Preferred Woman

An unexpected gift

Maya feels very happy after successfully completing her studies and earned a bachelor's degree cum laude. He decided to return to his hometown to celebrate his success with his entire family and those closest to him. She wants to share this happiness with those who have always given her support and encouragement during her study journey.

Maya tells her parents about her plan to return home and celebrate with everyone nearby in two days because she has to get all her belongings out of the dormitory. The village head of Siska's father who knew about it immediately prepared everything with several residents to welcome Maya's return with excitement.

Merlin's father, who was also the principal of his high school, was mixed when he heard stories about Maya's success and her plans to celebrate with her family and those closest to her. He was proud to see the development of Maya who was so brilliant and managed to achieve the title. However, at the same time, he also felt embarrassed and regretful for having scuttle Maya in the past.

Merlin's father realizes that his former attitude has caused disappointment and suffering for Maya. She feels remorse for putting her own child's ambition and success ahead of Maya's happiness and success. Merlin's father realized how great Maya's potential was and how important it was to give children support and encouragement to achieve their dreams.

On the other hand Merlin, whose hatred for Maya is getting deep-rooted, decides to incite his father with a false story about Maya's success and events in the village. He felt that if his efforts in the city to scuttle Maya were not successful, perhaps he could try in the village by utilizing his father's standing. In his mind, his father as the village principal had enough power to destroy Maya's success and reputation before the village community.

He grabbed his cell phone and wanted to contact his father immediately with tension put forward the plan. "Dad, you know about Maya's success, right? He will hold a big event in the village tomorrow to celebrate his achievements" Merlin said in a fiery tone.

Merlin's father, who had previously been mixed up with Maya's success, listened to the story told by Merlin with interest. "really? I've been getting word that Maya and her family are going to hold it?" asked Merlin's father in curiosity.

Merlin smiled satisfied ahaaa into a trap and he continued his story with various false details. He told about the impressive event with its magnificent entertainment and stage, as well as the presence of famous people and high officials. He added that the event will be in the media spotlight and everyone will praise Maya as a successful figure in the village.

Merlin's father was fascinated by Merlin's story. He began to think of an opportunity to use his position as the village principal to head off Maya's success. In her mind, if she could stop the events in the village, then Maya's reputation would be tainted and she would no longer be considered a successful figure in the eyes of the villagers.

"We have to stop the show, Merlin. I will use my position as the principal to arrange everything" Merlin's father said with a burning determination.

Merlin was happy as if he wanted salto but was afraid of shock when he heard his father was affected by the story. He feels closer to his goal of scuttering Maya and taking revenge for the hatred he has been harboring all along. He planned to arrange everything carefully and make sure that his plan worked.

Their chatter continues with sinister planning and ways to derail the events in the village. Merlin uses his father's knowledge and influence to manage everything from permits to the support of the village community. The two of them become increasingly involved in this sinister plot, in the belief that they will succeed in destroying Maya's success and turning the event into a catastrophe for her reputation. But unbeknownst to Father Siska who is the head of the village has first prepared everything without significant obstacles.

^^

When Maya arrives at her hometown with her parents that afternoon, the, he was greeted with cheers of happiness from the villagers for having been born an achiever in their village and hoping to make a significant change in the future. Everyone gathered at Maya's house to celebrate her success. There is a stage set that has been prepared by the village head of Siska's father with the residents. The magnificent stage stands in the middle of an empty land next to Maya's parents' house, ready to become a place where hope and pride converge. Many delicious meals are served, songs and dances are exhilarating, as well as warm stories and laughter that fill the air.

Maya feels very grateful for the support and affection given by her entire family and friends. He felt very happy to be back at his roots and share this happiness with them. Maya feels that this moment is the right time to appreciate and respect her struggle and hard work so far.

In an atmosphere full of excitement and haru, an event in the village to celebrate the success of Maya begins. The village people gathered, filled with smiles and pride for the achievements that Maya had achieved.

Suddenly, the mood changed. Merlin's father, with a serious and influential face as the village principal, took to the stage. He picked up the microphone and gave an unexpected announcement to everyone present.

"Please turn off the music for a moment and please ask for a minute. Thank you for all of you at this event. I have an important announcement to make" Merlin's father said in a voice that sounded clear and firm.

All eyes were on him, including the expectantly anxious Maya. Merlin's father continued his announcement confidently, "Unfortunately, I must inform you that this event has no official and unauthorized permission. All the information circulating about Maya and her success is false."

The atmosphere of silence and surprise replaced the excitement that had previously filled the air. The villagers whispered to each other and wondered about the truth of Merlin's father's words. Maya feels devastated and confused, not expecting that the event that was supposed to be a moment of pride instead turns into a deep disappointment.

“Who said the event here is invalid, and what is your competency to grant permission?” Siska's father as the village chief did not accept it because he felt stepped on.

Upon seeing the increasingly chaotic circumstances, Rani, Maya's best friend, firmly stands before everyone. "Wait a minute! Is there any concrete evidence for this claim? Are there any witnesses who support this statement?" he said with a loud voice.

The villagers, including some who were initially affected by Merlin's father's announcement, begin to question the veracity of the statement. They feel that something is wrong, that they should not simply believe a false accusation without clear evidence.

As the tense atmosphere was unfolding there were four luxury cars stopped near the tent, and it stole the attention of everyone present at the event in the village. Right behind the cars, a group of men in suits came down, showing the impression of luxury and power they had. Everyone turned their heads, curious about their shocking arrival.

A man who became the leader of these people stepped forward confidently towards the front of the stage where Maya was. Without taking the stage he faced everyone present, including Maya, with a firm and confident attitude. In the man's hand was a beautiful car key, a magnificent Audi A8 L.

The man looked at Maya with a respectful gaze and said in a loud voice, "Maya, on behalf of Trotoarts Inc., I am proud to announce that you are a valuable asset of the company. As a token of appreciation and recognition for your achievements and dedication, our Chairman James Arthur gave this gift to you as your graduation gift with the best title."

Maya, shocked by this unexpected gift, felt a jumble in her heart between nervousness and anxiety. On the one hand, he felt moved and proud of the recognition given by the company. However, on the other hand, he also felt a dilemma about the decision he had to make.

The man wisely and attentively added, "Maya, Mr. James invites you to return to the company and continue your journey with us. We believe that your potential and talent will continue to grow and make a great contribution to the company."

Maya is honored and grateful for the offer, however, she also realizes that there are other considerations she should think about. He did not want to be trapped in the world of wealth and luxury because he was used to living simply, but also want to make sure that his decision will have a positive impact on himself and his closest people, especially his parents.

Inwardly, Maya keeps the questions and decisions she has to make. He knew that this choice would shape his way forward, and he had to think it through carefully before making a final decision.

At that moment, silence enveloped the crowd present. All eyes were on Maya, waiting for her decision. Maya ponders for a moment, considering her values and purpose in life.

Finally, Maya thanked Mr. James through the representatives of Trotoarts Inc. for the awards and trustworthiness. However, he also emphatically said that he needs time to consider the offer well.

Maya's decision has not only an impact on herself, but also on her future and the dreams she has built up over the years. He knows that he must go on a journey that suits his conscience and with confidence that his decision will take him in the right direction.

As such, Maya keeps the gift, but with a thoughtful and courageous heart, she will determine her own life path that fits with her values and dreams.

Seeing the lavish gifts given to Maya by Trotoarts Inc., Merlin and his father felt like they were drowning in the mud of a swamp of emotion. They feel sandwiched between jealousy, disappointment, and frustration.

Merlin feels himself humiliated because Maya, whom he considers an enemy and a rival, is now getting so much recognition from the company they dream of. He feels increasingly grudge burning inside him, wanting to destroy everything related to Maya.

Merlin's father, on the other hand, felt confused and surprised. He felt dilemmaed because part of his heart felt proud of Maya's achievements, but on the other hand, a deep sense of envy and disappointment continued to ambush him. Merlin's father understands that Maya's success is the result of undeniable hard work and dedication, but feelings of jealousy and envy are still hard to shake off.

In the silence that filled their hearts, Merlin and his father looked at Maya with hateful views and a desire for revenge. They devise an evil plan, looking for a way to scuttle Maya and bring down everything she has built.