8 To 4: The Mayor's Contract Wife

Not Ordinary Love

“I know who Bu Ajeng.”

“Out!” the Ajeng command again.

“Pak President must be anxiously waiting for you to play around with danger here.”

Ajeng looked at Dito in shock. “By the way did you just?”

“You are the youngest daughter of Mr. President.”

Ajeng rushed to close the door of his room because he did not want anyone else to hear their conversation. “Where do you know?”

“My grandfather and grandmother. Those who instantly recognize you and warn me to submit and be careful to you.”

“Listen Dito. I don't know how your grandparents knew me. But I beg you, lest anyone know about this.”

“Bu Ajeng just calm down! I have no intention to harm Bu Ajeng. Bu Ajeng is the guest of honor of my grandfather and grandmother, so I wouldn't dare to sassy it. It's just that, we worry every time we see Bu Ajeng in trouble because of Mr. Wira. He is not the right man for a respectable woman like Bu Ajeng.”

Ajeng sat down on the edge of the bed. “What happened to me was not the fault of the hero. I chose to run away and hide here. He only helped me and I repay his cultivation by helping the townspeople who were very important to Wira.”

“Bu –“

“I know what you think, Dit.” Ajeng suddenly spoke more casually to Dito. “I know you're worried because I shouldn't be here with Wira. But you should also know that this is the first time I don't want to go anywhere else. I also felt afraid that I would have to go back home, afraid that Wira would alone face all her difficulties and afraid that I would not be able to live without her.”

“Bu –“

The witches came back crying. “I knew that we weren't meant to be together until the end. But for some time now, I want to do everything like any other woman. Laughing, anger, crying, disappointment and other feelings that I may never be able to experience again after returning to my real life. What's wrong if I want a life like an ordinary girl, falling in love with anyone regardless of background and position.”

Suddenly Dito felt his heart also sliced to hear Ajeng's confession. “Do Mr Wira know who Bu Ajeng is?”

Ajeng. “I told him once, but he laughed at me and thought I was lying. Then I freed him to think as he pleased about me. I don't care as long as I stay safe.”

“So what is Bu Ajeng planning now?”

“Because there are already people who know my true identity, then it means that my existence here will not be long. So before leaving, I plan to help Wira improve things, against everyone who tries to harass her and complete my duties as mayor's mother.”

“Bu –“

“Ah, actually I also want you to call me Ajeng. Because it looks like we're the same age. But if it's like that, people will assume we're playing a prank. So I better off undo that intention.”

“Jeng!”

“Wah! Suddenly I'm hungry.” Gumam Ajeng deliberately pretended not to hear Dito who had been trying to call him to say something. Because Ajeng can guess that Dito's words must not be far from the advice his grandparents wanted to convey to Ajeng.

Ajeng breezed out of the room and went down to the first floor to eat at Dito's grandmother's private house.

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When he arrived at Dito's grandmother's house, as usual, various appetizing dishes were presented at the table. Starting from fried tempeh, vegetable moringa, banana heart lodeh, stir-fried bitter melon, sandwich meat until fried sea fish is ready for Ajeng to enjoy.

Dito followed Ajeng down while carrying a bag containing Ajeng's clothes.

“That's a shipment Mr. Wira.” Tukas Dito who had followed Ajeng until the dining room.

“Mas Wira? Didn't you say he was again at the police station?” ask Ajeng again while checking the contents of his bag and find the clothes along with all his personal needs are complete in it.

“Iya. Before going there, stop here first to pick up the shirt. He's worried because you didn't have time to bring anything with you."

Ajeng paused for a moment, then picked up the plate and started pouring rice into his plate, adding fried tempeh and krupuk, to his plate, then eat it greedily even though it looks clear he is holding back the emotional overflow behind the eyes that began to glaze over.

“Let's eat, Grandma!” haggling Ajeng to Dito's grandmother who had been faithful waiting for him in the dining room. While Dito's grandfather was on guard at the inn.

“Please, Den! Please sample everything.”

“Feel Grandma the most champion. It feels so good on my tongue. Make addictive.” Praise Ajeng sincerely.

Dito's grandmother smiled happily at the guest of honor's praise.

“I don't know how far my grandparents know my family. But please, as long as I am here, treat me like any other guest! I will often stop by because I feel comfortable and at home living here.” Ajeng said on the sidelines eating his food.

The grandmother looked at Dito full of intimidation and Dito immediately looked down unable to fight the sharp gaze of the grandmother. “Sorry, Mother. Dito keceplosan.”

“Sorry granddaughter grandma yes, Den. His mouth is a bit difficult to manage.”

“Ngga papa, Grandma. I was glad to know that someone knew me and my family. But I beg you, please keep that secret from anyone as long as I am still here!”

“But Den, until when does Den Ayu plan to stay here like this? You must be confused looking for Den Ayu. But Den Ayu even married secretly the same old boy.” babble the grandmother.

“Nek! That's Mr. Wali, not a prank boy. Ati-ati by the way!” reprimand Dito who began to worry about the frankness of his grandmother.

“Aparticularly his nickname if not semprul? Dare to marry Den Ayu without the knowledge of his family.” Said the granny.

Ajeng approached the grandmother and clasped her hands. “Nek, it was me who asked to marry Mas Wira so that he could hide safely in this city."

“Den, marriage is no small affair and for playfulness. Moreover, Den Ayu is not a careless girl.” Reply to the worried grandmother.

“Ajeng knows, Grandma. Ajeng will solve the problem on its own. Grandma calm down yah?”

“Den Ayu love the herm?”

Ajeng looked at both of the grandmother's eyes and then returned to his place, finished his meal, cleaned it up and then took a break before getting another question that would be even harder to answer.

When saying goodbye, the grandmother told Ajeng. “Do not go too far if Den Ayu is not sure that it is love. Luka Den Ayu will later be in vain.”

Ajeng nodded and left.

“She was hurt for love.” Granny muttered while watching Ajeng's departure. “But she looks more like a normal girl.”

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