Marinka POV
"It seems you should reconsider meeting Topan again."
I scoffed flatly, glancing at my cousin on the smartphone screen. We often talked through video calls—especially because for the past two years, I'd constantly asked her about Topan's condition.
"What do you mean, Esther? I'm just coming to say hi. Besides, you said Topan married through an arranged marriage, right? I'm sure he was forced into it."
"But his wife—"
"Ssh, enough! Don't mention that woman!" I snapped irritably.
"Huh, does she really think she's better than me? Listen, Esther, I'm absolutely certain—my feelings and Topan's are still the same. We're still bound to each other."
"I've warned you, Marin. He's not the same as he used to be and—"
Tut! Click!
Damn it, Esther! What was that supposed to mean?!
There was no way Topan had changed. His love for me couldn't just disappear. I was sure of it. Even two years ago, before I left, he begged me to stay.
"Hm… now I'm ready to be yours completely, Topan."
I stared at my reflection in the vanity mirror, imagining how our reunion would go.
Click!
"Are you ready? Your photoshoot is about to start—oh gosh, Marinka, what the hell?! Ten minutes until your shoot! Jonathan hates waiting!"
I put on a flat expression at Karina standing in the doorway, seen through the mirror.
"Tch, he can wait! I just need to change!" I snapped.
Standing up, I grabbed the dress laid out on the table and rushed into the bathroom.
Fifteen minutes later…
"You're late, babe!"
Karina and I had just entered the studio when Jonathan's sharp voice came at me.
"It's only five minutes," I replied casually, taking off my knee-length coat and revealing the winter-themed dress for today's shoot.
Jonathan snorted in annoyance and shook his head, still busy adjusting his camera.
Wait… where was the person who was supposed to be my partner today? Jonathan said he invited someone else to collaborate.
"Karina, didn't you say someone else was coming? Where is he?"
I crossed my arms. "Tch, Jonathan is so biased. I'm late for a bit and he scolds me."
"Ssh, he's not just anyone," Karina explained while fixing my appearance. "Besides, he's Jonathan's close friend."
Knock… knock!
I let out a small scoff at her explanation. At the same time, the door was knocked on. Jonathan walked over and opened it.
"You finally made it, my friend! Hahaha! Come on in!"
I froze.
A tall man smiled warmly at Jonathan. For some reason, his face felt familiar.
Tap… tap…
"Marinka, let me introduce you. This is Ryuji. He'll be your partner for today's shoot."
I nodded and extended my hand.
"Ryuji, I hope we'll work well together."
I stiffened.
Oh God… those red eyes.
Yes—there was no mistake. Not as red as his, but still unmistakable.
"Marinka," I said shortly.
Ryuji's grip was firm, almost engulfing my hand. Something made my chest flutter as I met his smile.
Not long after, the photoshoot began. Ryuji was extremely professional. We only needed one take for each scene Jonathan directed.
Just today. After that, I had to rush to the airport.
I tried to calm myself—though since earlier, my eyes kept drifting back to Ryuji's smile.
---
Florentia Airport, 10 PM
"Ugh, it's so cold!"
I rubbed my hands together after passing through the gate.
My flight was delayed for several hours due to technical issues at Vegas Airport, pushing my schedule back.
"Tch, this is what happens when you buy tickets on your own. Hmm… but I can't exactly ask Karina for help either."
I muttered to myself, shaking my head slightly. The thought of Karina's scowling face if she knew I came back to Florentia secretly today was oddly amusing.
I pushed my luggage trolley forward, looking ahead.
Ah, there she is! Esther was already waiting. Hehee…
"Have you been waiting long?" I asked cheerfully as I approached her.
Esther adjusted her glasses and shook her head. She took over the trolley, and we headed toward the parking lot.
"Do you want to go home, or should I drop you at your old apartment?"
I shook my head.
"Let's go straight to Topan's house! I want to surprise him!"
Esther turned to me, startled.
"It's already late. Besides, he'll definitely be busy with his family. It's New Year's Eve and—"
I pouted and reached for the passenger door. If Esther refused, I'd just take a taxi.
"Hey, Marinka! Tch… fine, I'll take you!"
I smiled victoriously and closed the door again. Esther started the engine, ready to drive—but her next words made me pause.
"Don't regret it if Topan rejects you. He's not the same as before."
Hah… I'd bet on it. Just wait and see!
---
Some time later…
"Let go!"
I flinched in shock as Topan brushed my hand away.
How could this be?! No! No!!!
I turned and glared angrily at the two women standing in front of me and Topan—especially one of them.
Dewi.
"Oh, so your name is Dewi? So you're the one who forced Topan to marry you? Tch…"
I clicked my tongue, crossing my arms as I looked at her. She looked startled, but I only shook my head.
You snake of a woman! How dare you steal Topan from me!
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?! HEY—"
"DON'T YOU DARE INSULT—"
"SILENCE!!!"
I flinched. That sharp voice was directed at me—and worse, Topan shouted too?!
"She's my daughter-in-law, Marinka."
I stared in shock at the middle-aged woman who stepped in.
Tch, who does she think she is?!
"What do you mean, Mother? Topan and I clearly still love each other! You know that very well!"
I scoffed angrily when she said our relationship had ended two years ago.
For me, my feelings—and Topan's—had never changed.
Come on, Topan… show your mother!
"I still have feelings for Marinka…"
Yes. That's it!
Ahh, finally… I told you, didn't I? Topan's heart is still mine.
I smiled in triumph as I heard Topan's confession.
Hah… what a relief.
Marinka POV END
●●●
Everyone present was stunned by Topan's words—especially Dewi. A sharp pain pierced straight through her heart.
Hearing that her husband still loved another woman… then what about her? Were all the words Topan had said back then nothing but lies? His actions too? Or had everything only been an illusion?
Trying to steady herself, Dewi pulled away from Medina's and her mother-in-law's embrace, then hurriedly left the backyard.
"Dewi, wait—"
Drap… drap…
Ignoring every voice behind her, Dewi ran farther away. Meanwhile, Topan lowered his head, closing his eyes for a moment.
"What do you mean, Topan?! You— I never expected this from you…"
Ratna was truly shocked by her son's words. Medina and her close friend Mira had to hold her from both sides as she nearly collapsed, dizziness suddenly overwhelming her.
"You heard it yourself, didn't you, Mother? Topan and I still love each other! You can't force your wishes—"
"I've decided to let you go, Marinka."
Marinka's words were cut off abruptly. The smug expression on her face vanished instantly at Topan's statement.
"W-what? B-but earlier you said—"
This time, Marinka's voice trembled clearly. She stared at Topan, demanding an explanation.
Topan took a deep breath. He would be honest.
His feelings for Marinka were indeed still there—but he couldn't deny it anymore. Dewi was the one who now ignited a warm flame in his heart.
Turning slightly, Topan spoke firmly.
"Yes, my feelings for you still exist. But Dewi and I married because of an arrangement, and I accepted it not because I was forced—nor because she pressured me. It was purely my own decision."
Marinka shook her head. Her eyes had turned glassy as she looked at him, but Topan remained unwavering.
"Now I'm starting to fall in love with Dewi. Her presence has become something I'm used to," Topan added—then immediately walked away.
Everyone in the backyard of the mansion let out a breath of relief—everyone except Marinka, who stood frozen as tears slowly slid down her beautiful cheeks.
She had returned to Florentia, confident in her feelings for Topan—only to be struck mercilessly by reality.
Now, Marinka staggered as she left the backyard. Not a single person showed her any sympathy. She kept walking out of the mansion toward the parking area, where her cousin's car was parked.
Esther, who had been standing anxiously beside the car, quickly approached and grabbed Marinka's slumped shoulders.
"Marin—"
"H-he said… he's letting me go… b-but his lo-love… hiks…"
That broken murmur was enough for Esther to understand what had happened inside. Without lingering any longer, she needed to get Marinka away from this place immediately.
The day had changed. A new year arrived, welcomed with joy. The euphoria of the night still continued.
Florentia grew colder past midnight, delivering a biting chill—especially for Marinka, who now sat silently inside the car, staring at the snow slowly falling beyond the window.
●●●●
Dewi POV
"I still have feelings for Marinka…"
Hah…
If he's still in love with his ex, then why doesn't Topan just divorce me already? After all—
"Give me time. I promise I'll take you to watch the sunset—wherever it is—every single day."
"Tch… what nonsense? Your ex just showed up and you've already forgotten about me, huh."
I twisted the pillow tightly in my arms, venting my frustration.
Remembering what happened earlier—and especially that woman's words—made me feel as if I were the one at fault, even though I knew absolutely nothing about their past.
"Maybe my status will change soon? Hehee…" I murmured softly, burying my face into the pillow.
Tap… tap… tap…
"There will never be a divorce. Ever!"
Huh?!
I jolted and lifted my head.
"Topan, y-you…"
Why is he here?! I didn't even lock the door. I put on a flat expression as I looked at him.
"Do I need to remind you of our agreement? It clearly states that we're not supposed to interfere in each other's affairs, and—"
Grep!
Smooch!
My eyes widened in shock. Oh my God—this soft thing against my lips—
"H-hei… ngh, l-let go! Topan…!"
Brukh!
I roughly wiped my lips after managing to push him away. Damn it, what was that supposed to mean?!
Dewi POV END
---
"What the hell is wrong with you?! You just kissed me like that?!" Dewi snapped angrily.
She moved farther toward the center of the bed. Her body trembled violently. Her eyes burned. Topan's sudden kiss had stirred something strange deep inside her.
"Y-you… you can't treat me however you want! W-we didn't get married because of love, so p-please just end it…"
Dewi was not a woman capable of enduring deep pain for long. After all, their marriage had been forced from the very beginning. She was ready to leave—anytime.
"P-please… end it…" she whispered, lowering her head as her shoulders shook.
Grep!
Strong arms pulled her into an embrace. When Dewi lifted her face, she froze at the sight of Topan's expression—so different from his usual one.
"Is that all that's on your mind?" Topan asked sharply.
"Ukhh…"
Dewi looked down again, but she was too slow—Topan cupped her cheeks, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"There will never be a divorce. Never. Did you forget what I promised you? How am I supposed to make you understand if you keep pushing me away?"
Deg!
Topan took Dewi's hands and pressed them against his broad chest, making her feel the rapid, heavy pounding of his heart—faster than usual.
"I know you're afraid. I am too. But here, I will never lie to you. Believe me…"
Unknowingly, Dewi's tears fell slowly. In her palms, she could clearly feel it—their heartbeats dancing in the same rhythm.
"I—I…"
"Ssh…"
Topan gently touched Dewi's lips as she tried to speak.
They stared at each other, full of longing. No one knew who started it—but slowly, surely, their lips met in a tender sway.
A peck.
Once…
Twice…
Until they chose to remove the barrier between them. Only innocence remained, accompanied by frantic heartbeats as if racing against time.
Their movements repeated, rushed—afraid this might all be nothing more than a dream.
Grep!
"Does it hurt?" Topan asked softly, taking a deep breath. He looked down—his wife's flushed face, her breathing just as unsteady as his, eyes tightly shut.
"Umm… a little…"
Topan chuckled quietly and wiped the sweat from her forehead.
Kiss
"Thank you for trusting me…"
Only soft breathing was heard beside Topan. He glanced over, smiled, and tightened his embrace once more.
All Topan ever needed was Dewi's acceptance. That alone was more than enough to keep her by his side—forever.
TO BE CONTINUED…