Home For My Soul

195|Destroying Reputation

Theo spoke to the two policemen on the porch. He asked to come in, but they refused. They just want to take me to the office to be questioned. We exchanged looks. My husband asked for his summons, so they gave.

“Dealtation?” Theo read the allegations in the letter. “I as her husband did not charge my wife with this accusation. Who hired this lawyer? I don't know him.”

“Then, someone else has filed a lawsuit, sir. Please, we're just doing our job. Come with us to the office now. If your wife is innocent, she will not be detained,” said the man standing in front of Theo.

“Since when does a direct call sign take effect so soon? Usually given a few days to come face to face. Do you think I don't know the legal process?” Theo prevented the fellow man from approaching me. “We will come alone. So, wait in your car.”

They're serious. My heart started pounding faster and I felt my hands tremble. I was accused of adultery. Who has made the report? It must have something to do with Bastian, but nothing happened between me and him.

We just stood close together. Not just sleeping together, let alone sleeping together. The photos circulating it is engineered using an image editing application. Time with the photo only the police received a complaint to call me to face?

Theo looked calm, but I knew his heart was turbulent. He must be very angry at this moment. After wearing the blazer the waiter took, I followed him to the car. The two police cars were escorting us like arresting a high-class criminal. We cannot escape.

I just kept quiet all the way, while Theo talked to someone on his cell phone. Hearing from the sentence he said, it seemed like he was on the phone with his lawyer. I'm resigned to whatever's going to happen, because this is the first time I've dealt with the police.

The officers headed for the main entrance where a sea of reporters were waiting, but the driver complied with Theo by moving straight to the back door. Maddened. What are the cops thinking? Do they want to make us an easy target for the media?

Although there were some reporters at the alternative entrance, we were able to walk freely. Their numbers were not enough to hinder us from entering. Moreover, our bodyguards helped us by driving them away. Me and Theo purposely did not cover our faces with anything, because we did nothing wrong.

“You will pay dearly for your deeds today,” Theo said unperturbedly to the police who received us in the examination room.

“Good morning, Altheo. Sorry, we just went through the procedure.” The man reached out his hand, but Theo did not accept it. “Ah, please sit down, Sir.”

“If there is no hard evidence that makes my wife worthy of being treated this low, I will sue back.” Theo held my hand that was on my lap. He was stunned for a moment. It must be because he felt my hands tremble. “He won't talk until his lawyer arrives.”

The law force Theo was referring to arrived a few minutes later. The poor guy. He must be in a hurry to come from his house, just like us. I haven't even had time to eat. Even though the waiter had prepared the provisions, I could not eat a mouthful of rice. The menu is my favorite fried rice.

The police asked about the incident at Nisa's relative's house, so I replied if I was welcome by the lawyer. All of them are just basic questions, while the nature of the accusations without evidence does not need me to answer. That guy was very helpful. Because if I misrepresent, these cops can abuse them later. Even the innocent turned guilty.

After I testified, I was welcome to go home, but I could not get out of town. I was asked to be ready to come whenever they needed more information. Theo and the man accompanying me were just listening, not responding.

Passing reporters and being in the car, I couldn't breathe. I'm still considered a criminal who needs to follow the next legal process. Bizarrely. What evidence do they have that shows me and Bastian having an intimate relationship? Because without it, they can't accuse me of adultery.

I wanted to go home, but Theo took me with him to see his lawyer. We talked in the man's study that looked classy. Food is provided on the sideboard, complete with a variety of drinks. Theo forced me to eat, so I complied.

“Jessica Winara.” The man put his phone on the table after he finished talking to no one. “Do you know him?”

“He who filed the demands?” ask Theo, confirm. The man nodded. “Then, please prepare a counterclaim for defamation. I have evidence that could show nothing happened in that room on the night of the incident.” I looked at Theo in disbelief.

“Good, Sir.” The man immediately noted something on his agenda.

“He didn't sue Bastian?” Theo checked something on his vibrating phone.

“The man was also called to testify, but on next Wednesday, sir. Adultery will not be processed if it only reports one person without his or her zina partner.”

The more he spoke, the more he ate. This is what it feels like to have a reliable husband. I was afraid my world would collapse and my chance to clear my name was over. But Theo knew exactly what to do.

He drove me home before going to his office. I am so glad I could be home again. But I still can't believe this morning's call actually happened. I went to the room because I deliberately didn't bring my phone before Theo left for work.

There are so many missed calls and unread messages on my personal phone. I don't have time for any of that right now. I'm late for work and the message on Brother's phone is definitely no less.

Justright. There were several invitations and job offers that filled the messages on Sister's phone. It vibrated as soon as a call came in. My work also began. I deliberately didn't take a break at lunch so that all the new messages could be answered.

At six o'clock in the afternoon, I deactivated my work phone. After stretching and eating dinner, the first person I called was my mother. They scramble to talk until I don't have a chance to answer.

I'm exhausted to confirm to all my family and friends, even the news reached Meghan. I don't know when I fell asleep, but when I opened my eyes, I was lying in bed. The digital clock shows it's five in the morning.

“Lo sure want sport?” asked Theo to see me change clothes.

“I want to give birth normally, so should not be lazy.” I walk towards the door.

“I did not forbid. Exercise when the body is tired is also not good for your health,” he said.

“Sleeping all night, so my body is not tired. Don't worry.” I received a helping hand, then walked down the stairs together. “Are there any developments regarding that case or your parents' past?” She shook her head.

I felt bad at the front door, but I dared to keep going. The cops won't come again. Nothing happened between me and Bastian that night, so I don't have to worry. Anyway, there's Theo who's gonna protect me.

Remembering that, I took revenge that I knew would hurt him. I had Daisy secretly photograph us as I drove Theo on the porch. My husband will know, but then when it all happens. I want her picture as natural as possible.

Waiting for work hours to start, I checked the photos and found one that was friendly, but not overwhelming. Theo kissed my forehead and I was smiling happily. Ahh, when viewed like this, we are indeed a matching couple. Only the sirik would call me inappropriate for him. When photographed from this angle, I am beautiful too, not inferior to Katelia.

Problems strengthen our love. I am very good at choosing words. There is a notification that someone likes my photo. Not long after, notifications kept coming non-stop. My friends started commenting. But they are not the ones I'm waiting for.

Come, Chika. Take out your ultimate one. I want to know how far you're going to ruin my reputation. What else have you prepared for me?

___

~Author's Note~

Hi guys. Surprise can be found, yes. Hope likes. Sorry, so interrupt the smooth running up of this novel. You see, the new system needs to be adapted again. Thus, the tragedy of April 2023 was resolved.

Good evening. Happy resting.

Greetings dear, dear,

Meina H's.