Divorced for Poor

Chapters 20. Flashbacks

A year had passed, and the world of Lilis was treading a new chapter. Salary money from Mbak Ratih's stall, has been collected. Every payday, Lilis only asked for half and sent to her mother in the village. The rest, the money is deposited on Mbak Ratih.

A year, a very long time for Lilis since parting ways with Naina and her mother. Almost every night before bed, Lilis will be reminded of Naina. A little princess who was only a month old, who she had to leave behind to find a mouthful of rice to survive.

Naina, she's over a year old now.

Surely by now, Naina had already practiced walking, practiced saying a word. He should have been by her side then.

Naina, hopefully after a year of separation, I can rent a place to stay to take you.

Whenever that longing came unstoppable, Lilis would contact Wendi to lend her mother a cell phone. Because his mother did not have her own cell phone. Video Call becomes an alternative for Lilis to let go of her longing for Naina and her mother.

Although not able to talk, Naina has known her mother's face through VC that almost 2 weeks once Lilis do. Importantly, Naina and her mother were healthy, it was enough for Lilis to remain steadfastly fighting.

When Naina is sick, Lilis's heart is sliced and wants to feel like she's flying back to the village. Fortunately, there is Wendi who is always ready at all times to be the pedestal of Naina and her mother. Wendi's kindness, made Lilis feel guilty. Guilt has implicated him in the complexities of his life after parting ways with Desta. Take care of the child and his mother in the village.

Lilis could not repay Wendi's kindness, but she would always pray her best. Getting a wife who is Sholehah. Although Lilis knew that Wendi was still expecting herself. Perhaps as time went on, Wendi would forget about Lilis and be able to love other women.

"Lis, Mbak has rented a stall for you which can also be your residence for a while. If you have more money later, you can find a rented house close to where you want to work."

"Thank you very much, Mrs Ratih. But, Lilis still has to learn from Mbak Ratih."

"Let me help you move on Sunday afternoon. I'll close the shop early. Forgive Mrs Ratih, only now can you stay alone. It should have been a long time ago, you didn't live here."

Ratih's mother suddenly hugged Lilis while crying. Lilis still does not understand where the conversation led Ratih Mbak.

"What's wrong, why did Ratih's mother cry" asked Lilis worriedly.

"Lilis, I don't know what happened to you 5 months ago. Ma'am is actually ashamed of you. Thank you, because you rejected Reza's wishes. You've also made Reza change."

Lilis pensively, considering the events of 5 months ago.

Flashback.

That night, Mrs Ratih, Dava and mas Reza went to attend a celebration at a neighboring house where the place is not so far away. That time after the prayer, Lilis forgot to lock the door. In her heart, if it was only a mouse, Lilis was never afraid.

He was sound asleep in a right-leaning position, facing the wall. He woke up after feeling that a hand was touching the open part of his leg. Lilis felt it was like a dream but it was also so real.

In his heart he felt fear and creeps. Could there be ghosts in this house?

Lilis opened her eyes and immediately held the hand that held her leg with all her courage. He immediately turned his head despite feeling somewhat anxious about what he was about to see.

Lilis flinched in shock. That hand belongs to Reza's husband Lilis. Lilis immediately shook Reza's hand with great energy.

"Mas Reza, what are you doing?"

"Lis, I've been in love with you for a long time. If you agree, I'll ask Ratih's permission so we can get married."

"What, married?! Mas Reza, Lilis is still not officially divorced. After all Reza kebangetan mas if you want to dua Mbak Ratih. Ratih's mom has been struggling to find money, maintaining this restaurant business in order to keep it running. While mas Reza only shopping, after that the foot barges do not want to help Mbak Ratih."

"Your mouth is very spicy, Lis."

"Leave it. Lilis hates men like Reza. Mas Reza reminds Lilis of Lilis's lazy ex-husband."

Lilis was very upset and angry. He vented his anger on Reza. Reza was offended and angry at Lilis. Already his intention to marry her was rejected, now even he was reviled as he wished.

"Just boy. Is this house yours? This house belongs to Ratih's mother."

Reza was getting upset. He approached Lilis who was sitting on the bed. Reza tightly hugged Lilis' body while smothering her mouth. Lilis for a moment was still in disbelief, if she was going to experience such a miserable thing like this right now. Lilis revolted with all her might, but Reza's strength was greater than hers.

Lilis gathers all the strength she has to fight against Reza who has lost her mind. He recited one Asma of God which he read over and over again until his strength and courage peaked. Allah Akbar.

Lilis was silent for a moment, as Reza laid her body on the bed. Seeing Lilis resignedly, Reza began to let his guard down.

"Sweet child, this is how I will also do it gently. You will also feel the pleasure. It's been a while since you've felt a man's caress?" said Reza.

Reza looks so disgusting with a smile like a wolf.

Seeing Reza somewhat off guard, Lilis pushed Reza's body with full force. Reza sat down, while Lilis immediately got up from her bed and stood up to run out. But Reza quickly ran to lock the door. Lilis took a heavy breath.

The fight is not finished. Reza again approached Lilis with an annoyed face. Lilis tried to avoid and remembered that under his pillow was stored a knife that he deliberately kept without anyone's knowledge.

Lilis moved slowly towards her pillow. As Reza Sakin gets close, Lilis pulls out a knife and threatens to stab Reza if he dares to get close. Reza was a little frightened even though he was seen looking for a gap to grab the knife that Lilis was holding.

"Patience, Lis. Be careful, it's a sharp object" Reza said in a panic.

"Reza dared to approach Lilis. Lilis will not hesitate anymore," Lilis replied more boldly.

"Don't Lis. Mas Reza apologized. Please put the knife down."

Reza tried to approach Lilis slowly and focused on taking the knife from Lilis' hand. Lillie started thinking differently. As Reza approached, Lilis swung a free kick towards little sister Reza. Reza looked grimacing in pain and he who had not expected Lilis to do that looked there was a sense of annoyance on his face.

"You, aau.what are you doing, Lilis. This is my most precious weapon."

Lilis smiled cynically seeing Reza endure the pain while holding onto her little sister. Perhaps, if anyone saw Lilis face back then, it would be thought that Lilis was a psychopath. Happiness over the suffering of others. But for Lilis, Reza deserves it.

"Lilis, help me. How am I gonna marry you if my gun's hurt."

"Help, help what? I'm still holding a knife, I'll help castrate a man like you."

"Psycho woman you Lis."

Lilis deliberately laughed as if she was really a psycho woman. All this for his own safety.

"I'll help too, to tell Mrs Ratih if Reza wants to rape me. Let's see, Madam Ratih believes in me more or you."

"No, Lis. Don't say anything to Ratih. Do you have the heart to see Ratih's marriage ruined because of this?"

"I'm not going to tell Mrs Ratih, but Reza has to promise me one thing."

"Say," said Reza, grimacing.

"Never approach me or any other woman other than Ratih. If Sambut I see, I won't be able to keep this mouth shut anymore."

"Okay, I promise."

Flashback.