The Tarnished Wife

Essy Pratiwi

Ting .. Kegs

Sam pressed the bell on the wall of the fence of the Manda house in the middle of the blazing sun. After Zayn informed the whereabouts of the bar cashier he was looking for, the next day the man immediately slid towards the address Zayn gave him.

A few minutes later, Noah's nanny and Manda's housekeeper came out.

The Aunt lowered her head towards the gate and walked over to Sam who was standing outside. “Who to find, Sir?”

“This is true home Sarasmanda?” Sam asked back.

“Betul. But mother is not at home,” replied the Aunt.

“Where?” sam asked with a disappointed face. When leaving Jakarta, Sam seemed happy.

“Go with her mother-in-law.”

“Mertua? Isn't she divorced?” sam muttered in a voice that Aunt could hear.

“Eh, I mean former mother-in-law.” The aunt was troubling her shit.

“About when they come home?” ask Sam again.

The aunt shrugged her shoulders. “Lack of knowledge, Sir.”

Sam was disappointed. Today, it was again in vain. Then, Sam walked back to his car limply. It was hard to meet that woman. Since he first forced Manda four years ago, Sam will actually be responsible, but unfortunately he has to go to Paris, because otherwise the opportunity will not be obtained again. And now, he did not want to lose the opportunity to be responsible to Manda, especially there was a child from the results of his behavior at that time. Although according to Zayn, Manda's ex-husband is conducting DNA tests on the child, but for Sam it does not matter. Blood of flesh or not, the child will still be considered as his son, because Sam did like Manda since he felt that he was the first to touch the woman.

In a cool and beautiful plateau, Manda was with Mirna. Her former in-laws took her on vacation at Vila Kemal. Although Mirna did not like Manda at first, but seeing her son's treatment of the woman, made Mirna's heart knock. In addition, Manda is an orphan.

Mirna and Kemal are good parents. They always took part in correcting every mistake made by their son. Regardless of the status of Noah their grandson or not, Mirna and Kemal still love the child.

“Ma, thank you.” Manda looked at her mother-in-law who was standing at the side.

Manda helps Mirna organize her estate in this Villa.

Mirna who was originally bending over while cutting a few flower stalks there also woke up and stood up straight. He looked towards Manda.

“Mama did not like you, when you made Reza and Rara household destroyed.” Mirna breathed. “But, Mama is also a girl. Mama can't have you treated like that with Mama's son.”

Manda was crying again.

“This is all indeed wrong Manda, Ma. Manda has lied to Mas Reza, but Manda doesn't want that either.” Manda approached her body at Mirna. “When Manda wanted to wear clothes, suddenly Manda's hand hit the name pin needle that used to stick in Manda's work uniform, Ma. Then, Manda's hand bled up to hit the bed sheet there.”

Manda tries to explain the night that Reza was forcing her while drunk and she who initially refused was lulled by Reza's touch.

Mirna was silent as she looked at Manda's face, trying to see the woman's honesty from the look in her eyes.

“Maybe there, Mas Reza thought that blood was my honor blood.”

“And, he feels responsible for it,” continued Mirna. “Mama knows Reza is hard. But Mama's son is very responsible.”

Mirna placed her right hand on Manda's left shoulder. “Mama knows you love Reza so much. But love cannot be forced. You know how Reza forced her love for Rara? Stay unsuccessful.” Mirna shakes.

Manda's tears flowed back, until they were silent for a few minutes.

“Ma,” call Manda.

“Hmm ..”

“Bby Manda hugging Mama?”

“Of course.” Mirna widened both hands and Manda's body entered the embrace.

“Thank you, Ma.”

“Sama-sama.”

They hugged long enough for the hug to break.

“What if Noah wasn't Mama's grandson, Mama would still behave like this to Manda?” ask the poor woman.

Mirna nodded and smiled. “Of course.”

Manda hugged her former mother-in-law. This question always revolves around Manda's mind. He already likes Mirna and considers her his own mother, especially when Mirna's attitude has gotten better with him in recent months. He was sad if he had to lose a mother figure like Mirna if really Noah was not Reza's flesh and blood. But Mirna's answer, made her grief was lost.

“Thank you, Ma. Thank you.” Manda continued to say that while hugging Mirna.

If only Reza's heart could be open to her, perhaps Manda would be the happiest woman in the world. But unfortunately, that didn't happen.

In the factory building next to the office building, Reza walked to the canteen. It is not usual for Reza to eat directly in the canteen. Usually he will ask an office girl or office boy to order food in the cafeteria and eat it in his own room.

“Pak, sure you want to eat here?” asked Vando who was also astonished by the behavior of his boss.

For some reason lately, he paid little attention to the woman who had once served as his secretary. In the past, when she was his secretary, Reza did not care much about Essy's personal affairs, but after seeing the woman in the hospital made Reza want to know more about the woman. Last night, he saw Essy working at a cafe.

What is his income as a permanent employee in this company lacking? So he had to work again as a cashier cafe in the afternoon until midnight.

Reza is increasingly interested in the personality of Essy Pratiwi. When she became her secretary, Reza never saw her complain.

“Please, Sir.” Vando pulled out a chair and allowed his boss to sit down.

“I don't want to sit here.” Reza spread his gaze and looked at Essy who was sitting at the very back. “I want to sit there.”

Reza pointed to a strategic place to be able to see Essy in a fairly close visibility.

“OK,” replied Vando who then followed his boss's steps.

“I order food first yes Sir,” Vando told Reza.

Reza nodded and sat down on the chair. He turned to Essy who was laughing, making him smile. Essy's laughter reminded her of Rara.

“Beautiful,” muttered Reza who then straightened his gaze back in the other direction.