DREAM OF THE SHADOW

CHAPTER 44

"Jack, so you still don't want to admit this is your son?" asked Vanya while stroking her stomach which already looked distended in her pregnancy which entered four months.

The slightly puffed-haired man did not immediately reply. He feels intimidated by the presence of Vanya, Joshua, and someone claiming to be their lawyer.

"This Vanya. I admit we slept together. At that time, you were not even a virgin. How am I supposed to admit the baby was my son even before he was born? Besides, what if the news about you and Joshua is true? I may be the one fooled by you."

"Shut your mouth!" Vanya yells and will come forward to attack Jack if not held back by Joshua.

"Please keep your talk. I've restrained myself from that with your attitude. We all know what's really going on, it's just that there's no evidence to prove who's honest and who's a liar." Joshua said with emotion held back.

"Mother Vanya and Mr. Joshua. I've spoken to my client. What if we do a DNA test after the child is born? If it's proven to be my client's son, then he'll be responsible for it." Lawyer Jack spoke with his Batak.

"Huh? After this child was born? How do I deal with others?" Vanya yells.

"Calm Mba Vanya. Look Mr. Jack, I understand we can't just say your name in front of reporters. We will definitely be prosecuted for defamation. But we also have cctv proof that you brought Mba Vanya from the club. Although it can not fully meet the demands of our clients, but at least it can form public opinion and provide social sanctions for you." explained Mr. Amiruddin lawyer brought Joshua. The meeting did not bring a meeting point. All parties have not yet provided any solution. Shua doesn't want to talk too much because she doesn't want to be emotionally involved.

*****

"So how now?" nissa asked as she brought a plate of cut fruit for Vanya in her room.

"It's useless to force Jack, Auntie. Cctv can also add to the problem. Now, how can Vanya return Josh's good name? Forgive Vanya, Tan." The girl started crying again.

"Stop crying, son. Poor your son." Nissa hugged Vanya.

"Is Vanya not entitled to a happy Aunt? Actually that night, when Vanya decided to go to the club, it was the night where Vanya came to Auntie."

"Huh? When's Van?" Nissa was a little confused by the story.

"When Vanya asked Auntie to ban Yuna and Josh's relationship. Aunt remember? That night Vanya almost went crazy imagining Brother Josh will marry Yuna. Vanya drinks at the club until drunk. That's when that jerk trapped Vanya. Forgive Vanya for disappointing Auntie. Vanya tells this only so that Auntie does not regard Vanya as a naughty woman. Vanya's not that kind of woman Tan."

"No. Auntie never thought you were like that Van. Aunt believes in you. Forgive Aunt. Indirectly, Auntie has made you like this." Nissa had no power to hold back her tears of regret.

"No. That's not what Vanya means, Tan. Vanya never blamed Auntie. Really am. Vanya has always considered Aunt and Brother Josh the most important people in Vanya's life. Vanya is willing to let go of anything for the sake of you two. Let Vanya stay with you." whine.

"Yes.iya.you will stay here with Auntie. Even if Shua gets married, you'll stay with Auntie."

"Tante, let Vanya marry Brother Josh. Please Vanya Aunty. Vanya felt there was no point in living. Vanya please.. Give Vanya a reason to live and keep this baby. Every day Vanya just feels like dying." Nissa could not bear to hear Vanya's roaring cry. If the decision on this is in her hands, of course Nissa doesn't mind Joshua marrying Vanya even though the girl is pregnant with another boy. But this was beyond her power, Nissa couldn't possibly ask her son to do that let alone know how much Shua loved Yuna.

"Tante.answered Tan..." Vanya cried with a trembling voice while holding the hand of Nissa who joined in crying.

"Tante can't ask for this with Shua, son."

"Vanya knows Auntie doesn't want to accept this baby right? Alright. Vanya won't force anymore. Thanks for everything, Aunt." Vanya picked up her cell phone and sling bag then rushed towards the door. A surprised Nissa immediately caught up with him.

"Where are you going, Vanya?"

"Sorry Aunt. But Vanya felt there was nothing more to defend. What will happen, let it happen. Say hello to Josh. Please tell me if he doesn't have to prolong the problem with Jack again. Vanya will take care of everything." Vanya's voice was much calmer, it seemed like the decision he took was already quite unanimous.

"Vanya, Auntie please don't go. Let Aunt take care of you and your baby." Nissa pulled Vanya's hand.

"What's Auntie like? Vanya's not even Aunt's son. And to be Aunt's son-in-law, that's even more unlikely. Never mind Tan, Vanya has troubled you enough."

"Thank you, Tan. But it is better for Vanya to return to the apartment for a while. Vanya's feelings are very chaotic. Vanya loves Josh very much, but under these circumstances, Vanya feels very embarrassed. Let it be that if everything calms down and there is a decision, then Vanya will return. Vanya loves Auntie, what a pity." Vanya hugged the woman and left her without looking back.

*****

"Darling, have you seen the brochure I sent you to email?" Shua picks Yuna back from work.

"What is Paradise View Hotel?" yuna asked as she picked up a hair on the man's cheek.

"What's that?" shua asked as she slightly turned towards Yuna.

"Eyelashes. There are people who miss the same time you hahaha." he said.

"It's just missing from you that I want." Shua pinched softly Yuna's cheeks which were slightly blushing.

"So you've read yet the Paradise Hotel?" ask again.

"It has. Do you really want to party in Bali? Uh, turn right dong." Yuna pointed to the right and Shua suddenly turned on her right sign.

"Where are you going?" ask Shua.

"To Lesehan Seafood only. We'll talk there." They stopped at a traditional-style restaurant with many cottages overlooking a large fish pond.

Yuna chose a slightly corner spot to avoid anyone recognizing Shua's face. Lately the figure of Joshua Austin has often been pacing on television, not because of his achievements but because of rumors of his relationship with Vanya. From the news up until now, Yuna had never met Vanya. Maybe because there was no chance, but maybe because he also avoided it. Yuna did not know what to say and did if they met. It must have felt awkward because Yuna knew how she felt about Shua.

"That's it Mba. Tea please don't be too thick. Thank you." said Yuna.

"You're eating lesehan but choose a place that uses a chair table." Shua laughing.

"One new thing about me that you should know, baby. I don't like sitting on the floor, don't like it and can't. And Lesehan Seafood was the name of this place." Yuna replied as she took a wet tissue to slightly wipe away the remaining oil left on the table.

"No chili for you. Eat only soft fish. I don't want your pain to recur." Shua said while holding her lover's head.

"Ready, Boss. So why do you want us to get married in Bali?"

"It's more beautiful. Sumpek in Jakarta. You reckon?" Shua loosened her tie while looking at Yuna who was sitting in front of her.

"Yes anyway. But does it not bother the invited guests if they have to go to Bali?" Thought Yuna.

"Not even if they are given accommodation. I can book a hotel for those present. You agree enough, honey. I'll arrange everything. You just sit sweet, measure the wedding dress. That's all." Yuna is happy to see Shua enthusiastically preparing for their marriage.

"Let me take care of her because not only are you passionate about getting married, I can't wait to be your wife." Shua was very moved to hear it. She does need such words from Yuna to convince herself that Yuna loves her too. Shua stood up and kissed Yuna's lips at a glance. Just a reminder that he loves that woman.

"How much Mba?" Shua got to the cashier's table to pay. The cashier gave him a note while whispering.

"You're Mr. Joshua Vanya Aprilia's husband right?" He asked while looking at the hands of Shua and Yuna who were holding hands. Yuna felt clumsy being noticed as it instantly let go of their hands. Shua did not answer anything, left three pieces of red money without waiting for his change and followed his lover who seemed not to be considered it.

*****