Episode 18

"What's your problem with me?" Kelvin sarcastically questioned the man who was none other than Sander.

He disliked Sander's sudden interruption, especially since his cousin refused to support him. Not a word came out of his mouth, as if the problem at hand was not something serious. Madness!

Meanwhile, Sander only smiled thinly, continuing to walk towards Kelvin. Earlier, he had stood behind a dividing wall, listening to Kelvin's loud words. From there, he knew that Vale was Kelvin's ex-girlfriend, a woman who had been mistreated by his cousin. Truly, an extraordinary surprise. Indonesia-London was not as vast as he had imagined.

"It has nothing to do with me, but she is Uncle's wife. So, I think it's inappropriate for you to say that," Sander said.

He was quite emotional at that moment. Previously, he had heard his parents talk about Kelvin, who supposedly dumped his girlfriend because she wasn't wealthy enough. Sander couldn't accept Vale being treated like that, and he was even more unwilling if they got back together. It was better to be with Riu than Kelvin, but even better... with himself. Well... at least he hoped so.

Kelvin rose harshly, then approached Sander and whispered near his ear, "You don't know the kind of marriage they have, or how my relationship with her was in the past. So, it's better if you don't meddle. It's better to think about how to free our parents, that's more useful."

After saying that sentence, Kelvin walked away. Leaving the dining room with immeasurable arrogance.

"Are you okay?" Sander made small talk.

"I'm fine."

Sander smiled to himself, then sat in front of Vale.

"I overheard your conversation earlier. I was quite surprised, turns out Kelvin's ex-girlfriend is you."

Vale only mumbled softly.

"I was also surprised, turns out... you became my uncle's wife," Sander said awkwardly.

Vale remained silent, just briefly glancing before returning to her phone.

"Vale, may I have your number?" Sander finally spoke after being silent for a long time.

Vale smiled sweetly, "Sure. But... you should ask Mas Riu yourself. He's the one who knows my number."

Vale's answer left Sander flustered, unable to speak anymore. He remained quiet even as Vale stood up and left him.

Ah, you're too timid, Sander.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

It was 11:00 PM when Vale and Riu arrived at her house. However, instead of going to sleep immediately, they sat on the balcony, braving the cold night wind that was ready to blow.

In fact, it was Riu's wish. Vale simply followed along because Riu's expression didn't look good. Perhaps, Jason said something that made her uncomfortable.

"You don't mind if I smoke, do you?" Riu asked after a few minutes of silence.

Vale shook her head and smiled broadly. Then, she looked closely at Riu's face, which became more charismatic when lighting a cigarette. Especially when the wisps of smoke began to escape from his lips, Vale was almost mesmerized. To the point where her clear mind was tainted by the intoxicating image of a kiss. Damn!

"Vale!" Riu called.

"Hmmm."

"Do you know the meaning of what I said this afternoon?"

Vale looked hesitant. She did not dare to express what she was thinking, afraid that she would say something wrong and hurt Riu's feelings.

"Come here!" Riu patted his lap.

Vale was surprised. Although she was happy to do it in her heart, the feeling of embarrassment dominated. As a result, she remained frozen in place without giving any response.

"There are many things I want to say. Come here!" Riu repeated his command.

"Can't we do it like this?" Vale asked, intertwining her fingers.

"No."

"But___"

"Come here!"

Although his voice remained low, Riu's gaze contained something that made Vale unable to refuse. Consequently, she returned to the pose from earlier this afternoon—sitting on Riu's lap.

"What's wrong?" Vale asked nervously.

Riu didn't immediately respond. Instead, he reached for Vale's waist and hugged her tightly, bringing their bodies close together. Meanwhile, he used his other hand to pick up his cigarette, faithfully releasing smoke.

"If I ask you to remain my wife and never ask for a divorce. Can you do it?"

Vale looked down, "It depends."

"On what?"

"On your reasons. Why are you asking for it?" Vale's voice grew softer.

"If I say love. Would that be enough?"

Vale quickly looked up, locking eyes with Riu's hazel eyes. For a moment, Vale tried to delve into those eyes. However, she found nothing, and instead, she herself was almost engulfed in the turmoil that resided there.

"Our marriage can still be counted in days. It's impossible for you to love me," Vale said in a trembling voice, her heart pounding uncontrollably.

"A first glance alone can make someone fall in love, let alone a marriage that has lasted for days. And I... truly love you."

"What proof do you have that you really love me?"

"I will tell you my biggest secret. What I meant in my words earlier this evening is the same as what you were thinking, Vale. And this... only you and Baron know. Even Papa doesn't know."

Riu's answer left Vale struggling to breathe, she was so shocked.

Before she could ask again, Riu suddenly lifted her up, carrying her in his arms and leaving the balcony. Vale screamed in surprise, then instinctively wrapped her hands around Riu's neck.

The man smiled widely. He felt a sense of pride as he saw Vale curling up in his embrace.

"After this issue is resolved, I will make our relationship public. You don't have to be embarrassed anymore about having a disabled husband, because when the time comes, I will show them my true condition. Vale, be my woman forever!" Riu said, before gently laying Vale's body on the bed.

To be continued...

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