A few hours ago...
Cesilia, still angry, was forced to sign a declaration letter allowing Alexander to remarry. Now she was faced with a bitter reality.
"As a brand ambassador for our product, you must follow all the rules we have set according to the agreed-upon contract. And one of them is to be willing to wear costumes according to the theme." A man pointed to a rack filled with various clothes.
Cesilia narrowed her eyes, observing the type of clothing displayed there.
"That? All of them?" She asked, unable to believe what she was seeing. "Those look like lingerie." Cesilia shook her head. It was impossible to wear such clothes for work. She couldn't imagine Alexander's reaction when he saw her body displayed on social media and magazines in revealing outfits.
"That's correct. You will wear them to promote lotion and soap. For skincare, you can choose costumes according to your preference," said the man, whom Cesilia recognized as her new superior's manager.
To add to her misery, the man showed her a copy of the contract that Widiya had signed.
"No, this is impossible. I've seen previous models never wear such revealing outfits?! Why me--"
The man raised his hand. "Accept it or cancel the contract with a penalty as stated in the agreement you signed."
Cesilia pressed her lips tightly. She could no longer find the right words to refute everything the man had said. Her chest rumbled as she noticed the numerous zeros in the penalty payment table if either party canceled the contract.
Not to mention all her assets combined with Alexander's wealth and selling all her organs, Cesilia wasn't confident she could afford the exorbitant penalty, which seemed more like a scam.
"Please think about it. Proceed or pay all the damages as stated there. My superior gives you until tomorrow night. And for the final decision, please meet my superior at this hotel."
Cesilia raised an eyebrow, accepting a business card handed to her by the man. She wondered why a hotel was chosen as the meeting place, considering the size of their office.
"I'm not sure about all of this," Cesilia thought to herself. She stared at the business card, even as she was on her way to the hospital. With one hope, that Alexander and Casandra hadn't married yet.
However, all of Cesilia's hopes turned into mere wishes. When she arrived at the hospital, Alexander had already legally married Casandra.
Words couldn't express the pain Cesilia felt right now, knowing that Alexander had remarried. Even worse, her husband had married legally.
Cesilia tightly closed her eyes. She never expected the pain to be this intense when she found out Alexander had two wives. Previously, she thought it would be okay if Casandra became Alexander's second wife.
But the reality was different. It was incredibly painful to see her husband remarry and jeopardize their contract.
"Lex, I need to talk," Cesilia murmured softly. Without glancing at Alexander, who was comforting his furious mother.
How could Meri not be angry? Cesilia had asked Alexander to marry Casandra, and now she suddenly wanted her son to divorce her. Of course, it was impossible because Casandra was a human being with a heart and feelings, not a puppet to be played with at will.
Moreover, Meri had hoped to have grandchildren from Casandra, a daughter-in-law who met her criteria all this time. Obedient and polite in speech. Which parent wouldn't be happy to have a daughter-in-law like Casandra? She was beautiful, too.
"Let's talk here! Mama wants to hear what you're talking about, especially when you mentioned Casandra's name earlier." Meri's eyes glared sharply at Cesilia, even though she was talking to her only son.
Alexander sighed heavily, glancing at Cesilia, who appeared displeased with his mother's request. And believe it or not, Alexander could now see a glimmer of hatred in Cesilia's eyes.
"No need to worry about me, Alexander. I am your wife, and of course, I must obey your mother's orders." Cesilia stepped forward and stood right in front of Alexander. "I will cancel the contract and forget about all my obsessions all these years."
Alexander and Meri looked at each other. They were both startled and couldn't believe everything Cesilia said. Cancel the contract? It was impossible!
"I know you don't believe what I'm saying. But I never forced anyone, and I will prove it directly. Tomorrow night, I will give you the contract cancellation letter, and you need to prepare the money to pay the penalty. After that, you must divorce Casandra in front of everyone because I refuse to have a mistress as a servant."
A smile appeared at the corners of Alexander's mouth upon hearing Cesilia's agreement. He was truly happy that Cesilia finally understood and was willing to keep the promise they made six years ago.
However, Alexander didn't show his happiness to his mother to ensure that everything would go as he desired. Furthermore, after expressing all her desires, Cesilia immediately left. She said she wanted to negotiate the penalty fee. Cesilia also instructed them to remove Casandra from the house and pay her a small amount of money before sending her back to her hometown.
"It's up to you whether you want to return to how things were or not. Mama doesn't care at all." Meri clenched the blanket tightly that covered her body. "...but don't send Casandra back. Let alone cancel all the promises you made to her, especially when there was hope when you wanted to finance her father's treatment. Alexander, I beg you. Let her stay with Mama, even if you divorce her. You can give Mama a share in the company to cover all the costs of Casandra's father's treatment and her siblings' education.
Don't contest all of that. Then Mama won't interfere with your marriage and Cesilia's affairs."
Alexander nodded, agreeing with his mother's wish to not further complicate the situation. He wanted to live peacefully with Cesilia as before and start a pregnancy program so that they could have a child.
Happiness? Don't ask how Alexander felt now. Cesilia would soon become a complete housewife, just as he had always dreamed of. Soon, there would be a child growing in Cesilia's womb. Alexander couldn't wait and joined Cesilia in handling all the contract cancellations.
This included finding a loan to pay the penalty so that Cesilia could truly be free from all obligations. The amount was substantial, draining all their savings and assets, but it didn't diminish Alexander's spirit. While Cesilia went to meet her superior, Alexander was also busy preparing all the documents for fund disbursement and selling the assets he owned. They had only ten days since the agreement was made.
As Alexander and Cesilia were ready to weave their dreams that had been delayed, Meri could only hold Casandra's hand, who was now accompanying her in the hospital. The two of them watched television and exchanged stories about many things. Without mentioning the impending divorce between Casandra and Alexander, which would take place shortly. Night was approaching, and Cesilia would soon be done with all her affairs.
Alexander had also arrived and sat on the sofa. He looked disheveled, arranging numerous papers on the table. From Alexander's current expression, Meri was sure that the amount he would pay was not insignificant.
***
Waiting. Alexander and Meri were still awake, even though the clock on the wall showed it was already two in the morning. They both couldn't wait for Cesilia's arrival, who supposedly would bring the contract cancellation letter.
Despite feeling sleepy, neither Alexander nor Meri could close their eyes like Casandra, who had already dozed off on the sofa. They were tired of waiting for Cesilia, who supposedly had surprising news.
"Cesilia," Alexander murmured, rushing to greet Cesilia. He also embraced the woman who had been his wife for six years.
"How is it, darling? Is it done? I've..."
"I'm sorry, Alexander. They agreed to my request. So I canceled the contract cancellation because they agreed to change all the points that I objected to." Cesilia brought her hand to touch Alexander's cheek. "Casandra is still here. Two years is not a long time. I hope you can be patient and wait for me."
"No!" Alexander brushed Cesilia's hand off his cheek. He fell to his knees and held Cesilia's hand. "Please, Cesilia. Cancel everything as you said this morning!"
"I can't cancel it when this new agreement can make me a famous model, Alexander! Moreover... my superior said this opportunity could make me an international model. So please, understand and be patient for these two years. You don't have to worry. I will still be your wife and fulfill my duties as usual. It's just that I will spend more time outside the house in the future. So please understand my position!"
Alexander's face lifted. "Understand, you say? Understand? After you said this morning that you wanted to cancel? Really?"
"I haven't met my superior, that's why I said that, Alexander." Cesilia shook her head. "Enough, don't prolong this issue. I want to start working right away. See you later at home."
Cesilia casually patted Alexander's shoulder. Like walking on a catwalk, Cesilia simply walked away, leaving Alexander with all the pain and disappointment that had merged into one.
"Is that the wife you're proud of? Pitiful!" Meri sneered, looking at Alexander, who was staring blankly at Cesilia. All the hopes that had emerged were shattered. They had nurtured happiness in their hearts, but it had all vanished. Cesilia had taken it away for the second time.
I don't know whether to feel sad or happy. When she found out that her father had been hospitalized and started preparing everything before the surgery. It was something Casandra had always dreamed of. To be able to bring her first love to the hospital, to regain his health as before.And today, everything became a reality after she agreed to marry her mother's employer. Becoming the second wife and giving birth to a baby from her own womb. It was extremely challenging, and Casandra never expected her destiny to be written like this. She had her own dreams, but she had to let them go for the sake of her father.Although it was difficult and she had initially resented her mother's decision, now Casandra would try to accept it all. Because her father's recovery was her ultimate dream, and it was about to come true. Not only that, Casandra was also very happy to see her three younger siblings able to live in a decent house. Although it was simple, there was no water dripping when it rain
"Grandchild? Children?" Casandra thought to herself. Those two words had been swirling in her head, causing her to lose focus on whatever she touched. When she tried to cook, Casandra only ended up staring at the ingredients in the fridge. She never went through with the execution because Meri forbade her from working, fearing that Casandra would tire herself out and fail to fulfill her duties as a wife. Even when it came to tidying up, Casandra would only dust the same spot, as her mind wandered elsewhere. She imagined Alexander sleeping next to her. A handsome man with thick hair, sharp eyes, tall stature, and a slight muscular build. It would be so comfortable to be in his embrace. However..."I'm not willing to marry him. Let alone have children!" Casandra shook her head, the words Alexander had uttered echoing in her ears. They emphasized that there would be no possibility for them to be together, let alone have a child. "Ck, Cas, be a bit more self-aware, can't you?" she whisper
"Alexander, how is it?" Meri hugged Casandra's shoulder as Alexander stood in front of them. Meri's smile widened, showcasing how proud she was of her daughter-in-law, who may not come from a wealthy family and has a significant age gap with Alexander, but Casandra's kind and polite personality and her way of speaking convinced Meri. It wasn't much, but Meri hoped that Casandra and Alexander would become a complete family with many successors. As for Cesilia... well, Meri didn't consider Cesilia much of a daughter-in-law, as the woman never considered Alexander her husband."How is what?" Alexander loosened his tie, which had felt suffocating around his neck as soon as he saw Casandra. "I'm tired, Mom. Don't make it weird.""Who's making it weird? Mama was just asking, how is Casandra? Is she beautiful?" Meri let go of Casandra and blocked Alexander's path as he tried to go upstairs.Before going to dinner with Robert, of course, Alexander would take a short rest and change his clothe
Upon arriving at the event venue, Alexander was immediately greeted by a middle-aged man who had just formed a partnership with him."Let's go inside," said the man, Tomas, as he often referred to himself. "Oh, wait, who is this girl? I already know this one, he's Robert. But who is this beautiful girl?"Alexander and Casandra exchanged glances."This is my girlfriend, sir!" Robert said before Alexander could respond. "Allow me to introduce her, sir. Her name is Casandra. Cas, this is Mr. Tomas."Casandra nodded, clasping her hands in front of her chest."Casandra, sir," she replied politely."Tomas, just call me Mr. Tomas," Tomas replied. "You are very beautiful and sweet. If only you weren't Robert's girlfriend, I would have matched you with my son Maxime."The man chuckled slightly. "Don't take my words to heart, Bert," he said, patting Robert's shoulder. "Alright, you two go straight to the backyard, where young couples relax. I'll take Alexander upstairs; there's something import
"Wait here, Miss. I'll go to the car first. Usually, there are spare clothes for Alexander in the car," Robert said as he was about to leave, but he stopped when Casandra grabbed the edge of his jacket."No need.""Huh, why not? You're wet. Soaked, in fact.""Don't worry about me. Everything will be fine.""But, Miss!"Robert clenched his fists, frustrated by Casandra's refusal. If he continued to let her stand by the edge of the swimming pool, soaking wet, there were only two possible outcomes: catching a cold or getting a fever."No need to give me extra attention. I don't deserve it.""Ugh, Miss, this is so strange. I'm treating you like a living being, not giving you special attention. If you were a chair or a table, I would just leave you alone. Whether it's raining or hot, wet or diving into a whale pond, I wouldn't care at all."Casandra took a deep breath. "Please help me to the car. I'll just sit there."Robert shook his head. "No. If you sit there in this wet condition, then
Alexander sat in the corner of the living room, observing the interaction between Casandra and her mother. The two of them looked more like mother and daughter rather than mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. They appeared familiar and engaged in a warm conversation, unlike when Meri spoke with Cesilia. The two of them seemed more like enemies than in-laws."Now, tell Mama what happened that made you come back home all soaked like this," Meri spoke to Casandra, but her gaze was directed at Alexander."I was just looking around the backyard. Accidentally, I fell into the swimming pool because I was too focused on the decorations there. I didn't realize my feet touched the pool water, and I fell," Casandra explained."Is that true?" Casandra nodded."Then where was Alexander when you fell?" Meri asked, her gaze sharpening. She clasped her hands together, trying to suppress the mix of nervousness and fear."Alexander..." Casandra paused. She squeezed her hands, trying to dispel the anxiety
Don't expect Casandra to wake up in Alexander's embrace. Smiling to herself, she felt pleased that she had finally conquered her husband's hardened heart. But remember, that scenario doesn't exist here because Alexander is not a man with a gentle and loving heart.He is stubborn, selfish, and devoid of compassion ever since Cesilia ignored him. That's why when Casandra woke up due to the sound of knocking and excitement outside the room, the first thing she saw was the folded laptop, an inactive computer, and a pile of papers, just as they were before she closed her eyes.Swearing to anything, her waist felt sore from sleeping in a sitting position. Her body also felt achy, experiencing chills and feverishness from not using a blanket. She was drenched last night.She should be sleeping under a blanket, not in the cold AC room."Alexander, Lex, Casandra! Wake up, Mama wants to talk. Mama wants to hear the story from both of you. Come on, wake up, and let's have breakfast!"That's roug
As Alexander busily paces back and forth, Casandra sits cross-legged on the bed, observing him. She is unsure of what to do. She doesn't even consider speaking to Alexander since they never exchange words, except for important matters. Casandra doesn't want to hurt herself by engaging in a conversation with Alexander, as he would only belittle her.Instead of getting hurt, it's better to stay silent, right?"Now you call Mama!" Alexander approaches Casandra. "Tell her I'm done."Casandra's face lifts up. "But, Sir...""But what? Don't you want to? Whether you like it or not, you have to, so I can get out of here! As you know, my life is filled with work, unlike you, a village girl with nothing, let alone a future.""Yes, Sir, yes. I know I'm just a village girl with no future and a high unemployment rate. But that's not the issue. If I call Mrs. Meri here, I'll be questioned again, Sir. Do you want to be scolded again? I'm tired, Sir. You get scolded by Mrs. Meri, but I'm the one blam