Semua Bab LOVE BEYOND THE PAIN: Bab 141 - Bab 145

The living room was still heavy with the aftermath of the commotion. Aurelia sat on the couch, pale and trembling, even as Gian kept wrapping his arms around her and rubbing her back in an effort to calm her down. The mug of warm water in her hands remained untouched. Mbok Sumi stood awkwardly in the corner, her head lowered as she nervously twisted the edge of her batik skirt. Meanwhile, Mrs. Lestari sat nearby, her sharp gaze making the entire room feel tense."Enough, Gian. I can't keep worrying like this," his mother finally said, breaking the silence. "Just bring Aurelia back to the house. I'll be there, Mbok Sumi will be there, and so will everyone else. At least she won't be alone while you're at work."Gian let out a long breath and glanced at Aurelia, who was still sitting frozen in place. His heart was caught between his desire to protect his wife and his belief that their apartment was the right place for their little family. He knew his mother's intentions were good, but s

Just as Aurelia tensed and turned cautiously toward the sound, a housemaid appeared with a friendly smile.She immediately let out a breath of relief."What is it?""Nothing, Mom," Aurelia answered quickly when she noticed her mother-in-law looking concerned.Aurelia's first day in the sprawling mansion turned out to be calmer than she had imagined.Although her heart had been full of anxiety about being separated from Gian for several days, she kept telling herself this was the best choice. Her mother-in-law's house was enormous, with a beautifully maintained front yard, and the security guards stationed around the property made her feel a little safer.That morning, a private driver assigned by Gian picked her up and took her to campus.Sitting quietly in the back seat, Aurelia watched the busy streets pass by. Every now and then, she checked her phone and read Gian's messages.[Did you make it to campus? Don't forget to eat, sweetheart.]A faint smile touched her lips.The message

Aurelia hurried forward, her breathing ragged, her heart pounding so hard it felt ready to leap out of her chest. The sound of footsteps at the end of the staircase grew clearer, echoing through the narrow hallway illuminated by dim lights. The night felt suffocating, as though the very air around her had joined forces to keep her on edge. Her eyes narrowed, her body leaning forward, like a hunter preparing to catch its prey.The moment the figure stepped into the pale yellow glow of the hallway light, Aurelia froze.Her eyes widened.Her entire body tensed.She stared in disbelief.“Mbok... Sumi?” she choked out, her voice hoarse with shock, anger, and utter disbelief.The middle-aged woman jumped as though she'd just been caught stealing. Her body stiffened, her face drained of color. In her wrinkled hand, she was still holding something.A red marker.Its tip was still wet with ink.Aurelia's gaze immediat