Topan POV
"What do you want for breakfast?"
I tightened my arms around Dewi's waist, inhaling the fresh scent of soap at the back of her neck. Breakfast time had long passed, yet we were still in the bedroom.
Even after showering and changing the sheets and blankets, Dewi chose to lie on her side, facing the wide window that overlooked the view outside my room.
Last night must have shaken her. I knew she might shut me out for a while—so all I did was stay beside her, holding her, making sure she knew I wasn't going anywhere.
"I'm not hungry…" Dewi murmured softly.
I drew in a slow breath.
Cup
Leaning forward, I pressed a gentle kiss to her head.
"Does it still hurt?"
My fingers searched for her hand and clasped it firmly.
"Err… um…"
Her stiff reaction made me smile to myself.
'She's embarrassed,' I thought.
"I'm sorry…"
Once again, I leaned in and kissed her cheek—now faintly flushed. I lingered there on purpose, letting her know I hadn't meant to hurt her last night.
"Enghh… To-Topan… stop it already!"
Srek!
I chuckled softly as she started grumbling, pulling away from my embrace and sitting up.
"You pervert!"
"Pfftt—"
This time, I couldn't hold my laughter back.
Seeing her blushing face—annoyed yet flustered—only made her look even sweeter to me.
Grep
"Alright. I'll stop teasing."
I sat beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She didn't pull away.
Silence.
Dewi said nothing, and neither did I. She rested her head against me, listening to the rapid beat of my heart.
The quiet calmed me.
Truthfully, sooner or later, I had to explain everything about Marinka to her.
"I've known Marinka since high school. We stayed close when we went to the same university, even the same major," I finally began.
"Near our final semester, someone from an agency approached her with a modeling offer."
I broke the silence at last.
"That first advertising project was a success. After that, she started taking modeling seriously—spending more time in Vegas than here."
A strange sensation crept into my chest as I spoke of the past. But I knew this had to be said—now.
"So… when did you two start dating?" Dewi asked quietly.
"I mean, you said you were friends since school, right? Or…?"
I paused when I met her wide, curious eyes.
"We never dated," I said simply.
Her brows knit together, confusion written clearly on her face.
"When Marinka told me she liked me, I agreed—and I decided to get engaged to her right away," I continued.
"Huh? Then did you actually like her or not? This sounds like she chased after you, you didn't really notice, and then—"
"I never thought about love in the first place," I cut in calmly.
"My life was only about one thing—how to keep the family company running."
I could see the shock in her expression, as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
I leaned back against the headboard and took a slow breath.
"I thought there was nothing wrong with loving Marinka… because at that time, she was the only one who stayed by my side."
Topan POV END
-----
12.35 p.m
Clack! Clack!
Noisy sounds echoed from the kitchen, mixed with light chatter. Mira, Ratna, Merry, and Medina—young and middle-aged women alike—were gathered together, preparing lunch.
"Mom… it's already this late, but why haven't Dewi and Topan shown up yet? Are they okay?"
Merry, the youngest, spoke up while stirring a pot of soup on the stove. Worry was clearly written on her face, especially after last night's incident.
Everyone who heard her question let out a quiet sigh. They shared the same concern.
Clack!
"Huh—if Topan dares to hurt Dewi, I swear I'll chop him up with this!"
Medina snapped, raising the meat knife dramatically, making it very clear she wouldn't stay quiet if something happened.
Mira and Ratna reflexively rubbed their chests and shook their heads with small smiles at Medina's behavior.
"But Mommy believes Topan and Dewi are fine," Mira said gently. "Even though… last night was chaotic."
Ratna nodded in agreement, glancing at the wall clock—nearly one in the afternoon now—and quickened her movements.
"Let's just finish cooking first. I'll go call them afterward," she said, earning approving nods from the others.
Some time later…
The long dining table was neatly arranged, filled with various dishes. The men finally joined after Medina called them over.
"Huh? Jos, where's Medina? She's not joining lunch?"
Ratna asked when she saw Jose arrive alone.
Krrt...
Jose pulled out a chair and nodded briefly.
"She's checking on the kids. Luca's a bit fussy—he had a fever all night. Lucy doesn't want to leave his side either."
Ratna nodded in understanding. "Lucy really adores her brother. Their age gap isn't big anyway—just two years, right?"
Yes. Medina and Jose Karella were blessed with two children—a son and a daughter, Luca and Lucy, aged six and four.
Ratna looked around at everyone starting to eat and nodded in satisfaction.
'It's time to call Dewi and Topan,' she thought.
She lightly patted Mira's shoulder, and her in-law immediately understood.
Tap… tap… tap…
Just as Ratna was about to turn around, footsteps approached the dining room.
"Y-you all—"
Ratna turned—and froze.
Topan stood there… carrying Dewi in his arms, bridal style.
"What's going on— uhuk!"
Mira, who turned at the same time, nearly choked.
"Oh my goodness, Mir. Drink some water, dear. Eat slowly," Andri said quickly, handing her a glass.
"S-sister…"
Merry and Malika spoke at the same time.
All eyes were now on Topan and Dewi.
Topan looked as expressionless as ever, while Dewi buried her flushed face against his broad chest.
Tap! Tap!
"What's happening here? Why haven't you started eating— OH MY GOD, HEY!!!"
Medina's shrill voice shattered the moment as she rushed forward.
"What did you do to Dewi, huh?! Why can't she walk?! You hurt her, didn't you?! Confess! Dewi, tell me the truth—"
"My wife can't walk because she's a little sore. We last night did—"
Grep!
Dewi instinctively clamped both hands over Topan's mouth.
Her face turned as red as a boiled crab.
"A-ah… um… it's nothing, really… err… I just don't feel well… yeah… haha…"
Good thing she reacted in time. There was no way she could let them know that she and Topan had truly consummated their marriage last night.
"Put me down… I can walk by myself, Topan," she whispered.
But Topan remained firm. He carried Dewi to an empty chair and carefully set her down.
"Ukh… shh…"
Dewi hissed softly as the soreness flared again.
Medina flushed red. 'Oh God… I shouldn't have asked.'
"Come on, sit and eat first, honey," Jose said quickly, pulling Medina down to the chair beside him.
Everyone—except Merry—cleared their throats awkwardly, wearing knowing smiles.
"Are you okay? Still uncomfortable? Or do you want to go back to the room? I can bring your food there," Topan asked quietly.
Once again, everyone cleared their throats in unison.
Dewi's face grew even redder as she lowered her head.
"I-I'm fine… don't worry," she murmured.
Topan nodded.
Soft laughter and shy smiles spread across the table. Only Merry still looked confused.
Her sister's in pain… so why is everyone smiling like that? But well… her innocent mind simply hadn't reached that point yet.
That bright afternoon passed in warm togetherness—a gentle way to begin the new year.
●●●
Dewi POV
5:15 p.m.
Hmm… it's been over an hour since Topan excused himself to go to the company. He said there was a small issue that needed his attention.
Tap… tap…
"Huh? Wi? You're alone out here? Where's Topan?"
I turned around when I heard Medina's voice behind me.
"You're back already?" I asked.
The others had decided to go to Florentia Park after lunch to have some fun. Topan and I turned down the invitation and chose to rest instead.
"He went to the company about an hour ago. Said there was a minor problem and that he'd be back soon," I replied.
Medina nodded briefly, then walked over and sat beside me. The large swing was spacious enough for the two of us.
"I came back early because I bought groceries for dinner. Aunt Ranah hasn't returned yet, right?"
I nodded in understanding.
Yes—Aunt Ranah is the housekeeper who has worked for the Sagara family for years. Once a year, she always takes leave to visit her family in her hometown.
"Let me cook dinner tonight," I offered. I felt a little guilty for not helping at all since morning.
"Sure. Let's do it together. I'll ask Merry to help too."
Silence settled between us for a moment.
"Dewi… about last night—"
I flinched slightly when Medina brought it up.
"I trust Topan," I said shortly, closing my eyes and letting the cool afternoon breeze wash over me.
"If that's what you say, then no matter what, I'll support you."
I opened my eyes, turned to her, and smiled.
"Thank you…"
I rested my head on her shoulder and let out a slow breath.
"Honestly, I was scared Topan might hurt me… like Ryuji did before. But after getting to know him better over these past few months, somehow… I've started to believe," I said softly.
Ryuji…
The name surfaced on its own.
His face wasn't that different from my husband's—though Topan resembled his late father more. Tanned skin. Cold, unreadable eyes. They were similar in many ways.
I felt Medina's shoulder tense slightly.
She was one of the people who stood by me during those darkest times.
"If he ever hurts you, you have me. Anytime. Anywhere."
I smiled and nodded, hearing the tremor in her voice.
"But…"
I lifted my head and looked at her, confused.
"I think there's nothing wrong with being honest with Topan. He doesn't know about this yet, does he?"
I froze for a moment.
She was right.
Topan didn't fully know about my past—and I was still afraid to reopen those wounds.
"I'll try," I whispered, my gaze drifting toward the sunset slowly sinking beyond the horizon.
Dewi POV END
As the two friends returned to chatting about lighthearted things, unaware to them—
A tall silhouette, who had been standing behind the wall leading to the backyard all this time, slowly turned around and walked away.
TO BE CONTINUED…