Home For My Soul

98|Single Alliance

“Hey, be careful when you talk,” scold a man. “Salah accuses, you can get defamation. Husada family is not a small family that you can play with. They are serious about keeping their reputation.”

“There is no smoke, if there is no fire. You also know about the news.”

I used the opportunity to knock on the door, then open it. They all looked at me quietly, then sat down neatly and said good morning. I returned their greetings and invited the meeting leader to begin.

Hearing that conversation, I finally understood that my guess was correct. The Winara family must have used that rumor to control Mama. Unfortunately, they still spread the untrue news even though Chika and I were engaged.

Let's see who wins this fight. Me or that evil family.

After a few times finding their car in our yard, I was surprised they didn't come tonight. The butler who greeted me home said my family had gathered in the dining room.

“You from anywhere?” ask Papa. “We leave at the same time, why did you arrive longer than me who was in the car?”

I just kept quiet, didn't answer. If I told them I saw the state of Amaryllis in her residence, they would be furious. Even if I don't meet or talk to him, they won't want to know.

“Chika will hear on Thursday, you better come give her support. It will be good news if someone posts it on their social media,” said Mama. “He will start working in our company so you can be together more often.”

“Then what about his family's hotel? Will he not help his own family business?” ask Matt with a ketus.

“The father is still there and leads the company well. After all, working in the field will make them so far away. Hence your papa offers a position in our company.” Mom smiled at Papa.

“Please, make sure he comes to work, yes, Pa. I don't have time to take care of women who think the workplace is the location of romance,” I told Papa.

“Why do you always think bad about the girl?” mama's Protest.

“Because what Theo said is true, Ma. The thing is, only Papa and Mama can't see things as clearly as that,” Matt replied.

I ignored their conversation by focusing on my food. The sooner I finish eating, the better. I don't want to talk to my parents every time, Chika's name comes out of their mouths. I'm tired of hearing that.

After eating, I headed to my room to clean up. A waiter came to bring me a warm drink and a snack. But seeing that two glasses were placed on the table, I frowned. When he came out, Matt came in with a serious face.

“Gue hates you two,” he said as he plucked his body on the sofa.

“What else is it?” I took my cut of fruit and ate it.

“Lo close to Kak Amaryilis because of her Katelia, ‘kan?” he said, surprising me. “How dare you lie to me. There is no way an Altheo Husada likes an ordinary girl without anything special.”

“Lo realize you're talking about the dead?” my many.

“About I'm talking about crazy things.” He crossed both hands in front of his chest. “So, what else is your rebuttal? Don't talk about physical attraction or heart. You asked her out because she's Katelia, ‘kan?” I'm nodding. “Not him saying he's a bad guy?”

“Do you see she ever hurt an innocent person again?” She shook her head. “Because I like him. Lo will not be able to survive like he who suddenly woke up in the body of another person and his original body was brought to death by his own victims.”

Since he already knew about it, then I don't cover it up anymore. The sooner he finds out it the stronger his base is to defend me. Papa and Mama are allied with Chika, so I need one of my family to be on my side.

“You mean, Katelia who pushed Kak Amarylis into the lake?”

“Amarilis is the girl he often hangs around at school.”

“Wow.” He was stunned to hear that information.

I let him digest that big information for a moment. Even though they never met, I told him about the girl. I couldn't bear to hear he was so eager to meet his future sister-in-law. After she found out that Katelia was so evil, she hated her.

He stopped eating his cut fruit. “Gue sees Kak Amarilis talking to Chika in the campus corridor. He threatened the wicked woman because he had told their striped professor to ruin his reputation.” I nodded in understanding.

So, Amarilis had spoken to him. The woman will not stop bothering him. Does he have any other plans than to threaten Chika? Why didn't he do something extreme? Perhaps, he already had another grand plan to repay his actions?

I came to college on the day of her trial. Matt got word of that schedule and invited me to attend. But I refused and only saw Amaryllis from afar. Things will get more complicated if I show myself because Chika is also in court on the same day.

“Why do we have to vacation with them continue, anyway?” lamented Matt.

To look around the campus I was going to enter, we took a vacation to the first capital city in the United States. Winter is the season I hate the most. We had to dress up every time we left the hotel. Even in the room, I had to wear clothes.

“Enjoyed only. Not necessarily you will be able to come here when I go to college. Papa would like to see the location of his new restaurant. Don't think about the Winara Family. We are here to support our parents,” entertain me.

When we did not have a schedule together, I went alone to see the condition of my target campus. I also found out the location of affordable apartments around it. As much as possible, I use my bicycle for transportation to save on living expenses.

This is the reason I don't complain about our coming to this city. It doesn't matter who comes with us as long as my ultimate goal is achieved. This city will be my home for three years. Long time away from parents and making plans.

Chika wasn't as stupid as I thought when she arrived on her graduation day. It turned out that he had deliberately not graduated any faster to ridicule Amarilis. I can't be with him because I have to be at the Thanksgiving event held by the Winara Family.

Matt who refused to attend was forced to come. Though he was ready to go to the hall to see his private teacher. I can't get in through the invitation. But with a little effort, I was able to watch my girl receive an award from the university.

The fight is really crazy to reach summa cum laude. The GPA he achieved must have been very high. I got cum laude already thankfully.

“Everyone has congratulated me, but my fiance has not said anything,” said Chika who came near me.

“Congratulations,” my word is short. Matt who stood by my side laughed amusedly.

The woman pouted, but she immediately put on her sweet smile. “Thank you. I'm glad our happy day is getting closer.” He put his hand on my arm.

“Didn't you hear what my papa said? Theo will be abroad for three years. Chika, your wedding is still a long time away,” taunts Matt.

“Little kids like you know what about adult affairs?” reply Chika.

Although I was not present on the same day Amarilis graduated, I met her on Monday. I didn't tell Papa why I asked for leave, but he gave me permission. So I used that one day to celebrate Amaryllis' graduation and say goodbye.

We're going to be apart for a few years, so I need to give her a proper farewell. I wouldn't want him to refuse if a better man approached him. But my plan was scrapped when he wouldn't part with me.

Whether she understands me or not, I purposely let her still hold Grandma's inheritance ring. He did not contact or send messages like the day we broke up earlier. Maybe he understood why I didn't ask for it back.

Good news finally arrived in mid-March. The college I was after accepted me to be their student. Yup! I immediately checked what requirements I needed to meet in order to re-register.

“Really!?” mama with a happy face. I nodded slowly. “Thank God!”

“Gue is very proud of you, Theo. Congratulations, yes,” said Matt. Papa also spoke his words.

“Then, we can proceed to the next step.” Mom saw the screen of her phone. “There is still enough time to prepare everything.”

“What does Mama mean?” tanyaku.

“It is time for you and Chika to formalize your relationship.” Mama smiled happily. “You will be calm in a long distance relationship if you are married.”