Dewi's POV
Thump… Thump…
Ugh, I'm so freaking nervous right now. Today… in a few minutes, my status is going to change. What am I supposed to do? I keep sighing as I stare at my reflection in the huge mirror. Yeah, I look beautiful—super beautiful even—but my face? God, is there no way to run away from this wedding?
Click!
I turn around when the door opens. I put on a relieved smile when I see Daddy standing at the door.
"Are you ready, my daughter?"
I nod a little… then shake my head. Even my answer doesn't match my chaotic heart. I quickly drop my gaze.
Daddy notices it, walks closer, closes the door, and wraps his arm around my shoulders, hugging me gently.
"It must feel heavy, right? I know you hate being pushed like this. Should I talk to your mommy? Should we cancel this wedding, hmm?"
His sudden question makes me snap my head up and shake strongly.
"No, Dad! Don't! Mom will be so disappointed…"
My voice fades. I don't know why, but the image in my head isn't Mommy being angry—it's her disappointed, hurt face. No. I would never do that to her.
I calm down a little when Daddy rubs my shoulder softly again and again.
"You might not believe this," he says gently, "but I trust Topan. I don't know why… but I feel he can make you happy, dear."
I look at Daddy again—the middle-aged man who has always supported me, no matter what. He made mistakes in the past, sure… but he's still someone I admire.
"Dad… do you know that I loooove you so much?" I drawl in a spoiled tone, like always.
We chuckle together, enjoying this moment.
"Come on, let's go out. I think we're already… ten minutes late. I bet your mom has grown horns out there."
I burst out laughing at his joke. Ahh… my family may not be perfect to others, but I'm grateful. Mommy and Daddy chose to stay together through everything until now.
I hook my arm around his as we walk out. My heart thumps even harder when we step outside… tulips blooming everywhere, a cool breeze brushing past, the perfect bright morning. Florentia Park—my dream venue. I always wanted to say my vows here, with someone I love.
My smile falters at that last thought. Yeah… I need to correct myself. The man waiting up there isn't someone I love. He's just someone fate arranged for me…
Dewi's POV End
---
Andri calmly walks beside his eldest daughter toward the wedding table. A long table is set at the front—Topan and the officiant already waiting.
Tap… Tap… Tap…
When they arrive, Andri clears his throat softly before speaking to the young man who will soon become his son-in-law.
"Topan, today I entrust Dewi entirely to you. Please take good care of her and love her with your whole life. If you ever hurt her… return her to me, return her to her family."
His firm voice echoes through the guests. Mira looks shocked, tears slipping down her cheeks. Her husband is right—Dewi will always be their daughter, no matter what. Ratna and Merry, the youngest, quickly try to soothe her.
Topan freezes for a second at the intimidating message. Then he nods firmly, showing he's ready.
The wedding ceremony begins.
Dewi, who has stayed silent all this time, screams internally—especially when Topan recites the vows clearly.
"I accept Dewi Anggraini Puspita as my wife with the stated dowry, paid in full…"
The guests roar with a loud "Sah!"—official!
Dewi's heart drops and races wildly as Topan turns toward her and gently slips a ring onto her finger. She does the same, wincing a little when Mira and Ratna suddenly pull her into a warm hug.
Finally… both families become one.
"Mira… finally… oh God…" Ratna cries, hugging her best friend. Both Mira and Ratna look overjoyed.
Meanwhile, newlyweds Topan and Dewi just stand there awkwardly beside each other. From here on… who knows what will happen.
---
A few hours later…
Sky Tower Building
"Today, the heir of Sagara Group, Topan Sagara, has just held his wedding with the eldest daughter of famous designer Mira Kasih—Dewi Anggraini Puspita—at Florentia Park at—" click!
"Tch… is every TV station talking about this stupid wedding today?" Dewi tosses the remote beside the sofa.
She and Topan have just arrived at his private apartment on the 20th floor.
After hours of standing and greeting guests, her whole body is sore.
Click…
"You still haven't showered, hmm?"
A deep voice hits her ears. When she turns, Topan already looks fresh in casual clothes.
"How am I supposed to shower? The moment we arrived, you disappeared into your room! Where's my room? I need to shower and rest too, you know!" Dewi snaps. She's still in her white gown, and her face is clearly overheating.
Topan exhales sharply and points to a room across from his, beside the kitchen.
"We got married because of an arrangement. Don't expect me to touch you. Oh, and every Saturday and Sunday, we'll stay at my mother's house."
He walks to the kitchen and opens the fridge.
"Everything you need is in your room. After you shower, we need to set some rules," he says firmly.
Dewi just waves him off lazily. Honestly, she just wants sleep, but hearing the word rules forces her to hurry and clean herself.
"Ugh, so bossy," she grumbles in her head, stomping her 7-cm heels on purpose as she walks away.
---
An hour later…
Dewi's POV
Huh?! What is this?! My eyes almost pop out reading the list of rules on this agreement paper.
Thwack!
"Why do I have to do all the house chores?! Cooking? Laundry? Packing your lunch?! Hey! I'm not your maid!" I slam the paper onto the table.
Topan just snorts and gives me a sharp look. Then he casually hands me a black card. A limited edition black card. My eyes almost fall out. Only five people in the whole country have this— even Mommy and Daddy don't!
"What is th—"
My words freeze when he continues in that creepy calm tone.
"All of those rules can be replaced with just one thing," he says mysteriously. "Just give me a child."
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!!! A CHILD?!!!"
I scream so loud he covers his ears.
With a bunch of grumbling, I grab the pen and sign the agreement. In my head: giving him a child? No way. I'd rather just follow the chores. Honestly, after thinking it through, it's not that bad.
In his apartment, I still have my own privacy anyway. Only outside we have to act like a real married couple.
"You didn't even read everything? You sure?" he mocks.
I glare. Is he underestimating me?
"It's signed. Now hurry up, sign yours too!"
I shove the paper and pen at him again. After everything is settled, we shake hands to seal the deal.
I yawn, ready to drag myself to my room, but he pulls my arm, making me look at him tiredly.
"What now? I'm sleepy…"
"Make me dinner. And remember—no instant noodles or eggs. I want a full meal. Now."
My face turns blank—absolutely blank—as he stands up and walks to his workroom.
"Wow… he's getting bold now. Tch. Should I poison him? Hmmm…" I mutter angrily while walking to the kitchen.
I open the giant four-door fridge, seeing all the fully stocked ingredients.
"Hehehe… I'll cook the spiciest food ever… Ceker Setan (a super-spicy chicken feet dish). Perfect."
I start prepping the ingredients, already imagining Topan's suffering once he eats my masterpiece.
"Hehe, he'll regret asking me to cook after this…"
Dewi's POV End
TO BE CONTINUED…