~Episode 16~
Ivan reached home in the evening. The front door was slightly open. Maybe his mother forgot to close it in a hurry. He stepped inside without thinking much about it. The house looked the same as always, but something felt different to him. He removed his shoes slowly and walked in.
Jaya was standing near the sofa, holding her phone close to her ear. She was busy talking to someone and smiling softly. Her voice was low but warm. She didn't notice Ivan at first.
When she heard footsteps, she turned back.
"Oh, you're home?" she said. "Sorry, I didn't notice you."
"I don't care," Ivan replied coldly. He didn't stop or look at her. He moved toward the stairs.
Jaya watched his back for a moment. Then she spoke again, her voice more serious.
"Saturday… I'm going to marry him. Get ready."
She told him clearly that she was going to marry Marcus, her boyfriend.
Ivan stopped for a second, but he didn't turn around. His face showed nothing. He continued walking upstairs as if her words didn't matter. He entered his room and locked the door behind him.
He sat on the edge of his bed. His hands were tight, but his face stayed calm. He told himself not to think about it.
Downstairs, Jaya continued her phone call.
On the other side, Marcus had heard everything Ivan said.
"He won't come," Marcus said after a short pause.
"I know," Jaya replied. Her eyebrows tightened as she stared at the floor.
"Then why are you forcing him to come?" Marcus asked.
Marcus was standing in his mechanic garage. Cars were parked around him. His uniform was dirty with oil and dust. He wiped his hands with a cloth while holding the phone.
"Because he's my son. My blood," Jaya said. "You won't understand, Marcus."
"Babe," Marcus said softly, "I only want you to be happy. But he will hurt you again. I know it."
Jaya didn't reply immediately.
Marcus continued, his voice full of worry. "I also keep thinking… what will he do if he finds out you're pregnant?"
Jaya closed her eyes for a moment.
"That's enough," she said. "I'm going to sleep."
"I'm sorry," Marcus said quickly. "I didn't want to upset you. I'm just nervous."
He leaned against a car and took a deep breath before speaking again.
"We're getting married next week. But things between you and Ivan are still not fixed. I tried to talk to him, but I failed to build any connection."
Jaya listened quietly.
"I keep thinking about the future," Marcus said. "After marriage, what will he do? Will he come and live with us? Will he accept our child as his brother or sister?"
His voice became softer. "These thoughts don't leave my mind. You know how much I love you, babe."
"Marcus," Jaya said, trying to sound calm, "don't overthink everything."
She ended the call and put the phone aside. She sat down slowly, holding her stomach. Her face showed worry, but she tried to stay strong.
Upstairs, Ivan lay on his bed. He stared at the ceiling. His mother's words kept repeating in his mind, but he didn't let any emotion show on his face. He told himself again that he didn't care.
But his chest felt heavy.
He turned his face toward the wall and closed his eyes, pretending that nothing had changed.