4. Lying

"You're surprised, aren't you??"

"Where is Ares?"

Feby immediately crossed her arms over her chest. She couldn’t believe that the person who arrived was that man.

"Why, huh?" Angga smirked, looking at Feby with disgust. "You want some affection? Want to play with me?"

"Don't be rude!!" Feby immediately widened her eyes.

Angga growled and stepped forward, causing Feby to instinctively take a few steps back. "I wouldn't even touch something like you!"

"Shut up! What do you want here??"

Angga didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled out a golden velvet box from his shirt pocket.

"This is from Pak Ares for you. A gift because you’re carrying a son," Angga said flatly.

Feby shook her head weakly, disappointment starting to show on her beautiful face. "Where is Mas Ares?" Her voice was now soft.

"You’re still asking? Tch tch. Clearly, Pak Ares is enjoying the warmth with his wife. Don’t forget that tonight is their wedding day. I’m sure… you’ve kept that moment in your head, haven’t you? You also witnessed the affection between the couple who are now legally married in the eyes of both religion and the state."

"Angga!!"

The man grinned. He quickly grabbed Feby's right hand, which had been crossed over her chest, and turned her palm upwards. He then placed the rectangular box in her hand.

"Pak Ares isn’t coming."

Feby fell silent, not intending to respond to his words. Especially when Angga started fiddling with Ares's phone, which had been their communication tool. At this point, all hope of disturbing her husband was gone.

What else could she do? Tonight, like the others, Feby had to spend the night alone.

THUD!!

The golden box was thrown onto the bed. It seemed that its owner was uninterested in seeing what was inside.

Feby screamed silently. She burst into silent tears, not knowing what else to do. The beautiful, expensive necklace that had been given to her had failed to soothe the loneliness she felt. Oh. She was truly suffering.

"What is it, Mom? I’m with Mas Ares," Feby spoke while holding her phone. She quickly switched to video call mode. "He’s in the bathroom. Are you trying to peek?"

["Oh! No wonder you’ve been hard to reach. Looks like you’re having some romantic time. Good! I thought your husband was always so busy."]

"Mas Ares knows when to meet me. Alright, I’m ending the call now."

CLICK!!

Once again, she had to lie. How could she tell her mother that she and her husband hadn’t seen each other for almost a month? If she did, she would be bombarded with even more sharp questions or comments. So, she just did as she always did.

Wanting to push away the negative thoughts that plagued her, Feby decided to go downstairs for breakfast using the hotel’s facilities. She never imagined that she would once again witness her husband with his family.

This time, they were seated far enough that no one would notice if Feby kept an eye on them from her current position. However, once again, her husband’s sour-faced assistant gave her a threatening look, forcing her to turn away.

"Tante, could you please get me some green bean porridge over there? I’m having trouble," said a six-year-old girl with a ponytail standing beside Feby.

"Of course, dear. Just a moment."

Feby bent down slightly to see the sweet face of the little girl. Her eyebrows furrowed when she realized something.

"Why, Tante? Is the porridge finished? I heard from Kak Citra that there’s only a little left." The girl pouted.

Feby shook her head and smiled. "There’s still some left. Wait here, I’ll get it for you."

Fortunately, there was still one serving left. Feby, who initially planned to have the same dish for breakfast, relented and gave the last bowl of porridge to the child.

"Thank you, Tante. My name is Sesil. I’m sitting over there with my mommy, daddy, Kak Citra, and Kak Tiara. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, sweetie."

Just as Feby was about to stroke the little girl’s long hair, a strong arm blocked her.

"Non Sesil, call your mommy. Don’t wander off," the man, Angga, said.

"Okay, Uncle," the girl replied, smiling and waving at Feby. "Thank you, Tante. I’m going now."

Feby nodded in response.

"Don’t do anything reckless, Feb!" Angga snapped. "You’ll regret it if Pak Ares finds out his child is being approached by you."

Feby chuckled. "We even met by accident. Last night he wasn’t angry because he knew I was here."

"You’re wrong! You’re safe because I didn’t tell him where you are."

"Oh, really?" Feby pursed her lips.

"Trust me! If Pak Ares finds out you saw him, don’t blame me this time. So, leave now!"

"Angga!!"

The man named Angga gave Feby a sharp look before quickly turning to face his boss. Without a word, he gestured for her to leave.

Feby’s daily life was all about indulgence and relaxation. The money and lavish facilities she received from her husband were more than enough, even excessive. But it all felt hollow because, in reality, she lacked attention from him.

Just like now. After shopping for luxury items at the mall across from the hotel, Feby took some time to visit the salon. She could easily access all the services she found interesting ever since becoming Ares Dwi Pranata’s second wife.

"Miss, your phone’s been ringing nonstop," said the therapist who was massaging Feby’s scalp. "It might be important."

"Who is it? Please read it to me!" Feby ordered, slightly annoyed by the interruption to her comfort.

"It’s from your mom," the therapist said.

Reluctantly, Feby grabbed her phone. She moved a little further away, concerned that others might overhear their conversation.

["Feb, are you safe?"]

"Safe? Why? What’s wrong, Mom?"

["I saw the news on TV during lunch. They said today the Regent of Kembang and his wife are attending the inauguration of a new bridge in Kenanga village. You told me last night that you and your husband stayed at a hotel, so why—"]

Feby clicked her tongue. "Enough already, Mom. Don’t overreact. I’m fine. Stop panicking."

["Well, I’m worried. It’s just that you’re the mistress of an official."]

"I can take care of myself, Mom. At least my marriage isn’t like yours and dad’s."

["How dare you, Feb. You should be thankful I care!"]

"Whatever, Mom. I have a lot to do."

Feby let out a heavy sigh. Once again, she couldn’t control herself when talking to her mother. She felt a bit guilty but was too proud to admit it, especially after the snide remark from her mother, calling her a mistress disguised as a second wife.

"Are you done with your call, Miss?" the therapist asked with a smile.

Feby nodded quietly and returned to her seat. Her eyes began to close, but she could still hear the voices of the wealthy women in the room.

"I don’t mind if my husband plays around with other women outside. As long as he comes home."

"Really??"

"Of course. Our husbands just think of those women as playthings."

"Yeah, they wouldn’t marry them. That would be a loss, right?"

"That’s why we should be smart and find ourselves a toy boy. Hahaha!!"

The laughter echoed through the room. Meanwhile, Feby growled inside. She wanted to scream that she was being treated differently by her husband.