Dewi's POV
I was getting a little sleepy as Malika's soft hands massaged my scalp down to my neck. Mmm… this is my favorite part every time I wash my hair. Her massage always melts away my headache and tension. It felt so relaxing.
Vrrr…
The sound of the hairdryer filled the room as Malika started drying my hair. The warm air felt soothing on my scalp.
"Sis? Sleepy, huh? Hehee… come on, take a look first," she teased.
I slowly opened my eyes. I'd been closing them the whole time—honestly I almost fell asleep earlier.
'Huh? Who is that? Me?!'
Oh my God. Just a haircut and a color change, yet the effect was insane. My whole appearance changed—and I loved it. Every bit of regret I felt earlier vanished instantly.
"So? How is it, Sis? Seriously, you look so pretty! Fresh! I even sent your photo to Merry just now, and she totally agrees with me!" Malika chirped proudly.
Ah, Merry… my step-sister who's always the most excited when it comes to looks. I'd always wanted to change my hairstyle, but Mommy never allowed it.
"Oh my goodness, you look stunning!!!"
I flinched a little at my mother-in-law voice behind me. Her bright expression made me blush immediately.
"Hehee… so? What do you think, Mother? Does it suit me?" I asked, checking myself left and right in the mirror. The hairstyle and color I picked really made me happy.
Mother nodded enthusiastically. That middle-aged woman quickly took out her phone and asked me to face the camera. Of course, I didn't hesitate to pose and show her my widest smile.
"Hehee… I have to send this to Topan right now!"
Eh? What did she just say?! My face instantly heated up.
Before I could say anything, Mother was already grinning from ear to ear while staring at her phone.
Oh God… did Topan see it? What's his reaction? Ugh…
"Err… Mother, maybe—"
"Topan said, 'She looks beautiful'!" Mother announced with a bright glow on her face.
My eyes widened. Yep, my face must be completely red now! Especially when Mother showed me their chat.
"Ukhhh… r-right…"
I didn't know what to say. All I could do was look down, trying to hide the burning heat on my face.
Dewi's POV END
---
Skip to 3 p.m.…
Ding!
The bell chimed as the boutique door opened from the outside. Two women of different ages walked in casually.
After spending the day walking around and having lunch, the two headed to Seine Boutique, owned by Mira Kasih—a well-known designer in the city, Dewi's biological mother, and Ratna's best friend.
Tap… tap… tap…
"Ugh, I'm nervous, Mother. What will Mommy say? She's totally going to be mad, right? I can already imagine it… heheee…" Dewi rambled beside her mother-in-law.
Ratna only shook her head while smiling. She held her daughter-in-law's arm a bit tighter. That middle-aged woman was fully ready to shield her if her best friend exploded.
"So what do you want? Separate? Fine, let's separate! I'm tired too!"
Their steps halted instantly—just a few meters away from Mira's private room. Both women's eyes widened hearing the explosion of Mira's voice.
Dewi froze for a moment before walking slowly toward the slightly open door. She peeked inside—and was shocked to see her Dad there too.
Wait… why did they look like they were in a full-on fight?!
"Mira, listen to me first! This is what I hate the most: from the beginning, all you ever think about is separating! Have you ever considered Dewi and Merry's feelings?! Stop being selfish, Mira!"
Andri tried hard to control his frustration, but the lines on his forehead showed he was angry too.
Both stood facing each other—equally furious.
He tried to keep his voice down, but Mira didn't care.
"Oh, so now you realize I stayed all these years for our daughters, huh? What about my feelings?! What about your promises, Andri?! And now that woman shows up again, and you… you didn't really reject her, did you?!"
Mira was overwhelmed with emotion.
"Mira—listen. She's seriously ill, and I—"
"Don't act like a hero! She's not your responsibility, Andri! I—"
BANG!!!
The door was thrown open from the outside, shocking them both.
Andri reacted the fastest.
Tap… tap…
"Dewi? Sweetheart… Dad can explain—"
"Just get divorced already!"
Andri froze instantly. The hurt and disappointment on his daughter's face felt like a tight grip around his chest.
"De… Dewi…"
Mira tried to speak too, but her tongue refused to move.
"What? Why? Isn't separation what you want? Go on! Do whatever you want!"
Drap… drap… drap…
Dewi walked away quickly. Her tears were about to fall, but she held them back. No. Not here. Not in front of them. No one could see her cry right now.
"Dewi… wait—"
Before Ratna could run after her, she turned and glared sharply at the couple.
"You two are unbelievable! You've failed as parents! Even once—have you ever considered Dewi's feelings?!"
She then looked sadly at Mira. "I'm disappointed in you, Mira…"
Then Ratna walked away, leaving them speechless.
---
At the boutique lobby…
"Oh no… where did she go? God, please…"
Ratna paced back and forth, trying to find Dewi, but nothing. Dewi had moved too fast; she vanished instantly.
Ratna took out her phone and tried calling her daughter-in-law. No answer. Her worry only grew, so she immediately called her son.
Tut… tut… click!
"Hello, Mom—"
"Topan, find Dewi right now! Hurry! She's emotional!"
"What happened—"
"Just find her! I'm still looking too! Call me if you find her!"
Click!
She hung up without hesitation, rushed outside, and stopped a taxi.
'God… please let her be safe,' she prayed.
●●●●
Dewi's POV
Hahh…
I exhaled again and again, breathing in the cool evening air as I stared at the field of tulips before me.
They bloomed twice this year, and this had always been my place since childhood. Peaceful… far from noises… far from Mom and Dad… hmm…
Remembering what happened earlier made my chest tighten again. My hand grabbed my shirt, squeezing it. Tears were threatening to fall again, but I held them back.
"Ukhhh…"
"You don't have to hold it in. Just cry."
I jumped a little when I heard that deep, husky voice. I turned my head immediately.
Not far from me stood a tall man with a cold expression. His blue shirt sleeves were rolled up messily.
Oh God… he's a CEO, right? Why does he look like a rebellious teen right now?
Tap… tap… tap…
"Here. Drink."
I blinked in surprise when he handed me a cold drink—my favorite chocolate super-creamy milkshake.
"Thank you," I whispered and took a sip.
Rustle
"You made everyone panic, you know?"
Topan's cold tone made me lower my gaze. I squeezed the cup tighter, letting the cold seep into my palms.
"Sorry…"
Hug!
Ehh?!
My eyes flew wide as his strong arm reached for my head and pulled me straight into his embrace.
Thump… thump…
"Don't do that again. You really worried me…"
His words made my heart race wildly.
The tears I'd been holding back finally burst out.
Hiks…
Dewi's POV END
The sunset ended with Dewi quietly crying in her husband's arms. Let the night give them a moment before facing reality again.
TO BE CONTINUED…