LOGINSemua kebahagian Arum hilang begitu saja. Satu malam membuat hatinya menjerit, tak kala suaminya membawa wanita kedua yang membuat pernikahannya hancur. Berawal dari sebuah daster lusuh yang sering ia kenakan. Tampilannya yang tak pernah berdandan dijadikan alasan oleh Surya, suaminya untuk berpoligami. Namun, hatinya terus terkoyak saat tidak adanya keadilan dalam rumah tangganya dan sebuah penghinaan yang terus menerus ia terima. Akankah Arum akan bertahan dengan pernikahan yang membuat setiap harinya menangis? Atau kah ia akan meminta berpisah dengan Surya?
View MoreEMMA'S POV
"I need more wine", l mumbled gulping the half glass of wine the bartender had just placed in front of me.
"It's the umpteenth Emma", Sarah mumbled with a hint of concern in her voice. "Leave her to drink, the girl is going to start living with her step father, only God knows if he won’t stop her from clubbing", Mia my other friend cut in. "Yes you right Mia, he might be strict and controlling like the previous one", l slurred, taking a sip of my new filled glass.
"Okay. Let’s take more before your life gets ruined tomorrow", Sarah spoke, getting herself a shot too. "To the last reckless night", Mia shouted as she raised her glass. "Yes", We all tossed and swallowed it in one gulp.
We'd been at the bar for barely an hour, but the shots had already turned me drunk.
Sarah and Mia were also drunk, in full predator mode, elbows on the sticky high-top and eyes glittering with the kind of mischief that always ended with one of us regretting everything in the morning.
Just as we were still dancing, Mia's eyes suddenly lit up like she had spotted buried treasure. "Holy shit, girls", She leaned over the table, getting our attention. "What is it?", I asked. "Look at that guy in the corner. The one with body guards standing next to", Mia spoke.
I followed her gaze, squinting through the dim lights and haze of cigarette smoke from the patio. Then my eyes fall on him. There he was, seated alone in the deepest shadow of the bar , legs crossed and a tumbler of amber liquid in one hand. The single overhead light caught the sharp edge of his jaw and the way his dark hair fell forward when he tilted his head to take a slow sip of whiskey.
His broad shoulders were straining against a tailored black shirt, sleeves rolled up to reveal corded forearms inked with subtle tattoos and his eyes scanned the room with a cold detachment, like he was assessing threats. He screamed danger , hot and unapproachable danger. The kind of man who could ruin your life and make you thank him for it.
Sarah whistled after staring at him for a long time. "Damn. He's got that whole 'CEO by day, mafia boss by night' vibe. Look at the suit, Armani? And those eyes? Ice cold. Bet he's loaded and heartless." She spoke.
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't stop staring. "You watch too many movies, Sarah. He's probably just some finance bro unwinding." I replied her, still staring.
Mia grinned, wicked and unrelenting. "Nah, Emma. Sarah's right. Guy like that? He's got secrets. Dark ones. You can see it in the way he sits, king of his little corner kingdom." She took a swig of her beer, then slammed the bottle down.
"I doubt", I still argued as I threw a glance in his way.
"Still doubting. I now dare you." Mia’s grin turned feral. "Nooo.. dare me what?", I laughed too loud.
“No refusing Emma”, they said in unison. "Okay", I looked at them.
Sarah caught on immediately, her stubborn streak kicking in as she leaned in with Mia. "Go over there. Talk to him. And don't just flirt, make it count. Dry hump him right there on his booth. Show him what a Crestwood girl can do."
I choked on my drink after hearing her words. "Are you insane? I'm not humping some stranger in a bar!", I shook my head.
Mia crossed her arms and that immovable look formed on her face. "Chicken. You've been single for a long time, buried in your books. This is your birthday and this is your chance to be bold. Don’t let us down?"
Sarah nodded fiercely. "Double dare. We'll buy your drinks for a month if you pull it off. Come on, Em. He's perfect, hot and cold-hearted, probably runs some shady empire. What's the worst that could happen?", Sarah insisted. They knew my weak spots, pride, peer pressure, and the secret part of me that wanted tattooed men.
I glanced back at him. He hadn't moved, but as if he felt my stare, his eyes flicked up and his green pupils locked onto mine across the room. A shiver ran down my spine, not entirely from fear. There was something forbidden that pulled at the reckless part of me I'd buried under term papers and coffee runs.
"Fine," I muttered, downing the rest of my drink for liquid courage. "But if he turns out to be a serial killer, it's on you two."
They cheered, clapping like idiots as I stood and smoothed my dress. My heart pounded as I walked through the crowd, and squeezed myself through the sweaty couples. The closer I got, the heavier the air felt. I was drunk but I was still nervous.
The guy looked cold.
He didn't smile when I slid into the booth across from him uninvited. He just raised one dark eyebrow, as he watched me get closer to him. Next to him, I smelled him. He smelled like expensive cologne but that wasn’t the purpose why I was here.
"Hi", I boldly spoke with a smile on my face. He didn’t answer me immediately. He studied me for a moment with his cold green eyes. "Do I know you?", He asked finally but before I could even reply him, two hands gripped my body and carried me from the booth. It was no one else but one of his bodyguards.
"Let her go", He spoke and his bodyguard put my drunk ass back on the booth.
"Thanks for letting me free", I abruptly murmured. “You’re either very brave or very stupid for remaining here.” He spoke coldly. “Probably both.” I tilted my head, letting my hair fall over one shoulder.
"Why are you here?. And who are you?", He asked.
"You will know me, not now though," I said, forcing a playful smile despite the nerves twisting in my gut. "But my friends dared me to come over. Said you looked like you could use some company."
His gaze swept over me, assessing and dismissive. "I don't, now get out of my sight", He said in a cold and serious voice. At some point, I wanted to stand up and leave but I knew it that Sarah and Mia were watching from our table, their stubborn encouragement burning into my back. I wasn’t ready to let them down.
"Humor me. One dance?", I leaned forward and spoke in the most seducing voice. "Why?", He set his glass down with a deliberate clink, his expression unchanging.
"Because life's too short for corners," I shot back, surprising myself with the boldness. Maybe it was the vodka, or the dare, or the way his cold stare made my skin heat up.
He studied me for a long moment, then shook his head. "Is that a yes?", I asked as I sat up and before he could respond, I boldly sat on him.
"Careful," he murmured, his breath hot against my ear. "You don't know who you're playing with."
I shivered again, but didn't stop. "Try me."
"Carry on your dare quickly and get off of me", I heard him speak as I straddled him properly.
I rolled my hips, slow at first, testing. The friction was immediate and his breath hitched just once but it was enough to make me bold. I ground back harder, circling, dragging myself along the length of him until I could feel every thick inch outlined against me. He didn’t touch me back but I didn’t care.
I was drunk , stupid and reckless and it made everything feel filthier. Every drag of my pussy along his length sent sparks up my spine. I arched back, head lolling and throat exposed but still didn’t make any move.
“You’re not exactly making it easy.” I spoke.
“I’m not supposed to.” His gaze dropped to my mouth for half a second, long enough to make my breath hitch then flicked back to my eyes. “You have ten seconds.” His expression changed back to cold.
“Ten seconds for what?”, I asked. “To decide whether you want to walk away with your dignity… or crawl away with my patience.”
I laughed after hearing his words. “You’re threatening me while I’m sitting on your lap?”
“I’m warning you.” His head tilted, bringing his mouth a dangerous inch closer to mine. “And you’re still here.”
“Fuck,” I slurred, waiting for him to smash his lips on mine. “You starting to harde...” He cut me off with a hand fisted in my hair, yanking my head back just enough to force eye contact.
“Enough.” One word but it was cold and final. I froze midroll, panting and confused.
Before I could say anything, he lifted me off his lap in one smooth, effortless motion and set me on unsteady feet beside the booth. My knees buckled but he caught my elbow before I could collapse.
“Boss?” one of the guards stepped closer. He didn’t look at his guard. His gaze stayed locked on me, assessing, possessive and furious with himself. “Get her a car right now.” He spoke and left no room for argument. The second guard nodded once and disappeared toward the back exit.
I swayed, giggling stupidly because the alcohol still had me floating. “Wait… what? I came with ...”
“Quiet.” He wrapped an arm around my waist and walked me through the crowd. People parted without being asked. Outside, the night air hit me cold enough to make me shiver. A sleek black SUV idled at the curb, engine purring and the back door opened before we reached it.
He didn’t ask if I wanted this. He just sat me there and he remained outside. “Where to?” the driver asked without turning around. “Her place,” he said. “She’ll tell you.”
I giggled at his words. I had to meet my stepfather tomorrow but here I was completely wasted.
Arum terlihat cantik menggunakan kebaya berwarna putih susu. Wajah nampak cantik sempurna. Namun, beberapa kali ia mengusap embun di kelopak mata. Tak menyangka jika ia akhirnya menikah dengan Bayu. Pria yang sedari dulu mencintainya. Semesta membuat keindahn yang tak terluapkan."Mba, pengantin wanitanya sudah siap?" tanya seorang gadis yang tidak lain adalah EO acara tersebut."Sudah." Perias menggandeng penganti wanita ke tempat di mana dilangsungkan acara akad nikah pagi ini.Tatapan takjub beberapa pasang mata melihat sang pengantin wanita. Terlihat Naina, mantan mertuanya duduk bersama Kaila dan Nanda. Dia menyeka bulir yang memgalir di sudut mata. Senyum tipis terpancar di bibir Arum saat tatapan mereka saling bertemu. Hari ini adalah hari bahagia yang sangat ia tunggu. Setelah sekian banyak penderitaan akhirnya ia merasakan kembali suasana sakral untuk kedua kali.Sang pengantin pria sudah tidak sabar menunggu. Netranya tak henti memandang calon istri yang beberapa menit akan
Bayu duduk memerhatikan Arum yang kini terdiam menatap kolam renang. Pria itu mengajaknya duduk di tepi, agar suasananya kembali tenang. "Jadi, kamu kemarin ketemu klien itu dia?" tanyanya dengan luapan emosi. "I--iya." Bayu menjawab ragu sambil menggaruk kepalanya yang tidak gatal. Arum memalingkan wajah. Hatinya kembali teriris jika mengingat wanita itu. Ia tidak ingin terjadi lagi hal serupa dengan pengalaman yang lalu. "Aku, kan nggal tahu. Tadi juga aku udah batalin kerja samanya." "Tetep aja sakit bayangin kamu kemarin berduaan sama dia!" Ingin rasanya merengkuh tubuh wanitanya. Namun, ia mengurungkan niat, tangannya hanya mencuil hidung pesek Arum. "Kak, kemarin Kak Bayu sama Alia kok. Nggak sendirian ketemu sama Renata. Maaf, ya Kak." Alia mengambil posisi duduk di samping Arum. "Maaf juga aku nggak tahu kalau dia begitu. Sekali lagi minta maaf. " "Iya, Alia." Senyum semringah dari bibir Alia. Gadis itu memeluk erat calon kakak iparnya.Rudi menghampiri mereka. “Saya ak
Semenjak pertengkaran kemarin, Bayu merasa tidak enak hati. Kenapa ia begitu cemburu pada Arum. Ia menyalahkan dirinya, kenapa harus cemburu buta? Gegas dirinya turun ke bawah. Kali ini dia pulang ke rumah orang tuanya untuk meminta izin untuk melamar dan menikahi Arum.“Tumben kamu ingat dengan rumah ini?” Cibiran penuh penekanan dari Maria, ibu sambungnya. Lalu, berderet pertanyaan darinya.Ia menghembuskan napas berat. “Aku mau menikah.”“Serius, Kak?” Semua aktivitas yang berada di meja makan mendadak terhenti.Mereka serius menatap wajah Bayu yang malah terlihat santai. Alia, adik tiri Bayu bangkit dan menghampiri sang Kakak.“Ka, serius?”“Apa aku kelihatan bercanda?”“Syukurlah, Kakakku ini normal.”“Aish.” Bayu menoyor kepala Alia sampai ia mengaduh.“Sudah, kalian tidak ada behentinya kalau sudah bertemu.”“Siapa dia?” Pria berambut memutih itu kini mengeluarkan suaranya. Sedari tadi ia hanya diam memerhatikan.“Dia seorang wanita yang sangat aku cintai. Enam tahun aku menant
Ada perih yang menjalar di dada. Ia mencoba meraup oksigen, tapi sepertinya sangat sulit. Embun itu sudah mengalir membasahi pipi, entah mengapa Arum merasakan begitu sakit kali ini. Tidak seperti biasanya, ia tak pernah menyesal menolak ayah dari anak-anaknya.“Aku juga sakit, Mas. Semoga, Mas, kembali menemukan wanita yang bisa membuat Mas nyaman. Maaf untuk kali ini, aku sudah memutuskan menikah dengan Bayu.” Ia menjeda ucapannya. Tak sanggup untuk meneruskannya, isak tangis masih membuatnya sulit untuk berbicara.“Mas sadar, Rum. Kamu berhak bahagia, Mas sudah ikhlas. Hanya saja, Mas mencoba siapa tahu Arum berubah pikiran. Kita bisa membesarkan mereka bersama-sama. Maafkan, Mas, ya,” ujar pria itu sembari mengusap pucuk kepala Arum.Bukan hanya Arum yang merasakan sesak di dada. Pria itu yang lebih merasakan betapa nelangsanya dia. Begitu bodohnya melepas kebahagiaan yang dulu ia punya. Kini ia hanya menatap orang yang ia sayang dan mengikhlaskannya untuk bahagia dengan pria lain
Arum masih merasa geram setelah ia tidak sengaja bertemu dengan Renata. Wanita perebut suami orang, dia tidak layak bahagia di atas penderitaan orang lain. Terlebih menikmati harta yang bukan hak dia. Begitu percaya diri berbicara akan menikmati harta Surya.Sehebat apa pun seorang laki-laki, jika
Sejak kejadian beberapa hari lalu di rumah mertuanya, Arum pulang ke rumah tanpa membawa hasil. Terlebih Naina, ibu mertua Arum mengancam akan merusak warung kedua orang tuanya di pasar. Ia sangat bingung apa yang akan dilakukan untuk membawa Nanda dan Kaila kembali kepelukannya. Arum terduduk lesu
Wiryo, Ayah Arum sudah mendengar cerita dari tetangga mereka tentang mertua anaknya yang datang dan mengambil kedua cucunya. Pria tua itu cemas, dan memilih menutup dagangan.di pasar lalu bergegas pulang ke rumah.Istri Wiryo, ibunya Arum juga ikut cemas dengan kabar yang baru saja didengar. Di tem
Sedangkan Surya merasa dirinya sudah benar. Ia berhasil menyingkirkan Arum, istri yang jelek. Senyum tipis menghias bibir. Segera ia mengambil ponsel dan siap ber-video call dengan Renata. Wajah cantik itu kini menghiasi layar ponsel miliknya."Lagi apa, sayang?" tanya Surya pelan."Lagi kangen, ni






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