5. Special

The conversation between the women earlier still lingered in Feby's mind. Even when she returned home. No. Ares was not the type of man discussed by those socialites. Her husband was clearly different because he had proven himself by being involved in their marriage, even though it was just a religious one. This was what Feby was trying to instill in her mind now. Until the ringtone interrupted her thoughts in an instant. "Hello, Baby!" Feby greeted with a bright smile. Instantly, Ares' handsome face could hypnotize away her worries.

["Sorry, Sweetheart. We won't meet again. Last night, my kids were begging for a bedtime story. I couldn't refuse, right?"] Feby nodded, trying to understand, even though she was still battling with her own heart. "I understand. Besides, meeting up is risky. But... next time, don't send Angga." ["Yeah, sorry. I was worried your mood would worsen since you're pregnant. That's why I had him deliver the necklace. Do you like it?"] "I like it," Feby replied quickly, though she had only glanced at it as some irritation still lingered in her heart.

After that, their conversation ended. It was usual, as the timing just wasn't right. Was Feby hurt? Don’t ask again. This was the price she had to pay for daring to be a second wife.

---

Her stomach grew larger. Feby was eight months pregnant. Until now, she and her husband still hadn't seen each other. Despite that, the money kept flowing in, so she didn’t think too much about her previous heartbreak.

"Your husband hasn’t come home yet, Ma'am?" Feby, who was lying on the examination bed, gave a crooked smile. "He came here last week, Doc. But now he’s back to work." The doctor nodded after taking a good scan of the fetus. "I understand. You really need strong heart and mind when pregnant, right? Maybe even when you give birth, your husband won’t be able to accompany you. I know someone with a husband who works for the country too, and her situation is the same." Cough! Cough!! It was her mother who coughed after hearing the doctor's words. Meanwhile, Feby shot a sharp glare at her as a protest.

"Works for the country?" Her mother repeated the two words, shaking her head. Since the doctor had returned to his desk, only Feby and her mother remained in the examination room.

"What? How could I talk about Mas Ares in front of others, Mom! His career could be ruined," Feby hissed, already standing up from her previous position. "My husband does work for the country, so it's up to the doctor to conclude whatever he wants."

"Yeah, yeah. It’s up to you." Her mother no longer wanted to argue.

Now, the two women were united again as they shopped for baby supplies, momentarily forgetting their cold war because they were so engrossed in shopping.

It was understandable. Especially since this was a sweet moment to prepare for the arrival of her first grandchild. Even Zaki seemed enthusiastic about it.

"Didn’t we already buy the stroller, Zak? You forgot, right?" her mother reminded him. Feby’s younger brother chuckled. "This one’s cute, Mom. Look! It can be used until your baby is six months old. It’s multifunctional, even for diaper changes." "It’s fine. Just take it," Feby said, not minding the hefty price, though it seemed a little expensive for her mother.

Everything needed to welcome the baby was now complete. After two hours of shopping, the three of them left.

Feby, feeling exhausted, immediately grabbed her phone to call her regular massage therapist. However, her plans were interrupted when she saw a new message.

["I’ll stay for two days for you. Get ready."]

Feby clapped her hands in excitement like a child. Her mother and brother stared at her, surprised.

"Is this because of  Ares? Let me guess, he’s coming, right?" Feby didn’t answer. She simply chuckled and typed a response to the message. Then, she hurried to the salon, preparing herself to welcome her husband’s arrival.

Without holding back, Feby chose the special bridal package to pamper herself. Moreover, she had to admit that her pregnancy hormones contributed to her desire to be affectionate with her husband.

Night came. As usual, Feby would wait for her husband in the hotel room. After not seeing each other for almost three months, she was now overwhelmed with excitement and longing.

"Hi!" Ares greeted with a smile and a handsome face in front of Feby. It really felt like a dream. After so long, the man she loved was now standing before her. Feby even placed her right hand on his cheek to gently caress it.

"I thought you weren’t coming," Feby whimpered as she rushed into her husband’s embrace. She laughed when she realized that her growing belly now obstructed their closeness. "You look even more beautiful, Sayang. Even though you're pregnant," Ares whispered as he settled on the bed. He then rolled up his shirt sleeves and gently grabbed both of Feby’s legs.

Feby smiled shyly. The frustration she had held onto for so long suddenly disappeared. It was replaced with waves of love and affection that flowed as Ares treated her so sweetly at that moment.

Her husband even took the time to massage her swollen feet. She truly felt special and pushed away any negative thoughts about the men out there.

"I missed you, Baby." "I’m here, Baby."

It wasn’t only Ares who was charmed by Feby’s allure. The same could be said for her. As a woman craving compliments and gentle treatment, her husband had given her exactly what she wanted.

Again, Feby was lost in the embrace of this mature man. She even momentarily forgot her current status.

"Baby," Feby whined after their heated battle.

"Yes, Honey. You’re even hotter," Ares chuckled after grunting in satisfaction. "You’re really good."

"I’ll give my best to you, my husband."

Feby winked mischievously. She didn’t care if she was tired. She prepared herself to offer herself again. However, the sound of her phone ringing interrupted both of them.

Ares' face, once full of passion, suddenly turned tense when he saw the name of the caller. He quickly cleared his throat and straightened his posture.

"Who is it, Baby?" Feby asked, pouting.

"Widya."