Chapter 5

After the incident on the hill, Arvan became cold again.

He still came for Kirana, but every time his eyes met mine, there was an impenetrable ice wall.

As if he was counting down the days until our agreement ended.

I tried not to care. Tried to focus on Kirana and my work.

But the days became lonelier. Colder.

Two weeks later, Arvan's company held its annual party.

I didn't want to go. Didn't want to be in the same room with people who looked at me like I was trash.

But Kirana begged with sparkling eyes.

"Mom, let's go. I want to see Dad in a suit. My friends say office parties are cool."

I couldn't refuse her smile.

Arvan also agreed when Kirana called him. He even sent two dresses for us. For Kirana, a white dress with a pink ribbon. For me, a simple elegant black dress.

I stared at the dress for a long time. This wasn't a luxurious gown like those usually worn by other executives' wives.

But I didn't care. I never cared about things like that.

The party night arrived.

The five-star hotel ballroom was filled with crystal lights and gold decorations. Classical music played softly.

Kirana held my hand tightly as we entered. Her eyes widened in awe at the room's grandeur.

"Mom, this is like a palace!" she whispered enthusiastically.

I smiled and stroked her head. "Yes, sweetheart."

Arvan was already there, surrounded by colleagues and clients. He wore a black suit with a silver tie.

Handsome. As usual.

Kirana waved enthusiastically. "Dad!"

Arvan turned. He smiled faintly when he saw Kirana, but the smile faded when his eyes met mine.

He nodded coldly before returning to his conversation.

I took a long breath. As I expected. He would ignore us.

Kirana and I looked for a table in the corner of the room. Not wanting to attract attention.

But attention came on its own.

I felt whispers and stares from various directions. Some women gathered not far from us, occasionally glancing with contemptuous looks.

Kirana was busy with her orange juice, unaware of anything.

"That's her," someone whispered loud enough for me to hear. "The secretary who climbed the ranks through dirty means."

"Poor child. Doesn't know her father was trapped."

I gripped the glass in my hand tighter. Trying to restrain myself. Not to react.

Then Lara appeared.

She wore a bright red dress with a low neckline. Diamond jewelry sparkled on her neck and hands.

She walked toward me with a contemptuous smile.

"Oh, Reyna." Lara looked me up and down. "I didn't know you'd come with... such a simple appearance."

I didn't answer. I just stared at her flatly.

Lara laughed softly. She raised her hand, showing off the diamond bracelet sparkling on her wrist.

"This is a gift from Arvan," she said with a clearly boastful tone. "Limited edition from Cartier. There are only five in the world."

She showed her earrings. "These are also from Arvan. This necklace. And this ring too."

I remained silent. Not giving her the satisfaction of reacting.

But Lara didn't stop.

"Just so you know, Reyna," she said while sitting uninvited in the chair across from me. "Arvan is very attentive to me. He always knows what I like. Not like your marriage which was... well, forced."

I took a deep breath. Staying calm.

"You should leave, Lara."

"Why? I'm just sharing my happiness." Lara smirked. "Oh, by the way, your child's appearance is as shabby as yours. Not worthy of being in a luxurious place like this."

I stood up quickly. My hands trembled holding back anger.

"Don't you dare bother my child."

Lara laughed loudly. "Why? That's the truth. She's a child from entrapment. Nobody wants her. Not even her own father."

Before I could respond, a small voice was heard beside me.

"Auntie is mean!"

Kirana stood with a red face. Her eyes were teary but full of anger.

"Auntie is lying! Mommy isn't mean! Mommy is the best mother in the world!"

Lara was startled for a moment, but then her face turned dramatic.

"See? This child dares to talk to me like that!"

Suddenly Lara's child, Rio, appeared from behind his mother. He stared at Kirana with an arrogant look.

"Your mother is the mean one. That's why Papa Arvan doesn't love you," Rio said in a mocking tone. "He loves me. He often plays with me. With you, he's just forced."

Kirana flinched as if slapped.

"That's a lie," she whispered in a trembling voice.

"Not a lie," Rio continued cruelly. "Papa Arvan said he'll be my father. Not yours."

Tears began to flow down Kirana's cheeks.

I immediately knelt and hugged her. "Don't listen to him, sweetheart."

But Kirana cried sobbing. Her body trembled in my embrace.

"Mom, is it true Dad doesn't love me?"

I felt my heart shatter into pieces.

"Not true. Dad loves you. Very much."

"A pitiful sight," Lara commented in a mocking tone.

I stood and stared at her with burning eyes. "Leave. Don't bother us."

But Lara didn't move. She was silent for a moment, then suddenly started crying.

Tears flowed down her cheeks. Her eye makeup smudged dramatically.

I was confused by this sudden change until I realized Arvan was walking toward us.

He looked at the scene before him with a confused face.

"What's going on here?"

Lara immediately ran to Arvan. "Arvan! Reyna and her child insulted us. They said I'm a husband-stealer and Rio is an illegitimate child!"

I was stunned. "What?"

"We didn't say that!" Kirana shouted while crying.

Rio also started crying, hugging his mother.

Arvan looked at me with an investigating gaze. "Reyna, what happened?"

"I didn't do anything," I said defensively with a voice trembling from holding back anger. "She came to mock us. She insulted Kirana."

"Lies!" Lara sobbed. "I just wanted to say hello. But they immediately attacked me with harsh words."

Several guests began to gather, watching this drama with curious faces.

Arvan looked hesitant. He looked at the crying Kirana, then at Lara and Rio who were also crying.

I knew he was deciding who to believe.

And I knew he wouldn't believe me or side with his daughter.

"Arvan," Lara said in a weak voice. "Just because Rio doesn't have a father. Does he deserve to be treated like this? Reyna and her daughter have said harsh things to him."

Arvan was silent for a long time. Then he sighed and looked at me.

"Reyna, Kirana. Apologize."

Time seemed to stop.

Kirana stared at her father with wide eyes full of disbelief. Her tears flowed heavily.

"Dad... doesn't believe Kirana?"

Arvan looked uncomfortable. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Kirana let go of my hand and walked slowly toward Arvan.

"Kirana didn't lie. Kirana didn't insult anyone. Aunt Lara was mean. Auntie said Kirana isn't respectable. Auntie's child also said Dad doesn't love Kirana."

Kirana's voice was broken by sobs.

But Arvan only looked at her with the same cold face.

"Don't make the problem bigger, Kirana. Apologize to Aunt Lara and Rio, now."

Kirana jerked backward. She stared at her father with a broken look, then turned and ran into my embrace.

Kirana sobbed against my chest.

I hugged her tightly while staring at Arvan with eyes full of anger.

"We need to talk, Arvan!" I said in a low voice full of threat. "Now."