8 To 4: The Mayor's Contract Wife

There's As if Nothing

When he arrived at the hospital, Grandpa Dito's condition was already very bad and shortly after they met, the old man finally breathed his last in front of Dito. Ajeng and Wira, who were already worried that such a possibility occurred after reading a letter from Abdi, tried to calm Dito who was crying hysterically beside his grandfather's stiff body.

The funeral procession was quick and solemn. Not many attended the funeral. There are only neighbors and close relatives, as well as some of Dito's former co-workers at the town hall, including Rega. It was there that Wira and Rega met again after almost a year apart.

“Pak Wira?”

The hero approached and shook Rega's hand as if nothing had happened before. “How are you Mr Rega?”

“Bu Ajeng?”

“Pak Rega healthy?” ajeng replied as she followed what her husband was doing, shaking Rega's hand.

They were forced to chat even though the atmosphere felt awkward and stiff after what they had been through all this time.

“How is Carang Sewu, Pak Rega?” tanya Wira opened the chat.

“Not much has changed in one year. But for sure the city hall is very conducive since the departure of Mr. Wira.”

Hero grins. He did not expect that the man before him was still as annoying as before.

“How about Mr Wira and Bu Ajeng? How did you meet again and where do you live now? Palace?”

“Pak Rega talk what? What palace? We lived in a small hut by the beach and Mas Wira started his new job as a fisherman.” Sahut Ajeng.

“Loh, isn't Bu Ajeng his relative Mr President? Why even live hard in a hut?”

“Kerabat? Mr President? Me?” tanya Ajeng pretended to be shocked. “Hahaha... Mr. Rega must be kidding.”

“But at that time I contacted the office of the state secretariat and said that Bu Ajeng was here and suddenly they picked up Bu Ajeng.”

‘Sial! So now he confesses that he was the one who made Ajeng forced to go home?’ batin Wira is upset.

Shortly after, Dito's grandfather's house began to deserted visitors and a neatly dressed man came escorted by two men behind him. They walked into Dito's house.

Ajeng immediately smothered his mouth when ascertaining who the guest who had just entered Dito's house.

‘Papa?’ pekik Ajeng in heart.

Rega immediately panicked to welcome the arrival of the president who was unexpected and without protocol as usual.

“Welcome, Mr President! I am Rega, Mayor of Carang Sewu.”

Suryo only nodded small as if he had no interest in Rega's existence at all. “Where is the late family?”

Dito came out and immediately bowed and greeted the guest of honor politely. “I Dito, Grandpa Aji's grandson.”

“Thank you, sir, it's a great honor for our family because you want to take the time to stop by our hut.” Sahut Dito while shedding tears.

After the atmosphere was somewhat calm, Wira approached Suryo while shaking his hand. “Welcome, Sir. I Wira.”

Suryo was surprised to see the whereabouts of Wira there. He immediately swept the entire room to make sure of something. And sure enough, it turned out that the girl was there, staring at him from afar with teary eyes.

Suryo immediately sat in the living room and ignored Ajeng's existence. He whispers something to his aide and soon Rega, who is trying to get close to Suryo, gets a phone call from the office forcing him to come. And that's how they can talk in private.

“How are you doing, Jeng?” suryo asked when the three of them were in Dito's living room.

“Good, Pa. Papa himself how?”

“Busy, as usual.” Suryo replied short and heartbreakingly. “Have you received the package that Papa sent?”

Ajeng nodded while looking down, not daring to look at the man before him.

“You know what max papa is?”

Ajeng nodded back.

“Good. In three months, Alvin will marry and Papa does not want you to come. Ever since you decided to choose your own path, we've had nothing to do anymore.”

The cry of Ajeng became increasingly and Wira could only hold Ajeng's hand tightly.

“Ah, one more. Election soon. You better stay calm and engaged. That is the only good decision you can make for both families.”

“You just calm down. We are not at all interested in being involved in the election.” said Wira ventured.

“Good. It would be great if you stay on the remote island and do not attract the attention of the citizens anymore. I don't want people to keep connecting you with me.” Suryo stared at Wira sharply. “Moreover, you will never be able to become an office again. So you should just choose another job that does not receive much spotlight and away from the crowd.”

“What if it turns out in the darkest place we still shine? Will you still intend to get rid of us?”

Brak! Suryo kicked down the table in front of him until his teacup shook.

Ajeng who felt shocked immediately grabbed the arm of Wira to prevent him from doing any further.

“Papa calm down. Ajeng and Mas Wira will not disturb papa's life anymore. We will live as if dead, as if there were none. Ajeng knows exactly when to dodge and disappear like aunt taught.” Ajeng wiped his tears and took Wira away from his papa.

“Wait!” Suryo approached Ajeng and handed him a paper. “This is the last gift from papa to you.”

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