The Untouched Heart

Chapter 174 - Hate But Dear

“I don't hate you, Hendra.” Mama said firmly.

“We'd better not fight. We'll eat, please, keep the topic that just ruins the mood,” Papa's divorce. I relented. Mama also did not seem to want to continue talking.

The food was delivered, I tried to finish my part. After all I need energy to continue my work today. And with this special occasion tonight, I also need to keep my mood in good order. I don't want to ruin the next surprise I've prepared for my wife with a sour face.

“What's it like to be a chief director, Nak?” papa asked half teasing me. I laughed at the rhetorical question.

“How does it feel to be a housewife, Pa?” my reply. Papa laughed out loud.

“OK. I lost.” Papa surrendered. I smiled at him. “I saw Gista adjust quickly. From deputy secretary, rising to become secretary of main director, he can do his job well.”

“Iya, Pa. Too bad it wasn't Sherry who survived working with me. Though the performance is much better.” I shook my head slowly.

“Give him time. Sherry's been working for years, it's only natural that she's superior. Gista just a few months joined,” Papa said.

“Why is Papa impressed so close to the girl? Does Papa have a special relationship with him? He's not Papa's son with another woman, ‘kan?” ask Mama suspiciously.

“Honey, he's the son of my college friend. We accidentally met, and then he told me how smart and skilled he was at work. Coincidentally our son needs a secretary, then I recommend his name to the HR department,” replied Papa casually.

“Oh, thank goodness. Because I won't do what our son did. Accepting the illegitimate daughter of the girl to be her daughter,” Mama said sharply.

“Honey,” said Papa reminded. “You have read the results of DNA tests between Hendra and Dira. They are father and biological son.”

“That result can be manipulated, Pa. Did Papa see the kid's face? He is not at all like our son. It's clear the child is not her child,” Mama insisted.

“I won't manipulate the tests I took myself, Ma. Wh-wh-what for? Why do I claim to be Dira's father? I already have Hadi, he will be my successor. Why else would I need recognition as papa Dira?”

“Of course so that we all support your intention to return to him,” Mama replied. “If the child is your son, then we are forced to support your decision. But we all know that she is not your biological daughter.”

“I'm not Nora who will use any means to get support. I don't pay people to make fake DNA tests,” I said firmly.

“I have already pleaded guilty and apologized, why are you still offending that matter?” nora said objection. Ignored him.

“Za wrong. I won't deny that. He slept with another man. But I've forgiven her, what else makes Mama behave like this? I've worked hard to restore my wife's good name and our family's reputation. The most precious thing for us that was made into toys by Nora and her friends.”

“Hendra, I don't ..” cut Nora.

“Hendra, I have apologized and regretted all my actions. You are being unfair by bringing up the leverage again like this,” protested Nora.

“You've been forgiven, not that we've forgotten all your deeds.” I looked towards him. “I was talking to my mom. Can you just for a moment not interrupt?”

“Don't talk so rudely to guests, Hendra. We invited him to come.” I don't understand what's wrong with my mother's head. “Please, forgive my son's attitude, Nora.”

“I have to go back.” I glanced at my watch.

“Where to go back? To the office or the woman?” ask Mama. I looked at him confused. “I know that today is his birthday. You want to eat with him, ‘kan?”

I smile. So that's the real reason for this meal invitation? Mama used the same trick while blocking me from going to Hadi's birthday party. Za and I never celebrated her birthday with lunch.

“Mama know? I'm glad Mama still remembers her birthday.” Mom moved uncomfortably in her seat. “I never asked Papa and Mama anything. I never troubled you either. But if there's still a little bit of affection for me, I really hope that Papa and Mama will come tomorrow. I'd be so happy if my parents would come once again to give me support. Tomorrow is a very important day for me.”

After finishing work and letting Gista go home, I rushed back home. Darla and her friends are doing their job well. Will also helps keep Hadi and Colin in his room. They'll come home after work hours.

The situation at home was already crowded with the arrival of invited guests. They even brought their own gifts. Za would be very happy to accept it. Ara immediately welcomed my arrival. He must have been lonely left by his master since morning. I held her and let her kiss my face. It is very similar to its name twin. Spoiled.

Yuyun tells him that everything is ready. I checked the side garden and he was right. The tent is mounted upright, complete with lights. The dining table is well decorated, all the cutlery has also been neatly arranged.

There is nothing more precious to see than a surprised and happy face when receiving a surprise from us at night. And she is very beautiful with her looks. I glanced at Darla, she blinked her eyes at me. I laugh.

Everyone is happy tonight. My wife, children, our family, friends, and co-workers. Happiness that is soon marred by the presence of one who has not stopped wishing for my wife.

“Retreat!” cry Vivaldo when I see an opportunity to approach him. My body trembled violently watching the sharp object still stuck to my wife's neck. It must be just a dream. It's not real. How could he have gotten into our yard and no one had seen him?

Za's surrender made me panic. I saw those eyes the day he decided to end his life. He promised he would never do this again. He promised never to leave me and our children. I looked around them, looking for a gap to get closer and kept the knife away from my wife.

People screamed in panic and fear as Za held Vivaldo's knife-wielding hand. I don't know how to attract attention without hurting my wife. Then the dog salute surprised us all, including the man and my wife.

Ara bit Vivaldo's ankle, I immediately grabbed his right wrist. I don't know how the dog I locked up in the living room got out. But I thank him for coming to distract everyone.

My main goal was just to cripple the man so that he wouldn't hurt my wife again. But I did not hold back from hitting her face, her chest, her stomach, venting my anger. Cowardly. Why didn't he just attack and kill me? Why should he attack a woman weaker than him?