The substitute husband who has been insulted

Episode 18

At the police station, Richard had just finished filing a report about the indecent act that befell Debora. He had also provided the location and was confident that the two men he had beaten were still prostrate and powerless.

"Thank you for your report, sir. We will process this case immediately," said a police officer, shaking Richard's hand.

"Of course, officer. I am ready to be called upon at any time to testify!" replied Richard, returning the handshake.

Richard let out a sigh of relief, a smile unfurling on his lips. "Grandpa, I've become a good person now, haven't I? I will always remember your message," Richard mused, recalling Grandpa Teddy—the elderly man who had played a significant role in Richard's life.

'If you can't find good people in this world, then you must become that good person! If you can't find happiness, be the source of happiness for others. Make your life useful to others, Richard.'

Richard massaged his forehead while closing his eyes, reflecting on Grandpa Teddy's advice. The old man had greatly influenced Richard's transformation. Living simply, without craving for applause, ignoring others' judgments because only God has the right to judge someone's worth. Although it was not easy at first, it took two years for Richard to learn self-control.

The two would-be thugs were quickly apprehended by the officers. They would now have to languish in jail until the trial was held and the sentence was delivered. While they were detained, the police also visited the hospital to verify the victim's condition.

The arrival of the authorities left Rendra puzzled, as he had yet to report anything regarding his daughter's situation.

"Good afternoon, sir! We from the police have received a report that Miss Debora experienced harassment on Kembang Street," said one of the uniformed men after finding Debora's room.

"That's correct, officer. But how did you know? We haven't filed any report yet?" exclaimed a confused Rendra.

"A young man made the report. His name was Richard if I'm not mistaken, claiming to be her brother-in-law. He also agreed to be a witness because he was the one who beat the perpetrators on site," the policeman explained.

Rendra and Sabrina exchanged glances. Their expressions turned grim. Rendra roughly wiped his face. His chest heaved tumultuously, having wrongly accused his son-in-law. But it turned out, that man was still kind-hearted enough to pursue the case to its end.

"Her condition is still unstable, officer. It seems she's not ready to answer any questions," said Sabrina after being stunned for a moment.

"Alright, then we will wait until her condition improves. We need the victim's statement to deliver a verdict on the perpetrators. Please contact us immediately," said the policeman before bidding farewell.

"Pa?" Sabrina called, touching her husband's arm.

Rendra remained silent, his thoughts tumultuous and filled with uncertainty. "Let's go in," Rendra suggested, indicating they should wait inside for their daughter.

...===000===...

"Miss, are you alright?" asked a concerned new maid approaching, startled by Velyn's screams.

Velyn frowned deeply upon seeing a stranger in her home. The woman kindly introduced herself as the new maid sent by Richard's orders.

"Then where is Richard? Do you know where he might have gone?" Velyn stood up, hoping for a satisfying answer.

"I'm sorry, miss. He left with your family. I thought the sir had followed along," replied the maid.

Velyn sighed in disappointment and left the guest room dragging her feet. She went out and fetched Richard's jacket from the car, then returned to her bedroom. "You're coming back later, aren't you?" Velyn murmured, laying back and deeply inhaling the scent of Richard's jacket.

Days moved on. A week passed since the incident, and Richard hadn't returned. Velyn was jolted awake as sunlight slipped through the curtains and into her eyes. Turning to the sofa, where Richard usually slept, she rubbed her eyes.

When she saw Richard smiling at her, Velyn squinted to clear her vision. "Richard?" she called softly. Hastily, Velyn leaped from the bed to sit on the sofa, but Richard's image vanished just as she reached out to touch him.

Anxiety clenched her heart, a gray Sunday unfolding for Velyn. She spent the day curled up on the long sofa, using Richard's jacket as a pillow. Velyn groped for her phone on the table, unlocked it swiftly; there were no messages or calls from him. She had tried to contact him nearly every hour, yet never connected.

"Richard, where are you?" Velyn whimpered, tears streaming down her face.

"The villa?!" Velyn sat up with a start, recalling a place they once visited. "Yes, he must be there!" She quickly got up, half-running to the bathroom to freshen up, berating herself for only now remembering that residence.

Velyn also packed some clothes in a small suitcase, recalling the address once mentioned by Richard. For half an hour, she paced back and forth like an iron over fabrics, trying to remember. A smile blossomed when she wrote it down confidently.

Debora was not yet fully recovered, and her parents were focused on her healing, especially as she was now frightened when encountering strangers.

Full of spirit, Velyn descended the stairs, "Auntie, if mom and dad ask, tell them I have business out of town," Velyn instructed one of the maids.

"Sure, miss. Take care," replied the maid with a sweet smile.

After a short wait, the online taxi Velyn ordered arrived. She set off during the rising day, eager to get to her destination.

Unfortunately, the weekend traffic delayed her. The trip took over eight hours. Velyn arrived at the villa as the evening turned to night.

"Excuse me! Uncle! Auntie!" Velyn knocked impatiently on the door and rang the bell.

"Ah, Velyn! Planning another holiday? Where's Richard?" Aunt Conie asked after opening the door, peering behind Velyn for someone else.

Velyn's initially broad smile tightened back into a line. Her body froze momentarily. "So, Richard isn't here, Auntie?" Velyn's voice quivered with gathering tears.

"No, Velyn. He last came here with you. Come on inside," Aunt Conie beckoned, seeing Velyn's exhaustion.

Weariness engulfed her, tears spilling down Velyn's cheeks. Nevertheless, she would have to spend the night there. 'Maybe I can find out information about Richard from Uncle and Auntie,' thought Velyn as she wiped her tears and concealed her prevailing sadness.

...====000====...

Richard sat in his oversized chair early in the morning. His company was vying for a major tender, and Delon had admitted to being unable to handle it alone. Thus, Richard had to intervene. Moreover, he needed to assess his grandfather's health.

He deliberately turned off his personal phone to avoid distractions from the relentless problems that beset him. He only kept his business phone on. Velyn and her family were certainly unaware of this number, so he felt safe from his wife's family's reach for the time being.

"Delon! Come to my office for a moment," Richard summoned through the intercom connected to his assistant.

Before long, Delon appeared in Richard's office. He entered after being invited by his boss, who was seriously perusing a document. Delon braced himself, fearing there was an issue with the report he had given.

"Sit down!" Richard commanded, gesturing with the pen in his hand.

"Yes, sir!" Delon promptly sat upright, ready to hear if there was anything he needed to revise.

"Delon, what are the signs of pregnancy?" Richard asked, shifting his gaze from the document to the man sitting across from him.

"What, sir?" Delon made sure he hadn't misheard. His face registered shock, his mouth wide open.

"Are you deaf or something?" snapped Richard, sharpening his gaze.

"Bu... but I just wanted to double-check your question, sir. Did you ask what are the signs of someone being pregnant?" Delon repeated, still taken aback.

"Hmmm!" Richard propped his chin with his hand on the desk, expecting his ever-capable assistant to answer a question he had kept to himself from the start.