Dewi's POV
Hahh…
I let out a tired breath after finishing sorting and moving the unused items into the back storage room.
"This shouldn't even be called a storage room. Most of these things are still usable," I muttered while wiping the sweat from my forehead and neck with the towel draped around me.
I decided to sit down for a moment on the fur carpet, not far from the tall shelves lined up in front of me, fanning myself lightly.
Today was December 31st. The year was about to change.
It had been a week since Topan and I returned from Mawa. This year, we would be holding a barbecue party at the Sagara mansion.
Even before I got married, my family always held barbecue parties in the backyard—nothing big, just close relatives and a few familiar faces. Topan's family had attended a few times as well… minus my husband, though. Hmm. That was why I didn't really know Topan back then, aside from our brief interactions when we were kids.
As I sat there relaxing, my gaze narrowed when I noticed a large brown wooden album on the third shelf. I stood up and reached for it, brushing the cover lightly. Memories
'Hmm, this looks like a photo album. Should I open it… or not?'
I weighed the album in my hands, torn between curiosity and hesitation. In the end, I opened it.
I sat cross-legged on the carpet and unclasped the album. The moment I opened the first page, I froze.
The past is a bridge. The future is full of secrets. If love is a sequence of numbers, then you and I were never meant to stand side by side.
Eh? What does that even mean?
I frowned deeply, trying to understand the message behind those words. Not wanting to overthink it, I shrugged and flipped to the next page.
I nodded slightly as I turned the early pages one by one. Many unfamiliar faces appeared, though their names were neatly written beneath each photo.
"Ah… this must be Topan's grandfather, right?" I murmured while staring at the photo labeled Sagara Indrajati.
"Mother said he's still alive, but he chose to step away and handed the company over to Topan."
I turned another page.
"This photo was taken two years before Father passed away. He doesn't look that old… even though he was almost ninety."
Slowly, I flipped the pages again—until I stopped.
A photo of someone I knew all too well.
This is strange. Why are Mommy and Topan's father hugging each other and smiling so happily here? And… Mommy's long hair—
"I never thought Mommy used to have long hair," I muttered in awe. "Her vibe was totally different back then."
Still, my curiosity only grew. So I turned the page—and my eyes widened in shock.
"Engagement of Mira and Kemal… h-huh?! Mommy?! How is that possible?!"
A cold chill crept up my spine. My fingers began to tremble. I wanted to close the album right then—but my curiosity won.
The next few pages only made my confusion worse. What exactly was Mommy's relationship with Topan's late father?
Only on the following page did photos of my mother-in-law appear. Many of them showed the three of them together—Mommy, Mother, and Topan's late father—in the same frame.
I nodded slowly, finally feeling a sense of relief when I reached the pages showing Mother and Father's wedding moments.
"Hahh… thank goodness. Still, I can't help wondering… why was Mom ever engaged to Topan's father?" I muttered, shaking my head as I continued turning the pages.
Then—
My heart pounded violently.
My fingers froze as I stared at the photos on this page. I swallowed hard as cold sweat trickled down my back.
"Ryuji…" I whispered weakly, staring at the man I knew so well—standing right beside Topan.
Dewi's POV END
---
Seeing the face of the man she had never truly forgotten—not even after seven long years—once again wrapped Dewi's heart in uncertainty.
Dewi closed her eyes. Her shoulders trembled faintly as she drew in a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, over and over, trying to steady herself.
It was always like this.
She was still shaken every time she heard the name Ryuji, no matter where she was. And now… she was staring straight at a photograph pulled directly from her past.
Tok! Tok!
"Dewi? Are you in there?"
The knock on the door startled her. Even more so because it was her husband's voice—Topan.
In a hurry, Dewi shut the album and stood up, quickly returning it to its place on the shelf.
"Yes, wait a moment. I'm coming out," she replied.
As she tried to slide the album back into its original position, a photo slipped out and fell to the floor.
"Dewi? I'm coming in."
Topan's voice sounded again, followed by the click of the doorknob turning and the door opening.
Panic surged through her.
She hurriedly picked up the photo and flipped it over.
Her eyes widened in shock.
The picture showed Topan—her husband—being held affectionately by the arm of a stunningly beautiful woman.
'Huh? Who is this?'
A strange unease slowly crept into her chest.
She turned the photo over and read the writing on the back.
Marinka and Topan's engagement, January 7th…
Tap… tap…
Dewi wanted to know more, but the sound of heavy footsteps approaching forced her to hastily slip the photo back into the album and return it to the shelf.
She stood stiffly in place, straightening her Winnie the Pooh apron, her eyes darting around as she tried to remain calm—hoping Topan wouldn't sense anything amiss.
"How long have you been here? Why weren't you out front when I got home, hm? Did Mother ask you to tidy things up?"
Topan's low, flat voice reached her ears. If one listened carefully, there was a hint of concern beneath his words.
"Huh? N-no! Mother didn't ask me to do anything. I was just bored staying inside the house, so… I helped her a bit. Tidied up and moved some small things into the storage room," Dewi explained quickly.
Topan's sharp eyes narrowed slightly, catching the odd tension in his wife's demeanor. Still, he chose not to dwell on it.
He stepped closer and pulled Dewi into his arms.
"Next time you're bored, just call me. I'll have Arya come pick you up," he said softly.
Dewi's body stiffened a little.
Ever since they decided to accept each other and try to become a real husband and wife, Topan had grown more affectionate—embracing her, or simply brushing her hair gently.
"Y-yeah… uh… o-okay," she replied nervously, forcing a small smile as she met his gaze.
Even though Topan had hugged her every morning before leaving for work and every evening when he came home this past week, Dewi was still stiff—still not used to it.
Especially now, when her thoughts were filled with questions about the woman named Marinka—the woman she had seen standing beside Topan in that album.
"You're really okay, right?" Topan asked, sensing her discomfort.
He knew his wife was still awkward with his touches, but somehow today felt different. As if Dewi was hiding something from him.
"I'm fine. Come on, let's go out. Mother might be waiting. I promised I'd go shopping with her," Dewi said, gently pulling away from his embrace with a small smile.
For now, she decided to set aside what she had seen. She would find the right moment later—to talk to Topan about Marinka, and whatever history lay between them.
Topan let out a quiet sigh, then nodded. He reached for Dewi's hand and held it tightly.
Side by side, they walked out of the mansion's back storage room together.
●●●●
Later That Night — 10:45 PM
The backyard of the Sagara mansion was lively, filled with the hum of conversations beneath the soft glow of small string lights woven through the creeping vines encircling the yard. The clinking of glasses blended with the mouthwatering aroma of grilled food, making the atmosphere feel warm and intimate.
Tonight, as previously agreed—and at Ratna's request—the annual barbecue party was held at the Sagara residence.
Since her husband's passing a year ago, the mansion had felt increasingly empty. Especially with Topan choosing to live alone, despite still visiting his mother twice a week.
The eldest of the Sagara siblings had long since left the mansion, choosing to pursue his own career path.
Tak!
The sound of a plate being set down in front of Dewi made her flinch slightly. The culprit was none other than her husband.
She lifted her head and met Topan's flat gaze. He bent slightly, leaning closer to her.
"Why aren't you eating the meat? Is it not cooked enough? Or do you not like it? I can get you something else if you want."
Silence.
The table fell quiet the moment Topan finished speaking.
Not because of the question itself—but because everyone clearly caught the concern hidden behind his otherwise emotionless tone.
"Emm… ah… i-it's just…"
Dewi stammered. All eyes were now on them. Embarrassed? Of course. Just look at her mommy teasing gaze, her mother-in-law's knowing smile, and Merry who was openly giggling with Malika at the far end of the table.
"To-Topan… uh… I'm fine," she whispered, lowering her gaze as she gripped her fork tighter.
Good grief—her husband really didn't notice all the attention on them, did he? She was so embarrassed being the center of it all!
Creak
Dewi suddenly stood up, her cheeks flushing deeper as she spoke without thinking.
"Err… I-I'll go inside for a bit. To… um… get some chili sauce… y-yeah… that," she said awkwardly.
She hurried away—but was stopped when Topan caught her wrist, forcing her to turn back.
"To-Topan—hey—"
"Are you sick? Should we head inside and rest? Your face—"
Topan's large hand gently brushed Dewi's flushed cheek, making the heat there intensify.
Thump!
"Uhh, I-I'm not sick… I'm fine," Dewi whispered.
Dear God, her heart had been racing far too often lately whenever she was close to him.
Ahem!
"Well then, Daddy's going to grill some more corn. Merry, come help me," Andri said, standing up with a knowing smile as he walked toward the grill, followed by the youngest who was still giggling at Dewi's shy reaction.
"Ah… M-Mommy should go inside too and get more sauce," Mira added with a light laugh.
"I'll come with you, Mir. I need to use the restroom anyway," Ratna quickly followed.
"Hehee… Sis, I think Mr. Satya just arrived—he brought drinks and snacks. Medina also texted, she's already here. I'll go greet them first, okay?"
Malika quickly escaped as well. No way was he staying behind to interrupt that moment.
"…They're all acting weird. Why did everyone leave?" Topan muttered, glancing around in confusion as the long table was suddenly left empty.
Realizing their not-so-subtle intentions, Dewi cursed silently. Great. Now her heart was pounding even louder.
"Hahh…"
With no other choice, she sat back down and finally ate the grilled meat Topan had prepared.
"You're sure you're okay?" he asked again.
Topan sat beside her, watching her closely.
"I'm fine. Why?" Dewi replied innocently.
"You've been spacing out since earlier. Even this afternoon. Is something bothering you?"
This time, his voice was noticeably softer. He was trying hard not to sound distant—truthfully worried that Dewi might be carrying something heavy on her mind.
Dewi's hand froze midair, fork hovering. She looked back at him, seeing the concern in his eyes. Steadying her breath, she tried to calm the relentless pounding in her chest.
"It's nothing important. And I don't think tonight is the right time to talk about it. Everyone's happy right now," she said with a small smile.
Gathering her courage, Dewi reached out and gently rested her hand over the back of Topan's, softly stroking it—silently telling him she was okay.
"You—"
Topan didn't know what to say. He faltered. Truthfully, he was startled—it was the first time Dewi had initiated such a small act of affection.
Her fingers were met and enclosed. Topan's hand wrapped around hers, their fingers interlacing tightly.
BOOM! BOOM!
Fireworks exploded across the sky, bursting into shimmering lights.
Happy New Year…
The clock had struck midnight. The sound of trumpets and fireworks echoed throughout the city.
"Hehee… it's so beautiful…"
Without realizing it, Dewi released their joined hands and stepped forward, gazing up at the glowing sky.
Topan shook his head lightly, then followed her.
Tap… tap… tap…
"It really is. And it's even more beautiful because you're here with me," he said honestly.
Dewi heard him clearly. Stiffly, she turned around to see Topan standing just a few steps away, a soft smile on his handsome face.
"Topan—"
"Dewi, I—"
Thud! Thud!
Hug!
Just as they were about to speak again, a sudden impact slammed into Topan's back. A slender pair of arms wrapped around his waist.
"Hey—let go! Who—"
Topan instinctively pulled away, but froze when he saw who it was.
"I missed you, babe! I'm back!"
That voice—especially that smiling face—made Topan stiffen completely.
"Marinka…" he murmured flatly.
Dewi's eyes widened in shock. She stood frozen as she watched her husband being embraced by a woman she didn't know—especially after hearing him say her name.
Looking closer, she recognized her.
Marinka.
The very woman Dewi had seen in the photo album earlier that afternoon.
And for the first time, Dewi had to admit it—a small, unfamiliar jealousy slowly crept into her heart.
TO BE CONTINUED…