha let your sister rest!" Lesmana warned his son. Father and son looked at each other with a hostile gaze.


    Aruna went away and closed the door as quickly as possible.


    The girl spent the night hanging out with Damar. They were just eating fried rice on the edge of the sidewalk and hunting for pillows, even with no result.


    Sitting for a while on the bed, she then got up again and began to clean up.


    "Knock knock knock." Her brother knocked on the door once again.


    "Aruna, open the door, please? Have you eaten?" Alia called her.


    "Alia, didn''t you hear me? Let her rest! You can ask anything tomorrow morning!" Lesmana asked his daughter seriously.


    "Isn''t dad worried? It''s her first time to act like this!" Alia didn''t want to be outdone by her father''s statement.


    "I did this because I was so worried," Lesmana emphasised, seemed angry.


    A riot like this had been going on for three days in a row. And Aruna still consistently chose to hide in her room.


    Aruna started to enter the bathroom and drenched herself. Water dripped from the shower, delivering droplets in the eyelids.


    This time she couldn''t stand it. The girl collapsed and sobbed alone.


    ***


    "Don''t forget, I sent you to California not to be his best friend." The old man made the neck of the heiress of Wenceslas''s secretary rise up.


    He can only be silent with no reply.


    "How can you let him be in this situation?" Once again, Wiryo''s old eyes stared stressfully at the other person he was talking to.


    "I am sorry I was negligent. I.." Surya hadn''t finished explaining yet.


    "Well... I know, it''s his own fault (he''s not with you, so it''s his own stupidity)." Wiryo interrupted.


    "Get what I asked for earlier!" An assistant swiftly took Hendra''s medical bill.


    "Why does Hendra need this treatment?" Wiryo handed the white paper right above the table, in front of where Surya was standing.


    There was a worktable made of teak wood, between Surya and the President Director.


    Surya glanced at Wiryo''s secretary, hoping to find a help code. Wiryo''s secretary shot a glance with a hidden message as if whispering ''it''s useless to hide it. He already knew a lot''.


    "Young master suddenly passed out," Surya replied doubtfully.


    "Is that woman who made him pass out?" Wiryo seemed to know that Hendra fainted due to the post-traumatic disorder he was suffering from.


    Surya stole a glance at Wenceslas''s secretary'' eyes. Again, the secretary seemed as if whispering ''I don''t know, don''t ask me anymore''.


    "Did he want her so badly that he ignored his trauma?" Wiryo urged with a wrong perception.


    "No ¡­ Tania isn''t the cause." Surya tried to straighten out the fact.


    Hearing Surya''s words, Wiryo frowned.


    "Then?" He asked for more information.


    "Miss Aruna was the one who first found the young master fall near the bed where she rested." Surya composed the words carefully.


    "What? How did it happen?" Wiryo looked very curious.


    "The young master asked me to buy a mansion for him. We hadn''t had the chance to renovate it when the young master decided to invite Miss Aruna. There was a slight accident that made her feel unwell and needed rest". Surya bit his lip, confused. Did he need to explain this far?


    "Continue." Wiryo insisted.


    "It looked like the young master fainted when he intended to wake Miss Aruna up," Surya added.


    The old man pondered for a moment, reminiscent of Diana''s expression that he met the other day.


    "I need to know the woman that made him pass out. I have a good feeling."


    "Alright, get back to him and help him solve this problem," Wiryo gave surprising instructions.


    Just a few minutes ago, he deliberately separated Surya from his grandson, so that the blue-eyed man would deal with his problem alone.


    "Come with me bro, " Wiryo''s secretary smirked as he escorted Surya.


    "Tch, don''t touch my shoulder." Surya didn''t want to be friendly. They both always competed for one to another.


    "2-0." Andos, a 40-year-old Batak man whispered. He didn''t have the expertise in business analysis or marketing like Surya. However, this man''s instinct in solving problems seemed to be a cut above Surya.


    Andos was a former police investigator who chose to leave his post after ten years of service.


    It wasn''t easy for him. He chose to leave the unit because of great disappointment after the dismissal of the case he was handling due to the domino politics at that time.


    Surya lost two times from Andos. First, when he was looking for a way to free Hendra from the marriage agreement that was forced by Wiryo. And today was his second defeat.


    "If you lose three times, you better beg me to give a private lesson." The man loved to see Surya''s exasperated expression.


    "You''ll see, I''ll win this case tomorrow, " Surya imitated Hendra''s style, challenging Wiryo''s secretary.


    "Ah, you''re still weak. This case is over." Andos exclaimed, relaxed.


    "Get married so that your brain will be brighter." Andos insulted him every time with the same joke.


    "I have a suggestion for you. Don''t be too friendly with your boss, so that you are not shackled." Andos patted Surya''s shoulder again. It was advice as a senior.


    "Stop." Surya felt belittled every time Andos patted his shoulder.


    "Tell your young master. We have resolved the internal turmoil of the hotel employees." Andos''s statement raised a big question mark in Surya''s brain.


    How can it be?

 Chapter 42 - Aruna Please, Give Me A Chance 2

    "Stop." Surya felt belittled every time Andos patted his shoulder.


    "Tell your young master. We have resolved the internal turmoil of the hotel employees." Andos''s statement raised a big question mark in Surya''s brain.??


    How can it be?


    "Hah," Andos responded to Surya''s expression.


    "We make a special (fake) reservation for the artist so that on the night of the incident, she seems to be in the next room. Not in your young master''s private room." Andos explained lightly.


    ''Ah I really lost from him this time...'' Surya whispered to himself.


    "You don''t seem to understand hah!?"


    Surya did not answer as he needed a tutor.


    "No employee will dare to disclose, because the official evidence is that the woman booked another room." Andos''s expression made him like ''I see''.


    "This kind of issue will soon disappear, and they will return to work as usual. Pay attention to the people inside before dealing with external matters." The man seemed to be giving advice.


    "Oh ya, tell her also." Stopped remembering.


    "What is the name of the woman?".


    "Tania," Surya replied.


    "Yes, yes .. Tania. She immediately went abroad to continue her study. That''s the best way. Her reputation is being destroyed now. If she returns to the entertainment world right now, her fate will be even worse." The man explained.


    ***


    "Brank. Brank. Brank ... !!" The sound of banging on the gate of the Lesmana family was heard loudly until the second floor.


    "Aruna .. Aruna... it''s me, Hendra .. please come out .." The voice sounded full of hope as if reassuring the people inside.


    "Miss... Miss Aruna .. believe us .. !!" Hendra''s secretary faithfully persuaded her.


    "Hey you, how long will it last? Go home... It''s useless if you scream like that !!" Anantha and Alia stood behind a towering closed gate, leaving a square hole in the middle of the gate, as big as a grown man''s fist.


    It was usually used by security guards to open locks and check the guests.


    The family house guard also tense and stood stiffly, holding the gate while praying and hoping that nothing bad would happen.


    He knew how the outside was. But he couldn''t ignore his employer''s children who stood proudly refusing the men''s request.


    "Aruna... I will not go before meeting you .. Come out, please. I just need to talk for a moment."


    Aruna''s siblings ignored Hendra''s voice.


    He continued to focus on calling his fianc¨¦''s name. Somehow, the man risked his pride to meet the little girl who was the key to solve his problem.


    In less than 10 hours, Hendra must be able to overcome the chaos that occurred, or all of his hard work will be in vain.


    After a lengthy discussion with his team last night, they decided to use a different strategy. They then made an effort to attract the public''s attention through a partner''s trust, which was a great way to impress everyone.


    If anyone still remembered how the vocalist of a famous band was able to deal with bad rumours when he was running for governor? Rumors about his closeness to a married fellow artist.


    His wife always gently appeared to be trusting her husband, even though the speculation that the opponent had built up was so intense.


    The issue disappeared with the vocalist''s victory in his candidacy. Thanks to the support and trust of his wife.


    They needed to try that strategy, so then Hendra will not resign this time. Now he was ready to sacrifice anything, including his pride.


    "Aruna .. please .. give me a chance".


    "Brank .. Brank .. Brank !!" Hendra was getting tired, but he wouldn''t be discouraged until he could meet Aruna.


    There was a sense other than the goal of solving the problem. It was like the feeling that prompted him to see Aruna''s face.


    "What you are doing now is in vain .. just go home young master, " Said Alia as sarcasm.


    Aruna''s two siblings tested Hendra and his secretary''s patience in turn.


    Inside the house, the same thing happened. The head of the family and his wife were locked in their own room.


    The one who did this were, of course, the two children who were standing outside.


    "Find a spare key, quick!" Lesmana''s order was issued over and over again, making the housemaid panic as she tried dozens of spare keys collided in one jar.


    The other housemaid was also trying to open the youngest''s room door.


    "Miss Aruna .. wake up .. wake up... Miss .." A household assistant tried to wake Aruna up after finding the key to Aruna''s room door.


    "What''s wrong, Ms Linda .." The girl was sleeping early in the morning. She did not even hear a riot outside as she was still trying to gather her awareness.


    "Ah, finally." Lesmana''s expression was full of relief.


    He then went down the stairs and immediately went into his little daughter''s room.


    "Come on, honey, come with dad. We should stop the riot outside. Your siblings are really too much."


    The man led his daughter, who was still wearing pyjamas with her hair down.


    While following his father step by step, Aruna just realised that she heard someone''s voice that felt familiar to her ears, kept calling out her name.


    "Aruna .. Aruna .. please .. please ... Come out Aruna." The voice began to fret.


    Aruna walked slowly accompanied by her father, trying to understand the situation.


    "Look, Hendra! Miss Aruna is there, standing behind." Surya gave his boss a peek at the little girl whose name he shouted for two hours.


    Hendra immediately greeted her, opened his eyes widely, and looked at Aruna excitedly from the gate hole the size of a fist.


    The girl''s presence was like a magnet for him. His spirit was recovering along with a warm feeling rising in his chest.

 Chapter 43 - Magnet I

    "Look, Hendra! Miss Aruna is there, standing behind." Surya gave his boss a peek at the little girl whose name he shouted for two hours.


    Hendra immediately greeted her, opened his eyes widely, and looked at Aruna excitedly from the gate hole the size of a fist.??


    The girl''s presence was like a magnet for him. His spirit was recovering, along with a warm feeling rising in his chest.


    Aruna seemed reluctant to approach him. She was still trying to understand the situation.


    "Honey." Her father stared softly at Aruna as he showed a gesture that implied ''come closer.''


    Out of respect for her father, the girl took a step closer, although she honestly didn''t want to.


    On the other hand, Aruna''s siblings felt something fishy. Why did the boy behind the gate begin to calm down? Could he be discouraging? Ah ''it seems impossible.


    "Aruna?!" Anantha looked surprised to see Aruna among them. The older brother tried to stop Aruna.


    "Security guard! Secure Anantha!" The head of the family was showing his influence.


    "What the hell dad .. let go .. let me go!" Two security guards were trying hard to hold Anantha. Even a family gardener was also holding Alia.


    "Aruna, don''t open the gate!. If you do that, you don''t respect your siblings!" Anantha exclaimed, brought Aruna to a halt, standing a little closer in front of the gate.


    ''Why did she stop?'' Hendra wanted to break through the gate to persuade her.


    "You don''t have to open it if you don''t want to. But please, come closer." Hendra asked her among the noisy voices of the debate between the father and son of the Lesmana family.


    "Aren''t you ashamed? Interfering in your sister''s personal affairs?!"


    Lesmana took over Alia when the two security guards began to feel overwhelmed holding Anantha. The gardener then helped the security guards.


    They were forced into the house.


    "Aruna .. follow me .." Hendra called her at the main gate.


    The man was signaling that he was starting to shift, heading from another small door on the right side of the gate, and leaving the usual trellises used to come in and out of one person.


    Aruna followed him straightly. She met the sharp blue eyes between the iron trellis, lined up neatly in the front.


    There was a sense of relief in Hendra''s heart.


    The little girl looked like she just woke up, cladded in white pajamas with a cherry pattern.


    Hendra saw her pillow face silently. She still looked the same as when he met her before.


    She didn''t change. Even when she just woke up.


    Hendra smiled. He thought that she looked more beautiful with loose hair.


    "I''m sorry...you must be having a hard time these days." Hendra tried to persuade her.


    "You don''t want to stand closer?" The man reached out, hoping for a warm welcome from the one who wore cherry pajamas.


    Unfortunately, Aruna didn''t show any signs. She was still silent, with no reply.


    Hendra rolled his hands in disappointment.


    "I .. (hesitated) don''t care what happened between you and your lover. No need to apologise. It''s none of my business."


    Aruna''s reply stabbed him in the chest. It ejected him horribly, and caused intense pain.


    Hendra was powerless with his feelings. He closed his eyes for a moment, hoping to find a way to heal.


    "I need your help." He was trying to be logical this time, back on the primary mission.


    Aruna looked at Hendra with a reluctant face.


    "We will hold a press conference to reduce the stigma of society. I hope you can help me."


    Now Hendra''s aura was different.


    "Why am I needed?" Aruna really hoped to go as far as possible from Hendra, the heir of Wenceslas.


    It was not just because of the hot gossip in the community. Worse, it was more likely the condition of his family, which was increasingly not conducive.


    He thought that accepting the promise of matchmaking would bring peace to the family.


    It turned out that the same chaos was still happening.


    If it was like this, how could he position himself? And what would be his family''s condition in the future?


    "Did you forget?! You are my future wife! It means we will announce this to the public. Sooner or later, people must know!"


    "I am not ready."


    How can Aruna be ready? Especially at this time?


    "Whatever happens, I have to announce it today, so I hope we can cooperate, according to the contract that we have agreed before."


    The pleasure of love lasts but a moment. The pain of love lasts a lifetime


    The blue-eyed man muttered, strengthened his heart, and recalled forgotten principles.


    "No! I''m not ready... I also can''t come with you."


    "You have agreed. There was no other way for you. In contract no 5, we must help each other in case of suspicion or problems relating to our marriage." Hendra''s expression slowly changed from persuasion to intimidation.


    "But we are not married yet!" Aruna shouted as she contradicted Hendra.

 Chapter 44 - Magnet II

    "No! I''m not ready... I also can''t come with you."


    "You have agreed. There was no other way for you. In contract no 5, we must help each other in case of suspicion or problems relating to our marriage." Hendra''s expression slowly changed from persuasion to intimidation.??


    "But we are not married yet!" Aruna shouted as she contradicted Hendra.


    "Heh," Hendra smirked. It was the same smile when he argued with Aditya.


    "So you''re not going to help me?" Hendra asked once again.


    The President director''s deadline kept running out.


    Aruna looked away. A sign that she didn''t want to see the man who was standing in front of her.


    The last video that sticks out perfectly, formed by online media, showing the man who won the bet, brought the artist in his car. The artist''s latest rumour was even in the CEO''s hotel.


    "Do I look like trash?!" Hendra''s voice rose.


    Not only his grandfather, but even Aruna also did the same thing.


    ''Damn! She is disgusted by me.''


    BRANK. Hendra bluffed. He made a rough blow to the trellis gate, making a painful sound in the ear.


    Hendra turned away angrily.


    "Hendra ..." Aruna called. The girl remembered something.


    The man lazily looked back.


    "Your Platinum Card is still with me. Wait a moment. I''ll get it!"


    Aruna''s warning was transformed into the source of his anger. Hendra hoped for something else.


    "Let it be a compensation for the time you spent with me. Oh yes, including the losses you experienced as a result of my surveillance."


    "Don''t forget to make sure your boyfriend gets his share." Hendra''s expression was harsh. It was clear that he was hurting Aruna.


    The man approached Aruna again.


    "You can think of me as trash." Hendra held and stroked Aruna''s cheek from the gap of the trellis. A subtle touch of insults.


    "You and your siblings forgot about your place! You are a pawn of your family. Oh ''no, seems too good." The man was incarnate harsher than all the days they had ever been through.


    "Aruna... You are only a mortgaged girl to pay off the family welfare debt!"


    Aruna''s legs went limp to hear that. She held onto the trellis gate, hoping she wouldn''t collapse.


    Hendra walked away, entered the car with a gloomy expression. The slamming of the door startled his secretary.


    "What happened? You failed?" Surya knew quite well the meaning of that gloomy expression.


    "What can we expect from the contract girl?!"


    "Hey...you can be angry, but don''t be like that." Surya objected to what his boss said.


    "What is our next strategy?" Surya recklessly drove the car.


    Where did he have to drive this car?


    "We stick to Nara & tv. Take it easy. I have a way of dragging it down." Hendra intended to force Aruna to come to their wedding press conference.


    On the other hand, a little woman was immersed in her room. The table she used to study has now become a pedestal for her sadness.


    Aruna folded her hands over her head and buried her face there. There was a sound of soft sobs, hoping no one could hear.


    "Sob .. sob .. sob ..." The cheerful-shining little girl who was loved by many friends now faded and lost herself.


    She was good at hiding sadness that even she could no longer hold back. She grunted to herself.


    It was really heartbreaking.


    ***


    "Thank god, Aruna has come... You made us worry. We almost thought you wouldn''t come." Lili arranged her hair, which looked neat.


    Some of the others were getting ready with enthusiasm.


    Damar invited all teams to attend his first talk show on a national TV station at the Magic Letter team WhatsApp group.


    He said there would be a surprise for the Magic Letter broadcast.


    Therefore, it was natural for others to wear different clothes today.


    "Aruna, did something happen?" Somehow Dea''s instincts said so.


    This girl seemed not excited.


    "Ah, nothing, just a little unwell. Let''s go now before it''s too late."


    Her friends agreed to Aruna''s request.


    ***


    "You guys should sit in the front seat. Later, the host will ask you to come to the stage. Tell me good things about me. Hahaha." Damar was joking with his friends playfully as usual.


    "So this is the surprise .. you asked us to lick your fans." Agus felt cheated.


    "At least you can get on TV, bro... You must be proud." Damar''s expression was full of jokes, but Agus trusted him.


    "Stop messing around! Explain now! What will we talk about?" Dea reminded him to stop playing.


    Damar promised them that there would be a special space for the Magic Letter promotion, alongside with the story that led the broadcast to a successful career in music.


    Damar began to focus on giving direction. The young man conveyed several essential points before finally saying goodbye to the Magic Letter team.


    The steps stopped for a moment, staring at Aruna, who looked gloomy and more silent.


    That girl rarely showed such an expression unless she was really in trouble.


    "Erm .. Aruna, please come with me for a moment."


    Aruna silently followed him.


    It turned out that Damar took her to the waiting room for the guest star talk show.


    "Hi .. what''s wrong with you?" Damar asked Aruna to sit on his chair.

 Chapter 45 - Magnet III

    It turned out that Damar took her to the waiting room for the guest star talk show.


    "Hi .. what''s wrong with you?" Damar asked Aruna to sit on his chair.??


    The chair on wheels looked more comfortable than others.


    Aruna just followed him without thinking too much. Her mind was drifting out of control.


    Only her body was here.


    "Look at that .. look at your face .. where is your soul, Aruna."


    Aruna looked at the mirror that Damar pointed at. Ah, she found herself empty.


    "I''m just not feeling well .. don''t mind it....I just need rest." Aruna was hiding her problem tightly.


    "Did you get scolded by your family last night?"


    ''Was it because she came home too late?'' Damar thought.


    "Ah, no. It''s nothing. I can handle it."


    "What can''t you overcome then?" Damar seemed to understand that this was not about ''not feeling well'', but there must be something else that made her gloomy.


    The girl smiled, glanced at Damar, not willing to answer.


    "You''re always like this, when will you stop considering me as someone else?" He protested. The man lowered his head, looking closer at Aruna.


    "Remember my words, no matter how bad you go through, I''m always by your side. You can come to me anytime." The young man grabbed Aruna''s fingers, touching them gently.


    Aruna nodded. To be honest, this girl didn''t really hear Damar''s words. She was too busy with her own thoughts.


    "Knock ... knock ... knock ...." The sound of knocking on the door broke the communication between the two young people.


    A woman wearing a television show uniform with the words written on it ''Nara & tv'' asked Damar to follow her.


    Damar disappeared behind the door, followed by the phone''s ringing from Aruna''s friends, asking Aruna to come immediately among them.


    ***


    Someone was tapping his finger on the handle of the chair where he was sitting.


    Hendra kept glancing at the clock, hoping to get the latest information from the one who was explicitly sent to meet Lesmana.


    Aruna''s obedience to her father was easily recognized and used as a force to bring the girl to him this afternoon.


    The live press conference was held by one of the infotainment programs, Nara & tv, a subsidiary of the Wenceslas Group.


    It was nearly 90% ready, and 10% of the female lead, the main star on this show.


    "Ah I can''t stand it .. I''ll meet him myself." Hendra got up from his seat.


    The latest information conveyed by the person he sent earlier said that it was almost impossible to meet Lesmana now.


    Lesmana was in a meeting. The Wenceslas delivery company regulations didn''t accept foreign guests who have not made an appointment with him.


    It was impossible to meet him, disrupting an ongoing meeting.


    Hendra walked swiftly, followed by his secretary Surya, bodyguards, as well as a team of personal branding consultants, and two others.


    For general people, personal branding was something that didn''t fall into a meaningful category.


    However, for someone interested in politics, business, public figures, and leaders such as CEOs, regional leaders, etc, personal branding was something more than necessary.


    They must be able to leave impressive and deep self-promotion every time they interact with subordinates, partners, and customers. They can get maximum attention.


    Hendra was aware of this more than anyone.


    He needed to save his image before saving his career. It was the same thing his grandfather was wanting.


    "Wait?!!" Hendra paused for a moment, looking at the large screen installed in his family''s television station''s main lobby.


    The screen showed live Nara & tv broadcasts.


    "Where does the broadcast take place?" Hendra walked nimbly and half-running.


    He then opened some of the studio doors. One of the employees of Nara & tv mentioned that the talk show program was in studio 4.


    "Brakk." The sound of the door opening loudly disrupted the activities inside.


    The tv crew who had immediately turned away and stayed focused as what the producer rankings of the show ordered.


    It''s a live show so that anyone who came here shouldn''t break their concentration.


    Some of the crew had whispered why the CEO of Wenceslas Group only seemed occasionally interested in entering their program''s shooting room.


    The crew didn''t realize the CEO''s strong magnetism had become an attraction on their talk show stage.


    Yes .. Aruna sat among her friends, answering random questions from the host.


    Hendra walked and sat in the front seat. His eyes couldn''t be distracted, staring intently at his contract girl.


    He leaned back, relaxed with his folded hands as he was waiting on how much that girl can endure.


    She only had two choices. Either staying there with her friends or choosing to go down and settle things with him.


    Hendra knew that Aruna neither could stand the whispers of the people around her nor his blue eyes.

 Chapter 46 - The Same Specifications

    He leaned back, relaxed with his folded hands as he was waiting on how much that girl can endure.


    She only had two choices. Either staying there with her friends or choosing to go down and settle things with him.??


    Hendra knew that Aruna neither could stand the whispers of the people around her nor his blue eyes.


    "Let''s take a break for a moment, don''t go anywhere. Keep watching our exciting conversation with Danu Umar."


    The hosts were so excited to end the second of the four sessions of the broadcast.


    Aruna''s friends glanced tensely at the man who was watching them. More precisely, watching Aruna.


    The incident at Wenceslas Ritz Hotel made Aruna''s future husband''s image as a possessive male class.


    "Huh.." Aruna let out a long sigh, smiled bitterly at his friends, signaling that she was going to say goodbye first.


    Damar could barely control himself to grab Aruna''s hand, holding her away.


    Unfortunately, if he did so, he would have long repercussions for emerging artists.


    Plus, some of his fans began to approach, asking for selfies and autographs.


    Aruna walked, passing Hendra.


    Spontaneously, a blue-eyed man walked after her.


    Hendra approached, surrounding Aruna''s body, when the girl started to stop.


    "We are meant to be together." Hendra smiled proudly.


    He could catch his contract girl effortlessly.


    It was like a nightmare in broad daylight for Aruna.


    Why did she have to meet this man now?


    "Why are you here? Are you following me again?" Aruna tiredly asked.


    "Your question is reversed!"


    "Why are you suddenly in the Wenceslas TV station." (This is kind of a jackpot for me)


    Hendra showed his luck.


    ''Oh... Oh, my God... I was caught in the tiger cage''


    Aruna closed her eyes for a moment. She knew there was no way to escape.


    "There is no other choice !! Obey me, or I''ll force you!" Hedra threatened.


    The wound that this evil-being made this morning was not wholly bandaged.


    He started acting up again this time.


    Hendra embraced Aruna''s shoulders, leading her as he wished.


    "Aaah, let me go!"


    Aruna tried to off Hendra''s hand. But the man''s tall and sturdy body made it easy for him to catch Aruna''s shoulder again.


    "I''ll obey you. Let me go now.. You embarrass me, let me go!"


    Several pairs of eyes stole to see the chaos between the CEO and the young woman.


    "Shut your mouth!" Hendra whispered.


    "Everything will look elegant if you behave like a girl." Hendra could not stop thinking.


    Some of the women who approached him would feel touched if he treated them like what he did to Aruna.


    But this girl was even bothered.


    ***


    "Let the hair loose." The man gave instructions to the make-up artist, who was busy giving a touch of skill to Aruna''s innocent face.


    After locking Aruna into a place containing a row of dressers, Hendra called several times.


    "Buy my future wife mini dress with long sleeves size M."


    "I need the best make-up artist as soon as possible." Hendra ordered.


    It wasn''t long before this graceful man came.


    In the past, Aruna had received this kind of facility at their family''s meeting.


    At that time, Aruna''s hair was in a light bun back.


    Hendra was still faithfully sitting on the sofa near the door, like a guard.


    while occasionally playing with his cellphone, the man watched every movement of the two people in the front.


    "You are fortunate, miss, even though CEO Hendra is being hit by unpleasant rumors. From his behavior, I''m sure he has a great love for you." The make-up artist named Andruw whispered in Aruna''s ear.


    Hearing Andruw''s words, Aruna seemed to want to pat himself on the forehead.


    This person didn''t notice Hendra watching her. He was afraid that Aruna would run away.


    Ah wait, he could make a little mischief.


    "Em ... Hendra, I''m thirsty." Aruna was planning to escape.


    Usually, when someone was held hostage, the victim would ask for something and then rush to run away.


    "Hello ..!? Bring my future wife a bottle of water!"


    ''Oh no!'' her plan was in vain.


    "But I''m also hungry. I want a snack." Aruna asked. A sweet wish she made the umpteenth time.


    She just wanted to run away from Hendra. Aruna was still trying to find a way.


    "Hello.. please buy a snack for her!"


    ''Ah it sucks! It isn''t like in the movie, " Aruna muttered, almost giving up.


    ''Wait'' She still had a way out.


    "Hendra, I want to go to the toilet. I''m dying." Aruna was pitiful.


    "Do that after the make-up is over, as well as change your clothes!" Hendra answered.


    "But I want it now." Aruna whined.


    "Alright, come on..." Hendra stood closer.


    "You come with me?? It''s rude to follow a girl to the bathroom."


    Aruna deliberately made it difficult for him.


    "Do you know the place?" Hendra asked.


    "Nope." #failed6 Aruna version.


    ''Why? Why didn''t everything run as my wish?! Poor me''


    "Is it over?" Hendra was still standing at the back. He looked closer to the mirror.


    "Almost..."


    Seeing Hendra''s eyes focus on Aruna''s reflection in the mirror, Andruw scolded him.


    "How beautiful she is right??" Andruw seemed to be asking for recognition for his handiwork.


    The man took out a small bottle, then asked Aruna to close her eyes.


    A moment later, Aruna felt a light wet feeling on her face. It was aerosol bursts from Andruw''s hand.


    "I can get her this several times to make her prettier, but this girl is the most troublesome." Hendra''s expression was like a complaint from his heart.


    Andruw chuckled at the objections of the owner of Nara & tv.


    "Okay, let me take you to the bathroom. Change your clothes as well." Hendra asked.


    "No! Stay here. That''s impolite..." Aruna persuaded.


    "Have I ever been polite??" Hendra gave a striking question.


    ''Aargh... he has no manners indeed, and his mouth is sharp'' She could only mutter to herself.


    The woman began to fill her brain with other strategies to slip away.


    "Kriiiing."


    Aruna''s phone rang, making the girl ask Hendra to get her phone in the bag on the sofa where Hendra was sitting.


    Andruw was still doing his job for finishing.


    At the same time, Hendra also received a surprising phone call.


    The man''s hand handed over Aruna''s cellphone while raising his own phone.


    "Hello, grandpa?" Hendra greeted his grandfather.


    "Hello, dad?" Aruna also greeted her dad.


    The two pairs of eyes meet as if whispering ''what happened?''.


    ***


    "O..oh, the atmosphere of my practice room, suddenly gloomy. I hope my guest will loosen his smile so that my fish do not shrink in fear." Diana stared at her aquarium.


    The middle-aged woman was always good at commenting on others without emotion.


    "I have no time for pleasantries," Wiryo asked his assistant to come closer.


    "Geez .. you and your grandson are the same, really betel nut in two. Not asking for help or ~thanking the people you need." Diana still stared at her colorful fish than the old man, Wiryo.


    "Check this." Wiryo handed over the documents his assistant gave him.


    The middle-aged woman immediately turned and smiled at the file she wanted.


    She then focused on the document.


    "So this girl made your grandson pass out?"


    Diana''s question left a stiff nod from Wiryo.


    A photo of a smiling young girl carrying a bouquet of flowers and a trophy from Bekraf''s ''best start-up newcomer in the craft category.''


    Diana flipped through pages containing information about Aruna Kanya Lesmana.


    "This girl is as beautiful as her name, shining reddishly." Diana looked at Aruna''s photo carefully.


    "I don''t have much time. Can you be faster?!" Wiryo interrupted Diana''s observation.


    "Brak." Diana harshly closed Aruna''s document.


    "I also don''t have much time. Can you find another doctor?" The old woman imitated Wiryo''s style.


    "Yes..yes.. do as you wish."


    Apart from her old colleagues, Diana was a psychologist who knew Hendra''s condition the best.


    This mixed-haired woman was one of the teams of doctors who have accompanied Hendra since he was a child.


    "As I said. I have a good feeling about this girl. Hendra can recover but needs a long treatment."


    Diana stared at Wiryo as if she was throwing the statement ''everything has a risk.''


    "What if he passes out again? Couldn''t it make it worse??" Wiryo''s face gave off a tinge of worry.


    Diana smiled reassuringly.


    "All treatments have risks. He could faint many times. Hendra has to go through this if we want him to be completely cured."


    The woman gave a rough idea of ??the risks that would occur.


    "Why don''t we take the easier path? I found my grandson doesn''t pass out when he is with other women." Wiryo asked for an opinion.


    "Are you telling about the woman who was the object of his crazy experiment?"


    "Hehe." Diana chuckled.


    Wiryo frowned. He was serious right now.


    "Your grandson is naughty (he liked to measure his abilities), hasn''t changed at all since childhood. But he''s not stupid. He even came here asking the same thing." Diana explained.


    Wiryo did not understand what Diana meant.


    "It means your grandson is paying more attention to his body''s reaction to this girl." Diana added.


    Diana took another look at Aruna''s photo.


    She got up and broke into the back door of his practice room.


    A few minutes later, the old woman brought a black ordner filled with Hendra''s medical record piles.


    "Do you still remember this document, Mr. Wiryo?" Diana asked.


    "I hope you don''t forget about how we provide a display treatment so that he can be in his current situation." Diana stroked several documents.


    She showed a deep feeling to his little patient.


    "If at that time Gayatri wasn''t in the same bad condition, my little master would not have had to suffer all this time." Diana stopped at one of the medical records, taking a quick glance.


    She then turned the black ordner towards Wiryo.


    "Look ... until the end, he had not managed to overcome his fear of seeing Gayatri sleeping."


    "Not because he was incapable, but Gayatri was also unable."


    Diana''s explanation made Wiryo''s chest a little tight. They have been through hard days.


    Now, will such a dark day come again?


    "I can''t take risks. He is my only successor." Wiryo straightened his stick.


    "Wait a minute, it means you don''t want to see him happy." Diana stared at him seriously.


    Hopefully, Wiryo was still interested in hearing his explanation.


    "What are you saying?" Wiryo stared curiously.


    "My diagnosis is still the same, now or 22 years ago, Hendra''s post-traumatic disorder will react strongly to people who get a place in his heart."


    Diana brought Aruna and Gayatri''s documents closer.


    "This girl has the same specifications as Gayatri. They both have a strong influence on your grandson''s heart."


    "We can''t deny how much Hendra loved his mommy before the tragedy, and toward this girl, he is starting to develop the same feeling. Even though your grandson hasn''t realised it." Diana raised her hands.


    She actually gave an implied offer. ''Now it depends on you.''


    "The difference is that Gayatri doesn''t have the ability, but this girl is normal. I''m sure she can help him."


    Diana''s statement made the old man in front of her think hard.


    "Why don''t we choose the easy path?" Wiryo asked to make sure.


    "Does it mean you don''t give him a chance to fall in love?!" Diana confirmed the choice.


    "What happens if this option fails??"


    Wiryo was the bravest person to take risks in business, but not his only grandson''s future, the Wenceslas family''s greatest treasure.


    "If I were his grandfather, I would choose to believe in my grandson instead of making him give up before being given a chance." Diana gave the explanation.


    "Now it''s up to you!" Diana emphasized.

 Chapter 47 - Awkward Moment 1

    "Daddy will pick you up!" Lesmana''s loud voice on the other end.


    "No need, Dad.. actually, I''m with Hendra. And it seemed he got the same request from his grandfather." Aruna replied.??


    "Oh, really?" Lesmana was a little surprised by Aruna''s confession.


    "Okay, I will wait there. Take it easy, dad will accompany you, Aruna."


    "Thank you, dad." Aruna closed her phone.


    "Did your dad convey the same information??" Hendra asked.


    "Em... I mean, my grandpa also asked me to meet him at the main house of my family (Wenceslas)." Hendra added.


    Aruna slowly nod


    ded.


    These two human beings were in deep confusion.


    One might think that this could be the end of the engagement and the agreed wedding vows.


    While escorting Aruna to change clothes, Hendra frowned and held his temples several times.


    Wiryo gave instructions that Hendra needed to cancel the press conference.


    Hendra had a heated negotiation that he still had 108 minutes left until the absolute limit of the opportunity the old man gave.


    On the other hand, the old man ended it casually with ''no problem, you don''t need to.''


    The provisions were unalterable.


    Aruna came out wearing a dress, completely different. This girl has become very charming.


    The long-sleeved midi dress that draped over her knees was as perfect as Aruna''s friendly aura.


    ''Ah, she''s only friendly and kind to other people but not to me.''


    The girl was still busy looking for ways to slip her clothes into the Levis mini backpack.


    Barely fits.


    "Do you have a bag that I can use, Hendra?" Aruna asked.


    "Just throw it away!" Hendra was distracted by the bag and sneakers, which were an eyesore.


    Aruna looked away, showing disagreement and annoyance with Hendra.


    "You! Look at me!! I don''t like the way you are." Said Hedra angrily.


    The way she looked away when sulking made Hendra uncomfortable.


    He felt really insulted because of Aruna''s behavior this morning.


    Hendra brought Aruna to the same room.


    The room was lined with dressing table mirrors, a kind of backstage of the artists before the broadcast is on air.


    "Put your things there. I''ll ask someone to take them home." Hendra gave Aruna a sling bag.


    It seemed familiar. There was a Chan*l label on it.


    ''This must be very expensive'' Aruna flipped through her new bag, observing.


    When Hendra took out her shoes and put them in front of Aruna''s feet, the man went down on his knees and covered the new shoes that were prepared to match Aruna''s dress.


    "Not high heels, right...??" Aruna was worried.


    "Yes." Hendra looked up.


    He then got up right in front of Aruna''s body.


    Aruna was nervous as she was never this close to him except for a stupid incident at the mansion.


    Not even as high as Hendra''s chin.


    "Behave according to the dress I gave you. Your fashion is too bad and makes my eyes hurt."


    ''If my prediction is correct, maybe this is the last dress I can give you.'' Hendra thought.


    ''Still, his mouth is sharp, even after he made me cry all day long.'' Aruna thought.


    ''Could it be that I will be married off earlier by that old grandfather?'' Aruna shuddered herself, thinking.


    If Hendra thought his engagement would end with Aruna, Aruna thought the opposite.


    She thought Hendra would marry her earlier than she expected.


    On the other hand, Aruna was taken to her future in-laws'' house.


    Pretty make-up and bought nice things. Indeed this was a sign that the marriage would be getting closer.


    This innocent girl was unaware of her make-up, and all that adorned her was the first step to force her into a press conference.


    ***


    "Not many people realise how important it is to understand the soul conditions of the people around them. Mostly, humans demand that other humans behave like angels. And that''s impossible."


    "The result of this lack of understanding is that some people decide to commit suicide because they are no longer able to carry the burden of being artificial angels."


    "And some in countries that adhere to religion choose to immerse themselves and hallucinate."


    "Yes... Some run towards smart people because they feel disturbed by other creatures."


    "There are also those who pray in strange places because they want something beyond their abilities. It could be that it is not because of the influence of creatures that are reportedly invisible. Still, rather their mental condition needs handling."


    "The condition of the soul with the problem comes from various backgrounds. It could be that apart from the sufferer. The people are often not aware of it. They cringe with each other after the soul is injured, getting worse, and tends to end fatally."


    "Just like post-traumatic disorder. A disorder characterized by failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrible event."


    "This condition can last for months or years, with triggers that can bring back traumatic memories accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions."


    "In general, there are two ways to deal with it, namely therapy and medicine. Healing from a traumatic event that sometimes occurs in an instant can require a long journey, the support of all parties, and a long time."


    "Just like the patient, I will be returning to 22 years ago."


    Diana, a senior doctor with the title Sp. KJ was currently filling a general lecture in front of undergraduate students in the field of psychiatry.


    "We handled thoroughly 22 years ago with three main therapeutic methods, Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) or evidence-based psychotherapy or counseling."


    "The goal of TF-CBT is to provide psychoeducation for children and caregivers so as not to offend and help. They identify and deal with emotions, thoughts, and behaviors ."


    "The second one is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which is usually called eye reprocessing. We carry out experiments ranging from the simplest thing to see the images related to the trauma, to see firsthand a replica of the trauma that needs to be addressed."


    "Here, our role is. As therapists, we help patients find ways to divert attention. For example, hand tapping and even other things that can have a calming effect."


    "And therapy Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) or a modified form of behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy that is designed into one. It is characterized by two main treatment procedures, namely imaginal and in vivo exposure."


    "Imaginal (repeated) exposure ''deliberately'' retells trauma memories. In vivo exposure, it gradually encounters situations, places, and things that remind trauma or that trigger a sense of danger (although objectively safe)."


    "This comprehensive therapeutic procedure which led us to successfully make the little one (our patient) able to talk again."


    Diana''s explanation was greeted by boisterous applause from the students.


    "There is one more treatment procedure that you must have studied in the treatment class, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). I just need to remind you that you as psychiatrists need to have a strong instinct in setting the right dose for patients."


    "Instinct requires experience. Therefore, I offer you 2-3 people who are willing to join my team to re-handle the case I just told you."


    Diana''s offer gave rise and ''Wow'' from the audience. Then, the seminar room began to get noisy with light discussion.

 Chapter 48 - Awkward Moment II

    Diana''s offer gave rise and ''Wow'' from the audience. Then, the seminar room began to get noisy with light discussion.


    Being a part of Diana''s doctor''s clinic is an honor for psychiatry students.??


    "Because my age starts at 5, I am old enough to run to handle important events that patients experience from time to time. This patient is quite special to me. During my 25 years as a psychiatrist, he has given me a lot of valuable experience. I myself will select anyone who has an interest in joining." Diana stared at everyone with a defiant smile.


    "Before I end this session, I need to emphasize the trivial things that many psychiatrists ignore. Wherever you have your career, as long as you are a psychiatrist and as long as your patient has not been confirmed dead, make sure your medical record documents and treatment history are always kept neatly and responsibly."


    "It is because the disease we handle is not the same as doctors in general. As long as our patients still have memories and do not experience brain failure, during that time, our patients have a risk of relapse and then need us back."


    "I hope you all understand my explanation. Thank you."


    The applause again rumbled the whole room.


    "Well, we allow you to ask!" A moderator offered a question and answered session to the audience.


    Diana sat for a moment, sipping mineral water provided by the committee.


    One by one, the participants scrambled to raise their hands, looking for opportunities to ask Diana questions directly.


    ***


    ''Aruna'' Damar found the figure of his femme-fatale, walking in the accompaniment of a man who was determined to be her husband.


    For Damar, the news was still a fictional fairy tale that could not possibly come true.


    Sometimes, he still didn''t realise that he would lose the woman who created a rosy hue around every corner in his own imagination of love.


    But this time, it couldn''t be denied.


    The man missed his prediction. He thought his rival was still silent, even as reluctant to compete as when they first met.


    Unfortunately, now what Damar found was the opposite.


    The blue-eyed man was staring at Aruna''s eyes.


    His movement to open the door for Aruna was exquisite. He put his heart in his lover.


    It''s possible that the lousy girl didn''t notice the different behavior, just like her condition.


    Before breaking through the lowest point, which was the beginning of the courage to express love, Aruna didn''t realise it at all.


    Damar had to quickly find a way before Aruna realised it.


    If necessary, he would take over and hide Aruna under the most unfamiliar skies.


    If only he could do it.


    But, this was the real world where reality was more bitter and torturous for his mind.


    ''It''s okay, Damar... You only need two years to survive while preparing for the future after they really separated.'' This young man confirmed his heart, declaring that he would not give up.


    A man just needed to survive until the woman melted time by time.


    Whoever the woman is, she always had the right to choose the best man among the men present in her life.


    ***


    "You drive the car yourself?" After opening the car door for Aruna, Hendra moved to pull the seat belt and attach it to Aruna.


    Aruna was shocked.


    "They''re busy. Sometimes I do things myself. Just driving the car is fine." Said Damar.


    ''I just stopped the press conference. They must be busy as a result of that sudden decision.''


    The question Aruna just asked was one way of getting rid of nervousness.


    "Why are you staring at me? What''s wrong with me?"


    Aruna found the man stealing glances at her several times, triggering an awkward feeling.


    "Ah, nope." And then it was awkward again.


    After a while immersed in individual thoughts, Hendra turned on the accompanying music for the ride.


    Meanwhile, Aruna was getting busy with her phone.


    "Yes, Damar? What''s the matter?"


    "Tonight? Can you?"


    "Late afternoon is better unless your schedule is busy."


    "Hahaha.. still. I''ll beat you later..."


    "Yes.. yes.. good."


    "Yes... I can close it now."


    Hendra heard Aruna''s joy as she was calling someone.


    He tried to listen carefully, hunting in the crevices of the music.


    "You are very close to your boyfriend?" Hendra asked, a little offended.


    "He''s not my boyfriend. He''s my best friend."


    Aruna gave him a quick glance while being asked with an uncomfortable intonation.


    "Tch, someone cuddled on the roof of the building and said it was a friend."


    "What?? You''re stalking that far??! Oh my god... You..." Aruna was very irritated.


    The Wenceslas''s heir knew no privacy boundaries.


    "How about wrapping a beautiful woman in a coat and taking her into your car." Aruna didn''t want to lose.


    "Wait.. wait.. this is the car... if this car can testify."


    "She is my friend. A friend since high school. We''re just in the wrong place." Hendra gave an explanation.


    "Ah.. right.. you even took her to your hotel." Aruna''s words were greeted by a sharp, intimidating look.


    "I ... I just read it in the media." Said Aruna.


    "At least I''m not a stalker like you." Aruna Added.


    "Huh .." Aruna sighed and blinked, feeling depressed.


    ''He is the perpetrator, but he is also outraged?''


    "Most of the media is wrong. They are only looking for material to raise ratings and insights. What happened is not what they wrote. Including what is in your brain." The man grumbled with a firm intonation.


    "Do you know what my brain is?" Aruna asked.


    "You must think that I have a special relationship with her."


    Hendra''s answer was correct.


    "So do you. You must think that I do have a special relationship with Damar, right?" Aruna replied.


    Somehow there was confirmation between the two.


    And that was how the next awkwardness began.


    They were silent for a long time alongside the car''s speed, which began to slow down, mingled in the crowd in Jakarta.


    The scenery outside was crowded as the workers started pouring out.


    This girl was a little stifling.


    She was immersed in long daydreams, not wanting to move from the light back to stare at the car window.


    She spontaneously moved her hands, tying her hair that fell scattered.


    A moment later, someone''s hand ran through Aruna''s hair, gently pulled the ribbon wrapped around her hair ties.


    "I like your hair down. You look prettier."


    "I''m hot, Damar!"


    The man beside him deliberately pressed the car horn so that the girl turned around.


    "ahh!!" Aruna was wrong.

 Chapter 49 - The One Whom I Choose

    "What time does my schedule end?"


    Damar broke the ice from the van that used to take him through his busy activities as a newcomer musician.??


    "At 19.00, it''s just that tonight you were asked by Bang Bay to meet him. He was interested in a piece of the sentence you posted on Instagram." Said someone who was with Damar.


    "It seems he wants you to release a new single to make your position even stronger." Said Pandu, a 28-year-old Balinese manager who faithfully accompanied Damar at all times.


    "Can the schedule be shifted?" Damar asked, glanced at her phone.


    Pandu smiled.


    "Is that girl special? I''m curious." Pandu catched Damar''s wish.


    Damar didn''t answer him.


    However, how special Aruna was very complicated to explain.


    "You don''t have to disappear like last night. Just tell me, I''ll help you. You are not an angel. You have the right to enjoy your youth as long as you can hide it well. That''s all."


    Damar nodded.


    "Why did you choose to leave the previous artist who was clearly famous?" Damar asked.


    From the start, Damar was a little odd with this Balinese man''s choice.


    He chose to become Damar''s manager amid many offers because he decided to leave an already established artist in the entertainment world.


    "What else except that I''m a fan of your novel? Hahaha." Pandu answered him not according to Damar''s wish.


    Such excuses were just a formality.


    "I am tired and depressed when accompanying artists who have no talent. To maintain their popularity, they will go from one scandal to another. And that tormented my mind." The man frankly spoke from the heart.


    "It''s very different when I accompany you. You are not even interested in being famous. At first, I was a little surprised how a young man like you could be part of the entertainment world."


    "It turns out that your talent exceeds my expectations. It''s not just your work. You have an aura and a personality that easily makes people fall in love." Pandu seemed excited.


    In contrast to Damar, the manager tried to understand Damar''s expression.


    "I''ll help shift the schedule."


    ''This seemed like what I wish'' Damar thought.


    "Yes, thank you." Damar was happy then he laid down more relaxed.


    ''Ah this boy is madly in love''


    ***


    The man beside him deliberately pressed the car horn so that the girl turned around.


    "Ahh!!" Aruna was wrong.


    ''How can she mention the other man''s name when she is actually beside me?! It''s outrageous!!''


    Hendra was really annoyed.


    ''If I could, I would throw her out of my car!'' Hendra''s mood became so bad.


    But, something like that was impossible for him to do.


    Hendra was trying to cover up his anger as best as he could.


    Unfortunately, the way seemed futile.


    His facial expressions were calm, but his behavior was out of control.


    Aruna incredibly clung to the seat belt on her chest.


    Hendra recklessly drove the car, getting faster.


    The CEO of Wenceslas Group, who was used to being dominant, suddenly found himself losing to a student who was on leave from college.


    If typically paralleled, it was clearly not a balanced opponent unless Surya''s words were valid.


    "Your rival, I think he has a strategy beyond our expectations. That man, ah... his works are quite interesting to listen to."


    Suddenly Surya''s words filled Hendra''s brain.


    ''Strategies beyond expectations? What is it like?''


    Somehow, Hendra was getting less calm toward it. Even though, personally, he didn''t want to realise that Aruna had filled his heart.


    ***


    The gates of the mansion automatically opened once Hendra''s car was passing by.


    It was as if the private passageway of the family Wenceslas.


    Hendra did not slow down at all.


    Once inside, a beautiful flower garden greeted them.


    In the middle, there was a classic fountain, twisting like a dancing girl.


    Hendra slid and circled the fountain. He then stopped at a large door carved Javanese.


    The man came out, followed by the man dressed all in black, swiftly opening the door for Aruna.


    ''Is this Wenceslas''s main house?'' Aruna gaped a little.


    She never thought it would be this grand in his simple mind.


    A mansion wasn''t even 1/4 of her imagination.


    Just like the gate that was passed earlier, the carved door also opened by itself.


    "Hi, come on." Hendra woke Aruna up, who was dumbfounded.


    This girl was increasingly wide-eyed to see the inside of Wenceslas''s house.


    ''That''s why Hendra is a little different''


    Aruna walked through the reception room, following Hendra''s footsteps. She ended up in a room that felt warm.


    This looked like a family room.


    TV was the main focus of the room. While all around it was decorated with warm yellow dim lights.


    Several photos of Hendra from childhood to adolescence, including when he wore a toga, was also there.


    There were also classical and charming lined up books.


    What was even more beautiful was that there were towering windows that lead to a garden between them.


    The trees outside were perfectly captured from the window.


    Aruna was interested in the mini chair attached to the window.


    Just imagine if it rains, the owner of this house can enjoy the water splashing the trees'' branches.


    It would have been nice.


    Hendra invited her to sit down.


    Predictably, Aruna tried to sit by the window, which caught her attention.


    "Hendra, grandpa asked you to meet him first." Hendra touched Aruna''s shoulder as a sign of goodbye.


    The man strolled as he approached his grandfather''s workroom.


    "Andos, do you know my grandfather''s final decision?" Hendra tried to find a way to deal with his grandfather.


    "If I had known, I would never have told you." His grandfather''s secretary threw a flat answer.


    "Why are you so loyal to him?!" Hendra was annoyed by Andros''s answer.


    "Because he paid me." Andos then approached the door and opened it slowly.


    The old man sat there casually looking at the photo, then put it on the table.


    "Come near, tell me who you want." The request of the elder of Wenceslas was welcomed by his grandson.


    ''What??'' Hendra was jolted to get a straightforward question from Wiryo.


    Two photos of women lined up there.


    Aruna or Tania.

 Chapter 50 - Aruna Or Tania

    Aruna or Tania.


    "What do you mean, grandpa? Why should I choose?!" Hendra tried to find the meaning behind the request.??


    "What else?! I will support you according to your choice. Now it''s all up to you." Wiryo added.


    "I can''t decide this quickly." Hendra realised that every choice that his grandfather proposed had long consequences.


    "This girl''s father will come soon. And your time is only until he comes." It was so easy for Wiryo to press his own grandson.


    Hendra shook a little.


    He didn''t know what to do. He couldn''t even understand the meaning behind his grandfather''s request.


    This was out of the ordinary. The old man was usually told not to give a choice.


    "May I know if I choose one of them, what kind of consequences do I receive??" Hendra didn''t want to make mistakes.


    "It''s easy. I let my grandson get married to get the successor of Wenceslas''s family. For that, whoever you choose, you have to undergo this marriage normally like a husband and wife." Wiryo started tapping his fingers.


    "Grandpa doesn''t care about your trauma or whatever. You have to go beyond your limit."


    Wiryo''s gaze made the blue-eyed man start seriously examining the two photos in front of him.


    ''Aruna will get back to her own life. She will definitely shine even more without this marriage agreement''


    ''Tania? The woman is easy to control. She will accept all my requests without the slightest rejection''


    ''If I choose the easiest one, Tania is very precise'' Hendra''s hand started moving closer to Tania''s photo.


    He then paused for a moment.


    Why was there such a heavy feeling in his heart? There must be something.


    ''Why am I afraid of losing Aruna?'' Hendra whispered to himself.


    "You know when I let your uncle get married, He didn''t have the slightest interest in me. More precisely, I forced him." Wiryo seemed to participate in providing directions.


    Hendra stopped.


    His eyes turned to Aruna''s photo. But, his movement logically led to Tania''s image.


    Tania was the most correct reality.


    "At that time, even the whole family rejected my decision because your grandma was a girl from an ordinary family. But, my heart said differently. She convinced me that we can survive our lives together."


    "Now choose seriously." Wiryo carefully watched his grandson''s movements.


    ''Aruna? I wish I had chosen it. My married life will only last for two years.''


    Hendra''s feelings and thoughts were chaotic.


    "Knock... knock... knock...." Someone knocked on the door, breaking the tension a little.


    Andos sneaked in to inform them that Aruna''s father had come.


    Wiryo took the two photos back, asking his secretary to bring Aruna and her father in.


    "Remember, this is your last chance." His grandfather''s words drained Hendra''s heart and mind.


    The girl walked with her father. She was a little scared.


    She must have heard many stories about the Wenceslas family.


    Wiryo stood up and smiled at Lesmana, asking his former secretary to sit in a chair near Wiryo.


    Meanwhile, Aruna and Hendra stood stunned together.


    "How is Aruna?" Aruna looked up at Wiryo''s question.


    "Good grandpa," Aruna replied briefly.


    On the other hand, Hendra was clearly observing her.


    ''Who should I choose?'' Hendra''s mind raged.''


    "Your daughter is getting cuter, Lesmana." The old man turned to Lesmana.


    Lesmana then gave a careful smile.


    To be honest, Lesmana was confused. Aruna couldn''t possibly have the initiative to appear like this. Who prepared it all?


    "How was your college? I heard that you are very busy. Even my grandson has a hard time seeing you."


    Wiryo tried to buy time up to a certain point before he was actually going to ask the willingness of a pair of young couples in front of him.


    To get married or to stop here.


    Aruna just smiled, confused about what to answer.


    She turned to Hendra.The girl asked for help.


    Aruna''s face was so cute in Hendra''s eyes. His entire bloodstream was warm.


    "It looks like I''m the one who has trouble matching the time with Aruna. So we had several problems."


    "To be honest, outside of this, Aruna and I made an agreement to meet." Hendra tried to calm Aruna down.


    The girl looked relieved and showed a grateful face.


    "Alright, now I want to hear directly from Aruna." Wiryo''s statement made Hendra tense.


    "Because my grandson has difficulty making choices. Now I give that right to you." Said Wiryo.


    Cold and sweat ran down Hendra''s temples. He didn''t expect his grandfather would go this far.


    Every Wiryo''s word blended into a calamity for Hendra.


    "What do you think about this marriage?"


    Aruna seemed confused to understand Wiryo''s question.


    She glanced at her father.


    Lesmana moved his mouth, expressing the word ''honest'' without a sound caught on.


    "Actually, I hope this marriage..." Not yet over, Aruna answered.


    "Let''s do it!!" Hendra grabbed Aruna''s hand and held it tightly. He cut off Aruna''s explanation.


    ''What I have grasped, I will not let it go.''


    Suddenly, Hendra remembered the strong statement he said to his grandfather and to himself.


    Initially, Hendra was not brave enough to take the risk of choosing Aruna.


    It turned out that there was a greater fear than that.


    He was terrified of losing Aruna.


    ''What?!'' Aruna secretly tried to release Hendra''s grip.


    The little girl even squeezed one of Hendra''s fingers with her nails. Hendra did not flinch.


    "I''ll try to keep it as best I can." Hendra''s next statement was a request for permission from Lesmana.


    "I will try to go beyond my limit, grandpa." The statement this time answered his grandfather''s request.


    It was about the syndrome he was dealing with.


    "You know how much risk?" The old man suddenly asked a question that only he could understand.


    "I know. I know it very well, and I will try." Hendra made up his mind.


    "What about Aruna?" Aruna waa still busy looking for a way to release Hendra''s grasp.


    She was a little surprised by Wiryo''s question.


    The girl once again glanced at her father.


    Lesmana nodded, affirming the permission Hendra had just issued.


    "I will accept my father''s decision." Aruna''s answer was soothing to anyone who heard.


    Hendra clearly captured the interaction between father and daughter.


    He was stunned.


    How could Aruna easily comply with every of her father''s requests?


    Did this girl have no other strong will that she needed to fight for it? or at least care about herself?

 Chapter 51 - The First Thief 1

    A bride and groom came out of the old man''s room with a different aura.


    Hendra felt so relieved to have made a decision.??


    Meanwhile, the woman looked threateningly.


    "Let go of my hand!!" Aruna off Hendra''s hand.


    The girl let out a long breath many times. She seemed to be relieving her shortness of breath.


    She was angry because the blue-eyed man cut off her explanation.


    "Hey .. I should be angry. Look! You hurt my fingers!" Hendra showed her that the corners of his fingers were red because of Aruna''s nails.


    "If you dare to be angry with me, I will ...."


    Aruna was intimidating, pointing her index finger at Hendra''s chest, exploding with frustration.


    It was strange!


    Her words suddenly stopped as fast as lightning, hiding her brave fingers behind her back.


    "Ehh .."


    ''What''s wrong with her?'' Hendra caught Aruna''s sweet smile.


    This unique girl''s expression changed 180 degrees.


    In the hallway, an old woman walked gracefully behind Hendra''s back, followed by a young woman in uniform.


    ''This girl?! Very good at changing expressions. She was even smarter than Tania (Tania worked as a drama series artist)'' Hendra muttered.


    "I heard the news that Aruna came. I''m glad to meet you." The woman named Sukma smiled and held Aruna''s hands, reciprocating.


    "How are you? Grandma, I''m also very happy to see you." Aruna greeted her friendly.


    "Uuh.. How sweet you are.. I''m good, even though I am old, I am not less healthy than the young one."


    "Somehow, you greet me like this. Look at my grandson, he doesn''t even know how to greet her grandma."


    Sukma smiled gratefully at Aruna and wryly at Hendra.


    "Haaah." Hendra sighed, feeling hot with the sarcasm.


    "I hope that you will soon become part of this family. So that I will come back young, come now, come with me. We eat first."


    Sukma pulled Aruna down, led her through Wenceslas''s house.


    Aruna spontaneously turned to Hendra.


    The man looked resigned.


    ***


    "Lesmana, wait a minute!" Wiryo stopped him, who started to get up and intended to leave the room.


    "I don''t understand you. You and your daughter can be free from us this time. Why did you give your daughter back?" Wiryo straightened his cane to his feet.


    Lesmana, who was Wiryo''s former secretary turned around, saluting.


    He then softly lowered his head.


    "Because your grandson needs her." Lesmana seemed to understand something the Wenceslas family was hiding.


    "To what extent do you understand Hendra''s condition?! Who told you??" Wiryo was surprised.


    "It doesn''t matter sir. The most important thing is that I have fulfilled my promise. I allow my daughter to be part of this family on one condition." Lesmana made a request.


    "Mention!"


    "Later when Aruna is unable to face this marriage. I ask you to let her go at any time." Said Lesmana.


    "Okay I accept." Wiryo started the next deal.


    "Please stop behaving like my secretary, we will become in-laws." Wiryo requested.


    "Isn''t this our agreement? I''m your secretary until I give you my daughter. When my daughter has become the daughter-in-law of this family, I will break ties with you and I will behave as a real father." Lesmana was holding back a deep crush at every word she said.


    "I thank you a million. You are still my loyal secretary until the end."


    ''Even your daughter has the same character as you''


    The old man sat back, looking at Lesmana''s back.


    ***


    "Aruna." Lesmana called out to her daughter, smiling concerning her former boss''s family.


    "Dad ...." Aruna''s voice answered her father''s call so cheerfully.


    She was depressed by the polite manner of eating of the Wenceslas family members. Grandma Sukma, Ms Gayatri and Hendra.


    "I have to go back to the office. I left the meeting to come here. Aruna, let''s say goodbye now." Said Lesmana as he was ready to leave.


    Aruna quickly got ready, she wanted to quickly disappear from this place.


    "Let me take Aruna father, eh I mean uncle Lesmana." Hendra put the food down.


    He then stood up, saluted, and asked permission from Aruna''s father.


    "Okay.. I apologize. I have to go first." Said Leasmana, leaving.


    Aruna''s face suddenly lethargic, seeing her father''s back disappear.


    "Is my grandson giving you trouble?"


    Dessert got the family started to talk.


    ''Of course!!''


    "Hehe a little." Aruna''s words and heart were contradictory.


    "I don''t know what kind of life they live out there until the men in this family have a less gentle way of speaking." Said Sukma as if giving an explanation.


    In Aruna''s ear, Grandma''s explanation was almost the same as the resin assignment (always scattered on the 2nd floor of the Magic Letter outlet) that she had read, Euphemism.


    (Euphemism: A style of language that replaces words that are considered unfavourable with their more subtle equivalents)


    Every word that was spoken was so subtle and danced in Aruna''s mind, a little dizzy.


    Hendra could hardly help laughing as the little girl scratched the corner of her neck, showing a confused and bored face.


    "Aruna, do you want to see the room that I prepared?"


    Aruna didn''t have a clue to what direction Grandma Sukma dominated the conversation.


    But, her last words left Aruna dumbfounded.


    "What??" Aruna blinked her eyes.


    ''Room?? My room and the sharp mouth man?''


    ''Oh my God... help me... I could catch a sudden shortness of breath'' Aruna was panicked, imagining marriage was so terrible.


    How about the room? Ah mentally not strong enough to imagine she had to share the same room with Wenceslas''s grandson.


    The girl kicked Hendra''s leg who was sitting beside her.


    "Sorry, grandma." The man''s voice was a little different.


    As he was shocked, he accepted Aruna''s request.


    "I have to take Aruna as soon as possible. There is a schedule that I can''t miss." Hendra tried to find a way to be free from Sukma''s request.


    "Schedule! Schedule! My ears are tired of hearing it. Now I only ask you for only 10 minutes!"


    Sukma didn''t care. She pulled Aruna''s hand to come with her.


    "We can''t grandma... We have to go now." Hendra did not want to be outdone, the grandson took part in fighting over Aruna.


    Hendra grabbed Aruna''s left hand, and Grandma grabbed her right side.


    Aruna tried to politely remove her hand from Grandma''s grip.


    "Huh.. you guys..." Sukma complained.


    "Susi! Make Aruna on my side."


    The grandmother called out to a maid who was well-built and athletic, in contrast to the graceful and polite face dressing.


    She even apologized before approaching Hendra.


    "Grandma, please!" Hendra tried to hold Aruna.


    Aruna had pushed the man''s body.


    "I also want to behave selfish like you." Sukma smirked, walking first.


    A woman named Susi tried to grab Aruna.


    Things got messed up. Aruna just realized why Hendra needed to hold her.


    What was meant by ''siding with grandma'' was that Sukma was trying to take Aruna from Hendra.


    "Young master, if you continue like this, sorry, I have to lock you up." A moment later, with a flash of movement.


    "Argh..." One of Hendra''s hands was locked on his back.


    But, that man didn''t want to lose.


    He was still holding onto Aruna''s wrist with the rest of his hand.


    "Grandma." Said Gayatri.


    A woman who looked very calm and beautiful, starting to rise.


    The woman with a blank gaze stopped the grandmother''s steps, who almost disappeared.


    "As far as I know the room that Grandma prepares is still in the process of renovating. It will be more impressive if you show it, when the room is completely ready." Her speech was soft and almost inaudible.


    Gayatri, Hendra''s mother, tried to persuade Sukma.


    "Got a new room after getting married, it must leave an extraordinary impression than seeing it now." Gayatri''s words made the old lady change her mind.


    She asked her maid to release Hendra.


    "Sorry, Aruna, you have to see this. Sometimes we have to do this so that someone cares about this old lady."


    Aruna just smiled.


    ''Forced to touch each other so that someone cares about this old grandmother'' oh that means, forcing each other roughly so that they will care about her''


    Aruna began to be good at interpreting grandma Sukma''s euphemism.


    "Come on Aruna, let''s go!" Hendra walked without looking.


    "Look, he doesn''t even want to say goodbye to his grandma. It hurts my heart."


    ''Ah this family is a little unique''


    Aruna caught Hendra''s lazy face, turned around, and lowered his head.


    "I go first." And he literally walked away.


    Thank you for the banquet.. Mrs. Gayatri, thank you for your help.."


    Aruna greeted them one by one, then jogged following Hendra''s steps.

 Chapter 52 - The First Thief 2

    "Gayatri, do you think I was overdoing it?" An old woman peeked at the couple, who were entering the car.


    "Yes." Gayatri, Hendra''s mother, replied.??


    She was not very talkative and tended to be calm.


    "But my prediction is correct. She''s an innocent and sweet girl."


    A smile spreaded from Wenceslas''s grandmother.


    "I think the way you find out is a little too much." Gayatri stared at the pace of her son''s car deeper than anyone else thought.


    "Well.. today was so fun.. That girl can make Hendra react unexpectedly. Even you are also affected."


    ''I miss the warm atmosphere of this house, which has been extinguished for years''


    Sukma ended her observation.


    The curtains rising from the reception room window flickered.


    ***


    "Does each member of your family have a personal servant? Some kind of secretary? Like Surya?" Aruna started a simple conversation.


    An expression of her gratitude to the man who protected her from one of the personal servants of the Wenceslas family.


    "Yes." Hendra looked a little lost in thought.


    "Except for that quiet woman, she likes to wander around on her own. For the bodyguards, it''s difficult, because they have to follow her secretly." Hendra''s answer raised a question mark.


    ''A quiet woman??'' Aruna tried to guess who Hendra was referring to.


    ''Ah Mrs. Gayantri''


    "How can you call her like that? She is your mother right?" This girl was too naive to understand the Wenceslas family''s complicated situation.


    "I don''t like talking about my family! You want me to buy another bag to shut up?!" Hendra glanced at Aruna with an offer.


    "I''m just asking! Why is your response harsh?!"


    "Even though I want to thank you. Hah, forget it !! My gratitude has paid off." Aruna grumbled to herself.


    And both of them were silent again.


    Aruna opened the phone to get rid of boredom.


    He got a whatsapp message from Damar. The man was able to meet her earlier.


    Aruna''s face was happy, observing the chat of a literary student, very intriguing.


    *If you are late, I say myself to be a statue. And the actuator buttons only come from your finger. (Damar)


    *If I don''t come, what will happen to the Damar statue? (Aruna)


    *Of course, he will get a lot of change, people must have thought someone was singing with 3D art.


    Aruna''s eyes narrowed under the smile on her face.


    The girl began to tidy up her hair and bangs, turning the camera on her phone as a mirror.


    "Can you drop me off at the stop over there?"


    "Nope." Hendra roughly replied.


    Aruna''s forehead frowned, hearing Hendra''s words.


    "Why?"


    "Because your father gave his responsibility to me." (Bringing her to the house)


    "Okay.. I''ll ask permission from my Dad."


    The girl called her father''s number several times and failed. He didn''t pick up the call.


    Her face became wrinkled.


    "How can you so easily comply with every request of your father?" Hendra was still curious.


    "Of course, because he''s my father." Aruna''s answer caused confusion to a man who grew up without a father''s figure.


    "Does every child who has a father, have thoughts like you?"


    Hendra''s question really represented his condition.


    "There are also those who choose to avoid, refuse, and even rebel."


    "As long as I can, why not? After all, obeying parents'' requests is as difficult as refusing it. If in the end there will be many hearts hurt, why don''t we choose to make them happy?"


    Somehow, Aruna''s expression this time was not as strong as she used to be.


    ''She is really naive and straightforward'' Hendra thought.


    Hendra was happy. It seemed like Aruna was easier to control than he thought.


    "When you are married, the responsibility of a father becomes the husband''s, right? That means you will obey me like you obey your father?" Hendra hoped.


    "Of course not! I will obey the contract contents that we have made." Aruna replied while typing a message for her father.


    "Really?! All the contents?" Hendra smiled happily.


    "You know one of the contracts says ''we could kiss if necessary'' are you sure you dare to do it?"


    Hendra knew Aruna had not thoroughly read every article in the MOU that they have signed.


    ''Oh, dad replied to my message ''yes'' The girl was too focused on her phone.


    "What did you say earlier??"


    She really didn''t hear Hendra''s words.


    "Are you sure you dare to do it?" Hendra repeated the sentence.


    "Yes yes.. of course."


    "Em.. Stop here."


    ''That''s the halte'' Aruna was grateful to be right near the bus stop.


    The girl took out something from her bag, a Platinum Card.


    It took a different way to hand over this rectangular object to the owner so that Hendra didn''t refuse.


    ''What?? why is she approaching?''


    Hendra was stunned to see the little girl he made up beautifully approaching him.


    The man blinked, shook for a moment, and began to take his hands off the steering wheel.


    ''Is she really going to show her courage??''


    Hendra''s head was uncontrollable when Aruna''s hand seemed to be pulling his chest.


    The man approached. He was focused on something that was blushing.


    He just didn''t know that Aruna approached him to insert the Platinum Card into the shirt pocket on his chest.


    Aruna''s hand had just touched Hendra''s pocket, not having had time to finish inserting the card...


    "Ah, what is this?" The soft-touch on her lips.


    For a split second, Aruna lost herself, in shock.


    Someone closed his eyes and touched his lips to Aruna''s lips.


    ''What?? What did he do to me?!!''


    "Aaaaaaagrh....." The girl screamed uncontrollably.


    Aruna''s first kiss was easily stolen by the sharp-mouthed man.


    "WHAT A THIEF... !! Aruna pulled her bag.


    The beautiful sling bag given by Hendra was held firmly at the end of the rope.


    She started beating Hendra.


    Everything went awry.


    Except for the heart of a man who slowly melted, realizing he was madly in love.

 Chapter 53 - The Crazy CEO

    The Crazy CEO


    ''What?? What did he do to me?!!''??


    "Aaaaaaagrh....." The girl screamed uncontrollably.


    Aruna''s first kiss was easily stolen by the sharp-mouthed man.


    "WHAT A THIEF... !! Aruna pulled her bag.


    The beautiful sling bag given by Hendra was held firmly at the end of the rope.


    She started beating Hendra.


    Everything went awry.


    Except for the heart of a man who slowly melted, realizing he was madly in love.


    "Argh... Stop Aruna."


    "Ouch¡­ Ouch.. It hurts..." Hendra caught Aruna''s Chan*l bag, staring at the girl with a confused feeling.


    "Aren''t you approaching me to show your courage?" Hendra held the bag and Aruna''s hand.


    "Courage?? WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!! I approached you because of this!!" The girl bit Hendra''s arm while throwing a platinum card.


    Accidentally, it landed right in the corner of Hendra''s eye.


    The blue-eyed man complained.


    "Ouch... My eyes!" he held his sore eyes, reddened.


    "Sob... Sob... Sob..." The sound of crying broke.


    Aruna sobbed and tears fell down in her eyes.


    It was a hard and tiring day for her. She was still sad by the harsh words she received this morning.


    Not to mention, the way this man pulled her, forced her, locked her up in one of Nara & Tv''s rooms, and ended up like the Wenceslas family''s doll.


    What hurt the most was that the crazy CEO dared to steal her first kiss.


    "Aargh." This girl screamed with sobs, her tears were falling down her cheeks.


    She had never even dated someone. But her first kiss was stolen by the most annoying man.


    "Hey, don''t cry..." While overcoming his painful eyes, Hedra tried to calm Aruna.


    This guy just realised there was a misunderstanding between them.


    Instead of calming down, Aruna''s crying became even more intense.


    "I''m sorry.. stop crying..." Hendra''s words resulted in angry stares.


    And she cried again.


    "You can hit me as much as you like.. As long as you stop crying..." The man was lobbying the little girl beside him.


    "Of course I''ll beat you black and blue!" Aruna raised her hand, beating Hendra with all her might, shedding irritation.


    Hendra took cover behind his arms.


    It wasn''t his body that was hurting, but something inside his chest was racing.


    He gave up and lost the power to fight back.


    This was not the habit of the Wenceslas heir.


    Everything had changed when his lips touched the soft, reddish surface of the girl''s lips who made him do stupid things, pushed him to become a stalker, forced him to buy strange things, cursed at employees, and even screamed a woman''s name for two hours.


    With the warmth that paralyzed the whole body, a new story may begin.


    ***


    "Eh, what''s wrong with that car??" (Wiggling) someone at the bus stop saw a strange thing from inside the Bentley Continental. (Hendra''s car)


    There were screams, which made the people waiting for the bus at the bus stop look at each other.


    Vaguely, several people approached, observing the car that had not stopped rocking.


    The atmosphere outside got more serious when she found a young woman beating a man inside.


    "Could it be harassment??" Said one of them, questioning.


    "Wow, this car is worth billions." Young men are more focused on observing the GT V8 S black edition car. (Most expensive series from the Bentley car)


    "Ah right?!?!" The crowd of observers began to worry.


    Of course! Who would not misunderstand when such an expensive car was parked on the side of the road, because a woman was hitting a man.


    The people must have thought that ''the rich guy masher was forcing a young girl as his mistress''.


    And the people started knocking on the windshield.


    The window from the side of Hendra was beaten harder.


    "Aruna, hey Aruna.. Stop it!" Hendra awoken Lesmana''s daughter, who was burning with anger.


    Both of them were stunned, realising that Hendra''s car was surrounded by many people.


    The sound of tapping on the windshield rushed from the right and left.


    Hendra had to leave, or the people who misunderstood him get out of control.


    "Get out of the car! So that the masses attack you!" Aruna smoothed herself, didn''t care.


    She was trying to catch the breath that was still struggling.


    Venting anger drained a lot of energy.


    The girl lazily glanced at Hendra, who was caught by the messes.


    Aruna got ready to get out of the car, indifferently towards the bus stop ahead.


    "Aruna... Aruna... help me." Hendra asked for help.


    Several men held him tight because of misunderstanding.


    "Hi miss? Do we need to report him to the police?"


    "It''s up to you. I don''t care." Aruna walked away, while Hendra was harshly sealed against his car.


    One of them started making calls.


    "Aruna... Don''t leave me !!" Hendra didn''t want to deal with the police.


    The rumours about him haven''t died down.


    If he had to deal with the police, it meant destruction for him.


    ''How about this? What should I do?''


    "Ah gentlemen, listen.. She''s my wife.. My wife is angry and beat me..." This man was thinking hard and came up with a crazy idea.


    "What??" Aruna turned around.


    "Brak." Hitting Hendra''s car roughly.


    "How dare you say..." Not finished talking yet.


    "Listen, honey, you can be mad at me. But you need to know! If I deal with the police, some employees will lose their jobs. As you know, rumours about me can shake the stock price." Hendra mixed the spices of madness in his words.


    ''Oh oh my god .. this person is boasting'' Aruna felt being mocked.


    For a moment, the sound of police sirens approached.


    "Honey, remember... I banged on the gate and shouted your name not without reason. There are thousands of people connected with my life." Hendra was trying to influence Aruna with whatever he said.


    His scandals with Tania weren''t over yet.


    If a new case arose, the personal branding that he had been building so furiously was over.


    The worst leader was the leader who didn''t have a face in front of their subordinates.


    _______________


    INFO:


    Instagram: bluehadyan, The Beauty Inside fanbase (Hendra, Aruna, Damar)


    Enjoy the visualization of The Beauty Inside: Stealing The First Kiss, Get a Wife


    ________________


    Hendra Visualization


    Mahendra Hadyan Wenceslas. Even the name itself has the most essential meaning of power. Mahendra, the great ruler, Hadyan, who has a high position. A very high position as the sole heir of all the Wenceslas family''s assets.


    A blue-eyed man, a Javanese-English blend, handsome, tall, hardworking, and soulless. He was too perfect to have weaknesses.


    Behind this, the Wenceslas Group''s young CEO was suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic disorder), when he began to struggle against his weaknesses of his contract wife whom he loved that had a heart for another young man.


    Damar Visualization


    Damar, Danu Umar Chaniago. The word Chaniago, clearly showed that the man who was familiarly called Damar came from Padang.


    He was an eccentric young man with a sharp nose and attractive eyes. He lived with a single parent that made him more mature, have a simple outlook on life, and a to-the-point language style.


    Damar had a one-sided love for 2 years. Now he was desperately trying to win Aruna''s heart after finding out that the girl was only married on a contract basis for 2 years.


    He was willing to sacrifice his dream of becoming an Indie writer, and trying hard to build a future by becoming a newcomer to the music world.


    He was an Indonesian literature student, novelist, and a great lyricist.

 Chapter 54 - One Straight Line

    For a moment, the sound of police sirens approached.


    "Honey, remember... I banged on the gate and shouted your name, not without reason. There are thousands of people connected with my life." Hendra was trying to influence Aruna with whatever he said.??


    His scandals with Tania weren''t over yet.


    If a new case arose, the personal branding that he had been building so furiously was over.


    The worst leader was the leader who didn''t have a face in front of their subordinates.


    "No need to care about me. Just remember the face of the cleaning service that I asked to deliver notes to you. He could be a victim." Hendra was getting crazy.


    He was in the corner. They pushed his body as the arrival of two police officers on duty.


    "Aish. Damn!" This girl was contaminated with harsh words.


    "Alright... Fine!"


    But her heart was always too kind.


    "Sorry everyone, he was my husband... I hit him because I was angry. Please don''t take him." Aruna was affected.


    "What? Oh, you wasted my time." The man who had been holding Hendra firmly, slowly left.


    "Sorry... thanks for taking it off..." Aruna bowed several times as apology manipulation.


    "We''re the same fate, bro. I''m also afraid of my wife. But you better fight at home, not on the street." Someone''s message whispered to Hendra.


    The blue-eyed man just grimaced.


    "I thought.. hah! only the face just barely like me is lousy. It turns out that a handsome man is also just as lousy in front of a woman." One after another, the victims of the trickery of the husband and wife threw random, tickling words on the way.


    Two police officers continued their patrols.


    "I saw your eyes reddened. Sometimes it is very difficult to control our wives. I hope you are stronger." Old cop gave him advice before leaving.


    They addressed a message to Hendra.


    The message made Aruna on fire as if she wanted to get rid of the Wenceslas Group''s crazy CEO.


    (His eyes turned red because of being hit by a platinum card. Unfortunately, other people thought Hendra''s eyes were glazed because of his wife''s anger)


    ***


    "Aruna forgive me... Don''t be angry." The man tried to calm Aruna''s flames of anger.


    He then followed her to the corner of the bus stop seat.


    "Aish.. go away!" This girl was tired of dealing with Hendra''s madness.


    "Come on... I''ll take you home." Hendra offered.


    "Look at the passengers who are waiting. The bus must be full." Hendra wholeheartedly persuaded Aruna.


    "I said, I don''t want to!"


    ''How dare he persuade me to enter the car where he stole my lips!''


    Aruna was determined not to do it.


    The girl didn''t realise that Hendra was now a man who had melted because of her.


    He faithfully suppressed Aruna''s anger.


    "I said GO AWAY!! I don''t want to see your face again!" Aruna was too tired to face the CEO''s crazy behavior.


    "Ma''am.. have mercy on your husband.. Look, he persuades you with great patience."


    The women around where Aruna was sitting were getting annoyed by the husband-wife fight that had not yet ended


    ''Ah what''s now?!''


    "You must be angry because of another woman (the anger of a wife mattered most). Currently, there are many seductive women everywhere."


    "If you look at your husband''s good looks and stability, the woman definitely was trying to seduce your husband. Try to give him a chance." Several people showed their wild speculations.


    ''This human always cornered me anytime, anywhere''


    Aruna was really annoyed.


    "Please, it''s not what you think." Hendra caught the fire that was burning ferociously inside Aruna.


    "You get on your knees and apologize earnestly to your wife." Another woman suggested.


    Aruna couldn''t stand it and got up from her seat.


    "YOU! I''ll come with you!" Aruna had to leave the bus stop or she would be bullied by the women nearby.


    "Bring another car for me! I DO WANT TO USE THAT CAR!" Aruna''s expression sounded like a cruel wife.


    "Woo..." Several people were stunned and started whispering.


    Hendra was busy telling his subordinates to deliver another car to them.


    A moment later, the Rolls Royce wraith arrived with the family driver.


    The driver saluted and immediately backed off to take over Bentley Black.


    Hendra clumsily opened the door for Aruna.


    Unfortunately, the girl chose to open the door herself. She opened the passenger door at the back.


    She didn''t want to sit in the front seat with Hendra.


    Too dangerous.


    "Crazy..!!"


    Most of the occupants at the bus stop were stunned at the view of the young couple who had just disappeared.


    Actually, these people didn''t know the real story.


    They didn''t even know about the future husband who stole the girl''s first kiss.


    The girl whom he tied up with a marriage contract.


    ***


    Rolls Royce slowly stopped in front of the gate of the Lesmana family house.


    Aruna got out of the car, followed by another man behind.


    It seemed that he was telling the family security guard to immediately open the gate.


    It clearly can be seen from the white van parked not far from there.


    Aruna had a talk with her future husband.


    Damar''s eyes couldn''t be distracted.


    The eccentric young man slowly got out of his car. He had waited long enough without a word.


    He had to carry his manager and the driver who escorted him, frozen in front of the house of the girl who held the pulse drive button in his heart.


    The tall young man stood still near the van. He tried to contact Aruna, trying to catch her expression.


    Aruna was still busy talking, while reaching for the phone tucked into her bag.


    "Come on, pick it up." Damar seemed to cast a spell.


    His prayer about having this girl has run aground.


    But, he couldn''t turn away.


    Accompanying her to the end was his determination that was built after 17 thousand hours and 63 million seconds that they spent together.


    ''Damar??'' Aruna slightly went away from Hendra.


    The girl stepped aside further.


    But the hello she said, was not answered.


    ''Is Damar angry??'' The girl began to say sorry and she looked at several sides of the road in front of her.


    It turned out that the young man was standing there still.


    "Ah I forgot him." Aruna lowered the phone attached to her ear.


    She slowly walked towards the eccentric young man.


    *If you are late I say myself to be a statue. And the actuator buttons only come from your finger.


    The chat pieces crossed her mind. A tinge of guilt flowed through Aruna.


    Her day was too hard. She didn''t realise she''d neglected someone.


    Hendra was still standing there, in his place.


    The man who just melted guaranteed the feeling of love in his heart, somehow, already faced with a bitter reality.


    ''Hendra, Aruna, Damar''


    Standing in one straight line.


    The girl with a reddish hue was right in the middle of two men at the same distance.

 Chapter 55 - The Two-Eyed Knife Carrier

    ''Hendra, Aruna, Damar''


    Standing in one straight line.??


    The girl with a reddish hue was right in the middle of two men at the same distance.


    "Aruna, we better go inside first." (after that, it''s up to you)


    Hendra tried to stop Aruna''s steps.


    The girl turned around for a moment, looking doubtful before finally leaving, walking away, towards another man on the other end.


    "Huh." The heavy breath transformed into more profound pain.


    The blows that the conqueror had fired earlier began to inflict pain.


    Hendra just realised that there was a feeling of bruising on his face and his eyes were still watery.


    The man closed his eyes for a moment.


    It was no longer the feeling of warmth radiating through his body. Instead, there was aching coming from his chest.


    It was difficult to explain.


    "Sorry..." Aruna ran her fingers on Damar''s arm.


    The young man with a distinctive aura smiled.


    "It must have been a long time waiting." Aruna didn''t dare look at him.


    This girl felt guilty.


    "It''s okay, it''s okay."


    ''My position can only wait for you''


    Damar realised the reality of his love''s path.


    "Can you wait for me a little longer? Em... I have to go inside first. Maybe I can get out. However, it takes a little effort." Aruna wanted to pay for her mistake.


    "Sure ! Aren''t I always in the same place?" Damar stated his consistency.


    "Thank you, Damar." Aruna smiled.


    Her smile made this young man get butterflies in his stomach.


    It was like sprouts splashed with water, burst and expanded, pushing slowly the loose soil scattered.


    If Hendra was a growing sprout then he was still in the imbibition stage (the seeds expand and start to break because they absorb water from the surrounding environment).


    Meanwhile, Damar, the man was one step faster.


    The epicotyl have reached the ground level, just added leaves, enlarged the stems and immediately encouraged them to flower and then bear fruit.


    Hendra was far behind.


    (Epicotyl is the segment of the stem above the institution''s leaf (the first leaf) which will grow into the stem and leaves)


    ***


    Hendra was a little hesitant to enter Lesmana family house, remembering the incident this morning made him realise how much Aruna''s two older siblings hated him.


    Although, to be honest, they didn''t even know each other. Just summing up each other.


    "Oh, my God" Said Linda, the family maid.


    She jolted when she opened the door.


    She seriously asked Aruna.


    Would her lady really bring that Wenceslas young master in?


    This week, the family employers have been fighting more, and the main cause came from the man who was now standing behind Lesmana''s youngest daughter.


    "Is Dad home?"


    "Call my Dad, sis." Aruna asked Hendra to come in and sit in the living room.


    A room that was the centre activity of this family.


    The 2nd-floor staircase ended in the middle of this room. Even the family pool was located outside a large glass, straight to the right.


    A moment later, someone came down the stairs.


    But, it wasn''t Aruna or Lesmana.


    Aruna just said goodbye and went upstairs.


    A woman at the same age as him was observing Hendra.


    Hendra realised that unpleasant things would come to him.


    "Wow, young master. How guts you dare to be here." Alia greeted him.


    "Good thing, my brother is not there."


    "Wait, or I need to call him to make things even more exciting."


    Hendra just smiled at Aruna''s sister.


    However, they must be respected. They will be part of his family.


    Hendra got up and saluted.


    "Thank you, sorry if you are disturbed by my presence."


    This man realised that there was no better expression than giving in.


    He was secretly grateful that it wasn''t the woman in front of him who will become his future wife.


    Alia was Lesmana''s daughter who was initially planned to fulfil Lesmana''s promise to the Wenceslas family.


    "How did you get here?" Alia''s words were serious, no longer an insinuation.


    "I took Aruna home. And was waiting for your father." Hendra tried to be casual.


    "Ah my sister is always innocent and kind."


    It was clear that she was disappointed with Aruna''s behaviours.


    "You know, we will never accept you. We will always find a way to take Aruna from you forever. So, get ready." Alia showed a reckless expression.


    This girl was different from Aruna.


    Her aura was more dominant than her little sister, who tended to be friendly.


    "Why did you let her replace you if you end up doing this kind of thing?!"


    "Aliana."


    "Ah what kind of sister are you?! What a pity!"


    Hendra was hooked to show his true identity.


    "PLAKK." The girl roughly slapped Hendra.


    Hendra just smiled and flatly stared at her.


    A moment later, there were footsteps. The head of this house''s family came.


    Alia was clearly trying to cover up the incident. She hurried away to avoid his father.


    "Have you been waiting long?" Lesmana greeted.


    "Not yet, uncle."


    "Call me, dad, isn''t that the right call?" Lesmana teased him.


    Hendra smiled.


    "Where''s the drink?"


    "Aruna!?" The man shouted, giving instruction.


    The youngest daughter came down the stairs in half-run.


    She seemed to have just showered and changed her appearance with the outfit she used to wear. Her hair was even tied back.


    She then came up with the tray in her hand.


    The girl Hendra was waiting for, carefully walked, sweetly put a drink and a few biscuits in a mini jar in front of him.


    "Dad, can I come out after this for a moment?"


    "With Hendra?"


    "No, I''m alone, Dad."


    "It''s late, look at the clock!"


    "Wait... just buy a meal for a moment."


    "Why? isn''t there a lot to eat at home?"


    Aruna''s face slightly frowned.


    Lesmana knew Aruna was disappointed.


    "What do you want to buy?"


    "I just want to buy spicy noodles, in front of there. Not far."


    "Take your sister... it''s not good to go out alone at night."


    Aruna smiled happily.


    "Thank you, Dad."


    Hendra was stunned.


    He really enjoyed the interaction between father and daughter that he could not have experienced.


    On the other hand, this man''s chest was a little tight, realising that Aruna would come out with another man waiting for him in front.


    "Come on, please have a drink." Lesmana''s words stirred Hendra from his reverie.


    "Alright, Dad!"


    Somehow, Hendra felt happy when he could call someone ''Dad''.


    ***


    Hendra came out of the door of his little girl''s house, escorted by Lesmana and Aruna as another car went across the gate.


    The man named Anantha came out while Hendra walked to his car.


    Aruna''s older brother deliberately slammed part of his body roughly into Hendra''s chest.


    The man was showing his hatred.


    Only Aruna saw that incident. Her father had already resigned first.


    "Hi, little one," Anantha greeted Hendra, without realizing that Aruna knew what he was doing to Hendra.


    Her older brother had a habit of kissing Aruna''s hair, before finally infiltrating the house.


    After making sure her brother disappeared, Aruna ran, knocking on Hendra''s car window, who slowly started to back away.


    The man lowered the windshield.


    "Sorry, Hendra."


    "Forgive my older siblings... they just love me too much, and it''s so tortured to have to hand over their little sister to your family."


    Hendra lightly nodded.


    Perhaps, it was her attitude like this, which had captured many people''s hearts.


    She was gentle and soothing.


    "Be careful on the road, I hope your eyes get better soon."


    "You don''t want to apologize for this?" Hendra touched the corner of his eye.


    "No."


    "Because you were too mean to me today," Aruna added.


    "Hehe." The man chuckled, catching Aruna''s innocence.


    "Okay, I''m sorry." A rare sentence from the Wenceslas''s heir''s mouth.


    The word ''apologise'' was an expression that has almost disappeared from Hendra''s vocabulary.


    "Yes.. don''t do it again, we''re equal now." Aruna''s hand slightly moved as if saying ''goodbye, be careful''.


    "Don''t come home too late!" Hendra said his last sentence.


    The Rolls Royce car disappeared, shifted by the white gate.


    ***


    "Be careful, remember the compensation for me (brought snacks)" Said Alia.


    Aruna jogged to Damar''s Van.


    "Don''t ever tell my dad. If you do, I''ll make sure you''ll regret it." Alia threatened the family security guard.


    Damar''s car drove along with a woman carrying a two-edged knife.


    The woman who sowed the love seeds in two human''s hearts was ready to fight over it.


    She didn''t realise the seed grew and demanded its rights.


    They always hoped for the most dominant light or abundant water, taking every time to seduce him, accompany him and make sure that "I" was more worthy than the "him."


    As long as the two-edged knife bearer was reluctant to choose, they would still fight one another, cramming the deepest pain, even without any medication.


    Both of them meritorious to be elected, but were reluctant to press her to immediately choose one of them.


    Because when that woman raised her gun, obviously, one must be hurt.


    No one had yet dared to declare himself ready to lose.


    The Van''s driver didn''t realize there was another car trailing behind.


    The Rolls Royce wasn''t really home yet.


    He''s just slipped in the right place. Then chase down his wish.


    His logic was raging. He really didn''t want to do this anymore.


    Unfortunately, his curiosity made him ignore the ethical theories inside his brain.


    The Van slowly slowed down, then stopped.


    A person who just got out seemed to be pulled back into the car by his manager.


    He then came out with a black hat and scarf wrapped around his face a moment later.


    Of course, it''s Damar.


    Seen from a distance, a man wrapped in a scarf was holding the car door, as if inviting someone inside to come out.


    He grinned while waving, delivering the Van''s departure.


    There were only two of them left.


    The Rolls Royce crept closer not to declare a war.


    The owner was looking for answers to a puzzle that kept tickling his mind ''strategy beyond expectations.''


    What was it like?

 Chapter 56 - Blooming Flower

    "Damar, I''m level 5," Aruna shouted.


    "Nope, level 2," Damar replied, standing in line for Aruna''s favourite hot noodle order.??


    "No, I''m level 5."


    "Three."


    "Five."


    "It''s up to me to order level 3."


    "Alight, I''ll order it myself." Aruna was standing beside Damar.


    "Why are you so stubborn today?" Damar ruffled Aruna''s hair.


    The girl spontaneously put away Damar''s hand.


    "Huuuh... if you knew how terrible my life was today." Aruna remembered the incident that made her angry.


    She needed to wipe Hendra''s lips touch with the burning taste of a level 5 hot noodle.


    A slightly ridiculous act.


    She needed to try it so that the incident disappeared from her memory.


    "It was also a hard day for me." Said Damar softly.


    He still remembered it very well as the CEO took Aruna when he was helpless.


    "That''s why I need level 5 if necessary, two bowls at once."


    "Don''t be crazy, remember your stomach!"


    Just like Damar, the man hid his face, looking for something that can cover his identity, especially his blue eyes that always stole the show.


    Unfortunately, it didn''t work. The car was too clean.


    Luckily, there were still glasses and a sheet of newspaper.


    Hendra followed them. He then sat at the safest angle.


    "Aruna, why are you eating so ferociously?" Aruna headed for the second bowl.


    "Ah, you''re really messy." Damar took a tissue and started to touch it on Aruna''s cheek.


    ''What is the intended strategy?'' (Good at behaving well in front of a woman?). Hendra muttered at the other end.


    Somehow, Hendra was a big zero about these kinds of things.


    "Don''t bother me, Damar." Aruna protested.


    "Al..right." He added.


    "You are really a mess!" Damar insisted on tidying it up.


    The man laughed when he saw Aruna''s cheeks puffed up like a balloon with a noodle hanging down.


    Aruna immediately emptied her mouth.


    "Ahhhh¡­ Spicy and delicious." Aruna exclaimed.


    "For the sake of magic shells..." Exclaimed in unison.


    "Ha ha ha." They laughed together, remembering happy memories of working together at the Magic Letter outlet.


    A condition that had now become expensive.


    On the other hand, Hendra closely watched them.


    Aruna was very different when she was with him.


    The girl always looked careful. Sometimes, she was even afraid. He thought that Aruna never laughed.


    He only saw her small smile, a forced smile.


    "You know what? This afternoon I ate too well until I forgot the food tasted good or not." Damar didn''t understand what Aruna was saying.


    "Aish... you don''t understand."


    "Well... you need to straighten your back. Then lift it like this." Aruna took a spoon of noodles, making a circular motion on the spoon.


    She wrapped the noodles with a fork, making sure there were no significant drops of sauce, then ate it without ducking.


    "And you can''t talk until all these bowls are finished." (It''s excruciating)


    "Why don''t you just be yourself?"


    "If I could. They will consider me unethical." (And I''m a prospective daughter-in-law who had to protect my father''s good name)


    Aruna was getting gloomy. Her mind was filled with the idea that she would practice this etiquette for two years¡ªinner stress.


    "Heyy... your face gives me no appetite."


    "Why are your noodles still full?" Aruna slipped her fork into the resin bowl.


    The young man immediately hit the back of Aruna''s hand with a spoon, protecting his food.


    "I''m thinking of how to eat." Damar showed that he had been looking for a way to put the noodles in his mouth, keeping his face protected.


    "If I''m like this." Damar lowered his scarf a little, showing part of his mouth.


    He took the noodles in a fork.


    "See, my scarf is going to get dirty." He couldn''t eat it right away.


    The dangling noodles would stain the scarf, of course, the scarf could no longer be used.


    Aruna got the point.


    "Or just like this."


    Damar pulled his scarf up over his forehead, eyes, and upper face, leaving his pointy nose nostrils, and his wide-mouth.


    "Ha ha ha." Aruna laughed at Damar''s behaviour.


    "Look! It works!" But his eyes were closed, and it was funny.


    Aruna laughed again.


    Damar did it on purpose to comfort Aruna. He really understood Aruna''s face expression, whether she was depressed, sad, or happy.


    Two years of having a one side-love made this young man good at reading the girl''s faces whose hobby was hiding problems.


    "Are you Danu Umar?!" Two teenagers suddenly approached.


    They were holding a handphone.


    Damar swiftly covered his face correctly, leaving his eyes, as well as a hat that began to be lowered, getting closed.


    Aruna knew that Damar''s identity should not be revealed.


    "No!" Aruna firmly replied.


    "I watched you from a distance. And I think your boyfriend really looks like Danu Umar."


    "What''s your problem if he looks like an artist?" Aruna denied.


    "If he is not Danu Umar, why would he hide his face like that?"


    Suddenly, the other teenager''s voice rose.


    Peeve.


    Damar couldn''t do much. Even speaking could reveal his identity.


    "Brak." Aruna stood up and pounded the table.


    This girl began to expertly threaten. It seemed like she learned it from a complicated situation with Hendra.


    "What''s wrong if my boyfriend covers his face? I told him to." Aruna''s voice was just as high as the teenager before.


    She made people around them turn around. And the guy on the other end gasped.


    ''Boyfriend?!'' the word caused the newspaper to fall limply.


    "What.. She''s angry." The two foreign teenagers taunted.


    "You started it..." Aruna''s objection was touched on.


    "Go away! Disturbers." Aruna teased them, shooing them away.


    The two teenagers started to retreat, instead of dealing with strange women.


    "Woo..." And now Damar was really surprised.


    "You can be this rough, hah?!" Damar''s first impression of seeing the girl in front of him behaving rudely.


    It shocked him.


    Aruna never showed a grim expression during their long friendship.


    She didn''t even have threatening words.


    "I told you.. My life is hard right now," Aruna lightly replied.


    ''I learned all this from that crazy CEO!''


    ''Ah'' Aruna seemed to remember something.


    Could it be the touch of his lips influences her?


    The sharp mouth transmitted its sharpness to Aruna''s mouth.


    The girl''s mood was on fire.


    "You were like a witch." Said Damar teasingly.


    "Pluk." The girl who was on fire hit Damar''s hat.


    "Heyy.. your hand movements are rough too." The next surprise for Damar.


    "I''ve even hit someone with this hand earlier."


    "You want me to beat you?" Aruna added.


    Damar gawked under the hat and the black scarf.


    The young man shook his head.


    "Are you really Aruna?" Damar was reassuring himself.


    Aruna''s behaviour was quite far from her habit.


    "But I''m happy you called me a boyfriend."


    "Hehe." Damar chuckled, his joy was shown openly.


    Aruna''s face seemed flat. She was lazy to respond and chose to continue eating.


    "Hey hey, look!" The man shook Aruna''s body, trying to get Aruna''s attention.


    Because it seemed important, Aruna agreed to the rhyme composer''s request, glancing at Damar.


    "Flowers are blooming, flying from my chest." Damar made unique movements with his hands, as if bursting and blowing flower buds.


    "You have to harvest it quickly!!" Said the young man.


    "Aish... What a typical literature student!!"


    Aruna went back to eating her food wildly before getting cold, ignoring Damar who was still teasing her.


    No matter how mischievous his behavior was, Aruna could no longer be angry.


    That was what made this young man special.


    Leaving an empty space in her heart when he disappeared, and warm again when he came.

 Chapter 57 - The Consequence

    "Haah... Haah..." Hendra''s breath was tight since leaving Aruna.


    The man sat for a moment on the edge of the bed, holding his chest before finally heading to the bathroom to wash up.??


    The man thought that everything would disappear with the tiredness of the water flowing from the shower spot.


    In fact, not at all.


    He looked at himself, messed up and slightly bruised.


    Yes... Hendra just realised the corner on his face turned blue, not far from his red eyes.


    When the man put the eye drops, he even saw Aruna''s bite mark.


    Her little girl was beyond limits, daring to give his body so many wounds, including the wound in his heart.


    Unfortunately, Hendra didn''t understand.


    Something inside his chest was a different kind of wound.


    ''What happened to me??''


    ''Do I need to see Diana?!''


    The funny thing was that Hendra thought that the pain in his chest was nothing more than a psychological problem that he could find out the cure.


    The man looked at himself more closely in the mirror.


    He remembered many things about this long day, including an intoxicating reddish hue.


    If the girl didn''t scream, maybe he would take a deeper sip of Aruna''s lips.


    Now, he knew how it felt.


    Aruna didn''t realise that she wasn''t the only one who had the first kiss.


    Somehow, the thief also had the same status about the first kiss.


    He didn''t want to erase the smell of the girl''s lips.


    Maybe he only had time up to 2 years. And along that time, he was sure he could win over his contract girl.


    ***


    "Hendra, why did you hand over your marriage responsibilities to that person?!"


    "You don''t believe in me anymore?" Surya looked emotional, throwing the warrant to transfer the responsibility of the heir''s marriage to his grandfather''s secretary.


    Andos, the man who was Surya''s rival.


    "You know I''ve never done such protocol." (Warrants are not my custom)


    The CEO took a close look at the sheet that Surya just threw at his desk.


    ''Ah is the date not wrong? Isn''t it next month??''


    "Who did you get this from?!" Hendra asked.


    "Your grandfather''s secretary is in front."


    "Heh." Surya condescendingly laughed.


    He rarely got angry, but this time it was clear that the man was very disappointed.


    "He even brought his bodyguards." Surya added.


    "In front?" Hendra stole a glance at the front side.


    "Yes! In front of the door of this room." Surya replied.


    "Let them in! It looks like they want to see me." Hendra asked, realising that the decision he made yesterday had consequences.


    "You have to rectify the transfer of responsibility again." Surya asked his master before stepping in to open the door for Andos.


    "I didn''t make it. We both understand. I can''t change it." (The President Director''s creation was a decree)


    Surya was complaining. But, he accepted it.


    A moment later, five men entered Hendra''s office.


    They looked stiff like his grandfather, stood before his desk and saluted in unison.


    A sight that Hendra didn''t like.


    Hendra asked them to sit more relaxed on the white sofa in the middle of the room.


    Unfortunately, they seemed displeased.


    "Keep on standing there, or you guys just go out." They were forced to follow the President Director''s grandson.


    An offence came to their minds. Sitting parallel to the leader was not allowed.


    "What will you say?" Hendra''s words looked relaxed.


    He perfectly made his words sound as a condition which was not worthy of being considered relaxed.


    The most influential man among them fixed his eyes on Hendra''s secretary. It meant he wanted Surya out of this talk.


    Hendra perfectly got the point.


    "Surya, bring them drinks. I think a little snack is fine too." Hendra asked him to leave very subtly.


    "What??" Surya could hardly believe it.


    On the other hand, he could not refuse Hendra''s request.


    "Tell me now!" The sole successor of the Wenceslas family asked.


    "Your decision to choose Lesmana''s daughter makes your position as the next president director getting closer." Andos began providing information.


    "It means you have to get a tight guard." The former intelligence staff added.


    "Huh... haha." Hendra laughed.


    "You will make me like my grandfather? Ah that''s not fun." Hendra threw sarcasm.


    The old man was stiff and stubborn, who was always followed by his loyal guards.


    "I just need an assistant like Surya. No need to be this serious." Hendra added.


    "Every leader is the king in the chess game. And pawns like us are here to protect him. Business is no different from playing chess, don''t pretend to be naive." Andos was a consistent and courageous man.


    For a large business owned by a single-family, anyone in this circle knew that it wasn''t easy.


    At any time, a few directors from each subsidiary company could join and then they agreed to do collapsing together.


    This kind of thing could already be said to be gradual destruction.


    For that, the president director needed excellent strength apart from ownership share.


    "I''m sure you know why your grandfather never showed any interest in making you the president. In fact, he spread the rumours that you would get nothing. He was playing chess to protect his grandson." Andos gave Hendra a convincing look.


    Wiryo always eliminated Hendra in the President director''s discussion. It was as if he would give it to one of his best employees or his loyal followers.


    He was trying to keep Hendra from being bothered by greedy people.


    "Even though he realises that the syndrome you suffer from, makes you not worthy as the President Director, moreover, as a single successor."


    "But, he always chooses you. Even this time, he believes you can recover." Andos'' words didn''t miss Hendra''s predictions.


    He knew his grandfather didn''t seem to want him, but the old man always used to tie him up.


    Hendra remembered very well how he went through the hard middle and high school days.


    It was a series of timeless activities.


    From practising martial arts, even official and secret visitation to his grandfather''s companies, both the largest and the small offices in the outskirts of a deserted city.


    When the holiday season came, he was even thrown as a cleaning service at several of his grandfather''s companies.


    He used contact lenses whenever the task was scheduled.


    He knew he was being moulded into a responsible heir from the start.


    "Well, what should I do?" Hendra tried to find out what his grandfather''s subordinates meant.


    "This is Raka, he will be responsible for your safety, leading the guards."


    "He''s Pradita, holding the key to the D floor."


    The D floor. Not many people knew where it was.


    The rumours were real that Wenceslas had a technology & information centre to develop various potential sectors related to the digital world.


    But, it had never been revealed.


    The people working on the D floor were mysterious and almost invisible.


    On the D floor, which was located on the Wenceslas Ritz Hotel basement, also shadowed the cyber division.


    This team could even tap, finding someone, etc.


    "The negotiator, Thomas."


    Thomas and his team used to organize some public officials who were acting up. Even people and external companies sometimes knocked each other down.


    "The internal secret agent, Vian."


    He had confidants in each of Wenceslas''s subsidiaries. He was ready to provide the latest information regarding the subsidiary development and its real conditions.


    And of course, Andos himself was the right-hand man who was ready to solve various problems.


    "What is Surya''s position then?" Hendra still remembered his best friend.


    "He will still be your partner. A business development partner. Isn''t that his forte? So he''s not going anywhere."


    Hendra understood.


    Surya and himself always had a way of collaborating to increase company profits. And sometimes he was bad at solving problems.


    Hendra also realised something.


    Why was he only good at improving company systems, managing increased turnover and some things about marketing, but it rarely worked when it came to executing traitors or hefty external or internal deals?


    Usually, this was part of his grandfather''s responsibility.


    "Your inauguration, as the sole candidate for President Director, will be held after the wedding ceremony." Andos added.


    "When is my wedding?" Hendra pretended not to know.


    "One more month. Sorry, The president asked to be hastened."


    "We need the right time before the end of the year so that at the beginning of the year, we have arrested the traitors and are ready to determine the next policy." Andos explained.


    "Ah you guys look terrible." Hendra realised that his life would no longer be the same.


    It turned out that he might change into a different person.


    "Above all, your grandfather made one wish." Andos''s face grew more serious.


    Hendra knew this would happen.


    "What is the request?"


    "He wants you to undergo treatment with Dr Diana. And the treatment can be called successful when you have a baby from Miss Aruna."


    "When the baby is born. All of your grandfather''s powers are yours." Andos added.


    "What the heck is that!!"


    ''The old man always had a way of controlling me''


    ''Does he know that I have a deal with Aruna??''


    ''If he doesn''t know, he must have anticipated this kind of agreement could happen''


    "If I refuse what happens?" Hendra asked.


    "You have made a decision, meaning you know the consequence."


    Hendra was allowed to go far away with Tania. But, he chose to stay in the Wenceslas family with Aruna.


    "Miss Aruna will be at stake."


    "What??"


    "Huh... haha." Hendra laughed at himself, almost in disbelief at the consequence that Wiryo made.


    Wiryo wanted him to undergo this marriage like a normal husband and wife.


    The old grandfather really charged for Hendra''s choice.


    He ensured everything went according to his will.

 Chapter 58 - Gomawo Oppa

    "Hendra... stop pacing like that."


    (You make me worried)??


    The Wenceslas''s heir had been thinking non-stop since the arrival of his grandfather''s people.


    He hadn''t checked any files for which he was assigned.


    "Do you know about the D floor?" Hendra asked.


    "Nope." The secretary innocently replied. (Isn''t that just a rumour?)


    "If I need bodyguards who will we use??" Hendra asked Surya again.


    "The service provider agent," Surya replied.


    ''Ah there is no guarantee for my safety'' Hendra muttered.


    The man was calculating his luck that seemed far from hope.


    "According to your analysis, what percentage can we fight Wiryo?!" Hendra was still chasing conclusions in his brain.


    "As a grandson, I think 50% is good enough. As a CEO, it seems less than 20%." His assistant replied.


    ''Ah Surya''s prediction is too good. He didn''t even know the 4 special units that my grandpa built.''


    The man sat at his desk, completing the conclusions raging from within the brain.


    "Starting tomorrow, we will inevitably work with the President Director''s people. You must accept mingling with Andos''s team. If necessary, make peace with him."


    Hendra realised that fighting his grandfather was like a cat fighting a lion.


    It was too impossible to win.


    "Yes! I understand." Surya caught a glimpse of Hendra''s grandfather''s insistence.


    It couldn''t be resisted.


    "Give Andos the information needed for my wedding preparations."


    "Oh yes, find out whether Aruna and her father has accepted the change of wedding date!"


    "Roger that." Surya replied.


    Hendra glanced at him.


    "I have a special request for you! Help the Magic Letter team complete the invitation 20 days from today. I believe this is impossible for them."


    "Do everything you can to help her. I have encouraged Aruna to make this decision. If the invitation project doesn''t work out, the girl will be disappointed in herself." Hendra ordered.


    "Yes." Surya immediately rushed over. He then returned, glancing at Hendra.


    "Hen." Surya called.


    "Were you attacked by someone until Andos brought the bodyguards to you?!"


    Hendra smiled, realising that his friend was worried about seeing the bruises on his face and one of his eyes that looked red.


    "I got this for stealing something. The owner then beat me. Unfortunately, she banged her bag right at my face." Hendra''s explanation confused his secretary.


    The man walked away, frowning.


    ***


    "How is this?!" Dea, Aruna''s friend wanted to cry.


    The girl had visited four LKS Bunda BISA community programs that worked on the Aruna-Hendra 3D invitation.


    The time limit given at the beginning was so tight that they could not even choose to give up when it had to be accelerated.


    20 days didn''t make much sense to create a new community.


    The new community needed training first at least 1 week, and the rest was a trial phase.


    The failure percentage was quite big. The results tended to be untidy and far from the expectations ordered.


    As a quality control, Dea couldn''t ignore the product quality. Moreover, this project was a special one, the marriage of the founder of Magic Letter.


    Dea and Surya drive non-stop all-day long. The two of them wouldn''t back down, but the fatigue and repeated rejection overwhelmed them.


    "Let''s rest first." Surya gave advice while gazing at the road ahead.


    The sound of the faint call to prayer was heard.


    "We can stop at the next mosque." The hijab girl asked.


    "Okay." Surya immediately slowed down the car.


    For a long time, Surya waited for the hijab girl to finish praying.


    Surya had spent 30 minutes. But, there was no sign of Dea showing up yet.


    It took too long for the man to try to find out. He sneaked around the place for women''s prayer.


    "What are you doing??" Dea shouted.


    "Argh." Surya was really shocked.


    "You took too long, so I tried to find out hehe."


    "Sir, I was talking with some women inside. They used a unique brooch. I was wondering where they bought it. It turned out that it was from one of Aruna''s competitors in the award we have ever participated in." Dea spoke so eagerly that it seemed fast and difficult to understand.


    "Just a moment, slowly please. Miss Aruna has ever received an award?" Surya traced Dea''s intentions.


    "Yes.. the best newcomer start-up in the craft category." Dea replied.


    "Then another nomination is a start-up that sells the brooches of those women?"


    "Correct."


    "What does that have to do with us?" Surya was confused.


    "This is what I haven''t explained."


    "They are part of the craft association. As far as I know, the association has many members. Unfortunately, the majority of the management and development centres are in Surabaya." Dea explained


    "You mean if we can''t push our production team, why don''t we just use outside professionals?"


    "Yess." Dea was so happy that she even jumped into her two hands, clenching her cheeks.


    Surya smiled, observing Dea''s behaviour.


    "Alright, let''s find something to eat first then discuss again."


    Dea nodded her head as the answer of Surya''s reply.


    In between meals, the hijab girl was still busy searching and occasionally chatting with someone.


    Surya was a little uncomfortable. The man took Dea''s phone.


    "Sir, this is important... Give it back!" Dea exclaimed.


    "You and Miss Aruna are the same. Don''t call me, Sir, I''m not married!" Surya firmly replied.


    "And finish your meal, then play your phone." Surya was like a fierce father.


    "We''ve got a 10 years age difference. I don''t know if you don''t want to be called ''Sir''." Dea sofly grumbled.


    "Find the right call for me, then I will return your phone." Surya actually took Dea''s phone.


    "Beep beep beep." The girl''s phone rang.


    "Sir, this is important.. really, very important." Dea asked, beging.


    "Change my call name!!" Surya didn''t budge.


    ''Ouch... this man''


    "Oppa... give it back to me Oppa..." Dea deliberately interfered.


    "What''s that... ??" Surya was tickled hearing this.


    "Hehe.. I like watching Korean dramas .. that''s my best call for you..." Dea cornered Surya.


    "Oppaneun johda na-ege jwo." Dea stretched out her hand while moving her fingers, a sign asking for something (Good Oppa, give it to me).


    Surya was forced to hand over the girl''s cell phone because he was tickled to hear that.


    "Aish millennial is really terrible," Surya grumbled.


    Soon, the girl was chatting with the person on the other end.


    She then seemed really enthusiastic, informing that the craft community administrator had given their address.


    They were looking forward to Surya and Dea''s arrival as soon as possible.


    It turned out that the hijab girl moved so fast.


    Surya didn''t realise that when Dea played the phone earlier, she was communicating with those people.


    Surya told her to immediately check the plane ticket. They left tomorrow morning.


    Somehow, Dea''s face was sluggish.


    "What''s wrong?" Surya curiously asked.


    "See!" She showed something on the phone screen.


    "There are only executive tickets left, and it''s costly.. Should we take the train??"


    "Just take it. What''s the problem?! The train takes 12 hours. Time is so precious now for us." Surya gave instructions.


    "But, how about the magic letter finance?! It''s too costly to buy my plane ticket."


    "We will be responsible for all the accommodation."


    "Really? Gomawo Oppa." Dea thanked him.


    "Yikes... You tickle me." (Stop using that strange language)


    The next day, Dea was so enthusiastic. She took several photos and even asked Surya to take them.


    The girl told him that this morning''s flight was her first experience on a plane. So, she was a little overboard.


    Surya had a hard time understanding Dea. The hijab girl spoke strange language several times. And even called him the weird call ''Oppa''.


    For a moment, Surya saw himself in her.


    The girl''s enthusiasm was the same as when he first flew to California, USA.


    ***


    Aruna had not gone to campus yet.


    The girl was pacing to the bathroom.


    ''Ah, Damar was right. My stomach was messed up''


    ''Yah... I had to take the follow-up-exam.'' Aruna just found her regret.


    "Knock knock knock..."


    "Miss Aruna, you have a shipment."


    One of the household assistants of the Lesmana family infiltrated the youngest''s room, smiling, and put down the lunch package.


    "It seems like if Miss Aruna is sick, I don''t need to cook."


    Aruna slowly got out of the messy blanket roll, while glancing at the object that was meant by one of the house assistants.


    The girl was attracted by the packing that looked appetizing.


    There were banana, rice cake, applesauce (applesauce or mashed applesauce), and toast, including a nutritious isotonic drink bottle.


    *Next time don''t eat junk food.


    Aruna seemed to hear someone''s voice when she read the message.


    ''Ah Hendra!? He knows I''m sick? From who?''


    The two of them didn''t even save each other''s phone numbers.


    ''Is this the BRAT menu?! He found out I had diarrhea.''


    Aruna started to open the package and slowly tasted it.


    It turned out delicious.


    The girl sat down and continued her curiosity about Hendra''s menu.


    (The BRAT menu is a good food pattern for diarrhea sufferers, because it contains low fiber, protein and fat. So it is good for digestive organs that are having problems)

 Chapter 59 - The Competitors Property

    Soon, the sound of knocking on the door was heard again.


    This time, Ms. Linda came in with a pink flower bouquet.??


    Beautiful and blooming roses were perfectly arranged from faded pink to deep pink. Even at its edges were Baby breath flowers (a flower that is pure white and small in size, has a very deep meaning, namely eternal love).


    The flower bouquet was wrapped in pink sheets, including the packaging tube.


    Aruna was not that interested in pink. But this time, she happily smiled.


    The bouquet was very beautiful to enjoy.


    ''This must be from Damar.'' She muttered.


    ''I suddenly feel like a princess.'' Aruna needed to thank Damar.


    *Thank you, the bouquet is beautiful (smile emoticon).


    The girl groomed herself. She took a selfie with the flowers she just received.


    *Yes, you are indeed beautiful (Damar replied).


    *No need to borrow Alia''s flower bouquet. (Laughter emoticon) If you want to send a selfie, just send it. I''m so happy (emoticon falls in love / eyes love)


    Damar''s reply made Aruna confused.


    If it wasn''t Damar, then who??


    The girl immediately checked the bouquet. She found a small paper inside.


    *to: Aruna


    ''This is for me.'' The girl then turned the paper.


    *Thank you for the beautiful lips.


    "What?!" The girl harshly laid down the flower bouquet.


    The bouquet of pink flowers was no longer beautiful.


    She immediately grabbed the bouquet and got off from her sight.


    ''This person is really not satisfied to see me angry yesterday.''


    ''Let''s see my revenge.''


    Aruna found out Hendra''s number from Surya.


    When this girl got the blue-eyed man''s number, she couldn''t bear to curse him immediately.


    What happened to her?


    The friendly and calming Aruna now often showed emotions.


    "Beep beep beep..." Hendra refused several calls from a foreigner in the middle of the meeting room.


    When the man was irritated and picked the call up...


    "Hey perverted man! How dare you bother me!" Aruna''s voice shrieked.


    Hendra pushed away his phone.


    The girl screamed faintly and cursed the CEO.


    The meeting activities immediately stopped, leaving the eyes of the meeting participants looking at each other.


    Their CEO got up and slowly walked away.


    Hendra needed to make a statement that could reduce his subordinates''s speculations.


    "My prospective wife said she was sick?! You''ve received my package? Do you like it?" Hendra adjusted the intonation, ignoring the grumpy Aruna at the other end.


    A moment later, after actually being outside the meeting room, the man was just silent and occasionally smiled, listening carefully when the girl spilled his irritation.


    He missed her.


    "Already tired..?!"


    "Stop screaming. You''re sick right?!"


    "Now take a rest."


    Hendra''s expression was soothing, as Aruna''s voice weakened.


    "Tch, pretending to be good." Another cursing was still heard.


    "Aruna." Hendra remembered something more important for a moment.


    "You know our wedding date is proposed." The Wenceslas''s heir mentioned the date.


    Aruna was now silent. The great horror day was coming.


    "Hello?" Hendra made sure that the girl still heard him.


    Hendra knew, Aruna was under pressure.


    "Take it easy. I will behave well this time!"


    "We can definitely get through it." Somehow, Hendra positioned himself to fight together.


    Aruna was made even more confused.


    ''What''s wrong with him, this isn''t him?!''


    Aruna didn''t know that great responsibility would come to Hendra with their marriage.


    The guarantee was Aruna.


    Hendra didn''t understand yet the meaning behind Andos'' words ''Miss Aruna would be the guarantee.''


    Somehow, he knew that his grandfather always had a way.


    "Sorry... Tomorrow some of my bodyguards will meet you. Just follow their requests. I''ll explain later after we meet."


    "You must keep our contract right?!" Aruna needed to make sure.


    "Yes, of course."


    ''As long as I can, I''ll get rid of it.'' Hendra started to waver.


    "I want to check it one more time and get a copy from you."


    ''I haven''t read all of them.'' Aruna was afraid of being used.


    "I''ll tell Surya later." Hendra answered.


    "No! I don''t want anyone else. We''re both involved." Aruna felt sorry that she only wrote a few simple things.


    This time, it is necessary to renegotiate with Hendra while ensuring that the man would not break the agreement they have built.


    "Yes, it''s up to you." Hendra replied.


    They were silent for a moment in their lost minds.


    One was afraid of marriage. One was burdened with questions about the marriage contract.


    "Okay, I want to rest first."


    They were getting awkward.


    "Yes! Get well soon." Hendra returned to the meeting room.


    He found his subordinates were gossiping.


    "They were right. That is the girl that Nara & tv teams told me about."


    "What happened there?"


    "The CEO reportedly forced a young girl into a room and out dressed differently."


    "Wow.. that far??"


    "Didn''t he also bring Tania to his private room?"


    "Ah that''s just a rumor. Tania''s reservation is next to the CEO''s room."


    "Tania can''t possibly curse her blind love so rudely. I''m sure it''s a different girl."


    "Is that true?!"


    "Calm down.. you will get my wedding invitation soon." Hendra was so cold.


    His subordinates were suddenly confused, shocked and frozen throughout the meeting.


    ***


    A notification popped up on Hendra''s phone screen.


    @danu umar official shared an insta story.


    Hendra checked it with his private Instagram account.


    He found a girl''s photo with a face covered in emoticons.


    *Beautiful (a simple caption but lighted a fire)


    ''Ah isn''t this the flower I gave her??''


    The blue-eyed man realised the girl''s selfie that Damar uploaded was Aruna.


    ''Why Damar has this picture? But not me??''


    Hendra arranged the neurons in his brain, looking for the best guess.


    ''Aruna thought the flower was from Damar, and was so angry after finding the flower bouquet came from him.''


    Hendra''s allegations were not much different from reality.


    The man made a movement on the phone screen. He captured a screenshot of Damar''s insta story.


    He then sent it to Aruna''s whatsapp.


    *If you want to impress another guy, don''t use his competitor''s property.


    He got no reply even though it was long enough.


    Hendra kept glancing at his phone, unable to focus on working.


    He sat, stood, and sat again. It seemed he wanted to slam down his phone.


    *??


    At the end, he only got question marks as a reply from Aruna.


    That girl made Hendra really crazy.


    ***


    *My guards will come.


    *You''re at home? (Hendra''s WhatsApp message).


    *I''m still at campus, just finished the first hour (Aruna).


    *Let them pick you up at your campus.


    *No, no. I still have to take the follow-up exams after this.


    *What time will you finish and where can they pick you up?


    *Just stay at home. 2 more hours.


    ***


    Aruna just got off from OkeCar who escorted her.


    When she entered the gate, the three pairs of eyes intently stared then saluted.


    The eyes belonged to three men in matching uniforms equipped with a complete separation type Bluetooth headset.


    ''Wait! Isn''t the black thing in their ears very familiar?'' Aruna realised that their appearances were almost similar to the stalkers back then.


    "Miss Aruna?" One of them called.


    "Yes?" Aruna was confused.


    "Oh, we are Mr Hendra''s bodyguard."


    One of the 3 men seemed to tell someone that they were ready to take Aruna.


    "Yes, I''ll go in first, just a moment."


    A moment later, Aruna came out of her house after putting down some college books and changing bags.


    She carefully walked and started to feel depressed.


    Aruna seemed to exhale several times before finally entering the Wenceslas family car with Hendra''s bodyguards who accompanied her.


    The car stopped at a boutique. Of course, a luxury boutique which only sold certain brands.


    "Miss, please choose according to your wishes. Mr Hendra said you should choose the midi dress." The man who had a wound on one cheek conveyed Hendra''s request with a flat tone and looked formal.


    "Do I have to buy it?" Aruna felt like she would be dressed according to the blue-eyed man''s style.


    "Yes."


    Aruna''s guess was right. The guards took her into a room on the exclusive floor.


    A room with a grey interior. It was very spacious for a hotel room, equipped with a minimalist guest sofa.


    Of course, a woman with make-up equipment had been prepared in the room.


    "Miss, our task is enough to be here. In a moment, Mr Hendra will come to see you." Aruna nodded in response to Hendra''s bodyguards''s explanation.


    ***


    "Beep beep beep."


    ''Why does Lesmana call me?'' Hendra immediately picked up.


    "Hello dad, can I help you?" Hendra greeted.


    "Sorry I need to reprimand you. I don''t like hearing stories about my daughter who is getting depressed."


    Lesmana received news from his wife that his youngest daughter was brought by 3 Wenceslas''s bodyguards with a chaotic mood.


    Aruna''s mother could not bear that her little girl was treated like a prisoner even before the wedding happened.


    "I was just like them. I was one of your family guards." Lesmana continued.


    "But, we have never been ordered to escort anyone outside the Wenceslas family, except for those who have problems which must be monitored."


    "Try to understand things like that are difficult. Especially for my daughter."


    "Yes, Dad, I won''t do it anymore."


    "If you want to meet her, come alone. Treat my daughter well. I still clearly remember your words ''will do my best'' please fulfil it!"


    "Yes, Dad, I''m sorry."


    "Now I don''t have full authority over your behaviour. After you guys married, your grandfather gave me the right to ''watch over you in the right way''."


    Lesmana''s voice changed from a shady father to a man threatening the other man.


    The Wenceslas''s heir asked for apology to his future father-in-law several times.

 Chapter 60 - A Split Second

    "Is it finished?" Hendra rushed to see Aruna after getting a complaint from the girl''s father.


    The woman in charge of giving light makeup to Aruna''s face hurriedly finished her task. She then exited from the hotel room.??


    Aruna only glanced at Hendra from the mirror.


    The girl didn''t smile and didn''t even want to interact with Hendra.


    "You must be surprised when my guards came. Sorry I won''t do it anymore. Next time, I will pick you up myself." Hendra tried to smile so that the girl would respond.


    His work schedule had been hectic lately. Yesterday''s rumours messed up his activities.


    Now, he was trying to solve them one by one. Somehow, he realised that it was a mistake not having the time to pick Aruna up.


    "Can I get our marriage contract agreement sheet?" Aruna''s question made Hendra stunned for a moment.


    Why was the marriage contract that the first time she asked for?


    Hendra was disappointed.


    Hendra walked down the bed, opened the nightstand drawer. He took out the MOU paper sheets which they had signed. And by being forced to give it to Aruna.


    The girl read carefully, long enough before finally commenting.


    "Can I delete or renegotiate with you?" Aruna just realised from the 48 points written, only 3 points came from her.


    "No! Nothing will change, because we agreed and signed it." Hendra''s part was well thought out from the start. And he didn''t want Aruna to add conditions to it.


    It was a little arrogant because the CEO needed a way to take over Lesmana''s youngest daughter.


    "This is just an agreement. Why don''t we make it easier? After all, there is no binding legal force." Aruna asked.


    "In your opinion, what is the function of a stamp under your signature?!" Hendra''s explanation left Aruna speechless.


    Aruna exhaled, breathless, seeing an arrogant man sat on the edge of a grey bed not far from her.


    The point of ''kissing if needed'' really existed on the paper Aruna was holding, including confusing things such as ''the woman is prohibited from sleeping before the man falls asleep and is willing to wake up as soon as possible when the man wakes up.''


    What kind of marriage contact is this?!


    Aruna''s memory seemed to return to their second meeting.


    The man who picked her up on campus, was wearing a wrong costume, but still acting up, objecting to walking behind because he wanted to take the lead.


    ''What a weirdo!! How important is sleeping before the others?!''


    Aruna could no longer understand the Wenceslas Group''s CEO''s mindset.


    "Reread points 3, 21 and 47." Aruna ordered.


    She moved from her seat to approach Hendra, handling the MOU sheet to Hendra.


    *Marriage lasts for at least two years, but if the separation is still difficult, it can be extended to the extent possible. (3)


    *Kissing if necessary. (21)


    *No physical contact. (47)


    Hendra seemed to have read according to Aruna''s order.


    The man looked up to Aruna, standing in front of her.


    "Points 47 and 21 are both overlapping, meaning that one of them must be deleted." Aruna explained.


    "You know, every point I put forward, I have carefully considered. 21 is impossible to erase!" Hendra exclaimed, disagreed.


    For some reason, since stealing Aruna''s first kiss, the blue-eyed man had always been attracted by Aruna''s rosy lips.


    "When the wedding procession happens, and the invitees want to witness the French Kiss moment, of course, as the groom, I need to make sure my partner won''t refuse it. There will be lots of family colleagues. It''s not funny if that happens." Hendra''s reason was quite reasonable.


    "Alright... Well, I don''t plan to write off point 21. But we have agreed on point 47 as well, meaning that points have the same legal power in our agreement." Aruna had another goal.


    Something that was more important.


    "I will erase point 47." (Points that came from Aruna) Hendra smiled happily at Aruna''s words.


    He quickly hid it so she won''t undo it.


    "Instead, I ask you to delete the last sentence in point 3. (But if the separation is still difficult to implement, it can be extended to the extent possible)."


    Aruna needed certainty, 2 years. No more.


    The power of Wenceslas''s heir couldn''t be predicted. If the sentence still existed, Aruna could be used as a doll for life.


    Hendra was silent for a moment, their eyes met.


    "If I don''t want to?!" Hendra threw away his words while looking closely at Aruna.


    "Points 47 will still be valid!" Said Aruna firmly. (47 = no physical contact means 21 cannot be enforced)


    "I am making an offer. I am willing to delete my submission point. You also have to delete your point. Please select 21 or the last sentence of point 3." Aruna offered.


    Aruna''s words made Hendra carefully think about it.


    If he didn''t delete the last sentence from point 3, that girl would still try hard to get away from him after two years.


    Unless, he could make her fall in love with him.


    The man glanced deeper at Aruna''s lips.


    ''Ah I can feel it once again'' Hendra stood up to take a pen and crossed the last sentence on point 3.


    Aruna looked relieved.


    The woman sat back down and immersed herself in the MOU sheet. She was looking for a way to make the next negotiation.


    "It''s useless if you read it over and over again, your offers are only 2 simple points left. Not even written in the MOU, still, I''m willing to do it."


    Hendra knew the points proposed by Aruna were only 3 very simple points.


    *Respect for parents from both sides as a family (46) (this kind of thing must have been done by Hendra even when he was bullied by Aruna''s older siblings. The man tried to maintain his logic)


    *No physical contact (47) (Just crossed out)


    *Not sleeping in one bed (48) (Hendra was not sure that the post-traumatic disorder he was suffering from can be controlled. He needed long treatment to just sleep in one bed with Aruna).


    "Do not bother me!!" Aruna protested.


    "What is this?" Aruna added.


    "It is not allowed to store and consume benzodiazepine drugs (Sleeping pills), including Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Diazepam, Zolpidem, Temazepam, Estazolam (High-dose sleeping pills).


    "What if these drugs are needed for medical treatment? Sickness can come at any time right!?" Aruna couldn''t help thinking about such strange points of agreement.


    "Even though I''m dying, I will not drink it. Including my wife, I will not allow you to take benzodiazepine." Hendra''s words were cold and scary.


    Aruna watched him, slightly shivered.


    But, she couldn''t bear to read another point that made no sense.


    "Not allowed to sue, ask and hope to be treated when sick. Ah, why is this inhuman?" Aruna shook her head.


    She couldn''t understand Hendra''s request.


    "You can take care of me when I''m sick. But I can not necessarily do it for you." Hendra''s expression turned from scary to a little uneasy.


    Aruna didn''t know at all.


    Hendra couldn''t deal with certain conditions, especially a woman who was lying sick.


    "Why don''t you write down the normal things like the general marriage agreement? No cheating, no chatting with other men, or leaving the house must be with the husband''s permission." Aruna tried to make the agreement rational.


    Hendra''s agreement points were too unique.


    Aruna was even unable to continue discussing the contents of their marriage contract.


    "Something like that is not more important than what I put forward as our agreement points."


    "What?? You can accept your wife walking with other people, but can not stand it when she sleeps earlier than you??"


    "Yes, of course!"


    "What''s the problem then??" Hendra realised he was different.


    "I understand now!!" Aruna exclaimed.


    "You are not a mysterious blue-eyed man. That''s too good." Aruna grumbled.


    The first impression when she saw him.


    "You are more suitable as a perverted man with strange thoughts." Aruna scoffed.


    "Aah... You dare to insult me."


    "It''s not an insult, but reality, right!?" Aruna exclaimed.


    Tania''s rumour and his kiss were something perfect to conclude.


    "With my status that is so attractive, I''m still a virgin. And how dare you call me a pervert!!?" Hendra approached Aruna.


    He found Aruna''s shoelaces untied, dangling on the floor.


    With a little bit of ignorance, Hendra accidentally stepped on Aruna''s shoelaces silently.


    "Aaaaaa..." As predicted, the girl turned around, walked away, but her left shoe caught on something and lost balance.


    Hendra immediately grabbed it, punishing the insult she had just made by holding tight as if he was helping.


    Aruna''s eyes widened in Hendra''s arms.


    She didn''t want to be helped by being tightly hugged like this. Getting down was worth more than ending up in the annoying guy''s arms.


    Aruna tried to break away, pushing the man''s body as hard as possible.


    And a split second, the two of them were thrown to the floor.


    Fortunately, Hendra was still able to support himself with his elbows and hands.


    He didn''t really squashed Aruna. Even though it seemed he did.


    Aruna was still in shock with her falling body when the man''s eyes above her darkened and too focused on observing her rosy lips he desperately wanted.


    The neurons in his brain that had been paralyzed couldn''t resist the desire that was rising in his heart.


    The first kiss was so lasting. It made him want to feel it again and again.


    The man approached, inhaling Aruna''s breath right before the painful hard kick landed right on something valuable down there.


    "Ouch... YOU.. !!"


    "How dare you touch that...!!"


    "Damn... Argh... It hurts... !!"

 Chapter 61 - An Additional Compensation

    "Ouch.. YOU.. !!"


    "How dare you touch that.. !!"??


    "Damn... Argh... It hurts... !!"


    Aruna pushed Hendra''s body and immediately moved away when the man curled up in pain.


    "Is it really hurtful?" Aruna looked worried, seeing the Wenceslas''s heir''s face starting to turn red like a crab.


    Finally, the man can sit with one leg bent and the other straight, relaxed.


    The left leg that he bent supported his elbow, still engrossed in holding his head.


    It looked tormented.


    "Hendra, Let me call your bodyguard??"


    ''Is he possibly injured?!'' Aruna felt guilty.


    "No...! No!... You don''t know this kind of thing is embarrassing to know by fellow man." Hendra began to find himself.


    "What if ''that'' is really injured and needs doctor''s treatment?!" Aruna pouted and confused as one.


    Hendra just glanced at her.


    "Come closer!"


    "You want me to recover, right?" Hendra asked, thought that he needed to punish Aruna again.


    "No, I don''t want to." The girl retreated further.


    "I just want you to fan me. Is that so hard?!" Aruna welcomed Hendra''s request.


    Lesmana''s youngest daughter then knelt on the floor, approached, and began to fan Hendra''s tomato face using the MOU sheet.


    For a moment, Aruna thought that there was a point she wanted to propose to this perverted man.


    "Why did you stop?" Hendra looked at Aruna, who was observing ''that'' (Hendra''s valuable treasure).


    "A point about ''that thing'' isn''t in the contract yet!" Aruna was too innocent.


    "Bwa hahaha." Hendra couldn''t help but laughed.


    "Are you afraid I will grow a seed in your stomach?"


    ''I would do things like that if I could. Unfortunately, I''m not sure if I can sleep next to you.'' Hendra was getting confused.


    "Seed??" Aruna composed her understanding.


    "Y..you...?? You''re not planning on making me have a baby, are you?!!" Aruna was horrified at the thought of having a baby with this crazy CEO.


    Hendra approached and whispered in a low, seductive voice.


    "You know, ''it'' has been injured. I''m not sure it can function properly. Do we need to try it..?? To know that ''it'' can be used or not?!!" Hendra was joking.


    Aruna was confused and retreated away from the strange man.


    Once again, Hendra gave a victorious, happy smile. His charming dimples were so obvious to see.


    Lesmana''s daughter immediately tidied up the MOU sheet.


    She found herself needed to make the strongest fortress from Wiryo''s grandson''s absurd behaviour.


    She then remotely handed him the MOU sheet.


    "I want point 21 to be added!!"


    "Must be added!!" Aruna insisted.


    Hendra just frowned, shooking his head.


    "Kiss if needed, and no other physical contact!!" Aruna seriously asked another sentence.


    "What is the compensation for me?" Hendra started acting up again.


    Aruna was thinking, looking for what can be bartered with the additional sentence of point 21.


    "We can sleep in one bed."


    What Aruna meant was that she was willing to write off point 48.


    "But..?? Will the bed in our room be big?" Aruna asked, making sure.


    ''I need to make sure I can put a border in the middle and sleep on the far side.'' Aruna figured it out.


    "Hey you, you''re underestimating my family. The standard bed in my family is Super King Size!!" Hendra pointed his finger at the grey bed that firmly lied near them.


    A mattress that could fit 4 people at once.


    Aruna nodded his head. The girl hoped that Hendra would fulfil her request.


    "Unfortunately, I''m not interested. I told you, without even being written in the MOU, I am willing to do it." Hendra shrugged his shoulders, showing that he wasn''t interested.


    "Then, what do you want from me so you agree with me?" Aruna looked at Hendra, begging.


    Hendra happily smiled in mischievousness.


    "Apart from crossing point 48, give me the red one that made you kick ''that''."


    "Hehe." Hendra''s dimples adorned his handsome face once again.


    "The red one??" Aruna didn''t understand.


    "Hah.. lousy!" Hendra complained that his future wife was too innocent.


    "I ask for your red lips in addition to compensation." Hendra openly asked.


    The handsome but obnoxious Javanese-English man was still sitting on the floor at the corner right in front of Aruna.


    With the one leg extended and bent on the other, his hands were no longer holding his head.


    He relaxed against the grey bed, smiling alone, occasionally curled lashes together, and catching Aruna who was still hesitating.


    "Having a baby?! Looks like it will be fun. I hope he''s smart and handsome like me." That man prided himself while scaring Aruna.


    For Hendra, this was only a profitable prank. For Aruna''s mind, an additional point was essential as a guarantee of living with a strange CEO for 2 years.


    The girl thought hard.


    Shortly after, she lured and seemed to follow Hendra''s request.


    Hendra was very good at lobbying. His instincts at work were often beneficial to his personal life.


    The girl''s knelt, shyly moved towards Hendra.


    Her eyes were tightly closed. She really didn''t want to see the man''s face in front of her.


    "Geez." Now Hendra was floundering.


    His heart was beating so fast as if it was about to come out of his chest.


    His eyes sparkled as he stared at Aruna, who was slowly moving towards him.


    The man gulped several times.


    His chest was pounding, welcoming Aruna who was getting closer.


    The little girl stopped for a moment and peeked at him when she was between Hendra''s legs.


    The CEO''s world slowed down, focused on the blush in front of him. His natural instincts taught him how to find the most comfortable corner.


    Hendra put one hand on Aruna''s waist, and the other hand slid between Aruna''s hair.


    He grabbed the back corner of Aruna''s neck, slowly pulling her closer, drowning her contract girl''s petite body in a warm embrace that spreaded all over his body.


    Not just a feeling of warmth, hugging Aruna''s body was such a relief. All his muscles seemed to lose strength, weakened to find a comfortable place.


    He was randomly hugged by women several times but never gave them a hug.


    Hugging Aruna was the first initiative in his life.


    Aruna opened her eyes for a moment. She roughly hit the naughty hand on the waist and immediately closed it back when the blue eyes deeply looked at her eyes.


    Hendra was ready to get what he desperately wanted.


    He could feel Aruna''s panting breath was so close.


    The blue eyes grew more and more shaded, focused and slowly darkened.


    His lips reached out...


    "Hendra! We''ve..."


    "Oops?!..."


    ''Wow, what are they doing??''


    And failed to touch... (- _- '''')


    "Hais!!..."


    The secretary arrived at the wrong time.


    Too stupid!


    "YOU, GO OUT NOW!!" Hendra irritably shouted.


    Hearing Surya''s voice colliding with Hendra''s, Aruna spontaneously pushed the CEO''s body roughly and hurriedly got up to tidy herself up.


    The girl stood awkwardly, dazed, and didn''t believe in what she had just done.


    "So.. sorry..." Surya made a calming movement, swinging his palms towards Hendra.


    He slowly retreated and turned to step outside as if he wanted to disappear from that place.


    It turned out that his leg movements were less fast than his boss''s future wife.


    Aruna ran nimbly towards the door. She disappeared from Hendra''s private hotel room.


    "You know, why can a bestfriend kill?!" Hendra stood up and began to threaten him.


    "I''m dead..." The secretary muttered, bowed his head, and was surender to accept all forms of punishment.


    ***


    "You know, why can a bestfriend kill?!" Hendra stood up and began to threaten him.


    "I''m dead..." The secretary muttered, bowed his head, and was surender to accept all forms of punishment.


    "Turn around!" Hendra grimly looked at Surya.


    The secretary slowly turned around, losing his nerve.


    Surya thought he would be sentenced to terrible punishment or curse, which was now the Wenceslas Group''s CEO''s hallmark.


    In fact, the blue-eyed man threw himself on the grey sofa.


    "You make me lose the best compensation." He exclaimed, ruffling his hair.


    ''Compensation?'' Surya frowned, questioning.


    "Ah, you are trapping Miss Aruna again." Surya also sat on the sofa, observing Hendra.


    "She''s an innocent young girl. Don''t be bad to her." Surya''s mind ran in different directions.


    He saw Dea in her. A girl who looked mature from outside. In fact, they were indeed young people who were still looking for their identity.


    "I should punish you. Why are you lecturing me instead?!" Hendra objected to Surya''s statement.


    Sometimes, his secretary acted as if he was an older brother. And when that happened, Hendra was always positioned as the naughty little brother.


    They were silent for a long time in their respective thought rooms.


    "Why are you silent? Is there a problem with you?" Surya looked worried.


    He just found out about Hendra''s syndrome after a few days ago he started joining as Andos''s partner.


    Having the status of being Hendra''s secretary plus his friend, how could he know nothing?


    However, everything became real when Surya traced his relationship with Hendra.


    Some of the events they experienced were not without reason. Hendra always avoided certain circumstances.


    It turned out that this condition has a lengthy background.


    "I think there is something different about me." Hendra traced himself, comparing his personality from a few months ago to present.


    He realised that many things have changed. Especially when he was near Aruna.


    The days before he met Aruna were just ordinary days. There was no passion he wanted to pursue or a personal mission to achieve something.


    As a CEO of a wealthy and respected family, his life was perfectly fulfilled.


    The difference was that the days he lived have been arranged and scheduled since he first came to Indonesia.


    He was empty and cold.


    ¡­


    ...

 Chapter 62 - The Other Planet Ruler

    He was empty and cold.


    If a working system or production machine has a KPI as a measure of success, Hendra was a whole human being both in his personal and work life.??


    Wiryo, his grandfather, planted KPI.


    (Key Performance Indicator (KPI) or also known as Key Success Indicator (KSI) is a set of quantitative measures that companies or industries use to measure performance or meet strategic and operational objectives.)


    In bad meaning, the blue-eyed man was programmed as the perfect living robot for the Wenceslas family''s survival.


    "What''s the difference?" Surya investigated.


    Hendra froze for a moment, holding his temple.


    "Too much, seems like I need to meet Diana."


    "Do you think I talk more now?" Hendra added.


    "Yes! To the point of irritating." Surya sarcastically answered him.


    Not only talking a lot, his boss also asked a lot of strange things lately. (Out of his habit)


    "But I''m happy, you can easily smile. Sometimes, your anger looks more human than before." Surya added.


    Surya clearly remembered. When the CEO was angry, the atmosphere would be freezing because Hendra was silent and immediately made decisions.


    Now, his anger was even more expressive and described clearly on his face.


    Most importantly, he informed its reason. He could freely shout or threaten.


    "Oh, I see." Hendra replied.


    His mind continued to wander.


    ''It turns out that it''s not just my feeling. I have indeed changed a lot. I unconsciously hugged a woman (Aruna) in one room.''


    A person who had a syndrome sometimes needed to talk to his inner self.


    "I was here to tell you that all the crew is ready." Surya reminded Hendra about today''s plan.


    His boss and Miss Aruna would hold a photo session in a public place as the final strategy to erase the rumours in society.


    Hendra used Aruna, his prospective wife, to appear in public for the first time.


    In particular, the crew had been prepared as if to secretly capture their activities.


    The photos taken were used as a material for the D floor buzzer.


    It was one way of changing the negative stigma to be positive.


    "Please tell Aruna, and make her want to do it for me."


    "I''ll get ready."


    ***


    "You can not avoid it, Miss. After all, your marriage is less than a month from now."


    "You have to help each other to fix your partner''s image." Surya''s words broke all the objections Aruna had put up.


    The girl was now awkwardly sitting on the edge of the Bentley Continental''s car seat.


    Hendra''s private hotel room incident made her afraid and awkward to just glance at the man beside her.


    "You have to look intimate, remember that." Surya asked.


    Surya sat in the front with the bodyguard as well as the car driver.


    There were two cars behind. One was the crew taking their pictures and the other one was Hendra''s bodyguards.


    Aruna had a strange feeling.


    In the past, Hendra was only accompanied by Surya. Now it seemed more formal.


    "Let''s just say today is your first date." Surya added.


    "Hey, don''t talk about weird things! It hurts my ears!" Hendra exclaimed.


    Somehow, Aruna didn''t speak at all.


    Hendra was afraid that Surya''s words would make Lesmana''s daughter even more depressed.


    He really wanted to apologise, but he didn''t do it.


    If only he said sorry, it would be clear that Hendra was really joking around her.


    "You guys never date in the right way. Consider today as the best chance!" Surya''s words were disturbing but somehow were true.


    Hendra glanced at the tiny girl beside him. Aruna, resignedly silent.


    When they arrived at the location, the crew had disappeared earlier.


    Meanwhile, a group of Hendra''s bodyguards cleverly sneaked up among other mall visitors, including Surya.


    "You know what we have to do now, right?" Hendra asked.


    Aruna just nodded.


    Hendra wandered to find which place they need to go to.


    The man spontaneously landed his arms on Aruna''s back, herding her towards the place he had decided.


    Unfortunately, the girl immediately avoided, moved away, and seemed to object.


    "Ah, why is she shy?!" The photographer at the other end looked annoyed.


    "Surya, tell Miss Aruna to be more relaxed."


    "Let everything look natural. Take the good one. Just delete the unnecessary." Surya calmed down one of the photo crew.


    "Well, I won''t touch you." Hendra raised his hand.


    He knew Aruna was still shocked by the incident in the hotel room earlier.


    "We go there. I want to buy you shoes and a bag that matches the clothes you choose." Hendra stood in the middle of a shopping centre.


    His tall body was wrapped in a long double-breasted coat, dangling above his knees. With his distinct and stern facial structure, Hendra looked so charming and attracted attention.


    His blue eyes asked Aruna to stop being depressed.


    The man looked down and peeked at Aruna''s face from a close distance, hoping his little girl would be pleased to see him.


    His gaze seemed as if saying ''believe me, I will not disturb you this time''. But, Aruna was still trying to avoid it.


    She was already afraid of the way this man sniffed her breath earlier.


    Aruna always retreated whenever Hendra was approaching.


    "Fine..! Now, what do you want?" Hendra asked.


    "I don''t want to buy shoes or bags. I''m more comfortable using my belongings." Aruna replied.


    ''I am not your doll which can be dressed up as your wish."


    Aruna found herself altogether ending up like the Wenceslas''s heir''s doll.


    Lesmana''s youngest daughter''s awareness led her to keep the best distance possible so that she could survive for 2 years in Hendra''s arms.


    ***


    "What should I do?" Hendra shrugged his shoulders.


    He was surender to accept any of Aruna''s requests. He was too sorry to see his little girl keep avoiding.


    Aruna stood still.


    She was confused about what to do. To be honest, the girl wished she could go far away from this place.


    She didn''t really like being in a mall and preferred to walk in the wide and open outdoors.


    Mainly, she didn''t like to be around the Wenceslas''s sole heir.


    She really disliked it.


    Suddenly, the man knelt in front of her. Aruna was very surprised.


    Not having had time to back away, Hendra caught her leg.


    "Tidy up your shoelaces first, so you won''t fall." The man spoke while looking up at Aruna who looked away.


    "When will you stop getting angry?!" Every of his words was getting no reply.


    "Besides being grumpy, my future wife is also stubborn." Hendra stood up, tidying himself, and still trying to find a way to make the girl in front of him happy.


    "Do you want ice cream? Eating ice cream can sometimes lighten a bad mood." Hendra showed the direction.


    Aruna walked behind by keeping a distance.


    Looming ice cream decorated with various toppings didn''t seem to be enjoyed.


    She was less comfortable and too silent.


    Hendra recalled a few moments ago when Aruna enjoyed spicy noodles with the young man.


    She always cheerfully laughed and joked at each other. It was different with the current situation.


    "I give up. I''m sorry if it made you uncomfortable." Hendra felt sorry.


    Aruna''s mouth looked like she wanted to say, but she pushed back.The girl chose to return to eat her ice cream.


    Someone then slowly touched her left finger with a familiar touch gesture.


    Aruna glared at Hendra, immediately withdrew her left hand.


    The man''s touch was similar to the way how Damar touched her.


    Aruna began to feel that Hendra was getting weird.


    Didn''t he always do what he wanted? Why was that man now trying to think about her feelings? He was even looking for ways to entertain Aruna.


    ''Ah, he''s trying to look intimate as what his secretary ordered him.''


    ''Of course, how could Hendra behave well to me?'' Aruna thought.


    Hendra was too troublesome for her life.


    From the first time he was present in her cheerful and straightforward youth, the man slowly made her light fade away.


    "Beep beep beep." Aruna immediately took her phone.


    "Hello, Na..."


    "Desi, how are you, Sis?"


    "Oh ya?? Why did you and your friends rarely come?!"


    ''My life is complicated Sis''


    "Hehe." Aruna lauged.


    "It''s been a long time that the children didn''t get the handicraft classes. They miss you guys."


    "Come on, come here again. Aren''t you the most diligent one? Why are you so busy like this?!"


    The one who spoke was Desi, a friend and the coordinator of social activities, where Aruna and Dea were actively involved there.


    Sometimes, Damar and his friends also came along, of course, in the end, they caused a riot.


    Their social activities were in self-development programs for orphan children, poor families, and the children who were born to families below the poverty line.


    The program was still under the same LKS (Social Welfare Institution) as the BISA program, a group of mothers in partnership with The Magic Letter broadcast.


    The mothers received economic intervention from various entrepreneurs. One of which was the Magic Letter start-up.


    In contrast, their children received self-development from young volunteers in terms of school materials, arts, and crafts, usually handled by Aruna and Dea.


    "Okay, okay, I''ll come... when is my schedule?" Aruna asked.


    "Don''t pretend to forget. It''s today!" Desi replied.


    "Hehe, don''t be angry Sis, huh..."


    "How can I not be angry? You didn''t come for 2 months in a row, ignoring 4 meetings. I''m really furious...!!" Desi seemed angry.


    "Haha sorry.." Aruna replied in a relaxed tone but felt sorry.


    "Come anytime. We will welcome you."


    Aruna looked at the clock in her hand.


    "The schedule is in 3 hours. I''ll come today."


    "Really??"

 Chapter 63 - The Magic Card

    Aruna looked at the clock in her hand.


    "The schedule is in 3 hours. I''ll come today."


    "Really??"


    "Yes... I''ll try..." Aruna replied.


    "Okay, I''m waiting for you..."


    "Yes.."


    "Bye, Aruna.."


    "Bye, Sis." Aruna closed the phone as if she just got a call from the earth. The place where she came from.


    When she looked back at Hendra, it was as if he were on another planet far away from the ground.


    The man in front of her was like an alien, the ruler of a planet in the far corner of the Milky Way.


    The alien kidnapped her and held her hostage at will, taking Aruna as a prisoner and treating her like a doll.


    Suddenly, Aruna''s heart became furious.


    ''Should I just use him?''


    ''I think I need to try it.''


    It was not only Aruna who was used by him. Somehow, he also needed to know how it felt to be used like her.


    "As far as I know, you have a platinum card with no limit, right?"


    "Yes, you want me to buy something?" Hendra replied.


    ''Thank God Aruna is willing to talk to me.''  Hendra muttered to himself.


    "If I ask for a bag worth hundreds of millions and then I break it, you won''t be disappointed, right?"


    ''Just like yesterday, Aruna started lobbying.''


    "Of course, it''s already yours." Hendra answered.


    "Well, I ask you to use the card, only 10% of yesterday''s bag price." Aruna asked.


    Hendra looked at her, probing Aruna''s facial expression, which slowly changed.


    "Why? You also ask for compensation...?" Aruna asked.


    "Hee..." The man smiled.


    "I don''t need that kind of thing. Even I can give this card to you." Hendra opened his wallet and put a platinum card on the table, right in front of Aruna.


    "Tch who was asking for terrible compensation yesterday?!"


    "Hehehe." Hendra laughed out loud. Her dimples were clearly visible again.


    "Well, my compensation...."


    "I want you to stop frowning." Hendra was getting closer, looking for Aruna''s smile.


    The girl was really smiling a sweet smile, too sweet even though it was made up.


    "Smile more...!" Hendra asked once again.


    Aruna made a big smile. Her eyes narrowed until they disappeared.


    Hendra reflexly moved his hand, gently stroking Aruna''s cheek with his thumb.


    "Plaque!!" Aruna objected, removing Hendra''s rough hand.


    A week ago, the man was stroking the same way. But it was to insult her, saying that she was a guarantee of her family welfare.


    "Stop! I want to shop alone." Aruna got up.


    Hendra immediately followed her behind.


    ''Huh, if he acted like Tania, I''ll totally swallow her.''


    ***


    Aruna swiftly walked to the supermarket on the first floor. The girl took the shopping trolley, and Hendra swiftly grabbed it.


    Aruna twatly glanced at the man.


    "Just use the card with whatever you want."


    "I can even buy everything in this supermarket." The man added.


    ''Some of the products being sold belong to my company.''


    "Well, let''s push the trolley." Aruna raised her feet on the trolley wheel, and her body hitched a ride like a clothesline on the front side of the trolley cart.


    This girl won''t walk. She wanted to take the advantage. She stepped up and was pushed by Hendra.


    Sometimes, her behaviour made Hendra think hard. It drained his emotions and occasionally made him feel tight in his heart.


    But this time, Hendra was happy to see her.


    Innocent and sweet.


    "Master, take it."


    "How many?"


    "Fifteen."


    "Alright Miss," Hendra replied.


    The man was like a dry field which just planted. His life was like a collection of new shoots that greet the morning.


    "Take it too..."


    "And that one.."


    "Ah, this one is okay too." Aruna just kept on begging.


    Hendra''s bodyguard who hid under observation was getting closer, offering to help.


    However, Hendra kicked them out. They were asked to immediately leave them before Aruna changed her mind.


    Not many people know that the Wenceslas''s heir had a soft heart despite his cold and harsh attitude.


    Aruna was still on tiptoe there. Take some can of milk.


    "Drink milk diligently so that your body grows fast." Hendra was joking around her.


    The man stood behind Aruna, grabbed the tin for the little girl stuck in front of him.


    Without the need to tiptoe, Hendra easily grabbed it.


    "Hmm." Hendra sniffed Aruna''s fragrant hair.


    Spontaneously, the little girl released the things in the trolley, arbitrarily wafting a light blow to Hendra.


    The man was running zigzagging away from Aruna, spinning on the trolley, and helping her to take the items to be used as weapons, preventing Aruna''s attacks.


    Her laughter broke.


    The two human beings went back to their childhood, playing war games.


    "Eitss... You can''t hit me." Occasionally, there was a mockery, coupled with cheerful jokes.


    "Stop!"


    Sometimes, Hendra said threatening sentences when his little girl was overwhelmed.


    She then attacked him again.


    "Take a lot." Surya ruled the crew.


    It was a precious moment for Hendra.


    Since his role as the class leader until now he served as Hendra''s secretary, he never saw the Wenceslas''s heir was happier than this.


    He didn''t have things to make him laugh.


    Somehow, Hendra''s face seemed cold and gloomy.


    .


    .


    "Hendra, stop please. I''m tired...."


    "I can''t chase you anymore." Aruna stopped in her tracks, looked down, and gasped.


    Her sweat was falling from her temple.


    Hendra tried to get close to her. The man slowly began to know how to treat a woman properly.


    He opened the water bottle for Aruna and stroked the girl''s sweat.


    As the water wet Aruna''s lips, Hendra observed.


    ''Huh, this girl.'' His heart protested, remembering his failure earlier.


    If Surya didn''t appear that time, he would have had the rosy lips he desperately dreamed of.


    "Why? Are you thirsty?" Aruna asked.


    After all, Aruna was still a 20-year-old girl who has never dated. She had the greatest difficulty in observing the movements of those who fell in love with her.


    She was that innocent as she didn''t realise that Damar was desperately chasing her for two years.


    He only ended up as her best friend.


    Hendra smiled, catching the bottle.


    ''At least, I can still feel her lips indirectly from the corner of this bottle.''


    ''Ah, crazy! Why did I become a Bollywood drama like this?'' Hendra was ashamed of his own mind.


    He was almost 28 years old, a few months away. But, this was his first experience of feeling different things towards a woman.


    The problem was that the woman had already tied up with a marriage contract.


    A regret that never ended...


    Aruna sat with straightened legs on the floor, chasing her husband soon-to-be made her incredibly exhausted.


    "Come on... What else do you want?" Hendra encouragingly asked.


    "That''s enough. I''ll take a break first... I''m so tired." Aruna complained.


    Hendra tapped his watch on his arm. He told her that time was running out. He seemed to understand the purpose of The Magic Letter''s founder.


    The Items she bought were snacks in majority that literally for small children. They were almost identical in number and pretty much that it was impossible if only for her own.


    It seemed to be related to the woman she had called before.


    "Hendra, here!" Aruna asked the man to come closer.


    "Get down." Aruna asked.


    And of course, the blue-eyed man obliged, squatting down In front of Aruna.


    "Hehe." A sneaky smile implied in the little girl''s expression.


    A moment later, Aruna stalked Hendra''s body and faced down there in Hendra''s back.


    "You''re strong.. Carry me." Aruna asked. The girl seemed to forget that she was really scared of Hendra earlier.


    Hendra smiled and started to get up. He pushed the trolley full of groceries while carrying Aruna on his back, making the guards worried.


    Aruna didn''t want to go down, even when Hendra had difficulty removing his wallet when paying at the cashier.


    His little girl was getting sleepy and lazy.


    Hendra''s bodyguard immediately ran to help him. They put groceries on the counter and swipe Hendra''s card. Their master just dialled the pin number.


    "Take it straight to the car." Hendra asked.


    After that, they mingled with mall visitors.


    "We go up to the 3rd floor."


    "I want to buy toys!" Aruna whispered the next request.


    "I thought you were sleeping."


    "I''m just tired, chasing you!!"


    ''Because you bother me''


    "Yes yes... okay Miss..." Hendra walked down the escalator stairs with Aruna on his back.


    They made some people turn their heads. His facial structure was already eye-catching, a mixed breed with a perfect posture, and glowing eyes.


    The creamy coat draped beautifully over his well-built body plus the lazy little girl, who didn''t want to go down.


    "We''ve arrived. What do you want?" Hendra shook his back, asking Aruna to get up.


    The girl got down from Hendra''s back, yawned, trying to find herself. Her face looked lazy and was scratching the backside of her hair.


    "You, wash your face first there!"


    ''You are really messy'' Hendra felt uncomfortable.


    "Did your saliva get on my back?"


    "My coat is expensive, I ask for compensation if that happens." Hendra''s words prompted Aruna to check the corners of her lips.


    "No, really." Aruna made sure that no saliva was dripping on his coat.


    She was asleep before.


    "Then, tidy yourself up, wash your face there!"


    "Nope, I don''t want to!!"


    ''I have to hurry shopping and go immediately.''


    "Haah.. Why do I have to marry a messy girl like you! Put your hair up, tidy it up first!"


    The perfectionist CEO couldn''t bear to look at Aruna. Her hair was dishevelled since chasing him earlier, including offhandedly sleeping on Hendra''s back earlier.

 Chapter 64 - The Magic Card II

    "Haah.. Why do I have to marry a messy girl like you! Put your hair up, tidy it up first!"


    The perfectionist CEO couldn''t bear to look at Aruna. Her hair was dishevelled since chasing him earlier, including offhandedly sleeping on Hendra''s back earlier.


    "Who told you to accept me? You are the only grandson of your grandfather. Just run away with Ms Tania, who is beautiful and smells neat. I''m sure your grandfather will melt." Aruna grumbled while selecting dolls.


    "My life is not as easy as you think."


    "Or maybe you''re jealous of her?" Hendra teased.


    "Tch, in your dream!!" Aruna replied.


    "I don''t even like you." She added.


    "What are you saying?"


    "Repeat it one more time." Hendra threatened.


    "I DON''T LIKE YOU!!" Aruna blatantly exclaimed.


    "Oh, how dare you say that in front of your future husband with that innocent face without sin!" Hendra was annoyed.


    The man raised his hand and looked into a fist as if about to hit Aruna.


    Aruna closed her scared eyes.


    In fact, the blue-eyed man just angrily pinched Aruna''s cheeks.


    "Ouch... It hurts.. Get away from me!"


    "Do we need to help that Miss?" A photographer looked worried.


    "Nope, just let it!" Surya replied.


    Aruna struggled to grab Hendra''s hair and pulled him.


    "Ouch... You!!" Hendra''s head was pulled, spontaneously removed his pinch.


    Of course, Aruna immediately ran away.


    "Are they really a future husband and wife??" Now the photographer next to Surya was felt queer, questioning.


    "Shut up."


    "I don''t know what to say." Surya blindly replied.


    Hendra didn''t accept it. He walked with vast strides, following Aruna was full of threats.


    The girl was picking items while half-running from hall to hallway.


    "Go.. Go away.. Don''t follow me!!" Aruna straightened up. Her hands reflexively gave a warning sign.


    However, she lost her guts again when Hendra approached. She then would run into another hallway with her shopping trolley.


    "They look like Tom Jerry rather than a getting married couple."


    "Shut up!" Surya hit the tip of the photographer''s hat near him.


    "Zip your mouth!!" Surya objected to what the photographer was saying about his boss.


    Now, the little girl who acted a lot was confused. The trolley was full. It was ready to be paid.


    But, the running-bank had not revealed his face, even though he had been following Aruna while scaring her.


    ''Ah, where is he?'' Aruna left the trolley near the cashier, looking for Hendra.


    The man deliberately hid in the quietest hallway. He knew his luck always carried a magnet of its own.


    There would be another mischievous idea.


    The hallway was in the corner of the toys market. No one could see it.


    Finally, what he was waiting for came. The man smiled with satisfaction in the real mischief.


    The crazy idea got back into his mind.


    "Emmm .. Hendra, I''m done." Aruna hesitated.


    "Then?" He started acting again.


    "Come on, Master.. swipe your card..." Aruna seduced him.


    "Come here..." The man was playing the card.


    "You need this, right ??" Hendra asked, squinting.


    It looked like he was going to mess Aruna up.


    "What else now?!" Aruna complained, capturing Hendra''s expression.


    "Yes... a little punishment for a girl who dares to disturb my company''s valuable assets."


    What Hendra meant that Aruna hurt his brain. (-_- '')


    "What do you want now??" Aruna asked.


    "Hehehe."


    "A little compensation." The blue-eyed man was leaning casually on the tall shelf while tapping his fingers on his cheeks.


    "You, what a perverted man!!"


    Hendra wanted Aruna to kiss his cheek.


    "Eits... you have lots of groceries. It''s not free though..."


    "Wait.. but my card is very powerful.. So it doesn''t matter."


    "The problem is she asked for my money.. after persecuting me..."


    "Tsk tsk tsk .. What a thankless girl." Hendra teased while talking to himself, annoyed Aruna.


    "Persecute??"


    "I just grabbed you." Aruna objected.


    "You also pinched my cheeks." She was annoyed.


    "Yes.. Now it''s up to you.. Whether to pay or not." Hendra played his skill.


    ''Geez... the children must be happy to get that many toys''


    ''The toys they can''t even dream of.''


    This girl was always too kind. She sometimes forgot herself.


    Aruna slowly walked toward Hendra, tip-toeing, and trying to reach the Wenceslas Group''s CEO''s cheek.


    Hendra closed his eyes, enjoying.


    ''Ah what''s up?? Did she change his mind??'' But Aruna''s kiss didn''t come right away.


    "Come down a little!"


    "You''re too tall." Even with tip-toeing Aruna couldn''t reach it.


    "Oh." The man bent and aligned his body with Aruna''s head.


    "Geez." Aruna sighed, right before putting her lips on Hendra''s cheek.


    Hendra''s ears turned red, right after getting something he desperately wanted.


    "Thank you." He even had time to thank her.


    "Pay it quickly!!"


    Hendra was so happy, throwing his platinum card up to the air and quickly caught it again.


    "This magic card gives me good luck!" He exclaimed while rubbing the unlimited card.


    ***


    The teenagers'' screams were faintly heard, attracting so much attention.


    Aruna descended the escalator and stopped for a moment as a group of young girls ran around.


    Unconsciously, one of them hit Aruna''s shoulder, causing the shopping bag she was carrying to fall to the floor.


    "Hey.. be careful."


    "Use your eyes!" Hendra cursed the teenager before helping Aruna to tidy up the scattered toys.


    "Sorry, Sorry..." The high school-age youngster seemed to pause for a moment, apologized, and ran back as if there was no time to make amends for her mistake by helping tidy up the items she dropped.


    "Are you okay, Aruna?" Hendra asked, not letting Aruna carry more shopping bags.


    Wiryo''s grandson''s hands were full of shopping bags, but he was still trying to bring those bags between his fingers.


    His bodyguard spontaneously approached, asking Hendra to give his belongings to them..


    Aruna was on the 2nd floor when several crowded people around the floor guardrail that could be used to observe the stage down there. The 1st-floor stage of the shopping centre.


    "Aaaa..." The girls noisy voices incessantly screamed, indicating the star had come.


    "Aaa... Danu... Danu.."


    "Danu Umar look at me..." The teenagers shouted someone''s name.


    ''Danu Umar?'' Aruna was curious too.


    She then moved closer to the crowd.


    A familiar name in her ears came out from the people''s mouths down there. This girl walked faster and looked for the best spot to infiltrate the 2nd-floor audience.


    She forgot everything else, too focused on finding justification.


    Was it true that the star who came was Danu Umar a.k.a Damar, a friend and a man who carried many questions in her heart?


    The star walked up the stage. He was tall, cladded in a blue outer and jeans.


    He then seemed to lower his face because too many camera flashlights rained down on him.


    A moment later, the MC asked for fans'' understanding.


    Finally, he waved his hand, greeting everyone, including the 2nd-floor audience.


    Aruna finally found what she was looking for.


    ''Oh, it''s true. He is Damar.''


    Aruna had never seen Damar''s performance. She only glimpsed him at Yout*be. She even deliberately avoided the young man''s song lyrics.


    Every time she heard it, it was as if she was brought back to that night. A long night over the city of Bandung, suffocating her.


    A feeling that was clearly reflected in the eccentric young man''s face.


    And now, the feeling of tightness slowly creeped upon her.


    "Good afternoon." The star greeted.


    "Afternoon¡­ Aaaa¡­." The audience''s replies mixed with the girls'' screams down there.


    "Sorry, I came late. I will try to give the best performance for all of you."


    The crowd screams slowly faded in Aruna''s ears, replaced with the young man''s attention-stealing loud voice down there.


    "It''s time to come back." Hendra asked after finding Aruna in the crowd.


    Aruna slowly let go of her handrail, which was connected to the stainless railing curved around the edge of the 2nd-floor.


    "This time''s song for her which I call ''Reddish hue''." The crowd cheered, knowing the poet would sing his best song.


    Aruna paused for a moment and returned to where she was before.


    Damar''s voice answered the audience. They participated in singing the verses of a song composed ''for her, which is called reddish hue''.


    Aruna realized it was the meaning of her name.


    The girl''s eyes didn''t want to escape from the figure below.


    Hendra carefully observed her.


    He realized that he was the third person among two young people.


    In the past, he never cared about other people''s feelings. He intended to focus more on the profitable end goal.


    It seemed that the girl started opening her heart''s door, together with the wound that was slowly stucked.


    One by one, the stubborn man''s cold and deadly heart began to crack.


    Aruna seemed to have received another call from the earth.


    Damar''s voice transformed into electromagnetic waves that penetrated the boundaries of the Earth''s atmosphere hovering in a vacuum.


    It infiltrated and greeted her who was being hostage by an alien.

 Chapter 65 - Thank You

    Aruna looked closer once again.


    She even looked around, observing how much Damar had caught up with teenagers.


    His attitude for young women who were now being called fans was definitely a lot different. He wasn''t like that before¡ªvery anti-teenage girls who were curious about him.


    He often made them cry.


    One of which was because of his skill in speaking openly and directly refused their love confessions.


    She still remembered very well that the girl carrying the cake was crying so badly on the 1st-floor of the Magic Letter broadcast, which was definitely because of Damar''s rustling.


    "I like your cake but I don''t like you, so I accept this cake and please leave."


    "But I like you."


    "Well, that''s your business."


    "Why do you always accept my gift?"


    "Because I want to eat it."


    "Just like that?"


    "Yes, that simple."


    And the young girl started howling.


    Somehow, Damar casually went to the 2nd-floor, eating his gift without sin while playing a game.


    "Hais, crazy rhyme maker!!" (Lili)


    "So, you got the beautiful cakes from her all this time?" (Dea)


    Damar nodded.


    "Ouch, my stomach feels full of sin." (Aruna)


    Furthermore, the three of them dragged Damar to apologize.


    The girl finally wanted to go home. This kind of thing happened over and over again.


    Past fans were sedated by novels or beautiful poetry sprinkled with flowers made by this talented literary student.


    But, they didn''t know the real indie novelist named Damar.


    Now, Aruna often missed him. Yes, she missed the old Damar, who didn''t care about his appearance.


    She missed his long scattered hair, decorated with a thin beard filled his chin, wearing a hoodie jacket everywhere, casual, and indifferent.


    If it was at the worst level, Aruna and friends started complaining, asking Damar, the game-player to tidy himself up a little.


    Aruna once lost a ball score bet and ended up shaving Damar''s beard while grumbling.


    If she couldn''t stand it, she took her ribbon and ponytailed the young man''s hair when he was busy writing on laptop or just playing games.


    Lili and Dea sometimes took turns picking up Damar Hoodie jackets to wash.


    Yes, as bad as that.


    All knew this silly young man was included in the ranks of handsome men. With just parting his long hair, girls will be impressed.


    And now, he was not just pulling out long hair, he was so much more than that. His fashion and his manner in public had also changed.


    It was reasonable if a lot of teenagers were crazy about him.


    From Aruna''s point of view, there was a mixed worry. Why did he take a different path?


    That was always the question.


    Damar consistently answered with his own ambiguous statement.


    Aruna took her phone, taking Damar''s picture from a distance.


    Before she could take his picture, the little girl''s elbow was touched by someone, and her phone fell off, sliding to the 1st-floor.


    It made the people below panic.


    Aruna was about to run to take it.


    "I''ll buy you a new one." The man she had been ignoring earlier whispered, grabbing Aruna''s hand.


    Aruna stuttered as if she had just woken up from a long dream.


    "It can''t be saved anyway."


    "Let my bodyguard take it. That is if it''s still intact." He added.


    The alien dragged her towards the line of phone sellers.


    He asked Aruna to choose the one she liked the most. He then swiped the magic card one more time.


    It was quite long after the new phone could be used.


    Hendra still controlled Aruna, along with their journey to where she wanted to go.


    It was just 10 minutes ago, there was a dispute that Aruna didn''t wanna be escorted by him, wanted to leave, and wanted to go there alone.


    She then realised that there was no phone she could use to order an online taxi.


    "Here it is. You can use it now." Hendra handed Aruna''s new phone.


    ''My husband??'' Aruna frowned.


    The first thing she saw on the screen of her new phone was a number named ''My Husband''.


    "My number. You must save it properly."


    "In less than 20 days, I''ll be that name, your husband." The man beside him spoke without looking at Aruna.


    Ah, could it be him who dropped Aruna''s phone?


    Who knew.


    Aruna''s mind started to mess with two men who took turns filling her mind.


    .


    .


    Aruna was flipping through her new phone. It was too good.


    While seeing which applications can be recovered immediately, she also downloaded certain applications needed as a project design for the Magic Letter broadcast.


    Luckily, the number can still be saved.


    Aruna glanced at Hendra.


    The WenceslasGroup''s CEO''s face became so cold like a dummy, silent.


    He even seemed like he wasn''t breathing at all.


    Aruna had to start a conversation. But, start from what? Thank you or sorry?


    Yes, indeed. She needed to apologize.


    It seemed that Hendra knew that his number was stored under the name ''crazy CEO.'' (+ _ +)


    But, if she must be sorry first, could the CEO be sure not to be angry?


    Ah, how annoying it was to deal with a mysterious, grumpy, like-it-all man, and lots of negative expressions in Aruna''s mind for the Wenceslas''s sole heir.


    She finally didn''t say ''sorry.''


    "Thank you, Hendra." Aruna greeted him.


    He only glanced and then was silent again.


    "Thank you also for today." Aruna added.


    ''Wait for this day??''


    ''Not worthy of a word of thanks except the ability of his magic card.''


    "Thank you for today, I corrected."


    Hendra''s forehead frowned at Aruna''s words.


    "Oh no. Leave a message of my thanks to your magic card." Aruna was more satisfied with the choice of words in her last words.


    The two passengers at the front were coughing from laughter. They couldn''t stand to see their boss'' future wife.


    "You really don''t know how to thank properly?!" Hendra said his words in a low grim tone.


    "I know you''re angry."


    "But I can''t say thanks for all your behavior today." Aruna was silent too.


    They didn''t greet each other until they reached Aruna''s destination.


    There were only 2 cars left that accompanied them. The one containing the photographers, including Surya, had left first because there were other things to do.


    "Stop." Aruna''s words stopped the people in the Bentley Continental, stopping their intention of getting out.


    "Tell your bodyguards. No one can get out of the car except you."


    "I''m sure you don''t want to go home now, even if I force it." Aruna asked.


    "Why? What''s the problem with my guards?" Hendra thought Aruna''s request was strange.


    "Their appearances are tacky!"


    ''What??'' the two bodyguards in front gasped.


    "Wearing black suits on a bright day like this, they are like a mafia gang! Their movements are the same.. !!" Aruna was annoyed.


    "In a rural village like this, their styles will invite a lot of questions!" Aruna had always been like this.


    Hendra remembered the wrong costume incident when he first picked her up at the ''casual style'' campus.


    "Yes, alright..."


    "But by the way, what is this place??" Hendra was a little confused by the building''s condition they visited.


    Not an orphanage as he imagined.


    Too bad.


    Aruna smiled at Hendra''s confusion.


    The Magic Letter''s founder explained while taking out a shopping bag from the car''s trunk.


    "It''s a study studio. This place used to be a street school. But because the children chose to be buskers or waste pickers instead of school, finally, the LKS (Social Welfare Institution) who oversaw it took the initiative to become a study studio."


    "They can learn anything here every afternoon with volunteers. And those who have decided to join class A, B, or C, they will be grouped separately. They will receive more intensive guidance, so it is simpler without coercion."


    Hendra looked even more confused. His family ran many charity scholarships but never had one of them.


    Aruna reassuringly smiled.


    "Is it your first time to a place like this?"


    The man looked warily around.


    He carefully looked at the set foot on a building that was almost entirely made of wood.


    The sound of ''kriet kriet'' while walking amazed him. A glance from Aruna confirmed if it wasn''t a problem.


    "Come on, Hendra, this building will not collapse because it sounds." Aruna pulled Hendra''s Coat to immediately enter without hesitation.


    The building, which was called a study studio, was more similar to a house on stilts. The floor was made of wood, and of course, the walls were also made of wood.


    From the front porch, there were two rooms with lined windows covered in faded white mosquito nets. The door was quite unique, a manual sliding door.


    In Hendra''s office, there were many such doors. However, he didn''t imagine that sliding doors could be made of wood, modified manually by local wisdom.


    Hendra walked faster because of Aruna''s pull. The girl slid the wooden door in front of her.


    "Good evening.. Aruna is coming ..." Her face brightened, cheerfully greeting the children inside.


    Hendra had seen that expression twice.


    It was at his first meeting in the best newcomer startup in craft category award won by Aruna.


    At that time, they didn''t know each other. However, Hendra realized that the girl was so radiant, surrounded by many friends.


    When she got off the stage, her friends ran to greet her. The event did take place at Tripusaka University, Aruna''s campus.


    Hendra was invited as a speaker there because he was one of the most influential young CEOs.


    Aruna may not remember that they had met long before the wedding agreement between Lesmana and his grandfather, Wiryo.


    The next bright face happened when Hendra and his secretary became a seminar participant for startups.


    After that, Hendra no longer saw her bright face.

 Chapter 66 - Loved By Many People

    The girl was mostly moody and occasionally angry because of the stress. It might be the reason why he never liked Hendra.


    Hendra came in a frontal manner, forcing her to sign a marriage contract before getting to know each other.


    Three of her friends who guided the children stopped teaching activities. They stood to greet Aruna.


    Spontaneously, the children cheerfully ran, hugging Aruna.


    Hendra withdrew. He wasn''t used to this kind of thing.


    The children were mostly in wrinkled clothes. Some of the others even seemed neglected.


    Hendra thought that in this room, there was a desk and chair for study like a school.


    It turned out that the study room he saw only made use of a tiny folding table.


    There were no chairs to sit on.


    Aruna was so casually giving them a hug. she occasionally squatted and leveled herself with the children''s height while answering their questions.


    "Alright, let''s sit down first..." Aruna made a light pat meaning ''let''s hurry up, I have a surprise.''


    The girl was seen hugging one of the three other teachers. They had a moment to talk before the three of them came out to help pick up the grocery bags.


    Earlier, Hendra couldn''t carry much. He had difficulty adapting to the sounding floor.


    "Today, I brought lots of gifts." The girl cheerfully spoke upfront. Her loose hair was fluffy and moving, combined with the midi dress and minimalist make-up that Hendra had prepared.


    Of course, the man''s eyes behind were not willing to blink because it was according to his fashion style.


    "Do you want this??"


    "Yes, we want it..." The children cheered with joy.


    "But, we learn first..."


    "Ye.. ye..." Some were still cheering.


    Aruna and Dea''s class was the most desirable class. There was no counting and reading because the two girls gave handicraft class.


    Kids always enjoyed it.


    "Sis Runa, what are we going to make today?" The hijab little girl asked.


    "We''re going to make pretty bracelets." And she happily smiled, as did the others.


    "Sis, who is the man behind?"


    "He''s been quiet from earlier." The two little boys curiously looked back.


    "You want to meet him?" Aruna got the children''s curiosity.


    Hendra looked too different.


    Aruna suspected that Hendra had been standing a long ago because the man was confused about how to start sitting on a strange floor.


    Like his first visit to the Magic, Surya, his secretary, deftly found a seat cover and whispered instructions.


    Aruna smiled, calling him.


    "Hendra, bring the beads I bought earlier here." Hendra immediately checked grocery bags with the teachers'' help.


    A moment later, Hendra walked towards Aruna as he tried to take off his coat. It was not suitable for this place.


    Hendra was now standing next to Aruna.


    "Let me introduce him. He is the CEO, Hendra. The one who was kind enough to buy gifts for you." Aruna explained while pointing backward, noting that there were lots of gift bags behind.


    "Let''s thank him."


    The children slowly stood up, briefly turned to stare at their gifts, and saying the words ''thank you'' in unison.


    Hendra was stunned by what happened. He then glanced at Aruna, showing that he was delighted.


    He didn''t think Aruna would say that well, remembering the bad behavior as he often forced her.


    ..


    Hendra was stunned by what happened. He then glanced at Aruna, showing that he was delighted.


    He didn''t think Aruna would say that well, remembering the bad behavior as he often forced her.


    The girl approached him, whispering a request while taking the coat in Hendra''s hand.


    "Introduce yourself! The children want to know you."


    Aruna then seemed to fold Hendra''s coat and placed it in the corner of the room, on the folding table.


    "Hi.. I am Hendra. I am happy to meet you." It was rigid and not attractive at all.


    "Well, anyone want to ask?" Aruna''s voice was warm and carefree.


    "Why are your eyes blue? Are they real?" a pigtailed little girl innocently appeared with her question.


    Hendra looked at Aruna, looking for confidence in whether he needed to answer it.


    This man seemed cute as he was like a shy alien.


    "I am half Javanese-England." The answer was short and completely left the children clueless.


    "Em.. I mean Mr Hendra.. Mr Hendra has parents from different countries and tribes. His mother is Javanese while his father is English. He got his blue eyes from his father."


    "It looks like Thomas (one of the children in the study studio). His father comes from Papua, his mother is Sundanese. Look at Thomas, he is white but tall and strong like his father."


    The children nodded, understood.


    "Sis, what is the CEO?" The next question came from Thomas.


    "The CEO is a Chief Executive Officer or leader who is trusted to lead the board of directors including leading all subsidiaries."


    The children became dizzier.


    Aruna once again took the initiative.


    "Look kids, have you ever seen people who work with a neat appearance? Wear a tie, sometimes wear a suit?"


    They nodded.


    "Well, the workplace is called an office. And Mr Hendra is the leader there. Got it?!"


    Aruna''s explanation was greeted by the children''s understanding. Some even said that someday they wanted to be a CEO like Hendra.


    Aruna also asked Hendra to help her guide the children in making beaded bracelets that afternoon.


    "Try..."


    "Your clothes will not get dirty. It''s really clean."


    "Come on, sit comfortably." Aruna added.


    The girl coaxed him into sitting on the unfamiliar floor. Aruna wasn''t angry at all with his strange attitude this time.


    Since coming to Wenceslas''s main house, she realized that this man lived like a prince in a fairy tale.


    Hendra failed to provide direction several times. The beads fell down everywhere. It was the teachers who actually helped Aruna.


    "There is no definite theory. It just takes patience and painstaking."


    "Tidy up again." Aruna ordered.


    Hendra picked up the fallen bead and inserted it into a small rope that has been measured according to his wristband''s circumference.


    He was worse than children. His face looked serious, but the results were messy.


    It absolutely had no aesthetics. The beads should be arranged in a pattern. But Hendra just put it in.


    He gave up when he had to tie the two ends of the rope, a finish for making the bracelet.


    The funny thing was that Hendra joined the queue with the children around Aruna to get the prettiest finishing from the Magic Letter broadcast''s founder.


    He got the last turn.


    "Yeah.. not bad. Good first attempt." Said Aruna, smiling at Hendra''s messy handicrafts.


    "Mr Hendra, because I saw yours could not be used, I gave mine to you. I purposely made it two, one for you." The little girl approached him, handing her a beautiful bracelet, and returned to mingle with her friends.


    "Hehehe."


    "Accept it..." Aruna gave advice.


    "Is mine so messy??" Hendra looked at the beautiful little bracelet on his palm, comparing his bracelet that was held by Aruna.


    "Oops, I didn''t say it."


    Once again, Aruna smiled at Hendra''s face. This man had been trying seriously earlier.


    "Okay, let me have your bracelet." Aruna put Hendra''s wristband into her pocket.


    She looked more excited.


    "Come on, sit neatly, we will distribute gifts for you." Aruna again made a small excited pat.


    Of course, the next moment was incredible. Hendra''s gift was beyond their imagination.


    They happily smiled, jumped, and there was even something heartwarming.


    The girl who was touched with tears was Aruna. She did this often. She was shed in tears when happy.


    It might be because Hendra hadn''t known her for long, so he just knew another side of Lesmana''s daughter by now.


    Hendra got the point.


    Why was his contract girl so loved by so many people?


    She made a young man named Damar willing to be shackled in a complicated feeling of love between the three of them.


    Even her older siblings tried so hard to protect her, including Aditya, the polite marketing leader, suddenly threatened Hendra.


    She was like beautifully bloomed and sweet roses and if it cut from the stalk, it would be too good to get hurt.


    A little boy walked over.


    "May I hug you as a thank you?" He asked Hendra.


    Aruna immediately descended to align her height. He was a small and bold 6 years old boy.


    "Come and hug me instead."


    "Sorry, Mr Hendra is not used to it." Aruna realized that Hendra would be in trouble.


    "I don''t hug girls." Said the yellow shirt little boy.


    "I like your style.. Come here." Suddenly, Hendra squatted down.


    He could spontaneously do new things.


    "Thanks for the plane. That''s the thing I really, really want. I don''t know how to get back." That little man looked mature.


    "Hey.. no man is crying." Hendra joked at him, seeing the corner of the little one''s eyes turning red.


    "Who''s crying? My eyes are winking." He stressed his words before leaving.


    A future husband and wife laughed at each other.


    "Come on... here and there."


    "Well, that little boy in front."


    "Mr Hendra can be in the middle a little bit."


    "Ah, you seem too tall."


    A volunteer was busy arranging a photo session before Hendra''s return.


    "I''ll be in the front." Hendra bent one of his legs, mingled with the boys upfront.


    "Hey, you also have to come, right?" Hendra added.


    "It''s okay.. No problem." The volunteer answered.


    Hendra was seen squeezing something in his ear, instructing one of the bodyguards to help.


    The man in the black coat got out of the car, replacing the volunteer to take photos.


    .


    .

 Chapter 67 - A Small Kiss

    "Aruna, who is he?" Desi flicked Aruna''s hand, whispering while taking photos.


    "Think of it as a philanthropist." Aruna softly replied.


    "Ah, he doesn''t seem like not just anyone."


    "You think too much, Sis."


    "No.. I feel like I''ve seen it."


    "Well, you should go back to the classroom."


    The volunteers provided direction. Some of them shook Hendra and Aruna''s hands before they finally said goodbye.


    "Sis, you leave your clothes." The little girl handed over Hendra''s coat to Aruna.


    Aruna spontaneously opened the coat, helped the man beside her to wear a cream coat dangling over Hendra''s tall body, and tried to tidy up.


    "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet the children, Desi."


    "You''re Desi, right?" Hendra asked.


    "Ah, yes." Desi was surprised.


    This strange man had been silent before.


    ''Oh it''s him, right!?'' Desi remembered something.


    This blue-eyed man caught a glimpse at the infotainment.


    "Come to our wedding."


    "We''ll send the invitations later." Hendra added.


    "WHAT??"


    "Our?? You and Aruna?" Desi was really surprised.


    "Yes .. Also invite other friends." Hendra was so relaxed. He even hugged Aruna''s shoulder."


    "Hehehe." Aruna made a controversial laugh as she slowly lowered Hendra''s hand.


    "What about Damar?" Desi muttered.


    She was still shaken by the info just now.


    "Damar, who is he??" Hendra faintly heard it.


    He pretended not to know.


    "E... No.. No.. he''s just a bestfriend who likes to bother Aruna." Desi immediately corrected it.


    Almost everyone in Aruna''s friend circles realized that Damar was after Aruna''s lousy love.


    "Thank you for coming..."


    "I will not miss your wedding." Desi changed the conversation.


    She escorted them back to the car and occasionally glanced at Aruna as if asking for an explanation.


    The two black cars sped fast over the toll road.


    "Next time you have to tell the truth about your relationship with him, or I will make it difficult for you two." Hendra''s words clearly sounded like a threat.


    ..


    The two black cars sped fast over the toll road.


    "Next time you have to tell the truth about your relationship with him, or I will make it difficult for you two." Hendra''s words clearly sounded like a threat.


    Aruna glanced at Hendra, observing his facial expression.


    The man looked full of anger.


    ''How long do I have to deal with a man whose emotions fluctuate like this?''


    The car was quiet again.


    "Sir, I received a message from Mr Surya asking you to check your phone." Hendra welcomed his bodyguard''s request.


    The Wenceslas Group''s CEO seemed to reply to chats several times. In the end, he decided to call Surya.


    "I told you that Wenceslas Group will not take any contracts related to the government." His face was gloomy.


    "Tell them and don''t protest too much." Hendra was angry this time.


    "They are at the main office. The architects are waiting for you. They said they will not leave until they meet you." Surya''s voice, on the other side, was faint.


    "Whatever. Nothing can change my decision."


    "Not having anything to do with the government is a Wenceslas tradition. No one is allowed to change it." Hendra shutted down his communication with Surya, without giving his secretary a chance to explain.


    Aruna was playing her new phone when Hendra was seen busy communicating with his phone.


    "Put your phone. I don''t like seeing people near me using their phone." The man tried to control her again.


    ''What''s wrong with his mood? Why is he angry? Even though earlier at the study studio, he was adorable.''


    "You are weird." Aruna''s chirps reduced the irritation in her heart.


    "Pull your words! And apologise! I''m too lazy to fight." Hendra replied to Aruna''s expression.


    "Huh, aren''t you the one who likes to fight and suddenly changed?"


    "I ?? You dare..." Hendra''s threat was cut off.


    He got back on the phone.


    "Now what?!" This man chose to pick up his phone.


    Surya asked for time again.


    "They are interested in SDGs, which we always strive for in every MD Construction development program (Mega Wenceslas Construction is a construction business for the Wenceslas Group''s subsidiary)."


    "Riswan Hamim promises to run this project cleanly. He is a known mayor of transparency." Surya lobbied.


    He was pressured by architects and senior officials from the MD Construction subsidiary.


    "Isn''t he our former architect? He has a proven track record during his tenure as an employee. He is also the most favored candidate for the presidential candidate in society, the survey said" Surya convinced.


    "This is a good opportunity for us, Hendra." Surya tried to find a way to conquer his boss.


    It looked like Hendra''s secretary had been conquered by MD Construction.


    "I''m not sure the President Director will agree. This is against the Wenceslas Group''s principles. But, I want to know what project Riswan wants?" Hendra asked.


    "Worship buildings with the theme Bhineka Tunggal Ika."


    "What do you mean?" Hendra asked.


    "He will build 5 worship buildings close together at once. The concept will be energy-efficient buildings and supports the SDGs program."


    "He wants the building to be the heart of the city. It will be the center of Economic, health, and education. So one unit. Not much different from what we have built in Central Java. The elderly or blind people can go back and forth in congregation without assistance."


    (Sustainable Development Goals is abbreviated as SDGs are 17 goals with 169 measurable achievements and deadlines set by the United Nations as a world development agenda for the benefit of humans and planet earth)


    "Hmmm..." Hendra grinned.


    "So he is preparing to be a presidential candidate." Hendra added. In the next 2 years, there will be a presidential election.


    "There is no sign of that direction yet."


    "No need for a sign. He''s planning to get there."


    "Tell the MD Construction people to go home, or they won''t work forever." Hendra threatened.


    "Tch, You are.. just look at the positive side for once!" Surya exclaimed.


    "I''m too lazy to hear you. Turn off the phone." Hendra put down his phone, glancing at Aruna.


    The girl immediately hid her phone.


    "Where were we?" He wanted to continue their conversation earlier.


    The car suddenly churned for a moment.


    "Sorry, Sir." The driver apologised.


    Aruna''s phone dropped and Hendra picked it up.


    "So, is this our wedding invitation?" Hendra asked.


    Aruna was looking at the photo that Dea sent on the Magic Letter WhatsApp group.


    It was an ocean blue color 3D invitation theme.


    "Didn''t you agree with it?"


    Aruna sent the design to Hendra''s office and the man said yes through his secretary.


    "Ah, I didn''t have time to see it. I asked Surya to check it."


    ''What the heck!!'' Resentment attacked Aruna''s heart.


    "Is this the Bunda BISA community?" Hendra asked.


    One photo depicted a group of mothers working with knick-knacks.


    "Yes, that''s right." Aruna replied.


    "Hendra, we are also developing SDGs with the BISA community." This girl overheard Hendra and Surya''s conversation.


    "You know that kind of thing?" Hendra was a little surprised.


    Aruna didn''t look smart. In Hendra''s mind, she was only a creative girl.


    "Of course. Even though I was lousy at learning to count, I''m quite up to date about social things. When I was in high school, I was a social studies student." Aruna excitedly replied.


    "We even develop 3 goals at once, goals 1, 2 and 8. In fact, we are more focused on goods jobs and economic growth (number 8) which sustainably support goals 1 and 2." Aruna convincingly added.


    (SDG goal number 1: no poverty. Number 2: no hunger. Number 8: goods jobs and economic growth)


    "Are you sure you run it??" Hendra was joking. But in fact, he wasn''t so sure that Aruna had serious understandings about the SDGs.


    "You''re underestimating me. Just so you know, not all entrepreneurs or startups like me have a concern to provide sustainable assistance."


    "Most of them choose short-term interventions. ''How much money do you need for training? We''ll prepare for it, please maintain yourselves!'' They are like that."


    "They don''t want to put much effort, or even to take risks by providing sustainable jobs, though they really need the jobs." Aruna seriously explained.


    Her words were able to flick Hendra. It seemed that charity in his company was one of the short-term intervention performers.


    The discussion between the husband and wife soon-to-be looked more fun and warm, unlike before, they tended to argue.


    "Do you know Riswan? The mayor who is loved by millennial people?" Hendra asked.


    "Ah, of course. He''s one of my idols in politics."


    "So naive." Hendra stroked Aruna''s hair.


    "That person used to be our architect. He was suddenly famous and chose to be a mayor."


    "Today, he and his former friends who are still at MD Construction pressed me for the building project he dreamed of." Hendra added.


    "He ever shared that on Instagram..."


    "Is it true?"


    "You must carefully consider it." Aruna advised.


    "You want to help me?" Hendra asked.


    "What can I do?"


    "Well, the mayor and of course his wife specifically asked for my schedule. But I''m not sure I''ll agree to it."


    "Maybe I can change my mind when I''m with you. Just think of it as training to be the Wenceslas family wife."


    "Oh, his wife? I''ve ever met her. She is a friendly person." Aruna looked happy.


    "Em.. if I help you, can I take a picture with them?" Aruna asked.


    "They are famous, so I want to upload it on my Instagr*m."


    "Hehe." Hendra laughed because the girl beside him was too innocent.


    He thought there was a primary reason that made her interested in providing assistance. It turned out to be just for social media upload.


    .


    .

 Chapter 68 - Tickling

    "Come here!" Hendra was anxious to ask her to come closer.


    "This is for my ''too smart'' future wife." The man gave Aruna a small kiss on the cheek.


    Her cheeks flushed but she quickly pushed him over.


    "You always steal at any chance!" Aruna grabbed Hendra''s ear and pulled it.


    Surprisingly, the car churned. The driver lost control. He tried to turn the steering wheel and sneak around among the other cars at high speed.


    The car shook and several times slammed the passengers.


    "Sir, the car brakes failed." One of the guards at the front whispered through the device in their ear in a calm and professional tone.


    "I will create friction with the toll road barrier, so that the speed can be lowered."


    "Aruna, come closer." Aruna didn''t really understand the real condition yet.


    Somehow, she knew something was up.


    The girl followed Hendra''s order to sneak in on the Wenceslas Group''s CEO''s coat.


    ..


    The girl followed Hendra''s order to sneak in on the Wenceslas Group''s CEO''s coat.


    The young master seriously embraced Aruna''s tiny body, keeping her from being hit. He didn''t allow Aruna to see the outside.


    He even buried Aruna''s head in his chest.


    His bodyguard began to take out the gun hidden under his jacket.


    "No shots from inside this car. I don''t want my future wife to be scared." Hendra pressed the device on his ear.


    "We have to shoot the rear tires. This will help to reduce the speed." Said one of the bodyguards.


    "Ask the car behind to do it. This is an order!" Hendra exclaimed.


    "They are still too far away. We only have 10 minutes to reach the toll booth."


    "Please understand, Sir. If this car has not stopped at the toll exit. We all know there is no hope." Their conversation was hunted by the sound of Bentley scraping against the toll wall.


    "Hendra..." A low voice was heard behind Hendra''s coat.


    "There''s nothing to worry about, Aruna. Calm down... Everything will be fine." The man hugged her even tighter, giving light and soothing strokes.


    "Sir, there''s no time left..." The bodyguard asked.


    "I''m sorry, Aruna. Stay hidden." Hendra''s embrace was getting tighter.


    His hands were crossed, leaving his fingers to search for Aruna''s ear holes and squeezed them hard, as if the girl wasn''t allowed to hear anything.


    "Now!!" Hendra gave permission.


    His bodyguard took part of his body out of the car window.


    Those inside the car heard several gunshots, and they could feel the extreme shaking on the left side of the car.


    A sign that the car tire was broken.


    The bodyguard named Putra was now holding the steering wheel, letting his partner shoot the right side car tires.


    The shaking got louder and collided with a scraping sound that hurt the ears.


    Aruna repeatedly wanted to see the outside, but Hendra didn''t let her.


    The Wenceslas''s heir''s hands and body tried their best to keep the tiny body inside his coat safe and clueless.


    "Hendra, what''s wrong... ?? Hendra...?"


    "Calm down, Aruna.. Calm down..."


    Putra was disappointed because the toll exit was already visible.


    The car''s speed has decreased considerably, but it was still impossible to stop before the toll exit.


    Suddenly, the car got a hard impact from the left. Hendra was slammed with Aruna in his arms.


    It turned out that help was coming.


    The escort car behind caught up, squeezing his master''s Bentley. The car was perfectly swiped between the toll barrier and the guard''s car.


    Thank goodness, it stopped exactly a few meters before the toll exit.


    They felt relieved.


    "Sir, please come out. We are not sure this car can last long."


    Strong friction could cause an explosion at any time.


    "Give me your cloth or handkerchief" Hendra''s request was immediately fulfilled.


    Wiryo''s grandson swiftly covered Aruna''s eyes by hooking a handkerchief. He didn''t let Aruna''s two hands grab that thing.


    Hendra immediately took off his coat.


    Aruna came out with her eyes closed, including her head, until her body was wrapped in Hendra''s long dangling coat.


    This little girl was barely visible.


    Hendra held her tight, making sure the other car took them off the road.


    Finally, the young master allowed Aruna to open her eyes, giving permission to see the conditions outside.


    "Hendra, what was wrong?" Aruna Asked, questioning.


    "Don''t think too much." The man was lying tired in the car seat, feeling his body starting to ache to withstand the impact earlier.


    "Aruna, are you okay? Is your body hurt?" He still had time to confirm his future wife''s condition.


    Hendra once injured the girl. This time, the same thing shouldn''t happen again.


    "You hugged me too tight. I just had trouble breathing." Aruna replied.


    "If I may know, what happened??" The girl was still curious.


    Why did Hendra not allow her to see what happened just now?


    Hendra looked at her. His body was tired and starting to hurt everywhere.


    Aruna''s hair was messy, and her clothes were matted because Hendra tried hard to restrain her.


    "Take us to the main house!" The man ignored Aruna''s question.


    ''I can rest safely there.''


    "Sir, are you okay?"


    "Shouldn''t we go to the hospital?" His bodyguards were getting worried.


    "Going to the main house is the same. There is a medical team that we can rely on, right?"


    "Aruna, tell Dad that you are in our main house." Hendra ordered.


    "Your father must be very worried if you come home late. I need a little time before taking you home." Hendra needed to check the bruise on his left arm, which was getting worse.


    "I can go home alone."


    "No! You are not allowed to go home alone from now on!"


    "Your bodyguards can escort me, right?!"


    "So you can rest comfortably." Aruna advised.


    ''It looks like Hendra is injured.'' Aruna murmured.


    "No! Give me a moment before taking you home."


    ''I''m sorry, Aruna. You were only picked up by my guards this morning.'' Hendra muttered to himself.


    Hendra began to close his eyes.


    The little girl was a bit curious about Hendra''s left hand.


    Although it was deliberately hidden, it was clear that his forehead frowned every time he moved.


    Aruna approached and tried to touch it. Somehow, a deft movement grabbed Aruna''s finger.


    It turned out that the man who closed his eyes was still alert.


    "Nothing to check. Sit quiet."


    ***


    The car carrying the Wenceslas''s sole heir drove fast into the particular road that Aruna passed a week ago, meaning that the main house was near.


    A moment later, the gate opened. The car sped off and ended up in front of the Wenceslas house''s main door.


    There were several people already standing there. The incident seemed to have reached them.


    A neat-looking man with round glasses helped Hendra get out of the car. They walked while talking, and a girl behind them was trying to take note.


    Maybe it was a doctor and a nurse.


    Hendra''s steps stopped. He then looked at Aruna.


    "Tell the maid to help Miss Aruna tidy up." Hendra''s order made this little girl couldn''t follow Hendra''s steps anymore.


    The man disappeared behind the hallway with the doctor and his private nurse.


    A moment later, Aruna was greeted by two friendly maids.


    "Please, come in." The maid opened two doors at once, a beautiful and elegant entrance.


    Aruna thought she would enter another room. Somehow, she didn''t think that there was a large white bed inside.


    It was beyond her expectation.


    Was this a bedroom? The interior was quite interesting and a little unique.


    It was too unique because in one corner of the room, there was a work table equipped with towering bookshelves on the right and back, leaving some space for the glass windows that were no less high.


    In front of the window, there was a chair attached for a place to capture the outside view.


    It was the first interior that caught Aruna''s heart from this house.


    What tickled Aruna the most was whoever sat at the work table, their eyes could freely catch the person''s movement who was sleeping on the super king bed in front of them.


    It was because the layout clearly looked intentional like that.


    This was only one part of it, not to mention another angle.


    The small table near the bed was decorated with beautiful lights, dressing tables, television with comfortable sofas, and other facilities.


    In Aruna''s mind, this room''s size was about 3 or even 4 times of her room''s.


    Unfortunately, Aruna hadn''t seen the clothes display room behind the door which was maybe 5 to 6 times of her room''s size.


    "Miss, the bathroom is behind the door." The maid politely opened the door.


    "We will prepare clothes on the bed." She added.


    "If you need a comb and make-up, we apologise because the dresser is still empty."


    "We''ll bring you a comb and make-up as soon as possible."


    "Just relax, I just need a comb." Aruna interrupted.


    ''Sure, my hair is messy.''


    "You can rest in this room while waiting for the young master."


    Aruna lightly nodded.


    "If you need other assistance, press the 0 button on the phone." The maid directed her hand.


    The style and demeanor of these maids were like 5-star hotel services.


    ''Ah, so Hendra lives like this all the time.'' Aruna was busy with her own thoughts.


    Simultaneously, other maids came bringing warm drinks and snacks.


    "Do you have any questions, Miss?" One of them tried to catch Aruna''s restlessness.


    "If you may know, whose room is this?" Aruna asked.


    "Oh, this is your room." The maid replied.


    "What??"


    "This is the room that Grandma Sukma prepared for you and the young master."


    "WHAT???"

 Chapter 69 - Lousy Vs Perfectionist

    Wiryo immediately went to the room where Hendra was getting treatment.


    The Wenceslas elder was so emotional when he heard that his grandson''s car had brake dysfunction.


    Andos and his team were looking into whether this was just an accident or sabotage.


    In Wiryo''s mind, it was clear that the incident was sabotage. It only needed evidence to support it.


    Something that made him even more emotional was his grandson''s return.


    To be honest, behind this accident, Wiryo felt deep happiness. It had been five years since he bartered with Hendra (Hendra agreed to become CEO with the condition that he was given the freedom to live outside the main house).


    His grandson never came to this house unless he was being forced.


    Today, Hendra took the initiative to go home. However, the return was due to his condition, which was experiencing a disaster.


    A maid hurriedly opened the door for Wiryo. The elder entered the room and found the doctor, assisted by his nurse, rubbing the bruise on Hendra''s left arm.


    Hendra''s hands were red and swollen.


    The old man had asked if further action was needed¡ªfor example, a CT (computerized tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan.


    It turned out that the doctor had succeeded in providing the latest diagnosis. Hendra''s arm had a stress fracture (a small fracture due to overwork or doing the same movements repeatedly).


    He needed a cast to reduce his left arm works, including hand support.


    Wiryo sat there, waiting for his grandson to finish receiving treatment.


    "What do you want to say? Just say it."


    Yes, that was Hendra. This man didn''t know how to speak correctly in front of his parents.


    Somehow, that wasn''t fully his fault.


    He grew up, independently educated, and was ruthlessly approached without mercy.


    There wasn''t even time to speak with feeling.


    The habit he received was how to be strong without help, including the disappearance of sweet words.


    When Wiryo had not yet had time to answer Hendra''s question, a guard entered the room, whispering something to Wiryo.


    "If your condition has recovered, come to the D floor tomorrow. It''s time for you to lead the meeting there." Wiryo gave instructions.


    "I''m not you. I don''t need to go there. That''s not my place." Hendra replied.


    "No matter how hard you avoid it, and if you want to keep the people you love alive, that place will become a part of your life." Wiryo explained.


    "I grew up without love. So I am free from any threat."


    "Can you come out?" Hendra asked the doctor and nurse who had finished putting the cast to go immediately.


    It wasn''t good if other people heard this grandson and grandfather''s conversation.


    "Luckily, you''re that strong."


    "But I hope you have the empathy to look after your partner." Wiryo added.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Lesmana''s daughter."


    "I warned you that she would be at stake."


    "Stake?? Wait, what does Aruna have to do with today''s incident? And what does Aruna have to do with the D floor??" Hendra didn''t understand his grandfather''s words.


    "Every woman in this family is an easy target for those eyeing the President Director position."


    "Your car is on sabotage. Maybe they have heard your wedding plan. Especially if they know that your future wife is Lesmana''s daughter (my former best assistant). They are well aware that you are the next successor to the throne."


    "They? Who are they?" Hendra asked.


    "if I had known before, I won''t involve you in this mission."


    The old man stood up and began to leave his grandson.


    ***


    "Where is Miss?" Hendra was looking for Aruna. But what he found was Gayatri, standing not far from him.


    Hendra''s mother always has the same expression on her face unless she was dealing with her son.


    The woman would endlessly stare at him. And Hendra hated this situation.


    The son whose mother missed, indifferently turning around to ignore the situation after getting information on where Aruna tidied up and could be a place to rest.


    He was very doubtful. The man was almost desperate to open the door.


    He glanced at his cellphone, showing 7:25 p.m. It wasn''t bedtime. Maybe he could find his little girl busy inside.


    Unfortunately, when Hendra stepped inside, he found the blanket on the bed rolled up. The man immediately retreated and slipped out.


    ''How can I get through this marriage if I can''t even bear to watch her sleep?''


    Hendra ordered people to wake Aruna up.


    When the girl was sitting on the bed, the waiter kindly invited Hendra to meet his future wife.


    Aruna''s face was still bruised. Even though her eyes hadn''t opened yet, she was still trying to find her consciousness.


    She rubbed her eyes while occasionally yawning.


    "Come on, wake up! It''s time to go home." Hendra helped her to gain her consciousness.


    "I''m tired, I want a little...." The girl dropped back into the bed, intending to lie down a little longer.


    Hendra was shocked, trying to catch Aruna''s body, a little stiff.


    The man caught Aruna with his right hand. His hand only functioned one.


    He couldn''t let Aruna lie down.


    "You will get a second kiss from me if you don''t want to wake up." Hendra pulled Aruna''s body, sat her back down.


    The girl was shocked by Hendra''s action. The trick was absurd, getting them too close.


    Hendra closely looked at her.


    "Still want to sleep?"


    "Or do we need a trial?" The man smiled in mischief.


    He intended to scare Aruna, who was still in a daze because she was tired and sleepy.


    "This bed will be our hottest place after officially getting married. We can try it as a practice."


    Aruna''s eyes widened at Hendra''s words.


    He was truly shameless.


    "Nope!!" Aruna roughly banged her head towards Hendra''s forehead.


    "Ouch... You are...!!"


    "Ouch.. It hurts!!" Hendra complained, rubbing his forehead.


    "This is just a warm-up. If you dare to touch me a hair tip, you will get resistance from me!" Aruna was very upset.


    "Just look!! I will learn martial arts and finish you!!" Aruna flung her hair before getting out of bed.


    The girl''s loose hair landed on Hendra''s face. The man smiled, seeing her anger.


    ''What kind of self-defence can protect you from me? Ah, unfortunately, I''m a good man. I won''t force a woman. Even worse, I can''t see her lying down.''


    Aruna hurriedly went out of the room.


    "Comb your hair first before going out!"


    "People will think we have just wrestled if you walk out of the room with disheveled hair."


    Hendra was just uncomfortable with untidy things.


    "Aargh...!!" Aruna shouted in annoyance. But, she complied with Hendra''s request.


    "Don''t come near or I''ll throw this comb at you." Hendra was getting up and moving towards Aruna.


    "Who approached you?? I just wanted to tidy up the nightstand."


    The man looked at the scattered drink marks and cookies.


    He sighed for a moment.


    "After we get married, there will be no food in the room."


    "Just looking at this I already know that you have a messy and sloppy personality."


    "Uh, don''t act like a know-it-all." Aruna replied


    "My personality is painstaking and kind. My friends also say I am friendly and.. lousy."


    (©` _©`©a)


    "But.. I don''t know and wonder what I''m bad at huh...??"


    Aruna was a simple girl who was too innocent and naive.


    Hendra just smiled at Aruna''s words.


    The man picked up the biscuit fragments scattered on the carpet. Hendra was a perfectionist CEO, especially about neatness and cleanliness.


    "Grandma has been waiting for Miss and you to have dinner."


    ''Huuuh I''m starving, but I will not stand to hear the euphemism figure.''


    "Why are you gloomy?.. Come on!!"


    The two of them walked down the hall to the main dining room.


    "Hendra, are we going to eat with our back straight again??" Aruna asked.


    "What kind of question is that ?! I don''t understand." Hendra replied.


    "Hendra, how about going out for dinner?! I''ll choose a great menu for you."


    "No!! Your taste is junk food!!"


    Aruna nudged Hendra''s body, not accepting the man''s words.


    "Heyy, my hand hurts."


    "Oh sorry-sorry! I don''t mean it."


    "Hendra, did you break your hand?"


    "Yes.. !! You should thank me."


    "Oh, I see..."


    They didn''t notice that Wiryo and his secretary were watching them, Aruna-Hendra.


    "Andos, you served as my grandson''s adjutant from now on."


    "And prepare a special team to look after that girl (Aruna)."


    "Oh, yes. I heard that Surya has taken many portraits of their togetherness. Ask him to meet me and bring it. Diana will definitely need material for analysis." Wiryo added.


    ____________________


    Hi, nice to meet you. I am dewi setyaningrat. Thank you very much for reading my work


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 Chapter 70 - A Painful Box

    "Aruna, where is your phone?" Damar was curious.


    There was an incoming call on his phone, but the call was in the name of ''Reddish Hue.''


    "Eh, where is that??"


    "Oo... I left it at the outlet. I didn''t even bring anything. I didn''t even have a wallet. I thought I would just meet you in front."


    "Send my friends Whatsapp messages. Tell them I''m with you." Aruna requested.


    "Yes, yes ok." Damar immediately set the silent mode on his phone.


    There were five incoming calls from Aruna''s phone number.


    Damar ignored it.


    Somehow, the man was quite understanding by sending a photo of Aruna enjoying a meal to Dea.


    She wrote a message asking if Aruna was with you (Damar).


    ***


    "Erm... Mr Surya I think Aruna is safe." Dea seemed to approach Aruna''s future husband''s secretary carefully.


    Meanwhile, Hendra looked chaotic, with a horrible surly face.


    He was annoyed, calling Damar''s number over and over with Aruna''s phone.


    The workspace on the 2nd floor of the Magic Letter outlet became tense after Aruna''s phone discovery.


    Forty-five minutes earlier, several bodyguards came in and carried out checks. Although trying to be very polite, their presence made Aruna''s friends shudder.


    Wasn''t it disappearing for a moment or playing for a while was a common activity for young people nowadays?


    They were maybe boring, then ate well in the cafe, or it was hanging out looking for a new atmosphere, including other common activities.


    Aruna''s friends were a little confused as to why everything seemed so serious and fidgety.


    The Wenceslas Group''s CEO reportedly left an important meeting because of a short message telling him that Aruna''s phone was found.


    Agus, Lili, Tito and Laras looked at each other. They were even intrigued to chat back.


    *They are too overly watching Aruna. (Lili)


    *Poor Aruna. (Laras)


    *It''s not over watching, but it''s possessive. (Agus)


    *What if they get married? A husband who restrains his wife! (Lili)


    *I think Aruna will become a housewife. (Tito)


    *Your youth is not as beautiful as mine. (Agus)


    *That is... the title of Indosi*r FTV, Gus. (Lili)


    *Haha, Agus is funny. (Laras)


    *What if the title, A fierce CEO restrains his young wife. (Tito)


    *Kwkwkk.. You''re crazy Ndro. (Agus)


    The chats made them laugh while amusedly glancing at each other.


    In contrast to Dea, she was getting nervous when she found out that Aruna was with Damar, while the girl who was the source of the uproar was so engrossed in enjoying her food.


    If the CEO had known how Damar was going after Aruna, he would have been outraged.


    Dea didn''t understand that the CEO had known a lot of things from the start.


    Surya was whispering to Hendra, asking Dea to send the photo to him, then he forwarded it to Hendra''s number.


    "I''m sorry. I bothered you all." Hendra looked down for a moment, followed by Surya before saying goodbye to leave Aruna''s friends.


    *Take care of mine. Remember, a borrower must return his loan in good condition as before.


    Damar was shocked to read the short message from ''Reddish Hue.''


    He felt strange about that guy''s point of view.


    How can he position himself as the owner, and of course, Aruna was indirectly his favourite item?


    Damar''s eyes saw that little girl in front of him was shining pleasantly. She was like a half soul who painted him.


    This situation was really unfair for him.


    How could he forget the long journey that he has gone through with Aruna?


    He wanted to go, desperately wanted it. If only he could, if only...


    Unfortunately, this irrelevance was worse every time Damar remembered where the owner of his heart was going.


    That man didn''t deserve her.


    Even though Damar wasn''t a perfect man, at least he always had a way to make Aruna happy.


    She made his smile hopelessly because the feeling of happiness in Aruna''s heart was a sense of joy for him.


    Damar has melted. He had completely fallen for her.


    He had given up fighting his feelings.


    The young man had once disappeared into silence, desperately forgetting about Aruna. But, what he found was he was getting crazy.


    So, he let things run like this, until one of him or Aruna''s husband gave up.


    Two years was not a short time. But for young people who have just turned 20 years old, two years felt like an oasis that had been visited on a long journey through the endless desert.


    Damar would endure.


    As long as Aruna needed a place to lean on and a brace to hold her shoulders, he wouldn''t tire of waiting until the girl indeed chose without the shackles of her parents'' covenant.


    Even though later it turned out that the reddish hue chose to leave him, Damar wouldn''t regret it because he had already tried.


    "Who cleaned this?"


    "Let''s play rock, paper, scissors...." Damar raised his hand to get ready for it.


    "No... no... I will definitely lose your play." Aruna protested.


    "Let''s do it!" Damar exclaimed.


    "Game!" Aruna quickly scrambled the game sticks.


    "Football huh?..." Damar asked.


    "Nope, you''ll win."


    "Racing car?"


    "Gran Turismo 4 (GT4)." Aruna gave an idea.


    "Fine.. nothing beats my skill in playing games." Damar boasted.


    "Seriously?! For racing cars, we are balanced fighters." Aruna scoffed.


    "Don''t take that car, Damar. It''s my favorite car."


    "Ok, I''ll just choose yellow then. It''s more cute."


    For a long time, the two of them were too busy playing games, sometimes taunting at one another that disturbed their concentration.


    "Damar, do you want to be number 1?" Aruna joked at him.


    "You lose then!"


    "Nope.. What I mean is to be number 1 in our family card later."


    "Weh..?! What?" Damar was stunned for a moment.


    "Ah, you make me fall behind... Damn!"


    Damar just realized that Aruna was bothering him on purpose.


    "Concentrate, man ... Hahaha." Aruna laughed out loud, finally catching up and overtaking Damar''s car.


    "Box, what box is so painful ?!" Damar replied.


    "What?"


    "A box of my feelings to you but you didn''t realise that I still like you all this time." Damar replied.


    "Ah, it''s cliche. I''ve often heard those sweet words."


    "Wait.. Wait..." Damar boosted up his skills.


    "What''s the difference between 28 and 29 October??" Damar asked a question.


    "What? If it''s not funny, I''ll slap you."


    "October 28 is youth pledge."


    "October 29 is..."


    Aruna didn''t realise that Damar approached her.


    "I swear I love you." The eccentric young man whispered right in Aruna''s ear.


    It made the girl stutter and pushed Damar''s body.


    "Ha.. Ha.. ha..." Damar laughed out loud when he saw Aruna''s car hit the wall.


    Aruna threw away her stick in anger because she had to lose by cheating.


    "Hey... cranky. Don''t be angry, I''ll help you."


    What he meant was helping Aruna by washing dishes and tidying up.


    "Get out of my way. I can do it myself." Aruna was annoyed and prestigious to get help.


    "I really don''t need your help."


    Damar still persevered in helping her.


    "Damar, my hands are wet." Aruna''s hands were covered in soap when the ribbon of her hair began to gurgle.


    "Please tidy up my hair!"


    "Yes, madam!"


    In the past, they and their friends in the Magic Letter were used to fun things like this.


    Working and playing together for more than two years made them no longer just friendship.


    They were just like a family.


    "Aruna, your clothes are all wet."


    "Yes.. My armpits smell bad." Aruna added.


    "Hehe.. I didn''t say that..."


    "I want to take a shower before going home.. can I?" Aruna asked.


    She was getting uncomfortable with the sticky sweat on her body.


    "Follow me!" Damar climbed the stairs to the 2nd floor.


    "Waaah..."


    Aruna was stunned by a large room that functioned as an open room with various types of musical instruments neatly arranged there, including a desk equipped with a computer set and electronic music.


    "Cool... You really change your way to be a musician than a writer?" Aruna asked.


    "I''m still learning..." Damar explained.


    "That''s why it takes a lot of tools to practice."


    "Aruna, look here.. There''s something cooler.. You will like it."


    Aruna followed Damar''s request.


    On the left side of the open bed, there was a long, towering curtain.


    When Damar opened it, the beach and ocean stretch was captured entirely from the glass walls of Damar''s house''s 2nd floor.


    Aruna clinged to the glass wall as she was mesmerized.


    "I immediately signed the advertising contract after knowing they would give this house to me."


    "What kind of advertisement?"


    "Deodorant." Damar hesitated to mention it.


    "Ha ha ha." Aruna laughed out loud.


    "Take a shower there! Your armpits need deodorant." Damar was annoyed at being laughed at.


    The young man pushed Aruna''s body into the door beside the room.


    "Use this deodorant... Taa-daa then your armpits will smell good."


    "Ha ha ha." Aruna mocked him again.


    "Hais, damn. Take a shower there!"


    "Don''t be angry... Where''s my change of clothes? And the towel?"


    "Ting tong... Ting tong..." The sound of the doorbell rang.


    "Take it yourself! The door on the right is a display of my clothes."


    "The towel is already in the bathroom."


    Damar ran down to see who the guest was. He was a little suspicious. Only Pandu and their driver knew about his new home.


    Meanwhile, both of them were in trouble because Damar ran away.


    Websites on the internet said that Danu Umar was sick, so he couldn''t attend today''s fan meeting.


    Pandu should still be the shield interviewed at the event, including being hunted down by journalists.


    ***


    Someone was tapping his finger, showing a gesture that he couldn''t stand the wait anymore.


    The man behind Bentley''s car looked gloomy and eerie, waiting for the doorbell that his guard pressed to be welcomed by the house owner.

 Chapter 71 - The D Floor

    [2 Days Before]


    A man in a dark brown coat stretched out over his hands, resting on the support and wrapped in a cast.


    He thought for a long time before finally deciding to follow the elder''s wishes, taking his special elevator.


    With a card belonging to the leader of the bodyguard named Raka, Hendra found out how to get to the D floor, which reportedly was in the basement.


    Raka taped his card on the elevator then pressed together with the numbers 5 and 8. The elevator then launched downwards with a blue light.


    When the lift stopped, they were confronted with a detector door.


    Raka touched his hand on a box on the right side of the door. An instant later, the eye corneal detector asked the visitor to come closer.


    The door then opened.


    ''Waa, Wiryo. How could the old grandfather''s head be able to build such a sophisticated room?''


    Hendra slowly realized why his grandfather had the title of ''ruler without limits.'' His business partners always bowed to him.


    It was rare if anyone dared to refuse the elder Wenceslas''s request.


    Hendra walked down the hall while observing the situation inside.


    On the left side of the hallway, there were the cyber''s activities. A transparent thick glass divider made their activities perfectly captured.


    The table arrangement in a semicircle lined up several layers. Right in front of the IT experts, there was a large, stretched screen capable of being operated by them in the form of a cut or full screen.


    Between the screen and the workers was a semicircular podium. Someone Hendra knew was giving instructions.


    Pradita, the key holder for the D floor or, more precisely, the head of Wenceslas Mega business information technology center.


    The man paused for a moment from his activities, noticing Hendra''s arrival. He stood towards the Wenceslas''s heir, saluting.


    (Cyber ??can be interpreted as another term, namely ''cyberspace taken from data'' cybernetics. Cyberspace is a space that cannot be seen. This space is created when there is a communication connection made to disseminate information, where physical distance is no longer an obstacle).


    Hendra blankly stared at him.


    The sound behind the glass wasn''t heard. He was wondering what his grandfather''s crazy purpose was to build this place.


    He thought the madness of the old man for his life was the most fatal one.


    It turned out that it was nothing compared to this one.


    Now, Hendra''s eyes glanced on the right side. The transparent glass was divided into two rooms.


    Raka paused for a moment.


    "In front of you is Thomas''s team (Negotiators)." Raka explained.


    The workspace was more like a worker room than a stack of files equipped with a meeting room.


    "And next, Vian''s team (internal secret agent)." Not far from Thomas''s room.


    It was just that Vian''s room was more mysterious and seemed like a group of investigators or detectives.


    "Where are your subordinates?" Hendra asked Raka.


    The man who carried out firearms smiled, smirking.


    "Don''t be surprised. Our place is more human than them." Raka slowed to a stop at the end of the hall.


    They stopped at the closed space. Unlike others, it was limited only by thick transparent bullet-proof glass.


    Hendra was almost unsure that inside was a large room like a martial arts training ground when that door opened.


    Some people were relaxing in their typical martial arts clothes. It looked like they just finished training.


    "Stand up all of you!" Raka''s loud voice made them prepared and saluted Hendra.


    Hendra didn''t care. He was more interested in the surrounding space.


    The edge of this place had about seven doors. The man slowly walked closer to the sound of the faint yelling that could be heard.


    His eyes slid into the A4-wide glass gap on the door.


    The door seemed to be slammed randomly so that it didn''t close tightly, resulting in Andros''s cursing being heard more clearly.


    "What is he doing?" Hendra asked Raka.


    "He is punishing the team that was negligent in their duties." Raka replied, briefly inviting him to go.


    However, Hendra was still stunned.


    Yes, in that room, there were Putra and Hery. The two bodyguards who saved him in yesterday''s sabotage.


    Hendra moved to open the door. Andos and the people inside were surprised.


    His grandfather''s personal secretary, who was now mostly taking care of Hendra, glanced at Raka.


    Raka realised that he must immediately take his master away.


    "You shouldn''t be here. Can you come out immediately!?" Raka ordered.


    "I ask for 2 minutes!" Hendra''s request was a little surprising.


    No one dared to refuse because he was the real leader.


    Seeing the people in silence, Hendra moved and stood in front of a group of bodyguards who had just received punishment.


    "Thank you."


    Those words made each eye open wider.


    "Thank you for saving my life and my future wife."


    Hendra only said that word. He then walked away. But he was intrigued to turn to approach Andos.


    "Learn to see the positive side."


    Hendra actually had almost the same characteristics as Andos. Somehow, except for a moment ago when his point of view had slowly changed with his simple companionship with Lesmana''s daughter.


    "Didn''t you guys have succeeded in catching the culprit? So our goal is to catch the threat, whose identity is never known getting closer, right?"


    Hendra''s voice was cold without seeing Andos. When behaving like this, Hendra was like Wiryo''s young version.


    "Your prediction is wrong." Andos interrupted.


    Hendra seemed to frown.


    "Until now, we have not succeeded in opening the culprit''s mouth."


    "For that you are asked to come here."


    "Your grandfather gave full authority what to do with that person." Andos added.


    "Where is he?" Hendra asked.


    Raka asked Hendra to follow him out of the bodyguards room, including Andos who was trailing behind.


    "This place is not the D floor."


    Hendra was surprised to hear Raka''s words.


    ''What''s now?''


    "Open the D floor for us!" Raka pressed something in his ear.


    A moment later, Pradita approached them. The four of them sneaked into one of the doors that looked like the door of an ordinary room.


    The door was an elevator, not going up or down. It led to the side.


    Pradita pressed a few buttons and asked his master to come closer.


    "Stand here!"


    "Close your eyes!"


    The man looked expert at using the smartphone in his hand.


    "You can enter the room in five minutes. Your body structure, face and corneas have been captured by the system." Pradita explained.


    Hendra was waiting, staring at his grandparents''s subordinates. They looked young as him. Only Andos looked aged.


    "How many years have you known my grandfather?" Hendra asked.


    ''That''s right, I am his grandson, but I know nothing.''


    ''Of course, people believe that the President position may not fall on me.''


    "Some, oh no, more precisely the majority of us are your grandfather''s adopted children. We live and go to school until also studying abroad with your grandfather''s support. So we have known him since we were a child. "


    "Ha ha ha." Hendra coldly laughed like Wiryo.


    ''Ah, the old man is an expert in planning.''


    The door slowly opened to the room, which formed the D letter in front of Hendra.


    The room had a curved semicircular roof and appeared to be facilitated by high technology. There was a meeting table containing eight chairs in the middle of the room on the D floor.


    "Our members consist of 8 people now. We are five, your grandfather, and you are a new member."


    "And the other one??" Hendra asked.


    "It''s not the time yet for you to know." Pradita explained.


    "Later, when the time is right, you will definitely be informed." Raka added.


    A few minutes later, Andros appeared, throwing the culprit.


    The man fell under Hendra''s feet. He didn''t even dare to stand up because of the weapon that Andros was pointing at.


    "This is your last chance."


    "Speak properly or you will die here." The words of this former investigator were terrible and seemed to have just shown his identity.


    "My question is still the same. ANSWER!!" Andos bluffed.


    "Kriek.. clikk." The sound of Raka''s gun was loud.


    "I''ve said many times Sir. I really don''t know who they are."


    "I was suddenly released from a life sentence and was promised 1 billion in cash in one condition. It was to kill you."


    "I had to conspire with them because I wanted to meet my daughter."


    "It was true that I could be free."


    "After that, I was being chased to fulfill their request because my daughter''s safety was also at stake." The battered man approached and touched Hendra''s shoes.


    "Please forgive me, Sir." The man moaned, begging for forgiveness.


    ____________________


    Hi, nice to meet you. I am dewi setyaningrat. Thank you very much for reading my work


    ^.^ Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    ^.^ I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!


    ^.^ Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.


    ^.^ Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!

 Chapter 72 - Take Care Of Mine

    "My question is still the same. ANSWER!!" Andos bluffed.


    "Kriek.. clikk." The sound of Raka''s gun was loud.


    "I''ve said many times, Sir. I really don''t know who they are."


    "I was suddenly released from a life sentence and was promised 1 billion in cash in one condition. It was to kill you."


    "I had to conspire with them because I wanted to meet my daughter."


    "It was true that I could be free."


    "After that, I was being chased to fulfill their request because my daughter''s safety was also at stake." The battered man approached and touched Hendra''s shoes.


    "Please forgive me, Sir." The man moaned, begging for forgiveness.


    "I''ve never met them face to face at all."


    Pradita came closer to whisper something to Hendra.


    "The number who contacted this person cannot be traced. Even though the number he told really existed."


    Hendra looked at the helpless man below him.


    "Why are you in prison for life?" Hendra''s expression disappointed the people around him.


    How could Wiryo''s grandson, who reportedly had no empathy, suddenly asked something unimportant? What else if not flattered by the person who planned to kill him.


    "I killed a woman, because she cheated on me."


    Hendra was silent for a moment observing him.


    "What are we to do with him?" Raka pulled the trigger.


    "I''m not lying... I swear... I really don''t know who they are."


    "DOOR!!" The shot injured the culprit''s left leg. Hendra closed his eyes for a moment, then stood up.


    "I am not Wiryo. So it is up to you." Hendra walked away.


    "Help me sir... Please... I beg you for my daughter." Once again, the man was groaning for help.


    "It is useless to kill me. You will continue to be hunted." The voice began to fade away.


    Just as a part of the door had moved shut, A lethal shot screamed in the ear.


    Hendra ran back and forth. The sabotage culprit was covered in blood.


    Andos killed him.


    "WHAT ARE YOU DOING??!!" Hendra couldn''t believe the man was murdered.


    "You leave him to us, and this is how we work." Andos made a defence.


    Hendra narrowed his eyes in disappointment.


    "Your salvation is an opportunity yesterday, as well as his death today. The same chance. Unfortunately, he was less fortunate. After all he should die in prison." Andos added.


    "To release him is tantamount to bringing him to death. Those who control him will also kill him." Raka also made a statement.


    "It is better for you to leave, Sir. Let us take care of it." Andos gave advice.


    "He..." Hendra knew what these people meant.


    "I''m not going to pass out just seeing a man die." This man was disturbed to rule.


    "Find her daughter and make sure she lives properly."


    "Tell the little girl that her father died trying to save her." Hendra showed who he was.


    The Wenceslas''s sole heir used his position to rule over Wiryo''s subordinates.


    "You!" Hendra looked at Pradita.


    "Don''t let the photos taken by Surya spread on social media. My future wife must stay safe until our marriage is carried out."


    "And you!" Hendra looked at Raka.


    "Pull back Andos''s team who secretly followed Aruna."


    "You''re the only one who will be responsible for her safety."


    "Now it is your turn, Andos! Even though I don''t really like you, I am sure you are skilled enough to look after me. Come back to me immediately after finishing taking care of this man."


    Hendra walked in a huff leaving them.


    Suddenly, he stopped.


    "Pradita, come with me!"


    The IT expert trailed behind him.


    "Give me all access to this place."


    "If necessary, explain to me all the functions hidden behind this room."


    "The D Floor includes the floor where you work." Hendra finally complied with elder Wiryo''s wishes.


    The blue- eyed man, the Wenceslas''s sole heir, had the will to lead the Wenceslas Hotel''s basement.


    It was a movement beyond expectations.


    He initially ignored all the pressure his grandfather had put him in. Now, it was his initiative to take over.


    ''It''s useless to kill me. You will continue to be hunted.''


    The words that came out from the sabotage culprit before breathing his last breath made Hendra change his direction.


    He needed to ensure that Lesmana''s daughter, who was rumoured to be at stake, remained safe.


    ***


    [2 Hours Earlier]


    "Why is your performance decreasing?"


    Wenceslas Constru ction''s board of directors was holding a limited meeting with the Wenceslas Group''s CEO.


    "The architects are still on strike. They don''t want to give up their work even though we have already given a warning, regarding the contract termination." One of them made a statement.


    "It''s not easy to find other architects, because most of the construction projects are already underway. A change of architects is tantamount to changing the concept of a building." Others added.


    "Our architects are competent people, and you admit it. It is a reckless act if we stop them." The MD Construction leader joined in the conversation.


    "Is it still the same with what they want??" Hendra asked.


    "Yes. It has not changed." Mr Hans, the leader of MD Construction, looked tired these days.


    "How much do they receive from Riswan Hamim, so they are willing to do stupid things like this?" Hendra was curious.


    "Nothing, Sir."


    "This is a kind of herd loyalty. And a movement to make dreams come true." Mr Hans explained.


    "Seriously."


    "Riswan is very clever to influence other people." Hendra was almost unsure if there were still people who were moved without reward.


    "That''s why he is the strongest candidate for the next presidential candidate, even without any political party." Another person added.


    Suddenly, Surya sneaked in, asking for a one-on-one talk with Hendra. Hendra paused the meeting for a moment. He pulled over and started listening to the secretary.


    "Hen, Miss Aruna disappeared." Said Surya in a panic.


    The Wenceslas Group''s CEO''s face immediately turned pale.


    "Are you serious??" The man confirmed.


    "She rushed out of the Magic letter outlet, and a black sedan was carrying her at high speed." Surya added.


    "Take over this meeting!" Hendra asked.


    "Wait, are you sure? If you told me to lead this meeting, you know what will be the result, right?!"


    "I support Riswan''s development program." Surya reminded him.


    The CEO was standing in front of the meeting participants.


    "Okay, because I don''t have much time, I allow you to arrange my meeting with Riswan. I will give my decision after meeting him."


    "Tell the architects to work harder." The meeting participants'' applause greeted Hendra''s words.


    The stubborn CEO melted away. That was what was reflected in their minds.


    Hendra didn''t have time to think about his job. The man swiftly walked, ignoring those who wanted to shake hands.


    "Surya, give me my card." Surya hurriedly pasted the card on the lift to go to the Wenceslas Hotel''s basement floor.


    When the basement door opened, Pradita was standing behind it. It seemed that the man knew Hendra was coming.


    "Where is Raka?" His cold voice threatened.


    "We found Miss Aruna''s phone position, Sir. Several people are currently investigating to make sure that her phone is really there." Pradita changed the conversation.


    "I asked WHERE IS RAKA?!!" Hendra was furious, upset that Raka couldn''t ensure Lesmana''s daughter safety.


    "He was asked to accompany the elder on a visit out of town for two days, Sir."


    "He is very sorry and is on his way back to Jakarta." Pradita explained that the look on his face also showed disappointment.


    Vian quickly walked out of his room to meet Hendra.


    "Young master, Miss Aruna''s phone is found."


    The CEO asked his secretary to drive the car faster towards the Magic Letter outlet.


    ***


    [Right after saying goodbye to Aruna''s friends]


    *Take care of mine. Remember, a borrower must return his loan in good condition as before.


    Furious, the blue-eyed man had removed the threatening sentence for his competitor and replaced it with a short message containing the sentence from Aruna''s phone to Damar''s number via WhatsApp.


    Aruna''s future husband contacted Pradita again. He asked the underground floor cyber leader in finding out about Damar, or more precisely, Danu Umar, a newcomer musician, including the waterfront housing where the car disappeared.


    It didn''t take long for Hendra to get Damar''s house google map.


    The Wenceslas Group''s CEO started tapping his fingers, showing a gesture that he couldn''t stand the wait anymore.


    The man behind Bentley''s car looked gloomy and eerie, waiting for the doorbell that his guard pressed to be welcomed by the house owner.


    ____________________


    Hi, nice to meet you. I am dewi setyaningrat. Thank you very much for reading my work. Let''s grow together


    ^.^ Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    ^.^ I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!


    ^.^ Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.


    ^.^ Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    ^.^ Like it ? Add to library!

 Chapter 73 - Catch The Prey

    "Ting tong... Ting tong..." The sound of the doorbell rang.


    Damar ran down to see who the guest was. He was a little suspicious because only Pandu and their driver knew about his new home.


    Meanwhile, both of them were in trouble because Damar ran away. Websites on the internet said that Danu Umar was sick, so he couldn''t attend today''s fan meeting.


    Pandu should still be the shield interviewed at the event, including being hunted down by journalists.


    "Who is this?" Damar asked a question to someone outside through a doorbell camera equipped with a monitor and speaker so that Damar could see the guests who came without having to open the door.


    "Oh, I''m Okesent (online delivery service). Sending goods for Miss Aruna. Eh I mean on behalf of Aruna."


    Hendra''s bodyguard deliberately tricked the owner of this house so he could make sure his boss'' future wife was really inside.


    It was clear that his words were messy.


    "Yes. Enter the gate I have opened." Hendra''s bodyguard slipped inside with a box containing Aruna''s phone.


    The tool tucked into his shirt lit up, as the man''s request at the other end so he could hear the conversation that was going on between Hery and them.


    "Can I accept it?" Damar came out from behind the door.


    The terrace of his house was designed higher. The two people''s activity was vaguely seen by someone behind a Bentley car parked on the opposite side of the road.


    "The sender said, this is personal property. So I have to hand it over to the owner."


    "Oh, I see."


    "Please wait. She''s still showering." Damar replied.


    ''Shower??'' Hendra seriously heard their conversation.


    "Yes. No problem." Hery faithfully waited for her lady at Damar''s door, half-open.


    It seemed that Damar ran to the 2nd-floor, asking Aruna to be faster. The eccentric young man''s shout could be heard faintly at the device that Hendra''s bodyguard was wearing.


    ''Aruna, hurry up. There''s a package for you.''


    ''Your clothes are all too big... no, there''s one that fits me.''


    And the voice disappeared.


    A few minutes later, the reddish hue appeared from behind the door, accompanied by another man she called her best friend.


    Hendra opened his Bentley window. He took a peek at Aruna, who was wrapped in an oversized sweater.


    The future husband couldn''t stand it anymore. He then moved, rushed out of his hiding place.


    Surya caught his boss'' intention. The secretary tried to stop Hendra''s actions.


    "Don''t be reckless!"


    "You must remember they are young people, still need to have fun with their friends."


    "Don''t make yourself sorry, let your bodyguard work!" Surya''s expression made Hendra discouraged.


    The man''s fingers tightly clenched as a sign that he was stifling anger.


    ''Since when did Hendra care so much about Miss Aruna? Is he really in love with that little girl?''


    Surya could hardly believe the significant change of Wenceslas''s heir. Just seeing him, people will know that Hendra was feeling angry blindly.


    ''Ah, isn''t he Hendra''s bodyguard? Why is he here?'' Aruna was very surprised.


    The man carrying the package was one of Hendra''s bodyguards who accompanied her a few days ago.


    Aruna still remembered that this man also drove Hendra''s car when she was forced to hide behind the Wenceslas Group''s CEO''s coat.


    "Can we receive the package?" Damar asked.


    Aruna immediately took her phone from the box opened by Hendra''s bodyguard.


    "Do we need to talk?" Aruna investigated Hendra''s bodyguard''s intention towards her.


    And why did this man have to pretend to be a delivery person for a package containing her phone? How can the phone that was in the Magic Letter be with him?


    Aruna felt she needed an explanation.


    When both of them tried to get away from Damar, Damar immediately grabbed Aruna''s arm. This young man realised something was wrong.


    Aruna''s future husband had just sent a short message via WhatsApp using Aruna''s number. That meant that the man was not far from this location.


    "It''s okay Damar, I know him."


    "I''ll just talk for a moment." Aruna calmed Damar''s worried expression.


    Hendra couldn''t stand it. The blue-eyed man got out of his car. Surya immediately followed, stopping his boss'' footsteps.


    "Remember Hendra, you have no right to be angry with her." Hendra'' secretary warned him.


    "I am not angry." Hendra defended himself.


    "With an expression like that you said you won''t get angry? That''s impossible!"


    "Why can''t I be angry? She''s my future wife?!" Hendra objected.


    Surya raised his hand in disbelief at the words that had just emerged from Hendra''s mouth.


    "You handed her the contract letter. Do you remember what your goals are?"


    "I can''t believe you''ve forgotten it... Your main goal is not to disturb your personal life."


    "I used to warn you many times but you are stubborn."


    "The problem is you and her have agreed. And now, you will disturb her personal life??" Surya tried to revive Hendra.


    In reality, Hendra had no right to be angry with Lesmana''s daughter.


    -Aruna & Hery-


    "Why are you here?" Aruna asked, getting nervous.


    "The young master is in front, he hopes you are pleased to go home with him. Right now!" Hery replied.


    Aruna slowly felt scared and depressed. Apart from following her for days, as Damar said, Hendra even interfered in her simple daily life, playing with her bestfriends.


    -Hendra & Surya-


    Hendra realised that he had no right to rule Aruna.


    The man began to hold his temple with one hand, indicating that he was in a frenzy. He has no authority over Aruna''s life, now or after the marriage was carried out.


    Aruna had the freedom to pursue her personal life. This happened because of the marriage contract that Hendra had forced his future wife to offer on the first day of their official meeting.


    Hendra began to surrender. The CEO looked at Damar''s house once again. He was ending his hunt for the petite girl he wanted.


    Unfortunately, the eyes of the two men met each other. Damar was still standing in front of the terrace.


    With a taller structure, the eccentric young man was able to look for anything suspicious. He was sure that Aruna''s future husband was watching them, not far from where he lived.


    And yes, Hendra was standing on the opposite side of the street, arguing with Surya near his Bentley.


    Damar moved down the stairs. Hendra couldn''t control himself.


    "Hen... Hendra!" Surya tried to call him.


    "It''s useless! They already know where I am!!" The man ignored his secretary''s warning.


    He walked towards Damar''s house gate.


    Looking at Damar with anxiety, panic and warily down the stairs, Aruna''s legs slowly moved backwards.


    The girl knew that the CEO, who had unlimited power, was about to pounce on her from behind the gate.


    "Sreeekk." Aruna''s guess was absolutely bang on.


    A moment later, Damar''s house gate was opened. Hendra, the blue-eyed man with his sharp eyes, slowed down like a lion about to catch its prey.


    Right when Damar stood in front of the reddish hue, trying to keep the girl from being threatened...


    "It''s time to go home." Hendra coldly asked, harbouring anger, demanding the little girl who was hiding behind the tall body among them.


    Aruna didn''t answer. She was too afraid of Wiryo''s grandson.


    From the look in his eyes, Aruna knew that the man was burning with anger. She understood very well that he could do anything he wanted when he was in a bad mood.


    It was like when he violently hit the gate of Aruna''s house, then insulted her, and made her cry all day long.


    Aruna wasn''t sure she would be able to experience something like that again.


    Hendra ignored Damar''s existence. The man approached and grabbed Aruna''s hand.


    Seeing Aruna objected, Damar tried to push Hendra. The eccentric young man didn''t realise that Mahendra''s left hand was in trouble.


    "Ouch... Aargh." The CEO held his hand, complaining, looking in pain.


    The bodyguard looked very panicked, taking out a firearm when Damar advanced toward his master. He then pointed a gun right at Damar''s head.


    Everyone looked shocked, especially Aruna.


    A gripping fear enveloped her.


    "WHY DID YOU... !!"


    Along with Hendra''s screaming scolding his bodyguard, the girl lost herself.


    The panic deeply gripped her, and Lesmana''s daughter lost her consciousness.


    ***


    Damar realised someone had collapsed behind his back. The young man immediately turned around to catch Aruna''s body, but it was too late. Aruna had fallen on the floor unconscious.


    "Aruna... Aruna..." Damar tried to call the girl''s name who carried the double-edged knife, shaking the tiny body helplessly.


    There was no answer.


    Hendra''s anger was getting wilder. The man pushed and slammed Damar''s body.


    "Aruna..."


    "Wake up..." Hendra called his future wife. His voice was breathless, chaotic, worried.


    ''Ah, I can''t.'' His legs started to go limp, and his breathing was getting heavy. He then sat in front of Aruna.


    Hendra''s hand tried hard to reach Aruna''s face. But it was too late.


    ''Damn! I can''t bear to see her.''


    .


    .

 Chapter 74 - The Third Person

    .


    .


    ''Damn! I can''t bear to see her.''


    The Wenceslas''s heir was fighting against himself. His breath was short and increasingly suffocating.


    Hery approached, noticing something strange had happened to his master. Hendra firmly gripped Hery''s shirt. The young master lost his voice for help.


    Seeing the oddity wrapped in the voice of shortness of breath, wet sweat and the CEO''s pale face, Hery immediately sought help.


    Of course, Hendra''s subordinates immediately ran to help their master.


    Surya, with an aide named Firman, who Diana deliberately prepared to follow Wenceslas''s heir, hurriedly opened the trunk to find a breathing apparatus, right before Hendra started to become helpless, and his breath weakened.


    Firman seemed to be ready to install the tool. Then, others pressed Hendra''s chest in turn.


    Damar didn''t understand what was going on. Some of Hendra''s bodyguards were also confused.


    The eccentric young man turned his attention to the girl''s body besides the noise. He began to slide his hands between Aruna''s neck and legs, intending to carry a helpless little body.


    Before he could lift it, the man he knew as Aruna''s future husband''s secretary approached.


    "I entrust Miss Aruna to you."


    "I know you''re a good man. I hope you can keep everything that happened today a secret from anyone."


    "Including Miss Aruna. She must not know that Hendra lost consciousness because of her." Surya seriously asked Damar for his understanding.


    The young man just listened, stood up, and lifted Aruna''s body.


    "I don''t care about your behavior."


    "I''m not in the mood to talk about that person either."


    "Once he realises, tell him to stop being a stalker, much less make Aruna like a prisoner." Damar went up the stairs.


    "I really hope we can talk privately. Our situation is pretty bad lately. Maybe we can work together." Surya''s words were ignored.


    Damar chose to leave him, sneaking into the house as ambulance sirens came carrying the CEO''s body and all its oddities.


    ***


    It was almost 30 minutes after Aruna lost consciousness. The newcomer musician laid the Magic Letter Founder on an open bed on the 2nd-floor.


    Damar patiently tried to help Aruna find her consciousness. He gave a warm scent on her nose and wiped the sweat off Aruna''s forehead using a fresh compress of water.


    He almost gave up and intended to contact Aruna''s older sister, Alia, to ask for help.


    Alia was Aruna''s family member who has followed the complexity between the two from the beginning.


    Recently, Damar stood grabbing his phone. Aruna seemed to move and slowly opened her clear eyes.


    Damar immediately grabbed some water for Aruna, helping her to sit up.


    "Drink first, okay?" Damar asked.


    The girl tried to look around.


    "Where are they?" Her face still looked scared.


    "They''re  gone. Calm yourself... Just forget about the incident!" Damar asked, handed over a glass of water.


    Instead of welcoming the drinking water, Aruna grabbed Damar and hugged him. Her sobs began to be heard, including the words of apology that she interrupted several times.


    The eccentric young man''s left hand gently stroked Aruna''s hair, calming her down.


    ''Calm down Aruna, I won''t let you go even if they point a gun in my head.''


    "Hey, if you keep crying, your eyes can get swollen." Damar peeked at Aruna. The girl was completely swollen with tears.


    "People will think there is a bee stinging your eyelids."


    "Stop and drink this water." Damar handed over a glass of water once again. The girl took a sip of water while sobbing.


    Damar had never seen Aruna this bad. The Magic Letter founder that he knew, always shined all the time because of the warm aura and cheerful smile on her face.


    Now, she was dimmed and looked depressed all day long.


    "Aruna, do you want me to take you or I''ll tell Alia to pick you up?"


    ***


    Mahendra was asleep all night long and hadn''t woken up yet. The sedative given through the IV line allowed him to rest more soundly.


    The man deliriously called out someone''s name several times.


    When his eyes opened in the middle of the night, The VVIP room looked deserted.


    There was only his secretary who seemed to fall asleep in the chair, and the guards who were seen from behind the glass crack in the room door, standing in front of the door guarding him.


    Hendra tried to sit alone. He was reaching for water on the nightstand near the bed.


    "Prank." The sound of falling glass made Surya awake, including the guards who immediately entered to turn on some lights to make it brighter.


    "Why don''t you ask for my help?" Seeing the falling glass scattering, Surya immediately reddened another glass and poured a drink for his boss.


    The two bodyguards returned to their place before.


    "Where is Aruna? Is she okay?" The question was the name of the girl he mentioned in his sleep.


    Surya sighed, realising that his boss''s first love story wasn''t as fortunate as his career as CEO.


    "She''s in his house. I''m sure she''s fine." Surya replief.


    "Aruna is surely getting scared of me after that incident."


    "I should have heard what you said." (Not be reckless) Hendra was disappointed in himself.


    "You''re still thinking about unimportant things. Take a break."


    "She didn''t know I passed out, right??" Hendra needed to make sure.


    "No! Take it easy."


    "What about that man?"


    "I''ve talked to him. He''s not interested in your condition at all. It can be concluded that the man will not tell Aruna anything."


    "I think he''s the type of person who doesn''t care, but trustworthy." Surya explained.


    "Great."


    "Until when are you going to hide all of this?" (You will get married and live together. How can your trauma be hidden?)


    "Until I find a way to heal."


    "You know, I used to feel God was too good to you and so unfair to me. Now it''s upside down. I feel much luckier."


    Hendra replied Surya''s word with a small smile on his lips.


    "Ah, you can even smile in this condition."


    "It looks like Miss Aruna''s presence has changed you a lot."


    "Are you really in love with her?" Surya curiously asked.


    "I also don''t know it."


    "Hey, you''re not a psychiatrist. Why do you talk like Diana?"


    The man pushed Surya with his feet and asked him to raise the bed so that he could lie down more comfortably.


    "I will persuade Miss Aruna to visit you."


    "Don''t do it! She should not know I was in the hospital." Once again, Hendra had an absurd request.


    "I think your idea will not work this time! How will you deal with your trauma if she can''t even know? You will sleep in one room tho!" This time, Surya had a hard time following Hendra''s mindset.


    "I made a marriage contract not just to protect my personal life. I have made a strategy so that my partner will not know this syndrome, even though we live together." Hendra explained.


    "Ah, if you''re like this, I realise that you are indeed Wiryo''s grandson."


    "Damn!!"


    "Ha ha ha." Surya laughed. And they both laughed.


    "Now, what is your strategy to get rid of that man?"


    "I have no right to get rid of him. After all, I am the third person between them. Even though my position is her future husband or contract husband."


    "We''ll see who will survive."


    "Do you have a book, Surya? I''ve slept a lot. I''m afraid my brain is weakened as small as yours."


    "Haish, you can still be arrogant."


    "Just read an online book!" Surya exclaimed. He began laying down to sleep.


    "I''m too lazy to open my phone. All sites reported that the man is sick. Even though I''m the one lying here." Hendra''s words went unanswered. His secretary fell asleep in drowsiness.


    ***


    In another corner, a psychiatrist and her team have not rested overnight. Heaps of medical records and photo sheets scattered across the work table.


    They were hunting for time to find a new diagnosis for PTSD, which the Wenceslas''s sole heir suffered. They had to break it before the elder came.


    ..


    "Doc... It''s time for you to rest. If you continue like this, you will get sick." Natasya, one of Diana''s team, gave advice.


    "We haven''t found anything meaningful, and Hendra doesn''t want his partner to know."


    "This is really far from my initial predictions. I wonder what we can do now."


    Diana didn''t want to rest yet. The doctor was old enough to stay overnight, making the team working under her auspices very worried.


    "Doc, how about we talk to him one more time?" Firman gave advice.


    "Let''s try it."


    ''But he''s a stubborn kid. I''m not sure I can make him change his mind.'' Doctor Diana was tidying up the Wenceslas young master''s photos with his future wife.


    ***


    ____________________


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 Chapter 75 - Love Indicator

    "What''s wrong with you, Aruna? Why did you come home with your puffy eyes like this? Ah, my mind went weird." Alia circled around Aruna''s bed.


    "Sis, I''m afraid of that person." Aruna interrupted.


    "Who?" Alia asked.


    "Out of nowhere, he knew I was playing at Damar''s house. He suddenly came to arrest me and threatened Damar."


    "I''m so scared. The bodyguards are so terrible." Aruna expressed her creeps at the Wenceslas''s sole heir.


    ''One of them even carried a gun.''


    Alia was worried and sat down.


    "So your relationship with Danu Umar has been discovered?" Alia asked, digging information.


    "I don''t have a special relationship with him. We''re just best friends. It''s still the same as before." Aruna explained.


    "It''s not the status problem, Aruna. But... ?? Ah, you are too lame."


    "Just by looking, people will know you are so close and match each other." Alia added.


    "We''ve always been like that, what''s wrong with that ??"


    "The problem is you now have a future husband and him..."


    "Either this is a rubbish talk or not, that strange young master seems like you." Alia explained.


    ''He is like a madman, in front of the gate of our house.'' Alia thought.


    "Hendra? That''s impossible. That person just likes to bother me." Aruna disagreed with her sister''s statement.


    ''I am positioned as a fun toy. Like it or not, to be sure, that person made me like a doll! That''s true! He always did at his will!'' Aruna made a conclusion.


    "Hey, don''t like daydreaming like that! I''m so worried..."


    "Can I ask one thing? But must be answered honestly?!"


    "If you weren''t in a position like this, would you and that handsome musician end up together?" Alia''s question made Aruna speechless.


    ''No way, I can''t answer yes. Alia will be very burdened. She will feel guilty for me.''


    "Ah, no... We are just best friends, nothing more."


    "He never confessed to you?" Alia was curious.


    "He used to talk strange things to me in the past... I thought it was just a joke.. because he likes to break other girls'' hearts."


    "Then?" Alia was more and more curious.


    "Yes... finally he really confessed his love for me."


    ''But it''s too late.''


    "And how is your feeling??" Alia knew that her younger sister was always covering up things and often ignored her wishes for the good of others.


    "Em... I was touched..."


    ''But I know, any feelings between him and me will just be in vain.''


    "Then, everything returns to normal. I''m comfortable with him, that''s all."


    "If that strange person doesn''t like bothering me, maybe I''m comfortable with him too." Aruna explained.


    "Is that true?"


    "Come on, you have to be honest with your sister so that I can help you."


    "Sis, sometimes you really... Ah, forget it." Aruna hesitated to say something.


    For a moment, Alia was wiping her tears as fast as lightning so that Aruna didn''t know.


    "I can get through this. Take it easy... your sister is very tough." Aruna smiled reassuringly.


    "Oh ya, how was that dinner? Did Aditya really propose to you?" Aruna changed the subject.


    Alia seemed affected, excited to show her sweet finger-ring.


    "Wow... It''s beautiful! Let me see it." Aruna was holding the ring of her idol partner, Aditya and Alia.


    "Wait... Wait a minute..." Alia turned to look at Aruna''s finger.


    "Didn''t that strange CEO give you a ring?" Alia looked emotional.


    "Hehe, I''m even grateful he didn''t give me things like that."


    ''I will look like the pet he ties.''


    "Let me tell him!" Alia affirmed.


    "That person is busy all the time, so that he neglects this important thing." Alia felt that her sister was being wasted.


    "Nope! You don''t need to do that."


    ''I will be confused looking for reasons, so I don''t have to wear it.'' Aruna smiled in hidden bitterness.


    The Lesmana family''s youngest daughter, at first determined to meet her father that she wanted to address her inability to keep the family wedding vows.


    She almost did it.


    Somehow, the chat with her sister made her realise that her wish was clearly impossible.


    ***


    "This time, I will no longer tolerate you! We have been working all night because of your strange request."


    "So, you have to be completely honest with yourself and believe in us now. If you can''t do it, please find another psychiatrist."


    "It''s better I help many people who sincerely queue for my help, than dealing with a stubborn patient like you!" Diana was already exhausted enough by Hendra''s crazy demands.


    The special patient didn''t want his partner to know that he had Post-Traumatic Disorder Syndrome even though the girl was Diana''s initial plan who could cure the Wenceslas''s sole heir.


    "Hey... How could a psychiatrist threaten a patient?!"  Hendra grumbled.


    "Why not?! When the patient is as annoying as Wiryo''s grandson." Diana chirped.


    "Hehe... Don''t be angry... The folds under your eyes will increase." Hendra joked at Diana.


    Hendra''s joke made Diana stunned for a moment.


    ''What happened? Where did he learn to joke? So the photos his grandfather sent were not just photos to erase rumours, as his secretary reported?''


    "Natasya, bring me their photos!" Diana asked one of her team to hurry up.


    Hendra laid down, relaxed, in the chair prepared by Diana.


    Actually, his behaviour this time was quite interesting. This man usually needed to be forced. If he wanted to, he would be a little stiff to just lay on the chair.


    "You need to know, I was the one who pushed Elder Wiryo to give you options." Diana''s words made Hendra''s pupils widened. He was curious about what it meant.


    "Between this girl and the artist you are experimenting with." Diana''s speech began to change. It meant that the doctor was working.


    She suddenly changed just because of a simple joke that Hendra just said. It was far from her little boy''s habit, Diana''s favourite patient.


    The doctor had memorised every change in Hendra''s behaviour. She had studied it for years. At the first meeting after a long time, her little boy didn''t change much, except lately, his behaviour was quite surprising.


    "Oh, no wonder, I found it strange when grandpa gave me an offer instead of an order." Hendra just found out the truth.


    "That means I take responsibility for your marriage with this girl. So let''s open up to each other." Diana asked for understanding.


    "What do you want to know about?"


    "Why don''t you want... Emm Aruna is her name?" Hendra nodded in response to Diana''s words.


    "Why is Aruna not allowed to know about your syndrome?" Diana looked serious.


    "At first, I covered it because of prestige, but now, I do it because I don''t want her to be more afraid of me."


    "I want to make her comfortable. Yeah... even though the reality always fails." Hendra seemed to speak from his heart.


    What a surprise for Diana that his little boy now had deep feelings.


    "Has Aruna made you fall in love?" Diana asked for more information.


    Three other members of Diana''s team were also curious. The people put down their work and started eavesdropping.


    "Honestly, I don''t know what it''s like to fall in love."


    "Is there a definition of being in love, or some sort of indicator so I can do a classification? So that I know, what I''m experiencing can be categorised as falling in love or not?" Hendra''s brain was too scientific.


    "Hee..."


    "Hi hi hi..." The three of Diana''s team couldn''t help but laugh. They looked at each other with red faces holding back a tingling stomach.


    How could a man who was about to turn 28 years old, with such a handsome face and an extraordinary background, had never been in love?


    Worse, he didn''t understand that falling in love was something that the poets could not define. Even the reason why Sigmund Freud became a doctor was to marry the woman he loved. (Quoted from Interesting and Revealing Fact About Freud)


    ***


    "Huuh..." Diana sighed.


    She forgot that the one she was talking to was Mahendra, his little boy who was always knowledgeable but often mistaken.


    "Okay, I changed my question."


    "What do you feel when you are near Aruna?" Diana noticed Hendra''s expression.


    "Em... Sometimes I feel very happy... But sometimes she makes me very sick." Hendra answered.


    Diana scrunched up her forehead and said: "hurts??"


    "Yes... Sometimes it hurts here." Hendra innocently held his chest.


    Diana''s three teams could no longer concentrate on their work. They really focused on eavesdropping. This Wenceslas young master was very funny, despite his famously cold and stubborn attitude.


    "I actually wanted to see you some time ago. Unfortunately, my schedule is busy. Since we are together... Can I ask you to write a prescription for my illness?" Hendra asked.


    "Wait... What kind of pain?" Diana looked confused.


    "Yes... What I''m telling you."


    "Pain because of Aruna??" Diana closed her eyes for a moment after seeing Hendra nod, she knew her patient was too unique.


    Meanwhile, the three teams began to hold their stomach amusement.


    "What kind of pain it is, Hendra?!?" The doctor no longer called him with ''you''


    Somehow, the patient looked like a child.


    "Aruna has a close male friend. When they were together, my chest suddenly was in great pain and my breath was heavy every now and then. You must have had that painkiller, right?" Hendra explained his feelings with confidence.


    "Don''t forget to write down my prescription!" He was still confident.


    "There is no medicine like that! HENDRAAAAA!!"


    "huhuuh." Doctor Diana was irritated and sighed


    "Bwahahaha." Diana''s three assistants couldn''t help laughing. They were laughing, chuckled. Tio, one of them, beated Firman''s shoulder, so excited.


    .


    .

 Chapter 76 - Without Reason

    .


    .


    "Don''t forget to write down my prescription!" He was still confident.


    "There is no medicine like that! HENDRAAAAA!!"


    "huhuuh." Doctor Diana was irritated and sighed


    "Bwahahaha." Diana''s three assistants couldn''t help laughing. They were laughing, chuckled. Tio, one of them, beated Firman''s shoulder, so excited.


    "Hey you! Stop laughing!!" The CEO was getting annoyed.


    "What''s wrong?!" Diana also looked confused.


    "Diana, where is your professionalism? You shouted at me?!" Hendra''s face slowly frowned, showing an angry expression.


    "You three come out!" Diana kicked out her team.


    The three of them seemed to object but couldn''t go against the senior doctor''s order they admired.


    As the three of them stepped into a faint chatter:


    Tio: "Hey, how could he doesn''t know that it''s a broken heart? Hahaha."


    Natasya: "I''ve been experiencing it since elementary school. I know heartache hurts."


    Firman: "If you knew how his daily life was, you wouldn''t talk much." Said the only Diana team that had been assigned to participate in Hendra''s activities.


    Firman: "He''s very busy and doesn''t have time for himself. I don''t even know when he''s had time to eat and relax."


    Tio: "Tell me again, I''m curious"


    Natasya: "Yes-yes continue."


    The three of them disappeared and Diana returned to focus on Hendra. Unfortunately, the young master''s expression became disgusting.


    "What''s wrong with what I''m complaining about? Why does it seem strange to other people''s eyes?" Hendra really wanted to know.


    "Every now and then read fiction, indeed... that kind of thing doesn''t look useful to your knowledge."


    "Moreover, romance stories or books like that at least can tell you about various kinds of love stories and feelings in them." Diana explained.


    The doctor realised that she wasn''t the one who would be able to teach Hendra about love and its various impacts because he needed a separate understanding.


    "Oh, it''s fitting that The Empty Space novelist managed to beat me." Hendra was spontaneous on fire. (The Empty Space was Damar''s indie novel before becoming a newcomer musician Chapter 11, Heartbeat)


    ''What''s now?''


    Diana found Hendra''s expression change suddenly jumping off the track. It was maybe because this big baby just fell in love. That was why his emotions were moving up and down that couldn''t be read.


    "Well, let''s end the consultation session now."


    ''I can get dizzier now.'' Diana gave up.


    "Come to me every day from now on."


    "Ah, I can''t. My schedule is very busy. If it''s like that, I look like a prisoner that must report." Hendra disagreed.


    "How about once a week?" Hendra''s suggestion.


    Diana stared at him, glaring.


    "Okay, once two weeks." Hendra seduced.


    "Huuh..." The doctor sighed for the umpteenth time.


    "We are in chase with your wedding day."


    "Yes... Unless you don''t want to sleep with your wife after marriage."


    "Is that possible??" Hendra''s eyes suddenly lit up.


    "It depends on your efforts..." Diana mocked at him.


    "Alright...!! I will try to come every time. Haah.. even though it''s very difficult." Now, Hendra''s expression was even funnier.


    The CEO seemed to be smiling to himself with a flushed face like a baby who was happy to get his favorite toy.


    "Oh yeah... You can''t go home yet. I added one more day of hospitalisation." Diana informed him.


    "Why?? The consultation is over, right?"


    "You need rest! No one cares about your rest time when you return to activities. So enjoy your holiday this time."


    Hendra looked thoughtful.


    "Not bad. I can use it to read fiction." Hendra was really determined.


    Diana broadly smiled, realising that her little boy was late enjoying adolescence.


    "Don''t forget romance fiction." Diana boasted. But, Hendra took it seriously.


    The man immediately contacted his secretary to buy dozens of romance novels including his competitor''s novel.


    ***


    Hendra''s secretary put the next 20 novels. Since finishing his consultation with Diana, his boss had become even stranger.


    He was the one who used to think that fiction was rubbish because it had no impact on work and knowledge. But he was also the one who suddenly became crazy.


    Surya had gone back and forth to the bookstore three times to hunt for his request. Hendra did have an extraordinary reading speed. The CEO spent his time reading a novel like eating snacks.


    "Hen... This is the last book! I don''t want to look like a fool going back and forth to the bookstore." Surya grumbled.


    "Aish, go away. You''re noisy!"


    "You disturb me!" Hendra expelled his secretary.


    "You are gradually getting weird..." Surya slowly left him.


    "Wait! Wait..." Hendra called.


    "Why is the language in this novel difficult to understand, huh?" Hendra asked Surya to listen to him.


    "What is the ''double-edged knife woman''??"


    "How do I know?! You are the one who read that and I have to answer it." Surya showed a tired face.


    "Ah, why is literary language so complicated? I''d better do an indefinite integral."


    It was Hendra''s favorite subject during school, Science and Math.


    (Indefinite integral or indefinite integral is a form of integrated operation of a function that produces a new function. This function does not have a definite value (in the form of a variable). The process of solving the calculation requires a fairly complicated ''basic theorem of calculus'')


    Hendra threw the book away because he gave up.


    "The more I read it the more my brain feels numb." Hendra''s expression made his secretary laugh.


    "That''s why I once said your rival has a ''strategy beyond expectations''." Surya lowered his voice, burning Hendra''s jealousy.


    "Huh... looks like you''re right." And the two friends began to speak in an absurd language.


    ***


    "Aruna, why did you stop?" Lesmana asked.


    "Come on girl..." Lesmana asked Aruna to walk faster down the VIP hall of the hospital.


    The girl looked very scared, especially when she stopped at one of the room doors guarded by two bodyguards.


    The bodyguard looked polite, immediately opened the door to Lesmana and his daughter. Aruna held her hands together, shaking just to enter.


    Her face was down as she didn''t want to see Hendra''s guards. They have become terrible ever since the incident at Damar''s house.


    "Oh, Dad...??"


    "Aruna??" Hendra was very surprised.


    How did his future wife and father in-laws know that he was sick? Shouldn''t this incident be hidden?


    Hendra had been left blank for a moment. After that, he was shocked when he realised his hand was carrying a romance novel. Hendra immediately slipped his absurd reading under the pillow.


    "How''s the arm? Is it okay?" Lesmana asked.


    "Oh yes... Yes... It''s okay." Hendra''s talk was messy because he wasn''t sure what he saw.


    The CEO glanced at Aruna, who was hiding behind his father''s body. Fortunately, Aruna''s father asked about the arm, which meant they thought Hendra''s pain was about the bone fracture.


    "I have to pick up the phone for a moment, are you okay if I leave you?" Lesmana asked her daughter''s permission.


    "Dad..." The girl was holding her father''s shirt, begging like a child who didn''t want to be left behind.


    "Hold on Aruna." Lesmana showed his phone.


    Aruna helplessly stood without a word. Her gaze turned to another corner, not wanting to see Hendra.


    "Em... you don''t want to sit?" Hendra gave a suggestion. He understood that Aruna wasn''t that interested in him.


    Surprisingly, the man removed the IV in his hand, getting out of the patient''s bed.


    Hendra hurriedly tidied up his fiction books. The man looked confused, heaped his rectangular objects collection on the nightstand and cupboard in the VIP room.


    Every now and then, his books fell, and he picked them up again.


    This time, Hendra looked more human than usual. He even grinned and approached Aruna.


    "Em... please sit down... you can use the sofa." Hendra showed the sofa of VIP room patients.


    It was a corner sofa in grey and three additional cube sofas were placed around the glass table.


    Aruna slowly walked to fulfil Hendra''s direction without seeing him.


    "I don''t have any meaningful food or drink. If you want something just say it so I''ll have my bodyguard prepare it."


    "No need." Finally, Aruna made a voice.


    "This is for you." Aruna put the package she was carrying on the glass table.


    Meanwhile, Hendra, the man, had been busy looking for a glass to make a cup of tea.


    After looking complicated squeezing the heating device, finally, the CEO came to Aruna''s seat with warm tea in his hand.


    "You don''t need to bother." Said Aruna.


    "It''s okay just occasionally." Hendra replied.


    "May I open it?" Hendra tried to be warmer.


    The man carefully opened the package that Aruna was carrying. It turned out that inside was a lunch box even though it was already late in the afternoon.


    "Wow, it looks good. You made it?" Hendra asked his future wife to talk more.


    "I''m just helping. My mother is more busy preparing." Aruna''s expression was greeted by a nod from her future husband.


    Hendra immediately grabbed the spoon and started tasting. Actually, this CEO has already eaten, but he was trying to make Aruna more comfortable. He even ignored all his opposite will.


    It was a behaviour that would have been impossible for him to do before he knew Lesmana''s daughter.


    "This is delicious." This man complimented the food as a small talk. He actually was used to eating 5-star chef dishes from Wenceslas Hotel''s premium menu.


    "You don''t want to eat with me?"


    "Nope." Aruna briefly replied.


    "Oh yeah, as long as my father hasn''t come, I want to tell you something." Now, Aruna finally looked at him.


    Hendra answered while enjoying the meal even though he was already full.


    "Can you stop our marriage?" Aruna''s words were shocking, making Hendra choke and cough.


    Aruna shifted the tea served by Hendra towards its maker. Hendra was a little hesitant about drinking it, but he had to.


    "I can''t." Hendra replied, enduring a sharp pain in his chest.


    "Don''t you have unlimited power?!"


    "Why can''t you?" Aruna was a little demanding.


    "My power is no more than my grandfather." The man put down the food and drink he was holding.


    He had tried very hard to fight the syndrome he suffered in order to prepare for marriage with the woman in front of him. But this girl suddenly changed her mind.


    If Hendra was still the same person he used to be, Aruna could be dragged and thrown out.


    Hendra, who now didn''t have the ability to do that, was held hostage by the love that ran all over his body for the tiny girl who was his future wife.

 Chapter 77 - Realistic

    Hendra, who now didn''t have the ability to do that, was held hostage by the love that ran all over his body for the tiny girl who was his future wife.


    "Why did you change your mind?"


    "Is it because of that young man?" Hendra''s gaze turned sharp.


    "Nothing to do with him." Aruna argued.


    "Oh... then?" Hendra asked the reason for Aruna''s statement.


    "I just wanted to end it. That''s all."


    "That''s impossible. There''s always a reason for all action except to fall in love."


    "The understanding that I just recently learned from my reading." Hendra didn''t accept Aruna''s answer.


    "So you fell in love with him?" A question pierced Aruna.


    "I told you, it has nothing to do with Damar!!" Said Aruna firmly.


    "Don''t say that name in front of me!!" Hendra''s voice rose, and his chest ached.


    "Well, I''ll be honest. I''m afraid of you!"


    "So scared, you followed me all the time and made me like a fugitive." Aruna explained.


    Hendra held his temples. Suppose this girl knew how important her security was that it would force Hendra''s people to behave possessively towards her.


    Unfortunately, Aruna knew nothing and wasn''t allowed to know either.


    "If I stop my subordinates from following and watching you. Do you still want to continue this marriage?" Hendra wanted to know more details. He made a negotiation statement.


    (Negation in Math logic or known as negotiation is defined as a statement that has a truth value that is opposite to the original statement. In everyday life it is used to build upside-down logic)


    Aruna was silent for a moment.


    "If only the marriage could be stopped, whatever is better." Aruna replied.


    "Oh! It means you have no definite reason." The man caught Aruna in his mind space.


    "Tell me the reason before I get really angry!" Hendra pressed Aruna.


    Once again, Lesmana''s daughter was silent without a word. She just wanted to get away from Hendra, the Wenceslas''s sole heir who made her life even bleaker.


    "Don''t say you just hate me and want to get away from me."


    "That means you hate me for no reason because you like him for no reason." Hendra combined his strong reasoning thinking with new knowledge from the novels he had read.


    "What do you mean? What kind of conclusion is that?" Aruna was stunned by Hendra''s statement.


    She was unable to conclude her feelings and conditions. But the man in front of her very lightly formulated conclusions without further ado.


    "You know, what I hold I can''t possibly let go." The man caught Aruna''s hand and cornered her.


    Aruna tried to pull her hand as hard as she could. But she failed.


    "Let me go, Hendra! Your behavior like this made me sick of you!" Aruna angrily looked at him. But Hendra didn''t flinch.


    "Release me!" Aruna pulled her hand back but she couldn''t.


    This girl raised her other hand, intending to fight Hendra. But the man was more dexterous in catching it.


    "Let go of me... You scared me...." Aruna''s eyes began to turn red and again felt as if she had been turned into a toy doll by the Wenceslas young master.


    She cried.


    Hearing the sound of the door opening, Hendra pulled back, letting go of Aruna''s hand. Lesmana''s daughter immediately wiped her tears and ran to the bathroom, not wanting to be found by her father in such a mess.


    "Is Dad busy?" Said Hendra, starting a small talk.


    He needed to settle his fight with Aruna.


    "Yes... As you can see." Lesmana answered.


    "Let me take Aruna, Dad. You can return to work in peace."


    "No need. You are sick, get enough rest."


    "There''s something I need to discuss with Aruna. If Dad allows me, I need more time with Aruna." Hendra looked serious.


    "All right, tell Aruna that I go back to the office. I''m glad you guys try to get to know each other." Lesmana left without seeing her daughter.


    .


    .


    "Where is my father?"


    "Already gone." Hendra was standing, taking a pair of clothes and a navy coat from the cupboard.


    Aruna realised that this man had purposely kicked her father away and intended to change clothes to take her somewhere.


    "I don''t want to bother you, I can go home alone." Aruna took her bag and stepped out.


    Hendra threw his clothes and rushed towards Aruna, the man stopped Aruna.


    "Can you give me a chance to treat you well?"


    "You''re sick, right? I just don''t want to bother you!"


    "But I can still do it, if I just take you home." Hendra forced his will.


    Hearing Hendra''s words, ''Always doing so'' was a collection of understandings that crossed Aruna''s mind.


    "Come back to your bed, let''s talk properly." Aruna relented.


    This girl was disturbed by the visible blood from Hendra''s infusion. The blue-eyed man''s hands tightened because of their bickering, resulting in an artery pierced by an IV needle dripping blood.


    Aruna even took a tissue and cleaned Hendra''s wrist right after the man sat on the patient bed.


    It turned out that such simple behaviour made the Wenceslas''s sole heir afraid of losing his future wife.


    This girl was still able to calm her heart when they were fighting.


    "My life used to be very simple, I was chasing dreams with my friends through The Magic Letter. I felt proud of myself every now and then when asked to be a speaker at a seminar for fellow startups. Those times made me very happy. I miss it so badly." Aruna started telling her story.


    ¡­


    "My life used to be very simple, I was chasing dreams with my friends through The Magic Letter. I felt proud of myself every now and then when asked to be a speaker at a seminar for fellow startups. Those times made me very happy. I miss it so badly." Aruna started telling her story.


    "Somehow, after you came, it seemed like I met someone from another planet. You are really different. Your mindset and your life is too extraordinary, I no longer find my dreams."


    "I don''t know what I should achieve. Where to walk? What is supposed to be? I lost everything, except my family. Maybe this is what I should pay for my family''s happiness. That''s all I have now." Hendra listened to every word that came from Aruna''s lips.


    As she moved, the girl cleaned the blood in his hands and put a bandage on the wound.


    "So I hope we can compromise properly. I''m sorry to demand more by asking you to let me go."


    "I should have realised, I am a family guarantee girl." Her expression made Hendra tremble.


    "You want this, don''t you?" Aruna stood up, approaching Hendra who was sitting on his bed.


    Surprisingly, this girl kissed the Wenceslas Group''s CEO''s lips.


    "Think of this kiss as compensation for being insolent, asking for something extra."


    The woman carrying the double-edged knife had raised her weapon and stabbed the man''s chest in front of her.


    Hendra realised that Aruna had gone numb.


    "Let''s follow the marriage contract that we agreed on. And let''s end it well in two years. I will not sue for anything after this." The numb expression and the last expression of Lesmana''s daughter before leaving him made Hendra''s heart and head rage.


    The man held his head in frustration.


    The next moment, surprisingly, the Wenceslas''s heir threw all the objects nearby. He tore apart the items lined up on the nightstand. The Objects fell apart and scattered on the floor.


    "Aaargh... It''s not me... I didn''t make her despair..."


    "Aaargh... Not me." Hendra looked confused, holding his head.


    His bodyguard hurriedly pressed the button for help. Hendra looked terrible and kept screaming.


    "Not me... Aaargh." Hendra lost his control.


    Nobody knew what was going on, except for the doctor''s face that was so shocked. She ran to hug her patient accompanied by tears.


    .


    .


    This blue-eyed man finally fell asleep in his bed after a sedative was forcefully injected into his body.


    The scattered objects slowly began to be tidied up by the nurses and bodyguards.


    On the other hand, Doctor Diana wobbled to see Hendra''s condition. She returned to the workroom assisted by her assistants.


    "Does anyone know who came before?"


    ''Why did my little boy return to zero like before?''


    "Oh my God..." Diana couldn''t cover her sadness.


    "Doc!.." Tio hurriedly walked, approaching Diana.


    "His future wife came before the young master lost control."


    "The woman left him for a moment before Mr Hendra slammed everything." Tio just interrogated Hendra''s guards.


    "How do we get to meet the girl?" Diana looked for Aruna''s documents. In fact, there was no phone number, and the opportunity to be contacted.


    "Young master'' secretary knows everything. I can ask him to come." Firman immediately called Surya.


    ***


    "Sorry doc! I don''t agree!" Surya had an argument with his boss'' psychiatrist.


    "I will wait for Hendra to wake up and wait for his decision before acting." Once again, he confirmed.


    "If he woke up in a different state, what would you do then?" Diana strengthened her argument.


    "No! Even though I was paid to bring in Miss Aruna yesterday, I will not do it. I will remain faithfully waiting for the young master''s orders." Surya didn''t change his stance.


    "Are you sure he will make the right order after his last condition? I know you, assistants, are demanded to be loyal." Diana tried to shake Hendra''s secretary'' commitment.


    "I trust him... He will return to normal when he wakes up. Hendra is someone who is strong enough. I''m loyal not because I''m under him but because I''m his best friend!" The secretary closely stared at Diana.


    .


    .

 Chapter 78 - An Organ In The Chest

    "I trust him... He will return to normal when he wakes up. Hendra is someone who is strong enough. I''m loyal not because I''m under him but because I''m his best friend!" The secretary closely stared at Diana.


    "I''m afraid that the doctor doesn''t have faith in Hendra, still considers the patient is a little boy whom you met 22 years ago." The secretary''s words shocked Diana.


    "It has been twelve years since I followed Hendra. With a solid and hard life, never once did I hear him complain. Even though I did not know he had such a bad past."


    "So please use your point of view, and leave me with my stand." Surya left Hendra''s doctor who looked even more gloomy.


    .


    .


    The secretary came to Hendra''s room, sitting there, and waiting for him to wake up.


    "I don''t know what you will be like after this, but I''m sure you can handle it mate."


    "Get up soon! Don''t let yourself look weak in my eyes."


    "Oh yeah, I''m a little disappointed with you. You taught me that falling in love is not important. The most important thing is to make ourselves lucky. I won over you one level this time, because you are consumed by your own talk."


    "One more time, don''t read romance novels. You don''t look cool."


    Surya talked to Hendra''s unconscious body.


    ***


    A pair of blue eyes started blinking, slowly disappeared and came back. A moment later, it opened, looking around trying to find someone.


    "Hey Surya, wake up." The blue-eyed man moved his knees, woke up his secretary who was sleeping near his thigh.


    "Haish, don''t disturb my sleep!" Surya was delirious.


    "Wake up!" Hendra tried to sit up. His movements took Surya by surprise.


    The young master spontaneously was attacked by his secretary''s embrace.


    "Tch, get away!!" The CEO encouraged Surya.


    "If you''re like this, we look like gay." Hendra violently hit his secretary.


    "Get me my cloth and coat. We''ll get out of here asap."


    The man pulled out the IV in his arm. He then got a little plaster sticking together, pulled and carelessly threw it away after squeezing it.


    "Hendra, are you okay?" Surya asked, made sure.


    "I''ve never been this good." Hendra began to move away from the patient''s bed.


    He seemed to be holding his head and a little carried away then tried to shake his head. He also stopped for a while.


    "Do I need to call Diana for you?" Surya asked for approval.


    The CEO immediately grabbed the shirt in Surya''s hand.


    "No... No need. I have my own way of dealing with myself."


    "Enough playing here."


    "Oh, yes." He paused for a moment.


    "Throw away all yesterday''s novels. I don''t need them anymore." Hearing Hendra''s order, who then disappeared behind the bathroom door, Surya was still standing there, composing the neurons in his brain.


    ''Ah, he''s back into himself. Worse than he was right now. But it didn''t matter that way he should be. Maybe this is better for him than being constantly injured.'' Surya thought.


    Surya actually asked Hendra''s bodyguards to pack the novels.


    .


    .


    The now returning CEO found his old self walking down the hospital hallways. Diana and her team were trying to stop Hendra.


    "Hendra, have you given up?! Please give yourself a chance." The middle-aged doctor looked exhausted.


    "Chance?"


    "Chance for what?" The man paused for a moment to stare at his psychiatrist.


    "There''s still hope for you to recover. Even though it''s full of risks. There''s always a way as long as you believe in us." Diana used her last chance to convince.


    "Hehehe." The Wenceslas Group''s CEO laughed at himself.


    "All doctors always say there is hope even though the patient''s disease is chronic."


    "I don''t want to be fooled by you. You and your team gave up 17 years ago after 5 years trying to recover me."


    "So after decades you suddenly say I can recover 100% just by believing in you?!"


    "Sorry, I prefer being realistic than hearing nonsense. If I could recover now I shouldn''t hate my mom. In fact, I can''t even communicate with her." Hendra no longer looked at Diana. He walked away without hesitation.


    Diana asked her three assistants to take turns following Hendra''s activities. The doctor decided to monitor her patient remotely.


    ***


    A few days after Surya''s prediction was bang on, his boss returned to the way he was before knowing Lesmana''s daughter and struggling with work as a living robot.


    He didn''t talk much, rarely smiling, and was cold.


    "Give me my schedule next week." Surya responded to Hendra''s request by handing over the 11-inch Apple iPad Pro.


    "Tomorrow you should go to Singapore for the inauguration of the second Mentari Plaza there. The day after tomorrow, your schedule is to meet Riswan and his wife."


    "He turned to ask you to attend his banquet and refused the offer to come to our invitation." Surya added.


    "It''s very clever he tries to reduce the risk of being rejected." Hendra interrupted.


    "Apart from that, the offer isn''t bad either." Surya defended.


    "Continue."


    "The next two days are pre-wedding photos...."


    Not finished yet Surya explained, Hendra interrupted.


    "Ask Aruna to come to my meeting with Riswan the day after tomorrow. She must learn to be the Wenceslas family mistress. Don''t forget to tell her to use a dress code according to my family''s habits. If needed, ask her to use heels so that she is accustomed to appearing like a girl."


    "But... You know she will be in trouble." Surya interrupted.


    "Who cares? Joining this family means having to follow the habits therein." Hendra was really cold like he used to be.


    "For pre-wedding, make sure everything is according to my taste." Hendra explained.


    "You still know my taste right??" He added.


    "Yes, of course." There was a sense of bitterness in Surya''s heart. But it was immediately ignored.


    ''This was how Hendra should be.'' Surya muttered, missing the time when this man was warm.


    "It looks like my explanation cannot be continued. Those people are already waiting for you in the orange meeting room." Surya looked at the clock, curled in his hand for a moment.


    Hendra stood up and rushed to meet five people from the D floor, including Andos.


    "They will put on unpleasant faces because you chose the meeting here, not on the D floor." Surya whispered as Hendra''s footsteps.


    "Now I lead them, not Wiryo, it''s time for them to adapt to their new leader."


    .


    .


    Hendra opened the door and sat back in his style, putting his right leg above the left leg, crossed.


    "We will work differently from now on." Hendra opened the meeting without further ado.


    "I heard you also didn''t find any suspicion in any subsidiary unit of the Wenceslas Group regarding yesterday''s sabotage." Hendra looked at Vian. The man didn''t move. He was speechless.


    "It could be that your way of working is outdated like Wiryo. That''s why there is no significant improvement." Implicitly, Hendra was showing comparisons of his brilliant leadership as Wenceslas Group''s CEO.


    "Where should we start?" Hendra looked at the D floor leaders one by one.


    "Alright the simplest! Escort system."


    "Can you change the way of escorting your team that seems protocolly and tacky?" Hendra started the discussion with his own sharp words.


    Raka almost got angry, but he couldn''t fight Hendra''s plausible idea.


    The Wenceslas group''s CEO suggested that the escort be done in a hidden and more systematic manner. For example, in the case of Aruna''s guard, Hendra suggested that Raka''s team first study the girl''s habits.


    (Habits are actions that are carried out automatically. Even we do them without thinking or an activity that is carried out continuously so that they become part of us.)


    And after that, they could disguise themselves and infiltrate into someone in Aruna''s habits circle.


    When this girl was at the campus, one of Raka''s teams should have the role of Aruna''s campus friend so that this girl wouldn''t notice if she was being watched.


    The strict guard only for urgent events.


    Likewise, with himself, Hendra would only ask three people to participate in his activities. Surya, Raka or Andos and their assistants Dr Diana.


    Hendra realised that he still needed Diana''s team. Meanwhile, for large activities such as attendance at several official events that many people participate in, he suggested that Raka and his team be ready with the shadow method. They infiltrated among the people present.


    "Hey you, you said you are an IT expert. Prepare me quality data!" The Wenceslas Group''s CEO also gave Pradita directions to trace all of his family histories, something that wasn''t interesting for Hendra, but it had to be done this time.


    Through warm discussions with Wiryo''s subordinates, he just found out that his grandfather''s madness in building the D floor was a form of boredom.


    It was because they got threats from people whose identities have not been found too often, including removing Hendra''s name from the presidential candidate. It turned out to have the same reason.


    Now under his leadership, Hendra must succeed in exposing all of this, or he would become a terrible human-like Wiryo.


    "Don''t forget to learn about the business opponents we have defeated in big tenders, Thomas! They could (the threatening) come from our business opponents." Hendra asked to end the meeting this afternoon.


    "May I give advice?!" Andos interrupted.


    "Yes, please."


    "This important meeting should be held on the D floor, not here!"


    _______________________


    Don''t be sad readers, CEO Hendra will remain charming in all his conditions.


    ''someone who is trying must have their ups and downs.''

 Chapter 79 - The Antidote

    "May I give advice?!" Andos interrupted.


    "Yes, please."


    "This important meeting should be held on the D floor, not here!"


    "I did it on purpose." Hendra stood up while accepting Surya''s help in wearing his Jaz.


    "You guys are too much underground. I''m afraid your logical thinking will be as low as where you come from."


    (Logical reasoning or thinking is a process of thinking using logic, saying ''low-minded reason'' is tantamount to satirise the phrase ''stupid, or late thinking)


    "What??" Raka stood up to almost attack Hendra. His colleagues immediately sat the man back down.


    As Wenceslas''s sole heir left, they had grumbled:


    Raka: "Ah what is this? Why is he not like the one I met some time ago?" Raka didn''t know much about Hendra yet. He was touched by Hendra''s warm character at previous meetings.


    Andos: "Don''t get me wrong. That''s the real him."


    Vian: "Seriously? I didn''t see him like this yesterday!?"


    And: "You guys are slowly underground!"


    .


    .


    Suddenly, the orange meeting room door opened again.


    "Pradita, what about the photos that I asked to share?" Hendra changed his mind.


    This man gave the order of the D floor buzzer to share a photo of himself with his future wife in order to improve his image in front of the public. He came back to care only about himself.


    Pradita smiled: "Just watch tomorrow morning your image will recover."


    "Good work!" Hendra prised.


    ***


    [Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta-Singapore Flight]


    The noise of the airport waiting room information centre was heard again. Hendra, with his assistant, appeared later down the hall to the departure when he got a call from someone.


    "Hendra, can I ask for help?" He hated this voice now.


    "What? Just say?"


    ''Soon I have to turn off my phone.'' Hendra thought.


    "Can you pick me up?" The girl was expecting help.


    "Why me?" The CEO was currently working on time for his business trip to Singapore.


    "Dad is out of town. And my sister can''t handle it. I''m stuck on the second floor of my campus. Those people seem to be journalists. They fill the lobby of the department, and are looking for me."


    "Why are you being chased by them? What mistakes did you make?" Hendra asked.


    ''Your relationship with that musician has been revealed??'' The blue eyes grinned.


    "It seems because of the photos that you guys spread."


    "Is it true??"


    "I don''t know, my phone is full of notifications."


    "Unfortunately, I was on the plane. It will take off soon. I must immediately turn off the phone."


    "Oh, alright... Sorry to disturb you. Be careful, have a good trip." The girl even had time to give him a caution message. It should be herself who needed to be careful.


    ''Why are her words always sweet?! It sucks! really annoying.''


    The Wenceslas Group''s CEO turned off his phone according to the request of the flight attendant who had approached earlier.


    He tried to close his eyes, looking for a comfortable position to rest. Unfortunately, one of the organs in the chest started to rage: "Hais'' Damn!!"


    He quickly stood up and stepped, ignoring all warnings. Surya, his secretary, followed him in confusion.


    "Surya prepare the car now!"


    "Ah, what??" Surya''s confused expression resulted in a sharp glance from his superior.


    "Alright..." He couldn''t fight.


    Next, Hendra asked Raka to deploy bodyguards to Aruna''s campus.


    "So you still care about her even after driving you almost crazy??" Surya interrupted.


    "I wish I could. There''s no way I''m in this car right now."


    He played the phone and dialled someone''s number again.


    "Aruna, how are you? I''ll arrive soon."


    ¡­


    "Aruna, how are you? I''ll be there soon."


    "Eem... Hendra, aren''t you on the plane?"


    "I cancelled my flight."


    "Is it okay? Sorry for bothering you."


    "No need to worry... Get ready. I''ll arrive soon."


    "Thank you." Lesmana''s daughter whispered.


    "Thank you very much, Hendra." Said Aruna in a louder voice after Hendra''s voice was not heard (silence).


    The blue-eyed man hung up the phone and muttered: ''how do I hate her?!''


    .


    .


    Right after Hendra arrived, the guards began to open a path so that Wenceslas young master could enter the lobby to the second floor.


    His bodyguard pushed several people and tried to stop journalists, including a group of people who brutally took photos.


    Hendra didn''t think they would be this many. And it turned out that not all of them were journalists, others were more like fans.


    The new leader of the D floor began to question what Pradita''s buzzers were actually doing.


    Why were these people so attracted to Aruna and surprisingly eager to get a photo of her?


    The tension started to rise when the tired security guards stopped Hendra''s steps, and his bodyguard pushed his way into the lobby, especially intending to go up to the second floor.


    "Sorry, you can''t enter." Said one of the security guards firmly.


    "This is a campus, an academic area, it is not allowed to play around like this." Another one added.


    Hendra was just silent at the back, trying to hide in dark glasses and was more busy looking at the clock in his hand. He let his bodyguards lobby the Tripusaka campus securities.


    "If you don''t give our young master a chance to go up to the second floor, the crowd ahead will not go away." One of The Wenceslas''s heir''s bodyguards explained.


    "What do you guys have to do with our second floor?" The security guard asked for an explanation.


    "There is a student who is trapped above. And she is our master''s future wife who is being wanted by the crowd in front."


    "Is her name Aruna? They are looking for our student named Aruna." The security replied.


    "Yes, exactly." Hendra''s bodyguard agreed.


    "But we are not allowed to let anyone in except the students. That''s why we are trying hard to detain them. We don''t know what you will do inside our campus area. So please you..."


    Not finished yet the campus security guard explained, a girl in hijab ran towards them. She looked runny and chaotic.


    "Sir... Sir... I... I will be their guarantee. You know me, right? I''m a student here." Said Dea with an up and down tone in a huff.


    "You''re tired... So do I, especially my friend who is above. Too bad... She''s trapped, hasn''t eaten, hasn''t taken a shower. Just imagine it''s getting late. You don''t want to change shifts and go home to meet your wife and children?"


    The girl was getting more and more chaotic. She and Aruna''s sister were already trying to go up and down the stairs looking for gaps and strategies so that Aruna could get through the crowd ahead.


    In fact, it always failed. Their effort was in vain.


    "Alright, just hold me down here and let one of them go up so we can bring my friend down and we can all go home."


    "How?!" Dea gave an offer to the campus security guard.


    "Can you speak more slowly?" That question actually came out of the security guard''s mouth.


    Dea was too excited. She forgot how to breathe properly. This girl was tired.


    Spontaneously, someone sneaked in among others handing her mineral water. The girl vigorously drank it, still had time to get down on her feet to devour drinking water.


    (Dea has the principle of not eating and drinking while standing).


    She then got up and found ''Oppa'' who gave her free VIP airplane facilities.


    "Gomawo Oppa." Said Dea, a special call for Surya.


    Hendra''s secretary frowned. He didn''t want to accept the strange call again. Somehow, Surya''s expression didn''t get a meaningful response. The hijab girl returned to focus on lobbying the security guard.


    "Let me do the talking." Surya interrupted. Previously, Hendra''s secretary wasn''t willing to step down to help his master.


    "This time I can''t help you, your decision is against my heart. I''m more worried about your mental condition than Miss Aruna."


    "I still hope you are willing to discourage yourself." Surya conveyed to Hendra before the Wenceslas Group''s CEO stepped down from his Rolls Royce.


    It turned out that Hendra''s only friend also wavered after seeing firsthand the situation in front of the design department''s lobby where his young master''s prospective wife was studying.


    Surya, who was good at composing words, easily allowed Hendra to go upstairs. Ofcourse, Dea was still part of the trade.


    "Oppa your mouth is so great." Dea''s whisper gave him goosebumps.


    Surya put on a face that was made to be fierce while giving a warning: "Don''t call me Oppa !!"


    .


    .


    The blue-eyed man walked up the stairs and started making calls.


    "Aruna... where are you?"


    He saw that the passageways before him were empty. The 2nd-floor where Aruna was hiding was entirely devoid of lecture activities.


    The man examined each of the glass windows that lay on the right and left. There were lecture classes that were abandoned by their residents.


    "I... In the far left class." Aruna gave directions.


    "Are you alone?"


    "Yes."


    "Okay... I''ve been on the same floor with you." Hendra hung up the call.


    The CEO gasped for a few minutes, allowing himself to find confidence. He was standing outside the classroom, staring at the back of the girl who had pierced a deep wound into his chest.


    The girl''s words were still clearly ringing in his ears.


    "I should have realised, I am a family guarantee girl." An insult to Aruna, but then said by herself, making Hendra''s footsteps more doubtful.


    If he really met Aruna this time, he believed he had to be ready to feel extreme pain someday, sooner or later it would happen.

 Chapter 80 - A Big Bait

    If he really met Aruna this time, he believed he had to be ready to feel extreme pain someday, sooner or later it would happen.


    Aruna clearly didn''t want it. That numb expression was genuinely terrifying similar to his mommy at that time, when the mother and son were both depressed.


    Hendra''s slow steps allowed the man''s eyes to catch Aruna''s light movements. The body language slowly showed the owner''s feelings.


    From the back, side to unconsciously in front of Aruna, it was clear to read perfectly that Lesmana''s daughter was restless, empty and desperate.


    Aruna was shifting her phone screen without realising that Hendra was in front of him.


    Hendra let the girl who was busy with herself. A moment later, Aruna quickly stood up, noticing Hendra''s presence.


    Aruna''s deep gaze made him wobble. The CEO immediately took off his coat and buried Lesmana''s tiny body in it.


    Hendra suddenly remembered how this girl helped him put on a coat when he left the study studio.


    The movement to tidy up Hendra''s coat at that time now encouraged Hendra to straighten Aruna''s hair.


    "Are you okay?" Hendra''s question was greeted by a nod.


    "How about your business trip? It must be messy..??" Aruna asked.


    "I don''t know. I''ll think about it later."


    "Sorry..."


    "No problem, I''m the boss anyway." Hendra grabbed Aruna''s bag, put it on the left side and spontaneously grabbed the girl''s body. He then tightly held her with his right hand.


    They walked hand in hand down the hallway between the empty classes.


    "Are you hungry?"


    "Yes." Aruna replied.


    "Since when?"


    "Maybe from noon. Actually, I bought a meal earlier by Dea. But... I don''t know, I just haven''t had an appetite." They tried to get rid of the awkwardness.


    .


    .


    Hendra surprisingly stopped. They were still going down three steps. But Hendra didn''t move and didn''t let Aruna move. She looked at the CEO with a confused expression.


    When Hendra put his other hand on Aruna''s hip, he then pulled the girl''s body closer, making her couldn''t move.


    For a moment, a breath like someone who was releasing fatigue can be heard.


    "I don''t like your kiss yesterday." The word that had slid from the blue-eyed man''s mouth before grabbing Aruna''s chin and forcefully sipping her lips.


    Aruna tried to dodge the push but in vain. Hendra''s posture was bigger and too strong than hers.


    The cold CEO took off his coat and then whispered: "Apart from confirming your compensation yesterday, you also have to pay for what I did today."


    And this man again grabbed Aruna''s lips.


    ''You can give me a wound, but I know the antidote.''


    This man''s next lip movement was even more shocking.


    Aruna didn''t want to cry. She blankly stared the other side, looking for a damper from the crush in her chest.


    ***


    This man''s next lip movement was even more shocking.


    Aruna didn''t want to cry. She blankly stared the other side, looking for a damper from the crush in her chest.


    Hendra was enjoying himself so much, and the girl began to not stand it. She was roughly biting Hendra''s mouth, which was still sticking to her lips.


    "Ou.. Ouch..." Hendra complained that it hurt him.


    The man immediately checked his lips. Fortunately, it didn''t bleed.


    "If not for that strange deal, I would have slapped you!" This girl was furious.


    "Can you just behave like a normal human for once?" Aruna poured out her anger.


    "Yes, I''m not normal. Any problem?" The man acknowledged the fact that Aruna uttered a sarcasm.


    "Yes, it''s really a problem because this abnormal person is my future husband!!" Aruna wiped her lips several times with the back of her hand.


    Hendra smiled instead.


    "Why are you smiling? Are you now satisfied to make me almost cry again?" Aruna just didn''t know that this was the first time this man felt a woman''s lips so deeply.


    Previously, he had kissed a woman and that was with Aruna. But he was limited to sticking to the reddish surface.


    "Don''t you realise!? you''re almost driving me crazy." Hendra replied.


    "Now we break even." The CEO added.


    "It''s almost crazy you say?? Tch, that''s right... you''re crazy!!"


    ''How could he who had come so charming suddenly become a trashman?!'' Aruna left him, walking faster down the stairs.


    Suddenly, the girl stopped. She just realised so many people were staring at her.


    Hendra surprisingly took his coat from Aruna''s back. The Wenceslas''s heir fixed the way Aruna wore it.


    He used the oversized coat on Aruna''s body to cover her head to the tiny body of his future wife.


    Hendra immersed Aruna in his arms, without a gap to just see the facial expressions of the people who were trying to chase her.


    Hendra''s bodyguards began to make way for his master as cameras blasted and several phones tried to capture their pictures. Some even dared to ask questions, but Hendra didn''t flinch from focusing on his Rolls Royce.


    Both of them were really relieved when they got in the car.


    "I''m Aruna''s sister! Let me talk to your young master!" Alia seemed to be trying to meet them.


    "Alia... Hendra, It''s Alia." Aruna told Hendra.


    Aruna''s future husband opened his car again. A moment later, he let Aruna''s older sister speak.


    "You can''t just leave!"


    "You have to confirm to them right now, or Aruna will have difficulty carrying out her daily activities."


    "This commotion must be the long tail of your relationship with the drama artist!" Alia strafed Hendra with a request that was peppered with intonation emphasis at each end of the sentence.


    .


    .


    "I don''t know what you guys want." Hendra faced the crowd.


    "But I implore you all to understand, especially my future wife is not a public figure. We are only ordinary citizens."


    "She is very depressed by what is happening now. Please respect us and let us carry out our daily activities as usual." Hendra asked for the group of people'' understanding.


    "Don''t you know that your photos are hotly discussed on social media?" One of the reporters asked.


    "Honestly, I haven''t checked any social media." Hendra replied.


    "Wow, he''s too busy." Whispers began to be noisy.


    "What about Tania? You have been rumored to be close to her and suddenly come with a photo of a young girl who is reportedly your future wife?" Someone urged Hendra.


    "I haven''t had the chance to confirm it properly. Now please listen carefully! Tania has been a friend of mine since high school and at that time we only intended to go home together."


    "Just so you know, I was engaged to my future wife before the incident. She knows it too! So the rumors are wrong." Hendra confirmed.


    "What about the video at that time? It seems they are playing a game to approach you?" Another one asked.


    "Wow, that''s their business, I don''t know anything. I only intended to help Tania by taking her home." Hendra was very good at words. The expressions of the crowd turned to be amazed.


    The reality wasn''t so.


    "To be honest, we are very interested in your future wife. She seems to be getting so much love from you as the Wenceslas group''s sole heir. The photos are circulating that make us want to reveal who the lucky girl is. Do you have any comments?" One of the reporters asked a question again.


    "Of course, I really love her. We are also planning to get married in the near future."


    "Regarding your curiosity, I try to accept several interviews with television stations, maybe one of them is Nara & Tv, Wenceslas group subsidiary, so that your curiosity is relieved."


    "For that, I hope all of you are willing to disperse from here and no longer interfere with my future wife''s activities." Hendra added.


    "Are we allowed to hear a statement from her just once?" Another urged.


    "Sorry, she was in shock today. Please understand."


    "Thank you." Hendra paid his respects and got into his car.


    The people in the crowd began to whine, hoping to ask Wenceslas''s sole heir again.


    .


    .


    Aruna looked at Hendra. This CEO was very different when in front of the public. He was truly authoritative and seemed to be able to attract many people'' attention with his charisma.


    ''Tch, this human really hid his identity.''


    Aruna just never knew what her future husband''s activities were like out there. He was highly respected by many business opponents and colleagues.


    "Why? (Staring at me) Are you impressed like them?" Hendra flicked Aruna''s mean gaze.


    "Uh, that''s impossible. They were just deceived." Aruna looked away.


    "You have a lot to follow my work agenda. So you know how cool I am." Hendra prided himself.


    "Tch, lazy..." Aruna was indifferent.


    "Oh yeah, tomorrow you have to come. In exchange for my messy business trip today."


    Aruna frowned.


    "You said you wanted to meet Riswan and his wife?! Tomorrow, follow Surya''s instructions and come on time!" Hendra ruled her.


    "Is that what we talked about at that time?" Aruna sparkled.


    "Yup!" Hendra''s short answer was greeted by the little girl''s happy mile beside him.


    It was something so rare lately.


    "Fine! I''ll do it. Since you asked for compensation for today, I will also ask for compensation for tomorrow." Said Aruna firmly.


    "Ah, you are now an expert in reversing my words."


    "Of course! If not, I''ll just be taken advantage of."


    "What do you want? Just mention it. Magic card? New car? Or what?" Hendra gave offers.


    "No, I don''t need all that!"


    "Then?"


    "I ask... Grant my request that was ignored."


    "Which one??"


    "Our last discussion in your hotel room!"


    "I don''t remember."


    "Ah... You must remember..."


    "Really, I really don''t remember."


    Aruna frowned at Hendra''s words.


    The girl was forced to approach and whisper in Hendra''s ear. It would be quite embarrassing if Hendra''s bodyguard was sitting in front of them.

 Chapter 81 - Likened Shadow

    Likened Shadow


    The girl was forced to approach and whisper in Hendra''s ear. It would be quite embarrassing if Hendra''s bodyguard was sitting in front of them.


    "Additional point 21. There is no husband and wife relationship in our marriage. Including growing your seeds in my stomach! Not allowed!" Aruna softly whispered.


    "Hehehe." Hendra just laughed at Aruna''s whisper. This girl was still talking about the same thing.


    "Yes... I will consider it first."


    "Why? Why should it be considered?" Aruna started to worry.


    "If you don''t come to my meeting with Riswan, it doesn''t matter. Your presence is not something that has a big impact tho."


    "What...?? Come on Hendra..." Aruna started begging, whining and tugging at the Wenceslas Group''s CEO.


    "I said... I... Will¡­ Consider.. It..!!"


    "No.. No... You shouldn''t consider... You have to agree to it!" Aruna didn''t accept it. She bothered this man and even pinched his stomach.


    The blue-eyed man became exasperated, grabbing Aruna''s waist, approached her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.


    "You!?? Ah you.. Hendra, get away from me!" Aruna pushed him.


    "A big deal must be balanced with a big bait!"


    "Can I get a kiss on the lips again?"


    "WHAT??" Aruna''s eyes widened. She moved her head then hit Hendra in the face.


    "Aaargh..." Hendra was in pain.


    Hendra then noticed that there was blood flowing from his nose.


    Aruna pulled over, moved away to the edge of the car seat at the end. She didn''t care at all.


    "Find me a pharmacy. My nose is bleeding!"


    Hendra''s bodyguard immediately sped the car faster. He didn''t say much. It seemed that he was used to the absurd behaviour of this prospective husband and wife.


    .


    .


    "Huuh..." One young man felt exhausted by the busy tour schedule.


    This young man looked chaotic, mistake after mistake he had made since the afternoon. Some of the notes sung were often missed.


    What stood out the most was that he no longer greeted the fans . He looked dazed.


    Luckily, a defence slipped from the host''s mouth that the star was faced with a hectic pace of activity, perhaps exhausted.


    He couldn''t be spoken to, including by Pandu, his assistant. The waiting room of the stars wasn''t filled with many artists because the event was almost over.


    Damar was waiting for his turn to conclude the event the people have been waiting for. He quietly sat there without a word.


    When someone arrived, a female solo singer named Sarah greeted him while he was still faithfully observing his phone.


    "Hi, nice to meet you."


    Nobody didn''t know Sarah. She was a child artist who was now active again after all these years.


    Danu Umar only smiled. He didn''t return the greetings.


    "Looks like you''re messed up today. Some of your tones are messy." Sarah reminded him.


    "I''ll fix my last appearance." And he returned to focus on his phone.


    This young man was depressed. He was having trouble receiving information about Aruna''s viral photo. Worse, a clarification video from her future husband was just released, which was so painful for him.


    ''Are they this close?''


    ''Aren''t they yesterday faced with a quarrel tragedy?'' (at my house).


    ''How easily do they make up??''


    Since the afternoon, his heart has been wondering and not yet dared to conclude, including contacting Aruna.


    The solo singer beside him was talkative, Danu Umar didn''t hear her.


    "What do you think? Do you want to come?" Only that sentence can be heard in his ears.


    "Em... Sorry what were you talking about earlier?" Damar asked.


    "Hemm... My friends say, you are difficult to approach. Too focused on yourself. Maybe because you are a former novelist so have a mysterious side."


    These pleasantries were really tedious in Danu Umar''s eyes. He was annoyed.


    "Can I have a break? I am messed up because I don''t get enough rest. One of them is obeying requests to hear less important conversations."


    "What??" This female soloist was shocked.


    He was a brave newcomer, considering that an artist must maintain a harmonious relationship with others. And there was an impression of respect for those who were longer in the world of entertainment.


    "I''m only offering you an invitation to my birthday party with fellow artist friends. But take it easy the concept is not a birthday. Just get together to have fun and get to know each other."


    "Sorry, I''m not interested."


    "Yes... it''s okay... I hope next time we can talk properly. It looks like you are really tired."


    Soon, he was asked to go on stage. As usual, the fans'' screams were deafening.


    Surprisingly, this eccentric young man uttered an apology, and the following sentence made the fans melt.


    * You know why you are there


    * I also know why I am here


    * All because of a mission


    * Don''t let yourself forget where you are


    * So that I have no trouble finding where I am


    * The extent to which we walk, as close as it is to reality


    * There is a fort between us, standing firmly separating


    And the eccentric young man started playing his guitar, singing, along with the ringing of someone''s phone.


    The call came after he ventured to ask ''can you explain this for me?''


    ***


    "Ssssttt... eesstt..."


    "Hehe..." The blue-eyed man smiled to himself.


    Just now, he entered his private hotel room. He put the watch on the device near the bed.


    Furthermore, he stretched his collar, pulled his necktie and smiled again¡ªa scary, mysterious smile.


    In line with the way, he rolled the tie on the palm of his hand, slowly rotating it, making sure the shadow got closer.


    And¡­


    "BRAK !!" He slammed someone''s body. The foreign man quickly stood up with a knife in his hand. He was wrapped in buff, perfectly leaving his eyes lit, eager to kill him.


    "Have been waiting long, huh?" Hendra greeted the foreign intruder.  He looked relaxed, holding a pillow and sitting on the bed.


    "Go before I get really angry."


    The man, with killing intent, swiftly swung the knife. Hendra blindly lunged. He was even more agile in throwing his pillow to break the man''s concentration.


    The next few seconds, the blue eyes lit up, even more, pulling the blanket to immerse the hunter in it.


    The thick blanket was brutally torn.


    Hendra was watching him lose concentration. He caught and locked someone''s wrist. The knife fell to the floor, as the intruder''s intent hit him.


    Hendra almost got hit in the face. But this CEO was very good at dodging, and he had gotten quite a bit of martial arts training since childhood.


    He used the advantage of the training now by locking more viciously and then grabbing the attacker''s neck, pushing against the wall, and mercilessly suffocating it.


    "Tell me who YOUR SENDER is!!"


    The foreign intruder ignored Hendra''s warning. With a slow-motion, he grabbed something from his pants pocket.


    The blue-eyed man knew it, and he swung his knees.


    The foreign man''s stomach was hit mercilessly. Hendra let him fall on the floor. He was rolling in pain.


    It was easy for the Wenceslas Group''s CEO to pick up something hidden in his attacker''s pocket.


    "Hahahaha." Hendra horribly laughed. He found out that the strange man was carrying poison for himself.


    The laughter terrified the person in front of him.


    This intruder was already facing multiple assassination missions but nothing was this relaxed.


    The Wenceslas Group''s CEO was his main mission tonight, the night that made him face fear because the victim was more terrible than the assassin.


    Hendra shifted the chair, sat back and relaxed while throwing a small bottle of poison.


    "I allow you to run, tell your sender to bring in even more experts. Haha..."


    "Or... Just drink the poison and let me watch it."


    Hendra grinned. This intruder could strike back, given that energy was slowly recovering. Somehow, the intruder mentally lost. The look of threat to Hendra turned to horror.


    With a stagger, the intruder ran as fast as he could, looking for a way to quickly get away from the potential victim who has now turned into a potential killer.


    "Pradita!" Hendra called the unit on the D floor.


    "Make sure the man in the black jacket who came out of my room is caught by your camera."


    Pradita just woke up, but he had a team that monitors the Information Technology centre room 24 hours a day.


    This D floor IT leader connected Hendra''s phone to the big screen in front of his subordinates. He immediately ran towards the place.


    A moment later, he asked Raka to send a scout to his attacker, the one who was even more skilled than his grandfather''s team that they could easily obtain information about the perpetrators.


    Unfortunately, he was only contract murder, and  was still in deep search to find out who paid for it.


    ***


    ''So beautiful.'' Someone''s smile flared up perfectly.


    "Wow... Looks like I need to give a bonus to Surya. I have succeeded in making my future wife this beautiful." Hendra left his chair, walked slowly toward Aruna, who was standing stiff.


    For Aruna, she was like a toy that had just been cleaned, made up, then presented to please Wenceslas young master.


    What a perfect logic fit in this girl''s brain. The young master looked very happy.


    Aruna wore a long sleeve midi dress with a dangling knee-length skirt. She was embellished with jewelled earrings on the ears.


    Ah, she got a matching ring with her earrings today. Oh ''don''t miss the handbag with the sky brand.


    One more annoying thing she had to wear was the wedge shoe model, which she got after arguing for a long time with Mahendra''s secretary.


    Aruna put on a lazy face.


    .


    .

 Chapter 82 - The Most Heartbreaking Thing

    Aruna put on a lazy face.


    Hendra came and held her shoulders. He was observing her with a smile.


    "You are very beautiful...." Hendra greeted with sparkling eyes.


    In fact, this blue-eyed man was creating the woman who once filled his heart perfectly.


    Aruna was likened to the shadow of his beautiful and loving mother. It was his mother''s image he caught as a child before heartbreaking tragedy befell both of them.


    The sturdy body slowly embraced her, a longing man hug.


    "Don''t fight... Just this time. I need it, let me rest for a moment."


    ''Hmm... You smell good..''


    ''You know Aruna¡­''


    ''I don''t regret choosing you¡­''


    ''Even if you have another man¡­''


    ''I will steal you¡­''


    ''My life is difficult¡­''


    ''But it''s even more difficult if you''re not exist ...''


    ''God is very fair isn''t it??''


    ''He has your heart¡­''


    ''But I have your body¡­''


    ''Let''s fight who lasts longer¡­''


    .


    .


    ***


    [Previous night]


    "Hi..." The girl smiled happily patting the man''s shoulder who had been waiting for her.


    Even though his face couldn''t be seen, it was clear that he was smiling broadly under the mask he was wearing from the corner of the narrowed eyes.


    "Haha, look at me! I use a mask like you..."


    "I suddenly became famous like you." Aruna threw a meaningful remark, and she put on a cute style that meant sad.


    Yes, it was sarcasm about the current unpleasant state.


    They have to hide from everyone just to enjoy the simple days. They no longer hid from Aruna''s dreadful future husband or family, but from everyone that they didn''t know at all.


    "Hehe how¡­ Is it exciting to be famous?" The eccentric young man greeted.


    After his final tour, the melancholy songstress had three days to rest from all activities.


    "Maybe it will be even more exciting... If we don''t talk much and get on your Vespa!"


    "Ah, I miss you... How are you, bro?" The girl hit Damar''s antique Vespa seat as if she was greeting her old friend.


    "I''m fine, Sis..." Damar replied while handing over the helmet to the reddish hue.


    "There is a requirement to be a passenger on my Vespa..."


    Aruna suspiciously looked at this young man.


    "Hug the owner because he will be speeding... Hahaha."


    "Not funny." Said Aruna.


    "Aa... Aaaa¡­.."


    "Damar, this is so exciting." The girl screamed out her anxiety. After the incident that drained her heart and mind, she seemed to have changed a lot.


    She was now being indifferent and trying to vent in such ways. It was far away from her personality, which tended to be friendly and careful in every action.


    "You have to try...."


    "Aruna hold on... You can fall!"


    The girl stood up and opened her arms and let her hands and hair be blown away by the wind. Her loose hair jumped up and down to perfectly greet the street.


    It seemed that the young man''s goal had been perfectly realised. Yes, his goal was to stick sweet memories in the girl''s mind who gave him one-sided love was very successful.


    And now, the girl was always looking for him just to enjoy the comfort.


    "Where are we going now?" The girl looked for other simple things, which now seemed very expensive.


    The two of them sat back and forth on the antique Vespa. She was staring at the road that began to swing. For her, doing so didn''t matter.


    "Let''s eat!" Said the Vespa owner''s idea.


    "Fried noodles, fried rice, meatballs... something on the side of the road." Aruna muttered softly.


    "Seems interesting." Damar heard her murmur.


    "I agree... Let''s eat trash food!!" The girl came up with an idea with a strange sentence. It was too weird because Aruna said it.


    "Hey, you said ''trash'' just now??"


    ''I learned from someone.''


    "Don''t repeat it. It''s strange to hear if you say it. My ears are uncomfortable hearing it." This eccentric young man was very familiar with Aruna''s every habit and behaviour.


    "Hehe, sorry."


    .


    .


    "It''s been a long time... We''re not here, Damar." The man nodded.


    "Do you want to add eggs or not?" The man would order fried rice in a green cart parked on the roadside not far from the Magic Letter outlet.


    Indeed, the Vespa circling wasn''t clear today.


    "Sure! I want a spicy sadist as usual."


    They ordered a typical fried rice subscribed to by The Magic Letter friends when they have to work overtime at night.


    "Nope... You need to reduce that bad habit!" A sullen face greeted Damar''s words, but this girl didn''t want to argue.


    "You don''t want to buy for your friends too? How unusual." Mr Rohman, the fried rice seller, asked.


    "Huh? Do you recognise me??" Damar was surprised that he was wearing a mask.


    "You are Damar and it''s Ms Aruna, right? The accessories shop next door." This innocent old man casually spoke to them.


    "Haha... I thought we wouldn''t be recognised if we wore masks." Damar scratched the corner of his neck, which didn''t even itch.


    "Dating secretly from friends, huh?..." Mr Rohman spoke nonsense while busy with frying pans.


    "Ah, so you know." Damar also replied with a nonsense thing.


    "You rarely watch TV??"


    "If I watch TV I will not sell this."


    "Good Sir! You''re great! I''ll often buy your fried rice." This young man looked relieved.


    The fried rice seller didn''t know about his new life.


    ***


    "Beep... Beep..."


    WhatsApp messages greeted the owner.


    *Mr Hendra, I got a report from my men.


    ''Ting.'' Photo entered from Raka''s message to Hendra.


    *They go together again. (Raka)


    *Just let them. Make sure your people are not visible. (Hendra)


    *One more time, I''ll take a break. No need to send any photos or reports tonight.


    Hendra closed his eyes, mustering up the courage to just look at the photo on his smartphone.


    His future wife was seen enjoying a meal with his rival on a roadside. He actually had seen this for real.


    Somehow, it was more torturous this time.


    Didn''t they kiss this afternoon? Did Aruna have no feeling for him? Or at least impressed by his efforts to leave the flight to ensure her safety?


    Hendra tightly held the phone containing Aruna''s photo with the young man. The next moment, he rudely threw his phone.


    "Brak." There was a loud sign that his phone had broken into several pieces.


    The DM Group''s CEO began to hold his head. There was a pain in his head. He was standing looking for consciousness.


    "Surya, tell Diana''s people to meet me, now!" The order came after Hendra made use of the hotel telephone facility.


    "Oh yes, don''t forget your task. Bring Aruna to me! I want to see her as early as possible. Make sure she dresses up to my taste!"


    "Are you okay? Do I need to go to your room?"


    ***


    "Damar, Have you heard that losing purpose in life is the most heartbreaking thing?" These two young people ended up on the roof of The Magic Letter outlet.


    The outlet was empty. They went upstairs. It had been a long time since they used the rooftop to enjoy New Year''s Eve with fireworks or obscure small parties.


    The roof with a wide bale-bale (long and wide chair that can be used lying down) there. Damar put a blanket on Aruna''s feet.


    The night air began to feel. But this girl still didn''t want to go home. She once again threw a deadly blank stare into the middle of nowhere.


    "Of course, it''s very scary." The man understood what the Magic Letter''s founder meant.


    "In the past, every time Lili forced us to make short, medium, and long term goals at the beginning of the new year. We always nagged her."


    "But actually in my heart, I''m really looking forward to that moment. I really like to write down my dreams."


    Damar just heard it, and he knew Aruna''s restlessness wasn''t to be answered only needed to be heard.


    "Sometimes, I steal Lili''s books. I like Zig Ziglar book the most, see you on the top of success, steps to the top, above all tops, Top achievements (4 books translated by Zig Zagler''s Best Seller)"


    "Haha... I turned out to read them all."


    "But now, all that is useless, even I feel the savings that I put aside just a stupid behavior in vain."


    Aruna, this girl didn''t like going to the mall, shopping, or something like that. She always set aside money from her hard work in the Magic Letter, including additional income as a guest speaker from start-up friends to build and make her dreams come true.


    She ensured her start-up continued to grow and develop, helping more mothers who take shelter under the LKS BISA program.


    She had an even bigger dream, which was to make this a role model for young people her age in building businesses. Unfortunately, now everything was just a fantasy.


    "Why do you rarely receive offers to become a speaker for start-up friends now?" Said Damar, breaking the ice.


    The girl was silent for a long time.


    "Hemm... I can no longer be a role model. I know they are starting a dilemma to invite me. ''Ofcourse, she is easy to succeed, she is the DM Group'' heir''s future wife.'' I actually can bear to hear it. But I have my own moral burden."


    "A person who achieves her dream from below, with a person who suddenly jumps to the top, that''s very different."


    "Other people will only see our background without knowing the hard work we have been through."


    "It''s a little painful for me to believe in my dream so desperately. But I suddenly got it in a different form. The way I don''t want to."


    Damar knew this girl was starting to cry. She was burrowing her face in the blanket.

 Chapter 83 - Who Is The Bad Guy?

    Damar knows that this girl is starting to cry while burying her face in her blanket.


    "I have just found the inspiration for my new song, you know." He tries to joke around to soothe the crying girl beside him.


    But the girl doesn''t even budge.


    "You can try to find another dream. But if you can''t let it go, you can selfishly fight for it. After all, everyone has their own rights to get what they want." The guy starts to give her advice and Aruna starts to show her face."


    "I have passed that phase. If I were still able to write a novel, I wouldn''t be like who I am now."


    The statement makes Aruna curious.


    ...Actually, I also have other goals aside from my inability to write¡­


    This statement distracts her from her own sorrow and she observes the weird guy in front of her curiously. She wants to know why Damar suddenly changes.


    "Everyone has to keep on walking, no matter how difficult your life is. You and me, or anyone, shouldn''t stop in the same position unless we want our lives to be over." Damar seems to understand Aruna''s condition.


    "Have you ever experienced it? Why are you unable to write again?" She looks at Damar straight in the eye.


    "Of course. When I ran away from Jakarta for a while, I was experiencing turmoil inside of me. I will tell you one day, but not now." Damar strokes Aruna''s hair to muffle her curiosity.


    "Why can''t you write again?" Aruna doesn''t want to let the question go unanswered.


    "Every artist has their own muse as inspiration or visualization from their works; writings, songs, paintings, or any other form of art. When the muse changes, then his arts will also change. And the worst part is when he is no longer able to make art."


    _Including me_. Damar smiles at Aruna''s confused face.


    "You might know Ahmad Dhani. His songs were poetic. Roman Picisan, Separuh Nafasku, Risalah Hati when he used his then girlfriend-turned-wife as his muse. And now, you can''t see his poetic side because he changes his artistic muse to another woman. His songs were suddenly changed, ''Sedang Ingin Bercinta, Makhluk Tuhan Paling Seksi''. His songs are changed 180 degrees."


    "The good part is that he can still make art with another muse. But, I can''t." Damar lies down and ponders at the sky glittered with stars.


    "The most important thing now is that you have to make yourself happy¡­ It''s okay to be a little bit selfish."


    ¡­I''m also selfish for wanting you endlessly¡­


    "I''ve been selfish¡­ If I were the old Aruna, I wouldn''t be here now."


    ¡­ I would have put others before me, even him who doesn''t treat me right¡­ Aruna follows him to look at the sky.


    "Damar, after this, I think we shouldn''t meet again." The statement catches him by surprise. He takes Aruna''s face who is lying down beside him.


    "But now, I don''t have anyone to talk to. I can''t be honest with my sister, Dea, or Lili. Don''t even mention the others. Only you who know the truth since the beginning."


    "How can I tell Dea when I''m treated badly, she will be miserable and even more badly than me."


    "Moreover Kak Alia, she will be haunted by her guilt."


    "I''m so sorry. I could only run to you when I couldn''t bear it anymore."


    Aruna remembers the hurt that she felt when she was forced to kiss the blue-eyed man. Didn''t he realize that she was just only 20 years old? She isn''t mature enough to accept those things easily.


    Damar holds Aruna''s hands and locks their eyes under the same stars.


    "I''m going to hold my words."


    "Run to me whenever you want, because I will always be waiting for you at the same place."


    ¡­ Waiting for you to get away from him¡­ The weird guy mumbles and his face is getting closer.


    "Isn''t it wrong, Damar?"


    "It is if your marriage is real."


    "My marriage and our relationship, both of them don''t make any sense. So, it''s the same."


    Without her knowing, the man beside her is getting closer. He strokes her hair and his eyes are staring at her intently. Ah, Aruna realizes that this gaze is similar to someone when he needs something. Hendra always looks at her this way whenever he wants to kiss her lips or cheeks. Aruna pushes Damar as strong as she can and runs downstairs quickly.


    Looking for a taxi that can take her home.


    "Aruna, I won''t do anything that you don''t want." The guy finds Aruna who is waiting for the online taxi.


    But the girl doesn''t want to talk. She even moves away from his grasp.


    ¡­ Why is she so scared of me when I haven''t done anything yet¡­


    "I''ll take you home. Let''s go!"


    But Aruna refuses. She lets go of her hand Damar''s grasp.


    The guy grabs both of her hands, trying to knock some sense from the girl in front of him, "I don''t know what trauma you''ve been going through. Get a grip on yourself! I won''t do anything that you don''t want¡­ I''m not like him."


    "Don''t be like this. You are making me miserable."


    "Sorry." Aruna releases herself just as her taxi arrives to bring her away from the singer of Rona Kemerahan. The guy starts to scream, run after the taxi, and even successfully bangs on the window. But eventually, the taxi leaves him behind.


    ***


    Aruna


    As time goes by, the weirder my life is.


    If he treated me well and didn''t do anything weird, I might not have involved Damar. I have asked Damar to leave my life.


    Unfortunately, I don''t know whom I can talk to just to release some tension. Everyone seems too far away. It''s not their fault though, it''s my situation that vastly changes.


    Just like his people who look at me with judging eyes, the other people will think that I''m a bad person who cheated on his boss with another man.


    They just didn''t know the way that guy treated me since the beginning.


    How he came to force me to marry him and then asked for divorce even when we didn''t know each other. He treated his fiancee as someone troublesome, stalked her without feeling remorse. He banged on my front door but then hurt me with his sharp tongue. He even cornered me in front of my friends, dragged, and locked me up to clear his name in front of the public.


    They just didn''t know, I''m still grasping for my sanity because of being married off at a young age. He doesn''t even give me a chance to talk.


    Every time we talk, no matter what topic it is, the end will always be counting his gains and losses. About the compensation that I have to pay off or that I need to agree to his terms.


    Who''s the bad guy? Is it me or him?


    How can I face the crazy CEO? Is it wrong for me to be afraid of him, the one who always stares at my lips with his sharp gaze?


    Do I have to melt to his sweet voice then agree to all his wishes, although the same mouth is able to mock me sharply?


    He will see, I won''t submit to him, I am not his plaything. I will fight for my own life, even though I am a bit selfish. Because everyone has their own rights to get what they want in life.


    ***


    "Let''s go." Hendra opens the Rolls Royce door for Aruna.


    A couple is smiling at them to greet the newlyweds that they have been waiting for. Aruna gets up from the car, slightly unstable because she isn''t used to wearing the wedges. It''s not high heels, but the girl isn''t used to wearing such things and is more comfortable wearing sport shoes, whether it''s sneakers or Vans.


    Watching her struggling with her balance, the man beside her puts his hand on the small of Aruna''s back to steady her. Hendra patiently holds Aruna who is trying to climb slowly the stairs of Riswan and Camilla''s official household.


    The two couples shake hands. Obviously, Hendra looks more dominant with his tall posture and his more than average visual. He speaks eloquently while looking at his partner in an understanding manner. He introduces Aruna politely. It''s a whole different man from whom she knows on a daily basis.


    ¡­ Does he have multiple personalities?...


    ***


    "How are you feeling now?"


    "It''s better now."


    "Ask me if you need anything else! I''m not as good as Dr. Diana, but I''m also a psychiatrist. Although I''m just starting my career, I graduated with cum laude, so I''m qualified to assess your problem." The woman smiles at him.


    "Does the drug contain benzodiazepine - sleeping pills?" Hendra asks.


    "Of course not. We''ve been studying your personality over time, and we know you don''t want to take anything that contains benzodiazepine. You can read it yourself, the medicine I give is Amitriptyline." The young doctor explains


    Hendra just nods his head hearing her explanations.


    (Amitriptyline is an antidepressant drug. This drug can help to lift your moods, relieve anxiety, boost energy, and help you rest.


    Aside from people who are in treatment for depression, amitriptyline is also used to treat eating disorders, pain due to herpes zoster infection, and prevent migraines.


    Amitriptyline helps to maintain serotonin and norepinephrine levels balance in the central nervous system. Thus, the brain''s performance will improve and the symptoms of depression will gradually decrease).


    "If you don''t need anything else, please excuse me."


    .


    .

 Chapter 84 - The Hypothesis

    "If you don''t need anything else, please excuse me."


    "Can I know why you and your friends laugh when I ask you to give me medicine to relieve my chest pain? Aren''t you all doctors?!"


    The young doctor tries to hide her laugh behind her polite smile, but the effort is futile. She has to close her eyes and lips tightly to gain composure, but can''t stop the small smile on her face.


    But the young boss in front of her is looking at her coldly.


    "Because there is no such thing to relieve the chest pain that you are experiencing. It''s called jealousy. Even I have known that since elementary school."


    "Since elementary?" Hendra is shocked.


    "Maybe because you are trying so hard to resist any contact with women because of the syndrome you have, that''s why you are late in realizing your feelings."


    "That means you have been involved with boys since you''re in elementary." Hendra moves his hand to describe the height of an elementary school student as if trying to say that ''you''ve been dating when you were still this tall.'' The CEO of Wenceslas Group is shocked.


    "Yes." The young doctor''s face is reddened due to embarrassment.


    "But, I''m single now. Although I date around for so long, my love life ends up in a mess. I think I got karma."


    "How do you know if you are falling in love?"


    "It''s easy. Do you think about her often? Even though you find it difficult to understand, by hearing your brief consultation session with Doctor Diana, I know you''ve already fallen in love with your future wife".


    "Can you prove that I''ve been falling in love?" Hendra''s brain works more logically. If this chat is part of the consultation, that means what this young doctor says is a hypothesis. And a hypothesis has to be proven.


    (A hypothesis or a basic assumption is a temporary answer to a problem that is still presumptive and it must be proven. The presumed answer is a temporary truth, which will be verified by research.


    Scientific hypotheses provide temporary answers to problems that occur. The hypothesis is tested if all the symptoms that arise do not conflict with the hypothesis. To prove the hypothesis testing, researchers can deliberately create symptoms, this deliberation is called an experiment or experiment. A hypothesis that has been verified is called a theory).


    (^ _ ^ Quoted from: Vardiansyah, Dani. Filsafat Ilmu Komunikasi: An Introduction, Index, Jakarta 2008. P.10 and Uma Sakaran, Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach, New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1992, page .7-19)


    Hendra needs theory compared to some bullshit the psychiatrist utters. If Hendra''s case is a comparative hypothesis, then Diana''s team can come up with another question for comparison. And Hendra will use his feelings as data.


    "You are too clever, just as Doctor Diana mentioned. Tell me, what should I do to prove it to you?" The blue eyes look at her curiously. She knows the man wouldn''t accept her statement just as it is.


    "Okay, let''s start."


    "You said that you graduated with cum laude, right? Let''s prove your hypothesis!"


    _Is this man crazy? Obviously, he has been involved in an experiment for a long time_


    _Wait! Isn''t post-traumatic disorder also a part of a stress disorder? Maybe he is stressed out. Who is in the right mind to prove love with a hypothesis analysis?_ The young doctor tries to comfort herself as she feels pressured by Hendra''s strange request.


    "Let''s do the easiest way, The Comparative Hypothesis. Give me comparative questions, isn''t it easy? I have all the data you need. I will be honest with you this time."


    The doctor who just finished her master''s degree smiles bitterly.


    "Okay, let''s try."


    "Please sit down," Hendra asks her to sit after standing up for quite a long time.


    "Emm¡­" She rolls her eyes. Now, she is the one who''s getting stressed out. Her brain juice is drained by her patient''s request.


    "Comparative, huh? Okay, let''s get started! The null hypothesis (H0) is the feeling that Mahendra feels towards his future wife is love. The alternative hypothesis (H1) is the feeling that Mahendra feels towards his future wife isn''t love.


    ¡­ Crazy, this is super crazy!... She is starting to perspire.


    "No, I don''t agree! H0 and H1 that you explain can be categorized as Descriptive Hypotheses. Are you truly a cum laude graduate?" Hendra has mastered many things in detail.


    _I''m so dead! He is so detailed!_ The woman seems to panic.


    "If I''m using the comparative hypothesis. For example, H0: the level of love that Mahendra feels towards his future wife is the same as the level that she feels. If we use your perception as data to measure your future wife''s feelings, then your data will be subjective. Although psychiatrists tend to use subjective data, if it''s taken from the second party, it will be considered very weak.)


    (Subjective data is data taken from a client as an opinion on a situation and event. This information cannot be determined by the nurse as it includes the client''s perceptions, feelings, ideas about his health status. For example regarding pain, feelings of being weak, fear, anxiety, frustration, nausea, and shame).


    Hendra is silent for a while before nodding his agreement after hearing her explanation.


    "This time, I agree with you."


    _Fiuh, thankfully he agrees. Actually, I''m not prepared if we have to discuss the comparative hypothesis now. I feel like I have to defend my thesis once again_ She sighs several times and her head starts to throb painfully.


    "You can simply answer with ''Yes! Uncertain! No!'' for every question that I''m going to ask." This young doctor started to make a simple table on her notes.


    "You can''t control your heart whenever you are near her?"


    "Yes."


    "Do you feel uneasy when she is close to other men?"


    "Yes."


    "You can''t ignore her pleas for help?"


    "Yes."


    "You can''t control your instinct to approach her."


    "What do you mean by that? I don''t understand." Hendra cuts in.


    _Oh my God?! That means I have to explain it_ The woman scratches her neck with a smile to cover the urge to slap her own forehead.


    "That means whenever you are near her, you feel your adrenaline rushes in. You always want to hug her, kiss her cheek, and even her lips if possible." The young doctor explains with irritation on her face.


    "Super YES," Hendra replies as quickly as possible.


    "Huh? What?" The psychiatrist is caught by surprise.


    _Finally he understood what I mean_


    _Crazy¡­ (stressed out)_ She couldn''t hold back the urge to swear at him


    5 Questions


    .


    10 Questions


    .


    20 Questions


    .


    And it finally ended after 27 questions, after her brain gave up. Hendra didn''t want the hypothesis tested with only 5 or 10 questions. He needs as much as she could give.


    "I like your way to approach problems." Hendra praises her. The woman just smiles bitterly, because finally, she can breathe normally.


    "But actually, I also have other problems. Can you help me?" Hendra thinks that this girl can be his tutor to approach Aruna.


    "Yes. of course!"


    _But not now, please. I need my beauty sleep_ She grumbles to herself.


    "Um¡­ Because I believe that you will also need some rest, how about if we do it another time? You can contact me." She said while giving him her name card.


    "Dr. Nathasya M. Triyuono Sp. Kj, is that your name?" Mahendra asks.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "How old are you?"


    "26 years old."


    "Oh, so we''re almost the same age."


    "Really?"


    "Do I look old?" Hendra frowns.


    "Not really. But I thought, someone that holds a high position as you do, will be older than me."


    "Hm¡­ you are probably right."


    "How old are you?" Nathasya asks.


    "You don''t read my personal data?" Hendra isn''t sure that this woman doesn''t know.


    "Hehe, I do. You will be 28 years old in one month. Is that right?"


    "You... are not an innocent woman."


    "What??" Nathasya is taken aback with Hendra''s statement.


    ¡­ Wow, those are really piercing words...


    "I have told you, I have many experiences in love until I get hit by karma."  He has already known it anyway, so Nathasya  admits her lack of innocence.


    "I will be meeting Aruna tomorrow. I want her to be comfortable being near me. At least, that she doesn''t feel pressured meeting me. Even that simple thing seems very impossible for me."


    "Yeah, I know."


    _Even I feel pressured communicating with you, moreover your future wife? And an arranged marriage. She must be so pressured_ Nathasya deducts.


    "What do you know?" Hendra eyes her curiously.


    "That you make her feel pressured."


    Suddenly, his face seems so helpless.


    "Don''t worry, I can help you."


    "Really?" His face brightens hearing her word.


    "Yes, of course. But I need to confirm a few things, just to make sure."


    "Is it true that you don''t have many friends? I have read it somewhere, since I find your background is very interesting, but I don''t believe it 100%." She tries to confirm Hendra''s condition.


    "Yes, you''re right. I''m not close with many people, even with my family after that incident. And I don''t need many friends because the so-called friends only come to me when they need something."


    "Oh, I see. I understand it now."


    "You don''t have a good social life, so you have difficulties in positioning yourself. It might be good for your career because you can show your dominant side. But it will have different results if you want to have a close personal relationship."

 Chapter 85 - Plan B

    "You don''t have a good social life, so you have difficulties in positioning yourself. It might be good for your career because you can show your dominant side. But it will have different results if you want to have a close personal relationship."


    "You have to ''hit the brake.'' Ah, how should I put it?" Nathasya is getting confused.


    "Hold back." Hendra offers.


    "Ah, yes. You need to hold back your dominant side."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Try to look at everything through different perspectives. And in this case, in your future wife''s perspective." Nathasya explains.


    "You also have to learn what she likes and accept her for what she is." She adds.


    "Ah, shit! I have told her to dress the way I like for tomorrow." Hendra ruffles his hair in desperation. He looks cute.


    _Oh my God, this man is totally in love_ Nathasya can''t hold back her grins.


    "Don''t worry. There''s still plan B." Nathasya seems confident regarding this. Actually, Hendra has one friend whom he regularly speaks to (Surya). But both men are useless in love matters, so Nathasya seems promising.


    "Really? Wah, you''re really the master!"


    "Of course! So the plan B is you have to praise her beauty. You are so beautiful. I believe she will be over the moon!"


    _Especially if the man has a face like yours_ She adds more to herself.


    "Really? Does it work?" Hendra looks at her in disbelief.


    "The worthless words are the plan B?"


    Nathasya slaps her own forehead in disbelief over the man''s question.


    "If women were not weird creatures, Kahlil Gibran wouldn''t write so many love poems for May Ziyadah."


    (Their long distance relationship between US and Egypt was only revealed after Kahlil Gibran died, through their love letters.)


    "Who is May Ziyadah? I knew Gibran had a close relationship with Mary Haskell. And I like Mary Haskell because she proved that she had brains by accepting the marriage offer from Florence Minis, a rich businessman from Georgia, rather than living with a poor artist." Hendra retorts fiercely as if this is a personal story between Aruna, him, and an artist that he doesn''t want to mention.


    "That''s why!" Nathasya is shocked seeing Hendra''s expression.


    "You! How dare you¡­"


    "Stop! Remember, you are getting more dominant. My statement before just to remind you as a friend. You have to learn to hold back your anger over these mere statements." Actually, Nathasya blurts it out by mistake and she tries to cover it well.


    "Oh, so that''s what you mean."


    And Hendra accepts her poor excuse.


    Nathasya thinks that the Wenceslas Group CEO is quite innocent.


    "Aside from the worthless words, I mean the praise," Nathasya adds,


    "You have to act sweet."


    "Act sweet?" Hendra seems to be deep in thought.


    _Oh my God, do I have to spell it out again?_


    "For example, you guard her steps. If there''s a puddle in front of her, you should take off your suit and cover the puddle with it so she wouldn''t be splashed!"


    "Really?! I think that''s too much!"


    "It IS too much. Because you are quite innocent, I thought you would buy it." Nathasya is testing the CEO sitting in front of him.


    "Excuse you, I''m serious."


    "Hehe, sorry. Make sure that you mind your pace with hers, don''t walk too fast. Because your body is taller, your steps will be wider."


    "I''m sure you walk faster and sometimes leave her behind." Nathasya adds.


    "Wow, how do you know?"


    "It''s so simple. Because your character is more dominant, I can guess how you treat her." Nathasya also advises him to talk more politely to her and starts to pay attention to simple things. Including telling him that he has the advantages over his competitor, that Hendra has the woman physically.


    "You just have to start a good habit, and it will grow into love. If that has happened, you will become the winner and have her heart."


    "Okay, I can sleep well tonight." Hendra looks pleased after the discussion with Diana''s junior doctor.


    "Actually, there''s one more important thing that I want to know."


    "Shoot! I will answer any question." Hendra gives her a chance.


    "Why don''t you just tell her about the syndrome you have? I''m sure she can accept your condition. I guarantee you, she can help you." Nathasya finally asks the question that her whole team is dying to ask.


    "Because I really like her."


    Nathasya frowns, doesn''t understand the meaning behind the statement.


    "I don''t want her to care for me because she pities me. I want to win her love in the right way. Not because of pity. I want to be loved, not being pitied. It''s similar but different."


    Nathasya doesn''t think that her patient has a deep feeling for his future wife.


    "Tell Diana, don''t decide it by herself. I know she cares for me. But I have the rights to do what I want to do."


    "I just knew that a man can have pure love towards a woman." As a woman who often fails in her love life, she is astonished to hear his confession.


    "Just take a rest. Thank you for helping me tonight."


    "You''re welcome. I wish you all the best for tomorrow." And the young doctor disappears from behind the closed door.


    ***


    The two couples shake hands. Obviously, Hendra looks more dominant with his tall posture and his more than average visual. He speaks eloquently while looking at his partner in an understanding manner. He introduces Aruna politely. It''s a whole different man from whom she knows on a daily basis.


    ¡­ Does he have multiple personalities?... Aruna asks herself, this crazy CEO has changed 180 degrees. In the morning, he praised her for being so pretty and hugged her in his warm embrace. Huh, her face is getting red now.


    "Are you okay? Let''s go." Hendra leads her to the living room of Riswan''s household. The big hand is still plastered on Aruna''s back.


    "Hendra, let go of your hand!"


    "Why? I do it so you won''t fall."


    "It''s uncomfortable! You are touching my bra!"


    "Ah, really? Sorry, sorry."


    .


    A moment later...


    "Aaa.." Aruna trips on the carpet in the living room. But before she falls, Hendra can hold her in his arms.


    Riswan and Camila look back and watch the young couple hugging each other while half sitting down on the carpet.


    _Aaah¡­ This is so embarrassing! Why did I do something ridiculous in front of my idol! Aruna just wants to cry.


    "Are you okay?" Camilla asks.


    "Hehe¡­" Aruna smiles shyly, her face reddens due to embarrassment. Hendra immediately hugs her to help her stand up on her feet.


    "Are you okay, Aruna?" Hendra''s question is met with a small nod. The blue-eyed man spontaneously smooths his future wife''s hair, making them look sweet to each other.


    "You guys are so sweet." Camilla''s praise makes her cheeks redden. She is so honored for being able to meet the mayor''s wife.


    Four of them enjoy their afternoon tea with a chat.


    "Hendra, when can I take a photo with them?" Aruna whispers.


    "Be patient. Do you see their staff is taking our photos together? I will ask him for a copy later." Hendra calms her down.


    "Thank you."


    _Ah, her smile is so comforting._


    .


    When the men are talking about a more serious matter, the women excuse themselves from the conversation. The mayor''s wife invites Aruna to take a look at their house. Filled with beautiful flowers, Aruna knows that the flowers are planted by the elegant woman beside her. She followed Camilla''s Instagram.


    "Can I take a photo with you?" Aruna asks for permission.


    "Yes, of course." Camilla agrees and they look around to find a good spot in the middle of Camilla''s flowers.


    "I have met you before," Aruna says.


    "Really?"


    "Yes. I was one of the youths that got a special invitation to have lunch with you when I was active as a volunteer for teaching unfortunate children."


    "I still saved your photo." Aruna shows their photo together and they start to chat and laugh together.


    Hendra is looking at Aruna from afar. He just realized that Aruna can get along with others easily.


    She can laugh and steal the attention of the woman whom she proclaims as her idol.


    The blue-eyed man remembers that his future wife was panicking during their ride to the mayor''s house.


    "What should I say to them?


    "Hendra, do I look good?"


    "Is it still far?"


    And many other questions which are quite not important.


    He still remembered what the woman who successfully steals his heart and mind whispered to him: "Fighting! I''m going first, good luck!" Her hands are balled into fists before going behind Camilla.


    .


    .


    "You have been looking at her for too long. Don''t forget to blink." Riswan tries to make a joke. Both of them are too serious after the women left them alone.


    "Can we also be close?" Hendra changes the way he sits. And he doesn''t look at Riswan as friendly as before.

 Chapter 86 - Tracing Paper

    "Can we also be close?" Hendra changes the way he sits. And he doesn''t look at Riswan as friendly as before.


    "Ah, you are similar to your scary grandfather." The mayor tries to calm himself, putting his cup on the table.


    "Your friends are ridiculous. They are making a ruckus in one of Wenceslas subsidiaries. What do they want from you?"


    "Hmmm¡­" Riswan smiles.


    "Can you give me time to explain?" Riswan leaves the room and comes back with a rolled-up tracing paper (a type of paper that has low opacity. Usually used by Architects or Design Engineers). He then rolls the tracing paper on the table, letting the CEO of Wenceslas Group to take a look.


    "They hope that this design is used." Riswan smiled looking at the blue-eyed man staring at the design intently.


    "Do you know that architects have the same instinct regarding design? They supported me because we have the design to back up." The mayor adds.


    "Why did you choose our company? We don''t want to deal with the government. You can use other companies rather than making a ruckus in Wenceslas Construction." The CEO is still staring at the tracing paper.


    "Because only you can execute the project in the right way. I have tried to choose others but I realized the previous company that I worked for is the right company." The mayor tries to persuade him.


    "Don''t try to flatter me!" Hendra goes straight to the point.


    "That''s the truth. Our budget is sufficient to build this place. But it won''t be enough if we use other construction companies just as you are trying to get a hold of water."


    "I know you don''t want to deal with government projects because you are sick of that thing." He adds.


    "I am afraid I will be carried away and impressed by your sweet mouth," Hendra replies rudely.


    "Ah Hendra, you haven''t changed."


    "Let''s get straight to the point. What is your goal aside from this design? I don''t want to waste my time." The CEO is always dominant in business.


    "Even if I speak the truth, you will still think that I''m lying. This is the truth."


    Hendra starts to strum his fingers on the table.


    "Okay¡­" The mayor knows the sign. After all, he had been an employee of Wiryo''s grandson, the young CEO of Wenceslas Group, although not more than a year.


    "I want this place to become a model for public facilities. People need a comfortable place to interact with and enjoy the diversity of Indonesian culture."


    "Rather than using the budget to make a useless program, we want to build a place safe for all people, including the elderly and disabled. And we also intend this place to become a place to renew the spirit of unity in diversity as Indonesian." Riswan moves his finger stealthily on the tracing paper.


    He also explains why one place of worship is closer compared to the others, the importance of people''s markets, and the garden is located in the middle. He also explains some symbols that represent the footpath intended for the blind, simple fences and seats for the elderly, so they can still worship God comfortably.


    "There''s one thing missing here," Hendra adds. Riswan looks at him curiously.


    "Your garden is not kids friendly. I prefer to build a children''s playground to support their growth compared to the millennial generations. Unless¡­ you intend to get brownie points to get the presidential position in the next two years."


    Hendra says straight to the point.


    "Ah, you are getting too far." Riswan knows what exactly Hendra means.


    "There''s nothing impossible for a politician, right?" Hendra smirks.


    "Honestly, I haven''t given it a thought even though my name is mentioned a few times as a strong candidate."


    "Really? Isn''t this building the perfect ladder to climb to the highest position?" Once again, his smirks appear.


    "Can I be honest?" Riswan looks at Mahendra intently.


    "I will climb the ladder if you agree to back me up."


    "Hahaha." Hendra laughs at the long discussion that turns into a useless proposition.


    "I am honest, Hendra. You can laugh at me."


    "Look at that," Hendra points his stare at Aruna.


    "Even my future wife is foolishly supporting you. You can climb the ladder by using them. But, I''m sorry, the Wenceslas Group is too precious to meddle in politics."


    The mayor goes silent for a while.


    "You know, I got this position independently. I almost didn''t use any money from my account, but the people voted for me. Did you know that your grandfather helps me?"


    Hendra looks at him with his piercing eyes.


    _What is he talking about?"


    "Have you seen the D floor?"


    "I heard that you will take the president director position. I''m sure you have seen it."


    "If you have known all the functions in the D room, you will understand how great it is because I was the architect."


    "When I got the prize, I asked your grandfather to support the SFI (Sanitation for Indonesia) program that I designed. It turned out that the program moved the community and encouraged me to get the mayor position."


    "So, who supports me?"


    A young lady runs to Hendra during the heated conversation, breaking his concentration.


    "Hendra, look! Don''t I look pretty in these photos?"


    "Yes. You look very beautiful."


    And her cheeks redden at his praise.


    "Hendra, are you finished?" The young lady whispers in a low voice.


    "I think¡­"


    "I was too nervous when Surya picked me up this morning and I forgot to have breakfast."


    "Are you hungry?"


    Aruna nods at Hendra''s question. Hendra looks at his watch, around 11.04 AM, they still have around one hour until lunch. And his discussion with Riswan isn''t over yet. But Hendra has to divide his attention to the hungry girl.


    "Go meet my staff, they will help you to buy you some breakfast."


    "No, I don''t want to!"


    "Why?"


    "I don''t want to meet them alone."


    _They hide guns behind their suits, it''s terrifying!_


    "I still have to discuss something with Riswan."


    "I said I don''t want to!"


    _And they look at me suspiciously after the incident in Damar''s house_


    "So I have to do it?" The man tries to behave in front of Aruna. He realizes that his competitor


    treats Aruna better. So he has to be more patient.


    "YES!" Aruna agrees.


    "You are so troublesome like a child ..". Hendra throws her an irritated look. Sometimes he can''t


    stand it either.


    "Who asks you to bring me?"


    "But, aren''t you happy?"


    "Yes, I''m happy. But, I''m hungry too."


    And the man can''t ignore Aruna''s pouting face anymore.


    _Remember, Hendra, you have to consider Aruna''s perspective. Be patient_ He tries to remember himself and holds back his anger. It seems that Dr. Nathasya''s advice has some effects on him.


    The blue-eyed man stands up and asks permission to leave for a while to Riswan.


    "Is there anything you need?" The mayor offers his help. But it''s not polite to say the truth. Both of them look at each other in confusion.


    "Emm¡­ my little darling wants something and I need to assist her first."


    "WHAT?" The girl is shocked. How can the stern CEO start to address her as ''My Little Darling.'' Aruna shudders to hear his statement. If she could, this girl wants to strangle him.


    The next second, Aruna tries to pitch Hendra discreetly so Riswan doesn''t know.


    "Au¡­ A.. a.." Hendra moans softly, catching Aruna''s hand who is pinching him under his suit.


    "Give me a moment." The blue-eyed man smiles politely, trying to hide their little banter while


    hugging Aruna''s little body in his arms.


    "Did you dare to pinch me?! Do you want to die?! You are so troublesome¡­ you are lucky, I''m in a good mood today."


    _If it''s not because of Nathasya''s advice, I wouldn''t be as patient_


    "Who asks you to call me with that ridiculous name!" Aruna shrieks.


    "In front of the mayor! Your mouth is really amazing!"


    "They said women like sweet talk, especially being called darling. I just put it into practice."


    Hendra looks lost when Aruna is angry at him. This man is really helpless.


    "Practice? You said that you just put it into practice?! Oh my God, why are you so childish?!"


    "Hendra, who told you such rubbish?" Aruna forgets that she is hungry. Instead, she interrogates the CEO Wenceslas group who looks pale at her question.


    _I''m sure that he wouldn''t have ''my little darling'' in his vocabulary. Or maybe the novel that I found in the hospital earlier has contaminated his brain._


    "Hendra, don''t read such rubbish! I think you are getting stranger!" Hendra finds her cute when


    she frowns.


    "Okay, honey¡­" The man smiles, hoping that Aruna would forget his fault. Maybe saying beautiful or my little darling will work later, Hendra thinks.


    "Hendra, you are so ridiculous!"


    "Aargh¡­ I hate you!" Aruna is really mad at him.


    "Why are you angry?" He is hopeless, he doesn''t know what he has done wrong and how to fix it.


    "Aruna, I have asked my staff to buy you some food. Let''s go eat in the car."


    "No! I''m not hungry!" The girl pouts, not wanting to hear any word from Hendra. She closes her ears tightly after realizing that the crazy CEO is trying to persuade her to eat.


    She shudders, her ears couldn''t take any sweet words coming from the sole heir of Wenceslas anymore.


    ***


    "Kriekkk.." Someone is opening the door.


    A moment later, a bag falls on the sofa and someone is trying to find food. Then he opens the refrigerator and pantry drawers but can''t find any.

 Chapter 87 - The Wedding Witness

    "Kriekkk.." Someone is opening the door.


    A moment later, a bag falls on the sofa and someone is trying to find food. Then he opens the refrigerator and pantry drawers but can''t find any.


    Then, he sees a glass cabinet beside him and realizes that there is some food inside of it. He grabs a plate, spoon, and other food that he needs and starts to eat it.


    "Shit!"


    _ Why are there cigarette butts here? Is the woman still smoking? _ Suddenly, he lost his appetite. He glances at the ashtray and starts putting the cigarette butts inside it.


    Then he washes his hands and starts to eat.


    "Huh? Who is it?" A woman shrieks, because she finds the front door is opened and some strange sounds on the ground floor.


    But the man is enjoying the food without any care in the world.


    The woman creeps behind him.


    "Go away or I will hit you!" She holds a broom, threatens to hit the man.


    "Auntie, I''m just eating, don''t bother me." The man turns around and looks disinterestedly at Aunt Maidah''s shocked face.


    "You¡­" The woman throws away the broom and sits in front of the man who is enjoying his meal.


    "Don''t look at me that way, you are salivating." Aunt Maidah just watches him happily.


    "I will call your mom. She will be happy that you''re back." Aunt Maida takes out her handphone from the apron she is using while she is doing household work.


    "No need. It''s outside of her working hour." Danu replies.


    "No, she has been waiting for this day for months."


    "Or will you go again after this? Please¡­ give her a chance to meet you." The woman pleads.


    "I don''t know, maybe I will be away for quite some time. I''m enjoying my vacation." The man continues eating.


    "Has she stopped being stupid?"


    "That''s right! You have to appreciate her. Since you ran away from home, she is looking for you


    everywhere. And suddenly she makes an effort to stop her addiction."


    "Are you lying?" The man stops his eating.


    "No, absolutely not! You can check it! There''s no alcohol in this house, and she has stopped for around a year."


    "Then, what''s that?" He points at the ashtray on the table.


    "Hehe, she still can''t let go of tobacco. But, if you say you are going back, I believe she will get rid of it." The aunt replies, full of confidence.


    "I hope she is back to her normal life." The man finishes his plate and Aunt Maidah takes his plate and clears the table swiftly.


    "She has changed a lot after you ran away from home. She cried a lot and she regretted her actions, but she is getting better now. She is also proud of you when she sees you on TV. She said she wants to meet you, but she doesn''t want to bother you."


    "I think you are too harsh on her, Danu."


    Danu Umar keeps silent hearing Aunt Maidah''s voice then he grabs his backpack.


    "Wait, wait! Don''t go!" Aunt Maidah looks so shocked.


    _I have to send another message so she comes back quickly._


    "Who''s said I''m going? I just want to give this to you." He gives a small black box to her.


    "What is this?"


    "Just open it," Danu instructs. He looks at the old woman opens the box and looks at it in disbelief, while trying to hold back her tears.


    "Thank you for taking care of my mom so well."


    "You are making me cry, this is too much! Huuuhh..." She wipes away the tears.


    "Go home and you will see that she has changed."


    .


    .


    "Maidah, where is Danu?" The woman is wearing a blazer over a white shirt and a knee-length skirt with similar colored high heels. She is around 37 years old but you wouldn''t know it because she still looks young, beautiful, and energetic.


    She runs to find her son who is flicking the TV remote disinterestedly. She finds him and walks towards him slowly, trying not to make a noise.


    "My lovely son..." She hugs him from the back.


    Danu is almost surprised, but then he realizes who she is.


    Danu finds her hugging him close. People might consider them funny but they cherish the closeness.


    "Move away! Let me go! I can smell your tobacco!"


    "Really?"


    "But, I have brushed my teeth earlier!" She then sniffs her blazer.


    "Go away, you are making me uncomfortable."


    "What are you talking about?! After running away for 2 years, you don''t apologize, instead, you say that I''m making you uncomfortable?!"


    "You are mean!" She pretends to cry.


    "Don''t start a drama, or I will really go away," Danu grumbles.


    "But, you look so handsome now." She wipes away her tears.


    "If I''m not your mom, I want to be your girlfriend." The woman looks at him proudly.


    "You aren''t a good human resource head. You talk and live messily." Danu continues to play with the remote.


    "Because you suddenly get more handsome by getting some hair cut and taking care of your life well. I don''t even recognize you and I''m afraid to show you off to my other colleagues because you are too handsome." She is the type of overproud mother who always shows off her son to others. She even bought every novel that Danu wrote under his pen name @bentengterbaik and gave them for free to her colleagues.


    "If today is not a dream, I will treat every staff member that knows your song well."


    "You are still the same," Danu complains. If you don''t know them well, you will think that they are a strange pair of mother and son.


    She got married by accident and Danu was born when she was barely 18 years old. She got pregnant with Danu when she was 17 years old. After her debut as a model and commercial star, she decided that she wanted to continue studying in a high school in Jakarta. Her beauty and innocence didn''t always bring luck for her. As a newcomer in the industry, she made many people interested, including her boyfriend who became Danu''s father.


    The story is painful to remember. The marriage out of the accident resulted in many problems. And they decided to divorce when Danu was still 3 years old.


    What Danu could remember was that his father continued his study, attended a university abroad, and remarried after going back to Indonesia, building a perfect family with support from his well-known family background.


    And his mother had to hide in Bandung and struggled a lot by trying to get up to her feet. It''s painful to remember when she had to juggle between work, study, and motherhood. Fortunately, her family in Padang cares about them. They, including Aunt Maidah, were willing to come over to take care of young Danu for a long time.


    Sintia, his mother, is the head of the human resource department in a multinational company. Despite having a broken personal life, she manages to shine in her career.


    Danu likes to call her "head of HRD" because her normal version is when she is climbing the workplace ladder. Other than her role as a department head, Sintia is a foolish and childish woman who gets trapped in her past and has a bad habit of changing her partners which gives her a broken heart.


    And the worst part is she has the habit of being a heavy smoker and an alcoholic after the man suddenly reappeared in her life.


    Danu Umar''s father reappeared and asked Sintia to give Danu back to him. He doesn''t have a son in his new perfect family and he promised to give Danu a better life than what Sintia could give. And the worst part is turns out Sintia is still in love with the man who has ruined her youth. Danu then ran away, moved frequently, dropped out of school, until he came back just now.


    "Tell me, what did you do with your hair?"


    "I cut it."


    "Of course I knew that." Sintia pouts.


    "You have a girlfriend, right? It must be her that makes you change." She teases her son.


    "Isn''t her name is Aruna? You have to bring her to Bandung." She hits his shoulder playfully, not realizing that Danu is looking at her in surprise.


    "She must be a special person because she manages to change you to become more handsome."


    _Chairil Chaira, if you appear in front of me, I''ll beat you up!_ (Damar''s twin nephews, Chapter 14)


    ***


    There isn''t any meaningful conversation after that little bickering. The CEO of Wenceslas Group has problems concentrating, his mind is more occupied by the young woman.


    Riswan takes him on a room tour while continuing their past discussion. However, the blue-eyed man is more concerned to find where Aruna is hiding, looking around with his sharp eyes.


    Aruna ran away and he didn''t know what he had done wrong. She got angry and ran away. Maybe she hides in a corner of this place when she is supposed to be eating.


    "So, I hope that every construction will support the Sustainable Development Goals which I know that every building that Wenceslas Constru¡­?" Riswan stops himself when he sees the man beside him is looking around, trying to find something.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Huh? What?" Hendra doesn''t seem to hear what he is talking about.


    "Riswan, I think we need to end our discussion for now. I promise I will reschedule my time for further discussion."


    "And before you are disappointed, I will summarize today''s discussion. I will take part in your plan."


    _If it''s not because of Aruna, I wouldn''t have agreed with this easily_

 Chapter 88 - The Scumbags

    _If it''s not because of Aruna, I wouldn''t have agreed with this easily_


    "But, regarding your political plan, it is your own business. I, personally and as a representative of Wenceslas Group, have no interest in helping you out in political matters.


    The mayor smiles to hear the CEO agrees to his term.


    "Can I hug you?" Riswan opens his arms, as a seal of their upcoming partnership.


    "Wait, I''ve found her!" The man ignores him. Instead, Hendra turns around and walks quickly to hug Aruna''s back from behind.


    "Where are you going?" Aruna moves uncomfortably in Hendra''s arms, trying to let herself go.


    And the next second, the pair are shocked to find Camilla and Riswan are smiling at them and ask them to have lunch together.


    .


    .


    "I think both of you have a great relationship." Camilla tries to start a conversation while Aruna tries to ignore her comment by enjoying her food.


    "Don''t eat too fast, you will choke," Hendra warns the woman sitting beside him that is drinking a glass of water too fast and spills some of it on her chin. The man grabs a tissue and asks her to wipe it off.


    "Hehe." Both of them enjoying the food while ignoring Camilla''s commentary.


    "That''s why the press loves them so much. So sweet, I want to go back to our younger days." She adds while watching the CEO helping Aruna to grab some food.


    "I''m also surprised. I thought Hendra isn''t interested in women." The mayor whispers to his wife.


    "Huh? Why do you think so?" His wife asks back.


    "He has never been seen with a woman. He is also known as being rude towards women and he goes anywhere with his male secretary, so I thought he was gay."


    "Huh?!" Camilla''s mouth falls open.


    "Watch your mouth, Riswan! I can hear you." Turns out Hendra is listening to their little chats.


    "Hahaha.." They laugh to erase the tension. Camilla and Riswan are quite well-known on social media as public servants, especially the wife. The woman always draws media attention by posting funny content and their little interaction in social media as husband and wife is enjoyed by netizens.


    "So, when is your wedding date?"


    _When is it?_ Aruna almost forgets about it.


    "Ten more days."


    "Would you mind being a witness at our wedding?"


    "Yes, of course. I''m honored."


    "Okay, my staff will inform you of the schedule."


    Aruna clutches her chest, suddenly feeling a panic attack.


    ***


    Before they leave, Aruna gets her wish. The two couples take photos together and not long after that, Riswan and his wife upload their photo on social media. Nevertheless, the photo makes a buzz.


    Unfortunately, Aruna couldn''t enjoy it. She has logged out from her private account on Instagram, and is currently only active in her account in Surat Ajaib. But she is also not interested in checking her account because it will flood her phone with notifications.


    ***


    On the other hand, Aruna feels empty inside her heart on the way home from the mayor''s house. The woman looks at the street of Bogor, the city of rain, and watches the rain pouring as if trying to soothe the anxiety she is currently feeling.


    It''s not enough to be a good daughter to face the problems she has in her life. She used to have a great principle in facing the problems, ''make peace with the situation and take the first step to find the best way.'' But now, the principle becomes something that she can''t grasp. (The reason to refuse Chaniago''s love, Chapter 9)


    Who is going to help her? Which way is the best? Everything turns grey because their marriage isn''t a real marriage. It''s marriage out of an agreement. If she was able to try, maybe she could become a great wife.


    Whether it''s going to fail or be successful, at least she had tried. Just as she tries to become a good daughter, she will also try to become a good partner.


    But, destiny plays with her. The man who is busy with his iPhone looks so comfortable in living this contract marriage. Maybe he is used to doing everything, including marriage, based on agreement. And Aruna knows that he is looking at her as his colleague.


    Her perspective is wrong because their marriage was started on the wrong foot and way. The CEO forced his way into Aruna''s life.


    Unfortunately, the CEO falls in love. The cold and hardened heart unpredictably warms up in her presence. And this hope makes him absolutely crazy.


    Who''s to blame if the woman couldn''t see the changes in the blue-eyed man? It''s not because she is oblivious to the change, but she tries to guard her heart because the CEO is unpredictable. He could be very sweet and in one minute, he was colder than ice. He could be annoying and even downright terrifying when he is angry.


    "Aruna, what''s wrong?" Hendra starts to open a conversation, but his eyes are still focused on his works.


    "I don''t know. I''m just a little bit dizzy." She feels that her head is getting dizzy. Maybe because she is trying to think too hard.


    "Let me see." The man scoots closer to check on her forehead.


    "You don''t have a fever. But you look so pale."


    "Is there anything else that you feel?"


    _Don''t ever fall sick in front of me, it''s horrifying_ Hendra starts to worry himself aside from her condition.


    "I feel a little bit sick. I want to throw up." The girl moans and tries to massage her shoulders.


    "Come, let me help." The man sets down his works, grabs Aruna''s shoulders, and starts to massage them.


    "You have to pay me with massages when we get married."


    "Don''t do it if you don''t want to help," The woman tries hard not to throw up.


    "Turn up the AC." Hendra and his driver follow her instruction as quickly as possible.


    "Please stop, stop!" Aruna yells suddenly.


    "Wait a moment, Miss." The driver asks for some time. They are driving in the middle of the busy road.


    "Are you feeling sick? Maybe because you eat too late?" Aruna nods, not wanting to open her mouth to answer.


    "What''s wrong, Aruna?" Hendra is panicked, trying to read Aruna''s face who is trying to hide her face.


    She pushes Hendra away. But suddenly, she taps Hendra''s arm to ask for something. But before she manages to say anything...


    "Hoek¡­." The girl throws up all over Hendra.


    "Oh my God, what are you doing?" His suit and pants are a mess.


    The girl opens the car door which has successfully stopped on the side of the road and continues throwing up.


    "Howeek.. Howee''..!!".


    Hendra just realizes that Aruna is trying to find something to throw up into and asks for his help. The man grabs a tissue, wipes Aruna''s neck and shoulder, trying to help the woman to calm down, and ignores the mess on his pants.


    He tries to wipe Aruna''s mouth with a tissue several times.


    "How was it? Are you feeling better now?" Hendra asks when he sees Aruna is sitting weakly.


    "Don''t close your eyes!"


    _I''m afraid I couldn''t see it anymore, sorry_


    The pale girl chooses to look away from Hendra to ease the queasiness on her mouth and stomach.


    .


    .


    "Hendra, here, let me help you." Aruna grabs a tissue to clean up her vomit on his suit. But the man seems unfazed.


    Actually, the man doesn''t know how to clean it up. He plans to stop at the nearest store to buy new clothes and get rid of the dirty suit. He has already told his staff who is sitting beside the driver.


    "Sorry, it''s kind of hard to clean it." She has tried to clean his suit from the disgusting and smelly vomit. Hendra just lets her fuss after him, secretly likes it.


    Actually, he doesn''t need it. But it is very funny. And this CEO rarely gets any attention from ladies. He has avoided it for too long.


    "Sir, there''s a gas station nearby. Let''s stop there!" Aruna instructs, making everyone confused. But they follow her.


    Aruna then gets out of the car and gets a hold of Hendra''s suit quickly.


    "Where are we going?"


    "To clean your suit, of course. Why?" The man seems to have an objection.


    "Where? There''s no store here." He asks her, confused.


    "There it is!"


    "Let''s go with me to the toilet." She then pulls him to go after her.


    "Aruna, I don''t want it." He tries to resist her.


    "Let''s try to wash it. We have to save your expensive suit."


    _Including your pants! I believe my motorcycle is less expensive than your whole suit_


    "No, it''s okay! I can get rid of them. We just have to find a store to buy a new one!"


    "No, we can clean it up!" Aruna pushes Hendra''s body.


    "I can''t use the public toilet!"


    "Please!" They are just a few steps away from the toilet.


    Aruna''s big eyes force him to obey her. But the CEO has a great idea to save himself. He takes off his suit.


    "I can''t go there. It''s dirty!" He stands there and watches Aruna who is trying hard to clean his suit behind the small public toilet in the gas station.


    "Ok! Done!"


    "Now, let''s clean your pants!"


    "What?"


    "No! You don''t have to! It''s enough!" Aruna grabs his hand and smiles softly. And Hendra is too weak to resist her sweet smile.


    "Let''s clean it up!" Aruna instructs him and the woman guards in front of the door.


    "Don''t close the door!" Hendra pleads, looking around at the dirty toilet.


    And he stands there for a long time.


    "Um¡­ Aruna, what should I do?" He holds a ladle filled with water awkwardly, trying to wash his pants.

 Chapter 89 - Bullshit

    "Um¡­ Aruna, what should I do?" He holds a ladle filled with water awkwardly, trying to wash his pants.


    "Eh, you shouldn''t do it like that!" Watching him cluelessly trying to wash his pants forces Aruna to enter the toilet and grabs the ladle.


    "You are something else." Aruna looks at him weirdly, just knowing that she has made a mistake asking the young master from the Wenceslas family to wash his own pants. He doesn''t know how to do it.


    The woman pours water on her hands and tries to wash Hendra''s pants with water and tissue.


    "Can you find somewhere else to do ''it''?" A lady is looking at them sternly.


    "I need to go to the toilet!"


    "What are you doing in the women''s toilet?" She looks at Hendra pointedly.


    "You guys are scumbag!" She grumbles while looking at them concernedly.


    "Oh my God! ARUNA!!"


    "Aaargh!" He glares at the lady with his deep blue eyes, trying to hold back his anger. Once again, Aruna manages to wound his pride.


    "You are so careless!" He looks away angrily, just as Aruna does when she isn''t in a good mood.


    "I''m sorry¡­ Don''t be mad at me."


    "Don''t go near me, I''m sick of your face." The woman has the audacity to look so angelic, the face that persuades him to enter the public toilet.


    "Eem¡­ would you like to go to my house?"


    "No!"


    "My house is not too far from here. You can borrow my father or brother''s clothes!"


    "Please, Hendra¡­"


    The CEO taps his cheek, asking for something.


    Aruna immediately moves away from him. She begins to feel sick. Men are all the same, they are shameless. Especially the man beside her.


    Hendra turns to observe Aruna who is looking at the street, ignoring him. The man feels helpless.


    "Umm¡­ Aruna?"


    The girl keeps her silence since the last time they talked.


    _Did I force her?_


    _Shouldn''t I be angry? Why do I feel guilty now?"


    The CEO of Wenceslas Group feels guilty and doesn''t know what to do to ease the tension between them.


    .


    .


    "Drop me here! I just need to book an OkJek (bike hailing app) from this intersection to reach my house."


    "No, I will send you home. No more going home alone!"


    Aruna turns to him with a glare as a sign that she doesn''t want to compromise.


    "Let''s not end our meeting with a fight. Remember, we still have our pre-wedding shoot tomorrow."


    _Ah, he is so wise_ But Aruna still doesn''t want to talk to him.


    .


    .


    The woman finally gets out of the car and runs to the gate of her house without even saying goodbye to Hendra.


    "Why do you think she is angry?" Hendra is hopeless.


    "Maybe she is having PMS, sir?" His staff offers some answers without knowing what exactly happens in the backseat.


    "What is that?" Well, it''s a hard question to be asked to a man.


    What is PMS? Why is it dangerous? Men don''t understand it but often use it as a reason.


    "Maybe you should ask a woman about it because we also don''t know. But, what we know is that when women get angry without a reason, usually it''s caused by PMS." The answer is not as helpful as Hendra wants.


    "Interesting, I will try to find out." The blue-eyed man ponders over it innocently.


    ***


    Today is 9 days before the wedding will be held. But Aruna realizes that the family just acts as usual. Maybe because they don''t want to cause any additional burden to the youngest daughter of the Lesmana family.


    Both Aruna and her family don''t want this wedding. They just prepare their youngest daughter for the wedding ceremony and party that the groom has planned.


    These are the quiet days, not only for Aruna but also for the whole family. Her father can''t even seem to look her in the eyes. And her mom hugs her more than ever and sometimes can''t bear to be in the same room with her. Both of them feel guilty for their daughter.


    "When both of you get married, don''t force my daughter to do what she doesn''t want to do." Her father continuously reminds Hendra.


    Hendra is consistent with his answer, that he will take care of her well and won''t do anything that she doesn''t want to do. He knows that Lesmana is worried about his daughter.


    "Now I am still tied to the agreement. But, after that, I will keep an eye on you." He threatens Hendra. And Hendra understands his concern. He tries to understand from Lesmana''s point of view and he is now more patient.


    ***


    On the pre-wedding photoshoot day, Aruna is surprised by what she saw. They are using the main house of Wenceslas as the venue for the photoshoot, specifically the garden that she has seen from behind the window in the living room.


    There are a beautiful lake and magnificent trees. Some places are getting decorated. Hendra said that they will hold the wedding here. An outdoor ceremony attended only with family and close friends.


    "How many people would you like to invite to our wedding?"


    Aruna thinks over it for quite a long time, because honestly she never thinks about it.


    "I don''t know¡­ Just ask Dad." She replies curtly because she doesn''t know what to say.


    "Your father''s guest list has been added. We are waiting for you!" Hendra slightly frowns at her.


    "I will invite my colleagues in Surat Ajaib, only 6 people."


    "Sorry, I mean 5 people."


    Damar wouldn''t be able to come. Aruna has ignored his calls and Whatsapp messages. She is also suffering, but for now, it''s best for both of them.


    .


    .


    "Please smile, Miss." The photographer instructs, trying hard to take a photo of a smiling Aruna.


    Aruna is in the middle of a lake on a raft boat filled with white flowers. She is wearing a wide, light flared red dress and looks like a newly bloomed flower. Beautiful, like a fairy who had just emerged from a flower or an angel, sent down from the sky.


    Hendra''s taste is always the best. But unfortunately, the sad protagonist ruins it all.


    "Pull the raft, let me talk to her," Hendra instructs after seeing the failed pictures.


    "Look at me! Why? Just tell me what''s wrong."


    "If you don''t like it, we can change the concept." Hendra tries to persuade her.


    "Huuh.." The girl just sighs. She dislikes everything because she doesn''t want this marriage. But the blue-eyed man doesn''t realize it at all.


    "I want to drink."


    "Grab her some water!"


    When she gets the water, she drinks it slowly, as if trying to drown the misery she is feeling.


    "Isn''t it the consequences I have to bear? I will give my best." She asks to restart the photo session and does her best to smile. But everyone could see that she is forcing the smile.


    "Sir, the result isn''t as bad as before. Although it''s not the best, it''s the best that we can do for now."


    _Ah, she has stressed out again_ Hendra just realizes that this wedding causes her burden as he looks at the result taken on the camera.


    Hendra approaches the girl who is sitting on the portable chair under the tree.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    "Are you afraid of me or this wedding?" The man asks the hard question directly.


    Aruna keeps on silent.


    "You can answer me. We rarely have the chance to speak our minds, right?"


    Aruna looks at him.


    "Both." She answers with a small voice.


    "I thought so. Sorry, I have made so many mistakes. I will try to be better after this."


    "What are you afraid of?" He asks curiously.


    "Everything."


    Her answer makes him smile bitterly.


    "I think you think so lowly of me. You can mention what you dislike about me." The man cleverly looks at every nook and cranny to find the details that Aruna hides from him. Just as the way he interrogates his subordinates.


    "Can I be honest?"


    "Of course!" The blue-eyed man rests his elbow on the chair handles to support his head. He directs the gaze and his handsome face to Aruna.


    Aruna is hesitant, she glances at him to build her courage.


    "You are rude, grumpy, do everything just as you want, we.." The red lips are tempting him.


    And before Aruna completes the sentence, the man forces his way to get what he wants and loses his cool.


    "Uh, Hen¡­" Aruna tries to grab his head, pull his hair, and hit him. But the man doesn''t budge. He pulls Aruna in his arms, making everyone stuns at their little antics.


    "Haah.. haah¡­" Aruna''s face is getting red with anger.


    "Plak!" Aruna uses all her strength to slap Hendra.


    And Hendra can''t even get mad at her, because he knows he deserves it.


    "I hate you! I really really hate you!" She can''t tolerate this crazy CEO. She pushes him away, asking him to leave her alone.


    "What if I told you that you stole my heart from the first time we met and made me crazy about you?"


    "You are crazy!" Aruna pushes his chest. She is angry and determined not to hear any bullshit from him.


    "Go away!" Aruna hits his chest.


    "Can you give me a chance?" He is too focused to get what he wants.


    "Go away from me! I don''t want to see you!" Aruna hits him even harder.


    She is uncontrollable, sobbing, and tries to hit him harder. She is too tired to see the blue-eyed man who has robbed her of her youth. Three months ago he came to bring the contract of the arranged marriage and now he is spitting bullshit and forcing her to do what she doesn''t want.

 Chapter 90 - Soon To Be Husband And Wife

    She is uncontrollable, sobbing, and tries to hit him harder. She is too tired to see the blue-eyed man who has robbed her of her youth. Three months ago he came to bring the contract of the arranged marriage and now he is spitting bullshit and forcing her to do what she doesn''t want.


    "Aruna¡­ stop¡­ stop it!"


    "I''m so sorry." He is too late. She has lost her control.


    The sole heir of Wenceslas grabs the girl''s hand, trying to get some sense out of her. But she refuses to make peace, pushing him away. She starts to get tired and wipes her tears.


    "Sorry.." Hendra tries to plead for forgiveness.


    "Go away¡­ I''m sick of you¡­ I want to be alone."


    A pair of blue eyes are looking at her from far, the girl who makes him crazy is still sitting there unmoving.


    Hendra doesn''t know why he is feeling this way. Every time Aruna is near, Hendra can''t think rationally. Her lips are like drugs, although he understands and knows that it will only end in problems. Unfortunately, his brain can''t think properly every time Aruna is near.


    Aruna seems to struggle with her gown to stand up, letting the gown touch the grass and walking slowly to approach the lake in front of her.


    "What is she doing?" His heart starts to pound.


    Aruna walks to the lake, slowly but sure and she stops for a while, to look at the lake and take another step until the feet touch the water and she looks down closer.


    Hendra runs as fast as he could and grabs her back.


    "What are you DOING?" Aruna struggles and tries to push him away.


    "Aaargh.!! Let me go!"


    "Let go of me!" She screams.


    "How dare you to commit suicide IN FRONT OF ME!" Hendra is furious and doesn''t want to let Aruna go.


    "Who is going to commit suicide?!"


    "I want to wash my face!"


    "Really?"


    "Of course!"


    "From the way you look at the water, I thought you are going to commit suicide." Hendra slowly realizes that he is getting too paranoid.


    "I want to look at myself! I am sure I look like a mess after fighting with you and crying so hard."


    "Are you satisfied now? Now, let me go!"


    Hendra puts her back to the ground and releases her.


    Aruna looks back at him furiously. She is indeed a mess, her hair is out of place and her make up is ruined.


    "Go away from me!" She curses him and turns back to look at herself in the water. But unfortunately, she forgets that her dress is too wide and difficult to control.


    "Byuur!" She falls into the lake.


    Hendra, who is walking away, stops when he hears Aruna screaming.


    The blue-eyed man dives into the lake to help the girl to reach the surface because her gown makes it difficult to move.


    "Are you okay, Aruna?" Hendra finally is able to grab her and sets her down on the grass beside the lake.


    "Ha.. haha." Hendra starts to laugh at himself and the funny day he has been through.


    Everything always goes wrong whenever he is with Lesmana''s daughter.


    "I''m going home."


    "Where are you going? This is also your home."


    "Not yet! There are still nine precious days for me to enjoy as a free man."


    "Do you consider our marriage as a prison?" The man scoots closer, trying to lift Aruna''s body.


    "Go away!" She covers her chest with both hands as if trying to hide something.


    Hendra gives her a small smile.


    Hendra then turns around to offer her a ride on his back. He waits patiently and finally is met with a messy wet gown that she wears.


    .


    .


    "Where do you want to go for our honeymoon?"


    "To my father''s house!"


    "No one spends their honeymoon that way."


    "I want it!"


    "Don''t you have other great requests?"


    "I have a personal island in Lombok. Do you want to go there?"


    "No! My father''s house is safer and more fun."


    "You are so stubborn!"


    "Of course! I have to save myself from a pervert like you!"


    ***


    "Again!" A manager flings a proposal to his artist''s face.


    "Until when are you going to do it like this?"


    "You messed up your schedule and now you are brave to reject this big contract?"


    "What do you want, Danu?!" Pandu is getting angry.


    The weird guy just stands there mutely like he doesn''t care. He is used to Pandu getting mad at him,


    "Stop it!" Pandu grabs his phone away to stop him from playing games. He always does wherever he is getting scolded.


    "Okay, so what do you want now?" Pandu is tired of talking to him.


    "I don''t know, maybe I want to quit."


    "Now you are saying it again."


    "You have started it and you have to finish it responsibly. Who makes you be such a mess? That girl again?"


    Damar stops, not replying to the question.


    Pandu fiddles with Damar''s phone, he then finds and shows the girl''s photo which is hidden in his gallery/


    "Look at this." Pandu puts two phones in front of Damar. One is when Aruna was with him and the other one has been making a buzz on social media a few days ago. CEO of Wenceslas Group with his future wife.


    "Don''t tell me that this is the same girl."


    "I was suspicious from the start, the car that came when we were waiting for your girlfriend in front of her house doesn''t belong to ordinary people."


    "Let her go and try to open up."


    "You are going to ruin yourself this way. If you don''t care about your career, it''s okay. At least, care about yourself." The manager is worried that Danu Umar, his talented artist, seems lost these days. He couldn''t communicate well, even taking care of himself.


    Damar grabs his phone, wanting to go away from the situation that makes him angrier.


    "You got an invitation from Sarah."


    "Go and find new friends! That''s the only way to heal your broken heart."


    "If you lock yourself like this¡­ Ah¡­ forget it, I am tired of talking about it."


    "Go to Sarah''s party. There will be new celebrities coming to her party. Find new friends."


    _If you refuse, I will force you anyway."


    ***


    "Surprise.!!"


    Alia shrieks and claps her hand happily, while Aruna is trying to wake up.


    She has been sleeping during the ride when Alia asks her to have dinner together.


    She says that Aruna has to wear a beautiful gown because this is a special dinner that Alia and Aditya have prepared for her.


    Turns out, there are her friends from Surat Ajaib, including Tito and Laras.


    Aruna smiles a bit when she looks at the cake in front of her which has ''Bridal Shower'' on it. She tries to fake her happiness in front of other people because she doesn''t want to make them disappointed/


    Actually, Hendra has offered her even he asked her to choose a bridal shower date with her friends. But of course, she refused him.


    Unfortunately, not long after she catches up with her friends, the man comes with Aditya and of course, his secretary.


    Alia hugs and kisses Alia''s cheeks as a mature couple. On the other hand, the CEO and her just look at each other awkwardly. The last time they met, they fought messily.


    Hendra and Aruna sit awkwardly together. Actually, they don''t know what to do. They don''t even think about bridal showers.


    "Since everyone is here, let''s start!"


    A noise is heard upstairs.


    "What''s up there?" Aditya asks his lover. He is annoyed because the people around him are also annoyed by the noise."


    "They said that there''s a celebrity celebrating her birthday upstairs."


    "Sorry, I made the reservation at the wrong place. I didn''t know that it would be super noisy." Alia feels guilty.


    "It''s okay, let''s start." Aruna calms her down.


    "Because it is a different type of bridal shower. It should be ladies or men only, but since you attend together, let''s use this!" Alia takes off a sash with the words ''soon to be husband'' and ''soon to be wife'' on it.


    Aruna turns gloomy, but Hendra seems to like it. He smiles a little because he thinks it is so funny.


    "Young master! My sister wouldn''t want to wear it. Help me!" Alia instructs him to help.


    "What are you doing?" Hendra stands up and wears the sash himself, shrugging as if telling Aruna to go along with their plan.


    Aruna is forced to let Hendra help her to put on the sash with ''soon to be wife'' written on it. She sighs loudly.


    "Oh ya, one more thing. What is the special present that I asked for Aruna?" Alia once again demands.


    She wants Aruna to get her engagement ring.


    The blue-eyed man pulls something from his pocket.


    "Sorry, I can''t give you an engagement ring, because it is against my family tradition. We are not supposed to give someone a ring before the wedding is held."

 Chapter 91 - Sido Asih

    "Sorry, I can''t give you an engagement ring, because it is against my family tradition. We are not supposed to give someone a ring before the wedding is held."


    "Is it okay if I change it with this?" He puts a box from a famous jewelry brand on the table. Hendra has chosen a beautiful necklace and asks for Aruna''s approval to wear it.


    Two women, Lilian and Alia, are shocked by the name of the brand that is printed on the box. They can''t even blink after seeing the Harry Winston brand on the box and both of them are furious seeing the ordinary Aruna is lucky to get it.


    "I will wear it myself." Aruna takes the necklace.


    "Oh ok." Hendra just let her do what she wants.


    "No, that won''t do!" Alia steps in and forces Aruna to turn back.


    "What are you doing?" Aruna whines when the necklace on her hand is returned to the owner and asks the CEO of Wenceslas Group to put the necklace on Aruna.


    "Wah¡­ so beautiful." Alia admires when the beautiful necklace is put nicely on Aruna.


    "You know, I won''t be able to buy it even if I save my money for 5 years." Alia tries to make Aruna understand how lucky she is.


    "Then you should marry¡­" Aruna glances at the man in the question.


    "Nooo¡­ I love Aditya more¡­" Alia replies comfortably.


    "Haha¡­" Aditya just laughs at her statement while the others shudder at Alia''s upfront confession.


    "Okay¡­ let''s just start eating." And Aruna''s invitation gets a happy response from her friends in Surat Ajaib. They just want to eat instead of watching the lame drama.


    "Stop, don''t start eating first. Let''s take a photo and cut the cake first."


    "It''s okay, we can eat now."


    "Cannot!"


    "Stop, everyone stops!" Alia commands.


    .


    The next second.


    Someone catches them by surprise.


    "Hi, Aruna¡­ hehe¡­ nice to meet you again." Someone appears making them stop everything they are doing.


    "Finally, I found you¡­ hehe." The man staggers and reeks of alcohol. Some of them freeze and can''t hide their sadness seeing Damar''s condition. They know Damar hates alcohol since his mother is an addict.


    "Damar, let''s go." Agus stands up and tries to grab him away.


    "No, why are you pushing me away, Gus!"


    Dea can''t help but cry seeing Damar. The girl starts to sob uncontrollably.


    "I am sorry." Dea looks at them sadly, stands up from her chair, and leaves them with a piercing silence.


    Surya also stands up to help Damar. And without anyone knowing, Hendra grabs Aruna''s hand tightly and whispers, "If you get close to him, I will crush him."


    The heir of the Wenceslas family with unlimited power threatens Aruna. And Aruna catches his threatening expression.


    "Do you want to stop me now?" Damar slurs, trying to remind Surya.


    "Everyone knows that she is mine. Aruna has been mine since the beginning!"


    "Don''t forget that I am the one who stood by her for years." The others start to cry. Alia hugs Aditya and cries in his embrace. The others also can''t hold back their tears.


    "Aruna is mine."


    Aruna just sits there with a blank expression on her face. She tries to get away from the man who is sitting beside her. And she can''t even cry because he threatens her.


    Hendra stands up and grabs Aruna forcefully.


    "That man doesn''t deserve her."


    "Let me go!" Damar tries to get away from Agus and Surya.


    "You can''t take her forcefully... She is mine!"


    "Please don''t take her, I beg you." Damar starts to wail while Surya and Agus try to grab him.


    "Return Aruna to me, please, I beg you¡­ she is mine from the beginning¡­ you shouldn''t forget that.. Return her back¡­" His voice cracks, as if trying to plead. He is inconsolable and everyone pities his current state.


    :


    .


    .


    Aruna is thrown into Rolls Royce.


    "Go!" The young master instructs his driver to take them away from the place/


    The blue-eyed man seems to be deep in thought.


    The sobbing woman beside him is making him crazy. He throws away his sash.


    "If you are being like this, I won''t hold myself. Stop crying!" The threat makes Aruna has to stop crying. She bites her lips and tries to calm her shaking hands.


    Actually, Hendra is really devastated seeing Aruna. That means she still cares about Damar and she is afraid of his threat.


    ***


    "Wake up! She is getting married today, right?!"


    "If you said that they would be married for only 2 years, so why don''t you wake up now?" The man just blinks. He has drowned himself in misery for the whole week.


    He tries to pull the shabby blanket to hide his now thin face. The long hair and stubbles growing on his face make him older. The old Damar who has so many teenage fans is no longer there.


    But his manager is still waiting for him patiently.


    "I have an idea so you can attend the wedding." Hearing that, Damar immediately pulls away from the blanket and listens to his manager attentively.


    "She can destroy you, and she can build you, right?"


    "This is your last chance to meet her."


    "Both of you might be destined together. The wedding organizer (WO) invites you as a singer to perform at their wedding."


    "I have asked whether this is a special request or WO''s request. Turns out they have asked the WO to take care of it all."


    "That means you can come."


    "I will make sure you will have some time to talk to her."


    "Wake up now."


    The man stands up, starts to walk, and grooms himself.


    ***


    The petite lady is wearing a white kebaya and a jarik cloth with the Sido Asih motif, which represents a prayer for the bride and groom to have everlasting love.


    The jarik cloth that Grandma Suka chose for her restricts her steps, so she walks slowly with her father Lesmana who holds her hand faithfully.


    At the end of the aisle, there stands the blue-eyed man who is watching them intently while his dimples flash behind his nervous expression.


    Everyone who is attending is stunned. The handsome man steals attention and everyone agrees that he looks cute being so nervous waiting for his bride.


    Now, the woman sits beside him silently. Hendra then grabs Lesmana''s hand with a handshake, trying to calm his beating heart by stealing a glance at the woman sitting beside him. She is so beautiful to look at although her eyes are empty.


    Before he grabs Lesmana''s hand, the blue-eyed man finds and grabs her hand. He holds her hand tightly and swears to himself that he will make her happy again. He longs to see the blush on her cheeks when she smiles.


    Then he grabs Lesmana''s hand and recites his promise.


    Everyone is happy seeing the couple and gives them a hand while they are signing their wedding book. Then they show it to the attendees.


    Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with the wedding. Aruna''s brother and sister decide to leave early.


    Aditya tries to stop his girlfriend from leaving, but they end up fighting. But only a few people realize their fight.


    On the other hand, her friends are trying to cover their sadness. They know that Aruna is feeling sad although she is having a grand wedding.


    "Aruna.."


    "Come¡­ they want us to get closer." Hendra hugs his quiet wife.


    "Now, kiss her forehead." The cameramen ask them.


    "Come¡­ they want us to get closer." Hendra hugs his quiet wife.


    "Now, kiss her forehead." The cameramen ask them.


    .


    .


    Hendra looks at her as if asking for permission, Aruna just lets him do what he wants. The blue-eyed man can finally feel peace for the first time. Even though he hasn''t got Aruna''s heart, she finally lets him kiss her on the forehead.


    _I love you Aruna, I might not be able to express it properly. But I know that every indicator that I feel shows that I love you. And I am so happy today._


    The next thing which might be just as surprising is they take a photo with her dowry which costs around 3 or 4 Rolls Royce cars. Everyone is stunned seeing how beautiful and valuable the diamond is. But Aruna still keeps her expressionless face.


    Her mother looks at her bitterly, because she knows that the woman who is getting married today is not her cheerful daughter who makes the world shine with her smile. Aruna''s parents just sit there tiredly, especially her father. If he could cry, he would. But what can he do, the promise has been made and has to be fulfilled.


    The father comes to his son-in-law for the first time when the pair is greeting their friends who attend the wedding, while Aruna is taking a selfie with her friends.


    "Can you go with me for a while?"


    "Yes, father."


    Lesmana looks at him tiredly and sighs.


    "You might be tired to hear this but I need to talk to you directly."


    "Now my promise with your father has been done, and I have gotten my right back as a father and father-in-law." Lesmana seems to be trying to intimidate his son-in-law.


    "Don''t force her to do something that she doesn''t want, including that. You know what I mean, right?"


    "Yes, father." The blue-eyed man agrees to his father-in-law''s terms.


    "I will take action, although it might cost me everything. If you hurt my daughter¡­"


    "Don''t worry, I won''t do bad things to Aruna."


    "If I could fight your family, I would do it from the beginning. But I couldn''t."


    Hendra feels like he is the antagonist here. If the man in front of him realizes how deep he has fallen for Aruna, the result might be different.

 Chapter 92 - GUCCI Bag

    "If I could fight your family, I would do it from the beginning. But I couldn''t."


    Hendra feels like he is the antagonist here. If the man in front of him realizes how deep he has fallen for Aruna, the result might be different.


    "If she told us that she can''t stand to be your wife anymore, we have the rights to take her back. If you can''t treat her well, make her say that word, and I will do whatever I can to free you from this wedding. Your grandfather has agreed."


    _What the hell?_


    Hendra wipes the sweat on his forehead, takes off his blankon, then he stares at Lesmana''s back who just threatens him.


    It''s too much to think that they can just take Aruna whenever she says she wants to give up their marriage. Hendra knows from her expression that she wants to give up from the beginning of their relationship. His chest starts to pound and his head is spinning.


    He asks for someone to grab his Amitriptyline. It helps his mood get better but his facial expression is still sour.


    "Aruna¡­" He calls his wife who is still busy taking pictures with her Surat Ajaib''s friends.


    But the girl doesn''t hear him because she is too focused on other things.


    "This one is good¡­" Laras points at one selfie photo.


    "This one is also good."


    "I think everything is good."


    "I will share the photos in our group, then you can just do.." Before she finishes the sentence, others cut her.


    "DON''T!!"


    "Give me your phone, we will make a new group to share the photos." Lili grabs Laras'' phone. They all know that there will be someone hurt seeing these photos getting posted in Surat Ajaib''s group. Damar still joins the group as Tito and Laras'' mentor.


    Damar knew when they were having Aruna''s bridal shower from the chatting and photo shared in the group. And all of them don''t want to relieve the bad experience all over again.


    "Aruna..!" Hendra calls her louder.


    The woman turns around quickly and bids her friends goodbye.


    "What is it?"


    "We need to go to the altar."


    A beautiful altar decorated with white roses and Hendra''s favorite flowers, Baby Breath. Aruna''s hand bouquet is also made mostly from Baby Breath flowers, to represent the everlasting love.


    Aruna actually doesn''t want to toss her hand bouquet. She has warned her friends not to quarrel to get her hand bouquet. Her friends shouldn''t marry early like her, they have to achieve their dream first.


    Both of them walk to the altar with applause from the invited guests, including Riswan and Camilla, who become their witness.


    "So, this is what we''ve been waiting for."


    "Oh my good!" Some of them squeal, knowing the pair will share their French Kiss and everyone is enthusiastic wanting to take the moment, including Camilla who is preparing her phone.


    Unfortunately, Aruna doesn''t get it and Hendra knows it from her innocent face.


    "If you don''t want to do it, we won''t do it."


    "Huh?"


    "When my face is getting closer, you can fake a hiccup.." Hendra whispers to her.


    _I don''t want you to hate me because forcing my way into you like I did yesterday_


    Aruna doesn''t really get it until Hendra is getting closer, then she realizes that they will kiss. She glances at the audiences who are expecting their kiss with big smiles on their face. And as Hendra is getting closer, she is getting more pressured.


    She realizes she needs to fake a hiccup. It''s okay people see her as a little weird, as long as she can be safe.


    "Hik¡­ hik¡­ hik¡­" She fakes a hiccup.


    "Sorry, my wife is too nervous until she hiccups." Hendra puts on his disappointed and pleading face, 180 degrees different from his visual and stature, including his cold and rude persona. And this impressed the audience and made them laugh.


    It''s a bit silly but Aruna is touched because the CEO of Wenceslas Group who has become her husband helps her.


    And they start to say thanks to every family and friends who attend their wedding, and to each other.


    The pair walks into a white podium and grabs a wireless microphone.


    "Thank you for your attendance at our wedding." Hendra greets the guest directly and makes everyone disappointed. This session is supposed to be to express gratitude or even sorry to everyone in their lives.


    Aruna understands it more than Hendra, so she grabs the mic from him.


    "I am sorry. He is bad at expressing himself." Aruna scratches her neck while looking at Hendra, and makes the audience laugh at her innocence.


    "Let''s see¡­ How should I start it."


    "I think everyone is pressured when they have to get married early, barely 20 years old now. But I think it''s not a problem because the man beside me has a magic card which makes me shocked."


    "Hahaha." Everyone laughs, including Hendra, who looks good with the crinkles at the corner of his eyes hearing Aruna''s words.


    "I think I owe you an apology because I have asked him to buy every snack and toys and made the cashier mad at him because she thought that he was going to prank her. But when she saw his magic card," She points at Hendra, "She treated us really well."


    "Hahaha" Hendra laughs, and his dimples show.


    "Oh and I need to apologize because I don''t really care about my appearance and makeup, so you have to arrange someone to help me. I don''t know anything about Harry Winston, and my sister got mad at me. But, what can I do, I really don''t know¡­"


    "Hahaha." The audience including Hendra laugh at this statement.


    "And I tend to ruin every gift that he has given to me. Including that bag, I used it to hit the thief! Every time I remember the incident, I want to hit him once again, I will grab his hair," Aruna describes it so passionately, "But then I ruined the Gucci bag."


    "Hahahaha." Now, only Hendra laughs because the guests don''t know the story. The thief of her first kiss is Hendra himself, the man who became her husband.


    The blue-eyed man scoots closer to hug her


    "Wait, Hendra, I''m not done yet." Aruna pushes him away because she thinks that he is going to grab the mic. Everyone who sees their antics just laugh.


    "I won''t take the mic. I just want to hug you."


    "Ah, the mood is ruined. What should I say?" Aruna looks at him confusedly.


    "Now, it''s your turn. I have taught you how to apologize, now apologize to me properly." Aruna demands, this man has sinned towards her.


    "I am not good at apologizing, so I won''t do it." The man starts to grab the mic after their little quarrel.


    "Because no matter how many times I apologize, it won''t matter if there''s no chance to fix it."


    "So, let me start again from the beginning."


    The guests are shocked that Hendra can say such sweet words. And Aruna is embarrassed hearing the statement from him.


    "Can you give me a chance?" He asks while extending his arm towards Aruna, asking her to grab it.


    "No, you still have to apologize."


    "Okay, okay I am so sorry, although I don''t know what I am apologizing for." Hendra teases her.


    "What? You stalked me when we didn''t even know each other."


    "I am intrigued. Isn''t it normal that I want to know my future wife?"


    "Haha." Their quarrel on the podium makes the guests laugh.


    "Go on!" The MC even encourages them."


    "Give it to me." Aruna grabs back her mic.


    "We have apologized to each other, although it''s not done properly. Now, it''s the time for us to say our gratitude."


    "I want to start to say thanks to my dad. Dad, I love you. Thank you for taking care of me although sometimes I am troublesome. You are the best dad in the entire world to me. Don''t miss me too much, because it will be hard for you hehe."


    Lesmana can''t hold back the tears, he dabs away the tears in the corner of his eyes several times.


    "Mom, ah¡­ I will cry¡­ I will be alright wherever I will be. This man will give me healthy food, so don''t worry that I will have a stomach ache because of spicy food." Aruna bites on her tips, trying so hard not to cry. She is rambling because she doesn''t want to cry in front of everyone.


    "To my brother and sister¡­."


    Hendra scoots closer, he knows that Aruna will cry this time around because her siblings have left the reception.


    "I will be their replacement as a husband, because you are still a little kid."


    "Am I right?" Hendra tries to cheer her up.


    Aruna gives back the mic to Hendra, but the man doesn''t know what to do, or specifically what to say.


    "Go on, say thank you to your family." Aruna whispers. Unfortunately, the blue-eyed man can''t do it. This is so simple, but because he isn''t used to doing it in his family. They are just blood related strangers.


    "You are hopeless." After wiping away her tears, the woman starts to speak again.


    "Because he is not good at talking, let me do it, so you will remember me as a good wife."


    Aruna''s words warm up the audience.


    The girl sighs, trying to find her confidence. Since he is weird, he must come from the weird family.


    "Em¡­ Grandpa Wiryo, thank you." (For the wedding that you plan for) Aruna says cautiously.


    "Although I don''t know what it is going to be, I know that you have planned everything for my best if he ends up hurting me."


    "What are you saying?!" Hendra retorts.

 Chapter 93 - Nonsense

    "What are you saying?!" Hendra retorts.


    The terrifying old man just smiles at her. It is the first smile that Aruna''s (or even other guests) sees on his face. This old man never smiles.


    "You don''t want to say anything, so let me do it." Aruna tries to hold on to her mic.


    "That''s why I need you to support me, because you know my personality is better than him," She glances at Hendra, "So, if we argue in the future, believe me that I am the right one."


    "Haha." The guests laugh. Hendra glares at her, trying to threaten her, but she doesn''t care. Then the head of the family stands up, calls for his bodyguards, and whispers something to them. One of the bodyguards then approaches Aruna and whispers a shocking statement : "Master wishes to give you the newest version of a Rolls Royce car, even newer than Hendra''s."


    _What??? Is he crazy? This family is weird¡­ but it''s okay_


    "Yay! You are the best grandfather ever." Aruna shrieks happily and the old man smiles widely at her.


    "But I don''t really need a Rolls Royce car. Instead of giving me a car, how about you renovate the Surat Ajaib''s outlet? Is it okay?" She tries to lobby the grandfather.


    "If you really need it, you don''t need to ask Grandpa, I can do it for you." Hendra replies.


    "Oh¡­ I see."


    A few people shake their heads.


    "Now it''s your time, you have to say thank you to Grandma and your mom."


    Hendra goes rigid and he tries to let her know that he can''t do it.


    "Em¡­ Grandma, you have prepared everything for our wedding. Hendra and I want to say thank you."


    "I know that you love your grandson more, but you have to divide your love for me. Because loving me will be more advantageous for you." Aruna makes the graceful lady blushes and smiles. She is so touched and happy for them since the beginning.


    Hendra looks at Aruna. Although she''s a bit messy, Hendra knows that this girl is active as a speaker for several start up seminars. So she has her way to speak eloquently and please the audience.


    Actually this ability has been decreasing since Hendra came into her life. And this is the first time Aruna uses her public speaking skills again.


    _What can she say for the quiet lady?_ Hendra is intrigued, because Hendra doesn''t know what can be said for Gayatri.


    "Mrs. Gayatri, thank you for giving me such a handsome husband."


    "Hahaha." The guests laugh again, making Hendra surprised.


    _Ah this girl knows the way to please someone...


    _Of course, she is my wife_ Henda is charmed by her.


    "Because your dominant gen, so he gets his handsome face."


    Hendra is blushing, he is embarrassed although he is happy to hear her statement.


    The quiet lady smiles gracefully.


    She is still sitting quietly, but there are some expressions on her face.


    Hendra scoots closer to Aruna and whispers his gratitude : Thank you, you are so clever. Can I kiss your cheek?


    Aruna pushes him away. They manage to amuse the audiences until the party''s over and they can retire to the special bedroom that made Aruna''s jaw drops.


    ***


    "Remember, you shouldn''t be asleep! I want to take a bath first.." Hendra wants to take a bath.


    The woman is still in her gown, including her accessories and makeup.


    She is tired and desperately sleepy.


    .


    .


    "Aruna, I have told you don''t fall asleep! Or you are going to regret it! Wake up!" The man screams behind the corridor to the bathroom when he catches her trying to get some sleep.


    "I am so tired!" She replies back.


    "Wake up now! Or I will force you." The man tries to scare her, although now he is also scared.


    _Ah whatt?_ The girl stands up immediately.


    Hendra just shows himself after he heards Aruna gets off from the bed.


    He glares at Aruna who glares back at him.


    "You are weird."


    "I don''t care! I am weird! We have been married, just accept your fate."


    .


    .


    It is getting late, but Aruna is confused because she doesn''t have the clothes to change.


    "Hendra, find me a shirt or something, I just found this in the bathroom." Aruna points at a thin silk nightgown. She remembers she has seen something similar on an adult magazine.


    The blue eyed man just smiles weirdly at her.


    "So you keep walking back and forth because you don''t have any clothes. Why don''t you say so?"


    "We just fought and we haven''t made up yet."


    "Nonsense." Hendra rarely interacts with people intimately, especially this intensive.


    After he calls his secretary, Surya lets him know that their door is guarded by Wiryo''s bodyguard. No one can enter the room, and they can''t leave it either.


    "Aruna¡­ let''s check the wardrobe to look for something that you can wear." The next thing, Aruna is surprised seeing the big wardrobe room. Unfortunately there are only Hendra''s clothes and things.


    She is astonished seeing Hendra''s branded things, they are really a wealthy family.


    That''s why he was so calm when he knew she had ruined the Gucci bag and didn''t know how to clean his dirty suit.


    He also didn''t understand the casual style that Aruna mentioned and even asked : "Is it a brand? What is that?"


    When Aruna protested at the formal outfit he wore when he picked her up at Tripusaka campus.


    Aruna just realizes it now, the Wenceslas young master really wears the high class brand for his daily outfit.


    When Hendra opens his wardrobe that stretches from left to the right side, Aruna is even more surprised. His suits and shirts are arranged nicely from the lightest color to the darkest one.


    "It seems like they haven''t prepared your clothes, Aruna."


    "Then what should we do? Do you want to wear mine?" The man looks at Aruna who is wearing the pyjama style bathrobe.


    "Aruna, I am talking to you!"


    "Oh okay, let me take a look." Aruna is stunned to see the glass covered table with drawers filled with watches, neckties, buckles, perfumes, and everything belongs to this man.


    "Hendra, do you have sport shoes on display?" The girl asks curiously.


    "Aren''t you looking for clothes?"


    "Please, I want to see it. Where is it?"


    Hendra walks to the corner of the corridor. Aruna thinks that this is the only corridor. When they reach the end of the corridor, Aruna just realizes that the room is shaped like a M alphabet. They enter the middle part of the M shaped room, and then at the corner, there is a mirror on the wall and you can choose to turn right or left. Hendra walks to the right and Aruna follows him.


    She runs after Hendra after she takes a look at shoes, hats and sport attires are put on display perfectly. Hendra even has offroad clothes.


    "Ah¡­ you have these shoes." Aruna looks at the shoes behind the glass, which has been her long time wishlist but she knows she couldn''t afford it.


    Hendra smiles at her, "I will buy it for you if you want."


    "Hehe¡­ You have the magic card indeed." Aruna praises the man, making him blush.


    Suddenly, Hendra seems deep in thought.


    "Maybe you can pay me with a kiss on my cheek."


    Aruna, as if knowing what he would say after thinking so hard, trying to impersonate his usual request with a mocking tone.


    "You are clever!" Hendra replies.


    "Forget it! Where are my clothes?" Aruna is getting sick of seeing the way Hendra eyes her, or more specifically, her lips.


    "You don''t have casual T-shirts?"


    "Let''s choose some, so you can decide which one you would like to wear."


    "Good idea, because everything looks too big on me."


    "Hendra, what do you think about this?" Aruna gets out from the bathroom with a T-shirt too big on her and a pair of training pants which is too long on her.


    "Not good." Ah, he can see his bra strap, and he starts to blush.


    "What about this?" Aruna changes and gets out again. Now she is wearing Hendra''s shirt which is too big on her petite form and trying to hold on to the pants that she wears because it threatens to slip down on her.


    "If you wear this and you forget to hold on to the pants, I can see your panties. Hehe."


    "BRAK!" Aruna closes the door loudly.


    "Hendra, the pants are all too big on me! Find me a smaller one!"


    "It''s all in my size!"


    "I don''t care. Find it!"


    After waiting for quite a long time, Aruna hears a knock on the bathroom door, "Tok tok tok!"


    The man gives her a short and Aruna takes it, a bit hesitant. She takes a look and flips it over a few times.


    "Isn''t it your boxer?" She grimaces.


    "That''s the only smaller pants I have. I am so tired of finding others."


    "Ih, I don''t want to wear it!"


    "Just do what you want! That''s the only thing I''ve that fits for you."


    Aruna tries to walk stealthily, watching what Hendra is doing.


    Turns out he is sitting on the work table facing the bed and working on his laptop. She watches him checking some papers and cross checking them on the laptop. Aruna runs to the bed as fast as she could and drowns herself in the thick blanket, not wanting Hendra to see her wearing weird clothes.


    "Remember, don''t fall asleep!" He still reminds her that she is not allowed to go to sleep before he does.


    "Aruna, sit down!" The blue-eyed man sets down the paper on his hands.

 Chapter 94 - Pay Off

    Pay Off


    "Remember, don''t fall asleep!" He still reminds her that she is not allowed to go to sleep before he does.


    "Aruna, sit down!" The blue-eyed man sets down the paper on his hands.


    Aruna pouts and gets off from the thick blanket to find a remote to watch TV. Hendra smiles seeing the petite girl wearing his shirt, trying to tie the sleeve to make it fitter to her. And the black boxer that seems like a normal short on Aruna.


    Ah, Hendra wishes that he is normal. This petite girl tempts him so badly. Hendra stops all his activities.


    "Let''s play a rock, paper, scissor to decide which one that can take the bed. The loser can take the sofa." Hendra moves closer and makes her panic, trying to find the remote that Hendra holds on his hand.


    "Weird family, weird room, weird rule. I can''t even watch TV properly." She moans.


    Knowing that Hendra is holding the remote that she has been looking for, Aruna tries to ask him nicely.


    "How about giving me a little kiss on the cheek and I will give it to you."


    She sighs tiredly and moves back to the bed, grabbing the bolster and trying to sleep earlier. She doesn''t care about his warning because he is so annoying.


    "Aruna!" Hendra comes and forces her to sit on the bad.


    "I''m tired!"


    "I know, but you can''t sleep before I sleep. That''s the rule and you have to follow the rule."


    "Let''s not make it this complicated! You are too much!"


    "I am." Both of them glare at each other.


    "What do you want?" Hendra frowns as he sees Aruna raises her fist.


    "Hit you! You said we are going to play rock, paper, scissor. So let''s do it!"


    "Okay!" And Hendra lost despite them playing three rounds because he can''t accept being defeated.


    "You lost. Just accept your fate."


    ''Accept your fate.'' Now his statement has been used against him. The man walks to the sofa sullenly. The sofa is too small for his long legs. It will fit better on Aruna rather than the man. He moves a little bit to make some space on the sofa.


    "Don''t sleep before I sleep." Hendra threatens when he sees her moves.


    "Okay, you weird man!"


    "Brak!" Hendra falls from the sofa and he gets back on it again.. 10 minutes later...


    10 minutes later¡­


    He falls again because he moves his body¡­


    25 minutes later....


    He still couldn''t sleep because it''s not as comfortable as his bed.


    45 minutes later¡­


    Aruna finally falls asleep. She is sitting on the bed, leaning on the bed frame. Slowly but sure, she lies on the right side of the bed and starts sleeping.


    "Aruna¡­" The man is facing the sofa, giving his back to Aruna. He tries to call Aruna to find out if she''s sleeping. Of course, she doesn''t reply and he is getting worried.


    1 hour later...


    Hendra doesn''t dare to turn around. He is afraid he will lose control seeing Aruna sleeping.


    But he starts to feel pins and needles on his body.


    _Ah what should I do?_


    "Aruna, have you slept yet?"


    Trying to loosen up his stiff body, Hendra sits on the sofa while closing his eyes.


    _Damn, she has fallen asleep_ He tries to massage his back and arms, trying to relax his body.


    "Aruna¡­" He moves blindly to the bed.


    "Pruk".


    "Au.. argh..".


    His left foot hits something.


    "Prang!" He drops some things which he doesn''t know.


    "Huuh.." He is so sick of being a fool, trying to find Aruna while closing his eyes.


    It''s almost like a children''s game. He doesn''t remember the name, but he realizes that it''s pathetic that a respected CEO like him has to spend his wedding night this way.


    .


    .


    "Huuh.." He is so sick of being a fool, trying to find Aruna while closing his eyes.


    It''s almost like a children''s game. He doesn''t remember the name, but he realizes that it''s pathetic that a respected CEO like him has to spend his wedding night this way..


    _Isn''t today supposed to be my wedding night? If I am normal of course_ He understands the effect from the syndrome he has and tries to find Aruna.


    "Aruna¡­ Help me¡­" He has hit some things that fell down and made noises, slipped and moaned out loud, and he also has tried to call her name. Unfortunately, his petite wife is too tired from the party earlier so she is sleeping soundly.


    _Isn''t it supposed to be the door?_ Hendra realizes that he turns way too much. He just needs to find out his way by touching the wall and turns back when he finds the LCD TV.


    And he uses his instinct.


    Finally, he can feel the thick blanket and the bed he wants.


    _Shit¡­ shit..._ He curses at himself, grabbing the blanket as much as he could, and trying to find Aruna to wake her up.


    "Pluk." He finds something.


    _What is this?_ Round, as big as his hand, and soft? He''s thinking hard. He tries to squeeze it a few times, trying to find a way to describe the thing that he has been holding with closed eyes.


    _I don''t have a body part like this?_


    "Aaaargh¡­!!". Aruna screams out loud.


    When he opens his eyes, Aruna is hitting him blindly with a pillow on her hand. She is super serious about it that the pillow is torn and the goose feather piles on the bed.


    "Go away, you pervert!" This petite girl even kicks him out of the bed.


    But Hendra is clueless about his wrong.


    Aruna takes another pillow.


    "Hais!" Hendra tries to defend himself by grabbing the weapon Aruna uses.


    "Stop it, Aruna!"


    "How dare you scream at me!" (Aruna)


    "You?! How dare you hit me!" (Hendra)


    "You start it off!" (Aruna)


    "Me? You said me?! Aren''t you the one who broke the rules?"


    "HAH?! Sleeping rules?! I have been waiting for you for 30 minutes. If I have fallen asleep, is it also considered breaking a rule?!"


    "Of course!"


    "You are not a normal human!"


    "That''s right! I''m not normal!"


    "Don''t you realize that you are breaking bigger rules!" Aruna puts on her threatening face. Not that scary though because she looks like a kid who gets mad because her snack is stolen. That''s how Hendra looks at her.


    "What did I do?" Hendra feels he doesn''t do anything wrong.


    In Aruna''s mind, the man who is standing in front of her is truly an enigma : has a double personality, is a satan in an angel form, the weirdest man on earth, or maybe Hendra is truly a stranded alien.


    "You touch this!" She points at her breast, "And you put on your angelic face?! Wow, you are really such a great devil!" Aruna is still standing on the bed, trying to scare the blue eyed man who fell down because she hit and kicked him a few times.


    "Oh, so it''s what I''ve been touching." Hendra mutters to herself.


    "36D is indeed big and a little bit squishy hehe." His face and even the tips of his ears redden.


    Seeing this weird man''s expression makes Aruna uncomfortable. The girl takes a step to grab a bolster and hits him harder.


    "Stop!" (Hendra)


    Aruna has picked up the bolster and is ready to hit him.


    "Remember, there''s no such rule that I''m forbidden to touch it in our agreement."


    "Hehe." The man hides his giggling face, so annoying and doesn''t realize that his wife is shrinking like a deflated balloon.


    This petite woman throws the bolster and sits resignedly thinking at her whole life.


    "I should have fought earlier for an additional 21th point." Aruna regrets it now.


    "Okay¡­" Suddenly she ties her hair into a ponytail and moves her hair right and left as if preparing to go to war.


    Hendra is watching her intently. Aruna is his biggest temptation, seeing her sitting down on the bed and wearing his white T-shirt. And his black boxer is barely seen because of their size differences.


    Hendra gulps seeing at her thighs. He sighs trying to repress his testosterone level to maintain his libido. He is a normal man physically, although he is having trouble physiologically.


    _Crazy! If she keeps tempting me, I can be out of control_


    "Come! I will pay the compensation for the additional 21th point." She emphasizes the word ''compensation'' so the man in front of her can''t say that he doesn''t remember that he has sniffed her in a hotel room for a compensation for the additional 21th point and his nose ends up bleeding.


    Hendra closes his eyes _Don''t blame me if I can''t hold myself back_


    "What?! Don''t say that you''ve changed the compensation¡­ it''s still a kiss on the lips, right?!" Aruna wants to make sure when she sees her husband closes his eyes as if trying to think it over.

 Chapter 95 - The Blue Eyed Devil

    Hendra closes his eyes _Don''t blame me if I can''t hold myself back_


    "What?! Don''t say that you''ve changed the compensation¡­ it''s still a kiss on the lips, right?!" Aruna wants to make sure when she sees her husband closes his eyes as if trying to think it over.


    "Ya.. ya.. Ya!" Hendra replies quickly because he is afraid that he is going too far and can''t refuse the tempting offer.


    "Come¡­" Aruna instructs him passionately because he has touched her appropriately and wants to wall herself using the newest agreement. Unfortunately this young lady is too naive to understand a grown man libido. She moves her hand as if inviting Hendra to come closer.


    "Wait¡­ I need to think it over." Hendra pretends to think.


    "What?" Aruna is shocked. That damn man still needs to think?


    "It''s simple. Give me an additional bonus, hehe. Because you have been delaying to pay your compensation." This guy is talking business right now.


    "Bonus? What else is it now?"


    "After this, you have to call me my love, Mas Hendra, or my babe."


    "What? No, I don''t want to!"


    "Then it''s up to you." Hendra smirks


    "Then¡­ only in front of people."


    "Okay, my little darling." Hendra teases her.


    "Hendra, I swear, don''t call me that." The man scoots closer to his wife.


    "Just call me Aruna, it''s enough." Hendra touches his fingers on Aruna''s cheeks gingerly. He is looking at the girl who makes him fall in love over heels. But unfortunately, the girl is clueless about it, much to his dismay.


    "It gives me goosebumps when you call me using weird names!" The man even has hugged Aruna. He grabs and hugs the girl who is sitting on the bed to be closer to him, putting her legs in between his.


    "Then what are you going to call me?"


    "Just Mas Hendra." She mutters (Mas is a terms of endearment to call an older guy)


    "What? I can''t hear you." He runs his fingers through her hair and takes off her ponytail. Indeed, Aruna is the most stunning when her wavy hair cascading down on her back.


    "Mas Hendra."


    "You can add a little more so I will adhere to your request." He looks at Aruna intently, stroking Aruna''s cheeks even her lips with his thumb.


    Aruna frowns.


    "I need to hold back myself without touching you during the marriage. Isn''t it okay for me to ask for more bonus?" Hendra realizes that he is slowly losing control.


    "Say it¡­ My lovely Mas Hendra."


    Aruna pouts in defiance.


    "If you call me once, I will give you whatever you want."


    She looks away, not wanting to look at her husband.


    She thinks for a while as if trying to ponder and it makes Hendra anxious.


    "Okay then¡­" Finally, the statement sounds like heaven from the tempting red lips.


    "Look at me."


    The girl who makes him crazy glares at him.


    "My lovely Mas Hendra¡­ ah''... Hen¡­"


    The arrogant and cold CEO is finally losing his control.


    He finally submits into the temptation of kissing his wife deeply.


    "Ah.. huh¡­" The woman moans, overwhelmed. She tries to keep her mouth closes and get away from him.


    But Hendra is too strong compared to her.


    _What is he doing?! Hendra, you are crossing the line!_ Everytime Aruna manages to close her lips, the crazy CEO grabs her jaw and forces her to open it up again.


    He is forcing his way to her and Aruna has lost count of the times passed.


    Aruna finally gives up her effort to release herself from his grasp. She is afraid that she is tempted by the angel-like devil. She hits him in the chest as if trying to get help because he no longer understands her warning.


    "Huuh''.. Huh.." As soon as he releases her, Aruna scoots as far as she could from the man in front of her.


    _Stop it!_ She clutches her chest_Get a grip on yourself, Aruna!_ Aruna feels that her chest is beating too fast under the blue eyed devil.


    "Hendra, stop it! You are hurting me!" But the man seems dazed, as if he is not himself.


    "Don''t move!" Aruna tries to find anything that she can grab and finds the goose feathers that are scattered on the white bed sheet and tosses them to the man who is moving slowly but sure to her.


    "Hendra, you are scaring me!"


    "I''m scared!"


    "Hen..!"


    "Stop it! Release me!"


    He has turned into the blue eyed devil. He stares and pushes Aruna on the white king sized bed scattered with the goose feathers.


    He pleads while closing his eyes.


    "Aruna, can I ask for more?"


    "I will do it slowly, I promise."


    "WHAT?! What do you mean?!"


    Aruna knows that Hendra is getting stranger. While he is closing his eyes, the girl moves slowly, trying to make some space between them.


    "Argh.. Get off me! Get off me, Hendra!" The man hugs her, still closing his eyes. He manages to grab her from the back and tries to find Aruna''s face.


    He is really weird, he is still closing his eyes.


    But he sucks on the back of her neck and Aruna''s left ear a few times and blows hot breath on her neck, tempting her.


    "Don''t you want something more, Aruna?"


    "Please, baby, I will do it slowly."


    Aruna tries to fight back when her husband who turns into the blue eyed devil tries to force her to face him.


    "I hate you, Hendra... I hate you!"


    He manages to force her facing him. He grabs her face and kisses her on the cheeks, eyes, forehead, and also to her swollen lips.


    "Aruna, don''t you want more?"


    Once again he pleads. Aruna tries so hard to release herself from him, including trying to kick him. But, although he is closing his eyes, he manages to catches Aruna''s legs and puts them under his.


    "Aruna, I am sorry. I will do it gently, as gently as I could."


    "Trust me, I won''t hurt you."


    The devil starts to kiss her chin and move southwards slowly. Aruna tries her best to stop him, hitting him square in the chest and even grabs his hair.


    But the devil manages to stop her hands and forces them to standstill.


    Hendra then starts to unbutton his shirt on Aruna''s body.


    The woman stops resisting and just stays there in silence. Her eyes start to water and her heart goes numb.


    "You are hurting me." She crumbles.


    "You are the worst person that I have ever met!" She sobs.


    "You disgust me."


    "I can''t stand you."


    The next second, suddenly the devil stops as soon as the first button starts undone.


    ("Don''t force her to do something that she doesn''t want, including that. You know what I mean, right?"


    "I will take action, although it might cost me everything. If you hurt my daughter¡­"


    ("If she told us that she can''t stand to be your wife anymore, we have the rights to take her back. If you can''t treat her well, make her say that word, and I will do whatever I can to free you from this wedding. Your grandfather has agreed.")


    His father-in-law''s words suddenly pop in his mind and Hendra finds himself getting back his sanity.


    Yes, this is so wrong. He will be damned if he does something that makes Aruna say "she can''t stand him."


    "What did you say? You can''t stand me?" He helps her into a sitting position as fast as she could and opens his eyes. He looks at her in the eyes and he just realizes her messy state.


    He looks for Aruna''s hair band and tries to smooth her hair, noticing her teary and swollen eyes. The devil suddenly turns into an angel.


    He puts her hair into a ponytail.


    And says sorry.


    "I am sorry."


    "I am a normal man, sometimes I lose control to my instinct."


    He wipes Aruna''s tears.


    "Don''t cry."


    He smoothes her shirt and tries to cover her back up although it won''t be perfect because the button is nowhere to be found.


    "I promise you, this thing won''t happen again."


    "But remember." He sighs, face filled with worry.


    "Don''t ever say to others that you can''t stand me or our marriage."


    "Do you understand?" He emphasizes every word and forces Aruna to nod.


    He stares at Aruna from head to toe and his wife stares back at him with disgust.


    "Does it hurt?" Hendra touches Aruna''s reddened neck filled with hickeys.


    "Plak!" She slaps away his hand.


    "Go away! Out of my sight now!" Aruna screams loudly, asking him to leave.


    Hendra closes his eyes, trying to understand the complicated situation in his wedding.


    He lets Aruna go and climbs down from the bed.


    He can still hear the girl sobbing silently.


    "Papa¡­ hiks... papa¡­ I want to go home¡­ hiks hiks.."


    "Oh my God." As soon as Hendra hears the words, he moves back and scoots closer to Aruna.


    "Why are you here? I''ve told you to GO!"


    "Yes, I will go! But you have to promise me!"


    Aruna moves back, feeling afraid of her own husband.


    "I don''t want to hear anything!"


    "You have to!" Hendra is just as afraid. He is afraid to lose her.


    "Don''t let your father know about tonight. Especially don''t tell him that you can''t stand our marriage."


    "I will tell him whatever I want. You can''t stop me!"


    "Don''t you remember who I am?"


    "Don''t forget that I am the sole heir of Wenceslas." Hendra purposely tries to show off the unlimited power that he has to make Aruna understand.

 Chapter 96 - Prayer Request

    "Don''t forget that I am the sole heir of Wenceslas." Hendra purposely tries to show off the unlimited power that he has to make Aruna understand.


    "Your family won''t give you to me if I am an ordinary person."


    "Now, you have to realize your position and do what I said."


    "Do you understand?!"


    Hendra slams the door, leaving Aruna who is grieving physically and mentally. She has made a mistake. She thought that the blue eyed man was a sweet man who loves her very much.


    But actually it''s only to deceive the public. Yes, he is very good at acting in front of the public. His personal branding and image are more important than anything.


    She tries to sleep, closing her eyes, but the small gap from the door that is not closed properly makes her realize that there''s something frightening out there.


    "What is it out there?" The girl moves slowly driven by her curiosity, she tries to hear carefully and peek between the gaps.


    "Haha¡­ you want to stop me?! Come, I will beat you up!"


    _That''s Hendra''s voice? What is he doing?_


    "Sir¡­ Sorry, we don''t want to fight you. Can you go back to your room now?"


    "Hehe¡­ I just want to eat. Am I not allowed to eat?"


    "Okay, we will get what you want. You can wait inside."


    Hendra sighs, he doesn''t believe what Wiryo has instructed his staff to do.


    He is getting impatient.


    The heir manages to get out of one guard''s grasp when the other guard is taking food for him, they just realized that this young master lies to them.


    When they are about to catch him, Hendra manages to dodge well. He kicks one of them and puts him on the ground. The other one tries to hit him but the blue eyed man catches his wrist, locks it forcefully and throws him down.


    Hendra realizes that the other guard who received his kick is pushing a button on the earpiece.


    "Haha¡­ Now, is it you or me who is crazy?!" Hendra now really turns into a devil.


    He laughs at himself loudly and everyone who hears it, fears him.


    On the other hand, Aruna can''t see the horrific scenes. The gap just allows her to hear the voice of someone being thrown or Hendra''s horrifying laugh. Aruna feels scared. What kind of family does she marry into?


    Some people come and Hendra just smiles seeing the familiar faces that he knows as Wiryo''s guards.


    "Only these many?! Just make sure you don''t use any gun or I will get angry and kill all of you."


    _What? What did I just hear?_


    _What is happening?_ Aruna''s family often gets into the fight, especially when this family asked Lesmana to give them her older sister, then she was forced to replace her. But no one lays a hand on each other. They are disappointed in each other, but they don''t want to hurt anyone.


    Did any family member have used a violence to force Hendra? Just as what Oma Sukma did to Hendra and her. It was implied in the euphemism: "Sometimes we are forced to pit against each other." which means ''to force each other with violence''. (First Thief, Chapter 26).


    Suddenly Aruna is getting goosebumps, realizing what Hendra is going through.


    Hendra opens the glass cupboard behind him and looks at the seven guards while smirking.


    "Young master, we don''t want to hurt you. You just have to follow the Master''s request."


    "Go back to your room!"


    "Prang." She can hear something falling on the floor.


    "Brak." And the sound of someone groaning, but it isn''t Hendra''s voice.


    "Young master, we really don''t want to hurt you."


    "Hehe, do you think you can stop me!!".


    Aruna can''t stand hearing any longer, the sounds of groaning and blows are merging into one. And then she could hear the footsteps getting louder and louder. Maybe they call other guards.


    "Aaa..rgh." Aruna just realized that this time it''s coming from Hendra. She is shaking when she holds on to the door, as if wanting to run.


    _What is happening with Hendra? What''s going on?_


    "You will regret doing this!" Hendra tries to struggle after being stopped by the guards from his grandfather.


    The petite woman is standing behind the closed door and wanting to run to her pretend husband, her hand is shaking while she is trying to muster some bravery.


    "Wiryo! What did you do to my grandson!" Oma Sukma screams angrily. There is a black shadow running, accompanied by a female voice that Aruna recognizes. Unlike the elegant woman that Aruna has known before, this grandmother is scary when she is angry and even screaming at her own husband.


    "Just let him be, you shouldn''t interfere. This arrogant kid has to face the consequences!"


    "Put him where he should be!" Wiryo instructs.


    If Aruna could see how his bodyguards start to drag Hendra despite all his struggles, she might have cried just like Oma Sukma does.


    "Oh my God, Wiryo! You are really a devil! Give him a chance to adapt!"


    "Let him go, Wiryo, please!"


    "You¡­ Don''t you dare to treat him wrong! He is my son! The heir of this family!"


    Aruna backs off, can''t no longer bear to hear the fighting between the Wenceslas family. It is too horrible for a girl who was born and raised in a loving family.


    Aruna curls up and hides herself under the thick blanket.


    Hendra and the Wenceslas family who are well known for their power and vast wealth, unfortunately show her the characteristics that she has never thought of.


    Slowly, Aruna realizes that they are not like the people she used to know. Only Oma Sukma who seems to be warming up to her, smiling, and talking a lot. And the rest, she doesn''t know it either. The girl then slowly closes her eyes and sleeps.


    ***


    "She hasn''t left the room?" Sukma makes sure that her grandson''s new wife is well.


    Two maids shake their head, looking at each other in confusion, hesitating to let her know the truth.


    "What happened?"


    "Why are you so silent?" Sukma starts to get worried.


    "Emmm¡­ actually¡­ young miss¡­" One of them starts talking but the other tries to stop her.


    "What happened? Say it!"


    "It seems like the young miss is not well." The maid stutters.


    "What do you mean she isn''t well?" The highest ranking woman in the Wenceslas family persists, but the maids are still silent.


    "Who is the owner of this family? Why do you ignore my question!" Sukma screams in frustration.


    She suffered enough last night. And even now, Hendra hasn''t come back. Sukma is so afraid that Hendra won''t come back, or worse, back to the egotistical bastard he used to be. Lesmana''s daughter would be miserable.


    "Oma, I will visit Aruna." Gayatri stands up from her chair and walks to Aruna''s room, face void of expression as usual.


    On the other hand, Sukma forces the maids to tell her what happened and her heart breaks when she hears the truth.


    They said that the girl refused to eat, was found in the messy bedroom, her eyes swollen, and¡­ she can''t bear to hear the rest.


    _Did Hendra really do that? Has he recovered from the syndrome?_ The oldest woman of the family is feeling miserable.


    .


    .


    "Hi¡­ Aruna?" Gayatri wakes her up. She strokes Aruna''s forehead who is still curling inside the thick blanket, trying to make sure that she isn''t sick.


    "Don''t you want to sleep and wash yourself?"


    "Oh, mother?" Aruna sits up on her bed, trying to tidy herself.


    "Did he treat you bad last night?"


    "Ah, sorry. Did I ask you an inappropriate question?"


    Aruna just smiles under Gayatri''s stare that is similar to Hendra''s.


    "What kind of mother I am that I forgot to prepare for your clothes." Aruna is still wearing Hendra''s shirt, although not the one that she previously wore. But her appearance reminds Gayatri that she doesn''t take care of her own daughter-in-law well.


    "I think you can wear my clothes. My old clothes might fit you."


    "Wait." Aruna just knew that the quiet woman can be so friendly and polite to her. Although her face is expressionless, Aruna knows that Gayatri really cares for her.


    The woman slowly moves closer to Aruna and holds her hand.


    "Can I apologize to you on her behalf?" Her words make Aruna confused.


    "Actually he is a good kid. You might haven''t known him well. Trust me, one day you will know his warm heart. All the bad things that happened to him, mold him this way. And it''s all my fault." Aruna doesn''t really understand what she means, but Aruna knows that she is trying hard to convince her.


    Gayatri strokes her hand and cheeks, looks at her full of hope, as if saying a prayer.


    "I hope that you can stay here and help him."


    "I might be out of the line but can you try to love Hendra?"


    "My son really needs it because I can''t be a perfect mother. And I hope you, as his wife, can help him to understand love."

 Chapter 97 - Not For Use

    "My son really needs it because I can''t be a perfect mother. And I hope you, as his wife, can help him to understand love."


    Aruna looks at her in shock. She has never thought to give anything to Hendra aside from what they have agreed in the contract.


    But seeing how Gayatri looks at her full of hope, she just nods, trying to calm her down. This is a habit that she uses to her family but now, the Wenceslas family is also a part of her family.


    .


    .


    "Hendra, don''t you want to accept your grandmother''s call?" Surya slips into the room hurriedly after receiving tons of messages from Hendra''s grandmother.


    "There''s nothing important. Just ignore it."


    "Just ignore it?" Surya grabs Hendra''s phone, opens the message from Oma Sukma, and puts it on the table for the Wenceslas heir to see.


    But Hendra doesn''t care. He is reading the company''s journals. Because he is so busy preparing his wedding, he couldn''t participate in the year-end meeting of the Wenceslas Group''s subsidiary companies. And now he needs to check everything.


    "Your wife refuses to eat and until now, she is still locking herself inside the room. She refuses to go out and eat."


    "This is the first time your grandmother threatens me. She wants me to persuade you to meet Miss Aruna. She is worried that Aruna might be sick."


    Immediately, Hendra stops his work.


    "Are Wiryo''s bodyguards still causing ruckus out there?"


    "Of course, they are as stubborn as their master."


    Hendra asks about his grandfather''s bodyguards who are still trying to catch him. The chaos happens in Lobby Level 5 Wenceslas Ritz Hotel, the main lobby of Wenceslas Group, between the securities and Hendra''s own bodyguards and Wiryo''s.


    "Ask them to leave now and I will go back to the main house." The newly married man grabs his phone and starts to freshen himself.


    "What happened to Miss Aruna? I don''t want to pry, but seeing your expression makes me worried about her." His secretary walks beside him and asks someone to prepare the car for them.


    "I hope I can control myself. I regret hurting her."


    "Wait, what?! What did you do to her?" Surya grabs Hendra''s arm, asking for more information.


    "You know whatever that is related to Aruna always drives me crazy."


    "Don''t look at me as if I''m the bad man here." Hendra pulls his arm and starts to walk.


    "Hendra, I don''t want to be pry, I swear! But she is so innocent and she is too kind to get hurt. I have warned you a few times."


    "I know it better than you." Hendra stops and looks at his secretary like two brothers arguing.


    "You can be cold to Tania who always sticks to you or those white women who try to trap you. What makes Aruna so different?"


    "No matter what, biologically I am a normal man. What do I expect to do on my wedding night other than touching my wife?"


    "And she¡­ ah, I don''t know¡­ I even regretted my action, Surya." Hendra looks so messed out.


    "Make me an appointment with Diana today. I think the old man gets angry because he knows that I have been skipping the consultation with Diana." Hendra glances at the watch on his wrist, massages his temple because he realizes that Aruna hasn''t eaten when it''s almost 6 PM.


    "What time do you want to meet her?"


    "I don''t know. Just make sure I can meet Diana or her team before going to bed."


    Hendra makes himself comfortable inside the Bentley Continental after asking the driver to drive faster.


    .


    .


    "Hendra?!" His grandmother walks closer to him.


    "I don''t want to talk to you, Oma. Let me talk to her first." Hendra hurriedly runs to the second floor, to his wedding suite with aRUNA.


    "You, go into the room and make sure that she is not sleeping or laying down." He asks a maid.


    .


    The maid slips into the room and wakes Aruna up. The woman is getting weak and lethargic.


    "Young master is waiting in front of the door. He will come in if you sit." Aruna just follows the request wordlessly.


    Two big doors decorated with Javanese style carving opens slowly, revealing her husband who walks into the room, and closes back behind him.


    "Argh!"


    Aruna frowns seeing Hendra moves back after seeing her.


    "Whose clothes are you wearing?" Aruna looks at him expressionlessly, she looks at the clothes she is wearing, too tired and weak to answer.


    "Forget it, it''s not important." The blue eyed man grabs a chair and the food tray. He moves the chair and puts the tray on the small table beside the bed and makes sure that there''s enough space to move closer to Aruna. The woman is leaning on the headboard.


    "Can you use other methods than skipping meals to torture me?"


    "I don''t have many ways to make sure you come to me."


    "If I called or messaged you, you are going to ignore my calls and messages, right?"


    "I know you would." Aruna speaks slowly, unable to look at his face.


    "Okay, since I''m here, open your mouth and let''s eat." Hendra grabs a bowl on the small table, puts the porridge on the spoon for Aruna to eat.


    "I need something else." Aruna refuses to eat. The girl looks at Hendra in hope.


    "Name it!"


    "I want to go home just for one day.."


    "Prak!" Hendra puts down the bowl roughly.


    "No!"


    "Just one day, Hendra."


    "No! I said no!"


    "I just want to take my clothes and things left in my parents'' house."


    "I said no! You can buy more clothes and other things!"


    "Why? Why are you like this?" Aruna starts tearing up.


    "Why do you think?!" Hendra raises his voice.


    "Of course because I''m afraid you will go and won''t go back to me!" He screams loudly.


    _What is he saying?_ Aruna watches the gloomy face mixed with worry on Hendra''s face. Aruna realizes that she should be the one who has to be more humble to calm the man before her.


    "You can go and watch over me. I just want to stay for a night to grab my things."


    "I can buy new things for you." He doesn''t want to take risks.


    "I''m sure you do but I want to fill this room with my personal things so this room can become more familiar."


    "Hendra, please. Let me." Aruna pleads with a gentle voice, trying to melt his hardened heart.


    "Come here!" The man scoots closer and hugs Aruna."


    "Don''t torture me by saying you refuse to eat, ask to go home, or cry again after this, okay?"


    Aruna nods in his arms.


    "Our marriage will be difficult, even more difficult than you''ve thought. But remember one thing, I won''t ever let go whatever I have in my hand. Do you understand?!"


    Aruna nods once again.


    "I will even force you to be with me although you beg to leave." Hendra strokes Aruna''s head. They seem to have forgotten about the agreement.


    The blue eyed man grabs back the spoon and asks Aruna to open her mouth.


    "Who gives you that clothing?"


    "Mom Gayatri gives them to me. I have many clothes from her because we are the same size."


    Hendra stops feeding Aruna.


    "Em¡­ what happened?"


    "You can take it but don''t wear it. I will buy you better and newer clothes."


    "But the clothings is still good. She even bought some from the USA and they are so pretty just as your style."


    "Do you want to fight with me again?" Hendra puts on his gloomy face.


    Aruna doesn''t want to fight when they just made peace. She shakes her head.


    "Hendra¡­ can I sleep on the bed tonight?"


    _Although I know this is my turn to sleep on the sofa, he wouldn''t be so heartless to let me do it, right?_


    "Yeah."


    "I still have something to do. You can ask the maid to clean it up after you eat. I will come back as soon as possible." Hendra needs to meet Diana, he needs help to be able to go through the night better.


    "Don''t leave me!"


    "You can''t leave this room." Aruna remembers what happened the night before.


    "It won''t take long, Aruna." Hendra puts the empty bowl on the table.


    "No! I won''t let you go!"


    "Calm down, I will come back."


    _After I find the way to see you sleeping or at least I will enter the room with my closed eyes when you are sleeping._


    Seeing Hendra is going away, the girl gets off from the bed, staggering a little because she lost balance and raises her arms to stop Hendra.


    _You are going to get into troubles with your grandfather''s bodyguards_


    "You need to understand. There are many things I need to do." Hendra rubs Aruna''s hair and turns around.


    But Aruna is fast. She runs to the door, locks it from inside, and holds the keys on her hand.


    "Don''t be like this."


    But Aruna doesn''t care. His wife runs to the bed and slips underneath the cover. But she sits up as soon as she realizes that this man doesn''t want her to lay down or sleep earlier.


    "Isn''t it too late. We can go straight to sleep." Aruna recommends. She moves the pillow on the left side and two bolsters on the middle of the bed. Then she chooses the right side of the bed, makes her pillow stand against the headboard to make herself comfortable while waiting for Hendra to sleep first.


    "I promise I won''t sleep earlier this time. Because I have been sleeping all day long."

 Chapter 98 - Bluehadyan

    "I promise I won''t sleep earlier this time. Because I have been sleeping all day long."


    Hendra just watches her and he shows his palm asking for the key. Aruna hides it behind her back.


    "Why don''t you take off your suit and shoes? I will be awake, I swear!" The wife persuades. The man walks around the bed, stops when he reaches the work table near the right side of the bed, takes off his suit, loosens his tie, and puts them on the table. Then he turns around to look at Aruna.


    Suddenly Aruna realizes that the blue eyed man is indeed handsome, just as when they first met in La Rose Cafe (Chapter 2) Although finally the meeting ended with her disliking the arrogant and rude man that outshines his visual quality.


    Back then, Aruna was still a cute and cheerful girl. She didn''t quite understand the crude and harsh words, including the proper way to reject someone, especially when she had to reject Damar without hurting his heart (Chapter 9)


    From Hendra, she learns how to reject, hit or even grab someone by the head if it''s needed. Because the CEO of Wenceslas Group continuously forces her to do something that she doesn''t want. And now, the crazy CEO has become her husband.


    He takes off his shoes and slips underneath the cover, laying on the king sized bed divided into two by two bolsters.


    "Hendra, can I ask you something?"


    "Ya."


    "Why is there a bruise on your chin?"


    "Oh, I fell down last night."


    "Then why is there a bandage on the back of your palm?"


    "I was hurt when I fell down."


    "I see.."


    "Next time, you have to be careful."


    "Yeah, I will keep that in mind."


    .


    .


    Aruna doesn''t hear any sound coming from Hendra, might be he has fallen asleep.


    Aruna stands up and looks for his phone, trying to find more information about the man that has now become her husband. She moves closer and uses his fingers to unlock Hendra''s phone.


    First, she opens WhatsApp. There are not many personal messages, it seems like his circle of friends are quite small. Maybe it has been taken care of by his secretary.


    The groups are all work related, unlike hers. Except the Wenceslas''s family group. And he doesn''t even open the groups in his WhatsApp, ignoring tons of unread messages. He might be so busy that he doesn''t have time.


    Aruna doesn''t date to open any messages because she knows that it is his privacy. She then leaves WhatsApp and moves to another app. Yes, she is curious to take a look at Hendra''s instagram. But when he opens the app, there is no Official Mahendra Wenceslas''s account. Instead, she finds a familiar account with a photo of the sky as its profile picture named bluehadyan.


    _Wait, this account always leaves a like on my posts!_ Aruna searches for her own Instagram account from Hadyan''s account. That''s right, he even sent some love emoticons or sentences like ''I like it!'' on Aruna''s comment section. Aruna starts to smile shyly at herself.


    The account also follows her friends in Surat Ajaib : Lili, Agus, Dea, including Damar. He even follows the Surat Ajaib official account. Despite his cold facade, this man has another side of him. Aruna just remembers that Hadyan is his middle name when she designed the wedding invitation.


    She misses her friends in Surat Ajaib. Last time she heard, they were so busy because the customers coming wanted to have the same wedding invitation as the CEO of Wenceslas Group which caused the company going viral.


    *Surat Ajaib, a startup behind the Blue Oceans themed invitation.


    *Unique invitation from the wedding of the Handsome CEO of the Wenceslas Group.


    *Wedding Organizer of the CEO of Wenceslas Group says that the concept of the Blue Oceans was taken from the 3D wedding invitation made by Surat Ajaib.


    Those are several online articles that pop on every news portal.


    Hendra pushes her to take this project and it turns out it gives the positive effect to the startup that she built with a dream.


    This girl is getting more and more curious. She swipes to find other apps but pouts when she finds nothing interesting. Work note, Business news related app, Finance app, Shares data and other boring things related to Hendra''s work.


    She puts down the phone for a while, trying to hold back her curiosity.


    But then she changes her mind, puts his finger to unlock the phone again and opens the photo gallery.


    This guy might take a lot of pictures because he knows that he is handsome. Aruna plans to get his photos secretly in the gallery to show others when they ask where her husband is. She plans to show him around.


    But when the gallery on Hendra''s iPhone finally opens, Aruna''s heart stops beating, there isn''t any picture of himself. Instead this gallery is filled with her photos taken secretly.


    On the fast food restaurant, inside the Trans bus, on the rooftop of the residential complex building, on the train. He was stalking her. Mahendra saves all Aruna''s photos and crops Damar out of the picture so he can focus only on Aruna.


    Although the photos are not perfect, only half of her face, back, side profile, and other shoots that aren''t perfect, Hendra saves it all. And every Aruna''s expression, from smiling, when she is angry or laughing, has been documented neatly in his gallery.


    Aruna is getting more and more curious to find out his perspective of her and how he lives his life daily. She puts down his husband''s phone and moves closer to take a look at him who is sleeping peacefully.


    His personalities are like two sides of the coin. He can change into a devil and in one second, turns into an angel.


    Aruna lays down near her stalker closer and hugs his arms. She puts her head on his shoulder, on the man that she puts as ''The Crazy CEO'' on her phone book. And Aruna wants to hit him when she sees that he has saved her number under the name ''The teasing lips''


    What the hell was that?!


    He is indeed crazy!!


    .


    .


    ''Mommy.. Where are we going, Mom?''.


    ''We are going home.. Do you know Indonesia?''.


    ''I disagree, I prefer it here. I don''t like to change anything.''''


    ''Nothing will change, I will still love you''


    _Whose breath is this?_


    _I can even hear her heart beating_


    _Whose breath is this?_


    _I can even hear her heart beating_


    _Is it Mommy?_ The man is caught between the dream and the reality.


    "Hug me tonight, don''t break your promise."


    "Why was I so lonely? Mommy said you would still love me."


    "Why do I have to sleep alone?"


    "Did you forget that I was afraid to sleep alone?"


    _Thank you for accompanying me tonight_


    The boy born in the foreign land, just lived with his mom and they were inseparable. Only her that he has seen, loved, and owned since the first time he opened his eyes to see the world.


    The boy now curls up, trying to find his mother''s arms and hugs her as if he is back to the five years old little boy.


    It seems comfortable and he is no longer afraid to sleep alone. He is so happy, his mother can accompany him to sleep.


    _Wait, is this just a dream?_


    _How can it feel so warm?_


    _Where am I?_


    _Why is there someone on my arms?_


    _And her clothes? What am I dreaming?_


    Hendra blinks and sees a body on his arms.


    "AARGH!" The man pushes Aruna away and falls down from the bed. His chest is hurt and it is difficult to breathe. Hendra hits on his chest to find his own sanity. Is this a dream or a reality?


    "Hendra¡­ What happened?" His wife wakes up and looks at him in confusion.


    "What happened to you?"


    The man moves back a little, eyes widening trying to make sure that she is not his mother.


    "Huuh.. huuh.." He tries to control himself and breathe normally.


    _Remember, Hendra. She moves.. She wakes up.. She breathes.. She is alive and isn''t dead_ Hendra tries to remind himself.


    "Aruna, get me a glass of water." The petite wife immediately follows his instruction. She moves closer to Hendra who is still sitting on the floor, watching him as she gives the glass to him.


    "Are you having a bad dream?"


    "I think so."


    Hendra looks so tired with uneven breaths.


    "Are you okay? What can I do to help?"


    "Em¡­" Aruna walks trying to find tissue to wipe his cold sweat on the forehead. At the same time Hendra stands up and puts on his shoes.


    "Change your clothes." He instructs and the man has found the key that Aruna puts below the pillow.


    "Where are you going this late at night?"


    "Just go to sleep! I will be back." Without sparing her another glance, he walks out of the room.


    Just as she is curious about the blue eyed man''s phone, Aruna creeps on behind Hendra''s back. It''s 2.30 AM, where is he going? The man walks through the corridors of the main house which is similar to a castle. He walks on the stairs to go to the 3rd floor, one floor above their room.


    "Whom is he meeting? Who is that woman?"


    Aruna can see him talking with a young woman, maybe she is around her age, then they enter into a room.


    Aruna moves closer, trying to find out what they are talking about. But her effort is futile.


    She moves back and sits at the corner, hidden to watch over the door. However, until dawn Hendra doesn''t leave the room.


    So Aruna just let it go and walked back to her room immediately. She stops for a while to ponder about the house of the Wenceslas''s family. Every room is too complicated for her and Hendra is a mystery.

 Chapter 99 - So Lonely

    So Aruna just let it go and walked back to her room immediately. She stops for a while to ponder about the house of the Wenceslas''s family. Every room is too complicated for her and Hendra is a mystery.


    ***


    "Why don''t you tell me about his condition earlier?"


    "I''m sorry, I thought¡­"


    "Enough. I don''t want to hear another word, Pandu. Let''s help him to get back on his feet."


    Pandu and Bay, the composer that helps and supports Danu Umar a lot, asks him to move and live inside his house which is also a music studio, a headquarters for artists, music players, songwriters and many things related to the art of sound and moving poetry..


    .


    "If I were you, I would make use of my heartbreak to write lyrics as much as I could."


    "Not only because the heartbreak songs are on demand these days, but writing the songs can help you to pour out your feelings so you can feel more relieved."


    Damar looks much better after moving to this house.


    "Why do you care for me so much?"


    "Because I also have experienced heartbreak and I haven''t found another ever since." Bang Bay Wijaya, a legend in Indonesian music industry which is still single until now.


    "I made many mistakes. Especially, I was too stupid to trust her. I forget that she was a woman whose heart can waver. She chose someone who was better for her, and ignored her heart and feelings. They were selfless."


    "The second one, I know an artist experiences the worst heartbreak. We are empaths and there are so many feelings that we can feel. If we don''t get back on our feet quickly, we will end badly because of our feelings.


    "Now, look straight and get her back in the right way. Don''t make the same mistake as I do. Make her realize that she can''t ignore you."


    "When are you going to meet her again?" Bang Bay looks at the artist that reminds him of himself years ago.


    "Her wedding will be held next week."


    "Make something that makes her remember you. Create a new song especially for her and make your statement properly!"


    Damar takes a cigarette and follows Bang Bay. The older man hits his arms.


    "I don''t want you to be like me, don''t follow after me."


    "Can I take a rest for a while from appearing in public?"


    "Do I ever force you to appear in public? From the beginning, I just want to help you to be an artist because you have the ability to attract attention and you get yourself involved with that artist management."


    "Ah, you''re right."


    "Just write the song and let them, the fame chasing singers sing the song."


    "Okay, Bang Bay."


    "Oh ya, do you want to know the third reason why I want to help you?" The question is replied with a curious glance.


    "Don''t look at me that way. The third reason is because I need a man to watch soccer with me. Hahaha."


    "Let''s bet!"


    "I am really good at predicting the scores. Don''t be mad if you lose." Damar starts to return to himself, as an idol or the long haired man who is good at making any situation fun.


    ***


    "Aruna, you shouldn''t come here." Someone scolds her through the WhatsApp video.


    "Why? I just want to help you."


    "Really? You are¡­ a newlywed hehe." (Lili)


    "Yeah, she''s right. You don''t have to worry about us." (Dea)


    "But you are so busy."


    "But we are going to be busier if the possessive man comes over to look for his wife furiously." (Agus) He is not shown in the video, but his loud voice can be heard clearly.


    "Gus, don''t be so rude! You are getting more and more like Dam¡­ Um¡­ you can''t come here!" (Lili)


    "But sorry, we have to turn down many customers. We can''t handle that many of them. I think we need to do weekly meetings to set a new policy or Lili might be so stressed out losing money because we have to turn down the request." (Dea)


    "I think we need to hire more people."


    "Aruna, are you okay if we bother you to help out in design?" (Lili)


    "Bother me? It''s my responsibility so it doesn''t bother me. Even I get confused if you don''t give me jobs to do. So you have to send me a lot."


    _Because Hendra always disappears somewhere, sometimes he appears for a moment and then leaves again. Like this morning, he just cleaned himself up, got ready to leave, and then disappeared again_


    "Is it okay?"


    _You are so rich now! Don''t be so naive and waste the wealth! Aruna, you are so useless!_ (Lili)


    "Of course it''s okay. Oh ya, regarding the plan to hire more people, don''t forget to let our friends from design major know about the position. Maybe some of them are interested."


    "Okay, Ajumma." (An auntie or married woman)


    "Don''t call me Ajumma. Or else¡­"


    "Hahaha." (Lili & Dea)


    "Um¡­ Aruna, these days we are having a new member." She is still a volunteer though. Her name is Andin and she wants to do research about Surat Ajaib." (Lili)


    "Then?"


    "In return, she wants to help us." (Lili)


    "That''s good."


    "I don''t know¡­ I think I have seen her somewhere¡­ She looks familiar." (Dea)


    "Pretty girl is always seemed familiar, maybe you have seen her in Instagr*m." (Agus cuts from behind the camera)


    "You like her, don''t you, Gus? Go on, so you won''t be single anymore." (Dea)


    "I am a normal man, isn''t it natural for me to like pretty girls? As long as she isn''t dumb as Aruna, that''s annoying!" (Agus)


    "What did you say about me? You''re so cruel! I won''t send OkeFood anymore to the office!"


    "No¡­ if you do that, you are torturing not only Agus but us too¡­" (Dea)


    "Aruna, don''t forget to send the food from the five-stars hotel owned by the handsome CEO." (Laras)


    "Eh it''s too much to ask!" (Lili)


    "Okay, I will see what I can do."


    _If Hendra picks up my call_


    "Um¡­ Can I talk to Agus for a while?"


    Agus takes the phone and moves away from the prying ears.


    .


    "Gus! Don''t put the phone on your ear, I can even see the insides of your ear!"


    "Haha, sorry I forgot!"


    "You want to ask about Damar, don''t you?" (Agus)


    "You''re right. How is he doing?"


    "Yah¡­ you know¡­ just the same old."


    "Please, Gus¡­ tell me honestly."


    "You are married, Aruna. You''d better don''t know."


    "Please, Gus!" Aruna pleads.


    "Last time I met him, he looked awful and obviously you know that he has fallen head over heels for you¡­ He looked like he''s half dead."


    "Does anyone take care of him?"


    "Do you know his manager, Pandu? He''s still helping him and he always refuses to meet me."


    "Then, how is he doing now?"


    "I came to his house twice but it was empty and I don''t know where he is now." Aruna is getting teary eyed.


    "Did he come to his mother''s house?"


    "I have met Mituo a few times, pretending to give something to Damar. We talked for a while and she said that Danu has come back home a few times. But if we take a look at the timeline, Damar actually came back before the terrible event."


    "Gus, can I ask you to help me to search for him?" She starts to cry.


    "I already did before you ask." (Agus)


    "Ah, Aruna, I know I can''t ask you to do this. But can you meet him just once if I managed to find him?"


    The woman at the end of the line nods.


    "Honestly, I am afraid that he will kill himself. Oops, I know I am too extreme, but don''t worry he still reads my messages, that means he is still alive. Although if I managed to find him, I will kill him. He makes me worried."


    "Please find him, Gus."


    "Stop crying, Aruna." (Agus)


    "I feel like I am watching a drama when I don''t like to watch films." (Agus)


    "Gus, if you find him, please let me know as soon as possible!"


    "Yes¡­ yes¡­ now wipe your tears! Ah¡­ both of you are so miserable."


    "Oh ya, don''t let your husband know. I am afraid the possessive man would lock you up in his castle."


    _I am locked here¡­ I wish you knew how uncomfortable I was to leave my room¡­ I have never been introduced to anyone and no one wants to be my friend¡­ although there are so many people here, they just look at me and walk away_


    "You don''t hear me, do you? Then, I will go first."


    "I don''t want to make Lili mad at me, ''Gus, you are wasting money by wasting time.''" The man tries to imitate Lili''s voice.


    "Aruna, come back here soon or else I will always be fighting with Lili."


    "You are always late, aren''t you?"


    "Not as late as Damar used to.."


    "You know he doesn''t need to come on time. We just need him to be in the right mood."


    "Huh! anak itu lagi..".


    "Huh, that guy¡­"


    _We all miss him_

 Chapter 100 - Ruining The Aesthetic

    "What do you think about this?" They are having an important meeting in Wenceslas Constructio


    "I think the design is good enough. But it isn''t environmentally friendly and will waste a lot of electricity." (Hendra)


    "Yes¡­ I agree!" (one of the architects from Wenceslas Construction)


    "I don''t like the ladies'' bathroom design in the other one. It''s too open." (Riswan)


    "How about we make this project as a collaboration between the architects to realize our expectation faster. Is it possible?"


    "That''s right. Why don''t we think about it sooner." (one of the architects from Wenceslas Construction)


    "Is there anything that you want to add, Riswan?"


    "I am majoring in Urban Design, specializing in Urban Planning. Regarding functional and the technological aspect, I can help but regarding interior and beauty¡­ you guys are better than me." (Riswan)


    "So we are going to put the library... " (Hendra)


    Bip Bip Bip


    "Wait a second."


    "Yes, hello, Aruna."


    "Um¡­ Can I know how to order the menu that you usually send to the Surat Ajaib outlet?" (Aruna)


    "Is that it? Nothing else?"


    "Um¡­ when are you coming home?"


    "A bit late tonight."


    "You haven''t replied to my first question."


    "Don''t worry, Surya will take care of it."


    "Is there anything that we need to talk about?" (Hendra)


    "If there isn''t¡­" (Hendra)


    "When can I go back to my study and work with my friends?"


    "Wait¡­ we still need to prepare for it."


    "What do you need to prepare?"


    "I''ll tell you later, okay?"


    Hendra then goes back to his busy schedule.


    .


    .


    "Aruna¡­ where are you?" He enters the room carefully. It''s 21.22 so Aruna might have been asleep. But the maid that he asked to wake her up says that she isn''t sleeping. Maybe she is in the bathroom.


    Unfortunately, Hendra doesn''t find anyone in the bathroom.


    _What the hell is that? Is she crazy?_


    "Aruna¡­ Aruna¡­ where are you?!"


    _She is really ruining the aesthetic_


    _But..._


    "Hehe¡­" He is blushing as he is looking at the strange things in the bathroom shyly. Even the tips of his ear reddens. He closes his eyes with his fingers, shaking his head. The dimples on his cheeks show when he smiles widely because he doesn''t believe what Aruna is doing.


    The man hesitantly raises his finger, but¡­ Ah¡­ He really wants to touch them.


    _Is it okay to touch it? Oh my God, I have become a pervert_ His fingers trying to touch the cups of Aruna''s bra which she hangs inside the bathroom. He can even see her panties beside it.


    _This girl is making me¡­ Ah¡­ I''m embarrassed_ He starts to walk away but only after two steps, he comes back again, don''t wanting to lose the chance.


    He is looking at it then he smirks and grabs the laundry to hide it somewhere.


    "Hehe¡­" Then he finds a drawer to hide it and locks it. He tosses the key to the air and takes it back. He then leaves the bathroom happily while humming although he can''t sing at all.


    "Where is she?" He stops for a while and takes a look at the maids who are bringing the clothes that he bought for her.


    Today, Hendra wants to surprise her by not only buying new clothes for Aruna, but also the pair of shoes that she wants.


    _Maybe I will ask for compensation later_


    _Does she want to though?_ He enters the large dressing room.


    Being a perfectionist that he is, Hendra then starts to take off his watch on his wrist. He puts it on the same spot he took it before. And then he starts to walk closer to the mirror while taking off his cufflink.


    His eyes suddenly widened as he caught the sight of the woman that he has been looking for. Then he moves stealthily.


    The M shaped room with the mirror along the wall helps to show everything that happens in every corridor.


    Including the back of the petite body in the mirror who is busy choosing her clothes.


    "Hehe." Hendra giggles happily when the naked back is slowly revealed. She is going to change her clothes. The man is getting more curious as he moves closer to the mirror and finds a place to watch her.


    _Take it off¡­ Ah.. why she is looking that way_ And her naked back is finally shown.


    "Hehehe¡­" Hendra can''t control his laughs. The man hits the wardrobe door, a bit too happy when he realizes that Aruna doesn''t wear any bra. That means the things that ruin the aesthetics are all in laundry and he manages to hit them.


    _Um¡­ is that?_


    _Ah¡­ just forget it_ Aruna takes another clothes and starts to slip the arms into it.


    "Wait! Is that a laugh? Who is laughing?"


    She turns around.


    "HENDRAAAAA!!"


    "BRAK!" The man is shocked and runs as quickly as possible, into the drawer table that is lined up in the middle of the hallway where Hendra puts his accessories.


    Aruna grabs her husband quickly.


    "You¡­ You¡­ Are you peeking at me after being a stalker?"


    "Who is peeking at you? I was changing my clothes."


    "Huh¡­ you''re lying."


    This man starts to open his shirt buttons one by one.


    _Hehe¡­ She wouldn''t be able to see it_


    "Wait¡­ wait! Why are you taking off your clothes?"


    "I have told you that I want to change my clothes."


    _Hehe_ He holds back his smile.


    He manages to take off his shirt and the broad chest is available for Aruna to see.


    "Argh". The woman shrieks and closes her eyes with both hands.


    "Hendra, you are too much! Don''t take off your clothes in front of me!" She manages to take a peek behind her fingers. Hendra is quite intriguing and thrilling.


    "You also take off your clothes as you like. So, why shouldn''t I?"


    _Take off my clothes as I like?_ Her brain starts churning, trying to grasp what Hendra means.


    "Hendra, you said that I took off my clothes as I like?"


    "That means you are peeking!" The woman clenches her fists and moves closer to the blue eyed man.


    "Ingat! Melihat bagian tubuh lawan jenis tidak di atur dalam MOU.. Kau tak boleh marah hehe". Pria ini pandai mengada-ngada.


    "Remember, peeking isn''t mentioned in the agreement! So you can''t be angry at me hehe."


    "What the heck? Not everything can be mentioned in the agreement!"


    "Sini kau..!!". Aruna, Gadis kecil ini mengabaikan ke canggungan-nya. Mengepalkan tangan kecil berjalan ke arah Hendra, berniat memukulnya.


    "Come here!" Aruna shrugs off her awkwardness. With fists clenched, she walks to Hendra, wanting to hit him.


    But the blue eyed man stays calm. He even starts to provocate Aruna by moving closer to her to show how cool he is with his naked chest. He knows that she will be flustered.


    He is right. His wife moves back with reddened cheeks. She looks cute when frightened.


    "You can touch it, but you should open your hand and not clench it. Hehe.."


    "It will feel better¡­"


    "Hendra, you!"


    "Argh¡­ shit¡­" She runs away, frightened and embarrassed.


    "Hahaha.." Hendra laughs loudly to celebrate his win.


    .


    .


    "Hen.." The man is tidying the clothes that he bought for Aruna. He sits on the sofa and puts every clothes on the hanger, preparing to put them on the left side which has been emptied out by the maids. There are still a lot of empty spaces because Hendra hasn''t bought many clothes for Aruna in one go.


    She needs more, he thinks when he arranges and stacks them perfectly from the lightest colors to the darkest ones.


    "Hendra, do you see something inside the bathroom?"


    He shakes his head and feigns innocence.


    "Where are they¡­ I just left them behind for a while to change my clothes and I am sure I left them there."


    "Sit for a while. Don''t you want to thank me?"


    "I also buy you¡­"


    "Wait! Hehe." He looks at her for a while.


    _Ah.. I have seen foreign women go topless during summer. But why¡­ hers is..._


    "Hai!" Aruna notices that Hendra is staring at her breasts openly.


    "Just take a seat first. Here¡­ this is the shoes you wanted." Hendra gives her the dream shoes and the girl smiles widely because she is so happy.


    "But¡­ Wait¡­ I need to find my things first."


    "Where are they?"


    "Maybe the maids have cleaned them somewhere?" (Hendra)


    Hendra''s words make her stand up quickly, move to the telephone and make a call. But it turns out that the maids don''t know about it.


    "What are you actually looking for? Is it really important?"


    _Ah shit¡­ why is it so interesting?_ She is wearing one of his pink shirts and he manages to catch "something" that makes him want to look at her for a long time.


    _Damn¡­ am I really a pervert just like Aruna say?_


    _Be patient¡­ I need her to trust me so I can touch it_ He imagines it with a shy smile.


    The girl sits beside him, looking anxious and is silent for a while.


    "Hendra, did you buy these clothes for me?"

 Chapter 101 - Pocket Money

    "Hendra, did you buy these clothes for me?"


    She rummages the bag paper and other packages which Hendra hasn''t cleaned.


    "They have been here for so long, did you just realize that?"


    She couldn''t find anything else beside midi dresses. Midi dresses with long sleeves, short sleeves, and even sleeveless. The coats and accessories that he bought also complement the midi dresses.


    "Why are you so obsessed with midi dresses? Why don''t you use it yourself?"


    "I have bought you so much, why are you angry with me?"


    "Why don''t you buy other clothes too? Do I have to sleep or work out in midi dress? Don''t you think that I might need underwear too?"


    "What kind of husband are you? You don''t understand your wife''s needs!" Aruna grumbled.


    "Oh¡­ so you need underwear¡­ just tell me then."


    _hehe, she is so cute¡­ but those are cuter_ (-_-)''


    "Oh, did you buy me underwear?" She looks at him, expecting.


    "Nope." Aruna''s shoulders slumps.


    "Actually, you just need to tell me if you need something." (Hendra)


    "I''m embarrassed. The last time you bought it, you said that it ruined your reputation." (Chapter 15)


    "But it''s different, I am married now. If the store assistant asks, "Which one does your wife like? With or without pads?" (Chapter 16) And I will reply to her, "I will take the lacy ones to make our night hotter."


    "Hahaha¡­" Hendra laughs seeing Aruna''s cute and embarrassed face.


    "Cih!"


    _Ugh¡­ I don''t even want to hear his laugh_


    "Hendra, will you give me a platinum card, banking savings, or cash at least?"


    "In those dramas that I watched, if you marry someone rich, you will get a lot of facilities. But in reality, I don''t even have money to buy underwear. And how can I ask the maid to buy it for me, if I as the heir''s wife don''t have any money."


    "And when I was about to buy via Okeshop, I didn''t even know where I was. Actually, where is the main house located?"


    "OMG, don''t say you trapped me in a castle and I was married to a stingy prince."


    "Buahahaha." Hendra laughs his ass off seeing Aruna grumbles passionately.


    "You obviously knew that you were going to get married, why didn''t you bring your stuff, rather than wearing your old T-shirt and jeans only."


    "Why should I prepare? Didn''t you say the sweet things like : ''After we got married, I will fulfill everything you need. Even when we finally get our divorce, I guarantee you will never need anything.'' (Chapter 5)" Aruna impersonates Hendra''s way of talking.


    "Hello¡­ who said you didn''t need it arrogantly?"


    _I was_ (Aruna)


    "Hehe¡­ you still remembered it."


    "Okay then, you will get your daily pocket money after this." (Hendra)


    "Pocket money?"


    "Yes, cash as pocket money."


    "Do you think I am a highschooler?"


    "Well you are still studying in university. Isn''t it the same?"


    "Why don''t you give me a platinum card just like in the dramas. You used to say that it is not important and tossed it to me."


    _Of course I wouldn''t let you give it for free¡­ I can get other advantageous compensations_ Hendra is a businessman, of course he is adept in calculating profit and loss.


    "Because in those dramas, they acted like they were real couples. And even if it happens in real life, the husband can ask for cute little babies."


    "Don''t talk nonsense. Didn''t I tell you, that I will do whatever we have agreed in the contract. Nothing more and nothing less."


    The man stops tidying the clothes and grabs shoes that he prepared as a surprise slowly.


    "Would you like to put it on?"


    "Should I need to give you some compensation for these shoes?"


    "No¡­ no need. I want to give it to you."


    "Thank you." She smiles brightly.


    "Is it too big on you?" Hendra looks at her intently.


    "Hehe it''s okay. Thank you once again. You can give me the address, I can change the size myself if you are busy."


    "Ah, it seemed I forgot to tell them, so they are still using Tania''s size."


    The girl grows silent.


    Both of them start to tidy the things around them silently.


    "Um¡­ Hendra, what is this for? You dropped this key from your pocket."


    Deg!


    .


    "Sorry, I came this late to see you."


    "No problem. This is our job."


    "How are you? I''m surprised you survived and did not faint".


    "I was also surprised. I lost myself for a moment, then she greeted me and suddenly I could breathe again."


    "Let''s talk about it inside, we''ve found a lot of possibilities that can help you."


    Hendra and Nathasya enter the mini health clinic owned by the Wenceslas family. This place was used to take care of little Hendra and his mother. Now, this outdated place has been renovated.


    Hendra enters the room and greets Tio and Firman, the young doctors who are a part of Diana''s team.


    "I''m sorry, Dr. Diana has left earlier."


    "Oh, no problem."


    They realize the gray haired doctor is unlikely to work late.


    "Let''s get straight to the point, what new things did you find about my disease?" Hendra doesn''t have much time. He hopes to meet Aruna soon.


    "Actually, there are some things that we haven''t told you related to the main factors that trigger your PTSD." Firman said.


    Hendra is sitting, relaxed, but his brain doesn''t stop working. To be honest he really wanted to get well soon, considering how difficult it is to fight his desire to approach Aruna with the conditions he is facing. So excruciating. He realized that his marriage is  a contract marriage, but on the other hand, to be honest, he wants to be the perfect husband.


    "I think you have realized that the biggest trigger is your own wife."


    "Yes, that''s right, according to my predictions."


    "But I don''t know the reason." Hendra is always curious about this. Since he used Tania in his experiments, he noticed himself reacting differently to Aruna and Tania.


    "Now, look at me." Nathasya lays down and closes her eyes as if falling asleep on the bed not far from where Hendra sits.


    Hendra watches her carefully and realizes that he doesn''t feel anything towards her.


    "Why is it only Aruna that affects me so much?" (Hendra)


    "Probably because she is your wife? A more accurate statement is the bigger the feeling you have for her will increase the triggering factor." Dr. Tio takes part in the discussion between doctors.


    "Oh my God, why did it happen?"


    "Wait .." Hendra tries to remember.


    "The first time I lost consciousness because of PTSD, I didn''t like her. We didn''t even met that often."


    "You obviously were going crazy when she rejected you, and weren''t sure about your feelings. Until I have to prove the love hypothesis all night long." Nathasya smirks. (Chapter 62)


    "Most likely you have liked her from the beginning, it''s just that you didn''t realize it." (Firman)


    The blue-eyed man slowly tries to remember each meeting and every impression that he had with Aruna.


    The doctors let him ponder since when this girl managed to steal his heart, wondering.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    "Surya, do you realize that I lose control every time I face that child?"


    "Who? Do you mean Aruna?"


    "Yes. Why did I stand, pull her hand, and even argue with her in the lobby?"


    "Maybe because she''s your future wife so you got carried away."


    "It could be..."


    That day, Hendra felt that he was too talkative and quite childish. He is a person who finds it difficult to chat casually with anyone. He gives a standoffish impression that doesn''t really care about others.


    (Chapter 6)


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    After the hunt, Hendra remembers a light discussion that he had with Surya after picking up Aruna from her campus.


    _Oh, apparently I was impressed with her after picking her up from the campus. That is how quickly she stole my heart._


    The Wenceslas''s heir massages his temple.


    "Don''t worry. Doctor Diana supports you marrying your wife because she has a strong conviction that Miss Aruna can help to fully heal you."


    "Ah, is it possible that she could be a trigger as well as a cure?" Hendra''s logic can''t find a correlation between those two.


    "Of course, it is very possible. Because the hyperarousal that you experience is the impact of the long-term trauma that comes from a bad incident between you and your mother."


    (Hyperarousal is a variety of symptoms that cause the physical condition of a person with PTSD to be alert when they are triggered to remember about the trauma they have experienced. Such as Hendra''s physical condition which suddenly has difficulty breathing, loss of voice, and even consciousness when the triggering factor is present in front of him.)


    Hendra''s blood runs cold, hands trembling, and a panic attack hits him when he starts to remember the bad memories.


    "Let''s stop first." (Tio)


    "Nathasya, bring some water!" Firman instructs while frantically looking for a sedative. Nathasya quickly gives him a cup of water.


    "Don''t worry, I don''t need any medicine. I just need a moment to calm myself down." The man reaches for a glass filled with water.


    The next few minutes ...

 Chapter 102 - 180 Degrees

    The next few minutes ...


    "Okay, let''s continue." (Hendra)


    "Are you sure?" (Nathasya)


    "Yes .. I don''t have much time. I left my wife alone in the room."


    "Your mother is your first love, you have a very strong feeling for her and you feel the same way to your wife. She affects your feelings so strongly, you are even frustrated because she rejected you. Right?" Tio (Chapter 55)


    "So, what should I do?"


    "Don''t you want to reveal your true condition to your wife?"


    "I still need some time to think about it."


    _I don''t want her to pity me, especially by her whom I love. I want to look perfect in her eyes_


    "You couldn''t complete the therapy procedure to fully heal the symptoms because your mother couldn''t possibly be a part of the ''Psychosocial therapy''. So that made your team of doctors give up after treating you for 5 consecutive years." (Firman)


    "This time, we really hope you don''t give us the reason to give up." (Tio)


    "Miss Aruna can be a part of the ''Psychosocial therapy'' that you need. She is a cheerful and healthy girl and we have checked her personality with the help of Pradita, and she has been proven to be a good girl since she was little." (Firman)


    (Psychosocial therapy, Turner (1978) is a method of healing in which regards to the knowledge about human bio-psycho-social and community behavior; skills in making relationships with individuals, families, and communities; as well as the ability in mobilizing available resources that are combined in through the relationship of individuals, family, and group to help people to change their personality, behavior, and is included as a treatment for PTSD)


    "Wow, you guys really have thought that far."


    "Actually, in the meantime what I need is that I can watch her sleeping, it''s my simple wish. For the rest¡­ I need more time."


    "Even for your simple wish, we still need her help. Your syndrome isn''t the same as a phobia of heights or tight spaces. Your PTSD is caused by interactions between individuals, and only individual interactions can help you." (Firman)


    "To be honest, we have a certain agreement in this marriage. That''s why I am able to survive the night with her although I''m still trying."


    "Maybe we can use this agreement." Hendra adds.


    "Can you see her sleeping without any problem?" (Tio)


    "Really?"


    "This is the risk if you make your own conclusions without consulting us." (Nathasya)


    "We have investigated the two chronologies when you lost consciousness. Both of them were when Ms. Aruna was sick. Just like your mother¡­" Not wanting to trigger the bad memory, Firman stops himself.


    "But to watch her fall asleep without anxiety needs process." (Tio)


    "How or whatever the process is, I will do it." (Hendra)


    "Tonight you didn''t faint because maybe you know that she is breathing, moving or talking?" (Tio)


    "Ah, yes I managed to convince myself because I know she replied to me."


    "Make sure when you lie down together, you can feel the signs of life from her." (Tio)


    "Signs of life?" Hendra frowns, doesn''t really understand.


    "Do you mean that I have to check her pulse, breath, or some sort?"


    "The easiest way is to hug her and feel her pulse, breath, and natural movement."


    "How about checking her pulse, will that be enough?"


    "Everything we present is a theory and you have to experiment it yourself!".


    .


    .


    "Um¡­ Hendra, what is this for? You dropped this key from your pocket."


    Deg!


    "Oh it''s nothing, give it to me". Hendra looks at the key seriously and immediately grabs it from Aruna''s hand.


    "Aruna, now I have a way to sleep and lie down with you."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Yes .. You no longer need to wait for me to fall asleep first before laying down."


    "So, you really can''t sleep and lie down with other people?" Hendra''s statement is difficult to understand. As if it''s important information, even though he''s talking about a simple behavior.


    Hendra is silent.


    He changes the subject.


    "Let''s put your clothes in the closet."


    Hendra brings a collection of midi dresses and hugs them close to his chest. And Aruna follows his suit.


    "You bring accessories or something not heavy. Don''t bring too many."


    "Don''t worry I''m used to carrying heavy things."The workload in Surat Ajaib is even more extreme.


    "Aruna, put them down!"


    "I don''t like seeing women carrying heavy things like that."


    "Why are you being so difficult?" The girl pouts. Hendra takes the things she carries on her arms and asks Aruna to bring a collection of complementary accessories inside three light tote bags.


    "Meanwhile, Hendra is almost invisible under the pile of midi dresses that he brings."


    They work together to help each other arranging clothes in the closet that stretches across one of the hallways. Every time she stands on tiptoe while putting the midi dress on the top hanger. Hendra always stops for a moment to glance at her. The enticing swell of her breasts look better from the angle.


    "Hendra, it looks like this closet is too high for me".


    "What do you see??" Aruna caught the look of strange blue eyes.


    "You talk to me, of course I look at you."


    "Geez .. you''ve been suspicious since earlier."


    "But by the way, can''t you ask the maids to buy me some underwear?"


    "It''s too late, don''t you feel sorry for them?" Aruna frowns at Hendra''s expression.


    "Um¡­ actually I have something that is quite valuable for you right now." This man starts to feel bad.


    Aruna slowly raises her eyebrows.


    "You just need to hug me while sleeping tonight, like you did last night."


    "I did not hug you ..."


    _Last night I was carried away because I stalked this crazy CEO''s mobile phone_


    "Wow .. wow .. someone tried to forget last night."


    Aruna looks embarrassed and awkward under his stares..


    "Your face can''t lie."


    "Hug me and I will give you the precious things back." Hendra takes out the key from his pocket, smiles happily as he shakes the precious key.


    "You are strange. What is that key for?"


    "They ruined the aesthetics so I put them into a drawer, so that my bathroom is looking elegant as before."


    "Argh! YOU ARE A THIEF!"


    "Give it to me!" The girl is jumping up and down on tiptoe, trying to grab the key in Hendra''s hand. It''s easy to keep the key away from Aruna, Hendra just needs to put hand higher.


    "Hendra, give it to me!"


    "Promise me first that I''ll get a hug tonight."


    "You are a crazy CEO. Are you not ashamed to be a stalker, peeping Tom, and now a thief?!"


    "No."


    "Absolutely not. Because watching a pair of breasts jumping around is more fun"


    "Aaaargggghhhhhh .... I will kill you, Hendra!!" Aruna chases after her husband who is running away giggling out of the hallway.


    "Ha ha ha". This man laughs cheerfully while teasing Aruna who is burning with anger. He jumps onto the bed and off the bed when Aruna is closer.


    Aruna grabs anything near her, because he always moves faster, and she needs to hit Hendra with anything. Several pillows are thrown towards the crazy CEO.


    But Hendra is too good at dodging. This girl grabs the laptop on the work desk.


    "Remember, this laptop price is 100 million! If you break it, you have to replace it."


    "How can it be so expensive?"


    "Yes! Because there are important company files."


    This girl sulks and abandons her intention.


    "Hendra, give it to me". This girl begins to slowly approach as the man standing there not far from the carved door. If he is cornered, there is no way this commotion would be carried outside the room. Unless he''s shameless.


    "No, unless I get a hug like last night."


    "Aren''t you ashamed to ask outright like that?" She moves slowly and getting closer now, and Hendra doesn''t realize Aruna is talking to him with a specific purpose.


    "As if I need to be ashamed in front of my wife, we are officially married, legally in front of everyone."


    "But our marriage is different from ..."


    "Ssreek." Aruna quickly grabs the key Hendra is holding.


    But Aruna''s grip is less stronger than Hendra''s. The man grins, raises his hand slightly and makes Aruna have to follow the suit.


    Seeing the girl so close to her, and still not wanting to lose the key.


    "Muah". Hendra kissed her lips. This girl flushes with irritation and anger.


    "What the hell are you doing?!"


    "Habit huh ..." He used to take advantage of the opportunity presented to him.


    "Oh I forgot one of your skills besides stalking and peeping. You are a skilled thief!"


    "Ha ha ha". The man in front of her laughs happily.


    Because she couldn''t bear her irritation any longer, this girl starts tugging at his clothes and beating his chest. Hendra feels cornered, opens the door of their room and flees out.


    "Ha ha ha". The man runs down the stairs to the 1st floor followed by Aruna''s fast run who doesn''t accept it.


    "I''ll kill you! Just watch."


    "You damn thief! Aaaaarrrgh!" They begin to destroy the living room, the home of the Djoyodiningrat family. Several sofa cushions are thrown everywhere and Aruna even throws a flower vase.


    "Prak"


    "Hi, that is a crystal vase, do you know how much it costs? That''s Grandma''s special thing."


    "How much does a vase cost?"


    "100, you can replace it? Grandma must be angry with you!"


    "Rp. 100,000? I will give you the money."


    "I mean it costs 100 millions!"


    "What? What? Seriously that expensive?!".

 Chapter 103 - The Ringing Phone

    "I mean it costs 100 millions!"


    "What? What? Seriously that expensive?!".


    "I am not lying"


    "Ah. Then what can we do?"


    "Hug me tonight and I''ll buy something similar so that Grandma wouldn''t be angry at you."


    "But she is very good."


    "You''re teasing me, I don''t believe it."


    "Whatever."


    "Come on, Hendra, give me the key."


    "No ... I have to get your hug."


    "Damn you!" The girl begins to stride more bravely, throwing several books that are located on the table at him.


    The Wenceslas''s living room begins to fall apart because of the grandson and the newest occupant of the house.


    The sound of laughter and things being thrown away make everyone suspicious.


    They don''t realize that Grandma, Mother Gayatri, including the elders of the family, are already there. This house has been too quiet for years, especially from the sound of laughter. They are curious and are even more amazed at the behavior of the newlyweds.


    To be honest, they are even more astonished with Hendra''s 180 degrees changes.


    They aren''t sure that the one laughing and running around is the sole heir of this family.


    Hendra is always cold, arrogant and rarely talks since the bad incident happened to him.


    Hendra throws the key on the floor because he falls down. Aruna deftly takes the opportunity. She runs and manages to grab the key, gripping tightly.


    Without realizing it, the thief hugs her from behindm trying hard to retrieve the key from Aruna''s small hand.


    "You''re cheating .. Hendra you''re cheating."


    Hendra manages to forcibly open the tiny hand and takes the key, making Aruna cry like a child who is being bullied.


    "You evil, the key is already mine."


    And she starts pulling her own husband''s hair.


    "Hi .. you can''t hurt the head of the sole heir of this family."


    "Aw .. it hurts .. Aruna! Let go of my hair."


    "I won''t before you return my key."


    The people who are observing them are utterly shocked. Hendra is too much beyond their expectations.


    "I''ll tell Dad, you bullied me here."


    "Look! Who is bullying whom?"


    When this girl starts to look around.


    _Ah ''what have I done_


    "HAH!"


    _Those people are watching me_


    "WHAT?? Grandma¡­ Grandpa¡­ Mother...."


    _I AM SO DEAD! _


    Suddenly this girl falls to her knees, her legs weak and helpless looking at the destructed room and several objects that Hendra said have fantastic prices.


    .


    .


    Hendra is busy cleaning himself. He stands up and stares at what makes Aruna stop in her tracks. Suddenly his face is hardened.


    Hendra helps her to stand up, hugging her shoulders, he intends to bring Aruna back to the room. He knows very well that he shouldn''t be joking around in the living room.


    But the girl refuses.


    "Em¡­ Grandma, Grandpa, he''s the one who is guilty of this mess."


    "He stole my valuables and hid them in a drawer."


    "I was just trying to get the key."


    "So he''s the one that destroyed this room and who has to be responsible."


    "Not me..."


    "Ah I look horrible."


    "Really, I didn''t mean to."


    Hendra forcibly pulls his wife. He realizes that the reason wouldn''t be accepted in this family. The only thing they accept is whether you do the right things or admit your mistakes. After all, the room being destroyed is not a big deal for the Wenceslas family.


    It''s just that Aruna doesn''t understand it. She''s a naive girl who lives a normal life out there.


    "Let me go, Hendra..."


    "I have to apologize. I have to clear my name."


    Although the maids start to clean up the room, The Wenceslas family members just stare at the two of them in silence. Aruna is very worried and confused.


    _I really make a bad impression because of my behavior_


    "Grandma, I''m sorry, I am well educated by my parents, so don''t blame them because I ... Um.. I am a bad daughter- in- law."


    "You should ask your grandson. He stole all my pant.."


    "Aruna!!"


    The man closes his wife''s mouth tightly with his palms and glares at her, meaning: ''Don''t talk nonsense.''


    Hendra whispers, "That is our privacy, let''s go into the room"


    "But they will think that I am a bad person."


    "They won''t! They are all bad too." Hendra tightens his embrace.


    "Here, let''s go in!" Hendra drags Aruna into their room.


    The Wenceslas family members are silent not because they didn''t want to reply to Aruna''s words.


    They are stunned to see Hendra''s significant change. Hendra''s change is like a long dream granted by God.


    "Wiryo, this is the first time I see that you made the right decision." Grandma Sukma finally agrees to talk to her husband. Since the incident on the day Hendra was dragged away by Wiryo''s staff, Sukma didn''t talk to her husband.


    "My decision is always right, you don''t know what kind of situation we are in."


    "Now, I really hope you no longer force him to do anything you want, let him become himself."


    "I think his wife can make a lot of changes for my grandson."


    "Yes, he is ready to replace me. After this he will determine his own fate".


    "I hope my grandson is not as mysterious as you once he gets the president position."


    "For that wish, I myself can''t promise. Our lives have been destined to be like this for a long time. Unless he succeeds in solving the problem that this family inherited."


    ***


    The husband half carries Aruna on his shoulder, and puts the small body on the bed. The blue-eyed man curls up and grabs his wife from the side. He seemed to be enjoying what he was doing.


    "Hendra, where is the key?! Let me go for a minute! I have to wear my underwear!"


    This girl goes to the bathroom, but she doesn''t know which drawer was used to store her valuables. She calls out her husband, irritated. The husband comes and opens the drawer. Aruna immediately grabs it and goes to the bathroom.


    "Why don''t you wear it here, so I can see."


    "Are you kidding me, just go away!"


    When the woman returns, Hendra is waiting expectantly for her on the bed, patting their soft king sized bed. But, the wife chose to lay herself on the sofa.


    "Aruna, why are you there?"


    "If you are that far I''m not sure I can see you fall asleep before I sleep." Hendra protests.


    Aruna is too far away for him to observe. But the woman ignores all of Hendra''s warnings, she just lays there and begins to force herself to sleep.


    Hendra forces himself to close his eyes tightly, but the image of the girl''s body frozen on the sofa begins to absorb him.


    "Aruna, you really look like a corpse! Get away from there or I''m really angry!" But Aruna covers both of her ears..


    "Aruna, come here! You make me remember the corpse, come!!" Hendra''s voice grows louder and Aruna is unable to stand it. Finally, she goes to the dressing room. Hearing her leave, Hendra dares to open his eyes.


    _Ah she is really giving me trouble_


    Hendra waits for a long time because he thinks Aruna would return. But his petite wife completely ignores him.


    Because he is having a problem going to sleep, Hendra''s curiosity is piqued and he is determined to find out.


    _Eh, what is it? _


    _What? What is she doing?_


    "Oh my God, wake up! Wake up, Aruna!"


    Hendra, in fear and anxiety, shakes Aruna''s body who is sleeping on the floor. This girl has a sullen face, is annoyed but doesn''t want to open her eyes.


    "How dare you wear my coat for you to sleep on the floor? Do you know what brand this is?"


    "How could you put it on the floor?!"


    "Who told you to yell at me all the time!?".


    "Let''s sleep in bed."


    "No! You will definitely hug me." Aruna is still traumatized by the terrible night she spent with the blue eyed demon.


    "Calm down, I will not hug you. Come on, let''s go back to bed!"


    .


    .


    Hendra does something unique before they lay down.


    "Give me your wrist."


    "I will not hug you, but I will hold your wrist."


    "As long as you obey, I will not be angry."


    The longer Aruna knows him, Hendra is getting more and more mysterious. This girl knows that Hendra is looking for a pulse on her wrist. There must be something behind his constantly weird demeanor.


    The blue- eyed man clutches her wrist while lying together sleepily.


    _What is he actually doing? _ Aruna is curious.


    "Hendra?"


    "Yes."


    "Where did you go last night?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "After the nightmare, you disappeared until morning."


    "Ah, I am just looking for fresh air outside."


    "So you feel very stuffy here, huh? To the extent that you don''t come back until dawn."


    "No that''s not it. I just took a walk and then forgot the time."


    _He lied again_


    .


    .

 Chapter 104 - Guarantee

    _He lied again_


    .


    .


    Hendra, who has been at war with himself, is listening to Aruna''s pulse rhythm anxiously.


    Yes, he wants to open his eyes.


    He knows that Aruna is soundly asleep. He grabs the tiny hand and embraces it in his chest, leaning over to look at his wife''s closed eyes.


    He has to try it now.


    Is the pulse on Aruna''s wrist strong enough for him to watch her sleeping?


    Hendra tries to feel the pulse on Aruna''s wrist. Slowly he opens his blue eyes, hesitant.


    _Thank you, I can see you_ A smile full of happiness blooms on his face.


    He studies Aruna''s body and closed eyes. Her chest movements, rising and falling when she inhales and exhales really attracts his attention.


    It is so satisfying to watch this girl fall asleep, ignoring the minutes passed between them.


    He just wants to enjoy looking at her sleeping.


    Hendra gathers some courage to approach his wife''s body.


    Looking at her more closely, he even brushes her hair. This man bitterly smiles because he is able to enjoy the beautiful scenery in front of him. Because he is not allowed to have it completely.


    _Do you really want to leave me after 2 years? _


    _ Can I cancel our marriage agreement? _


    The man gently touches Aruna''s lips, careful so he doesn''t wake her up.


    Blush


    One time is not enough. The husband wants to try the enticing red lips once again.


    Then Aruna''s ringing phone annoys him.


    _Who is calling her so late? _


    He grabs her phone and takes the call.


    _Agus, what happened? Why does he call this late? _


    "Hello, Aruna." Agus''s voice is loud, he sounds enthusiastic.


    "Sorry, I disturb you."


    "I have good news for you."


    "I''ve found where Damar is."


    "Hello, why are you silent?"


    "Are you with your husband?"


    "Yes, I''m here". Hendra replies coldly, making Agus shivers.


    "Why are you so silent? Aren''t you going to give important information?! Can''t you just tell me?" Hendra''s voice was cold, making Agus even more scared. This young man knows that Hendra, Aruna''s husband, is not a common person. When this man found out that Aruna''s cell phone was left in the Magic Letter, he managed to know Damar''s address when Aruna suddenly disappeared from Surat Ajaib''s outlet.


    As an information technology student, Agus realizes that this person is also developing the same thing.


    "Em .. I''m sorry, really sorry".


    "Okay, this time I will let it slide." Hendra steps away from his wife who is sleeping. He needs to make sure Aruna won''t overhear his conversation with Agus.


    "If I may know, who asked for information about Damar''s whereabouts?"


    "That ... I don''t want to lie to you, but you would better don''t know."


    "So is it my wife?" Hendra easily deducts from Agus'' words.


    Agus freezes in silence.


    "Yes, well .. it''s not your fault." (Hendra)


    "So I won''t do anything to you."


    "Please .. please don''t punish Aruna because of this."


    "Wow ... You really are a good friend".


    "Don''t worry .. I won''t punish my wife because of this..." Hendra stops his words.


    "I just need information, where is Damar?" Mahendra presses.


    "Once again I apologize, I can not give this information to you either."


    "Hehehe ... You''re really a good friend."


    "Then I will change my request."


    "You know that Aruna is my wife?! So you have to respect that Aruna is married now! So, don''t tell Aruna where Damar is."


    "Or you will never see Aruna again." Hendra''s voice sounds relaxed but Agus knows that he is threatening him.


    "Okay, I agree. As long as you will not punish her."


    "Do I really look like a bad husband that will hurt my own wife?"


    "Not really. Everyone knows that you are just too possessive. We always think that you would limit Aruna''s life."


    "Yes .. You''re right."


    "Okay, I will keep my promise. So, please keep your promise."


    "If possible, I want to leave a message for your friend. Tell him, no matter how hard he tries to take my wife, his efforts will only be in vain."


    Agus freezes in silence and not long after that, the young man turns off his call.


    Meanwhile, Hendra slowly walks towards Aruna, looking at his wife''s body with a bright red face. He knows that he is getting himself into trouble. The man stops his intention of approaching Aruna. He looks for Amitriptyline to calm himself down. He is afraid that he would suddenly take out his unpredictable anger on the woman he loves.


    After sitting in silence for a long time, Hendra feels himself getting better. The blue eyed man hugs her closer and puts his wife''s head on his arm.


    _Isn''t it funny, I hug you every night but your heart is tied to that man_


    _Both of you can''t be together as long as there is me_


    _ Just see, I will win your heart sooner or later_


    .


    .


    When Aruna wakes up, she finds herself in Hendra''s arms. The man sleeps soundly beside her, holding her body tightly. Aruna slowly releases herself, being very careful so that Hendra doesn''t wake up.


    On the other hand, when Hendra wakes up, this man already finds Aruna wearing the clothes he bought. She even has prepared a glass of milk for him.


    Aruna looks busy preparing the clothes that Hendra will wear. Matching ties, shoes, jackets, shirts are strewn on the edge of the bed. This petite girl is even busy matching watches that Hendra will wear.


    "Oh, are you awake?"


    "What happened to you? Why are you being such a good girl today?"


    "Of course because I''m very happy today." I''m going out of this house, after four consecutive days of not being able to see the sky except from the bedroom window.


    "Happy because I hugged you all night?"


    "Tch, it''s not included in my criteria for happiness."


    Hendra gets up to observe Aruna''s sweet behavior.


    "You''re even already dolled up. What happened?"


    "Hehehe .. of course."


    Usually when Hendra goes to work, she is still lazing around on the bed.


    "I will be a good wife from now on, even though it''s not in the agreement."


    "Are you possessed?"


    "Well .. because today I have a lot of requests for you."


    "Oo... so that''s why you are so kind to me today?"


    "Yup! You''re smart." This girl is mimicking Hendra''s style when she can guess what the CEO wants.


    "Wow .. I think it will be a big request."


    "Yes. Because today I want to ask for pocket money, ask you to come home early, and we will hurry to my father''s house. Including asking to buy um..".


    "Hehe .. say it clearly, do you mean you want me to accompany you to your father''s house or to buy you a bra?"


    "To my father''s house."


    "It should be done today huh ..?"


    "Did you forget? We have made a plan to go to my parents'' house today."


    "Oh so this is why you are so nice today. Yeah, I hope I can get home on time."


    "It shouldn''t be ''I hope''. It should be ''I must'', Hendra!"


    "Yes, yes I will."


    "Remember! You must be at home before 6 pm!"


    "Yes, I will".


    "Why do you say it like that?"


    "Because I''m busy."


    "Anyway, you have to come home on time."


    "I''ll prepare your clothes." (Aruna)


    "How many days are we going to stay there?"


    "It''s Friday, so of course two days, Saturdays and Sundays."


    "Yes, sorry .. I''m not used to enjoying the weekend."


    "If you are late, I will go alone."


    "No one can give you permission to leave this house except me."


    "That''s why you have to come on time."


    Hendra sneaks into the bathroom. When he opens the door, he is surprised that Aruna is already standing in front of him, in front of the bathroom door, and she hands over the clothes he will wear. Even when he is about to wear a suit, she helps him quickly.


    "I''m really curious.. How can you be this cute?".


    "Because I want you to remember to arrive on time. And I also want to ask for pocket money."


    "What do you need? You can''t even get out of this house?!"


    "When we go to Dad''s house, I want to stop at the cake shop first, I want to buy something for Mum and Dad and my siblings too."


    "Oh my God .. If it''s like that, just tell me, I''ll definitely prepare it."


    She smooths down her husband''s tie.


    "You haven''t drank your milk."


    "Do you think I''m a baby? Why do you give me milk early in the morning?!"


    "What I need, hehe is something in your chest." (Hendra)


    "Just go away!"


    "Haha .. bring it here! I will drink it now."


    "Did you make it yourself?" (Hendra)


    "Yes, I also made you some toast."


    "But I don''t dare to offer it, because it is burnt. Hehe." (Aruna)


    "It''s okay, give it to me."


    "Don''t ... you can''t eat junk food."


    "But, this is the first time my wife prepares breakfast for me."


    "Tch ''Where did you learn to be so sweet?"


    Hendra just smiles, Aruna does not realize that what he said is serious.

 Chapter 105 - Biography

    "Tch ''Where did you learn to be so sweet?"


    Hendra just smiles, Aruna does not realize that what he said is serious.


    "Oh yeah, can you give me a kiss before I leave as a guarantee so I can come home asap?"


    Hendra has finished packing the bags he has to carry. The man opens his arms to accept his guarantee.


    _Huuh .. annoying, why is this person always like this_


    Aruna can''t refuse him. The girl gives a hug for Hendra and surprisingly the blue eyed man kisses her forehead.


    "Wait for me, I''ll be home soon!".


    No matter how difficult Aruna is being, Hendra tries to be patient. He needs to make this girl doesn''t feel like she is being caged.


    ***


    "Surya, what is my agenda today?" Hendra spins the iPhone which Surya usually uses to manage his daily schedule.


    "Not much, but it might take a while. You have a meeting invitation from people working at the D floor."


    "What do I need to discuss with them?"


    "The preparation of placing Raka''s people in your wife''s private life is almost 100%. You only need to check it as a final approval".


    "The second is a secret agenda. They don''t even want to share with me". Surya added.


    "Haha.. Those people are always scary". Usually, Hendra would feel uncomfortable hearing the behavior of people on the D floor. But this time, his laugh was different. He was more relaxed and cheerful. His face was brighter than usual.


    "You know, Hendra?! Reportedly, your wedding party will be something difficult for them to get through". Surya''s facial expression was serious.


    "They got a prediction that the next threat will appear at your wedding party".


    Now Surya''s words also made Hendra speechless.


    "So they''ll try to kill me again".


    "Not you, but your wife will be the target".


    "What kind of prediction is that? Why does it have to be my wife?".


    "That''s what I don''t know and it looks like that''ll be your big discussion".


    "They also sent this file for you. The meeting will start at 1 PM".


    "They hope you already read a few things on this flash disk beforehand". Surya gave a white flash disk to his boss.


    "What''s on it?".


    "This is what I said I am not allowed to know. So it looks like you have to open it yourself".


    Hendra was starting to get curious about the data that was reportedly collected by Pradita''s team. When the sole heir of Wenceslas Group opened the files on it, he found a pdf file. That file was a simple biography of his family.


    Hendra was pretty amazed when his instruction was fully caught by Pradita''s team and was done so neatly. A simple biography equipped with some photos including names and personality notes from each of his family in the past.


    He also just knew that his family had a long history of maintaining mega-business that had been owned hereditary.


    Including the most amazing information, it turned out that the Wenceslas Group mega business came from 2 families: Widjojo Louise and Pawana Wenzel families. This business had been built together since 1928. That friendship started from their meeting in youth congress.


    At that time, when the others were thinking to unite Indonesia, these two men thought that natives had to have a huge business and create employment as big as possible for commoners.


    Hendra got immersed in reading the past history of his family. He just realized why Wenceslas was prohibited from meddling in political matters and also had a hereditary tradition to avoid government matters.


    In one of the leadership periods, these two families experienced a deep disappointment when they were accused of getting involved in APBN embezzlement.


    Hendra scrolled down his mouse again. Something that he really wanted to know was why every president director in this family always got threats. He had read several pages but he still hadn''t found any important information.


    After sorted, if Hendra received the president director position, then he was the 5th throne holder. His grandfather was the 4th and his grandfather''s father was the shortest president direction position holder, the 3rd generation.


    Hendra also just understood, it turned out that these two families merged into one after the 3rd generation. The marriage between Wiryo''s dad, Bayu, from Pawana Wenzel family with Sekar from Widjojo family.


    Unfortunately, their wedding didn''t last long. After their son was born, Wiryo (Hendra''s grandfather), Sekar filed for divorce.


    Hendra stopped for a while and began to slowly understand the story of his grandfather''s past. He saw a family photo where his grandfather who was 3 years old smiled brightly in the middle of his father and mother.


    Another news said that their wedding was very disharmonious. Sekar went through a lot of trouble. She often ran from home and took Wiryo away then tried hard to be found again.


    The longest divorced suit that was presented by Pradita''s team was Sekar''s divorced suit when Wiryo was 3 years old. Since Bayu kept trying to maintain this marriage, they survived until Wiryo was 5 years old.


    Along with that divorce, the president director position was removed from Bayu. Bayu only held the president director position for 5 years.


    That position was held by the 2nd generation again, Sekar''s dad or Wiryo''s grandfather from the Wijoyo family, named Warsito.


    This incident was such a heavy blow in the middle of the two families. To the breaking point, Wenzel family promised they wouldn''t interfere in business matters again. More precisely, Bayu as the only descendant from the Wenzel family was removed from the beneficiary, even his name was removed from the family tree.


    On the other hand, Sekar, Wiryo''s mother, died of illness when Wiryo was 10 years old. But other news mentioned that she killed herself.


    No more story about how Bayu''s next story was. Wenceslas family''s story was only about Wiryo''s childhood until he grew into a president director at the age of 22 years old. As old age came to greet Wiryo. If observed, 22 years old is the same age when Hendra was forced to become Wenceslas Group CEO.


    There was a photo that caught Hendra''s attention, on the funeral procession of his grandfather''s mother. Wiryo stood with his father, Bayu, and a 7- year- old little girl who smiled holding his hand. As if that little girl was cheering Wiryo up, while Wiryo looked quiet, frozen, stiff, just like he was now.


    _Oh, it turned out that grandfather''s father came to his mother''s funeral, even though he was removed from the family tree_ Hendra observed carefully.


    _Then who''s that little girl? Does grandfather have any siblings? Isn''t he an only child?_ Hendra didn''t find any explanation.


    He realized that grandfather grew in a hard way and was directly educated by the two founding families of Wenceslas Group. Since Wiryo was the only successor of these two families.


    The generation who never showed any impact for the Wenceslas family was the 5th generation, his mother. Hendra knew that his mother was the only daughter of his grandfather. His mother gave birth to him at a very young age, which was 19 years old. Hendra was the 6th generation and soon he would hold the 5th throne from this family.


    He stopped for a moment, set the rhythm in his head.


    _Is there anything wrong with his family''s biography? If there is, where did it go wrong? Then who keeps threatening, wanting the death of every Wenceslas Group''s president director?_


    _Wait?!_


    Hendra stopped for a while, then rereading his grandfather''s story. He tried to make sure he had gotten information from Raka and Andos that the threat that happened to Wenceslas Group''s throne holder was started in his grandfather''s era.


    Hendra repeated Wiryo''s biography again, but his focus changed. He got more interested in understanding his grandfather and grandmother''s marriage story. Wiryo got married at a fairly late age, which was 35 years old, since he was so busy. He chose a pretty young 18-year-old girl, Sukma. Their age difference was 17 years old.


    It was reported that Sukma was deliberately chosen in order to be easily controlled. Since she was a young, cheerful, beautiful, and obedient girl who lived with her uncle and aunt.


    Both of her parents died in an accident as a result of the plot to murder Wiryo. Commoners who didn''t know anything, but also became victims. Sukma was chosen and given everything. Then she lived in the main house most of the time and her exit permit was restricted.


    Deg.


    It turned out that Aruna and his grandmother had the same characters. They were both young, cheerful, and obedient girls, but wasn''t he supposed to marry Aliana? (Aruna''s big sister)


    _Wait_


    Neurons inside Hendra''s head were tried to be in sync with his grandfather''s point of view.


    Aruna or Aliana wasn''t a problem, it was more of : _Why did grandfather choose Lesmana, among all the bodyguards and secretaries he had?_

 Chapter 106 - The Same Question

    Aruna or Aliana wasn''t a problem, it was more of : _Why did grandfather choose Lesmana, among all the bodyguards and secretaries he had?_


    _Ah right, I just remembered that Lesmana is the most loyal and obedient secretary and bodyguard_


    _So, this old man only needs to prepare a wife that''s easy for me to handle?! Haha_


    Now he acted the same as his grandfather, locked Aruna up on purpose, just like grandfather locked grandmother up.


    Grandmother rarely came out of the main house, same as his mother. It meant that the women in this family had to live behind closed doors in order for them to be safe.


    Is this what it''s called as: ''Lesmana''s daughter is at stake''?.


    .


    .


    "Is it possible? Aruna can live like his grandmother and mother?".


    The blue-eyed man held his temple. He didn''t find anything wrong with this biography for the time being. Instead, he found that his wife would be better not to have many activities outside. It must have tormented Aruna.


    .


    .


    "Hendra, it''s already time for a break. You haven''t come out yet". Suddenly Surya appeared in front of him, patted his shoulder.


    "There''s a gift from your wife. This kid gets nicer".


    Surya put Hendra''s lunch on the table.


    "She asked me to remind you to come home on time".


    "Looks like your wedding is fun".


    "Makes me want to get married, but with who?". He was confused.


    Hendra''s smiled at Surya''s words.


    "You''d better try looking for a woman". Hendra suggested.


    "How do I look for a woman when my life constantly takes care of a stubborn man?". His eyes stared at Hendra.


    "Why is it my fault?".


    "Yes, because you''re the source of the problem".


    "You say that again, I''ll make sure you''ll regret it!".


    "Maybe because my habits are formed by your words and threats, so I forgot to form myself and remember my needs".


    "No need to blame your habits. Just find a woman that makes you fall in love. All your brain structures and functions will be messed up and forget all the habit patterns". Hendra seemed to be reflecting on himself.


    "Wow, now you''re good at talking about love. Makes me want to laugh".


    "Hahaha". That secretary laughed out loud without further ado. His memory went back to a few months ago. Hendra wasn''t like this. He was talking about something that he used to call rubbish.


    "You know, I''ve lost my feelings towards you when you lay in hospital just because you were rejected by a woman. I feel that''s the most dishonorable scene that I''ve found in you".


    "Hahaha". He laughed out loud again.


    "Don''t ever say that or you''ll feel worse than me".


    "I don''t know. I feel horrified instead". Surya got goosebumps for a moment, remembering how Hendra had to be injected with a sedative.


    "Get married so people won''t think that you''re gay. Hahaha". Hendra replied to his secretary with worse words.


    "Since that damn mayor also thought that I''m a gay and my couple is you.. Hahaha". Hendra''s words this time were even worse.


    "Damn. It means I have to look for a woman soon?!".


    "Exactly. Before you become an old bachelor". Hendra insulted blatantly.


    "If only you weren''t my boss, I would curse: DAMN YOU!!".


    "Hey. You already cursed me indirectly!! You''re indeed a good talker".


    "Yeah. Otherwise, I''ve been removed a long time ago..".


    The next absurd talk happened along with Hendra''s moves enjoying lunch that was sent by Aruna. Inside the lunch box, written with capital letters (HENDRA, YOU HAVE TO GO HOME ON TIME!)


    The writing seemed to be transformed into Aruna''s words with her adorable annoyed tone.


    ***


    Beep beep beep


    A call from her best friend on Magic Letter made Aruna so happy. This girl quickly took her handphone.


    "Hello¡­ Aruna, I''ve sent some designs from friends who''ve signed up for project design". Dea greeted Aruna cheerfully.


    "Don''t forget to choose Timi". Lily broke into the conversation.


    "Is his design good?". Aruna asked.


    "Ah. I''m a big zero when it comes to design. But he''s so handsome and he has an athletic body". Lily was too excited.


    "Crazy! Hahaha.. You''re always like that".


    "Come on, check!" Lily said


    "Dea, do you think he''s good?".


    "I''m confused instead. Looks like he''s already a professional".


    "Isn''t he wasting opportunity, if he''s only on Magic Letter?". Dea said


    "You always think too much, Dea. He has signed up here means he wants to be accepted by us". Lily was consistently excited.


    "You don''t know how big the chance for professional project design is. They can be comic artists. The pay is extraordinary. Or they can be character makers and some branding laboratories or even design slides. What I''m explaining is just some jobs that they can get". Dea contemplated seriously.


    "Ah, I don''t know.. Anyway, if he''s accepted, I''ll be working more excitedly". Lily was weird.


    "What else do you need other than project design? Maybe Lily needs something? I mean, do you need friends for administration and our account''s admin?". Aruna asked.


    "Andin has been really helpful in administration lately. Oh, you haven''t met Andin".


    "Looks like we really need social media account admin, Aruna". Dea cut Lily''s words short.


    "Moreover, now our tasks on campus get crazier.. Don''t forget to do it! I''ve sent a few tasks to catch up on your lessons. You''d better go to campus immediately!".


    "When will you go to campus?". Dea asked.


    "I don''t know. Hendra hasn''t let me yet". Aruna''s voice got weaker.


    "And I really can''t get out of here before that person gives me permission. Now I''m trying my best so he can set me free from his castle".


    "Hmm.. Are you depressed there?". Dea asked.


    "Hey. Calm down, Dea.. Don''t worry!!". Aruna caught Dea''s worry.


    "How many applicants are there? I haven''t checked the files". Aruna changed the topic of conversation.


    "Yeah.. Around 6 and Timi is indeed the most promising one". Dea answered.


    "See. I''ve told you". Lily said.


    "Where''s Agus? I didn''t hear his voice?".


    "There he is..". Lily directed Dea''s handphone towards Agus.


    "Gus.. I want to talk..". Aruna teased.


    "I''m busy. Don''t disturb me". Agus avoided Dea''s handphone.


    "That kid has been nosy since morning. I don''t know why". Lily said.


    "So you don''t want to talk to me, Gus??". Aruna asked.


    "I said I''m busy".


    _Don''t let me talk to Aruna, I''m afraid I''ll slip up_ Agus tried to avoid for good.


    "So mean..". Aruna complained.


    "Talk to Laras and Tito". Agus avoided.


    "Yes.. Long time no say hello to Laras and Tito. How are those two kids?". Aruna asked.


    "Hmm.. We''re just a year apart". Tito objected to being considered as a kid.


    "Hehe".


    "Don''t disturb them, Aruna. They''re busy now. So many people are heartbroken and they''re making pages of heartbroken letters for other people. Hahaha". Lily and Dea laughed, satisfied.


    "What kind of business is this?! Really tormenting my mind". Tito complained.


    "I don''t have a boyfriend yet, but I''m always told to make love letters for other people. Hahaha". Laras laughed sadly at herself.


    Their conversations were full of laughter and making fun of each other, only Agus who didn''t make a sound.


    ***


    "Do you know how Aruna is doing, Gus? How is she now? Is she okay?". Agus visited Damar after this IT kid did his madness. He tampered with Damar''s old laptop that was left on Magic Letter. He searched and hacked Damar''s email. He tried to predict which email was used by Damar on his handphone. Who knew that coding freak kid successfully found Damar''s handphone location point?


    "You''re just like her.. Makes me have to answer the same question?".


    _I don''t want to talk about Aruna_


    Their Magic Letter''s founder was no longer an ordinary girl who was free like before. She was owned by a mysterious CEO now.


    "So she''s worried about me?". Damar stared blankly at the garden of Bay''s house.


    "I''m also worried about you?! Why do you never care about me?!"


    "Seriously! You''re next to me. And you''re indeed unimportant".


    "Aish! Already so pathetic like this, you''re still the nosy Damar".


    "Just worry about yourself now! Don''t worry about other people. You''re more pathetic than her. Since she must be taken care of by her husband".


    "You''re wrong, Gus". Damar threw a phrase that was understood by both.


    _Yes! I know I was wrong, but I shouldn''t have been honest_ Agus'' heart even said so.


    "What do you mean?". Agus pretended not to understand.


    "Last time I met Aruna, she cried painfully. She looked traumatic. I''m afraid that person is the culprit".


    "You mean?". This time Agus was really curious.


    "That''s not important. What''s important now is how I can meet her".


    "You''d better cancel your intention, Damar. She''s already married".


    "I know that marriage won''t last long, so I dare to take this decision."


    "I..". Agus was uncertain to convey Hendra''s threat. It was on the tip of his tongue but he didn''t reveal.


    "Calm down! Don''t forget, Damar is always resourceful".


    "And a lot of stupidity".


    "Why did you insult me?".


    "Just because of a woman you want to die! If not stupid then what else!".

 Chapter 107 - Big Data Analytics

    This man didn''t need any help to go to the D floor anymore. He already had everything related to the access to that floor.


    He was a little disappointed because his secretary who was also his best friend hadn''t been allowed to know the existence of the D floor yet.


    Hendra went down the elevator alone, attached the access card, and pressed two buttons at the same time, 5 and 8. When he reached the basement floor, his fingerprint and cornea were already recognized by the detection device on the main door.


    As usual, when he entered the hallway which was flanked among 3 divisions on the D floor, the residents took turns to bow their heads for Hendra. He was the boss right now.


    A bodyguard named Hery walked with him like a tour guide.


    "Am I late?". Hendra asked


    "No, you''re really punctual". Hery immediately replied.


    "Where will the meeting take place?".


    "Please follow me, of course in room D". Hery just followed until the door that took Hendra to the room where he saw a man being shot by Wiryo''s people.


    Hendra stopped for a moment, stared at Hery.


    "Could you help me?". Hendra asked.


    "Yes. Of course".


    "Please send roses for my wife! White to reddish flowers. Put a note in it (For you who''s patiently waiting for me. Please don''t be mad)". Hendra looked at him as a sign that this was an important task.


    "Okay, Sir!".


    "Just call me Hendra".


    "I''m sorry.. I, I mean we, are not allowed to call you recklessly".


    "I see.. Next time let me change that rigid rules".


    Hendra''s words started his steps into the elevator. A moment later, that elevator shifted to the side of his body. It was quite fast.


    After reading the information that was sent by Pradita about the rooms and several functions on this basement floor, Hendra just realized that the D floor was exactly under 1 out of 4 Wenceslas Tower icons. More precisely, the headquarters of some subsidiaries of Wenceslas Group.


    Hendra didn''t understand how they could build a hallway across a public highway that was above the surface.


    This capsule-like thing which was going fast enough slowly stopped and the door at front was perfectly opened.


    When Hendra entered that room, every chair was occupied except Wiryo''s chair.


    And the chair that he used to question was occupied by a woman with shoulder-length hair who greeted him with a smile: "Hi.. Hendra, how are you?".


    Hendra fell silent and ignored the smile from the woman that he didn''t know.


    "Oh. Looks like you forgot me. I often played with you when we were kids. That doctor team must''ve erased your memories". Once again, that woman smiled sweetly, hoping to be greeted. But the blue-eyed man didn''t even glance at her.


    Hendra stopped his steps for a moment, on his way to the chair that was prepared for him.


    He only held that chair while saying: "could you stand up and salute me before I sit down!". Those people smirked but still followed Hendra''s command.


    No one knew what Wiryo''s grandchild was thinking. What symbol he was playing, until he who seemed to hate to be respected in such a protocol, suddenly asked the adopted children of his grandfather including his grandfather''s personal secretary, Andos, to subject themselves to him.


    Hendra then sat among them.


    "What should I hear from you this time?".


    The IT expert, Pradita, touched her finger on the white table that spread out before them. A moment later, the data appeared. Data that was born from Pradita''s finger touch on that table.


    It turned out that the whitish tinge-colored transparent table was real as written. A table with Big Data Analytics ability.


    (Big Data Analytics is the process of researching, processing big data sets to know about hidden patterns, unknown correlations, market trends, customer preferences, and other useful business information)


    And the Big Data Analytics table in room D wasn''t only processing data for business purposes. This table was more than Hendra''s prediction, unlimited to maintain the continuity of Wenceslas.


    So it was developed and designed to know about things outside market trends. But, more to all information centers that aimed to strengthen Wenceslas Group from every aspect: the safety of the heirs as well as how to paralyze business opponents and opponents whose identities weren''t known yet.


    Pradita shifted a photo towards Hendra. As if that photo was caught and put right under his seat.


    That man started talking: "Back then during your grandfather and grandmother''s wedding, that wedding was held in private, for their safety. Because at that time, this place hadn''t been formed perfectly. Only an abandoned inheritance from the second generation. An old basement that was slowly renovated as the threat towards your grandfather intensified".


    "This time, your wedding will be held publicly. That''s why we hope you realize that the day needs to be passed with caution".


    Hendra found a wedding photo of his grandfather and grandmother that was held at the same place with the solemnization, the park near the main house''s lake.


    For a moment, he remembered the day he shook Aruna''s father''s hand. It was such a memorable day because Aruna transformed into his cheerful, talkative wife and each of her tone and expression was pleasant.


    "Then why are they after the women in this family?". Hendra was the most curious about the reason behind his question.


    "Actually, before you''re married, you''re supposed to be targeted more. But since your grandfather deflected granting the president director throne to people like us, the adopted children, that''s why you never get any threat". This time, Raka, the leader of Wenceslas''s bodyguards, talked.


    "Since when did that happen?".


    "Since the leadership of your grandfather. It was indeed preceded by a period of extraordinary crisis. Because the government''s accusation was still rolling related to the embezzlement of APBN which was scapegoated towards Wenceslas Group".


    "Even though your grandfather was still 22 years old at that time and Mr. Warsito, the second generation, already got sick because of old age".


    "Since then, half of Wenceslas Group''s board started forming a coalition from their small shares".


    The screen under Hendra''s seat indirectly moved showing the data and some people that were called as Wenceslas Group''s board.


    Hendra moved his fingers while listening to Vian talking.


    "Now, there is no news from these people. They were paralyzed 22 years ago, a few months after your arrival from the US".


    "Your grandfather took over all ownership of the shares that they owned and was 100% acquisitioned by a single family, Wenceslas".


    "There was a kind of barter in the purchase of shares of Wenceslas Group''s board. Grandfather let go a quite promising subsidiary, which was fuel oil processing and several types of mining".


    Hendra was always prohibited from developing the Wenceslas Group''s business in that direction. It turned out that they had the same business.


    Vian moved his fingers, typed something, then spread it out on the table. This time, information in the form of a rectangular cut was presented in front of all meeting participants.


    The sound of Thomas blowing his breath could be heard faintly, his eyes were blazing and he looked so disappointed.


    "Now, that company grows rapidly and becomes close friends with people in government".


    "Wait, Thomas, let''s focus". Pradita calmed Thomas down.


    Hendra felt he knew the least even though he was declared as the leader of the people in front of him. No wonder that old man always said: "I can easily pay someone to be the CEO of this company". (Chapter 20)


    _That man always gives me a lot of surprises, turns out it''s not enough to live as his robot_ Slowly, Hendra realized the old man was increasingly irresistible.


    .


    .


    "Actually, your grandfather''s decision to let this company go was quite right. The subsidiary that was named Wenceslas Oil Company (DOC) was difficult to develop, since the principle of Wenceslas Group doesn''t want to cooperate with the government".


    "The government at that time was inhabited by people who really liked to take advantages for their own interests".


    "So this company was shackled, couldn''t climb at all". Vian explained at length.


    "When it was let go, it looked like the assembly of councils who betrayed played safe by obeying those greedy people". Thomas was back with his unstable emotion. It turned out that this man with a masculine impression could be mad too. Hendra had glanced at him. The people in this closed meeting were thinking about problems that were faced by Wenceslas Group really seriously.


    How could his grandfather bring in people like these? Hendra couldn''t believe it. He, the heir of Wenceslas, thought about running away a few times. As far as possible, if only he could''ve done that.


    "They developed rapidly beyond expectations and their leader is unknown. Looks like it''s still a coalition". Vian gave additional explanations.


    "So, are they the ones who threatened the safety of my family?". Hendra confirmed the main purpose of this meeting.

 Chapter 108 - A Good Cocoon

    "So, are they the ones who threatened the safety of my family?". Hendra confirmed the main purpose of this meeting.


    "It seems so, but we don''t have sufficiently strong evidence to catch them". Raka interrupted.


    "What is their main goal?". Hendra threw a question again.


    "Obviously, to stop the limited number of Wenceslas''s next generation." Andos answered.


    "Threatening your family is the same as threatening the whole Wenceslas Group". Pradita added.


    "That''s the weakness of a company that''s owned by a single family. When the next generation isn''t born and stops, or not productive, it means destruction". Andos said.


    "Your grandfather understands it in great detail, that''s why we were brought in as the adoptive children which aren''t small in number". Pradita said again.


    Deg.


    For a moment, Hendra remembered the condition of his marriage with Aruna. That young girl wouldn''t possibly give birth to a baby in their marriage, because of the contract that he made by himself.


    The key is only two. To conquer Aruna''s heart and make her willing to accept Hendra as her husband completely, then cancel their marriage agreement. Or the worst, they have to end this contract marriage according to a predetermined schedule. Then Hendra looks for another woman who''s willing to give birth to babies for the continuity of his family.


    The sole heir paused for a moment lamenting the anxiety in his heart. He was truly at the point of regretting the most. Why did he forcibly hand a marriage contract draft when he met his future wife for the first time?


    If only time could be turned back or he had listened to Surya''s babble, maybe now the story would''ve been different. Aruna would''ve accepted him in a better way now, even he could''ve told his psychological condition. Including, he could''ve restrained Aruna so she wouldn''t meet that man since they''d married properly.


    In fact, rice had become porridge. What he''s dealing with right now is Aruna, the warm and obedient girl that had transformed into a stubborn woman now. Sturdy in her stance, obeying the MoU that they''d agreed on.


    ***


    "Ms., could you just sit down?". The household assistants were confused, between impressed and distracted, because the wife of the young master of this family was also present in their kitchen.


    She was casually peeling onions, cutting vegetables, and washing whatever was needed. The head of the assistant looked messed up since he was afraid if grandmother knew about this condition.


    "Don''t wash it! Please, don''t wash it!". An assistant was running, taking the things that were held by Aruna near the sink.


    "Ugh.. Why is everyone so complicated here? I just want to help prepare food for my husband. Can''t I? I''m his wife?".


    "Hmm..". A man with a bowtie cleared his throat with burden while getting closer to Aruna.


    "The problem is, what you''re doing is unusual in the Wenceslas family". He was the head of the assistant.


    "Do I have to sit quietly so that you feel relieved?". Aruna stepped back with an expression of surrender.


    "I''m sorry, Ms. I think that''s better".


    Aruna observed them, tried to compare it to her condition in the past: If it were at Lesmana''s house, her mother would be really happy even surprised since Aruna were willing to take time to help her in the kitchen with Linda. Moreover, if her sister, Aliana, who was a young manager, were willing just to take a glance at the kitchen, her mother would immediately hug her.


    "What should I do so I can help you or vice versa, you can help me?". Aruna was a competent girl. She had many activities out there. Design college with overwhelming tasks, running Magic Letter with her friends, still active in social activities including was asked to attend start-up groups'' coworking space activities.


    And now she only needed to do nothing at the silent main house. Silent because most of the residents only smiled at her. The grandmother and mother of this family were only seen at a glance.


    Aruna even remembered when she could see Hendra''s mother. That quiet woman would take a walk at the park near the lake at 08.00 for 30-45 minutes, then disappeared again. At lunch, she would be seen for a moment, ate in a very polite way, and disappeared again. In the afternoon, when Aruna went to the third floor, that woman would spend time by doing yoga or meditation or swim on the first floor.


    Her rhythm didn''t change much, her facial expression was always flat, and she rarely talked. Like a woman who lived in her own mind. Aruna wanted to come to her just to greet her a few times. But every time her footsteps wanted to get closer, a female bodyguard always warned her: "Please, don''t disturb her".


    Ah. It turned out that there was always a female bodyguard that watched her from a distance. What kind of world is this? She had to think about how to get out of this house.


    "What if I get permission to help you? Will you feel better?". Aruna asked.


    "Maybe."


    "Okay, I''ll try".


    Aruna tried to look for a woman whom they called Hostess, Grandma Sukma. Aruna hoped to interact more with this friendly grandmother. Unfortunately, grandmother also had activities outside the house. Reportedly, grandma Sukma managed the Wenceslas family''s foundation. That''s why she had a schedule on specific days.


    Aruna knocked on the door of the main house''s main room with fear. A carved door room which was as big as her room with Hendra. The difference was the coating was more shiny. What Aruna was Afraid of was this room was also the room of the old man whom everyone subjected to.


    "Knock knock knock".


    _Wah, I''m indeed unlucky_


    The old man that she was afraid of emerged from behind the towering carved door.


    "Hmm.. Grandpa, is Grandma inside?". The old man opened the door wider, then his hoarse voice greeted his wife.


    "Someone''s looking for you". Then the old man stepped aside.


    "Oh, Aruna. What is it, Honey? What can I help?".


    "Come in, just come in". The graceful old lady suddenly pulled Aruna''s hand swiftly, asking her to come in.


    _Isn''t it a very private place? How come she''s allowed to come inside this place?_


    Aruna had rejected but Hendra''s grandmother was really good at persuading when they were inside the main room of the Wenceslas family.


    Lesmana''s daughter was even more surprised. The design of this room was copied and pasted from the design of her room with Hendra. Wiryo sat at Hendra''s favorite place, a work table facing the bed.


    A bit crazy since it was exactly the same. The difference was this place was wider and looked more classic with the interior that seemed more old-fashioned.


    The graceful lady was watching television.


    Once in a while, Aruna glanced back. Hendra''s grandfather didn''t seem to care about the surroundings. That behavior was the same as Hendra who liked to ignore people around him except when he needed them.


    "Tell me, what do you need until you knocked on the door of my room?".


    "I''m not allowed to help the assistants in the kitchen, even though I want to prepare something".


    "What do you mean? What do you want to prepare?".


    "Today Hendra promised to come home earlier. I think I want to cook for him, even though actually I can''t cook either".


    "Wow, how sweet my grandchild''s wife is. Okay then, I''ll help too".


    "Really, Grandma?".


    "Yes! Of course since an offer like this rarely happened in our family". Grandma Sukma was more agile than Aruna, walked while pulling her hand to the main pantry of the Wenceslas family.


    This afternoon, Aruna didn''t stare at the view from the window anymore. She spent her days like that every day. Sometimes, she''d cried alone since she was lonely. Now, she was determined to find a way to immediately get out of the main house that she used to admire. Unfortunately, that main house metamorphosed to a different direction now. Aruna hoped that this condition was a part of the complete metamorphosis stage. Sort of a stage of a caterpillar into a cocoon. Then, one day, she could get out as a butterfly. If she couldn''t pass this phase, then she would reside in it forever.


    _That''s why I need to be a good cocoon_


    .


    .


    This afternoon, a very different scene was presented on the Wenceslas family. Grandma Sukma was so impressed with Lesmana''s daughter. As if she remembered herself in the past. This kid was so relaxed, simple, and energetic.


    The menu that was served on the Wenceslas family''s dining table seemed more special today. This newcomer also took part in cooking the dinner menu, even arranged it directly on the table.


    She ran to her room and came back in a different dress.


    Unfortunately, the person who was waited didn''t come that night. He sent a rose in the pot and an annoying note instead.


    Aruna''s feelings were so awkward and disappointed.

 Chapter 109 - A Lousy Husband

    .


    .


    Unfortunately, the person who was waited didn''t come that night. He sent a rose in the pot and an annoying note instead.


    Aruna''s feelings were so awkward and disappointed.


    Awkward observing the two women in front of her also waited and disappointed because the blue-eyed man hadn''t come yet.


    "Hmm.. Hery.. You''re Hery, right?". The bodyguard who had pointed a gun to Damar''s head.


    "Yes. What is it, Ms.?".


    "So, he won''t come?!".


    "I don''t dare to make a conclusion".


    "Where is he? What is he doing now?".


    "Young master is on a closed meeting".


    "Can''t you infiltrate inside and deliver my message so that he comes on time?!".


    "That''s impossible".


    It was right. Hendra didn''t come. 18:00 already passed long enough. Aruna reached her spoon slowly. She smiled at Grandma and Mrs. Gayatri who were in front of her.


    "Aruna is fine".


    Lesmana''s daughter only put on a forced smile. She wanted to go home to her father''s house tonight but that man broke the guarantee that he asked himself.


    "No problem, Grandma. I already knew since afternoon that most likely Hendra wouldn''t come. So, take it easy". Aruna began to eat, just two of them with Mrs. Gayatri.


    The woman in front of her smiled a few times. Meanwhile Grandma, not sure where she left her chair to.


    "Wiryo, tell your grandchild that her wife is waiting! What did you order to him until he ignored her wife''s desire?!".


    "Do it now! Order him to come home! Or I won''t talk to you for a week."


    The grandmother of this family always made the same threat every time. A behavior that wasn''t widely known by the residents of the main house.


    Not long after that, in a basement, the personal secretary of the old man got a phone call. That old man chose to call Andos. He knew Hendra would ignore him.


    "Ask him to come home! It''s an order. Tell him his wife has been waiting".


    Hendra surprised to hear the order that Andos conveyed.


    More surprised when he saw the clockwise on his watch. Aruna would be furious.


    ***


    "Is there nothing left for me?". The blue-eyed seemed as if he was talking to himself.


    Because the other person didn''t care.


    "Someone said, my lazy wife prepared dinner for me with much effort".


    Aruna fell silent. She was too annoyed. She turned on the television with a high volume, even put on headphones. She listened to music, ignoring Hendra who was trying to disturb her.


    The blue-eyed asked the assistant of the main house to prepare him food from what''s left of his wife''s cooking. It was served on the sofa table not far from their bed.


    Hendra glanced at her while smiling.


    _She''s really angry_


    Hendra even saw a small suitcase that was neatly arranged in the corner of the room.


    Aruna had prepared clothes in the bathroom to go to her father''s house. But it was already late enough to go there.


    "May I apologize? I''ve tried to be on time but the street was really crowded".


    Aruna was just quiet. She was playing with the TV remote, randomly moving from one channel to another. She was really lazy to talk to the annoying creature in front of her.


    "You really don''t want to talk to me". Hendra sat beside her.


    "Your cooking is really delicious". These words were still ignored.


    "Ah. I''m so sorry I couldn''t come on time".


    "Come on. Give me a chance to talk or let your ears to hear my words". This girl only glanced at him lazily. Those tiny feet dared to kick Hendra out by pushing his back.


    "What an impolite action..".


    That man took Aruna''s headphones by force.


    "Sorry.. I''m really sorry. What else do you need so you can stop being angry?".


    A boring offer. Hendra always persuaded by giving something, perhaps it''d work for other women.


    "Boring".


    Only that word which was heard by Hendra, then Aruna took the headphones on Hendra''s hands by force. Once again, the blue-eyed kept those headphones away immediately.


    Normally, Aruna would try hard to snatch it from Hendra''s hand.


    But she ignored it.


    _Oh my God.. My wife is really angry_


    Since he was really ignored, this unique man looked for a solution on Google.


    He wrote a funny keyword: "overcome a cranky wife".


    A ridiculous article appeared. Unfortunately, he didn''t realize that it was really ridiculous.


    A top article was quite in accordance with his needs. The title of the article was: how husbands deal with angry wives, do these 5 effective tips.


    Hendra really read it carefully.


    [Theoretically, a woman only wants to be hugged when she''s mad, theoretically. Practically, it''s really difficult, we''ll solve the problem first.] (Article)


    _Oh, so theoretically, I need to hug Aruna immediately_ His brain drew a conclusion.


    [Wife is a woman. Her character is detailed towards small things, sensitive at particular times, has 3 PMS cycles (PRE MENSTRUATION SYNDROME, MENSTRUATION SYNDROME, POST MENSTRUATION SYNDROME). All three are sensitive time, often goes berserk. Doesn''t want to tell if not asked. We have to be SENSITIVE.] (Article)


    _Oh. So PMS means Menstruation Syndrome_ (Chapter 68)


    _It means I must know when Aruna is on her period? If I don''t, I can''t predict when she goes berserk_


    _Perhaps, she''s on her period now?? She didn''t even answer when I asked. Wow, it''s worse than what this article describes_ Lousy conclusion was moving in his brain.


    This lousy man really got closer to his wife, who was so fed up seeing him. He got closer with hesitation : "Hm.. Aruna, are you on your period?".


    Instead of getting an answer, the eyes of the woman in front of him were blazing. Not even a second, a pillow landed on the lousy husband''s face.


    He finally stayed away. He felt enough getting information that Aruna wasn''t on her period.


    [Husband is a man. TO THE POINT, sometimes forgetful, easy to apologize also forgive. Doesn''t think as detailed as a woman. The patient one is patient. The impatient one is easily provoked.] (Article)


    _When talking about being patient, looks like I''m tens of times more patient than before. Am I impatient?_


    [From the explanation above, is there any midpoint?


    Of course not!!] (Article)


    _Yeah yeah yeah.. There will be no midpoint between man and woman. I''m the scary CEO at the workplace, but I''m often get hit by my wife_


    [Nothing, since the characters of these two people are indeed different. So, the household is often in commotion only because the wife''s face gets elbowed while sleeping and in the morning, the husband doesn''t apologize. There''s nobody conscious while sleeping, obviously? So, when the wife''s face frowns in the morning, how could the husband know? Unless when he sees the wife''s cheek turning blue, then he''ll ask.]


    [But, hey husbands, your nature is to THINK. To solve the puzzle when suddenly the wives fall silent, with no sound. Yeah, that''s your nature. If you don''t accept it, just go to Thailand, to get an operation.] (Article)


    _Hehehe.._ Hendra laughed by himself. On the other side, Aruna''s face was more fed up seeing him.


    [Because when your wife is cranky, it''s impossible she''ll easily answer, "I''m angry because of this", and maybe the word "sorry" without a hug also won''t heal the pouty lips. The most you''ll get when you ask is "THINK ABOUT IT BY YOURSELF!!"] (Article)


    _Not bad.. At least I already knew she''s mad because I came home late_ He was suddenly happy.


    [In order to save the household, it''s all in your hands, dear husbands. That''s why even though the word "talaq" is said 1990 times by wife, you can still have legitimate intercourse religiously. But if you say it even for once, don''t ever ask for a" ration", it''s forbidden (haram).] (Article)


    _Ration??_ Hendra scratched his head, between didn''t understand and gulped since there was an "intercourse" word. I could only kiss her lips. Sometimes, I have to steal it from her. Meanwhile, my family mission was I had to plant as many seeds as possible.


    _Stupid.. Stupid.. I shouldn''t have tied her with a contract marriage_ He glanced at those alluring red lips, still consistently frowned.


    .


    .


    [What needs to be done? These are how husbands deal with angry wives:


    Don''t ever ask, "what''s wrong with you?"


    Yes, you won''t be answered, but instead you''ll be thrown using a hot rice scoop. That if your wife is still willing to cook rice for you.] (Article)


    _Ah thank God, I don''t need to ask "what''s wrong with you?"_


    Hendra already knew Aruna was mad because he came home too late.


    [2. Put on smiley face, soft voice, tender massage.


    Usually the wife will refuse, which means her body is still stiff. When her body is already relaxed, whisper, "Sorry, Ma". Even though you don''t know what your mistake is, that''s already enough. Once again, remember the first point, DON''T ASK.] (Article)


    _Okay.. Okay.. I''ll do this.. feeling inspired.

 Chapter 110 - Pillow Talk

    [2. Put on smiley face, soft voice, tender massage.


    Usually the wife will refuse, which means her body is still stiff. When her body is already relaxed, whisper, "Sorry, Ma". Even though you don''t know what your mistake is, that''s already enough. Once again, remember the first point, DON''T ASK.] (Article)


    _Okay.. Okay.. I''ll do this.. feeling inspired.


    [3. Offer help to TAKE OVER the work she''ll do after this.


    For example, when she needs something while laying down, whisper "Let me wake up instead¡­"


    Offer whatever help you can. This is one of the effective ways to make your ''apologize proposal'' easier to be accepted.] (Article)


    _Wow, this tip is useful too.. I need to ask : Is there any unfinished preparation to dad''s house?!_ Getting more motivated.


    [4. Don''t ignore


    This one is a little difficult, because husbands whose wives are OFTEN cranky, will think, "What else??". Please, throw that thought away, because that''s indeed our destiny as a husband, can''t be changed.]


    _That''s bad.. Every time she''s cranky I always ask : ''what else'', Oh turns out it should be avoided. Okay I get it now.. Feeling enlightened.


    [5. Don''t lecture.


    This one, this is important, won''t be accepted when your wife is angry. Rest assured, trust me. You''ll get a strong gaze instead if you lecture her when she''s angry.]


    _I can do this.. I never lecture her.. Except when she wears wrong clothes or does messy eating_


    [6. Last one, PILLOW TALK.


    This is the time when your wife is calm enough emotionally, before sleep. Massage her legs. If a shaman uses a spell, you only need to smile while saying "sorry", that''s the key.]


    _Okay, I must act immediately_


    The blue-eyed man felt enlightened, immediately headed to the bathroom to clean up and wear the clothes that Aruna prepared.


    After that, it''s his time to act. That''s the pattern that he''ll put into action.


    In fact, this poor husband just got out of the bathroom. Aruna who was brushing her teeth, preparing to sleep, raised her eyebrows and immediately finished gargling.


    "Thud". The sound of a toothbrush thrown to its place.


    The foam on her cheek hasn''t been washed properly.


    "Why are you wearing those clothes?". That woman was irritated again.


    "Because you prepared it".


    "Don''t you realize it''s late enough to go to my dad''s house".


    "I know".


    "Then why are you wearing those clothes?".


    "I thought you''d be happy if I wear the clothes that you prepared". Confused, pathetic face.


    "Hmm.. you''re really an annoying man". Aruna wanted to go out, immediately stepped her feet.


    I don''t know. What does the female brain think? She looked even angrier.


    Hendra the perfectionist reached Aruna''s arm, spontaneously caressed her hand and rubbed her cheek.


    "Your cheek is still dirty". His voice was calm, tried to calm her down. His tone was a bit weird, because it wasn''t Hendra''s style. This man was inspired by the article that he''d just read.


    Because Hendra was suddenly a bit nicer, Aruna meant to tell him why she was angry: "I don''t like you wearing those clothes, you reminded me that I should''ve already been at dad''s house"


    "I see.. Sorry, I don''t know. Okay, I''ll change into something that exudes my handsome charm". Burning passion.


    "Ugh, crazy CEO relapsed".


    .


    .


    Hendra really changed into another outfit. This man wore Aruna''s style. White V-neck T-shirt and casual shorts.


    _Okay, let''s start. Remember, Hendra. Put on a charming smiley face, take over, do not ignore, do not lecture, pillow talk_ This man really repeated the lesson that he just got from an article. Sort of going to face the final semester test.


    Aruna was looking at him with a weird feeling, because that smiley face looked funny on Hendra''s face.


    Suddenly he sat back near Aruna, leaned his body on the headboard. Joined her watching TV while glancing at Aruna.


    "Why are you here? Go away! Suspicious?!".


    He tilted his face then smiled at Aruna.


    Aruna was really afraid.


    "You know?! You''re more annoying now. I''m afraid with what''s on your brain right now".


    Suddenly he massaged Aruna''s feet.


    "Ugh. What are you doing? You''re really ridiculous".


    Aruna was really shocked. Perhaps the food that she cooked earlier was problematic. That''s why this person showed a different personality. Or even worse, he was possessed by an unknown creature.


    "Hendra, stop! Or I''m really sure you have multiple personalities".


    "I just want to be kind to my wife. What''s wrong?".


    "It''s so wrong. You''re not usually like this".


    "Yes! I''ll be kind like this until you''re not cranky anymore".


    "Fine! Okay! I''m not cranky anymore. But please throw away that weird smiley face".


    "This is wrong, that is wrong, what should I do?".


    "I don''t know.. Think about it by yourself!?".


    _Wow.. Exactly. Just like in the article_ Hendra is even more sure with that unique article.


    "Hmm.. Aruna, are the preparations to dad''s house all done?".


    "Not yet. I haven''t bought a gift for them".


    "Alright. Let me handle everything. Is there anything else I can help with?".


    "Hendra, can I ask for something?".


    "Sure. Anything for you".


    "When can I go to campus and go back to work at Magic Letter with my friends?".


    This man was quiet for a moment, the meeting on the D floor was too focused on discussing other things. He forgot an important point that should''ve been discussed. About people in his wife''s private life.


    "Either Wednesday or Tuesday, maybe can go back to activities". Hendra counted the possibility of him making a meeting agenda with the D team.


    "Still 4 or 5 days left.. Isn''t Wednesday our wedding party?!".


    "Which means Thursday". Aruna estimated.


    "Be patient, everything is for your own good". This man is still massaging his wife''s legs.


    "Good? I really don''t understand your point of view".


    Hendra just smiled at Aruna''s gloomy face.


    "If you count it, 6 days are indeed long. But the next 2 days, we''ll be at your dad''s house. So 4 days left. Be patient".


    "Is that so hard being here?". Besides, Hendra also chose to stay at a hotel, went away from this house.


    "Very!! You locked me up like a caterpillar that is meditating, you made me a cocoon now".


    _I was very active out there_


    "What do you really want?".


    "Get out of this house, do a lot of activities including work with friends".


    "Wait! Can I go with you to work, looks like you''re really busy. If I can go, perhaps I can help".


    "I don''t know. There are a lot of things that¡­ (Thinking for a moment) even Surya isn''t allowed to follow me".


    "Come on, Hendra! Or I''ll really find a way to escape from here".


    Hendra was thinking hard.


    "You can sleep while hugging me tonight".


    "Really?!". Suddenly his logic was paralyzed.


    "If I''m allowed to go those 4 days. Even I¡­".


    "Put off our contract marriage??".


    "What the hell?! It has been our deal. Who once said: nothing will change!".


    _I need to get out from here after 2 years_


    "Sleep while hugging me for 4 days, is that enough for our exchange??".


    "Can I ask for a bonus?!". The blue-eyed man was used to lobbying.


    "No! I don''t want to kiss you. You''re scary". Aruna started to remember what this man wanted. Suddenly, her face was horrified.


    "Let go of my feet! No need to massage, I''m not tired. I''m just doing nothing here every day".


    This woman curled up in a blanket and the husband turned off the TV in front of them.


    Hendra curled up too, reached Aruna''s stomach, held her wrist. He looked for this tiny woman''s pulse.


    "Hendra, why were you late?".


    "I had a meeting with a client outside the office and there was a traffic jam".


    _He lied again_


    The room light was turned off now, only warm dim. Light from a reddish yellow night lamp on the right and left sides of the super king bed.


    "I''m sorry". The CEO of Wenceslas Group rubbed her wife''s hair. He still did the last tips on the article (pillow talk).


    Hendra pulled this tiny body getting closer to his chest. Aruna''s head was exactly under her husband''s chin.


    There was a whisper coming out from the blue-eyed man''s mouth : "Can I get this every night?"


    Aruna ignored him, she was pretending to fall asleep.


    _How do I conquer her?_


    _If this is the case, how do I live without her?_


    .


    .


    When morning came, not sure when that woman woke up, what Hendra found was a beautiful woman with a ponytail.


    Midi dress and bright face were already on her, just like yesterday Hendra also got his breakfast.


    After that, she crawled, shook Hendra''s body who was pretending not to be awake yet.


    "Hen, wake up. Wake up, Hen. Come on, it''s time to get ready".


    At 6 AM, she was already so noisy. Hendra stretched a bit, opened his eyes seeing the clock on the wall.


    "It''s still 6 AM, Aruna. Why are you so in a hurry? I still want to sleep more".


    "Come on. Wake up!". Aruna pulled Hendra''s hand. That man replied more skillfully, pulled Aruna making her fall back on their bed.


    "Give me a kiss on the cheek, I''ll wake up".


    "You''re always like this".


    "Will you? If you won''t, I''ll sleep again".


    Aruna really did what Hendra wanted. She didn''t have much choice, hoping she''d enjoy her air of freedom soon.


    She sat next to Hendra''s lazy body, who was still lying down. She arched her body. A moment later, she put her seductive red lips on her husband''s cheek. Once released, it felt too light and fast. Hendra immediately reached her body and dropped her on the bed.

 Chapter 111 - Baby Aruna

    She sat next to Hendra''s lazy body, who was still lying down. She arched her body. A moment later, she put her seductive red lips on her husband''s cheek. Once released, it felt too light and fast. Hendra immediately reached her body and dropped her on the bed.


    "Ugh. What else do you want? Wake up!"


    "I also want to give a good morning kiss to my wife".


    "Why are you being like this lately?! I really don''t like it!!".


    Hendra ignored his wife''s complaint, moving his head closer to Aruna. Their foreheads rested on each other. That man landed small kisses on forehead, eye, nose, and..


    When he was going to kiss Aruna''s lips, that girl immediately covered her mouth with both of her palms. Finally, he landed that kiss on her stingy wife''s cheek.


    Hendra only smiled seeing her fear, chose to rub the hair of the woman who fell beneath him. He ignored the annoyed face that was shown by Lesmana''s daughter.


    "Aruna, I''m really happy to be able to see you this early".


    "I really lo¡­". He hasn''t finished talking, that woman already escaped and started nagging.


    _Love you_


    "Go shower, I already prepared everything!".


    "Yes.."


    "Don''t take too long!".


    "Yes.."


    "Hen, do you want to wear shoes?"


    "Yes.. Yes..". Kept saying yes, because nagging wife has no medicine.


    .


    .


    _Today she was really chatty_


    "Hendra, have you prepared the gift?". I was just wondering, she already started again.


    "You just talked last night, before sleep".


    _When did I prepare?_


    "So it''s not ready yet??".


    _Of course, Arunaa.._


    "It''ll arrive at dad''s house later".


    "It has to be together?! That''s better".


    "Then we can''t go early".


    "Alright! Just go early".


    She, this tiny girl, just kept talking endlessly. Maybe she was too excited because today she could get out of the main house that bounded her like a cocoon.


    Aruna was able to knock on grandma and the oldest''s room doors, which made Hendra lazy to follow her, but she really said goodbye in a good way.


    "Send my regards to your dad". Even that awkward old woman showed her dimple to Aruna. Expensive dimples just like Hendra''s.


    ***


    Her eyes sparkled, staring at the street that looked ordinary.


    Aruna breathed in fresh air, opened the car window, and let Jakarta''s stuffy air hit her.


    "Can you close the window? Too much pollution outside!". Hendra was worried.


    "Even this is not allowed".


    "It''s for your own good".


    "Why are you so good at restraining my life?". Aruna objected to having her simple wish rejected.


    "Hmm.. Wrong again". Hendra was put on the spot.


    "That should''ve been my words, not yours". Aruna put on her usual unfriendly face.


    "Alright, just do whatever you want". The CEO began to succumb.


    "Yes! That''s better".


    .


    .


    "I want to stop ahead for a moment". That girl started making a request. The driver obeyed the lady of his master''s family. Aruna got out of the car nimbly, bought sweet pearl porridge.


    "I know you won''t be able to eat this kind of food. So I didn''t buy it for you". But Aruna bought it for both of Hendra''s bodyguards who sat at the front and that girl seemed to be enjoying it.


    "Is it delicious?". He was also curious.


    "Isn''t it not good to eat random food?". But his dignity is stronger.


    "Yes.. Maybe I''ll only get a cough. But cough won''t make me die".


    "Why did you speak so badly?". He hesitated to try, the blue-eyed man was also scared hearing the word ''cough''. His brain already predicted the scheme of the incubation period of the virus that causes the common cold: virus enters¡úincubation (2-3 days)¡úsymptoms appear¡úpeak of the severity of symptoms (2-3 days)¡úsymptoms gradually recover until fully healed (time varies). Hendra''s brain is too detailed. He looked at Aruna sipping water that was mixed with porridge and pink pearl with goosebumps.


    "You know, Aruna, there could be Human rhinovirus (HRV) in it. A group of viruses that causes the common cold. Other than that virus, there could be other viruses, for example: coronavirus, adenovirus, Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). You eat food that is too dangerous". He explained at length.


    "W H A T E V E R. Whatever!". This girl enjoyed her food even more.


    The two bodyguards at front couldn''t stop their smiles.


    ***


    When they arrived at Lesmana''s house, that girl didn''t care about anything including Hendra. She ran hugging her mom and dad, even jumped occasionally. Hendra took out the luggage from their car. The bodyguards almost helped him, but he tried to stop them. He wanted to enjoy the time with Aruna more deeply.


    Following happy steps to the second floor, a white-colored room door with unique accessories hung in front of the door, with ''Baby Aruna'' written on it.


    When that door was opened, Hendra just realized that her wife was indeed a maniac accessories and trinkets project designer. Few accessories and things that don''t work hung and nicely arranged at the window, on the wall, even on the ceiling of her bed. There were very unique stars, like baby toys that could spin around with sound. Sparkling, maybe this thing could light up at night.


    "Did you make these weird things?".


    Aruna glanced at him with a strong gaze. Hendra''s phrase was really annoying. If Hendra buys or has something, his point of view is functionality. Meanwhile Aruna, this girl has the opposite point of view. She prefers the shape and creativity behind those things.


    "This is my heaven. If you think this place is weird, please sleep outside".


    "Oh! Alright, I won''t do it again".


    "But this is your dad''s house. Husband and wife can''t possibly sleep outside on the first day staying at in-laws'' house", Hendra smiled happily.


    Aruna sighed.


    "Are you gonna bring all of these things into our room?". (at the main house)


    "No wonder you said I couldn''t buy it. Looks like things like these have limited market segmentation, so the production and market display are also limited".


    Not sure what that man talked about, Aruna didn''t care. She was looking at a trash can with ears, a rabbit trash can with a mouth as its lid. So when it''s opened, trash that is entered looks like a rabbit eating.


    A project design was done by Aruna herself.


    Aruna ran here and there looking for her clothes, then entered the bathroom and changed into her signature outfit. A casual T-shirt combined with trousers.


    "You can''t tell me what to do here! I want to be myself". She threatened Hendra.


    Hendra was still amazed at his observation. Sitting on a shabby chic and unique bed that is too narrow in his mind.


    "What are we gonna do now? Should we try making use of your bed?". He smiled while patting a tiny bed that didn''t match with his aura.


    ***


    "You might be in power there! But this is my territory! So don''t speak carelessly or you''ll regret it!". This girl threatened him.


    She went down ignoring her husband. Hendra reluctantly followed behind her just like a kid following his playmate. Aliana and Aditya just came. They looked like a legitimate couple. Hand in hand, elegant and romantic, casually strolled the sides of Lesmana''s house.


    Hendra compared Aditya to him who looked too awkward at this unfamiliar place. Meanwhile, Aruna ignored this man, didn''t realize that her husband was awkward because that was his first time visiting his in-laws'' house.


    Hendra only needed to follow wherever this kid ran to.


    "Sis, I''m coming!". Aruna hugged her sister brightly.


    Aditya was about to hug her too. Hendra immediately stopped that man by holding Aditya''s front shoulders swiftly.


    "Wow, CEO Hendra is very protective of his wife".


    "Hehe.. Calm down, I won''t take her away from you..". The leader of a Wenceslas Group marketing team dared to laugh at him.


    "Aruna, is that man nice to you?".


    "Could you ask my wife nicely?!". Hendra protested the way Aliana asked, calling him ''that man'' arbitrarily.


    "Yeah, that''s him¡­ Too many rules". Aruna complained.


    "Looks like you''re fine, I''m glad". Aliana felt calmer, the wedding that her sister replaced doesn''t look as bad as she imagined.


    "You always think I''m a bad person, don''t you?!". Once again, Hendra objected.


    Aruna only smiled, she didn''t want her sister and her husband to fight. He pulled Hendra''s body away.


    "Okay, Sis. I''ll go to the terrace. It''s been a long time since I haven''t enjoyed the atmosphere of this house. Have fun". Aruna knew that Aditya and Aliana needed privacy too.


    The elegant couple immersed themselves in the living room with the TV on and looked like a very perfect couple.


    Meanwhile, Aruna and Hendra only sat in silence on the terrace of Lesmana''s house. Aruna took off her footwear and started dipping her tiny feet in the swimming pool right in front of the terrace. Hendra followed her. This man was still like a kid that followed whatever his playmate did.


    "Can''t we be like Aditya and Aliana?". Suddenly, Hendra said so.


    "Why should we be the same?!". Aruna didn''t understand.


    "Look!". Hendra looked back.

 Chapter 112 - Sparkling Light

    "Look!". Hendra looked back. The terrace and living room were only separated by walls and doors which were dominated by glass. That adult couple was kissing tenderly in the living room that looked quiet. Still dominated by the sound of the TV. They didn''t know that Aruna and Hendra could catch their scene red-handed, who were kissing so deeply.


    "They haven''t even got married but they can be that intense". Hendra was so envious.


    "Could you give me the same thing as what your sister did to Aditya?". #soenvy2


    Aruna only glanced at the man beside him lazily.


    "Did you forget that we''re not a couple? Even our marriage is only a deal. So, we are different from them emotionally". Aruna said it without emotion, didn''t look at her husband.


    "They love each other, even their relationship has been going on since high school".


    Ouch''


    _So it''s just me who likes you_ Hendra played the water in front of him. There was a pain that he knew what it means now.


    .


    .


    "If you can''t give me a kiss, could you get closer so we can look romantic?". Hendra''s words seemed far-fetched. Aruna only frowned.


    "I don''t want to!".


    "Your dad is paying attention to us".


    "No! I don''t believe it. You''re lying".


    "Look at the 2 o''clock angle behind you. He is staring at us from behind the window".


    "Really? Hendra?! You''re not lying?". With Hendra''s instruction, this girl secretly tried to glance at something that was disclosed by Hendra. A silhouette of a man standing behind the window was caught a bit.


    Aruna immediately hugged her husband. Hendra smiled happily.


    _You may not fall in love with me yet, but I still have enough chance_ This man mustered up his courage. Now he knew his feelings were called falling in love.


    "You want us to look romantic in front of your dad". A nod was given in response to his words.


    "What can I do? I don''t want my dad to worry".


    _This kid really loves her family_ She''s still kind, even though her attitude gets worse.


    Hendra tightened Aruna''s hug, rubbing the hair of the girl beside him. Sort of getting a bonus, that man kissed Aruna''s lips lightly a few times. This girl surrendered helplessly, she was tired of the disgusting feeling in her heart.


    They looked romantic from behind. That''s what was caught by Mr. Lesmana. Aruna''s hug from a side angle and leaned on Hendra''s shoulder. She looked like a woman who really loves the man beside her. Hendra already went down from his seat. He was wet, dipping half of his body in the swimming pool and stood in front of Aruna.


    "You know, Dad is still peeking at us. We need to be more romantic". He started activating his goofy instinct.


    "Really??". Aruna wanted to take a peek at her dad again.


    "Don''t turn around or you''ll get caught. Your dad is paying attention to us carefully", he said without emotion, convincingly.


    "So, what if I get a hug?! You need that, so your dad becomes more certain that we''re a perfect couple". He made his most skillful trick, giving bait.


    "Unlucky.. Unlucky..", Aruna complained.


    Hendra indeed immersed his body, but only half of it was wet. Since he is pretty tall, his face and Aruna''s face were at the same height.


    That man put his hands on the right and left sides of Aruna''s seat. He started staring closely at the girl in front of him. The blue eyes that were caught as a threat in Aruna''s eyes, started getting closer.


    That hand traced down Aruna''s hair and took off her ponytail.


    "Hendra! I don''t like the way you''re looking at me. You''re getting scary!". She wanted to leave.


    "Nothing will happen, because it''s an open space. Didn''t I already promise that I won''t repeat what happened that night? You can keep my promise".


    "Is my dad still at the back?".


    "Yeah, of course".


    _He just disappeared_


    "I''ll only give a hug. I don''t want to kiss you!".


    _Whatever that is, as long as I get something_


    _Because you''re really beautiful right now_


    The exposure of the morning sun pierced through the water and reflected perfectly, radiated sparkling light. The light also lit the face of the girl at the front. Aruna looked so shining. That girl slowly pulled her husband''s body into her hug. Hendra hugged her too.


    This goofy man embraced Aruna, carried her.


    "Hendra?! What are you doing?? I don''t want to get wet!". She hit Hendra''s shoulder.


    Hendra reminisced about it, smiled slyly carrying that tiny body away from the side of the swimming pool.


    Aruna embraced herself so she wouldn''t get wet. The water on the side where they stood at was only waist-deep. Going further would be deeper, it was designed that way so that all ages would be able to make use of it.


    "Give me a kiss, I''ll take you back to the side without getting wet", he persuaded his wife, his ability slowly matched his desire.


    "Damn..! You purposely set me up".


    "Really! Dad is still at the back".


    "You''re lying! I know you''re good at lying". Hendra laughed happily, admitted it.


    _He is indeed a good liar_ Aruna felt betrayed.


    "No! Nothing for you! Take me back".


    "Come on..", he held the tiny body that was still resting on him tightly.


    "Hendra, you''re really annoying!".


    "Hahaha.. Sorry..". That chuckle reflected in the water and spread into the air. They were really caught red-handed being affectionate to each other by dad and the whole house.


    In the family pool which was located outside the house, what really happened was an argument. But people who saw from a distance without being able to listen closely to the conversation between these unique husband and wife would think that both of them are newlyweds, who were being intimate and teasing each other.


    Aruna didn''t intend to give something that Hendra wanted. She chose to get off of her husband.


    Her face was angry. She pushed Hendra''s body. She forgot that Hendra was too strong for her. The wife fell down to the water and all wet including her hair.


    Hendra couldn''t hold back himself. Wiryo''s grandson laughed out loud seeing Aruna fall by herself funnily.


    That person in white presented something exciting again. Once again, she made Hendra''s face and ears turn red.


    Those tiny hands almost reached the side of the pool, after walking slowly through the water. Not sure what happened, Hendra didn''t want to miss this moment, he walked in a hurry reaching Aruna''s back, hugged her strongly from behind : "I love you, really love you. Give me a chance, I beg you".


    .


    .


    "Argh. Let go! Let go of me..!! Lately you''ve been acting as you wish. Don''t hug me randomly!".


    "Argh.. The water is trapped in my ear..".


    "Ugh.. It''s aching", Aruna looked busy tilting her head. Looks like falling into the bottom of the pool made the water entering her ears.


    "You didn''t listen to what I talked about?".


    "Huh, what??".


    Hendra smiled again, laughed at himself. It''s always messed up and not on target. He closed his eyes for a moment. He felt that his effort fighting between his heart and mind was just useless.


    No one really knew whether the phrase from Lesmana''s daughter was a disguised rejection or her ears really couldn''t hear. Aruna is the smartest kid in terms of hiding her desire.


    .


    .


    They were soaking wet and took turns using the bathroom. When that girl came out of her bathroom, a towel was used to rub her hair. A scenery that caught his attention. Hendra was still immersed, trembling inside a wide towel which he got from being thrown by Lesmana''s daughter.


    "Hmm.. You smell so good.. You don''t usually smell this good". Hendra complimented her, something that was indeed true.


    "This is my favorite soap, a homemade soap by my friend, a start-up product by young adults. Like Magic Letter".


    .


    .


    "Aruna.. The soap is the bar one, right?". Not long after entering the bathroom, that man screamed loudly.


    "Yes, why?".


    "Ah. I can''t use it. Get me my soap in the suitcase".


    "Huh.. This human is so complicated".


    "Open the door". Aruna knocked on the door lazily.


    "Why did you take off your clothes carelessly?". Hendra didn''t wear anything except a towel that covered his lower body part. His hair was full of shampoo foam and his forehead flushed.


    "I''m taking a bath, of course I took off my clothes!".


    "At least wear your clothes so I won''t see your weird view".


    "Don''t complain too much. I really have a hard time taking a bath here. That shower is hurting my head".


    Finally, Aruna smiled. Hendra''s height didn''t match her tiny shower that was installed permanently on the wall of the narrow bathroom for Wenceslas''s young master.


    "Use the tub behind you..!".


    "Ah. I can''t use it. Taking a bath using a puddle of water. It doesn''t make sense".


    "Ugh. This human..!!". Aruna gave Hendra''s liquid soap harshly.

 Chapter 113 - Small Hands

    "Use the tub behind you..!".


    "Ah. I can''t use it. Taking a bath using a puddle of water. It doesn''t make sense".


    "Ugh. This human..!!". Aruna gave Hendra''s liquid soap harshly.


    "Aruna, you really can''t help me? I''m really having a hard time taking a bath here".


    "Oh my God, Hendra.. You haven''t experienced living in the mountains? They even take a bath on the riverbank?!".


    "Why do they take a bath on the riverbank?".


    "Because there''s no water and no other option". Aruna reminisced when she took a part in social service, when she was active as an LKS volunteer.


    "So what should I do now? Your water pressure is too small. I already bowed my head a few times but that shower hurt my forehead instead".


    "Use a water dipper.. Hendra, use water dipper!!".


    "I really can''t..".


    "What do you mean??".


    "I never take a bath using a water dipper". This man was pitiful because he really hasn''t used things like that.


    Because, where he was born, including the main house and his private hotel room, there are no such things in the bathroom.


    "Sigh. Alien, alien..".


    "Move. Let me give you an example. Pay attention closely". She pushed Hendra''s body and moved closer to the tub.


    "Here, pay attention! You scope the water using this dipper, then pour it over your head, your body. You can also use it to gargle. Do you understand?!".


    "So it''s like this".


    "Splash. . .". Wenceslas''s sole heir spontaneously scoped the water using a dipper and poured it over his head.


    "Oh my God. Hendra, what did you do?? You made your towel wet".


    "You said you were giving an example.. Then, I''m trying it now!!".


    "Oh God. Not right now.. Wait until I come out. Ugh, weird".


    That girl went out pushing Hendra once again. Aruna didn''t realize her push this time almost made Hendra fall down because the floor was slippery. The blue-eyed man spontaneously held on to Aruna''s arm and in a split second, the face of this narrow bathroom''s owner was already facing the Wenceslas Group CEO''s wide chest.


    "You almost harmed me!!".


    "Don''t be careless. The bathroom is slippery", Hendra nagged not realizing a tiny hand started holding him.


    He froze like a statue since he was too stunned with the feeling that he suddenly felt on his chest. Because for the first time, Aruna was willing to touch him on her own will.


    "Looks like you''re good at self-defense too." The eyes of the girl in front of him stared at his chest, along with a touch of those tiny hands shyly.


    "Yeah.. I know.. That''s why your body is nice". She answered her own question.


    _Yeah, I know it very well. You once beat your grandfather''s errand men, even though they ended up beating you because the number increased.


    That man flushed and got awkward.


    "Miss.. Miss Aruna¡­". The family''s assistant called that girl.


    _Aunt Linda?!_


    Suddenly, Aruna realized what she did. She immediately pulled her hand and ran out of the bathroom.


    "Eh. Sorry, did I disturb you?!". Aunt Linda felt awkward because she didn''t see Aruna''s husband and that girl came out of the bathroom.


    "No, Aunt! Not at all". Aruna''s face blushed, she just realized her stupid behavior towards the crazy CEO.


    "Dad told Mr. Hendra to take a bath in the main room".


    "Why does it have to be there?".


    "Afraid Mr. Hendra won''t be able to take a bath in your room".


    _Dad knows Hendra won''t be able to do normal things. He''s indeed too different_


    "Hen, you don''t want to move to the main bathroom?".


    "No, I will try here. I want to learn how to use a water dipper".


    _Unimportant thing needs to be learned, huh?!?_ Aruna thought.


    .


    .


    The blue-eyed man sat in silence on the toilet. He held his chest while smiling by himself, too happy.


    _Do I need to wear sheer T-shirts from now on? Ah, seems like that''s a good idea_


    _Aruna likes my chest. Hihihi_


    He covered his face with both of his hands. He was too shy, too happy, reminiscing that tiny hand touched and stroked his chest.


    _He really likes it.. Turns out the physical exercise from that old grandfather was useful_ His dimple widened.


    _Wait!! This toilet and water puddle mustn''t have been used in a week.._


    "Argh.. Aruna.. Is this puddle of water sterile??".


    "It''s been cleaned before we arrived! Don''t think too much. Take a bath!".


    Once again, that girl''s voice made him reminisce about that moment. He touched his own chest, the smile of Wenceslas''s sole heir widened. His old self who was so cold, rude, and hard to approach has been forgotten.


    .


    .


    Meanwhile, Lesmana''s daughter stared at herself in the mirror closely. Speechless and empty. Only that girl knew what she''s feeling. She touched her own face in the mirror.


    _Take good care of yourself, Aruna_ Talked with herself.


    A lot of people forgot that she rarely smiled, let alone cheerful like she used to.


    .


    .


    "What are you doing??".


    "I''m packing stuff that I might be able to bring and keep half of it. I need to make sure these things are in good condition because I''ll leave it long enough".


    "Is there anything I can help with??".


    "Ah. No, no need to". Aruna got rid of a photo album slowly so that her action didn''t get caught by Hendra.


    "You''d better come down to see dad. You haven''t greeted dad properly since we arrived. He must be waiting to chat with you".


    "Ah right. Make sure the gifts arrive soon".


    "Good idea. You have no problem packing it alone?".


    "No! I''d be disturbed if you help me. I mean, you have too many rules and theories so let me pack it as I want". He slipped the photo album into another thing behind her back.


    Hendra stood and stepped disappearing from Aruna''s room door.


    Aruna immediately packed scattered objects around her quickly.


    Including the design example of Magic Letter''s photo album whose photo had been taken as a product display content. In the end, she made use of it to save her photos with her friends on Magic Letter.


    When Hendra took a bath, she started packing her stuff and found this photo album. She was stuck, staring at her memories with her friends one by one for a long time.


    Including someone who was captured by the camera was carrying her.


    Both of them were bright, free, and loose. Something that was simple but very expensive for now. Holding it slowly, that girl''s memory was back to the point when that photo was taken.


    ***


    Including someone who was captured by the camera was carrying her.


    Both of them were bright, free, and loose. Something that was simple but very expensive for now. Holding it slowly, that girl''s memory was back to the point when that photo was taken.


    First holiday with her best friends at a carnival park. On that day, three of her five friends were dizzy and collapsed after riding the jet coaster.


    Lili, Agus, and Dea chose to stay at the food court because they had a major headache. Agus even threw up.


    Meanwhile, Damar and her who felt okay with the sensation from the jet coaster running around together to try all of the rides. That man carried her because the long-haired man had lost a shooting yellow duck bet.


    Actually, Damar had confessed his love at that place. His first love confession. Aruna pretended not to hear it. At that time, it was impossible for her to be in a relationship, moreover to be close with a man. Mr. Lesmana would be furious every time one of her beloved daughters seemed close with a man. (Chapter 1)


    It was so difficult for her older sister, Aliana, to have a relationship with her hidden boyfriend since high school, Aditya. Aruna chose to be an obedient kid. At that time, a simple mind that she had was if this Padangnese boy still had feelings for her until the next five years, when she''d be ready to get married, her heart would be wide opened for him, the bestfortress (Damar''s pen name). Got married right away; at that time, she hadn''t even known him for long and was really eager to build Magic Letter start-up together.


    This girl ignored the voices from her friends who said that she sucked, she was insensitive. She was only being a good kid. Tried to keep his principle : made peace with the condition, tried to find the best way (Chapter 8)


    Made peace with dad''s requirement and became an obedient kid, no need to get close to the opposite sex according to dad''s instruction.


    She, Aruna, never thought that her life would end up that way. Became a family insurance and shackled by a blue-eyed man who was good at cornering her.


    Her youth was gone, her dream was gone, her freedom was gone, and the worst was her smile was gone.


    Empty, hollow, and isolated.

 Chapter 114 - Unpredictable

    Empty, hollow, and isolated.


    _Oh. Didn''t Damar write something behind this photo_


    *Everyone brings their stories


    *Everyone brings their memories


    *Recalls laughter at this time


    *You will find someone in the future


    Find?


    Where are you now?


    I don''t even know where you are.


    I still regret that the last day we met, I let you chase me because of my own fear, that wasn''t because of you. But because of another person, someone who not only kissed me forcefully, but also forced me to kiss him willingly, and I had no way to run.


    "Aruna.. The gifts already arrived..".


    "Argh". Aruna was surprised, immediately hid the agenda book in the box in front of her.


    "You haven''t tidied up much. What did you do?". Hendra got closer, observed her.


    "Why? Why are you crying?".


    _She must''ve been sad she had to part with her room. She said this place was her heaven_


    "Come here..". Hendra asked.


    Aruna only looked at him cautiously. Hendra was sitting on the floor just like his wife. He took a few things that had been sorted by Aruna.


    "I don''t want you to help!".


    "It''s okay, to finish it quickly".


    "I said I want to tidy it up by myself, Hendra". She raised her voice.


    "Are you really tortured leaving your house?!"


    "Yes. Very much!".


    "Do you think I''m the one who''s supposed to be responsible for your condition right now?".


    "No, I know you''re also forced to go through this marriage".


    "Sorry, sometimes I accidentally vent my anger to you", Aruna added.


    _You never do it_ the-blue eyed man realized he was the one who was often annoyed.


    "Come here, I want to hug you". This man really wanted to hug his wife. He was worried about the tears that were caught in the corner of Aruna''s eyelids.


    "Why? You don''t have to be that kind. If you''re too kind, I always think you''re taking advantage of me".


    "I''ve told you when we tied the knot. I wanted to be given a chance. Right now, I''m trying to take that chance". (Sido Asih chapter)


    "Can I not give you a chance?".


    "Do you hate me that much?".


    _I''ve tried hard to change_


    "I never hate you at all. I just hate my condition. Don''t be guilty".


    "You don''t want to give me a chance, not even a bit".


    This girl was just speechless, her mind was spinning.


    "You know what I want?"


    "What? Just say it, I''d grant whatever you want".


    "If only you had this ability, I would''ve asked it since the beginning. Too bad, it''s impossible. There is no device in the world that can turn back the time. So, these 2 years would seem only a heartbeat".


    Boom''


    _She heard my love confession and right now I was flatly rejected_ Hendra is someone who''s good at predicting other people''s remarks.


    There was a sense of chaos inside him. His hands were shaking a bit. He tried hard to change himself. Leaving so many things behind, including his stubborn attitude.


    Before his anger couldn''t be controlled, Hendra went away. But, he forgot something. He didn''t bring his medicine.


    He tried calling Diana''s team to deliver an amitriptyline to him.


    Hendra needed to maintain his focus or else he''d really explode and ambush Aruna. Just like what he did in the hospital room at that time.


    ***


    This man ended up being in the kitchen after going back and forth to wait for Diana''s team who still hadn''t arrived yet.


    He was attracted by the smell that came from Aruna''s family pantry.


    Turned out, mom and the house assistant were cooking : "Can I help? I have a little expertise in this field".


    Mom was very surprised. Since a sweet smile from Wenceslas''s heir greeted her, this woman melted and let her son-in-law take part and helped.


    Turned out he was really skilled and seemed to really enjoy it.


    Mom didn''t know that Wenceslas''s grandson whom he thought was cold and rude, turned out friendly and nice.


    Mom asked where Aruna was.


    This man only smiled and said Aruna was busy tidying up her room, organizing a few things that needed to be brought to the main house.


    "Oh. I see". Mom started accepting his existence, they even talked more while cooking.


    This woman slowly told stories about her daughter, Aruna. Sometimes she added apologies. Hendra listened to her carefully. He even asked about several things.


    "Why does she like wearing casual clothes?".


    "Since she was a kid, my daughter has a lot of friends. The whole housing complex knew her. Every Sunday, her friends would come. Boys or girls, my daughter was so good at blending in. She even played soccer and marble. So, sorry if Aruna seemed tomboy".


    "Maybe that''s why she doesn''t like wearing complicated things, can''t do make-up except powder and lipstick, if she remembers. But don''t worry. My daughter really likes fragrant scent. She always smells good, it makes me not able to be mad at her".


    "Oh, you''re right".


    _So, Aruna is really different from me_


    _I don''t have any friend except Surya_


    "What about her youth?".


    "She.. Ah, I don''t want to tell the story. That kid really liked messing her room up. She said she was working, made her room a workshop. Beads and paper were scattered everywhere".


    "Unfortunately, her science and math were always bad. Yeah.. As a mom, I was worried and I scolded her a lot".


    "Turns out those messy things made her shine now".


    "So, she wasn''t good at a specific subject?". Hendra started enjoying Aruna''s childhood story.


    "Have you ever got 5 in math? Aruna was good at flattering me so that I wouldn''t get mad. Since her math score was always 5. Hahaha". Mom laughed reminiscing how often she got angry.


    "Did she also have a lot of friends in her teens?". Hendra was really curious.


    "Of course! That kid really liked being in a community. On weekends, she was never at home. She told me she was a volunteer. As time went by, she was really active in various communities".


    "What''s the name?? I think it was some kind of kids, mothers volunteer. I don''t know, too many things she''s done out there".


    "Yeah. I know a little bit about that".


    "Ah yeah.. There is something from my daughter that always makes us touched".


    Hendra listened carefully.


    "Aruna rarely shows her desire. She rarely asks for something too, compared to her siblings. This daughter of mine always obeys whatever we want. That''s why it was so hard for me, especially for her dad and siblings, when we had to let her go for you. I hope you can take good care of her".


    "Sure". That''s all Hendra could say.


    "If you''re already so close to her, you''ll find another thing that will give you trouble".


    Hendra frowned, guessing his in-law''s words.


    "Aruna is an unpredictable kid. So, you''ll have to be patient in order to understand my daughter. Even as her mom, sometimes it''s hard for me to understand her".


    .


    .


    "Damar?? Why are you here now?!". This girl was surprised. He was supposed to come the day after tomorrow. Damar, her senior whom she met 3 days ago to be convinced and persuaded so that he''d join Magic Letter start-up. Suddenly, he had stood in front of the outlet door that was still messy. She just rented this outlet using her savings.


    Some stuff like display rack, table, chair, even the wall haven''t been painted properly. At that time, since she was afraid this potential man would be discouraged because the place that she had offered was still messy, Aruna even told him to go. He objected.


    "You''re gonna arrange it by yourself??". That girl tried to tidy up a few things, even push a big table.


    "Hmm.. Actually, my friend is here.. Her name is Dea, but she just went out to buy a drink".


    "Is Dea a girl or a boy??".


    "The name is Dea, of course, it''s a girl".


    "And there are only the two of you cleaning this whole place??".


    "Hehehe it seems so".


    "But, Damar, don''t worry. Everything''s gonna be finished by the day after tomorrow". Damar paid attention to the girl in the ponytail who looked so enthusiastic.


    "Did you forget? You''re a girl.. Okay, since I''m gonna be a part of this team, let me help".


    "So, you''re really gonna accept our offer?"


    "Yes.. Because you''re pathetic, I feel sorry".


    The ponytail girl sulked, her face frowned.


    That man called some people, probably his friends. Those people came out of nowhere. Damar brought a group of other men who dressed casually just like him.


    A group of men who turned out coming from various campuses, around 10-12 people. They started cleaning up the new Magic Letter outlet from the commando of the long-haired man.


    "Okay, let''s turn our reggae music on", they shouted. They really gladly helped.


    "Your name is Aruna, right?". This girl nodded.


    "Okay, Aruna. Give us the paint and every piece of equipment to clean up this place".


    "Damar, how much should I pay your friends?".


    "Ah. Chill.. They''re helping voluntarily. Just buy them a lot of food, that''s enough".


    "Is it no problem??".

 Chapter 115 - Ambiguous Seal

    "Is it no problem??".


    "Yeah. Better than hanging out, playing games, or drinking coffee. I think it''s gonna be something fun for us".


    "Oh okay.. I''m gonna buy the paint".


    "You''re gonna buy it??".


    "Yeah. Who else?".


    "How are you gonna carry it??".


    "That motorcycle".


    "You have no idea.. This room needs a lot of paint. Give me the money so my friends can buy it. Someone brought a car".


    "Do they not mind?".


    "I''ve told you, our life is relaxed.. So, you don''t have to think too much".


    That day was accompanied by unique music. Damar''s group of friends seemed like painters who drew on the canvas. They turned the first floor into a gallery and product display worth enjoying.


    They took turns working until late. The long-haired man was able to keep bringing his friends, not sure how and from where. They kept coming and going.


    Dea was dumbfounded, let alone Aruna.


    The thing that Aruna remembered the most was when they relaxed and ate together.


    They would be very noisy, even the way they talked was abstract, sometimes weird.


    *Don''t smoke here or I''ll throw you?!


    *Can I eat for free again tomorrow??


    *How about we ditch and play here again tomorrow?!


    *Damn, the food is gone!! Someone stole my food!! (Already in his mouth)


    *What, it''s finished already?! My stomach is still empty!? (Satisfied)


    *Eh'' my ex-girlfriend saw my (Instagram) story. She thought I was working part-time. Hahaha.. She chatted me on WA ''fighting'' (hit the person next to him, weirdly happy)


    *Do you already have a boyfriend? What if I become your boyfriend? I think I''m pretty cool.


    "Don''t listen to them. They often talk carelessly and act weird. You know when men are hanging out?? Hehehe.. Just think they''re being delusional". Damar calmed Aruna and Dea''s shocked faces. (Magic Letter''s original team)


    Damar''s friends slowly made Magic Letter as their basecamp.


    The existence of Damar and his friends was like a group of volunteers.


    They can be delivery men, helpers, even when Magic Letter needed people to display products on bazaar, including guard the booth, They were really dependable.


    There was only one risk, when they gathered and played a game. Magic Letter''s second floor would transform into a shipwreck.


    If that happened, Aruna knew how to control them: buy them Okefood. After they are satisfied, tell them to clean up then go home.


    The way of thinking to enjoy life was that simple and modest.


    Too many sweet and precious memories. Magic Letter''s main team, Damar''s friends. Especially him, someone who was consistent with his ambiguous remark.


    "You can flirt with a girl, but not her". (Damar)


    "Why?? You''re also not her boyfriend". (Damar''s friend)


    "But I''ve sealed her".


    "What kind of seal did you use? Uzumaki Kushina''s gear seal? Or Gaara''s pyramid sealing technique?".


    "No, I used the most effective one, fuinjutsu shiki fujin! God of death''s caller seal".


    "Don''t use it, guys. The user will be dead along with its victim and they''ll fight inside the God of death''s stomach forever. A dangerous seal! You can die with your love bhahahah..". (Naruto anime seal)


    "Can these literature kids disappear from our place?!". Dea began to object when they started being that delusional. Meanwhile, Aruna always put up the same expression, pretended not to hear it.


    They came with all of the fantasy. Their words and behaviors were kind of abstract. After they were all gone, they seemed so precious. Magic Letters never missed anything at that time. Moreover, staff. Yesterday, Aruna was informed that she and her friends needed to recruit some people officially. Project design, administration, including social media admin.


    In the past, when booking admin was overwhelmed, those kids would open WhatsApp web and took part in replying with their chatter that made several Magic Letter''s customers become addicted and sentimental.


    Magic Letter was the best dream of the girl who brought a reddish hue, the dream that was built from scratch. That literature kid indirectly had many roles in it.


    Before Magic Letter was known like now, Aruna almost closed it. At that time, the concept was just a unique stuff project design that was decorated with custom sentences, including unique sentences that were done by Damar.


    Since not everyone could enjoy it and had an interest in unique stuff, the journey of Magic Letter once slowed down. Aruna had a hard time paying her friends.


    That day, someone took her using an old Vespa motorcycle, then stopped in front of an ATM.


    "Even though I don''t look cool, I have savings".


    He went out with a bag packed with a rectangular sheet of paper after both stopped by at four ATM machines.


    "I rarely use it. Let''s say I invest but the condition is you can never close down my basecamp". That was the only thing that Damar said. Relaxed, without burden.


    "Don''t stare at me weirdly. This long-haired man is an author. Hehe. I often forgot to take the profit that I got, since you often gave me free meals".


    "You''re strange since you''re suddenly like this".


    "You want to cry". That girl nodded and started shedding tears.


    "I don''t have tissue. But I have a hoodie jacket that I haven''t washed for a week. You can use it to wipe your snot". He offered the jacket that he was wearing. Aruna pulled it and really wiped her face on Damar''s hoodie.


    "Damar, it smells, you know?!"


    "If it were clean, I wouldn''t have offered it¡­ Your snot is gross".


    "Who told you to be heartwarming like this out of a sudden!".


    "You want to hear something more touching?!"


    "What?".


    "I''m hungry".


    "Buy me cilok!! There, at the front. I don''t have any money at all. I''ve surrendered my body and soul to you".


    Aruna hit him because his words and behaviors were always ambiguous.


    .


    .


    That afternoon, while enjoying spicy cilok on the side of the road, Damar finally wanted to use his brain to think about the continuity of Magic Letter, after he kept saying agree every time weekly discussion agenda happened. (focused on gaming than listening to discussion)


    "You know that my Instagram is followed by a lot of my novel readers? I think we can use it".


    "What do you mean?".


    "I have an idea. What if we start opening services for writing love letters or heartbreak letters, including other heartwarming expressions? Like poems, lyrics, whatever that is but it''s paid. I''ll try to post it massively and direct it to our start-up account". Aruna knew Damar''s novel and Instagram were widely loved.


    "And you only have to pack the design of the letter so it can be iconic".


    He was right. Damar''s idea was the initial step that made Magic Letter become stable. At first, the name was Magic Design, then that brand changed along with Damar''s idea. Including the profit that slowly became stable, exceeded Aruna''s expectation.


    She could''ve given Damar''s money back. Unfortunately, this man rejected it. He asked for several percent of the ownership. Aruna agreed since this Padangnese man once said: "Someday, if Magic Letter has to be closed down, there should be at least 2 people who consider for it to rise again".


    .


    Miss you, Damar.


    .


    .


    The blue-eyed man entered a room with ''baby Aruna'' written on it. He was surprised and stepped back because that girl fell asleep on her desk.


    _No, Aruna isn''t sick. I can handle this_


    He walked slowly and his eyes were closed a few times, trying to muffle his doubt. Finally, Wenceslas''s sole heir found his courage.


    He touched her fingers and vein. Slowly getting closer and closer, his eyes stared at her closely. He smiled since he was able to get closer to his girl''s mesmerizing face which was adorned by closed eyes.


    Right now, the heir folded his feet, rested on both of his knees. He aligned his height with the table that supported his wife''s head. Hendra also tilted his head on the side of that table.


    Enjoying the exhaled breath as a living sign of the woman who messed his logic up.


    _You''re not as pretty as the other women who approached me_


    _Tania is way prettier than you, but I chose you instead of her_


    _I don''t know what makes me so attracted to you_


    _Maybe since you''re my wife?_


    _Ah'' Of course not, because I''ve been bound to you way long before_


    _Or is it because you''re a good kid? Not sure, I didn''t even know that you''re a good kid_


    _Or is it because you''re a simple and warm kid?_


    _It can be, since I don''t have that ability_


    Hendra touched her face and got rid of a few strands of hair that were messy.


    Suddenly, those eyes were opened. Blinked a little, recovered her senses.


    "Hendra, what are you doing?".


    Aruna woke up and immediately tidied herself up.


    "I''m happy. I can see you sleeping without being afraid". His explanation was a bit confusing. He''s indeed a confusing man.


    "You''re afraid to see me sleeping?".


    _Is that why you''re weird?_


    Hendra got up, ignored Aruna''s question.


    "Come on, they''re waiting for us to eat".


    He just left Aruna to the stairs heading to Lesmana''s dining room.


    .


    .

 Chapter 116 - The Opposite

    He just left Aruna to the stairs heading to Lesmana''s dining room.


    .


    .


    The dining atmosphere was quite warm. Even warmer when mom kept praising Hendra for helping her and that man really blushed.


    Not many people knew that it was the first time the blue-eyed man felt how comfortable it was to eat with family. They exchanged light jokes, happy, sometimes a little noisy.


    It was noisy because Aruna was scolded by her mom several times. That girl wasn''t considerate to get her husband some food. Hendra was seen helping her instead.


    "Mom.. Why should I get him some food? He''s an adult. He can get it by himself?! His hands are longer than mine". That girl protested after being scolded by her mom.


    "Ugh. Do you act like this at your in-laws'' house every day??". Mom''s voice got louder.


    "Obviously. What should I do anyway?".


    "Oh God.. How embarrassing!!".


    "No problem, Mom. We rarely eat together. Last time my meal was prepared, I came late instead. So, Aruna has done her best for me". Hendra calmed the loud voices that kept coming.


    Aditya stole a glance at the Wenceslas Group CEO. He almost wasn''t sure that the man in front of him was the same person who served as his boss in his office.


    How could that man suddenly become a different person?


    "What happened, baby?". Aliana whispered.


    "Hehe.. Nothing.. I think there''s something unique".


    "What is it?".


    "Suddenly, someone is acting the opposite".


    "You mean, my little sister''s husband?".


    "Yeah, exactly! You know what kind of person he was before?!".


    "I also think that person¡­".


    "You two, when will you get married?".


    The whisper between that couple was suddenly stopped when dad asked a question.


    "I need to finish my graduate study first, Dad. That''s my target. Stop asking!".


    "Look at your little sister. She''s in her second year of undergraduate study, but she''s fine". Mr. Lesmana urged.


    Aditya gulped several times.


    "I''m just gonna follow what Aliana wants, Dad". The argument between the kid and her father inevitably happened in the middle of Aditya''s awkwardness, the family''s future son-in-law.


    Hendra saw it as a new exciting thing. His family didn''t have this much topic to be talked about.


    "Could you be quiet!! Are you not ashamed of your in-law? Dad, stop!". Mom reminded. Mr. Lesmana immediately stopped.


    Actually, there was someone who didn''t want to join Lesmana''s family dinner. Hendra knew that thing was hidden from him. But, he quite understood why Ananta was fed up to be on the same table with him at a banquet.


    An older brother and the only son always had a different sense of responsibility. He felt failed to protect his little sister.


    ***


    "Why do you have to sleep there?". Hendra bothered seeing his wife spread out the sleeping mat under the shabby chic bed.


    "Because you can never share a narrow space".


    "Be honest. You can''t or I can''t?!".


    "Okay! Me, me..".


    "But I have to touch your vein".


    "You said earlier, you felt happy.. Not afraid anymore to see me sleeping".


    "Thing like that can''t always happen all the time".


    "Don''t worry.. I will put my hand up and you can hold it".


    The next scene was a woman slept right under a bed with a man on it. It was caught unsuitable. It was a quite weird view when the woman''s hand was held by the man above her. Holding her, staring at her from above looked more comfortable.


    "Hendra, it''s too long. There''s a tingling sensation on my hand".


    "I''ve told you. It looks weird. Okay, you''re on top, I''m down there". Hendra gave a more rational option as a man.


    But.. Will sleeping on the floor make us sick??". As usual, he had too many thoughts.


    "You won''t die by sleeping on the floor!!".


    They took turns. The next view was a man who laid on the floor, under the bed was holding the woman''s hand.


    "Wait!! How could you be able to see me sleeping without having to be this weird?".


    "I''ve told you. I can''t always be like that.. Moreover, your breath hit my face, so I could see that you would be fine".


    "Why do you always look for my breath and vein?? Do you have something like¡­".


    "I''ll tell you later. It''s not the time yet". Next, the woman fell asleep. Meanwhile, the man couldn''t close his eyes at all. He had a hard time on the floor. The heir was afraid. Perhaps there were small creatures that could reach him.


    After struggling to close his eyes for 2 hours, that man decided to hop on Aruna''s bed and immersed in his version of a narrow space.


    He was so careful so that the tiny body wouldn''t realize. He sniffed several times. There was a smell that was too good and dangerous enough for a man with his biological instinct.


    .


    .


    He couldn''t bear it so he sat down, making the woman wake up.


    "Why are you here?? You were sleeping on the floor?!".


    "I couldn''t sleep". Hendra whined.


    "Huh. You''re always so complicated".


    "Aruna, your body scent is too strong!".


    "What? I smell?!".


    "No.. But please get me a mask! Do you have a mask?!".


    That girl really sniffed her armpit, checking whether she smelled a lot or not since the man beside her covered his nose tightly.


    "Really! Tell me! Do I smell??". She checked her body several times.


    "No.. Your scent is too strong.. Too strong that it''s dangerous for me. Next time, please don''t use that soap again!". Hendra objected.


    "It''s my simple habit so I can sleep well. Why can''t I use the lotion and soap that I like?".


    "You know.. Your scent can increase my libido as a man. It''s dangerous, unless you allow me to do something to you!".


    "Ah.. I hate it, your words scare me". Aruna stood up and got a mask for Wiryo''s grandson. He can''t transform into a crazy CEO, moreover a devil in disguise.


    "Do you have a mask other than the pink one?".


    "I only have that. Don''t complain too much!".


    They shared Hendra''s version of a small bed. The tip of his head and his toe were really as long as Aruna''s bed.


    "Aruna..", Hendra talked again.


    "What else?? Don''t disturb!".


    "I can''t move!".


    "Huh. I want to sleep. Up to you whether you can move or not".


    "Can I move this bolster? It takes too much space".


    "As long as you don''t do anything weird to me, you can move it".


    In 3 seconds, that bolster was thrown. The next minute, that woman fell asleep, leaving the man who had a hard time closing his eyes. The sparkle on Aruna''s ceiling was too disturbing. It was unique but irritating.


    "Why do you put those stuff over your bed?".


    "You''re like a baby who''s enjoying a spinning toy over the baby box". Hendra complained more.


    "You''re always noisy!?".


    Since Aruna was disturbed a lot, this girl can''t close her eyes anymore.


    "Look at that.. (pointed upwards using hand) Really nice.. If I stare at it, I feel like I''m reminded that my dreams are as pretty as the beautiful shiny stuff over my bed".


    "What is your dream? May I know?".


    "I can''t answer it anymore.. Everything''s gone now".


    "Really?! Why was your dream gone?


    "Yes.. Because suddenly I got something way bigger and it makes me no longer look great".


    "Could you tell me clearly? It''s hard to understand. If you''re really displeased, please make the analogy more detailed". Hendra tried to understand the woman, whose mother said, who liked hiding her desire.


    "Hendra, you know.. When we climb a mountain, we really enjoy how beautiful the struggle is and we always hope we''ll arrive on the top in an extraordinary way".


    "But, before you arrive on the top, suddenly there''s a helicopter that takes you fly. Then, out of a sudden you arrive at the highest point". Slowly, Aruna opened up even though it was just an analogy.


    "Which means you arrive without an effort. That helicopter doesn''t make you tired. Including makes you save a lot of time". Hendra denied Aruna''s analogy, looks like reaching something in a conventional way.


    "But you won''t feel the sensation, like enjoying the scenery, also the struggle to arrive at the highest place".


    "I''m one of those people who believes that enjoying the process is the most beautiful thing, so we can be proud when we arrive on the top. We''ve tried our way and with our hard work".


    "Meanwhile, if we ride a helicopter, we won''t get anything. Except, people say: ''of course, she''s arrived there because she''s supported by that''".


    Hendra fell silent. He knew this woman was making an analogy about his appearance in her simple life.


    "Why don''t you try making an even bigger dream?". Hendra tried to make a new analogy for Aruna to build her new dream.


    "Like what?".


    "If you only wanted to climb a mountain, why don''t you try finding a new adventure, a farther one. Like traveling around the world with a helicopter or reaching a top that can''t be reached by helicopter".

 Chapter 117 - A Special Chair

    "If you only wanted to climb a mountain, why don''t you try finding a new adventure, a farther one. Like traveling around the world with a helicopter or reaching a top that can''t be reached by helicopter".


    Listening to Hendra''s instruction made Aruna speechless. She organized the things above her bed. Not sure how her head was already above Hendra''s arms.


    "There''s always a way to find a new dream. The problem is, you want it or not". That man whispered, moving his head closer.


    Hendra''s words led Aruna''s point of view.


    This girl was like an empty oasis that slowly found water springs, then that water springs filled the dry valley basin in the desert.


    "What about you? Do you believe your dreams?"


    "I don''t even have anything. My life has been arranged since I arrived here. I mean, back to this country".


    "Really?". Aruna felt depressed listening to Hendra''s confession. Honestly, they never talked to each other, let alone this far. Aruna was really curious what kind of life this unique man had. He was too different, even showed his inability in several simple things sometimes.


    "May I know? How is your life arranged?".


    "I have a schedule that I must follow every time".


    "Since you were a kid??".


    "Since I was 6".


    Aruna got closer to Hendra. She was curious with the facial expression of the blue-eyed man.


    "Have you never been naughty? Skipped your schedule?!".


    "I didn''t find anything else that made me feel like I needed to ignore the schedule that was given, so I just followed everything".


    "Really? You were that young, you didn''t want to play or escape with your friend?? I used to escape many times when I was told to take a nap and mom would be furious. But I did it every day, never learned my lesson".


    "I had a hard time making friends since I was a kid and there were no toys that drove me crazy except reading books".


    "But you''re really attractive, Hendra?!".


    "What is attractive about me?".


    "Yeah! Everyone must know your visual is above average, not to mention your family background. I thought when you''re a kid until teenager, you were a great bully".


    "You think I''m a bully? Where did you get that conclusion from?!".


    "Yeah.. When I went to your hotel twice, I saw some people were so rigid and awkward in dealing with you. You must be a fierce and mean boss. You also like to bully me all the time".


    "Hahaha". Hendra laughed seeing Aruna''s fiery expression over his arms.


    "I''m not that mean. Maybe it''s because I''m a little protective towards them and tend to be perfectionist. Towards you, it''s because you''re too fun to be teased".


    "Fun to be teased". Aruna thought hard. At first, she wanted to be sympathetic towards Hendra, for his childhood story. But now, his face already changed. With that weird smile, Aruna was sure Hendra would act up.


    "Because you''re too naive".


    "I''m not naive".


    "Oh, please..". The blue-eyed man started teasing her wife. Pulled the tiny body closer to him.


    "Really, I''m not naive".


    "You''re 20. If you''re not naive, how could you survive when I get closer to you like this".


    Hendra lifted himself and stared closely at Aruna who was underneath him. That man still wore the pink mask.


    "Hendra, don''t be like this!".


    "Why can''t I?!".


    "I''m also a woman who has an instinct".


    "Oh, turns out you''re not naive. You also have instinct. I''m stunned". Hendra got excited.


    Their eyes met and the faces of this contract marriage couple flushed.


    "If only I were allowed, I wanted to kiss your lips".


    Aruna was only speechless for quite a while. The contents of Hendra''s brain: torture, tortured, torture, tortured, but he didn''t want to force like before.


    "Only if it stops there and not more!". Looked like this girl got used to her new habit, accepted Hendra''s touch.


    Meanwhile Hendra, if only there had been a space to jump, he would''ve jumped excitedly.


    But the blue-eyed man canceled his intention. It would be hard for him to control himself. He tried to lay down on the shabby chic bed, tried hard to hold back his desire.


    "What a rare moment. What''s going on??". Aruna was a bit surprised. Wiryo''s grandchild usually wasn''t like this.


    "You smell too good.. I''m afraid I''ll break my promise".


    "You can be nice too..".


    "I''m not mean.. You just don''t know the life that I face".


    Aruna felt that she had heard that sentence. Not sure from who? Was it possibly Wiryo & Sukma conversation?


    "Who''s the woman who met you earlier?".


    "You mean Nathasya? She''s my personal doctor".


    "Are you sick?".


    "No.. I just forgot to bring my medicine and she delivered it for me".


    "What medicine? Can I see the medicine?".


    _don''t you ever lie again_ Aruna got suspicious.


    "Someday I''ll tell you, but not for now".


    "Hey.. If you don''t tell me, how can I prepare it for you?".


    "Don''t worry, next time I''ll be more careful".


    _What happened to him. Why is he hiding too many things? He lies too_


    _Actually, what does Hendra''s life look like? The more I get closer to him, the more I know nothing_


    "Aruna, is your offer still valid?".


    "What offer?".


    The blue-eyed man took off his mask, immediately landed his lips on his wife''s lips, didn''t ask permission like earlier.


    He was more gentle this time. Too gentle it made Aruna was touched.


    It was detached for a moment. He whispered something ambiguous: "I have a dream now, to have a kiss every time. If not every time, once a day is enough. If it can''t, once a week is fine. If it can''t, once a month is fine. As long as I get it".


    Hendra''s statement made Aruna''s cheeks blushed.


    "You''re scary". Even though her words were still cursing.


    "Getting addicted is even scarier..".


    Not sure since when he became so brave talking like this.


    His words disappeared then penetrated again, deeper but not as harsh as before.


    He pulled away, giving Aruna a chance to breathe. This man whispered for the second time: "You don''t want to respond to me? Try it just once".


    "I will synchronize my rhythm with yours".


    Aruna shook her head. This girl still didn''t want it. But honestly, there was a change already. She was willing to hold Hendra''s arm without hitting, struggling, or pulling his hair.


    Hendra reached one of those tiny hands then put it on his chest. Hendra knew Aruna liked it earlier.


    His wife began to frown and slowly pulled away.


    Before he fully stopped his desire, not wanting to.


    Hendra infiltrated again. He got bolder, playing something inside Aruna''s mouth, made this girl shook for a while.


    When Aruna chose to pull away, Hendra was willing to stop right away.


    "Why?? Did I force you too much?!".


    "No.. (shaking her head) I think it was enough".


    Then she turned her back from the blue-eyed man.


    .


    .


    Wenceslas Group CEO whispered his confession more softly, while hugged her from behind, stroked his wife''s hair: "You know how hurts unrequited is. Feels like there''s something shattered in my chest".


    Once again, that girl pretended to sleep, not listening to the expression of courage that was collected with much effort by her husband, Mahendra.


    ***


    "Surya?! Why are you here this early?".


    Sunday, the second day Hendra was at Mr. Lesmana''s house. That man found his secretary picking him up early.


    Hendra only briefly said goodbye to Aruna. Rolls Royce took him speed away quickly to meet the old man who surprisingly instructed him to attend a closed meeting.


    "What else now?! That old grandfather is really unreasonable. I can''t even enjoy my Sunday. Did he not know I was at whose house?!".


    "Wasn''t you the same? Didn''t give me Sunday. Maybe it''s karma for you". Surya tried to crack the bad mood that was clearly shown by Hendra.


    Hendra began to mutter by himself.


    "Seems like it''s because you accepted Mayor cooperation in Wenceslas Construction''s new project". Surya gave a little information.


    "Ah. I knew it would be like this. Yeah.. Okay, I accept the risk".


    "Is he really mad??". Hendra added a question at the end of his words.


    "Since he always puts up a stiff face, I don''t know when he''s mad or happy".


    "Surya, who else will attend the closed meeting this time?".


    "People from D floor". His secretary answered shortly.


    "Haha¡­ Them again". Hendra grinned.


    "What are you talking about actually?". Surya''s facial expression was so curious.


    "You don''t need to know, so you can focus on the Wenceslas Group''s business development more than the others.. Especially problems like this".


    "If one day I''m too busy with other things, I hope you can take over my work, whenever and wherever". Hendra''s words seemed light and flat, but his secretary was too familiar that his words weren''t something ordinary.


    .


    .


    The old man was decorated with a stiff face, tapping his stick, after finding Hendra came and sat on his chair.


    The special chair in the D room was reserved for the new leader. Who else if not the CEO who would be crowned as the successor of the president director, Mahendra Hadyan Wenceslas.


    "Who told you to accept the offer to synergize with the government?". His cold voice infiltrated. Actually, there was no difference with Hendra''s voice when cornering someone.


    "Even though actually that decision was started from everyone''s insistence, I admit I was the one who approved it".


    "Do you know what that means?".


    "Yes. I just understood a few days ago, but I won''t apologize since I just understood". (About Wenceslas family''s past)

 Chapter 118 - Not A Dream

    "Do you know what that means?".


    "Yes. I just understood a few days ago, but I won''t apologize since I just understood". (About Wenceslas family''s past)


    "If you''ve been playing around until this moment, you''re ready for all the risks. Really, I''m sure you haven''t understood how far the risks that we''ll face?".


    "If one day they betray you, make sure to clean our family''s reputation too, regarding the case in the past".


    "I think our influence this time is already more than enough. Moreover, our power".


    "Do the best or back off right now!!". Wenceslas Group''s president director who was more known as the old man attacked Hendra with his sharp statements at length.


    "I already wanted to back off since the beginning, but wasn''t Grandpa the one who supported him until becoming mayor?". Hendra called him ''Grandpa'' on purpose, so that old man would realize that he''s a human.


    In the past, when it became like this, Hendra would call him with the phrase ''you''. There were a lot of things that happened to him lately, ever since he had someone he could hug every night. He felt his life becoming more meaningful and understood how to interpret life.


    "Haha, looks like he''s already informed a lot". Wiryo thought hard.


    "Just so you know, the threat towards you will increase. That''s the initial risk that I can predict".


    Hendra analyzed and tried to catch the phrase from his grandfather.


    "So you know exactly who threatened us. You can predict? It means you know who the mastermind is!". The blue-eyed man indeed had more expertise in catching bait from his interlocutor.


    "What''s the point of us knowing if we never have any proof? Everything''s gonna be nonsense".


    "Let''s take that risk and let''s fight with a more tangible form". Hendra''s words this time surprised people around him.


    Wiryo smiled, that old man smiled at him only this time.


    Hendra didn''t realize that smile meant: the president director was that happy seeing his grandchild cared about the company that he''d inherited for him.


    Wenceslas''s grandchild never showed his concern. Even though he was a CEO who successfully increased company profit, honestly some people had known that he only positioned himself as an employee.


    Not more than an employee who was reliable in his field. Not an heir who needed to think about the future of the company that was inherited for him.


    .


    .


    "Okay.. We''ll start from now. Make sure everyone''s ready to receive their threats anytime".


    Hendra caught his grandfather''s words once again: ''they?''. It meant that this old man knew deeper.


    "If we already know that the possible culprits are certain people, why don''t we try planting intruders into their group or whoever you mean?".


    "Vian, Leona!".


    "Prepare your personnel and let some of them infiltrate into that company". Surprisingly Hendra''s idea was immediately applied by his grandfather. Hendra was a bit shocked, both were rarely in tune in the past.


    "I heard you would also put your people to protect your wife. Are you sure you''ll let Lesmana''s daughter go out freely from the main house?". Wiryo put up a disagreeable facial expression.


    "For this decision of mine, I don''t want anyone to interfere including you!". Hendra frowned. He really didn''t want Wiryo to interfere in his marriage life this time.


    "Fine! I won''t interfere. Fulfill the consequences that we once agreed immediately. This family needs the next generation. You understand how important their presence is".


    "Grandpa, you were the one who married me to a girl whose age wasn''t even 20 years old. She still wants to go to college, still young enough to have a baby. I don''t want anyone to pressure her, especially you".


    Wiryo stood up and left his chair. Next, a screen on the table showed faces and identities of the Raka team who were already assigned in Aruna''s surroundings.


    Hendra gave approval to the leaders on the D floor. Now, Hendra only had to persuade his wife to have at least 2 or 3 bodyguards.


    ***


    That man was immersed in dozens of scattered papers. He''d been doing the same thing for several days, held his guitar then wrote. Over and over like that. He only stopped when he ate, went to the bathroom, then did the same activities again.


    He didn''t know another way to muffle the turmoil in his chest. Other than immersed himself in a sheet of paper and his craziness this time.


    His world stopped for a moment after he had an incoming message on his handphone. Lately, he didn''t really like handphone. He used to use that handphone to spend so much spare time by writing notes, wild ideas that could be used as materials to write novels or make simple phrases, bait for his Instagram followers.


    Even more fun when he used his handphone to enter the game world, playing Mobile Legends. He could stare at it for hours. Or the most tantalizing was disturbing the Reddish Hue. He would launch ridiculous and ambiguous writings as a way to receive a laughing-out loud sticker or a hitting sticker.


    But now, no more fun. He had to shut down all of his social media because he didn''t want to see ''wedding inspiration'' accounts appear on his home. Because the photo of the Reddish Hue appeared there several times.


    The presence of an image who could take 6 out of 7 lives that resided in him.


    The most mesmerizing stop after how antipathy he was towards handphone. Of course, when that green application gave him an update that the person who was sealed in his imaginary space showed signs of life in real life again.


    Three words that meant ''missing'' suddenly presented 6 lives that were taken by angels. As if those lives had blown from the crown of his head and got back in his body. He came back healthy without a doctor''s prescription.


    Apparently, not all logic was right, he could even heal only by staring at three words: ''Miss you Damar".


    Those words were like an endless energy. He would encounter his imagination at a wedding party in three days. A crazy plan that was arranged by people around him. Maybe because of the pity that was sickening them so those people couldn''t stand not to care about him.


    Damar didn''t care either. A crazy idea of singing in front of her who was dressed in a wedding gown, Damar couldn''t do it.


    But those three words suddenly transformed into an extraordinary power. He had to be there to treat the ''miss you'' sentence. If necessary, had time to talk to his imaginary creature who was predicted could be found in real life.


    Damar was making his new poem for the Reddish Hue. He even already counted what hour and second that girl would be freed from the room that shackled her.


    "I''ll wait for you 730 days, 17520 hours, and 63 million seconds". He whispered in his deepest heart, once did the same, waited for her in the same length of time. To repeat the same thing wasn''t something difficult.


    "Be patient, I''ll set you free from him who''s not worthy of mention". Now he reached a device that produced sound when a row of black and white rectangles was touched by fingers.


    Not sure since when he could play the piano.


    Those notes transformed into a love whisper. He found the tone and the lyric. When the Reddish Hue listened to this, that girl had to know that there was someone who kept waiting for her and was ready to pick her up anytime.


    .


    .


    *For you who''s longing


    *Calm down and wait for a moment


    *I''ll be present in the most unfit place


    *When finishes feeling the lyrics that I leave


    *Meet me in the most invisible hallway


    *I wait for you there


    *Demand you to return 6 lives


    *That once fly with your leaving


    That man finally had the courage to open Instagram. A picture that read ''I Call Her The Reddish Hue''.


    Carrying the message underneath, a writing that was soon overrun with various comments. Comments that said admiration along with incomprehension. But he was sure that the Reddish Hue would understand the meaning behind his writing.


    ***


    "Hendra".


    A tiny woman ran hugging him when the blue-eyed man hadn''t finished opening the door.


    The husband immediately caught his wife''s tiny body that was immersed in his chest.


    "What''s this??".


    "Why??".


    "What happened??".


    Between happy and confused. Aruna never did something this sweet. He was really touched because he got a hug that was so deep.


    But that heartwarming feeling suddenly stopped, when repeated questions were launched but that girl cried instead. And when his wife''s chin was lifted, he saw her eyes were red.


    "What happened? What makes you cry??". Hendra stroked her wife, calmed her down.


    That man asked her to sit on the bed. Moved a chair right in front of the girl who started crying. Moved some hair, searched and found the woman who broke his logic.


    "What happened??". Once again, a question was launched.


    "Earlier ee.. Earlier hiks..". Aruna''s voice was unclear because that girl couldn''t calm herself down.


    "Finish your cry then tell clearly!".


    After a few times her wife wiped her tears, she finally could find herself.


    "Earlier, I bought spicy noodles at the front, not far from home. I scolded your bodyguards because they wanted to follow me".


    "Then when I went home, suddenly someone followed me. He chased me".


    "I thought he was a lunatic but his clothes weren''t so bad. And he brought a knife that was hidden in his hand".


    Deg.

 Chapter 119 - Memory Palace

    "I thought he was a lunatic but his clothes weren''t so bad. And he brought a knife that was hidden in his hand".


    Deg.


    "Are you hurt?".


    "No.. I just fell down and I screamed. He stared at me. So scary. I''m so afraid, Hendra".


    _Oh my God_


    "Fortunately your bodyguards followed me silently. They caught him, then they.. I don''t know where they are?!".


    That man immediately immersed his wife in his arms. Sounded so peaceful, but the wife didn''t know there was a hand that was shaking quite strongly and eyes that were blazing.


    "From now on, let me prepare two or three people to guard you".


    "But I don''t need that, Hendra! My daily activities are simple. I don''t want to! It''ll look weird!". She nagged and protested.


    "Aruna, try to understand whose wife you are now".


    "You used to follow me too, I was also chased by your people. But Damar and I could handle it".


    "Earlier, I think probably he''s just a depressed person or something like that".


    "Listen to me and look at me. Look at me and open your eyes!".


    "Look clearly!". Hendra''s voice rose.


    "The one in front of you is Mahendra. Mahendra the sole heir of Wenceslas Group". His voice wasn''t soft anymore.


    "Now I ask, what''s your status?". That man held both of Aruna''s arms, shook her.


    "Wife".


    "Whose wife?"


    "Mahendra". That girl answered haltingly while being scared and began to shed tears. Hendra transformed into his different self.


    "Then what''s my status?" The blue-eyed man asked with a cold tone.


    "Husband".


    "Whose husband?". His hand shook again.


    "My husband".


    "Repeat it again louder!".


    That woman sobbed, but she tried to hold it.


    "My husband". Her voice was hoarse and started shaking.


    "This is a reality, not a bad dream. So follow the orders".


    Hendra was just messed up. That threat really came and greeted his wife. He was afraid to lose her.


    ***


    He ambushed Aruna with a sharp question while asking her to stare at him so that the girl made a firm and repeated statement about Hendra''s presence as her husband. Other people might consider this was merely an expression so that the girl realized and understood her condition which had been a wife for a week.


    In Hendra''s point of view which was so detailed, his behavior wasn''t something simple. He was plugging in a long-term memory about his presence using the loci method.


    Hendra was indeed a bit crazy about several things, including a craziness that he had to be recognized.


    He forced Aruna to stare at him, including to stare at the room around her, and asked her to repeat a pattern firmly and loudly several times.


    I''m a wife. Mahendra''s wife.


    And Mahendra is a husband, my husband.


    Nobody did something this detailed just to revive and plug himself in the brain of the woman who destructed his logic.


    He needed to present in Aruna''s short-term and long-term memories so that the girl didn''t keep feeling like she was in a nightmare. She was in a real-life where Hendra was the owner.


    Aruna needed to find Hendra on the sidelines of her brain. When someone asked her ''what''s your status?'', the visual that was caught in stored memory was Hendra. It was indeed Mahendra who was tucked in one of the nervous systems in Aruna''s brain.


    And vice versa, when someone asked ''who is Mahendra?'', then that girl would find the word ''my husband'' indirectly. Even though she rejected it, she wouldn''t forget it. The blue-eyed had plugged his position in Aruna''s room spatial space.


    An ancient method that Mahendra learned from his books.


    [Loci method, also called memory palace or mind palace, is a mnemonic device (memorization) that was introduced in ancient Roman and treatises on ancient Greek rhetoric (in anonymous Rhetorica ad Herennium, Cicero De Oratore work, and Quintilian Institutio Oratoria work), a memory enhancement that uses visualization to organize and remember information.


    The champion of the 2006 World Memory Championship, Clemens Mayer from Germany, used a 300-spot travel from "his house" for a world record in a "number marathon", memorized 1,040 random digits in 30 minutes.


    The success of the memory contest champions isn''t connected with the brain structure or intelligence, but more related to the use of the brain region''s technique that is related to spatial study (spatial is someone''s ability to visualize a picture in their mind or create it in 2D or 3D form and also how someone can place spatial aspect appropriately in various decision making, in creating)].


    Simply, Hendra connected a spatial space which was Aruna''s room to a statement that had to be memorized and saved. Hendra inserted himself in Aruna''s memory warehouse, Aruna''s memory palace.


    Aruna didn''t have to be a memory contest champion. She only needed to save it and have trouble deleting it.


    Hendra knew this girl wasn''t so smart in several things. The blue-eyed understood every sentence that was launched by Aruna''s mother, that Aruna wasn''t so smart in science or mathematics field like himself.


    But she had an extraordinary ability related to form a design, create several things, arrange layout. One of the examples, when arranging a blue ocean 3D invitation in a narrow room box, her perspective became wide. That girl could make people who saw her become thoroughly fascinated and as if capturing the vast blue ocean without limits.


    Aruna was smart spatially. And Hendra needed to be remembered spatially.


    If Damar ambushed Aruna with his poetic words, that was the ability that he really mastered. Hendra also had another way to ambush Aruna. He would use his behaviors and knowledge to strengthen his presence.


    Hendra had caught that man''s update earlier than Aruna, through an Instagram account with the username @bluehadyan. Even though honestly, Hendra really didn''t understand the meaning and what the writer meant.


    *Present in the most unworthy place?


    *Feel the lyric that is entrusted?


    *Invisible hallway?


    *Return 6 lives???


    Hendra''s comprehension was big zero. He gave up to understand what his rival meant. Unfortunately, the husband knew the meaning of Reddish Hue was the rival''s special name for Aruna. Obviously, that status was meant for his wife.


    And when Hendra came, he found the hug that was so deep behind the cry. Since a threat started greeting his wife from his complicated life.


    And when he offered protection, the wife rejected and brought up the name of his rival : "Damar and I can handle it". Hendra pushed himself not to be mad. His hands were shaking and his eyes were blazing.


    Aruna needed to know where her position was and needed to understand who owned her now. The woman who destructed his logic needed to know clearly and consciously that Mahendra, the sole heir of Wenceslas Group, was the only one who entitled to her and it was undeniable. Aruna needed to follow his orders.


    After that, the blue-eyed used his brain to think about how to control Aruna. He didn''t have poetic words or romantic behaviors like ''strategy beyond expectation'' that was owned by his rival.


    But, Hendra had another way that was more special. He used his brain and used his behavior to control Aruna.


    .


    .


    The blue-eyed chose to get out of the room to pick up the call that he got. He knew this call was from the people on the D floor, which needed to be kept tightly from anyone.


    A discussion that was quite long between the two handphones, his phone and his grandfather''s personal secretary''s phone, Andos.


    "Don''t touch him. Let that man stay alive. This time, I''ll use my way to find out who they are".


    "Just keep that person and make sure he''s not taken by anyone".


    "Put him in the detention room on the D floor. I need to meet him before we make a decision. Even you guys don''t need to do any interrogation".


    The next call was from Raka, the head of the bodyguard suggested that he and his wife go back to the main house soon.


    Or Raka would send more people to guard Mr. Lesmana''s house and that thing didn''t seem ethical in Hendra''s eyes.


    .


    .


    When Wiryo''s grandchild opened the door with ''baby Aruna'' written on it, he saw that girl already wearing different clothes and smelling nice.


    "We''ll go back to the main house now! Please help me pack the things that you want to bring". Hendra pulled out the clothes from the cupboard and started folding them quickly. On the other side, Aruna didn''t seem to accept this decision.


    That girl closed the suitcase that they brought from the main house tightly. She hid it behind her back.


    "Aruna, what are you doing?". His voice was cold but his hands were arranging clothes on the shabby chic bed swiftly.


    "No! I don''t want to go back now. You''ve promised me that we''d stay for 2 days".


    "I said it before I came late. So it''s time for us to go back this afternoon".


    "No, I don''t want to.. Even though it''s still afternoon, a promise is a promise. You have to keep it".

 Chapter 120 - An Interesting Doll

    "No, I don''t want to.. Even though it''s still afternoon, a promise is a promise. You have to keep it".


    Aruna really stepped back and put that suitcase on the wall. When her husband stared at her more closely, he walked as if he got closer.


    Turned out, Hendra closed the door that hadn''t been closed perfectly before.


    "This is your father''s house, we can''t fight here. My mood is bad, so please be good or else I''ll be really angry".


    "Why are you always like this, always wants to win? Even my simple wish like that is hard to fulfill". Aruna couldn''t stand it.


    "It''s not about win or lose, but we have to go home as soon as possible". Hendra voiced his command consistently.


    "You''ll lock me up again, right?? You''ll lock me up there and go home at night, ask for my hug, what kind of man are you?!". This girl had been treated the same way for a week. She used to be free and suddenly she was like a prisoner. She was getting fed up.


    "Remember, Aruna. We can''t fight here. It''s your father''s house. I''m not sure this room is soundproof like our room at the main house".


    Aruna couldn''t reply to him. That girl didn''t have an ability to look bad, moreover make her family worry.


    Her voice lowered and she asked Mahendra, held both of his husband''s hands : "I beg you. Give me a chance to spend one more night here. Wasn''t I already so kind to obey all the MoU that we made? I even gave you a kiss that you need just like our agreement at the 21st point".


    _What??_


    Mahendra closed his eyes for a moment, his heart began to be upset, really upset.


    Last night''s kiss that he thought was an early chance to open the heart of the girl in front of him, it turned out to be a form of compliance. This girl was really consistent that she would only obey the MoU that they made.


    ''I''ll obey the contents of the contract that we''ve made''. This sentence used to make him steal Aruna''s first kiss.


    ''Kiss when needed'' and this point made him confuse in guessing Aruna''s behavior at that time. He thought Aruna was pulling himself to prove her courage, as if that girl would kiss him. Turned out she was only giving his platinum card back. (Chapter 26)


    Turned out, the same thing happened again today. He was wrong in guessing Aruna''s behavior again. Last night''s amazing kiss was only a form of her compliance with the contract that they made.


    That man harshly let go both of Aruna''s hands that were holding his hands softly.


    ''Gave you a kiss that you need like our agreement at the 21st point''. It was quite painful for someone who was really hopeful.


    "Step aside! You have to go out of this room, I''m really messed up".


    Aruna frowned, Hendra''s expression immediately changed.


    "Hendra, what''s going on with you?".


    "Get out!". Hendra pulled her hands. He really asked that girl to disappear from his face.


    "Now!!". He snapped.


    Lesmana''s daughter stepped away and the door was closed harshly, tightly.


    He sat for a moment. Aruna was still knocking on her door. Meanwhile, the man tried to search his trouser pocket where he kept his sedative.


    "Hendra.. Please open the door.. Hendra!".


    "I just want to stay here one more night. Think of it as my birthday present".


    _Birthday? Whose birthday? Aruna''s birthday?_


    He forgot that tonight was the day when his wife turned 20 years old. Hendra didn''t really care about birthday. He never celebrated it.


    And he didn''t know when Aruna''s birthday was. He called his secretary, asked him to prepare something in a hurry.


    And the lousy man started typing a keyword on Google and chose the article ''the most wanted birthday gift that wife wants''.


    _Ah. I don''t know, I''ll just send it to Surya_


    *Damn, your request really gives me goosebumps?. An incoming text on Surya''s handphone from his secretary, Surya.


    *Just do it. Don''t complain too much.


    *Which room?


    *Aruna''s room at Mr. Lesmana''s house, is it possible?? She doesn''t want to go home (Hendra)


    *How am I gonna bring the property? If it has to be the same with this article, it''s clearly impossible?


    *Okay then, in our room. I''ll force her to go back to the main house.


    "Hey tiny! What''s going on?".


    "Why are you knocking on your own room door?".


    Anantha''s voice heard from inside the room. Hendra was a little doubt, but he needed to come out soon or Aruna''s sibling would sense about this fight and it''d become more messed up.


    "Eh. I was just calling Hen..".


    "Yes, Honey.. I was in the bathroom. I didn''t really hear your voice". The blue-eyed suddenly open the door and talked using the opposite language.


    Anantha stared at him thoroughly. Hendra immediately reached Aruna and slipped that tiny girl inside the room.


    Aruna''s older brother was still looking at Hendra cautiously, full of threats.


    "Okay.. We''ll stay here, but only until dinner. After that, we''ll go back to the main house". Hendra conveyed his unwavering order after they were inside the room and began to freeze into each other''s silence.


    Aruna didn''t answer anymore. That girl was too tired to beg to Hendra.


    "Don''t worry. Starting from tomorrow, you''ll come with me to the office. Honestly, I have no intention to lock you up. I just want you to be safe".


    Aruna still fell silent. That man came closer to her.


    "I have a special gift for you, but we have to go home since that gift is waiting in our room". Hendra talked to his wife softly.


    "Why is it so expensive just to stay here for a night?". That girl''s resigned voice sounded heartbreaking.


    "We can stay here whenever we want, but for now, just follow what I want".


    The blue-eyed got closer, moved a few strands of hair, and landed his lips on Lesmana''s daughter''s cheek.


    _I''m like a doll, really treated like a doll_


    "Ms.. Aruna.. Anantha asked for you". Now, her older brother didn''t dare to knock on Aruna''s room door anymore. He asked the household assistant to call Aruna.


    That girl swiftly came out to fulfill her older brother''s call. Turned out, her older brother was accepting a guest, a man that looked younger than her older brother.


    "Hey, Aruna.. This is Gibran. He just came back from abroad".


    Aruna was a bit confused when her older brother asked them to handshake.


    "Gibran is my business partner. He takes part in improving the service system in the application that I develop".


    "Ah right. Gibran is interested in your start-up too".


    "Maybe you can talk for a while to understand a few things that you can develop together".


    Anantha talked too much, explaining to her new friend. He even told that Gibran invested in his company.


    The oldest sibling who spent a lot of time and energy to build his own company, all-out, since he graduated from the university. He was the first one who caught suspicion towards the condition of his family, bound by Wenceslas. At the end of this year, his company developed quite promising.


    Anantha said that these past 4 months, Gibran played an important role so that the service and profit increased rapidly. Especially because of the capital injection from Gibran''s family.


    Gibran and Aruna only smiled seeing Anantha who looked so excited.


    "What can I say?? Magic Letter is too small compared to his company. We''re just a group of youths who sell products online on social media, including on website".


    "The website is only managed by one person. Pretty simple, right? Even though it''s developed massively, we don''t have any courage yet. We''re lacking of staff".


    Gibran smiled listening to every sentence that was said by Aruna. Aruna felt that his smile was almost similar to someone, his husband to be exact.


    "It''s okay. I''m just curious. Your older brother always speaks a lot about you. Especially your track record as Magic Letter''s founder. I heard it came from a unique, original idea".


    "Looks like he''s just too exaggerating".


    "Do you really provide love letter making service, even trinkets to express affection??". Gibran asked.


    "Haha. Yeah. We almost shut it down at that time, then one of our team had a unique idea. He makes it really desirable even until now".


    "Including heartbreak letters that make other designs and trinkets are ogled by customers too in the end".


    "Really?? You''re the project designer alone?". A question that actually didn''t need to be answered, since the questioner already knew the answer.


    "For now, yeah. But in fact, we just recruited another project designer".


    "Can I go there someday?".


    "Of course, please do".


    "How?? You''re interested, right??". This time, Anantha was the one who talked, asking Gibran a question.


    "How?? You''re interested, right??". This time, Anantha was the one who talked, asking Gibran a question


    "Yeah, really interesting".

 Chapter 121 - Possessive

    "Really?? You''re the project designer alone?". A question that actually didn''t need to be answered, since the questioner already knew the answer.


    "For now, yeah. But in fact, we just recruited another project designer".


    "Can I go there someday?".


    "Of course, please do".


    "How?? You''re interested, right??". This time, Anantha was the one who talked, asking Gibran a question


    "Yeah, really interesting".


    "Gibran.. Do you know how old my sister is? She''s only turning 20 years old tonight".


    "Wow.. So young.. I know you look young, but I didn''t think you''re that young".


    "Hehe". Aruna''s laughter accompanied their next conversation, didn''t realize that someone was getting closer to them.


    "But she''s already married". That voice surprised everyone.


    "Can I join here?". Hendra suddenly interrupted and sat near Aruna.


    "Yeah.. An unintentional marriage". Ananta''s sentence ignited the blue-eyed, making those eyes couldn''t stop staring at him.


    "Really? My other younger sibling was supposed to be the one who got married, but this tiny one was kind enough to replace her. Even worse, my father couldn''t avoid this weird wedding". Anantha was also ignited by Mahendra''s unpleasant stare.


    "Brother..". Aruna rubbed her older brother''s knee, hoping Anantha would reduce his sharp expressions that he launched non-stop towards Hendra.


    Gibran caught this unpleasant situation calmly. Seemed like he already knew the real condition.


    "Seems like Hendra and I need to.. Eh..".


    The youngest one was confused and awkward about what she was supposed to do. Her husband and older brother began to spit out hot steam.


    "Just go, tiny.. I''m already fed up being stared by young master".


    Aruna didn''t know what to talk and what to do. Fortunately, her older brother was willing to give in.


    "Next time, hope we can continue this conversation. I''m really interested. I really hope we can work together". Gibran''s closing greeting was adorned with his familiar smile.


    "Thanks". Aruna replied that smile while reaching Hendra''s wrist, hoping Hendra would follow her to stay away.


    .


    .


    "I feel like he''s familiar. Seems like I''ve seen him". Gibran tried to collect his memories.


    "Of course. Who doesn''t know him.". Ananda confirmed Gibran''s sentence.


    "Who is your sister''s husband anyway?".


    "He''s Wenceslas Group''s heir".


    "Obviously, suits my expectation. Oh, I mean, suits my mind".


    .


    .


    "Always like this.. Can you make your anger alarm go away?".


    "Anger alarm??".


    "Yes, Hendra! You need to reduce it. Your emotion keeps changing every time. It can suddenly ring and explode only by touching it".


    "I''m just acting like a normal husband. How can you talk with another man without telling me?".


    "He''s just my older brother''s friend, Hendra. Reduce your possessiveness!".


    "What?? You''re saying that I''m possessive??".


    "Why does everyone tell me that?". Hendra didn''t understand, but he thought that he was in the right position.


    "Because you''re indeed like that".


    "What does possessive mean? I don''t even understand what it means, but I''m always accused of being possessive?". He really didn''t understand.


    "Look for it by yourself. You''re indeed a very complicated human".


    He really did the simple sentence that was said by Aruna. He looked for its meaning.


    [Possessive is a condition where someone doesn''t feel secure with the relationship that he''s in. Because he doesn''t feel confident and afraid of the presence of someone who''s better than him, who''ll steal his partner]. (https: kelascinta.com)


    _Ah, it''s really me. I can''t dodge anymore_


    _How else? Aruna is my only treasure, a new dream in my life_


    The mind of someone who wasn''t allowed to have dreams. Always chased by the fear of missing, even though he hadn''t even owned Aruna completely.


    [Don''t Misunderstand. Here Are 7 Differences of Possessive and Protective, Bro!]. (Another article that attracted Hendra''s heart)


    Protective means protecting, possessive only cares about ownership


    Protective doesn''t forbid, possessive restricts strictly


    Protective means monitoring without interfering, possessive involves too far


    Protective means trusting, possessive means doubting


    Protective will be just fine when knowing you''re doing activities, possessive will give you a lot of questions


    Protective will give you chances, possessive will constantly hold back


    Protective won''t forbid friendship with the opposite sex, possessive will strictly forbid it.


    _Oh. I need to learn to be protective, not possessive. Wait! Why do all of the explanations put me in a possessive position? Maybe this article misunderstands. Isn''t it important she knows that she''s mine? Why does that article say: shouldn''t only care about ownership?? And doesn''t forbid opposite sex friendship?? Wow, it doesn''t make sense. I can''t do this?!_


    Hendra didn''t agree that he was possessive, but he didn''t completely like the explanations of protective.


    .


    .


    "Hendra, do you want to play games? Don''t keep playing handphone!".


    Aruna threw the game stick towards him. She began to turn on Gran Turismo 4 (GT4), her favorite racing car game.


    That man took the stick that fell near him while observing it carefully.


    "I''ve never played using this thing at all".


    "Are you a real alien?? You don''t know a game stick??".


    "I know, even my company have produced it. But I''ve never played it yet".


    "You really never play it? What did you fill your childhood with, Hendra?? If not childhood, your teenage years?! What did you do??".


    "I did self-defense, all kinds of sports, reading books, learning specific musical instruments, and was sent to my grandfather''s company in turns. Oh, I also joined other private courses like leadership management, public speaking, too many.. I can''t count". This man remembered his childhood and teenage years.


    "Boring!". Aruna was annoyed because he was too different.


    "But I can learn it, I''ll try".


    Hendra paid attention to that stick again : "Can I try it once?".


    "Okay! Whatever".


    That man really tried it. He pressed few buttons on the game stick. Going forward, going back, bending a few times, sharp turn trial. When there was a mound, he used the car in the game to jump then repeated it two times.


    "Okay, I''m ready!". That man only needed time around 5 minutes then suddenly he felt that he already mastered many things.


    "Try beating  me if you can".


    "What do I get if I can beat you?".


    "You haven''t won yet, but already asking for something!!"


    "It''d be more interesting if we bet. Moreover, if the bet is a kiss, wow, really enjoyable".


    "Such a pervert!! Only that in your brain?".


    "I''ve said it last night.. Getting a kiss every time is my dream".


    "Crazy.. The other, please!!". Aruna protested. Actually, this husband and wife were already competing on the track while exchanging their nonsense talks.


    Aruna was dumbfounded. The crazy CEO indeed had a fast learning ability. Aruna felt that his car racing ability was the best, except when she competed with Damar.


    Hendra only tried once, not more than 5 minutes, but he was already skillful at competing with her. He even had left Aruna''s car with that serious face.


    "Come on.. What will you give? Looks like I''m the winner".


    This girl couldn''t accept it, then she covered Hendra''s view. She stood in front of Hendra who sat comfortably on the sofa.


    "What are you doing?? Move..!! Move..!! You''re gonna make me lose".


    The blue-eyed''s car was really left behind : "move!!"


    He pushed Aruna''s body to get her out of his way.


    This girl was smiling behind her effort to look for loopholes and staring at TV.


    Because Wiryo''s grandchild knew that he''d lose due to Lesmana''s daughter''s cheating.


    Hendra was so annoyed.


    He reached the tiny body in front of him and pushed her to the sofa.


    He tickled Aruna''s stomach.


    "Hahaha.. Hendra, don''t do that. It''s ticklish..".


    "Aw.. Haha.. It''s ticklish..!"


    "I''m gonna attack you with 100 kisses since you dared to cheat on Wenceslas Group''s CEO".


    "Haha..". Lesmana''s daughter laughed, in between feeling happy since she finally could prank Hendra and feeling ticklish since the crazy CEO tickled her while trying to find Aruna''s face. The blue-eyed was hoping to land his lips on the cheek of the woman who destructed his logic.


    "Hendra, move.. Go away¡­".


    This girl hid her face behind the chair pillow while pushing Hendra''s face a few times.


    But the man didn''t want to lose. He reached that pillow and attacked Aruna again.


    That girl covered her face with both hands.


    "If you don''t move your hands, I''ll keep tickling you".


    "Forgive me.. Haha.. Hen.. Stop.. Hendra..!!". Aruna felt too ticklish and gave up. Those tiny hands hadn''t been opened yet but this man already attacked her.


    "Muah.. Muah muah muah..". He kissed Aruna''s cheek on the same spot multiple times.


    The laughter of this newlywed really made the listeners thrilled. It was spread to the whole living room on the first floor, Lesmana''s house.


    It delivered a sigh of relief for the father and mother of the girl who became a replacement bride of the Wenceslas Group''s sole heir.


    Unfortunately, that naughty voice disturbed the older brother. Anantha came in a huff : "Could you move to the room? I''m receiving a guest!".


    Anantha''s face was caught in horror. He saw his younger sister under a man who looked up because he just kissed his younger sister.

 Chapter 122 - A Special Gift

    Anantha''s face was caught in horror. He saw his younger sister under a man who looked up because he just kissed his younger sister.


    Aruna pushed Hendra swiftly. That newlywed woke up and tidied themselves up.


    "I''m sorry, brother". Said Aruna shyly.


    That girl elbowed Hendra''s stomach so he''d apologize too.


    "I''m sorry too.. Hm.. Brother". It was hard to say the word ''Brother'' to the man in front of him. Anantha was Surya''s age and he often bullied Surya. But he had to respect Aruna''s older brother who often put on a hostile face towards him.


    Aruna hurried away, slowly stepped back, and finally walked fast. Hendra followed behind her.


    "We''ll continue in the room". The blue-eyed teased his wife.


    "No..!". Aruna rejected firmly.


    "Come on.!". He smiled playfully.


    "No!". Her eyes glared.


    "Come on, Honey..". He teased boldly.


    "Don''t call me honey!". The girl stopped and snapped.


    "Hoooneee¡­". This man was playing, pranking on his tiny wife with the phrase honey. Hendra knew Aruna was freaked out with that nickname.


    "Once again you call me honey, I''ll hit you!". Aruna raised her hand, gave a threat.


    And finally, this man was really hit on his chest.


    Instead of dodging, he pretended to curl up and fall down as if that blow hurt.


    "Don''t be dramatic?!". This girl hit him again since he dared to annoy her.


    Once again, the blue-eyed curled up, pretending to be in pain.


    "Hendra, you''re ridiculous!".


    "Help me.. It hurts a lot..". He wept ridiculously.


    "Hiks hiks hiks..".


    The girl finally laughed observing his contract marriage partner''s absurd behavior.


    ***


    "Huh. Seems like that cold human really will be the next president director". A group of people filled the office of their supreme council. Big sofas surrounded a table with classic and sturdy nuance. A room with a deep silver European interior gave the impression of the owner''s arrogance.


    "Hehe.. We were clearly cheated by that arrogant old man. He was able to deceive us easily. Damn!". Someone among them joined in.


    "I''ve warned you since the beginning. That person won''t give his position to those who aren''t the rightful heir, moreover not blood-related. That''s impossible, really impossible for Wenceslas?".


    "Yeah.. How else.. An issue is circulating that the kid was born without a legal marriage. If that''s true, Wiryo won''t choose him either".


    "Seems like that information was circulated by him to deceive us".


    A warm discussion accompanied by a cup of bitter coffee became their routine. The smell of coffee seared into the whole room, making someone who was about to enter the room a little hesitant.


    This man was fully aware. When the smell of the coffee was too strong, it meant that the number of allied people who were gathering was more than two.


    "Sir, has your son arrived?". A bodyguard whispered information to the leader of this coalition.


    "Tell him to come in!". He stressed it out with a smirk.


    Not long after that, that man was present in the middle of the room. He straightened his back, as his father''s order who always asked him to put on a stiff, strong, and mysterious face.


    An aura that was far from himself actually. Unfortunately, he was always under his father''s shadow or this crazy coalition would move his family from the throne of leadership which was treated in extreme ways.


    "What have you got?!". The father asked him the question that he had expected.


    "Don''t tell me you failed again!". A sentence that paralyzed the fake aura, sad in disgust.


    "Is there no other way than to kill?". This man was really bothered and depressed personally.


    "You think there is another way other than to end their next generation and take over our rights?". The father stared at him mercilessly and his voice raised.


    "If I have another way to take over their power, are you gonna kill them?".


    "We''ll see.. But I''m not sure about your way to solve this problem, without killing them". Now, the colleague of the family who was really close and more familiar with the nickname ''uncle'', began to talk.


    "Uncles have tried using the same method for 2 generations, sending a threat. In fact, they still survive, even though our presence hasn''t been disclosed. I think there will be times when we''ll get caught". The youngest man began to build the frame of mind of the people around him.


    "We use a new method, by learning about their weakness first. Then we decide how to immobilize Wenceslas". His voice was more confident.


    "I like your son''s method.. It seems very plausible. It isn''t useless for you to send him overseas to study for a long time". A man in navy suits gave approval.


    "Okay, we''ll follow your method this time". The father began to give in.


    "Ah right. Where did you assign your younger sister now? She said she got a special task from you?". The father asked again.


    "Don''t worry. Her task isn''t tough and she starts to like it. She''s not in danger either". The heir to the throne gave an explanation about the whereabouts of his younger sister.


    "I suggest you kill Hendra''s wife. She''s the easiest target to paralyze the old Wiryo and his cold grandchild". The father made an order that he avoided the most.


    "I''m sure that girl doesn''t have a big influence. She''s still very young and seems ordinary. We start learning about her life. Don''t touch her for now or they''ll really look for our whereabouts blindly. They''ve been playing safe and calm this time. I''m getting more suspicious how they could survive this far even though we''ve done many things to paralyze them. I''m afraid they have something beyond our comprehension".


    "If you underestimate my words, let''s count together. How many times Wiryo was able to escape and now his grandchild always escapes. Last time, that weak girl even escaped".


    The European-style room with shades of silver was adorned by faces that immersed in their own mind.


    Candidates for heir to the throne of a two-generation coalition. Bringing a new way to paralyze the enemy of the family which was passed down to him. Enemies who personally didn''t have any correlation at all.


    He took a deep breath and exhaled. Exhaled the smell of coffee that pierced the nose.


    ***


    Happy birthday, Aruna!


    Happy birthday, Aruna!


    Happy birthday


    Happy birthday


    Happy birthday, Aruna¡­


    Lesmana''s family dinner became their version of a small birthday party but made the Wenceslas''s heir, Mahendra, so amazed. A new world that was unusually warm. Fortunately, he didn''t drag his wife home. He was sure the whole family would''ve hated him if this 7-day-son-in-law had dared to bring the youngest home arbitrarily earlier this afternoon. That girl got hugs and kisses from the whole family.


    She even blew a 20-shaped candle with a cheerful bright face. Hendra had experienced this, vaguely remembering it when he was 4 or 5 years old. When his mother hadn''t experienced a major depression.


    One by one, Aruna''s family brought out colorfully wrapped gifts, including their 4 household assistants. Two securities and both of Hendra''s bodyguards were forced to gather. They all sat in the same room, even sat on similar chairs.


    It was a rare occasion in Hendra''s eyes. Only Surya who could be like this in Wenceslas''s tradition, since Surya had a special place: became Hendra''s spokesman on his family dinner. Because the grandchild wasn''t willing to let his voice out when being asked by his family members, grandmother, especially the arrogant grandfather, Wiryo.


    The blue-eyed was too busy. He observed the surroundings. It turned out that those meaningless balloons and small lamps could be warm accessories. Like an alien who just arrived on earth and tried to understand.


    "Hendra..". His wife called, disturbing him from the activity of the brain neurons that were wandering to set up new patterns as a result of being overly amazed by the surrounding spatial space.


    "Hendra!". He was disturbed once again.


    "Hmm..". Only that response came out of his mouth. Then his eyes moved, finding consciousness. His wife''s family members stared closely at him.


    "Ah. What''s going on? What''s wrong with me?". He knew that stare was asking for an explanation.


    "He often forgets.. But I know, tomorrow he''ll definitely buy a special gift for me". Aruna grinned, realizing that Hendra would end up that way.


    "Oh, gift.. Gift for you?". He asked the tiny girl who tried to calm down her family.


    "Don''t worry, I''ve prepared the best one".


    "That''s why I''m asking permission to take Aruna back to the main house".


    "Because I''ve prepared a perfect special gift in our personal room".


    Hendra''s words made the whole Lesmana family dumbfounded.


    His wife stepped on Hendra''s foot, really strong.


    "Why did you step on my foot??".


    The wife blushed and covered her face.


    _You''re indeed a crazy CEO_ Aruna cursed over and over again silently. If her family members had disappeared suddenly, maybe she would''ve already killed this contract marriage husband.


    Her whole family definitely were imagining the special gift from Aruna''s husband wasn''t far from : ''A Hot Night''.


    _Damn! I''ll kill you after this_


    _Argh¡­!! Unlucky.. Unlucky.._ Lesmana''s youngest daughter could only curse behind his family''s wish to say a prayer at the turn of the age to 20 years old.

 Chapter 123 - Longitudinal Wave

    _You''re indeed a crazy CEO_ Aruna cursed over and over again silently. If her family members had disappeared suddenly, maybe she would''ve already killed this contract marriage husband.


    Her whole family definitely were imagining the special gift from Aruna''s husband wasn''t far from : ''A Hot Night''.


    _Damn! I''ll kill you after this_


    _Argh¡­!! Unlucky.. Unlucky.._ Lesmana''s youngest daughter could only curse behind his family''s wish to say a prayer at the turn of the age to 20 years old.


    .


    .


    "Aruna". The older brother called after the whole family hugged the tiny youngest, accompanying her back to the heir of Wenceslas Group who became the owner of the tiny little sister now.


    "Tonight, if you''re gonna be seduced to lose your virginity, listen to me! It really hurts, so undo your intention. But, if it''s already the umpteenth time, make sure you''re not pregnant. It''s not funny to go to campus with a huge belly". The older brother purposely raised his voice so that the man standing behind his lovely tiny offended.


    Hendra''s eyes were blazing. If only he hadn''t been Aruna''s big brother, he would''ve punched him all-out.


    "You''d better get married, so you''ll know how it''s like to be a husband who''s annoyed by his wife''s older brother. And the older brother is shameless to mind his little sister''s household affairs.


    "What did you say!!". Anantha reached Hendra''s collar. Someone who was attacked by Anantha was ready to hold the back of the hand of the person who dared to attack him.


    "Oh, come on..! You dare to fight in front of me?? Hands off, both of you!!". Lesmana was annoyed with the boys including his son-in-law. Since earlier, they were caught throwing heat at each other.


    Hendra let go of his hands quickly, bowed to apologize with his collar was still held by Anantha.


    "Anantha, let go of your younger brother!".


    "Tsk, I''m not willing to have a little brother like him". Anantha cursed and chose to leave.


    Aruna emptied the breath in the chest. She was really depressed when her husband and older brother began to fight. Aruna understood that her older brother was stubborn and she also understood that her husband, Mahendra, didn''t know how to give in.


    When this newlywed began to turn their back to the father, suddenly Mr. Lesmana came closer and called both of them.


    "Hendra, I entrust my daughter. Take care of her".


    "Ah. Dad, you make me touched". Aruna let go of Hendra''s hand that embraced her shoulders and ran to hug her father.


    Mr. Lesmana ignored her youngest daughter''s hug. He was more focused on staring at Hendra who was stunned by the sweet behavior between father and child in front of him.


    "Your oldest brother, Anantha, got a point. Get rid of the desire to have a baby for now. Let my daughter enjoy and finish her college".


    "Your desire is the same as mine. I hope you''re willing to help me talk to grandfather". Hendra was a bit shaken every time Aruna''s father started talking to him. As if he had got a rare moment throughout his journey of life.


    "Enough, don''t cry. Your husband is waiting". Mr. Lesmana lifted the youngest''s face. She was crying.


    "I love you, Dad. Don''t forget to visit me, Dad..". This girl''s words accompanied her steps while being dragged by the CEO.


    "You''re still in Indonesia. You can meet your father anytime! Don''t be dramatic like this. You make me touched too". Hendra''s voice burst out along with the wheels of Bentley Continental.


    Instead of stopping, his wife cried even louder.


    "Still in Indonesia, but your main house isn''t even within range of the okejek (online motorcycle application)." Aruna complained about something that was unimportant for Hendra.


    _Wish I could get out of that automatic gate. I can''t even order anything to flee further_


    Aruna''s mind had changed the main house into a jail.


    "Why do you even need an online application? Mahendra''s wife can give orders to all of her husband''s bodyguards. Even can give orders to her husband". Hendra started getting closer and embraced the tiny body beside him. He wiped brilliant water droplets that dampened smooth supple cheeks without make-up.


    Wiryo''s grandchild couldn''t help but put his lips. He kissed both of Lesmana''s youngest daughter''s eyes, right and left. Aruna fell silent, stunned to be exact. Hendra was too sweet and dangerous for her.


    "Can you stay away? You kissed me too much today".


    Hendra''s facial expression frowned. He was cranky like Aruna''s behavior when she was pranked.


    Aruna glanced at him. She didn''t care.


    "You''re so expensive". He groaned as a normal man with natural instincts that were hard to control.


    "There are a lot of women who are crazy about me, you know. They locked me up in the class, just because those girls were curious with my expression when being approached aggressively. Not to mention the behavior of some women who willingly took off their clothes in front of me".


    "Meanwhile, you, I have to beg over and over again to be allowed to give a little touch".


    That one-way conversation was actually heard by two bodyguards who sat at the front. Those two men also felt the pain of the young master''s feelings. They haven''t got married yet, but they weren''t allowed to show their intimacy openly. They understood that in their job, they had to keep their partners safe by hiding them from a lot of parties.


    "Do you have another man who fills your heart?". The man began to be bothered by the rejection.


    Aruna only fell silent. This girl threw her glance to the street of the capital that was completely unattractive.


    "How amazing is he until you can put up such a strong defense?".


    The words that Mahendra said didn''t get any response at all.


    "Come here. Pay attention to me just once!". He begged with a low voice, hoping to be welcomed.


    "Look at me.. Stare at me.. I want to look at my wife''s face!". His heart began to hurt.


    Aruna didn''t budge.


    "Aruna..!".


    She still didn''t want to turn around.


    "Aruna, look at ME!". The husband began to snap.


    "LOOK AT ME JUST ONCE!". He was angry. He pulled his woman''s elbow, making the bodyguard at the front startled too.


    "How can I pay attention to a man whose feelings can change in seconds?". The logic destroyer smiled sadly.


    Deg.


    _She''s really testing me. How dare she_


    Hendra pulled her waist closer.


    "Do you need my kiss? If yes, I''ll close my eyes. You can make use of the 21st point".


    _Our agreement_ Aruna muttered in her heart. This agreement couldn''t be heard by the bodyguards.


    _What??_


    _Why does it hurt this much_ The young master let go of his grip from the woman whom he tied up with a marriage agreement.


    He closed his eyes, muffled something in his chest. Next, he punched the car sofa harshly, too harsh until that girl was surprised and got a goosebumps in fear.


    .


    .


    "You know I like you, right?". Suddenly, the silence was broken by the cackling laughter of the Wenceslas''s heir along with the interrogative sentence that came out of his mouth.


    Aruna glanced at him then stared at him. That laughter was the same as his laugh before beating up his grandfather''s bodyguards on Aruna''s first night at the main house.


    "You said : How can I pay attention to a man like you??".


    "Haha. It means that actually you''ve heard my love confessions multiple times". Hendra already knew that he was ignored but he needed to find out the reason.


    "And you ignored it".


    "How sad my fate is". Hendra''s voice made the Bentley''s narrow space become colder.


    "Stop your analogy, Hendra". That girl was willing to stare at him now, even though her gaze was forced.


    "Because my heart is mine, let me decide it by myself".


    "Even though you''re a ruler, you won''t be able to control it. Let alone have it by threatening me".


    Every word coming out from the mouth of the woman who destroyed his logic transformed into a knife that stabbed the blue-eyed man multiple times.


    He was hurt, in pain without blood.


    "Being nice is a choice.. Closing eyes and ears are choices too..".


    "Even not choosing is a choice too".


    "Please appreciate my choice and stop hoping". Soft vibration from the tiny''s longitudinal wave (voice) creeped through the air, penetrated vibrating the CEO''s tympanic membrane (eardrum). The vibration burst, strengthened the auditory bone''s boost to send it to the inner ear, then transformed into electrical impulses and caught by the auditory nerve in the CEO''s brain who was infatuated.


    When the CEO''s brain translated the logic destroyer''s electrical impulses.


    Once again, Lesmana''s daughter was able to make Wiryo''s grandchild stunned.


    _She won''t choose, choose anyone between us_


    Aruna was always beyond prediction, making him give in again.


    Being too kind caused everyone to be tormented, but also pushing the chaser to be even more infatuated.

 Chapter 124 - Buck Roses

    Aruna was always beyond prediction, making him give in again.


    Being too kind caused everyone to be tormented, but also pushing the chaser to be even more infatuated.


    .


    .


    The black Bentley Continental began to enter the gate that was automatically opened. The space in the car still froze. Both came out without any longitudinal wave vibration.


    Until a towering door with Javanese carvings was opened perfectly. The woman was really stunned.


    "Hendra, don''t close the door". That girl immediately opened their room door again widely. She felt strange with the view in front of her. It was unfit for a marriage contract''s husband and wife. But, she was standing with stunned eyes.


    Hendra ignored that stunned face. He chose to take off the coat that wrapped him and put down the suitcase that he brought carelessly.


    "Where did you get the idea this far? It''s impossible for you to ask someone to prepare all of these, right? This initiative is definitely not yours". This girl was shaken, between blown away and goosebumps.


    Blown away because all women must''ve been stunned seeing it and goosebumps because this kind of present came from Mahendra.


    Mahendra''s wife came closer. The closer she was to the super king bed, the closer she was to the collection of sexual reproductive organs in the Magnoliophyta division plant or Angiosperms (covered seed plants) too. One of the plants from the Rosa L genus spread out abundantly from the indentation of the white bed cover, falling and scattering the flower arrangement that was taken from the name of a professor, Griffith Buck (Buck Roses).


    Buck roses lined up from white to pink, getting redder, and ended in deep red. Too amazing.


    It was the same with what was spread out on the bed. The arrangement of the buck roses crown decorated the surface of the super king bed. In the middle of it, there was a beautiful balloon whose end was tied to a golden ribbon box.


    Aruna''s eyes were still wandering with her uncontrollable sense of amazement. Those candles blew the chemicals that were mixed with the air, infiltrating the sense of smell. It smelled really good, soft and soothing fragrance.


    "Wait!".


    Her pleasure was interrupted. The balloons that were arranged at the head of the bed said ''happy birthday my little darling Aruna''.


    Aruna was disturbed by the words ''my little darling''. She immediately climbed and was going to remove the word ''d a r l i n g''. The tiny girl tiptoed, having a hard time reaching it.


    Suddenly, someone taller was already beside her. He prevented her from removing anything while saying : "What are you doing?".


    "I want to remove it. That word annoys me".


    "Just remove the word ''A r u n a''! You have no right to touch the others".


    "Why does it have to be my name?".


    "I haven''t said that this gift is for you and I like these things now. Earlier, at your house, there were a lot of useless things, but it made the atmosphere become warm. So, I want to enjoy it".


    "Here!! Take this! The name ''Aruna''". Hendra removed the letter A from the word A R U N A.


    "Hey.. You can''t, can''t remove my name. Obviously, you said earlier that you''ve prepared a special birthday present in our room. So, it''s mine". That girl disagreed.


    "I haven''t decided whether I''ll give this present to you or not, which means you don''t have the right to own it yet". Hendra removed the letter R.


    "How dare you removed the letter R. Stick it again!!". Aruna asked for the letters A and R which were held by the blue-eyed man.


    "You just flatly rejected my love and now you still dare to ask for a birthday present from me!".


    "Selfish little girl!!".


    "Look! Now whose feelings changed in a short time". Hendra returned Aruna''s words that were used to hurt his heart earlier.


    "But..". This girl was confused.


    "No buts. Everything that you see now is still mine!". Hendra began to remove the letters U and N.


    "Hendra, stop!".


    "I''m sorry.. Let my name stick there". The girl naively begged with an innocent face.


    "How dare you said sorry after making me look like a stupid person! You forgot who you were playing with!".


    The girl named Aruna picked up the letter A which fell from the hand of the Wenceslas Group''s CEO. She protected it. The CEO, whose heart was already wounded, squeezed the letters R, U, and N. Those letters exhaled air, exploded, and deafened the ears.


    He even reached the last A letter that was still attached. He squeezed it with full force. Of course, that explosion sounded louder.


    "What happened?? What happened??". The family and residents of the Wenceslas''s main house began to arrive.


    The explosion sounded: "DUAR". In Wenceslas''s family, it was more identical to the sound of gunfire.


    Moreover, the sound of the balloon that was similar to gunfire came from the door of the newlyweds'' room that was opened. Worries overtook all residents of the house.


    They began to run, peeked inside. Even the hostess asked for a way and pushed herself forward to see what happened.


    "Aruna, give it TO ME!!".


    "No!! You can''t touch it. It''s mine!". This tiny girl curled up, protecting the letter A balloon in her arms.


    She hid that balloon in the middle of her stomach and chest and slipped into the blanket, causing the buck roses crown that was beautifully arranged begin to scatter.


    "Give me!". Hendra approached the curled body, as if he''d fell on her and forced her to let go of something, forcibly removed it from her hand.


    "Oh my God..". Grandma Sukma was stunned to see her grandchild who looked like he was forcing her tiny wife beneath him.


    "Hendra!! Don''t force your wife if she doesn''t want to!!". The roses that were perfectly arranged made grandmother become more suspicious. Her grandchild had prepared everything but his wife refused. Grandma Sukma''s conclusion was totally wrong.


    The grandchild opened the blanket wider and forcibly turned over his wife''s body.


    "Aa..! Hen..!". The wife shouted, couldn''t accept that the letter A balloon was taken from her.


    The blue-eyed ignored his grandmother, let alone his wife''s complaint.


    Grandmother was stunned. It turned out that this young couple in front of her fought over the gold balloon.


    "DOR!!". Hendra squeezed it with satisfaction after successfully snatching it from the woman who ''plunged the knife'' on his chest an hour ago.


    "Oh my God.. Grandma misunderstood.. Close the door if you guys are playing around". Grandmother smiled even though in fact, her grandchild was being beaten using a pillow by his wife right now.


    "Hendra, you''re mean! You''re so mean..".


    "You said I''m mean?? You should take a look at yourself!! Aw.. Don''t hit me!.. The things in this room are mine". Hendra snatched whatever was held by Aruna.


    Grandmother who was ignored ended up choosing to get out of the room.


    "Close the door.. All of you, go.. What are you doing here!? Go! Come on, go!". Grandma Sukma shook her head. She couldn''t believe seeing their extraordinary absurd behavior.


    And the people inside ended up fighting for real.


    "Once again you dare to beat me, I''ll make you regret it for real". Said the Wenceslas''s sole heir who successfully locked the tiny body from behind.


    Hendra dared to tie both of Aruna''s hands behind her back only using one of his big hands.


    "Beg to me or I won''t let you go!".


    "I don''t want to!!". Aruna was still stubborn.


    "Naive kid, how dare you bluffing in front of me. Just because I like you doesn''t mean you can act as you wish".


    "I''m not naive".


    "Ah right.. Yes.. I forgot.. Aruna isn''t a naive girl". Hendra flipped Lesmana''s daughter''s body and immerse it under Mahendra''s firm chest.


    That girl fell down with both hands locked on the right and left side of the head.


    "Beg to me. Ask to be released or I''ll make you lose the meaning of being naive.. Moreover pure!!". He threatened Aruna openly.


    The scent of roses mixed with candle influenced both of them.


    They looked at each other with uncontrollable hearts.


    And the man landed his kiss on the flushed red lips without rejection.


    Lesmana''s daughter didn''t reply his kiss but something came out of her tiny mouth.


    Complaining and burning moaning.


    When Hendra opened his eyes in the middle of his slow kisses, he saw her with a panting breath, sad and shady gaze, and chest rose and fell.


    Hendra knew that he was torturing someone. That man let go both of Aruna''s hands and stopped his kisses.


    The blue-eyed released his prey and slowly went away, got out of the bed full of buck roses crown.


    Unexpected.


    Both hands of the prey slipped between both of the predator''s arms.


    Embracing and pressing the tiny body on Mahendra''s back.


    "Don''t hate me. I reject you because I''m afraid to fall in love with you".


    "I''m sorry".

 Chapter 125 - A Different Dimension

    "Don''t hate me. I reject you because I''m afraid to fall in love with you".


    "I''m sorry".


    .


    .


    Both fell silent for quite a long time until the blue-eyed man held those tiny hands on his chest.


    Slowly, those hands asked to be released. He didn''t let that happen.


    "Why don''t you dare to love me?".


    The tiny hands really wanted to be released.


    "I''ll give you everything.. Everything.. Even courage..". She didn''t reply, asking to be let go.


    When she got away.


    "Hendra, are these my shoes?". This girl changed the subject.


    She opened the present with a golden ribbon. The ribbon was immediately detached, flew the balloon that was tied on it. She looked up, seeing the balloon was already on the ceiling.


    "Why are you always hard to be understood?". Hendra was consistent with the words ''looking for an excuse''.


    "Ah, look. The shoes fit my feet". Not sure what she was thinking about, this girl chose to be busy trying the new shoes that fit her feet now.


    "Until when will you cover your ears?". Hendra was thinking to get closer.


    He got rid of Aruna''s messy hair and moved the fragrant hair to the back of her ears.


    "I''ll keep these shoes carefully". This girl stayed away, got out of the bed in a hurry.


    The blue-eyed couldn''t accept being ignored. He caught one of the logic destroyer''s hands and pulled her.. : "Thud". The pair of shoes fell on the floor, also the body of the girl who almost fell backward. She was immediately caught by the person who pulled her.


    This girl ignored him and chose to try picking up the shoes that fell on the floor. The CEO''s hands pulled her stronger, didn''t give her permission to do that.


    Even though they were already so close, Aruna didn''t dare to stare at him. Wiryo''s grandchild had to turn Lesmana''s daughter''s chin using his other hand so that she''s willing and forced to look in the direction that he wanted.


    "You still want to avoid?".


    "Now who''s the mysterious one? All the anomalies are pinned on me. But you''re an unpredictable girl".


    Aruna didn''t answer at all. She chose to remain silent, speechless.


    "So this is what you meant by covering your eyes and ears including your mouth is a choice??".


    "I''m fed up with you!!". Hendra was mad because he was ignored.


    "Indeed.. Better if you''re sick of me". Her voice was flat, almost inaudible.


    "Ah, what did you say??". The surprising words were able to make the blue-eyed loosening his grip. Aruna immediately took advantage of it to escape, run fast towards the bathroom, and lock herself inside.


    Aruna sat behind the door, hid her face in the middle of her folded arms.


    The girl lamented herself, the kid who was known to be the smartest at hiding the anxiety in her heart. Moreover her desires.


    __________


    "If you think that this place doesn''t suit you. It''s easy.. Make Hendra change. Change the love that Hendra has for you. If needed, make that feeling disappear. You''ll be free from him faster".


    "Love??". (Aruna)


    "I think he''s just normal towards me". (Aruna)


    "Ah. You really don''t know?? This marriage happened faster because you were chosen by Hendra. Your marriage with him isn''t just a marriage agreement between Mr. Lesmana and the old man, but it''s because he wants you".


    "As long as his feelings towards you are so strong, he won''t let go of what he holds. A year, two years, can be forever".


    __________


    _Why does my life become like this?_


    The girl who liked to keep many things to herself began to lose to the feelings that appeared in her chest. She paid dearly for an expression of insensitivity and the phrase ''Aruna is terrible''. It was always like that from people''s point of view, but it was different from the man that she really had to avoid now. No one had ever pushed her as far and as persistent as Mahendra did.


    _Take care of your heart and yourself, Aruna. Calm down, you''ll be fine as long as you can suppress your own feelings_


    Along with these feelings, there was a stronger desire in Lesmana''s daughter''s heart. The girl who brought warm feelings, free like air floating in every corner of spatial space in her simple life.


    Who could bear the burden of being confined in the Wenceslas''s castle? There was no way she would choose this path, the path where the mother walked like a living corpse or the grandmother who lacked affection.


    Except for women with different ambitions. She who liked the power of Wenceslas; abundant and unpredictable.


    But what did that power mean in the eyes of the girl who could fly with her own wings to find simple corners from the meaning of happiness?


    "Ha ha ha¡­ Come here again tomorrow, okay?".


    "As long as you become a good kid". Laughing surrounded by metropolitan suburban kids and staring at the world from the worst angle were enough to fill her expectation about the taste that was said to be the goal of many people''s lives. She found peace there.


    "Runaa.. Runaa.. If you go here tomorrow, don''t always bring your work. Bring your boyfriend. Your boyfriend is good at flattering, mothers like us become motivated. Haha".


    "Huh?? I don''t have a boyfriend".


    "Huh?! Who''s the long-haired man who likes to sing randomly?".


    "Ha?! Haha.. That''s a weird kid, Ma''am. His brain is left behind. Don''t listen if he claims to be my boyfriend".


    Or a simple temptation without roses or an expensive bag already could make her heart burst.


    This wasn''t her world, not where she should''ve been. She had a spatial room in a different dimension that she longed for every time.


    Every time waiting for the man named Hendra to come home from work, this woman would sit blankly on the edge of the window seat. The room''s window box frame captured the serene lake and beautiful trees down there.


    The more she stared at it, the more she was sure that she was in a different dimension and her mouth began to chant a mantra to be free. Even if she had to hope for the most impossible miracle, there was no problem.


    Aruna wanted to go as soon as possible.


    ***


    "You used my name?".


    "Sure. It''s the strongest name in my brain". The young man who just got the craziest mandate from his big family also became the vengeful, both to the leader of this strange mission and to the enemy who didn''t look evil at all.


    "How could you use my name in your disguise?".


    "Yeah.. A depressed heart also needs medicine.. Isn''t that right, Gibran?".


    "Damn you.. Hehe". The young man who hated the scent of coffee averted his eyes from the younger nephew towards the bottom.


    Observing his nephew''s unique bracelet.


    "Since when you became an accessory user?".


    "You''re so observant.. The wife of your enemy.. Ah, wrong! Our enemies sent a message to her older brother to give a small gift to someone who''s interested in her start-up".


    "How sweet our target is". His words shook the other person''s chest.


    "Meanwhile, he won''t be our target.. But study it in detail".


    "How about you? Are you really going to marry the Baskoro family?".


    "What can I do? Those coffee lovers want me to expand the power and the marriage is the easiest way".


    "How sad your fate is, Gibran. Hehe¡­". The young man with an accessory on his wrist laughed as a symbol of sad expression.


    "It looks like your enemy is much luckier. His eyes stared at me full of jealousy when I smiled at his wife. He even enjoyed the atmosphere of the newlyweds perfectly". The accessory that adorned the wrist of this person was moving too, he explained it excitedly.


    "As far as I know, his marriage was arranged too!".


    "Yes.. Exactly. He married the youngest daughter of the Wenceslas Group''s president director''s former chief secretary".


    "Maybe it was just his good manners in front of other people".


    "You''re wrong, Gib. I saw it with my own eyes they chatted. And that cold man was joking with his wife. His wife''s cheerful laughter makes me interested. Yeah, that girl looks warm and kind".


    "Is it possible that his cold and mysterious characters were just camouflage? Meanwhile his private life is the opposite?".


    "It''s possible?! What is impossible for them? Even you have two different personalities".


    "Yeah.. I was forced like that. Maybe he was the same".


    The conversation between Gibran and someone who made use of Gibran''s name as his fake identity flowed like endless river flow.


    ***


    _Ugh.. My soap and lotion are still in the suitcase_


    The locked bathroom was finally opened. The barefoot tiny girl was caught nervous because she saw her husband was standing right in front of the door.


    "What are you doing? Why are you standing in front of the door?".


    "I''m waiting for an insensitive woman who''s being waited by her husband".


    The pupil in the middle of the blue-colored cornea was in focus, dilated, and stunned.


    His girl was walking slowly only using a kimono towel then kneeled to open the suitcase that was just laid down.


    _Ugh.. Damn.. Roses, candle scent, and plain clothes without underwear. How can I survive?_


    "Aruna, go to the bathroom quickly?!".


    "Ah. Why??".


    "QUICK!!".


    "What''s going on with you? I''m tired of fighting all the time".


    "My biological instinct has reached the crown".


    "Ah.. What?? Argh¡­.".

 Chapter 126 - Putting Off Selfishness

    "Where''s my Uda hidden?". A woman with cloth pants combined with a short blazer seemed formal for the residents of music art lover''s basecamp. If the one who came was an artist, looking charming was very normal. But when the one who came was an office employee, it was too strange. (Uda: a nickname for older man in Minangkabau language)


    .


    "Danu, there''s an angry woman down below.. She''s looking for you". Damar stopped his activity to guide a female soloist who would present her new work.


    "Huh? My fan?".


    "Just look at it first. She cursed at Bay". Danu Umar went down the stairs in a hurry and found something astonishing. That woman was gonna throw the thing on her hand : "Mrs. HRD, put it down! Or I''ll kick you out".


    "Udaaaa¡­.". That woman ran up the stairs, the ones that her son hadn''t finished going down yet.


    _Ah. You must be kidding. She''ll definitely hug me_


    "Don''t.. Don''t hug me". Damar stepped back. However, his step back from climbing up the stairs wasn''t as fast as Mrs. HRD running to reach his back.


    _Damn.. Embarrassing_


    His scene was seen by a collection of musicians who were trained by Bay. They stared.


    As predicted, the woman in formal clothes cried uncontrollably, full of drama.


    "Uda! Naughty kid.. Where have you been?". The mother''s hand couldn''t help but hitting the back that she just hugged lightly. The fluffy and loose black hair also moved and scattered following the way she hit.


    "If you have problems with my foster child, let''s solve it well". Bay still didn''t understand the real condition.


    "Don''t interfere!".


    "This kid must be punished for playing with my feelings". Her words tended to be messy, that''s how Mrs. HRD was.


    Bay''s eyes glared sharply at Danu. He took the words of the woman who hit his foster child seriously. Maybe the singer of The Reddish Hue had a gloomy situation: ''aunts'' sugar baby''.


    Damar couldn''t explain yet because his mother was still venting frustration without pause.


    .


    .


    "So, you''re Mrs.. Huh, who do you call him?". Bay asked nervously since the previous scene was really crazy.


    "My Uda.. He''s my lovely Uda". She answered fiery. Her emotion hadn''t completely subsided while putting on a small plaster on her son''s chin who fell as a result of being hit by his mother.


    "Could you talk normally?". He grinned in pain and amused hearing her mother''s ambitious love.


    "I can''t.. I''m half crazy looking for my son who reportedly disappeared into the earth". She was still emotional.


    "But I can stop smoking finally". Now he was shy.


    "Hehe. You almost look like each other". Bay interrupted, intended to give a familiar feel.


    "No!!". Two humans with the status of mother and child said the word ''no'' at the same time, making the other person laugh.


    "I really don''t want to be equated with her.. She''s messy".


    "I''m your mother..". Mrs. HRD hadn''t finished talking.


    "What I meant by look like each other is you have the same facial expression, equally charming. Hehe". Bay immediately clarified the phrase that came out of his mouth earlier.


    His intention wasn''t actually about being charming, but it was better than the mother and the child in front of him fighting again.


    "Of course, my son is so handsome because of me".


    "Really?! I must hear it again". His words hadn''t changed since Danu was a kid.


    .


    .


    "Is it true that he lost that girl?". The mother was talking to someone who claimed to be the foster father of her son now.


    "The last two years, I didn''t really look for her. His friends, especially the founder of Magic Letter, his side job''s headquarters, always provide news and developments".


    "I know. Uda was very dependent of her.. It must be a very heavy blow". Sintia''s eyes began to turn red.


    "He''s trying to recover. Don''t worry". The old bachelor in a white T-shirt and jeans began to talk.


    "I''m afraid he''ll be like me".


    "I only love one person in my life and I have a hard time looking for a replacement.. Even though Danu''s father was never kind".


    "Teach him to move on". A deep plea.


    "Unfortunately, I have the same problem. That''s why I can''t even get married yet".


    "What?? Oh my God.. My son will go through the same bad luck?!". Sintia felt down.


    "Relax, Mother.. Calm yourself down, Mother".


    "I''m not your mother.. You''re older".


    "I think I''m no more than 3 years older than you. Huh? It''s unimportant?! What''s certain is I won''t let Danu suffer the same fate. You can trust me". Bayu convince Mrs. HRD who looked at him with a look full of disbelief.


    ***


    "What''s going on with you? I''m tired of fighting all the time".


    "My biological instinct has reached the crown".


    "Ah.. What?? Argh¡­.".


    The man fell on the floor, catching the woman''s body from behind.


    "Hen! What you''re doing right now is dangerous for us". She was still trying to look for the lotion inside the suitcase.


    "You said dangerous? Hehe. Turns out you''re not naive".


    The blue-eyed began to bury his head on the tiny girl''s shoulder from behind. She didn''t refuse nor rebel.


    Even though his hands hugged his wife''s stomach, beyond predictions, that girl didn''t run.


    "Aruna.. I''ve decided something important for our relationship". He talked while kissing his wife''s shoulder.


    "Hen.. You''d better let me go..".


    "Listen to me for a moment". This man even began to kiss Aruna''s neck.


    "Hen.. Please, don''t..". The woman complained.


    "I won''t ask you, let alone urge you, to accept my love".


    "I used to come in a bad way. I often forced you, even set you up to obey my wishes".


    "I want to start something new now. Let everything happen naturally like the way you try to survive my attitude and finally I''m interested in you".


    "Just give me a chance. How? Deal?".


    Hendra''s words weren''t like himself. The little girl who was under the influence of the hug needed to see his face. She turned her head for a moment towards where the blue-eyed''s chin rested on.


    Instead of getting trust, the Angel Face wanted to kiss his girl''s lips. Aruna tried to hold back his intention. She put her finger on Hendra''s lips.


    "Enough or you''ll break the promise and agreement that we made". Aruna said.


    "How about my recent offer? Do you agree?? I only need a chance to fix everything from the start".


    "I''ll answer after you let me go. I need to finish my bath".


    Hendra let her go and Aruna ran as fast as she could.


    .


    .


    When she had finished, Lesmana''s tiny daughter immersed herself on the corner and curled up in the blanket, turning her back against the blue-eyed.


    "Come here. I''ve been waiting for you". Mahendra said while waiting for his girl''s presence.


    "Or else I''ll come closer and hug you from behind".


    "You forgot I need your pulse".


    The girl who was labeled as a logic destroyer gave up and dragged herself towards the blue-eyed. She curled up under the CEO''s chest, between his stomach and chest to be exact. Her eyes were closed and she stuck out her right hand.


    The blue-eyed reached out the wrist of his sleeping companion and his other hand unveiled the thin hair that scattered over Aruna''s face.


    "You owe me an answer". He hurried her.


    After a long silence, finally a soft sound wave greeted eardrums.


    "If I give you a chance and turns out that this heart chooses to go or anchors to someone else, what will happen to us?".


    "Each of us doesn''t know what the future holds?". Aruna slowly opened her eyes.


    "No problem. There''s no other way other than asking for a chance for right now?".


    "Or.. What if we cancel our marriage agreement?". (Hendra)


    "No.. I''ve decided to stick to our MoU and that can''t be bothered anymore". (Aruna)


    "Why are you like this?". (Hendra)


    "Your mother also said that you''re hard to understand. I don''t like beating around the bush. Tell me what the reason is! Why don''t you want to cancel it?". (Hendra)


    "If only I hadn''t stuck to my father''s request. Maybe the condition is worse now. You married a woman who had a lover because I obeyed my father.. I can help my family and can survive without destruction like what has happened to Aliana". (Aruna)


    "Even though father''s request didn''t meet my expectation. I thought that was about taking care of myself as a girl. Turns out it''s because there''s a marriage agreement that ties my family". (Aruna)


    "So I''m sure there''s always meaning behind an event.. Whatever that is, including our marriage''s MoU. I''ll o froze bey it until the end". (Aruna)


    _My last way to get out of here_


    Mahendra froze in silence.


    "No problem..". He has found the conclusion from the nerves of the brain that had just worked hard.


    "We start everything from the beginning, whether there is or there isn''t a marriage contract. That was my fault. I should bear the risk. I hope we can help each other. Try to start things off in a better way". (Hendra)


    .


    .

 Chapter 127 - Smoking Cocaine

    "We start everything from the beginning, whether there is or there isn''t a marriage contract. That was my fault. I should bear the risk. I hope we can help each other. Try to start things off in a better way". (Hendra)


    Both froze long enough. The minute in the hour hand might''ve shifted more than 60 times.


    Suddenly she let out her sorrow. The soft sobbing couldn''t be stopped anymore.


    _What is Aruna thinking about??_


    Hendra wanted to get closer, looking for her face.


    But she chose to hide. Softly pulling the shirt of the marriage contract husband, she immersed herself on Mahendra''s chest.


    She struggled to swallow her sad voice.


    She was greeted warmly by the blue-eyed man who managed to get rid of a lot of selfishness because he fell in love.


    ***


    Love is a feeling that is bestowed by God to every human being. Something that is present and introduced to humans even before they are present in the world. Like a mother''s love that goes deep into her fetus when they haven''t met face to face yet.


    And other sources of love, like love from each family member or love that comes from close friends, including love that changes its meaning to ''falling in love'' when that feeling greets the opposite sex.


    The blue-eyed man has been through a lot in life, until he''s now 28 years old. But the life journey he''s going through didn''t give him a chance to find love. Warm family or close friend, he didn''t have.


    His first fall in love was with someone who gave birth to himself into the world. Unfortunately, this love incised such a heavy wound. Too heavy to turn into beautiful dreams at the end of the night. But when the eyes opened, the dream would burst into ugliness.


    The wound couldn''t be healed yet, but his nightmare was slowly disappearing in the presence of the sweet-smelling girl.


    The scent of her breath greeted him all night long and her warm body melted the heart that was said to have been frozen for years.


    He didn''t believe that this was called ''falling in love''. His brain didn''t accept it. In the end, the blue-eyed couldn''t deny it anymore. Making crazy hypotheses, even reading journals beyond predictions.


    At the end of his search to align the feel with the logic of the brain, he found agreement in scientific explanations that came from the journal of American Anthropologist, Helen Fisher, that described the obsession feeling of falling in love.


    Fisher''s explanation represented him who surprisingly became a stalker. How come? Fisher described the obsession in the mind when she was in love like someone stayed in the head.


    The girl named Aruna stayed in his head ever since that kid dared to tell him to wait for more than 2 hours and he ended up under the tree in front of the lobby of the Tripusakan campus, Design department.


    Her first annoying greeting was still clearly engraved : "I don''t want to walk side by side! Slow down". This girl talked through handphone because she didn''t want to have direct contact. Her round brown eyes and hair leaped into the air when Aruna''s hand was grabbed by force. The first woman who dared to ignore the presence of the Angel Face. (Casual Style, Chapter 5)


    In an experiment by Fisher, the feeling of romance that is being experienced causes brain activity that is rich in dopamine to spike.


    (Dopamine : chemical compounds in the brain that play a role in conveying stimulation throughout the body)


    Fisher mentioned, the fluctuation of that brain activity is the same as the feeling of happiness that comes after consuming cocaine.


    And now the scent of the girl in his arms was really intoxicating. Hendra inhaled it deeply. Aruna''s scent could affect his whole world. This man seemed to have smoked cocaine every time he was allowed to hug this tiny body at night.


    No need for hot nights. Hugging and inhaling it was more than enough.


    Like finding a treasure that was buried for a long time and then bringing it back. 22 years ago was the end of the feeling that he could no longer dream of. But with all the impossibilities about trauma being a weakness, he seemed to have had a miracle when this body adorned his nights.


    In the Guardian report that he read, when someone began to fall in love, somehow we were so excited that it caused our hearts to beat fast, palms to sweat, and stomach to feel uncomfortable as if a butterfly tickled.


    The CEO also felt the same way as the Guardian explained. His heart was beating fast without control.


    Love is madness.


    When someone fell in love, they might very well be inspired to do something out of the ordinary. This was at least believed and proven by the professor of psychiatry from the University of Pisa, Donatella Marazziti.


    Yes, Hendra was consciously infatuated. After he understood these journals deeply, Aruna was driving him crazy. That was obvious because he''d experienced it.


    Donatella Marazziti''s research that he studied, no longer described the possessive behavior that other people had accused him of.


    But it was more extreme, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).


    Mahendra was so compulsively obsessed that his logic broke every time he faced Lesmana''s daughter.


    Including Marazziti''s report that he studied, explained that the OCD group and someone who was in love had significantly lower levels of serotonin than the normal group.


    And Hendra found that the level of serotonin in his blood was always lower for everything related to the woman named Aruna.


    .


    .


    The tiny body who was limp in sleep, now lifted and buried in the arms. The CEO''s forehead approached several times, enjoying the face with eyes closed and the scent of alluring breath.


    Before finally being embraced and then getting the most comfortable hug.


    _Aruna is mine.. Even though her heart is running somewhere.. But she''ll always be the most valuable addiction.. I''ll make her mine forever_


    ***


    "Good morning, Grandma..". Greetings from the personal secretary of the Wenceslas family''s grandson surprised the middle-aged woman who was busy setting the dining table.


    "Oh, Surya.. Let''s eat first, you must not have had breakfast yet".


    "Where''s CEO Hendra, Grandma? He has an important schedule today. And I lost contact with him since yesterday". Surya was restless, observing the watch on his hand.


    "I think he hasn''t woken up yet?". Grandma answered while pulling Surya to sit at one of the dining table chairs.


    "Sorry, there isn''t much time.. May I enter CEO Hendra''s room to wake him up??". Surya realized that this morning''s meeting had been perfectly prepared by the client. Wenceslas''s first client who was associated with the government after nearly four decades they didn''t take this kind of cooperation.


    .


    .


    "Hen.. Hen.. Wake up". Mahendra''s secretary disturbed his superior''s leg so that he''d wake up immediately. He used a low voice to reduce the risk of waking up the woman who was being embraced by the CEO.


    When Hendra''s eyes opened, he smiled slyly asking to be beaten. He pointed two fingers towards Surya : ''see with your own eyes, the joy of being married''


    Then this damn boss tightened his hug to the woman in his arms. Also approaching his little wife''s loose hair to show off the scene of inhaling the sweet scent of Aruna''s hair.


    "Damn". He muttered a curse. He scratched buck roses petals then threw it at the head of the ignorant superior swiftly.


    Ignorant, why?! Because yesterday, in a short time, Surya as a single man was asked to prepare a birthday gift according to an article on Google: "please try to be as similar as possible. Don''t protest too much. Do it as I want", with excessive self-confidence. He dared to threaten, too.


    On the other side, Surya was rejected by many birthday service providers because it didn''t fit their classification.


    Even Magic Letter rejected it because it was too sudden and the property that was requested was hard to find in short time.


    A stupid struggle to follow the words of the CEO who was smitten by love. Fortunately, this reliable secretary was able to get the number of buck roses collector from the cold town of the slopes of Mount Semeru, Batu, Malang.


    The buck roses were flown straight from there. Unfortunately, after arriving, he didn''t know how to arrange it.


    The main house assistants were also confused. Until Surya had to muster the courage to ask Aruna''s veiled-girl friend to take part.


    That girl was very good at commanding. She commanded the main house assistants, including himself being victimized, to arrange buck roses in neat rows according to color: "Oppa, jedaelo hae" (Oppa, do it right) (Oppa: nickname for older man used by female in Korean)


    "Dalpaeng-icheoleom neuliji masibsio" (Don''t be slow like a snail). The girl named Dea once again used strange language when she was annoyed, either an insult or something?! It was certainly difficult to understand.


    .The ignorant smile was still there and the owner didn''t want to get up from the bed.


    "Stop throwing flowers. My woman will wake up later". Slow mouth movements and threatening eyes. He deliberately didn''t want to get up and showed off the scene of enjoying hugging his wife''s body.

 Chapter 128 - Naughty Kid

    "Stop throwing flowers. My woman will wake up later". Slow mouth movements and threatening eyes. He deliberately didn''t want to get up and showed off the scene of enjoying hugging his wife''s body.


    He countered with kicks in the air every time his personal secretary violently hit his leg so that he''d immediately wake up.


    "Aish. You''re not my friend, I''ll kill you!".


    "Whatever. Look.. Look at this..". Hendra kissed the cheek of someone whose eyes were still closed. Then his eyes narrowed and the dimples were perfectly captured.


    .


    Excessive teasing. Special in front of the old bachelor.


    Unable to stand it, Surya circled his boss'' bed. He grabbed the pillow and squeezed it full of revenge. How selfish the blue-eyed is. How dare he emphasized the meaning of sorrowful bachelor that he had.


    Bruk!! A pillow floated and was deflected by the hands of the selfish boss. His defense made the other hand shifted too and she, whose eyes were closed, slowly blinked.


    "Hmm.. ?!". She stretched.


    "Honey.. Don''t wake up.. Let''s sleep again.." The blue-eyed hugged tighter.


    _Wait! Who''s that.._ She slowly stared.


    "Ah?! Mr. Surya!!".


    Hendra''s wife immediately jumped from her sleep. Along with her effort to escape her husband''s embrace, Hendra grabbed her back instead.


    "Ignore him.. Let''s sleep again". Hendra was still not willing to see Aruna wake up.


    "Argh.. Let me go.. Let me go, Hendra!!". Aruna moved a lot, sneaked nimbly, and escaped. That girl ran quickly to the bathroom.


    "You''re too much, showing off to me like that! Really tacky". Surya was still hurt. He threw the buck rose crowns that were scattered on the bed to Mahendra''s head, his best friend who was also his boss.


    That man sat up and slowly ruffled his hair. He removed the strands of flower petals that slowly fell from his pajamas.


    Handsome, cute, and his eyes lit up glancing at Surya. He was acting cute on purpose.


    Surya smirked, feeling disgusted.


    "Did you guys do something extraordinary last night until this place is torn apart?".


    _Why am I emotional?_ The sorrowful bachelor thought.


    The strands of rose crown that he arranged in such detail until he was tingling, even breathing was forbidden by Dea, for the sake of this annoying person''s stupid request, and now..


    _Ah. Annoying!!?_ Surya lamented his foolishness, seeing rows of flower crowns scattered in all directions irregularly.


    "You''re curious, huh?". Hendra got closer, teasing him.


    "Absolutely no!!". He denied excessively, even though he was indeed curious.


    "Because I''m happy today, I intend to give you a new car". Hendra looked like he needed to reward his secretary''s hard work.


    "There''s no need to.. I don''t have a chance to ride it anyway (Surya''s life is to follow the CEO of the Wenceslas Group) But can I ask for help??".


    "Yes, sure. Whatever that is, I''ll give it to my best friend". He patted Surya on the shoulder.


    "If it''s like this, you remember that I''m your friend".


    "Hahaha".


    "I''ll submit my request later. What''s more important is you only have 17 minutes from now to prepare!".


    "What''s the schedule for today? I promise to invite Aruna to the office. I hope it''s not too busy".


    "Hey, how can you forget?? Could it be that you haven''t read the analysis of the progress of the Wenceslas Construction development related to dream city project?" (Project to build a dream city with the mayor Riswan)


    "Hehe. Not yet.. I didn''t look at handphone at all when I was at Mr. Lesmana''s house. Seeing Aruna was more tempting".


    "Don''t be tacky anymore.. You want to show off, right?!". Surya had enough being cornered as a sorrowful bachelor.


    "Haha.. You''re so sensitive".


    "Look at Trello application now!! It''s too long if you read analysis.. Wait! Just take a bath first". Surya looked at his watch again.


    (Trello is a collaboration application that is used to complete a project together. There are 4 parts on that application:


    Board is the name of a project or journal that we''re doing


    Card is a unit which is a task made by a subtitler


    Label is a short marker regarding a certain information. Perhaps it can be likened to sticky notes.)


    Hendra made use of this free application to see the process of each unit''s project at the Wenceslas Construction subsidiary.


    He could monitor what jobs his team had been doing and was doing. He could monitor from the Managing Director of Wenceslas Construction to the building foreman. He could even see the work and movements of the architects who didn''t always go to the office.


    "What time is the schedule?".


    "112 minutes from now". The secretary informed him.


    "Based on my prediction for traffic this morning, the trip will take 90 minutes. So, 17 minutes to get ready. You have to be precise as usual! With 17 minutes of preparation, you''ll arrive at the location 5 minutes before the meeting takes place." As usual, the two (Hendra & Surya) leaders were perfectionists in terms of discipline, especially time.


    "Ah. Why did you just say it?!".


    "Who didn''t want to wake up?! How dare you said ''why did you just say it''". Surya was irritated.


    "Yes, Boss! I''m taking a bath!". Hendra exclaimed, walking faster.


    .


    "Aruna, shower faster". The blue-eyed entered their bathroom''s second door.


    "Argh. Hendra, why are you here?! You''re too tall. You can peek at me.. Don''t come closer". Aruna lowered her head.


    Aruna and Hendra''s bathroom''s first door served a washbasin with stretched wide glass. There were two white washbasin combined with the arrangement of drawers that seemed sturdy and classic, retaining the color of teak wood. On one side, there was a first aid kit attached to the wall. Hendra put the medicines there except those related to the traumatic disorder he was suffering from. He put those drugs in a drawer under the sink and kept it locked.


    While the second door, you''d find a bathtub in the shape of a long oval bowl in white. It was located near the window. If the curtains were open, you''d see a beautiful view of the lake and trees from the second floor while having a relaxing soak. Somehow, not far from the bathtub, there was a long, comfortable, and soft waterproof sofa. A strange sofa for a bathroom, but it was put nicely and in harmony with the interior of the room.


    Meanwhile, Aruna was showering in the glass room in the corner. The glass room was a type of ice glass (blur glass) that presented a  thin silhouette. It was too thin, not visible from the outside. People on the inside would know that there were people on the outside and vice versa.


    Unfortunately, the height of the ice glass was only 150 cm. The rest was ordinary glass. Hendra, whose height reached 185 cm, could easily see Aruna''s forbidden part. The man took a few steps towards the shower room.


    "Hendra, don''t come closer.. Go away!!". This girl screamed in surprise. She found herself forgetting to close the second door. The ignorant would definitely make perfect use of all limitations.


    Aruna ducked in the corner, a place that she thought would be difficult to peek at.


    The blue-eyed smiled, unfortunately he didn''t have much time.


    "Aruna, I won''t peek at you. I just want to tell you that I don''t have much time. Can you speed up your bath?".


    "Yes.. Yes.. Back off.. Back off first".


    Hendra''s silhouette was seen moving away.


    "Today my schedule is busy outside the office. Do you still want to come?".


    This girl suddenly stood up as fast as lighting. With a height of only 155 cm, it was necessary for her to tiptoe a little to see Hendra''s expression.


    "You''ve promised.. Of course, you must keep it".


    Hendra sat on the sofa enjoying the scenery looking at her hair and part of her face. It only reached the eyes. Sometimes even drowned in the ice glass.


    "Choose the best clothes. You''ll meet Riswan this morning. I don''t know his wife is present or not".


    "Really?". The tiny one tiptoed again, taking a peek.


    She really looked cute in Hendra''s eyes. He forgot to hurry. The blue-eyed was grateful for a lot of things in this phase of his life. Including this second, when he could sit back and enjoy the unique scenery ahead. Just imagining being close to a woman was an impossibility.


    Meanwhile, at this time, the girl named Aruna, who had a relaxed character, really taught him how to enjoy life.


    Hendra still enjoyed it. Especially when the girl''s hand grabbed the shower which seemed too high. The way she reached for the shower made her husband smile several times. She was seen on perfect tiptoes. Her armpits and whole face were seen.


    _Next time I''ll lower that shower.. Poor her_


    .


    .


    "Hendra, which clothes should I wear??". This girl spoke louder. She told her anxiety to the man who was in a hurry on the other side of the hallway in the M-shaped wardrobe.


    "Hey, don''t turn around.. I''m also changing clothes.. Why does this place have a mirror stretched out like this?".


    "Weird room! Like the owner!". Aruna cursed irritably.


    Because when she looked back, the ignorant husband was wearing his undershirt and deliberately looking at the mirror. He still wore the boxer and then the thin undershirt. Next would be the shirt. It wasn''t according to the agreement to turn their backs on the mirror against each other.


    "Haha". Hendra laughed in the next hall.


    "Blink your eyes.. You''re also staring at me".


    Shit! She was caught. Aruna was caught not turning her face when she saw the broad chest that was wrapped in a thin t-shirt until shirt.


    This woman was blushing.


    She opened the door to cover herself.


    "Hehe".


    _She looks really embarrassed_ Hendra chuckled. His eyes narrowed under the smile.


    .

 Chapter 129 - Miss You Too

    "Don''t hide. I''ll help you choose clothes".


    "Tidy up your pants first".


    Aruna was horrified that the man in front of her hadn''t buttoned his pants.


    "If we get caught like this by someone else, I''m sure we look like a couple that just¡­" He hadn''t finished speaking yet but his mouth was covered by Aruna''s shivering fingers.


    "My shirt hasn''t been buttoned perfectly yet and you''re wrapped in towel pajamas.. Ah, isn''t this interesting?". Hendra smiled.


    "I''m sure you haven''t used anything inside yet". The blue-eyed man teased bolder.


    "BUTTON YOUR SHIRT AND YOUR PANTS!!". Aruna glared, scolding the brat.


    "I don''t want to.. I want you to button it". The boy was spoiled, showing his dimples.


    "Ugh.. Move.. Move aside, you''re disturbing".


    "Okay then, I''ll let my clothes to be like this.. Hehe". Hendra didn''t bother. He disturbed, making sure Aruna''s eyes saw him. Really uncomfortable.


    "Oh my God.. This human.." Finally, this girl gave up. She started grabbing Hendra''s shirt buttons and tidying them up one by one. The man blushed, enjoying what his wife was doing.


    "Can you guys be faster? Oops! What are you guys doing??". Surya ran away seeing Aruna''s hands holding the button of his boss'' pants.


    "HA HA HA!". The husband and wife laughed out loud when they saw Surya running away. The behavior of this sorrowful bachelor could be enjoyed from the stretched mirror.


    Even though he was wrong, but the next shout from Mahendra''s private secretary was quite annoying : "Stop your pervert activities! We''re already late!!".


    "What?? He said we''re perverts??"


    The newlyweds laughed out loud.


    ***


    The Bentley Continental drove by in a difficulty. The woman brought her minimal make-up because that was all she had and she couldn''t really apply it perfectly. While the guy''s tie was still on his hand.


    Not to mention the breakfast that Grandma Sukma forced to bring.


    Instead of eating casually like Aruna (even though she was still bare-faced, no intention to apply her make-up), Hendra immersed himself in his iPhone. He was moving his fingers around the Trello application seriously.


    _Eat first to calm down my heart_ The girl was casually enjoying the morning traffic jam with a sandwich made by the Wenceslas family''s grandmother.


    After a long time, she was disturbed by a serious face on the side. His collar and hair weren''t perfectly arranged yet.


    Hendra never looked like this. If anyone saw Hendra being messy after marrying her, it meant that she was a bad influence. Like her mother said ''a wife who can''t take care of her husband''.


    The face of Lesmana''s daughter seemed to be slapped suddenly.


    _I never took care of him, he''s already grown up. Older than me, too_ Making excuses as a fake wife.


    _Huh, it''s not fake, but bound by a marriage agreement_


    _But?! Others will consider it a real marriage_


    _Ugh. How complicated my life is_


    Lesmana''s daughter gave up. She grabbed the tie in his pocket and started styling it.


    "Hendra, look here". Aruna asked.


    "Wait. Don''t disturb me. Please!". The CEO of the Wenceslas Group was totally in focus.


    "Okay..". This girl gave up, leaning closer to the blue-eyed man from the front side. She started tying his tie, tidying up his collar and coat.


    "Thanks, Honey". He said spontaneously because he was still busy with his cellphone.


    "Surya, why is the library design not finished yet?". He called his secretary who was sitting in the front seat.


    "Riswan isn''t satisfied yet. He still feels unsuitable, even though our architects have proposed 4 different designs". Surya replied briefly.


    "Oh. It means this is a matter of taste, it''s not a part of¡­". His mouth was stuffed by sandwiches by the girl beside him.


    "Aruna, don''t be like this. I can choke! Honey". He almost wanted to get angry. If only it''d been his old self. But that smile had become cocaine, diverting all emotions in the soul.


    "Hehe¡­ Sorry".


    "I''ve asked you several times but you don''t care". Aruna voiced her reason.


    "Aa¡­". He opened his mouth, asking to be fed again.


    "Can we continue our discussion?!". Surya was neglected again and again.


    He looked back at the two of them.


    "Mr. Surya, do you want??". This friendly girl also fed the secretary who hadn''t had breakfast.


    "Huh. You can''t. Eat by yourself". The blue-eyed exaggerated. He picked up the sandwiches on his wife''s hand and handed them over to the secretary.


    "Here.. Eat by yourself". He couldn''t accept Aruna feeding other people.


    "Ugh. You''re too much". Surya felt that his boss was a follower of the mega Bollywood''s male community. He often found his mother watching Bollywood cinema whose episodes were really smooth since one scene could take minutes. Not to mention the scene about a seductive man or a man making out in exaggerated ways. Like the one he just saw.


    "Read the progress of the project again". Surya suggested, reminding him.


    "Find a girl, annoying!". Hendra preferred to take a bite from Aruna''s tiny hands. His first breakfast which was very humane. A special morning.


    ***


    Clap clap clap. The second floor of Bay''s music studio was filled with foster children who were curious about the music producer''s golden boy''s new song.


    His lyrics were known to be very touching and had deep meaning. Even more surprising, this time it wasn''t only about love. But it was a kind of verse that gave reminders, encouragement, and a way to get back on track.


    He, who was in the studio, was still strumming his guitar. There was a tone that didn''t fit in his heart yet.


    "What''s wrong, Danu?". Bay interrupted his enjoyment as he enjoyed his new song in his heart.


    "The last verse.. I''m not satisfied yet".


    "Have a break first.. Come out now". The musician walked through the studio and opened the door. Somehow his face didn''t look as bright as his friends who were amazed by Danu Umar''s new work.


    This young man ignored various expressions of admiration and chose to leave. He asked permission to leave the room.


    .


    *Look. Pretty, isn''t it? Dea sent a photo of a flower bed on the WhatsApp group chat.


    *Wow. Crazy.. It''s crazy.. (Lili)


    *Whose order are you working on? (Agus)


    *Secret. (Dea)


    *Today is Aruna''s birthday. What surprise are we gonna give? (Lili)


    *Late surprise is okay. Today she''ll get a great surprise. We''d better not interfere. (Dea)


    *The roses are that much. Looks like it''s a premium one, huh? It must be really expensive? The one who gets a surprise.. Aww.. Melting. (Laras came with tons of love stickers)


    *This kid is so noisy. (Kick sticker from Agus)


    Next, they fought each other with stickers.


    Somehow that simple conversation was able to tear the heart of the silent reader. He fell on the bed in his room and looked back at the photo that Dea sent.


    The landscape photo was right on the birthday of the girl of his dream, the reddish hue. There was something odd when observed by others. There were letters that were cropped. The letters on the bed indicated the suspicion that those were the letters A R U N A.


    _How could that strange human (Aruna''s husband) be this far_


    _Does Aruna already know if that person loves her??_


    That was what the owner of the pen name ''bestfortress'' feared the most. If she already knows, is he late? Will she, who has been desperately waited for, melt?


    The fear began to come back to stab him. ''Bestfortress'' began to open his memories with the founder of Magic Letter. So many photos of their togetherness that filled the cellphone gallery made him smile bitterly.


    *Aruna, why do you let me feel one-sided love?


    *Even though you also enjoy each of our time together.


    *How can I replace you?


    *If you also stare in the same way.


    *The way I look at you.


    *Even if you have a hidden problem, which makes me unacceptable.


    *But why did it end up like this?


    *Is this the end? Or the beginning?


    "Ah.. Why is it so painful?".


    _I definitely can.. Can take you back to where you came from_


    This man grabbed his cellphone. He couldn''t possibly contact the reddish hue through WhatsApp. Agus told him that Aruna''s cellphone had likely been tapped by her possessive husband.


    This man observed his social media account. He thought for a long time.


    .


    *Miss you too, Aruna


    Finally, he sent this sentence consisting of 4 words as a reply from a while ago when the reddish hue inserted 3 words that were so effective in healing his wound.


    .


    Those words were :


    Miss you, Damar (Chapter 94, The Opposite)


    .


    Initially, this Minangnese young man wanted to appear and gave an unreasonable surprise. A surprise on the most painful day. Aruna''s wedding party which would take place the day after tomorrow.


    It turned out that the ''BestFortress'' chose to send it now. Aruna needed to know that he was still here and still in the same place. The place he promised every time, the place to return to whenever he used to run.

 Chapter 130 - The Existence

    An arrival that was so crowded. This husband and wife hadn''t got out of their car yet, but they''d been ambushed by reporters who''d been waiting, blocking their car.


    The issue of a phenomenal marriage between a sophomore student who was reportedly an ordinary girl with the sole heir of the Wenceslas group, the most wanted male in recent months.


    His handsome face and charming background had become the most popular search engine on social media, especially Mahendra Wenceslas''s official account.


    Especially after he was involved in a scandal with a group of artists when they were making a bet. The scene in the short video that was taken by Kia had been parodied by YouTubers several times. And this was what caused it to become increasingly booming.


    Another reason this couple was sought after was that the two of them promised to provide clarification. In fact, there was no immediate continuation. Even though their wedding photo was on the mayor''s social media account, who allegedly attended to witness the marriage.


    "Surya, what''s the matter? Why is it this crowded?".


    "Wait a minute! Let me find out".


    The secretary began to make some calls to several parties, especially Riswan and his team.


    Riswan said that he accidentally uploaded an Instagram story containing a development project that would be discussed with Mahendra Wenceslas.


    And he didn''t realize that it could bring in many journalists. Even though the meeting that they were going to hold would be held in a public meeting room which was intentionally booked because the place wasn''t far from the construction site.


    Riswan promised that his bodyguard would help as much as possible. He was ready to ask several security units for help. Hearing this, Hendra refused. The CEO only needed to contact Raka''s team, including several people from the D floor.


    "Hendra, what''s wrong??". The girl beside him was fidgeting. How could she not? The CEO of the Wenceslas Group put on a black bluetooth hearing device, the separation type that left an impression on Aruna''s mind. A sign that he was being followed, a sign of an accident, a sign that Hendra was being watched by many bodyguards. That means the danger was greeting. Aruna''s brain conclusion described it as simple as that.


    "Aruna, don''t come out without instructions from me". Hendra stared at her while stroking his beloved wife''s hair. That man slowly got out of the car with a broad smile waving to several reporters.


    In the next moment, Surya trailed behind. The two men knocked on the car in front of them, the car of the bodyguards. A woman got out of the car of the bodyguards. Hendra was seen chatting with her, then the woman moved backwards towards Aruna''s car and sat next to Aruna.


    "Ms., Hendra said you want to use make-up. Let me help". Aruna wasn''t that interested in using make-up anymore. She was more curious about what these people would face. Was being in a public place or in a crowd so dangerous for Hendra?


    Lesmana''s daughter still remembered it clearly. Back in the day when they visited the mall, there were a lot of his bodyguards who sneaked into protecting him secretly.


    "Leona, what is actually happening? Why does Hendra have to use the separation type on his ears? Why can''t I go with him?". Aruna was still curious.


    "You and Hendra must always be safe, that''s why we''re here. And that''s why you haven''t been allowed to come out yet". Leona tried to explain in broad terms.


    "Are crowds a huge problem?". Aruna wanted to know what the reason was.


    "It''s not just a crowd, but more about the presence?".


    "What do you mean??". The girl from an ordinary world hadn''t understood what Leona was saying yet.


    "Ugh. Where should I start explain?? So, just like the journalists around us right now, if only they hadn''t known where Hendra was, they wouldn''t have been here".


    "Apart from the journalists, there are other things out there to watch out for as well. And we''re here to keep everything going well. Including the safety of yourself and most importantly Hendra because he''s our leader". Leona tried to explain it as simple as possible.


    "You really don''t want to use make-up?". Leona asked once again.


    This girl only shook her head. She didn''t want anything.


    "No need to". Aruna was more concerned looking at the back of the man on the other end who was walking slowly among his bodyguards, trying to get rid of the crowd of reporters.


    "You should be thinking how to look attractive since your husband is so attractive. Even though you don''t really want it, you should know how to compromise with the situation". Leona seemed to deliberately offend Aruna.


    This woman seemed resigned to Leona''s words. She began to put out a collection of very simple make-up tools. Lip tint, moisturizer, and powder.


    Leona, the woman who Aruna knew had been seen following Hendra several times when he went to work. Reportedly, she was expected to be a female secretary who would accompany the activities of the Wenceslas Group''s CEO.


    Since Surya was starting to get overwhelmed, the blue-eyed''s best friend also had another schedule, which was taking over Hendra''s work when his schedules overlapped.


    To be honest, Hendra was getting busier because he''d receive a new mandate as president director. And Surya was slowly taking part as the second person to represent Mahendra in several business assignments.


    Aruna didn''t know about this at all. All she knew was Mahendra was very busy and often came home late. She left him cooped up in the room alone.


    "Is this all you have?".


    Hendra''s wife nodded.


    Leona swiftly got out of the car and came back with extraordinary make-up kits. It was extraordinary because the products were quite famous for being expensive and there were so many varieties. A pouch full of it.


    "How come you don''t have complete make-up? If you ask for something, everyone will definitely prepare it for you?". She was offensive again but it was more subtle.


    "Hehe. Looks like make-up is my weakness and I''m not that interested. That''s why I forgot to prepare these things properly." Arunda defended her humble existence.


    "There should be a little bit of effort, even though your current existence isn''t where you want it to be. But look, Ms., a lot of people want your place. Otherwise, these people wouldn''t chase you so excitedly".


    Lesmana''s daughter just fell silent.


    "Yeah, I''ll try.." This girl replied briefly while staring outside the Bentley Continental.


    "You have to focus, not just trying. Focus on staying here or choosing to return to where you came from, so that other people will easily find the right course of action."


    Aruna just smiled. She knew the expression of a woman who reportedly was Hendra''s childhood friend was pretty on point and often offended her.


    Her hands began to polish Aruna''s face. Unfortunately, her face was flat. She rarely smiled.


    This girl was looking for her solace. She was a little depressed by the atmosphere that she encountered. Somehow the woman who was polishing herself quite bothered her.


    She was browsing on social media that she rarely opened. When browsing several incoming messages, she found a surprising message : "Miss you too, Aruna".


    _Damar, he replied?! How is he? Is he okay?_


    *Damar, where are you?


    *How are you?


    *Are you okay?


    *I''m very worried.


    *I''m sorry, I couldn''t do anything at the last meeting.


    *Why didn''t you reply?


    .


    .


    "Next time, please be more careful. We don''t want something like this to happen again. You should know that not everything needs to be shared on social media. Even though you''re a politician who needs followers to maintain your existence". Not many had seen Surya angry yet, but today his words were so bold as to strike the mayor.


    Surya even expressed his disappointment because he had to hide the wife of the CEO of the Wenceslas Group who accompanied her husband today, so that the reporters out there wouldn''t know that the couple they were chasing was present at the same time. Because of that, Aruna was still stuck in the car.


    Surya''s expressions annoyed the people around him, especially those from the mayor''s team.


    "How can these people feel more powerful than Mr. Riswan?". The whisper began to be heard between the ears.


    "Reportedly, they were Mr. Riswan''s superior when he was an architect".


    "But they should know who Mr. Riswan is now?!".


    "Wait! Is that Mahendra??". A woman who was also present at the civil servant-style meeting which was so complicated with the protocol threw her remarks softly.


    In this meeting room, there were too many people who weren''t really needed. But whatever, maybe this was the rule that Riswan must''ve followed. Hendra had guessed, that was why he was lazy to accept Riswan''s request.


    "Wow, no wonder those actresses are willing to risk their reputation for this man". The remarks were getting hotter, making Hendra a little hot.


    "Shall we start? What should I do now? Wenceslas Construction needs to present the progress of the project or do we have a two-way discussion?!". Hendra didn''t want to linger.


    One of Riswan''s team approached, whispered something to Mahendra.

 Chapter 131 - Growing As A Tool

    "Shall we start? What should I do now? Wenceslas Construction needs to present the progress of the project or do we have a two-way discussion?!". Hendra didn''t want to linger.


    One of Riswan''s team approached, whispered something to Mahendra.


    "Sorry, some aren''t here yet. We''ll wait a little longer". He looked awkward and shy when giving the news.


    Hendra was in a hurry this morning. He even left with a mess. Meanwhile, after arriving, it was said that this place was only occupied by 70% of the invitees who should''ve come.


    "Call Riswan. I want to talk to him!". He knew that Riswan was a little away because he felt guilty.


    Today, somehow, the mayor seemed to live up to his past, as the architect who was under the auspices of the Wenceslas Group.


    .


    "You didn''t tell me that this meeting wasn''t for the two us. I think today''s meeting won''t produce anything meaningful. Even if it''s a two-way discussion, I''m sure the results are also bland. You''re wasting my time. If it doesn''t start in 10 minutes, I''ll go back". Hendra''s face hardened and cold.


    "I beg you to understand. Those DPR members want to be present at the meeting. You know that no one can prevent them from coming, let alone me". Riswan added.


    "I apologize for the journalists outside". Riswan added again.


    "No problem, the important thing is this meeting is over soon. Tell me what should we do?". Hendra asked for an explanation.


    And the two started talking to each other. Riswan wanted a discussion and Q&A session according to the request of the DPR commission who was present. This project was indeed opposed by several coalitions, but Riswan confronted for a dream about a ''dream city''.


    But Hendra disagreed. It''d be better for Wenceslas Construction to start this meeting with a new presentation then they could propose a Q&A session.


    Then, the blue-eyed hoped that Riswan could fulfill his promise not to involve Wenceslas Group in any other way. Apart from the dream city development project, matters beyond that were Riswan''s business with the power holders at this moment.


    "But I hope when they ask questions, you''ll answer them because I''m shackled by the Right of Interpellation". Riswan submitted a request.


    (Right of Interpellation: The first right of the DPR is the Right of Interpellation. What is meant by the Right of Interpellation is the right of the DPR to ask the Government for information regarding government policies that are important and strategic and have a broad impact on the life of the society, nation, and state)


    "Yeah, I''ll help you. Even though I''m well aware that they must have other goals with the Right of Interpellation. That''s why we really avoid working with you guys. They can come together to make false information, if us businessmen don''t comply with their wishes as happened in the previous Wenceslas Group''s generation". Hendra recalled the biography if his family that he read carefully, especially the part of the Wenceslas Group''s downfall due to accusations that were annulled by several parties.


    "But you have to remember that our intention is for the good of society". Riswan strengthened Hendra''s conviction. In fact, this was about realizing the mayor''s personal dream.


    "Good intention. You''re still the same as before. That''s why we falter today. Well, even though I know it''ll waste a lot of time. Even though the profit is the same as when Wenceslas Construction takes jobs from other places".


    "I know that you guys will keep this going no matter how difficult it is. Because the company that was inherited to you was born from the spirit of the youth oat. Is what I said wrong??" Riswan offended something that Hendra''d just understood some time ago.


    The blue-eyed frowned. How did this mayor know many things about the history of the founding of the Wenceslas Group?


    And he smiled at Mahendra''s confused expression.


    "One day I''ll tell you why I know so many things about your company".


    "Well, let''s start realizing our dreams. Please prepare yourself for the best presentation".


    He kept staring into Riswan''s eyes. He was really curious who this man was. Why he was so confident in begging, submitting requests, then pressuring when rejected, and even worse, he knew so many things about the Wenceslas Group. He even knew the D Floor more than himself.


    "Stop observing me. If this project is successful, I''ll answer all the question marks in your brain. Calm down. Nothing terrible". Riswan smiled and patted Hendra''s shoulder. A kind of calming effort but giving off the impression of mysterious and impenetrable instead.


    "Okay. Let''s see if the current DPR has changed a lot or still the same as the previous one". Hendra fulfilled his curiosity about Riswan. He looked at the crowd of meeting participants who looked busy chatting with each other.


    "Our society is getting smart now, although not all of them choose based on conscience. But, among them, there are still those who have the same dream as me. Just touch their hearts that the dream city is a form of community service." Riswan advised him that some members of the DPR were elected because of their personal qualities, not just doctrinal influence, excessive trending, or dawn attack game.


    "Okay, I''ll try". The blue-eyed stepped confidently. He began to slip his hand between the buttons of his coat, smiling and saying hello. A panoramic view of such extraordinary manners. Hendra indeed had a different instinct when he was in public. He studied personality from the age of 10.


    It made him appear perfect in the eyes of all who stared at him. An extraordinary camouflage. The expectations of other people would jump so high when describing his personal branding and background.


    No one would''ve guessed that he had a weakness. Post-traumatic syndrome disorder (PTSD) that shackled him for years in a cold, stubborn character. He worked beyond limits like a non-human. Because the blue-eyed man was educated and prepared in that way.


    Try to imagine someone whose life process was structured based on KPI (Key Performance Indicators) formulated by high-ranking officials since he set foot in his mother''s homeland, Indonesia.


    A grandchild who was born unexpectedly. He was present in the disappointment of a father to his daughter, but was also an asset to the family''s future. A tool capable of bringing down the competition between Wiryo, the president director, and the traitor councils.


    Even when this little boy experienced a problem, Wiryo and the people who were still loyal to him used an unreasonable way by making appraisal performance assessments to the blue-eyed little boy.


    He grew as a tool.


    (Key Performance Indicator is a matrix used by an institution or company in measuring the success of employee performance.


    When applied to a human being, this human being had a record of an activity schedule that had to be fulfilled without compromise, a target record, and was broken down into daily, weekly, monthly, to yearly achievements, including strategies to achieve targets. Even further, regarding the budget that was prepared in detail for him. When it was discovered that it was imperfect, appraisal''s judgment applied to it.


    Appraisal is a method of assessment, measurement, scoring, or rating about a subject, which in this case is a person, about their behavior and performance within the company, team, or department).


    The blue-eyed man who was playing with the pointer was prepared to be that perfectionist and crazy.


    He began to show his presentation skills. Every word that came out of his mouth was an analysis that was difficult to be refuted by logic. This was the most advanced ability that had caused many Wenceslas Group''s colleagues unable to refuse offers. The biggest impact was evidenced by the increase in company profits, reaching 30% in the five years of his leadership as CEO.


    In accordance with Riswan''s direction, Hendra offended many DPR members who proposed the Right of Interpellation by directing their answers to a statement: ''your form of dedication to the society''.


    This man ended his presentation with a polite greeting: "Thank you very much for listening and paying attention to me". He lowered his head a little, smiling and waving to the mayor.


    Nonsense words and questions were still heard on the sidelines of his farewell.


    "How about the budget regulations?".


    "What if we want to meet personally to follow up on the financial statements?".


    "This development is quite big and the funds are very large as well. It seems that it needs a more detailed discussion". And so on.


    The blue-eyed answered with a smile. He ignored all of that because it was actually part of Riswan''s promise. Moreover, there was a woman who sit on the very back edge.


    Staring at him with round brown eyes. A magnet to be greeted with immediately.


    ***


    This man had just descended the stage steps. The first thing he wanted was to go to his wife right away.


    Too bad that simple wish was a bit constrained. Several meeting participants began rushing to approach him.


    "Can I help you?".

 Chapter 132 - It’s You

    ***


    This man had just descended the stage steps. The first thing he wanted was to go to his wife right away.


    Too bad that simple wish was a bit constrained. Several meeting participants began rushing to approach him.


    "Can I help you?".


    Hendra thought that they were approaching to invite him to discuss. In fact, some women and even men who approached him wanted to take photos with Mahendra, the CEO of Wenceslas Group.


    "Sorry. Let''s just take a photo together. Once again, I''m sorry. I don''t have much time". Hendra glanced at his bodyguards, hoping that he would be helped to find a way.


    Bodyguards had started to reduce requests for photos from other meeting participants. Unfortunately, one or two were still trying and tend to be reckless.


    "Thank you, Mr.!". Hendra smiled hearing the nickname. There were still some who called him that.


    His stature and appearance looked like a British. However, he was raised in a very Indonesian way, even a bit Javanese way.


    "Who escorted you?". Hendra greeted his wife. He sat on the chair beside Aruna and began to spread his arms around the shoulder of the woman who had been dressed up beautifully in the midi dress of her choice.


    "Leona". Aruna''s eyes focused on the woman sitting on her other side.


    "Oh, your name is Leona? Thank you very much in advance". Hendra stole a glance. Finally, this CEO realized the name of his subordinate.


    Aruna frowned and confused. Leona told that she was Hendra''s childhood friend but why did Hendra ask her name? Wasn''t it strange??


    "Yes, of course, that''s my name. You should''ve known since you''re a kid? You used to call me Nana". Leona spoke so casually, responding to Hendra friendly and confidently. For her, it was normal for Hendra not to care about the people around him, especially women. This was indeed a character that had been engraved since he knew the blue-eyed.


    "Oh. Really?? Looks like my memory is bad". Hendra smiled at the end of the interaction. He chose to refocus on his wife.


    Seeing that she was given the opportunity to speak, Aruna immediately took advantage of it to answer her curiosity when she first saw the performance of Wiryo''s grandson.


    "Hendra, did you also attend¡­". This girl was confused in choosing words.


    "Have we met before? I mean before at Cafe La Rose". That girl began to find the correct way to ask questions.


    But the blue-eyed squinted to find out the meaning of Aruna''s question, which was a little confusing.


    "Hmm.. I received an award as the best newcomer start-up in the craft category. The event was on my campus". Having not finished her questioning, this girl caught Mahendra''s smile.


    "So the one who was invited as the inspiring CEO, I mean the most influential young CEO.. Is that you?". Aruna tried to convince herself.


    "You just realized?!". Hendra smiled deeper.


    "Oh, really, it was you?".


    "Yeah. Who else is the most influential young CEO in this country? Haha". The man laughed arrogantly.


    "Geez.. Really??". Aruna still couldn''t believe it.


    "Just try to check the photos. If you still have it".


    "Wow. Okay, let me prove it". Aruna started looking for her cellphone. She''d uploaded that photo on Instagram. It''s been quite a while.


    While looking at the girl beside him who was really looking for the proof, the blue-eyed tempted to ask.


    "Why did you just realize it now?".


    Aruna stopped touching her cellphone and looked at Mahendra''s face which implied a sense of disappointment because she just realized it.


    "Because I just found out now. It turns out you can have extraordinary manners. When you''re in front of the public, you really look like another person". Aruna offered an explanation excitedly.


    "What''s the difference anyway? Look at me, it''s the same?!". Hendra raised his hands to show that he''s the same person.


    "Same? It''s obviously really different?". Aruna began to look for the differences in her brain.


    "Maybe because the first time we met, back then you looked bad. Ah, not bad, but rude and acting as you please. Of course I never thought that we''ve met before".


    "Because it seems too different between the CEO who became the speaker and the man who suddenly handed over the sheet..".


    "Stt.." Hendra gave a code to Aruna so that she didn''t finish her sentence. There was someone beside them.


    "Really.. I''m not sure that CEO.. Turns out it''s you, Hendra".


    "That CEO is really me, Honey. Why??".


    "No.. I''m still not really sure!!".


    Aruna was moving her fingers again on the Instagram application. She was shifting accounts.


    _Eh. There''s an inbox. Is this Damar''s reply?_ The reddish hue canceled her intention. She observed the blue-eyed. Yes, it was necessary to hold back the desire to open the inbox, rather than create trouble.


    "Wow, here it is. Yes, it''s you. Hehe". Aruna smiled brightly. A rare smile from a girl who used to be very warm.


    "I didn''t think that we''d met a year ago". As if Aruna felt a happy feeling at that time.


    "Seems like I''m more attractive in that photo than the one that is next to you". Hendra was disappointed that Aruna preferred to look at his photos rather than his real self.


    "Hehe. You know what? I used to have a desire. One day I want to be someone like you. That''s really funny right.. Haha". This girl laughed so much. She even covered her mouth with her fingers because her teeth were clearly visible. She was laughing out loud.


    Aruna''s first laugh after such a heavy wedding tied her up. Hendra also felt the warmth of this girl again. The warmth that he struggled to bring back.


    "Good thing that your favorite young CEO is your husband now". Hendra offset Aruna''s warm mood. He smiled too and acted arrogantly.


    "Unfortunately.. It''s not cool now".


    "How come?!".


    "Because I already know your real personality, so there''s nothing interesting anymore".


    "Ah, right.. But I was cool, right?".


    "A little¡­ Just a little".


    "Don''t lie. Look, you''re still smiling. It means yes. Admit it".


    "I don''t want to..". Aruna shook her head with a bright smile on her flushed cheeks. She was incredibly beautiful in the eyes of the blue-eyed man.


    "Come on.. Your eyes can''t lie!".


    "Haha. You can read my eyes?".


    "Yes, I can read anything, except your heart".


    The laughter of the warm girl stopped immediately, turning into a bitter smile. Hendra was a little disappointed, why he had to say something about the heart.


    _Why is he always like this? Always raises so many question marks. He made her heart crush after being happy_


    Before the cold situation came, this man took the initiative. He diverted the conversation: "Are you thirsty? Do you want a drink? Let me get it".


    _Ah, this should be my words. He just finished the presentation but he also offered a drink_


    "Don''t.. I''ll just take it for you. Wait a minute, okay?". Aruna got up swiftly, shifting her chair.


    .


    "Turns out that Hendra has changed a lot". The woman who''d been sitting silently beside Aruna was listening attentively to their conversation.


    Hendra didn''t respond to the words of a woman whose name he just knew, Leona.


    "I thought Hendra would be angry with a woman who dares to put her heart elsewhere". Leona was too brave to make her statement.


    The man still ignored the woman who was talking to him. He chose to keep himself busy, tidying up his wife''s bag that was placed carelessly, including the cellphone that was just lying around. He put the cellphone in the bag.


    "Seeing you like this, I seem to go back to the time before you get that trauma".


    "You were sweet and kind. It made me cry every time I was told to stop playing with you".


    "You don''t want to know who I am? Curious, at least?". Leona seemed to be talking to herself. Hendra didn''t care about her at all.


    "Do I need to kneel in front of you? So that you''ll be willing to talk to me". Her words were quite condescending to her pride, but the blue-eyed man didn''t budge.


    "After this, we''ll review the construction site". Riswan came at the same time with Aruna''s arrival.


    "Wow.. You bring your wife." The mayor narrowed his eyes as a sign that he was happy. His colleague''s wife was no longer hiding in the car.


    "Yes.. She was tortured to be constantly at home. I was also more excited when she was beside me". Hendra also stood up and hugged Aruna''s waist, showing ownership.


    "Uh-huh.. The words of the newlyweds really give me goosebumps. Haha".


    Hendra''s wife grinned, embarrassed. While Mahendra smiled.


    "How? Can we go now? The location isn''t far. We can go on foot".


    "Where are you going?". Hendra''s wife was curious too.


    "Just come along. It''s rare to enjoy the city by walking relaxedly." The mayor suggested.


    "I''m not sure it''s good. Aruna, you should go back to your car!". (Hendra)


    "I don''t want to.. I want to come..". The wife objected and started whining.


    "Come on, Honey.. We''ll take a walk later in another place".

 Chapter 133 - Spatial-Visual

    "I don''t want to.. I want to come..". The wife objected and started whining.


    "Come on, Honey.. We''ll take a walk later in another place".


    "Calm down, Hendra. Our security unit is ready. We guarantee the safety of both of you". The mayor spoke again.


    "No! Only we can measure the conditions that we face".


    "Leona, bring Aruna back to the car".


    "Hen.. Hendra..". The girl whined. Her voice was more disturbing.


    She was being forcibly pulled by Leona, but her face was still staring at the blue-eyed closely. It was as if she didn''t want to be taken away by the woman who was pulling her.


    Hendra closed his eyes. It means that he was experiencing anxiety. This time he had to ignore Aruna''s wish.


    The device attached to the ear said there was suspicion from Raka and Praditya''s teams out there.


    Several drones flown by Praditya across the ceiling of the construction site caught three suspicious spots.


    Buildings have begun to be vacated as a first step for the dream city development project. There was someone on the back of the building. There were three points with the same peculiarity.


    Why was that person alone at the top of an empty building? Raka mobilized his team to ambush them before the CEO of the Wenceslas Group arrived at the location.


    Along the way, Riswan didn''t stop talking. He shared his dreams, including why he refused the library made by the Wenceslas Construction''s architect.


    "Musashino Art University Museum and Library, Japan". Riswan shrieked, showing that he was very excited.


    "So you want to create a museum and library at the same time like Musashino?". Hendra countered the mayor''s enthusiastic expression.


    "No! I didn''t think that way. On the contrary, if you''ve been to Musashino, we know that at first glance, the library building is only a combination of wood and glass. But if you look carefully, all the wood inside the glass turns out to be bookshelves. The architect, Sou Fujimoto, used bookshelves in every frame of the building, including stairs and walls. I think Sou is a smart architect". The mayor''s eyes lit up.


    "Ah, because you''re an architect, you understand such details. To be honest, I don''t really understand."


    "That''s not the main point. Since our people have low reading interest, we need to create a library that is packaged casually like a cafe. But in every corner, there are books tucked in, so that it attracts their attention and they feel compelled to enjoy it". Riswan''s sighed deeply, so deep in his words.


    "Or you should draw it yourself". Hendra made an offer.


    "Unfortunately, I don''t have time to draw now".


    "What if you translate your wishes to our architects, I can schedule them to come to you or you come to the Wenceslas Construction center".


    "Wow. Brilliant idea.. I always like the way this CEO solves problems. You can catch and find a solution quickly. I haven''t even thought about making such a request".


    The soft whisper from the device in his ear came back. It voiced an information: "One of them turned out to be only a prank. The other two were security units from the mayor. Riswan was quite observant".


    What a relief.


    The reporters also began to step aside because they found that the CEO didn''t want to talk much except for matters related to his meeting with the mayor and the DPRD.


    The journalists were shackled because most of the DPR, including Riswan, hoped that they would be the sources. Hendra stepped back, smiled, and redirected to the topic of building the dream city when asked about his marriage.


    "Can I bring Aruna to walk with me?". The blue-eyed pressed the device in his ear, making requests to the people who were working in the central information technology room.


    "I think it''s pretty safe at this point. You can take her out". Praditya gave some happy news.


    .


    .


    "Stop frowning.. You already come with me now.. Try to pay attention to that! This place will turn into a playground". Hendra finished the site survey with Riswan, then he came to Aruna who was alone. She was allowed to get out of the car but her face was still gloomy.


    "Then what about the people in this market? I know this place used to be a market but now this place is empty. Where are they?". The curiosity began to divert her anger.


    "Of course they''ve been moved to a more proper place. This place was too shabby. You know that mosque?". Hendra turned his gaze to a mosque tower.


    "Yes!". This girl replied briefly.


    "There''s a new modern market nearby. Maybe it''s not that crowded right now. But later, the tower that you''ll see will no longer be just a mosque dome. There will be five towers from each of the religions practiced in this country lined up there side by side and confirm our diversity".


    "After they pray, they can enjoy the culinary. Fruits, vegetables, and cheap souvenirs from the local market which has been transformed into a clean and tidy modern market by developing 17 SDGs programs continuously, intact, and fully".


    This girl''s eyes lit up even more at Hendra''s explanation.


    "Responsible consumption and production. Do you know what SGDs number is this?".


    "12". Aruna replied excitedly.


    "Responsible consumption and production". This girl added. Hendra smiled happily. Someone with a spatial-visual intelligence but had an interest in the social and philanthropy worlds were two things that were hard to imagine.


    "That is one example. We''ll build the market alongside a recycling center which is right near the market. Rotten vegetables and plastic waste will be put in different containers and recycled in a modern way at the recycling center".


    Those sparkling eyes now looked at Hendra who was giving her an explanation. Her mind began to create spaces of spatial imagination about recycling centers, towers, and their contents, including the arrangement of ornaments that would decorate the places Hendra described.


    "Hendra, if I can give input, in front of each tower should have the same gate, and the plants that adorn it should be the same too. The plants have to be shady so that when people pass through the place, they won''t feel hot. They''ll breathe in more oxygen".


    "Why should the gates be the same?".


    "I don''t know.. In my imagination, the same gate is the first step that means we believe we''re different, but we come from the same place because the earth we stand on is the same. It''s just that we have different beliefs, ethnicities, cultures, customs, and languages." Aruna added.


    "Such a smart input". Hendra gave a sincere compliment from his heart.


    "You''re the great one".


    "You rarely compliment me".


    "This time, I mean it.. But you can''t be arrogant".


    Hendra smiled. His dimples were back on his cheeks: "Why did you suddenly call me great?".


    "You don''t need to do charity to many people. You don''t have to provide time to volunteer. But your job can massively influence many individuals towards a better change, whether it''s economic, socio-cultural, and even their personal habits".


    "Wow, you can read it that far".


    "Of course. I learned a lot about voluntary social organizations, including philanthropy."


    "You know why I, who was 18 years old, could dare to build a start-up with zero capital?".


    "Isn''t that very naive and reckless? Hahaha.. It was difficult and I went through a lot of stupid things because I didn''t have a tutor like the other friends. I run it self-taught, assisted by my loyal friends. Such incredible 2 years. It all started because I wanted to give opportunities to the women at the place where I volunteered. My dream was as simple as that".


    "And my next dream is to be a businesswoman. Yeah, like you who can do much to the grassroots."


    Mahendra listened carefully to Aruna''s explanation. This kid looked even more special.


    "You know the meaning that I conveyed when we stared at the ceiling of your bed? About why don''t you use the helicopter to form bigger dreams?".


    "You can take advantage of your current situation to build bigger dreams".


    This girl was silent.


    She stared at the empty expanse of sky before her and the man rubbed the girl''s back.


    "Destiny will take you to different places, now it is up to you to make it a foothold or return to your comfort place. It all depends on you, my honey". He whispers as he sniffs on Aruna''s fragrant hair.


    This girl is still silent, as Hendra expected. She remains on her choice to shut herself up completely, untouchable and incomprehensible.


    "It is time for us to go back, right? Surely the mayor is waiting for you." They walk slowly hand in hand. In the past Aruna wouldn''t let them walk side by side, because hearing affectionate words such as my darling or my honey made her horrified. But lately she let the blue eyed man call her with that endearments.

 Chapter 134 - The Elevation Angle

    "It is time for us to go back, right? Surely the mayor is waiting for you." They walk slowly hand in hand. In the past Aruna wouldn''t let them walk side by side, because hearing affectionate words such as my darling or my honey made her horrified. But lately she let the blue eyed man call her with that endearments.


    Either, because she is too irritated to warn him or she has already gotten used to it.


    When they come back, it turns out that the reporters are still there, firing them with questions..


    Riswan and several of his staffs immediately step in to protect their colleagues. Likewise with  Hendra''s staffs, they try to calm the crowds down and make way for the couple to walk.


    "Can you answer our question just once?"


    "Sorry, to honor the mayor I will only talk about the Dream City. The rest is honestly nothing special from both of us." Hendra smiles widely, he even teaches Aruna, whispering in the girl''s ear to smile. Seeing a crowd like this, honestly makes Aruna traumatized by what has happened to her.


    Hendra grabs her tiny shoulder to give her a sense of security.


    And Riswan begins to talk more to the reporters. He chats around for quite a while.


    "Sir, look southeast at 35 degrees elevation angle."


    Hendra turns his head to the instructions that he hears. It becomes more crowded when there are a number of people in front of them, who suddenly voice their requests, urging Hendra to speak.


    "Bring my wife .. take her out here as soon as possible .. get out of here." Hendra''s order is received well by his guards, as he begins to turn his head once again to look for the angle Praditya meant.


    "Calm down, Sir.. my team has caught him." Raka says.


    "Who are they?" Hendra asks.


    "This time it''s a paid sniper. The commotion just now just to divert our attention."


    "Sir, the elevation angle on the southwest at 62 degrees."


    _ Shit, this is getting closer_ Hendra walks quickly leaving Riswan and his crowd behind.


    "Raka, how is your team?" Pradita shouts at his partner.


    "We are working on it as soon as possible." Raka replies.


    "How about my wife? Make sure that she is safe." Hendra walks quickly to be greeted by a car that is moving faster towards him.


    "Sir, we still have lunch together, I hope you will join us, please don''t go yet." The mayor stops him in his tracks.


    "Riswan, get away from me!" Hendra''s eyes wander around as someone whispers the elevation angle of 47 degrees, east side..


    "Please don''t refuse my request, let''s chat casually over lunch". The mayor even grabs Hendra''s arm. The driver below presses the horn several times asking his boss to come down immediately.


    "What are you looking for?" Riswan is confused looking at Hendra who is in a constant vigilant, eyes moving from one side to the other.


    "Riswan, stay away from me". Hendra throws the mayor''s hand, walking quickly down the stairs to the street where the car that picks him up is located. Unfortunately, from the bottom of the stairs, someone grins horribly and points a gun at him. Hendra tries to retreat, glancing at the various possibilities where he could later run away.


    When the trigger is pulled, someone pushes Hendra''s away, removing Hendra from the target.


    "DOR!". The mayor falls, covered in blood, and the shooter is currently on the run, trailed by Hendra''s guards.


    "Riswan .. Riswan .." The mayor fainted, several journalists immediately run to capture the scene and the sound of an ambulance wailing, carrying a body with gunshot wounds.


    Hendra runs along with the ambulance. Everyone is panicking, including the woman who is far away hidden behind a Bentley.


    "What happened? Why is there suddenly so much noise? Why is there an ambulance? Where is Hendra?"


    "I want to get out .. get me out now!" The girl hits the door repeatedly, but no one else is in the car care.


    "Take me to Hendra! Where is my husband ?! What happened?" The car carrying Aruna walks away faster from the scene, ignoring her anger and tears


    .


    .


    The incident this afternoon immediately became a headline news on all national TV, newspapers, and online media. The speculation and its development overlap with each other. But no one mentions that this incident is related to the CEO of the Wenceslas Group.


    The most common speculation is that the coalition against the Dream City is responsible for the attack and is involved in the shooting.


    Several TV stations even discussed the development of the Dream City. They come to know many things about the dream of the mayor. And the wonderful collaboration with Wenceslas Construction.


    Just as Riswan''s popularity skyrocketed, Wenceslas contraction also takes part of the development. Discussions related to a sustainable development system with an environmentally friendly concept and a unique, eccentric, truly renewable, renewable architecture with modern technology have amazed many people.


    .


    On the operation waiting room.


    Riswan''s wife, Camila comes and trips down in front of Hendra. Her family immediately helps her to get up.


    Hendra, accompanied by Surya, are still waiting for the mayor to come out of the operation room to remove the bullet lodged in his right arm. Hendra knows that he is likely to survive because he is shot in the arms. But looking at the blood that has spilled out earlier, Hendra is unsure if the mayor could be 100% safe. The blue-eyed man needs to make sure the person who helped him is safe.


    "Don''t forget, you also have to contact your wife. Grandma just told me that she is waiting for you and won''t stop crying." Surya whispers in Hendra''s ear.


    "Oh my God .. I haven''t seen my cellphone at all." The blue-eyed man moves away for a moment.


    .


    "Hello¡­" His greeting is replied by a crying voice on the other end.


    "Why don''t you pick up my phone at all?" Aruna couldn''t control her emotions. She exploded with all the confusion.


    "Calm down, I''m fine, I''m waiting for the mayor."


    "Yes, I saw him on the television, he is still undergoing the surgery, right?"


    "How about you? Have you eaten? Wipe your tears. If possible, tonight I''ll go home. I have called you, so promise me you wouldn''t cry again, okay?" Hendra tries to calm her down.


    "I should be the one asking the question whether you have eaten. Don''t forget to rest. I''ll be waiting for you! If you don''t come, I won''t sleep."


    "Do not be like this, dear. I will definitely go home, wait for me, okay?" It is evident in his voice that Hendra is tired. He is tired of feeling uncertain. It could be him that is in the operation room this afternoon. Or he might be dead already.


    "Go home so you can rest. You look like you are very tired."


    "Yes, I''ll see you later, miss you." He turns off the cellphone, he could not possibly tell the truth. All his bodyguards are not allowed to tell his wife. This girl will be terrified. And it is possible that she might have gone back to her comfort place.


    Along with the increasingly daring threats, and the suicide news of Riswan''s shooter. This man decides that he will no longer use subtle ways.


    They dare to make open threats in public. It meant that the mysterious group moved swiftly this time. Hendra still has one person alive. The person who planned to stab his wife.


    .


    .


    "He won''t wake up anytime soon, he is still under the anaesthetic. Come back in the morning." Riswan''s doctor says.


    "How''s his condition, Doc? Can my friend be cured?" Hendra asks the doctor who is standing in front of him.


    "I made sure he can recover. We needed a long time to take it out because the bullet was lodged deep inside. Fortunately it didn''t scratch the bone. So his hand can function normally when the wound has been healed." The doctor gives him more information than what he told to Riswan''s family. Because the mayor''s family was too carried away with sadness so they couldn''t digest the words properly.


    .


    Hendra opens the door deliberately slowly so that the woman inside does not wake up.


    "Hendra!?". In fact, the girl runs to hug his back, even though he has not finished closing the door.


    "Why are you not sleeping yet?" The man turns around and strokes his wife''s hair.


    "I have told you. I''ll wait until you get home."


    "This is not the right way to worry about me. You will make me more burdened"


    "Sorry .. but I really can''t sleep, I''m afraid that you are hurt."


    "It wasn''t me who was shot, but Riswan. So you don''t have to be so worried about me."


    "No. I know. You told me to go immediately, it could be that you should actually be .. em .. hurt". This woman still doesn''t want to let go of his embrace. Even now she hugs him from the front.


    The man replies the warm hug by stroking and kissing her hair a few times.


    "I''ll take a shower first ..."


    "Have you eaten yet?"


    "Go back to sleep, it''s already early in the morning and you haven''t slept!"

 Chapter 135 - Mosquito’s Bites

    The man replies the warm hug by stroking and kissing her hair a few times.


    "I''ll take a shower first ..."


    "Have you eaten yet?"


    "Go back to sleep, it''s already early in the morning and you haven''t slept!"


    "That''s not my question. You don''t want to answer, so that means you really haven''t eaten, right?" This petite girl doesn''t ask anymore questions. Instead, she opens the bedroom door and runs to the pantry.


    When Hendra comes out of the bathroom, several dishes have already been prepared near the sofa with his wife sitting there.


    "Actually, I''m not in the mood to eat, I want to rest right away." But he couldn''t brush off his wife''s hand. Hendra sits down resignedly.


    Aruna puts on a warm smile, handing the spoon into Hendra''s hand. The man knows this girl is trying to comfort him. And it''s very cute for him who is used to being alone. In the past, he had to face the threats and resolve them by himself. And the night would end by him lying and sleeping alone.


    This time the atmosphere is different, he has someone to smile at him and force him to eat.


    The one who has nearly lost his life. Instead, cornered is in a position of being forced to eat. As if he is given the most effective medicine. .


    .


    "What are you thinking about? Why do you keep staring at me? Look at me okay .. don''t think too much. Now close your eyes! It''s time to rest."


    _ What is your life like? Now who''s mysterious? _ Aruna couldn''t stop thinking.


    "Tak!" Hendra flicks Aruna''s forehead with his finger.


    "Au .. it hurts ..". Aruna complains.


    "Your brain works too much. I have told you to sleep but here you are, still thinking hard."


    Mahendra hugs Aruna from the side and looks for her pulse.


    "You want to sleep on my arm?"


    "As far as I know .. Every time I wake up my position is always inside your arm?"


    "Yes, it''s my favorite place to hold you every night .. you want to give it for free to me today .. so I don''t have to wait for you to sleep and hug you quietly."


    This girl is still thinking.


    But in the end, she agrees anyway.


    Placing herself in Hendra''s arms and touching the man''s chest with her tiny hands, hesitating.


    Hendra kisses her forehead a few times, he is too happy.


    _I want to live longer, maybe she will wait for me every night_


    Hendra glances at the girl, her eyes are already closed. That''s very fast. Surely, she was tired from waiting for a long time. So pretty .. that''s what is crossed on his mind. This petite girl curls up beside his body.


    _Are you dreaming, Mahendra? What did you do to deserve this happiness?_


    He begins to tilt his body, brushes away some hair from Aruna''s face and approaches her. Fragrant, closed, and full of life. This man suddenly misses those lips. Last night he enjoyed it in an argument. Maybe today will be different.


    His logic slowly goes away the more he looks at the red lips. The most alluring attraction. Unconsciously, he touches her lips softly, as not to wake her up. Again and again. Stealing Aruna''s lips is the craziest activity that he loves every time.


    "Love you .. Love you, darling .."


    ***


    "Hahaha .. don''t worry, I can use my hand again in one week. To be honest, I''m happy with this shot. It means that the parliament will be cornered and they will no longer disturb the development of the Dream City." Riswan stares at his hands with a smile, it''s really scary. This man is lulled by his dream.


    "Don''t you want to know who has shot you?" Hendra is a little horrified to see the mayor enjoying the event.


    "I have lived and worked under the Wenceslas Construction, I took a lot of part in renovating your basement floors. I knew exactly why Mister Wiryo built it. So there is no need for further explanation." Riswan pats Hendra''s arm and gives him a strange smile for someone who has gotten away from a gunshot once again.


    "Don''t look at me like that." Riswan says.


    "You look like someone who has OCD."


    "You''re wrong. I''m not that bad. But I''m obsessed with making this city a dream place for everyone, a reference for all the regional leaders. Their base mark in building a city .. So it''s natural that I have such big ambitions."


    "Whatever, I don''t really care."


    "You know, my popularity has skyrocketed, everyone is also interested and discussing the Dream City. They even study the models and development systems that we design, and many people are curious to see our work."


    "Isn''t that amazing? Everything is going smoothly. Even if you have to be shot, it doesn''t matter." Riswan is talking about how amazing it is to be a wrong target, as if it is his life''s greatest luck.


    Hendra can''t really understand what the person in front of him is thinking.


    "Don''t look at me as if I''m crazy. You are also lucked out, aren''t you? When that person is found, you will know the mysterious group that always threatens the heir of Wenceslas?" Riswan says softly which earns him a glare from the blue-eyed man.


    "He''s dead." (Hendra)


    "But the state intelligence won''t keep silent. They will continue to hunt them, to find out who is the man behind the attack. Your team doesn''t need to work hard. I''m telling the truth, right?" Hendra''s eyes widened as he heard Riswan''s words.


    Who is this person? If he was a regular employee of the Wenceslas construction, there was no way he would have known this much about his family history, the D floor, and all things related to the Wenceslas.


    "Who are you?" The grip on the mayor''s collar tightens.


    ***


    "Miss, what are you doing alone here?" A man in a black shirt and jeans approaches Aruna. The girl is walking casually while enjoying the beauty of the Wenceslas family''s lake. She is entertaining himself because Hendra forbids her to follow him to work.


    They argued for a long time this morning. Because Hendra broke his promise and Aruna needed to know that she has to stay safe.


    They even debated in the bathroom, when this girl looked in the mirror. She still hadn''t woken up properly and was brushing her teeth absentmindedly, with her hair disheveled and heavy eyes.


    She squinted and rubbed the mirror.


    "Hendra .. You''re crazy .. What are you doing to my neck?!"


    "Knock! Knock! Knock!"


    "Hendra .. open the door .. I''ll kill you .. open it NOW!!"


    "I''m pooping. Don''t disturb me!"


    "Damn .. you dared to leave marks on my neck."


    Hehe. Behind their bathroom door, Hendra smiled as if asking for a hit. Yes .. he had tried not to leave a mark. But what can he do when he becomes addicted to Aruna''s smell.


    "Maybe it''s mosquito bites."


    "There''s no mosquito that will leave a mark as big as these .. Seriously you .. Do you think that I''m stupid?!"


    "Maybe a tomcat fell on your neck and bit you." The blue eyed man was saying nonsense.


    "Yes .. I bet the tomcat has blue eyes." Aruna sounded irritated.


    "Ha ha." Hendra laughs out loud.


    After a long silence, he thought that Aruna had gone. He didn''t know that she was still standing in front of the door, folding her arms threateningly.


    She just barely reaches his shoulder. And her body can be hugged with only one hand, but she dares to threaten the man.


    "Let me see the marks .."


    "Plak!" She slapped Hendra''s approaching harshly.


    "Apologize right now!"


    "You are my legal wife based on the laws. And the ridiculous law yesterday has not been passed. It means that it is legal for me to kiss my wife''s neck." He was trying to defend his absurd logic.


    "But you violated our rules. You are only allowed to kiss my lips based on point 21, the rest is not allowed. I can sue you. Because there is a stamp on it." Aruna didn''t want to lose.


    "Oh so I just can kiss your lips. I might have forgotten. Then so that I don''t forget, I''d better taste your lips again." Hendra caught the girl who threatened him. It wasn''t Hendra who was terrified, but Aruna.


    "agrh .. get off me..." This girl managed to release herself by biting hard on Hendra''s hand, ran out of the bathroom and closed the door from the outside, pushing the door to keep it closed.


    She just realized that it was impossible, her strength wouldn''t be enough to go against the blue eyed man. The door started to open and she ran as fast as she could.


    "Argh .. Hendra what do you want? Go .. Go away.. GO!"


    "Remember,  don''t run out of the room, or we''ll bring a lot of trouble." The blue eyed man warned her.


    The girl then ran in another direction, but it was easy for Wiryo''s grandson to catch up with her.


    "Argh .. let go of me ..". Aruna tried to release herself when her body was hugged from behind and she ended up on Hendra''s lap, this man brought her to sit on the edge of the bed.

 Chapter 136 - The First Verse

    "Argh .. let go of me ..". Aruna tried to release herself when her body was hugged from behind and she ended up on Hendra''s lap, this man brought her to sit on the edge of the bed.


    "I''ll let you go if I can kiss you. I need it for my breakfast". He was still holding onto Aruna''s stomach tightly. Even though the girl kept moving, trying to release herself.


    "You perverted man! You are terrible!!" Aruna shrieked. But Hendra didn''t care.


    "I should be the one who is angry! Why are you the one who caught me!" (Aruna)


    "This is the natural rule. The predator is always stronger than the prey."


    "So you are a predator?"


    "Yes! I''m a lion and you are a little rabbit!"


    "What kind of analogy is that?!"


    "This is a plausible analogy! So there are no little bunny dares to threaten the lion! Do you understand now why you get caught?! Hehe."


    And the little rabbit was still moving around, trying to release herself from the lion''s grip.


    .


    "Ah, I''m tired. Let''s see until when you give up¡­" The crazy CEO was holding her close, letting his girl tire herself from fighting back.


    "That''s why you should be an obedient wife, don''t fight against your husband. Hehe."  Hendra smiled and started kissing his wife''s shoulder.


    "Hendra, I haven''t showered". Aruna refused. She was still in her husband''s lap.


    "Even though you haven''t showered for 3 days, I still want you ... as long as it''s you."


    "You are overreacting."


    "Do you want to try?"


    "No ... I can''t even stand my own body odor."This girl was still trying to escape when Hendra started kissing her cheek.


    "What can I give to you to release me.. anything other than a kiss on the lips .. I''m not in the mood .. can I say my wish?" Aruna slowly began to voice her heart. Since she was acquainted with the blue eyed man, she rarely voiced her request to Mahendra.


    Except when she tried to deny, protest, get angry and what hurts Hendra the most, rejection. The two of them rarely spoke heart to heart. The communication between this couple is dominated with the man''s selfishness because his personality tends to be logical and book smart. Hendra has difficulty communicating personally because he doesn''t have many social opportunities like most people.


    Meanwhile, the woman is a girl who is good at hiding her heart tightly. Not many can understand her, she kept it to herself. And instead, she shows a bright, cheerful smile and warm attitudes to everyone.


    "Of course .. you can say any wish. Unless, your wish is to refuse me."


    "I won''t let you say that." Hendra is still trying to kiss her cheek.


    "Why?"


    "Of course, because I like you ..."


    "Liking something doesn''t mean you have to have it. You can like an item but you don''t have to buy it, right?"


    "It''s maybe the case for someone else, but not for the heir of Wenceslas. Everything I want will be mine."


    "How cocky..."


    "Haha .. do you want proof of how powerful the Wenceslas heir is?"


    Aruna only frowns, she does not understand Mahendra''s words.


    "Hehe .. I will let you go, if you give me a kiss on the cheeks?" Hendra offers while smiling. He is testing how much he could possibly get from Aruna.


    "Do I really have to?" Aruna looks hesitant.


    "You can''t fight me .. you can try, though .." The blue-eyed man strengthens his grip on her.


    "Fine .. fine .. let me."


    "Aaah .. you will run away if I let you go."


    "even if I run, I''m sure you can catch me back." And suddenly a tiny hand touches the cheek of the blue-eyed man. Their eyes meet. This girl uses both hands to cup Hendra''s cheeks.


    Hendra kisses her hand.


    But the next thing he sees is that she is looking down then plants a forced quick kiss on his right cheek.


    _Why? Why is it still like this? _


    "I said cheeks, so I have to get a kiss on both... not one." The blue eyed man requests again, curious about her expression and the soul hidden behind a reluctant face.


    "Muah." Slower and calmer. Not as reluctant as the first kiss. But she is still looking down like she doesn''t want to see Mahendra.


    "See, I got my wish fulfilled, right?" The man breaks the silence between them.


    _But you still feel forced, it''s okay .. we can go slowly_


    "I can go?"


    The man finally gives up. And the girl runs quickly to hide in the bathroom.


    ***


    * Aruna I''m fine.


    * Don''t worry about me, I''m better now


    * I can write a novel now


    * Do you know what the title is? ''A Place to Return''


    * An old house where the woman can return to.


    * You must read it, the story is very beautiful.


    * I''m sorry .. our last meeting was too painful .. (Damar was drunk and tried to ruin the bridal shower)


    * No matter how bad it is, I''ll wait for you in the same place.


    * Oh.. if you listen to my new song .. listen to it carefully. I have a lot of messages for you.


    * After that, I will sing the song Rona Merah.


    * And when the first verse runs out .. go from your place.


    * Follow someone who will give you my letter.


    * We''ll meet there.


    .


    .


    _Damar.._


    _Can I see you?_


    _Can I come back?_


    _He also wants me_


    _Then, who should listen to?_


    _Don''t you have to go, Damar?_


    _But why do I also want to meet you?_


    ***


    "Miss, what are you doing alone here?" A man wearing black shirt and jeans approaches Aruna. This girl is walking casually while enjoying the beauty of the lake belonging to the Wenceslas family. She is entertaining herself because Hendra doesn''t allow her to go to work.


    Aruna just replies to the young man with a smile.


    "Are you a bodyguard?" He is wearing clothes similar to Hendra''s bodyguards. But he is wearing branded sneakers. It makes her wonder how much the Wenceslas''s staff salary is.


    "Hehe yes .. I''m new here.. I just passed the recruitment." Aruna just realizes that he has dimples.


    "Are you Miss Aruna?"


    "You are still very new, huh? You don''t even know my name."


    "Yes, I still have to go through one month of training .. Back then, I wasn''t assigned at the main house .. so I only knew you from the photos and stories from the other bodyguards." This person seems relaxed, unlike the other bodyguards, who tend to keep their distance to Aruna. They even take a few steps back if Aruna gets close. It seems that there is a rule that the allowed closest distance between the bodyguards and the wife of the Wenceslas''s heir is 5 to 3 steps, unless forced to do so.


    When Aruna goes down the stairs, they will maintain 2 steps distance in front and behind this young lady.


    But the bodyguard she has just met stands relaxedly accompanying Aruna to stare at the lake. He''s a little different.


    "You may know .. what kind of person I am in the eyes of Mr. Hendra''s bodyguards. It must be terrible, huh ..". Aruna knows that she has been caught with another man.


    "Not really .. they say you are funny and very important."


    "Funny?"


    "Yeah .. you like to buy snacks for the bodyguards and show off to the young master because he can not eat the snacks."


    "Haha .. I see .. is there more?!"


    "You used to be so cheerful and full of smiles, but now you are more calm and quiet." He adds.


    The bodyguard who seems to be around Aruna''s age, dares to steal a look at her face.


    "It''s true when they say you are not so beautiful .. but you are attractive".


    "Wow .. you dare to openly mock me."


    "Don''t be angry .. I said you are attractive, right?"


    "What is your name?"


    "You can call me Juan. I just finished college, majoring in business management."


    "Why did you apply to be a bodyguard?"


    _________________


    Aruna''s character is a character of someone I meet in real life. I used to have a friend who is very cheerful, warm and full of laughter.


    But if you take a look at her closely, she isn''t the same as what others see. She has the ability to socialize well and can manage her emotions well. So no one knows if she is in trouble, sad, angry or disappointed.


    When I was growing up, I encountered this kind of person a lot. They might be a fun and cheerful person. Even though they have a very complicated problem behind their smiles.


    They are not visually beautiful or handsome. But they are able to steal many people''s hearts and attention.


    I was stunned. And I admit that I am interested to know more about their ability to organize their personal emotions.


    Because the author is really moody. Everyone will know when I am angry. What''s more, when the deadline is near, my face really asks for a beating. Hahaha

 Chapter 137 - Stuntman

    "You can call me Juan. I just finished college, majoring in business management."


    "Why did you apply to be a bodyguard?"


    "Because I''m a martial artist. And another reason is they pay a big salary .. hehe."


    "Age?"


    "Twenty-three years old. Three years older than you."


    "How do you know my age?".


    "We learn it." He nods excitedly.


    "You have a startup, yes .. em .. we were also asked to study your activities so I know .." This man adds an explanation.


    "Yes .. You should build a business .. it suits you better".


    "I couldn''t do that .. My family thought I suited to be a bodyguard.".


    "Wow, your family thought so?"


    "Nothing is impossible in this world .. including a family like mine hehe ..". This man is wearing a gummy smile.


    "Can I be your personal bodyguard?" He asks openly, he is also brave enough to address Aruna with ''you'' not ''Miss''. Even Aruna doesn''t know and doesn''t want to have a bodyguard.


    "Em .. I don''t think I need a personal bodyguard. And usually I just accept what Hendra has prepared."


    "Ah you don''t seem to know that this week there is a selection to be your personal bodyguard."


    "Is it true?"


    "Of course .. there is no member of this family who doesn''t have one."


    "Am I allowed to choose?" Aruna asks.


    "They say the young master can''t refuse your requests. So you just have to ask him ?!"


    Aruna just frowns. And the owner of the gummy smile shows his signature smile once again.


    "I''ve joined the audition and made sure I entered the top 10. After the wedding party, Mr. Hendra will make the final choice. You can come with him and choose me." Juan is very confident. Aruna gives him a strange look.


    "Why should I choose you?"


    "Since I know how to get out of this place, at least I can take you out to enjoy a free ordinary life."


    "What ?? Re.. Really .. ??" The round brown eyes look enthusiastic.


    "Yes! I will keep my promise." He stares at Aruna closely as if he is trying to convince the lady.


    Anyone can see them talking to each other on the lakeside.


    "Why do you want to help me out of this place?"


    "Because I know you often shut yourself inside your bedroom. Do you know the family assistant who cleans your room every morning? The one with straight bangs like Betty La Fea?"


    "Is there .. someone who looks like that? Haha ??..". This girl laughs.


    "There is .. I swear .. try to remember, but she likes to gossip around and I heard it from her."


    "So you like to gossip, hehe".


    "As long as the information is accurate .. I''m ready to accommodate it."


    "You''re funny.. unlike your intimidating posture."


    "I have to."


    "Do you have to?"


    "I must be your bodyguard."


    "Why should you?"


    "Because it will be hell for me if I become someone else''s bodyguard.. this family is weird .. I can''t speak to any of them.. Except you .."


    "So are you seducing me?"


    "I wouldn''t dare to seduce the wife of the sole heir of the Wenceslas family! I even don''t dare to dream about it."


    "Then why do you insist on being my bodyguard?"


    "Because you are part of my mission."


    "Mission?".


    "Yeah .. the mission of becoming a bodyguard in an easy and humane way."


    "You can be Hendra''s bodyguard. Doesn''t everyone dream of being his bodyguard?"


    "Mr. Hendra .. ah no ... he is very cold .. it must be difficult for you to be the wife of someone who rarely talks."


    "You don''t know him .."


    "I''ve been following him all day and I only heard him talk 3 times to his personal secretary with no expression. Having a husband as cold as he is, I''m sure you''re depressed."


    _Is Hendra a different person if he is not with me? _


    "How? Isn''t my offer interesting? We can slip out."


    "Fine .. but I have a request before I choose you".


    "What?"


    "You have to help me to meet someone at my wedding later. If you succeed I will consider your wishes, Juan."


    "Agree..."


    ***


    "But the state intelligence won''t keep silent. They will continue to hunt them, to find out who is the man behind the attack. Your team doesn''t need to work hard. I''m telling the truth, right?" Hendra''s eyes widened as he heard Riswan''s words.


    Who is this person? If he was a regular employee of the Wenceslas construction, there was no way he would have known this much about his family history, the D floor, and all things related to the Wenceslas.


    "Who are you?" The grip on the mayor''s collar tightens.


    "Calm down, sir. .. You don''t have to be rude." The mayor catches the terrifying expression on Wiryo''s grandson. He knows that making this man angry would bring him a lot of trouble. His anger is like a storm that can blow and destroy everything in front of him. Riswan also understands this.


    "Lock the door .. I''m afraid my wife and family will suddenly come. I don''t want our conversation to be overheard by them."


    Mahendra''s anger begins to subside. And he walks slowly towards the door to lock it from the inside. When he turns around to look at Riswan, the man walks slowly like a lion ready to pounce on its prey.


    "Just like the other adopted sons of Mr. Wiryo. Thirty-eight years ago, there was a child whose parents had thrown him away to an orphanage. When the child was 4 years old, a man came to him and said he would make the child to be his best successor. At that time, he lived on the top floor of the Wenceslas Ritz Hotel. The little boy was named Riswan which means the best wishes."


    Riswan''s eyes wander as if he sees a picture of his past life. Hendra knows he is not a bad person, his dreams are extraordinary. It''s just that this man has known too much of the Wenceslas family.


    When Hendra was told that Riswan was one of his grandfather''s adopted children, this explanation was actually enough for the blue-eyed man. But Riswan still continues his story.


    "Riswan does not have a last name, because one day he will be given a last name when he manages to complete his mission."


    Deg


    Hendra''s heart trembles. Wiryo treated the person in front of him just as he does to him. He is trapped in the system and Wiryo''s crazy desire.


    "But when he was 12 years old, the young Riswan was told that he had a younger brother in the USA. He was not allowed to get a last name. But he no longer lived in the top building of the Wenceslas Ritz Hotel. He was still growing well, and became more human. In fact, Riswan lived with the other adopted children in luxurious housing. His younger siblings started arriving, unfortunately they weren''t the younger brother who was reportedly very handsome with his deep blue eyes."


    Riswan stares closely at Hendra, telling him that who he is talking about is Mahendra himself, the official grandson of the Wenceslas family. The heir who was born out of sudden.


    "Yeah .. Wiryo and his loyal followers tried to maintain the power which slowly is taken by the council."


    "They agreed to take the abandoned children to make them into future assets that are obedient and loyal to the superior system. Because their first trial was successful, the young Riswan managed to meet their expectations."


    "Wait a minute ... aren''t we about 10 years apart? Now that I''m going to be 28 years old and you are 38 years old. When you were 12 years old, I was still 2 years old. Meanwhile, Mommy brought me back to Indonesia when I was 5 years old."


    "That''s right¡­ Wiryo and his people have noticed your presence since you were 2 years old."


    "They are only waiting until you were old enough to be educated in their way. Besides, they also needed to persuade your Mommy who tried so hard to defend. She didn''t want to give up her son."


    "I don''t know what happened, but you really went back to Indonesia. And Riswan was given freedom, but he and his other siblings were still blessed with a very good life. We can''t get much better out there, especially from our family."


    "So do you also know Pradita, Raka, Vian, and the others?"


    "Of course .. Leona, Thomas, Secilia, Andre, there are many more. The others are returned to contribute to the society, while the best will be asked to serve the Wenceslas Makmur Group."


    "Hehe .. My grandfather is crazy!" Hendra laughs at himself, realizing the absurd reality in front of him.


    "You know we can''t blame your grandfather. After all, we couldn''t be like we are now without his help."


    "Maybe you hated it because you were educated much harder, while we can pursue our interests or talents. I chose to be an architect and got the opportunity to study abroad same as his official grandson. He provides the same facilities."

 Chapter 138 - I Need A Baby

    "You know we can''t blame your grandfather. After all, we couldn''t be like we are now without his help."


    "Maybe you hated it because you were educated much harder, while we can pursue our interests or talents. I chose to be an architect and got the opportunity to study abroad same as his official grandson. He provides the same facilities."


    "So that''s why you know so much about my family." Hendra tries to find a common thread in this heartbreaking conversation.


    "Only selected children are allowed to know more about the family." Riswan''s eyes wander again.


    "That means you were one of the chosen children .. did you also used to work on the D floor?" Hendra is getting more and more curious.


    "I''m more than that .. I''m your stuntman."


    "What do you mean?" Blue eyes man moves closer, shackled by the curiosity that swelled up in his chest.


    "My stuntman?"


    "Hehe .. I was originally prepared to be the next successor before your mommy got married and had a son. Because your mommy grew up being spoilt. No one was sure she could become the 5th generation heir of Wenceslas".


    "When they knew that you existed, the council turned into enemies because they lost against the official heir, I was here to deceive them."


    "So you are the adopted son of Grandpa Wiryo, who is prepared to become the president director to replace him?"


    "Yup. You already understand."


    "But why did you leave the Wenceslas Construction 4 years ago?"


    "Because my task has ended .."


    "You are growing very rapidly. In the first year of your leadership, your grandfather immediately believed you could replace him."


    "That''s why I resigned and asked your grandfather to support my dream to build SFI (Sanitation For Indonesia). It''s my simple dream to provide and educate people about the provision of clean water. In fact, the program brought me to reach this mayor position."


    "Then, I have a new dream. To build Dream City. Now I need to take advantage of my brother .. Because you used me as a stuntman."


    "This gunshot wound is nothing .. this is normal for a stuntman."


    "Look at this." The man opens the clothes that are wrapped around his stomach.


    Hendra sees the tear marks in his stomach.


    "And this." He shows off the marks on his calf.


    "Ah I forgot .. the shot in my calf was well maintained .. so it is almost invisible now."


    "So you''re the one whom Wiryo put to divert the threats."


    "Yeah .. right .. I''m a good stuntman, right?".


    "This is crazy.."


    "It is not us who are crazy .. but they .. the people who threaten us are the crazy people.'' Riswan is just like the D floor leaders who care and are loyal to the Wenceslas Group.


    "Actually I have a crazier plan to catch them."


    "What??"


    "They are strong because they like to lick ass and close to the government. It is the time for the Wenceslas Group to think about this. We will start from collaborating with regional heads .. Dream City is the way .. it''s the path for us .. it is not just my dream."


    Mahendra sits beside Riswan. And this man pats his brother back


    "How did you survive this far?"


    "Do you want to know?"


    "Of course! I don''t want to die foolishly because of them."


    "You have to be more daring to fight, don''t just stay quiet .. let alone avoid them .. My power is not as big as yours, you know .. You are the main character, not a stuntman ..."


    "What should I do?"


    "Let''s focus on our long-term target. Seize their colleagues in the government. Show our strength, and let them come out of hiding." Riswan gives advice.


    "Make yourself very well known to the public .. So when the problems occur, the public will rush to you. Use the power of the public to provide security." (Riswan)


    "Your way of speaking is similar to the inhabitants of the D floor." (Hendra)


    "Haha .. we grew up together." (Riswan)


    "Mas Hendra .. I have a shorter and easier way if you want."


    "What is it?" Hendra is more friendly this time. The tense situation begins to melt.


    "Come with me .."


    Riswan''s words make Hendra feel suspicious.


    "They are strong because of the government support. Why don''t we also find support for us?" (Riswan)


    "Tch .. I thought it''s a new way." (Hendra)


    "I''m serious..". (Riswan)


    "Sorry, I''m not in the mood." (Hendra)


    "Fine, it doesn''t matter .. If you are fed up with the hostile game that these two damned generations play. I can make the way for you .. the path to a greater power that can stop them." (Riswan)


    "Especially when the path is more useful to many people. Isn''t that cool?" (Riswan)


    "I''m not interested in politics as you do ... Wenceslas Group still needs me .. Besides, I need to prepare for the next generation. This challenge is simple but it''s not easy for me .." (Hendra)


    "I heard that you avoid women .. I thought you were gay .. but aren''t you married? Or don''t you really have a different sexual orientation .. So even though you have a wife you can''t touch her?" (Riswan)


    "Damn .. What are you talking about?!" Mahendra raises his hand, wanting to hit the shameless man.


    "Punching the mayor is against the law and you will be put into jail .. Just because you knew that I am a backup for you, you dare to hit me." (Riswan)


    "Watch your mouth if you want to be safe!" (Hendra)


    ***


    "Hendra .. It''s unusual for you to come early .. are you sick?" The blue eyed man stumbles on the super king bed still wearing shoes, coats, and tie. He''s not usually like this. He is always a perfectionist in everything. Especially in being tidy.


    "Are you sleeping?"


    "Hen ... hendra ...". His wife puts her palm against his forehead. He doesn''t have fever.


    "Aaargh .." Hendra knocks Aruna down to the bed and crushes her.


    "Aruna, do you know that  .. we need a baby .. ??"


    "You are drunk, huh?"


    "No! I''m serious!" The blue eyed man takes off his coat.


    "Hendra! Don''t forget your promise .. do not scare me."


    "You know I''m not a gay .. I can make you pregnant .. we need to try .."


    "Hen .. Where is your brain?.. You are speaking nonsense and you are acting really strange .. Get away from me!!".


    "Aah .. I''m dizzy ..". The blue-eyed man ruffles his hair. He''s so weird.


    "Get away!!"


    "What will happen if I break my promise .." Somehow this man seems delirious.


    "I .. I will¡­ huh .. ??"


    "You don''t have strength to push me, right?"


    "Come on .." The blue eyed man drops his body next to his wife''s and begins to wrap his arms around Aruna''s stomach.


    "I will tell the truth. I can''t stand you ..".


    The closed eyes suddenly open wide and are replaced with a sharp glare.


    "I just remember .. that you are really afraid of those words."


    "Don''t say it .. I don''t like hearing it."


    "Do you understand?!" Hendra forces her to nod.


    "Yes."


    "Louder!".


    "Yes .."


    "Good! Now massage me! Today is actually a short day .. I don''t have overtime either .. But I''m very tired .."


    Aruna wants to hold her husband''s brown hair who is laying on his stomach, exhausted. But this girl hesitates.


    So she cancels her initial intention, choosing to take off his shoes.


    "Aruna .. you don''t have to take off my shoes .. I''ll do it myself!"


    "It''s okay."


    "I said no .. it''s not polite!"


    "See, your protest is useless, I have take them off anyway."


    "Next time, don''t." The blue-eyed man is too lazy to move because of fatigue.


    _Apparently, you also care about manners_


    _English man .. How is my massage? Are my hands strong enough? _


    "Where''s the massage?"


    "It''s okay that I massage you?"


    "You said you are not naive and innocent .. Do not ask too many questions!"


    With hesitation, Aruna''s little hands begin to press on her husband''s back.


    "Huuh .. I can''t feel it at all .. Your hands are too small and they don''t have any strength."


    Aruna presses it harder.


    "How about this?"


    "I still can''t feel it .. just try to massage me with your feet!"


    Aruna follows the instruction without protest.


    "Ah .. I remember when I was little, I often did this for my father."


    "Aruna, move up .. on my shoulders .. now that''s .. ah, it''s really good .. harder..."


    ***


    BLUE OCEANS


    Blue..


    He came to my life


    Taking along with him a very uncertain road


    Greeting with unusual ways


    Approaching and pushing


    Wanting me to kneel down


    All that hidden in  my spatial room


    Let it be mine


    You may run around there


    At any time you want


    But I am not sure


    If there is an ending that I want


    Aruna stood stupefied. She was watching the gown she had to wear. She thought she had told thewere  designer, Dedebudihiarjo, a few momths ago, that she disliked too many ribbons, beads, and flowers. Now, she saw so many swarovski crystals scattered everywhere all over gown.


    She also told him that she was not fond of heavy gown, but forgot to tell him that she disliked too much fluffy one.


    Beautiful? Yes!

 Chapter 139 - A Logic Destroyer Woman

    Aruna stood stupefied. She was watching the gown she had to wear. She thought she had told thewere  designer, Dedebudihiarjo, a few momths ago, that she disliked too many ribbons, beads, and flowers. Now, she saw so many swarovski crystals scattered everywhere all over gown.


    She also told him that she was not fond of heavy gown, but forgot to tell him that she disliked too much fluffy one.


    Beautiful? Yes!


    So much, but too bad it was not the one Aruna expected. That girl was consistent with her simple, modest, and less complicated dress.


    Its beauty certainly drew a lot of people''s attention, especially the numerous crystals. They made amazing wave formation, sparkling and shining brightly. Everyone looking at it was awed in admiration. But not with this cute figured girl, Aruna.


    She went closer, touched it but was still reluctant to put it on. She knew she would not walk easily with it.


    In fact, it was not only that dress that stunned people, the ring, the earrings, diamond necklace, and the pair of shoes,too. All were beyond herexpectations.


    Sparkling, gorgeous,and elegant was the nuance. Aruna was ready to be the queen of "Blue Ocean" wedding party., a concept which was inspired by the design of the invitation cards made by the bride.


    Now the bridesmaids walked toward that lucky girl. They were crazily curious and wondered what  Aruna was looking at. Their mind automatically sang a "wow".


    "Aruna...why haven''t you got ready? Look at us, all of us are pretty... or do you need our help?" Lili broke up the daydream of that bride to be. Lara and Dea came after her.


    "Wow, so beautiful!..." Aruna was more interested with the unfluffy light blue dresses worn by her best friends.


    Their beauty came to perfect with their hairstyle. A Baby Breath flower was tucked in their hair. Except for Dea, she was in hijab. Aruna thought. The flower which  once beautified her marriage solemnization. It was Mahendra''s favourite. The ruler of Blue Oceans.


    "Why can''t I put on a dress like yours?". She complained.


    "uffff.... silly" Lili got fed up. She herself crazily wanted aruna''s position. But her best friend was too lousy to be grateful with her amazing luck.


    "We''d better go get cup cakes than hearing to your silly complaints" Lili replied lazily to Aruna.


    "I''m coming with you...! Laras followed her back.


    "Sister, I saw brother Agus was taking a tray full of food. It looked yummy!" her voice trailed off as both of them left.


    Dea was left with Aruna. She was trying to pat her best friend''s back. A sign of support.


    "are you so reluctant to wear it?" She whispered to her ear.


    "I don''t know. Nervous maybe?" She looked down


    "Nervous? Haven''t you married him more than a week now?! Why still feel nervous?". Dea could not understand her friend.


    She ran her hand to that gown slowly.


    "Because since this day people will know who I am and my status"


    For the next two years from today they would know I would be a divorcee anyway. A divorcee of Wenceslas family...


    Aruna took off her clothes. Dea helped her to put on the gown. Very carefuly as not to ruin her make up face.


    With a little effort, the two best friends were trying put things on correctly. Aruna had sent away someone who was supposed to help her. Now she felt sorry.


    "De, please help me with the necklace".


    In a moment Dea''s eyes popped open. Carefully she put that diamond around her friend''s neck.


    "You''re so very lucky, Aruna. It seems Mr. Hendra loves you very much". She remembered the birthday present last year and what she saw today. So much amazing.


    "Ah, De. Don''t be a know of. Hehehe". Her heart pounded wildly.


    "Hi, Miss". A young man suddenly came up. He was an aide who was taking the challenge from the queen of Blue Oceans.


    "Dea, don''t you want to get something to eat?" A soft hint for a privacy. Dea understood that well. She walked out slowly, turning back once out of worry and curiosity.


    From the costumes he was wearing he looked like a guard of Aruna''s husband. Hmm.. why should I be worried? Convinced that girl in her heart. She walked out.


    Juan closed the door one of VVIP rooms. A towering door of fourth floor Wenceslas Ritz Hotel. A room with classical mansion nuance.


    "Who do you want to meet, Miss?" He walked closer to his master''s wife.


    Oh, she is so beautiful...


    "Lower you gaze!" snapped Aruna. He was caught staring at her without a blink.


    "Im sorry. Today you look so much gorgeous". He replied jokingly with gummy smile. He was stunned with his master''s wife who had been brushed with make up. This girl usually wandered around the main house plainly. Her outfits were also so simple. Her hair was pulled back in a tail. Even in her plain look, she still looked pretty. She smiled friendly to anyone she met. She was even friendlier than the maids who were supposed to be friendly to her.


    "You know him?" snapped Aruna while scrolling her mobile screen and stopped to a picture of someone.


    "What? A man?_


    His eyes stared at her disbelief. This innocent girl wanted to meet a man. The man looked familiar. Who is he? He spent so long time abroad so he did not keep track of this local artist.


    This young lady told him that someone would hand him a secret note and he had to follow the person who would give that secret message.


    Right after the soloist in aruna''s mobile sang the first lyrics of the second song.


    "Do you need my contact, Miss?"


    Then they both switched their mobile contacts.


    "Juan..." her melodius voice stopped him when he was just about to leave the room.


    "Yes, Miss".


    "Should an expected thing happen, please save Damar. Don''t let him be caught". Her face looked worried. Juan got more curiuos about who that man really was.


    "His name is Damar?"


    "Yes". She replied softly.


    "You can count on me. Don''t worry over nothing". And he was gone behind the door.


    "Sister,..it''s time to go out". Sister Alina reminded her. The older sister of Aruna was not less beautiful than her. She was wearing a dress matching with her mother, father, and others.


    "Oh, thank God. Sister Anantha is coming!" her face expression suddenly turned radiant for happiness. She looked at the faces of people she loved looking back at her in awe.


    The first thing she did was to take her father''s hand. Her three best friends walked along after her. She turned back once more, looking at her sisters and her beloved mother. She filled up her lungs, then breathed out slowly. An effort to bravely face her destiny down there.


    She, Aruna...


    Walking down the stairs one by one. And down there, standing by the end of the stairs was man looking at her.


    He didn''t let his eyes blink'' even a second. His heart stopped beating. His wife was extraordinarily adorable.


    A logic destroyer woman


    Disable the movement of all neurons that analyze every nuance.


    The first longitudinal wave teaches life.


    The thrill which shakes something in the heart.


    Hard to believe.


    But was able to destroy patterns of logic.


    ***


    He didn''t let his eye lids  close even a second. His heart stopped beating. His wife was extraordinarily adorable.


    When this logical destroyer lady stepped on the last stairs, her father handed  her  hand to him. Her grip was soft and strong. It radiated warmth to his whole body.


    And the devotee surrendered completely to his love. He  took  his bride to the altar. Everyone in that reception was looking at her, the luckiest girl ever. They started whispering to each other about that young ,beautiful, and  cute girl. She was beyond their expectations.


    But that whispers was not more than a melody. They didn''t know how  strong this queen was able to hold his heart firmly and turned his world upside down with one word only.


    And the girl who just went down the last stairs did not care for anything else. She was awed by beauty of the interior presented to her eyes. While her hand was carefully held in hand of the Lord.


    Right above the heads of the guests in the Blue Oceans party, something shining hanging down from the ceiling. Like a crystal ball filled with light, blue nuance. The shines struck everyone below it who were only allowed to have clear white or bright blue sky dress code.


    Or she was stunned by the varieties of banquets with different themes plotted on the corners. All were in shade of blue, as blue as the lord by her side.


    And the cupcakes arranged in line greeted the astounding couple walking through the crowd. Those cupcakes were likely to spell a magic that anyone ate them would be part of the oceans.


    .


    .

 Chapter 140 - Blue Oceans

    And the cupcakes arranged in line greeted the astounding couple walking through the crowd. Those cupcakes were likely to spell a magic that anyone ate them would be part of the oceans.


    How could not that be?  There was a cake with Balaenoptera Musculu (Blue Whale motif. That giant with 33 m long and weighed 181 ton looked as if jumping, mingling, and even dancing over the cupcakes lining on that corner.


    Wondering how the Wedding Organizer had organized this party, Aruna felt she was on another world.  The lights, the ornaments, the floors, and the people presented life in the oceans.


    Oh, this weird man was not the lord of another planet, from a planet out of the Milky Way. In fact he belonged to the earth. Not on the ground but in the oceans.


    The Lord was still holding her hand. The typical sign of his dominance was his wide smile anytime he looked at her from the side. His dimples were visible.


    The hands of the blue eyed led his lips to kiss the long tiny fingers of Aruna. Like a prince who was begging something to the queen, and the wish was granted with light gestures. She  put her hand on his muscular chest, and then the tune was on for them.


    The Lord guided her to dance on the altar presented for them, only for them,  ignored  all eyes staring at them, only focused on the couple, the owner of Blue Ocean party.


    He was drowned with thirst. Thirst for something else. His eyes turned black, like a predator found its prey. The red color among the blue shade pulled up his attention. He crushed it, so deeply. In the middle of the crowd that started clapping.


    The claps got louder and louder, awoke the consciousness to the rotten mind of the admirer.


    He managed to blink his eyes, looked around to get back the neurons in his brain jumping for sanity.


    Mahendra bent his head slightly as an honor to his guests. He got fully alert now. After the cocaine he had inhaled slowly faded.


    His  real world  was  his wife he  just crushed. She was shocked, tensed, and shaken. She was just introduced to the new world of his dominance by force. She wasn''t used to, yet.


    The husband helped ease her by caressing her back, once in a while kissing the top of her hair which was  left loose.


    The festive was still on.  That shocked girl walked behind her husband and went around from one formal chat to other ones.


    Some of colleagues and business partners of her husband were familiar to her. Aruna saw them on television. Either in an interview about business, or market targets for the following months, as well a number of public figures.


    Aruna just realized that Mahendra was not an ordinary man. Anytime he came to greet his guests or just came by, he would be welcomed. And their face expressions were hoping mimics.


    That girl felt tired and thirsty. She whispered to his husband. Without pausing, he called waiters to bring water for the most beautiful lady that night.


    Suddenly, the song that contained secret messages of her started rolling.


    "If one day I have a chance to propose the Red Radiant, I won''t let her freeze in the bottom of blue oceans. I will make her warm, like her warmth, as my love message to her.


    No artists performing on the stage was able to draw the attention of that queen of the party or to come closer to the stage.


    Now while the Red Radiant were pronounced, it was like a secret code to call her. She ran to the source of the voice. Then, she stopped there. The message which sounded impossible for anyone who read it was broken by Damar.


    "Tiing¡­". Heart-shattering melodious guitar was played.


    The song Red Radiant was recomposed into more mellow song.  The rhythm was not the same as they sang it under the sparkling sky of Bandung at night.


    On the other side, Mahendra searched his lost his wife from the last spot she was seen. His eyes brushed up the backs of visitors enjoying the song that was sung  on the stage.


    It was normal that his WO was inviting the best artists for his wedding. But his heart was burning in outrage when the lyrics of Red Radiant pounded his ears.


    It felt like it was a call for a war for him.


    Hendra walked past and pushed some  guests angrily.  He found her there. She was charmed  by the song like other guests.


    "Come with me honey. Didn''t you say you were thirsty? And you must be tired, too. Let''s have some rest!". His voice was soft and friendly but his eyes were blacked of anger.


    "Can''t I just watch the performance of my best friend? Can''t I?" her voice was tremble, holding for something. It was so painfully that Hendra didn''t miss the sorrow  in her gasp.


    He closed his blue eyes a second to understand  the present of the third party in their life. He took Aruna away from another man who was mourning with his song.


    But he was Mahendra, a man with a million of logical analysis. While walking in a way to protect his wife, he whispered a command to his guards:"take care of that artist after his performance and make sure he will never show up again".


    Instantly, two guards were on the exit door where artists came in and out.


    Knowing what was going on,  Aruna put her husband'' hand down from her shoulder.


    His angel face was turned into a blue devil. He smiled and brushed her hair softly. But his guards were ready to jump on someone.


    "Juan, make sure Damar is safe"


    "My Lady, I have been looking for an artist named Damar. But I can''t find him, yet".


    "He is on the stage".


    "Oh,Danu Umar is Damar?


    "Yes, and your friends are going to catch him".


    "I''ll do what you  request from me. Just to make sure he isn''t caught.


    "Okay my Lady. I''ll work beyond you expectations!


    The secret message ended the song Red Radiant


    .


    .


    "Alright Miss... I will do it beyond your expectations!


    The secret message ended the Red Radiant song.


    Things didn''t go as planned. Damar was suppossed to sing his new songs. Then, it would be continued with Red Radiant.


    He had watched that girl from the very beginning. And the decision to change strategy was taken when he was on the stage. The owner of Red Radiant had to hear the call first so that she knew her existence. Since in the beginning the Red Radiant was dominated by a competitor who did not deserve to be mentioned. She was controlled firmly and no mistakes would be tolerated in watching her.


    Damar was about to sing his new song, a message about to go back to the most comfortable place. He walked to the grand piano. And he had learned the new musical instrument to make the best performance.


    "I''m going to sing new song and I dedicate this song especially for her or you who need to go back to the most comfortable place". Applause was rambling once he finished his words.


    Even the businessmen who did not really care for music were also curious hearing the echoing applause. Let alone for those who wanted to stay exist in the social media.


    Who long for Danu Damar.


    ~stand still.. remain strong..


    ~everyone could make a mistake then repent


    ~but remember  no mistake is eternal


    ~there will always one to support you in silence


    ~ he expects no  reward


    ~don''t stop


    ~remember the faces of the true supporters


    ~still here, right behind you


    ~waiting for your shine to be back


    ~like when we believe in dreams


    Reff:


    ~keep pursuing your dream


    ~ a light is in the front


    ~never turn back


    ~cos no one wants you to give up


    ~but when you''re tired, walk slowly


    ~let me know


    ~I''m still in the same place


    ~waitibg for you to leave


    (back to reff)


    ~run to me anytime you want to


    ~I will always be in the same place


    ~''waiting for you to leave him


    "Ah"


    Aruna sighed when accidentally someone spilled a drink on her hand. But it did not ruin her dress.


    "Hendra, I''ll go restroom. Perhaps I''ll go to take a rest right after that". That girl walked away. Hendra followed her. He wanted to confirm her safety. And he didn''t know why but he didn''t want his girl was out of his sight.


    On the other side the Red radiant felt odd that someone spilled the liquid on purpose. She stopped and tried to remember the face she felt familiar with.


    "Yes, sure. He was Pandu"''.


    Her sudden jerk made her stalker stopped abruptly. And he gasped when Aruna turned around and ran.


    Thud!


    Aruna found Hendra was following her. She let go down her blue gown, her heart pounded in fear. She was shocked with the presence of the predator blocking her way.

 Chapter 141 - Run

    "Yes, sure. He was Pandu"''.


    Her sudden jerk made her stalker stopped abruptly. And he gasped when Aruna turned around and ran.


    Thud!


    Aruna found Hendra was following her. She let go down her blue gown, her heart pounded in fear. She was shocked with the presence of the predator blocking her way.


    "Sweetheart, aren''t you tired? I know where you can rest well. Come with me!". His cold voice shivered her while his hands gripped her arms.


    He walked fast ignoring Aruna''s pace. Now the queen was caught and looked like a culprit who would be imprisoned. They stopped in front of a towering door, a classic mansion.


    The door was perfectly opened. The ear-shaterring voice confirmed his anger.


    He pulled her around to face him. Aruna almost fell down. But he was still merciful by gripping her to stand balanced on her feet.


    His eyes were burning with anger but his voice smoldered the burn. "Rest here until I open the door for you". As she thought before that this blue-eyed man had everything in his control, locked her in an uninhabited room.


    What kind of room is it? She did not have a chance to think about it. The Red Radiant turned blue pale, fell down, sat on the floor. Her wide fluffy gowm made a perfect circle around her.


    She could only let things go


    Luckily, there was a hug window facing a beautiful and wide view out there. She could see birds flying so freely. If only she were that free bird. Her mind was trying to get rid of her misery.


    ***


    "Hi, Bro..let me handle that guy". The whispers made other aides frowned.


    "Why?"


    Juan smiled.


    "Because your main job is to escort our young master, isn''t it?".


    "And my job is to handle him". He added convincingly.


    "It''s okay". His partners left and now the Gummy Slime owner was waiting for that new debut artist to choose either he himself or other aides who were ready to apprehend him.


    Damar smiled. He knew this would happen. He knew damned well Aruna''s husband''s behaviour.


    This man had prepared his tricks. He stood really slowly off the piano bench while his eyes brushed up the guests looking for the girl he loved. She had gone, so had her husband.


    _If today i can''t meet you, I have no idea if we will ever meet again_ he lamented while going down the stairs to meet his fans.


    "Shits!". Juan swore. Other aides on the far end were also upset.


    Damar put himself among his fans on purpose. He let those of social media maniacs be with him.


    But suddenly, one of the young master guards pulled him off the crowd confidently.


    "I will tell to my fans that you want to catch me". Threatened Damar. But the man in uniform replid with a smile.


    Damar was shocked. He had been so sure that what he said would make the man of Aruna''s husband think twice.


    "It will be so embarrassing if the party is ruined by the issue of how the groom treats the artist for the guests". Once again Damar bluffed.


    "You''re wrong Damar!". replied Juan.


    _Ops, he knows my name_


    "Look at this! Then you decide either to follow me or not!". Juan showed a short message from Aruna. Then left that Padang man.


    Damar followed Juan without being comanded. At a glance he was able to see Agus face was persplexed. He couldn''t say hi yet. He did not want to waste any time.


    When they came to a pretty quiet spot, both men started talking their intentions.


    "Where did you plan to meet Miss Aruna?" juan inquired.


    "Miss?". He suddenly felt odd with the new title of Miss to Aruna. Too much differernt.


    "Yes! Miss Aruna! She said there would someone send her a message and I have to help you to meet her there".


    "Oh,...". Damar just realized one thing.


    "My friend failed to bring her...". his expression was hopeless.


    "Okay, wait a moment".


    Aide Juan made a call to the one gave him the mission.


    "Miss, where are you?"


    "Juan...save Damar, that''s enough". That voice sounded weak.


    "Damar is with me now. Where are you?".


    "Don''t you want to meet him?.


    "That''s impossible... I''m locked here".


    "It''s not a big deal for me. Just tell where you are now".


    "Leave it! It is impossible".


    "I will work beyond your expectation".


    And without hoping too much, she told Juan where she was.


    .


    .


    And when the door started cracking.


    It was low, slow crack, hard to open.


    Aruna reluctantly turned back. She knew who would be blubbing with repentant words, if she was lucky. Or words expressed no regret, even so if she was lucky.


    The worst would be the mute with his sharp eyes stabbing her angrily. He would not say harsh words. He had changed somehow.


    "Screech...". Slow opening door made a greeting. Despite knowing the door was open, she was still focusing on the birds, her only source of happiness. She did not turn back.


    "Aruna...".


    That voice called her¡­


    .


    .


    The way how the door was not opened directly was how Juan, the aide, broke up the locked door. That was how it worked. He accomplished his mission successfully. He made the meeting between the love poet and the girl, the source of his inspiration happened.


    "Aruna..."


    The voice sounded different.


    It was not Mahendra''s, but was it possible someone found this room?.


    The poet walked around the expanded gown hoping the girl''s eyes caught him.


    As she started looking at him, the Red Radiant tried to get up from the floor.


    "Oh..Damar..."


    She blinked her eyes several times, covering her mouth in disbelief.


    "Don''t you miss me?"


    The girl who just got herself balanced, now stood steadily. She suddenly burst into tears.


    "Don''t cry. You won''t be able to fix that make up". Damar was still still the same guy, talking direct to the point and relax.


    They stood froze, looking at each other. On the other side, Juan was standing by the door and alerted.


    "Are you okay? Why did you lose weight? Did you eat well?". Aruna could not stop her tears anymore. This guy used to deal with her nosey remarks. She would not stop her irritations because Damar ignored many things. "go get your food. Don''t play games all the time!!". "Danmar,hurry take a bath, lazy you!". "You have to go to college today or I won''t wash your clothes". "Oh my God! Your hair is so messy...come here!".


    "Don''t worry about me..." the eyes in frot him were red. They had no special and clear relationship. They were  chained in their routine as their habits to complete each other. Was there any stronger chain than the habit itself?


    As they both were taking some paces forward, that man took faster steps. He caught the body covered with wide gown dan hugged it tight.


    Her cry was unstoppable when she smelled unwanted odour from that tall man.


    "You smoke now?". So soft that it was almost unheard.


    "a little".


    "Don''t you hate your mom for that reason? Why do you do it now?". She was stammering under her cries.


    "Let''s talk something else, like being grateful with our meeting now". Damar was looking at her deeply, the girl who dared to take away his 6 souls at once.


    "Do ou drink alcohol, too?"


    "Is that all my fault?!"


    "No! I''m not that horrible Aruna. Stop worrying over me too much. Look at you yourself! You even forgot how to smile to me. I''m here to see it not to see your cry". He wiped the tears on her eyes.


    "Look! You ruined your make up. And I know you are not good at using such stuffs. Stop crying or you''ll look like an old witch".


    "Hahaha". His laugh triggered her to pull up a smile. He knew exactly how to boost the bad moment.


    "Ufff..even in this situation you are still teasing me".


    "hahahah....".  She laughed along.


    "Your hair grew longer". Slowly she touched the back of Damar''s hair which was pulled back in a ponytail, Harajuku ponytail.


    "Wow...you''re touching my hair without complaining now. Can I jump to celebrate it? Haha"


    That words drew a smile on the imprisoned queen.


    She was still impressed with that man''s hair as if her best friend, whatever you call it, was back to fill up the emptiness.


    "You like long, don''t you?" He still teased her, straight to the point.


    "As long as you take care of it".


    "I''ll do that so as my step mother isn''t mean to me anymore".


    ''Step Mother'' was the call given to her because she nagged to him for his laziness.


    "hahaha...she isn''t mean...she''s worried". Cut Aruna.


    "But she is very cruel now. She has stolen my life". This poet slowly expressed his true emotion.


    She was just silent. She got used to with such poetic words of him, ''Thegreatestfortress''.


    "Give my life back, Aruna.." such emotions lured him to touch her fingers.


    "It''s very easy..." he was still looking at her. She just put her head down.


    "Remember... there are always ways to go back. Don''t ever doubt it. Your presesnce right now is temporary. Please.." he was unable to continue


    "My Lady, someone is coming!"''.  Juan sounded panic.

 Chapter 142 - Bring My Spirit Back

    "Remember... there are always ways to go back. Don''t ever doubt it. Your presesnce right now is temporary. Please.." he was unable to continue


    "My Lady, someone is coming!"''.  Juan sounded panic.


    Damar took out something from his pocket. "I''m sorry. This is all I can give to you. Happy birthday".


    His body was pulled forcefully by the aide. He tried to get away from that grip and threw a light kiss on the cheek of the Red Radiant.


    The next moment, he simply followed Juan''s rough instructions. Stick close behind the wall near the door.


    And the aide held tight that magnificent door. He needed to make sure the door was locked again as before he opened it. He grabbed the door handle checked it.


    The door knob twisted twice, Juan moved back as the door opened. Damar and juan sneaked behind the door quickly as the Lord greeted his queen.


    "Honey...". on the fourth step he suddenly stopped. His blue eyes swung around looking for something.


    Thud thud thud


    There were three hearts pounded hard, the hearts belonged to hidden messengers.


    "Hendra... I''m thirsty..". her voice distracted his concentration.


    "oh, sure.." the Lord continued his steps. Inn the same time she dropped the gift box from another man.


    The red box dropped on the floor. She carefully dragged it with her foot so that it was hidden under her big gown.


    "Did you just cry? I''m so sorry...I was really messy".


    _I''m better now.  I just took a pill_


    "No, I''m okay..I''m just sleepy. That makes my eyes red".


    "Are you surre? I''m sorry honey...". he inspectted her face.


    "I''m fine please".


    "Hen... want to go out of this room". She whispered softly to attract his attention so that two uninvited men were safe.


    "Sure. Want to go on my back?" he offered his back.


    "No thanks. I''d better walk"


    "Okay...hhonestly I really wanna hold you in my back''.


    "I''ll get you food if you are hungry".


    "No, let my assistance fix it for us. You need to rest, anyway".


    The chat of married couple of prenuptial agreement faded away as the door was locked again.


    _The box is left?_


    "Hendra, come on".


    "Okay".


    "Put on my clothes! We are switching clothes now1"


    "Are the love affairs of MY Lady?"


    "Hahaha... it''s not that bad. It''s kind of complicated. But she is too good for the title ''adultery wife'' ".


    "She looked happy with you". Juan took off his clothes. So did the tall man in front of him.


    "Sine that thief has taken her by force, he won''t be able to have the her"


    The aide frowned in confusion.


    "give me your phone number!" Damar requested.


    "What is that for? My mission is only this far". Both men were inspecting each other.


    "Aren''t there anyone help me get a change for my clothes?". Aruna made another complaint.


    "Just put on what is available here". Hendra took off his tie and suits.


    "You go first". She needed to get her box back.


    He kissed her swiftly and headed to the bathroom.


    After she was sure Hendra went to the bathroom, she sneaked out of her bridal chamber and ran as fast as she could do.


    She went back to the room where she had a meeting with Damar. That box was supposed to lie on the floor, somewhere easily seen. But where is it?_ Is it possible Juan or Damar took it back? They were the last ones left_


    Her wide gown really gave her troubles to move fast. She had to go back to her chamber before her husband found her sneaking.


    But when she opened the door, Hendra was sitting on a chair and smiling at her. "Where have you been going, honey?".


    "am¡­.that¡­ ehh¡­I¡­I was looking for a change. I thought I could anyone to help me out. But all them were busy". She lied.


    "Oh, is that so?".


    "Come over here. I have something we need to try". He stood up, reached her hands, and led her to a room.  He halted his steps, looking at her. "You''re out of breath. Have you been running?"


    "Ah, no. I was just in a hurry". She denied again.


    "Wait. We are heading to the bathroom? Why?". Aruna was terrified. Hendra pulled her softly.


    "Calm down. I have something to show you".


    "Now look! Isn''t it amazing?'' I did not take a bath. I didn''t want to ruin these wonderful decorations". He smiled at her. Flowers, candles, and all similar scary stuffs spread out in their eyes.


    "Don''t you want to try it with me?" his eyes were hopeful. He hugged her from her back and kissed the bare shoulder.


    "Hmmm¡­ I don''t think you want to break our agreement". She smiled and pushed him.


    "Come on. With our clothes on?". He was begging. His face was like a cat expecting a fish from its master.


    "No...No bathing with the clothes on". She pushed him harder out of the bathroom.


    "No chance at all?"


    "No chance. Sorry. We have agreed". Aruna smiled sweetly and closed the bathroom door.


    When she went out of the bathroom, she saw him ran fast to that room. He looked excited. She wondered why he was enthusiastic.


    She looked at what was prepared for her on the bed. She was startled, halfhearted, and embarrassed. She did not want to wear whatever it was. She was still on her bathrobe.


    _ Wait. Can''t I just change and curl up under that bedcover? _  she quickly changed her bathrobe and curled up under the bedcover pretended to sleep.


    Until finally the blue eye came out of the bathroom, jumped on the bed and hugged her from behind. He stroked her nerve and kissed the soft lines of her hair. He whispered impossible wishes as a matured normal man."Do you know the hopes of all men when they are married?"


    Aruna really hoped she was fast asleep and was trying hard to do so. But Hendra''s whispers warmed her.


    "Sometimes I have a wish to take a bath together with you in that noodle bowl. That is how you call our bathtub, right?". She did not reply, but her earlobe was sniffed.


    Aruna moved to the side end. She wanted to make sure she was safe. Hendra pulled her closer to his chest. Pulled her tighter.


    "Even though you are still going to college, I want to have a baby with you honestly. Your happy and beautiful family inspired me to build my own with you". He was hypnotized with his own imagination, forgetting that the marriage had many flaws.


    "I am so interested in how you love your father, uncle Lesmana. I want to know how to be loved like that¡­It must be amazing if we have babies and we raise them with love". He was telling all his dreams openly.


    "What about you? Do you want it too?". he sneaked into the bedcover, joined with her.


    She did not move even an inch.


    "I know you don''t really sleep. You can''t fool me". He tickled her tummy.


    "Ouch¡­hahahah¡­stop it, Hendra!" she could not stand the tickle. She wriggled and turned around quickly. Now she was facing him. The bedcover was opened. It revealed her body under the silk garment. His blue eyes caught such luring curves of her.


    _Oh'' she is so beautiful_


    "Can I taste it once more?" before aruna was able to reply, he had been drowned with his unstoppable desire to his prey. He chained her both wrists, shifted his muscular body, and freed all his controls.


    "Ough". his kiss wasn''t responded. He felt a flash of pain. Aruna felt the urge to free herself before he went too far. She pulled her fingers out of his iron grip.


    She shook her head fast, looking for the cracks out.


    "Hendra, let go off my hands. You can do what you want but please free my hands".


    The flower scent of bridal chamber drove his mind insane. His crushes were getting more intense. He did not know how it started but his one hand was running to one of the rounded shape of her breast, caressing and massaging it softly.


    His eyes were darkened. He forgot all things but his normal biological urges as a man. The girl''s eyes popped out of anger, full of anger she wanted him to see, but he failed to see it clearly.


    "SLAP!". Once her hand was free it flew and landed on the face of her attacker. The blue eye was shocked and let go what he was not supposed to touch. He closed his eyes to comprehend the ''gift'' thoroughly.


    "Couldn''t you just remind me in spite of slapping?". He rubbed his red mark on his face. The girl under him was struggling to get away from heavily body.


    She finally managed to shift from him and left her husband who was shocked and disappointed with her refusal.


    She got up from that king-sized bed and jumped down. But his hand caught hers.


    "LET ME GO!". She roared out of anger.


    "Honey¡­I¡­


    "DON''T CALL ME HONEY!". For the first time she showed her wrath.


    "Go away¡­I''m sick of you!"


    "Can you speak a bit soft to me? I didn''t mean it¡­".


    She ignored him and wanted to run to the bathroom.


    "Please¡­ I''m so sorry". He reached her hand.


    "Let go off my hand, Hendra!!" she was still angry.


    "Let''s talk decently. I know I made a mistake".


    "Decently?".  Her words were scornful. She wasn''t sure if it was for him or for herself.


    "What can be straightened from this wrong marriage?".


    "What do you mean?".Mahendra did''t want their marriage was considered a fault.


    "Hhhh" her laughter sounded ironical. "What kind of marriage when the man positions his wife a sex fulfillment. He can kiss him any time. She tries hard to put up her sickness for the sake of saving the agreement. But the agreement maker breaks it any time after that saying sorry".


    "Aruna¡­you¡­what are you talking about?"


    He was lunged with shock.

 Chapter 143 - A Victory Hunter

    For the two-edge knife bearer who''s accustomed to wander on the hearts of two humans. I know you had to do that. Injuring one of them and running to the other. Then what if you raise your weapon and it turns out that I''m the recipient of the wound?


    You have to know, I can''t! A choice creates an impression of selfishness. And those who aren''t chosen, but expected to be winners are just as selfish.


    But, isn''t the world a competition? And someone, whoever he is, will want his victory. Likewise, I found you in the most beautiful corner of my life. Who taught me that breathing is the most magnificent way of enjoying life.


    So how can I let you go? If it turns out that I understand about life from the way we meet. From my way of stalking you, following you all the time, imagining your face, your body, even the silhouette that doesn''t show you become so extraordinary in my eyes. You are a universe in a most hidden world.


    You are the eyes in which I see life. The most beautiful nights that I pass are the nights when I embrace you. Wandering to the highest sky just because of the soap that you use. Or dreaming all day because I accidentally see a part of your body. I pay attention to such details, the things that aren''t important in the eyes of others.


    Letting you be taken means taking my life. I''m forced to be selfish. To sneak up on the line that you drew between yourself and him. Arranging the greatest shackles, full of compulsion. Using a status that is said to be legal in the eyes of most people.


    Then I snare you with the promises that I made. I know you will run as far as you can without it. In every shackle that I created by myself. In fact, it will make you hate it more. I have no other way? Predators who want to control their prey. A selfish man who builds iron bars for the strongest confession. Chanting mantras every night. Whispering into your ear when you fall asleep in my arms. So that I can stick in the long-term memory, stay there forever. A pattern that I plugin until you are forced to say : I am your true owner, irrefutable. And he''s just a memory that you deserve to leave behind.


    This is my sweet dream. I make sure it''s not your nightmare.


    .


    .


    "Aruna, what are you talking about??".


    A man was shocked because of his sorrow. Even though there was something burning in his chest, he muffled it deeply. He didn''t want his woman to know that he understood many things.


    "So your loyalty is limited to MoU sheets??".


    "That thing, you don''t need to question it anymore?".


    "It means that I''m never considered your husband at all?". The blue-eyed got closer. From his gesture, there was an aura of anger.


    "Which one is important?! The marriage agreement or ME??". Hendra grabbed Aruna''s arm and held it tight. He demanded a confession by force.


    "Think by yourself..!". Aruna pulled herself out of the grip of the crazy CEO.


    "ANSWER IT!". Hendra snapped, losing his temper.


    "Did you forget that this marriage exists because of a promise?! If only my father were like you who could easily break his promise, I''m sure I''d never be here!". Aruna''s voice trembled between the rage in her chest and the pain from the grip of the man''s hand.


    "Oh, you mean there''s no me in your eyes at all?". Their fight was inevitable. The man shook his woman''s body.


    "Hendra, it hurts! Let go". Aruna complained.


    "How dare you said that after meeting another man!". Hendra could no longer hide something that he''d kept tightly.


    Ouch.


    The woman in his grasp was getting more confused and scared.


    "You''re too presumptuous to me.. Did you forget who I am?? I''m the ruler here. Just because I''ve changed a lot, it doesn''t mean I can''t be angry with you!!". That hand hurt his woman''s arm. Aruna''s arm was gripped so tightly.


    But she didn''t want to complain. She was more afraid if that man got caught. Her tears couldn''t be stopped anymore. It rolled down her cheeks.


    "Hehe..". The blue-eyed started laughing horribly.


    "Your father?! Haha..".


    "You think that aide is willing to give up his daughter just because of a promise??".


    "Open your eyes wide.. Your family is using you as collateral.. To be exact, you guys don''t have the strength to fight back".


    Her silent tears turned into disturbing cries. She groaned.


    "Fine, I''ll fulfill your wish! Don''t insult my father?!". Her palm grabbed the silk that covered her chest. She tore it herself.


    The man was really surprised. He did want to touch it, see it, moreover enjoy it. That''s what he wanted so badly. But this wasn''t the way to do it. Hendra just needed a little of this woman''s heart.


    Hendra let go of his grip. He couldn''t see this woman in despair.


    "Do it now!". The silk strap had already been pulled. Even the lingerie inside was torn apart by herself.


    The man stepped back. He was really afraid to see his woman in despair. He''d been given a tranquilizer injection because of the kiss that symbolized this woman''s despair.


    "This is what you want, right??". Now his girl came forward.


    "Do as much as you want.. But watch your mouth! Don''t insult my father!!".


    "Aruna, tidy up your clothes!".


    _Please! Don''t show your desperation or I can go crazy_


    "You don''t have to do that.. I''ll give in to you!". The man closed his eyes, a sign that he was suppressing himself.


    Sobs.. sobs..


    This woman weakened. She fell to the floor, sobbing, fidgeting, tired.


    Obvious desperation.


    Hendra couldn''t see her or he''d be just as down. He could be worse.


    Before he couldn''t control the contents of his head, this man chose to leave.


    "Don''t arrest Damar. He''s innocent.. You can punish me to your heart''s content!".


    _Damn, why is your mouth still mentioning that man?_


    A husband who could no longer expect her heart because his woman clearly chose the other one. And she openly tried to protect his greatest poet competitor.


    Hendra dragged and threw that girl into the bathroom roughly and locked her.


    .


    .


    Blue Oceans


    .


    Who are you..


    Dare to run from me


    Remember..


    You are the prisoner I hold


    At an infinite roar


    Run as far as you can


    But do not forget


    The walls you walk through


    And the floor you walk on


    Talk to me


    Just accept your fate


    Because I am a predator


    And you are the prey.


    .


    .


    Hendra dragged her and threw that girl roughly into the bathroom and locked her.


    The man with PTSD was in chaos because he saw his wife''s desperate face walking, feeling crushed. It was the night of the wedding. Several hours ago, he found himself very happy. He accompanied his most beautiful queen to the altar, embraced her, and invited her to dance.


    Now what he found was rejection. The fact that he wasn''t even allowed to touch her, let alone ask for her heart.


    "Nathasya, give me my medicine!".


    "Young Master, you''ve had it a while ago". This young doctor slowly stepped back. She realized that young master Wenceslas was in a bad condition.


    He tried to operate his cellphone behind his back to call the other doctors, Tio and Firman. Fellow doctors who were specifically assigned to help Mahendra.


    "Don''t fight back. GIVE IT!!".


    Nathasya, this young doctor, was feeling guilty for introducing his young master to sedatives and now he looked addicted. She made her two friends furious. But what could she do? All she had to do was try to control the special patient in taking these medicines.


    "If you take more than the dose, you''ll get worse". Nathasya managed to call Tio. She only had to make sure that Tio overheard her conversation with their patient.


    "In the future, if something happens, the usual dose won''t be able to help you".


    Hendra''s brain realized the meaning of Nathasya''s worry but his heart didn''t. He needed it desperately.


    While trying to force him, Diana''s team arrived. They intervened and calmed Mahendra. They asked him to control himself from taking medicines.


    Hendra couldn''t keep arguing with his doctors or he''d beat them up one by one.


    Shortly before grabbing one of his doctors'' collar, Hendra found an incoming call on his cellphone.


    "Sir, we''ve arrested the bodyguard who helped Ms. Aruna. Too bad, we were deceived. Ms. Aruna''s friend has escaped".


    "Haha.. Wait for me. Where are you?". Shortly after receiving the information, Mahendra walked in a huff, leaving the doctors who were worried.


    __________


    "If you feel that this place isn''t suitable for you, it''s easy.. Make Hendra change. Change the love that Hendra has for you. If necessary, make that feeling disappear. Then you''ll be freed from his shackles faster".


    "Love??". (Aruna)


    "I feel that he''s just so-so towards me". (Aruna)


    "Ah. You really don''t know?? This marriage happened faster because you were chosen by Mr. Hendra. Your marriage isn''t just a marriage agreement between Mr. Lesmana and the elders. But it''s more because he wants you".


    "As long as his feelings for you are so strong, he won''t let go of what he''s holding. A year, two years, it could be forever".

 Chapter 144 - Analogy

    __________


    _I''ve done it right, right?_ This girl was getting cold. The silk cloth wasn''t enough to warm her body, who didn''t have time to eat earlier.


    She chose to make sure that she was doing something right. Hendra was so angry but it didn''t matter. The most important thing was she had to make him willing to give her freedom immediately, without waiting for a long time.


    Aruna stood up and opened the shower faucet slowly. She washed her hands and feet with warm water. Then she grabbed a towel and used it as her protection, who shivered even more.


    ***


    Thud. A kick landed on the back of the bodyguard who was kneeling with his eyes closed and hands tied. It made the body fall forward.


    The bodyguard''s body was slowly stepped on. The person who stepped on him began to approach the body that had fallen below.


    The person who was stepped on was scratching. Since his eyes were closed, he tried to look around, trying to escape.


    His master, who was stepping hard on him, terrified the other bodyguards too. Since they hardly ever saw this side of young master Wenceslas.


    Mahendra locked the movement of the traitor who wanted to escape with one leg which was gradually bent. It turned out that the young master grabbed the eye patch, then he grabbed a handful of hair and pulled it.


    "How dare you betrayed me! Hehe. Lately many people forget who I really am".


    In the minds of several bodyguards who were surrounding the two of them, they thought Juan would get a direct hit. However, the young master showed the opposite.


    He pulled Juan''s tied hand, then he released him. The confused Juan slowly got up. Getting beaten directly made more sense than this strange treatment. He made Juan and the other bodyguards curious. What did the young master want?


    "How great you are..". Hendra chose to sit back and relax with his left foot resting on his right foot.


    "You''re so loyal to my wife. What did she give to you?". Hendra looked at him sharply. The shirt that Juan wore was the one his competitor was wearing.


    "Sorry, Sir. Nothing".


    "Haha. Hahaha". His laugh was scary. A moment later, his gaze was terrifying.


    "Okay. I''ll revise my question! What do you expect by helping her??". Hendra''s voice got louder.


    "I want to be chosen as Ms. Aruna''s personal bodyguard". Juan replied. He felt relieved now.


    "Ah. I forgot.. There''s a competition between you guys. It looks like you''re a victory hunter by all means.. Haha". Hendra laughed at himself. A scary laughter in the eyes of others.


    "It turns out that you look like me, but you''re still guilty". Hendra stood up now.


    "You made me lose tonight.. What if we beat each other so that we''re satisfied?".


    _Ah. What did he say? Why do I not understand?_ Juan stepped back. It wasn''t only him who didn''t understand, the faces of other people around him also didn''t seem to understand what the young master said. He wasn''t just a cold CEO now, but also a mysterious candidate for president director.


    "May I know what you mean?". Juan tried to understand as the blue-eyed slowly moved towards him.


    "Honestly, my emotions are unstable right now and I need something to vent it. The owner of the sweater that you wore made me lose. May I analogize yourself as him?".


    Gulp.


    _Shit! He can kill me. Juan stepped back even more. He saw the lion in front of him as if he was ready to pounce.


    "Sir, forgive me. I''ll take off the sweater".


    "No! I prefer you to wear it.. It looks more real. Ah right.. Don''t worry. You can also fight back as much as you want".


    Juan frowned.


    "We''re both empty-handed. Let''s celebrate our similarity, victory hunter".


    Juan hid his smile now. _Empty hands and allowed to fight back as much as I want. Hmm.._ He felt like he got a bonus, beating the young master in front of him. Wouldn''t this be something great?!


    "Unfortunately, I''m unlucky. You''ll be the first winner and I''m only the second winner.. I can''t accept it!!".


    On the other end, the bodyguard began to move more cheerfully. He warmed up a little. A sign that he was ready to win. It made Hendra even more excited to beat him.


    "Hendra! Stop it! It''s not good to show it to other bodyguards". Raka, who''d just entered the room and was told by his men, was walking closer.


    "Don''t get involved, Raka! You can be a spectator. If you can''t bear to watch it, go out and bring all your men. Except for this traitor".


    "You''re our leader, who we must protect at all times. Nobody is allowed to touch you, especially this stupid bodyguard. If you want to beat him, just beat him. Don''t be like this!".


    "You underestimated me?!". A piercing sound followed by an agile movement knocked Raka down.


    "Argh..". Raka complained when he was thrown to the side of the other bodyguard. His lips hurt, which indicated that there was a wound.


    "You guys who don''t have any business, get out!!". Raka snapped to his men. This isn''t a good example in the eyes of Raka as the leader of the guards. The voice of the leader was followed by his subordinates.


    Raka found his focus again.


    In the end, this man chose to close his eyes. One of his men was beaten up by their master.


    "How? Are you still capable?! Get up! This is really fun! Haha".


    Juan with a bruised face. He couldn''t believe what he received. He used to be a martial arts athlete but he was knocked out by the CEO of Wenceslas Group who was reportedly smarter behind the desk.


    Juan straightened his feet again. He stood up braver and was ready to be himself. This young man took off Damar''s sweater and threw it randomly.


    "Oh! Don''t take it off! I like my analogy.. Wear it again!". Hendra asked.


    "No, Sir. I''ll be myself!". Juan strengthened his stance. He was ready to crash and fall.


    "Whatever! The important thing is I''m satisfied!". Hendra was excited.


    Next, the bodyguard was allowed to strike first. But Hendra dodged faster. He grabbed Juan''s hand and bent it. Then Juan fell as a result of being elbowed by Hendra on his stomach.


    Raka was quite horrified to see it. When the young master approached the collapsed body, then a death blow tore through the face of his subordinate.


    "Hey, stand up again! I''m not satisfied yet!". Hendra shouted his order again.


    When the stubborn Juan got up again, Raka heard a strange laugh from his boss'' mouth. He even spoke incomprehensible sentences: "You look like me! Hahaha. You make me inspired. I have to get up again after my heart was torn by her".


    "Prang!". The sound of objects thrown towards his master. Juan took the initiative to use the objects around him to survive.


    Strangely, this mysterious young man was even happier: "Wow.. Your initiative is good. I''ll imitate it too. Haha.. I''ll use anything to survive".


    Along with the falling of objects, one wounded Mahendra''s hand. This man immediately took off his coat.


    Not sure how long it had been but Raka didn''t see any meaningful scratches on Hendra. His face was still perfect. Only sweat poured down his temple. Even the young master was still wearing the pajamas under his coat. The slight scratches on the hand gave a contrasting impression to the ivory pajamas with the baby breath pattern.


    Meanwhile, his subordinate, whom he later realized was named Juan, was already choked by his master: "I wonder.. If you almost die like this, what would you do to survive?".


    "Hendra!! LET GO!! LET MY SUBORDINATE GO!!". Raka''s screams echoed, took part in pushing Hendra who looked crazy. He tried to save his subordinate who was coughing with a bruised face, torn mouth, even his nose was bleeding.


    Juan was finally unconscious.


    "I like this kid! Put a chip on his body.. I want him to be my wife''s loyal guard.. He must become an item that I can use to survive". Raka''s eyes lit up. He wanted to curse his master harshly.


    Mahendra? Is this the real him? Andos often said that they had to be careful with the anger of Wiryo''s grandson.


    .


    .


    "How? Are we coming in or not?" A housekeeper was confused. The door to the room in front of her was slightly opened. The watch on her hand showed 10.00 AM, which means she was more than late to think.


    But the door she knocked wasn''t opened. Even the service phone wasn''t answered.


    "Just open it.. Let''s take a little peek. Maybe no one is there". The other housekeeper was braver. She went in first and started cleaning things up because there really wasn''t anyone inside.


    "Aa¡­. Argh.. Body! There''s a body!".


    "Hey. Don''t scream! It scares me!".

 Chapter 145 - To Survive

    "Aa¡­. Argh.. Body! There''s a body!".


    "Hey. Don''t scream! It scares me!".


    "Really. I swear. Really. Come here and see?!".


    "Is she a corpse?!". The housekeeper''s eyes bulged, wanting to run.


    "Call for help ASAP!". The other one made a call for help.


    "How?? Is she breathing?".


    "Her body is very cold. She''s pale? Ah, I also don''t know how to check a pulse. We''ll just wait for help to come rather than we make a mistake".


    .


    .


    "Hendra!! Where are you?!". This man just opened his eyes when the call from his personal assistant sounded like the yell of an angry person.


    "Me??".


    _Ah, where am I? I forgot?!_


    "Go to the hospital now! Your wife was found passed out in the bathroom. She hasn''t woken up since she was given first aid." Surya''s voice sounded chaotic. The recipient of the phone was even more chaotic. He ran without caring about anything. He was still wrapped in pajamas under a coat. Even the spots of Juan''s blood and the scratches on his hands gave off contrasting colors. He still wore slippers. His hair was disheveled with a bloated face after waking up. Although his good looks were still the same, of course.


    _Shit! Why did I forget about Aruna?_


    This man pressed the elevator button several times and he made sure which elevator opened first. When he tucked himself into the crowd, this man was still the center of attention. Especially the elevator attendant who was nervous because he knew that this blue-eyed man who was panicking was the CEO of Wenceslas Group.


    "Prepare a car for me?".


    "You need a driver, Sir?".


    "Whatever!".


    When he was downstairs and the car was ready, Wiryo''s grandson pulled out the driver who''d been prepared for him. The car sped away as fast as he could.


    _Aruna, you have to wake up!!_


    "Ah, come on!!".


    "Beep!"


    "Beep..". The blue-eyed couldn''t stand the traffic jam in front of him. He turned the steering wheel several times.


    _I won''t get mad at you after this. I promise!_


    "Surya, how''s Aruna''s condition? She''s awake?!". The blue-eyed still had time to put on the headset on his ears and made a call to his secretary to confirm his wife''s condition.


    "I don''t know. She''s still in the ICU".


    "How bad is she?".


    "The temporary diagnosis was dehydration. Wait! Are you the culprit? I mean, you locked your wife?!".


    "Yes..". He confessed his sin.


    "Oh my God. Hendra¡­ You?! What kind of husband are you?!".


    "Keep it first.. Don''t let other people find out!!".


    ***


    I was just a kid in the playgroup who was running around because we were playing chase. Suddenly, someone grabbed me, hugged me, then felt entitled to me. I asked to be released because I still wanted to run and laugh with my friends. Unfortunately, you weren''t an ordinary person. Out of nowhere, that space began to be built. As if a line of trails have lined up in front of me and you alienated me in your private space.


    Look! She''s mine! No one can touch her!


    That was how you proclaimed ownership.


    Enough! I want to go there..


    Looking at the old world for a moment..


    I miss the old me and the simple world that is now like two strangers who can''t greet each other..


    Let me play again, run to find my laughter. Don''t ever feel alone. I will definitely invite you. Just a little leniency regarding the meaning of ownership in which there is no eternity.


    .


    .


    "Surya. Ah, how is Aruna now?". This man was messed up. He was more than panicked. His brain focused on arriving and knowing his wife''s condition.


    "She was just transferred to the room". Both of them walked down the hospital hallway quickly. For a moment, his secretary stopped, observing the condition of his boss.


    "What happened? Your hand? Ah. You really look messy".


    "I don''t want to tell you yet. Many things happened last night. Let me make sure Aruna is healthy before you lecture me".


    Surya exhaled his breath. He calmed himself down.


    "I''ll ask someone to bring a change of clothes for you". Both of them walked down the hall to the VVIP room where the young lady of Wenceslas was.


    .


    "Surya. How??". Mahendra immediately stood up when his secretary came out of his wife''s room. He waited anxiously in front of the room where Aruna was.


    "You really can''t see her, Hen?". Surya''s question was only answered with a tired nod.


    "Try from this gap.. I''m sure you really want to see her.. Maybe you can still fight your syndrome from a distance?".


    "I don''t know. I don''t have the courage yet". Mahendra stroked the door of the room where his wife was resting and he didn''t dare to peek at the rectangular glass containing the silhouette of the sleeping woman.


    It was only now he realized that not being able to see his woman sick was heartbreaking.


    .


    .


    The time shifted towards evening.


    This man was still sitting on a bench in the hallway, right in front of his woman''s room. He''d just changed clothes and was still there when the wife''s family started arriving.


    He quickly stood up and greeted Mr. Lesmana, a man who was so precious in his wife''s eyes. This friendly man didn''t smile at him. There were streaks of disappointment that could be seen clearly.


    "Hey. What did you do to my sister?!". Anantha, who followed behind his parents, looked more friendly. He was willing to greet Hendra. Even though his way was still the same, annoying.


    "Just a little accident in the bathroom. Sorry. I''m really sorry I didn''t look after her properly".


    _If they know what happened, Aruna''s family will definitely separate us_ Hendra''s brain wandered full of worry when his wife''s father and mother entered the room.


    "Why are you still here?". Anantha who just came out was confused because Hendra didn''t accompany them.


    "Oh. Young master has been inside for quite a while. He needs a little fresh air. His heart is in a mess. Let me replace him". Surya took the initiative and started to mingle with Aruna''s family.


    This girl began to wake up because of the voice from the quiet conversation between the secretary who was good at composing words with his boss'' father-in-law. Behind the door, someone was waiting anxiously.


    His dimples showed up for a moment. He began to dare to peek at the rectangular glass right above the door. Not so wide, but enough to capture the atmosphere in the room.


    He wanted to run inside, but the sick woman was still lying weak. It was clear that her eyes were opening and closing slowly. Every time he saw a movement of her closing eyes, his heart filled with fear. He was forced to step back and cancel his intention.


    His heart skipped a beat and he began to run out of breath.


    _Ah, no! I can''t enter_


    .


    "Dad?!".


    "Yes.. Baby?. Lesmana stopped his conversation with Surya. The mother immediately helped her youngest child sit up. She seemed like she wanted to sit down while finishing a sip of water. Aruna started staring at the people in front of her.


    "Hendra is waiting at the front. Let me call him". Surya looked excited seeing this young lady sitting down. He was sure that his boss would be very happy when he could approach his wife.


    "Sorry, Mr. Surya. Give me time to talk to my father and mother. Mr. Surya and Ananta, please give me some space?". This girl expressed her wish. When both of them came out, the door was immediately locked by the father. It seemed that the father knew what his youngest daughter wanted to say.


    Someone was startled by the sound of locking the door.


    Deg.


    There was a much deeper fear that attacked someone. Surprisingly, Hendra banged on the door.


    Bang. Bang. Bang. His face was uneasy.


    "Dad, I want to go home". This girl''s voice was struggling to fight the other sound that someone was making outside.


    "Aruna.. Give me a chance to speak first..". Hendra looked weird, making his secretary sad.


    "What are you doing? My sister is only talking to Dad? Why are you messing up like this?!". Anantha pulled him and gave his brother-in-law a weird look.


    "Hendra.. It''s okay.. They''re just talking?! Control your emotions?!".


    "But the door is locked, Surya!?". This man couldn''t accept his body being pulled.


    _Aruna will definitely express her frightening desire_ (can''t stand this marriage). He banged on the door again.


    "Aruna.. Open.. Open the door.. I''m sorry.. I''ll fix everything.." Hendra was caught doing the same stupid thing in Anantha''s eyes. The madman who was banging the gate of the Lesmana family''s house.


    Bang. Bang. Bang.


    Inside the room..


    "Go home? But you''re still sick?". Mr. Lesmana came closer.


    "Yes, Baby. Heal first then go home". The mother added.


    "Aruna wants to go home to Dad''s house". This girl looked nervously at someone who wanted to enter.


    "Oh my God". The mother hugged her girl in tears.


    "Dad, how?". The mother added, started sobbing.


    "I know you guys are fighting, but give him a chance to talk before deciding". Mr. Lesmana was more logical. He stared at the door that blocked a stubborn son-in-law who was afraid of losing his daughter.


    "But our daughter must''ve experienced so much trouble that she dared to speak like this."


    "This is Aruna.. Not Anantha or Alia who is easier to express their feelings". The mother supported her daughter.


    Bang. Bang. (outside the room)


    "Arunaa..".

 Chapter 146 - Freedom

    "This is Aruna.. Not Anantha or Alia who is easier to express their feelings". The mother supported her daughter.


    Bang. Bang. (outside the room)


    "Aruna..".


    "Sir, you can''t make a fuss. This is a hospital". (A hospital staff)


    "Hendra, enough! You''ll be given a chance.. She won''t leave you?! Calm down?!". Surya was already holding this frantic man.


    "You can go. I''ll take care of him". Surya confirmed to the hospital staff.


    _Turns out that you really love my sister.. I didn''t expect it''d go this far_ Anantha was stunned.


    In the room.


    "We''ve also had fights. They''re a married couple. Ups and downs are bound to happen. You have to learn to understand each other before you decide on something bigger". Lesmana advised his youngest daughter.


    Aruna''s father always tried to make wise decisions. There was a hint of pride in Aruna. Last night she risked herself for the honor of her father.


    As the door opened and his wife''s parents came out, Hendra was so worried about what happened to Aruna''s health and the hidden family conversation.


    He was confused about how to apologize. Hugging? Holding her hand? Or kneeling in front of her?? This girl was quite important to him. If he had to kneel, it wouldn''t be a problem.


    "I don''t know how to apologize.. I also don''t know how strong I can keep my promise.. But really, I don''t want you to leave me".


    "I''ll obey everything.. Everything you want!". This man approached his wife, trembling while holding Aruna''s hand.


    Meanwhile, his girl found the injured hand that was ignored.


    "Did something happen until you didn''t open the bathroom door for me?".


    "I regret.. Really. I didn''t mean to?".


    "Things like this won''t happen again. Believe me". He begged.


    "Get me a wet tissue!". Aruna noticed the dry blood on the blue-eyed''s hand. She cleaned it slowly.


    "Don''t.. Don''t do this". The man hid his hand, the wound on the palm to be exact.


    "You used to leave me after bandaging my wound". Hendra was a little traumatized by what happened before their marriage. This girl once asked for her marriage to be stopped in this hospital.


    "You don''t want me to go, right?? Give me your hand!". The words of this little woman were like an irresistible order.


    "What happened?". She asked. Aruna needed a solid reason about why her husband didn''t have the heart to open the bathroom door until the morning had passed.


    "I fell".


    "Where?"


    "Hmm..". Hendra tried to compose words.


    "You''re still lying.. Even at times like this. Don''t think that I don''t know that you often lied to me to hide things".


    "Fine. Fine.. I won''t lie again". Hendra hesitated a little.


    The woman who bandaged his hands looked deeper. The blue-eyed was trembling. He made up his mind.


    "I beat Juan because he betrayed me".


    His hand that was held by his wife was released suddenly.


    "What?? Then how is he?".


    "He''s still alive. I''m sure he''s received treatment".


    "Hendra, you¡­??". She hasn''t finished the expression of disappointment yet.


    "Yes! I''m a man like this.. Rude and acting as I want. I don''t know how to change my true nature. Such things happen spontaneously. I don''t want to be like this either?!". Those regrets mixed together.


    This man even forgot whether he or Aruna who made a mistake. The important thing was his woman was willing to stay for him. That was enough. Her heart was given to another man, it was okay. As long as Aruna gave him a chance and she could be hugged every night. Those were enough.


    "That''s not the problem.. No matter how bad you are or I am, little by little, we both know each other. I''m sure that I also learn to accept you indirectly and so do you." She bandaged Mahendra''s hand again.


    "I just need a little freedom if you still want me to stay".


    "Freedom?". He frowned.


    "Yes!". This woman touched the blue-eyed''s face to melt his heart.


    "Did you forget how many weeks I''ve been absent from college? I''m not even allowed to come to the Magic Letter when my friends need me". Aruna''s words were met with disapproving eyes.


    "I''m not an object, Hendra! I''m a human..".


    "But.. What if something happens to you?!".


    "You said you''d fulfill all my wishes?". Aruna hugged him. A reflex to calm the blue-eyed and a way to win him over.


    _If this doesn''t work, I''m not sure I can keep this marriage_


    "Hendra".


    "Hmm¡­". This man was still enjoying the hug that relieved his heart. Something unexpected happened. This was the other side of Aruna that made him crazy. Good kid, just two words to describe the girl. No matter how big the problems they faced, she still obeyed her father: ''You must learn to understand each other before deciding on something bigger''.


    "So when can I return to my activities?".


    "I''ll try as soon as possible".


    _Raka''s team should''ve been ready, but I don''t know. Lately, there have been many obstacles_


    "I need a clear answer, Hendra?!".


    There was a heavy sigh from the blue-eyed.


    "Honestly, I can''t answer it now. I''ll try to be able to decide the day after tomorrow".


    The uncertain words made Aruna let go of her hug.


    "It''ll be faster if you allow the bodyguards to accompany you everywhere like Grandma Sukma". Hendra hurriedly canceled his statement so that his wife wouldn''t be disappointed.


    "Alright! I''ll try to compromise with your family traditions". Aruna''s words made the man in front of her happy.


    "Thank you for giving me a chance". Slowly, the blue-eyed understood the meaning of thank you. Once again, it came from the girl in front of him.


    "Thank my father. He asked me to understand you".


    "Looks like I need to apologize to him because last night I said bad words about him".


    "It''s okay. You didn''t mean it. We were both emotional".


    "Next time, don''t see him again". Hendra was talking about someone.


    "Actually I really don''t want to talk about him when we just reconciled. But you started it". Aruna turned her gaze in another direction and she saw the Wenceslas family were already outside.


    "Hendra, open the door. Looks like our family is gathering together".


    Hendra traced his wife''s gaze. They were seen through a gap from the glass in the door. This man was standing up when the tiny hand grabbed his shirt.


    "What''s wrong?".


    Aruna asked him to lower his head. There was a small movement on his head. His wife was slowly fixing his hair and his shirt. The advice was even spoken by the tiny red lips: "Remember the point that I once asked. We have to respect each other''s family. Loosen your stiff muscles. Smile a lot. You are tens of times more handsome with those dimples".


    The blue-eyed nodded. "If they ask what happened to you, what should we answer?".


    Her girl''s eyes rolled, looking for a solution. "Just tell that I''m tired and passed out. Okay?".


    "Okay, fine". Mahendra stood more upright. He approached the door and saw his grandfather walking leading the others into his wife''s room.


    He paused for a moment. "Meet me after this. There''s something you must be responsible for!". His voice was low. A code only for two people.


    ***


    "How''s your condition? Are you already fine?".


    "Yes, Grandma". Aruna was smiling, hiding her unhealthy condition. Hendra tried to be as close as possible to his wife. He stood, holding Aruna''s shoulder which leaned against him. He was full of regret.


    Fortunately, this girl was quite good at hiding many things, including the way she leaned. That gesture indirectly helped the blue-eyed free from Aruna''s mother''s worried gaze.


    "Have you eaten? Look! Grandma brought a lot of food for you. I''m sure the food here won''t be as good as my cooking". Grandma Sukma began to open a lot of extra supplies with the help of Ms. Gayatri.


    In another corner, on a soft bright-colored sofa, the men from the Lesmana family and the elder Wenceslas were seen talking. Hendra didn''t know where to be and what to do. This man was too unfamiliar with this kind of interaction. Hanging out with family and interacting naturally was a rare and difficult experience. He felt safe around a tiny girl named Aruna. This kid really made a lot of changes.


    Previously, when he was sick, the one who''d accompany him was only his personal secretary. At best, his grandfather who came in anger or his grandmother who put on a pathetic face, cried, made a noise, and was immediately kicked out. Those two troublesome grandparents.


    "Hendra". Aruna called, asking this man to lower his head for a moment.


    "Get me some food that your grandmother brought. I''m still lazy to eat". (We both knew she was going to give too much). This clumsy man complied. His behavior made his grandmother and mother curious. He could also care and was willing to do this kind of thing.


    There were bright sparkling eyes that could be seen from this elegant woman. Her eyes seemed to say: ''My grandson has changed a lot''.

 Chapter 147 - Annoyed

    There were bright sparkling eyes that could be seen from this elegant woman. Her eyes seemed to say: ''My grandson has changed a lot''.


    When this little girl was about to eat by herself, Hendra unexpectedly took her spoon and was kind enough to blow it and feed Aruna.


    Now, the woman looked clumsy and the blue-eyed looked relaxed. He ignored the others and only focused on Aruna.


    _Last night you must''ve been hungry and thirsty. I know you haven''t had the chance to drink. Let alone have dinner properly_ Hendra''s brain was only filled with regret.


    "Or maybe our little lady fainted because she was pregnant".


    Cough. Cough. Cough. The little lady choked and blushed at the unreasonable words from the smiling grandmother.


    "That''s impossible". Hendra, who''d just finished handing over the drink to his wife, spoke flatly. Aruna''s mother was relieved to hear her son-in-law''s expression, while Grandma Sukma was immediately disappointed. Mommy Gayatri was consistently calm as usual.


    "Don''t use condoms! Grandma needs a cute grandchild as soon as possible". Suddenly there was a tone of command that was surprisingly said by the elegant woman.


    _Condoms? Only touching her chest made this bad tragedy happen. The husband could only surrender. Hendra put on a sluggish face and fed Aruna again.


    "I''m sorry, Grandma. Maybe I''m too straightforward. I think my son-in-law must use condoms!". Those words were surprisingly said by Aruna''s mother.


    They argued over something pointless.


    "Why? Having a child as soon as possible will strengthen the relationship between husband and wife. And my life will be happier".


    "That means you''re selfish!". Aruna''s mother rejected even harder.


    "What?? You said I''m selfish.. That''s a bit harsh..". Grandma couldn''t accept it. Her voice was soft but piercing. Ms. Gayatri tried to intervene by rubbing both of their hands in turns.


    "Enough, enough..". She tried to calm down with her straight face that didn''t cause any effect at all.


    "Of course, it''s selfish?! She''s only 20 years old. She hasn''t graduated from college but she has to get pregnant and give birth. Imagine it. That''s not something easy. She still needs to play with her friends".


    "But what if our little lady is willing to? I''m sure my grandson also wants to hold a baby as soon as possible".


    "Little lady?? Aruna is my daughter so I understand her better than Grandma".


    This fight made Hendra sick. He couldn''t bear to hear it.


    "You guys! Can you just get out of here? It''s noisy! My wife is sick and she needs a rest". An annoyed man who had no manners voiced his heart.


    "Hendraaa!!". The tiny one yelled at her husband who seemed rude.


    "They''re noisy?!". Hendra was also annoying.


    "Grandma. Mother?!". Her voice was raised to grab the attention of the two fighting people.


    Both of them turned their heads: "What if you just leave the problem of grandchild or baby to me and Hendra? We know the best time to have children". Aruna flicked Hendra''s hand so that her husband could speak up.


    "I''m speechless. I also want to have a baby. But for now, it''s still impossible. So if you want to continue the debate, please get out of here". Hendra was lazy to respond. It was too complicated for him who could only hug and steal kisses.


    "Hendra.. That''s not how you''re supposed to say it.. Ugh, how could you?!". Aruna was annoyed because her husband didn''t have a soft vocabulary.


    "Wrong again?!". He surrendered.


    "Of course". Aruna grumbled.


    "Then what should I say? We just made up. Don''t get into argument too". Hendra complained. He felt awry.


    "Ah, never mind. You aren''t friendly".


    "Yes.. Yes.. I know.. I''m always wrong, mean, rude, what else??".


    The three women in front of them laughed seeing them grumpy.


    _Now what''s so funny?? Argh! Women are all weird?!_ Hendra''s face made the women around him smile even more. Ms. Gayatri looked at him, smiling.


    "Be patient, okay..". She stroked Hendra''s chest, making his face annoyed. The others laughed.


    .


    .


    "Thank you". Mahendra gave repeated remarks to his wife''s family who visited their daughter. More precisely, he was grateful for being given the opportunity again.


    The blue-eyed escorted them to the lobby door. He accompanied Mr. Lesmana''s steps until his father was asked to stop for a moment to accept an apology from him: "Sorry, Dad. I''ll not make Aruna experience bad things again".


    The father only tapped his shoulder. He whispered something in his son-in-law''s ear: "Give her trust and open up to her. You''ll get the same love just like how my daughter loves me".


    The blue-eyed still stared at the back of Aruna''s father, who now seemed to be his own father. A proud feeling that he could have a father like him.


    He even smiled and stared at his sad past, growing up with the emptiness of a father figure. Now, it turned out that the ponytail girl whom he stalked all the time was the one who gave him everything, including the almost forgotten empty space.


    "Now you realize why I chose that man as your in-law". A hoarse voice with a stiff, broken intonation ruined the atmosphere. Who else other than the elder Wiryo.


    "It''s a shame that he''s too kind, not realizing that his daughter was locked in the bathroom until she was hungry and thirsty. FOLLOW ME! Take responsibility for your behavior!!". Wiryo snapped, accompanied by two muscular bodyguards grabbing Hendra''s arm.


    The grandson of the elder who was struggling due to his own mistakes couldn''t do anything but accept punishment. He knew very well how he was raised.


    .


    .


    Encounter


    .


    At that time, the atmosphere of the earth was burning. It wasn''t because of a volcanic eruption, but it was just a feeling in the chest that couldn''t stand waiting for an encounter.


    She, who lived in fantasy, would be visible to the eye. She could be touched physically. The particles that composed them were no longer virtual pictures in the brain.


    It was more like the cells that made up the tissue. The collection of tissues that made up the organs. The organs that interacted and related to one another fulfilled the existence of a perfect living being called a human.


    It was more perfect because he was hooked. Like the feeling that was still raging in the chest. Even though she was there for real hours ago. The joy of an encounter when feelings of longing had been accommodated in an unstoppable container.


    When can I see you again?


    Why could such a brief encounter burn the atmosphere around me?


    Can I accommodate the feelings of longing in the container once again?


    .


    Damar made writing on a notebook like a painter scratched a brush on a canvas. He looked too excited. The ideas in his brain flowed like a waterfall with fast-moving discharge that was capable of driving a kWh-producing generator, the energy unit of electrical equipment with thousands of power.


    Within a day, he had produced several chapters of the novel without feeling tired. The most extraordinary thing about an artist was the encounter with the visualization of his work.


    Damar had lost control ever since he was removed from the reach of the woman who used to run around his daily life. The simple life that suddenly became special couldn''t even be dreamed of again, because open wounds were scattered everywhere.


    * Guys, have you heard that Aruna is sick? (Magic Letter group chat)


    * Really? What happened? (Lili)


    * She was tired from the party yesterday. Her husband''s secretary said Aruna fainted. (Dea)


    * Yeah, there were that many guests.. Of course, she was tired. I only had to eat but I was tired too (Agus)


    * ''Angry sticker''


    (Lili sent an angry sticker. Agus ate uncontrollably at the Blue Oceans party)


    * I''m coming.. If you guys visit Aruna, don''t leave me. (Laras)


    * Lazy! Unless you bring the guy that was with you yesterday. (Lili)


    * Leandra? Ugh, I don''t want to.. I feel unlucky to meet him at the party. (Laras)


    * When should we go?? (Dea)


    * How about tomorrow, after campus? To give our founder a birthday surprise too. (Lili)


    * I can''t participate. I think I''ll be preparing for the exam assignments until late at night. Send my regards, okay? (Tito)


    * How come a literature student prepares for assignments until late at night?! It''s already good enough for Damar to attend class. But his grades are good. (Agus, an IT student, who was considered normal to stay up late because of the coding task)


    * Damar is different.. The lecturer will be embarrassed to give him bad grades. His works are already scattered everywhere, more famous than the work of lecturers. (Tito couldn''t accept it)


    * Tito, good luck with your assignments. I''ll convey your greetings. We''ll gather at the base camp after campus, okay? For Agus, DON''T BE LATE!! (Dea)


    * Can I join? (Damar surprisingly joined their conversation. A silent reader who''s been buried in silence for months)


    Silent


    Silent


    Silent


    Not a single member of the group dared to reply to a message from the soloist.


    Until finally, after a few hours passed, someone who would be visited by them directly replied to Damar''s message.

 Chapter 148 - Copy-Paste

    Not a single member of the group dared to reply to a message from the soloist.


    Until finally, after a few hours passed, someone who would be visited by them directly replied to Damar''s message.


    "It''s okay, Damar. Just come along. I''m waiting for you guys, okay? My room is on the second floor. Wenceslas family''s room.


    Someone stared at the cellphone with a smile, while the other read in bitterness. They speculated what would happen next.


    .


    .


    "Make him kneel down!!". Wiryo took control once he was in his territory.


    The elder''s grandson didn''t want to obey orders. He was still standing firmly against his grandfather''s bodyguard.


    "You''re still stubborn after clearly making a mistake". Wiryo looked upset.


    "If I have to kneel, I''ll do it in front of my wife, not you". Hendra didn''t feel guilty towards his grandfather. These two people were both stubborn. A gene that was passed down, copied and pasted.


    "Oh, okay. If that''s what you think". The light movement of Wiryo''s fingers was like an implicit order. It was followed by the movement of releasing Wenceslas''s heir and the bodyguards came out of the room voluntarily.


    "You have to return that kid to her family!". The face was worried but his words were the opposite.


    "How dare you? She''s my wife. No one can touch her! Let alone ask me to let her go". The blue-eyed was blazing. He was angry with Wiryo''s careless words.


    "Then why did you lock your wife?! Don''t tell me it''s because your disease is getting worse!!". On the face of the elder, there was a hint of sorrow that he was hiding tightly.


    "Yes. I know I was wrong. But she already forgave me. It means I just need to improve myself. No one can interfere!". Hendra defended himself again.


    "You think I don''t know? Last night you almost killed two people at once. I thought marriage would make you better. In fact, you''re a danger to others.. Return her to her father!".


    "No!".


    "You can manage my life, but Aruna, no one can beat me". Hendra showed his disapproval in a harsh tone.


    "What''s your reason? If you don''t have a reasonable reason, I''ll arrange for your wife''s return". Wiryo was looking for an explanation.


    Hendra was silent. He was unable to come up with an answer. There was no way he''d disclose his own wife''s disgrace that he was angry because she''d met his rival. Including about him, who couldn''t do much because of the MoU between them.


    "I have reasons that I can be held accountable for, but not for you to know". This hair stepped away, intending to leave the room.


    "Don''t treat Aruna the same as Nana. You were still a kid before so I thought the incident was just a mischief".


    Hendra stopped walking. He didn''t have any memories of Nana except for a child with bangs holding a doll and running to hug him.


    The blue-eyed decided to ignore something that felt unfamiliar and kept on walking.


    "Once again you treat Lesmana''s daughter badly, I''ll make sure she comes back to her father''s house. Your emotions are getting worse".


    "Hehe. Am I a monster who needs to be threatened in order to take care of my own wife? Is it you or me who''s a monster?? You formed who, so you''re the one who''s responsible for all of my bad behaviors". The door was slammed by the only successor.


    It was followed by the fall of the stick of the strongest and most arrogant man. For the first time, Hendra dared to fight against the wishes and words of the elder Wiryo. Truly beyond expectations.


    "Get inside. My grandfather needs help". Hendra''s words to the bodyguard who guarded the door.


    He was hesitant to leave the place. Unfortunately, another rage within himself strengthened his stance to walk away.


    The knowledge that was slowly intact regarding the existence of Wiryo''s adopted child who had grown up to be like himself, gave this man a different perspective on his own grandfather.


    In the past, the blue-eyed was just speculating. Now, the authentic evidence spoke as a rational eyewitness. Riswan slowly opened the veil of Wiryo''s power as well as his weakness as a grandfather who had grandchildren humanely.


    The initial conclusion from the blue-eyed was that Wiryo treated his grandson like an item. An ideal product that was ready to be marketed. Just like his behavior towards Aruna. He was unconsciously the same as Wiryo, making Aruna his favorite item.


    In his move this time, the blue-eyed was determined to change the nature of the Key Performance Indicators that had been built for him over the years.


    ***


    _Ah. She''s resting_ The blue-eyed sat in the hallway in front of his wife''s room. He closed his tired eyes, accompanied by meaningful waiting.


    A loyal man whom many women dreamed of. A man who used to be more concerned with his self-image in public or his personal branding that was built up in his work environment had melted away and put everything off.


    The VVIP patient''s hallway was rarely passed by. Once it was passed by, sometimes it was by a cross section of business, friendship circles, and more.


    Hendra had to chatter when they greeted him and made excuses why they were in this place. Unfortunately, those who were staying must''ve realized that the blue-eyed man was often outside. Their whispers about the strangeness of his behavior were accepted calmly.


    Until a door opened slowly. The woman inside slowly realized her husband''s weakness. At first, she wasn''t sure that she was left in the room alone. Until someone who was talking showed his back.


    He must''ve been waiting outside for a long time. Was it about not being able to see someone sleeping unless he felt a pulse or smelled the breath that was blowing? Aruna continued to guess and hadn''t found an answer. Until this girl decided to get out of her bed and slowly dragged the IV that was hanging from the pole.


    "Hen.. Why don''t you come in?". The blue-eyed immediately opened his eyes and rushed over.


    "Been here long, huh??". Aruna looked at him carefully. The man in front of her looked exhausted.


    "Why did you get out of your bed? You can call me using your phone right?".


    Aruna ignored his words.


    "Is it about not being able to see me lying down?". Aruna approached and pulled his hand.


    "I don''t know.." The blue-eyed was confused.


    "If you touch my pulse, can you come in?". Aruna asked as she led him into the room.


    "I don''t know yet..". The blue-eyed surrendered. He really didn''t know.


    "Don''t you sleep with me every day while holding my pulse?". Aruna looked for an explanation.


    "It''s a little different when you''re sick". Hendra began to disclose something that he hid.


    "Help me get into bed". Lesmana''s daughter asked, who felt a little complicated getting into her bed with an infused hand. She tried to unravel the tension of the man who looked down and didn''t dare to make a gaze.


    The husband melted down. He carried his wife like a baby and sat Aruna down. He didn''t lay this girl down.


    "So, the MoU point about not being allowed to demand, ask for, and expect to be treated when sick. Is that really your weakness?". (Split second, Chapter 35)


    The man wanted to hide it tightly but the woman actually understood one by one slowly.


    _Could it be that Hendra fainted when he was at the Sky Tower Mansion because of the same problem?_ (Room 22 last year, Chapter 16)


    This girl remembered very well how Surya approached her personally and begged Aruna to pretend not to know about the incident of Hendra''s fainting. In fact, it was that girl who picked up the phone from Surya and gave the news that Hendra was unconscious. Hendra thought that Surya''d found him and he also took him to the hospital, without Aruna''s knowledge.


    Luckily, Aruna captured Surya''s explanation well. At that time, Aruna concluded that Hendra would be embarrassed if he knew that the one who helped him when he fainted was Aruna. (Angel''s face, Chapter 17)


    Now, the girl understood. Maybe Hendra still didn''t know that she once found himself passed out in front of Aruna. In fact, this girl knew a lot more.


    "Relax.. I won''t lie down". Aruna asked him to accompany her. The CEO of Wenceslas Group had no reason to refuse. He also wanted to accompany his wife. He sat on a chair and held Aruna''s right hand, the hand without an IV.


    "You don''t want to know what weakness that I have?". This man understood very well from the way his wife looked at him as if she was searching for a hidden room that was tightly locked.


    "I don''t want to know.. You''re wrong..".


    Like a secret code that was allowed to remain safe. Hendra dared to stare at his wife now.

 Chapter 149 - Somatosensory

    Like a secret code that was allowed to remain safe. Hendra dared to stare at his wife now.


    "Sometimes, people need privacy. We can only judge for ourselves when others need to know or not. And I''m not the type to push for these kinds of things. I believe that you have a reason and it''s enough". Aruna explained.


    "Maybe this is one of the reasons why I like you. You''re simple". Hendra felt proud to love his girl.


    "Really? Hehe". The husband''s statement of love was only replied with casual laughter.


    "Does it mean I also have to give you some privacy? I shouldn''t force you to know what''s inside your heart?!".


    "Don''t be burdened! Just sleep here. I''ll sit until you rest". He deflected the statement.


    And this girl dared to touch Mahendra''s hair. She moved closer as she rubbed. A movement of stroking her husband''s hair which wasn''t much different from the way she stroked Kitty''s fur, Lesmana family''s fat cat.


    "I just realized that apart from blue eyes, it turns out that your hair is dark brown. What a unique blend. No wonder many actresses and journalists are chasing you". Aruna looked at her husband''s face who was starting to fall asleep.


    "But it doesn''t make you chase me". Hendra seemed delirious. He didn''t see the expression of his woman. This girl froze when she heard Hendra''s words.


    In the next moment, the man disappeared under his sleepiness.


    .


    .


    "Hen..". Aruna had forgotten something.


    This girl tried to wake her husband who was fast asleep in an uncomfortable position.


    "Hendra.. Wake up..". She tried to disturb the man''s ears, nose, and eyes so that he found consciousness.


    "Hem¡­". Hendra stretched and dazed.


    "Come up here.. You can sleep in my bed". Aruna asked, a little surprising.


    "There''s no need. I''ll stay here".


    "It''s okay.. Look! It''s wide.. Enough for both of us. Moreover, I''m small".


    "I might bother you.. You''re sick". Aruna didn''t care. She forced her husband to come up, pulling the body of the man who was nodding off, surrendered.


    "If it''s like this, can I lie down now?". This girl got closer to the man who was looking for a comfortable position.


    "Hmm yes¡­". The man ended up hugging his wife from the side, the way of sleeping that he liked the most. However, since Hendra was so sleepy, he wasn''t so conscious to understand.


    "Hen.. You have to hold my pulse right..". This girl helped his weak hand to find her pulse.


    "Oh.. Right". He fell asleep again.


    "Are you really that sleepy? I still want to talk to you!?". Aruna''s words weren''t answered. Hendra was quite tired. He hadn''t rested properly since yesterday.


    "So, my friends will come tomorrow. Can they?".


    "Hen.. You''re not listening to me??". No answer.


    "Hen.. Wake up..".


    "Yes..".


    _This is important. He has to know right?! Rather than making a fuss again_


    "Wake up..".


    "Wake up please..". Aruna had bothered his face but there was still no response.


    This little girl began to be a little brave.


    She knew that his man liked something. Maybe he''d wake up right away with the slightest touch on his lips.


    Yes! The logic destroyer touched her lips against the man''s mouth.


    "Hehe.. Handsome". She blushed due to her own behavior.


    But this person hadn''t felt it yet.


    Her caresses on the hair, face, and lips were useless.


    Her decision for the third time was no longer touching his lips. The girl tried to be a little brave. She was drugged by something. Either the sweet treatment that her husband had given her since she was in the hospital, his handsome face, or the way he promised to give her freedom.


    Aruna bothered her husband''s lower lip.


    She kissed Mahendra''s lips shyly: "So it''s like this when he steals my lips".


    _This person has a big body but his behavior is like a child_


    The recipient of the somatosensory sensation began to blink. Hendra sensed sensational experiences from pressure, temperature, and even the tingling caused by touch.


    [The somatosensory system is a sensory system that detects experiences called touch or pressure, temperature (warm or cold), pain (including itching and tingling), and proprioception (sensation of muscle movement)]


    Hendra was surprised when his wife giggled at his confused face: "Am I dreaming?".


    He blinked several times while still trying to understand it: _How could Aruna kiss me?! Ah, it''s too impossible. In all my life, I kissed her and never even got a reply_


    "No, you''re not dreaming. Hehe." This woman returned to lightly kissing Mahendra''s lips for a moment.


    "Really? But it feels real??". This man was totally in a daze.


    "Hahaha really..". Aruna laughed seeing Hendra pinch his own cheeks.


    "Ah.. Whatever, whether it''s a dream or not. The important thing is I feel it". Mahendra ducked to catch the lips of the logic destroyer.


    "Ah. Hen¡­ Uh¡­". She tried hard to push the chest of the Wenceslas Group''s CEO.


    Out of fear, the husband tried to be patient for a moment. He gave a room to breathe for his wife.


    "Try to be soft, I like it". Aruna protested.


    The man who only had gotten a single kiss, one person kissed his partner''s lips without getting a reply. It was intimate because Hendra chose to focus on how to arouse Aruna''s desire to reply him. But in fact, she never responded at all.


    Although some said that a single kiss was a kiss of true love. But he didn''t believe it. True love had to be reciprocated.


    When he found out that she replied, either in his dream or reality, Hendra lost control as usual. He wanted to dominate it.


    "Soft?".


    "Yes, soft. Like having a rhythm. I''ve seen it in Korean dramas. Dea often asked me to accompany her to watch. It seems very romantic". This girl gave an explanation that her husband couldn''t understand.


    "Let''s search it on YouTube". Hendra got up to grab the cellphone on the nightstand.


    Then the husband typed a keyword on the YouTube search box ''Korean drama soft kiss''.


    Aruna felt like laughing to herself at the ridiculous behavior of her husband. However, she didn''t because that face was seriously looking for and observing the Korean drama version of the soft kiss.


    "Oh. You like a pretty boy kiss, huh?".


    "If Dea hears your words, you can be lectured for hours".


    "Maybe only girls who like this style of kissing".


    "Smart-ass". (Aruna)


    "That''s what I think..". (Hendra)


    "Have you already tried it?!". (Aruna)


    "Not yet.. In all my life, I only kissed you. Hehe. Was I always rude?". (Hendra)


    "What?? You??". Aruna just found out that Hendra, who stole her first kiss, also felt a kiss for the first time.


    "If I can be honest, I like something like this". The blue-eyed showed a slightly fierce kiss style from a foreigner couple doing a french kiss.


    "Ugh!! No!! I don''t want to! I''m an Asian. I want a soft one". Aruna turned her back.


    "How about after that, then like this?". The mischievous man squeezed her back while pointing at the sex scene of the white couple who did french kiss earlier.


    "Ah. Hendra!!". Aruna was surprised. Her ears turned red.


    "Hahaha". The mischievous man laughed out loud. He put down his phone.


    "I''m going to sleep". This girl was getting scared.


    "Don''t be.. Come here. I promise to be gentle".


    However, Aruna insisted on closing her eyes when her body was laid down by the blue-eyed.


    Slowly, the blue-eyed tried new things. He slowed down his rhythm.


    He gently touched her lips until finally the logic destroyer was willing to open her eyes.


    For a moment, the girl was quiet, like the way she didn''t want to give a reply. Until that mouth was willing to open a little, the man automatically took advantage of it. He slowly slid in at a surprisingly slow rhythm. His patience brought a sense of extraordinary pleasure.


    Aruna was willing to reply. The somatosensory sensation made her heart beat crazily: _Uh.. This is how it feels to be replied_


    The man squeezed the white pillow that held his woman''s neck firmly. He was controlling himself.


    Down there, there was a tremendous turmoil that was felt by a normal man with natural instincts.


    When the logic destroyer shook the somatosensory system, Mahendra was squeezing the pillow as hard.


    In the next moment, Aruna pushed his chest. The man didn''t want to, but he had to be patient. He began to know his portion so that this girl could melt even though it was slow.


    "Hen..".


    "Hmm..".


    This man was still frantically supporting himself with his elbows so that he didn''t crush the woman. His eyes were not ready to let go of the reddish hue who made him crazy.


    "Tomorrow my friends will come here, to visit me. Can they?".


    "Hmm.. Yes..". The blue-eyed, who was afraid to lose the moment, kissed his woman''s lips again. The slow rhythm repeated itself. The pillow was squeezed again.

 Chapter 150 - Circle

    The girl pushed again.


    "Almost all the Magic Letter comes, except Tito, he''ll be replaced with Da..". She hadn''t finished yet. The CEO of Wenceslas Group had introduced the same rhythm again.


    "Wait.. Just listen to me for a moment..". The woman was getting overwhelmed. She asked for a space to breathe and talk.


    "I can be friends with anyone right?".


    "Yes..". The man was still looking at her while hoping.


    "Including him?".


    "Him??".


    "Damar also comes to visit me". This woman expressed her point slowly while stroking the man''s chest.


    He caught that hand spontaneously. Mahendra got up, ignoring his desire to kiss the seductive lips.


    _You made me fly then stuck a knife in my heart_


    "Hehe. Are you playing with me?". Mahendra laughed at himself.


    "Hen, don''t be angry..".


    "Then what should I do? I have to laugh happily?". His voice started to get louder.


    "Hen.. He''s my friend, not more".


    "A friend who sneaked in to meet someone''s wife".


    "Hen..".


    "A friend who gave a pomegranate pendant with a poem asking my wife to return to her original place".


    "So you took my birthday present?".


    "And you''re the woman who betrayed me. How could you dare to give me pleasure then break my heart?". This man fiercely grabbed Aruna''s neck. He started choking her.


    "Do you think I didn''t know he hugged you and then bowed in front of you after escorting you to the wedding dress fitting?". Hendra''s mind wandered back on his first day stalking Aruna with Damar.


    This girl started crying. She couldn''t believe Hendra did this to her.


    "If I''m not allowed to have your heart, then he won''t have a chance either". Mahendra strengthened his grip. In contrast, Aruna was silent. She didn''t put up a fight like Juan or anyone else. This man was even more devastated: _Should I not do this? Should I be patient so that she melts? What? How is this? Does she see me as a monster?_


    He released his hand. It was only responded by coughing and gasping for breath, while Aruna''s facial expression was flat. She made a painful torment. The most terrible way from Aruna was that this girl showed her side of surrender and despair in facing Mahendra.


    The woman lied down. She tried to close her eyes as if nothing had happened.


    The PTSD sufferer was panicked. Before he fell down, Mahendra ran as far as he could. He searched the hallway where Diana worked. This elite hospital was where he was treated whenever the syndrome greeted.


    "Argh¡­ Shit..". The CEO ran as fast as he could and began to notice that his legs were hard to move.


    Brak! The door opened as someone fell.


    "Diana, help me..".


    "Ah. Hendra??". The doctor who was interacting with other patients immediately left her duty.


    "Help me.. Please lift his body". The middle-aged doctor began to issue orders, asking those around her to help the person who lost consciousness.


    ***


    "What happened to me? Where is this?". The sharp beam of light hitting his eyes made it difficult for him to understand.


    The battered bodyguard tried to get up but his body couldn''t compromise. In the next moment, a strange feeling ran through his body. A woman with long brown hair approached, sticking a needle in his left hand, causing the man to groan and lose consciousness.


    ***


    *Damar, sorry. You can''t visit me yet.


    *I''m fine. Sorry again. Your birthday gift is gone.


    *Looks like I''m indeed clumsy.


    Beep beep beep beep


    "Hello?". This girl hesitated to pick it up.


    "Hi". The person on the other end greeted her.


    "Damar??". That familiar voice used to bother her all the time, especially at night. He liked to call just for the words ''Don''t sleep, I still miss your voice''.


    After all this time, this man returned to sneaking in the most painful night in the heart of a woman carrying a two-edged knife.


    "Yes.. May I talk to a beautiful creature?".


    "You! You changed your number?".


    "Not really, but I really shouldn''t use my personal number if I want to listen to the voice of stepmother".


    "Why?".


    "She''s already married to someone else. Reportedly, her husband is good at tapping his wife''s cell phone".


    "Oh, is that so? Whose number are you using?".


    "Someone''s. I''m hanging out at Mak Tik''s coffee shop. Still remember?".


    "Haha.. Mak Tik near campus? Of course, I still remember. You often hid there when you skipped class?!".


    "And my stepmother came angrily". They recalled simple past that spontaneously presented meaningful memories.


    "I miss seeing Obeng (a coffee maker at Mak Tik''s coffee shop) getting angry, ''Damar, your girl is mad.. Go to class!'' Hehe.. It''s been a long time, right?". This man cried out heartbreaking expressions for the two of them.


    "What are you doing there? Don''t say that you''re smoking?".


    "Hehe. Does my stepmother still care about me?".


    "Don''t say that". This woman was silent for a moment.


    "Have you eaten? Why don''t you sound like Aruna? Are you very sick?".


    "You''re so curious".


    "Really.. What''s wrong with you?".


    "Just a little confused..".


    "Someone said that if we''re already married, we won''t be confused?".


    "Who said that?".


    "People. Wait! If you''re confused, the medicine is..?".


    "Mr. Rohman''s fried rice". They talked at the same time.


    "Hahaha". They laughed at the same time.


    "You want?". The man on the other end asked.


    "No.. It''s impossible". This girl smiled bitterly. She laid down after sitting down excitedly listening to someone''s voice.


    "Maybe I can send it using OkeSent".


    "But..".


    "I''ll return the cell phone to Faruk first. He''s frowning. He wants to play Mobile Legend".


    "There''s no need, Damar! Mr. Rohman''s fried rice doesn''t have Okefood".


    "That''s why I''ll send it using OkeSent. I''ll just stop by for a moment and go home".


    "There''s no need.. It''ll bother you..".


    "You just realized that you''re bothering me? You''ve been doing that for a long time".


    "Bro! Hurry up?! You make me miss my game". Other people''s voice crept into the conversation.


    "That''s Faruk?".


    "Hi, Aruna!". The owner of the cell phone took his stuff.


    "Hello, Faruk".


    "Hey, beautiful". Faruk''s words caused someone to throw something over his head.


    "Aw..". (Faruk)


    "Why?".


    "Your boy.. Since he disappeared, he''s getting worse once he''s back".


    "What''s wrong with him?".


    "He doesn''t go to classes, just hanging out".


    "Hi, you?!". Damar couldn''t accept it.


    "He''s an artist, yeah. But working like this? Like an outcast".


    "Shut your mouth! Turn off the cell phone!".


    "Hehe.. Is that so? Does he smoke?".


    "Don''t even ask about that!".


    "FARUK!!".


    That phone lost its voice. Someone on the other end hung up the call suddenly.


    This girl''s thoughts drifted to where she came from. Aruna longed for the past life which now looked extraordinary.


    ***


    "Sir". The middle-aged man lied in the private room of the main house. He hadn''t really recovered after his only grandchild had made a tremendous bluff.


    "What''s up, Andos?". This man tried to get up. His secretary was agile to help.


    "Young master fell again!".


    "Hmm.. What now?". A tired breath accompanied his words.


    "Looks like he tried to enter his wife''s room".


    "Seriously?! He hasn''t been able to measure his ability yet..". The elder''s eyebrows slowly wrinkled.


    "Andos, schedule me to meet Lesmana". The elder commanded.


    _Lesmana needed to get additional shares of Wenceslas Delivery because of his daughter_


    "Okay!". Wiryo''s secretary lowered his head.


    "Does my grandson really love his wife?".


    "There''s a rumor from the D floor that he installed a chip on the body of the bodyguard who''s close to his wife".


    "His behavior is that bad?".


    "Andos.. If one day I have trouble controlling him, make sure my grandson''s wife is fine".


    "I see the opposite. Young master has changed a lot because of Ms. Aruna".


    "You''re right! But I''m not sure she can treat that kid well. That girl looks depressed. Lesmana''s daughter is similar to her father. She''s too good for my grandson!?".


    "Hendra is also kind.. He just needs to get used to it a little..".


    "Give my message to Diana. It''s time for my grandson''s wife to know about his weaknesses.. So that the kid understands what she''s facing. If she chooses to go, I''ll be willing to help her".


    "Looks like you need to think carefully before making a decision, Sir".


    "What do you mean?". The elder tried to understand his secretary''s disapproval.


    "First, Hendra must''ve had a reason why he''s that angry with his wife and bodyguard. In the circle of bodyguards, reportedly the bodyguard who''s close to Ms. Aruna helped her make mistakes. Second, the young master is tightly hiding his weaknesses. He doesn''t want his wife to know. I don''t know what the reason is, I''m sure he''s the type of husband who doesn''t want to look flawed in front of his wife".


    "Oh, I see".


    "Make a call with Diana.. Let me talk to her".


    ***


    "Bro! May I borrow your Okejek attribute, please?!". Damar persuaded Faruk once again, the final year student who filled his spare time as an online motorcycle taxi driver.


    "Don''t! You''ll forget to return it again!".

 Chapter 151 - Desperate

    "Bro! May I borrow your Okejek attribute, please?!". Damar persuaded Faruk once again, the final year student who filled his spare time as an online motorcycle taxi driver.


    "Don''t! You''ll forget to return it again!".


    "I''ll pay!".


    "What are you using it for, anyway?".


    "Secret".


    "Don''t tell me you''ll meet your fake girlfriend". (Aruna was always called Damar''s girlfriend Even though in fact she wasn''t and she''s even married now)


    "None of your business".


    "Dam! She''s married. Wake up!".


    "Tch! A cheater is advising me. Your girl cried, asking to break up yesterday. What did you do?!".


    "We''re still dating. It''s different with marriage!".


    "Noisy! Can I? I''ll pay".


    "Pay my bill at Obeng".


    "Ready!".


    "Be careful.. You make me scared, meeting someone''s wife!".


    "Noisy!".


    .


    "How much for Faruk and I?".


    "Free for you. The condition is to come here again tomorrow!".


    "How so?".


    "Look, since midday many girls stop by here knowing you often hang out here. Hehe".


    "Sigh..".


    "Why would you spend money? It''s free for you since so many are waiting for you today".


    "Really? Make it free for Faruk too..".


    "That one, I can''t!".


    "How much?".


    "Wait.. Oh. 527,000".


    "Crazy.. That kid lied to me!".


    "Will you pay or not? Why''d you pay for him anyway?".


    "I''ll still pay. Do you have Okepay? I don''t have a lot of cash".


    "Of course. Wait for a moment, Boss!".


    .


    .


    Where did the courage come from that night? Damar carried his madness. He seemed bewitched by the voice that had been present throughout his day. Was it about the girl''s sad voice? Or a voice that made him feel nostalgic? Only he knew.


    This man was Aruna''s only friend who understood the best that the marriage of two people who were opposites was an agreement.


    Fatal, he had a past that meant too much for the girl. Likewise, he lost the world to the disappearance of the woman who used to be his guide to life.


    He and their entire circle of friendship knew who Damar and Aruna were. The girl who didn''t want to accept the long-haired man''s love that kept twisting her life. But behind her rejection, this girl was known to care the most about the fugitive of his own mother, his college schedule, clothes, appearance, and when he ate. She was transformed into a living alarm for Damar.


    A habit that was bound to one another.


    The other kids in their circle always thought ''Maybe that''s Aruna''s way of controlling a long-haired young man whose life was too relaxed, by not accepting his love he''d try harder to be good''.


    It turned out that their ending didn''t match most people''s expectations. Eventually, the girl was surprisingly married off at a young age by her family.


    "Can I deliver this package to the patient named Aruna?".


    "Room number?". The officer asked.


    "Second floor, the Wenceslas family room". The young man hidden behind the online package delivery clothes replied.


    "Okay, I''ll take you". When he reached the second floor, instead of meeting Aruna in the room, this man was confronted by two tall bodyguards.


    _Shit! I forgot it would be this hard to meet Aruna_


    "Can we receive our missus'' package?". One of them requested.


    "It must be accepted directly". Damar made an excuse.


    "Well, if that''s what Miss wants". The young man walked slowly, followed by the other two in the same manner.


    _Shit! How can I survive?_.


    That guard opened the door and didn''t allow Damar to enter.


    _It''s too bad I''ve come this far_


    The Padangnese young man turned the door knob. It turned out that the door wasn''t locked. Damar saw the guards wake Aruna up. He hesitated a little. There was no time to think.


    "Hi, Miss". He decided to call Aruna in a different way. He winked as he opened his mask for a moment.


    "It''s your fried rice". He immediately covered his face again when the guards turned to him/


    "You guys please come out!".


    "Ms., it''s better if this delivery man also comes out with us at the same time".


    "Is it you or me who has the right to rule?".


    "But, Ms.".


    "Get out! Now!". They followed the wish of the young master''s wife.


    When everyone was quiet.


    "Wow, Aruna can be fierce to other people, too (she was only fierce to me)".


    "Hehe. Sometimes it''s necessary".


    "Damar, don''t forget to lock the door". This girl slipped in an additional order.


    "You''re so desperate!". Aruna''s words were only answered with a shrug as a sign that he showed his shrewdness in breaking through the walls that held the young lady.


    This young man swiftly shifted the chair and sat near the bed of his favorite girl with his hands on his face.


    "Hehe. Why?". This girl smiled at ''thebestfortress'' ''s sweet gaze.


    "I''m grateful for the blessings of God that greeted me tonight".


    "Crazy! You started using your weird figure of speech. Open your mask!".


    "Why? Missing me too?!".


    "Just admit it..".


    "Hehe.. I can''t miss my son.. I''ll be categorized as a bad wife". This girl complained.


    "Tsk.. A wife". He took off his mask and got up looking for cutlery.


    "Your face is very pale. What happened to you??".


    "Yeah, a little tired".


    "Are you often locked by your husband like the place we met yesterday?".


    "Not really.. That''s the first time?".


    The young man stopped his search. He glanced at the girl whose voice was no longer cheerful. Her face was often lowered.


    Next, he approached the bed of his favorite girl while unwrapping the fried rice.


    "Let me eat by myself, Damar!". She pleaded when the man began to make gestures to feed her. The fried rice ended up in Aruna''s lap.


    "You''ve been absent for a long time. You didn''t help your friends on the Magic Letter. Where have you been? Really busy being a housewife?".


    _You can observe by yourself. I''m locked up_


    "Hehe. Not really.. Soon I''ll hang out with my friends, go to campus too".


    "If I go to campus, you too, okay?". This girl asked.


    "I''ve been taking a semester off. Maybe I''ll extend it".


    "Why?".


    "My stepmother is too busy with another man and her new life. I''m neglected. Why should I continue my study? My future is headed for ultimate destruction".


    "Haha. You''re really..".


    "It''s not funny..".


    "Haha.. You''re getting delusional".


    "This bitterness is real". The Padangnese young man spoke seriously but his facial expression was funny.


    "It''s really a disaster, actually.. But what can I do? The fate of stepchildren is so complicated". The sarcasm was expressed with a unique facial expression.


    "Haha. Damar!".


    "You like the fried rice?".


    "Yes. Very delicious. You want to try it?".


    "As long as my stepmother wants to feed me like before.. I''ll be an obedient child".


    "Spoiled!".


    Two young people drew closer to each other. The pounding on their chests was tightly hidden so it wouldn''t be caught by each other. For a moment, it became awkward. In the past, Aruna felt normal when this long-haired man played games and she was forced to stuff food into the mouth of this kid because he lost playing.


    "You know Mr. Rohman? Finally, he realized that I''m an artist". (Damar)


    "Really? He''s watching TV?".


    "No".


    "Then?".


    "He said he accidentally overheard his customers talking.. It turned out that they were talking about me. My new song, actually".


    "Oh.. So you feel famous?".


    "Haha. Yes.. He recognized me earlier.. Even though I was wearing Okejek clothes.. That man is crazy. Maybe he recognized me from the smell".


    "Hahaha". Aruna couldn''t help but laugh from their small talk.


    "You know why I laugh?". Aruna''s words were answered with a shaking of Damar''s head.


    "Because I also recognize you from the smell.. Not the smell.. That''s too good.. Because you''re too lazy to take a bath".


    "Damn!"


    "Hahaha..". Aruna couldn''t stop laughing.


    "Your clothes too. Have you washed it??".


    "What?! I have!! Oh, this Okejek jacket smells..". Damar sniffed himself.


    "It''s Faruk''s. He doesn''t wash it, not me..".


    "My fate is getting worse lately. The free laundry workers started disappearing one by one". Damar lamented his fate.


    "You mean me?".


    "Yes! Who else?".


    "Damn! I''m a laundry worker?!".


    "Dea and Lili too". He added innocently.


    "And you''re riotous". Aruna replied.


    "No! I''m a Pure Titan, your predator". Damar was talking about the Attack on Titan anime by Shingeki no Kyojin. He''d tried the video games and was crazy about watching the live-action with Aruna. They were both waiting for Season 4.


    "Don''t be delusional!". Aruna spontaneously picked up a pillow, deliberately hitting Damar.


    "Haha. Aruna, have you heard that Attack on Titan Season 4 will be the last season?!". Damar took out his cell phone and started entering keywords.


    "Wow. Really? I have to watch it. I think the adaptation to the video games must be even crazier".


    "Yeah! We need to see the live action".


    "But I haven''t played games for a long time since I was away from you. Maybe this is one of the positive impacts on my life. Haha".


    "So only my life is getting ruined after being away from you?". He was being mellow suddenly.


    "Damar, it''s time for you to..". This girl hadn''t finished talking yet.


    "I can''t".

 Chapter 152 - Seeing Him

    "Damar, it''s time for you to..". This girl hadn''t finished talking yet.


    "I can''t".


    "Don''t be like this! Try to get up on your own".


    "I''ve tried.. I even lost my way..". He swallowed his next words.


    _Removing you from my life is impossible_


    "You can''t keep doing this! My life is much different now". Aruna advised her friend who had transformed into a wandering figure now.


    "Two years isn''t a long time.. I can wait for you".


    "You''re still desperate! It''ll be difficult for both of us.. I can''t promise either". Aruna repeated her persistence.


    This man was silent for a long time. He contemplated his own pain.


    "Why are you like Ms. HRD now? Since I was a kid, she always says: ''I can''t promise we''ll live happily because you have a mother like me''. I always accept her words sincerely and it turns out that we really are never happy. And you came in my life, taught me simple ways to be happy, now you''re telling me to be sincere. It''s impossible! I have no purpose in life and I don''t know how to move other than standing behind you. It''s up to you what you want. I''ll still be like that. Because that''s the only way for me to survive!". His words stopped when this girl finally couldn''t bear to swallow her own grief.


    "Hi, are my words hurting you??". Damar got up to check her. The visualization of his work influenced many things in his life.


    "Sobs..". This girl was trying to swallow everything. She kept her mouth tightly and tilted her face upward. Signs that she didn''t want her tears to pour out.


    "Why are you like this? What''s wrong with you? It''s not Aruna!". Damar took off his jacket. He approached the woman carrying the double-edged knife.


    This girl was determined to push Damar who wanted to come closer. But the desperate man didn''t care about anything but the way he embraced her.


    "Unload your worries! Don''t be like this!". Damar hugged Aruna in his arms.


    "You can hit me as much as you want if I''ve made it difficult for you". The girl just shook her head and tried to escape, but Damar was determined. Those tears spilled. Aruna could no longer endure her own fatigue. She didn''t know how to hold back and swallow her feelings this time.


    "Sobs.. Sobs.. Sobs..". She spilled a lot on the thebestfortress'' shirt. She soaked most part of the man''s shirt. Her voice was painful and slowly grew louder.


    "Why are you like this, Aruna? What''s wrong with you?". Every time she received a question from the Padangnese young man, she only shook her head.


    Until they heard the sound of the door trying to open from outside which disturbed both of them.


    "Damar?!". This girl was panicked, reminding him.


    "Hide in the bathroom!" She exclaimed, showing the direction with her fingers. Followed by the movement of grabbing the jacket and running at lightning speed.


    Aruna cleaned herself. She washed away the scattered sweat. She slowly got down the bed and walked slowly, trying to be normal.


    .


    .


    "Mr. Surya?!". Aruna smiled when she saw Hendra''s secretary coming to her room. He must have been asked by Mahendra to monitor her.


    "Can I come in?".


    "Oh, please". Aruna immediately opened the door wide, indicating that Surya was allowed to come in. This assistant even helped the lady push the IV pole.


    "I''m gonna disturb you for a while. Is it not.. Oh, you''re eating?".


    "Yes, someone visited me earlier and brought me fried rice".


    "Who?".


    "Hmm..". This woman was stuck with her own statement. She wasn''t used to lying.


    "Just a friend". She gave up and spoke honestly, but she wouldn''t reveal Damar''s name.


    "Oh..". Fortunately, Mahendra''s secretary didn''t ask many questions.


    "This time, I''m not alone. There''s a doctor who wants to get acquainted with you. I''m sorry that your rest is disturbed". Surya slowly sat down as he helped Mahendra''s wife back on the bed.


    Not long after that, a middle-aged doctor greeted Aruna with a happy smile. Her shoulder-length hair was mixed with black and white. But she still looked elegant and soothing.


    Surya shifted another chair for the doctor. The next moment, she sat up and kept looking at Aruna. This girl was feeling a little nervous. Why did a doctor suddenly visit her this late. What did she want? Who''s she?


    The doctor tried to introduce herself in a most friendly way: "Let me introduce myself. I''m Diana, a psychotherapy doctor. I know that you''re Aruna. Apparently, you''re as beautiful as I thought".


    The girl replied with a smile to muffle her curiosity and a sense of respect for the other person.


    In a hidden place, someone was curiously trying to hear the voice. Unfortunately, the longitudinal waves weren''t very strong in giving meaningful vibrations to his eardrums. Damar was having trouble eavesdropping even though the bathroom door was slightly open. Their conversation wasn''t that loud. Feeling in vain, Damar closed the door again.


    "There''s something very important that I want to tell you. How? I should call her Miss or Aruna? What do you think, Surya??". That doctor tried to break the ice with a little joke.


    "Just Aruna. I prefer to be called that:.


    "Oh, can I?". The doctor tried to glance at Surya to try to break the ice. But Surya was silent. He was mostly fixated.


    "Sure". Aruna immediately replied.


    "Alright, Aruna. Let''s start, okay?". She seemed to be taking a deep breath. A moment later, she exhaled slowly.


    "Has Aruna ever seen anything or observed a somewhat different behavior from Hendra?". This doctor explored a way to give understanding to a girl who was about to know many things.


    That girl glanced at her husband''s personal secretary. An expression that she was in need of support.


    "Just tell her what you know. It''s okay. This doctor has been a Wenceslas family''s doctor for years".


    Surya''s words encouraged her courage. This girl began to reveal what she knew: "Hendra needs to hold my pulse all the time when we sleep together. I just found out today that he really has a hard time seeing someone who''s sick. Sometimes when he''s angry hmm..". Aruna had a hard time continuing it.


    "When he''s angry, he has trouble controlling his emotions". The doctor gave a more detailed explanation.


    "May I know what happened to you guys before he left?! I mean, before Hendra left you here". The doctor asked a question that Aruna couldn''t answer. How could a wife tell a quarrel with her husband to other people? The quarrel got out of hand to the point that the husband choked his wife.


    This girl didn''t want to answer. She showed an expression of objection and fell silent.


    "Sorry". Only that word came out of her mouth.


    "I know that not all things can be disclosed to other people. But this information is very important to help Hendra". Diana''s words caused Mahendra''s wife to frown.


    She still objected: "Mr. Surya, I want to rest".


    Hurriedly, Doctor Diana grabbed her hand: "Wait a minute. Give me a chance. Do you know that Hendra has a Post Traumatic Syndrome?".


    Aruna stopped. This girl straightened her back and looked closely at the doctor in front of her.


    "There''s no other way. She must see him, Surya". That doctor said to Mahendra''s secretary.


    "I''ll go out first. I''ll wait at the place where Hendra is being treated".That doctor got up and left the female patient who was confused.


    "Ms. Aruna, I''ll take you to meet Hendra".


    "But he''s furious at me. I''m not ready to meet him".


    "He won''t have a chance to be angry. He''s fast asleep. He may not wake up even if you wake him up".


    Once again, that girl frowned. She didn''t understand.


    "Come with me, but promise not to tell Hendra that you know his weakness. He tries really hard so that you..". Surya had stopped talking. Aruna only listened to Surya speak.


    "He loves his wife so much. He doesn''t want his wife to know that he has flaws". Surya made this young woman stunned.


    _What is Mahendra lacking? Is it about his weird sleeping way? Or how it''s difficult for him to see a sick person? I don''t know, it seems more serious_.


    This girl had asked permission to go to the bathroom and whispered a message to the young man inside: "Damar, go home. Be careful. Stop smoking. Thanks for coming to visit me. Next time don''t be this reckless. You make me worry".


    thebestfortress didn''t say a word except except a thorough gaze. As if he needed to capture Aruna''s visual in the most perfect way. The next moment, the young man surprisingly hugged the person in front of him.


    _You''re both stubborn. To whom should I put my heart?_


    After being released, this girl walked slowly assisted by her husband''s secretary into another hallway and stopped at the patient room door.

 Chapter 153 - Hyperarousal Symptoms

    After being released, this girl walked slowly assisted by her husband''s secretary into another hallway and stopped at the patient room door.


    She suspected something but just kept quiet. Until the door opened, presenting an extraordinary surprising sight.


    That girl approached the body lying there. She was trembling. Wasn''t it a moment ago that this man violently grabbed her neck? How come he could lay here? She found the doctor who had spoken to her standing near the patient.


    "Why? What happened?". She caught and held Mahendra''s hand. Was he really fast asleep or??


    "He fell unconscious after leaving you". That doctor explained something that was difficult to understand. Aruna replayed her memory. Hendra went down the bed and left her alone with hasty steps.


    "Is it about the Post Traumatic Syndrome that you mentioned?". The tall and well-built body was helpless. He didn''t give any response. Aruna''s hand rubbed got no reply.


    "Yes..". The doctor answered.


    "How bad?". Aruna was looking for an explanation.


    "As bad as the feelings that he has for you". Doctor Diana made Aruna completely speechless. This girl looked at Surya, as if Hendra''s secretary was also guilty for hiding something.


    "Does Hendra''s fall when he was at the Mansion Sky Tower also have something to do with the syndrome that he has?". Aruna cornered Surya even more. Mahendra''s wife couldn''t accept that she was lied to and made to look stupid.


    "Hendra has been traumatized since he was a little. Everything stopped when he reached the age of 10. I was also his doctor at that time. We''re sure even though he''s still as difficult when he sees a woman lying down, or rather fall asleep in front of him, we believe he won''t fall and have difficulties like when we handled him in the beginning. Until that incident at the mansion. It changed everything. For the first time in 22 years, the trauma came back to greet Hendra". Doctor Diana gave an explanation at length.


    "What does it have to do with his feelings for me?". This girl was trembling even more while holding Mahendra''s hand.


    "The more he has feelings for you, the harder he is to control himself, including the syndrome that he has". This doctor tried to get closer to his patient''s wife.


    "So I really need your understanding. Tell me the last incident before he left you".


    _A similar incident happened again, knocking out Hendra for the second time this bad. What really happened between him and this ordinary girl?_ (No Reason, Chapter 54) Diana''s mind wandered out of control.


    "Hmm.. I made him angry. I¡­ Hmm¡­ I thought he wouldn''t be that angry if my friend whom he hates came to see me. In fact, he was very angry and accidentally rude to me". Aruna was so hesitant. She even used the word ''accidentally'' when she wanted to tell how rude Hendra''s actions were.


    "How rude was he to you?". This doctor asked a difficult question.


    "Hmm.. He might not intend to. But because he was too angry, he slightly used his hand to touch me". This girl answered in the best possible way to make her husband look humane.


    "Do you mean he..". Diana couldn''t bear to say the words ''physical violence''. This girl still looked pale. Diana heard from Wiryo that Hendra locked this kid in the bathroom until she lost consciousness.


    "Are you hurt?". She needed to confirm the condition of Hendra''s wife.


    "I''m fine, Doc. I''m more worried. How come Hendra can be like this? May I know what really happened to my husband?". Honestly, this girl was still thinking about a unique, mysterious, and new disease in her mind.


    ("Aaargh¡­ Not me.. I didn''t make her despair¡­".) Diana remembered something that her patient used to shout out loud before he got very upset.


    "Wait a minute. I''ll definitely answer you. But let me know in detail. What expression did you give when Hendra was rude to you?". This doctor needed to synchronize her analysis to make a diagnosis.


    "Expression?".


    "Yes! Your face, your expression, or how did you respond to him?". This doctor was really looking for important information.


    "Oh. I didn''t fight him. Hmm. I mean, it''s useless against Hendra. At that time, to be honest, I was very disappointed. He said he''d grant whatever my request was. He also said that he''d let me go back to college and return to activities in the Magic Letter with my friends. I already believed in him that we could understand each other. Unfortunately, I was too confident about the situation and made him angry. When he was angry, I''d already given up on fighting and I..". She hadn''t finished explaining to Diana. Aruna began to feel comfortable. She wanted to talk more.


    "And you felt hopeless?? Did you show that?" Diana asked.


    "Maybe yes..". Aruna answered.


    This doctor glanced at the patient. She stroked that body: _Are you afraid that the woman you like will become hopeless and have a flat expression like your mommy?? I''m sorry that I can''t make your mommy as bright as before_


    "He''s experiencing Hyperarousal. A kind of physical symptom that changes suddenly due to trauma or a triggering factor appears. This kind of thing is common in PTSD sufferers. Unfortunately, Hendra who has a good physique isn''t a guarantee that he can fight Hyperarousal symptoms. The most severe of his symptoms is difficulty breathing. In fact, fainting is better. He doesn''t have to feel how tormented someone who''s dying is. Hard to move and can''t even ask for help because his voice also disappears. It''s the same as the symptoms that his mommy experienced when she committed suicide in front of him". Doctor Diana needed to explain clearly while there was an opportunity to talk to the woman who was the main trigger factor.


    _Mrs. Gayatri killed herself in front of him? Is that true? It mustn''t be easy to see our mother take her life. Little Hendra, was he really scared at that time?_


    It was as if Aruna''s heart was hit by something. She immediately held Hendra''s hand. Her memory moved in all directions. Hendra''s nightmare at the beginning of this girl being his wife, including why the blue-eyed man closed his eyes tightly when he wanted to touch her on the first night she became his wife. There was a sense of crush and devastation because Aruna didn''t know anything at all: ''Yes, I''m weird'', ''You can take care of me when I''m sick. But I may not be able to do it for you'', ''I''m like this! Is there any problem?''.


    It was as if she was exploring the whole moment with Mahendra. Aruna found everything to be plausible. The odd and unique points of the marriage agreement seemed to make sense. Hendra was different, not only as mysterious as she thought so far.


    "What can I do for him? Can he be cured?". Aruna mustered up the rest of her courage.


    "Let me use you as a Psychosocial Therapist for Hendra". Doctor Diana asked permission.


    "Psychosocial Therapist? What is it?". Aruna didn''t understand at all.


    "The PTSD that Hendra is experiencing isn''t the same as a phobia of tight spaces or a phobia of one type of animal. He''s a little different."


    "His syndrome is born from interactions between individuals and interactions can help him. To be honest, I''m one of the people who encouraged Wiryo to allow Hendra to choose you".


    The additional explanation from the doctor with the title of SpKj made her brown eyes enlarged.


    "So I was married to him to heal him?". It was as if Aruna''s heart was stirred.


    "Initially it wasn''t for that reason. But after knowing that you''re the major trigger factor who could bring back the traumatic syndrome which has been missing for decades, it''s as important as Hendra must be cured by the trigger". Diana''s words were replied by Aruna shaking her head: "I don''t understand. I don''t understand at all".


    "Just like his mommy who became his first love, Hendra has very strong feelings for her. It''s exactly the same with you. Aruna is very strong in influencing Hendra''s feelings, he even has difficulty in controlling himself. That''s why Aruna is the only Psychosocial Therapist for Hendra".


    "What should I do for him?". Aruna firmly held the hand that was choking her a while ago.


    "Therapy cannot be fast. It takes a process. We do it together slowly. The important thing is Aruna wants to do it". The doctor asked for the sincerity of the trigger factor as well as the path to recovery.


    "Please support and help me, Doc. I''ll try my best to heal Hendra". This woman took a tissue and wiped the sweat around her husband''s temple.


    "Am I the only one who can become a Psychosocial Therapist?". This girl asked further.


    "Yes, I guess for now it''s only you? Because his mommy.. Aruna knows that Mrs. Gayatri also has experienced problems since that incident?". Diana answered.

 Chapter 154 - Sleeping Companion

    "Am I the only one who can become a Psychosocial Therapist?". This girl asked further.


    "Yes, I guess for now it''s only you? Because his mommy.. Aruna knows that Mrs. Gayatri also has experienced problems since that incident?". Diana answered.


    "She''s also sick? I mean, she has a psychological problem like Hendra". This girl made a guess and it turned out that Diana confirmed it. She gave another explanation about Hendra''s mommy. It wasn''t much, but it was able to make Aruna understand more. This girl strengthened her awareness even more. Why were Hendra and his mommy different? Why did Hendra always avoid interacting with his mommy? Why was his mommy so calm that sometimes it didn''t make sense?


    The Wenceslas family, who was known for their power that could stun many people, was only a picture from the outside. Because in fact, what was in it was a collection of individuals who had difficulty in finding happiness. Like Hendra who was crazy about the new girl from outside his family circles, because this girl was the first person who taught him to find simple things about how to enjoy life.


    .


    .


    "Miss, it''s time for you to rest". Surya reminded Hendra''s wife who was still reluctant to leave her husband.


    "If he wakes up and sees you here, he''ll be devastated". Surya persuaded her once again.


    Before leaving, Aruna took the time to kiss Mahendra on the cheek while whispering something to the blue-eyed man''s ear: "Hurry, wake up. So you can disturb me".


    She looked closely at the face of the Wenceslas Group''s CEO before letting him disappear behind the door.


    Surya accompanied her slow steps until this girl fell on the floor due to weakness. The tiny body was immediately carried back to her room and the doctor quickly helped her.


    She might be too shocked by the many events that drained her emotions. This girl ended up sleeping alone in her room.


    Her husband''s secretary started to be confused looking for a person who should''ve accompanied this girl.


    _Who? Grandma? Ah, it''s impossible. Wiryo is sick. Or Mrs. Gayatri? But it''s already this late. Would it be polite to wake her up?! Ah. What should I do?_ There was no way to contact Aruna''s family either. Everyone knew that keeping him looking fine was very important in the eyes of his superiors. If her family realized that this kid looked alarming, it''d encourage them to take her from the Wenceslas family.


    _Who? Who?_


    _Wait? Her best friend? The ''oppa lover'' kid might be able to_


    This man walked out of the door of her room and started making calls. He also couldn''t be far from Hendra. When that man woke up, Surya had to be near him.


    .


    "Hmm..". Aruna noticed someone caressing her face, but she was reluctant to open her eyes. She was quite tired and couldn''t open her face. She looked for a comfortable side by stretching. She felt someone was tidying the blanket and wiping her sweat.


    _Is this Hendra? He''s already awake??_ Aruna fell asleep again after a rhythmic rhythm gently stroked her hair.


    This man voiced a tone with his closed mouth: "Na.. Nana.. Hmm.. Hmm.. Hmm..". He sang a song to accompany her sleep. This girl looked comfortable, not realizing who was accompanying her. The newcomer musician. The writer of the song ''Still Here'' lulled her sleep.


    The desperate Damar. He didn''t move far from Aruna''s room. He knew there was a serious conversation before Aruna left her room. He came home but was canceled. He preferred to be around the girl''s room to make sure Aruna was okay.


    And the girl was carried back into the room with all the panic and the doctor who took care of her. Unfortunately, she was left to sleep alone. Damar couldn''t stand it. He accompanied Aruna, helping her rest as comfortable as possible.


    .


    "Mr. Surya, Aruna''s door is locked?". Dea made a phone call.


    "Really? Try asking our bodyguard who''s guarding the entrance to the VV..".


    "Huh. No.. No..".


    "How? Do I need to go there?". Surya asked.


    "No.. It''s done..".


    _Why is this kid? She looks panicked, but.. Ah, she''s a little unique_ Surya thought when he found the call turned off by the veiled girl on the other end.


    .


    "Damar!! You''re crazy!! How could you be here?!". She was in shock because the one who opened the door was her own friend.


    "Stt! You can wake Aruna". He relaxed, walked back to Aruna and sat beside the bed of the founder of the Magic Letter, casually holding her hand.


    "You.. Don''t touch Aruna. Please! She already has a husband, Damar?!". This girl began to look for ways to make her friend realize.


    "Don''t talk too much, let alone lecture me. I''ve struggled like crazy to get to this place and sit here. You know I don''t have much chance. So shut up, Dea". Damar wiped Aruna''s sweat again and the most surprising thing was that he dared to kiss that girl''s hand.


    "Damar, you''re really crazy!? She''s someone''s wife, Damar! Let go of her hand!". Dea approached, trying to push Damar aside. She hoped Damar would go and give Aruna up. This young man ignored all of Dea''s words. He grabbed Aruna''s hand tightly which Dea was trying to take.


    "I''ll go.. Relax for a moment. Let me.. Huh..". The singer paused for a moment and took a deep breath.


    "You know I love her so much and she was taken away by that man. Is it wrong if I want to be around her for a moment?". Damar looked angry, sparking an argument.


    "Aruna has chosen to get married, regardless of whether it was forced by her family or not. You must realize that their bond is sacred, Damar! Marriage. Remember, marriage?! Not just young people''s love!". She tried to make the young man in front of her understand, a friend she hadn''t seen for a long time. In her heart, she wished she could greet each other warmly. In fact, Damar did something dangerous and unethical.


    "You said sacred?? Their marriage isn''t what you imagined. They''re just bound¡­". Damar canceled his words.


    Dea frowned.


    "It''s up to you whatever your perception is?! I''ll keep waiting for Aruna until he leaves that weird man?!". Damar sat again and held Aruna''s hand.


    "I''ll tell her secretary if you don''t leave. Why can''t you be warned?!". Dea bluffed. She was even sadder to see Damar''s blind behavior towards the situation.


    "Who? Surya? Do you have the heart to see they kill me if I get caught?". Damar looked at Dea.


    "So get out of here before that happens! If Aruna finds out, I''m sure she''s also really worried about you?!". Dea complained.


    "Just a moment, De..". (Damar)


    "Ah! Dam..!". Dea glanced at the man beside her who spontaneously hid himself in a hooded jacket and pulped the mask from his neck over his face, leaving only his eyes.


    Damar rushed out past Surya, who was confused to see a man in Aruna''s room. Damar quickly came out and disappeared.


    "Who is he?". Aruna''s husband''s secretary tried to find out.


    "He''s a friend who drove me. He wanted to go home anyway. He''s in a hurry." This kid was saying istighfar in her heart because she had to lie.


    _Oh, so she has a boy friend? Perhaps her boyfriend?_


    "That''s your boyfriend. Hmm.. You have a boyfriend?". Surya was curious.


    "Oh, no! I can''t possibly date. Hmm.. I mean, I don''t do that kind of thing". She was nervous, talking carelessly. Damar made her heart almost jump out.


    "Then".


    "That was my nephew. Yes, nephew".


    "You said friend earlier??". Surya was still curious.


    "Ah, right.. Nephew who feels like a friend, because he''s the same age".


    _Ugh, I lied again! Wait! Why does he look curious?_


    "Why do you keep asking?".


    "Oh.. No, no.. I''m.. Curious.. Eh, no! Hmm.. I need to make sure she''s safe!? Right!". Surya was at a loss.


    "Hehe. You''re right?". Dea laughed casually, turning her attention to Aruna.


    _Shit! I''m confused. She just laughed_ Surya felt stupid.


    .


    .


    "Arunaa¡­.". Lili ran into her best friend''s room, followed by the others.


    "Happy birthday..". Laras hugged her and handed her a birthday present with ponies on the cover.


    "Wow, cute.. Thanks". This girl smiled.


    "Guys, open the cake now!". Agus just came in. He immediately sat on the sofa, put the big cake on the table, and began to open it.


    "Gus, you don''t want to greet me first?". Aruna asked.


    "Lazy!". That fat body replied annoyingly.


    "Mean!". Aruna protested.


    "Hehe". He laughed but his eyes focused on opening the cake. A moment later, Dea entered with a tall woman with wavy hair, the result of a professional hair stylist. Her beautiful face was polished with make-up. She didn''t look like a part of Aruna''s friends.


    "Lili, you left Andin alone. She was confused, you know!". Dea exclaimed.


    "Ah, sorry. I forgot. Andin, I''m sorry.. I also forgot to check the phone.. Huhu.. Sorry". Lili was agitated.

 Chapter 155 - Making A Mess

    "It''s okay. Luckily, Dea could be contacted". This woman smiled. She smiled at Aruna too. She approached that girl and made acquaintances. She jolted because of Lili''s shocking shout: "TIMI! I forgot that I made an appointment with him in the parking lot of this hospital". Carelessly, that monolid glasses girl bumped into Andin, making her almost fall. Fortunately, Aruna immediately pulled and balanced her.


    Lili just got to the door, but she fell against the open door. A tall man was standing there.


    "Are you okay?". That young man was very neat with a shirt tucked into his trousers and matching sneakers. The impression of masculine, calm, and wise blended into one.


    "Hehe". Lili who was clearly in pain only laughed.


    "Eat that!". Agus said while licking the chocolate on the tip of his forefinger.


    "Gus! Go away from that cake! That cake would be gone in a moment. Move!". Dea lifted the cake and started fighting. Really noisy.


    "Aruna, it''s Timi". Lili introduced their new team. She was shy.


    "Oh.. You turned out to be more handsome than the CV photo, huh?! I understand now why someone is more excited about lingering at the outlet".


    "I think Lili likes Timi". Laras whispered to Aruna.


    "Please. Why don''t you just SCREAM?". Lili was annoyed. Laras'' voice was clearly heard in her ears.


    "Why did you snap, Lili?". Laras couldn''t accept it.


    "Up to me. It''s my mouth. You purposely embarrassed me in front of Aruna". Lili said.


    "Didn''t everyone already know that you confessed to Timi? Only Aruna hasn''t". Laras defended herself. They argued.


    "Don''t be that straightforward¡­.". Lili was annoyed. Andin and Timi scratched their necks which didn''t actually itch. They were really noisy. Over there, Agus and Dea hadn''t even finished fighting for the cake (or their own version of securing the cake).


    The cake fell on the floor.


    "Argh¡­.". Dea shouted furiously for the first time.


    "Agus, you made me angry". This girl threw the cake at Agus because she was so angry. Agus couldn''t accept it and threw it back.


    "Hahaha". Aruna giggled seeing them. The girl named Lili who was furious at Laras joined in making a mess. She threw the cake at Laras but it hit Aruna.


    "Oops! Sorry. I didn''t do it on purpose, Aruna". Lili regretted.


    "Aw.. Hahaha". She laughed out loud. She took the cake on her top then threw it at Timi.


    "You''re the wrong one, the newcomer who made my friends fight".


    "Why am I, Miss?". The new kid called Aruna with a wrong nickname.


    "Hmm, Aruna.. You can''t bully me". He picked up the rest of the cake that had fallen, returned it to Aruna, trying to erase the memory of the misspell.


    The giggles and the scattered cake were inevitable while the beautiful Andin stepped aside, afraid of being hit.


    "Andin is still beautiful. That''s not fair".


    "Yes".


    "Come here".


    "Hahaha".


    Someone outside was just watching their behavior, from a rectangular glass. He was actually only focused on one person. His wife was laughing happily while sitting on the bed. It seemed that Aruna was enjoying her happiness with her friends. The blue-eyed didn''t want to bother by standing for a long time in front of the door.


    Until a woman opened the door wanting to get out. Surprisingly, a woman ran and hid behind his back.


    The cake for that woman hit the blue-eyed. Everyone gaped awkwardly. That woman also gaped.


    Behind, there was a woman who couldn''t wait to climb down the patient''s bed.


    "Hendraa¡­". This girl rushed over, ignoring the drip in the hand that Timi was forced to push. She hugged Hendra. The startled man received a hug that was completely unexpected.


    _What happened? Last night I choked her and her expression towards me was really bad_. Hendra was really confused.


    "My clothes are dirty.. Now you''re dirty too". Hendra couldn''t keep up because he was full of cake. In that scene, there were many people who suddenly transformed into cleaning services.


    "Hehe. It''s okay". This girl even looked up with her sweet smile.


    _Aruna.. What kind of girl are you? You''re so hard to understand_


    "Hmm.. Hendra.. Hehe.. Sorry for disturbing.. But.. My friends and I want to.. Apologize". Lili was afraid because Aruna''s room didn''t look livable.


    "Yes.. I''m sorry too".


    "Sorry.. Okay?". They apologized one by one.


    _Oh, it''s Hendra_ Andin mostly observed someone who made her curious.


    "It''s okay, guys. My husband won''t be angry. Right?". Aruna was still holding her husband. As if this girl hadn''t met the blue-eyed man in a long time. Even though she accompanied this man when he was losing consciousness last night. In fact, Aruna was grateful for the fact that Hendra had awakened and was fine.


    "Right. It doesn''t matter as long as you guys are happy.. My wife must be happy to be surrounded by you".


    "Wow.. What''s this??". Just as they tolerated each other, Surya came in with a shocked expression.


    With a grinning expression, in order not to spoil the moment, Hendra made a request: "Surya, make a reservation for a nearby restaurant. So that my wife can celebrate her birthday with her friends".


    "Wow". Agus looked very happy.


    "Ah right.. Prepare their clothes as well". Hendra added.


    "Surya, I want to talk to my wife for a while.. Escort Aruna''s friends out and get ready". He whispered to Surya.


    Along with the way Surya smiled kindly and gave directions to Aruna''s friends, this man closed the door. He helped Aruna sit on her bed. He shifted a chair, sat right in front of his favorite little woman.


    "You must be very disappointed in me?". He said in regret.


    "No". Aruna replied casually, unlike usual.


    "I''m sorry. You must be tired of hearing me apologize all the time".


    "It''s okay, the important thing is you..". Aruna hadn''t finished her words but she chose to embrace him in her arms.


    "What''s wrong with you? You seem different". The blue-eyed thought that Aruna wasn''t like herself.


    "Different? Really?".


    "Yes.. Really different".


    "What''s the difference?".


    "You become so easy..".


    "Was I very difficult before?".


    "Hehe.. Too difficult. When you''re like this, I become more suspicious".


    "Let''s just say that I just realized and you''re lucky now".


    "Thanks, Aruna..".


    "You''re welcome, Hendra.. Sorry, I must''ve caused a lot of trouble for you".


    "You make me even more suspicious if you''re like this..".


    "Let''s get ready.. We have to change clothes as soon as possible.. My friends must be waiting".


    .


    .


    "Hendra, find me a female nurse who usually helps me change clothes, please?!". The woman in the bathroom screamed loudly for help. Her husband was already handsome and neat, but she had difficulty changing clothes with an IV attached.


    "I''ll just take off the IV, okay? It''s troublesome". She shouted again.


    "What''s the matter??". The man who''d been getting yelled at was curious until he opened the bathroom door just like that.


    "Argh! You!". Aruna was so embarrassed that she only wore a bra on her chest. Her top dangled in her left hand. She didn''t know how to take it off.


    "Let me help. Come here". This man''s ears turned red like a fireplace.


    "Towel. Cover me first with a towel..". Aruna''s ears were even redder.


    "Yes..". The man continuously exhaled following his wife''s orders. He covered that girl''s body with a towel then tried to lower the IV to take off Aruna''s clothes.


    "Now get out.. I''ll call you again if I need help".


    "Just like that? I''m not allowed to bathe you??".


    "Don''t be stupid..".


    "Next time let''s take a shower together, okay?".


    "Stop talking about something weird.. Get out.. Hehe".


    Mahendra''s face was pitiful.


    ***


    "What''s the matter, Gibran?". The coffee hater sat with a raging aura and put on a face that troubled the other person.


    "Sit down.. You have to move fast this time". He asked.


    _Ah, why is his expression worrying?_


    "Gesang.. I don''t know what happened. We lost contact. I''m afraid something happened to him". Gibran''s jet black eyes looked wandering.


    "What do you want me to do?". The other person replied, the man with a bracelet made by the founder of Magic Letter.


    "We just managed to wreck one of the Wenceslas Construction''s projects. It''s gonna be big news tomorrow. The town officials have got the money to speak according to our orders".


    "Now, disturb that girl. I want to see how he handles it at once. It''ll be interesting". The coffee hater smiled.


    "Wait! Didn''t we agree yesterday that we wouldn''t use his wife as a victim??". The owner of the bracelet was disappointed.


    "Not kill her, just disturb her. I want to know the reaction of that cold guy. You know that I got the Blue Oceans'' party footage after going through so much trouble getting someone in there. It turns out that Gesang managed to get the documentation from inside the party (Blue Oceans strictly prohibited taking photos and videos). The councils also want the same party at my wedding with the Baskoro family''s daughter". (Gibran)


    "Hendra seemed to be enjoying that party. Like what you expected, the wedding looked perfect". An arranged yet loving marriage from Gibran''s point of view.


    "Have you met Syakila?". The other person asked a question about Gibran''s future wife, the youngest daughter of the Baskoro family.


    "Haha. Don''t ask. I don''t want to discuss it".


    "Rey, try to be faster in sneaking in and strategizing or the boards will take over. It''ll be even more chaotic". The man in front of him nodded.

 Chapter 156 - Point Of View

    ***


    "Aruna, I can''t accompany you". Hendra helped her take off the IV. After so much hardship, this girl was still having trouble wearing clothes. She was still wrapped in towel pajamas.


    "Ouch!". That voice appeared as the IV was removed and the fresh blood stream was immediately wiped with a tissue.


    "Does it hurt? Be patient for a while". It seemed that Hendra was handling it calmly, quite expertly.


    "Accompany? You mean to the restaurant?". Aruna was agitated.


    "Yes". Hendra answered briefly.


    "Why? Where are you going?".


    "Wenceslas Construction is having a problem. After this, I have to go to the crime scene. A mistake in making a statement will lead to long speculation. It can''t be delegated to others or the dream city will be constrained". The blue-eyed asked his wife to understand. A sullen face began to be shown by Aruna.


    Next, there was a knock on the door. Hendra said: "Come in".


    Slowly, three men entered the room.

 Chapter 157 - Four Palms

    In the end, they played ''Mafia Party Game''. Something that Damar once taught. As the name suggested, this game was a game to catch the mafia or a secret group of innocent people''s killers. The simplest rule was to prepare one person as a moderator. The rest would be blindfolded or ''sleep'' while lowering their heads. Then, the moderator determined who was the mafia by poking two or three random players.


    Those two players ''woke up'' and saw each other''s mafia gang, then the mafia went back to ''sleep'' until the moderator woke up all the players and continued the game as if nothing happened.


    The essence of the game was that all players including the mafia had to argue to decide who the mafia was. If someone suspicious was decided, they had to execute the player, whether to be killed or not by giving a sign. A thumbs-down meant killed and thumbs up meant not being killed simultaneously.


    Every time a player was killed, the moderator would say whether he was the mafia or they killed an innocent person. This game would end if the mafia managed to trick the innocent people and kill them all.


    They became very noisy in this argument. Without realizing, Juan got hit repeatedly because he joined in the argument.


    Until that girl realized that she was getting tired. She asked to return to the hospital earlier.


    Just as she came out of the restaurant, the young lady''s mini bag was taken away by someone. Alvin and Rollan chased him spontaneously. Meanwhile, Juan asked her to walk faster to the hospital.


    "You have to chase after my bag, please! There''s a cell phone". Aruna asked.


    "My instinct is you must be safe or I''ll be killed by your husband".


    "Come on, faster!!".


    "I can''t take it anymore". Aruna slowed down.


    .


    .


    Aruna felt a cloud in her head. The tiles in front of her were also wavy like they were dancing and couldn''t be stepped on anymore. Not sure what that man was thinking about. The man who wasn''t allowed to say a word now presumptuously gave Aruna orders. His words made Aruna want to hit him. The giddy body was forced onto the back of the man who showed no manners from the beginning.


    "Hold on tight or you''ll regret it". His words were like someone who was very familiar.


    He sprinted, zigzagged his way, and started down the stairs. He ended up pressing the elevator buttons, all were pressed while observing which door opened the fastest.


    Aruna couldn''t imagine what he was thinking about. It was as if they were being hunted and chased by a ghost or maybe they were practicing the ''mafia party game'' that they were playing. It could be that she was positioned as a commoner and this young man was a mafia who was trying to take her hostage.


    Juan put Aruna down when they got into the elevator. He held her tight and didn''t let her go. Once he let go, she might''ve fallen on the floor.


    "Huh.. Huh.. What''s that?" Slowly, Aruna saw a scene of a firearm coming out of its hidden place. He fixed it on someone up front. Aruna could only peek at him. She was already powerless to even scream. Three mysterious men wanted to enter the elevator. Apparently that''s what made Juan behave strangely.


    They simultaneously raised their hands because Juan began to point his gun. The elevator door closed and went down. Aruna couldn''t remember what had happened. When she opened her eyes, she was already in her room. That room was already clean and tidy like someone who was waiting for her.


    The blue-eyed man smiled warmly, stroked her hair and some parts of her face: "Thank goodness you''re already awake".


    "Want to drink?".


    Aruna answered by shaking her head.


    "I want to go home". This girl started complaining.


    "Don''t. Your condition is still unstable". Hendra answered.


    "I want to go home. Let''s go back to our room". She was still trying to beg.


    "Please understand. Your condition had dropped badly earlier".


    "No, Hendra. I don''t want to be here. I want to go back home". Her request presented a plea that shook the other person.


    "Be patient until tomorrow morning. I promise I''ll accompany you here. Don''t worry about anything.. No one can touch you as long as I''m here". The movement of stroking her hair was repeated but it didn''t show any effect at all. Aruna still opened her eyes in between her closed eyes.


    "Am I allowed to lie on your side?". The blue-eyed asked for permission. When she gave a nod, Hendra slowly hugged her.


    "You know, I''ve been through this sort of thing, too. When I was a kid, I couldn''t sleep alone". He reminded me about how his life had started to be arranged by Wiryo and his team.


    "I was locked up in the room alone after being separated from Mommy. I cried all night. Since I was born until I was six, I always slept with Mommy. Being separated slowly, I couldn''t. They used a harsh way on me when I was still six".


    This girl listened calmly. She was slowly distracted and the panic attack began to subside.


    "Then, what did you do?". The girl got carried away with the nuances of the story.


    "I ran to the window, looking at the sky and the stars. I made a wish".


    "Are you curious about the wish that I made?".


    "Hmm..". She nodded.


    "I told the stars: If I''m not allowed to sleep with Mommy, help me, please. Send me a sleeping woman". The blue-eyed answered.


    "A sleeping woman? Why?". Aruna felt that little Hendra''s request was quite unique.


    "Because I can just hug her. Like the way I hugged my mommy every night. I liked that. Twenty two years later, it turned out that the stars were willing to grant my request". Hendra''s answer sparked speculation in Aruna''s head.


    "Twenty two years and you were six?? So, it''s now".


    "Yes". Hendra smiled hugging Aruna''s body.


    "You mean me?". This girl was a little surprised, but her cheeks gradually turned red.


    "Of course, who else do I miss every night? If it weren''t for the temptation to hug her at night, maybe I would''ve worked non-stop like before marrying her". Hendra answered honestly.


    "Really? Even when I haven''t showered this afternoon?". Aruna asked.


    "Of course. I want to try". This man slipped his head closer to her shoulder and sniffed Aruna''s neck.


    "Hehehe.. You tickled me, Hendra".


    "You want more?".


    "Argh! Stop! Haha.. Ticklish.. That''s enough!". Aruna pushed his face.


    "You have a request that''s been granted by God and it''s in me?".


    "I don''t think so".


    "I see..". This man showed a pitiful face.


    "Hehe.. There is..".


    "Really? What?". He hoped that he''d also become his wife''s special dream.


    "Have a rich partner". Aruna replied casually.


    "Ah. That''s too general and ordinary. Others that are more specific". Mahendra said.


    "What else.. A husband who''s willing to help his wife sincerely and patiently with the boundaries that have been agreed upon together". Aruna replied again.


    "I don''t think that''s me". Hendra said.


    "That''s my wish..". Aruna explained.


    "I''m not comfortable with my body.. You want to help me?". Aruna made a request after telling her wish.


    "What? Just say it".


    "I want to sit in that chair and bring me lukewarm water. I want my body to be rinsed. I need to get out of this bed so I won''t wet it". Next, Hendra patiently helped Aruna. The girl who sat on the chair took off the hospital clothes.


    Henda was presented with an open back. Only a bra greeted him. He took a washcloth and squeezed it, stripped off the water and brushed his wife''s tiny back.


    "You''re so small. How can I like a woman whose back surface area is only four palms of my hand?" Hendra measured it. He even put his palms together to practice the words that he just spoke.


    "Why did you ask me? Ask yourself?!". Aruna''s hand lifted. Someone tried to wash her armpits then her arms. Meanwhile, that girl used the shirt she wore earlier to cover her chest.


    "But indeed, the back is something that isn''t so important. What''s tempting is the one in front. I wonder how this little back can produce something quite tempting in front of there". This man smiled as he remembered something that made his wife''s tiny body full.


    "Wait.. Wait.. You''re being a pervert, huh??". Aruna was suspicious.


    "Hahaha". He giggled.


    "Can I wash the front side?".


    "No.. Let me do it by myself..". Aruna took the washcloth and began to wash her stomach. Someone with a tall posture was trying to steal a look.


    "Nothing will be opened. It''s useless for you to peek with your perverted face". Aruna protected hers.


    "Sigh..". He complained ridiculously.


    "When can I get it? I really hope for it. My wife doesn''t realize that I''m a normal man who sometimes dreams of making love with his wife". Hendra was confessing the truth about what he felt. This man didn''t like small talk. He''d just say what was in his heart, not realizing that someone''s heart jumped hearing the words ''Making Love''.

 Chapter 158 - +A Painful Torment

    "When can I get it? I really hope for it. My wife doesn''t realize that I''m a normal man who sometimes dreams of making love with his wife". Hendra was confessing the truth about what he felt. This man didn''t like small talk. He''d just say what was in his heart, not realizing that someone''s heart jumped hearing the words ''Making Love''.


    "I''m not sure I can break the agreement. I don''t want to fight with you because I prefer to keep our marriage agreements. You can fulfill your hopes with another woman. You have the right to have a private life and I won''t interfere. Just think of it as compensation because I can''t become a full wife". Aruna''s statement just came out like that without getting a reply from the blue-eyed. While putting down the washcloth and lowering her shirt, Aruna hoped to get some new clothes that she could wear. But, the face she wanted to ask for help, it turned out that he was trying to calm his emotions. She began to be afraid. This man had syndrome, one of which was having difficulty conquering his emotions.


    "Hendra, are you angry? I''m sorry..".


    "How could you tell me to be with another woman?". Even in his anger, Hendra still got up to get clothes for his wife. He was still willing to help his girl by preparing a change of clothes. His face hardened, stiff.


    "You''re mad".


    "No need to ask?!".


    "Sorry. I thought you needed to channel your biological instinct. And I..". Aruna spoke haltingly.


    "I''ll wait for you until you''re willing to do it voluntarily. I''m sure you just need time". Hendra helped her put on a change of clothes. Those buttons were slowly buttoned one by one.


    Next, the tiny body was lifted and put on the bed. The man who accompanied and hugged her from the side slipped out a statement: "I''m already grateful to be able to sleep and see your closed eyes every night. For years, I didn''t dare to dream about this before. Then what else do I need? Your body?? Despite the fact that as a man I want it, but I''m a little different. So I''ll learn from you to accept the situation that was presented by life while being grateful for it". This man was sure Aruna wouldn''t understand much of his words. He didn''t know that his wife had a full explanation the night before.


    "I love you, Honey". This boy whispered while kissing her hair. "I love you because you''re a kid like this. If you were a selfish kid, I''m sure I wouldn''t be impressed with you. The way you comply with all your father''s requests looks so special in my eyes who can''t obey my family. Love you, Honey". Hendra had been talking while looking for the most comfortable place on the sidelines of Aruna''s neck.


    _If it''s like this, what can I do?_ She gave up while trying to fall asleep accompanied by the annoying warm breath.


    .


    .


    Who knew how many hours he disappeared with sleepiness. It felt like someone was exploring the corner under the chin.


    "Ah.. Hm..". Aruna felt something creeping up her body as the feeling of someone''s tongue between her neck and that lick became stronger: "Aw". Aruna''s moaning made the culprit hurriedly stop his bite.


    When this woman''s eyes peeked at the outside of her eyelids, someone''s eyes were closed beside her. Aruna was tired enough to argue that she chose to sleep again with her back against the blue-eyed.


    .


    .


    This time, what happened was different. How come she who had her back against the blue-eyed now faced him. Her lips were crushed slowly in such a way, looked careful but was enjoyed.


    Aruna opened her eyes wide, catching someone''s mischief. The CEO of Wenceslas Group slipped into the blanket, covering himself. He thought that would keep him from getting caught.


    Aruna''s small hand also slipped, grabbed someone''s ear and pulled it: "you think I''m not aware? So this is how to make a mark on my neck". Aruna often found it every morning.


    "Aw.. Aw.. It hurts.. Let go of my ear!". Hendra was caught red-handed.


    "Hendra! Apologize! Now!". The tiny girl ordered.


    "I don''t want to! Aw.. Aw.. Yeah, yeah".


    "Sorry!". That hand let go of his ear.


    "Do you do it every night?!".


    "Not really.. Only when my libido is high and I can''t handle it anymore".


    "So now your libido is high?".


    "Hehe. Yes.. Come here, Honey..".


    "Hendra! YOU''RE CRAZY. Go away!".


    The husband embraced his wife and kissed her ear.


    "Hendra, let go! Don''t tickle me. Haha.. Argh..". This girl shouted because it was ticklish. Then she was kissed on the cheek many times.


    "Haha. Enough! Enough! It''s ticklish".


    Aruna''s husband was pushed accidentally and fell under the bed.


    "Oops! Sorry!". Aruna got up and sat down. He saw the man rubbing his ass.


    "Hahaha.. Poor you, Mommy''s son.. Come here, I''ll give you compensation".


    "I''m not sure?!". _Getting something_ Hendra realized that this girl was persistent in upholding her principles. She couldn''t be deflected in the slightest.


    "Come on..". Aruna grabbed him and gave him a kiss on the lips. A costly initiative that was replied within seconds. Yes! Hendra immediately greeted her.


    "Wait.. Wait.. Stop!". Aruna''s heart jumped, being treated like this.


    "Be a little soft.. Remember, I like it soft". Aruna asked.


    "Ah. I don''t like the typical pretty boy kiss".


    "It''s Aruna''s favorite!!". She protested.


    "Whatever! As long as I won''t be pushed again after this?!" Hendra didn''t want to repeat the same thing.


    "Yes.. Sorry..".


    "Wait a moment! Only five minutes, okay?". Aruna set limits. Otherwise, there was definitely nothing that could stop the crazy CEO.


    "Too fast? An hour!".


    "What?? You''re always like that.. I don''t like it!".


    _An hour can make me.. Ah, I can''t. It tortures me_


    "Okay then. Thirty minutes". Mahendra negotiated.


    "Ten minutes. It can''t be negotiated anymore".


    "Twenty".


    "I don''t want to.. There''s no negotiation".


    "Fifteen minutes".


    "No".


    "Fourteen minutes".


    "Enough, HENDRA! Just don''t do it".


    "Yeah.. Yeah.. Fine.. Fine.. Madam".


    "I''ll put the alarm first".


    "What''s with the alarm?".


    "It can''t be helped. You might forget when you..". Aruna was embarrassed to continue her words.


    "Alright.. Done!".


    "Ah..". This girl moaned, enjoying a typical ''Aruna''s favorite'' kiss. Their new version of the term, who were sitting in a hospital bed and sucking each other''s lips. Hendra no longer squeezed on the pillow, because she gave more than before. He was hovering in the air, forgetting how to return to the earth''s surface. That made him forget that the world still existed. He must''ve been exploring heaven.


    The alarm rang.


    "Argh.. Shit! It makes me stressed out!!". He cursed ridiculously.


    "Hahaha.. It''s finished". The girl rubbed her mouth and casually tidied herself up. She put her hair in a ponytail.


    "You don''t want to do it again?!". Hendra was hopeful.


    "No!". Clear, firm, and relaxed.


    "Argh.. You drive me crazy!". Hendra shouted. He couldn''t accept it.


    "I think you''ve been crazy for a long time". She answered honestly.


    "Ah, that''s right". He surrendered.


    "Hehe..". The wife smiled, torturing his mind. He realized that he wouldn''t be able to fall asleep until morning. Wasn''t that naive person aware that there were parts of the body in the male anatomy that needed to be channeled when he got a boost?


    The wife slept just like that, without feeling guilty.


    _Shit! Until when I''d get this painful torment? Should I pray to the stars??_ Hendra''s silliness recurred. He approached the window on the 2nd floor of the hospital where his wife was hospitalized. Unfortunately, the stars were reluctant to appear. It looked like a small drizzle started greeting.


    _Argh.. It''s a more cruel torture_


    ***


    "Honey, open your eyes.. Just for a moment". Aruna only wriggled. Big hands exposed her face expecting her to greet the morning immediately.


    The cloud in the head had disappeared. Now it''s just a feeling of laziness to wake up. But he just kept on bothering, rubbing, and expecting her eyes to open. Aruna tried to blink, looked around, and was stunned.


    _It''s still 6 in the morning. How come Hendra is so neat and ready to go?_ His secretary was even standing right behind him while waiting for his master to try to wake his wife up.


    "Hendra, where are you going?". This girl was agitated.


    "My job is waiting. Give me a kiss so I can go happily. Hehe". He came closer to kiss his wife''s lips. A habit that was getting bolder over time. Aruna hadn''t even fully awoken yet but she had received Hendra''s treatment which was getting worse.


    "Can you be faster?". Surya, who stood at the back, had a slight objection to the scene they were showing. This sad bachelor was always the best disturber.


    "I need my breakfast. If you don''t want to see, just close your eyes". Hendra bluffed because he felt disturbed.


    "Tsk.. Don''t you realize? You used to have the opposite principle and insulted me so bad when I approached girls". Surya regretted why he had followed Mahendra''s point of view in the past. They were both sad bachelors. Now he was left alone to get married. He lamented his stupidity for wasting his youth.


    Mahendra ignored his friend''s words of annoyance as well as the most fun bullying material.

 Chapter 159 - Neurons Jumping Chaotically

    Mahendra ignored his friend''s words of annoyance as well as the most fun bullying material.


    "Get well soon.. Maybe I''ll come home late at night. I don''t want to hear your condition get worse again like yesterday". That caress stopped. Someone tidied up his coat again, which already looked very neat.


    "You said you were going to take me home this morning? Why are you even going?". Aruna complained.


    "There will be more people guarding you here. If anything happens, you can be handled more quickly. Be patient a little more". Hendra smiled reassuringly.


    "Why can''t my family accompany me?". This girl was lonely.


    Hendra was silent. He had no meaningful reason except the guilt of not being able to take care of his wife properly. Also, the fear that she would be taken away or wanted to go home to her family.


    "I''ll try to bring your friends". Hendra changed the subject.


    "No! They have classes. Magic Letter also needs them. I don''t want to be here alone, but¡­". Aruna''s face was troubling.


    Surya began to glance at his wife. He lightly touched Hendra''s shoulder, reminding him that they had to go immediately.


    "I''ll wait in the front". He whispered.


    This man stood there, holding his temple. He had more responsibility now. He was no longer the CEO of the Wenceslas Group who used to be able to spend hours just to work.


    _If this continues, I''ll have trouble leaving her. What should I do?_


    "Your bodyguards will accompany you here. You won''t be lonely. Give them orders as you wish. I''ll try to come home soon". Mahendra''s words didn''t get any answer.


    This girl chose to lie down with her back against him without a word.


    "You''re indeed a weird husband. Leaving me lying in the hospital alone and asking strangers to look after me".


    "Oh my God, Aruna. They''re not strangers. They''re my people".


    "Go! I''m fed up with you".


    Receiving such words, the blue-eyed man really left his wife alone. In Mahendra''s simple point of view, who tended to use his left brain, something that was spoken by mouth was a real expression that emerged from the conclusions of the speaker.


    He had absolutely no experience of women using the most complex sarcasm on earth. Aruna''s expression about ''go'' was captured in Letterlijk (in Dutch, Letterlijk means literally. Or in legal language, understanding of a text which is fixated on what''s written in the text).


    Hendra was told to go and got the phrase ''fed up with you''. Obviously, he immediately left according to his wife''s request.


    ."Why is your face so sluggish? You''ve got your nutritional intake. Why are you like this?". Surya poked at the man who was lost in his own thoughts.


    "I just realized now. Why does Aruna often ask me ''when can I go back to college?'' ''when can I do my activities again in the Magic Letter with my friends?'' ''when will you come home?'' ''you must come home on time''. She''s lonely. Yesterday, when I saw Aruna visited by her friends, she was back to how she used to be. Bright, carefree". This man threw his gaze onto the street.


    "After all, she has to adapt to yourself, Hendra". Surya calmed the husband who was troubled by anxiety.


    "Who else can survive adapting to me? Only you! How many times have you submitted your resignation letters? But because you have a debt of gratitude with me, you stay".


    "Hehe. It turns out you know why I''m still here". Surya chuckled.


    "Of course.. Since the beginning, I''ve prepared you as my helper. That''s why I charged you with a debt of gratitude". Hendra said in a selfish manner.


    "Damn!". Surya wanted to grab the collar of the Wenceslas Group''s CEO.


    "Argh. If your clothes are wrinkled, I''m also in trouble". He canceled his intention.


    "Hahaha". Hendra chuckled.


    Then there was a sudden silence when the screen of his cell phone lit up: "Look at my wife! She was very disappointed with me but she''s still sweet". Hendra showed Aruna''s message.


    *Hendra, be careful. Sorry.. I was in a bad mood.


    *Remember! (A serious emoticon) Don''t forget to eat! Home soon, okay!! (A smile emoticon)


    "Hehe.. This kid". The blue-eyed stared at his girl''s message.


    "She''s indeed a good girl.. You should be grateful, whether she loves you or not. Look! She always treats you well. Treat her well, too..". Surya gave a suggestion, after hearing the confession some time ago about ''Hendra started to use physical abuse to force his wife''. Although, honestly, Surya didn''t know the real story but he was really worried.


    "You''re right! I always demanded her to like me. Even though it was obvious that Aruna and that Padangnese kid had a special relationship from the start. I actually don''t have a problem if I don''t get her heart. I''m just afraid of losing her. I''m even afraid of the time that goes on. You know?! I''m afraid that suddenly it''s already two years and Aruna really leaves me. Until now, she still holds our marriage agreement tightly". This was the first time Hendra expressed his deepest heart to another person. Surya was his old friend, but he didn''t have a chance to hear this much. He just knew about the Post Traumatic Syndrome that Hendra suffered recently.


    "You used to force her. You also have to be responsible, Hendra. Don''t do as you please".


    "I don''t know.. Sometimes, I have trouble controlling myself. I feel like I need to consult Diana. There''s a sense where I want to lock her up and that feeling is getting stronger. I want to hide her somewhere and no one should know. Only I can meet her. That desire makes me terrified". Hendra complained, clutching his chest.


    "What makes you feel like that?".


    "I told you, I''m afraid of losing her".


    "So scared that you want to control her".


    "Not only because I''m afraid of losing her. She has something too meaningful. Just imagine, she didn''t complain at all when she was found in a state of severe dehydration after I locked her up. Aruna still forgave me and tried to understand me because it was her father''s orders. What kind of person can have a heart as good as my wife? I''m sure she also knows that she was diagnosed with hypovolemic shock due to her dehydration and that she didn''t have the slightest complaint from her mouth about her condition. Other women may have run while cursing at me or perhaps file for divorce. Haha.. Aruna even ran to me ''Hendraa¡­'' and then hugged me in front of her friends. Even though the night before I choked her".


    "What?? You?? You strangled her??".


    "Yes.. Last night, I got her sweet treatment. You know what I feel now??".


    "What?". Surya was curious.


    "It feels like the neurons in my brain are jumping chaotically. And my chest is full. Happy, sad, confused". Hendra was a man who was used to thinking logically and had difficulty digesting his feelings. When the pattern he faced was a new random structure, he really messed up. The viewpoints regarding Aruna were out of sync. This girl presented the opposite condition between her general behavior (normal) and unique behavior.


    Surya kept his mouth tightly. He knew that Aruna was behaving strangely since yesterday. It must''ve had something to do with the new information that the girl had, about Mahendra''s PTSD. Now, Surya was feeling depressed because he needed to hide something from his boss who was classified as a critical human being.


    The oddity that his wife showed was so easy to be caught by him. Even though Aruna had just received an explanation, she hadn''t received further briefing on how to become a right Psychosocial Therapist.


    [LAST NIGHT]


    Reaching Nadir Point


    My journey had reached its lowest point. The road ahead was no longer visible, turning into a jet black alley. I didn''t understand who was the most responsible one here. I loved you with all my efforts, but you got away with your storyline.


    A life that was lined up like the scratch of a samurai sword that cut and chopped the forest to make a path. I''d been running around in the forest, looking for you who was taken away by him whose name I couldn''t say.


    He was said to have been very powerful, with a bond known as marriage. I was only a fragile rope that entangled you with the past. What was the meaning of sacred if its existence could kill the human heart?


    I finally realized who I was at the end of this night. I almost forgot that you had a perfect bond. Then what about me who was still running around in a figurative forest? Hoping for a perfect with the night fairy whose owner left her. Unfortunately, what I got was no longer a lost fairy, let alone a fairy who was left by her owner. The winged little human being embraced by its owner was in line with the drowsiness that hit. While you served the most cruel nadir point.

 Chapter 160 - Nadir Point

    I finally realized who I was at the end of this night. I almost forgot that you had a perfect bond. Then what about me who was still running around in a figurative forest? Hoping for a perfect with the night fairy whose owner left her. Unfortunately, what I got was no longer a lost fairy, let alone a fairy who was left by her owner. The winged little human being embraced by its owner was in line with the drowsiness that hit. While you served the most cruel nadir point.


    I staggered and decided to fall.


    The cars screeched. The drivers forced their brakes on. A man crossed the street carelessly.


    "This guy is crazy!!".


    "Get out of the way!!".


    "You want to die, huh?".


    Like the night before, Damar had come to Aruna''s room. His hopes soared through the sky. He thought that he could have the opportunity to accompany her along with the lyrics of the song created based on the visualization of the girl named Aruna.


    In fact, imagination was always more beautiful than reality. Just now, he arrived at the door of his favorite girl''s room. The rectangular glass presented an eye-catching sight. If he weren''t a man, maybe he''d shed a symbol of pain: tears.


    This young man chose to retreat, stay away. Aruna was embraced by her owner. She fell asleep and that man embraced her freely. The pleasure that Danu Umar imagined every night was a reality for the challenger who had now turned into the owner.


    "You''re stupid!!". Someone fell on the edge of the road with the singer of "The Reddish Hue". After that, a large truck made a sound, sped off in rage. The trajectory still showed the difference in air pressure so that the gusts of wind had given off a sense of horror.


    "Get up!! Get up!!". The rescuer gave an order that he had to get up immediately. Damar couldn''t help it but grabbed his hooded jacket. He pulled the body towards a more empty direction.


    "Don''t be stupid just because your heart is broken".


    "Life is indeed crazy, but don''t choose to die because of this madness".


    "Why do you care about me?".


    "Because your safety is the first mission that Ms. Aruna ordered". Juan had greeted the young man named Damar in the hallway of the hospital, but this man didn''t reply. He was like a dazed person in chaos, walking out of control, without paying attention to his surroundings. Juan looked at him from a distance. The man with a gummy smile realized that Damar wanted to end his life by walking through the crowded night traffic.


    ***


    "Hen.. You have five minutes left. Are you sure you can solve this mess only with rhetoric?" Surya was almost unsure of the method that Mahendra was using. Since yesterday, the speculation built by the members of the regional legislature had begun to lead to an attempt to stop Dream City.


    "Calm down, Surya. Have I ever disappointed you? Wenceslas Group won''t lose just because of this bullshit". Hendra replied casually.


    "What''s your plan?". Mahendra''s secretary was even more worried considering that the press conference conducted by the CEO of the Wenceslas Group had attracted the attention of so many journalists. This press conference was held in front of a semi-finished building whose roof collapsed due to sabotage by irresponsible parties. Surprisingly, some legislators who initially supported them turned out to be attackers.


    Riswan''s car entourage began to arrive. The mayor was quite admirable regarding his actions, being responsible for every incident that happened to Wenceslas Construction. He was also being chased by the journalists and he kept his mouth shut according to Mahendra''s wish. Today, the two of them would begin to make a joint statement about the collapse of the library building''s roof which had a unique concept and was different from the others.


    Small talk began to be echoed by the press conference director. Mahendra appeared first, followed by mayor Riswan. Hendra''s signature wave and smile started the growing curiosity from the faces of camera and recording equipment carriers.


    "Alright, please.. What should I call you?". The director of the press conference threw the words to break the ice. He offered something to Mahendra while smiling.


    "I''m still quite young. As long as I''m not called grandpa, it won''t be a problem". Hendra answered, bringing laughter.


    "Okay. Ah right. Before we discuss something more serious, there are many people who are curious about your marriage. How does it feel to be a newlywed? Hehe". The briefing was specifically given to the moderator or rather the MC of the press conference.The mission was to make the atmosphere as light as possible.


    "It won''t be a problem if I answer this?". Hendra divided the two sides of those who were hunting for news. One side was berating ''why don''t we just focus?'', the other one even shouted ''wow, maybe it will be other hotter news''.


    "Because it seems that many are curious, I''ll try to answer it". Actually, the parties that wanted to discuss this topic weren''t many, because the majority of those who came weren''t from infotainment or entertainment. They were political, economic, and social journalists. But Mahendra gave the impression that more parties wanted this unimportant explanation. An impression that was arranged very deliberately.


    "Because it seems that many are curious, I''ll try to answer it". Actually, the parties that wanted to discuss this topic weren''t many, because the majority of those who came weren''t from infotainment or entertainment. They were political, economic, and social journalists. But Mahendra gave the impression that more parties wanted this unimportant explanation. An impression that was arranged very deliberately.


    .


    .


    "So, who asked me about my wife? And why do I seem to hide my marriage? I''ll just answer it, okay?! My wife is an ordinary 20-year-old girl. She has a normal life like young women in general. She needs privacy, needs to live her daily life, and hopes that you guys won''t chase her. That''s why I didn''t accept any offers and didn''t provide any explanation regarding the identity of my wife. Even though I can see that in plain view, you guys are also digging up her identity. She doesn''t even dare to open her personal social media account, because too many messages and comments flooded her account. I hope you understand my position as a husband who wants his wife to be comfortable and safe". Mahendra''s explanation broke their focus.


    "Then what about your wedding which is popularly known as Blue Oceans? Why was the press prohibited from covering it? Ah right, there was also an issue saying that invited guests were prohibited from taking photos and videos, except for personal consumption?". A journalist asked a question.


    "Ah right. May I add?? The news that is circulating states that only the performers of the shows were allowed to be documented both for personal and to be shared on social media". Another question came from another journalist.


    Then the moderator asked Mahendra to answer.


    "Yes. We deliberately made requests like that because this is our dream wedding. My wife and I, to be more precise. That''s why only professional cameras were allowed to document it. Why was the press prohibited?? Honestly, I want to protect our privacies". Hendra took a bottle of mineral water, drank it slowly and relaxed. The camera flash rained down on him.


    "Second, why were only performers allowed to be photographed?? Because documenting their performance is the right of the fans. Maybe there are invited guests who like the performers that we invited". Hendra''s answer prompted the next question about his marriage. But the other party insisted on getting back to the point. Finally, some of them had an argument. Hendra and Riswan smiled and looked at each other meaningfully. Time was running out. A senior journalist took over control of communications.


    "Whether you''re happy with this question or not, whatever! I came here for more important news than the CEO''s wedding drama". He insisted with sarcasm.


    "How could the building that you built suddenly collapsed just like that? The government has spent quite a lot of money. How''s the responsibility of the Wenceslas Construction for this incident?". His question was on point.


    "You want to hear my answer or Mr. Riswan''s first?". Mahendra was stalling time again, to be more relaxed.


    "Up to you". This senior reporter seemed more experienced.


    "Alright. I''ll be the first one to answer it. Before that, I''ll explain that beside me is the Mayor who has a quite close background to us. He was an architectural master of Wenceslas Construction for some time before being commissioned as Mayor. So Mr. Riswan will discuss the experiment or trial that we''re doing in further detail". Hendra spoke calmly, giving the impression of curiosity.


    "Experiment?".


    "What trial?".


    "How come the Wenceslas Construction, known for their quality, would dare to risk its integrity only for a trial?".


    The whispers grew more intense, hurling each other out of control. The moderator tried to calm them down and let the CEO of the Wenceslas Group speak up again.

 Chapter 161 - Seismic Vibrations

    The whispers grew more intense, hurling each other out of control. The moderator tried to calm them down and let the CEO of the Wenceslas Group speak up again.


    "You must be wondering why we need this experiment. In the language of the researchers, it''s an experiment testing the resistance of buildings to seismic vibrations (earthquake waves). Projects of this kind become references and examples for development across Europe, to strengthen the structure of buildings, bridges, and viaducts with the aim of increasing earthquake resistance, said Artur Pinto Vieira, head of the structural assessment unit. Wenceslas Construction conducted a similar trial. The risk of an experiment is definitely there and that risk is present in front of you right now. What makes you hunt me and Riswan to provide further information, maybe Riswan would like to add about what we''re doing and trying to do so that all the buildings will be urban infrastructure that is ready to face the risk of disasters, especially earthquakes". Hendra felt like twisting his own tongue because he was too good at rhetoric. Even without an experiment, Wenceslas Construction had been able to design urban structures that were ready to face the challenges of earthquakes.


    "Well, I''ll also talk because it''s actually not far from what I was struggling with some time ago before I became Mayor". The Mayor joined in the boasting to maintain his dream.


    "Earthquakes can''t be predicted or prevented. We know that our country is prone to earthquakes because it''s traversed by the meeting point of three tectonic plates: the Indo-Australian plate, the Eurasian plate, and the Pacific plate. So, I requested and urged Wenceslas Construction to make this building able to survive in that situation. As civil engineering expert Martin Poljansek explains: Earthquakes usually last fifteen to twenty seconds. For a building, bridge, etc., we can predict by taking data using a network of sensors and high-resolution cameras to record the deformation of the pile during trial. The data will support new methods and current equipment for the evaluation of building seismic hazards, the same as the method applied to bridges in Europe. That way we, me as the Mayor and Hendra as the CEO of Wenceslas Construction, have the possibility to actually guarantee the quality of the Dream City project building. It''s all for the sake of presenting the best infrastructure for all levels of society regardless of the low, medium, or high social level". Riswan and Hendra looked at each other, smiled, and saluted. Someone''s applause brought the applause of the others. The critical questions disappeared instantly because of the satisfaction of most of the recipients of the information.


    Surya scratched the corner of his neck. Once again, he was amazed by the way the Wenceslas Group''s CEO handled the problem. The greatest friend, boss, and bully he was proud of.


    "Honestly, it''s too extraordinary. How could a CEO have a method like this? I didn''t think of it at all. We''re not deceiving the public, indeed our buildings are in accordance with what they''ve described (without trial). But he used it to cover up sabotage that wasn''t fit for public consumption". The Director of Wenceslas Construction also invited Surya to discuss it.


    "We don''t need and won''t spend a penny to change what the legislators said. But with a statement as cool as this one, I''m sure they''ll twist their own words". The director reiterated his admiration. Surya replied with a big smile.


    .


    .


    "I think we need to have a banquet to celebrate this victory". Riswan gave a suggestion.


    "Sorry, Riswan. My wife is sick. She must''ve been waiting for me. I''m grateful that this problem was resolved quickly. At first, I thought it''d last until late". Hendra politely refused.


    "But I''ve arranged a dinner for my employees. If you want, you can join. But I''ll go home first". The Wenceslas Group''s CEO added.


    "You really care about your wife". Riswan praised him.


    "I''m following your footsteps.. Well, unless the way you treat Camila is just camouflage on social media". Mahendra couldn''t stand to see the way they evoked intimacy on their personal Instagram accounts.


    "Hahaha.. I''m actually like that, while adding a little spice so that my personal branding is getting better". Riswan brought laughter from both of them. Two humans with the same background. Humans formed from KPI designed by Wiryo''s people.


    "May I give you input so that the investigation related to this sabotage will stop at once?". Riswan gave his next idea, as unique as Hendra''s.


    "Go public and accept the offer from one of the TV stations for an exclusive interview about your spectacular wedding. I guarantee this sabotage will also disappear along with the story you present between yourself and your wife". (Riswan)


    "Haha.. How clever you are. Who''s your personal branding consultant?". Hendra was also curious about Riswan''s ability in this matter.


    "I''ll leak my secrets, as long as you''re willing to take part in supporting me or willing to participate in being my partner in the presidential candidacy".


    "Tsk. You''re discussing that again". Hendra was too lazy to discuss with Riswan when the direction of the conversation had a political meaning.


    .


    .


    This girl made a request to her bodyguards. She wanted to take a walk in the hospital garden just to relieve fatigue. She sat on a park bench, staring at the plants that were reluctant to show their flower crowns. Even small buds didn''t appear to adorn those plants. It wasn''t the season of flowers. Aruna''s heart was the same.


    Juan came and hurriedly sat down beside her, while the others were really surprised. They were only able to stand a certain distance according to the rules, but their colleague sat and then turned his body to stare at the lady without guilt.


    "How could a girl like you almost kill someone else last night?". Juan''s careless words sparked the disrespect from his colleagues. They protested and pulled Juan, but this man said: "are you not curious? What big thing I did last night for the sake of you, Miss?". Juan stared at Aruna closely as if ending a signal that could only be understood by her and Juan.


    Spontaneously, the young lady of the Wenceslas family told Rollan and Alvin to go. She allowed the bodyguard, who used to be polite and pretend to be nice, to stay.


    "Speak now. Don''t make me curious". Aruna said firmly.


    "Hehe.. Looks like you have to buy me a new cell phone, just like what your husband did yesterday because I managed to save you". Juan''s words made her even more curious.


    "But, I don''t have money.. Eh, wait. The pocket money that Hendra slips every day on the nightstand.. Maybe I''ve collected a lot. Alright! How much do I have to pay you?".


    "Hahaha.. How come?? That man was confused and wanted to end his life just because of this naive girl. Her beauty is just standard, too. What''s so interesting about you?". Juan observed her one more time.


    This girl couldn''t accept it. She raised her hand and then pulled Juan''s ear in a quick, angry way.


    "Aw..". Juan threw that hand away and Aruna looked in pain.


    "Am I too rude? Miss, are you okay?".


    Aruna didn''t want to answer. Only a sullen face and hand rubbing movement were shown.


    "So, last night, the soloist you met at the wedding came to your room". The first sentence that came out of Juan''s mouth immediately sparked a sense of worry and anxious expression on her.


    "Looks like your feelings for that young man are so deep, huh? He''s still lucky". Juan said.


    "Stop beating around the bush. Tell me what happened". Aruna was getting more curious.


    "What will I get?". Juan teased her.


    "I told you I have a lot of pocket money from Hendra. I can give it to you". Aruna offered.


    "What about your Rolls-Royce car that you rarely use?".


    "Ah, right. I forgot I have a car. As long as you can take it, no problem. That car is my wedding gift from Wiryo". Aruna replied.


    "I won''t ask for it.. I only want to borrow once". Juan really wanted to go somewhere to meet someone and he needed a car.


    "Fine! Just use it. I''ve never used it either. But honestly I don''t know how you can use that car. I mean, you know. There''s a lot of security, right?".


    "Calm down. I have a way. As long as you give me the key". Juan said.


    "Okay, deal". Aruna''s words were replied with the dramatic story that Juan faced last night. Danu Umar with all his stupidity.


    In all her complexity, Juan was stunned. This girl shed tears calmly. No fiery emotions or dramatic sobs. The next words that were said by the lady: "how was his last condition? Did you take him home?".


    "He''s not a woman. He knows his own way home. Why should I take him home?". Juan felt that she worried too much.


    "We smoked together and he started to find himself. I don''t think he''ll repeat the same thing". Juan added.

 Chapter 162 - A Complicated Life

    "He''s not a woman. He knows his own way home. Why should I take him home?". Juan felt that she worried too much.


    "We smoked together and he started to find himself. I don''t think he''ll repeat the same thing". Juan added.


    "I''ll tell my story that is more dramatic than this complicated relationship among the three of you". Juan said.


    "Do people like you also have a complicated life?". Aruna was getting sadder.


    "If people see you from out there, no one will know that you''re this kind of wife".


    "Yes! You''re right! Even my condition is more complicated than what you imagine. You only know the surface. Just like the two men in my life. They''re just as selfish". Aruna explained.


    "They''re so selfish because they both want you. That''s our nature".


    This girl was silent and didn''t say much. She covered herself in a jet black robe. She didn''t want to be touched. Aruna was lost in her own thoughts.


    "What do women like you want?". Juan investigated.


    "Why did you ask that?".


    "Because my girl is also in almost the same condition as you. I''m just curious".


    "Sometimes I want to go far away and leave everything. I wish I could, but that''s impossible".


    "Oh, I see..". Juan''s mind also wandered.


    ***


    "Doc, how''s my wife''s condition?". The blue-eyed man rushed to the consulting room of the doctor who handled his wife. That girl wanted to go home soon. She wanted to do outpatient care. After all, there''s a special nurse who could look after Aruna at the main house. Unless this girl needed more treatment, then the hospital was still the best choice.


    "Finally, I can meet you. I suspect you have something until you come to this simple room". Doctor Bram had made a call to his nurse to deliver the medical records of the blue-eyed''s wife.


    "Hehe.. You know, doc! I want to take her home. Is my request possible?".


    "Please have a look". Bram showed Aruna''s medical records.]


    "She''s getting better now. Make sure her nutrition, body fluids, and activities are controlled".


    "My wife can come home?".


    "We''ll see until tonight. If there''s no significant deterioration in her body condition, she can go home tomorrow morning". Bram and Hendra began discussing proper nutrition and many things for the patient named Aruna.


    .


    .


    "I''ve been looking for you since earlier. Where have you been, dear?". Hendra immediately approached his woman and helped her to hold the IV.


    "Just a walk in the park for a while". Juan answered him instead because she was silent.


    "Hi, you! Why is my wife gloomy?". Hendra caught Aruna''s anxiety.


    "Because there''s a violent criminal who locks her up all the time". Hearing Juan''s words, Hendra''s eyes blinked.


    "Do you mean me?".


    "Who else?". This bodyguard was too brave.


    "Yes, I''m indeed a violent criminal. I can even play with my bodyguard whenever I want. Hehe". Hendra''s smile made Juan horrified and left immediately.


    .


    "Don''t be sad. I''ll make sure you come home tomorrow. Just take care of yourself until tonight.. Please smile. I came home earlier as you wish". But his girl still froze in silence.


    What was most troublesome was that she wasn''t eager to eat. Only two mouthfuls and she couldn''t be persuaded to continue it.


    "Geez..". Hendra sighed, trying to be patient.


    "What do you want to eat? I''ll buy it".


    Aruna shook her head at everything Hendra offered.


    _Huh.. You''re the best torturer_


    "Come on, Aruna. Eat more.. You said you want to go home, right?". Hendra managed his emotions in such a way as to persuade his woman. He was still continuously shaking his head. Who could test his patience more than this girl?


    "Alright. I can''t stand it! What do you want? Tell me! I''ll obey everything as long as you want to eat". The blue-eyed tried to convince her.


    "Hehe¡­ I''m not sure you can grant my wish". Her voice was very low. She began to close her eyes, choosing to cover herself in a blanket. Not sure what happened to her. This girl had shown her sadness. She was gloomy and tired.


    "You want to go home, right? Finish your meal now! We''ll go home right away". Mahendra persuaded her. He did whatever he could to make that girl let go of her sadness. Aruna remained silent.


    "Well, besides going home, we''ll visit the Magic Letter tomorrow. You must be missing that place?". Surprisingly, Hendra''s words this time were immediately responded to. She got up and sat down.


    "Give me my plate! Water, too!". The CEO of the Wenceslas Group was no longer worried, but sad. Aruna took a big spoon and then swallowed it, without chewing it much. The girl pushed it with water. Once, twice, three times. Hendra couldn''t bear to see it again.


    "Stop! Stop it, Aruna". The blue-eyed pulled her plate.


    "Don''t take it! You said you''d let me visit the Magic Letter outlet? Let me finish it". Aruna kept her plate.


    "Oh my God, Aruna. STOP! I can''t see it!". The movement of pulling the plate spilled the glass of water all over the bed. The girl was teary, staring at the water spills. A strange behavior that made the other person sad.


    Hendra approached her and hurried to hug her. He stroked the girl''s hair in his arms while saying: "don''t be like this. I beg you..". Hendra looked at her face, rubbing her tears.


    "Give me your hand". Next, Hendra removed her IV and hurried to find the girl''s jacket. Since he couldn''t find it, the blue-eyed used the coat that he was wearing to wrap it around her tiny body.


    He tried to make a call while tidying up some items: "Surya, prepare my car and please take care of the administration, including my wife''s room. I''ll bring Aruna home now".


    "As far as I know, it''s tomorrow?". Surya asked.


    "I''ll explain later!".


    Hendra lifted the girl''s body and took her down the hospital hallway to his car in the basement: "Stop crying! We''ll go home just like you requested!".


    This man put Aruna in the seat beside the driver. He put on the seat belt and positioned the half-reclined seat. He was fast and immediately sneaked in behind the wheel.


    He drove his car fast, followed by another car behind. The car of the bodyguards.


    "Hendra, I''m thirsty". That quiet request made someone''s eyes look for the nearest mini-market. As soon as he saw it, he rushed out to buy his wife''s order and came back as fast as he could.


    "Can you wake up?". Aruna''s body movements were immediately helped by the blue-eyed.


    "Calm down.. I''m not as weak as you think. I''m just in a bad mood". She said in between her attempts to sip the water.


    "Yes! It''s too bad until I no longer see a girl excitedly beat me just because I accidentally touched her lips". Hendra was still reluctant to drive his car as if he was observing something.


    When Aruna got up, she understood what Hendra was observing. This was the place, the place where many stories began. Perhaps, they only needed to move the Bentley another 100 meters. That was where the crazy CEO stole her first kiss.


    "Is this marriage that tough? Without realizing it, it''s not just me who has changed. You''ve changed a lot, too. I miss the old you who was so excited". Hendra''s words were just ignored.


    The blue-eyed man touched his wife''s face as the cell phone rang. Riswan''s call was just as important.


    "Come on.. Hurry..". This girl''s voice sank.


    "Hello?".


    "Aruna..?!". Hendra checked her more carefully. She began to fall asleep again.


    "Can you hear me?". Riswan at the other end needed to say something.


    "Yes, Riswan. Yes, just talk!". The blue-eyed put down his cell phone while touching the loudspeaker button for the mayor on the other end. His hands were busy checking how she was sleeping.


    "We have to move quickly. The investigators are still continuing the background checks on the 7th floor collapse".


    "Ah, shit!". Hendra found out that Aruna passed out. He had tried to confirm and it turned out that she wasn''t just sleeping.


    "Oh, yeah. Damn it". Riswan kept misunderstanding.


    "Riswan, just talk.. I''ll hear it". He said it again as he went back toward the hospital. The Bentley Continental sped away like crazy.


    "I think we need to install equipment that supports our statement about the experiment that we mentioned yesterday".


    "Hello?!". Once again, Riswan questioned Hendra''s whereabouts, who seemed not to respond to his statement.


    "Just talk! I''m listening". The caller didn''t realize Mahendra was racing down the street, leaving the bodyguards'' car behind. He pressed his horn.


    "Ah, right. One more thing! My advice about the appearance of you and your wife related to your wedding. Hmm.. Blue Oceans?? That spectacular wedding needs to be raised to the public to divert the issue". Riswan had stolen his concentration. The screeching sound from the car brakes made Mahendra''s cell phone fall to the bottom of the car.


    The blue-eyed wouldn''t have time to take that cell phone: "Hello, Riswan. Can you still hear me?".


    "Yes, but the sound is very noisy".


    "Turn it off. I''ll call you back later".


    .


    .

 Chapter 163 - Tarantula Group

    "Yes, but the sound is very noisy".


    "Turn it off. I''ll call you back later".


    "Please pay attention to my advice. The investigators who handle the collapse of the building aren''t locals. It''s directly handled by the central investigators".


    "Yes! Yes.. I understand. I''ll call you back later!".


    "Hold on, Aruna. Almost there". There was a sense of devastation as she lost consciousness, added with her mood and expression. This girl managed to make Mahendra''s chest tighten instantly.


    The car was parked carelessly in front of the hospital lobby, followed by Hendra''s movement to open the door and carry his wife''s tiny body while running as fast as he could.


    And Aruna entered the ICU for the second time.


    "Argh!". There was an expression of regret hitting the air.


    "Why did you bring her home? How reckless you are!". Surya, who didn''t know anything, was also disappointed by Hendra''s actions.


    "You know how confused I was to see her cry. Enough! Don''t add more burden to my mind". This man regretted his own actions.


    "You should use your brain whatever happens".


    "I''ve said many times. My brain doesn''t function every time I face Aruna". Mahendra ruffled his hair messily.


    .


    .


    I wish you knew my pain.


    A man who doesn''t have his girl''s love.


    A husband who has no rights over his wife.


    Or a hunter who can only stare at his prey.


    If complaining were able to provide a solution.


    I also want to chatter about the tightness in my chest.


    The pain that always greets.


    Deliberately ignored, so I can continue to survive.


    It''s not just you and him who are suffering.


    Who seem to love each other and I''m the obstacle.


    I''m just as hurt.


    But I can''t let you go because you are my breath.


    Try to give me a little hope even if it''s fake.


    Because now someone selfish starts to fear himself.


    Afraid to have to give in for you to be with him.


    .


    .


    "Why don''t you come inside, Hendra?". Surya asked, staring at his superior. That man was still sitting in the hallway while his wife had been moved back to her room.


    "I couldn''t approach her again. Seeing her helplessly in my arms made me very nervous. I need her to wake up first before approaching her". Mahendra complained.


    "I''m grateful to see you finally found a girl who touched your heart, but I don''t see happiness in her. Sorry, I have to be honest with you". Surya also sat down, staring at his friend who was getting more confused.


    "I can''t let her go, Surya. She¡­ She''s the only one I have right now. You know, I used to be a human who worked like a robot. Because I grew up like that, I didn''t even remember enjoying life. Just like you who have to be the backbone of your entire family. Now, your younger siblings have grown up. You have led them to meet their dreams, one by one. You already feel successful. While me? What''s my success other than finding someone who can be my life goal?". This profound conversation between the two men made the personal secretary pat his superior''s back. If they''d been girls, one of them would''ve given the other one a hug.


    "Keep holding on, if that''s what you can do. Just like the way you survived the way your grandfather educated you". Surya supported him. An analogy that was almost the same because both of them were tiring. It was just that Surya, whose youth didn''t have many opportunities to be close to women, didn''t understand how heavy an unrequited heart was.


    "Surya..".


    "Yes..".


    "I decided to take a leave from all work activities for a while. Right now, I want to focus on Aruna''s health first". Hendra had no other choice or he would be worse, too.


    "Riswan contacted me earlier. Make sure the collapse of the 7th floor library looks natural. Study the research conducted by Artur Pinto Vieira". The CEO of Wenceslas Group gave a command.


    "Alright, just leave it to me". The secretary happily accepted the mandate.


    "How''s your plan to appear on TV stations?". Surya asked.


    "There''s no other way but to wait for my wife to be healthy first". Mahendra answered.


    "Okay, I understand".


    .


    .


    "Hen.. Your wife is awake". Surya exclaimed, excited.


    "Really?". This man immediately rushed over to her.


    "Why did I come back here? You said we''re going home". This little girl was disappointed.


    "Because my little girl fainted. Then what should I do?".


    ***


    The aroma of coffee bursted into the room again. They smoke tobacco whose smell was strong, combined with the aroma of Gayo coffee, a type of Arabica coffee produced in the Central Aceh region, in the Gayo highlands to be precise. In international studies, Gayo Arabica coffee had the most distinctive and preferred taste compared to Arabica coffee grown elsewhere. Gayo Arabica coffee was awarded Fair Trade Certified as a token of appreciation.


    The same could be felt on the tongue and nose of the coffee lovers. But not for Gibran. He was tormented with all of that. This scent had been the scent he hated the most since childhood. Each time they gathered, it meant that there would be a new pressure imposed on his father, and of course him.


    "Your plan. Hahaha.. Not as great as Wiryo''s grandson''s rhetoric. You know how much harm will happen if their big plan materializes". One of the people he called uncle cornered himself. A habit they naturally did.


    "My goal was only to disturb, nothing more. Everything must be neat and slow so it can''t be detected. You know they cover up the sabotage because they don''t have any evidence. It''s an advantage for us". Gibran defended himself.


    "Gibran''s effort was very good. Instead of asking about it, which is still in process, why don''t we just support him? Look at me. I use my colleagues to mobilize central investigators to develop this case". The uncle who''s the second largest shareholder gave a significant boost.


    "Thank you for believing in my son!". Rio, Gibran''s father, said.


    "I think Wenzel''s blood never disappoints". The lowest smallholder was indeed very good at making uplifting words. He was like a great sycophant clinging to Rio''s family, the leader of this group.


    "I want a new policy in the future". Gibran was very careful. Even though he was now a controller, to be honest he was their doll who sat in classic European chairs.


    "Just mention it. If your policies are good, I''ll follow". One of the people Rio liked the most, Uncle Adam, gave him a response. This one uncle rarely spoke.


    "While bringing down the opponent, I mean Wenceslas, how about we expand our business more widely? Not only accepting government-ordered projects and relying on the Oil Company". Gibran gave advice that he''d long held. This idea came from the way he watched Wenceslas Group''s activities over the past decade. Especially since their new CEO took the lead, Wenceslas Group was transformed into the most prominent company in technological innovation and was declared to have passed the era of ''disruptive innovation'' 4.0 which was the latest threat to companies born from generation to generation. It needed a lot of studies and massive system updates to face the gripping challenges of the 4.0 millennia era. Ruthless corporate killers.


    (The term "disruption" was coined by Clayton Christensen, The Innovator''s Dilemma, 1997. In it, Christensen introduced the idea of "disruptive innovation" in the business world. He used this expression as a way of thinking of successful companies that not only meet the needs of customers at this time, but anticipate their needs in the future. The theory explained how a small company with minimal resources was able to enter the market and replace an established system.)


    (Example: let''s look at Netflix. When Netflix started its business, blockbuster considered it insignificant. Blockbuster didn''t see the future trend when customers wanted to watch movies. When Netflix came to blockbuster to collaborate, blockbuster turned them down. Actually, Netflix had started to see the future trend of the blockbuster market but blockbuster wasn''t aware of it. Right now, Netflix was profiting in the billions and blockbuster was bankrupt.)


    This absurd board-led company still hadn''t been able to break through to that change. They still liked to use the old method, got closer to the power holder, ensnared them, and forced them to monopolize government projects. Any sector that became wetland would indirectly become a field for the Tarantula Group. A splinter company of the Djoyo Makmur Group during the leadership of Wiryo. There was a big disaster that was neatly buried.


    Wiryo didn''t necessarily understand this. The heartache of those who were forcibly evicted and the old story that had long tails.


    Tarantula stood for the name of the founding board. Ta: Tanto Kristian, Ra: the initials of a woman who had now changed her identity to Julia (Rio''s mother, Gibran''s grandmother), N: Ndaru Dirga Atmodjo, T: Tegar Markus Salim, U: Untung Braga, M: Linus Abraham, and A: Adam Nalendra.


    "I also think the same thing with you. Unfortunately, my friends are too naive in doing business. Unfortunately, we''re old people who are pretentious". Once Adam spoke, the others had memorized very well that it''d contain poisonous venom that was ready to be pegged to their own colleagues.

 Chapter 164 - Gift, Not Give

    This man had been accompanying his wife and neglecting all the piles of work activities that should''ve been his responsibility for three days. The phone kept ringing, calling the blue-eyed to address some urgent problems that greeted the Wenceslas Group. Sometimes, the files were also taken to the patient room of young master Wenceslas''s wife.


    "Sir, we have to increase the budget for the Wenceslas Plantation''s project this month. We need to cooperate with social organizations to increase the welfare index of residents around plantations". One of the Wenceslas Plantation employees explained.


    "Why? Do you need an empowerment program there?". Hendra smelled trouble at the plantation site in East Kalimantan.


    _Without an explanation, the CEO immediately knew we were using an economic empowerment program for the surrounding community_ The Wenceslas Plantation employee swallowed his own saliva.


    "Aruna. Come here, honey¡­ I''ll help". Hendra forced his wife to sit on a chair. The girl who had just rinsed her hair while taking a shower in the afternoon was starting to get just as much attention. The blue-eyed took a towel and stroked the tiny girl''s wet hair who was sitting.


    "Please.. I''m doing this too, okay? It''s fine, right? Just continue. Why are you silent?". Hendra flicked his employee''s gawking face.


    "I just knew about your personal life. It turns out that you''re like this. Hehe". There was a chuckle, causing Aruna''s cheeks to turn red. Not only today, it had been three days since the grumpy man turned into a nice aunt. He helped with everything and provided for every need. Including trivial things like drying hair.


    The sound of the hair dryer also made the room noisy. Hendra was drying Aruna''s hair.


    "Continue your explanation. I can split my concentration". The Wenceslas Group''s CEO said.


    "Ah. Okay, sir". He answered.


    "So, in the last six months, Wenceslas Plantation found cases of massive thefts. Even though they only took a few palms, each individual was indeed a little. Unfortunately, when calculated each month from the data, it can reach hundreds of millions. That''s why we thought of diverting the funds to build the local community''s economy". The employee gave the data to the CEO.


    "Why not ensnare them with Articles 362 and 363 of the Criminal Code and Law on Plantations (No. 39 of 2014), also Articles 64 (1) and 55 (2) of the Criminal Code with a maximum penalty of nine years in prison?". Hendra''s words made his wife''s eyebrows furrowed.


    "Maybe they come from a low class economy, Hendra. That''s why they were forced to commit theft just to meet their daily needs. Sir, before filing a claim, note the extent to which they''ve taken the advantage of the stolen goods. If it''s only for daily meals, what''s wrong with feeding people in need?". Surprisingly, the tiny girl joined the conversation, interrupting the explanation of the Wenceslas Plantation employee.


    "Yes. As your wife explained, we can''t possibly take legal action against them. We''re actually more careful so that the stigma that is formed in the community remains positive". The employee added.


    "It''s a matter of habit. When there is no action, they won''t feel that what they''re doing is part of a violation of the law". The CEO actually threw a statement about the Articles of the Criminal Code on Plantations to explore the perspective of the Wenceslas Plantation. But it turned out that his little wife was also talking, so he continued a more in-depth discussion.


    "Economic empowerment programs alone won''t help. Right?". The CEO of the Wenceslas Group added.


    "It will. As long as we explore how far the social organization or philanthropy that provides empowerment services will move?". Aruna answered excitedly.


    "Ah. Really?". Hendra joked.


    "True. Do you know? Empowerment means making something empowered or having power. To give power or authority. The power here isn''t only empowered economically. The measurement index can be in all directions, including being empowered from harmful behavior". Aruna explained seriously.


    "My wife is smart.. Come here, I''ll give you ''give''". Hendra reached her head and showered kisses on Aruna''s cheek. Repeated kisses at the same spot.


    "Argh.. It''s a ''gift''. Ah. Stop.. Hendra, STOP!!". They forgot about the Wenceslas Plantation representative who was seriously listening to their discussion. But now, that person was confused by the scene in front of his eyes.


    The Wenceslas Plantation employee was even more astonished to see his CEO getting a pull on his hair for constantly bothering his wife.


    "Can I get a clearer decision?".


    _I''m awkward seeing the behavior of this husband and wife_ He didn''t know what to do.


    "Hehe". The couple immediately tidied themselves up.


    "What were you talking about?". Wiryo''s grandson forgot his responsibilities.


    "Final decision regarding the theft of palm fruit".


    "Okay. I agree with my wife''s idea.. Let''s use an empowerment program. Visit a few service providers and find out which one enables behavior change". The CEO explained.


    "Not to find out, dear Hendra.. But to make a request to the service provider to bring up an index of behavior change from input, process, output. It can be that the outcome and impact are even measurable". Aruna had a lot of experience in this field. Apart from the fact that Lesmana''s daughter had been in the world of volunteering since she was in school, now she was also developing the same thing in building a partnership between Magic Letter and the Bunda BISA program (NGO).


    "My wife is very smart.. She deserves a second gift". Hendra made a hand gesture to chase away the Wenceslas Plantation person.


    Instead of going, he approached while handing the file. Even though Hendra was trying to catch his wife: "Mr. Hendra, you haven''t signed this!".


    "Come here quickly".


    _Ugh. I can lose my moment_ Mahendra made some scribbles without looking. He wanted to quickly play with Aruna who was starting to melt.


    "Sir!".


    "Ugh! What else??".


    "The palm thi..". He hadn''t finished talking.


    "Follow my wife''s explanation. That''s correct". Mahendra whispered something in his ear: "Get out quickly. If possible, run!". The poor Wenceslas Plantation representative was gone.


    "Hendra.. Why are you getting closer? What do you want??". He smiled to himself. Aruna memorized the look on his face. He wanted something.


    "Go.. Far away!". This girl backed away and climbed up her bed as he approached.


    "ARGH!". Hendra dropped her on the patient bed.


    "Give me my favorite breakfast". His face turned into a pleading seduction.


    "What are you saying? You''ve eaten earlier". Aruna was thinking.


    "Not that breakfast but ''that'' breakfast.. Sobs sobs". He pretended to cry, like a kitten asking for food.


    "Move first, please".


    _I''m uncomfortable being hugged like this_ Aruna mumbled seeing her stomach used as a place to beg.


    "I don''t want to..".


    "Why?".


    "I haven''t received love for three days.. Give me your kiss, you stingy woman".


    "Haha.. What kind of expression is that?? Haha".


    "Pity this poor man. Sob sob". He was still putting on a sad face.


    "Hahaha..". Aruna giggled at Mahendra''s strange behavior. He was begging to get his favorite kiss on the lips. Which was once stated as his life''s short-term, medium, even long-term goals.


    ~~~


    "I have a dream now, to have a kiss every time. If not every time, once a day is enough. If it can''t, once a week is fine. If it can''t, once a month is fine. As long as I get it". (Chapter 99, A Special Chair)


    ~~~


    And he was trying to achieve his dream. Getting a kiss from her, the most intoxicating cocaine and a woman who grabbed all the attention.


    .


    .


    "Pity this poor man. Sob sob". He was still putting on a sad face.


    "Hahaha..". Aruna giggled at Mahendra''s strange behavior. He was begging to get his favorite kiss on the lips. Which was once stated as his life''s short-term, medium, even long-term goals.


    "Just once.. Please". He was head over heels for her.


    "Promise you won''t be violent".


    "Yeah, I promise.. Aruna''s style, right?".


    "Yeah..". The girl nodded and this man got closer to those seductive lips.


    "Wait!". Aruna held his chest, resisting the will of the man who had touched his forehead to Aruna''s forehead.


    "The second condition is to remember the time! Okay".


    "YES¡­ But don''t use the alarm. It makes me stressed out". The blue-eyed complained while giving a fixed gaze.


    Now the heavenly song began to burst, along with the motion of inhaling his wife''s breath. The man finally managed to slowly suck her lower lip. Aruna had a different power when it came to her lips. It could be because this girl was his first kiss, therefore he seemed to have no desire for others. Moreover, she was willing to reply. Even his tongue had been allowed to play there. Although she was still shy, sometimes she suddenly stopped. Hendra was no longer disappointed. He realized that was the rhythm of his woman.


    "You want to breathe?". Hendra gave her a chance. Aruna tried to balance herself.


    Her breath was jumping up and down. Hendra knew she was starting to suffer. Not sure what happened, this girl grabbed his neck. She asked for more. Of course, the blue-eyed was getting excited.

 Chapter 165 - What’s A Fetus

    "You want to breathe?". Hendra gave her a chance. Aruna tried to balance herself.


    Her breath was jumping up and down. Hendra knew she was starting to suffer. Not sure what happened, this girl grabbed his neck. She asked for more. Of course, the blue-eyed was getting excited.


    "You want something different?.


    "Hmm¡­". While still seducing Wiryo''s grandson.


    "Try to stick your tongue out.. I''ve learned something". (As usual, he read an article on Google ''Types of kisses with a seductive sensation''). The blue-eyed offered something with a fixed gaze.


    "You want..?". He seduced without pausing.


    "You''re embarrassed, aren''t you? Look, your cheeks are red". Mahendra joked. This girl covered her face with both hands.


    "It''s okay.. You''re very beautiful at a time like this". The man talked more so that this naive girl would open up.


    Hendra lowered her hand. He didn''t only enjoy her lips but more like the expression of affection. The blue-eyed was admiring her eyes now. Several times, those round brown eyes closed because of the touch of a man''s lips who were resting on his hands, afraid to crush her. The corners of her temple, her forehead, the tip of her nose, and he stopped himself everytime he wanted to sneak in between her neck. A frown of disapproval showed on his woman''s face.


    When that limit wasn''t violated, surprisingly, Aruna, who had been silent for a long time, said the extraordinary words: "Thank you, dear".


    The man smiled happily. For the first time, he was called dear by his wife.


    That happiness was even caught by her. This girl touched Hendra''s hair like the way he treated Damar. She inserted her tiny fingers through his hair and stroked it. Damar usually begged her to do this.


    "You.. Why do you like me?".


    "Not just like. I know I''m stupid at this, but I''ve done an analysis of myself".


    "Hehe". Mahendra''s strange answer sparked his wife''s laughter.


    "Then? What''s the result?". Aruna was curious.


    "I''m madly in love with you". He was being honest.


    "You always have strange answers!". He made Aruna blush. Even though Hendra''s words tend to be unromantic, he always expressed what he felt confidently. No matter how strange it was, sometimes he forgot to filter it.


    "Hmm.. May I know? Why are you interested in me?". She was being carried away by curiosity towards the Wenceslas Group CEO''s love confession.


    "Why?". He was confused.


    "Oh, I know". The man seemed to be enlightened. He exclaimed excitedly.


    "Because your lips are tasty. Hehe". As if he''d just finished the last column of a crossword puzzle, Mahendra was overjoyed.


    "Ugh.. How come the answer is like that?!".


    "That''s all I have in mind".


    "You''re number one when it comes to perverted stuff". Aruna wanted to get up to end it, but the man didn''t allow her to. He held back his girl.


    "Because you''ve become the only valuable treasure that I have right now. That''s why it''s not just love. I can''t lose you". The man''s next step was to hope for something again. What else if it wasn''t his ''cocaine''.


    "Enough, Hendra. You''ve already got a lot today".


    "Just one more time".


    "Enough.. I want to re.. Argh". She hadn''t finished speaking her words.


    The man''s head was hit roughly.


    "HOW DARE..". His voice was loud in annoyance. Then he sighed helplessly.


    "Sis?!". The petite wife nudged her husband harshly.


    "You know?! Mom is very worried about you.. She''s often gloomy because you said you wanted to go back to Dad''s house!!". Alia said.


    _Oh, Aruna really wanted to go home leaving me_ The blue-eyed understood something.


    "Really? I have to apologize to mom". Aruna was very embarrassed. She hurriedly tidied herself and got up from the bed.


    "Turns out you''re busy doing that all the time". Not sure what Aliana meant.


    "Doing that all the time??".


    _What does she mean?_ Aruna didn''t understand at all.


    "YOU!! IF MY LITTLE SISTER IS TIRED, DON''T KEEP ASKING FOR THAT!!". Alia slapped Mahendra''s shoulder a few times. Aruna couldn''t help but smile awkwardly seeing her treat him like that.


    "I''m suspicious.. Very suspicious.. My sister fell unconscious in the bridal chamber. It must''ve been because of you. COME CLEAN!". Alia urged threateningly.


    "Yeah.. Yeah.. That was me. Who else?!". Hendra gave up. He was already caught red-handed and Aruna was sick because of him.


    "Tsk! I can''t imagine you ''doing'' my sister all night until she passed out in the bathroom". Alia misunderstood.


    "Hey, I wasn''t ''doing'', okay?". Mahendra was surprised to be accused carelessly.


    _I only touched ''that'' for a few seconds and disaster came. Sigh. My poor fate_


    "Stop.. Hendra isn''t wrong..". Aruna tried to save her husband.


    "You too! Do you enjoy it that much?". Alia snapped.


    "No! It''s not like that!". Aruna stuttered since she was also accused.


    "Hey, Adit! Control your girl..". Hendra was irritated by the false accusations. He called the marketing leader at his office who was also Alia''s boyfriend, who had been enjoying the scene of himself being hit.


    "Sorry, CEO.. You''d better call me brother-in-law". He smiled mischievously.


    "That''s enough.. Pity my husband". Aruna stroked her big sister''s hand who was carried away by emotion.


    On the other hand, the way the wife defended her husband made her husband blush.


    "Yes.. Honey, it''s not good for you.. Calm down..". Aditya came closer and calmed Aliana down.


    "Here! Let''s eat. Mom brought a lot of food for you". Aliana''s words were welcomed by the three of them. Like a group of small kids who were being led to follow their mother. She was slowly starting to get busy arranging dishes.


    "Ah.. Mom''s food. I miss home". Lesmana''s youngest daughter exclaimed. While the man beside her was busy cooling down a spoon of rice for his wife.


    "Eat a lot. We''ll stay at mom''s house later, okay?". A spoon of rice managed to slip into the lips that had given him pleasure. Mahendra smiled happily. It wasn''t easy to persuade his wife to eat. It had been three days since this man had transformed into a babysitter taking care of her.


    "Hendra, I''ll just eat alone.. So you can also eat mom''s cooking".


    "No problem. Look! I''m eating, too". Mahendra showed her and served the second spoon to Aruna. He gave too much attention.


    "I didn''t think you were this close". Aliana was stunned.


    "I''m even more stunned. The cold CEO in my office has the opposite personal life". Aditya was also stunned.


    Those words made the newly married couple''s cheeks turn red.


    "Doesn''t getting married add to the burden?". Aliana asked.


    "Yes.. For sure.. Our responsibilities increase. But as responsibilities increase, happiness also increases". Mahendra explained wisely.


    "Listen to him, dear.. Let''s just get married for the sake of the fetus". Aditya gave encouragement to his girlfriend.


    "It''s not that easy, dear.. Dad will be very angry with us if we confess.. I''m stressed". Aliana looked messed up.


    "Remember, dear.. You can''t be stressed out.. Take a breath". Aditya looked worried.


    "You guys are worse. You hit me earlier, but turns out.. Ah, maybe that''s your way of expressing your worries". Hendra mocked them.


    "Yes.. Why?". Aliana confirmed Hendra''s allegations.


    "Good thing you''re not my wife. I''m grateful;". Hendra insulted.


    "I''m also lucky.. It has been a week but my sister hasn''t recovered. She must be tired because you ask for ''that'' everyday. You''re just as horrified". Aliana denied.


    "What?? You.. How dare you insult me.. Look at you! You dared to ''do that'' before getting married". Mahendra couldn''t accept it.


    "Hey, brother-in-law.. Please don''t insult my girlfriend. Her emotional condition needs to be taken care of". Aditya patted Aliana''s back to calm her down: "Be patient, dear".


    "You too.. Ugh.. A polite man who looks nice.. It turns out.. Scary!". Mahendra mocked him.


    Aliana looked more confused. In contrast to the woman who had been comfortable accepting a mouthful of rice.


    "Hm.. What exactly are you guys arguing about? What''s a fetus?". This girl asked innocently.


    What? You don''t know yet? Haha". Hendra laughed. No wonder Aruna didn''t get excited.


    "Fetus is an embryo in the womb. Your sister is pregnant. It means she''s pregnant before getting married". The blue-eyed explained.


    "What?". Aruna was surprised.


    "How could you do that to my sister?". Aruna asked. This innocent girl positioned the relationship between them like the relationship between herself and the blue-eyed alien.


    "It''s not my fault either, Aruna. Your sister seduced me a lot. Hmm..". This kind-faced man didn''t dare to tell the truth about what happened. He was getting a sharp glare from his girlfriend.


    "How could this happen?!". Aruna couldn''t help but think. The innocent girl was cornering her sister.


    "Calm down, dear.. They''re an adult couple. That kind of thing can happen anytime. That''s normal". Hendra gave her an explanation, but his wife couldn''t accept it.


    "But still that''s against the rules". The good kid scolded her sister.


    "Yes, I know. But.. It''s been done!".


    "Argh.. How''s this?". Aliana looked confused.


    "Before doing something, you should think about mom and dad''s feelings. You''ve gone too far this time". The little kid was furious.


    "We didn''t mean to, Aruna.. You must''ve done that often with your husband. You also can''t refuse it, right?? Just like us. At first, we just went on vacation. But we had to stay overnight. In such conditions, doing nothing made us suffer. Well, that''s what happened". Aliana defended herself.

 Chapter 166 - Use Your Feelings

    "We didn''t mean to, Aruna.. You must''ve done that often with your husband. You also can''t refuse it, right?? Just like us. At first, we just went on vacation. But we had to stay overnight. In such conditions, doing nothing made us suffer. Well, that''s what happened". Aliana defended herself.


    "You should''ve been more strict! Remind each other". Aruna also cornered the man.


    "Hm.. We''ve been dating for years and.. I know I was wrong. I''m sorry". Aditya gave in and apologized. He didn''t want to disappoint Alia, whom he loved, with his words.


    "You see, honey? I''m pretty good at holding back this far". Hendra said. He was hoping that this moment could make her realize. The girl who didn''t want to be touched by a grown man with a natural instinct that was really hard to control.


    "Hendra, stop it". Aruna was annoyed. She asked her husband to be quiet. She was still in shock because of her sister''s behavior.


    "So, what now? Dad must be very disappointed.. Poor dad..". Aruna was concerned, imagining about her dad''s face.


    Surprisingly, Aliana got up and pushed the body who had been clinging to her sister. She slipped between the married couple, told Mahendra to go. The blue-eyed man slightly objected, frowned, and ended up accepting Aruna''s sister''s treatment.


    "Well, that''s it. Actually, I''m meeting you today to ask for help from Aruna, dad''s good kid.. Please, help me talk to dad". Aliana was making a request to her sister.


    "I don''t want to.. I can''t see dad sad. Just say it by yourself". Aruna was sad to imagine what would happen to her father.


    "The problem is, if you''re with me, he''ll only show his sad face. Meanwhile, with me, dad won''t express himself at all. Maybe he''ll just kick me out". Aliana pleaded, still trying to persuade her sister.


    "But I can''t.. I won''t be able to see dad sad..". Aruna was torn between helping her sister or being confronted by her dad''s sadness. She loved dad too much that she couldn''t convey a disappointing sentence.


    "I''m sure dad will forgive you. Dad is a good person and he loves us". Aruna convinced Aliana to speak for herself.


    "Dad is indeed very kind and he loves us all. But you know¡­ This sister of yours has often violated the rules. It''s easier for you to persuade him than for me to do it.. Please! Persuade dad to forgive me.. There''s no other way besides your help". Aliana didn''t want to waste the opportunity to keep persuading Aruna. The two sisters looked at each other, realizing something. Her sister''s words were true. This brilliant looking older sister was the best at going against dad''s orders. Dating secretly, refusing to be married, and now the worst. Being pregnant out of wedlock.


    "There''s actually an easier way to solve this problem". The blue-eyed suggested with a relaxed expression, in contrast to the look on his wife who looked very serious.


    "Let''s hear my CEO''s directions first.. He usually has an out of the box idea". Aditya was suddenly being nice towards Mahendra.


    "Hendra! Are you thinking about the same thing?". Aruna looked at Hendra''s expression.


    "Just get married as soon as possible. Don''t bother telling dad".


    Hendra showed a simple and feasible solution.


    "Yeah, that''s what I''m thinking". Aruna agreed with her husband.


    "About wedding invitations, I''m ready to design it for free". Aruna promoted Magic Letter.


    "You can use my hotel facilities". Mahendra added.


    "But, the problem isn''t just that.. Actually, there''s something even more complicated". Aliana looked very gloomy. On the other hand, Aliana''s words made Aditya look  agitated.


    "If I have to get married, what about my career? Then my college? Only one semester left. I can''t when the graduation takes place in six months, it''s not me who gets called as the best student. I''ve struggled this far. Marriage and raising the fetus are very likely to ruin all my struggles". Alia was a brilliant girl, a perfectionist, and had a stellar career in her workplace.


    "Hm.. Something must be sacrificed". Aruna spoke in her signature low voice.


    That simple phrase could touch someone''s heart. A husband looked at his wife.


    Then what about Aruna? Aliana was luckier than her girl. Aruna sacrificed a lot of things. Not only college, her career as the founder of Magic Letter, her love story, her youth, and also her warm and cheerful personality because she had to deal with a man with acute PTSD who often had difficulty in controlling his emotions.


    Hendra immediately understood something that he was looking for about her looking unhappy all the time.


    "Don''t you realize! You once destroyed someone. You should''ve thought about your sister''s college and career before she took your place as my future wife". The blue-eyed man instantly turned cold. Even the marketing leader where he worked also felt the change.


    "Hendra, don''t talk like that!". Aruna was also aware of her husband''s emotional shift.


    "If you choose to sacrifice your fetus, remember. You have destroyed the lives of two people at once!".


    "Hendra, enough!". Aruna raised her voice.


    "Aruna, I''m sorry". The woman who was hit by this complicated problem suddenly showed her guilt and cried, hugging her sister.


    "Sorry, I''m selfish". Her emotions were uncontrollable and she kept crying.


    "Don''t listen to Hendra''s words..". Aruna hugged and comforted her sister. She, who was also a crybaby, bursted into tears.


    "Enough, don''t cry.. You make me sad too.. Stop, stop". Aliana ignored Aruna''s words. The woman who had just found herself pregnant was having a lot of thoughts and was getting more confused.


    "My words are correct, right?! Don''t just use your brain for college assignments. Use it to think about other people, including your future baby". The cold CEO showed his true attitude outside of his personal life with Aruna.


    "Can you shut your mouth, Hendra! Do you know the condition of my family at that time? Use your feelings to understand other people''s circumstances". The tiny wife got emotional because her husband had the heart to make hurtful remarks to her sister. He was too harsh. Aruna really didn''t like it.


    ..


    When Aruna''s version of a perfect adult partner in the past left her room, what was left now was an awkward feeling between herself and her husband.


    "You''re still mad at me". Hendra started to apologize.


    "No.. I''m just a little disappointed".


    "Actually, I was thinking about you". Hendra admitted the concern that he slowly understood.


    "I know, but that''s not how it works". Aruna approached the blue-eyed man, holding the palm of the man who was nervous because his wife yelled at him.


    _he''s different, Aruna. You have to remember about Psychosocial Therapist_ Aruna warned herself. In the past, when Mahendra suddenly changed, she''d see him as a strange man. Now, her point of view had changed drastically. Maybe Hendra really had trouble understanding other people''s feelings or something. She didn''t understand what Hendra''s illness was.


    Aruna watched her husband as she kept her curiosity.


    "Even though sometimes our advice is right, if you convey it in the wrong way, you won''t find other people following your advice". Aruna gave an explanation while stroking Hendra''s fingers. The man she was talking to was stunned to see the good behavior that was presented by his girl.


    "Maybe you haven''t understood this much yet, right? You said that you don''t have many friends to socialize with. This kind of thing is different from the interaction between superiors and subordinates. At work, whatever you say, since you''re the boss, your words will be heard by them. But when interacting with friends, let alone our family, we''d better find the best way". This little girl''s words were replied with a nod. He turned into an obedient man. Not only because of the meaning of Aruna''s words, but more about the way that warm woman treated him. Even his family rarely paid attention, let alone advice that was presented in a nice way like this.


    ***


    "I''m also thinking the same thing as you, son. Unfortunately, my friends are too naive in business. Too bad we''re old people who are pretentious". Once Adam spoke, the others had known it well. It''d contain a poisonous venom that was ready to be pecked at his own partner.


    "If I may know, what concept are you offering, Gibran?". Rio, his own father, questioned his son''s thoughts.


    "I want to do a massive expansion towards digital. In the future, if this company can''t keep up with market trends, I''m afraid we''ll sink together". Gibran took a deep breath.


    "Imagine if we spend too much money on revenge and forget to improve the quality of our products, I''m afraid we''ll be left behind because of our delay in following changes. The attraction to overwhelm colleagues is extraordinary. But, until when should we burn money for our colleagues? Wouldn''t it be better for us to burn money for expansion from conventional to digital?". Gibran finished his explanation. Surprisingly, those councils were silent. Something beyond Gibran''s prediction. He initially believed he''d be severely humiliated or at least be opposed.


    "What Gibran said is right". Tanto also voiced his support for Rio''s son.

 Chapter 167 - An Idea Was Expensive

    "What Gibran said is right". Tanto also voiced his support for Rio''s son.


    "Just go ahead. If you agree, let''s vote now". Linus Abraham didn''t want to linger.


    The next thing that happened was that the council voted and it turned out that only one person had a different opinion. The other six voted to support Gibran.


    "What about the engagement between you and Baskoro''s daughter?". One of them questioned the marriage that was prepared for Gibran.


    "Actually, I don''t mind marrying anyone. I know my life will turn out like this. But, it seems that Shakila, Baskoro''s daughter, is quite shocked by her father''s decision". Gibran conveyed the results of the meeting between him and Shakila, Baskoro''s daughter.


    "You don''t need to think about that kind of thing. The important thing is that her father agrees. Marriage isn''t something important for us, think of it like an agreement".


    Gibran no longer spoke. He knew the majority of the sons and daughters of these seven people had the same fate as him. Getting married to expand their business was often referred to as a sacrifice. They forgot that it was their children who were being sacrificed.


    "Actually, I don''t agree with your way. You see, your personal life in the family is mostly a mess. Rio, if you still have a rational mind, reconsider forced marriage for your child. Sorry if my words are always contradictory and sorry if all this time I don''t want to sacrifice my children. The proof is that I enjoy my old age the most". Adam spoke again. He was always outspoken. But what he said was true. Adam''s family was the most worthy of being a role model than the other six councils. Even the son of one of them had been detained in prison for repeated drug abuse.


    Implicitly, the son and father were caught staring at each other for a moment then hastily averted their eyes.


    ***


    "Sorry, for this huge decision, we can''t immediately agree. It''s better if you talk to Aruna directly". Dea was quite surprised by the pressure from Aruna''s brother. Lately, Anantha had been frequenting Magic Letter''s outlet. Sometimes alone, sometimes with his friend named Gibran (Rey).


    Both hoped to immediately invest in Magic Letter. Meanwhile, Aruna''s friends were confused when they were asked for their approval.


    Magic Letter was used to discussions on Saturdays. They still carried on this habit even though Aruna only occasionally followed via video call. Each Magic Letter team had the same right to speak and had the same power in making decisions.


    To be honest, the majority of the members had agreed to receive big funds from Gibran (Rey), Anantha''s friend. However, the strength of the two of them who hadn''t shown the same decision, carried a fairly dominant reason. That''s why the final position they agreed on was to wait for Aruna to join the joint discussion as a final decision.


    Not sure how Anantha knew that Dea and Timi had different opinions from their friends. This man was eager to seek approval from Dea. While Timi, that new member, was even more extreme. He refused outright and couldn''t be influenced at all.


    Timi had a quite reasonable reason. A start-up that was only at the SME level would receive large funds exceeding expectations. In plain view, it didn''t make sense. Magic Letter needed to upgrade itself so that it deserved a big funding. In line with this, financial administration, system management, and everything else had to have correct operational standards. Meanwhile, Magic Letter was just a group of young people looking for extra tuition money by selling online massively and carrying a unique concept.


    It was undeniable that one day it could develop in all directions that were more challenging. But, before developing, it was obligatory to have a clear stepping stone. At least a clear operational system. Then, it could receive any amount of funds.


    Otherwise, what was feared was that the owner of the capital could acquire it as easily as turning the palm of the hand. Considering that Magic Letter had a different and fresh concept. An idea was expensive and the people in it needed to be aware that there was something they had to guard.


    Since the beginning, the arrival of Timi, the new member, brought many positive influences, especially in terms of developing Magic Letter. He wasn''t only a design expert who looked too pro. Sometimes, he also looked like a misplaced professional worker. His face was indeed a baby face. But when examined further, he looked like an adult and mature man. The way he communicated, the way he dressed. His behavior didn''t look like a college student''s. He made Lily crazy about him.


    "Thank you, Timi.. For making us aware of what we''re facing". Dea said as the two of them led those two men down the Magic Letter''s exit.


    "I''m just doing my job". Tyan Mizan Timur replied, his other hidden name.


    ..


    "Can I get your hug?". Hendra wanted his wife to hug him.


    The tiny girl hesitantly approached the person who was sitting on her patient''s bed. A moment later, she got the embrace of the man. She was small and almost drowned out of sight because she was covered by a tight hug.


    "I want to get this hug every time.. Is it okay?". He asked for more. Aruna started to memorize Hendra''s habits.


    "I don''t know..".


    "Hm.. We should''ve returned from our honeymoon in Italy today if you weren''t sick. Well, it''s okay.. My work was also busy.. Instead, do you want a honeymoon on the Gili (island) belonging to my family? I guarantee you won''t be disappointed. The place is very beautiful". Hendra offered.


    "Is it just the two of us?". Aruna slowly let go of her husband''s embrace.


    "Yeah, of course. It''s just the two of us. But don''t worry. There''s an officer on duty". Mahendra explained.


    "Is the place quiet?". The tiny one was agitated.


    "Yeah.. In Gili Arun, there''s only one mansion. Wenceslas''s private mansion".


    "Is it far?".


    "Not really.. On Lombok island. Not far from Gili Lebak and Gili Trawangan. Have you been there?".


    "Once.. When dad was on vacation, our family went on a trip to that island". Aruna seemed to be thinking. Not sure what was bothering her.


    "If I decide to refuse it, won''t you be angry?".


    "No. Of course not!".


    "Actually, I don''t mind going on honeymoon with you. I just prefer to be in a crowded place. Holidays like people in general. Can we go to Bali?". Aruna was afraid of what happened to the perfect adult couple who broke dad''s rules.


    "Unfortunately, if we go to Bali, we can''t go alone. There are some people who''ll be forced to come. Bali is too crowded". Hendra hoped that Aruna wouldn''t choose Bali.


    "Wow, that''s what I want!". She exclaimed.


    "Let''s just go to Bali". She looked more excited.


    "Not Gili Arum?". Mahendra''s face showed a tinge of disappointment.


    "Bali is already very nice. I want to go there". Aruna was trying to save herself from things she couldn''t face yet.


    ***


    "Today we''ll discuss the most viral and hottest news so don''t change your channel".


    "Danu Umar. Who knows him? The soloist and novelist who''s more busy being a songwriter than singing on stage now".


    "This morning, the singer of the hit song ''Reddish Hue'' just came out of a police investigation regarding a viral video involving him breaking through a busy street in front of the Salemba Hospital".


    "The most comforting thing is that the allegations related to him being drunk or using illegal drugs that made him cross the busy street in the middle of the night aren''t proven to be true".


    "He didn''t really say much when we interviewed him". The host of the infotainment program that hit the soloist Danu Umar.


    "But his manager, Pandu, said that it was him who broke through traffic that night. The reason was because Danu Umar was in a mess because someone very important in his life was being treated at the hospital, so he didn''t realize when crossing the street". The woman in red also commented. She was also one of the hosts of that infotainment program.


    "I think it''s normal.. When we have a lot of thoughts and suddenly we just walk without looking. If we look at the video, Danu looked empty. Right??". The others responded warmly.


    "Maybe he was too messed up. Fortunately, Danu survived even though many cursed at him. Let''s look at the video again. There were so many people cursing at him? And he was just silent like".


    "Who do you think that very special person is?".


    "I''m also very curious".


    "I don''t think it''s her mother. Because according to information, his mother is still working like usual".


    "Turned out, her mother is a HRD in a multinational company and she still went to work as usual".


    "Okay.. He''s also the only child of a single parent. It looks like this will be hot news!".


    "I think it''s related to a girl. Do you think the same?".

 Chapter 168 - Shining White Eyes

    "At first, they were curious about Danu using drugs or maybe he was consuming alcohol. Turns out, he didn''t. I think public opinion will turn to ''who made the novelist and soloist who wrote such sad poetry to do such a terrible thing?''".


    "It seems that it won''t be far from a girl problem. He seems single, but who knows?".


    Someone took the TV remote and turned off the infotainment broadcast that Aruna was watching.


    Aruna accidentally found the viral video that was discussed by that infotainment. At first, she was just looking for entertainment. While waiting for someone who was having a meeting with Surya and people from his company.


    Aruna immediately ran to the bathroom and locked herself when she found out that it was Hendra who turned off the television. She was afraid that the blue-eyed man couldn''t control himself. Knowing that Hendra had a syndrome that made him very different.


    "I won''t be angry. Come out.. Obey my request. Come out, Aruna". This man knocked on the bathroom door slowly.


    "I won''t do stupid things like what I did at that time. Believe me.. Come on. Come out!". He asked one more time.


    Aruna opened the bathroom door. She lowered her head and didn''t dare to look at Hendra.


    "I''m sorry.. I..". Aruna stammered. She apologized.


    "Please, Hendra. Don''t be angry..". Aruna was scared.


    "Look at me. I''m trying to suppress my anger as much as I can. I won''t repeat my stupid behavior. I know that no matter what, you guys..". Hendra received a hug before he finished talking.


    "I will try for two years according to our agreement. I won''t make a bond with anyone before it''s over. You can keep my promise, Hendra.. You know I''m a consistent person". Those words didn''t calm Hendra''s heart. This man immediately let go of his woman''s embrace. He chose to leave without looking back. He walked out of Aruna''s room in a hurry.


    _Oh my God, what did I do?! Is he going to sleep again like at that time?_ Aruna couldn''t just do nothing.


    She quickly followed the footsteps of the man in front of him. Aruna needed to know where Hendra would go.


    That man took the elevator to the fourth floor and Aruna ran up the stairs. She hoped to reach the fourth floor at the same time. This sick girl was quite tired. She didn''t find Hendra.


    But, she didn''t give up. She kept looking in every corner of the room on the fourth floor.


    Until finally, she found one of the rooms with ''psychiatry'' written on it where two people were communicating. Hendra and that woman. The woman who spontaneously made the brown eyes glow with anger.


    ~~~


    "If you feel this place doesn''t suit you, it''s easy.. Make Hendra change. Change the love that Hendra has for you. If necessary, make that feeling disappear. The faster you''ll be free".


    "Love??". (Aruna)


    "I feel like he''s just so-so towards me". (Aruna)


    "Ah. You really don''t know?? This marriage happened faster because you were chosen by Hendra. Your marriage to him isn''t just a marriage agreement between Mr. Lesmana and the elder. But more because he wants you".


    "As long as his feelings for you are strong, he won''t let go of what he has. A year, two years, maybe forever".


    "I still believe in Hendra even though he''s a difficult person to understand".


    "Are you sure?".


    "Hm.. May I know why he often meets you?".


    "Because Hendra feels uncomfortable telling personal things to his wife. That''s why he needs me all the time".


    "Then how to make Hendra''s feelings go away?".


    "For someone who''s always hopeful. First, make sure you reject him repeatedly, so that he realizes how much you don''t want him. Second, bring him and make him close to another woman. I can help you if you need another woman''s presence".


    "I''ll try the first way".


    "Make sure you end it quickly. So that another person can immediately take your position".


    ~~~


    "What kind of doctor is she?".


    The door was pushed roughly by the tiny girl, Aruna.


    _She tricked me. She hid Hendra''s true state. Oh my God. How could she take advantage of Hendra''s condition to get him?_


    "Stop it!". Aruna''s voice surprised the consultation session between doctor and patient.


    "How did you get here?". Hendra was shocked.


    "Hen, come with me! Get out of here right now". Aruna''s command was full of anger.


    "You''re not allowed to interfere with the doctor''s consultation activities with her patient". The doctor couldn''t accept it.


    A tiny hand flew and surprisingly landed on the cheek of the woman with the title Sp.KJ.


    "Aruna, what are you doing?". Hendra was no longer surprised, but shocked. He wasn''t sure about what he saw. His delicate woman could slap someone and the victim was his personal doctor.


    "Ask this Dr. Nathasya M. Triyuono yourself". Aruna said sarcastically.


    "What''s going on?". Hendra was confused by the two women who were arguing.


    "Oh.. Why are you silent, Doc? Tsk. Are you ashamed to admit it?". Aruna urged her.


    "Come on, Hendra. Let''s get out!". Aruna pulled her husband''s hand. The blue-eyed man was still trying to understand the situation.


    "He''s in need of help, Miss?". Nathasya interrupted, holding Mahendra''s other hand.


    "How dare you hold my husband''s arm. Get out of my way!". Aruna snapped.


    "What''s going on, Aruna?". Hendra''s words were ignored.


    "My husband doesn''t deserve to be treated by a doctor who hopes that she can act as another woman for him. He''s too honorable!". Aruna pushed away Nathasya''s hand. She struggled to pull Hendra, who was still confused.


    "Hen.. Why don''t you move?!".


    "I''m just confused why you''re angry like this".


    "I can explain that later. Most importantly, let''s get out of here right now!".


    "I want to know it right now". The blue-eyed pleaded.


    "Okay. If you don''t want to listen to me. I''ll get out of here. Please tell about your extraordinary personal things with Dr. Nathasya".


    "Hey.. Hey.. That''s not what I meant". The husband was following his wife out of the psychiatric room. Suddenly, his wife stopped. She turned to look at him, then grabbed his arm. The woman named Aruna pulled his arm in a huff.


    "You should no longer use the services of Dr. Nathasya. Stop using her as your personal doctor right now".


    "I can''t do it without a reason". Hendra was still curious. He triggered Aruna''s emotions.


    "Huh.. I''m too lazy to discuss it. Do you choose me or her?? If you choose to keep her, don''t expect your breakfast".


    "Breakfast? Your lips?!".


    "Yes! What else?!".


    ..


    This girl looked away but her hands still gripped her husband tightly.


    Her eyes were slowly distracted by the mirror in front of her. In the past, the man beside her was an analogy for an imported branded product. Meanwhile, she was just a tiny local ethnic accessory with standard characteristics. At first, the branded one looked stiff, rough, and cold. He scolded her for accidentally daydreaming about the handsome face from the elevator mirror of Wenceslas Ritz hotel.


    Now, the imported brand product was quietly observing her. He didn''t realize that Aruna was looking at him from the mirror. Aruna was almost not sure she could get this close to Mahendra.


    "Hmm..". Both spontaneously spoke at the same time.


    "You go first..". Hendra exclaimed, letting his woman speak first.


    "No, you first..". Same with Hendra, Aruna also let him.


    "Okay, I''ll go first..". Hendra said.


    "There''s good news for you. You can go home tomorrow. But it seems there''s something unpleasant that you have to go through".


    "What is it?". This girl asked, slowly starting to look at her husband.


    "I want to ask your permission. Do you want..". That man stopped for a moment.


    "What? Just go on. If I can help, why not??". Lesmana''s daughter was curious.


    "So, one of the companies under the Wenceslas Group encountered a problem. The agreement at the closed meeting concluded that we should appear to the public. Honestly, I don''t agree. Unfortunately, I have no other choice. My team needs a way to divert attention". Hendra explained slowly about what he meant.


    "Hen.. Hm.. I don''t understand what you''re talking about. Just tell me what I should do". This girl needed more understandable words. A simple command for a second year student.


    "Do you want to accompany me in an exclusive interview with a TV station?". Mahendra asked.


    "I don''t mind coming. Unfortunately, I''m not good at talking". She had been on a talk show on a TV station. It was only two sessions with her friends on Magic Letter, including Damar, a newcomer soloist whose personal life was being explored at that time.


    Mahendra must''ve still remembered it. The blue-eyed surprisingly came and sat in the front row. He looked at her carefully then ended up catching Aruna, locking that girl in one of the Nara&TV rooms.


    "Who says you''re not good at talking? Your way of speaking is more pleasant to be heard than mine. The founder of Magic Letter, the participant of several start-up seminars. Don''t forget you were in that field".


    This girl was silent remembering her past that she missed so much.

 Chapter 169 - Accept Your Fate

    This girl was silent remembering her past that she missed so much.


    "Don''t be sad. Soon, you can go to college, you can return to your activities, and you can even taste junk food as long as you don''t have too much". Mahendra suppressed his anxiety. This man finally decided to give freedom to Aruna. The simple communication that existed between Aruna''s sister, himself, and this tiny girl reminded the blue-eyed that he''d taken many things from his own wife.


    "Is it true??". Aruna seemed to want to jump. She was very happy.


    "Yes". One word that came out of the blue-eyed man''s mouth made his girl tiptoe and pull his neck. She wanted to give a peck on the cheek, but their heights didn''t match.


    "Haha.. Tell me if you want to give me a gift". Hendra chuckled seeing Aruna''s behavior that failed miserably. Lesmana''s daughter was embarrassed.


    When the blue-eyed matched their heights, it was a pity that the elevator door was already open.


    "Hehehe.. You''re the one who failed now". Aruna was laughing at Hendra now.


    ***


    "You don''t want to fight for our relationship?". She asked that after listening to the words of the man he loved. That girl trembled, holding the glass she''d just taken a sip.


    "Neither I nor you could possibly be able to go against their will". The man in front of her was no longer able to look at Syakila''s face.


    "You''re just going to give up? I''m disappointed in you". That woman began to shed tears.


    "I''ve seen a man who wanted to kill himself just because he''s trying to fight his fate. At first, I thought I''d do something crazy to keep you. But after a while, I realized that if I hold on, in the future I''d be just as bad. He''s luckier though. His rival isn''t part of the family". This man looked at his girl''s face one last time.


    "Let me go, Shakila. Someday if you can be free, come to me whenever you want". That man grabbed his cell phone and slung his bag over his shoulder. He was ready to go.


    "You weren''t like this. But why are you like this now?". There were tears falling down.


    "Because I have to be realistic. If I decide to stay, I have to be ready to see you in his arms. That''s unrealistic. Even more absurd when we go against your father''s will, as well as my family''s will. You and I are no match for them. Even if we run to a desert island in this country, it remains impossible. We can get caught and you''ll suffer even more. Accept your destiny and I''ll accept mine".


    That man left the distraught woman who was hiding herself in her palms, sobbing uncontrollably. While the person at the front didn''t look back at her again. Their six years together, ended up just like this.


    ***


    The black Bentley Continental sped down the capital''s streets. There was a happy smile on the girl''s face. She''d been smiling since yesterday. It had been a long time since she''d been allowed to return to her simple world. The campus, Magic Letter, possibly about her who might be able to teach again in the place where she seeked happiness with those little kids.


    "Ah.. How happy I am..". Aruna opened the car window and felt the air blow her hair while frantically looking for a hair band. A moment later, her long hair turned into a ponytail.


    "Hendra, can this car stop for a moment?". Aruna asked for permission.


    "No! You just got sick. No junk food for today and the next few days". As usual, the CEO of Wenceslas Group was busy looking at his cell phone, taking calls, and chatting with people.


    "Hen.. Your schedule at the TV station is at 8 PM today, but you have to be there for the briefing at 6.30 PM". Surya reminded his boss'' agenda.


    "Okay, alright. As usual, prepare clothes for my wife including her makeup". Hendra asked.


    "Don''t worry. I''ve contacted Leona. She''ll take care of everything". Surya explained.


    "Aruna, please close the window! The air is dirty". This man still got time to see Aruna''s behavior in the middle of work discussions.


    "There''s still a traffic jam at the front?". Hendra was a little nervous. In an hour, he had to go to the next agenda at the office. Unfortunately, he was still stuck on the road to take his wife home first.


    "What if we go straight to the office?". Surya provided a solution. The people on the D floor needed Hendra. They managed to overcome the second sabotage. Unfortunately, the investigators who handled the first sabotage case couldn''t be conquered.


    They had presented the concept as natural as possible, including analytical data supporting the rhetoric presented by their CEO. It was as if the investigators were looking for an endless inch of weakness. That''s why diversion of issues needed to be intensified or the condition would get worse, because of many speculations that were deliberately carried out by several parties.


    "Aruna, what about..". He hadn''t finished asking.


    "I''m coming to the office!".


    "Really? No problem?".


    "If I''m tired, I can just sleep in your private room right? If I''m hungry, I''ll just ask for food? What else do I need?". This girl was still excited. Going back to the main house was more difficult for her. She felt trapped.


    "But I''ll be gone for quite a while.. I''m trying to contact your bodyguards. Have a good rest while I''m away. We''ll meet again at 5.30 PM. Hope you look beautiful". Mahendra said.


    "Okay, CEO!". Aruna exclaimed.


    "But, by the way, I haven''t got breakfast from you today". Hendra remembered.


    "Ugh. You guys will do it again. Just do it later. You better sympathize with us. Don''t forget that Hery and I are single". Surya objected.


    ***


    The CEO of Wenceslas Group held his wife''s hand after getting out of the Bentley Continental and then heading to his private elevator to the fifth floor. Mahendra hadn''t let go of that hand grip.


    The girl had a simple look with no make-up, only a ponytail, a bright colored skirt, and a white top combined with a cream colored sweater.


    It was quite a contrast to what was around her. The typical neat clothes of elite offices were complemented with perfect make-up on every woman who was there. Including masculine men with shirts who looked neat.


    Moreover, the person who was holding Aruna. He had a different aura with the suit he was wearing. Each room and table that was passed presented an automatic movement where someone spontaneously stood up to greet him or salute him.


    Hendra walked with a firm, fast rhythm. Sometimes, his eyes glanced briefly at the people around him. In fact, he didn''t care at all most of the time. Because the blue-eyed was just silent along the way, without returning the smile and greeting the people who presented their bright smiles. Even Aruna who seemed confused put on a smile to reply to several people.


    .


    .


    "So, that''s his wife". A muffle sound crept into their ears.


    "She looked amazing at the Blue Oceans party. But she''s so simple right now".


    "Well, it''s called an arranged marriage. However the result is, it has to be accepted".


    "I think that girl is lucky enough, since she''s average. Just younger than us. Haha".


    "If it''s true that the CEO was on leave just to take care of his wife yesterday, this isn''t just an arranged marriage or forced marriage. But, a really warm husband and wife relationship".


    "At least we need to thank her. Because of her, we enjoyed a few days free from the restraints of the perfectionist CEO".


    "What you said is right".


    Hendra''s office was suddenly full of heated discussions regarding the arrival of a simple new creature who was said to be able to influence the sole heir of the Wenceslas Group.


    .


    .


    Not far from Aruna''s expectations, Hendra sank into his desk when he arrived at the room she''d visited before to dry her wet skirt.


    A moment later, the files arrived, accompanied by beautiful women and neat men in turn. Some of the files were rejected, some were accepted, and some weren''t touched at all.


    But, someone was sitting in front of him for a long time.


    A woman with shoulder-length hair. Aruna accidentally heard that she was the manager of this hotel. It seemed that the financial report issue hadn''t been completed. Hendra discussed it for a long time.


    At the end of the conversation, Hendra asked that woman to take Aruna to his private room, while asking for healthy snacks and drinks to be served for his wife.


    That woman kept smiling warmly accompanying Aruna''s footsteps. She spoke professionally with a certain accent. Aruna wouldn''t be able to imitate the way she talked.


    "Honey, a moment..". Hendra called. That voice echoed and made several people turn their heads, including her who was already on the other end.

 Chapter 170 - A New Creature

    "Honey, a moment..". Hendra called. That voice echoed and made several people turn their heads, including her who was already on the other end.


    Aruna turned her back to meet her husband. Likewise, that man rushed to her. He whispered something in her ear: "You forgot something important.. Go back to my office for a while".


    "Hm.. What?". Aruna felt that she didn''t bring anything. Nothing was left behind.


    He grabbed her back hastily, bringing her back to his room.


    When they arrived at that place, the door was locked by the blue-eyed. There was a movement of pressing the woman''s body against the door and then he mercilessly devoured her lips.


    "Hen.. Ah..".


    "Stop!". She hit her husband''s chest several times.


    "You''re too violent.. I don''t like it!". She pushed him with all her might.


    "Hehe. Sorry.. Once again, okay?". It was as if he hadn''t made a mistake for his violent action that seemed rude.


    _I''m too hungry_ He spoke in his heart.


    "Relax.. Relax a bit..".


    He slowly drowned in the desire of biological instinct again. He closed his eyes every time he managed to suck her lips.


    "Hendra, not the neck!". Aruna groaned.


    "Just once.. Not more". He couldn''t be controlled.


    "Aw.. Aw..". This girl squeezed the man''s arm when she found that her neck wasn''t just sucked in. He made a hickey.


    The door was knocked from outside.


    "That''s enough! Someone''s looking for you!". Aruna was agitated to find Hendra was getting harder to be reminded. His grip on her hips was getting tighter.


    "Ah.. Aw..". She groaned again. There was a second hickey marking her neck.


    The sound of a knock on the door was heard again.


    "Hendra.. I beg you.. Stop¡­ Ah.. Aaa.. Hen, you''re hurting me!". For the third time, he made a hickey. Along with the way this woman begged to be released.


    Hendra who was unable to control himself was the part she feared the most about this arranged marriage.


    The crazy CEO finally agreed to let her go after the sound of the knock grew louder as he opened the door furiously.


    "What are you doing? Your seat is waiting for you!". Unknowingly, the people on the D floor were waiting for Hendra for quite a long time. Surprisingly, Wiryo, who was deliberately detained at the door, wanted to enter the room. He found his grandson''s hair disheveled because Aruna grabbed it to release his bite.


    Lesmana''s daughter seemed even worse. Her hair was messy and there were three red marks marking her neck. She was shaking anxiously, worried, and afraid.


    Hendra rushed to take off his coat. After observing the direction of his grandfather''s gaze, he needed to cover Aruna''s neck and her body that was shivering due to his behavior. That suit wrapped tightly around his wife''s body but her agitated expression was still seen.


    "Do you want to go back to your father''s house?". Grandpa Wiryo made an offer.


    "How dare you interfere, asking my wife!" Hendra looked very angry, standing in front of Aruna. He covered that girl from Wiryo''s gaze.


    "I''m just asking the girl who looks really worried. What did you do to her?".


    "None of your business!".


    Aruna was shocked by the way these two people communicated, very rude and pressuring each other.


    "Going home to dad''s house, does it mean I¡­?". Aruna tried to understand it.


    "Get out, Wiryo. Or you''ll see even greater regret". Hendra threatened. He was rude and ignorant to his own grandfather.


    "Hey! How dare you threaten YOUR GRANDFATHER!! Don''t forget who''s more powerful!". Wiryo tapped his stick.


    "Those of you who are outside, make him realize!!". Two of Wiryo''s bodyguards entered Hendra''s office. One of them even called the others.


    Aruna had seen the same incident. Hendra would be caught by his own grandfather. What kind of family life is this?


    "Please! I beg you. Don''t do bad things to my husband!". This girl got rid of the two people who wanted to catch Hendra.


    "Get out of the way, Aruna! Go to my room right now! I can handle this!". Hendra snapped. He was quite disappointed with his grandfather, displaying this kind of thing in front of his wife.


    _There''s no other way. I have to persuade grandpa_ This girl rushed to stop the old man''s steps.


    "One day I want to go home to my parents'' house, but not now. Hendra still needs me by his side. Thank you for worrying about me, Grandpa. I know you''re angry because you feel responsible for me, but I also don''t want Hendra to get hurt because of this misunderstanding". Lesmana''s daughter kept urging Wiryo to change his decision.


    "Are you sure you can endure it? Don''t push yourself or I''ll keep feeling sorry for your father". Wiryo asked Aruna''s determination.


    Meanwhile, not far from her, Hendra tried to escape from his grandfather''s bodyguards.


    "Someone has to endure it. If not his family, then who else? Moreover, I''m his wife. No matter how hard it is, I have to endure it to help him". The tiny girl''s words left Wiryo speechless. He went with his bodyguards, leaving Hendra who was furious. He calmed instantly when he got an embrace from his woman, a new creature who filled his days, whom he became increasingly impossible to let go.


    ***


    "Sit down first.. Drink first..". Aruna calmed her husband down. She asked that man to sit on the sofa and immediately served him water. Hendra found it easier to calm down. He was no longer looking for medicine like usual. Taking a sip of water that was served by Aruna was enough. The blue-eyed was calmer and wasn''t as angry as before.


    "How? Already better?". The woman asked gently. This girl was trying her best to become a psychosocial therapist. Whether her method was right or wrong, she didn''t know. Aruna was just trying to treat her husband well.


    This girl tidied up the shirt that was wrinkled because his grandfather''s bodyguards held him. Then she took off the coat that Hendra had put on her body, asking Hendra to put it back on.


    "Why did you take it off?". Hendra was confused by the way that girl forced him to put his coat back on, including Aruna who was trying to straighten the collar of his shirt.


    "They were waiting, right? I''m sure that means you have to attend the meeting agenda immediately". This girl spoke while busy tidying the Wenceslas Group CEO''s hair.


    "I don''t want to go". The blue-eyed was still reluctant.


    "Why? No matter how angry you are, you have to do your responsibility". Aruna grumbled.


    "I''m too lazy to meet my grandfather. It''s okay to be like this once in a while, right?".


    "You can''t!". Aruna looked at him then she said again: "When parents are angry with us, if possible, don''t be angry too".


    "Huh.. You don''t know him. How bad that old man is".


    "I also didn''t know you before. I always felt you were a strange and mysterious man. Even though now the more I know you, it turns out you''re even weirder! But I never hate you".


    "Hm..". This man was thinking.


    "Once in a while, giving in won''t lower your self-esteem. It can be a solution so that you and grandfather can start a better communication pattern. Regardless of whether you''re angry or lazy, responsibilities must still be carried out. I''m very proud of a person who carries out his responsibilities when he''s angry". Aruna asked Hendra to keep attending the meeting agenda.


    "I go because of you. Remember, not because I want to". He disapproved but after a while he was willing to stand up.


    "Yeah, whatever. Whether it''s because of me or anyone else, the important thing is that CEO Hendra doesn''t abandon his duties".


    With a displeased face, he began to walk. He paused for a moment then turned to open a drawer under the bookshelf. It turned out that Hendra took out a scarf. Then he put it around Aruna''s neck, making a ribbon with it. It seemed he didn''t want the red marks he made to be seen by others.


    "Did it hurt?". Hendra asked about the way he made the red stains on the neck.


    "You don''t have to ask!". The woman tried to keep Mahendra''s hand from holding the red marks on her neck.


    "I''m sorry".


    "No need to apologize. It''ll only last a few days and then you''ll repeat it. You''ll keep going until suddenly I''m pregnant. Huh! Annoyed".


    The blue-eyed looked down, feeling very guilty.


    "Just go! It''s okay.. After a while, I think I''m getting used to being treated like this. Go now or you''ll be late!".


    He, who was going to attend the meeting on the D floor, departed. He felt calmer and more confident than before.


    But he stood for a long time at the exit. As if he didn''t want to stop staring at her.


    "Enough.. Just go! Don''t forget to meet me before 6 PM. I promise I''ll look beautiful". Aruna''s statement led to Mahendra''s departure. He disappeared behind the door.

 Chapter 171 - Want To Attend

    ***


    "You don''t want this cheque? Think carefully before making a decision".


    "I hope I''m having a bad dream. How could my own deputy mayor hand me a cheque to stop Dreams City?".


    "Look at the amount. It won''t disappoint you. One year of our salary and benefits".


    "Are you not aware? Dreams City is my dream! What''s in your brain to make you think someone who has big ideas and big goals wants to exchange it for money?". Riswan was very disappointed with the deputy mayor who openly handed a cheque as an attempt to stop the Dreams City project. One of the requests was to no longer work with Wenceslas Construction.


    "May I know who asked you to send this cheque to me?". Riswan was curious.


    "No one. It''s my own initiative". The deputy mayor replied.


    "Hahaha. It doesn''t make sense. You tend to like money then admit that you took the initiative to give me a cheque. I''m really not sure".


    But along with his words, mayor Riswan''s brows furrowed slowly. He needed that cheque to track down who was behind it all. Hendra would be very happy.


    "Please keep that cheque for me. I might change my mind in a day, two, or even three days. Make sure the cheque is always safe". The mayor gave his instructions to his deputy mayor.


    ***


    Mahendra''s arrival on the D floor brought his own aura. He just had an argument with his grandfather. Usually, he didn''t want to attend. But this time, it was different. He was seen sitting quietly in front of his grandfather: "I''m sorry".


    There was an expression of apology. It caused the people around him to turn around for a moment. Mahendra didn''t care.


    The old man stared at him a little longer. He felt sorry for what he''d done. He made a reply to Mahendra''s apology: "Treat Lesmana''s daughter well. I have a moral burden on his father".


    "Even though I often make mistakes, I love my wife. Actually, I always try to be good to her, even though sometimes I still have trouble controlling myself. Please give me a chance. Don''t take her back to her father".


    They talked to each other without looking at each other. Their tones were flat and cold. It was already extraordinary compared to their previous way of communication. Two equally stubborn creatures were willing to let go of their awkwardness for a moment.


    ***


    "Are you ready?".


    "Yes..". Aruna came out of the car assisted by her husband, Hendra. Their arrival was immediately greeted by someone from the TV station. It was rare for a CEO of a TV station to attend an event at a rival private TV station.


    At first, his tiny wife thought that the TV station they were going to visit was Nara&Tv. In fact, the exclusive interview for their marriage was held on another private TV station.


    A TV station that often presented gossip or infotainment programs. Indeed, one of the most spectacular programs was the casual but serious talk show program that carried the name For You with two well-known presenters throughout the country.


    Who didn''t know Biyan Tirta and Lalita Ayu? The way they presented that program was casual. But what their audience was most interested in was that they were able to research a case or something that was being discussed lightly, sometimes full of jokes.


    "Wow. Thank God they''ve come. Please sit down. Let''s talk casually first, okay?". Biyan and Ayu approached the couple who they would be interviewing live in an hour. Hendra was seen shifting Aruna''s seat before he sat down.


    "Is there anything that we shouldn''t ask?". Ayu asked a question to the two people in front of her.


    "When will we have a baby? Hehe". Hendra replied jokingly.


    "Why isn''t such a question allowed?". Ayu also said jokingly. At first, she was tense because who she faced was the CEO of Wenceslas Group. A man who had gone viral with the nickname angelic face, including his background as the sole heir of a multinational company. Even some hotels in big Asian cities were his.


    "Because my wife isn''t ready yet". Mahendra replied. Aruna only smiled.


    "That was a key question that could go anywhere". Biyan added.


    "I was just joking. It''s okay, you can ask. Unfortunately, I''m sure my wife can''t answer it yet". Hendra added with a friendly smile. He was teasing Aruna who was too tense.


    "Hen..". Aruna said softly, calling him with a sulky face. Hendra smiled sweetly. He approached and kissed her cheek while whispering something: "Remember to call me honey when in public. Okay?". He said softly only for his wife''s ears.


    The tiny girl nodded several times.


    That interaction made the two people in front of him feel awkward.


    "Wow. You two seem very warm to each other, don''t you?". Biyan said, smiling meaningfully. Either he thought that way was often shown by couples who attended exclusive interviews or indeed he was really stunned.


    After the briefing, the husband and wife were asked to wait in the waiting room.


    "Are you nervous, honey?". Hendra asked, starting to disturb Aruna to reduce this girl''s nervousness.


    "A little". The nervous person replied the blue-eyed with something that was the complete opposite of what she was showing.


    "Drink first". Mahendra suggested.


    "No. Or I''d want to pee later".


    "How is this? I''m a little nervous".


    "Hold my hand like this if you feel nervous later". Hendra grabbed Aruna''s hand and held it.


    "Now, to make you feel less nervous, come here". Hendra asked her to come closer. This man offered his chest for her to lean on. Surprisingly, his woman was willing to come closer and lean herself on Mahendra, finding a comfortable side for each other. The blue-eyed''s hand began to play with his wife''s hair, sometimes kissing the top of her head.


    "Hendra, let''s sleep in your private room at the Djoyo Ritz hotel tonight. Can we?". She asked.


    "Why? Do you want to be there?".


    "I don''t know. I feel like that room feels like you".


    "Really? The interior and all the items are indeed my choice".


    "No wonder your aura was clearly seen. Gray, neat, calm, and firm lines in every corner of the room. Like you, who''s mysterious, perfectionist, cold, and stubborn. All of those are in that room".


    "Wow.. You observed it in such detail. I think I''m not like what you said?".


    "At first, I also thought that way. How could a naughty man who likes to do what he wants have a different office life? When I heard from several people, for example, Aditya, said ''wow, the CEO''s personal life can be like this?''. I couldn''t believe him. What does he mean? Turns out it''s so different". This woman spoke while leaning herself on the man who had another side while enjoying the touch that the blue-eyed gave her.


    "Did you just realize I''m only warm to you?". Listening to Hendra''s words, this girl got up and looked at the face of Wiryo''s grandson.


    Then she fell silent.


    _Is this what Doctor Diana called, a trigger factor? What was it? Who can be the healer? I don''t know.._ Aruna''s mind wandered. The night where she was given a brief understanding about Hendra. This girl began to think about every word that was conveyed by Doctor Diana.


    "What are you thinking about? You were tense, but now you''re daydreaming??". Mahendra said seeing his girl was silent with a blank stare.


    "Why are you only warm to me? Why not to the friendly Grandma Sukma or to Mr. Surya, your personal secretary and best friend? Hehe. But Mr. Surya is more fun when he''s bullied. Or to..". This girl stopped her words after thinking that all that was left was Grandpa Wiryo and Mrs. Gayatri. The rest were only workers who had no meaningful ties to the CEO of Wenceslas Group. Hendra didn''t have many people in his circle of life. Aruna just realized.


    [CCTV Observation Room]


    "Biyan, see? I won. You have to treat me after this". A hidden habit carried out by the creative team of For You talkshow. They deliberately observed their invited guests who were waiting backstage through CCTV as material for arranging statements so that they didn''t miss their real life.


    During that observation session, Ayu and Biyan made a bet. Ayu was the winner. She believed that the two of them, Aruna and Hendra, had a harmonious household life.


    .


    .


    "This is what we''re waiting for. Prepare your hearts because what we''ll discuss today is.. Byan, how is this? My mouth can''t even call our guest stars today". Ayu joked, opening the talk show session.


    "You''re exaggerating, Yu. But anyway, you''re telling the truth. Indeed, our guests are very special. Who else, if not the new couple who were being chased by the media crew yesterday?". Biyan replied.


    "So actually, there are two things that make us interested. Even you guys who are at home will definitely be interested. The first is the groom who''d gone viral because of the betting case of several actresses. Because, geez, he''s just really handsome. You know what kind of public figures that we like, right? Hehe. Rich!". Ayu was talking nonsense.

 Chapter 172 - For You

    "So actually, there are two things that make us interested. Even you guys who are at home will definitely be interested. The first is the groom who''d gone viral because of the betting case of several actresses. Because, geez, he''s just really handsome. You know what kind of public figures that we like, right? Hehe. Rich!". Ayu was talking nonsense.


    "This is what we''re waiting for. Prepare your hearts because what we''ll discuss today is.. Byan, how is this? My mouth can''t even call our guest stars today". Ayu joked, opening the talk show session.


    "You''re exaggerating, Yu. But anyway, you''re telling the truth. Indeed, our guests are very special. Who else, if not the new couple who were being chased by the media crew yesterday?". Biyan replied.


    "So actually, there are two things that make us interested. Even you guys who are at home will definitely be interested. The first is the groom who''d gone viral because of the betting case of several actresses. Because, geez, he''s just really handsome. You know what kind of public figures that we like, right? Hehe. Rich!". Ayu was talking nonsense.


    "You make us not focus, Yu. I swear!". Biyan said.


    "I''m not done talking yet. Don''t disturb me! And second. It turned out that before this case was actually over, the CEO of the Wenceslas Group or Djoyo Makmur Group, surprisingly married an ordinary girl. A sophomore majoring in design. Which makes us desperately curious, because the wedding was also so extraordinary called Blue Oceans. See. You guys are already starting to realize who''s going to be here. You can''t believe it, right?? I can hardly believe it too!! When it''s confirmed that our guests are willing to come today..". Ayu exclaimed excitedly like a professional host of the show.


    "And to make matters worse, that marriage was hidden from the media. Including his wife, who was said to be the luckiest woman in this year, was also hidden from the media. And today.. WOW WOW". Biyan was hysterical. His expression was so eye-catching.


    "Both of them came to For You talkshow, special for all of you who are at home and in the studio. Let''s welcome CEO Mahendra Wenceslas and his cute wife, Mrs. Aruna. Please..". Biyan''s voice brought the footsteps of the married couple to the stage. Hendra was seen holding Aruna''s back. Aruna''s footsteps needed to be guarded so they didn''t fall. She was wearing slightly taller shoes today. She still looked tiny.


    Hendra seemed to stop for a moment and smiled at the camera. He helped Aruna to do the same. A little clumsy but Aruna tried to follow the blue-eyed''s direction.


    After shaking hands and sitting on the sofa, this girl became even more tense.


    "See.. See.. He''s so handsome". Ayu joked.


    "Yu! He''s someone''s husband. Remember". Biyan said.


    "How does it feel to have a handsome husband? Aa.. He''s looking at me, Biyan". Ayu joked.


    Hahaha. They laughed together.


    "Let''s ask a standard question first..". Biyan tried to go back to the original topic.


    "Hi, Hendra. Could you introduce the cute wife beside you? Reportedly, who''s very difficult to be searched by reporters. It doesn''t seem like she does a lot of outdoor activities, huh??". Biyan asked.


    Before answering, the Wenceslas Group CEO sat up with attentive eyes and gave a warm smile.


    "Honey.. Let''s greet the viewers at home first?". Mahendra asked Aruna to wave at the camera.


    "As you mentioned earlier, my wife''s name is Aruna. A second year student, right?". Hendra was indeed smart. He stole the attention of many people, including showing a warm impression regarding his marriage.


    Aruna nodded as she took Hendra''s hand, a sign that she was really nervous. Nervous because she''d be widely known as part of the Wenceslas family. More precisely, the wife of Wenceslas''s sole heir. A status that she didn''t want from the start.


    "Indeed, my wife is currently on leave from her college. She''s a little traumatized when she was chased by the media crew to the campus lobby. Maybe someone still remembers I made a statement in front of the Tri Pusaka campus because of my wife. Oh, at that time she wasn''t my wife yet. So, she was urged to make a statement regarding the viral photos of us that were accidentally spread widely". Mahendra reminded the public how Aruna was once ''held hostage'' on the second floor because she was being hunted by journalists. Actually, that incident was done by Hendra, by asking Pradita to distribute photos of himself with Aruna to clear his name.


    "Ah, right.. I remember very well. Actually, at that time you were being rumored to be close to Tania, right?". Ayu confirmed.


    "We miss Tania.. Since the rumor of spending the night with you at the hotel, Tania is like being swallowed by the earth.. Even all her advertisements and drama series contracts were suddenly terminated.. Perhaps you know about Tania?". Biyan said.


    Hendra just smiled. This was why he really didn''t like attending TV station exclusive interviews. Because this was a live event, Hendra had to respond.


    "Honestly, like my statement from the start, we both have been friends since high school. It can be confirmed to some of our high school friends. The rumors saying I brought her because she won a bet or we spent the night together at my hotel and so on, all of them were a big mistake because I brought Tania home that night. Previously, we''d stopped at the Wenceslas Ritz hotel because I had things to do at that time. I''m sorry I spoke at length because I hope that my good name, including my best friend Tania, is completely cleared".


    Mahendra covered the anger in his heart. Other people wouldn''t be able to see it because that face was still bright and full of smiles. Except for the tiny girl beside him who began to understand that there was something different about Hendra''s face.


    "How about the communication with Tania? Is it still good or¡­?". Biyan hadn''t finished talking yet.


    "I also lost contact with Tania since that incident. It''s too bad how a rumor can destroy our friendship". Hendra hastily interrupted Biyan''s question.


    _Ah, right.. I forgot about Tania. Where is that old man hiding her?_ The latest info about Tania that Hendra received was that she and her manager were under Wiryo''s supervision.


    _Oh my God.. How could I forget about something important?_


    "Okay. Alright. Let''s go back to the main topic, okay? Hopefully, in the future we can see Tania again in the drama series. Hi, Tania.. We miss you.. Your rumors are cleared now. Come back. Work again. Love you, babe". Ayu said. She was part of Tania''s friends.


    "For Mrs. Aruna. How does it feel to be the wife of CEO Mahendra? With his handsome face and reportedly, also the main heir of the Wenceslas Makmur Group. Is that true?". Ayu asked Aruna a question.


    "Hmm¡­". This girl looked at Hendra. Hendra rubbed Aruna''s arm as if he meant ''it''s okay, just answer it''.


    "Hehe.. So-so". That girl''s answer brought laughter to the people around her. They couldn''t understand how she could make such a simple answer to a long and emotional question. Naturally, in general, women would answer while showing off how amazing she could have a husband who was being loved by many people. He even became the target of Indonesian actresses.


    "Please. Is there another answer?". Ayu urged.


    "Hm.. Sometimes, I''m also happy". Aruna added.


    "Hehe.. You seem like a funny girl, right?". Biyan guessed.


    "Not funny, but adorable". Hendra added sweet words. He knew Aruna was nervous.


    "I can''t accept if the answer is just like that". Ayu whined.


    "What about Hendra? How does it feel to have a wife who''s seven years apart? Is that right? And still a college student". Biyan chattered.


    "More precisely, it''s almost eight years apart between me and my wife. She just had her 20th birthday while I''m gonna be 28 soon". Hendra answered.


    "Then, how do you feel? Don''t answer ''so-so'' or ''sometimes, I''m also happy''. Haha". This male host gave Hendra an ultimatum while remembering Aruna''s answers earlier.


    Hendra laughed before answering: "My life is more colourful. To be honest, even though she''s much younger than me, I learned a lot from my wife. We have slightly opposite characters. I find it a bit difficult to socialize because of my busy schedules. Meanwhile, my wife, from the first time we met, I knew she''s a warm and cheerful girl. It makes me want to be home soon".


    "Uh.. So sweet¡­". Ayu also blushed.


    "Then.. Is there anything else?''. Ayu asked.


    "What else?". Hendra was also confused.


    "I''m definitely happier now than when I was alone. So, those who are still single, get married quickly. Hehehe". Hendra''s answer ended with a chuckle. His dimples were seen on camera. He looked much different from his aura that seemed cold. Now, he looked like a warm man.


    "Hendra is making fun of us". Biyan said.


    "Just you, not me. I''ve been married even though I''m a widow now. Hahaha". Ayu joked.


    "Please, God. Leave one more guy like Hendra. I''ll marry him immediately". Ayu exclaimed, making the whole studio laugh.


    "Okay. Don''t go anywhere. After this, we''ll come back. For You, special for you". Biyan closed.


    .

 Chapter 173 - Founder Of Magic Letter

    .


    .


    "Hm.. Mrs. Aruna, can you be more expressive?". Ayu asked.


    "Sorry, I was a little nervous". Aruna answered.


    "May I have a cheat sheet for the next questions? So that my wife can prepare the answers". Hendra asked.


    "Actually, we want spontaneous answers. It''s okay, just answer as she wishes". Ayu slightly objected to telling him about it.


    "Ah, right.. One more.. I hope the question is only about the two of us". Hendra was slightly objected to being asked about Tania.


    "Hm..". Ayu was forced to smile. "We''ll try!".


    ***


    The second session had started. The most interesting thing was that Aruna and Hendra were given a board and markers. They were asked to play a game about who knew who better. So, this couple would be asked questions. Each of which had to be answered at the same time.


    "Okay. Let''s get started. First question". Ayu exclaimed.


    "Wait. What should the loser do?". Biyan interrupted.


    "Kissing the winner''s cheek". Hendra joked spontaneously.


    "Wow, that''s a good idea. Alright. The loser will give a kiss to the winner. Yeay". Biyan was excited, while Ayu had a gloomy face.


    "Ah, I''m so jealous.. What if I also join the game so I can get it? Haha". Ayu joked.


    "What''s the size of your partner''s shoes?". Ayu asked. Of course, Mahendra was right while Aruna was wrong.


    "Okay. Second, where did you first meet?". Biyan asked.


    Aruna answered Cafe La Rose, while Hendra answered the entrepreneurship seminar event and entrepreneur award at the Tri Pusaka auditorium.


    "Wow. Why is it different? Who''s right?". Biyan asked for a confirmation.


    "Hehe. I lost again". Aruna smiled, acknowledging her mistake.


    "Most special place that you''ve visited together?".


    Mahendra wrote ''study center for community welfare institutions''. Aruna wrote ''I don''t know''.


    "Oh my.. How can Mrs. Aruna not know which place is the most memorable for the two of you?". Ayu shook her head. That girl just smiled.


    Aruna was amazed by Hendra''s answer. She wasn''t sure that a simple place that made Hendra afraid to walk on its floor was a special place according to the Wenceslas Group CEO.


    "But, anyway, what''s a study center? Where is it? Is it really fun?". Biyan was curious.


    "The place where my wife becomes a volunteer. Teaching for underprivileged children. It was my first time coming there and I think that''s something amazing". Hendra explained.


    "Oh.. It must be a very special place because you feel something very different, right?". Biyan asked.


    "It''s not the place that is special. More like.. I can observe my wife teaching and she looks the most beautiful at that time". Hendra remembered.


    "So sweet¡­". Ayu screamed.


    "The fourth question. What is each other''s favorite food?".


    Aruna''s answer was healthy food, juice without sugar, vegetables, fruit, etc. While the blue-eyed answered spicy garbage food.


    "Haha. What does it mean?". Biyan laughed.


    "But this time our answers are both correct". Aruna exclaimed. She finally got it right.


    "What do you mean by garbage food?". Biyan was confused.


    "She likes to eat carelessly. Sometimes, something not worth eating". Hendra explained. That tiny girl pouted in response to Hendra''s explanation.


    "Alright. This is the last question. Who declared love first?". Ayu asked.


    This question was actually a tricky question, whether they were really an arranged couple or they married because of love.


    Hendra answered ''me'', while Aruna answered ''him''.


    "Wow.. I really can''t believe it. It was CEO Hendra who expressed love first. How did you feel when you first got a love confession from Hendra?". Ayu asked again.


    Aruna just smiled, unable to answer.


    "Too special? Until you don''t want to answer it".


    "Maybe".


    "Can you explain in more detail, please?". Ayu was hoping this girl would talk more.


    Biyan, who wasn''t shot by the camera, even moved his hand. He hoped that Aruna would talk more.


    Hendra preferred to remain silent because he was actually curious.


    "Actually, I''m very touched when someone likes me so deeply. I''m also happy that he often says affectionate words every time. But sometimes it''s annoying because he''s too much". Aruna answered slowly.


    "What do you mean by too much?". Biyan said. This girl was very hard to figure out.


    "Maybe because he loves me too much, so I''m not allowed to do anything".


    "Wow, you''re so protective". Biyan said to Mahendra.


    "All for my wife''s own good. It''s just that sometimes she doesn''t understand and becomes fussy". Hendra replied.


    "So, when do I get a kiss on the cheek? I win". Hendra asked.


    "I don''t want to see it". Ayu grumbled.


    Aruna shyly approached. She put her tiny lips on Hendra''s cheek.


    "Thank you". Hendra whispered in her ear.


    They were caught on camera so intimate.


    That scene delivered an expression of relief to the people in the basement of the D floor. In the mayor''s office building. At the house of the Lesmana family. And at Wenceslas''s main house, even that quiet woman smiled when she saw that her son who had disappeared had returned.


    .


    .


    Session after session passed. Unfortunately, this girl hadn''t been able to adapt. She was still nervous with the camera and the eyes of many people. In the past, she was very confident. Appeared to give various materials for newbie entrepreneurs. Perhaps, due to being used to being isolated, that bright girl had a hard time coping with the crowded world.


    .


    .


    "Is it true that Mrs Aruna is¡­ Danu Umar''s friend?". Suddenly, a surprising question appeared at the end of the show. Hendra''s face immediately changed.


    "Yes..". Aruna answered hesitantly.


    "So, you also briefly appeared at one of the TV stations discussing Danu Umar''s career before becoming a newcomer musician".


    "Yes.. I could only attend one session, shorter than the others". Aruna''s memory was still strong when Hendra sat on the frontest seat as if threatening her.


    "Oh.. It means you''re also a part of the start-up where Danu Umar used to work, right?".


    Aruna only nodded. She saw the aura of the person beside her slowly changed, no longer warm.


    "There''s a lot of talk going on right now.. Maybe you also know that Danu Umar has been having a lot of problems lately. After the suspicion from the police wasn''t proven, now people are curious about the girl who''s close to Danu Umar. Well, while you''re here. As his friend, do you know? Who do you think is the woman who''s close to Danu Umar even before he became a musician?". The host''s words made someone angry.


    "Sorry. I don''t know". Aruna began to see Hendra''s movements which seemed to be emotional.


    "Do you also know the founder of Magic Letter?".


    That question was only answered with a meaningful smile.


    "It''s a question from the team behind us. I''m sorry, Hendra. Since we can meet your wife, we ask about it". Biyan said after seeing that Hendra''s expression was different.


    "Is it true that one of your friends, allegedly the founder of Magic Letter start-up, has a close relationship with musician Danu Umar?". Ayu asked.


    "I''m the founder of Magic Letter".


    "Ah. What?". Biyan was surprised.


    "Wow.. I think the info from the team behind us is wrong. Hehe". Ayu said.


    "Haha. Obviously, it''s wrong information". Biyan said.


    Someone started tapping his fingers, an old habit that had faded and was back now. Hendra couldn''t stand it. His gaze turned sharp.


    .


    .


    The couple went without having a chance to say goodbye properly. The man put on an unpleasant expression. The hosts understood their mistake ''asking outside the proper guidelines''.


    Hendra immediately rushed out, unfriendly. Unlike when he came earlier. Meanwhile, Aruna walked slower through the hallways of the TV station.


    "Pandu?". This woman stopped. She knew the person sitting there, in the glass-lined room.


    She was thinking how she could communicate with that manager.


    .


    .


    *Hendra, I''ll go to the bathroom first. (WhatsApp from Aruna)


    *I''m already in the car. Don''t be too long. (Hendra)


    *Alright. Be patient, okay? (Aruna)


    That girl finally found a way to meet Pandu. She slipped a message to someone who was going to enter the meeting room of the TV station.


    .


    "Aruna, how did you get here?". Pandu asked. They sneaked inside an empty room.


    "I attended a live talk show. I was asked to accompany my husband". That girl answered.


    "Damar, is he okay?".


    "He''s getting more messed up. Huh. I don''t know how to control that kid".


    "Tell him I''m really worried about him". (Aruna)


    "Tell him too, I''m tired. Tired of seeing him like that". (Aruna)


    "Tell him if he doesn''t smoke and do stupid things anymore, I''ll try to meet him. But if he''s still like that, don''t expect me to meet him". (Aruna)


    "Don''t give false hope".


    "Sobs sobs sobs.. Then what should I do so that he''s not like that?".


    "I think he''s.. Ah.. Even false hope can help him. Fine, I''ll tell him. Don''t cry or your husband will be suspicious of you". Pandu was also agitated.


    "You know? He still believes that one day you''ll come back to him. I''m almost tired of reminding that kid". Pandu explained.


    "Thank you, Pandu. For taking care of Damar".

 Chapter 174 - False Hope

    "Thank you, Pandu. For taking care of Damar".


    "You two are the same. Alright, go back. He must be waiting for you".


    This woman wiped the tears from her cheeks. Then, she hurriedly ran as fast as she could. She found her husband had begun to walk around the car.


    "Why did you take so long?? I almost went there!". Hendra protested.


    "Wait! Why is your face red? Are you sick?". Hendra tried to examine her face but that woman quickly got into the car and threw her gaze at the window.


    "We''re going to the hospital, okay?".


    "No. I don''t want to".


    "Then, we''re going to the main house".


    "I also don''t want to".


    "Why? You want to be in my private hotel room?".


    "Can I book a room and sleep alone today? I need a rest without any disturbance".


    "I promise I won''t bother you!".


    "Just tonight.. Please".


    "You''re not feeling well, right? You can''t sleep alone".


    "I''m just so tired. I''m tired of dealing with everything. Let me be alone just for tonight".


    .


    .


    False hope


    Who made the phrase ''falling in love will bring happiness''? It seems that the poet who recited that sentence for the first time was lost in dreamland.


    A long dream, far from reality. Until I wonder.


    Am I going to keep chasing you? Like a man who loses his way except following a little girl running around. She dances on the other end. Unfortunately, every time she''s approached, she runs.


    Wake me up from this stupidity. I want to take it off right now! But who can resist a heart that has just been touched by a little angel who smells nice?


    I don''t even want to go back to emptiness, even though it hurts. Teach me to give up. Until I forget how to try. My prayers have reached that point. Because your eyes don''t want to see me at all.


    Even though I have lowered my expectations as low as possible. I don''t want your love anymore. It seems too extraordinary. Just give me false hope. So that I can still breathe and navigate my own stupidity. Who is still chasing you even though I know you don''t look at me at all.


    .


    .


    "Go back to your room. I''ve told you, I''ll sleep here alone". She ordered him, who could now see her lying with her eyes closed without holding her pulse.


    He sat on the sofa, waiting for her to sleep in the hotel room that he ordered.


    "I''ll wait until you sleep before I leave". He said, calming the way she told him to go.


    _I.. Am I slowly recovering? I can watch her sleep without touching her pulse.. I could drive the car and carry her even though she was unconscious_ The PTSD sufferer enjoyed himself who started to succeed in conquering his own fears. He was still there. Sixty minutes had passed but he still sat and observed her.


    Suddenly, that voice greeted him again: "Hendra, have you ever been bored?".


    "Often. Very often". The man who didn''t move from his chair answered.


    "What do you do when you''re bored?".


    "I keep myself busy".


    "For example?".


    "I read all the books on the bookshelf. If that doesn''t work, I clean everything in front of me. Last, I work all the time to distract myself".


    "Is that so? I don''t think it''ll work on me".


    "So you''re bored".


    Perhaps".


    "Are you bored with me?".


    "Not just with you. With everything". She tried to go back to sleep and that man consistently waited.


    .


    .


    Apparently, the woman sat down again. She couldn''t sleep at all.


    "Hendra, can you ride a motorcycle?".


    "I can".


    "Do you keep your motorcycle in this hotel?"


    "There''s one".


    "Take me out on a motorcycle now!".


    .


    .


    The blue-eyed rode a Ducati XDiavel. Slowly, that motorcycle slowed towards the girl standing in front of the lobby of a five-star hotel.


    The most beautiful cruiser motorcycle in the world with a very unique design and different from most cruiser motorcycles. The price was very expensive, using a 1,262cc engine with a power output of 152 Horsepower and 126 Nm of torque.


    In addition, there were also supporting features in the form of Bosch cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Riding Mode.


    Hendra got off his motorcycle, slipped that girl''s hands into the jacket he''d prepared. It was too big. Aruna could no longer protest to refuse it. This man insisted that his wife wouldn''t get sick.


    "Where are we going?". The blue-eyed asked.


    "I don''t know. Just go according to your instinct". Aruna replied, still in awe of the motorcycle he was riding.


    "Your motorcycle is so cool".


    "What about the owner?".


    "Also cool, especially when he doesn''t forbid me". There was a smile that tucked into the night through the deserted streets, with the hug from the girl who was leaning on his shoulder, enjoying the air.


    "Hendra".


    "Hmm.".


    "Can I take off my helmet?".


    "No, that''s dangerous".


    "Can I let go of my hands for a moment?".


    "Don''t. That''s also dangerous".


    "Whatever!". That girl actually took off her helmet and let go of her hands from the blue-eyed''s waist.


    "Aruna, what are you doing?". The driver immediately reduced the speed of his motorcycle. He made sure the girl who spreaded her arms enjoyed the air, stayed safe.


    "Hendra, it''s comfortable. Your life is too serious. Try to do new things so you don''t look like a boring man".


    "You said I was cool.. Now boring..". Their voices hit the air. They spoke loudly through the night. He spoiled the girl who was giving him false hope.


    "Hendra, slow down the motorcycle. Let''s stop at that bridge". Aruna asked.


    ***


    "Hendra, slow down the motorcycle. Let''s stop at that bridge". Aruna asked.


    "It seems to be against the rules".


    Aruna hit his helmet.


    "There won''t be any police patrolling this late". Aruna was annoyed at that person who was too disciplined.


    "What are we doing here?".


    "I want to ask you to jump into that river".


    "What? You telling me to kill myself?".


    "Of course not! It was a joke!".


    "Then what are we going to do now?".


    "Nothing. Just standing here. Watching the night view".


    "Just like that?".


    "Stop asking! You''re disturbing, you know?".


    Hendra scratched his neck. He never wasted time or did anything called ''doing nothing'' or without any reason.


    "I want to ask one more thing. Why are we here?".


    "Think of it as making the woman you''ve locked up for a few weeks happy".


    "Oh, okay.. I just need that answer". This left-brained man tended to be weird. He always asked about new things that Aruna showed.


    "Actually, you''re a sweet man. But why can''t I accept your love yet? Tonight, I''ll hire you to be my driver. Don''t ask too many questions. Just follow the way I enjoy life. Don''t have too many rules. Understand?". She said that.


    "How will you pay me later?".


    "Surely you want my lips, right? I''ll pay for it with that".


    "I don''t want that".


    "Then what do you want?".


    "Give me false hope. Don''t tell me you haven''t accepted my love yet. Just say: just wait for me, maybe one day.. I''ll accept your love".


    "Second. When we go home, let''s sleep in the same room. Okay?". Hendra added.


    Aruna walked closer to the bridge. The street was quiet. There was only the tall, sturdy bridge that painted the calm water that stretched below it.


    "GOOOOD.. ELIMINATE ALL SELFISH MEN WHO SHACKLE ME". The girl shouted at the edge of the bridge.


    "GOOOOD. DON''T DO THAT. I MUST BE ONE OF THEM". Hendra joined in shouting, defending himself.


    Hahaha.. They looked at each other and laughed.


    "GOOOOD. MAKE THE BLUE-EYED MAN BESIDE ME AWARE THAT HE''S TAKEN ME HOSTAGE..". The girl begged.


    "GOOOOD.. LET HER KNOW IT WAS FOR HER OWN GOOD". Hendra''s version of opposite plea.


    "PLEASE LET ME FREE FROM THIS MARRIAGE AGREEMENT IMMEDIATELY!!". The tiny one made another request.


    "PLEASE MAKE HER MY WIFE FOREVER". Hendra replied.


    "Hendra!". She was irritated.


    This man shrugged. Not sure what happened, they could melt each other by doing stupid screams.


    "DON''T MAKE HIM ALWAYS EXPECTING ME. MAKE HIM STOP BEING STUPID".


    "LET ME BE STUPID AS LONG AS I CAN STILL EXPECT HER".


    This woman walked up to the man who was trying to interrupt her pleas.


    "You''re really disturbing me". Aruna protested.


    "You really make me happy". Even when he protested, he made the opposite sentence.


    .


    .


    "Come on. Eat it quickly!". Aruna forced the blue-eyed man to stop by the roadside to buy rubbish food. Meatballs on a cold night were really delicious. But the blue-eyed thought too much, letting what was in front of him almost cooled down. He asked too much, whether his food would make him sick or not.


    "You won''t get sick.. Trust me". The woman put a spoon to his mouth, but he was reluctant to open it.


    "Don''t use that sambal! Looks like it was made days ago. Don''t use the sauce either! It must be from unknown ingredients. The color is too red. You just recovered". He was very fussy about getting rid of things that Aruna couldn''t eat.


    "Your life¡­ So complicated!".


    "Whatever!".

 Chapter 175 - Graffiti

    "Your life¡­ So complicated!".


    "Whatever!".


    "But you must also eat!". Aruna ordered, forcing Hendra to open his mouth. She even held that man''s jaw so that his mouth would open.


    "Not bad". He said after one mouthful entered his mouth.


    "See, I told you!". Aruna taught him to enjoy rubbish snacks.


    When the meatballs were only a few spoons left: "sometimes there''s a mixture of rat meat in it so the price is only Rp.15,000". Aruna spoke casually, disturbing him.


    Hendra actually vomited his food.


    "Hahaha". Aruna burst out laughing until there were tears in between her eyelids, seeing the young master in a mess because of the little lie she did.


    "Haha.. You''re a fool for believing me. Haha". This woman was still laughing nonstop.


    "Damn it! You made me choke". Hendra felt bullied. He grabbed that girl''s body and held her. She wasn''t allowed to move.


    "Sorry.. Let me go, young master. Forgive this weak girl..". They disturbed each other.


    "Call me honey!".


    "My handsome honey!".


    "Hehe.. Say it again!".


    .


    .


    "Aruna, what''s this place?". The young master, who didn''t know how to enjoy life, asked.


    "Just come along.. Don''t ask too many questions!". That girl said to him. They went up to the highest floor of an uninhabited old building. That man''s face was scared. There were many unimportant writings on the wall. He was completely unfamiliar with this kind of thing.


    This woman took out the equipment she wanted earlier. They were hunting pylox around the city. She asked the blue-eyed man to sit still and not ask too many questions.


    The design student girl fiddled with the pylox in her hands. Hendra knew she was making graffiti, but it wasn''t clear what words she''d write on that old wall.


    Even that tiny one dragged the dirty table not far from her and went up to that table. Slowly, the abstract writing begant to be seen. It was getting closer to an end. The man who was sitting still slowly stood closer.


    H E N D R A


    Aruna made a graffiti of his name. He was stunned. A beautiful gift with the dawn that slowly greeted.


    "How? Do you like it?". The woman, who spent almost two hours making it, asked.


    He hugged his wife from behind, ignoring the pylox-splattered hands and clothes.


    _You''re the one who taught me many things, slowly healed my illness, showed me how to enjoy life, and I''m getting more afraid of losing you_


    "Really like". Mahendra answered. It was too special for him.


    "This is compensation for my husband who''s been very good at taking care of me lately. Even though sometimes he''s also annoying. Hehe". Aruna said.


    "The second compensation. I decided to go on a honeymoon with you".


    "In Lombok?".


    "No. Like my original request, in Bali. Let''s invite Mr. Surya and some bodyguards who have to look after us. It must be fun".


    "That''s not called a honeymoon, but a vacation".


    "It''s okay. I feel safe if it''s like that, guarded by many people. I can scream if you do something to me".


    "Hehe. They won''t help you either if I do anything. You''re my wife!".


    "Ah, right.. The conditions are still the same. Don''t touch me carelessly. I hope you obey our marriage agreement".


    "Stingy".


    "Whatever".


    .


    "Hen, let''s go home! I''m sleepy". This woman fell asleep along their way home. It was no longer night that greeted, but the morning down had turned red on the eastern horizon.


    ***


    Beep beep beep. The sound of the telephone had been heard several times. Even the VVIP room door of Wenceslas group''s sole heir had been knocked repeatedly but the residents in it weren''t willing to get up yet. Hendra and Aruna were still asleep since early morning.


    The sun was no longer greeting. It was already laughing cheerfully out there, giving a warm feeling to the residents of the metropolitan city. It seemed that the warmth was also greeting the two creatures who were hugging each other in their sleep. They didn''t realize that it would end like this, considering that the girl wasn''t pleased to be accompanied last night. Let alone to be hugged like this by her own husband. In fact, it was the woman who hugged the chest of the angel, someone who managed to make a warm impression by taking her for a walk through freedom last night.


    "Hendra, let''s go out again tomorrow. Okay?". She asked in sleepiness.


    "Yes.. As long as you''re cheerful again". The driver at the front replied.


    "Are you happy today?". Aruna asked.


    "So happy". Hendra said.


    "Me too..". The woman whispered.


    "You''re not as awkward as I thought. Sorry, I''ve been wrong all this time". She added.


    "You''re also not as difficult as I thought. It seems like it''s my fault.. I rarely  allow you to enjoy life outside the main house. That must be what makes you tired and not as warm as before". Hendra''s voice was blown by the air and just flew away. He smiled to himself realizing his back was getting heavier because his girl had flown into dreamland.


    ***


    "You know I''ve let her go". This young man said, presenting a gummy smile.


    "It hurts, but life must be realistic. There''s also another feeling behind the pain, which is relief". He added. Tobacco that flew into the air gave a distinctive smell that stuck everywhere.


    "No story is the same. Nothing is easier and lighter". The man with long hair put out his cigarette. He looked at the cellphone in his hand that was making loud noises, then immediately turned it off.


    "Me and Syakila were together for six years. Which one is more difficult than a relationship without a status that you have?". He, who was realistic, tried to shake the heart of the other person to accept reality.


    "Were you together all the time?". The long-haired man asked while sipping coffee in front of him. He let that hair cover him. A thick scarf wrapped around his neck on a warm day to protect him from the fanatic fans or a group of curious people due to the hot issues that were spread by the media. He was ready to hide at any time.


    "I''ve been close to her since high school. Then I went overseas to study for four years. We still visited each other. On the sixth month after I came home, we ended our relationship because of that stupid engagement". He explained. That girl was in a mess. She locked herself in her room and was ignored by her family. The Baskoro family and Tarantula group both wanted a marriage to enlarge their business.


    Letting a daughter fall apart or a company going down is just as complicated. A messed up child is natural for them. They, the power holders from the company or the symbols of honor, were growing steadily.


    "She.. gave me everything when I was tired of living life with my mother. Everything. My diet, my college alarm, and all the rhythm of my life was Aruna. We have no ties but our togetherness was more than all ties". He explained.


    "If I could be realistic, I would''ve left a long time ago. The more I go, the more my life is ruined. She''s my goal. She''ll return in two years and I''m the first person to welcome her in the same place". He added.


    "If the thing you want doesn''t happen in two years, how?". The gummy smile asked.


    "The important thing is that I''ve tried to get there because leaving her has a severe impact on my soul. I''ve tried and I couldn''t".


    "You''re going to survive with this madness?".


    "Not only surviving. It''s where I want to be, because I find my purpose in life this way".


    "Then what about her? Don''t you feel sorry for her? Actually, she''s the one who suffers the most. You and her husband are holding her hostage. It''s just that you don''t seem real. Think about my words!". This young man with extraordinary style was one of the bodyguards who always observed Aruna''s movements while he was assigned to the main house. He observed so that he could become her bodyguard, but he knew that the girl kept a lot of sadness in her slowly changing attitude.


    ***


    "Oh. What time is it?". The CEO of the Wenceslas Group tried to wake up from his sleep. There was a woman who was resting on his hand. This man was trying to reach for the cellphone on the nightstand.


    _Oh my God.. So many people contacted me_


    His telephone list was filled with Surya, the mayor, and the leaders of the D floor, among others.


    ***


    "Hello! Juan, where are you?".


    "Is there anything I can help?".


    "Take care of my wife. She''s still sleeping in my private room in Wenceslas Ritz hotel".


    "Okay". Aruna''s bodyguard answered.


    Hendra lowered the body in his arms slowly. He got up as gently as possible, hoping the tiny one would still be asleep in her dream.

 Chapter 176 - Brainwash

    ***


    "Riswan! You''ve been waiting for a long time". He said. That man was now tidy, very neat with a masculine look. He wore a navy suit with a tie and matching shoes.


    "I wasted my precious time waiting for a man who was sleeping soundly with his wife. Huh". Riswan joked, tasting snacks on the sofa in Mahendra''s office.


    The blue-eyed sat down. He was attracted by the snack in front of him. His stomach was really hungry.


    "Alright. Don''t waste any more time. Let''s go!". Riswan stood up. The other person didn''t even have time to put the snack in his mouth. He was lifting the snack and the aroma was already so good.


    "Wait a minute!". He grabbed a few bites.


    "But anyway, you have access to the D floor?". Hendra was confused.


    The mayor showed his card while saying: "I''m an old resident. My code and my eyes are still the same".


    .


    .


    "Where did you get this cheque?". Thomas asked.


    "It looks familiar". Thomas added.


    "Let my team find out about it". Pradita also observed it.


    Riswan started telling how he''d accepted a damn bribe from his deputy mayor and how that man was trying so hard to cover up the origin of the mysterious cheque in his hand.


    "What do we do with that person?". Riswan said. He was carried away by his emotions.


    "Hehe.. Let''s make him our accomplice". The blue-eyed smile, making the others curious.


    "Threaten him by scaring him. Record all your transactions and communications with the deputy mayor. Tell him that you''ll use that evidence to report to the police. He''ll bow down to us". Everyone in the meeting smiled at their CEO''s words.


    "It means we can even force him to reveal the truth". Riswan added.


    "So true".


    "Sir.. Sir.. Please forgive me..". The pale-faced man, who was untouched by the sun because he''d been asleep in the basement cell on the D floor, knelt in fear.


    This time, there was something different. Hendra stood up. He grabbed a Glock 20, a pistol capable of loading 15 10mm bullets. Each of which could be fired at a speed of 1600 feet per second. A weapon commonly used for the military. Somehow, the security elites from the D floor were able to get their hands on a lethal weapon with extremely high accuracy.


    The blue-eyed was ready to fire a bullet. Slowly, his facial expression changed. He approached the perpetrator who almost stabbed his wife (Not A Dream, Chapter 100). He grabbed that man''s chin and pulled it roughly to look at him.


    "How dare you touch my queen! So tired of living, huh?". He smirked while tilting the perpetrator''s face in any direction he wanted. The leaders of the D floor weren''t surprised by the expression that he put on, except for the mayor who just returned to his ''home''. He just knew Hendra had this side. What was seen there was very unexpected.


    He put the tip of the Glock 20 right on the top of the head of his wife''s perpetrator: "If you want to survive, it''s easy. Tell me who paid you".


    "On the count of three! One..".


    "Sir, I beg you to stop.. I don''t know either". He groaned.


    "Two¡­". Hendra was fed up. He used to hate the way Andos and Raka killed the perpetrators who threatened him. Somehow, he transformed into a similar person.


    "Wait!". A woman named Leona appeared and immediately grabbed Hendra''s hand, forcing him to stop. A tall, slender woman with a perfect ponytail and a typical office suit approached the ear of Wiryo''s grandson.


    "We''ve installed a chip for him and we''ve brainwashed him. He can be used as a tool". Leona explained.


    "What method did you use? You''re sure your team''s brainwash will be successful?". Hendra asked. He wanted to kill the person in front of him.


    "Isolation. Meta communication by weakening their physique". Leona replied. This woman had a team of women and men who dealt with medical and things like coded chip host body modification or people who would be used as tools. Hendra didn''t know for sure what she was doing. He only knew that there was a space behind a mysterious door in Raka''s room which turned out to be where that woman was experimenting with her team.


    When Aruna''s assailant was in the detention room on the D floor, Leona''s team deliberately conducted an experiment on him. Hendra had hoped that he''d be used as a tool, so the first thing this mysterious medical team did was brainwash.


    The first way was isolation, by capturing and exiling someone. This was one of quite powerful ways. In a remote place, someone could do whatever he thought was the most effective way to make people forget their memories and make them to be his lackeys.


    In an isolated place, the target would undergo a series of powerful ways to erase the memory in his head. He could''ve been physically and mentally tortured before being given orders.


    The second way was to make him weak and helpless. It was almost similar to the previous point. To get a human puppet that could be ordered around, his body and physique would be tortured so that his mind would be destroyed. Then, he''d be given the doctrine into his brain so that he turned into a new person.


    One of the ways was by making his body tired and sleepy. Then, he was gradually fed powerful information in order to brainwash him. When his body was tired and sleepy, he''d be easily influenced. At this moment, his brain would weaken and begin to be given new memories.


    The third way was a way of brainwashing. This method was to insert words or sentences in a phrase. This hidden sentence would be repeated over and over again. Usually, this hidden sentence could be found in a song. Hidden sentences that were repeated over and over again could make him confused. When he was confused, that hidden word or sentence would start working to enter his brain and affect it.


    Now, that kneeling man didn''t know who he was except for the code D10e which was then named Darko.


    .


    "What''s your name?". Hendra asked, proving Leona''s work.


    "Darko".


    "Who''s your master?". Hendra asked.


    "I can''t mention it and I don''t know".


    "What''s your task?". Hendra asked again.


    "Return to my starting place and follow the orders of my master here". Darko replied.


    "Hold this gun and shoot me!". Hendra asked.


    "Hendra! What order is that?". Leona immediately took the Glock 20.


    "You haven''t succeeded. Get him out of the way!". Hendra gave an order.


    "To what extent do you want?". Leona really didn''t understand what he wanted.


    "Using the other party''s tools is a perfect way, but he''s prone to turn around when his old memories come back. When he returns to his original memories, make sure he can''t kill us. That''s what is called succeed". Hendra explained what he wanted.


    "Without knowing our identities, when he looks at our faces, the D floor team, especially the Wenceslas family, Darko doesn''t have the ability to kill or even threaten. Your team''s brainwash, don''t just use that method. Use other methods as well". Hendra ordered. Leona, Darko, and several people retreated.


    The incident that was just presented by Wiryo''s grandson made the mayor slightly tremble. He used to be the earliest product of Wiryo, compared to the others. But he didn''t realize that everything had changed. The level of stress due to uncontrollable threats from an undetected enemy made this group of humans transformed into horrible creatures.


    Meanwhile, the D floor leaders, they seemed normal. Even Thomas and Pradita busied themselves to identify the cheque that Riswan received using Big Data Analytics.


    .


    "Tarantula Group? How come this cheque is from the Tarantula Group??". Thomas was confused.


    "Why is it impossible?". Pradita asked. She was curious.


    "Wenceslas Group has never dealt with them. We rarely work together but we never bring each other down". Thomas was an external negotiator.


    "Tarantula?". Vina was thinking. He felt familiar.


    Meanwhile, Mahendra immediately touched the Big Data Analytics table. He saw the faces of Tarantula Group''s founders and snapped his index finger at the five meeting participants: Vian, Riswan, Raka, Thomas, and Pradita. The data from Hendra shifted down to their faces.


    "Pradita, there''s something familiar". Hendra felt that he recognized some of them.


    "Mix and match the traitor council data from the biography that you created with their data". He added.


    "I know! This is Adam. He''s really Adam''s uncle". Riswan added.


    Pradita made a call to her team. Vian fiddled with the table in front of him looking for data on the old employees. Internal secret agent base.


    ***


    "Hendra has already left, huh?". The girl who just woke up from her sleep sneaked into the bathroom to clean herself. When she came out, her cellphone rang. A bodyguard was waiting for her outside the door.


    "Is there anything that can make me look like a girl?". She only found a comb.

 Chapter 177 - A Ponytail Girl

    "Hendra has already left, huh?". The girl who just woke up from her sleep sneaked into the bathroom to clean herself. When she came out, her cellphone rang. A bodyguard was waiting for her outside the door.


    "Is there anything that can make me look like a girl?". She only found a comb.


    Aruna tried to open a few more drawers, hoping to find something. At least powder or lip tint. A simple make up for girls was enough. She was only combing her hair on the stretched mirror in the bathroom. Unfortunately, all the products around the mirror were products for the blue-eyed man.


    "Isn''t this¡­?". That girl was shocked. She immediately took the red box tucked inside the nightstand, near the gray super king size bed.


    She found a reddish pomegranate pendant, complete with a chain necklace. This girl hurriedly grabbed that box and ran back to the bathroom, looking at herself in the wide mirror. She opened the pomegranate necklace that someone had given her as fast as she could.


    Aruna put it on.


    _Pretty_


    ~Don''t forget your color. The color that always warms up every time you step into the world at that time.


    ~Don''t wander too far. I''m afraid you''re getting cold. Go back to where you came from. I''ll teach you how to find the old you I used to see, laughing every time.


    Happy birthday Aruna


    From thebestfortress


    This woman touched the necklace on her neck.


    "Hehe. Cheerful Aruna". That girl laughed at herself while touching her face in the mirror.


    She grabbed the comb and styled herself like her old self, a ponytail girl. She looked for clothes that were prepared by her husband''s maid. It was predictable that there was only a midi dress in front of her.


    _Midi dress with loose hair. Damn, who are you?_


    That girl was forced to wear it. She went out to find the bodyguard who was waiting for her outside.


    Turns out it was Juan.


    "Where''s my husband?". Her question was answered with a shrug as a sign that he didn''t know.


    "Let me ask his secretary". Juan composed a message.


    "I want to go shopping but I don''t have money. Could you lend me money?". Aruna asked.


    "Alright".


    .


    .


    It turned out that the young lady asked her bodyguard to accompany her to the shopping center. She ran towards the clothing display. She chose some jeans, t-shirts, and outerwear.


    She stared at herself in amazement as those clothes brought back her old self.


    "Hi, Aruna.. Long time no see. How are you? Let''s go home one day". That girl was talking to herself in the dressing room mirror.


    Hair tied up, jeans, a white t-shirt, and an outer. It made someone dumbfounded.


    "Why are you wearing clothes like that?". Juan, her bodyguard, was stunned.


    "Hehe. This is the real me. The lady you met yesterday, I didn''t recognize her either". The lady replied with unique sentences.


    "Alright. Because I''m hungry, I''ll also borrow your money to eat". She asked again.


    "May I comment?". Juan said. Aruna smiled brightly.


    "You''re really different with this style. I forget that you''re Miss Aruna". Juan explained.


    "I''m not Miss Aruna. Call me Aruna. Don''t say Miss Aruna, I don''t like it".


    .


    .


    "The day after tomorrow I''ll go on a honeymoon with my wife. It seems I can''t lead this investigation. I''ll leave everything to you guys. I''m sure you can do your best". Hendra gave encouragement to the leaders of the D floor. The first thing they had to look for was the motives of the Tarantula Group.


    The traitor council left with the best deal. They brought Wenceslas oil company, a mining company owned by Wenceslas Group, which Wiryo gave up to stop the endless disputes.


    A company with a bright future. Now, that company was able to monopolize many things, especially in the mining and processing sector of petroleum resources.


    Were they too greedy? Was there a grudge in the past that hadn''t been completed? The grudge was still burning to this day until they kept threatening the heir of the Wenceslas family.


    "Riswan. Once again, thank you very much. Because of your help, we were able to solve the puzzle that had been wrapped around the Wenceslas Makmur Group. They attacked us so neatly, but apparently they forgot the simplest thing. Like the cheque they handed over. Ah. Such a simple thing can make us discover something big", Hendra said special words for the Mayor.


    _Isn''t this similar to me? A simple tiny girl who can divert many things_ In a serious discussion, suddenly Hendra smiled to himself.


    "It''s time for this meeting to end".


    _Aruna must''ve been waiting for me. I miss her so much_


    .


    .


    "Miss, why do we have to eat in a strange place like this?". Juan protested. He didn''t like Aruna''s choice of food.


    "Just eat it. It''s delicious¡­ You look like someone who''s fussy about food". Juan made Aruna not in the mood to eat. Aruna didn''t allow Juan to protest.


    "Look at yourself. If you wear clothes like this and eat at a place like this, people won''t realize that you''re the wife of the Wenceslas family". Juan voiced his point of view.


    "Really?? That''s what I want. Just so you know, this is the real me". Aruna looked relaxed and enjoyed herself. She even ate in her way. The way she ate as she was which she slowly abandoned.


    "One more time. Don''t call me Miss Aruna. Just call me Aruna". This girl said what she wanted.


    "When other people see us like this, we''re like two people who are friends or lovers. It''s interesting to be your bodyguard". Juan joked.


    "Whatever". Aruna continued to eat.


    .


    "Juan, can we go further?". Aruna asked.


    "We shouldn''t, but I''m a bodyguard and I''ll do what you want".


    "Hehe. You''re smart! I like it".


    "I have a Bachelor degree and you say I''m smart just because I want to obey a girl like you. Huh, my intelligence level is so low". Juan complained while taking out his wallet and giving some money to Aruna.


    "Wow.. You have a platinum card?! Can I borrow that too?". Aruna interrupted. Her eyes sparkle at the platinum card tucked in Juan''s wallet.


    "How does your husband treat you? Do you get no benefits at all or don''t get money? So it''s true that you''re held hostage and don''t get a penny?".


    "Don''t speak too much. I''ll borrow it!".


    .


    .


    "Hey hey.. Miss, you''re going to buy this much food? Are you sure you can eat everything?". Juan gaped at what Aruna did. So many snacks, several packages of junk food, soft drinks, and the last one was ice cream.


    "I want to greet my greedy friends. Take me there¡­ But by the way, Hendra hasn''t finished, right?!" That girl asked, between excited and a little afraid of the risks that would occur.


    "Surya said your husband''s meeting is quite a while". Juan replied.


    "Alright. Take me to the Magic Letter". Aruna shouted excitedly.


    "What is it? Is it some kind of fantasy or imaginary place?".


    "Just come. Don''t ask too many questions".


    .


    .


    The ponytail girl in her own style was so excited. The rusty outlet entrance that she missed. She even opened the door twice. The sound from this outlet door was indeed special. The alarm that was made by Agus greeted her twice.


    She didn''t go upstairs immediately. She took two trinkets and opened them. The bracelet she wore on her left hand was double layered. She was completing herself, completing the old Aruna.


    Juan carried her stuff. He pushed open the door and was surprised by the greeting that came from the shop door. Unique goods shop. That''s what Juan had in mind.


    _Huh. Why am I even amazed like this?_ Aruna muttered to herself.


    "Why are you teary eyed, miss?". This bodyguard had been confused since earlier.


    "Hehe. I''m very happy. Hey.. I told you not to call me that!". She ordered.


    "If you don''t want to be called that, help me carry your stuff".


    "I''m sorry. I''m so happy until I forgot to help you". Aruna took the stuff from Juan''s hands, while Juan returned to the car to bring the others.


    "Hi¡­ I''m coming..". That girl greeted her friends on the second floor.


    "Stop your work! Let''s have a party today..". She exclaimed as she put her stuff away.


    "Arunaaa¡­ Aaaa.. Miss you..". Dea, Lili, and Laras immediately rushed to hug her.


    Meanwhile, Agus and Tito grabbed her stuff.


    "Clean up! Get rid of your work. Let''s eat first, guys". Aruna said excitedly.


    "Wait! Why am I feeling deja vu, huh? Haha..". Agus made a light joke.


    "Yes. Last week, we also met and ate together. But I feel like you''ve been missing for months and only saw you now". Lili expressed how she felt.


    "It''s not just you.. I feel like I''m losing myself. How am I today? So Aruna, right?". That cheerful girl questioned herself.


    "Don''t talk too much. Let''s eat first". Agus said.


    "Wow.. That''s so you, guys". It was indeed the Magic Letter team''s habit.


    As expected, they were very noisy. Chatting here and there while quickly finishing their food. Aruna was seen laughing cheerfully with her friends.

 Chapter 178 - Elite Team

    "Don''t talk too much. Let''s eat first". Agus said.


    "Wow.. That''s so you, guys". It was indeed the Magic Letter team''s habit.


    As expected, they were very noisy. Chatting here and there while quickly finishing their food. Aruna was seen laughing cheerfully with her friends.


    "Hey, miss. You''re eating again? You''ve eaten earlier and it''s the second time you''re eating junk food". Juan was agitated. In the SOP given by his boss, one of the things that he needed to pay attention to from Miss Aruna was bad eating habits.


    Aruna glared while whispering: ''I told you not to call me miss''.


    "Timi, you''re not eating? It''s for you". Lili handed over Timi''s share.


    Since earlier, only Timi who was silent. He seemed to think about something, not sure what it was.


    "I''m going to¡­ go downstairs first. I want to go to the bathroom. Hehe". Timi said.


    Timi flicked Juan''s shoulder. That man even gave a small code in the note. ''Talk to me, I''ll wait downstairs''.


    .


    .


    "What are you doing? Why did you bring her here? Don''t you know that this kind of thing is dangerous? Moreover, you''re alone. Isn''t there another bodyguard accompanying her?". The words that came out of Timi''s mouth made Juan frown.


    "Are you the same as me?". Juan asked.


    "I''m more special. I''m an elite team". Timi answered.


    "I''m also special. I''m the winner of the young lady''s bodyguard competition". Juan replied, not accepting Timi''s pretend-to-be-cool style.


    "Don''t talk about it. Your actions are against the rules. I''ll make a report".


    "Ah. Whatever. I''m just a bodyguard who obeys his young lady''s wishes. By saying this is her wish, I''m sure they can''t blame me either. You seniors and the elite team, try to relax a bit".


    "You know, I''m really going to make a report!!".


    "Well, it''s up to you. That lady is also human. She needs to enjoy her life". Juan left Timi and went up to the second floor again.


    ***


    "Hendra, wait a moment!". Hendra was about to leave the meeting room on the D floor.


    "Is your wife really outside?". Raka asked.


    "No.. I think she''s sleeping in my room. If she''s awake, maybe she''s looking for food at the hotel restaurant". Mahendra answered. He just ended the meeting agenda, hoping to see Aruna soon.


    "I think you''re wrong. My subordinate who''s in the Magic Letter team reported that she''s at the Magic Letter outlet". Raka replied.


    "Shit!". Hendra immediately grabbed his cellphone and made a call to his wife''s bodyguard, Juan.


    ***


    Beep beep beep.


    "Ugh! That human reported me for real". Juan glanced at Timi who started to eat. He widened his eyes, making threats at Timi. Timi retaliated even more cruelly by making a pat on Juan''s back. "Hi, bro. What''s your name?". But that movement on the back was more like a rough smack instead of a greeting between men. They secretly put on strange smiles at each other so they wouldn''t be suspected.


    "Hehe. My name is Juan, bro.. I know your name is Timi, right? When we ate together at that time, we already greeted each other.. How could you forget it, bro?". He slapped Timi very roughly. His strength was different.


    Beep beep beep.


    The second call from the master came again.


    "Hello, sir". Juan tried to be as relaxed as possible. He made a movement in front of the neck with the meaning: ''I''ll cut off your head''. Timi smiled sweetly. Actually, he was mocking.


    "Where are you taking my wife?". He asked.


    "Hehe. She wants to play".


    "Bring her back to me!". Hendra ordered.


    "I don''t have the heart to do it now".


    "You mean?".


    "She''s eating with her friends and seems to be enjoying it".


    "You want to see?".


    "Never mind. Don''t look for excuses! Bring her back to me as soon as possible!". Hendra urged him.


    "Do you really love her?".


    _If he loves his wife so much, why does she have to be someone else? Perhaps she''s an analogy, like what he did to me_


    Juan remembered that he was beaten to death with Danu Umar''s clothes and wasn''t allowed to take it off. There was a certain horror if it turned out that Miss Aruna was also only an analogy for the young master who had another side in him.


    "How dare you ask me such a thing!". Hendra snapped.


    "If you love her, you''d want her to be happy, right? What I see is you''re holding her hostage every time".


    "You know, she has to be safe".


    "Even in this place, an elite team and I are guarding her. What type of security do you want? Hiding in the main house, huh? Hopefully she can stay with you for a long time if that''s the security that you want". Juan turned the audio call into a video call and swung his cellphone at Aruna, the girl who was laughing happily with her friends.


    Aruna shone like before..


    I''m sorry, Aruna..


    Enjoy your happiness..


    "Juan, when she''s done with her friends, I''m waiting for her at the main house".


    "Alright".


    .


    .


    "Hi. Wait.. Wait.. Let''s stop for a moment.." Aruna gently hit Juan''s back from behind. This man was driving the car.


    "What''s wrong, miss?".


    "Let''s look for a place to change clothes". Aruna explained. Hendra would feel strange if she wore these clothes.


    .


    The gate of the main house slowly opened. The Wenceslas family''s young lady and her bodyguard came. The security guard greeted her in a friendly manner. The majestic house that once made her eyes widen and the dancing fountain was very memorable. For some reason, it had transformed into the most suffocating spatial space now. The prisoner''s symbol had greeted before her eyes.


    Like him who was standing at the door, waiting for her. He''d changed a lot but the way he loved her made her seem like she couldn''t breathe.


    This girl came out. She hadn''t come out of the luxury car yet, but Juan already pulled her: "Miss, your necklace".


    _Ah. What should I do?? Hendra is already standing in front of me_


    .


    .


    This girl came out. She hadn''t come out of the luxury car yet, but Juan already pulled her: "Miss, your necklace".


    _Ah. What should I do?? Hendra is already standing in front of me_


    "Step back.. Step back for a bit..". That girl stepped back into the car for a moment, as directed by her bodyguard. Juan quickly reached for his young lady''s birthday present, pulling it as fast as he could.


    After she was free from the pomegranate necklace, she breathed a sigh of relief. She was ready to return to the world of her contract marriage agreement.


    _Who''s the analogy of that heir? I hope it''s not true that she''s just a victim_ The bodyguard slowly drove the car.


    .


    "Happy, honey?". Hendra greeted, putting his hand on his woman''s tiny shoulder.


    "Hehe. Happy..". She forced herself to smile, because that girl''s heart was still jumping up and down. She was extremely tense.


    "We''ll start packing today, okay?".


    "Packing?".


    "Yes.. The day after tomorrow, we''ll go on our honeymoon. Don''t forget that..".


    "Hehe. Your face looks excited. I''m horrified". Aruna said.


    "Haha.. Of course. What if we''ll go for a walk again today?". Mahendra offered.


    "Really? I want to!". That girl exclaimed excitedly.


    "Okay.. I want us to buy some things before leaving for Bali".


    "Hendra, can we just go alone like last night?". Aruna asked.


    "Nearly impossible, honey". Hendra couldn''t ignore their safety.


    "We can wear different styles so no one recognizes us". She began to make a difficult suggestion.


    "Is that possible?". He was starting to have a hard time ignoring his girl''s request.


    "Let''s try it first".


    "Seems that if you''re like this, the results will be exciting..".


    .


    .


    "Hendra.. Why are your clothes only suits and shirts?". Aruna complained to Hendra, a neat man all the time.


    "Shall we look in the hallway next door?".


    _It''s probably there_


    "You mean.. Here??". That girl opened the glass cupboard in the hallway of their dressing room. All of his shirts were too flashy, mainly because of the brands.


    "If that''s the case, it won''t work!". Aruna was agitated.


    The blue-eyed approached, trying to understand something that his wife said.


    "Because my clothes are high end brands, right?".


    "Haha. Yes.. You still remember".


    "Of course".


    _The day I was impressed by a girl for the first time and she was a troublesome tiny girl_


    "Alright. Just wear what you have. We''ll buy it later". Aruna spoke while looking at him. She took a cap, tiptoed, and put it on Hendra''s head. Fortunately, that man bent his head, making her manage to put on a cap for him: "With a cap, your face will be slightly covered".


    "Wait!". Aruna observed him again.


    "What if your eyes are a different color? Try wearing lenses later? Will it be weird? I''m curious.. Let''s go quickly!".


    "Want to use a motorcycle?".


    "Yes¡­".


    "Kiss me first..". He tapped his index finger on his cheek.


    No one knew what got into this girl. She was probably carried away with joy. She wrapped her arms around his neck on perfect tiptoes, a little troubled by the height difference. She was hoping to reach his cheek.


    "Can I have it again?". Mahendra asked.


    Aruna gave it happily.


    "What''s wrong with my wife today?". Hendra was stunned by Aruna''s slowly changing behavior. His girl smiled and walked away.


    .


    .

 Chapter 179 - More Handsome

    "I went to the Magic Letter outlet today¡­". Aruna said hesitantly.


    "I know..".


    "You do?". Aruna was surprised that this man wasn''t angry with her.


    "How do you know? Juan told you?". This girl tightened her hug. She tried to peek at her husband''s face from the side. She tried to observe the expression of a man whose emotions are difficult to predict.


    Along with the wind, the blue-eyed flashed his smile: "Even the wind you went through gave me news. So don''t mess with Wiryo''s grandson".


    "Thank you.. For not being mad at me".


    "Next time, you''d better ask permission first".


    "Sometimes I''m afraid you''ll get angry first". This girl explained her anxiety.


    "Who can be angry with a woman who has healed me?". The longitudinal waves produced by Hendra''s voice were very low.


    "Huh.. What?".


    "Who can be angry at a beautiful wife?".


    "Hehe. Your words can make me not want to ride this motorcycle anymore".


    "Oh, why?". Hendra was confused.


    "Because I might fly. Hehe". She joked.


    "Hahaha..". Hendra laughed cheerfully.


    "Don''t tell me your cheeks are red". Hendra guessed.


    "Hehe.. I think so..". This girl hid her face on Mahendra''s back.


    "I want to see it.. Show me". The man asked.


    "I don''t want to.. I''m embarrassed".


    "Come on, dear.. I''m curious". Hendra moved his back, asking this girl to show up. She peeked shyly, then hid again because she was too embarrassed.


    .


    .


    "Hendra, try this.. Try this too.. And this". Aruna handed over the pile of clothes she chose. She had trouble finding the size of the pants. Due to this reason, it was enough to only change the style of his tops.


    .


    The man came out of the changing room. He stood, raised one hand, and the other side of shoulder leaned back. He gave up, being dressed by his wife.


    "Haha. Nerd style is so cute.. But you''re too cool. CHANGE!".


    He entered the dressing room. A moment later, he came out.


    "Hm¡­ You''re getting more handsome. CHAAAANGE!!".


    She chose a vintage yet sophisticated style for Hendra. A combination of jeans, leather boots, denim jacket, and a button-down chambray shirt. Aruna maximized this style in order to change Hendra''s image which tended to be like Barney Stinson in "How I Met Your Mother" aka a male reference with a formal look. Unfortunately, she found her husband getting more attention.


    The third time getting out of the dressing room, his face was increasingly resigned.


    "Argh..". Aruna pushed him into the dressing room without saying a word.


    Sporty style made Aruna''s heart just want to burst. What about other girls? She immediately hid her man. With a plain dry fit t-shirt, a windbreaker jacket, sweatpants, and running shoes that were trending last year, Hendra was worthy of being a model for a sports magazine.


    "Why did you yell?". This man was confused.


    "See!". Aruna asked him to look in the mirror.


    "What''s wrong with me??".


    "You''re too sexy. Hehehe". The girl smiled to herself.


    "What if I wear this thin t-shirt tonight?".


    "This is for running! Sports! Not for sleeping!". Aruna said.


    "There are also night activities that can be referred to as sports. If it''s allowed". He said.


    "Oh. If you want to run at night, it''s currently a trend.. It''s okay. I''ll accompany you later". Aruna came out and asked him to change into the next clothes. She didn''t see the man who was slapping his own forehead because the sarcasm he made wasn''t caught at all by his wife.


    "We''ll buy the sporty style, okay? Hm.. Why is your face like that?". The naive girl said.


    "H U N G R Y". Hendra replied lazily.


    "It''s the last one, okay?". He whined, getting tired.


    .


    "Hendra, you look different this time. Streetwear is so not you". Aruna took a cap for the blue-eyed.


    Streetwear style was a very different style for Hendra, even though streetwear style was a hit among modern men these days. Wearing a long t-shirt or a plain slim fit shirt, jeans or jogger pants, and sneakers, Hendra was dressed in a streetwear style.


    "Get down a little". His girl asked, putting on the cap.


    "Then add glasses..". She tucked the glasses over his alluring blue eyes.


    "Well.. Finally. You don''t look like Hendra..". She was satisfied to change the style of the Wenceslas Group CEO, the formal man all the time.


    "Unfortunately.. Something is lacking.. What is it??". She hadn''t been one hundred percent satisfied yet. Meanwhile, the blue-eyed just gave up.


    "Oh! I know.. Use this so that others can''t admire you!". His wife ordered firmly.


    "Aruna.. I''m already so tired of dressing like this.. In the end, I''m wearing a mask. Even without changing clothes, no one will know it''s me if I wear a mask and glasses.. It''s troublesome!". Wiryo''s grandson grumbled.


    "Hahaha.. Because your style is so boring". Aruna didn''t want to be scolded.


    "For once, change the type of clothes you wear.. So that you don''t wear the same things.. Like a father, you know?". It was the wife''s turn to grumble.


    "Yes.. A father but forbidden to make a baby". He said.


    "Don''t be angry.. Remember, you created the MoU and I''m a good executor. Therefore, as a policy maker, you should be consistent too".


    "You''re scolding me like a mother who''s at a demonstration or a DPR member who likes to make policies but forget to be wise". Those complaints happened in the hallway of the dressing room.


    "That''s so you..". Aruna pointed out his mistake even more.


    .


    They stood at the cash register weirdly, especially the man who was wrapped tightly behind the tiny girl.


    "Why are you looking at my husband?". Aruna was annoyed with the cashier at Mentari Department Store, which was a department store owned by the blue-eyed. In fact, it was still part of the Wenceslas Group subsidiary.


    "Is your husband an actor? Why is he wearing a black mask?". The cashier was curious.


    "His teeth are uneven.. Since his posture is okay, I asked him to wear a mask to look cool. What do you think about my idea? Good, right?". Aruna whispered to the cashier.


    His man''s wallet landed on Aruna''s head. She opened it and handed the platinum card or magic card to the cashier. In the past, he managed to steal Aruna''s first kiss using this card.


    .


    .


    "Hendra.. You know, I always forgot to bring pocket money that you tucked in the nightstand drawer". The girl was persuading him. They were enjoying dinner together. They sat together at a table near the cafe window, a semi-industrial-style cafe that was increasingly popular these days.


    The cafe that Hendra chose was artistic, just like himself. The exposed walls gave a cold and shabby impression, decorated with various wall decorations in the form of nameplates that also looked shabby but elegant.


    The floor was covered with tiled floors in neutral colors with a simple pattern. On the ceiling, there was a chandelier that made the interior design of this cafe look elegant. The windows were large and without curtains so you could feel the sunlight from inside the building. At night, the street outside offered traffic that was worth enjoying at any time.


    "So..". Mahendra was having trouble eating because he wasn''t allowed to take his glasses and black mask off.


    "I''m your wife.. How come I don''t have a card that''s just a swipe away? Even Juan has it. He''s only a bodyguard. Imagine, I look poorer than him. I borrowed money from him earlier.. Ah, I forgot to pay it". Aruna consistently persuaded.


    "So my wife asked for this". Hendra handed her a magic card, another name for Hendra''s unlimited priority pass credit card.


    "Hehe. Yes..". Aruna touched it and pulled it slowly. Hendra held the edge of the card.


    "There are conditions.. Hehe". The man grinned.


    "It must be weird. Huh..". Aruna complained.


    "Do you want it or not??". He was negotiating.


    "I want to, but..". Aruna hesitated. She knew Hendra''s wishes weren''t far from perverted things.


    "I want to.. Take a bath together". Hendra blinked his eyes and the girl got goosebumps.


    "No. I''m embarrassed..". Aruna was panicking.


    _If I ask directly, I can''t get it. It''s time to use another trick_ Hendra used his brain to get something forbidden in MoU. He needed to build a new habit with his adorable little wife. It was adorable because she was consistent with the rules she made herself.


    "Wearing full clothes is okay.. As long as we''re in the same bathtub. What do you think?". The husband began to disturb Aruna''s determination. To get a magic card vs take a bath together in full clothes. What if she couldn''t hold herself back? But the platinum card was also one of the objects with a seductive appeal to anyone, including herself who was often shown how magical it was.


    "I''ll think about it".


    _In order to take a bath only for a short time, Hendra and I have to come home late at night. Soak a bit, then immediately feel sleepy_


    "Hihihi". Aruna laughed to herself.


    "What are you laughing at?".


    _Naughty girl! You don''t know that your refusal is breaking my heart. Not heart, but.. Ah, never mind.. My fate.. When will it change??_ Hendra was so confused.


    "Are you laughing at me??". The man who was bound by a strange, self-made deal was chaotic and sensitive.


    "No.. I just want to say.. I accept your challenge". Aruna said.


    "WHAT??".


    The excited man stood carelessly, causing the table to shift and the drinks spilled. Two glasses fell to the floor. Aruna surprised, raising her hands.


    "Hen! You''re too excited. You''re scaring me". Aruna was so confused that she wanted to withdraw her words.


    "Calm down.. I won''t be naughty..". Hendra tried to be normal again or the stingy girl would take back her words.


    "Promise?". Aruna said. Restaurant waiters had started to come to clean up the mess that he made. He quickly handed his wife a platinum card.


    "A little naughty isn''t a problem, right? Now it''s yours (magic card). Please pay for our food and then let''s go home". Hendra didn''t want to promise. He might become a little nauhty or worse, make his wife drown in his arms and¡­ "Hehe¡­".


    He was still smiling like a crazy man.


    "Hendra.. I want to watch a movie first". She asked.


    "UGH¡­.". His smile disappeared in an instant.

 Chapter 180 - Is That A Balloon?

    "What are we going to watch, honey?". Hendra asked, following the tiny girl who was running here and there. Instead of ordering movie tickets, she was busy buying snacks with the magic card she just got.


    "You won''t eat that much. You better not buy too much". Hendra reminded his wife.


    "I want to watch a horror movie. There''s a good new movie. Have you heard of the Mangkujiwo movie? The one with Sujiwo Tejo. It looks so scary. I want to watch it". Aruna was so excited. She didn''t see the expression of the man beside her who was showing a horrified face.


    "How about a romantic movie? Like Friends But Married 2. That''s better.. I''m sure we can enjoy it". Hendra suggested.


    "At least we can learn how to be normal husband and wife like everyone else". The Wenceslas Group CEO said.


    "No! I don''t want to.. Movies like that aren''t my taste". Aruna kept choosing a horror movie. Hendra, who didn''t agree, didn''t want to show his lack of courage to watch horror movies.


    "If you don''t agree with a horror movie, what about Doel?". Aruna provided another alternative.


    "No no no.. He''s a fickle 27-year-old man. I''m afraid you''ll be inspired by the character of Doel. If you''re like that for two years, I can go crazy". Hendra got even more horrified if Aruna watched the Doel movie, afraid it would inspire an innocent tiny girl. After all, she wasn''t even born when the Doel movie was first released.


    "Am I fickle? I''m a girl, Doel is a man. How could I be inspired? You''re weird". Aruna grumbled.


    "Alright. Horror movie, it is. Mangkujiwo, two tickets". Aruna said to the cinema cashier. Actually, this was Hendra''s first time watching a movie in a normal cinema. Because there was a special cinema room in Wenceslas''s house. He could go there to enjoy the movie. This time, the man just followed his wife. Moreover, he was promised to be able to have a bath together.


    _Ah whatever! The important thing is that I''ll have a bath with Aruna_


    "Hihihi". The blue-eyed laughed to himself.


    .


    .


    The movie had just started. The blue-eyed man was allowed to take his mask and glasses off by his wife.


    Strangely, he didn''t want to take his glasses off until he became grumpy.


    Hendra''s reason was very simple. When he got scared, he just had to close his eyes and no one would know that he was scared. Horror movies were movies that he didn''t like at all.


    The woman didn''t want to give up. Anyone in this world would find it strange to see someone watching a movie in the cinema with sunglasses on. Moreover, the one who wore sunglasses was none other than his own husband, Mahendra. Aruna immediately grabbed it, quickly hid it in a small bag, and tucked it away from Mahendra.


    .


    .


    When the storyline approached the climax, there was a big hand holding a small arm and gripping it firmly. Aruna smiled, but she didn''t dare to laugh. She was afraid that Hendra would be embarrassed. Not long after that, someone shouted loudly: "Aaaaaargh..".


    It really surprised the people around. They also turned to the Caucasion posture that didn''t match the fear he showed.


    "Aruna, let''s just go home. I don''t want to watch it anymore. It''s a trash movie!". That man grumbled to himself.


    "Haha.. You''re scared, right?". Aruna joked.


    "No! Who''s afraid? I just feel like my time is wasted. It''s not appropriate for a CEO to spend his time watching horror movies". He was looking for an excuse with unclear logic.


    The argument hadn''t even finished, he held Aruna''s hand again when a scary scene was about to show. He even vomited during scenes full of blood and disgusting incisions.


    He almost screamed for the second time. Fortunately, there was a small hand covering his ear: "If you''re afraid to watch horror movies, just cover your ears.. Like this. That picture won''t be scary anymore. Trust me". Aruna still covered her husband''s ear.


    Hendra was quite amazed because he felt normal. The shocking spooky ghost image was no longer scary. It turned out that the sound effect was the main factor that surprised him.


    As each scene went on in the Mangkujiwo movie, that man stuck his index finger on the right and left ears. Pretty funny. While the tiny one was seen eating while enjoying a relaxing horror movie.


    "Hi. I also want to eat and drink". He asked without willing to remove the two index fingers that were on his ears.


    He was forced to wait for his wife''s mercy to give him, which was sometimes careless because she was more focused on watching the big screen stretched out in front of them. Even to drink, that man had difficulty approaching the straw because he didn''t want to remove his index finger from the ear hole.


    _Huh. Naughty girl! Always makes my life so ridiculous_


    .


    .


    "The movie is good, right? I''m so satisfied". Aruna exclaimed happily.


    "Good?? What?? Torturing, yes!".


    "Hehehe.. Now I know your weakness. Yeay..". Aruna joked. The Caucasian face flushed with embarrassment.


    "You don''t have to be embarrassed. That''s normal". The wife said, making him even more embarrassed.


    "Should''ve chosen Doel earlier. Maybe that movie has kissing scenes. So we can be inspired to kiss". Mahendra regretted.


    "That''s all in your brain". The innocent girl insulted him.


    "Let''s go home now.. Please..". Mahendra complained. He''d imagined the bathtub.


    .


    .


    They walked through the shopping center while chatting here and there. He followed the girl who was still reluctant to go home. She continued to turn to various things on displays.


    "Aruna, how about we buy this? We can take it to Bali". That man smirked suspiciously.


    "Is that a balloon?". The tiny one checked and gasped when she saw the word ''CO*DOM''. She immediately grabbed her bag and hit the man on the shoulder.


    "If you dare to buy it.. I''m not leaving". The 20-year-old girl threatened. Her soul was as innocent as an angel.


    "We can''t predict what will happen later..Maybe you''d also want me when we''re there. You don''t want to have a baby yet. You still want to finish college. This thing is very important to both of us".


    She threw something.


    "Important". Hendra exclaimed.


    She threw something again.


    "Just in case" The husband exclaimed again.


    Every time the man spoke, she threw something to his back.


    "I..". Hendra interrupted her with an unfinished sentence.


    "E..". Every time he said something, she lifted her bag. But his sentence was deliberately cut off so she did something useless. This man was disturbing his wife.


    The activities of a unique husband and wife were endless. They were stubborn with each other and didn''t want to give in.


    .


    "Aaaaa¡­". There was a commotion on the other end.


    "What''s wrong with that girl?". A group of people asking questions.

 Chapter 181 - Loan Shark Collecting Debts

    "Aaaaa¡­". There was a commotion on the other end.


    "What''s wrong with that girl?". A group of people asking questions.


    "That''s very dangerous, you know..". Others said.


    "Let''s just go home. Kids can''t see someone committing suicide". A group of mothers covered their children''s eyes.


    Hendra and Aruna were curious to see what was going on. A girl''s hand was tightly gripped by a man. It could be seen from the 6th floor of the shopping mall that she was hanging on the 7th floor. The girl was hoping to be released while the man was holding on to her hand as hard as he could. Crowds of people with uniforms were running around, looking for a way to save that girl.


    "Let''s go up to the 7th floor, Aruna. That man''s hand is no longer able to hold her. That girl is going to fall". Mahendra ran into the elevator, followed by a petite woman running after her husband.


    "Hendra, are you sure you want to help her?". Aruna''s shout was ignored.


    _You can''t see a woman committing suicide, right? You can''t even see a woman sleeping_


    It turned out that Hendra didn''t stop on the 7th floor. He went up to the 8th floor. Aruna, who was tired, followed him at a slower pace.


    Just when the people down there were screaming loudly, Hendra had jumped to catch the red Chinese New Year banner with gold writing. That banner stretched from the 12th floor to the bottom of the shopping center.


    As that woman fell, Hendra let himself slide while hugging the banner.


    The sound of someone screaming got louder. They ran because they couldn''t bear to see it anymore.


    Aruna couldn''t say anything other than feeling her heart skip a beat. She prayed to God that Hendra would be safe.


    In a few seconds, Hendra surprisingly managed to grab the woman''s body and both of them were hanging on the red banner.


    Aruna didn''t experience that incident but this woman lost her breath. She was so worried to see her husband doing such a crazy thing to help a woman he didn''t know.


    Slowly, the body of the girl who had fainted slid down the banner. Hendra made the woman''s body caught by a uniformed man.


    Aruna also ran like crazy from the 8th floor to the ground floor. Her eyes couldn''t even focus anymore. She bumped into several people in front of her so that she could immediately reach the ground floor to meet her husband.


    .


    "Thank you for helping my fianc¨¦". A man shook Hendra''s hand.


    It turned out that the man was the boss of the uniformed men. He didn''t seem like an ordinary person.


    "What''s your name?". The man who''d just shaken Hendra''s hand asked.


    "Hadyan". Hendra replied, not wanting his identity to be known.


    "Gibran. I can send a gift to you, because you''ve helped my future wife". That man''s face looked familiar.


    "There''s no need. I don''t need that kind of thing. I just hope that your future wife doesn''t do something horrible again". Hendra was also worried.


    "If she''s depressed, hopefully whoever is around her, maybe you, can give her hope. Or there''ll be a lot of regrets". The man who disguised himself with his middle name, Hadyan, added.


    Along with the female body that was carried away by the bodyguards, the man named Gibran also disappeared.


    A moment later, the girl who was gasping for air dropped her tired knees.


    "Hendra, are you okay? Huh.. Huh.. Can you see people fainting like that?? Isn''t that very dangerous for you??. Aruna spoke, stammering with her breath.


    "What I see now is that you''re even more messed up". Hendra held his girl''s body so that she could stand up.


    "I ran from the 8th floor like a crazy person. I feel like everything''s shaking". Aruna complained.


    "Wait a minute.. You''re the one I have to worry about now. How are you? Anything hurt?". Aruna checked all parts of her husband''s body.


    "I''m fine, Aruna..". The blue-eyed answered.


    "You can see that girl fainted.. Have you recovered?". Hendra was attacked by repeated questions even though Aruna couldn''t stand up properly because she was tired.


    Hendra offered his back and forced that girl to climb onto his back.


    "Look, I''m okay. I''m the one carrying you anyway". Hendra calmed the girl who was still asking questions.


    "Ugh. I''m so tired..". Aruna was tired and buried herself on the back of the man who was carrying her.


    "Remember. Don''t sleep. We haven''t taken a bath together. Hendra shook his back to wake her up.


    "You keep talking about taking a bath.. I''m tired, you know?".


    "Please, don''t sleep..".


    .


    .


    Not sure how Aruna arrived at the main house. She already woke up now. There was a face decorated with a frown sitting beside her, looking at her non-stop.


    "Finally, you woke up.. You''ve used my platinum card but you haven''t paid the bill. Now the loan shark is collecting debts". Hendra made a threat excitedly. The debt analogy really amused Aruna.


    "Hahaha". Aruna laughed. He still insisted on getting what was rightfully his.


    "Why didn''t you wake me up? What time is it?". Aruna asked.


    "You slept for two hours. I couldn''t wake you up because you seem exhausted". Hendra explained, welcoming Aruna who woke up from her sleep. That man quickly grabbed his wife''s body and carried her.


    "Wait. Where are you taking me?".


    "Bathroom, where else? I''m a loan shark who''s collecting debts". That man couldn''t stand it.


    "Wait. I''m going to change my clothes". Aruna complained. She needed something to secure herself.


    "Don''t be long. I''ll wait in our bathtub".


    "Make sure the water is warm. Okay, Hendra?". She ran, sneaking into the dressing room.


    "Yes.. Madam..". The Wenceslas Group CEO replied.


    "I''ve been preparing since we got home. The important thing is don''t be too long". Mahendra walked while whistling a song. The tone was messy but he was still confident.


    That man covered his own face several times because he was too excited. He smiled non-stop.


    While on the other hand, the petite woman was looking for the thickest clothes. Even her bottoms are trousers, sports pants.


    .


    .


    "What the hell! Why are you bathing in that kind of clothes? Aish.. Damn..". Hendra complained about the clothes his wife wore. Long sports pants and thick long sleeves top.


    "Hahaha. There''s no rule on what clothes I should wear". Aruna was so happy.


    "But, Hendra, why don''t you wear a top? Don''t tell me you also don''t wear boxer pants". Aruna was horrified to see his bare chest.


    "Hahaha. There''s no rule I have to wear clothes". Hendra replied to the taunts that Aruna said earlier.


    "Aish¡­ Damn..". She cursed, imitating Mahendra''s style.


    "Hahaha..". The man laughed loudly, knowing himself being imitated.


    "Hendra, if you don''t wear boxers, I don''t want to get into the bathtub". Aruna grumbled and made threats.


    "Am I wearing it or not?". He started acting up.


    "I''ll just go".


    "Hey. You have a debt.. Remember, you already got a platinum card".


    "Whatever!".


    "Here, here. Take a look first..". That man was standing in the bathtub, showing himself in a banana boxer.


    _Ugh, his body. What if I can''t stand it??_ With great worry, Aruna leaned closer to the bathtub. She dipped her feet slowly into the warm water prepared by Mahendra. It turned out that this water had been scented.


    Her chest trembled even more as the blue-eyed stared intently at her.


    "Eh.. What are we doing?". Aruna was confused. She was still standing in the bathtub, not wanting to enter yet.


    "Here. Come closer to me". Mahendra asked her to sit in front of him.


    With her heart skipping a beat, that girl slipped into the water. She was as stiff as a robot. Slowly, as usual, a hand hugged her from behind.


    "If other people saw this scene, they would''ve laughed out loud at me. How can a married couple take a bath in full clothes?". Mahendra complained as he put his face on Aruna''s shoulder.


    That hand pulled her further back, asking his wife to lie on his chest. They seemed to find a comfortable place. Hendra leaned his body on one edge of the bathtub.


    .


    .

 Chapter 182 - Something Called Peeking

    That hand pulled her further back, asking his wife to lie on his chest. They seemed to find a comfortable place. Hendra leaned his body on one edge of the bathtub.


    "May I know how your youth was?". Hendra opened a light conversation but there was a meaning in it.


    "Normal. Like most people in general". Aruna replied nervously. She was still not used to the bathtub and warm puddles combined with the fragrance and the male chest behind her.


    "I mean, what activities did you do in high school?". Hendra asked in more detail.


    "Activities.. I went to school, then went home".


    "Something like that must be done by anyone, Aruna¡­.". He was annoyed.


    "I mean, in more detail.. For example, what did you do in your free time after school?". This man asked more clearly so that the innocent girl would understand.


    "I.. Because I wasn''t very good at math and science, my mom said it worried her a lot. So every time I came home from school, I moved from one tutoring institution to another. Even for mathematics, I was also given private lessons. Tutoring institution.. Honestly, I just used it for socializing instead of studying. So I have a lot of friends. Hehehe". Aruna remembered her teenage years.


    "Other than that, what did you do?".


    "What else.. If I didn''t have tutoring, there was usually an extracurricular schedule.. Ah right, I''ve also been a volunteer since I was a teenager. I joined a volunteer community with my seniors". Aruna said.


    "What did you do with your seniors in the volunteer community?". Hendra seemed to be interrogating her.


    "We often held social services, teaching together. Sometimes, we cleaned places of worship and public facilities. Even we''ve also involved in socializing about the dangers of free sex".


    "You never hangout with them?". Hendra asked further.


    "There was no time. I was surrounded by a tutoring schedule. My friends and seniors in the volunteer world, they were actually very busy people, but they still spared time". Aruna answered.


    "So your friends are good people..". Hendra made a conclusion in his brain. No wonder, Aruna was too innocent. This kid''s youth was filled with a positive environment. She had tutoring and was involved in social services. She gathered with good people.


    "Have you ever been to a bar?". Mahendra asked in more detail.


    "It''s impossible for me to do that. My dad certainly didn''t allow me to". Aruna replied.


    "Oh, I see.. Then, before with me, did you ever have a boyfriend or kiss anyone?". Mahendra asked.


    "You stole my first kiss, that''s why I got angry and beat you to a pulp.. Not really but I hate it so much". Aruna replied. The man behind her smiled happily.


    "Have you ever had a boyfriend before?''. Hendra was also curious about this. He repeated his question.


    "How could I have a boyfriend? Dad doesn''t allow his daughter to have a boyfriend". Aruna explained.


    "But your big sister has a boyfriend".


    "She''s really good at breaking dad''s rules. I wanted to.. Then I thought, what for? As long as we can, why don''t we just follow what our parents want? I thought that was the best way to live life. It turned out that dad didn''t allow me to because he''s bound by the agreement with your grandfather".


    "Have you ever been angry with your father because of that?".


    "If I''m angry, then my big sister and brother are also angry, what about my family? What about my father and my mother? They all looked messy at that time and it''s impossible for us to fight your family".


    "Do you regret marrying me?". In this question, Hendra has extraordinary anxiety. What would Aruna answer?


    "No.. Not at all.. Even though you''re a very difficult person, I''ve never hated you.. But I can''t promise to be able to give you many things¡­". Aruna answered.


    "You''ve given me a lot. Until I need to be grateful many times". Hendra answered.


    "But, I''m still curious. Why can''t I touch you? Both your heart and your body". Hendra was honest about what he was thinking.


    "Until the next two years, we.. You and I, I don''t know what will happen. I just want to take good care of myself. When someone makes an agreement, her mind and heart must have set a vision for the future. That''s how our marriage agreement shaped me. About me having to take care of myself. Like the way you hide your motives. That''s how I''ll protect my heart and myself". Aruna''s voice was getting softer and quieter.


    "Ah. What did I just say? I became sleepy". She began to blink her eyes, looking for the most comfortable position on her husband''s chest.


    "Hendra, you have a drink. I''m really thirsty. What''s that? Can I drink it?". Aruna asked permission to take a sip of the drink in a clear glass.


    "Hey. Don''t drink it". Hendra took a deep breath when the whiskey had entered Aruna''s throat.


    "Whew.. It tastes weird?". Aruna complained, feeling dizzy and sleepy.


    "Aruna.. That''s..". The man didn''t dare to continue his sentence. At first, it was just a prank. He prepared whiskey for Aruna to drink. But after a long talk, he didn''t have the heart. In the end, she drank it.


    "Why is it so hot? We''re in water, right?". The wife began to feel the effects of the whiskey she drank.


    _Oh, damn.. I''m sorry, dear_


    "Oh my God.. You''re wearing layers of clothes". Hendra realized that Aruna was wearing two layers of clothes to protect herself.


    "Yeah. It''s really hot..". Aruna tried to take her clothes off but she couldn''t.


    She was under attack from the effects of whiskey, where someone who drank whiskey would feel calmer and ''sleep'' after drinking a few sips of whiskey. Especially like Aruna who had never drunk it, because whiskey was an alcohol which was classified as an ingredient that caused sedation and hypnosis.


    Hendra also helped his wife take off her clothes. It turned out that the layer of clothing was stuck due to water. Instead, he took off both layers of clothing at once from the body that was already unconscious. Hendra found his wife only wearing the bra that once dared to destroy his integrity. The 36D size was tempting him. Something that had never been touched by anyone. It belonged to a good kid.


    Hendra gulped seeing the thing that made a big accident some time ago, after the Blue Oceans party. If he touched it this time, would it be a disaster too?


    The man started to think har. He was a man. Naturally, his instincts required him to have what was on his wife''s body. It was too hard to control. That hand trembled for something he wasn''t allowed to touch.


    He closed his eyes but his hand wouldn''t stop going towards that thing.


    "Ah.. She''s unconscious anyway". Whispers from the heart seduced him.


    "I''m her husband so it''s my right". His logic also supported him.


    He took his whiskey and gulped it down so he wouldn''t feel too guilty about violating what he shouldn''t have done.


    "Huuuuh.. Why do I feel guilty?".


    "But¡­ I can''t hold it anymore". He was fighting a war between the right and left sides. Between the agreement that had to be obeyed or his rights as a husband. But wasn''t this marriage about a covenant marriage?


    Since he was too dizzy, the man ignored his brain.


    "Aish. Whatever". This man said, initiating something called peeking.


    .


    .

 Chapter 183 - Mammary Glands

    Since he was too dizzy, the man ignored his brain.


    "Aish. Whatever". This man said, initiating something called peeking.


    _So, this is how it looks_ A husband who peeked shyly at first, he finally got bolder. He was no longer peeking but staring with wide eyes. He moved Aruna''s unconscious body to his left arm. The petite one presented two tempting objects.


    _Huh.. Sorry, Mr. Lesmana. I''m doing something to your daughter_ The good man was agitated. Not only inexperienced, he was never close to women.


    This time, instead of peeking or opening wider, he removed the cover.


    Hendra, the curious man, hesitantly put his index finger to poke a few points on the circle mounds.


    His heart leapt like a rocket about to launch into space. Between the extraordinary fear and the instinctive desire of a man who had reached the peak of his libido.


    _Crazy!! I''m scared just because I want to touch this thing_ Hendra was quite traumatized by three extraordinary disasters because of the circle mounds.


    The first one, he had to buy its cover. That time, he felt his integrity being trampled on. The second, the night when this girl first slept in this room for the first time. The night ended in a big fight. The night that started by accidentally squeezing this thing.


    The worst was after the Blue Oceans wedding. The girl was in the hospital for a whole week.


    _If I squeeze it, will there be another disaster?_ Yes, he lamented his fate. It was really bad. Especially because his marriage with Aruna was a marriage wrapped in an agreement. The risk of his own stupidity.


    But that thing seemed to smile at him, asking to be touched. At least, it was okay to squeeze it a little, right?


    He forgot how to use his brain. He, who initially squeezed with the tip of his index finger, finally touched it with five fingers.


    "Aish. I''ll be a thief again". He complained after he couldn''t bear to touch the whole thing.


    Let it happen. He already reached this point. He was no longer ashamed to stare at two things that were more intoxicating than Aruna''s lips. In the end, his entire palm committed a sin.


    "You''re like a thief. Poor you, Hendra". He mocked himself.


    "Oh. Chewy. Hehehe". He laughed and felt ashamed of himself.


    Fortunately, Aruna''s sleepiness was too severe from the whiskey. Otherwise, she could get up and slap him over and over again.


    Hendra tried to squeeze it while shaking unbelievably.


    "So this is how it feels". After trying to feel it for a bit longer, that man observed the tiny thing on top of the circular mound.


    The color was red. Aruna''s was still hiding because it had never been touched at all. After scratching his neck, Hendra dared to do something even more extreme.


    He played with it, playing with something that looked like a flower bud. The man who didn''t dare to be close to women was always curious.


    "Ouch..". There was a voice of complaint coming from the mouth of the sleeping woman.


    He was immediately attacked with fear, confusion. He wanted to put the cover of the circles back on.


    Fortunately, the owner fell asleep again. Those objects moved to rub against his chest because the owner shifted her body, looking for a comfortable place to hug. Unfortunately, the person whom she hugged was a man who was flying into the clouds for committing a ''theft''.


    A man with normal instincts. Instinct which was a pattern of behavior and reaction to a certain stimulus, which wasn''t learned, but had existed since the birth of a living being and was obtained from generation to generation (phylogenetic). It was clear he felt like he was about to explode. The friction caused by the two human epidermis that stuck together without boundaries made the man''s body shake tremendously. Something new in the life of someone with PTSD.


    "Ouch. My chest.. Oh my God. My brain can''t be helped anymore". Hendra gulped.


    "While she''s still sleeping, it''s okay if I do something just a little, right? Hehe". He shifted Aruna''s body higher, right in front of him. Naturally, someone who was starving would eat food to fill his stomach and Mahendra would do the same. He put it inside his mouth.


    "Ouch..". There were complaints from the woman who was hypnotized by whiskey. Good thing she drank it, drinking it for the first time. So she didn''t realize when Hendra enjoyed her precious possessions.


    Hendra spent a long time enjoying both of them in turn. To the extent that without realizing it, the ''flower buds'' had now bloomed. They were no longer hidden.


    "Can I get caught?? Why can that thing metamorphose, bloom, and swell??".


    "Argh.. It would be crazy if I got caught.. Why is this thing like that??". He was confused.


    "Ah. Never mind.. If I get asked tomorrow, I''ll just find an excuse". He was back to enjoying what he dreamed of all day.


    "Ouch..". The complaining woman pushed the head of the man who was busy worshiping something that belonged to her. He quickly hugged and patted her so that she wouldn''t wake up.


    He wasn''t willing to just stop there. The surrounding area also became the target area. THe last thing was her lips, it was still number one. He did it gently and slowly so that she wouldn''t wake up. He was said to be a true thief.


    "Thank you, dear.. Your two circles are amazingly delicious. Even though my status is still a thief, I''m sure later it''ll also be completely mine like your lips". This man said while praying, even though he felt that he was doing something wrong, but not a sin.


    This marriage had stuck in his heart since the Sido Asih cloth wrapped him. He never considered it a game, let alone an agreement. So wasn''t he a perfect husband?


    .


    When it was time for him to end it, Hendra slowly carried the woman''s body and put her on the bathroom sofa. He wanted to call his maid to change his wife''s clothes.


    But the bare mound seduced him again and again.


    "Sorry, Aruna.. It''s a rare opportunity. Let me enjoy it to my heart''s content..". That man spoke to his wife''s body who was asleep on the waterproof sofa in their bathroom.


    He explored the same place again. He repeated the way he''d enjoyed two intoxicating objects once again. At first, he thought it''d only take a few minutes. In fact, he was lost and forgot about the passing time.


    This man seemed to want to make kiss marks everywhere on his wife''s body. But if that happened, she could go back to her father''s house.


    It would be weird if he asked his maid to dress his own wife. In the end, he had a crazy idea.


    He took a big blanket in their room. He put that warm object on Aruna''s body and the woman''s body immediately squirmed slowly because she enjoyed the warmth of the blanket.


    "Ugh. Why do I feel like a sinner?". Hendra took off his training pants under the thick blanket.


    If that man had the courage to pull off the thick blanket, he''d see that his girl was only wearing panties inside. But he understood that it was enough for him to treat Aruna like this without her permission. He didn''t want to be known as a wound maker.


    After taking his wife''s dry clothes, he carefully helped Aruna change clothes without looking. That girl''s body was still respected, hidden under a thick blanket.


    He was racing with his own heart and throbbing from something called a Phallus in Latin.


    Hendra also rushed to change into dry clothes. The female body was carried to their bed, asleep in his arms. He just closed his eyes. The sounds of the morning had greeted him. One of them was an alarm which meant he had to start getting ready for work.


    "Whatever!". He turned off his cellphone so that no one interfered. The battle in the heart throughout the early hours of the morning was exhausting enough. He needed to rest, hugging his wife whose mammary glands had been tasted. The upper thoracic organs of mammalian species, including humans.


    _Congratulation, thief. You did it again_ He praised himself.

 Chapter 184 - The Victim As The Culprit

    "What''s wrong with me? Why does something feel weird, huh?". This woman felt anxious. Something in her chest hurt on the right and left sides.


    She had asked Hendra about who changed her clothes last night. Hendra said it was his maids and he fell back asleep again. The blue-eyed said that no one could wake him up, including if someone from the office came to the main house. Honeymoon preparation, he said.


    When Aruna went to the bathroom and started to take off her clothes, Aruna felt that something was different. Something in her chest seemed to change. Something that was originally hidden became even more prominent. The color changed from pink to purple. There was even a scar.


    Aruna hurriedly took a bath. She wanted to confirm many things to the blue-eyed.


    "Hen, wake up! Come on, wake up!". That girl was curious whether he was the culprit or not. There was no way something could get hurt without a cause.


    "Wake up! Wake up right now!!". He had been woken up many times but to no avail.


    "I''m still so sleepy". The man complained.


    "Come on! Wake up quickly! Something in my chest hurts so bad. At the end it feels like there''s a cut". Hearing his wife''s complaint, the blue-eyed immediately woke up.


    "What''s wrong? Where is it? Which one hurts?". Hendra looked panicked.


    You must be the culprit!". Aruna snapped.


    "Culprit of what?". Hendra was anxious. He was hiding the incident last night.


    "Mine won''t have a mark if no one touches that". Aruna started to get angry.


    Hendra felt that there would be a fourth disaster that hit him. Before that happened, he needed to make up a story.


    "Is it about the two circles on your chest?". Hendra pretended to find out about it.


    "So last night you drank whiskey by accident.. After drinking it, maybe you didn''t realize when you were in such a mess.. Then you asked and begged me to take off your clothes. I just took off your clothes, suddenly you came at me and then begged me¡­.". He was good at making up words. He told as if he was cornered because Aruna was influenced by the forbidden drink. Aruna got goosebumps hearing that story. She asked Hendra to stop the story. Slowly, the deceived girl burst into tears.


    But the crying didn''t last long. She realized something.


    "You put the whiskey in the bathroom, right? That means it was on purpose! It means you''re still at fault". Aruna didn''t want to be blamed even though she was indeed innocent.


    "Yeah, I''ll gladly accept my wife''s accusation. As a good husband, I have to be like this, give in and always lose". He lied again and again.


    "Hendra, don''t pretend to be wise¡­ Argh¡­". This woman took a pillow and beat the man in front of her. It didn''t hurt because it was just a soft pillow. He understood that the pain in Aruna''s chest must''ve been more painful. Moreover, she was tricked by the mouth of a man with epic level rhetorical abilities.


    _Ah, I''m safe.. Thankfully, all I got was a pillow punch. Hehe. It''s lighter than the disaster in my expectations_ Mahendra was grateful for what was happening, being grateful for having a wife who was innocent and easy to lie to.


    After being satisfied and tired of beating Hendra, as usual she cried again. As a man who was pretending, Mahendra approached and hugged Aruna. He stroked her hair and shoulders, meaning: ''be patient, dear''.


    _Aish. I''m a bastard_ He cursed himself, the ''great thief''.


    "If something hurts, I''ll find the medicine later. Don''t cry, okay!". Hendra persuaded.


    Finally, Aruna tried to stop her tears.


    Meanwhile, the blue-eyed swallowed hard, remembering last night''s incident that was so imprinted in his memory.


    _The victim accused of being the culprit. The fate of my wife is really unfortunate_


    He wanted to laugh, but he felt sorry too.


    ***


    Knock knock knock.


    "Miss. Miss Aruna". Someone was calling from outside the room. In the afternoon, two humans were busy packing their needs for their honeymoon.


    "Aruna, if that maid says people from the office are looking for me, just say that the young master is busy and can''t be found". Hendra gave a message that he didn''t want to be disturbed by work. Since he woke up, his cellphone has rang dozens of times. Not to mention Surya who came but was ignored. He also pretended to be sick. Even though Surya would also go to Bali tomorrow, it was unfortunate that the secretary was still working passionately. Unlike his CEO who preferred to accompany the little lady.


    "What a naughty kid! Skipping work!". Aruna grumbled.


    "Really? Who''s been giving me endless tears since I opened my eyes? Asking to be accompanied, asking for this, asking for that, confused because hers hurts". Hendra''s words were still about the rhetoric of last night''s incident whose facts were distorted.


    "Hmmm¡­ Don''t talk about that again". Aruna protested.


    "I''m embarrassed..". She frowned.


    .


    .


    In the previous conversation, the lady had actually ignored the repeated knocking on the door.


    When the little lady opened the door, she was very surprised because the message from the maid wasn''t looking for the Wenceslas Group CEO who was skipping work with the excuse of wanting to accompany his wife and packing for tomorrow''s honeymoon.


    It turned out that the one who came was Aruna''s big brother, Anantha. He wanted to meet his little sister.


    "Hendra, my brother is here. Don''t wear boxers and a thin t-shirt. Change your clothes quickly and meet him". Aruna suggested, seeing her husband''s behavior getting weirder.


    "You too. Wear a bra. Don''t come out with only one layer of clothes". Hendra protested.


    "It still hurts¡­". Aruna complained.


    After all, certain parts of a woman''s body would feel effects such as pain, stinging, and others when touched for the first time by the opposite sex.


    "Poor my wife.. But you can wear thick clothes, right?". Hendra got up to change clothes and asked Aruna to choose the right clothes.


    The husband and wife immediately came out to meet Anantha who seemed to have been waiting for a long time. It turned out that Anantha didn''t come alone. He was accompanied by someone who had previously met him by the name of Gibran.


    _In this world, there are so many people named Gibran. The man whose girl decided to commit suicide by falling from the 7th floor of a shopping center at that time, also named Gibran_ Mahendra muttered.


    .


    .

 Chapter 185 - Blank

    _In this world, there are so many people named Gibran. The man whose girl decided to commit suicide by falling from the 7th floor of a shopping center at that time, also named Gibran_ Mahendra muttered.


    Shortly after shaking hands, some snacks and dishes came out. Ananta was welcomed in the special family guest room. A warm room that displayed photos of Hendra from his childhood to adulthood. Including books and room ornaments that were also warm, plus dim lights. The room where Aruna first waited for Hendra, who at that time was called by Wiryo''s bodyguard.


    Aruna smiled at her big brother. She was very happy that her brother came. Even her father hadn''t visited her at the main house, but Anantha visited her first. As Aruna sat down, Hendra also sat beside her, putting one of his hands on the waist of his beloved tiny wife.


    "Actually, I came here specifically to talk to Aruna. Can you give us some privacy?". Anantha asked.


    "Okay. I''ll give you some privacy if the man beside you leaves too". Hendra couldn''t accept being told to stay away by Anantha. If this was a matter of privacy between the family, why the man named Gibran, who was still wearing the ethnic bracelet from Aruna, was still allowed to sit in the same place by Anantha?


    "Huh. You''re really troublesome". The brother-in-law complained.


    "Huh. Such a weird brother-in-law, kicking out your brother-in-law and letting another person talk to his little sister was considered a part of privacy". Mahendra replied.


    "Okay. You can listen to the three of us talking". Anantha finally allowed Mahendra to listen to the discussion of his co-worker''s investment plan in the Magic Letter.


    Anantha began to express the purpose of his arrival. He made Aruna disappointed. It turned out that his brother came to discuss business matters, instead of missing her. Hendra saw that and rubbed his wife''s back several times.


    "How, Aruna? Are you interested? I''ve met your friends and they agreed that the final decision is yours". Anantha offered.


    "I can''t decide right away. Even though you explained the reasons for some individuals on the Magic Letter team, after all I have to meet them before deciding on something big". Aruna revealed what to go through before making a decision. That''s how Magic Letter work.


    "With such an offer of money, frankly it was more of an acquisition phase, than having them manage it. Obviously, they can''t. Tell the truth if you''ve been there and seen it. Writing expense and income journals is only in the form of ordinary journal writing, without any system. Unless the disbursement of funds that you plan to do is your way of acquiring in a smooth mode". Hendra spoke according to his perspective in viewing the offer presented by Anantha.


    "Who told you to talk? We just want to talk to Aruna and you just have to monitor her." Anantha couldn''t accept what Mahendra said. He chose to defend his friend who had been silent while looking at the blue-eyed man''s wife.


    "You know, for a simple analysis, I''m used to getting paid handsomely. Because what''s being discussed is something my wife built and loved from scratch, as her husband, I have the right to give her input. If you don''t want to hear it, just cover your ears". The words of hostility came back from Aruna''s brother with his brother-in-law.


    "One more thing, unless you really want Aruna''s start-up". Hendra smirked.


    "Hendra, that''s not how you say it..". The woman reminded again about choosing the best sentence when talking to family members. The man changed his smile as a sign of apology.


    "We don''t have plans that far". Gibran gave the impression of a gentle discussion.


    Not sure what happened, Anantha seemed to think.


    "If that''s not what you want, then what do you mean by investing in a small start-up?". Hendra asked.


    "I see the idea is quite fresh. It hasn''t existed anywhere else yet. For a fresh idea like that, it''s a shame if they just ride on social media platforms. They need to expand their wings to strengthen their start-up and lead it to transform into a big company that specializes in handling a wide range of accessories and as a display service provider for special occasions". Gibran didn''t want to lose in his approach.


    [In the world of business and economics, a platform is a place where there is a direct interaction between two or more economic actors who mutually benefit each other through a sustainable value creation process (Gawer and Cusumano, 2008). That interaction is facilitated by the platform owner by providing a certain number of counter-achievements that are agreed upon by both parties. In this context, platforms are often called multi-sided platforms, two-sided markets, or two-sided networks (Rochet and Tirole, 2001). Examples of online buying and selling platforms or online businesses, namely Bukalapak, Tokopedia, Lazada, etc.).


    "Why don''t you try to build your own platform? Then make Magic Letter as the contributor. That makes more sense than you handing over huge funds to the Magic Letter who still have very little understanding of business. You expect students who are looking for extra pocket money to build their own platform, manage, and fill it themselves. They don''t have a complete understanding of business. None of the kids even came from a business major. They aren''t foreign graduates like Ferry Unardi (the founder of Traveloka with a Master''s Degree in Business at Harvard University). As the owner of the money, you should be able to predict things this far. Unless you have other motives". Hendra cornered him at length and thoroughly.


    On the other side of that conversation, even though Aruna was the founder of the Magic Letter, she actually didn''t understand what Mahendra and the people in front of her were talking about. Aruna was blank about business matters and such. She only ran the Magic Letter as a way to provide an easy way of empowerment for women in the empowerment program who were her business partners. Apart from that, she also channeled her hobbies. Her dream was limited to being able to make Magic Letters to continue to survive to help partners and provide additional pocket money for herself and her friends. Getting a profit of up to 100 million was too extraordinary.


    While Anantha, that man began to realize many things from the mouth of his brother-in-law. After all, his brother-in-law was the CEO of a company that had stood firm for years, controlling various business sectors throughout the country.


    Gibran was silent, confused about Mahendra''s accusations. Rey was camouflaged using the name of Gibran and the real Gibran. Indeed, since the beginning of the viral invitation of Blue Oceans, he was very interested in acquiring the small start-up, whose branding had already hit the community, but hadn''t yet had strong management. That start-up would be used as a stepping stone for the early expansion of the Tarantula Group from conventional to digital.


    The wife whispered a little in her husband''s ear: "Hendra, what should I do?".


    "Let''s wait for his answer". Hendra stroked his wife''s hair. The top of an empty head that didn''t understand anything. He played with her hair while waiting for an answer from Gibran.


    "Honestly, our focus is only on the fresh idea. We forgot to think about it in detail. Thank you for helping to make further analysis of what might happen". He annulled his statement.


    Hendra smiled, understanding that his interlocutor had reached the point where he could no longer fight his argument. A communication like this was Hendra''s daily food when he met business opponents, especially a meeting with a Wenceslas Group subsidiary.


    .


    .


    "Anantha". Hendra called Aruna''s big brother who planned to say goodbye to go home.


    Anantha followed his brother-in-law. He knew Hendra wanted to talk to him privately.


    .


    .

 Chapter 186 - Small Leech

    "Anantha". Hendra called Aruna''s big brother who planned to say goodbye to go home.


    Anantha followed his brother-in-law. He knew Hendra wanted to talk to him privately.


    "I hope you can be more careful. It''s not just about today, but also for the company you''re building. If you need funds, as your brother-in-law, I can do it too." Hendra made an offer that was quite meaningful. As an heir and CEO of Wenceslas Group, he wanted to help and encourage Anantha''s company without doing a meaningful assessment. There was no offer more tempting than that.


    But, in fact, that man refused firmly.


    "If I were willing to accept it, I''d have gotten it a long time ago. I don''t even want to accept the same thing from my father. Because my father is also part of you. Your family and you can control my father, even take my little sister by force. But not for me. I built it with my own hands and feet. For a mission to free your family''s shackles on our little family, my highest success is to restore my little sister''s rights".


    Like a thunderbolt during the day, Hendra was surprised by Anantha''s words. He thought that the man''s disgust with him was just an expression, because his little sister was married to him at an age that was still worthy of developing to achieve her dreams. In fact, he really hated Mahendra, including the Wenceslas family, who managed the family of his bodyguard until their personal matters.


    "Don''t think I don''t know how dangerous my sister''s position is because of being your wife. Even if you love her, you can''t necessarily protect her. That''s why you still lock her up like a prisoner. I''m a soldier who one day is ready to fight to free my little sister from prison". Anantha left the man who was looking at him.


    "Huh..". This man even let out a long breath. He realized his brother-in-law''s words were 100% true.


    He walked limply, hugging the petite body from behind. The girl who just waved to her big brother.


    "Don''t be like this. It''s an open space with many maids looking at us. But by the way, why are you suddenly sweet like this??". Aruna got an intimate hug from her husband.


    _This morning we were enemies right?? Why is it different now?_ Aruna was confused by the behavior of Hendra that often changed in a heartbeat.


    "Calm down for a moment¡­. I just want to hug you like this for a while. Consider it a bonus. I''ve saved a small start-up that almost got torn apart by the owner of the capital". Hendra was still hugging the tiny body, kissing Aruna''s fragrant hair and shoulders.


    "You''re right.. Thank you for helping me, Hendra.. I really don''t understand what you were talking about with my brother and Gibran". Aruna made an honest statement.


    "It was indeed so obvious if you''re not too smart.. Poor mother spent a lot of money for your tutoring, but you still have standard understanding until now". That man spoke cruelly about the fact.


    "Get out of the way! You helped me but also insulted me. Stop pretending to be cool". Aruna told Hendra to go and left him.


    While the blue-eyed trailed his tiny girl from behind: "I''m really cool.. Don''t deny it. It''s a fact".


    He walked while continuing to tease his wife.


    "But you also have other things that are more extraordinary than those kinds of things". Hearing Hendra''s words, this girl immediately stopped and turned to face the man who seemed to want to praise her. Aruna was waiting for the praise. It was very clear that she was expecting to be praised.


    Mahendra came close to fixing her hair: "You have something else which is more valuable than intelligence, which is extraordinary talent in design, such a great EQ, and amazing body parts because it could make me drunk last night".


    (Emotional Quotient, abbreviated as EQ, is a person''s ability to receive, assess, manage, and control the emotions of herself and others around her. In this case, emotion refers to feelings of information about a relationship).


    "Aish. How dare you attribute my body to a compliment, then make such a statement. I''m not smart but I''m observant!! Hmm finally I was able to unlock the keyword to the mystery last night". Aruna drew closer and clung to his body, hugging him tightly. She made the blue-eyed confused about what his tiny wife would do. Why did her angry expression not match her hugging style?


    Even that woman sniffed his chest as if looking for something: "AAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH". The loud shout of the blue-eyed man who was tightly hugged by his wife broke all the ice in Wenceslas''s main house.


    It made everyone run for the source of the deafening sound. The sole heir received a cruel, painful bite right on the tip of his chest. Aruna was taking revenge after catching Hendra''s last phrase.


    "Aaaaaa¡­ Let me go..". Hendra pushed her head away from his body but that mouth was still squeezing tightly and wouldn''t let go.


    "LET ME¡­ LET ME GO.. AAAARGH.. ARUNAAAA". Aruna was like a small leech that sucked the body of its host. If it was forcibly removed then the host''s blood would flow.


    Meanwhile, the maids on duty seemed to be getting used to this unique couple. They saw the source of the voice, watching them for a moment, then walked away.


    The heir of this family and his wife had done silly things quite often.


    "Just ignore them. They''ll make up later". One of them said and then left.


    "Who''s screaming?".


    "Yes. Really surprising".


    "Who else? The young master was bitten by his wife".


    "Oo..".


    That was a glimpse of their response.


    "Grandma.. Grandma Sukma.. Help me please". Hendra''s screams were ignored. Grandma Sukma also walked away after knowing they were the ones making the noise.


    "Do things like that in your room, not here". Grandma even scolded Mahendra who needed help.


    "OKAY OKAY I''LL CONFESS".


    Those words prompted the tiny girl to release her bite.


    "It hurts so bad".


    "Confess quickly! Confess your sins to me and apologize!".


    You fell asleep and because of the whiskey you felt hot and asked me to take off your clothes. I''m a normal guy.. There was something tempting in front of my eyes. Hehehe I couldn''t bear to suck it.. A little". He stammered remembering what happened last night.


    Aruna was horrified, covering her chest with both hands.


    "Just for a moment.. I''m sure for a while (in fact, it was all night). I didn''t know the effect would be like that. It was also my first time doing it so I didn''t know how to make it not hurt you". His ambiguous sentences gave her goosebumps.


    "We won''t be rooming together on our honeymoon. I''m sure you''ll do even more horrifying things". That girl walked away, making the man follow behind her while saying a plea: "Please¡­ Don''t.. I''ll be a good boy. Let''s be roommates".


    "Promise¡­ I want to promise this time.. I''ll be a good boy". He continued to talk endlessly, negotiating so that his wife would be willing to sleep together during their honeymoon.


    _Huh. My wedding is weird¡­ Daaaamn_

 Chapter 187 - To Make Peace

    "If you continue being like this, you won''t get anything. I used to experience the same thing as you, but I can''t believe you can get this far". Bay was very disappointed after knowing how complicated the current state of Danu Umar was. He wasn''t a reckless young man. Damar was a relaxed young man, calm in dealing with problems, and tended to be mature even though he was full of laughter.


    All of that had now disappeared from Damar. Not sure what had gotten into that Padangnese young man. Not sure how to heal the feelings that he supposedly couldn''t handle. It couldn''t be removed, he couldn''t give up, and he hoped to have her completely, regardless of the real situation.


    He wasn''t the Damar that Bay used to know at all. The man who received a direct mandate from Mrs. HRD. He volunteered to guide this young man, who grew up being raised by a single parent. He was trying to find a way to wake up the poet. He had strayed too far without direction because he fell in love the wrong way.


    "You should be aware that your feelings for that girl are no longer love. I used to think you were really in love with her. In fact, you just want to win over your opponent. So if you choose to be destroyed because you feel defeated, it''s natural because that''s what you''re aiming for". Bay added.


    "Where''s the Danu that I used to know, who was willing to accompany his girl without expecting to have her at all? No need to be the first winner if you''re really in love. Just take her to the right place according to her path of happiness. Welcome her if she chooses to turn to you. Isn''t that how you used to be? Now I don''t recognize you anymore. So now find your own way, if you''re still like this". The man who had contributed a lot to Danu Umar surprisingly seemed to want to end their relationship.


    Damar was silent. He didn''t dare to straighten his own behavior because he knew he was wrong. He used to like Aruna in a different way. He never expected that girl to end up with him. He also never expected Aruna to leave his competitor. He only hoped that Aruna would always be happy wherever that girl was and no matter how hard life was. Damar should''ve been Aruna''s best friend and vice versa.


    "Now, find out where the old you are or you''ll be trapped and looking for a scapegoat for every mistake. It''s okay to like a woman, even to love her to death, but you have to do it in the right way". The long description from Bay opened up spaces in his old journey. The early journey of how he liked her. Not expecting a reply, just hoping for her to smile. In the past, he had insulted the man who controlled Aruna as he pleased in his heart but it turned out that he was the same.


    Just now, Damar also heard something from Pandu. Aruna would never meet him if he got even more messed up. It made him remember the incredible decision about why he had to be a newcomer musician.


    He needed to reach the highest point to show that Aruna would return to him with pride in 2 years. Now, everything went wrong because he was too ambitious.


    On that day, Damar had enough of himself by reorganizing his life which was getting more directionless


    "Go back to being a musician like before. If you keep hiding like this, the issues will get worse. That will make you go wrong in the eyes of the public. Try to make peace". Pandu the manager directed him, slightly the opposite of Bay.


    "Pandu, if you need a musician that you can promote so that your work continues and develops, I still have many potential artists who are ready to be your partner. Let this young man find himself first. Don''t bother him with that vague lure". Bay didn''t agree if he quickly returned to the entertainment world. It wasn''t a friendly place especially for someone who was lost. He even suggested leaving all the accusations alone. The important thing was that he made peace with himself who had disappeared.


    .


    .


    The next day, that young man carried his backpack and said goodbye to his adoptive parents. Damar decided to go away for a while to do a hobby that he had long forgotten. Exploring alone, traveling, backpacking, or climbing. Today he decided to climb Mount Rinjani with his friend who were both looking for an identity. Maybe that way he would remember who he was, who had been swept away by a woman carrying a double-edged knife.


    ***


    Aruna relentlessly negotiated with the blue-eyed. He needed a girlfriend after that tragedy happened. Aruna could no longer tolerate Mahendra. He was getting better at stealing things from her. The strange feeling and pain in the chest was still real. Even the small scratch had been acknowledged by the culprit that it was his tooth mark.


    She wanted to be angry but it was useless. She wanted to curse but she was already tired. She wanted to be silent, but the culprit was good at encouraging her to talk.


    There was no way to punish the blue-eyed other than making him fast from ''breakfast''.


    ''Breakfast'' turned into a tradition. Aruna didn''t even realize when that habit started. After a while, it wasn''t just a ''breakfast'', but husband and wife''s typical sports before bedtime could be used as a tradition.


    Finally, with Surya''s support, Aruna got permission to take Dea on this unique and magical wedding honeymoon. Aruna also didn''t understand why that crazy secretary supported her.


    They arrived at Ngurah Air Airport, Bali, which was equipped with a plane parking lot and a special terminal for the rich who used planes or private jets. It became the place for them to land and greet the Island of the Gods.


    Hendra came out in his relaxed style, cream-colored knee-length pants with black glasses, a white T-shirt that said ''good man''. The t-shirt that made his wife grin because the man was repairing his branding after being caught as a master thief. He completed his special style with a Panama hat.


    The Panama was actually a traditional Ecuadorian straw-brimmed hat. Originally, the Panama was made from the woven leaves of Carludovica palmata, a plant similar to a palm. The rarest and most expensive Panama in the world was the Montecristis which was produced in the city of Montecristi.


    Montecristis had about 1600-2500 webbing per 1 square inch. Although until now Panama was still produced in Ecuador, the number was decreasing.


    That hat made Mahendra even more handsome. He deliberately did that to attract Aruna''s attention.


    Unfortunately, their differences were becoming more and more obvious. To the extent that the way he accompanied Aruna didn''t appear to be a husband accompanying his wife because of the huge difference in posture and face. They were more like a Caucasian man and a young girl asking for a photo together. Even though he pulled the suitcase for his wife, including her handbag slung over his shoulder.


    Hendra remained the center of attention because he was a little different, not just a matter of posture. On the Island of the Gods, there were many Caucasian men with a posture similar to Hendra. It was more about the way people around him adjust the rhythm of their footsteps as if they were escorting a prince from the middle of nowhere who was on vacation on the island of a thousand temples.


    While Aruna and Dea seemed to be in the wrong place because they were walking together with them.


    There were six people participating in the honeymoon, a term that the blue-eyed opposed. He consistently said this honeymoon was a group vacation. A real torment for him. It was up to Aruna, he didn''t want to have a long debate.


    The six people, apart from Aruna and Hendra, were Dea, Surya, Hery, and another person. When Aruna asked Hendra, he said his name was Raka. Aruna didn''t know why that person came along.


    .

 Chapter 188 - Healing

    Healing


    For those of you who are looking for healing


    From wounds that never have a cure


    Let''s go on a journey together


    Maybe by admiring His nature


    We are reminded that this earth is wide


    That oxygen is still abundant to be inhaled


    So you do not feel cramped anymore


    Do not feel the air pressure squishing you anymore


    With flying creatures and dancing plants greeting each other


    I walk this path as my way to heal myself


    Maybe then there will be mercy from the owner of destiny


    Who has scratched her ink


    About her who is coveted but has a different storyline


    I have been chasing her for a long time but the results are still in vain


    Even though I forgot the word bored and lazy just to catch her aura


    The expression on the face of the Goddess of Heaven who was lost on earth


    What is the use of it all if the storyline is not on my side and her?


    Finally, my only path is to heal myself


    By traveling the earth and seeing how vast it stretches out


    Whoever you are, let''s heal your wounds


    ***


    "Aruna, let''s take a photo..". Dea asked her.


    "Let''s go..". These two girls took an unimportant selfie at the airport photo booth.


    Hendra''s men, including the blue-eyed, looked at the two of them, feeling embarrassed. Their brain was thinking ''what''s the point of taking a photo in such an insignificant place''.


    They just arrived at the lobby. These two young girls were about to take a photo together for the second time. Unfortunately, two cars had already come to pick them up.


    Both of them complained. One of them complained because their cars had to be different. The other car was special for Mrs. and Mr. Wenceslas.


    Along the way, Aruna opened the window, looking at the beautiful island of the Gods. A small paradise with a variety of beauty and uniqueness. This name probably existed because the majority of the island was inhabited by Hindus who had many Lords. Dewa (Lord) came from the word Div which meant light and the Lord was a holy light from God Almighty (Ida Sang Hyang Widi) so that the Lords were a manifestation of Ida Sang Hyang Widi''s omnipotence. Lord wouldn''t be able to move freely, couldn''t bestow if not the will of God. Each Lord had their respective duties according to God''s will (Brahman) such as the Lord of Creator, Preserver, Fire, Wind, Water, etc.


    These lords were called Dewata, so that Bali got the name Dewata Island, with thousands of temples scattered throughout the earth of Bali. It was also known as the Island of a Thousand Temples.


    Seeing his woman really enjoying something, Hendra approached: "What do you see?".


    "The streets and the air of freedom". She answered.


    "You like it?". Hendra asked again.


    "Yes, of course..". Aruna replied.


    "You''re unique..".


    "And you''re weird..". Aruna replied.


    "I haven''t even said why I call you a unique woman.. But you''ve already said that". Hendra complained.


    "Because I chose this place instead of a private island, alone, and wrapped in romance. Right? I''m not wrong, right?".


    "Yes. That''s one of them..".


    Aruna just smiled at Hendra''s words.


    "When we were together in the bathtub, you said ''Until the next two years, we don''t know what will happen and I just want to take care of myself as best as possible''.." Hendra stroked her hair.


    "You know, I''ll always try to give the best for you. You may not believe it, but it''s my promise. I can promise this more than any other promise". Mahendra''s words made his girl immediately turn to look at him.


    "Are you sure of your words?". Aruna asked about the seriousness of Wiryo''s grandson.


    "Even though my method is often wrong, you can test my sincerity". Hendra said firmly.


    "So¡­". Aruna hadn''t finished talking yet.


    "So you can keep my promise on this one". Hendra said.


    This woman stared at him for a long time. At the umpteenth minute and second, she finally made a meaningful move. She took off Hendra''s hat and ran her fingers through her husband''s brown hair. She stroked that man''s hair.


    Slowly, the blue-eyed closed his eyes, enjoying his wife''s unique way of expressing her feelings.


    "Hendra¡­".


    "Hmm..".


    "Don''t you want to try a new way so that we, I mean our household, are closer to each other?". The woman asked.


    "What kind of way?".


    _We try to live alone in one house. I''ll cook for you every morning and bring you lunch. Then we''ll go together. You take me to campus then you go to work. When the afternoon comes, I welcome you home from work. Maybe that way we''ll get used to each other_ That request could only be in Aruna''s mind.


    "Hmm.. Nothing..". And she changed her words.


    "That''s why I call you unique". Hendra replied.


    "I have everything except the way to understand you. Your comfortable place is something expensive to me. Just name it. Whatever you want, I''ll try to work it out". Hendra added, trying to convince his wife.


    "Thank you". She gave him a hug. That hug was deeper than any hug he''d ever received.


    "If I suddenly have to leave you, I hope you''re still okay". That girl whispered.


    "That''s impossible". Hendra replied.


    "I know you''ve gone through your crisis, so you''ll definitely be stronger".


    _Heard you''ve recovered. Hendra, congratulations_


    .


    .


    WELCOME BALI


    A woman with proportional weight and an attractive slim body was very attractive in a short sleeve midi dress, high heels, and a limited edition Chanel classic flap bag, with all black accessories.


    She kept herself busy by reading a brief description of the island of the Gods in the lobby of a 5-star hotel.


    The Island of the Gods consisted of 8 regencies and 1 municipality, with an area of 5,636.66 km2 or about 0.29% of the total area of Indonesia. The highest mountain was Mount Agung with a height of 3,148 meters. Denpasar was the capital of this province. The main destinations for tourist attractions were Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. The top diving spots were in Nusa Lembongan, Amed, Tulamben, and Menjangan. There were four beautiful lakes namely Lake Batur in Kintamani, Beratan in Bedugul, and the twin lakes Tamblingan and Buyan. With the beauty of the island which was also named Dewata, Bali was visited by millions of foreign tourists, bringing various cultures of their own. What was remarkable was that Bali still adhered to the traditions handed down by its ancestors such as the routine of praying with various offerings that we often saw in temples and even on the street, which characterized strong religious beliefs with offerings to the Dewata.


    .


    .

 Chapter 189 - Hugging Tightly

    Hendra and Aruna''s group arrived at a 5-star hotel in Nusa Dua, Bali. One of the hotels owned by the Wenceslas family with a blend of modern and ethnic Balinese interiors. Enchanting but still maintaining the typical culture of the island of the Gods. Their suitcases had just been unloaded by a number of hotel staff who were eager to help. The first thing Aruna, Hendra, and their entourage got was a flower necklace that was perfectly attached to each of their necks.


    A friendly smile was shown by someone who was the head of the hotel. He knew it was their CEO who had come. Automatically, the service was also special. Unfortunately, that hospitality wasn''t comparable to what Hendra showed. It seemed that Hendra really had a slightly different temperament when interacting with other people other than his little wife''s circle of friends. Ven though every officer who deliberately stood in front of him greeted him in their most friendly way, be it the manager or the helper who accompanied the group in small conversation through the main door to the hotel lobby.


    .


    A woman with proportional weight and an attractive slim body was very attractive in a short sleeve midi dress, high heels, and a limited edition Chanel classic flap bag, with all black accessories.


    She kept herself busy by reading a brief description of the island of the Gods in the lobby of a 5-star hotel.


    She hurriedly put down the thing she was holding, realizing someone she''d been waiting for had arrived. The blue-eyed man with a tall body posture wrapped in his charming bitter expression.


    "Hendraaa¡­.". Surprisingly, the woman ran excitedly and immediately rushed to hug Hendra. Hendra couldn''t avoid what he suddenly got.


    A woman with proportional height and a slim body. Fashionable, amazingly stunning like an actress. That woman looked up to show herself while still hugging Hendra''s body from the front. She smiled too sweetly. Who else if not Tania?


    "Tania?? You''re in Bali??". Hendra asked the woman who was reluctant to let go of the tight hug.


    "Hey. Get out of the way..". Surya pressured Tania to realize what she was doing was too much.


    "You''re mean to me, not looking for me at all". That beautiful woman complained, ignoring the way Surya tried to let go of her hands.


    "How did you know I''m here?". Hendra asked, suspecting that Tania had been waiting for him before they arrived at the hotel. It could be seen from the way she greeted him before running earlier, sitting while reading a book on one of the hotel sofas in the lobby.


    "Secret". Tania''s voice and the way she talked were always pleasant to hear.


    On the other hand, a bodyguard pulled a suitcase which had been ignored by his master and was seen helping their young lady who was slowly leaving two people having a conversation.


    "Do you live in Bali? Could it be that you were hidden by my grandfather in this hotel?". Hendra was curious.


    "I did live in Bali after being allowed to return to Indonesia by your grandfather. When your grandfather was hiding me, I wasn''t in Indonesia. But after your wedding procession was over, your grandfather allowed me to go home". She explained at length, full of happy smiles.


    "Why didn''t you show up in Jakarta?". Hendra asked, trying to let go of her hands as he saw the tiny back that was slowly drifting away.


    "I haven''t dared to return to the entertainment world. Besides, I still want to have fun and want to meet you at the right time and place like today". Tania replied, reluctantly to let go of her hug.


    "Ah, whatever". Surya was also reluctant to remind them because he was ignored. He followed the group, leaving the blue-eyed behind.


    "Hey.. Let me go first, Tania. We''ll talk again later. Are you staying here?". Hendra asked the woman who was finally willing to let go of her hug.


    "I''ve been here since two days ago, waiting for you". Tania exclaimed.


    "Yeah yeah yeah.. We''ll talk again later. Let me see my room first". The blue-eyed man asked.


    "Don''t take too long. By the way, what''s your room number?". Tania was still following in Hendra''s footsteps. This man''s footsteps and back had been her daily view since the first time they met.


    "I also don''t know, that''s why I have to immediately join my group".


    "Oh, right". Hendra seemed to stop, blocking Tania, and then stood in front of the drama series actress.


    "Remember, I''m here for my honeymoon.. So don''t disturb me too often". Hendra gave a warning, getting a sulky face in return.


    "Honeymoon?? Looks like you''re on vacation together!". Tania interrupted.


    "Ah.. That isn''t wrong either". The old friend spoke in his usual relaxed tone. Tania was indeed the only woman in Mahendra''s world. Like a cat wrapped around its owner all the time. Wiryo''s grandson had been tired of getting rid of her since high school.


    "Anyway, we''ll eat together as usual". Tania asked shamelessly.


    "I can''t. I''m married. So I have to eat with my wife". The man continued his footsteps, followed by the beautiful woman.


    "How come! Don''t be mean to me. Remember, you''ve ruined my career. Now you have to take responsibility". Tania said.


    "Ah, that''s right. How much should I compensate you? Your favorite branded bag is enough?". This woman was used to getting the things she wanted from the CEO of Wenceslas Group.


    "This time, the compensation is different. I don''t want bags, shoes, or clothes". Tania''s voice was made to be as firm as possible.


    "Ah, really??". Hendra was being sarcastic. He was too aware of Tania''s preferences, whose anger had melted in the same way for years.


    "I really want to.. But this time I want your time instead of those things".


    Hendra''s face showed a sign of disapproval about Tania''s words.


    "I''ve been in a lot of trouble because of your behavior". Tania pouted.


    "Go back to your place". Hendra was anxious, getting closer to his room.


    "Hmm.. I don''t want to!". Tania consistently followed Hendra like in the old days.


    "Whatever, up to you". Hendra ignored that woman. Such a natural behavior for Tania. Hendra had always been like that since they first met.


    .


    .


    The blue-eyed man was finally free from the embrace of the only woman who was present from his past life before having a tiny wife who was now seen busy arranging things in their temporary room. Being in the same room was the result of a long struggle, after persuading her all out.


    "What are we going to do after this?". The blue-eyed hugged his wife''s back from behind. She was shocked and dropped the object she was holding.


    "Tania came too. Thank God. I''m more relaxed and calm. Now I want to take a shower. Let go of your hand!". Aruna tried to remove Mahendra''s hand.


    "Can you be jealous of me just a little after I was hugged by another woman earlier?". Hendra said. He felt neglected after the girl just removed his hand, grabbed a towel, and went to the bathroom.


    "What for? She''s your old friend. Even if she''s your girlfriend, it''s okay. I''m not a possessive woman who likes to shackle partner until he can''t breathe". Aruna said as her footsteps approached the bathroom door. Hendra was irritated by her words because the girl was being sarcastic to him.


    That man hastily stood up, pushing the tiny body as fast as he could into the bathroom. He immediately embraced Aruna''s body until she was in his arms and purposely put her in a bathtub filled with water.


    "Ah.. Wet!". Aruna protested. She was surprised. Even more surprised to see him took off his T-shirt.


    "What are you doing?". Aruna protested, stood up, and wanted to leave. He grabbed her stomach, asking her to take a bath together. He only wore his boxers, while the girl was complete with the clothes she was wearing.


    "I also want to take a bath, take a bath with you like at that time". The man hugged tightly around the woman''s body who was wanting to leave. Slowly, he made a kiss on the shoulder, then slipped down the back of her neck.


    The bathroom led directly to the sea. The twilight looked perfect in the eyes of the girl who was looking far away at the panorama outside the window as the man''s bold steps unzip the dress that dangled beautifully on his woman. The blue-eyed started to bite back there.


    _Could this be our last twilight?_ she mumbled, letting that man bite her back once again.


    .


    .

 Chapter 190 - Epidermis Pina

    Two Devotees


    Who is she? Dares to plant seeds in the hearts of two devotees at once.


    Then she mercilessly ignores both of them.


    Not choosing and not showing any signs of whom she will choose.


    I who always hope here can only wail.


    Hoping that she would let go of her fortress for me to embrace and possess.


    Even though her status is already mine.


    Unfortunately, in reality it is just a symbol that is intoxicating and demanding to be repaid without mercy.


    When those eyes stare blankly out there, I thought I have every right to have them.


    Unfortunately, it''s not a love song that speaks, but a big question mark from a closed mouth and empty eyes.


    Here, I hug you, even stealthily bite you.


    Hope you can feel how much my desire is.


    Unfortunately, you remain the same, stonewalling and I finally fell along with him who was looking for a cure.


    ***


    Along with Hendra''s bold steps to unzip the dress that wrapped Aruna beautifully, he looked at her back and started to make the first bite. Aruna was silent, maybe that means he got permission.


    Hendra explored her back again, opening a wider expanse of epidermis as wide as 4 palms. Touching 2 parallel lines, an object that came from a long journey of light cotton which was spun into yarn then woven into cloth and the cloth was perfectly modified to support the precious thing in front of it.


    Hendra took off the hook and kissed the tiny girl''s back again. The mere touch of her hair made his fingers tingle.


    That back was broad, though it wasn''t more than a hand and a half. She who was silent seemed to give hope.


    Hendra took a fragrant bath soap which was placed not far from the bathtub. Slowly, he learned to worship by massaging her.


    "How is it? Too rough or not?". The man tried to get his woman to talk. Maybe just a small comment about not being happy with the disturbance or words of guidance on how to give the desired massage. That was enough. That wasn''t a problem.


    But Aruna was completely silent. Nothing was more suffocating than the way she was ignoring him.


    Several minutes had passed. Finally, the blue-eyed decided to look into the woman''s eyes.


    "What are you looking at? Seems like you''re too focused?". Hendra asked, resting that back on his chest. Instead of answering, she made another statement.


    "Hen.. If tomorrow you and I still have time to see the twilight together, I want to be accompanied walking on the beach". The window stretched out to show a view of the beach from a small canyon in the back corner of the special hotel room. It was as if the beach belonged only to the room they occupied, a little scattered and away from the hotel that stood majestically. Hendra had prepared a special place for the little one who was difficult to approach.


    "Of course! What else do you want?". He asked this woman to make a wish. She rarely asked. The blue-eyed only realized that after meeting his old female friend. A woman who liked things that complemented her appearance and that was very natural. Most of them were like that.


    Hendra just realized that he had never even bought makeup for his little wife.


    While relaxing and looking at the red sky, the man explored the epidermis Pina again, the part of the auditory organ whose function is to amplify sound to direct it to the ear canal.


    Hendra made a warm blow so that the amplification of his blow was able to shake the silent soul. The first one, the second one, both didn''t work. The third one, he tried to suck her Lobule, the tip of the earlobe where the small earring was located. It still didn''t work. The man was getting more and more challenged. He dared to suck the Helix, the outermost part of the earlobe that was said to be able to arouse sighs.


    He finally succeeded. She turned to him. He responded with a mischievous smile, a sign of victory. The man embraced her in a hug, showing his sincerity and a great form of love.


    "Aruna, am I still not allowed to have you? You know I want you more than anything?". The man wasn''t just pleading. He was groaning, hiding his face behind the woman he was holding.


    "Do what you want. It''s useless for me to protect myself. You''ve torn it apart". The beginning of the phrase had ignited the fire of passion that burnt in the man''s heart. He forgot to digest the meaning behind his woman''s words.


    He immediately reached for the red lips from which he had taken ''cocaine'' every morning. The man''s chest shook violently when there was no resistance as he lowered the cloth in front of him.


    The little girl presented what was called earthly addiction. A place where many men collapsed because of it. While maintaining the rhythm of the kiss that wasn''t getting any response, he deliberately pressed the tiny body against his chest so that they could get the sensation from the friction of their chests.


    In a movement that seemed ordinary, Hendra saw Aruna starting to look for a foothold. That girl firmly held the edge of the bathtub. She began to gasp for air even though she didn''t want to respond to anything that she received.


    "Are you torturing yourself or me? Try to give us both some space. Just a little is okay. This time I beg you to destroy your ego?". He whispered as he stared intently at the woman who was starting to have trouble breathing.


    "My limit is only here or I''ll regret it myself". Maybe Aruna was delirious. Hendra didn''t care.


    This man was getting bolder. He hoped she would be moved and gave up something she protected. Rather than finding out what was hidden in the spatial space where his woman put the riddle, the manifestation of her unpredictable attitude, Hendra had given up on understanding Aruna.


    The blue-eyed kissed her forehead, her eyes, down to her cheeks, the tip of her nose, and ended up back to that girl''s lips. He tried to make a slow rhythm according to Aruna''s liking.


    It was like his movement was useless. Hendra tried something he had learned the day before. Somatosensory pulses were presented by his fingers around Aruna''s breasts. Just one hand wasn''t enough to make that girl flinch. The man smirked. He used both hands while still trying to crush her lips.


    It was possible that his intense way confused both the amylase and lipase enzyme groups. These enzymes should have started the digestion of starch, carbohydrates, and fats, but what they found was each other. If they were allowed to speak, they would greet each other and then make love. The way Hendra expected that girl to be on fire was so big and deep.


    "Ouch¡­ Haaah.. Hmm..". That voice roared to greet the man''s ears who had been trying to do it himself. He just let that voice sing its true form. Hendra went down to bite the neck of the woman. Love bites began to be made while continuing what he was doing alone.


    That man tried to glance at his girl. The woman named Aruna looked clearly tormented. He almost didn''t have the heart but that was what she offered.


    Hendra knew that the woman was holding on tightly. Her two hands were no longer floating freely. She gripped the edge of the bathtub so tightly that the muscles on her tiny hands were seen. As if she was being tortured instead of receiving love. Her breath heaved up and down and roared louder than the beat of metropolitan life. Her eyes were trying to be alert. The brown eyes closed several times but the owner opened it again as wide as she could.


    _What kind of making love is this??_

 Chapter 191 - Empty Colostrum

    _What kind of making love is this??_ Hendra complained in his heart. Not because of physical pain, but more like the complaint of a man who fell in love for the first time and was neglected. He could bear it if he was beaten or ganged up until he lost consciousness. For him, that was easier to deal with than the excruciating pain because of this woman.


    "Are you sure you''re going to continue like this?". Gradually, his patience approached its limit. The woman just looked away and didn''t want to look anymore. He tried to reach her head and tightly gripped her hair.


    Unfortunately, when that sad face was presented in front of Mahendra, her eyes were closed and resigned. Hendra stopped his rude behavior. His wife had had enough bad behavior from him and this woman had filled his life a lot.


    That grip turned into a hug. A hug in the cold water against the warm bodies.


    "Huh". There was the sound of a man exhaling. In the embrace between desire and a broken heart, he still offered a few kisses of affection. Hendra gave his girl kisses on the loose hair that dangled.


    "Are you going to stick with your stance?". He asked after stroking her hair and found Aruna''s sad face turning to him.


    The woman refused to answer. She just nodded.


    "Okay.. Alright.. Let''s just take a bath first. I''ll take off your dress, okay?". Hendra helped her. But Aruna kept the dress that only wrapped around her lower body.


    "Are you feeling enough? If so, I''ll take a shower myself". Aruna''s words indicated that she would get up and intend to leave him. There was a shower room not far from there.


    "Not yet!". Mahendra said firmly. A tinge of disappointment was clearly seen. She insisted she wanted to leave. It triggered something in the chest of the man who was starting to lose his temper.


    _How can she be like this? It''s very torturous.. I can torture her too_ The predator showed his power. He groped in all directions mercilessly until the girl was no longer holding on to the edge of the bathtub. She started biting her own lips.


    Hendra didn''t give her pause to breathe and bit her everywhere as if he was preying on his prey.


    "Heenn¡­ E.. Enough¡­". She groaned.


    "Heennn¡­". She screamed as this man started to get greedy for something his teeth had scratched the day before.


    The throbbing made her unable to hold on anymore. She pulled and grabbed the hair of the predator that didn''t give her any pause.


    "Whimper..". He challenged his cold woman.


    "Stop!". She no longer grabbed. She started hitting the back of the man who was still chasing after her empty colostrum in turn.


    "You hurt me.. Please let me go..". That scream mingled with the roar of sighs and tears.


    Not only to his woman, that man also lost control of himself.


    "I want you. You''re my wife right!!". He said it while washing the saliva that was smeared on Aruna''s breasts. She stood up and ran away as fast as she could and was caught by him.


    That girl got caught and went back into the bathtub. She hadn''t had time to find he balance yet. He got crazier. Her hands were held tightly so she couldn''t fight back.


    Every time this tiny mouth began to protest, Hendra sucked it. That girl couldn''t do anything to fight back except her tears.


    "Stop crying, Aruna! Why don''t you just enjoy what I give you!". Hendra snapped.


    "Because¡­ Hah.. Huh..". She swallowed her anxiety, then said: "Do what you want. Just continue as long as you don''t cross the line". This girl was still trying to survive even though her moans had gone crazier.


    "What kind of man do you think I am, Aruna!!". He no longer snapped at her. Hendra glared and showed his burning anger.


    "You''re my wife. Honestly, I don''t have the heart to do this at all."


    ~


    ~


    [Flashback. Chapter 25. Whom I Choose]


    *Knock knock knock* Knocks on the door broke some of the tension.


    Andos sneaked in and informed that Lesmana, Aruna''s father, had arrived. Wiryo put the two photos back. He asked his secretary to bring in the son and daughter who were waiting outside.


    "Remember. It''s your last chance". His grandfather''s words drained Hendra''s heart and mind.


    That girl walked with her father. Tiny and little scared. She must''ve heard many stories about the Wenceslas family.


    [30 minutes earlier]


    A father arrived earlier than his daughter. He intended to accompany the youngest daughter whom he could embrace again without having to hand her over to his former master''s family, the Wenceslas family who had unlimited power.


    Lesmana, the former aide stood, staring at the room he used to work. His smile broke out along with the future son-in-law''s Bentley black car which he was finally able to avoid. He hadn''t had time to see that car parked.


    His ex-lady of the house called out with a hoarse voice and an unexpected expression. She rarely showed her emotions: "Lesmana, can I have a minute?".


    "Yes, miss". He answered without being able to refuse. Lesmana and Gayatri entered a closed room. When the former aide entered the room, unexpectedly, the lady immediately locked it. Without a word, the honorable lady, Gayatri Wenceslas, knelt down to the man who used to be only an aide. Lesmana gasped.


    "What are you doing??". Lesmana''s voice rose as he was surprised.


    "Allow my son to have your daughter". The hopeful face she presented was contrary to the flat expression that was present on her face at all times.


    "Sorry if I''m presumptuous. I have no other way but to beg you so that my son can be recovered". Gayatri refused to stand up even though the shocked face didn''t want to be faced with an extreme request (on her knees).


    "Stand up, Miss. We can talk nicely without kneeling". Lesmana asked her to come to her senses. The lady who used to be so precious in every inch of her, even the strands of her hair that fell didn''t go unnoticed. The only daughter, the favorite child of the Wenceslas Group president. Wenceslas''s only heir before the disaster came, voices saying she wouldn''t be worthy. She was forced to hide in the USA, separated from her world, and studied in a major she had absolutely no interest in.


    "I have no other way, Lesmana, but to kneel until you give up your daughter for my son". She didn''t move an inch. She further cornered her former aid.


    "Why do you have to do this? What recovery? Why my daughter?". Lesmana objected.


    "Just like you''re not willing to let go of your daughter and want to protect her. Likewise, a mother who destroyed her son hopes for his son to get a cure. When the medicine she''s been looking for for so many years finally comes to her, I''ll do whatever it takes to make up for it". Gayatri was a woman who intensely visited Diana''s clinic. She was a regular patient, at least once a month she had to come for a consultation. This woman hadn''t been able to find her personality that used to be friendly, agile, and warm. For this reason, she continued to receive treatment from a psychiatrist who was still willing to accompany her. At the same time, Gayatri received information on her son''s psychological development.

 Chapter 192 - Different Perspective

    Author''s Note :


    Read the dialogue, scene descriptions, and expression details for each character in chapter 26


    ______________


    "You know why I''m like this now? I mean, my son and I had a bad tragedy. Bad because I accidentally tried to end my life in front of my own son and it turned out to be the beginning of a long disaster for Mahendra. My son is sick, Lesmana". She shook violently while still kneeling. Lesmana had given up asking this beautiful lady to get up.


    "Help my son..". This woman began to whimper and plead non-stop.


    "Give your daughter to him. I beg you!". She didn''t want to get up and still kneeled, hoping for the deepest mercy from a father who was hit by a dilemma. How could he not? The father who just got the news that his daughter might be released from the trap of the big mistake he made ''Marriage agreement with the master'' was now faced with the former lady of the house, a mother who was begging for her son.


    "Why should I give up my daughter? What kind of illness does the young master have?". Honestly, Lesmana didn''t really understand what Gayatri said.


    "Since only she can heal my son, your daughter must take responsibility. She has brought up the post-traumatic syndrome disorder that my son suffers from. It means your daughter can also heal him. I won''t get up from my knees until you allow your daughter to be a part of my son''s life. I beg you, Lesmana. You can ask for anything". This woman kept begging her aide non-stop.


    A man with the status of a father could only sit down resignedly. He needed to save his own daughter.


    "Honestly, I don''t really understand what you''re really saying. If I accept your request, it means I''m sacrificing my own daughter. My little Aruna will lose her youth. Maybe she still loves me, because that child is always like that.. But how can I forgive myself? What kind of father I''ll become?". Now it was Lesmana''s turn who couldn''t let go of his daughter. He tried to defend her.


    An honorable woman approached him, holding his feet. Gayatri told everything about her son''s condition, as well as her condition. She promised to always take care of his aide''s daughter. She also promised to try to return Lesmana''s daughter if her son, Mahendra, had reached the recovery that the entire family wanted.


    "I''ll talk to my dad myself. You know.. I never spoke to him after we''d been through a lot of bad things. But this time I promise you that I''ll guarantee your daughter". The lady''s words didn''t get any response from her aide. There was no word of agreement from Lesmana, but Lesmana was still a good man who didn''t know how to refuse.


    "Wouldn''t the young master make the choice himself?". Lesmana interrupted at the end of their agreement.


    "My son won''t be able to choose your daughter unless he has strong feelings. Even though we never even speak to each other again, but I still know him more than anything. He''ll most likely use his brain to choose". Gayatri expected Lesmana to encourage Hendra to choose Aruna.


    "I won''t make any decision unless he really chooses my daughter".


    "But when Hendra chooses your daughter, I beg you not to stop him. I know this time you''re given the right to stop him".


    The conversation ended in the anxiety of both parents. Soon-to-be in-laws with different perspectives. One hoped that Hendra and Aruna''s relationship would continue. But the other hoped to keep his daughter free from an unwanted marriage, the long aftermath of the aide''s agreement with his master.


    ~


    [Flashback. Chapter 26, First Thief]


    "Lesmana, wait a moment!". Lesmana, who started and intended to leave the room was stopped by Wiryo.


    "I don''t understand you. This time, you and your daughter can get away from us. Why did you give your daughter back?". Wiryo straightened his stick and stood up. His former secretary turned around with a salute. Lesmana''s head lowered softly.


    "Because your grandson needs her". Lesmana seemed to understand something the Wenceslas family was hiding.


    "To what extent do you understand about Hendra''s condition? Who told you??". Wiryo was surprised.


    "That''s not important, Sir. The important thing is that I have fulfilled my promise. I allow my daughter to be part of this family on one condition". Lesmana made a request.


    "Name it!".


    "Later if Aruna isn''t able to face this marriage anymore, I ask you to allow her to go at any time".


    "Okay, I accept". Wiryo started the next deal.


    "Please stop acting like a secretary. We''re going to be in-laws". Wiryo asked, objected.


    "Isn''t this our agreement: Lesmana is Wiryo''s secretary until he hands over his daughter. When my daughter has become the daughter-in-law of this family, I''ll break ties with you and I''ll behave like a real father". Lesmana was holding back a deep crushing feeling at every word he said.


    "Thank you. Until the end, you remain my loyal secretary".


    _Even the daughter you hand over has the same character as you_


    The old man sat back down, looking at Lesmana''s back.


    .


    "Gayatri, do you think I was too much?". The old woman peeked at a boy and a girl entering the car.


    "Yes". Gayatri, Hendra''s mommy. She wasn''t very talkative and tended to be calm.


    "But my prediction is right. She''s an innocent and sweet child". Wenceslas''s grandmother smiled.


    "I think your way of finding out is a little outrageous". Gayatri stared at the speed of her son''s car more deeply than others thought.


    ***


    [Now]


    "You''re my wife. Honestly, I don''t have the heart to do this at all". In his burning anger, Hendra was still trying to find his senses.


    "If you don''t have the heart to do it, you should let me go instead of torturing me like this". That woman could only scratch at her torn clothes, covering herself in vain.


    "Is it that hard to give me my rights?? How do I look like in your eyes, Aruna?! I know I made a lot of my mistakes. But can you repay it in any other way than being cold to me like this?". The angry man turned to whimper, begging his wife to understand him. He just realized the girl in front of him was a complete mess, like a woman who was made to be worthless. The culprit was himself, Mahendra destroyed his girl.


    "What rights should I give? Isn''t it obvious that you and I have an agreement that we have to stick to?". Aruna started to find herself and few spots slowly stinging. She tried to stay as strong as she could.


    "Deal, MoU, agreement.. Whatever that is, can you just break it once?! Aren''t I, you, and our marriage much more valuable than that? Why do you always think that''s important?! How important is that?!". He made a grip, getting tighter and sending another pain apart from the spots Mahendra had bitten her.


    Aruna looked at him with a different look. The eyes that never showed anger were now throwing fire.

 Chapter 193 - As Red As The Horizon

    Aruna looked at him with a different look. The eyes that never showed anger were now throwing fire.


    A moment later, she seemed to exhale, closed her eyes, and melted: "Let go of me". Her voice weakened. She muffled her anger again and again. The girl who was good at hiding things was trying to hide her pain deeply.


    Who could bear to see this? Including the man who fell in love with her was also destroyed because he saw the expression on her face.


    He gazed at something incomprehensible. How could he use his brain when that girl''s expression was too unpredictable?


    "What if I don''t want to??".


    "Enough, Hendra!". She pleaded.


    "Just like you who consider our marriage agreement is important, that''s how I''ll get my rights". Mahendra started to grope her again.


    "You''ll violate it, HENDRA!!".


    "I don''t care".


    "If breaking the agreement was normal in your eyes, my father shouldn''t have sacrificed his daughter. My father should''ve violated it. I should''ve been able to escape the status of a family welfare assurance girl. Why am I here? Locked up all day and TREATED LIKE A TRASH!!". Aruna started screaming.


    "You can''t answer that, can you?". That girl''s words made someone freeze.


    "No need to think and no need to answer. But don''t ever forget, I''m here because of the agreement of my dad and your grandfather! The girl who guarantees family welfare. Doesn''t your mouth always say that when you''re angry?!". Aruna didn''t want to be touched anymore. Her strength had almost collapsed. She spilled something that shouldn''t have been worth saying even if it was to protect herself. But she was still a human, not an angel. No matter how innocent that girl was, she had the same instincts.


    It wasn''t the real reason, but once again Aruna had to protect herself and protect what she couldn''t say.


    Aruna had no other way but to remind the blue-eyed man about her presence in this place.


    The anxiety in the girl''s heart was actually as great as the anxiety in the man who desperately hoped for her. Who could withstand the touch of someone who was slowly also allowed to fill her life?


    But who was she? She wasn''t the subject of events that had been arranged every time. She was an object that had to receive treatment.


    "Aaaargh!!". Wiryo''s grandson hit the water which slowly became calm. Along with the slow movements of Lesmana''s daughter wearing clothes that were no longer proper.


    Now, it was the turn of a man with the status of a husband to stare blankly at the dark sky.


    The woman stepped out of the bathtub with red eyes. Drops of water from the way she walked, even though the man didn''t look at her at all, he knew another painful drop had melted into one.


    Just like him who eventually fell down. Mahendra lost his strength. He never once wet the corners of his eyes.


    Ever since his eyes were dry and his voice was gone from crying, lamenting the fear of losing his mommy, he no longer felt a sense of sadness that meant to be lamented.


    Except for today. The day when his eyes were red, as red as the horizon. The first color he noticed when he glanced at his wife''s eyes earlier. The first time he started to unzip her dress. His little girl also saw the sunset panorama so that her corneas also turned red because of the orange reflection of the sunset trail leaving one side of the earth''s surface.


    Along with the sound of the shower, washing the woman inside it. That man complained alone.


    ~


    "Hendra.. Haven''t I been a good assurance girl? I never asked for anything from you. I always pay the compensation you want every time I want something and you give it".


    "Especially now that you''re healed. You can get what you want from any girl".


    "Who told you I was sick?".


    "Without being told, seeing your unique behavior, anyone will try to look for explanations. How I knew it, it doesn''t matter. The most important thing now is that you''re no longer dependent on me".


    "Does that mean you''re telling me to find another girl?". Hendra reached the limit of his anxiety.


    Aruna didn''t give him an answer.


    "Tonight I''m sleeping in Dea''s room. Tomorrow we''ll go for a walk, okay?". Aruna''s voice could still be gentle. That girl even caressed his cheek.


    _What kind of behavior is this?! She just shouted at me, then broke my heart, now caressing my cheek_ Mahendra wanted to get angry and scream but he couldn''t.


    "You haven''t answered my question?!".


    "Tomorrow we''ll have fun.. It''s a shame we''ve come all the way to Bali.. Later we''ll try the banana boat". Aruna changed the subject.


    "You haven''t answered my question?!".


    "I''m hungry. Surely the food here is delicious. What if later we¡­".


    "You haven''t answered my question?!". Hendra repeated the same question, even his tone was the same.


    "I want to have fun as compensation for the injuries you did today".


    "You haven''t answered my question?!". Hendra insisted.


    "Hm.. Like I said in the beginning, if tomorrow you and I have the opportunity to see the sunset together, I want to be accompanied to walk on the beach. Maybe there''s an answer there".


    She left a peck on the cheek before that woman stepped out of the bathtub.


    ~


    ~


    [Flashback. Chapter 26, The First Thief]


    (After the departure of Hendra and Aruna from the main house of Wenceslas)


    "Huh? What brings my daughter to meet her father? Is there a big incident today?". Wiryo was quite amazed after almost 20 years this father and daughter had never spoken to each other.


    "I told Lesmana about Mahendra''s illness". The beautiful face refused to look at her own father.


    "Exactly what I thought". Wiryo answered briefly.


    "He wants his daughter...". Gayatri hadn''t finished her words.


    "I already understand. He can take back that kid any time". Wiryo finished her words.


    "If that day comes, don''t hurt my son".


    "Do you think I don''t love my grandson? Even though I once expressed my refusal because he suddenly appeared, I never hated him one bit. I love him as much as I love you". The father hoped that his only daughter would be willing to just put a picture of himself in the eyes of the beautiful little one who had transformed into a woman without emotions now.


    "You make him your tool". Gayatri insulted.


    "I never thought of him that way". Wiryo denied his daughter''s accusation.


    Gayatri just smiled. A disguised contemptuous smile.


    "He must be strong to survive in this family. I''m only preparing an heir who can carry the burden passed down from generation to generation from the Wenceslas family". Wiryo said.


    "Yeah¡­ Not a weak heir like me. You use my son to avenge your mistakes in educating me". Gayatri looked at her father now. But not a look that he expected, more like a look of anger.


    .


    .

 Chapter 194 - Heartbreaking Expression

    "Yeah¡­ Not a weak heir like me. You use my son to avenge your mistakes in educating me". Gayatri looked at her father now. But not a look that he expected, more like a look of anger.


    "I never thought that far. You are my best daughter and there''s nothing wrong with you".


    "Even from your words, it''s very clear that you still think of me as a little girl who isn''t allowed to learn to ride a bicycle for fear of falling. Now, you''re the one who brought me down and you took my son".


    "Gayatri! I never had such bad intentions".


    "But your behavior isn''t like a human being. You made my son like a living robot. You''re not a human, Wiryo!".


    "Enough! Look at the result now, how good he is".


    "He''s great on the outside but fragile on the inside. He doesn''t even know how to love others properly!".


    "My fault or your fault for his one?". Wiryo, a stubborn old man, didn''t even want to give in to his daughter. What he saw now was a woman who fell in tears, lamenting her mistake.


    Wiryo pressed the button on his desk: "Come in. Bring my daughter out.. She needs help".


    "Please don''t make him suffer again. This time, give him a chance. The mother uttered her wish.


    "I never intended to make others suffer, let alone my own grandson". Wiryo convinced his daughter who clearly lived in misery.


    ***


    [Now]


    When the sound of the shower was no longer audible, the footprints had met the door. There was a pause in movement, maybe he was staring at the back of this broken man that was himself. The blue-eyed had fallen to the bottom. He gave up on the woman he thought was the most appropriate path in his life.


    The beach was as dark as his heart : _How will I live after this?_


    Hendra got up with a stagger as the water began to wet him. It was as if the man had returned to 22 years ago when he had been forced to take a long shower and was glued under the shower to hide his tears.


    _No.. I still have a chance. My love can be rejected. I can be ignored or even removed. But I''ll never let her get away from me_ His determination was still burning for his wife.


    .


    No one can turn this feeling off.


    There is no better medicine than her.


    I will survive even if she inflicts many wounds.


    I will not be afraid to go through anything.


    As long as I can still hug her every night.


    I¡­


    I will defend our marriage.


    Even if you beg me to let go.


    Sorry, I am still a selfish guy until the end.


    .


    .


    "Hen.. Why are you alone here?".


    Hendra recognized her voice but was no longer able to see her face clearly. The drink had drowned his consciousness.


    "You''re drinking alone. You broke your promise to eat with me". That woman''s needy chatter was familiar.


    Surprisingly, the blue-eyed man threw his glass at the bar attendant. Luckily, that man was fast enough to avoid it. He didn''t dare to be angry or express annoyance. The man with the bow tie had received a message from his manager that the one who was drinking alcohol in front of him was the CEO of his five-star hotel, the sole heir of Wenceslas.


    "FUCK WITH THE AGREEMENT!!". He shouted and laughed. Hendra seemed to have lost consciousness. The drink had affected him too deeply.


    "Hen.. You''re drunk?? You don''t like to drink, do you??".


    "Don''t bother me¡­ Go away!". He snapped at the woman.


    "I don''t care. I''ll accompany you to drink, okay?".


    "Hehehe.. Why do you keep getting close to me? Do you love me, Tan?".


    "Even if you hear the word ''yes'' many times from me, I''m sure you won''t care about me". This drama series actress also drank the drink served by the bar attendant.


    "Do you feel the same pain as me when your love is ignored?". He slurred but could still be heard.


    "I can stand you ignoring me, even when you have a wife.. After all, your wife is just a kid who seems unattractive".


    "You''re wrong, Tania.. She''s dangerous..". He spoke with an up and down frequency. Sometimes he laughed and even whimpered sadly, unclearly.


    "Here.. Here.. I''ll try to compare you with her". Hendra pulled her head. This beautiful woman glared when Hendra surprisingly approached her.


    "Hendra, what are you doing? If you want something that¡­". This woman intended to remind Hendra that they were still in the open space.


    "Argh..". The messed-up man wanted to make a comparison between his wife''s lips with another woman''s lips. Of course, Tania had no desire to refuse. A woman who had been expecting love for 11 years since she and Hendra were both in high school surprisingly got what she wished. Tania responded to it as well as she could and Hendra tried to enjoy it.


    (Does that mean you''re telling me to find another girl?)


    The blue-eyed remembering the unanswered question from the cold girl.


    He just devoured Tania''s lips while trying to find the taste. Tania was much different from Aruna. This woman was even more skilled than the man, without any awkward feelings and not even feeling the slightest pressure. The 180 degrees opposite of the troublesome little girl.


    But..


    Hendra couldn''t enjoy it. It turned out that each woman had a different taste. Tania was more beautiful, better in all things related to physical appearance. What was the meaning of all that if his ''cocaine'' was still the most perfect?


    "Enough!". Hendra pushed the slim body in a perfect dress typical of a well-known brand. Her perfume wasn''t just a start-up bath soap that was bought online like his wife''s.


    "Hen..". Tania tried to approach him once again. The incident just now was very rare for Tania. The blue-eyed man she longed for was known to be an expert at rejecting all sorts of women, avoiding them to be more precise. Today, she got a special kiss. If Tania''s friends knew she managed to get this crazy thing, Tania would become a hot topic of conversation that attracted attraction and felt like a winner who got legitimacy as a famous woman.


    "Huh? What?". Hendra drank again and again. He was getting more confused and slowly lost his balance. The CEO looked helpless, fell several times on the bar table, woke up a moment later, and fell down again.


    Every time this man fell, there was a flirty movement from a woman''s hand. Tania rubbed his cheeks, sometimes his hair.


    It turned out that Hendra woke up and his eyes lit up when Tania stroked his hair.


    The CEO of Wenceslas Group immediately caught Tania''s hand when this woman touched his hair for too long.


    "Aruna..". His muttering went up and down like the waves of a sea.


    "My wife..".


    "Don''t imitate my wife''s behavior.. Hehe..". He laughed bitterly then a sad expression was presented on the perfect face. The first heartbreaking expression that Tania saw. Something that had never been seen during her long journey following Wenceslas''s sole heir.

 Chapter 195 - Calming Down

    "Mr. Surya.. Raka.. I''m sorry for bothering you. Young master is messing up at the bar. I think he needs help". Hery hurriedly ran to meet his senior, his leader, including the personal secretary of the Wenceslas Group''s CEO.


    Of course, Surya immediately stood up. But Raka prevented him. The man patted Surya on the shoulder, "Let me handle the young master. Just continue".


    "Hery, you can also join Surya. You haven''t eaten yet, have you? About the young master, let me take care of him". His senior''s steps were replied by a frown on Hery''s face. Usually, Raka was the best at yelling at his men to get to work. It was rare for him to be allowed to eat with Surya''s secretary who was seen doing something unique.


    .


    _I''m sorry.._ Someone was anxious.


    .


    _Oh, it turns out that Surya is observing the young lady_ Hery muttered after seeing the young lady and her best friend enjoying dinner by the window on the beach.


    "Wait! I don''t think you''re observing the young lady??". Hery said, couldn''t bear to see the person in front of him smiling. He smiled not because of the young lady because the young master''s wife was calmly enjoying the beach and the food. The one who was excited and talked a lot was her friend. The girl with a floral veil.


    "Don''t interfere.. Noisy!". Surya couldn''t accept Hery''s nonsense comment. In fact, the poor single man was predicting what Dea was talking about. Surya was sure that Dea was talking about K-pop or a Korean drama that she just watched.


    Recently, Surya had also read articles about why young people liked things related to Korean men. He even accidentally watched Running Man out of curiosity because that girl had mentioned several weird reality shows that were far from the world of the busy secretary, Surya.


    .


    "Aruna, did you know that Chen is getting married?". Dea was getting excited while sipping a drink in front of her.


    "Hm.. Hehe. Who is he?". Aruna felt guilty because she didn''t know who Dea was talking about.


    "Ah. You''re always behind. Chen is one of the members whose voice I like the most in the EXO. He''s the main vocal. The singer of the Descendants of The Sun OST. Although the announcement of his marriage caused pros and cons, I was touched that he admitted that his girlfriend was pregnant and wanted to marry her immediately". Dea was excited, opened her cellphone, and showed several articles about Chen.


    "It''s good that he wants to be responsible. People usually will choose to hide it well. Then it''s as if they''re single until they''re old. It could be that the handsome old man also has a child but it''s not disclosed to the public". Aruna spoke casually while eating her last snack.


    "Exactly. I also agree with you.. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks like us. The wedding that Chen will be holding trended number 1 on Twitter because his fans are divided into 2 sides to the extent that his fans will hold a protest. They put up posters on the streets. Fortunately, not many people came when the protest was held". Dea explained.


    "Wow. Seriously?". Aruna tried to keep up with her friend who looked serious.


    "Fortunately, there aren''t many Indonesian artists with fans like Chen''s fans". Aruna added.


    "Who said that?". Dea interrupted.


    "Oh, there is?".


    "You rarely watch TV, don''t you? I rarely watch it too. But.. You don''t know??".


    "Hehe.. I''m a little restricted from watching TV". Hendra controlled Aruna in everything, including what she could and couldn''t do. Aruna just followed without much protest.


    "So you don''t know? Damar''s fans did a protest in front of his artist management building". Dea immediately opened her Instagram account.


    "What''s the problem?". Aruna was also curious.


    "Look at this. The comment sections are full". While showing Danu Umar''s Instagram, Dea also read some of the comments.


    "Isn''t he already reducing his entertainment activities?".


    "It''s not that easy, Aruna. Moreover, people are already crazy for Damar".


    "Oh¡­ Anyway, what''s the problem this time?".


    "Weren''t you also asked to make clarifications?".


    "Hm.. Clarification? What clarification?".


    "When you appeared on a TV station with your husband, you were asked who''s close to Damar, right? That''s what the fuss is about¡­ Fans are demanding an explanation of whether Damar has a girlfriend or not. Or maybe Damar was deliberately cornered so that he''d leave the artist management?".


    "So Damar has left the artist management?".


    "Perhaps. His fans can''t accept it.. They think that the rumors that attacked Damar were deliberately made to make Damar''s reputation look bad. Considering that he suddenly chose to quit after the incident of a viral video that wasn''t proven, plus the wrong statement from the management".


    "What statement? I don''t understand".


    "Aruna.. What do you know besides making beautiful designs?!".


    "Hehe.. I think I don''t even know anything now.. I''ve even forgotten how to make designs". Aruna realized that she had missed a lot of things. After her status changed to Hendra''s wife, she was treated like a princess who wasn''t allowed to do anything.


    "My poor friend.. Okay! About the wrong statement, I mean ''Damar''s management published a viral video statement involving Damar using the pretext that one of the important people in Damar''s life is sick''. The problem is they forgot to find out who was sick". There was a long sigh at the end of Dea''s sentence.


    "You mean it''s me who was sick? Then they were looking for me??". Aruna tried to find a common thread.


    "Can I break the glass? So that it''ll make a lot of noise". Dea was being sarcastic. She was irritated to see her friend just understood. She should''ve understood from the start since the conversation about Damar started.


    "Hahaha". Aruna laughed seeing her friend start to talk nonsense.


    "But anyway, it looks like Damar is hiking?!". Aruna observed Dea''s cellphone which was still showing Damar''s Instagram account. She saw the last few photos posted by Danu Umar about the mountains and photos of himself enjoying nature.


    _It must be nice to be that free_ The spatial space in Aruna''s brain drifted to the past. She and her friends had hiked together. Aruna was the only woman who dared to reach the top, while the other female friends chose to rest on the camp, the last post. The majority could no longer continue to hike while Aruna chose to challenge herself. She remembered very well that Damar and his friends stopped several times and were often troubled because Aruna needed help. That girl even fell because she was too tired. Everything paid off when she reached the top. Her tiredness disappeared immediately and she shouted freely like flying in the clouds.


    _When will I be able to hike again?_ She was sad, missing that moment.


    "This kid¡­ is calming himself down..". Dea said. Both of them knew that Damar always did that when he was tired from the behavior of Mrs. HRD.


    "I think I also want to calm myself down¡­". Aruna''s expression looked hopeful.


    "Is it because of the woman who hugged your husband yesterday?". Dea guessed.

 Chapter 196 - My Lovely Wife

    "Ah. That''s not something big in my life". Aruna was upset.


    "Then?".


    "From the start, my relationship with my husband won''t last long. But.. Hm.. For Some reasons, I often feel upset now.. I even feel guilty for him". Aruna spoke very slowly. That sadness looked real from Dea''s point of view.


    "Why does it seem as if it''s coming to the end?". Dea was curious.


    "Yeah.. That''s what I''m currently facing.. Well, that''s why I need support from a good friend who''s currently accompanying me".


    "How about having a baby?? I  think an adorable and cute little baby will save your household".


    "Dad said I shouldn''t have it first".


    "You¡­ When you''re married, the first person you listen to is your husband. After that, you ask your father''s opinion. The husband is still the most important, because he''s made a vow to bear our lives".


    "My marriage isn''t like what you think, Dea. If I''d married an ordinary person, I could''ve lived a life without a draft that has been prepared. Perhaps I wouldn''t be a horrible wife like this. Well, what can I do? I''m just¡­". Aruna''s words weren''t finished when the woman in front of her suddenly stood up with a sad expression.


    "Aruna.. Aruna..". Dea seemed to say something which should''ve been responded immediately. When that girl turned¡­


    "Hehe.. My wife.. My lovely wife..". Hendra rambled. He staggered, helped by Tania.


    "Look at my wife.. I''ve found a woman..".


    Hery and Surya ran from another direction. Not sure where Raka was, he should''ve solved this problem.


    "Sorry, Tania". Aruna tried to approach the man who was influenced by alcohol.


    "Wait.. Wait..". Hendra moved his hand when Aruna wanted to come closer.


    "I want to show you something..". Hendra''s voice was unclear. Even his movements weren''t well controlled.


    Surprisingly, the blue-eyed grabbed Tania''s chin and kissed her lips. He said: "Unfortunately.. It doesn''t taste as good as yours.. Hahaha".


    "Move!!". Surya, who had just arrived, immediately grabbed Mahendra''s body. The young master staggered, almost fell to the floor along with Tania. Hery helped carry his master.


    Surya should''ve also helped Tania. For some reasons, the woman was ignored.


    "Miss. We''ll take Hendra to your room". Surya said. Hendra seemed to lose consciousness.


    "Tania, are you okay?". That girl noticed Tania who had been pushed by Mahendra''s secretary. Hadn''t they been friends since high school? How could the two of them look like enemies all the time?


    "You can still ask about my condition?! You should ask your husband''s condition!". Tania''s words were able to silence the mouth of the little girl who looked innocent.


    "He was delirious, kept calling his wife. What did you do to him? I don''t understand how he can like an ordinary girl like you". Tania was a little rude before she finally walked away. Even the way her hair moved look perfect.


    "Are you okay, Aruna?". Dea approached her best friend while rubbing Aruna''s arm.


    "I''m okay.. I''ve been ready for this.. So don''t worry, okay?". Aruna tried to calm her best friend.


    "I don''t want to interfere. Even though other people don''t know, but I know it very well.. You''re hiding something". Dea''s eyes saw Aruna''s movements. They had been close friends since Junior High School.


    "Hm.. You''re thinking too much. Take a rest.. I''ll help my husband first, okay?".


    "Yes.. Don''t sleep in my room.. It''s your honeymoon.. You should spend more time with him".


    .


    .


    When Aruna came, Surya and Hery were seen leaving the door of their honeymoon room.


    "Honestly, it''s my fault.. Don''t worry, Ms. Aruna. An incident like this won''t happen again. It''s the last time. I won''t let Hendra do anything stupid again". Surya looked regretful. I don''t know what he was thinking. Aruna should''ve been the one who was guilty of this. In fact, Surya felt that he had contributed greatly to the mistakes made by Hendra.


    Maybe it''s about the closeness of Tania and Hendra in the past, which reportedly often troubled the private secretary who was also friends with the two of them. Surya had always been a shield to hide their behavior from the Wenceslas family''s observation.


    The thing that Surya hated the most was that Tania often taught something forbidden to Hendra.


    Aruna just smiled. She just let the secretary feel guilty because this girl didn''t know how to explain that she was the one who was the most guilty.


    She entered the honeymoon room.


    "Huh..". A sigh graced her small lips.


    The candles and some room decorations were set in contrast to the hearts of the residents. She believed the housekeepers had prepared all of this with great difficulty as one of the facilities provided by a 5-star hotel.


    Aruna approached her husband''s helpless body. She tried to take off his shoes and coat.


    It wasn''t easy, especially since Hendra was lying on his stomach. This woman needed a long time until finally Hendra was only left in an undershirt and pants.


    She extinguished all the candles and set them aside in the corner of the room, including picking up the flowers that the housekeeper had put. She put it all in a plastic bag and threw it out.


    Feeling numb, Aruna didn''t cry and didn''t complain. She didn''t sleep all night, looking at someone while stroking his hair.


    _You''ll be fine. Damar has been able to get through this. You''ll be able to do it slowly_


    A gentle caress on his brown hair brought another hand that wanted to catch it. That hand was held tightly and put in his chest. Mahendra smiled in his sleep while being unconscious.


    Aruna who couldn''t let go of her hand finally fell asleep, accompanying her husband.


    .


    .


    "You''re awake, Honey.. Sorry, I was drunk last night. I must''ve troubled you, right?". Hendra greeted Aruna who just woke up.


    This girl was wide-eyed at Mahendra''s words. It was as if nothing major happened last night. Aruna watched his every move. He served a warm drink near where Aruna sat. Even the sandwich was cut into bite-sized pieces.


    "Hurry up and take a shower. You want to go for a walk, right?". Every word Mahendra said was like a dream.


    _What''s wrong with him? Is he okay? Or something happened to..._


    Aruna hadn''t finished talking when Hendra approached her and started to kiss her lips.


    "Ah. You haven''t even washed your drool but the taste can be this good". He kissed her mouth again. She gaped because of something that her brain couldn''t make sense of.

 Chapter 197 - Aloe Vera

    "Ah. You haven''t even washed your drool but the taste can be this good". He kissed her mouth again. She gaped because of something that her brain couldn''t make sense of.


    "What time is it, Hen?". Aruna asked while trying to regain her consciousness. It seemed that it was still very early.


    "Four o''clock". Mahendra replied while tidying up a few things. He was preparing a jacket for himself and Aruna.


    "It''s still very early. Don''t you feel dizzy or something because of last night?". Aruna looked at Hendra who looked neat but her eyes couldn''t be fooled.


    "I''ve taken NSAID". Hendra replied. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a type of aspirin that are often used to relieve hangover headaches.


    Aruna didn''t understand what Hendra said. She just thought maybe it was some kind of medicine.


    "Hurry up and take a shower. We''ll see dolphins on Lovina Beach. It takes two hours from here. You said you want to see the sunset with me, right? But honestly I prefer to see the dawn". Hendra said. He was still busy preparing their travel needs.


    "Does that mean you''re going to take me to see dolphins in the open sea?". Aruna''s face lit up and immediately got up from the bed.


    "Yes. We start today by seeing the dawn accompanied by dolphins".


    "Thank you, Hendra..". Aruna ran to the bathroom.


    .


    "Hm.. Hendra, can I wear casual clothes as I want?". This tiny girl looked cheerful and forgot about what happened last night. She put a few slices of sandwich into her mouth and took a sip of the hot drink served by Hendra as fast as she could.


    "Yes.. No problem.. Wear whatever you want". Hendra glanced at Aruna who ate messily.


    "Sit down for a minute". The blue-eyed man grabbed a tissue and handed it to the tiny woman who was still wrapped in a pajama towel.


    "Sorry..". Aruna immediately wiped the food around her mouth, including on the pajama towel she was wearing.


    This girl didn''t realize Hendra was approaching her, trying to squeeze and hold the thick white cloth. The blue-eyed was caught shifting the cloth that wrapped Aruna as if he wanted to see something.


    Aruna spontaneously stared at him, holding the edge of the towel that wrapped her.


    That man walked over to the nightstand and grabbed a green-colored tubular object that had an image of a thick leaf of the genus Aloe. Plants originated from Saudi Arabia or more popularly known as Aloe Vera.


    It could be that the name Aloe Vera wasn''t just because it looked like a crocodile, it was green, and had jagged edges. Maybe because this plant was able to remove the spots caused by men who liked to bite their women. Yes.. A kind of medicine for women who were bitten.


    "What''s that for?". Aruna asked. She was observing the movement of Hendra''s hand, opening the Aloe Vera.


    "This gel is used for reducing the sensitivity of the area affected by the love bites. Aloe Vera can help to get rid of the bruises from my bites quickly". Hendra said, reaching out his hand and making a dabbing motion on Aruna''s neck.


    "I ordered it last night.. Before I got drunk. Now open your towel so I can help". Mahendra explained while stroking the girl''s neck. The blue-eyed saw more than four red marks on Aruna''s neck.


    "Hm.. Let me do it by myself, Hen..". This girl objected a little. She must''ve remembered what happened last night or maybe she didn''t want the man in front of him to know how badly he behaved last night.


    "I want to help you so we can leave quickly. We have to reach Lovina Beach at dawn. Do you mind?". Mahendra''s gaze made Aruna unable to refuse. The husband was still stroking one of the scars from last night while looking at her full of hope. He turned into a sad man who wanted to pay off his regrets.


    "I''ll wear the underwear first..". Aruna disappeared for a moment, went to the bathroom, then returned with the loose straps of her pajama towel.


    When she sat on the edge of the bed, Hendra immediately shifted his chair closer to reveal the towel that she refused to lower down.


    Aruna immediately used that cloth to cover her belly down.


    "My behavior last night is this bad, huh?". He was amazed, looking at Aruna''s body which was full of red spots.


    That man rushed to apply aloe vera on the red spots all over Aruna''s body. This little girl also followed him.


    "Does it hurt?". Every now and then Hendra asked the same question.


    "A little". Her answer was always the same every time the blue-eyed asked that question.


    He was done tracing the stains on Aruna''s body. That girl turned around and showed her back which was also full of blemishes.


    "What about the one inside?". Hendra''s eyes stared at an object more intoxicating than her lips.


    That girl immediately covered herself. She objected more than she did earlier. "Let me do it by myself".


    "I just want to see it. I''ve seen it before anyway".


    "No. Let me do it".


    "Come on.. I''m not going to mess with you. I just want to know how rude I was last night". The man grabbed her body and tried to open it. Aruna didn''t want to lose, trying her best to defend herself.


    "No, Hendra! I don''t want to". That girl hoped Hendra wouldn''t do it.


    But men were still men. They were more powerful. The blue-eyed ignored that girl''s way of trying to hold on to the cloth that wrapped her.


    "I''m sorry, Aruna. I want to see it". When he looked at what was revealed, this man had already guessed that it was injured.


    He closed his eyes for a moment and sighed.


    _She didn''t even complain a bit. How can I ignore her?_


    Mahendra immediately made a call to housekeeping. Soon, that person came to bring the ordered medicines.


    "We should''ve compressed it with ice cubes yesterday". The next move that the CEO of Wenceslas Group made was to take a cotton bud and clean her breasts that were injured by his teeth with isopropyl alcohol.


    "Hendra, enough! I don''t like it. Let me do it!". Aruna tried to dodge. She wasn''t comfortable with what the blue-eyed was doing.


    "No one has the right to help you other than your own husband. I want to say sorry but what''s the point? I keep repeating my mistakes again and again. Be patient.. Let me finish it so I can calm down". He pleaded, grabbing Aruna''s hand who was trying to protect hers.


    "Tell me if you feel hurt". That man observed the content of the ointment in his hand before he said: "It''s a type of gentamicin and betamethasone, not a dangerous ointment.. Use it regularly and make sure not to be exposed to water for at least 10-15 minutes".


    That girl looked away as the blue-eyed man touched her sore breasts. She was seen grinning a few times and Hendra paused for a moment when that happened.


    _If it''s like this, what can I do?_ She muttered. She was carrying out a heavy mission for herself.


    "I decided no matter how hard you reject me, you''ll never be separated from me. You''re still my wife and I''m still your husband. I know the man on the other end is just as crazy as I am. He must try to forget you. I don''t care if he wants to kill himself. Because the same thing can happen to me if I lose my wife. Sorry, I''m selfish". Hendra reorganized Aruna''s clothes.


    "What happened between me and you has nothing to do with Damar at all". Aruna got up and took the clothes she had to wear. Even though she wanted to wear clothes that suited her taste, Hendra still prepared what he liked for Aruna.


    .


    .

 Chapter 198 - Long Journey

    "What happened between me and you has nothing to do with Damar at all". Aruna got up and took the clothes she had to wear. Even though she wanted to wear clothes that suited her taste, Hendra still prepared what he liked for Aruna.


    .


    ~


    [Flashback. Chapter 104-105. Longitudinal Waves]


    .


    [BEFORE GOING HOME]


    .


    Her whole family definitely were imagining the special gift from Aruna''s husband wasn''t far from : ''A Hot Night''.


    _Damn! I''ll kill you after this_


    _Argh¡­!! Unlucky.. Unlucky.._ Lesmana''s youngest daughter could only curse behind his family''s wish to say a prayer at the turn of the age to 20 years old.


    .


    "Aruna.. Can I talk to you?". Lesmana asked his youngest daughter to meet him in the workroom. A place where her father used to ask his daughter for her opinion on marriage at a young age.


    "Yes, Dad..". That girl followed in her father''s footsteps, the man she loved the most. No one could replace the man''s position in the heart of this brown-eyed girl yet.


    "Honestly, I don''t deserve to ask this kind of thing, but I''m sure Aruna can answer it. I need that answer". A little hesitant, Lesmana looked for stability in his heart by staring intently at the youngest daughter who was still standing.


    "Just ask, Dad.. I''ll definitely answer it if I can give you an answer".


    "Sit down first!". Lesmana asked her daughter gently.


    "Has Aruna spent the night with Hendra?". That question was asked awkwardly. Unfortunately, Lesmana couldn''t suppress his curiosity. He needed to determine what was the best way for his daughter. Lesmana''s worries grew when he heard the wedding gift that his son-in-law prepared said: ''I''ve prepared a special gift from me in our private room perfectly''.


    "Hm.. We''ve slept together in the same bed, but that''s about it, Dad". The youngest''s cheeks were red with embarrassment.


    "Good. It means my daughter still has a choice. I''ll immediately ask. Is my daughter sure about Hendra? I mean are you sure about your marriage?". Lesmana''s words made Aruna widen in surprise, then she tried to come up with an explanation.


    "I''m sorry I took your youth away. Before it''s too late, I have an offer. Unless my daughter is sure about her marriage, believe in Hendra, I''ll let you go". Lesmana''s next words made his daughter understand. Maybe her father had a way to get her to go home.


    "I don''t really know Hendra yet. Although sometimes he''s hard to understand, Hendra is actually a good person. But¡­". That girl hesitated for a moment.


    "We have a deal". In her doubts, Aruna wanted to share a little of her complaints with the person she cared about.


    "What deal?". Now Lesmana was curious.


    "One day we might decide to end the marriage, Dad". Aruna was afraid to reveal the secret between herself and Hendra. This girl was in chaos. She was the one who was shackled to the past by Damar and the freedom she had always wanted. Including a marriage agreement that made her always hesitate to marry Wiryo''s grandson.


    "In that case, okay. I''ll make the decision for Aruna and Aruna must follow my orders. I want my daughter to come home someday. While waiting for the right time, make sure Aruna takes good care of yourself". The father wasn''t just making a suggestion. He was giving orders to his daughter.


    "If Aruna wants to go home, I hope that my daughter is in good condition as before. Don''t give anything to someone who can''t live with you forever. It''s better not to give hope to Hendra". The father said.


    "Can I return to this family now, Dad?". Aruna expected something more.


    "Not yet, Dear.. There are things that Aruna must be responsible for. I''m not allowed to tell you in more detail. Actually, there''s something you don''t know yet. As long as my daughter always takes care of herself, I''m sure Aruna will be fine". His father''s words were responded by a nod.


    "Before the time comes, try to be patient. Be patient staying there and be patient with Hendra". The conversation was interrupted because there was a noisy man looking for his wife outside the room. Wiryo''s grandson was already waiting for Lesmana''s daughter. He wanted to quickly bring the youngest daughter of this family back to the main house.


    .


    "Aruna". The older brother called after the whole family hugged the tiny youngest, accompanying her back to the heir of Wenceslas Group who became the owner of the tiny little sister now.


    "Tonight, if you''re gonna be seduced to lose your virginity, listen to me! It really hurts, so undo your intention. But, if it''s already the umpteenth time, make sure you''re not pregnant. It''s not fun to go to the campus with a huge belly". The older brother purposely raised his voice so that the man standing behind his lovely tiny offended.


    ~


    The long journey of two humans who were trying to be perfect in their respective perspectives made them choose to hide many things to look good.


    That''s my Lesmana''s daughter consistently refused to give hope. Let alone accept a confession of love. Even she was afraid to fall in love with Wiryo''s grandson.


    ~


    Unexpected.


    Both hands of the prey slipped between both of the predator''s arms.


    Embracing and pressing the tiny body on Mahendra''s back.


    "Don''t hate me. I reject you because I''m afraid to fall in love with you".


    "I''m sorry". (Chapter 106, Buck Roses)


    ***


    [NOW]


    "Don''t forget to wear the jacket". Mahendra sighed. He had been ignored, Aruna was too busy taking photos.


    "Hendra, is it just the two of us who are going to the Lovina beach?".


    "Yes.. Is there a problem?". That man walked towards the Jeep with an open roof. Then he opened the door for his wife. Aruna''s sparkling eyes were clearly visible. The little doll who longed for freedom was being presented with something she dreamed of. Freely roaming the streets, going to the open beach, and maybe she could see everything that couldn''t be seen from the window of the Wenceslas family''s room. A room that was transformed into a prison for a girl who had a lot of activity before the marriage agreement ensnared her.


    Hendra used the orange Jeep Wrangle Rubicon SUV with a price of around 1.98 billion to please his wife. He deliberately bought the car as a complement to his honeymoon with his beloved little wife. The Jeep Rubicon was 4,237 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, 1,868 mm high, and had a wheelbase of 2,460 mm while the distance to the ground or ground clearance was 280 mm. Sturdy and charming to look at.


    This Jeep was parked incorrectly at the Wenceslas private island mansion in the Lombok archipelago because the owner thought his wife was willing to spend the honeymoon there. In fact, this car had to fly to Bali just to fulfill the desire of a woman named Aruna.


    "Hendra, is it okay if we go alone without your bodyguards?". Aruna asked when the blue-eyed was busy fastening her seat belt.


    "It doesn''t matter. My wife''s cold expression is more dangerous than any threat".


    .


    .

 Chapter 199 - Love Ina

    "It doesn''t matter. My wife''s cold expression is more dangerous than any threat". He said while starting the car engine, a sign the Jeep was ready to go.


    Aruna started to enjoy the special Jeep car. She was amazed.


    ''What''s wrong? What are you looking for, Honey?". Hendra asked when Aruna was seen observing and touching some of the interiors in the Jeep.


    "It''s cool". Aruna was amazed.


    "A touch of luxury is felt in the interior. This Jeep must be expensive, right?". Aruna said. The student majoring in design was observing every side of the Jeep that belonged to the CEO of Wenceslas Group. Aruna observed the use of leather as a seat wrapper, including the door trim.


    Those parts were wrapped in McKinley leather. The stitches also used contrasting threads.


    That girl also enjoyed the heated front seat, cup holder, and more. The Rubicon''s interior was also able to withstand shock, so it felt very comfortable.


    "You like it?". The man asked.


    "Yes.. Your things are amazing".


    "This Jeep is a honeymoon gift for you".


    "Oh, I see". That was the only expression that came out from the mouth of the adorable tiny girl. She was busy observing the interior instead of showing the excited expression that women usually showed when they got a special surprise.


    "What song do you like, Honey?". Hendra offered to listen to music according to Aruna''s wish. He tried to break the concentration of Aruna who was admiring the interior of the Jeep.


    "Hm.. Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars". Aruna said spontaneously, bringing a smile to his face.


    "You know, that song is really you".


    "Don''t try to seduce. You don''t suit to do that. It''ll look weird". Aruna responded to Mahendra''s strange smile with a joke.


    "Yeah, I know, I know when I compliment her she won''t believe me. And it''s so, it''s so sad to think that she don''t see what I see. But every time she asks me ''Do I look okay?''. I say". That man tried to sing but the tone was always messy.


    "Hahaha. Hen.. Stop.. Haha. Please.. You''re ruining the tone, you know?". Instead of looking seductive, he looked like a child learning to sing.


    "Is it so bad?? Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she''d let me. Her laugh, her laugh she hates but I think it''s so sexy. She''s so beautiful, and I tell her every day".


    This man continued his singing regardless of Aruna''s expression while presenting a slight movement in the form of a stiff and strange sway. It was too funny to watch and made the girl laugh out loud.


    "Hehe.. Hen.. You look funny, not romantic. Hehe". Aruna hadn''t found the romantic side that her husband was trying to do.


    "You want a romantic one?". Suddenly, that car pulled over on the left side of the road which was still quiet.


    "Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she''d let me". The blue-eyed sang another line. Aruna covered her mouth while holding back laughter as the man approached. This girl knew what the Wenceslas Group CEO was after.


    "Come on, Honey.. I could kiss them all day". He exclaimed as he tried to grab the hand that covered the blushing cheeks.


    "What.. I''ll just tickle you..". He started to bother Aruna''s stomach.


    "Hahaha. Hen, it''s ticklish..".


    "Kiss me please..". The CEO of the Wenceslas Group slowly approached her. Unexpectedly, that girl put her hands on Mahendra''s neck.


    _Hm.. Delicious.._


    "Love you..". The blue-eyed whispered before continuing it.


    .


    "Excuse me. Please don''t park here". A Balinese man in his traditional clothes came to their car. It looked like he was a traditional policeman who was going around on a bicycle.


    The two of them gasped and hurriedly apologized. While the car was leaving, a red tinge was seen on their faces.


    "You kissed me too long.. We can lose the dolphins. Can I speed up?". Even the CEO who was intoxicated with love asked an unnecessary thing.


    "Yeah.. Don''t make us late!". The wife exclaimed, encouraging.


    ***


    Lovina laid in front of the eyes. Aruna thought this place was something that carried a premium theme. A beach with luxury boats or rows of cool resort chairs, typical Mahendra. In fact, that place felt natural with local fishing boats.


    Aruna was even more amazed by Mahendra''s choice this time.


    They came a little late so there weren''t many boats left.


    "You like it?". Hendra saw Aruna''s bright smile.


    "Don''t ask too many questions. Hurry.. Pay for the boat quickly".


    This man wanted to pay for all the seats on one of the fishing boats, but the man who owned the boat didn''t allow it.


    "Sorry, Sir. Lots of people like you can buy all the seats. Unfortunately, there will be many people who can''t see the dolphins even though they''ve come all the way here". The friendly Balinese man explained to Hendra who wanted to be alone to please the woman beside him.


    "Hey.. It''s okay, Hendra. Let''s just share it. It''ll be fun". Aruna saw the disappointed look on the CEO of Wenceslas Group''s face. That man was trying to be more human because his woman liked simple things outside of his life.


    Lovina Beach was actually a beach that had a long history, not just to see dolphins playing under the tinge of the morning sun, dawn.


    The name Lovina itself had a philosophical meaning, a mixture of the two syllables ''Love'' and ''Ina''. The word ''Love'' is from English and ''Ina'' is from Balinese or local language meaning ''mother''. According to the initiator, Anak Agung Panji Tisna, the meaning of ''Lovina'' is ''Mother''s Love'' or the noble meaning was ''Love of Mother Earth''.


    ''Lovina'' was actually a cottage intended for tourists, a tourism idea that was considered strange at that time. Founded in 1953 by Anak Agung Panji Tisna, he got inspiration while traveling to several countries in Europe and Asia. What caught his attention the most was the life of the people in India. He stayed for a few weeks in Bombay. The way of life and conditions of the people there immediately influenced his way of thinking and insight into the future for Bali, especially the development of community welfare in the Buleleng Regency.


    Meanwhile, Panji Tisna also saw a place that was beautifully arranged for people to have a vacation on the beach. That land had similarities with his land on Tukad Cebol Beach, Buleleng which was also located between two rivers. Panji Tisna''s inspiration emerged to build such a resort.


    Although the name was changed to Permata Cottages because it felt like it didn''t show the characteristics of Balinese names, the name ''Lovina'' was already popular so that until now the place was called Lovina.


    Now, Hendra and Aruna were cruising the coast in a typical Balinese boat. Hendra was willing to share with several other passengers. While occasionally chattering with his wife, that man took beautiful panoramic shots of the dawn.


    The man who preferred the dawn to the dusk. While waiting for the dolphin family who never showed up, Aruna observed Hendra''s behavior. He was busy taking photos of himself, sometimes taking photos of the sun that had just risen.


    "Hen.. Why do you prefer dawn over dusk?". Aruna asked, stopping his activity of taking panoramic photos.


    "I used to be a man who worked late every day and sometimes lost track of time.


    But when morning came, I got up on time, not wanting to miss the dawn.


    I opened the curtains of my room widely.


    To simply catch the sunrise from behind the metropolis.


    At that time, it felt empty because I had nothing and no one to fill my life.


    By seeing the dawn, I was given a reason to continue living.


    The sun rises as if to tell me there is a reason for every life.


    And that reason is beside me now.


    Thank you my sun".


    Mahendra kissed Aruna''s cheek and smile, ending his words. That girl''s expression instantly became sad.


    Not long after that, it was buried by the hysterical people around because the dolphin family was seen dancing on the other end. The boatman slowly restarted the engine, trying to get close to the dolphin family.


    Aruna was also hysterical. Her eyes sparkled and she patted Hendra a few times because she was so excited to see those dolphins chasing each other.


    "Oh.. My God.. So cute..".


    "Hen, look. Hen..".


    "Take a photo of them.. Take a photo of me too..".


    "Yes.. Yes, Dear..". That man said, balancing the excitement of his woman.

 Chapter 200 - The Queen Of My Heart

    "Oh.. My God.. So cute..".


    "Hen, look. Hen..".


    "Take a photo of them.. Take a photo of me too..".


    "Yes.. Yes, Dear..". That man said, balancing the excitement of his woman.


    "Look over here, Dear¡­". Hendra made a short video.


    "Hi.. We''re watching dolphins..". Aruna waved at the camera that was held by the Wenceslas Group CEO. Then he pointed the camera at the dolphin family who were swimming around happily.


    "What makes my wife happy today?". Hendra asked, looking back at his wife''s photo.


    "Because today I can enjoy the air of freedom and a beautiful beach". She exclaimed, raising both her hands cheerfully. Even the hair tie she was wearing fell into the sea.


    "Ah..". She complained.


    The man sitting in the back spontaneously tried to grab the hair tie. Too bad it had sunk into the water. Aruna pouted and the man behind her immediately captured the moment.


    Her hair was loose and her laugh was perfect.


    ''I just realized now. That young boy fell apart when I took Aruna away from him''


    ''Not so pretty but sweet''


    ''Tempting because of her unpredictable attitude''


    ''And nice, never found hatred, even towards me who is troublesome''


    ''I thought I could snatch her. In fact, the same thing happened''


    ''She keeps running and hard to catch''


    .


    "Hendra, it''s your turn to be captured on camera". Aruna grabbed Mahendra''s camera. They appeared together, waved at the camera, then the girl captured the blue-eyed''s expression with his dimples.


    "Ah. His eyes and the ocean are so perfect". Aruna whispered softly. Only her ears could ear that. She didn''t dare to pay attention to Mahendra. Now she was trapped because she captured the face with glowing blue eyes with the camera in her hand.


    _So this is what they call angelic face_


    And she didn''t want to play with the camera anymore: "Here..".


    "You don''t want to take a longer video? I haven''t even said hi yet". Hendra protested.


    "I guess that''s enough". Aruna refused to continue.


    "Alright. Let''s take a photo together, okay?".


    .


    .


    "Where will we go after this, Hen??".


    "Don''t ask too many questions. Just follow my way of enjoying life. Haha..". This man copied Aruna''s words when he was asked to be her motorcycle taxi driver and go around town late at night.


    "Don''t frown. Let''s find something to eat first..".


    "Where are we headed?".


    "Maybe Buleleng..".


    "Okay. This time I choose the food..".


    "Wow.. It must be weird again".


    "Come on. You said you want to please your wife. Let''s go to Buleleng.. Look! I already have an idea..". Aruna who was just browsing found something she wanted to eat.


    "What''s that?". Hendra looked at the photo on Aruna''s cellphone.


    "Jukut undis! We''re looking for a jukut undis stall! We can eat this unique food later or sudang lepet?". The girl began to feel hungry. She was playing with her lips.


    "Don''t tell me you''re going to buy it on the side of the road".


    "Of course..".


    "Don''t say the price is only 15,000 to 20,000".


    "Wow. You guessed right".


    "Aruna.. You want to make me choke like the rat meatballs??". Hendra protested, remembering that he had choked because of the behavior of the girl beside him.


    "No.. This time I won''t joke like that again".


    "Let''s find a romantic place to eat just like normal women want in general".


    "No, Hen.. It''s a special food.. You won''t be able to find it in your hotel.. If you want something romantic, just order a VIP room for a candlelight dinner at your own hotel".


    "You want something like that tonight?". That man smiled full of hope.


    "No!". Aruna answered firmly. This girl spoke ''no'' while shaking her head. Her hair was blowing in the wind.


    "Yeah.. Yeah.. Yeah.. Miss Simple..". Mahendra mocked.


    "Rather than being a Mr. Perfectionist. Everything must be arranged. Even the underwear I wear is prepared. You must marry a princess, Mr. Mahendra". Aruna mocked.


    "Hehe. We really have to complement each other, my queen". Mahendra put on his sunglasses and drove faster.


    "Ew.. Lately you like to call me with strange names. It gives me goosebumps, you know?". Aruna didn''t accept it.


    "Ah. I have an Idea". The blue-eyed smirked and began to carry out his mischief.


    "Queen of My Heart - Westlife". He started moving his fingers, playing a song.


    "Hendra, please! Don''t sing anymore". Aruna was amused by her husband''s behavior who was pretending to sing, lip-syncing Westlife''s legendary voices.


    "Haha..". That girl laughed until her teeth showed.


    "Maybe I''ll get a kiss after singing as I did earlier".


    "You really are a pervert. Every day you want the same thing".


    "If you forget, it''s already a part of my life".


    "You''re crazy!".


    "Yeah, I''m crazy and addicted all the time".


    "I''ll just close my eyes, and your in my dreams


    And there you will be, until we will meet


    I''ll always look back as I walk away


    This memory will last for eternity


    And all of our tears will be lost in the rain


    When I found my way back to your arms again


    But until that day, you know you are


    The Queen of my heart"


    This time, Hendra''s voice was calmer because the tempo of Westlife''s song was slow and deep. He even made Aruna blush. She also sang along. She never felt this relaxed since she was handed over to Wiryo''s grandson.


    For the first time, that girl lost her sense of depression.


    "Hendra, where do we go after eating?".


    "We''re going back to Nusa Dua. I know you like something adrenaline-pumping. Let''s go flyboarding there".


    "Yeay.. I will be an Iron Woman".


    "Haha..". Hendra laughed seeing his girl standing and waving happily.


    "That''s not much..". Hendra said with a smile.


    "Anything else? What else?!". Aruna was curious and wanted to know.


    "Just wait..".


    "Come on. Don''t make me curious..".


    "Call me dear. After arriving, I''ll show you the hidden beach to see the sunset".


    "Okay, my dear". Aruna exclaimed. Finally, she let go of the shy attitude that she often showed.


    "Haha..". Hendra laughed because of the girl who was standing in his Jeep. She greeted, giving a sign of love with his tiny hands.


    "Let''s sleep together tonight, okay?". The blue-eyed asked.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t do anything.. I''ll just hug you like when we sleep in the main room". Hendra saw Aruna''s nervous face.


    "Come on. Smile again".


    _You''re really scared of me_

 Chapter 201 - Iron Woman

    "Wow..". That girl screamed when she saw someone in the middle of the sea trying to play a game that was trending lately.


    In the calm waters of Tanjung Benoa Beach, a man could be seen spouting water through a device on his hands and feet.


    In the eyes of Aruna, the man who was trying this flyboarding game looked like Iron Man or maybe Aqua Man.


    Having just been released from Hendra''s hands, Aruna immediately ran to the queue so that she would get the chance to try it.


    The man who as if he just lost the child he was raising pulled her again as soon as possible.


    "No need to queue. I''ve reserved it. We just have to meet my friend. But before that, follow me!". Hendra pulled her again.


    .


    .


    "Come on!". The blue-eyed ordered. He was ready with the jet ski.


    Aruna immediately ran to him, holding on tightly to her husband without being asked. It didn''t take long for Mahendra''s jet ski to depart.


    They rode along the shore, through the air that hit the both of them. They stopped for a moment and then sped up, making the tiny body behind jerk forward and hold on tighter.


    There was a smile on the blue-eyed''s face, hidden behind his sunglasses.


    Aruna attempted to scream spontaneously right near his ears: "You did it on purpose, right?". Her way of protesting was accompanied by a light, meaningless blow on the man''s back.


    "Hold tighter or you''ll regret it". Obviously, what happened next was even bolder. Hendra sped faster and he swooped in the reverse direction, causing a 360-degree rotating motion as if only the back of the jet ski moved.


    "Wow.. Cool.. You''re great!". Instead of being afraid, this girl was amazed.


    "You want to try it, Aruna?". That statement was greeted with great joy.


    "Can I?".


    "Of course.. Come here". Hendra turned back, offering a hug, and was immediately welcomed. That girl was now sitting in front of the man.


    "Is the way to control it the same as riding a motorbike?". Hendra responded to the question with an explanation of the basic technique.


    "Like this, right?". This girl just tried without warning.


    "Argh!". Hendra was surprised that Aruna turned on the jet ski too fast as a beginner. Several times, the hand of the man held the tiny hand.


    "Slow down, Dear..". Several times that sentence came out of Mahendra''s mouth, reminding Aruna to be careful.


    .


    .


    What they tried next was adrenalin-pinching too. Aruna''s real face was revealed. The girl who had extraordinary social skills also could try new things.


    She fell many times in the water because she hadn''t found balance in her flyboarding ride. Instead of complaining or even giving up, she looked more challenged and excited.


    Hendra was already flying in the air like an Iron Man, staring at his woman who was still struggling. This man moved his hand several times and encouraged her, "Try again, Dear".


    Finally, she could stand firm and soar through the air. The stubborn tiny girl didn''t want to lose. The old Aruna was now starting to change because she was locked up in the main house. Even worse, she sometimes chose to just be in her private room, waiting for her husband to come home.


    Until the 20-year-old girl who used to be persistent in achieving every dream and trying new things gradually lost herself. The bright rosy blush slowly faded. She always hoped to come home. Her desire to return to her original life grew stronger in her chest.


    Today she was starting to be happy and the blue-eyed man was also slowly showing his good side. He, who was recovering, was trying to build the foundation of his relationship. He behaved as best as he could and endure as hard as he could, hoping that one day his wife would have feelings for him.


    .


    .


    *I''ve arrived at the hotel where you''re staying


    *When is the flight schedule back to Jakarta?


    *I haven''t booked yet, but I hope soon.


    *Could you give me some time until tomorrow afternoon?


    *Alright. I''ll book the flight according to your request.


    .


    .


    Hendra parked the Jeep.


    Earlier, he told Aruna to eat a lot. While sitting on the edge of Tanjung Benoa, that girl was forced to eat more than usual. That man even brought food, drinks, and some snacks. He made her wonder where they would go after this.


    Every time Aruna asked, Hendra just smiled. That made the tiny girl even more irritated.


    "Why don''t we go now? I''m curious, you know?!". Aruna protested.


    "Enjoy what''s here first. Take a rest first. We''ll leave again later in the afternoon". Hendra asked his girl to be patient. The two of them were relaxing by the beach, which was full of cushions.


    The scorching sun began to greet. The girl who was hit by the sea breeze slowly fell asleep. She''d been trying hard to make herself look like an ''Iron Woman'', a term she had made herself.


    Hendra took some photos of Aruna smiling sweetly at the camera. The man smiled observing the results of his own shots.


    He tried to approach his wife while trying to put his hands on Aruna''s back so that she laid down in his hands while observing the camera shots at Lovina Beach.


    "Look! Your eyes and the ocean are the same". Aruna interrupted, stopping him from shifting each photo presented on the camera screen.


    "Too blue.. I''ve been in trouble because of these eyes". Hendra remembered his past.


    "Really? Even though you''re special because your eyes are different?". Aruna praised.


    "Yeah. Especially when I was in Junior High School. I went to a public Junior High School and it was an amazing experience". Hendra said.


    "Oh. I just found out you''ve been to a public school. I thought you were educated at an elite school". Aruna was curious.


    "I just entered public school in Junior High School. Previously, because of my syndrome that still needed treatment, I spent more time with homeschooling".


    "Actually, it was advice from psychiatrists. I was recommended to go to a regular Junior High School and my identity as Wenceslas''s grandson was purposely hidden".


    "Junior High School was a time when I discovered new things and it was quite fun. Because my eyes are different, they often asked ''Hen, where are you from?'', ''Who did you get the blue eyes from? Your father or mother?'', ''Who''s your father? What country is he from?''". This man spoke at length while feeling sleepy.


    "Then what did you say?". Aruna was curious.


    "I just treated them to a meal in the canteen. Whoever asked a weird question, I treated them".


    "Haha.. Why did you do that? You just have to answer it, right?". Aruna was confused.


    "Unfortunately, I don''t know the answer. Instead of being confused, I just made them happy".


    Aruna furrowed her brows, a sign that she didn''t understand.


    "What should I answer? I really don''t know where I got the blue eyes from. If it''s from my father, I''ve never seen him. I don''t even know who he is and where he is".


    Someone''s heart trembled at the blue-eyed man''s words.

 Chapter 202 - Smokin’ Hot!

    "What should I answer? I really don''t know where I got the blue eyes from. If it''s from my father, I''ve never seen him. I don''t even know who he is and where he is".


    Someone''s heart trembled at the blue-eyed man''s words.


    "That''s why I was called a blue-eyed angel because I often treated them". There was an amused laugh from Hendra''s mouth. Maybe he was uncomfortable because the term had resurfaced on social media recently. More precisely, the effect of Kia''s Instastory video hadn''t faded.


    "So, you mean you''re called the angelic face because you used to buy food for your friends?".


    _Ah, our habits are almost the same. The difference is that I bought it for my Magic Letter friends_ Aruna mumbled.


    "Yeah".


    "Not just because of your handsome face?".


    "Yeah, I think so".


    "You mean you actually have a good soul?". Aruna wished because someone wished to be considered good.


    "You said it, right?". Hendra smiled. Aruna finally understood what he wanted. The blue-eyed wasn''t just an angelic face. It was possible that his soul was angelic too.


    "Hehe.. Then how can that name exist until now?". His wife asked again.


    "My Senior High School days were a bit annoying. The most unpleasant thing was when one of my Junior High School friends, who also went to the same school as me in elite high school, started calling me by the same name. At first, I was okay. Over time the nickname spread and became even worse because, in high school, my status was impossible to hide. The majority of their families were also Wenceslas Group colleagues. What''s worse is the teachers and others looked at me in a different way. High school wasn''t fun". Mahendra completed his explanation.


    "But you found good friends in high school. Mr. Surya and Tania are your high school friends, right?".


    "Yeah, not bad.. There were still some people to cheer me up. Surya and Tania helped a lot. Especially Tania. She often cursed the girls who filled my locker with strange poetic words or sudden strange surprises". Hendra remembered he often got secret love confessions.


    _You''ll definitely be fine with Tania_ Aruna mumbled, trying to find a comfortable place on the blue-eyed man''s arm.


    "Speaking of dad. After returning from Bali, let''s go to your dad''s house, okay? I miss him. Especially you. You must really miss your home and family?". Once again, the words of the blue-eyed man were able to shake the girl''s chest.


    "How about we take a rest and we''ll talk about it later?". That girl changed the subject. She started to be good at finding loopholes when she couldn''t come up with an answer.


    ***


    Hendra parked the Jeep.


    The woman was immediately impressed. How could she not? She was offered a place to explore. The road to the beach that Hendra mentioned was a road that was impossible to be passed by a car. This was called exploring nature. Aruna was getting happier.


    "Weird girl. Smiling to herself". Hendra joked, disturbing Aruna who was still stunned. That man walked first to lead their way down the path to a place that was said to be part of heaven left on earth.


    Gunung Payung Beach was in the village of Kutuh, South Kuta, Badung. It was located in the same area as Pandawa Beach which was popular. Precisely about 4.5 kilometers east of Pandawa Beach.


    Earlier, Hendra had traveled from the west. From the T-junction to the Pandawa Beach, there was a straight sign to Gunung Payung Temple. After arriving at the intersection, turn right to the Gunung Payung Temple.


    Their Jeep was parked in the temple parking area. From here, the two of them started to walk to the location. The name of the beach itself was taken from the name of the temple in the area, namely Gunung Payung Temple.


    Aruna immediately ran after Hendra who was walking faster.


    "Why do you call me a weird girl? You''re weirder". Aruna protested.


    "Because the things you like are too different, unlike normal girls". Hendra replied.


    "What''s wrong with not liking make-up, going to the spa, wearing high heels? There''s nothing wrong with having different tastes, right?". Their journey was filled with warm conversations about each other''s unique behavior.


    "You''re weirder! You like to wear clothes of the same style. Even your blue coats are numerous and only differ in color density, light blue to deep blue. That''s weirder". Aruna chimed in Hendra''s insult.


    "That''s what I need! Logically, I need it to appear in public, to look perfect in front of employees". The man defended himself.


    "The problem is that you also control what I wear, Hendra. Midi dress all the time. Long sleeve, short sleeve, sleeveless. Side ribbon, center ribbon, back ribbon. But all are midi dresses". There was a sigh, imagining all the clothes lined up in the dressing room of their room.


    "That''s better than an oversized t-shirt, jeans, and weird accessories in your room".


    "Unfortunately, that''s what I like. I can jump, I can run. Does the person accompanying you have to have the same taste as you?". Aruna asked a question in annoyance.


    "Okay. I''ll learn to accept you as you are. Just the way you are, Dear". He chuckled, teasing Aruna.


    "Eww.. You just give me goosebumps". Aruna replied, getting irritated.


    "Therefore, give me a chance to understand you. Don''t shut yourself off all the time. I''m your husband after all. Just give me a little trust. I''ll definitely try my best for you". Hendra held Aruna''s hand as they started to climb the stairs. There were about 300 steps that they needed to take to reach Gunung Payung Beach.


    Aruna didn''t answer or respond to Hendra''s statement. She preferred to divert the conversation: "Are the steps very long? Just imagining it is already tiring".


    The blue-eyed just smiled at the way she shut herself off again and again. He knew he was being ignored.


    .


    .


    After passing through the natural stone path and having to descend hundreds of steps, Aruna and Hendra began to approach the sound of the waves. Along the way, she was amazed. She was spoiled with exotic views of Gunung Payung Beach which faced directly to the Indian Ocean.


    "Hen.. Oh my God.. It''s so amazing like your face". That woman finally slipped out.


    "So I''m amazing, huh? Smokin'' hot!". Hendra used formal sentences.


    "Yeah, whatever.. Hehe..". Aruna was ashamed of herself. Her face was flushed red.


    "Try showing your adorable aura. I''ll tell everyone that in my eyes, my wife is¡­ Her striking beauty captivates my heart!". Hendra exclaimed, pausing for a moment to stare at the beautiful panorama of Gunung Payung Beach. They had arrived at a meadow that was also beautiful.


    Her striking beauty captivates my heart was a hyperbole expression used to give a compliment with the impression of being ''impressed''. It was more special than the words beautiful, cute, pretty, and everything.


    "Hen.. Let''s stop for a while.. I want to enjoy this". Aruna asked.


    "You want to drink?". The man who saw sweat on his wife''s face handed her mineral water.


    "Sure". Aruna grabbed it.


    "Me first". He grabbed it again and immediately drank it.


    "You''re mean". Aruna approached him. There was a feeling that she was afraid if he''d soon disappear from her life. She might miss the ignorant Hendra.


    This girl immediately embraced him. Hugging a man who once proved to be a sharp-mouthed, arrogant, and stiff human being. It turned out that everything was starting to change now. Out of nowhere, he had transformed into a husband who tended to be warm. Unfortunately, his possessiveness had never diminished.


    This hug was actually a sign that she was starting to doubt her own feelings. The feeling of rejecting him slowly filled her heart.

 Chapter 203 - Grains Of Sand

    This hug was actually a sign that she was starting to doubt her own feelings. The feeling of rejecting him slowly filled her heart.


    Of course, the man welcomed her happily. He lifted Aruna''s light body with a mischievous smile. Hendra made the girl climb on top of his head, causing her face to gape in surprise. Then he lowered her slowly and kissed the tip of her nose.


    "Hehe". The man laughed mischievously, not wanting to put Aruna down.


    "Give me your love then I''ll put you down". He said.


    "Alright". Aruna curled up and unexpectedly approached Hendra''s neck and bit it hard. More precisely, Aruna was just imitating the way Hendra make a red mark on her neck. She kind of took revenge.


    Instead of feeling threatened, Wiryo''s grandson smiled and even chuckled: "You won''t hurt me by doing that".


    "It''s just the beginning". Then, Lesmana''s daughter really bit him.


    "Let me go!". Hendra complained, spontaneously putting Aruna down.


    "Hehe". A small laugh came from Aruna''s mouth. She walked away ahead of Mahendra.


    "Why don''t you just continue doing that? I enjoyed it, Dear". He tried to annoy her.


    "On purpose". Aruna paused for a moment then mocked Hendra.


    "It''s on purpose so that we can continue it on the beach later, right?". Hendra smiled, disturbing his wife once again. The girl who shut herself off and was reluctant to do anything related to the husband and wife relationship felt annoyed.


    Aruna was pissed, grabbed the bottle that Hendra was holding, and hit the man on the back several times. Then, she chased him because Mahendra was running down the stairs.


    But somehow, he suddenly stopped making Aruna hit him from behind. Aruna was curious about what was making him suddenly amazed.


    When they both looked at it, this girl was even more amazed. She gaped and covered her mouth with both hands.


    That married couple looked at each other. They understood what impressed them a lot.


    That girl immediately took off her footwear, handed it to Mahendra, then ran like a little fairy who had just been released from the glass bottle where she was shackled.


    "Aaaaaa¡­.". Aruna screamed and ran happily. She was playing with the white sand that became her footing, including the beach air which also blew her whole body as if she could fly. This beach was so perfect. The clear sea started from green to bright blue then deep blue presented beautiful colors for the eye to see.


    Quiet and almost uninhabited, Aruna thought the green grass combined with the ocean was the main beauty of the Gunung Payung Beach.


    Hendra started to operate his camera to capture his wife''s movements. He needed to do that to be enjoyed someday as a good memory.


    Aruna was happy to show her bright side. This man first discovered that aura when he sneaked into a start-up seminar where his wife was one of the speakers.


    "Hello everyone.. Good afternoon". The lively and cheerful ponytail girl greeted.


    Mahendra smiled, remembering something in the past.


    "Hi.. We''re at the Gunung Payung Beach. It''s so beautiful. We''ll come here again someday". She waved at the camera and greeted it. Hendra captured everything Aruna did, following the girl who was enjoying the air of freedom.


    Her footsteps touching the grains of sand on the beach were captured beautifully and charmingly when observed. Hendra only focused on her footsteps several times.


    Then, she stopped and turned around. That man looked from the bottom up and found his wife was frowning at him.


    "Can you stop playing with the camera? You should enjoy this too!". That tiny girl protested. The man smiled and agreed to stop his activity.


    .


    "What will you miss when suddenly we have to be far from each other?". Aruna asked when both of them were lying on the sand.


    "Everything". Hendra replied shortly.


    "Be specific. One or two that are most dominant in your opinion".


    "Everything about you is a complete package that dominates in my head. Even my brain can''t think when it comes to anything related to you".


    "You know what, Hendra? Today I feel you''ve changed a lot. I''m sure almost everything is in a positive direction except for your words which are getting lamer".


    "Haha". The man chuckled.


    "Maybe because I''m more courageous to show my feelings each day". He spoke from his heart shyly.


    "What''s with your face? Your ears are red.. Your cheeks too. Hehe". Aruna narrowed her eyes. She put on a naughty smile, wanting to annoy him.


    "I''m ashamed, you know!". That was how Hendra was. He also expressed his shame openly according to his heart.


    "Hehe. The CEO of the Wenceslas Group. A sharp-mouthed man who likes to make his employees feel pressured.. Haha. He can be embarrassed too". Aruna laughed until she closed her mouth. She didn''t want Hendra to be more embarrassed but she thought it was funny.


    "Can we discuss something else?". He protested.


    "Hahaha. You''re really embarrassed, huh?". Aruna couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Now it''s your turn. What would you miss if you were far from me?!".


    "Nothing".


    "How dare you! You''re playing a prank on me!". Hendra felt like he was being played. He touched Aruna''s stomach as if he wanted to tickle her. A threat that often made his girl give up.


    "Geez.. There is.. There is. Hehe..".


    "I''ll miss your strange behavior". Aruna added.


    "Huh. Why aren''t there any good ones?". Hendra didn''t accept it.


    "Who said?! I think it''s quite interesting. For example, I''ll miss a man who likes to hold my vein. To be honest, the first time you said you wanted to sleep while holding my vein I was feeling all mushy. Hehe.. At that time, I thought you were so scared if something happened to me so you needed to check that my heart was always beating".


    "Why didn''t you just show me that you were feeling all mushy?".


    "I can''t do that".


    "Who forbids it?! You''re my wife".


    ~


    ~


    [FLASHBACK, The First Verse. Chapter 118]


    ***


    "Miss, what are you doing here alone?". The man in a black T-shirt and jeans approached Aruna. This girl was walking casually, enjoying the beauty of the lake belonging to the Wenceslas family. She was entertaining herself because she wasn''t allowed to go with Hendra to the office.


    Aruna just replied to the young man with a smile.


    "Bodyguard? Or what?". The clothes worn by Hendra''s bodyguards were a new style. But the funny thing was that this new bodyguard was wearing branded sneakers. How much was the salary of Wenceslas''s bodyguards?


    "Hehe. Yes.. I''m a new bodyguard.. I just passed the recruitment". He replied. He also had dimples.


    "Are you Miss Aruna?".


    .


    .

 Chapter 204 - Panoramic Photoreceptors

    [FLASHBACK, The First Verse. Chapter 118]


    "Hehe. Yes.. I''m a new bodyguard.. I just passed the recruitment". He replied. He also had dimples.


    "Are you Miss Aruna?".


    ~


    [Before this incident]


    A young man from a well-known family approached Wiryo. The first words he said were so different from most people who met face to face with him. He was an old man who made many people bow in front of him even though he only looked directly at them. Most people preferred to lower their gaze.


    "Indirectly, you''re my grandfather, right?". That statement was very surprising. The young man who was blocking Wiryo''s path dared to speak carelessly. Spontaneously, Wiryo''s loyal bodyguards immediately caught him.


    "I''ve fed up with my family. I want to live with you. Even though later I''ll only be your bodyguard like the people who''re holding me now, it doesn''t matter".


    Wiryo just smiled as he watched that young man''s movements.


    "You dare to run to me. It means you''re ready to become a traitor to your family". The old man''s cold voice pierced the hearts of everyone who heard it, especially the young man who was being held. He observed the identity that the young man seemed to be held from the very beginning of the ambush.


    Gesang Juang Wenzel.


    A familiar name. The surname of the man who left Wiryo and was removed from the family tree. The name before Wijoyo and Wenzel merged into one.


    "Alright. Take him to the main house". Wiryo said and that kid was dragged into the bodyguard''s car.


    .


    That young man was left alone for days in the main house. He protested to Wiryo.


    "Why don''t you ask me why I betrayed my family?!". Gesang occasionally visited Wiryo''s place where he spent his time working.


    A good grandfather won''t ask his grandson''s problems when he needs a place to run. Stay here comfortably until you have the desire to go home". Wiryo always said the same thing when the young man burst into his study.


    "Oh, right. My request is not to use the name Gesang in this house. It seems that Juang is also not so good. Find a suitable name for yourself. Wait! Juang? Juan?! You can use Juan". Wiryo glanced at him then smiled. It turned out that the boy was a little like Hendra. He had a strong will and stubbornness. If Hendra wasn''t mixed with British Genes, maybe his face would be even more similar besides his attitude.


    "You don''t want to hire me? I don''t want to be accommodated like a tramp".


    Wiryo watched him briefly then ignored him.


    "Or at least you don''t want to suspect me? It could be that I''m a spy from my family".


    "There''s nothing in this place that you can investigate, except for women who are locked up". Wiryo smiled even more frighteningly.


    "Aren''t you afraid I could kill you at any moment?".


    "Clara doesn''t teach her sons and grandsons to kill. She likes paying other people to commit crimes but not for her descendants. I''m sure you can use a gun but you can''t end someone''s life. It wasn''t taught to you".


    The young man named Gesang who transformed into Juan found something he was afraid of from Wiryo. That old man knew more than he thought. Tarantula always thought that Wiryo didn''t know anything. In fact, he understood very clearly why Wenceslas was only holding on. Slowly, Gesang realized the words he heard from his father''s friends.


    In the end, this man was cooped up in the main house until one day he was called to watch the movements of one of the trapped women.


    The wife of the young master Wenceslas who recently liked to observe the beautiful lake beside the main house.


    Until one day, he ran to meet Wiryo, called him with a serious face. The trapped young woman approached the side of the lake differently, closer than before.


    "You want to gain my trust? Be her bodyguard". Wiryo said as he walked quickly, seeing something horrific might happen.


    Lesmana''s daughter had wet her ankles. Empty and walked deeper into the puddle.


    "Run! Give that kid hope!". Wiryo shouted, observing from a distance.


    Juan made a sound from his footsteps. The girl who realized that someone was approaching her tried to back away slowly. She put her footwear back on. As if nothing happened, he said hello and smiled.


    "Miss, what are you doing here alone?". The man in a black T-shirt and jeans approached Aruna.


    The bodyguard named Juan started talking with Aruna, offering the many things she could hope for. As long as she was willing to choose him as a bodyguard.


    ~


    [NOW]


    "Why didn''t you just show me that you were feeling all mushy?".


    "I can''t do that".


    "Who forbids it?! You''re my wife".


    Aruna didn''t want to answer. She just smiled. Maybe she was lucky. The rain came at the right time. The drizzle was able to distract Hendra who was focused on finding an answer.


    She immediately took out her jacket from the sling bag and made it like an umbrella to protect them from the water.


    "Ah.. Where will we take shelter?". Aruna was anxious.


    "Don''t worry, Honey. There''s a cave near here".


    "Really?".


    "Yes. The place is beautiful too. Follow me!". Hendra exclaimed, accompanied by a small run of both of them.


    .


    "Why did you only focus on me? Look! You''re all wet!". Aruna was worried to see him was soaking wet. Even he was still warming Aruna''s body. They had debated about where the jacket was, that thick thing was more appropriate on whose back, and Hendra insisted he was in good condition.


    "Never mind. Don''t talk about it anymore. Your sickness is more dangerous for me". Hendra insisted.


    "What if we share?". Aruna approached his wet body. She tried to find a way to make him also feel warm. She failed. It was impossible to share with Hendra.


    "Huh.. How?! Just use it. I''m fine, Hen!". Aruna complained worriedly.


    "Come sit in front of me". That man hugged the obedient girl and he could enjoy the warmth of the jacket which covered the shivering body.


    "Apparently your idea isn''t bad..". Aruna''s smile expanded with his hug. His big legs and arms were able to hide almost the entire petite body of her and she really enjoyed it. Together with the panorama of the rising seawater towards the afternoon, the sea coast of Gunung Payung Beach amazed them.


    The reflection of the light from the beach panorama was a straight line towards the eye. The panorama traveled through the cornea, down the pupil, and forwarded to the lens of the eye. The compact cooperation between the cornea and the lens bent (refracted) the panorama to focus on the retina.


    Beach panoramic photoreceptors were now converting light into electrical waves through the optic nerve to the brain. The brain processed panoramic signals into an image. The perfect image of the blue beach caught by his blue eyes.


    Both were stunned. However, there was someone who was more stunned in a different way, namely Aruna. The man who supported her body also lent his shoulders and neck to lean her head. It made the girl''s retina no longer present panoramic photoreceptors of the beach for her optic nerve, but the blue reflection of the ocean on the brilliant blue cornea of the eye. She was amazed, smiling, and brought a hug to the wet body with sparkling eyes.


    The stunned person didn''t realize it. That man was still engrossed in observing nature''s singing from the beach waves when the tiny girl slowly gave him a loving kiss. He suddenly stuttered. His lips got a kiss.


    "Thank you, Hendra".


    "I''m the one who should say thank you".


    .

 Chapter 205 - Imaginary Line

    The stunned person didn''t realize it. That man was still engrossed in observing nature''s singing from the beach waves when the tiny girl slowly gave him a loving kiss. He suddenly stuttered. His lips got a kiss.


    "Thank you, Hendra".


    "I''m the one who should say thank you".


    That woman hugged him, a warm hug to the man wrapped in wet clothes. A comforting hug that Aruna had never given to anyone before.


    Not long after that, she got up and stared intently into his blue eyes while giving her signature touch on Hendra''s brown hair. A touch that made two men crazy at once.


    Hendra froze like a statue because Aruna''s warm behavior was too different from before. Especially when this woman approached him and kissed the CEO of Wenceslas Group''s lips once again.


    Instead of being welcomed like Hendra''s domineering habit, his confused brain made him unable to respond at all.


    His eyes widened. Like a dream in broad daylight. It was sweet and amazing because this girl wanted it and Hendra followed her rhythm.


    He paused for a moment to breathe. Then he raised her body, hugged her head, and carried her flying into the clouds. The man who had just slowly healed from his deep trauma had reached the happiest point because of the woman in his life.


    He used to completely avoid the creatures called women. If necessary, he wouldn''t stay in the same room with them. In fact, from the start, since she dropped a small spoon and left a stain on her midi dress because he had deliberately surprised her since the girl dared to glance at him, he knew this kid wasn''t dangerous. For the first time, he allowed a woman into his study. (Chapter 3, Troublesome Coworkers)


    Hendra realized that he was more dangerous than a stupid girl who pointed the hairdryer at her own face. He wanted to laugh at that time. Unfortunately, the arrogant attitude was more dominant.


    _Are you saying that I also occupy your heart, Aruna?_ That was the only question that had been floating around in Mahendra''s mind.


    Too bad that question didn''t last long. His eyes, which were closed from enjoying the kiss of a special woman, were interrupted by the tears that were surprisingly falling on his eyelids.


    This girl was crying.


    Crying while kissing his lips. Hendra opened his eyes to see what was going on. Sure enough, it was Aruna''s tears.


    He revealed the hair that covered Aruna''s face: "What''s wrong? Why are you crying?".


    The girl just shook her head a few times.


    "Why? Why, Honey? Don''t worry. Everything will be fine".


    Aruna chose to hide in Mahendra''s chest while hugging him tightly.


    "Don''t worry. Everything will be fine. Whatever your sadness is, we can face it together. You''re not alone". Aruna didn''t speak but she kept on crying. Even her moaning was so deep that it broke his heart.


    _What is this? Why is she totally unpredictable?_


    The crying girl was still there, hidden in his chest. It seemed that the area was no longer wet from the rain, but tears.


    He, who was being hugged, was busy arranging the neurons in the brain. Based on all the events, he might have made a fatal mistake today. But today he only presented ways to make her happy.


    Did Aruna cry because of yesterday? When he treated her not like an honorable woman? But didn''t he already apologize? The proof was that Aruna put a smile on her face since morning.


    Hendra didn''t find anything but his thoughts were getting more and more chaotic. Just like the tiredness that sent her to sleep in his chest, Hendra was honestly also tired of guessing every riddle from his wife''s unexpected expression.


    The rain had subsided but she was still not willing to disappear from his chest.


    The sky was no longer clear because the sun wanted to move away from the longitude coordinates where they were. An imaginary model to describe the division of time divided the arrival of dawn and the departure of dusk.


    Hendra tried to wake his wife. The tiny girl who played all day looked tired. The conqueror who was carried away from the current so that she might also be subdued was asked to climb on his back.


    When the cave hidden on the Gunung Payung Beach was abandoned step by step, a red tinge of the horizon revealed its appearance.


    Aruna started to greet. It seemed like she wanted to fulfill her promise. To answer the troubled heart of the man who was supporting her body now.


    "Hen.. Maybe Tania is suitable for you. She''s your old friend. She really cares about you".


    That man was actually in shock, but his mouth wouldn''t open. He''d had enough of dealing with the girl who had always pleased his heart and then suddenly smashed it to pieces.


    "I''m sorry.. I still want to go back to my dad''s house. Not only want, but I have to. My job is finished here. You''ll always be a great man, regardless of whether I''m with you or not. That''s what you are from the start, especially now that you''re healed".


    "Who gave you the task?". Instead of caring about Aruna''s statement, the man who was good at capturing word for word from his interlocutor spontaneously made wild conclusions.


    That girl remained silent.


    ~


    ~


    [FLASHBACK Chapter 135, Circle]


    "Andos, schedule me to meet Lesmana". The elder commanded.


    _Lesmana needs to get additional shares of Wenceslas Delivery because of his daughter_


    "Okay!". Wiryo''s secretary lowered his head.


    "Does my grandson really love his wife?".


    "There''s a rumor from the D floor that he installed a chip on the body of the bodyguard who''s close to his wife".


    "His behavior is that bad?".


    "Andos.. If one day I have trouble controlling him, make sure my grandson''s wife is fine".


    "I see the opposite. Young master has changed a lot because of Ms. Aruna".


    "You''re right! But I''m not sure she can treat that kid well. That girl looks depressed. Lesmana''s daughter is similar to her father. She''s too good for my grandson!?".


    "Hendra is also kind.. He just needs to get used to it a little..".


    "Give my message to Diana. It''s time for my grandson''s wife to know about his weaknesses.. So that the kid understands what she''s facing. If she chooses to go, I''ll be willing to help her".


    "Looks like you need to think carefully before making a decision, Sir".


    "What do you mean?". The elder tried to understand his secretary''s disapproval.


    "First, Hendra must''ve had a reason why he''s that angry with his wife and bodyguard. In the circle of bodyguards, reportedly the bodyguard who''s close to Ms. Aruna helped her make mistakes. Second, the young master is tightly hiding his weaknesses. He doesn''t want his wife to know. I don''t know what the reason is, I''m sure he''s the type of husband who doesn''t want to look flawed in front of his wife".


    "Oh, I see".


    "Call Diana.. Let me talk to her".


    .


    .


    Foot Note:


    (Longitude: an imaginary line in the form of a straight line connecting the earth from the north pole to the south pole. The earth is divided into 360 longitude lines, namely 180 west longitude lines and 180 east longitude lines.


    Every 15 degrees to east longitude or west longitude will show a time difference of 1 hour (60 minutes). Longitude is used to demonstrate the rotational motion of the earth. During the day, the earth will rotate up to 360 degrees. The 360 degrees will be divided into 24 hours.)

 Chapter 206 - My Daughter And Your Grandson

    [FLASHBACK Chapter 135, Circle]


    "Andos, schedule me to meet Lesmana". The elder commanded.


    _Lesmana needs to get additional shares of Wenceslas Delivery because of his daughter_


    ~


    "Why did you give all of Wenceslas Delivery''s assets to me?". Lesmana felt that Wiryo''s actions were too much this time. Aruna''s father became suspicious. A secretary who had been close to his master for many years knew very well that his master''s movements and decisions always had an underlying background.


    "I just need to thank you and your daughter". Wiryo answered. The old man''s way of speaking was a little different when he was in front of his former aide who was also his personal secretary at that time. Someone he always talked to heart to heart and earned his trust more than anyone. Because he was a good man who was always loyal to his master.


    "You make me even more convinced that something bad has happened to my daughter". Lesmana knew Wiryo would return the help or loss of others by multiplying it. Although that person didn''t feel harmed sometimes. That''s how Wiryo was and Lesmana really understood it.


    "I hope you won''t take your daughter soon. My grandson still needs her a lot". Wiryo''s words made Lesmana clasped his hands. Something must have happened to Aruna.


    "So Aruna didn''t just faint in the bathroom? Hmm.. I should''ve realized why my daughter was crying, wanting to go home". Not only his eyes were shaking, but his eyes also showed a tinge of anger. He realized that his daughter must''ve been in tremendous trouble, not just being found unconscious in the bathroom.


    "You make me really want to take her. According to our last agreement, I can take my daughter at any time when she says she can''t face your grandson. Facing her marriage". Lesmana added. He looked even more devastated.


    He handed the little princess who knew nothing about how her new family lived. The Wenceslas family, who required each woman to live in a luxurious house which was just a camouflage of the way they were locked up unless they were strong enough to break the rules or make sure they were safe.


    Lesmana had taught it all to Aliana but not to Aruna. The youngest was a sweet child who loved her father and mother so much. She rarely complained and demanded. Lesmana''s red eyes brought tears to the corners of his eyes.


    "I refuse your offer!". Those shocking words were affirmed by a father to a grandfather.


    "Getting all Wenceslas Delivery assets isn''t something I want if it''s my own daughter at stake". For the first time, Lesmana didn''t accept Wiryo''s wishes just like that.


    "Hmm.. I understand. But Hendra still needs his wife. I''ve tried to talk to him. He can''t possibly let go of your daughter easily. Give him time".


    "Until when?". Lesmana''s question. Lesmana''s question wasn''t answered. Wiryo remembered his last fight with Hendra. The only grandchild who stubbornly defended his will.


    This time, the heir defended his wife all-out. The grandfather remembered well how he was overthrown by resistance, including harsh words that Hendra had never shown before.


    "Until he recovers. Until your grandson recovers. I think that''s enough". Lesmana was saving his daughter. The common perception of a father who had sacrificed his daughter''s youth and happiness for the sake of a nonsense promise.


    "I''m sure it''ll be tough for my grandson. But I also took your daughter. It must be very hard for you. Did you realize? This is the first time I see you angry with me. Even though you never show fiery emotions, I realize that now my good aide is no longer looking at his master". Wiryo sighed. It was a deep hoarse voice.


    Subordinates, friends, maybe even brothers indirectly. He didn''t look at him. Just like the way his daughter wasn''t willing to look at him.


    "This time, what I did was my right, Mr. Wiryo. Lesmana isn''t Wiryo''s secretary and not Wiryo''s aide when he gave up his daughter. I hope you don''t forget this agreement. Let me be a father completely. You failed to save your daughter. It doesn''t mean I must fail to save my daughter too". Lesmana put pressure on every word.


    No father wanted to see his daughter suffer. No father had the heart to destroy his own daughter''s youth. No father was willing to give up his daughter to a man she didn''t love. Especially someone with the post-traumatic syndrome.


    "Saving your daughter?? I know you''re angry, but I don''t agree with your words. The thing that happened to your daughter, whether she was locked up or whatever. My grandson is the same as me. He won''t do anything without an underlying background. Your daughter is also at fault here".


    "I know my daughter, Mr. Wiryo". Lesmana no longer used the word ''master'' for Wiryo.


    "She''s a good kid. She''s obedient. You don''t need to hold Aruna to make her obey your words!". His hands were showing his muscles. His voice wasn''t harsh. His face didn''t turn gloomy. But the snippets of the words of a father who wanted to protect his daughter sounded like smoldering fire.


    "I don''t want to reveal this. Expose your own daughter''s disgrace. But you pushed me. Your daughter secretly met a young man at their wedding. Any man would feel hurt, including my poor grandson".


    "The saying that you know everything is wrong. Aruna and Mahendra have a marriage contract. Don''t you know that??".


    It was as if Wiryo''s heart stopped beating. The grandfather knew nothing at all.


    "I believe it was their agreement that made my daughter dare to go that far with your grandson". Lesmana''s words broke the heart of a grandfather.


    "Your grandson is the same as you and my daughter is the same as me. We''re not good at breaking things that are agreed upon. In fact, I''m very disappointed that my daughter is just played with". As hard as it was, a father who gave up his daughter hoped the little girl who grew up with hugs would be loved like a wife in a perfect marriage. Marriage contract or marriage agreement, whatever the term, which carried the agreement to end at a certain time was a bitter pill for the recipient. Of course, it had to be his daughter.


    "It doesn''t make sense if their contract or deal comes from my daughter".


    Wiryo could only exhale and the old man closed his pitch-black eyes for a moment. He realized that Hendra, his own grandson, had made their marriage more complicated. From or without an agreement between the master and his aide.

 Chapter 207 - Guinea Pig

    "It doesn''t make sense if their contract or deal comes from my daughter".


    Wiryo could only exhale and the old man closed his pitch-black eyes for a moment. He realized that Hendra, his own grandson, had made their marriage more complicated. From or without an agreement between the master and his aide.


    "Don''t you realize my grandson slowly loves your daughter? Can you give him some hope?".


    "Only until he recovers. Not more". Lesmana persisted, expecting his daughter''s return.


    "If my grandson doesn''t want to let her go, how?". Wiryo knew how much Hendra defended his wife.


    "I''ll still take my daughter. You can no longer order me, Mr. Wiryo. Because our relationships are different now. Honestly, you won''t get anything from my daughter. Aruna will never be pregnant with the next heir. I forbid her". Lesmana revealed more truth. He needed his daughter to be released so that the youngest was no longer entangled by the Wenceslas family.


    "HOW DARE YOU, LESMANA!! How could you do that to us?". Wiryo tapped the stick attached to his right hand.


    "That''s the best for them..".


    "Best?! How come?!". Wiryo was threatening Lesmana.


    "Stop your threats! Have you forgotten what kind of parents you were born from? Would you be willing to repeat the dark history of Wenceslas? If my daughter really likes another man and she''s still forced to give birth to children for you, do you want the story of your father and mother to be repeated? Who will be the victim? The successor of this family will be the victim. Even you and Clara are still enemies".


    Now, the scary old man had turned into a frail old man. Lesmana brought old wounds that would never heal.


    "Like it or not, it wasn''t right from the start. I''ve accepted my daughter as a guinea pig for your grandson''s healing. Aren''t we kind enough?".


    "Who said your daughter is just a guinea pig? Gayatri?". Wiryo asked.


    "She didn''t say it directly. I''m just guessing. I think my guess was right. You lied to me from the start and I just believed it because I didn''t know anything". At that time, Lesmana often became Wiryo''s representative on business trips. Lesmana had rarely been to the main house. He even discovered too late that the hidden young lady had returned from the USA.


    "What did I lie about, Lesmana?". Wiryo looked resigned to all the accusations. He was tired of swallowing the facts about Hendra and Aruna''s marriage contract which had just been revealed.


    "You begged me to grant this marriage agreement because of your destruction, knowing that Miss Gayatri ended up with a cowardly man. You said you didn''t want the same thing to happen to that little blue-eyed kid. All of that is a lie. Oh my God.. I trusted you just like that". Lesmana couldn''t control himself. (Chapter 1, Nonsense Promise)


    "In fact, you''ve known the existence of the blue-eyed baby since he was 2 years old. You lied to me! I''ve sorted everything out now and I''m sure you made this absurd agreement to carry on your generation. Because the only heir to the Wenceslas family has severe PTSD. He doesn''t have any hope because the lady is also sick". (Chapter 4, Significant Differences. Lesmana and Gayatri''s Communication)


    Lesmana held his head. He was very confused. Meanwhile, Wiryo''s heartbeat seemed to be difficult to control by the owner.


    "Forgive me, Lesmana". Wiryo was apologizing. That was how he apologized.


    "You guys really made my daughter a guinea pig! Oh my God..". A father could no longer hold back the tears.


    "Lesmana.. At that time, I had no other way. For 22 years, I''ve even tried various ways so that you won''t bear the burden of our agreement. In fact, I gave up. Maybe this is Mahendra''s destiny, He has to meet your little daughter to find his cure". Wiryo was trying to calm Lesmana''s emotions.


    The father who was already frantic could no longer accept the reality.


    "That''s your grandson''s destiny but not my daughter''s destiny. I don''t want to linger any longer. Tell all the facts to my daughter or I''ll tell her about PTSD that your grandson is suffering from". Lesmana started to get up. He was no longer able to resolve this dispute, nor could he bear to see his former master''s condition starting to look fragile.


    "I don''t care what natural healing with a natural approach is. Let go of your guinea pig quickly. Find the most instant and fastest healing. Tell my little bunny what to do! She won''t fight. She''ll obey your orders and directions. Or I''ll take her as soon as possible because your guinea pig is a human and she''s my daughter!". Lesmana wiped the tears from his eyes.


    "Forgive me, Lesmana".


    "Looks like it''s too late, Sir".


    "You''ll torture my grandson, Lesmana".


    "Or my daughter will be tortured, Sir".


    "Hendra loves Aruna".


    "But my daughter doesn''t. You said she was locked up for meeting another man".


    "I''m sure Hendra will do his best to defend her".


    "But he was also the one who made the marriage contract. My daughter must''ve had a lot of trouble from the start".


    "Please give my grandson a chance".


    "We''ll see later".


    ***


    [Now]


    "Who gave you the task?". Instead of caring about Aruna''s statement, the man who was good at capturing word for word from his interlocutor spontaneously made wild conclusions.


    That girl remained silent.


    "Okay.. You don''t need to tell me if you don''t want to. I can guess it". The man who was supporting the woman''s body trembled even more.


    His footsteps were heavy. Not because he had to carry his wife, but because he had to think about how to defend the woman he loved so much.


    "It''s not only about who ordered me or who gave me the task. I personally chose it".


    "How could you do this to me, Aruna? How many times have I told you that I don''t want to lose you? I never thought of this marriage as a joke". They stepped away from the beach.


    Meanwhile, Aruna just hid behind the man''s back and hugged him tightly.


    Hendra sneezed. He was still wearing wet clothes.


    "Hen? Are you not feeling well because of the rain earlier?".


    "Don''t change the subject. I don''t like it".


    "Your body feels warm, Hen".


    "Do you even care? You want to leave me!".


    "I''m sure you''re ready.. After all, we''ve agreed to part ways in our marriage contract".


    "But the contract says 2 years".


    "What''s the difference between 2 years and now? In the end, it''s still the same. We separate".


    "Do I need to tear it up in front of you? I don''t care about the marriage contract anymore".


    "I''ve been shaped by that contract since the first time we met. Even if you tear it up, it''s pointless".


    "Was there no happiness during our marriage?".


    "It''s not about being happy or not".


    Hendra sneezed.


    "Hen, put me down. Your body is warm. You''re also sneezing. I''ll just walk".


    "No! I want to carry you". The stubborn man was showing his true self.


    They froze along the way. One of them thought of how to keep the marriage. The other one hoped to persuade him to be allowed to go home.


    "Everything will be fine, Aruna. I know your decision isn''t just yours. We''ll face it together". A husband was expecting a lot, hoping his marriage can still be saved.

 Chapter 208 - Psychosocial Therapist Guide

    [FLASHBACK. Chapter 157, A New Creature]


    "What are you doing? Your seat is waiting for you!". Unknowingly, the people on the D floor were waiting for Hendra for quite a long time. Surprisingly, Wiryo, who was deliberately detained at the door, wanted to enter the room. He found his grandson''s hair disheveled because Aruna grabbed it to release his bite.


    Lesmana''s daughter seemed even worse. Her hair was messy and there were three red marks marking her neck. She was shaking anxiously, worried, and afraid.


    Hendra rushed to take off his coat. After observing the direction of his grandfather''s gaze, he needed to cover Aruna''s neck and her body that was shivering due to his behavior. That suit wrapped tightly around his wife''s body but her agitated expression was still seen.


    "Do you want to go back to your father''s house?". Grandpa Wiryo made an offer.


    "How dare you interfere, asking my wife!" Hendra looked very angry, standing in front of Aruna. He covered that girl from Wiryo''s gaze.


    "I''m just asking the girl who looks really worried. What did you do to her?".


    "None of your business!".


    Aruna was shocked by the way these two people communicated, very rude and pressuring each other.


    "Going home to dad''s house, does it mean I¡­?". Aruna tried to understand it.


    .


    .


    _There''s no other way. I have to persuade grandpa_ This girl rushed to stop the old man''s steps.


    "One day I want to go home to my parents'' house, but not now. Hendra still needs me by his side. Thank you for worrying about me, Grandpa. I know you''re angry because you feel responsible for me, but I also don''t want Hendra to get hurt because of this misunderstanding". Lesmana''s daughter kept urging Wiryo to change his decision.


    "Are you sure you can endure it? Don''t push yourself or I''ll keep feeling sorry for your father". Wiryo asked Aruna''s determination.


    Meanwhile, not far from her, Hendra tried to escape from his grandfather''s bodyguards.


    "Someone has to endure it. If not his family, then who else? Moreover, I''m his wife. No matter how hard it is, I have to endure it to help him". The tiny girl''s words left Wiryo speechless. He went with his bodyguards, leaving Hendra who was furious. He calmed instantly when he got an embrace from his woman, a new creature who filled his days, whom he became increasingly impossible to let go of.


    .


    .


    [AFTER THAT]


    After the meeting on the D floor, a grandfather came to his grandson''s wife. He purposely arrived before his grandson arrived. It was very important for him to be able to meet Lesmana''s daughter.


    Plus they would appear in public. If the girl really wanted to go home, she''d better act normal when she appeared on the TV station or everyone would corner her when she had to separate from her husband.


    "I''ve talked a lot with your father. I know he wants his daughter to be able to return to his arms". Wiryo sat on the guest sofa in Mahendra''s private room. The old man''s aura was very domineering. Aruna was still standing. She didn''t dare to sit down.


    "Andos, get me a Psychosocial Therapist guide from Doctor Diana". Wiryo ordered while looking at Aruna. He moved his hand, asking his grandson''s wife to sit down.


    "I''m very grateful that your presence has changed him a lot. I heard that he could sleep with his wife and could take of her when she was sick. It''s almost impossible for Hendra to do that".


    "Unfortunately, the treatment for him doesn''t stop there. I hope you can finish it until the end". Wiryo handed her a file consisting of several sheets of paper. When Aruna flipped through it, the girl realized this file was a technical guide on what to do by a Psychosocial Therapist.


    "You don''t need to read the one at the front. There''s an important point that you should immediately try out on Hendra. If it works, the treatment that we run using you will be over". Wiryo explained many things to Aruna, including his meeting with Lesmana as well as how she should behave on the ''For You'' talk show.


    "Make sure you limit your expressions". Wiryo said. At first, Aruna didn''t understand why she had to limit her expressions in front of the camera.


    The old man explained in detail. Aruna needed to know the limit, how she behaved. She had to look normal so that later when they separated, the girl wouldn''t be a victim of the public spotlight. Mahendra was more able to deal with public criticism than Aruna.


    So Aruna shouldn''t have followed the ''For You'' talk show''s rhythm. Wiryo was late in stopping them from appearing in public. He didn''t know Hendra would use that method to reduce the chaos of the construction of Dream City.


    That''s why she was so nervous about the talk show. It wasn''t because she rarely appeared at various start-up events lately. Aruna was being nervous about the sentence ''make sure you limit your expressions''. How to deal with expressions correctly? This question really made her nervous.


    .


    .


    [FLASHBACK. Chapter 162, False Hope]


    That night, that girl tried the last treatment which she had to try on Hendra. Hendra, who carried her when she passed out on her way home from the hospital, actually made the team of doctors very enthusiastic.


    Aruna didn''t realize that such a simple thing was an extraordinary achievement. In the manual she read, Doctor Diana mentioned that Mahendra''s feelings of concern for his sick wife were able to dominate the PTSD patient''s psychology over his traumatized feelings.


    The language used in Psychosocial Therapist''s treatment was quite complex and too high-level to understand. The girl scratched her head a few times.


    At one point, she came to a conclusion. As long as Hendra could see her sleeping for a long time without touching her vein, her voice, her movements, including observing the rising and falling of her breath, he could be declared successful through the last stage of healing.


    _No wonder Hendra likes to approach me at night as if he''s inhaling my breath. I thought he''s too perverted_


    Hendra was so furious that he was unconsciously in the same room with his wife and was forced to observe her, guarding her, but not being allowed to lie down together.


    For this reason, at night, she was reluctant to sleep in Mahendra''s private room. She made him furious by asking for permission to sleep in a hotel room that she booked herself. She pretended to be sick and not wanting to be accompanied by Mahendra, let alone sleeping together.


    We''re going to the hospital, okay?".


    "No. I don''t want to".


    "Then, we''re going to the main house".


    "I also don''t want to".


    "Why? You want to be in my private hotel room?".


    "Can I book a room and sleep alone today? I need a rest without any disturbance".


    "I promise I won''t bother you!".


    "Just tonight.. Please".


    "You''re not feeling well, right? You can''t sleep alone".


    "I''m just so tired. I''m tired of dealing with everything. Let me be alone just for tonight".


    .


    .


    "Go back to your room. I''ve told you, I''ll sleep here alone". She ordered him, who could now see her lying with her eyes closed without holding her pulse.


    He sat on the sofa, waiting for her to sleep in the hotel room that he ordered.


    "I''ll wait until you sleep before I leave". He said, calming the way she told him to go.


    _I.. Am I slowly recovering? I can watch her sleep without touching her pulse.. I could drive the car and carry her even though she was unconscious_ The PTSD sufferer enjoyed himself who started to succeed in conquering his own fears. He was still there. Sixty minutes had passed but he still sat and observed her.


    Suddenly, that voice greeted him again: "Hendra, have you ever been bored?".


    .

 Chapter 209 - Shock Therapy!

    Finally, Lesmana''s daughter managed to stir the emotions of Wiryo''s grandson. She made him stay in the same room, sitting, and observing Aruna who was maintaining her breath so that it was difficult to see her sleeping as if she had become a corpse.


    On the other hand, someone''s heart trembled tremendously. Hendra was so worried about her. He didn''t even sleep a wink just to take care of her. Whose heart didn''t melt from the attention of this stubborn man?


    He expressed love over and over again without feeling awkward. He openly asked for her kisses every time. Sometimes at night, he tidied up her hair before she was held in his arms and he hugged her all night.


    When the deadline in the guide had been successfully passed by Mahendra, the tiny girl, who slowly realized that maybe it wouldn''t be long until she left his side, tried to present a sweet journey at night.


    She wanted to be kept as the best memory, that she wasn''t just a wife who often refused her husband''s requests. Or a woman who didn''t want to give her husband''s rights.


    In the following days, she asked him to try new things, try new clothes, watch movies together, and follow his wish to enjoy a honeymoon in Bali.


    ***


    [NOW]


    "Hm.. Dea.. Are you looking for Ms. Aruna?". A 30-year-old man, who was about to reach 31 years old, was approaching a veiled girl who was 10 years younger than him.


    That girl was enjoying the ocean waves alone. People were surfing there but that girl preferred to watch something on her cellphone.


    "Not really!". That girl replied while looking at the newest movie containing handsome Korean men.


    "Are you watching Melting Me? I know that''s Ji Changwook, right?". Mahendra''s secretary had been reading strange articles lately. In the past, he''d protested because Mahendra told him to read Damar''s indie novel. Surya said it didn''t support his work in the office.


    But now he wasn''t just reading weird articles. He even watched some dramas that used to make him want to throw up.


    "Wow.. You know?!". The K-Pop and K-Drama lover was enthusiastic because someone knew something she liked.


    "Hehe". Surya smiled because his efforts were successful.


    "Hm.. Can I sit?!". A man was asking for permission shyly.


    "Oh, please!".


    When those words were uttered by Dea, the human whose daily life was only working tried to sit near a woman.


    _Why does it feel scarier than a presentation in front of dozens of directors?_


    "Hm.. Sir, you better sit there. Not near me. I think it''s a bit strange?!". Dea became awkward. Surya suddenly sat on a beach chair that was supposed to be used for one person. The man sat too close to Dea, making the girl objected.


    The nervous man forgot how to use his brain: "Hehe, sorry".


    _Is this how Hendra feels? Wait. Do I like this kid? I''ve become stupid just like my boss who suddenly became stupid because of a woman_


    Surya finally sat in the right place, on the beach chair next to the girl in a flower veil.


    "So you also know Ji Changwook. I really like him, especially when he played in The K2. It was the first drama that made me finally become a fan of him. He played as¡­". The Korean men lover immediately ranted about one of the Korean men that she liked. Her knowledge was so complete.


    "Hehe. I see..". The man who had been secretly peeking at her cellphone just read Ji Changwook''s name on Google. His knowledge was limited to the name of the main character seen in the drama that she watched. He deliberately sought out information about that drama just to start a conversation. A stupid way that Surya had tried so many times to talk to Aruna''s best friend.


    Actually, this man had tried to approach Dea. Starting from the many communications between the two when the boss asked for opinions about a birthday gift for his wife, including other opinions that were difficult to solve. Like the opinion of how to deal with the young master''s wife? It wasn''t him who got married but he was told to solve it.


    There was no other way but to contact Aruna''s best friend. And so on. Even without a task, Surya could pretend to find an excuse to send WhatsApp messages to the K-Pop lover.


    "Why are we quiet?". Surya asked a strange question.


    "I don''t know? You''re quiet too?".


    "Hm..". Surya looked like someone deep in thought even though he just wanted to start a conversation.


    "Are you thirsty? I brought two drinking water. One for you. Is it okay?". Finally, Dea asked a question. As the girl drank the water, she saw sweat dripping down Surya''s face. It was quite unique for someone who was hit by the fresh air of the beach.


    "Hm.. I don''t want to be complicated like my boss. I mean the complicated relationship between your best friend and my boss. So I decided I''ll be honest right now. Since you can''t possibly accept a confession of love or dating, what if we get married? I like you!".


    She choked and spilled the water in her mouth all over the shirt of the man who had just confessed his love.


    "Ah. Sorry, sorry.. You got all wet". Dea was confused about what to do. Even if she wanted to clean it, it would be even more awkward.


    "Hehe. I''m also sorry. You must be surprised". Surya''s words were getting more ambiguous.


    "Are you sick?". Dea needed to confirm many things.


    "Oh, no.. I''m fine".


    "Did you eat something wrong?".


    "Oh, I didn''t".


    "Did you have enough sleep last night?".


    "Enough! You think I''m delirious? I wasn''t delirious!".


    "Or maybe I''m the one who''s hallucinating because I watched dramas too much?". Dea was thinking maybe she fell asleep while watching drama and now she''s dreaming.


    "No! This is reality!!".


    "Wait.. Am I sleeping and dreaming?!".


    "Argh.. No!!".


    "Then WHY ARE YOU PROPOSING TO A WOMAN LIKE YOU''RE GIVING A SHOCK THERAPY!!".

 Chapter 210 - Froze

    "Hehe. Are you surprised?". Surya asked something that was clearly displayed in front of him.


    "Huh. You''re still asking?". Dea didn''t dare to look at him again. She felt like running away and hiding behind the door.


    "But I really want to marry you". This time, Surya was bolder.


    "Don''t do it again". It was Dea''s turn to be nervous.


    "Huh. Why? Am I wrong?".


    "I could get a heart attack, you know!!". They both blushed. They stared at each other and were confused about what to do. The next stupid thing was that they both ran in the opposite direction, leaving their seats.


    .


    "Stupid! Stupid! Why did I run? I should''ve kept her from going! Aren''t I the older one and I''m a man? Argh. So complicated!!". Surya was irritated and confused.


    "Sir, are you okay??". Hery, who was behind him, was surprised. Surya behaved and said strange words.


    "Don''t mind me. Just mind your own business". He argued to Hery who was curious.


    "Yeah. Yeah. Whatever, strange human".


    "How dare you make fun of me".


    "That''s the truth".


    "Go away! You''re disturbing me! Go!".


    "Hey. I''m the one who''s been here since earlier. You came late but asked me to go away". Hery objected.


    "Huh! But you''ve confessed your love to a girl".


    "Don''t tell me you just did that and got rejected".


    "Not rejected?! I ran away because I was so nervous".


    "Hahaha¡­ Such a pathetic single man. Haha". Instead of giving advice, Hendra''s bodyguard was as annoying as his master. He laughed out loud.


    "Aish. You¡­". That man raised his hand to hit Hery. It was a little surprising because Surya froze even though his other hand grabbed Hery''s collar. That bodyguard surprisingly offered to be hit. He seemed resigned to taking the hit. He knew Surya wouldn''t be rude to him.


    Dea stood in front of two men who were showing a strange scene. It was even weirder because Surya didn''t move.


    "Oh. So this is what made you run because of¡­". Hery''s words were stopped by Surya''s hand. At least, he no longer froze.


    "Looks like we should speak properly. I mean in a more relaxed way".


    "Yeah.. Yeah..". Even the man who was 10 years older still had no meaningful experience with confessing feelings.


    When the couple who had just been attacked with nervousness slowly left their place, Hery''s voice encouraged: "Don''t be nervous, Sir. Or you''ll be single forever".


    That joke immediately got a response. Surya filled the tissue box from the table he''d just passed and threw it right at Hery. That bodyguard burst out laughing.


    .


    For a long time, they walked along the beautiful coast of the Wenceslas Ritz Hotel.


    Surya was silent, having trouble starting a conversation. As for Dea, that girl was waiting for the man beside her to speak first. It wasn''t good for her to get ahead of the man.


    But it seemed like it would be in vain. Mr. Surya never spoke.


    They both spoke at the same time.


    "Speak first".


    "No! Dea first".


    "Men first".


    "Ladies first".


    Suddenly, that girl stopped her footsteps and stood in front of him, looking at Surya.


    "Don''t you know?! Men are always at the front. You''re a leader! So you have to start this conversation".


    "Hehe.. Sorry, I''m really tortured by this feeling".


    "Me too". Dea''s voice was soft, barely audible.


    "Oh! You too? Does that mean I might be accepted?". Surya was relieved.


    "Not necessarily. But who doesn''t get goosebumps when someone suddenly proposes?".


    "There is". Surya replied shortly.


    "Don''t tell me it''s Aruna". Dea also knew the person he was referring to.


    "Hehe. Yes.. Every day Hendra was confused about how to conquer her". Surya was actually looking for a topic to lighten the mood as the two of them sat on the beach.


    "They''re married but sometimes I feel sorry for Aruna. She changed a lot. She became quiet and rarely spoke. It seemed that she was depressed". Slowly, the nervousness that attacked these two people gradually disappeared.


    "Hendra too.. If you knew how he really was, you''d be more sorry". The secretary defended his boss and best friend.


    "If you knew how Aruna was like, you''d also feel sorry for her". Dea defended her best friend.


    "Looks like it''ll never end if we talk about them".


    "Yes.. Correct". Dea said.


    "I don''t want to be complicated like them and I also don''t want to go overboard in building a relationship. I''m more than mature. When I first went to Surabaya with you, you were such a charming little kid. I thought it''d be fun to marry you". When the nervousness was gone, Surya was more daring to speak.


    "Why do you call me a kid?". That girl objected.


    "That''s the truth. When I studied in the USA, you haven''t graduated from elementary school".


    "Ah, right. So if I marry you, it means I''m married to an uncle".


    "Ten years difference doesn''t mean I''m an uncle. Honestly, I''ve never been close to a woman before, like Hendra".


    "Ah, really? I think that''s impossible".


    "I''m not lying".


    "Someone like you who studied abroad, you surely have¡­".


    "Never!". Surya cut Dea''s sentence.


    "Hendra and I work all the time. We have a schedule that controls our lifestyle. It''s a bit difficult for him to get close to women and I was also forced to be just like him. It''s a bit annoying! Now I stay single by myself!".


    "Haha". Dea laughed at Surya''s explanation.


    "Hey.. Stop laughing".


    "Oppa, your fate is a bit worrisome. Hehe". Dea added.


    "You''re annoying like Hery".


    "Perhaps you proposed to me because you''ve been single for too long".


    "No.. Not because of that".


    "Then?".


    "I like when you call me oppa.. That nickname has been floating around in my head since the first time you called me that. I want to hear it every time. Hehe". This man''s ears were red. Dea''s too.


    Surya immediately grabbed Dea''s arm. He was afraid that the girl would run because she was embarrassed. Even though he was the one who intended to run and used that method so that he could survive.


    "Remember, don''t run!".


    "But don''t hold my shirt. We''re not married yet!". Then they both froze.


    Glancing at each other.


    Then froze again.


    _I should be the one who starts the conversation, but why is my tongue numb?_ Surya really felt stupid.


    _Surya, there''s no second chance. Let''s be brave_ That man encouraged himself.


    "So.. My offer is serious. Maybe you can get a younger one than me, but I''m sure there''s no one more established". Surya talked as if he was offering business to a Wenceslas Group colleague.


    _Why does he look arrogant??_ This was what came to Dea''s mind.


    "By accepting me, all the things I''ve done for more than 10 years as a professional worker with professional profits will be completely yours. You don''t need to think about a decent life guarantee anymore. Even I''m ready to bring your mother and sibling to my new house. I mean, I already have a house that I purposely prepared for my future wife. I hope it''s you". Surya explained clearly.


    "Why do I feel like I''m being offered property instead of being offered to get married".


    "Hehe.. Sorry. I seem to have been carried away by work habits".


    "I think I''ve read it before! Buy a property, a wife as a bonus if suitable. But Mr. Surya, marry me for a free luxury house".


    "Hahaha..". Surya laughed out loud. Dea was often funny.


    "Do you possibly have a luxury car?". Dea was getting funnier.


    "I have".

 Chapter 211 - Really?

    "Do you possibly have a luxury car?". Dea was getting funnier.


    "I have".


    "What about the furniture and interior? Are they complete enough with premium quality?".


    "Yeah, right".


    "How many rooms are there in that house?".


    "Around five, not including the housekeeper''s room".


    "Oh, you have a housekeeper too?".


    "Yeah, sure".


    "Your offer is quite interesting. I can consider it". Dea said.


    Then both of them looked at each other and burst out laughing together.


    "You offer marriage. Instead of explaining personal qualities, you explained the facilities that I can get". Dea was irritated.


    "Sorry. Honestly, I don''t know how to flirt with a girl. I thought it might interest you".


    "If all women were like that, I''m sure Aruna wouldn''t be nervous. Unfortunately, I''m the same type as Aruna".


    "Ah.. Don''t be like her.. My life would be difficult like my boss". Surya complained with a funny face.


    "I don''t mean like that. It''s difficult to explain it to you".


    "Yes.. I really want to marry you. But I don''t want to be complicated like the relationship between Hendra and his wife". Surya spoke from the heart and seemed to be busy getting something out.


    "Who wants to be like them?".


    "Look! I''ve prepared a ring". Surya showed two ring boxes to Dea. That girl was wide-eyed. When did this man prepare it? She thought his words were just a joke or a kind of love at first sight like in the dramas she watched.


    "I''m confused whether you like the gold or silver one, so I just bought both".


    "Hehe.. You''re not pranking me, right?".


    "Don''t joke anymore.. I mean it. This is serious!".


    "Sir¡­ It''s too sudden". Dea complained, feeling pressured.


    "Call me oppa".


    "You used to hate it, now you ask me to".


    "Come on.. Accept my ring and call me oppa".


    "I can''t..".


    "Why not?".


    "I can''t accept it yet".


    "So you rejected me". Surya''s expression went gloomy. The ring that was shown suddenly disappeared in his hand.


    "It''s not like that".


    "Then?".


    "But it seems clear that you rejected me, right?". Not only gloomy, but Surya also began to surrender.


    "Don''t think like that just yet. There''s one stage you haven''t passed yet".


    "You mean?".


    "If you want to marry me, ask permission from my dad. Since my dad is dead, you need to see my uncle. At least my mom. Then my uncle".


    "Oh, I see..".


    "Yes. Keep the ring first. A little smile is also okay". Dea suggested the man who showed his pouty lips.


    "So I''m too fast".


    "Hehe.. I like it".


    "Really?".


    "Yes".


    "Just so you know, I''ve been wanting to propose to you since a long time ago. Not just because I''m old enough, I''ve been wanting to propose to you since you helped me prepare buck roses".


    Dea furrowed her brows in disbelief.


    "It''s true".


    She smiled at Surya, permitting him to talk more. It seemed he was no longer nervous.


    "I thought it might be beautiful when the house I built for my future wife is filled with a talkative girl like you".


    "Ah, really? Later, after marriage, you''ll find out".


    "Haha.. I don''t know".


    "Haha¡­ See?".


    "Hm.. Can I give you a suggestion?".


    "Sure".


    "Later, if uncle asks if you''ve ever drunk alcohol, don''t say yes". Dea was a little worried about the life pattern of someone whom she didn''t know at all.


    "Hey. You must be worried because Hendra, right?".


    "A little".


    "I''m not like that.. Actually, Hendra isn''t either. Tania is the one who taught Hendra weird things. That''s why I didn''t like her from the start". Surya was anxious.


    "Hehe. I see..".


    "Even though I look like this, I''m the type of person who''s very serious about everything". Surya''s voice was firm.


    "I know. Your clothes look very formal every day. Hehe. The way you talk is also too formal. Hehe".


    _He seems boring but if he''s serious and mom accepts him, what else can I do?_ Dea thought.


    "It''s not like that.. I''ve been taking recitation Qur''an lessons so that you''d marry me".


    "REALLY??".


    "Yes..".


    "Not lying??".


    "Why would I lie?".


    "Here". She raised her right hand.


    "What?". Surya was confused.


    "Ring! Where''s the ring?". Dea asked.


    "Oh, ring! Wait.. Wait.. You said ring??".


    "Yes, where?!".


    This man immediately took out two jewelry boxes at once. Surprisingly, Dea opened one and put it on.


    "Does this mean I''m accepted??".


    "Possibly".


    "REALLY??". Surya asked.


    "Hey, REALLY??". He wasn''t satisfied with Dea''s nod.


    The girl just smiled then covered her face. She hid behind her bent knees. Dea was feeling ashamed, plus seeing Mr. Surya''s behavior who jumped like a kid.


    "Argh.. So happy..". The man jumped, ran to Dea, and hugged her.


    "Oppa.. Go! You can''t hug me yet!". Dea hit Surya.


    "Hehe. Sorry. I''m too happy".


    "But you still have to ask permission from uncle and mom, okay?".


    "Yes..".


    "Why are you looking at me like that? Your smile is weird, you know?".


    "Hehe. I still can''t believe it. My future wife". Surya called.


    "Don''t call me that". Dea protested.


    "My future wife". Surya annoyed her.


    "Argh.. I''m embarrassed..". She covered her face once again.


    "My future wife". He kept annoying Dea.


    ***


    "Why did you take your father with you?". Juan protested. It was the third time they''d stopped on their way to Segara Anak. Out of the three Rinjani hiking trails, Juan and Damar chose the Torean route rather than the east or north route.


    Hiking through the Torean route took approximately 12 hours. Damar and Juan started at 06.00 AM (WITA) and they were supposed to arrive at the sulfur water bathing crater at 06.00 PM (WITA).


    Unfortunately, Bay made everything chaotic. That man hadn''t been physically active for a long time, which meant that he was easily tired. Moreover, he was the oldest compared to the two.


    "Wait a minute, Juan". Damar sighed as he looked at his adoptive father who was sweating.


    Two young people with the same fate, both abandoned and left the woman they hoped for. It made the two of them get closer and often hang out together until one day Juan chose to take leave as a bodyguard and went hiking with Damar. This young man''s way of healing himself needed to be tried.


    In the past, he used to do hiking when he was studying in the Cambridge University, England. A strange background for a bodyguard. Juan''s first climb, who was actually called Gesang Juang Wenzel, was Scafell Pike. The highest mountain in England at 978 meters or 3209 feet above sea level. This mountain, that was located in Cumbria, Lake District National Park, wasn''t easy to be climbed. However, Juan was able to conquer it and managed to enjoy the special scenery.


    For him, Rinjani was easy. He became impatient.


    "If you can''t do it, we''ll spend the night in the crater. You can soak in sulfuric water. It''s good to get rid of fatigue". Damar suggested as the three men walked along Rinjani.


    "If later it turns out that you can''t do it, we''ll continue the journey to Segara Anak Lake tomorrow morning. Don''t worry. The travel time is only 2.5 hours. Later we''ll prepare a tent to stay there for two nights. You can fish in Segara Anak Lake. Although the fish aren''t as delicious as freshwater fish, it''s good enough to survive. At least you can wait for us to continue hiking and come down to pick you up again. How? Do you agree, Damar?". Juan gave another idea, considering the condition of Bay who seemed to have difficulty facing this impromptu hiking.


    "But anyway, why do you insist on joining?". Damar felt strange about the behavior of this adaptive father. He preferred to hang out rather than exercise but he insisted to join the climb of Mount Rinjani.

 Chapter 212 - Segara Anak

    "But anyway, why do you insist on joining?". Damar felt strange about the behavior of this adoptive father. He preferred to hang out rather than exercise but he insisted to join the climb of Mount Rinjani.


    "I want to advise a hard-hearted man". Bay made his point while being out of breath.


    "Hehe. Am I a hard-hearted man?".


    "Let''s finish until Segara Anak first. It seems I''m still strong enough to get to that place". He said while stepping more excitedly.


    .


    Along with the cold night air in the mountains, the three of them were wrapped in thick jackets. The fire was lit to cook a simple dinner.


    "I didn''t know eating could be this good when we''re up high".


    Damar smiled in response to Bay''s words.


    When all their eating activities were over, they let the small bonfire stay burning, giving light in darkness with a seemingly friendly sky. Presenting the stars and the almost-full moon.


    "You still like her?". Bay asked, glancing at the young man who started playing his guitar.


    "I prefer to be called loving her, not just liking her".


    "Still hard to let her go, huh?".


    "What else can I do? I can still compose song lyrics by imagining Aruna".


    "And I''m sure it''s impossible for her husband to just let his wife go". Juan interrupted.


    "They had an agreement to split up".


    "Even if there''s an agreement, I''m sure my boss always has a way to trap his wife. If you really knew that person, you wouldn''t be able to refute my words. That man has another side which is so scary". Juan recalled the way Hendra beat him.


    "That''s why I''ll stand for Aruna".


    "Just stop like me and Syakila. Life must be realistic, bro!". Juan patted Damar''s shoulder, pretending to be friendly.


    "Can you shut your mouth and get rid of your hands?". Damar didn''t accept it.


    "I want to talk to Damar. You can listen but please don''t comment". Bay mediated them.


    "Fine.. Fine.. I''ll freeze". Juan said with a resentful tone.


    "If it turns out that letting go of that woman is the last option and there''s no other way, what about you? What are you going to do?". Bay asked a question. Damar couldn''t help but freeze.


    "Don''t do it. Don''t hold on. Your life is too precious to keep thinking about one person. Just so you know, there''s a mother who asks how you are every day, urging me to accept money and even all other offers so that I can take care of you as well as possible. In the past, the one who took care of you a lot was Aruna. I''m sure behind it all, there''s a mother who entrusts her son".


    "You''re wrong. She cares about all her friends. Even before she met my mother, she''d cared about me a lot".


    "Fine. Maybe that''s why you''re addicted to her".


    Bay looked at Juan: "What do you think of that girl, Juan?".


    "Yeah.. Just like you said. She also cares about her husband. Every morning she escorts that man to the car. She tidies his tie and then tells my boss to go home immediately. Even though after that she just sits behind the window all day long".


    "If you continue your feelings and that girl can''t let go of her relationship, you''re no different from your mother. Think about my words".


    Damar wandered in his mind. Bay''s next words were about: if Mrs. HRD was willing to let go of her love for Damar''s father, which brought that woman to devastation, Mrs. HRD would''ve been able to live a better life. She wasted many things, including Damar.


    "But you aren''t married either?". Damar asked, after finding a spot to stand and letting go of her.


    "That''s a choice, not because I don''t want to let go of her who once captured my heart. Second, it could be because I find it difficult to get close to women. And the third one¡­". That man paused for a moment then smiled.


    "It could be because my story has to be like this so I can meet her".


    "What do you mean?". Damar was a little confused by that man''s last words.


    "If I get permission from her son, maybe I''ll get married this month".


    "Oh, you finally found your soulmate?".


    "Yeah, that''s right. I just need to persuade her son".


    "I hope you succeed".


    "Thank you. Now seems like a good time to persuade him".


    "Don''t postpone it or else you''ll regret it".


    "So how? Am I suitable to be your father??".


    "You said yourself that you''re my adoptive father. Why are you asking again?''.


    "Hahaha.. Haha". Suddenly, Juan burst out laughing.


    "I''m trying. Can you shut up?". Bay snapped at the owner of the laughing voice.


    "Father?? Father?? Permission to her son?". Damar grumbled to himself.


    "Don''t tell me the woman you mean is Mrs. HRD?!".


    "Hehe.. Can I marry your mom?".


    "Damn it! No wonder you''re following me here!!".


    "Hahaha". Juan''s laughter grew louder as they argued.


    "Ah. How could you be with my mom?".


    "Because she often chats with me. At first, she asked about you. After a long time, I realized your mother is funny".


    "Why is it like this?!".


    "Haha.. Come on, give him and your mother a chance?!". This time, Juan laughed at a serious conversation which turned out to be about the permission of a man who wanted to marry the mother of the Padangnese young man.


    ***


    "Hen.. Take off your clothes". Aruna ordered.


    They had argued before because Hendra, who was starting to shiver with a fever, was still hoping to drive the Jeep. Aruna struggled to persuade the stubborn man. Earlier, closing the roof of this orange car seemed quite difficult for Hendra.


    And now she was helping him take off the wet clothes he was wearing. Then she also put on her small jacket which was left in the car because Hendra''s jacket was wet from the rain on the beach.


    "Your body is so hot.. What to do?". Aruna was anxious while turning on the Jeep.


    "Don''t worry. I''m fine". Hendra''s words didn''t match his expression.


    That expression on his face suddenly changed drastically.


    "Argh.. Hehe". That woman screamed in surprise then laughing. She almost hit the divider.


    "Hey.. You really can drive a car or¡­ Aruna.. Aaaa..". Hendra panicked because the car backed away so fast this time.


    "Hahaha". That woman laughed when Hendra shouted at her.


    "Calm down. I''m just experimenting for a moment while relaxing my arms and legs". Aruna calmed him down.


    "Let me drive". Hendra asked Aruna to get out of the driver''s seat.


    "You can''t!". That woman insisted on holding onto the steering wheel of the Jeep.


    "Stubborn!". Hendra mocked.


    "You''re stubborn too. Since we''re the same so shut up". Aruna put on a firm expression because she wanted to defend herself as a driver for now.


    And the Jeep drove slowly, swerving slowly following the ability of the driver who tried to be careful. When it reached a flatter road, that girl could ease her tension.


    Aruna had stopped at several points, waking up Hendra who was asleep while being delirious. She bought warm clothes and then wrapped that man''s body, including buying medicine in the minimarket.


    .


    "Hen.. Do you need me to call a doctor?". She interrupted while tidying up the bed for him.


    "No need to.. It''s just a normal fever". He was sitting while holding his head.


    "Shall we try my mom''s way?".


    "What do you mean?".


    "Someone who''s just exposed to rain, then his body becomes feverish or feels sick, better to take a warm bath before sleeping. Come on, I''ll help you take a bath".

 Chapter 213 - Wait A Minute

    "Shall we try my mom''s way?".


    "What do you mean?".


    "Someone who''s just exposed to rain, then his body becomes feverish or feels sick, better to take a warm bath before sleeping. Come on, I''ll help you take a bath".


    "No. I don''t want to remind you of bad memories from last night and it seems I just need a rest. Last night I didn''t get enough sleep because of the alcohol too".


    "It''s okay. I''ll help you to take a shower. You don''t need to use a bathtub. Come on, Hendra. You have to get well soon". Aruna started pulling his hand. Hendra had to get better tomorrow morning. That was the only way to calm her down.


    "Can you promise that you won''t leave me?".


    "Don''t talk about it again. The important thing is that you''re healed".


    "I''d rather get sick and you stay by my side forever. If you go, things will be harder". Hendra held his chest. He had a bad feeling.


    "Don''t be delirious¡­ Come on¡­". The petite body insisted on pulling his hand. She took him to the shower room. She helped Mahendra take off the clothes that he was wearing, then she poured warm water on her husband''s brown hair. Even in this condition, they were still a unique husband and wife. The man took a bath with pants attached to his body. She asked that man to sit on the chair that was pulled from outside the bathroom.


    Hendra tried to enjoy what his woman was doing, but this man''s heart was too anxious. He caught Aruna''s tiny hand which was playing between his hair with white foam everywhere: "Don''t leave me".


    "Look, Hen! I can make bubbles..". That girl blew lots of bubbles for Wiryo''s grandson while smiling.


    "Don''t leave me, please!".


    And she kept quiet and continued her activity, washing the man''s hair.


    "Don''t shut your mouth if you have me in your heart. We''ll both be equally miserable".


    She still refused.


    "Talk, Aruna.. What do you want?".


    In the end, she only uttered one sentence.


    "I want you to get better then we can talk again".


    .


    In another place, a veiled woman met someone. He''s Aruna''s brother. Anantha looked for where his sister was. Why couldn''t she be contacted since afternoon? He just didn''t know his sister didn''t have time to look at the cellphone because the youngest''s husband was so attached to her.


    "Dea, if you meet Aruna, tell her that I''m in room 215. I''m waiting for her.. Our dad too". That man put on an anxious face again, looking at his cellphone once more.


    "Surely I''ll¡­" She hadn''t finished answered, but that man quickly stood up and hurriedly left Dea.


    "Huh. What''s wrong?". It turned out that Surya came to her from behind.


    "Who did you meet?".


    "Hm..". Dea was confused about what to answer.


    "What''s going on? Who was that?".


    "Only someone who wants to leave a message".


    "Message? By sitting together?".


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to hide something from you but I can''t answer it".


    .


    "Don''t go". Hendra was still holding Aruna''s hand. He closed his eyes but that girl''s slow movement of releasing his fingers was caught by him.


    "I only want to open the door, Hen!". She tidied up his compress again. That hand was held tighter, not allowed to leave.


    "The waiter is waiting outside. They brought medicine and soup for you. It''s okay, Hen! Listen.. That''s a knocking sound". Aruna persuaded. He forced himself to open his eyes wide, afraid that she would leave him when he was caught off guard or drifted off to sleep. The same fear when Mommy was forced to leave him sleeping in a different room.


    When that girl approached again, the CEO of Wenceslas Group grabbed Aruna''s hand again. He didn''t want to let go. He ate and drank medicine while holding Aruna''s fingers.


    *Sorry.. I still can''t meet you, Brother


    A reply message from Anantha couldn''t be read again.


    Because those eyes kept staring at her intently. He said his eyes wouldn''t close until that woman was willing to hug him.


    "Hen, don''t be like this. You must be uncomfortable, right?". Aruna complained when she found him hugging her very tightly. He hugged her until morning greeted them.


    Luckily Hendra had good physical abilities. It was easier for him to heal physically because of his healthy diet and lifestyle. He was now smiling as he kissed his tiny wife even though that girl hadn''t fully awoken yet.


    "Today we''ll play at a place that suits my taste. I''ve made reservations at some special locations for you". He whispered while still kissing her cheek.


    "Hen.. Stop. It''s ticklish, you know?". Aruna tried to avoid the man who kept hugging her stomach.


    "Hehe..". This man chuckled and inhaled the smell of the body of a woman who''d just woken up.


    "Let''s just have breakfast in our room, okay?". He asked, ignoring the girl who wanted to be released.


    He made Lesmana''s daughter unable to go anywhere and kept her in their honeymoon room.


    On the other end, someone made a call with his cell phone. A long ring that she didn''t dare to reach. The girl continued to stare at the cellphone screen with her heart beating fast.


    .


    "Hendra, where are you? There''s important information from Jakarta". Now he received a call from his secretary.


    "I''ve been in the room since morning". The man replied, finally willing to let Lesmana''s daughter go. She sneakily took her cell phone.


    "Come here! Meet me!". Surya''s voice sounded very serious.


    "What''s wrong? What''s the problem?".


    "You must hear it yourself. I can''t explain this big incident over the phone".


    "Okay".


    Behind the footsteps of the man, there was a woman who contacted her brother.


    .


    .


    ''Hendra.. Mr. Lesmana resigned from the Director of Wenceslas Delivery''. Surya''s voice haunted him as he ran back to his room.


    ''He returned all the assets and shares that came from the Wenceslas Group, which were given by your grandfather''. His secretary''s words made the Wenceslas Group CEO no longer able to see the road properly. He bumped into people and objects that hindered his crazy run several times.


    ''Aruna.. My wife.. Are they going to take her?''


    ''I don''t know, but you must come back soon.. Make sure she''s safe. I think I saw Anantha yesterday.. He met Dea and Dea still doesn''t want to tell me what they were talking about''.


    _Oh my God.. Aruna.. Give me time.. Wait.. Wait a minute_ This husband was running faster down the hotel path that felt so long.


    "Aruna..".

 Chapter 214 - ARUNA

    "Aruna.."


    Hendra pushed the door of their hotel room roughly. He saw her standing there near the bed. Hopefully, it wasn''t too late to persuade her to stay.


    "Honey, why are you wearing your sweater?".


    "Also that bag. Why is it on your shoulder?". Hendra approached her. He walked slowly towards the woman who was shivering with fear.


    "Hen.. I... I want to say goodbye". For some reason, this girl chose to find her husband instead of running like her big brother ordered.


    "Goodbye, you said? Why do you have to say goodbye? You always go with me. Right, Honey?". The man who was walking squinted his eyes.


    "Take off your sweater.. Your bag too". Wiryo''s grandson ordered her.


    "Hen.. Someone is waiting for me". That girl walked backward because Hendra seemed to want to catch her.


    "Who''s waiting for you? Anantha? How can you listen to your brother more than your own husband?".


    "I... I must go home, Hen".


    "Go home where? To Jakarta? Fine if you want it. I''ll tidy up our suitcases first". The man got closer. He tried to touch Aruna''s shoulder and even stroked her cheek.


    "I''m sorry. My brother has been waiting for me". She tried to escape.


    "Then what about me? I wasn''t just waiting for you". That man held Aruna''s wrist again.


    "The agreement in our family is over. My job is done. Sorry, I must go home". That girl explained, hoping her wrist would be released.


    "Then how about our marriage? Is it also over?". Instead of letting her go, that man put Aruna on the bed. He pulled up a chair and tried to talk to her.


    "Your job?". That man started stroking Aruna''s hair as gently as possible because there was a broken heart and wanted to burn everything around him.


    "Your job? What''s your job, Honey? Apart from obeying your husband. Is our relationship meaningless? Don''t you know that there''s a marriage we must keep?".


    "Our marriage is limited to an agreement, Hen.. An agreement between Dad and your grandfather, including the two of us". The tiny woman refused her husband''s touch, trying to escape quickly.


    "Oh, that''s all you have in your mind?".


    "It''s not like that..".


    "Then WHAT?!".


    *Beep beep beep* Aruna''s cell phone rang.


    "Give it to me! Let me talk to your brother". Hendra raised his hand, asking her kindly.


    But she shook her head, protecting the bag containing her cellphone. She tried to stand up as the word ''sorry'' came out of her mouth.


    Unfortunately, her soft word had now turned into deep pain for her interlocutor. The bad feeling that the man was afraid of had happened faster than he thought.


    "Let me talk to your brother. Give me the cellphone!".


    "NO!". This woman ran, tried to open the door by moving the door handle many times. In fact, the door had been locked by Wiryo''s grandson and the key was with that man.


    When she turned around, Wiryo''s grandson was already so close to her. He pulled the bag and took the cellphone by force.


    "Why did you pick it up?! Where''s Aruna?!". At the other end, there was Anantha''s voice that sounded angry and worried.


    "She''s with her husband".


    "How dare you use the word husband for my sister".


    "What do you mean?".


    "Haha. An ignorant man! It''s good we only went to your marriage ceremony. If I''d found out that you forced my sister to sign a marriage contract, I would''ve destroyed the marriage from the start!! Release MY SISTER NOW! Let her go with me!!".


    That cell phone fell as the feelings of the man who was holding it shattered.


    It hadn''t been turned off, still leaving the sound of the brother screaming in anger.


    "Why did you break our marriage contract this time, Aruna?! Aren''t you very consistent in obeying it?". The angry man came closer and held both of her arms tightly.


    "Breaking what, Hen? Let go of my hand. It hurts". Hendra grabbed her and cornered her in the door. He had lost his mind to endure the anger.


    "Why did you tell your brother we have a marriage contract?". The man was no longer holding her, but he was starting to grip her tightly.


    "I didn''t tell my brother. I didn''t tell anything, Hen.. Let go..". That girl started to cry. She knew things were getting worse.


    "What are you doing to my sister? Let her go!!". Anantha, who heard their conversation from the cellphone, panicked. He searched and asked everyone where the Wenceslas couple''s room was.


    "Then how did he know? Who did you tell?!".


    "Only to my Dad..". She groaned. She couldn''t stand the way Hendra was pressuring her.


    "Oh my GOD, ARUNAAA! How could you do that?! Why did you tell your father?!".


    "You keep locking me up, Hen.. I''M FRUSTRATED!!". That girl started screaming.


    "I''ve told you many times. Give me time! Give me TIME!". They shouted at each other and a fight was inevitable.


    "You''ve said it many times but you never made it happen. You''re too busy working. You leave early in the morning and come home late while I just stare at the bedroom window all day". This woman couldn''t control her emotions, spilling all her worries.


    "Yeah, it''s my fault. I''m too busy with my own work. I don''t even know how to please you. You never ask anything from me except when you can get back to your activities. I know you''re very disappointed in me. I should''ve cared more about your request even if it was difficult. So give me a chance. We''ll talk about it with your brother, with your family".


    "Sorry, Hendra. It''s too late. My family has sacrificed everything for me. I must go home this time".


    "Even my tears are useless in front of you. Can you stop saying the word GO HOME!". That man wiped away the tears that were wetting the corners of his eyes.


    "No! Let me go, Hendra.. Give me the key.. My brother is waiting for me. I''m sure my family too".


    "Am I not your family? They''re also my family. Are my offers not good?! Let''s talk about it. There''s still hope for our relationship, Aruna".


    "But there''s no hope for Wenceslas women".


    "I won''t be able to live like your Mommy who roams around all day in the house. Even she''s still being followed by the guard. Or Grandma who smiles all day just pretending to be happy. I''m not a stupid girl, Hendra''. This girl hid her face with her hands and the man hugged her sadly.


    "I''m sorry, Hendra.. I said things I shouldn''t have. This time I don''t just want to, but I have to. I have to go home". She didn''t know what to do this time.


    *Knock knock* From the outside, it seemed that the room door wasn''t just knocked. Someone had deliberately broken it.

 Chapter 215 - Don’t Take My Treasure

    *Knock knock* From the outside, it seemed that the room door wasn''t just knocked. Someone had deliberately broken it.


    "Honey, come with me..". He pulled her quickly.


    "Where, Hen?". This girl began to be suspicious. Hendra pulled her down the hall to the bathroom.


    "Hide here for a while. I''ll talk to your brother first".


    "Hen, you know I''m afraid of the bathroom?!".


    "Sorry, there''s no other choice. Come inside..". That man finally pushed her.


    "Hen.. I''m afraid.. Don''t do this..". Aruna remembered the last incident when she was locked in the bathroom. It made her so traumatized.


    "Only this place is soundproof. Stay inside until I''m sure your brother won''t take you away from me". He really intended to lock the girl in the bathroom once again.


    "Don''t.. I beg you. Don''t do it..". Aruna tried to fight against his will, pushing the door so that Hendra wouldn''t do it.


    "Hendra, I''m afraid. Don''t do this. I beg you..". And that voice disappeared behind the door. He actually locked his wife in the bathroom.


    "I''m sorry, Honey. I don''t want to lose you". He was even more possessive because he understood that the relationship between the  Wenceslas family and his wife''s family was in chaos.


    .


    "You don''t need to do that". Raka came to greet Anantha. The lead aide had sneaked into the housekeeping''s room and took the  Wenceslas Group heir''s spare key card since the first time he came. He realized that no one could break down the door of  Wenceslas Ritz''s VIP room.


    "Good. It turns out that you guys didn''t break your promise to help us take our sister back". Anantha replied, watching that man open the door so easily.


    "Take your own sister. I don''t want to be seen betraying Hendra. Unless you have trouble, call me. I''ll be waiting here". Raka was sent by Wiryo to make it easier for Lesmana''s family to take their daughter. He knew Hendra couldn''t take it easy and everyone knew the blue-eyed was a stubborn man who couldn''t possibly be persuaded, let alone change his mind.


    When that door opened, Hendra looked surprised but he was more focused on preparing himself to negotiate with Aruna''s brother.


    "Where''s my sister?!".


    Hendra offered a chair for Aruna''s brother to sit down.


    "What do you want?". Anantha didn''t want to sit down. He watched the room closely.


    "Let me ask for your time. I already know your family cut ties. It doesn''t mean that Aruna and I have to end". Hendra insisted that he wanted to solve this problem with a cool head.


    "Who do you think made her like this? You and your grandfather are the same. Sorry. My father used to come to your grandfather many times to stop the marriage contract. My father pleaded desperately and you guys still insisted you didn''t want to change your decision. Just because you guys are more powerful, you use that power to destroy my sister''s future". Anantha started to speak and put pressure on his brother-in-law.


    "Don''t you realize that the situation is different now? Aruna and I are already living together. Do you guys know that it hurts both of us?". Hendra tried his best. One mistake would make him really lose Aruna. His wife''s family had made a big decision that was so surprising. Hendra didn''t know what the problem was. One thing for sure, he had to defend the tiny woman who had filled his life.


    "But Aruna wants to go home, right? You can''t escape that truth".


    Anantha''s question made him freeze.


    "You can''t even guarantee my sister''s safety! Except locking her up. So let me take my sister". Anantha didn''t want to sit down. His eyes were getting red with anger after finding Aruna''s cellphone lying on the floor.


    "Please, don''t take her. Give me a chance to fulfill all her wishes..". Hendra''s voice was ignored by his interlocutor. Aruna''s older brother grabbed her cellphone from the floor and started walking down the room.


    "STOP!". Hendra started to hold Anantha''s shoulder, hoping that Aruna''s older brother would stop his search. He started glancing at the bathroom hallway.


    "I don''t want to argue with you". Hendra pulled his shoulder.


    "DID YOU LOCK HER IN THE BATHROOM AGAIN?!".


    "No one can take my wife".


    "How dare you call my sister your wife. Your marriage is just a contract, right?". Anantha didn''t want to budge. He let go of the grip of  Wenceslas''s heir.


    "You''re wrong. It''s just a misunderstanding". Hendra pushed Anantha who kept trying to go to the bathroom hallway.


    "How dare you do this to me. Are you not satisfied? Using my sister to cure your illness. After making her a guinea pig, you still want to lock her up". Anantha''s statement made Hendra surprised this time.


    What did he mean? Who made Aruna the guinea pig? Why did everything get so messed up all of a sudden? Could this all be planned?


    Surprisingly, the blue-eyed man was punched by Anantha and Mahendra got up slowly, trying to find a balance. Before it was too late, he pulled his opponent''s shirt to stop Aruna''s brother''s footsteps from heading towards the bathroom door.


    Hendra needed to get to the bathroom door first because the key was still hanging there.


    Once again, Anantha resisted fiercely. Hendra didn''t take any meaningful retaliation because he still wanted to continue his family ties with his wife''s relatives.


    He was just trying to stop Anantha from approaching the bathroom door.


    Surprisingly, when Hendra managed to reach the key, Anantha shouted loudly: "Hey you who''s outside HELP ME!".


    A moment later, Raka came. He pointed his gun at Mahendra.


    "Huh? What''s this?!". Hendra was very surprised by Raka''s behavior. It turned out that everything had been prepared. This wasn''t a coincidence. Raka''s involvement answered everything.


    "Just do it if you dare to shoot me". Hendra said, making Raka confused.


    There''s no way the resident of the D floor shot the sole heir of  Wenceslas. The existence of that place and everything that was formed was to maintain the continuity of his master''s family, the main family of the owner of the  Wenceslas Makmur Group.


    "I''m sorry". Raka uttered an apology then lowered his gun. The tension disappeared from Mahendra''s face while Anantha felt that he was being fooled.


    Finally, the head of the bodyguard took Anantha''s body away while continuing to observe Hendra who was opening the bathroom door.


    " Wenceslas, you''re all bastards". Anantha could only curse.


    A moment later, Aruna''s brother''s hand was released. This man was confused as to why he let him go. Anantha was trying to find out. He turned his body to observe what was happening.


    At the other end, the blue-eyed man was caught off guard. He was surprised, staring at his wife''s body that had fallen on the floor.


    Someone hit his head from behind, not sure what was used to hit the back of the body. He had trouble standing up again. Something was injected into his body. He slowly lost his consciousness.


    Hendra tried hard to fight the drowsiness that made his eyes want to close. The tears from his eyes continued to flow. In his lack of awareness, he saw the body of the woman he loved being embraced and lifted by her brother. Aruna was taken away. She, who fainted from being locked in the bathroom, couldn''t speak to her brother and couldn''t show the worry that was often presented to the blue-eyed man.


    "Huh.. Huh..". That breath was Mahendra''s breath. A breath that was exhaled with hope.


    _Don''t take Aruna.. Don''t take my treasure.._


    .


    "It''s your first time to a place like this, right?".


    "Come on, Hendra. This building won''t collapse because of the sound".


    "Good afternoon.. Aruna is coming..".


    "Today, Aruna brought many gifts".


    "Sis Runa, what are we doing today?".


    "We''ll make beautiful bracelets".


    "Sis, who''s the man in the back?".


    "He''s been quiet ever since".


    "You want to get to know each other?".


    "Hendra, bring me the beads I bought earlier".


    "He''s CEO Hendra. A kind person who has bought many gifts for you".


    "Let''s say thank you to him".


    "Thank you..". Some of the children jumped and clapped.


    In his long sleep, a man still dreamed of his woman.

 Chapter 216 - Back Off, Guys

    "Huh.. Huh..". That breath was Mahendra''s breath. A breath that was exhaled with hope.


    _Don''t take Aruna.. Don''t take my treasure.._


    ***


    "Aah".


    His eyes were open and wandered through every inch of the room. Where''s this? Where am I?


    His body was too frail to sit because his head still felt so heavy. But it wasn''t Hendra if he didn''t force himself. That man didn''t find the sun who usually accompanied him, but there were other bodyguards who also often accompanied him. Hary sat there alone, feeling anxious.


    He was even more agitated and shocked when the sole heir woke up and pulled out his IV line.


    "Sir..". That personal guard knew this was bound to happen.


    "Be patient, Sir. Please..". Unfortunately, that bodyguard forgot who he was talking to. It wasn''t Hendra if he just kept lying in this condition.


    The blue-eyed stood up and almost fell, holding his bed.


    "Huh.. Huh..". He tried to balance himself. His breath rose and fell. It seemed the medicine he hated the most (sleeping pills) was still tricking his body.


    "Where am I?".


    "You''re already in Jakarta". That bodyguard started to get up, intending to help his young master.


    "Oh, I see..". Hendra tried to approach Hary.


    "Where¡­ Where''s Surya?". He approached the bodyguard who used to slip something in his coat. Hendra had an ulterior motive.


    "Sorry, I can''t say".


    Just as Hary grabbed his master''s body to help him lie down on the bed, that man reached for the gun that was tucked into the bodyguard''s pocket at lightning speed.


    "Tell me where''s your position?". Hary immediately raised his hands. He was shocked.


    "I don''t understand what you mean".


    "Uh.. Hahaha". Hendra laughed at himself.


    "Who can I trust here? Why don''t you just kill me?". That voice made the guards outside peek inside.


    Hendra shot the edge of the door so that people outside didn''t enter the room where he was being treated. He needed someone he could trust.


    Unfortunately, that man fell on the floor before he could find out where Surya was and whose side Hery was on.


    The blue-eyed was forced to lie down again due to the effect of the drug.


    .


    .


    When he woke up for the second time, that man had more control over his body. The guard was still the same. Hery approached and immediately grabbed his arm. That bodyguard hoped that Hendra wouldn''t take off the IV in his hand: "I''ll be loyal to you. Please don''t take it off. You need to be healthy first before thinking about anything else".


    "Why? You pity me?!". Wenceslas''s sole heir smiled sadly at his bodyguard.


    "No.. I just remember Surya''s message. He said that I have to treat you humanely because we''re all human". That bodyguard spoke while looking down.


    "Where''s Surya?". Hendra asked, trying to sit up.


    "Surya has resigned. He can''t stand the way these people treat you". Hery didn''t dare to raise his head yet.


    "Get the people outside out of the way. I must meet Surya".


    "It''ll be easy tomorrow morning.. We can just say you need a walk and then sneak out".


    "Why? How many people are outside? Ten?".


    "More".


    "Ha.. Haha". Mahendra closed his eyes for a moment. His mind returned to the past. The same thing happened to him when he rejected this marriage and used Tania as an excuse.


    And Wiryo''s people caught him and prevented him from getting out of the hotel room. The way to solve the same problem and the same thing was also used to solve the problem with his wife.


    "Grab my cellphone". Mahendra''s request was immediately obeyed by his bodyguard.


    _Aruna must be tormented in the bathroom. Is really scared of being locked up? Sorry_


    Mahendra observed his woman''s laughter when she greeted the dolphins. The short video he took on Lovina Beach.


    "Hen.. Why do you like dawn over dusk?".


    That voice made him freeze. There was a sharp pain in his chest.


    "Sir, do you want to get out of here now?". Surprisingly, Hery made a brave statement.


    Hendra only stared at him.


    "You know why I always accompany you compared to the others?". Hery''s words were only responded by a glance from his master.


    "I used to be an illegal wrestler. Hehe.. Before senior Raka found me. I''m sure you understand what I mean, right?".


    "Then why do you hesitate?". Hendra asked, looking at his bodyguard who looked down.


    "But you don''t seem to have recovered. Even though I can trick them, if you get caught, you''ll be treated even worse". The man named Hery had an athletic body. The funny thing was that it was in contrast to his attitude which looked innocent and was often awkward when talking directly to the CEO of Wenceslas Group.


    "I was actually waiting for you to let your guard down, hoping to take the clothes you use. If needed, something in your pocket to run away from here". Hendra explained.


    "Ah, really?". Hery lit up hearing him.


    "Then let''s do it, Sir".


    "Wait a minute..". Hendra contacted someone from Wenceslas Ritz Hotel to deliver his motorbike.


    .


    After a while, they started changing clothes. Hery came out first, wearing a patient uniform and Mahendra''s coat. Spontaneously, the people in charge of guarding approached the bodyguard who was in disguise.


    "I''m bored. I want to go for a walk". Hery tried to trick them by imitating the way Hendra spoke.


    The bodyguard who pretended to be Mahendra was walking away from the inpatient door carefully, accompanied by a group of guards who tried to follow him. Unfortunately, one of them began to suspect. The heir of Wenceslas never bowed his head, let alone covered it with a hat. When one of them moved closer and tried to check, Hery ran as fast as he could.


    And Hery was being chased. It wasn''t long before that man was caught. The result was surprising when they realized that he wasn''t the heir to Wenceslas. The others immediately turned around and some pressed their earbuds, calling each other.


    Hery tried to fight back, freeing himself from the two people who locked his arms. He stopped everyone who turned around. A fistfight in the hospital hallway was inevitable.


    While at the other end, Hendra had managed to get out safely. He sneaked to various sides. It was a shame that the other units who were on guard at each exit were more alert in observing people passing by, including the owner of the blue eyes.


    Those who began to recognize the characteristics of Hery''s clothes and suspicious movements slowly approached the blue-eyed. Hendra walked quickly and then slipped into a patient''s room, making the person inside confused. A sick little girl who was accompanied by a sleeping woman, maybe she was her mother, furrowed her eyebrows seeing Hendra. This man smiled and gave instructions using his index finger. That man put his index finger on his lips.


    The confused little girl nodded and fell silent when she saw Mahendra. He smiled back. Maybe she was amazed by the dimples of an angelic face.


    The blue-eyed walked past the front of the little girl''s bed to check the window. Unfortunately, the hospital window was different from the hotel. At the hospital, there was no balcony to jump from one balcony to another.


    Hendra smiled then left that girl. He went out the door after feeling safe. Then he continued sneaking.


    .


    "Hahaha". There was the typical grinning laugh of the Wenceslas Group CEO. He found the motorbike that was prepared for him in the basement already guarded by several people and the others began to arrive.


    "Sir, we know you haven''t fully recovered. Please don''t do it".


    Hendra ignored their warnings, walking over to his motorbike.


    Just as one of them tried to grab his shoulder, the Wenceslas Group''s sole heir pointed the gun: "Back off, guys".

 Chapter 217 - Hiding Place

    Just as one of them tried to grab his shoulder, the Wenceslas Group''s sole heir pointed the gun: "Back off, guys".


    Slowly, the bodyguards backed away, including the one who was held at gunpoint. He raised his hands and backed away slowly.


    "Where''s Hery?". He sounded cold and threatening. No one dared to answer until he almost pulled the trigger. The one who was held at gunpoint shouted: "Please stop, Sir".


    It wasn''t long before Hery came and was thrown near him. He was pretty great because he wasn''t the only one who looked battered. The corner of his lips looked torn and a wound on the temple was clearly seen. The funny thing was that the kid actually smiled at his master: "I''ve beaten 10 people, Sir".


    "Good. Come with me". Hendra had just found the key in the trunk of the motorcycle. The sender deliberately tucked the object in that place because they couldn''t possibly meet.


    In an instant, two of the bodyguards put their guns at Hery''s head. It seemed they didn''t care if Hendra killed one of them as long as the young master didn''t run away: "Haha. You guys are just as inhuman as the old man".


    Hendra was still laughing casually even in this condition. But his next move forced everyone to drop their weapons on the floor.


    That heir pointed a gun right at his own temple: "Drop your guns! Once you shoot Hery, it''s easy for me to shoot myself. You know I''m frustrated right now".


    The bodyguards couldn''t do anything. For them, Hendra''s safety was everything. They existed because they were asked to look after the young master, the only successor of the Wenceslas family. The young master who was in a mess due to being forcibly separated from his wife.


    The woman who reportedly married the young master for the sake of healing him from the psychological syndrome he was suffering from. But unfortunately, the bodyguards saw their young master looking even worse than before. He openly displayed frustration by threatening to kill himself.


    The motorbike was driven by the young master and Hery joined him.


    "Use the gun". Hendra gave the gun to Hery who was busy paying attention to the road behind him. They knew a group of bodyguards would be after them.


    "Shoot their tires". Hendra ordered when a group of black cars began to move closer.


    "Yes, Sir".


    Gunshots were unavoidable. On the other hand, those in the car also attempted to shoot the motorbike driven by the young master.


    Hendra entered the narrow street. That car was no longer able to catch up when he slipped into a narrow alley. Hendra had purposely chosen his motorcycle for something like this. That chaotic man had already guessed.


    "Where are we going, Sir?". His bodyguard asked.


    "We''ll meet Surya. He''s the only person I can trust at this time. He can hide us for a while". Hendra replied while accelerating the speed of the motorbike.


    .


    When the door opened, a man who had just resigned from his status as Mahendra''s private secretary was taken aback for a moment then put on a normal face. Nothing was impossible in the Wenceslas family, including the escape of the sole heir whose face still looked pale.


    Surya didn''t say much. He had already understood from his observations. Hery''s face was full of wounds and Hendra''s infusion marks were still fresh.


    "Why did you resign?". Hendra asked.


    "You know I can''t stand their behavior towards you".


    "That doesn''t mean you must resign, right?".


    "I can''t stand it. I''m fed up".


    "Then what about me? I have no one now. Not just my wife, my private secretary chose to leave". Finally, the blue-eyed could complain. He seemed to be holding his temple.


    "But you haven''t lost your best friend. Remember, I have two statuses". Surya smiled and left.


    "Look! My Mom is shocked to see you like this".


    "Hendra..". The shocked mother was pulled by her son inside. A moment later, Surya came out carrying a backpack and a bag full of food.


    "Hery, bring the motorbike. Hendra, come with me in the car". The secretary''s order was immediately followed by them.


    Then the footsteps stopped because a woman''s voice called. The mother ran to them: "Don''t forget to bring this blanket". It was Surya''s mother. Giving the blanket was just an excuse. The woman wrapped all the food served on the dining table. Previously, Surya only brought supplies in the refrigerator.


    "I''m sorry, Ma''am. Surya..". Hendra wanted to apologize for involving Surya, even though he was no longer working as his secretary.


    "Enough.. Enough.. Go quickly.." Surya''s mother immediately pushed them out of the door. With teary-eyed, that woman made a movement using her index finger and thumb over her lips as if she was closing a zipper. A sign that she''d keep her mouth shut tight.


    "Mom.. If someone asks where I''m going, just say I''m on holiday. Celebrating my retirement". There was a small nod in response to a message from his son. Surya stared at his mother for a moment then the car sped through the crowds of the capital.


    There was a hint of worry on Surya''s face. The woman he had just left was living alone with his younger sister who had graduated from college three months ago and started working. Surya no longer had a father. Five years ago, his father, who had been sick since he was in high school, died after undergoing dialysis for so long.


    It coincided with Surya and Hendra''s return from the USA. Hendra came home not only because of his grandfather''s orders, but because his best friend was no longer able to live far away in a foreign country. He wanted to return home to accompany his mother who lived alone with his three younger sisters.


    Two of Surya''s younger sisters were married. This man had been the breadwinner of the family even since high school. After school, that kid had a part-time schedule in several places. Fortunately, Hendra gave an additional scholarship from the Wenceslas family charity just because he was willing to be a friend.


    After graduating from high school, the charity continued. He even received family allowances because his presence in the USA to accompany Hendra was considered a job.


    Now, it was time for him to return the favor: "Do you have any idea where we''re going?". Hendra asked who saw Surya''s determination as if he knew the direction of the car they were driving.


    "There''s a house that you bought without your grandfather knowing". Surya answered, looking at Hendra with confidence while Mahendra looked confused.


    Sometimes Surya knew better than the CEO himself. His only friend took care of all Hendra''s needs and the boss accepted whatever he did.


    "You remember the sky tower? The house on the roof of the building that you bought has been renovated. Living there will be difficult to find compared to living elsewhere. If we need anything, we can just go shopping downstairs". Under the sky tower, there was a large mall, including a food court and a supermarket.


    "Thank you. You always have a way so that I can survive". Hendra replied, gazing at the street outside.


    "Oh, right. Before all your cards are frozen by your grandfather, we''ll take enough". They stopped for a moment at the ATM and then sped off.


    .


    .


    "Get some rest, Hen.. I''ll prepare your meal". Surya ordered Hendra. It was as if the position of the two of them had suddenly changed.


    "Hey, Hery. Don''t park the motorbike outside. You must hide it if you want to be safe". Surya also gave orders to Hery in a loud voice.


    Meanwhile, Hendra returned to his old self. He no longer talked much, still busy observing every inch of the room he bought because he wanted to prank Aruna.


    _Even my hiding place has traces of you_

 Chapter 218 - Not A Coincidence

    _Even my hiding place has traces of you_


    Hendra sat for a while to relieve his fatigue. He had fallen asleep on the sofa before being woken up by Hery. The bodyguard''s face had gotten better with the scar covered.


    "Sir, eat first. I was asked by Mr. Surya to call you". Hery said. Hendra responded with a nod. Hendra had sneaked into the bathroom. He looked at himself in the mirror and just realized why everyone thought he had not recovered yet. His face was pale.


    .


    "Hen, why are you playing with your food? Eat a lot so that your brain can be used and we can get out of this problem quickly". Surya woke Hendra from his daydream.


    "Do you know who hit me on the head from behind? Ananta or Raka?". Hendra asked about the last incident before he was separated from his wife.


    "Ananta is an ordinary person. He couldn''t possibly have had the idea of injecting something in your body".


    "You''re right".


    "Actually, there are other things that might be related to the incident in Bali". Hery spoke now.


    "Maybe the two of you rarely watch national television channels or news portals. The day after you had a drink with a woman. That actress. I just realized now. Raka didn''t stop the person who took your photos. I destroyed two cell phones that night then I looked for help. Raka should''ve been the one who completed that mission".


    "Wait! Do you mean that news spread and went wild?". Surya asked. Hary responded with a nod.


    "Unfortunately, when I was in Bali, I was too busy with my personal matters. After resigning, no wonder there are so many calls and messages on my cell phone. I''m confused about what to reply so I just ignore it". Surya looked full of regret.


    Meanwhile, Hendra chose to remain silent. Only the gesture of putting rice into his mouth was shown by the CEO of DM Group.


    "You don''t want to comment, Hendra?".


    "Everything has happened. There''s nothing to comment on". That man stood up and walked away, leaving his plate which still had a lot of food left.


    Spontaneously, the former secretary walked quickly and grabbed Mahendra''s hand: "Hen.. Don''t tell me you''ll give up this time?". Hendra pushed away Surya''s hand and walked away, ignoring Surya''s words.


    "We''re already here. Why did you choose to stop? Why didn''t you just give up from the start if it ended up like this?". Surya''s words were actually reminding him about Mahendra''s hopes. In the past, his reason for obeying his grandfather''s will was simply to hope that one day when he leads this family he can change all the absurd traditions.


    In fact, now that the mystery was slowly being revealed one by one, Hendra realized that there was a reason behind everything that the arrogant old man did. Including the reason for confining the Djoyodiningrat women. Apparently, for the same reason, Hendra didn''t give Aruna freedom so that girl chose to leave.


    "My wife chose to leave me just like you. So what can be expected from someone like me?". He replied to Surya''s words with a louder voice.


    "Are you sure she left because of her will?". Surya''s question made that man speechless.


    "I don''t know..".


    "There''s still hope, Hen..". Surya reassured his friend.


    "Enough. I want to rest". The blue-eyed man chose to enter one of the rooms. He needed to rest to restore his stamina that had collapsed for several days.


    He didn''t realize that the place he used to lie down was the place where PTSD began to greet him again after so many years. Just because he was curious about the tiny girl who had been lying in this room for a long time.


    When resting, the brain neurons of the CEO who had a sharp mind wandered: ''Aruna? My job is over? Not just want.. But I must go home? Tania suits you? Moreover, you''ve recovered? Anantha (After making her a guinea pig?)''.


    _Huh.. She kissed me while crying before??_


    Hendra traced all events. Tania came suddenly? How did she know Hendra was on his honeymoon and staying at the Djoyo Ritz Hotel in Bali? Why did Aruna insist on taking care of himself when she also seemed to want him that night?


    "Hehe.. Everything''s not a coincidence. Fine. Let''s see!".


    ***


    "Hey. Why are you guys running?". Bay was confused. Those kids had just checked their cellphones at the last post of Mount Rinjani. Suddenly, both of them were excited as if they wanted to return to Jakarta immediately. Juan received news that Syakila''s marriage was postponed because that girl''s condition didn''t allow her to get married.


    Not sure what kind of disease Shakila was suffering from. Juan had to get to Jakarta as soon as possible because she might need him. It was a bit hypocritical for someone who was so confident to leave his lover and it turned out that the determination had turned around. He was so worried that he ran faster than Damar.


    Meanwhile, Damar was enthusiastic because his friends in the Magic Letter group were talking about Aruna''s return noisily. At first, Damar thought that Aruna''s return from the honeymoon was being discussed. It turned out that it was Aruna''s return to her house. That long chat started with their conversation about who would be the next leader of the Magic Letter which had been neglected for a long time.


    Even though the online transaction was still running, without a leader, everything felt pointless. They worked in their respective fields. Unfortunately, there was no leader to unite their spirit. In the end, Magic Letter seemed lifeless, not knowing where to go.


    Dea slipped away, saying that Aruna had gone home. There was no need for an election or change of leader. Aruna would return soon, return to her home and return to them.


    Now, those young men seemed to be being chased by the time. The broken heart suddenly bloomed and brought endless happiness. Their prayers seemed to be answered, no longer looking for a cure but the drug turned into the next addiction.


    There were always second chances. At first, the opportunity felt like a fairy tale. But now it really came to greet them.


    "Did you get a plane ticket?". Damar asked Juan who looked busy checking the flight ticket booking application.


    "Not yet. Try downloading another app. Maybe there are tickets for tonight". Same with Juan, Damar immediately hunted for tickets.


    "Damar, what about my relationship with Mrs. HRD? May I?". Bay was looking for opportunities while this young man showed a bright face that had been missing for a long time.


    "Up to you".


    ***


    "Excuse me, Sir. Where''s the previous security guard?". When Hendra rested, Surya and Hery tried to go to Aruna''s house. They were hoping that the girl could be found. At least Surya could persuade her to meet Hendra just once. Surya knew Aruna was a girl who was easy to communicate with. Hendra''s wife needed to know her husband''s current condition.


    "Wait. Is this house empty?". Apart from not recognizing the security guard at the gate of Lesmana''s house, Surya also found something odd. He saw that the lights in Hendra''s father-in-law''s house went out, unlike usual.


    "Yes. We''re new security guards. Since we were here, this house is no longer inhabited". One of the security guards on duty answered.


    "Then where''s the previous security guard?".


    "We don''t know either".


    "Where''s the owner of this house?".


    "As far as we know, the house belongs to the Djayadiningrat family. It''s not occupied". Another security guard answered Surya''s question.


    _Oh my God. All of the assets were really returned_ Surya thought how to convey this to Hendra. That man would be more messed up if he knew Aruna''s family had left the house, including the car that was spotted by Surya''s eyes.


    "Hery, let''s go back".


    "Okay, Sir".


    _Dea? Does she know where Aruna and her family are?_ Surya suddenly thought of his future wife. That girl had a special place in Aruna''s circle of life.


    ***


    "Sorry. We haven''t found where the young master is". Andos gave a report to Wiryo.


    "Have you checked the flight at the airport?". The grandfather was very worried if Hendra chose to go and stay away.


    "Pradita is looking for his position. You don''t need to worry, Sir. We''ve confirmed that there are no flights on behalf of Mahendra. Pradita found one of the young master''s platinum cards being used in an ATM machine. We''re exploring the surrounding location". Andos explained.


    .


    .


    Novel [Stealing The Wife''s First Kiss]


    pen name : dewisetyaningrat


    IG & FB : @bluehadyan


    Discord : bluehadyan#7481


    so, If you find this book on apps and web other than WEBNOVEL, it means my book was hacked and you are giving the thief an advantage, whereas I just accept exhaustion.


    Stealing The Wife''s First Kiss = https://www.webnovel.com/book/stealing-the-wife''s-first-kiss_19281358605885705

 Chapter 219 - Don’t Be Fooled

    "Pradita is looking for his position. You don''t need to worry, Sir. We''ve confirmed that there are no flights on behalf of Mahendra. Pradita found one of the young master''s platinum cards being used in an ATM. We''re exploring the surrounding location". Andos explained.


    "Did Pradita not track his cellphone?". Wiryo tried to find out other possibilities.


    "The problem is that the young master''s cellphone is intentionally made anti-tapping and the location of his whereabouts was deliberately hidden. Pradita and the team are working on it. They need time".


    "Do it quickly. I''m afraid he''ll go far".


    "Oh, right. What about Hery''s cellphone?".


    "He''s a smart person so that kid knows what to do. He left his cellphone on purpose".


    "Wow".


    "Hm.. Have you already met Surya?". Wiryo seemed to be thinking.


    "Please find Surya. I''m sure that Surya is most likely with Hendra. If that doesn''t happen, at least he can persuade Hendra to come back". Wiryo gave input to his secretary.


    "Okay". Andos lowered his head and left Wiryo, who was worried.


    ***


    "Aruna and her family have left their house, but I still have one way. Maybe Dea knows where Aruna is". Surya said. He observed Hendra who looked fresher. It seemed that man had just cleaned himself up and slowly began to rise from his slump.


    "Don''t bother. Dea isn''t easily persuaded. Let''s just look for Aditya. He''ll know where the mother of his child is". Hendra clearly remembered the last chaotic meeting with his sister-in-law and future brother-in-law, Aliana and Aditya.


    Surya didn''t understand what Hendra was saying, but the blue-eyed man seemed very sure of what he was saying.


    The next day, Surya just understood something that Hendra said yesterday. When Hery met one of the marketing leaders of the DM Group''s head office and forced him to say where Aliana was. Hendra was surprised to find out that Aliana lived in Aditya''s apartment.


    "You''re not married? I mean not married yet?".


    Aliana objected to answering Hendra''s question. That woman stood and wished she could just leave, but Aditya asked her to sit again. That woman''s stomach began to look big.


    Her appearance was no longer a woman who was wrapped in a knee-length skirt and a blazer with elegant accessories and bags typical of modern office workers which were usually presented by a marketing manager. She looked more like a housewife who was said to be learning to cook.


    "We can''t get married because his father doesn''t want to be the guardian of our marriage and no one wants to be a witness for our marriage". Aditya''s answer was so heartbreaking because it was accompanied by the teary eyes of the woman beside him.


    "So finally Mr. Lesmana got angry". Hendra said.


    "I don''t know whether Dad is angry or disgusted with me. He doesn''t talk and responds to my words at all. He just said ''whatever you want'' then doesn''t want to talk to me at all". Aruna''s sister started crying again.


    "Enough. It''s not good for our baby. Stop crying. You''ve been crying for days". Aditya looked used to Aliana''s sadness.


    "Maybe at that time he was too busy preparing for Aruna''s return. Stop, Dear". The man calmed his girl again.


    "Then where''s your family now?". Hendra continued to seek information.


    "If I knew where my family is, I can''t possibly live here". Aliana answered shakily.


    "There''s no way this could happen!". Hendra was surprised by Aliana''s answer.


    "You''re really abandoned by your family?". Hendra couldn''t accept the fact that visiting Aditya and Aliana was pointless.


    "Anantha said the baby in my womb needs the father so I was asked to go with Aditya for the time being. I don''t know how long. Dad also didn''t stop me. When I was about to leave, he didn''t want to say goodbye to me. Mom too". This pregnant woman''s tears streamed down her cheeks.


    "I''d asked Anantha. What did I do wrong? Why am I being treated like this? Anantha just said that so that I can be more mature like Aruna. My sister is having a lot of trouble because of the burden of the marriage agreement which should be my responsibility". Aliana said while wiping her tears with a tissue.


    "Did you hurt my sister? You got back together with your ex-girlfriend who''s an actress, huh? Dammit! Don''t bother looking for Aruna again if that''s the case". Aliana''s question didn''t occur to Hendra at all. What''s going on out there? Hendra used to really care about his branding. But all was useless now. He didn''t care what their point of view was towards him. The important thing was that he had to find out where Aruna was.


    "No! That''s all a misunderstanding! Aruna''s departure was planned, but it seems that your family has accelerated it because of the case you mentioned earlier". Hendra answered Aliana''s question while thinking of the conclusion from his observations of Aruna''s return.


    "I don''t even know why they took Aruna from me". The blue-eyed man looked sad. The sharp gaze that was usually showed disappeared in an instant.


    "I''d heard Dad and Anantha talking. Anantha wanted to take Aruna immediately since it was revealed that you two also have a marriage contract. Dad still got in the way. He said waiting for Mahendra to recover. I don''t understand. What''s wrong with you?". Aliana explained.


    "So that''s Aruna''s job". Hendra smiled, finding the next keyword.


    "Could you contact any of your family?".


    Aliana shook her head.


    "Give me your phone number". Hendra asked.


    "Why should I give you my number?".


    "Because I need to communicate with you. I''ll also give you my new number. If I manage to contact our family or you succeed first, we can tell each other".


    "I need to tell you? What for?". Aliana was still confused.


    "Because we¡­ Huh. Listen, Aliana! We did wrong to our family and neither of us was allowed to explain. Because of that, we must work together. Understand?". Hendra was indeed good at lobbying. Finally, Aliana nodded.


    .


    Just as Hendra, Surya, and Hery said goodbye, Aliana stopped Hendra for a moment: "Thank you for loving my sister. I don''t know what''s your fault. Even if you made her sign a marriage contract, I know you''re so sincere to her".


    "May I ask one more time?". Aliana nodded.


    "Do you think Aruna also loves me?".


    That question made Aliana thinking.


    "My question seems difficult to answer, huh? Okay. A simpler one. Does she seem to want to leave me?". Hendra asked again.


    "My sister is very good at hiding her feelings. I''m often deceived, particularly you. I used to like her bag. She said it''s okay if I want it. Aruna looked relaxed. It turned out that she was secretly saving again to buy the same bag I took from her. I just realized she lied to me. Our age difference is five years. Even though our ages are much different, sometimes she looks more mature than me".


    Aliana and Hendra seemed to present their understandings.


    "Don''t be fooled. Oh, right. One more thing. Aruna doesn''t care about herself. She''ll choose based on the good for many people rather than for herself, like willing to replace me to marry you instead of accepting Damar''s love confession".


    Hendra nodded. His heart was beating fast when he realized that Aruna also had a man from the past who was good at persuading her to come back home.


    .


    .


    Novel [Stealing The Wife''s First Kiss]


    pen name : dewisetyaningrat


    IG & FB : @bluehadyan


    Discord : bluehadyan#7481


    so, If you find this book on apps and web other than WEBNOVEL, it means my book was hacked and you are giving the thief an advantage, whereas I just accept exhaustion.


    Stealing The Wife''s First Kiss = https://www.webnovel.com/book/stealing-the-wife''s-first-kiss_19281358605885705

 Chapter 220 - Kamikaze Soldier

    "Surya wasn''t seen at his house. His car was also seen on the road on the day Mr. Hendra fled. We had a hard time persuading his mother to tell the truth. That woman consistently said that Surya was on vacation".


    "How about Hendra''s cellphone? Can it be traced?".


    "Hendra''s cellphone was sold online. We''ve found it". Andos handed the young master''s cellphone to Wiryo.


    "Based on the buyer''s information, their COD transaction was carried out by someone with characteristics similar to Hery. They purposely sold it to deceive us".


    "Does that mean you followed someone who doesn''t know anything?". Wiryo''s question was answered with a nod by Andos. He was embarrassed.


    "Huh. Hendra is always smart as usual".


    "Don''t get me wrong, Sir. Our team has shed some light. We just found out that one of the DM Group''s head office employees is Aruna''s sister''s lover. Today Raka came to his apartment. Aruna''s older sister lives there. She didn''t admit that Hendra came to see her, but the apartment CCTV showed the arrival of Hendra, Hery, and Surya".


    "So Hendra is still in Jakarta?".


    "Yes, Sir. It seems that Hendra is looking for the whereabouts of Aruna. The security guard of the house where the Lesmana family previously lived also said that they were visited by two people who asked where that family had moved".


    "He''s still persistent about finding out where his wife is¡­ Still stubborn".


    "If only I were Mr. Hendra, I''d also do the same thing".


    Wiryo smiled at Andos. This man had also experienced a heartbreaking thing. He lost his wife and child due to a mysterious kidnapping. After successfully uncovering a case that dragged many officials when he was still serving as an intelligence, instead of being rewarded for his success, that case surprisingly was deliberately closed after gathering evidence with difficulty. Something that motivated Andos to resign from his service.


    "It''s very painful to be suddenly separated from the people we love, especially our own wives. This time I don''t agree with you. Sorry, Sir".


    "I don''t want this either, Andos. But I have no other choice. Aruna couldn''t hold on any longer. If that child had to be locked up in this place, you know she''d have a hard time. Besides, Lesmana has done a lot for me. For the first time, he got angry and said to me that he wanted his daughter home. What can I do to make up for their kindness because they''re willing to help Hendra?".


    "Why don''t we try to fight Tarantula? If only you''d be willing to fight them, I''m sure Aruna wouldn''t have to leave the young master".


    "If I decide to fight Tarantula, I''ll destroy my own sibling".


    "True and that''s a tough choice. But look at the way you survive. You''re destroying your own family members slowly!".


    "If Hendra is destroyed like his mommy, I''m sure it won''t take long for Djoyodiningrat to end". Andos stared at Wiryo. The man with the fierce face was more daring to express his opinion this time.


    "How bad is the condition of the DM Group after being left by the CEO?".


    "This month the financial reports haven''t been completed yet. Several contracts and collaborations have been abandoned. That''s nothing compared to the cessation of the construction of Dream City. Pradita has given up on the photo of Tania and Hendra in Bali. Rumors and speculations are growing so fast because the same rumor hasn''t disappeared from the public''s memory".


    Actually, there were other bad effects that Andos didn''t mention. The viral news that Tania and Hendra were drunk together sparked a movement to boycott products made by the DM Group subsidiary. The insults in the comments column of Mahendra''s official account weren''t worth reading. The subsidiary''s turnover was slowly falling and its share price was far from stable.


    "How great is my grandson''s influence". Wiryo smiled.


    "Can''t Vian and Thomas replace him for a while?". Wiryo suggested.


    "Or perhaps you can replace him temporarily".


    "That''s not my specialty, Sir. Don''t let us break the D floor rules. Vian and Thomas aren''t allowed to be seen".


    "Do you think it''s time for us to fight Tarantula?".


    "Yes. You know our strength is more than enough. The only choices are fighting your own sibling or losing your grandson".


    "Find Hendra as soon as possible! After that, we''ll decide".


    ***


    "Aww".


    "Hey, Aruna. You''re spacing out again, huh?". Her mother frowned. That girl was sliced by a knife when cutting carrots.


    "Hehe. Sorry, Mom..".


    "Just rest".


    "It''s okay, Mom.. I''ll help you, okay?".


    "I don''t like to see your wound. Clean the blood first!".


    "Okay..".


    Aruna tried to find a medicine box in their new house. This house was much smaller than the house that the Djayadiningrat family gave them. The house where the Lesmana family had lived since Aruna was born.


    Meanwhile, this new house was built by Anantha, a persistent big brother. He really meant it when he said he''d become a Kamikaze soldier for his sister.


    He''d prepared many things and was waiting for this day to come. The day when the Lesmana family could take back their youngest daughter. Now, the family''s economy was also on the shoulders of the Kamikaze soldier, Anantha.


    They left their old house only bringing their personal belongings. Including the household assistant and security guard, only Miss Linda and Mr. Tejo. The rest returned to their hometowns.


    That''s why Aruna couldn''t let her mother cook on her own. Miss Linda is too busy cleaning and washing clothes. Aruna also cleaned up today.


    Meanwhile, Mr. Lesmana, who was usually busy with office work as the director of DM Delivery, was confused about what to do. He wasn''t used to doing nothing at home.


    If Aruna hadn''t come home, this girl couldn''t imagine the disappointment of her family who had stepped this far. Leaving all that they had. The comfortable status and position were left behind. This girl couldn''t bear to see those who had sacrificed for her return.


    "Aruna..".


    "Hmm¡­ What, Dad?".


    "Come here. Let me help you".


    "Ah. It''s just like this. I can do it by myself".


    "Come here.. I''m doing nothing anyway".


    Lesmana helped his daughter bandage the wound on her fingertip. Both of them smiled because they did something small that used to look very expensive because of their busy lives.


    "Dad.. You''re still angry with Aliana?".


    "Who said I was angry with Aliana?".


    "I know she''s pregnant and now she''s not here! It means you scolded her".


    "Let her be.. So that she can be mature..".


    "Come on, Dad.. She must be very sad. I''m sure she cries every day".


    Lesmana didn''t seem happy to talk about Aliana.


    "Please think about it again, okay? Being together or being angry all the time. Which one is better?".


    "Huh. You''re always good at persuading your father..".


    "Hehe..". That girl smiled at the words of Lesmana. She knew that man was starting to melt.


    "But there is a condition".


    "What?".


    "Empty your mind.. Stop spacing out. How many plates have you broken?? Today, your finger. Tomorrow, what else?". Lesmana reminded the youngest who had looked dazed since returning home.


    "Can I go to Magic Letter outlet, Dad?".


    "Ask Anantha first".


    "If I ask him, he definitely won''t allow it..".


    "I know my daughter wants to meet her college friends and play like before¡­ But¡­". Lesmana''s words were cut off by the youngest for the first time.


    "If there is still the word ''but'', what''s the difference with living with Hendra? In the end, it''s the same..".


    _Also being locked up_


    The youngest went into her room. She closed the door slowly and sat by the window. She had stayed still for a long time. Not sure what''s bothering her mind.


    .


    .


    Novel [Stealing The Wife''s First Kiss]


    pen name : dewisetyaningrat


    IG & FB : @bluehadyan


    Discord : bluehadyan#7481


    so, If you find this book on apps and web other than WEBNOVEL, it means my book was hacked and you are giving the thief an advantage, whereas I just accept exhaustion.


    Stealing The Wife''s First Kiss = https://www.webnovel.com/book/stealing-the-wife''s-first-kiss_19281358605885705

 Chapter 221 - EVOLI

    ''Don''t be fooled''


    ''My sister is very good at hiding her feelings''


    ''I''m often deceived, particularly you''


    ''Aruna doesn''t care about herself. She''ll choose based on the good for many people''


    A man, who was trying to find out where his wife was, was like a detective who sought puzzles from every piece of information he could get.


    His face was no longer as fresh as it used to be. Dark eye bags were shown. It couldn''t be avoided. He had trouble sleeping almost every night and chose to find out every possibility that existed.


    If only he had still been the CEO of the DM Group that he already left now, it''d be very easy to find Aruna. But he couldn''t do it right now. He had to hide from his grandfather''s people.


    Hendra''s last resort was to sneak around the office belonging to Aruna''s older brother. He''d been doing the same thing for two days. Unfortunately, Anantha was very difficult to approach. Let alone being followed.


    That man looked like him. He was too busy with work and even spent the night in the office. Anantha was the type of person who didn''t come home every day.


    In his boredom waiting for Anantha outside the office, Hendra rode his motorbike. He tried to look for the spirit to survive.


    He visited the place he''d visited with Aruna, the bridge where he screamed and begged God not to answer the prayer of the girl he loved.


    The blue-eyed glued and stood there for a long time: _God.. Please return my wife to me. I have nothing but her_


    _Just take everything but not her_


    His prayer was still about the woman who had melted his heart. Hendra persisted when other people might feel tired of the marriage that was fought for only by one person.


    "Sir. Sorry. You can''t stop here". A patrol officer approached him. Hendra forgot that it wasn''t night like it used to be.


    "Please leave now or I''ll write you a ticket".


    "Sorry". The blue-eyed sped up his motorbike and headed for another place he could remember.


    .


    "Hendra, where are you?". Surya called him. Using his headset, Hendra heard Surya''s voice as he accelerated the motor.


    "I''m still on my way. Hery is in front of Anantha''s office". He answered along with the wind that blew every word he spoke.


    "When I was shopping downstairs, I saw your grandfather''s people hanging around the shopping center". Surya gave information, indicating that the Sky Tower was no longer a safe place.


    "Where are you now?".


    "I''m trapped in the mansion".


    "Take some of the things we need, including my and Hery''s stuff. Get out of there. We''ll find another place".


    "I can''t, Hen! I''ve tried it. My car is guarded by them".


    "Oh, shit".


    "We must get out of town if you don''t want to get caught". Surya said. That man''s words made sense.


    "No need to bring anything. Wear disguises. Try your best to get out of the building. Pick up Hery first". Wiryo''s grandson rode his motorbike faster.


    "Let''s meet somewhere. I''ll share the location later".


    _I must visit that place before leaving this town_


    "Alright".


    .


    The blue-eyed stared at the empty building that was no longer in use. The place that was worn out and away from the crowds was clearly shown in front of his eyes.


    Walking down the stairs to the top floor felt so nostalgic. There were Aruna''s footsteps walking and running a little. The way that girl was running made her hair fly into the air several times.


    Her smile led the way to a strange place that the blue-eyed didn''t like. It had made the man changed his mind about leaving.


    "I have a surprise for you".


    "Come on.. Just come along".


    "Hendra, let''s go!! You might like this place later. You''ll see".


    Reluctantly, the man sat and watched her paint on the wall.


    She painted H E N D R A.


    The graffiti of his name. Hendra needed to look at the work of his wife''s tiny hands to find ammunition to survive all the problems he was currently facing.


    "Hello, Hendra. It''s me, Aliana..". This man had just arrived upstairs where his name was engraved when he got a call from Aruna''s sister.


    "Yeah, I know".


    "Hen.. Don''t use this number again. Those people came to our apartment and¡­".


    "Yes.. Hello..". Hendra was a little confused when he heard Aliana''s words suddenly cut off.


    "Argh. Why did you guys snatch it? I haven''t finished talking to Hendra!!". At the other end, there was a commotion.


    "Miss, you can''t speak like that!". Someone else''s voice was heard on the phone.


    "You were the one who said that! I must call him and talk to him!".


    "You can''t say that!".


    "So what?!". Aliana was arguing, not sure with whom.


    Hendra walked angrily to the edge of the building.


    "Hello, young master! Sir.. Please listen to me. Young master¡­".


    The cellphone was thrown as far as possible from the owner''s hand.


    Luckily, he had time to send the location to his loyal friend, Surya.


    .


    While waiting for Surya''s arrival, Hendra closely observed the graffiti of his name.


    H E N D R A


    Why was there a mixture of different colors?


    Why were the letter E and some of the lines in other letters different?


    The man approached, touching his wife''s graffiti.


    "Ah. It''s not just ''Hendra'' writing". Then that man backed away and looked more closely.


    The different colors were in the letter E, the corner of the N that pointed up, the letter D which at first glance looked like an O, the straight leg of the letter R and¡­


    The letter A. The first leg was perpendicular to the bottom, not tilted like usual.


    If those different colors were taken and arranged together: E V O I I


    "Wait. What does it mean?".


    "EVOLI?? What''s evoli?".


    E V O L I


    _When read from right to left?!_


    I L O V E


    "Huh¡­ What??".


    _If everything''s assembled_


    I L O V E (read from right to left)


    H E N D R A (read from left to right)


    Based on color.


    "I LOVE HENDRA".


    "Damn you, Aruna!".


    "Argh! What kind of woman are you, Aruna?!".


    "Damn it! Why are you hiding your feelings?".


    That man hit the graffiti of his name so many times until the thumping sound was so loud.


    "Argh.. Damn you..".


    In his tiredness of facing all the problems that came repeatedly, that man found the riddle of a woman''s heart that was difficult to guess.


    Aruna loved him, not anyone else.


    The blue-eyed man touched the writing of his wife''s tiny hand. He wiped the tears in the corner of his eye.


    _Please wait. I''ll find you_


    I love you too.


    .


    .


    THE END


    .


    #title season II: [Once A CEO Wife]


    The book [One A CEO Wife] is the season II from the book [Stealing The Wife''s First Kiss]. If you want to read it in chronological order, you can start reading it in season I [Stealing The Wife''s First Kiss]. Moreover, the novel [Once A CEO Wife] can be enjoyed independently because it presents different conflicts.


    Once A CEO Wife, Link : https://www.webnovel.com/book/once-a-ceo-wife_20440554305311605

 Chapter 222 - Synopsis And QnA Vol 2

    #title season II: [Once A CEO Wife]


    How bad was it like to be separated from the wife he really loved just because she had accomplished her job to free him from that horrible syndrome he had suffered?


    That was what Mahendra, the sole heir of Wenceslas, exactly felt. He had just recovered from his post-traumatic syndrome disorder. All of a sudden he had to face the reality that his wife was taken back by her family forcefully, a daughter of a former aide of his family.


    She was not only taken back home but there were a lot of mysteries lie behind the departure of the girl he had married with a tight prenuptial agreement. Didn''t they always say; Miss Aruna would be the bet. Had he lost the bet?


    But¡­.. love had pierced deep in his heart. How to get her back?


    When he knew the fact that Aruna might face very bad luck if she was going back to him, he was estimating his steps if he needed to make sure to destroy the enemies of Wenceslas before taking her back.


    Behind his doubts and tiresome, that man was about to give up. Surprisingly, Aruna came to him on her own will and proposed him an offer, she would be back in his arms within a certain time limit.


    "I don''t need others. You often lift me up and then put me down. I''m tired of being treated that way. If you really want to come back to me, please love me completely". Hendra smoothened her dress.


    That cute and beautiful girl left without turning back, leaving him her seductive scent.


    "Wait! Two months, alright?".


    "Yes¡­.". she turned back and looked at him


    "Will I get something I never have as a husband for you?" Mahendra looked at her intensely. She nodded.


    "Come here and prove it?!".


    Would Hendra be able to be a perfect husband for her when he was given a second chance for two months?


    Instead of trying to prove that he was a good man, he had different plans


    He chose to make that girl pregnant sooner before the time was over.


    Would he be able to chain that girl once again by making her pregnant? Or would she go back home for good?


    Enjoy the track record of Mahendra Hadyan Wenceslas, the new CEO of Wenceslas Group


    ____________________________


    #Top 3 novels in Indonesian


    #Original title: Aruna''s first kiss (Ciuman Pertama Aruna)


    ************************


    Updates every day at (GMT-8) 08.00 AM


    ************************


    #Meet me on instragram: bluehadyan


    #Translator: WANDA


    CHIT CHAT WITH AUTHOR (^_^)


    Thank you to the loyal readers who have been reading until the end of volume 1.


    In this session, I''ll try to answer some of the things that may be raging in the hearts of the readers.


    Enjoy this chapter!


    Q&A


    Here are some questions that I often got, both on the Bluehadyan fanbase and in the comments column. Including the things that I want to say.


    Q: Favorite character?


    A: There must be a lot of misunderstanding that I don''t like Aruna because she''s often described as a kind but wishy-washy girl and sometimes shows bad characters. Hehe


    But I really love Aruna. I wish I had a daughter who grew up kind and fun like Aruna.


    Q: Did the author get nervous while writing the story?


    A: Not only nervous, sometimes I forget the reality when I tell about Mahendra. Hehe.


    In the beginning, giving him flaws would make him less than perfect. It turned out to be a point of attraction.


    Indeed, if someone has cool characters, he''ll always be cool. ^^


    Q: Will Damar find another woman besides Aruna?


    A: Maybe yes, maybe no.


    More than that, I actually prefer to describe Damar as a good friend who''ll support Aruna and make Hendra try hard to become a perfect man as Aruna''s husband.


    Q: Why did you make Hendra recover from PTSD?


    A: It should be based on the plot of Hendra recovering in the final chapters, but I''m afraid it''ll be long-winded so I presented it in the middle of volume 1 and make another story that is more addictive. Hihi


    Q: An unfortunate character?


    A: I omitted a lot of parts about Damar and it made me very sad because his appearance often makes readers frustrated since he''s an antagonist in the perspective of Hendra''s fans.


    In fact, Damar has fun and humorous characters. He also tends to be silly.


    But it''s okay. Damar is a relaxed young man and he tends not to bother so I''m sure he''ll be fine.


    For the rest, I have a character like Damar, namely Leandra, a stubborn kid in my other novel [YBS: You are Beauty, Selaras]


    Then Timi and Lily. They''re both very cute. Too bad the story wasn''t written. In Volume 2, maybe they''ll be different colors.


    Q: Characters that make you sad?


    A: Grandpa Wiryo and Mommy Gayatri.


    Actually, Grandpa Wiryo isn''t evil. He protects his children and grandchildren as best as he can although sometimes his way is too extreme.


    Mommy Gayatri? I hope she''ll be happy one day or at least Hendra wants to talk to her. Huhu. It''s really sad -_-


    Q: What scene was the most difficult to write?


    A: Obviously Married+! When I wrote this scene, my brain was always thinking about how to get the meaning caught by the readers but not seem vulgar.


    The result is like studying since or playing in scientific dictions, including figurative languages that go everywhere.


    Honestly, the biggest challenge for me is writing adult scenes because I want to go to heaven. It''s such a clich¨¦ reason. Haha ^^ That''s right.


    Q: Spoilers for volume 2, please?


    A: Tarantula and several new characters will come to complete the mysterious story between these two families.


    At the end of the sessions, there''ll be an explanation as to why Mommy Gayatri tried to commit suicide in the past.


    Besides that, the story of Aruna and Hendra is getting more adorable. That''s it. Hehe


    Q: Was there anything unique during the writing process?


    A: There are many if I have to mention it one by one.


    I conclude it in two. First, my own version of something unique is the characters of Aruna''s First Kiss (original title). Second, the readers'' expressions.


    First, every time I write about Aruna, I''m always motivated by how the good girl in the family is like? I want to convey the meaning that obeying parents'' order isn''t necessarily a bad thing. After all, following our own will also doesn''t guarantee the results will be good. Perhaps it''ll be worse. Hehe


    Second, Hendra. Every time I write about this CEO, my left brain must be on because he''s shown as a strong figure in using his brain. Sometimes I even read several articles. I''ve also read scientific journals on Google Scholar just to tell about Mahendra. That''s why everything that has to do with Hendra''s point of view can definitely be proven, not just fiction.


    For the last character, Damar. This young man seemed to be transformed into a figure who helped me become a writer with literary skills. Every poem of his character seemed to just flow every time I poured his heart out. I don''t know where it came from. I used to write poetry when I was in school, but it was Damar''s character that was so strong that it pushed me to write something from the point of view of a poet.


    Anyway, Damar is really something. In volume 2, I hope he still has a place so I can write more poetry.


    Unique expressions of the readers. Hehe


    The first reader that impressed me was Ratmihusein. This reader is the person who gave the first review and first comment. You know, right? The first one is always special, just like the first love. Haha. ^^


    Next, many are memorable. There are readers whose comments are just emoticons, there are also long sentences of love expressions that make me smile.


    The most frequent is the expression of love for Hendra. Hehe ^^


    I used to be surprised when my characters were loved so much. Finally, I made a fanbase so that it won''t reach my personal IG. Hehe


    The problem is that there are also uncles who are loyal fans of Aruna. An author is also an ordinary person. I got goosebumps when I got a love message for Aruna on IG. Haha. I''d get goosebumps if my IG is opened by my love. My peaceful real life could be chaotic. Haha


    Q: Are Surya and Dea really getting married.


    A: I think yes. But before marriage, there will be many absurd incidents (typical of Surya) that make volume 2 more colorful.


    Q: Any plans to print it into a book?


    A: So many people asked about this. Please note that Aruna''s First Kiss (original title) is a novel contracted by a web novel application, so only the web novel party is allowed to publish it. Please pray for it.


    I thank all the loyal readers of Aruna''s First Kiss (original title)


    See you in Volume 2.


    Love You All


    ____________________________


    .


    .


    Novel [Stealing The Wife''s First Kiss]


    pen name : dewisetyaningrat


    IG & FB : @bluehadyan


    Discord : bluehadyan#7481


    so, If you find this book on apps and web other than WEBNOVEL, it means my book was hacked and you are giving the thief an advantage, whereas I just accept exhaustion.


    Stealing The Wife''s First Kiss = https://www.webnovel.com/book/stealing-the-wife''s-first-kiss_19281358605885705