Episode 15

Kaivan returned home after a day of working at the office. When he arrived, the welcoming fragrance of his home enveloped him.

It wasn't the scent of cooking, but the air freshener’s aroma that brought him serenity, and it even seemed to reduce his exhaustion.

Stepping inside, he scanned the living room, taking in the tidy and clean space. The first thing he saw was Archiena, his wife.

"I got your bag as soon as you came in,” Archie offered, promptly taking her husband’s bag without waiting for a response from Kaivan.

"I’ve prepared clothes for you—if you'd prefer something else, just say so," Archie added.

Kaivan eyed Archie, who was clad in a homey dress with a towel still twisted up in her hair.

"And why aren’t you ready yet? Didn't I tell you we have dinner at my brother’s place tonight?" Kaivan asked, furrowing his brows.

Archie nodded. "Yes, I remember. I just want to put on a bit of makeup, then I’ll change," she replied.

Archie walked ahead into another room, and Kaivan quickly followed. He watched as Archie sat at the vanity while he proceeded to the bathroom.

Archie’s makeup was not heavy, but she wanted to ensure she didn't look pale; she didn’t want her brother-in-law and her ex to think she was still saddened by past events.

She drew on her eyebrows naturally, then applied two lipstick shades, blending them onto her lips. Archie looked beautiful, even with the minimal makeup.

After finishing her makeup, Archiena changed into a bottle-green dress that suited her figure.

Completing her preparation, Archiena then caught sight of Kaivan already dressed, grooming his hair and watching as she curled hers with the curling iron.

Kaivan paused his action, observing Archie intently. Unconsciously, his gaze remained fixed on her, not intending to look away.

"Are you done?" Archiena asked after arranging her hair neatly.

Kaivan came to his senses, cleared his throat, and looked away. He chose not to reply right away.

Opting not to answer, Kaivan approached his watch case and put on his timepiece without looking at Archie again.

Without receiving a reply from her husband, Archiena just smiled faintly and took the damp towel to a small drying rack on their balcony.

All preparations complete, they left the house with Kaivan leading the way. There was no holding hands nor any affectionate contact.

Archie made sure to lock the door and the gate, then joined her husband in the car. Kaivan mentioned that the house help and the security guard would come tomorrow.

During the drive, they exchanged no words though Archie had something she wanted to say.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you something," Kaivan spoke up, not looking at his wife.

"What is it, dear?" Archie asked, turning towards him.

"Dinner isn’t just with my brother's family, my parents will be there too," Kaivan replied, glancing briefly at Archie.

Archie's body tensed, gripping the fabric of her dress in shock and fear.

She was afraid Kaivan's parents would be angry with her, perhaps uttering hurtful words about their son marrying a girl they hadn't known before.

Archie worried she’d be blamed for the forced marriage arranged by Kaivan to cover a family disgrace.

"You needn't be afraid," Kaivan said.

"But your parents don't know me, and vice versa. It's possible they’ll hate me for forcing you into marriage," Archie countered.

"Trust me, everything will be all right," Kaivan assured her with certainty.

Archie remained silent, her anxiety growing heavier about going if not for Kaivan’s request.

First, there’d be the discomfort with Adinda and Aditya, and then meeting Kaivan's parents. No evidence yet, but an overwhelming fear lurked in Archie’s mind.

After a few minutes, they arrived at Risa’s family home, a place Archie visited often.

Kaivan unfastened his seatbelt, ready to leave the car but halted when he saw Archie frozen in place.

"Trust me, Archiena. My parents aren't how you imagine them to be," Kaivan stated, unemotional.

Archie gazed at her husband, bit her lip, and looked down briefly. She took a deep breath, then nodded her agreement.

"Alright, dear. Let’s go," she urged.

Kaivan got out first, with Archie swiftly following behind. Buoyed by Kaivan’s words, Archie mustered the courage to enter.

They entered and found everyone awaiting them in the living room.

"They’ve finally arrived," Risa remarked upon seeing Kaivan and Archiena.

Kaivan moved to greet his parents, kissing the back of their hands in turn. Archiena, following his lead, did the same.

"You've been so busy you couldn't even pick up your mother, huh?" Mama Fia, Kaivan’s mother, chided.

He sighed. "Work has been hectic, Ma. Besides, Risa agreed to pick you up," Kaivan responded casually.

"That’s no excuse, Kai. Is it work or is it your wife keeping you busy?" Risa interjected sharply.

"Either way, it's none of your business," he answered with a calm composure.

"Enough bickering. We welcome a new daughter-in-law today; why argue?" Kaivan's father, Jefry, intervened.

Mama Fia got up, stroked Archiena’s shoulder, then touched her face, startling Archie, who had been looking down and quickly met eyes with her mother-in-law.