12 PM, SkyTower Building Lobby…
Dewi and Topan had just entered the lobby of this luxurious apartment building when Merry, sitting on one of the sofas in the corner, called out to her older siblings.
"Sister! Brother!"
The married couple immediately turned and saw the youngest, Merry, running lightly toward them. Behind her, a tall figure walked slowly, following along. They were no strangers to him, as he was Satya, Andri's trusted assistant.
"Mer? You're here? Have you been waiting long?" Dewi asked with a warm smile.
Merry took a slow breath and then forced a small smile.
"Err… sis, I came to say goodbye. I won't be staying at your place anymore," she explained, glancing sideways at where Satya was standing.
The 46-year-old man returned a small smile and nodded.
"Uhh… I want to live at Papa's house."
Dewi froze for a moment. Since learning the truth about her parents' past, she now understood Merry's status—she was Satya's biological child.
"Miss Dewi, I will not hold Miss Merry at my place forever. But if she doesn't wish to stay, I won't force her either."
The baritone voice of the nearly half-century-old man sounded calm and straightforward. He affectionately brushed his daughter's brown hair, sensing her growing unease as Dewi had yet to respond.
Seeing the situation, Topan gently rubbed his wife's shoulders. He understood that she was saddened by this revelation.
"Merry, if you need anything, contact us immediately. Satya will take care of you, so nothing happens to you," Topan said sharply, looking at Satya. Despite everything, he respected his sister-in-law's decision.
Seeing her husband's stance, Dewi slowly regained her composure. She smiled sweetly and took her sister's hands, holding them tightly.
"Yes, but don't forget to visit Mom and Dad often too, okay? Oh, and when I get back from Mawa, let's have a barbecue. New Year's Eve, okay?"
Her gaze was full of enthusiasm, met with an equally enthusiastic nod from Merry.
"Of course, sis! We'll barbecue again like in the previous years in the backyard, with Mommy, Daddy, everyone! Papa agrees too, right?"
Merry looked at her father and received a nod of approval. He thought about making up for all the precious moments with his daughter that he had missed in the past.
After talking for a while, Merry finally said goodbye and left with her father. Their steps gradually disappeared from view outside the apartment building, but Dewi still watched them with a sorrowful gaze.
"Gonna cry here, hm? I don't mind, but aren't you embarrassed? So many people are watching."
Topan tried to joke, though it sounded like he was teasing his wife with his deadpan expression.
"Ugh… who's crying? Not me! I'm not a crybaby, okay, hurry up…"
Annoyed, Dewi slightly elbowed her husband and freed herself from Topan's embrace.
Drap… drap… she walked ahead, stamping her feet slightly, making Topan smile quietly before following her to the elevator.
"Pftt… just like a little kid…" he muttered, chuckling softly.
Lunch time had long passed, but they still decided to have lunch first and prepare for their trip to Mawa afterward.
---
Not far from the apartment building…
Two people of different ages and contrasting heights stood at the edge of the sidewalk, hailing a passing taxi. After ensuring the daughter's luggage was safely in the car trunk, Satya hurried to the other side and got in.
Merry smiled warmly at her biological father, who returned the smile calmly as he looked at her.
"Papa thought it would take you a long time to accept this, sweetheart," he said in a trembling tone.
How could it not? Since Luna's death some time ago, Satya had realized that Merry, who had always been nearby, was his own biological child.
Merry shook her head. She wasn't cruel, but the revelation that she wasn't Daddy's biological daughter left her both sad and embarrassed. She had been raised with love by Dewi's family all this time.
"Mama is gone. Besides, I don't want the only family I have now to leave me. At least, not yet…" the 22-year-old girl murmured.
Merry let out a long sigh and rested her head on her father's arm.
"Papa, you won't go anywhere, right?"
Hearing her question, Satya shed tears. His daughter was fragile yet strong. He was immensely grateful that the family of the master had cared for her with love as she grew up.
"Papa promises… this time Papa will always be here for Merry. Just the two of us, okay…" he said reassuringly, holding his beloved daughter in a warm, protective embrace.
The taxi drove smoothly through the snowy streets ahead. This father-daughter pair would start everything anew: forgiving the past and striving to walk toward a far better future.
●●●●
Mawa District, 6:15 PM
Sagara Express let out a long whistle as it pulled into the platform. This high-speed train was the fastest way to get to Mawa.
Mawa was one of the districts that served as the center of many industries. From morning to evening, even late at night until early morning, the city was always noisy.
The residents, mostly industrial workers, were used to the daily routine here. No wonder, when traveling south, this district was the only city untouched by winter. The scorching heat combined with dry winds earned it the nickname The Another Hell.
When the train stopped, passengers began to disembark one by one. Among them, Dewi and Topan got off from another carriage—the special carriage reserved only for the Sagara family.
Tap!
"Ugh, it's so hot…" Dewi groaned as she stepped down after Topan. She wiped the sweat off her forehead, even though they had just arrived.
Topan looked up from his phone and saw his wife struggling. "Just take off your coat. Dovic will pick us up soon."
Reluctantly, Dewi removed her thick coat. Her skin immediately felt the heat, a sharp contrast from the cold of Florentia earlier that morning. Arriving in Mawa felt like entering a completely different dimension.
"Is it still far? Ugh, it's so hot! I feel like I might die from the heat!" she complained. Even though it was already evening, the heat still scorched her skin.
Topan shook his head flatly and took his wife's hand. Ahead, one of his trusted aides hurried to meet them.
"Sir, sorry for being late. The car is ready outside."
The silver-haired man with slanted eyes bowed respectfully, then took over the luggage. He smiled faintly as he looked at Dewi.
"You must be Mrs. Dewi, right? Sorry, the city is really hot, but don't worry. A little further up the road, it will be much cooler, hehe…" he said casually, then led the way out of the station.
"Hm? What did you say his name was? Dovan? Dovin?" Dewi whispered to her husband.
Topan snorted lightly. "His name is Dovic. He's Arya's older brother," he explained.
Dewi was surprised. So Arya, Topan's assistant, had an older brother? She had thought Arya had no other family, considering how closed-off he had been all this time.
"But… they look so different? Arya is just as flat as you, huh!" she teased.
Dewi quickly added another sentence when she noticed Topan giving her a sharp look. "Hehee, just joking," she said, raising a peace sign.
Topan just snorted, not caring much about how others perceived him.
The couple got into the jeep parked outside the station.
After ensuring Topan and Dewi were seated comfortably in the back, Dovic started the engine and drove through the bustling evening streets.
Though not a tourist city, Mawa still had its sights—tall buildings and various factories could be seen here and there. Modern minimalist houses lined the streets neatly, with small parks scattered around, giving the city a certain charm amid its busyness.
Less than an hour later, the jeep entered a hillside residential area, much greener thanks to the many large trees left to grow naturally.
Brumm… brmmm…
The car finally stopped in front of a minimalist wooden cottage.
"Hm? I thought it would be near the factory? Why here?" Topan's sharp voice sounded displeased as they got out. He had instructed that they stay in a residential area close to the Sagara Group branch factory.
Dovic bowed, apologizing repeatedly. "Sorry, Sir. The house you requested is currently under renovation. Over the past week, some demonstrators have caused damage. I was worried you—"
"WHAT?! HOW DARE THEY!"
Topan's cold shout startled Dovic, making him bow even lower.
Dewi, also startled by her husband's voice, quickly calmed herself. Honestly, she was tired, and it was already evening. The surroundings were growing dark, as the cottages were spaced far apart.
"Forget it, this is fine. It's cool and peaceful here. I like it. Let's go inside!" she said, trying to lighten the mood.
Seeing his wife accept the situation, Topan exhaled in relief to calm himself.
"All right, then Dovic, pick me up tomorrow morning. Prepare reports on the workers' requests and gather them all in the auditorium. Understood?" Topan ordered, and the assistant nodded.
Before leaving, Dovic added, "Sir, everything has been prepared inside. If you and Madam need anything, just let me know anytime."
Topan simply nodded. Dewi, on the other hand, smiled politely and thanked him.
Dovic finally left, and the couple entered the cottage.
The simple, minimalist teak interior was immediately noticeable as they stepped inside.
"Wow… not bad, actually," Dewi commented as she took a quick tour, even checking the kitchen, while Topan dragged their large luggage.
"Yeah, but there's only one bedroom and one bed," he said flatly.
Hearing that, Dewi stopped immediately and stared at her husband. "So… you mean… we have to share a room, huh?!" she exclaimed, eyes wide.
Oh no! She had already spent a week sharing a room with Topan when her sister stayed over, and now? The two of them alone in this quiet place had to share a room again?!
Thump!
'God, bury me now,' Dewi thought, as her heart suddenly thumped wildly.
TO BE CONTINUED...