Home For My Soul

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~Altheo~

The scene I saw in that room was nothing compared to my fear when I failed to look after my wife. I shouldn't have been more worried about Edrick until he took his hand off my grasp. If only I had kept hold of him, it wouldn't have happened.

Thankfully, he thinks faster than me. Learning martial arts from Daisy as long as she was left alone in America was very useful. He can keep himself from that striped-nose man. My hunch turned out to be right. Bastian had other intentions of approaching my wife.

But what he did was just the beginning. The next hard punch that made me almost lose my sanity. Their photos, berukuan, berciman, and metered eyes spread in various online media. Bastian didn't do it himself, but teamed up with someone.

Given Mama's threat to Amaryllis, I soon found out she was the culprit. So mean. What did my mother think of doing this? She teamed up with a man who was interested in my woman to take away her honor as a wife. Is she still my mother?

My bodyguard asked Daisy and she assured me that Amarylis did not know about the photos. I didn't have enough money to waste to erase all the news, so I just let it go. I've got a better plan.

“Lo nothing?” matt asked as we were about to get out of the study. I'm nodding. “Gue will help take down all those photos.”

“Do not,” my barrel. “Save money lo. This is my business with our parents.”

We headed to the elevator and waited until we reached the destination floor. There were many people walking towards the same place, the office hall. Those who saw us paused to say hello and wish me a happy birthday. I just nodded slowly.

The hall was already converted into a celebration venue where the stage had been decorated with banners and there was a piano for pianists accompanying the event. At the front was a large round table, one of which was filled by my parents. The rest by their acquaintances.

The middle to back of the hall is filled with chairs lined up neatly. On the right and left of the room there is a long table serving food and drinks for everyone. There are servants who are ready to serve when the time comes.

The host asked me to go on stage when the show started. Just a short celebration. They sang, and I blew out the candles, cut, split, and fed my family cake. The first bribe I gave to myself as my wife's representative. Those present laughed amusedly, only my mama pouted.

“You must be hungry, but there is an important announcement that will be delivered by Mr. Azarya Husada which will then end with a greeting from the birthday,” said the host. He handed the microphone to Papa.

“Thank you. Good evening to all the welcome invitations to our invitation. My wife and I are honored for everyone's support for our son's growing age and his recovery from the accident he had last year.” Papa smiled with relief.

“Thank you also still support us despite the new problems that are happening to us. As you already know, our daughter-in-law is not present and you already know the reason. We never announced their marriage, because she is not a suitable woman for our son, Altheo.” Papa glanced at me.

“So, on this happy occasion, we announce the annulment of her marriage to Amarylis and her re-engagement with Venecia Batari. We won't be holding any more special events, but you will all be invited on their wedding day.”

My entire body trembled, not because of the thundering applause and cheers of everyone in the hall, but because of holding back the mounting anger. The unproven photo is considered a legitimate tool to cancel our marriage. Who are they?

The shameless woman and her parents were daring to go on stage, stand by my side and smile at the photographer. I put some distance and pulled my hand as she tried to hold me and be friendly. I will definitely make that threat happen tonight.

When the atmosphere calmed down and everyone sat in their respective places, then I began my plan. I glanced at my bodyguards and nodded slowly. The lights of the room were turned off so that what they were watching could be seen clearly.

“It is not enough to show off your son's chosen son-in-law in front of me, you incised my pride by calling me unworthy to replace my father. Good. I've lost everything, then I don't want to fall alone.”

Clara was clearly pointing her way toward Papa and Mama, with Matt and me not far behind. Meghan and her parents can also be seen in the video. My biggest thanks to the waiter at Willis' house who recorded it so I have irrefutable proof of its authenticity.

“On that day, all the legitimate heirs of the Husada Family should have died. I won't be here with my parents and sister celebrating my birthday and thanking me for my recovery. However we can be here, because of the services of an outstanding young woman.” I smile.

You are my poor wife, my dear. You are not here to see me defending your rights, but your sincere love is enough to give me courage to face those who do not stop opposing our relationship. This is one of my efforts to get our marriage to be blessed.

“Amarilis is indeed not a woman from the most prominent and influential people in this country. She is just an ordinary woman, but no less honorable than you all. What status should always be the basis of a happy marriage for our people? Is love not enough? Is the great love he showed through his sacrifice in the video considered non-existent?

“After what he did for us, is this our reply, Pa, Ma? Without his courage that day, we will return home in a coffin, lifeless. Look carefully at that video. I'll let the tape keep repeating itself and repeating so we never forget.

“I, Papa, and Matt can only freeze to see the danger threaten our lives. Though we are men. It is precisely Amarylis who is more alert to move and prevent bad things from happening to our families. Amaryllis that does not stop you reject and despise it.”

Matt just looked down, unable to raise his head since the first sentence I said. Only Papa and Mama still raised their heads and looked at me arrogantly. Of course breaking their hearts is not that easy. But I'm not done yet.

I laughed sadly. “The photo you spread is like a diamond you throw in the face of the person who has saved our lives. I'm ashamed, Pa, Ma. I never thought my parents would act this low. What does status mean if we do lower than animals?”

“Amarilis was not cheating, but was harassed by the man in the photo. I was there and failed to protect my wife. Are Papa and Mama going to embarrass me in front of everyone? Amaryllis managed to save my life, but I wasn't even good at guarding her honor. Is that what you want to say in those photos?

“Because that's how I feel right now. I'm so ashamed, Pa, Ma. I as a man cannot protect my own wife. I came to think, would I be able to lead a company of this size with so many employees? One person only I failed to save.”

I looked towards the Batari Family. “Then the person you chose for me. Have you forgotten what they did to us? What did they do when I was lying in the hospital? You only opened the accident to the public, but deliberately forgot to tell them that they broke off our engagement because I was in.”

Without turning my head, I knew the white screen behind me showed the CCTV footage that was in my nursery. The incident of the woman removing the engagement ring, giving it to Mama but being rejected, until she put it on the cot can be seen clearly.

Although there was no sound, these people were not stupid. They must know what's going on in the tape. Moreover, the expression of disappointed Mama and the cruel look on the face of the mother and child can be seen clearly. I'm the one lying down on the video too.

“I will remain married to Amarilis Josepha. I won't divorce her no matter what. There are no requirements regarding the status of the wife in my appointment as the future chief director replacing Azarya Husada.” I looked at my papa.

“So anyone who tries to take my rights away from me will fight. Even if the person is my own parents.” I glanced at the whole room. “The shareholders are here. I'd like to hear, do any of you mind the wife I chose?”

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~Author's Note~

A little afraid of actually saying this, worried zonk again. Haha .... Guys, I have a surprise tomorrow. Please monitor eFBi or aIGi Meina H. to see the announcement, yes. It can be a holiday for those who are not going anywhere.

Continuing tomorrow, yes. Thank you for reading. The author can rest, please.