Behind the Rain and Memories

83. Family Meetings

A week passed, since the incident Alina was more silent, her mind continued to be fixed on the fateful night, almost she became a victim of abuse, she said the perpetrator was a person who had been close to her. If that night he didn't counter the effects of the injected hard drug maybe he couldn't forgive himself.

Bryan himself is now in prison for the investigation process, the police are still investigating the case to collect evidence and witnesses. If there is no cross-section next week the case will be heard.

Alina does not expect the case to continue because the Arlingga family's good name is at stake. Where he and Bryan are both daughter-in-law. Plus the media continues to herd opinions that are cornered as if in the family there is a veiled affair.

Like a simalakama fruit, Alina was faced with a dilemma, on the one hand she felt compassion for the Bryan family, especially Aunt Merry who continued to apologize expectantly so that Alina Sudi forgave her son with tears. Which mother can see her proud son behind bars, on the other hand she must respect the decision Max has made.

Still fresh Alina recalls how Max on that night, with vengeance and anger Max put a revolver type weapon known as Bryan who battered helplessly.

Max does not heed Orion and Morgan's warning not to go any further, better to leave all matters to the authorities. Max insisted he did not accept the man's treatment of his wife. For the sake of hearing Alina's cry, Max softened.

" I don't want you to be Max's killer, do anything to him as long as you don't get your hands dirty with evil, or I'll keep blaming myself for your actions, torment"

In the end Max makes a choice, he lowers ego for the sake of loved ones.

" Make sure he's severely punished or I won't hold back anymore,"

Alina is grateful Max wants to listen to her so as to avoid the sin of killing. Now he is faced with the pressure of approaching.

If with Aunt Merry she can express a comforting sentence, not to the Adinda and also her father Reporters who come specifically to help her daughter's problems.

After her husband was named as a suspect, Adinda sowed an aura of hostility on Alina, she did not say anything, but women who used to be friendly now put on a cold expression every time they met and culminated in this day where Adinda held a family meeting before the case files were submitted to the court.

" At least big brother thinks of me and the kids, let alone I'm pregnant, I don't mind if you'll hate my husband for life, but please don't let my children lose their father's affection" Adinda continued to shed tears.

Everyone was speechless, confused about how, because if Max had taken a stand, it would be difficult for them to express an opinion, he said, after all, they also support Max because Bryan's crime cannot be solved with an apology.

" Your children are young, they won't understand what's going on, you can make excuses if they ask where his father is, you're not alone, we're your family, are you? Is the love we give not enough?" said Max coldly.

Adinda did not refuse, compared to Hartawan, Hardi and his wife and children were more concerned and very attentive to him. Evident since childhood they always support Adinda sincerely regardless of Adinda's status as a child continued Hartawan.

" But the trail won't go away brother, Bryan will be branded an ex-con, my children will be embarrassed, let alone his father's case of abduction and female abuse,"

Max grunting.

" That's the consequence your husband has to bear, he who does then he who is responsible, don't think about what hasn't happened, as you get older, your children will understand his parents' mistakes"

My sister was at a loss for words, how hard it was to melt Max's heart.

" You must not be selfish Max, here is not just a matter of Adinda, think of your grandfather's good name, noble jaya corps and also golden jaya, do not because only a woman you destroy our credibility in front of society!" Reporters speak up.

Max clenched his hands, offended by his uncle's words

" A woman you call my honorable wife, Mr. Reporter, I'm keeping the dignity of this family from scoundrels like your son-in-law, there shouldn't be a bastard like him in the middle of the Arlingga family".

" Keep your attitude Max, since marrying that woman you've changed a lot, no longer appreciate kinship, '" the reporter was angry.

" I have never changed, what I have done is what it should be, if the position is reversed, Adinda who gets this treatment, will you accept?"

The reporter tightened his jaw, feeling Max had crossed the line, but he was the one who missed.

" Awan, you better take Adinda home, appreciate the decision Max made," said Hardi wisely

" You kicked me out? are you now just dependent on Max so that no one dares to prevent anything he wants? What kind of parents are you who submit to the will of their children, where you are!"

Hardi already understood very well how the character of Hartawan, was used to face excessive emotions from his sister.

" Don't teach me about authority, have you been a good father all this time? as long as my children are on the right path, I will support whatever their decision is, so get out of here right now before my patience runs out!" he said calmly.

" You dare to throw me out?" hiss Hartawan.

" Do I need to show you the exit!"

Adinda got up from sitting and rested on Hardi's legs.

" Pi, please help Adinda persuade Brother Max, don't destroy Adinda pi's household, Papi and Mommy really know that I love Bryan right? I can't live without him, hiiks"

" What do you do, son, let the legal process determine whether your husband is guilty or not!, don't force it like this"

" Wake up Dinda, don't humble yourself, no one cares how you feel here, let's go home!" Journalist pulls rough arm of his daughter.

Inevitably Adinda got up, because whatever she said did not change Max's stance. Slowly he followed the steps of the journalist, he rubbed his face quickly and turned back, looked at Alina with a look full of hatred, then turned to Max.

" Are you sure that Alina was kidnapped, what if it turned out that this was just her wits to destroy my husband!"

That sharp phrase shot out of his mouth. Making everyone gathered in the dimension flabbergasted, Alina was no exception, she stared in disbelief.

" You mean, I framed your husband like that?"alina asked with an expression of no acceptance.

Max clasped his wife's hand gently, not wanting her to get out of control. Alina shook her head, it was enough she had been silent all this time, however she also had the right to defend herself.

" I don't know what's on your mind, Dinda, but it's weird that I set Bryan up and make a kidnapping play, I don't have any reason to do that shit, isn't that the one who couldn't move on all this time your husband?"sarcasm of Alina.

Adinda felt pain in her heart, considering what Alina said was a fact, everyone knows that.

" Don't hurt your heart any further, son, go home and try to digest the situation with a cold head, mommy understands your feelings, but you also have to accept the fact that your husband has made a mistake." this time Widyawati spoke up. They do not want the two to be involved in further quarrels.

Adinda screamed hysterically, she sat on the floor making everyone concerned about her condition, Widyawati approached the woman, hugging her affectionately.

" I can't mom, I can't live without Bryan, just like Max couldn't live without Alina, so what's my fault if I'm standing up for my husband, why doesn't anyone understand, torment" Adinda cried bitterly.

Reporters look on his daughter's pity, as the father he already feels failed to be a protector.

Alina was suddenly dizzy, as a woman who also loved her husband, she could feel Adinda's suffering. He continued to look at the woman who continued to wail as if her world was shattered. Max went to the upper room. No longer care what happens.

Alina closed her eyes, she had to end this conflict.

***

Don't forget the vote and comments my dear, luph u full🥰