Episode 16

Archie was indeed treated well by his in-laws, something even Archie himself had not expected.

Time and again, Archie attempted to speak with his husband, but was never afforded the chance, until he finally decided to wait until they were home.

"Do you plan to work after getting married?" Mama Fia asked gently.

Archie nodded. "Yes, Ma. Uncle Kaivan has also given me permission," Archie replied.

"Why so? Everywhere you look, married women are supposed to focus on their households," Risa suddenly interjected, her tone unfriendly.

"By working, you're essentially insulting Kaivan, my brother, as if he's inadequate in providing for you so that his wife needs to work," Risa added with a hint of irritation.

"That's right, Archie. You should just stay home, like Adinda," Anto chimed in, agreeing with his wife's remark.

Archie wanted to retort, but Risa and her family did not give him a chance.

"Papa and mama are right, you should be aware that a married woman should stay at home and not work," said Aditya in a softer voice.

"Yes, Sis. We need to acknowledge that if our husbands can provide for the home and our needs, it's better for us to stay home," Adinda spoke, attempting to sound sage.

Archie looked at Adinda with a lackluster gaze, exasperated by the thought of responding to Aditya and Adinda's words. The couple, who had married after betraying him for years.

"I'm working not because Uncle Kaivan cannot fulfill my needs, Auntie. I work so that the knowledge I've gained over the years can be beneficial to others," Archie said calmly and politely.

"Besides, my husband agrees with me working, he has no problem as long as I do not forget my duties as a wife. I believe I can manage both," Archie added with conviction.

Mama Fia smiled upon hearing her daughter-in-law's words, stroking Archiena's head and nodding in agreement.

"I agree with Adinda and Aditya's points, but I'm more in agreement with Archie's words and Kaivan's decision," said Mama Fia.

"Archie hasn't pursued higher education just to sit at home; she also needs to utilize her knowledge for the benefit of others," Mama Fia continued.

"Papa also agrees with Archie's words, so there's no issue since Archie herself is confident in her ability to work and fulfill her duties as a wife," Papa Jefry defended his youngest daughter-in-law.

Archie smiled, grateful for the support of his in-laws, before turning to Kaivan, who bore an impassive expression, devoid of any emotion.

Archie's smile faded slowly; for some reason, he hoped Kaivan would smile like his parents.

Risa clenched her fists upon hearing her parents defend Archie. She was already enraged that her mama, whom she had hoped would reject Archie, was actually supportive.

Risa couldn't accept this, disliking the fact that Archie was receiving affection from her parents.

"Archie is still young, Ma. If she works, she'll surely be impressionable. The age difference between her and Kaivan is quite significant," Risa sparked another controversy.

"Enough, Risa. Papa believes Archie will prove her words true," Papa Jefry countered softly.

"Let's move on to dinner," Anto beckoned everyone, tired of the conversation due to his in-laws' continual defense of the new daughter-in-law.

Everyone proceeded to the dining table. Kaivan walked beside his father who was conversing with him, paying no attention to his wife.

As Archie was about to follow her in-laws, her hand was suddenly grasped by someone. Archie turned and immediately shook off Adinda's hand.

"You must be happy to see everyone defending you, huh?" Adinda asked annoyedly.

"Not everyone, just my in-laws and husband," replied Archie. "Nonetheless, I am grateful," Archie added.

Adinda crossed her arms over her chest, scrutinizing her sister's unchanged appearance.

"I know, Sis. You must be suffering, being married to Uncle Kaivan, a man you don't love?" Adinda guessed with a malicious smile.

"You still love brother Adit, don't you? My husband?" Adinda prodded.

"Stop talking nonsense, Dinda. Even if my marriage with Uncle Kaivan was without love, it doesn't mean I still harbor feelings for your husband!" Archie retorted loudly.

Archie patted her sister's shoulder. "I want no further dealings with you, so don't interfere or bother me again," Archie said before walking away from her sister.

Adinda huffed, stamping her foot in frustration. During this dinner, Adinda hoped her sister would be reprimanded and disliked by Aditya's grandparents, but she was wrong – her sister was dearly cherished by her in-laws.