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However, Nicholas would never be afraid and would continue to fight with his abilities. Even if he lost and lost all of Alesya's assets, at least he would legally become her husband. And he promised that if the worst-case scenario happened and he lost all those assets, Nicholas would find a way to gather enough money to redeem Alesya's house and land from his father, Silvi, even if he had to sacrifice one of his restaurants for it.

"Dad's not threatening; he just wants to invite you to work together. Is it wrong for a father to want to work with his child?"

"This son of yours is willing to work together, but with the condition that you first fulfill my two wishes. First, ask Bryan to divorce Alesya so I can marry her. Second, redeem Alesya's land and house from the person who holds them, and when the documents are in my hands, I will follow whatever Dad wants. Remember, I will be the one who has the rights to Alesya and our child. Even if you don't give your blessing, I can run away with her, and I will make sure neither you nor Bryan get a penny from Mr. Aditama's wealth." Nicholas raised his index finger, emphasizing what he wanted.

Handoko's mouth dropped open, not expecting that the threats he issued would have no effect on Nicholas at all. He couldn't understand whose influence his youngest son had fallen under, to the point that their thoughts and characters were so different from Bryan's. Yet both of them were Handoko and Mariana's biological children.

"How about it, Nik? Alesya rushed to greet Nicholas, who had just entered the room.

"There's nothing we need to worry about; everything will be fine. In fact, I have some good news for you."

"Good news about what?" Alesya couldn't wait.

Nicholas embraced Alesya tightly. "I'll make sure Bryan divorces you soon, and we'll get married."

"Really?" Alesya couldn't believe what Nicholas was saying. Could she really be free from Bryan so quickly?

"But what about your father? Does he agree to me divorcing Bryan? As you know, our marriage was arranged in a legally binding agreement. So, I can't just let go of all of this without risks. I'm sure everything I do in this marriage has been prearranged by your father, and I believe there are traps in place to prevent me from refusing what they want."

"That was then, long before I took control of everything. You don't need to worry about Bryan and your father because I'll take care of it. Happiness will come to you, and we will get married."

"I'll ask once more, Nik." Alesya couldn't hide her tears of happiness. "Are we really going to get married? Is Bryan really going to divorce me?"

"Of course," Nicholas cupped Alesya's cheeks, gently kissing her trembling pink lips. "When I say we will get married, we will get married, and no one can stop my good intentions. Remember, my life can't even be controlled by my father, let alone my future. I never asked for a single penny, just a mouthful of rice to feed myself. I've lived alone and independent, even in this house. As you know, I'm here not for their pity, but because I helped build this house into what it is today. I'm here just to see my parents every day, even if they never acknowledge my presence. I've even paid back the money I spent on my education. But I still can't replace the life and mother's breast milk she gave me, so that's why I stay here to watch over and protect them. That's why I support some of their shady plans to avoid being seen as an ungrateful child."

"Do you mean?" Alesya was ready to listen to anything Nicholas had to say. From his expression, she could tell that something had gone wrong in Handoko's office earlier.

Nicholas's gaze revealed that he wanted to say something, but he was hesitant, afraid she might get angry at the decision he had made.

"In order to marry you, I had to let my father take control of all your father's assets."

"Oh, is that all?" Alesya sat down on the edge of the bed. "As I said earlier, I don't care about any of that anymore. But if I may ask, please ensure that my parents' graves are moved to a proper place so they can rest in peace."

"I can't do that." Nicholas joined Alesya. "I did agree to let go of some of my father's assets, but not the land and house that are in dispute between you and Bryan. I will still fight to keep those two assets for you, for you and as a gift to our future children so they'll know where their mother came from." He gently stroked Alesya's head.

"I'll even let this all play out, making sure my father returns everything when his company is back on its feet, just like it used to be."

"Let's not think about that anymore," Alesya said, surrendering. Though she fought for the assets, her life would never be peaceful under Handoko's threat. Instead, she'd rather live as she is with Nicholas and let it all go. Alesya believed that the decision she made was approved by her parents as well.

"Of course." Nicholas embraced Alesya, holding her so tightly as if Alesya would disappear if there was the slightest gap between them.

Starting today, Nicholas promised that Alesya's happiness would be his top priority. No one could hurt Alesya, let alone make her cry, as long as he was alive in this world.

While Nicholas and Alesya made an agreement for their future, Bryan went to Shabila's room.

"Where have you been? You just got home at this hour? What were you doing out there until you forgot the way home?" Shabila immediately bombarded him.

"Nothing. I'm just tired of dealing with your ego, Sha."

"My ego or your foolishness?" Shabila retorted. "As you know, both of your parents came home, and now I'm stuck in this room unable to do anything. As your husband, you're also not responsible for leaving me here, locked up, and starving."

"I'm not the one making you starve; it's you who's being foolish. You don't want to come out. Don't you know where the kitchen is in this house? You can eat when you're hungry and drink when you're thirsty. What kind of starvation are you talking about?" Bryan replied, unbuttoning his shirt.

Bryan was genuinely annoyed. Coming home to a scolding from his mother and now facing Shabila's nagging was not what he needed. He really needed peace right now, not scolding, especially not from his mother or Shabila.

"Where did you come from?" Shabila snatched the shirt Bryan had just removed from his body.

"I didn't come from anywhere, and please, don't argue with me. I'm really tired. After this, I have to meet Father in his office to sort out the problems that have arisen. As you know, all our plans have failed, and my position at the company is hanging by a thread. If it's not handled quickly, I can guarantee that I won't be able to support you anymore. I might even take you back to your parents' house because honestly, I can't afford your extravagant lifestyle without a high position in the company."

"No, that's not what I meant," Shabila pressed Bryan's chest. "I mean this, where did you get this? I never left a mark like this before. Now, tell me, where did you get it?" She asked, pressing Bryan to answer where he got the bruise-like mark near his chest.

Shabila remembered very well that they hadn't been intimate for a long time, and the last time they had been, she was sure she hadn't left a mark like that. She also had no habit of leaving marks like that on Bryan's body.

"It's none of your business!" Bryan brushed off Shabila's hand and went to the bathroom, cleaning up as quickly as possible before his father would scold him for the umpteenth time. He had also prepared himself mentally to endure Handoko's anger if his work failed to meet expectations.

As a result, Bryan postponed his argument with Shabila for the time being. He did everything to muster strength to face his father's wrath later.

"Bryan!" Shabila shouted as soon as Bryan came out of the bathroom. He had finished packing, but instead of talking to Shabila, he left to meet his father first.

What wife wouldn't be upset if her husband didn't come home all night and showed no intention of resolving their issues? Therefore, Shabila couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. She packed her things and put all her clothes in a suitcase.

She decided to go back to her parents' house for a while until she was completely calm and ready to talk to Bryan.

Whether Bryan would object or not, she wouldn't care anymore because her peace of mind and sanity were the most important things to her right now.