The sweet, dark-skinned girl sat alone, annoyed by her parents' constant nagging for her to get married. She still had two older siblings, neither of whom had any intention of getting married. Strangely, Bu Hasnah and Pak Bujang never pressured Ria and Deni about marriage, so they remained unbothered.
In truth, Ria and Deni were not troublesome. Deni already had a partner and planned to marry his sweetheart later that year. Meanwhile, Ria was still single and focused on earning her own money rather than relying on a partner, especially one who was just a boyfriend.
Unlike Diana, who spent a lot of money and relied on Novan for her needs, taking everything from rice to other necessities. This habit had become a topic of gossip among many people, who suspected that if they broke up, Novan would feel very disadvantaged.
Although Novan himself didn't feel exploited by his girlfriend, his parents would surely object to the money and goods Diana had spent. Moreover, Diana's manners were considered somewhat impolite for a Javanese woman, who were known for their strong etiquette.
"Sorry, I made you wait. There was a queue for your order," Novan arrived, bringing Diana's food and drinks.
"I thought you weren't coming because you were bored with me." Diana put on a sad face.
"What's wrong, Honey?" Novan stroked his lover's head.
"I'm dizzy from hearing the neighbors' gossip, and now Mom and Dad are affected by their words," Diana complained.
"Don't worry about it, the ones living our lives are you and me," Novan comforted her, not wanting Diana to feel down.
"But Mom is always angry because I accept money from you," Diana said, looking downcast due to the pressure from everyone, including her parents.
Diana sighed heavily. She was upset because she saw nothing wrong with it. Novan was giving her money and other things willingly. It was as if Novan was already supporting her like a wife, even though they were just dating.
"How about we just get married?" offered Novan, who was ready to be a husband.
"Are you crazy, Mas? Uda and Kak Ria aren't married yet! Do you want to give a wedding gift? Besides, I'm not ready for marriage, it's definitely complicated," Diana rejected her lover's proposal.
"It's not that complicated, it's just about understanding each other," Novan insisted slightly.
"No! I can't get married now," Diana refused stubbornly.
"Okay, if you don't want to get married yet, I won't force you! Let's wait until you're ready." Novan smiled.
His handsome face, the one that drove many crazy, could soothe anyone's eyes. But no matter how beautiful the girl who approached him, Novan always rejected them because he was devoted to Diana, the woman he had loved since high school. They had been together for four years now.
"Mas, are you planning to go to the city? Do you want me to get you anything?" Novan offered, kissing the head of Diana, who was leaning against his shoulder.
"No need, people will only gossip about me more," Diana refused with a sour expression.
"See, you're still thinking about what people say when it doesn't bother me," Novan tried to persuade his girlfriend to cheer up.
"Actually, I want that one gold set. I saw many of my friends wearing it," Diana whispered.
"I'll look for it tomorrow, we can video call so I don't get the wrong one." Novan was always capable of fulfilling Diana's wishes. This was what Bu Romlah disliked about their relationship.
"I'll transfer the money to you later," Diana pretended to offer to pay.
"What are you talking about?!" Novan pinched his girlfriend's cheek playfully.
"I'm afraid people will dislike me even more!" Diana stomped her foot in frustration.
Novan was amused by his girlfriend's behavior, so he hugged her tightly to calm her down. When Diana acted like this, she just wanted to feel adored by her lover, and she would always want more. Novan didn't care what people said as long as Diana got everything she desired.
...****************...
Ria came home from work, exhausted. She had taken on an extra shift. She should have been home by five in the evening, able to relax or rest, but instead, she opted for overtime and arrived home at eleven at night. She was a workaholic and would rather stay busy than sit idly at home.
"You should have told Uda if you were coming home late so I could pick you up," Deni said worriedly, knowing Ria was a young woman alone at night.
"It's only eleven, and it was crowded earlier, Da!" Ria replied, taking off her shoes.
"You shouldn't work overtime so late, Uda worries about bad people," Deni said, showing his concern for his sister.
"God willing, nothing will happen. They all know us," Ria smiled tiredly.
"Knowing someone doesn't guarantee they have good intentions, because we never know what's on someone's mind," Deni pointed out.
Ria smiled. Deni was very attentive to her, unlike with Diana, with whom he was always bickering. Diana's stubbornness whenever she was advised often made Deni's blood boil. Ria, on the other hand, was calm and collected.
"You're only nice to Kak Ria," Diana appeared, her face sour.
"Good people deserve good treatment. Unlike you, who always talks back when given advice," Deni retorted immediately.
"Uda gives advice that's too deep. Outsiders shouldn't interfere in matters of the heart," Diana argued.
"You're just a gold digger who only knows how to ask for money from your boyfriend!" Deni snapped.
"See, that's what I mean, you're stingy with your own girlfriend, so you're upset when Novan gives me money or things!" Diana remained defiant.
"My girlfriend is not materialistic like you, she earns her own money." Deni was starting to lose his temper.
"Just admit you're stingy and that's why you don't give her money!" Diana countered.
"Hard work makes money more enjoyable!"
Ria finally spoke up, and the two immediately fell silent. When the calm one spoke, everyone else, especially Diana, would quiet down.
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