"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 whispered to herself while looking at her reflection in the mirror. There was nothing special about her compared to Cesilia. "Besides, I don't want to be the wife of a man like Alexander," she muttered, forcing a smile that felt incredibly difficult to carve out.
"Casandra, where have you been? I've been looking for you everywhere, and here you are," Meri chided, touching Casandra's shoulder. "Quickly pack your things. Mama wants to take you somewhere."
Casandra turned around. "Somewhere?"
"Don't ask where. The important thing is for you to come along, and Mama is sure that you'll leave Alexander fascinated when you return from there." Meri patted Casandra's shoulder. "I'll wait for you on the terrace!" she added firmly before walking away, leaving no room for Casandra to argue.
"But..."
Meri shook her head, a clear sign that she wouldn't accept any form of refusal. Once it reached that point, what else could Casandra do? How could she refuse Meri's wishes, after everything the woman had done? Everything in Casandra's life had changed, and her family felt the same way. Even her mother was no longer busy working. Her only job now was taking care of her father in the hospital and giving instructions to the other household assistants until they fully understood their responsibilities at home. Once everything could run smoothly without her guidance, Lastri could retire from all her work.
Just like today. Early in the morning, Lastri was busy finishing all her tasks, complete with instructions. Once she was done, Lastri went to the hospital to check on her husband's condition and to exchange responsibilities with her sister, Casandra.
***
"What's the matter, Alexander? I'm in the middle of preparing for a photoshoot, and you're disturbing me. Asking me to come to the office and all. I'm tired of going back and forth like this!" Cesilia grumbled, throwing her bag onto the sofa.
This startled Alexander and his secretary, who had been discussing things after a meeting that took place a few hours ago.
"Sir, I'll go back to my desk first. If everything is settled, you can call me back," Robert, the man, quickly packed up some files from the desk. He didn't want to become Cesilia's target if he stayed there.
Alexander nodded, handing a large folder to Robert. "Don't forget to contact the company we were dealing with yesterday. Let them know we're not selling any assets, let alone borrowing any funds," he said, glancing at Cesilia, who was now sitting and folding her arms in front of her chest. "There's nothing I can fight for. So, everything is canceled," he added, more like a sarcastic remark towards Cesilia than a message to Robert. Robert, who knew about all of Alexander's issues, both in the office and at home, nodded, understanding the direction of Alexander's words. Therefore, Robert slightly bowed and excused himself from Alexander's presence.
"And here you are, blaming me all the time when you're the one who wants to have children. What do you really want, Alexander? I'm busy right now. I might even go to Bali for a photoshoot. I won't be able to come home, and maybe I'll be back the day after tomorrow," Cesilia complained, puffing up her chest as if she deserved respect in this situation.
Is this how a wife behaves? Certainly not, but that was what Alexander had experienced since Cesilia pursued her desired career.
Instead of getting angry, Alexander moved to another seat, getting closer to Cesilia. "I had to do it because I couldn't talk to you at home. That's why..."
"Enough already. Just quickly tell me what you want. I'm busy, Alexander. I might even have a dinner invitation with my new business colleagues. I can't go alone while everyone else comes with their partners!" Cesilia interrupted Alexander, reaching for his neck and giving him a quick kiss on the lips. "I have to go now. We can discuss all the important matters tomorrow, okay!"
"I received a dinner invitation with my business colleagues. I can't possibly go alone when everyone else is bringing their partners!" Alexander replied, stopping Cesilia, who was about to grab her bag.
"You can take Robert with you if you don't want to go alone. Or Casandra, since she's your wife too," Cesilia suggested, patting Alexander's cheek with her still-present smile. "I have to go now. Keep being an understanding husband so that I'll continue to love you."
"Cesil... Cesilia!" Alexander called out, trying to reach Cesilia's hand, but she quickly evaded him. Just as quickly as her steps, she left Alexander, preventing him from stopping her.
"God, grant patience to Alexander until my career reaches its peak!" Cesilia muttered in her heart, expressing a desire she had harbored for years.
Alexander let out a long sigh. He couldn't understand why Cesilia was moving further away from their agreement ever since she signed her new job. Usually, Cesilia would try her best not to take out-of-town jobs during the weekends to enjoy their time together. Even if there was a job outside the city, Cesilia would be home before dawn. But now, she was willing to leave for two days straight for a job.
"Robert, bring all the files to my office... After that, work on all the reports for Monday's meeting!" Alexander requested when he received a call from Robert.
"All of them immediately, sir? But weren't some of the materials for Monday's meeting? I..."
"No need for overtime," Alexander interrupted.
"Why?"
Robert rubbed his neck. Earlier, Alexander had mentioned that there was a lot of work to be done, and everything had to be completed by tonight. But now?
"Accompany me to the dinner event."
"Oh, I see..." Robert rubbed his chin. Cesilia had just arrived in a frustrated state, and now she was leaving in a similar manner. Robert understood that she didn't want to accompany Alexander.
"I'll take care of everything before the end of the workday," Robert continued, accepting Alexander's invitation and command. Since he was single and had no plans for Sunday night, Robert would accompany Alexander
"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
"I wonder why Maxime called Cecilia, causing her to be unable to refuse answering the incoming call from Alexander. Countless times he tried to reach her, from voice calls to text messages, and now a video call. He was extremely worried about his wife's condition as she hadn't provided any definite updates."Hi, honey," greeted Cecilia, waving her hand in front of the camera. Her eyes looked puffy due to lack of sleep, and she hadn't cleaned herself up since arriving in Bali.Alexander raised an eyebrow as he observed Cecilia, whose hair was disheveled, her face swollen, and her eyes showing signs of exhaustion. She didn't look like her usual self."Did you just wake up?"Cecilia nodded."Yes, I'm exhausted. I haven't slept at all. And when I finally woke up, this is how late it is," Cecilia chuckled slightly, hiding Maxime's presence as he still held her slim waist."Oh, I thought something happened to you. I haven't heard from you at all since yesterday. I miss you," Alexander said,
"I beg you, please don't do this, Ma.""Don't? It's easy for you to say that. You're still young, with a long future ahead of you. But Mama? Mama is old, ailing, and has been waiting for six years without any answers. You always keep delaying things just for the sake of a name and fame. What's wrong with Mama wanting that?" Meri looked at Alexander.She was truly heartbroken for being played for these past six years, especially when Alexander and Cesilia had already promised and kept dragging it out. If only Alexander had a sibling, then Meri wouldn't have made an issue out of all this.And those promises, one after another, had all disappeared, vanished into thin air."Okay, tell me what I should do so that Mama won't be angry. So that Mama won't be like this."Meri shook her head. "There's nothing you should do because Mama realizes that Cesilia means more to you than Mama does.""Don't say that, Ma. Mama and Cesilia both mean a lot to me," Alexander argued."But that's the reality,