Forced Mate

Our Past

The hand that used to feel strong in Ayu's grasp, weakened, even helpless. Infusion and breathing assistance are attached to Arum's hands and nose.

Ayu used to talk a lot with Arum. Arum's friendly carrying always makes him comfortable telling a lot of things. Whenever he had a problem with Arya, he would definitely complain to Arum, thus helping her scold Arya. But now he feels awkward.

Ayu only held Arum's hand, she didn't say a single word, because she didn't know what to say. Sometimes he gave a smile to a woman who looked in pain.

"Di-a your husband?" asked Arum in a weak voice.

"I-iya, Auntie," Ayu replied somewhat hesitantly.

Arum pulled both corners of his lips.

"He's handsome" he said, "fitting you."

Ayu only gave a fleeting smile. He stroked Arum's hand again. He was sad to see the woman helpless. In the past, Arum was very strong and healthy. I don't know when he started doing this.

"Aunty is healthy, yes!" said Ayu unable to hold back her tears.

Arum shook his head weakly. "Don't cry, son."

Ayu wiped her tears. He tried to smile even though it was hard.

"Tante is happy that you smile so, so beautiful."

Ayu smiled again, yet she could not hold back her tears any longer. He misses Arum's warm embrace, as well as the smile of the woman he always craved to be in-law. Ayu dropped her body slowly, and hugged Arum.

"I miss the same Aunt, the same rendang that always made Auntie," said Ayu sesugukan.

The weak pat of Arum was felt on Ayu's shoulder.

"Tante is fast healing" whined Ayu in Arum's embrace.

Ayu took off her embrace, she wiped the remaining tears on her cheeks.

Arum. "Aunty must have healed after seeing you again."

Arum loved Ayu very much. The beautiful girl Arya used to take home and introduced to her. He still remembered how the girl was so easily familiar with him. His personality is friendly, cheerful, no wonder his son used to be so crazy about Ayu.

Arumumah's mistake made the girl hurt. Arum did not know at all that his only son still felt hurt and harbored fear of marriage. Until now he still feels guilty, to Ayu, also to Arya.

"Tante, Ayu said," said Ayu, "later Auntie after recovering, I will look at Aunt at home."

Smile Arum again. "Really, huh?"

Ayu replied with a nod.

"Tante was excited to hear it" Arum said, trying to sound stronger.

"I go home first, if so," said Ayu while kissing the back of Arum's hand.

Alex, who was standing far behind Ayu, approached the hospital bed. He gave a smile to Arum and joined the hands of the woman.

Arum held Alex's hand, making the man gasp.

"Good girl," said Arum, "please take care of her!" Continued pleading.

"Of course," Alex replied with a friendly smile.

Ayu and Alex get out of Arum's nursery after saying goodbye. Outside the room was Arya who was sitting while looking down.

Ayu glanced at Alex who was staring at her. He hesitated to greet the man. Seeing Arya this time, made her feelings fragile.

"Hi," Alex greets Arya.

Arya looked up and immediately stood up when she saw the two people who had just come out of her mother's nursery.

The eyes were full of sadness, the sturdy shoulder that had once been Ayu's backrest looked fragile.  The smile that Ayu really liked also disappeared. If only he could, Ayu wanted to hug the man, comforting him, and yet, he had no such right anymore.

"Thank you for visiting Mama" said Alex with eyes that kept looking at Ayu.

Ayu just nodded slowly.

"Ah, we both hope your mama gets well soon" Alex said with a casual smile.

Arya turned her eyes towards Alex. She does not like to see Ayu close to other men, but however the man is Ayu's husband. He had no right to be angry and jealous anymore.

"Thank you" Arya said with a smile.

Despite not liking Alex, he did not want to show her in front of Ayu.

"We go home first, if so," said Alex, then embrace Ayu's shoulder. Meanwhile, the woman is still silent and complies as Alex embraces her out of the hospital.

"You suddenly become quiet" Alex said as he started driving his car.

Ayu glanced at a glance and did not respond.

"You're still baper with your ex?" alex asked with widened eyes, "after what he did, that's right."

Ayu was still silent. Alex was right, after what Arya did, she still kept a little hope that she could still be together with the man.

"It's only natural that you haven't forgotten Arya," Alex said, "but you should know she's married and you're married."

Ayu's eyes were fixed on Alex, he snorted in annoyance because Alex did not stop discussing Arya.

"I can be jealous if you remember your ex."

"Don't talk about it again!" concluded Ayu, "i know, without you even clear I know very well."

Arya is married, she is married, she is pregnant. Even without all of those things, she and Arya remain unlikely to be together anymore. He knew, however, it was not his wish, it was his heart that kept remembering the man. Seven years was a long time, everything could not possibly be erased in an instant. He needs time to heal from his wounds.

"You hungry?" alex asked after a moment of silence.

Ayu nodded. The last time they ate before seeing the obstetrician, of course Ayu was hungry.

"Well, let's eat first."

Alex keeps doing his car back to the hotel where they stayed last night.

"Well, he said he wanted to eat" Ayu protested.

Alex just smiled and parked the car. He got off, then opened the car door for Ayu.

"Be careful" said Alex holding the top of Ayu's head to make Tidka hit in the car.

"You're forgetfulness again?"

Alex shakes. "You'll know when you get to the top."

Alex looked at his watch. It's too late, but it's okay, at least Alex has tried. He embraces Ayu's shoulder and enters a special elevator to the balcony that is united with their room.

They came out of the elevator, and Ayu was immediately amazed as she walked towards the balcony. There were lots of candles and a table with white linen cloth. The candle had almost melted completely. Ayu glanced at Alex.

"This is what else?" asked Ayu with a stifled smile.

"Candle light dinner" Alex replied, "again romantic, just a failure."

Ayu smiled and grabbed Alex's arm. "Why didn't you say that?"

"Likes?" ask Alex.

"Of course" said Ayu.

Ayu took off her grip on Alex's arm. Then walk quickly down the candles lined on the right and left side forming a road to a table containing one table and one chair facing. While Alex followed him while putting both hands on me his pants.

They sit facing.

"What do you want to eat?" ask Alex while reaching for HP to contact the place of booking.

"Are we not eating steak like in the movies?" ask Ayu, because all this time every time watching a romantic dinner like that must have wine and Steak. Since Ayu can not drink alcohol, it may be replaced with juice or water only.

"So you want a steak?"

"You didn't prepare the steak?" Ayu's eyes glared, "you're sincere, ready for the romantic dinner?"

Alex gulps. Alex's deep feeling is never right at all, it's always wrong.

"Sorry," said Alex, "I order now."

Ayu pressed her lips forward while throwing her face. He was hungry, and Alex kept him waiting. He was already excited, but disappointed to not get any food at all.

"Wait, yeah!" alex said grabbing Ayu's hand.

"Deliver!" Ayu slams Alex's hand. "What dinner? Eat wind!"

"Sorry, we suddenly have to go to the hospital. Not to mention you had to visit your ex's mother."

Ayu rolled her eyeballs. "Too many reasons."

"That's reality, right, honey," Alex replies, "where else try you can get a husband like me. It's handsome, understanding, romantic anyway."

Ayu sneered, "narcissistic basics."

"Look at what I prepared for you" Alex said, winking one eye at Ayu.

The man stood up and walked towards the bar. He picked up a violin and winked one more eye at Ayu.

Alex started playing the instrument.  Ayu's eyes kept on Alex. The man was so sweet, he even planned everything carefully. Not to mention, his ability to play the violin. It was not the instrument that Ayu enjoyed, but the smile on that charming face, as well as the hand and the beautiful swerving swipe at her violin.

"Applause, honey!" pinta Alex after bending finished her performance.

"Here, here eat!" call Ayu, "i'm hungry."

Alex put down the violin, and immediately ran the little back to his chair.

"I'm hungry too" said Alex, ready to eat.

Alex gives a smile to Ayu and a smile is returned by Ayu. Ayu's heart didn't want to see that smile. The man made Ayu even more comfortable. What if they have to separate?

"Alex!" call Ayu with a deep gaze fixed on Alex.

"What's up, honey?" alex answered with a smile on his lips.

Ayu hated that smile, that beautiful smile that managed to break her heart hard.

"Don't be too nice to me!" pinta Ayu's.

Alex's forehead wrinkled.

"I don't want to get used to your kindness" Ayu said.

"Why get used to it?" alex asked, "i'd rather be like that."

Ayu. He's not happy to get used to Alex's presence and attention. Because he realized they couldn't be together forever. Sooner or later, he had to let go of losing all the warmth of the man.

"No!" Ayu shook her head refusing, "we can't get that close. Sooner or later we have to part."

Alex put down his knife and fork. He lifted his chair to the side of Ayu.

"Don't" - Akex shook his head," don't talk like that!"

Ayu just looked down, Tidka dared to look at Alex. It had only been a few days together, and he was already used to the comfort that the man had given him. If it continued to be left, he would not be able to let go.

Alex grabs Ayu's head and rests it on her shoulders.

"How many Times do I've to tell you that I'll never let you go, ever!" Alex insists.

"I just thought ... this is wrong," Ayu added.

Alex growling. "I know, it's hard, but please give me a chance so that I can prove it to you."

Ayu shakes.

"I'm not asking you to accept me now" Alex said, "give me time to convince you, I'm serious."

Ayu. He tries to weigh in, gives Alex a hardship, or stays with his will. What if he had let Alex get deep into his life, and the man suddenly left him. Regardless of Alex's monogamy, no one knows what life will be like.

Arya who used to experience love and my manga will not leave Ayu, the proof goes. No one can guarantee that Alex will always be by his side.

Ayu raised her head. He looked at Alex inside.

"Well, I'll try," said Ayu, "but, you have to promise. When things are not going as we expected, I want you to agree to a divorce."

From now on, Ayu will prepare her own parachute. If there really was an end to him falling down after being fluttered by his feelings, he would land just fine. He had already been injured, and would not allow the same injuries to hurt him.

"Is that the condition?" ask Alex.

Ayu nodded.

"Well, we do as you please." Alex agrees to Ayu's decision.

Although agreed, it does not mean Alex is thinking of divorce with Ayu. He will try to make the woman can not be separated from him. He will prove that he can be a good husband and father to their child.

Alex stretches out his hand hoping Ayu welcomes his embrace. Honey, the woman actually distanced herself and chose to reach for her drink.

"Darling, you said you were going to try," Ayu protested, "not that you should hug me now."

Ayu gave a quick glance at Alex who was still stretching out her hands, then chuckled.

Alex hugged the emptiness. "It's okay, you'll run in my arms."

The man raised his chair again facing Ayu. He drank his juice while looking at Ayu who was smiling.

"I want to go there," said Ayu pointing towards the balcony railing that many plants live on.

Without waiting for Alex's approval, he walked to where he wanted to be. There he held on to the railing and stared ahead. The hand that suddenly coiled around her waist, made Ayu turn her head. He gave a smile to Alex who was hugging him from behind.

"It's cold in here, you need a little warm hug from me."

Ayu just laughed a little. He let Alex stick his chin on his shoulder. Alex's slow breaths added to the warmth Ayu felt.

"Alex," - Ayy turned to the side making her pointy nose touch Alex's cheek, "you've been in love."

Alex thought for a moment. He took a deep breath before answering.

"Early," he answered.

"Who? That actress? Or your friend's girlfriend you snatched up?" ask Ayu curiously.

"No, certainly not them," Alex denied, "i forgot why I was looking for them."

"Basic crazy, so why are you dating them when you're not in love?"

"Love doesn't matter, honey," says Alex, "all it takes in a relationship is commitment."

Ayu sneered, "so you're committed to all your girlfriends?"

Alex shakes. "I only commit to those who deserve commitment, you for example."

Ayu started to snort in annoyance. He glanced at Alex sharply, irritated by the man's confession.

"Why are you dating if you don't love and don't want to commit?"

"I'm a man, and there's a few things a man needs from a woman" Alex said.

Ayu elbowed Alex's stomach. He can feel how the woman who fell victim to Alex's game.

"You're bad, you know!" bentak Ayu's.

Alex shook his head in disagreement with Ayu's words. "Not evil, rather than symbiotic mutualism, we give to each other and benefit."

"Lucky what?"

"I manifested their desires, and vice versa."

Ayu let go of Alex's embrace. He hit the man many times.

"Basic asshole!" peek Ayu, "you think they're not hurt you're playing like that. The woman's feelings are fragile, a little bit baper. With all the attention you paid to them, they could have wished for more! And ... You're as good as it is just a symbiosis of mutualism, crazy, yes!"

Alex keeps dodging as Ayu showers him with blows.

"Well, why are you so angry, honey?" alex protested, "so you want me to marry them one by one, and then the marriage stick runs out, honey."

Ayu hits Alex hard in the chest. "You really are, yes!"

"You were young too, dear. Interested in some of the opposite sex, it's commonplace" said Alex.

"Look, I was only ever dating and in love with one man" Ayu said, "it's you, rotten brain! Don't let my son get your useless gene" he said.

"Some of it I'm talk less do more, different from you who do monogamy, but changing girlfriends just for fun." Ayu added.

"So you're the one, now you're the one who's angry, too" Alex said, "know this I didn't answer that."

"So, who's the one who's having bad luck getting the love of a guy like you?" tanya Ayu returned the initial topic.

Alex was silent for a moment, his gaze softened. She couldn't possibly tell the truth, that she had only ever kept one name in her heart, Tamara.

"It was a sad story ... One side love" Alex finally said.

"Oh, huh?" ask Ayu enthusiastically.

Alex raised his chin and nodded. "Yes, and long enough."

Ayu clapped her hands, unable to hide her delight in knowing Alex's sad story.

"Karma is indeed instant," said Ayu.

"You are, a bad wife, when your husband is sad you are excited" said Alex .

"You deserve to suffer because you often play with people's feelings."

Alex nodded. "Yes, yes, I was wrong, I deserve karma."

Ayu turned to stare at the cars and street lights under the gedunh. The light below looks even more resplendent than the sky which only displays a few Flickering stars.

"I wonder who the woman who managed to hurt you," Ayu said glancing to the side where Alex was standing.

"You don't know, you don't know" Alex said, "he's a childhood friend."

Ayu laughed satisfied. "Later to ask Tamara, she'll know."

Alex's eyes widened to hear Ayu's words. The woman must not tell Tamara, because Alex's only childhood friend is the woman.

"Don't! Tamara doesn't know, I grew up in two countries anyway, Tamara knows my friend in Melbourne." Alex lied.

"I'm so afraid I'm talking to Tamara. Don't you love her the same, huh?" todong Ayy.

Alex gulps.

"Forget over! You and Tamara are not just friends, but already like brothers," said Ayu shook her head to remove the triangle. Meanwhile, Alex immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, Ayu did not continue to hold him. Alex's secret may be exposed.

****

😊😊

Finally Up, despite the moles of the promised time.

Thanks for the support 💜