The Untouched Heart

Chapter 189 - Self-Esteem

I looked at the woman in disbelief. He did not keep his promise to accompany Mama, but he could come to this place to protest to my husband? Judging from his appearance, he must have come here without having time to change clothes after a vacation.

“Are you not wrong to talk?” say my husband in a serious tone. “When the police make an arrest, then the tools and evidence in their hands are valid so that the arrest warrant is issued. Not everyone is a hobby of lying like you.” Hendra invited me to continue our steps.

“I'm not a hobby of lying!” protesting loudly. He stood in front of us again, blocking us from leaving. “Close with me to the police station now!”

As the flash of light blinded my eyes, I turned my head. There were several people holding photo and video cameras standing behind Nora. Looking at the overwhelmed security officers facing them, it seemed like they had managed to enter through the front door after penetrating the security guards. They must have come for this woman.

Those holding microphones with various media labels raced to ask questions of Nora and Hendra. What does the corruption case that ensnared Nora's father have to do with my husband? Just-there's. They never even cooperate in any form.

“Come, darling. We go the other way.” Hendra put his hand on my shoulder and we turned around.

“You can't just leave. You must take responsibility, Hendra!” The woman gently held my husband's arm. I can't take it anymore. I immediately held tightly to her wrist for her to let go of her grasp.

“Do you have no self-respect at all? If you're so worried about your father, meet him at the police station. My husband has nothing to do with her.” I took his hand away from my husband. He pushed my body. I immediately restrained Hendra's body as he moved forward wanting to teach the woman a lesson. There are too many cameras near us.

“He's not your husband! You are divorced! Celebrating your wedding anniversary does not make you legal as a husband and wife. You have no self-respect! You live with a man with no marriage ties.” That again. That again. Are there no other lies he can tell about our marriage?

“This is the hospital, Mom. Stop making a fuss.” Two security guards came and held Nora's hand. They took him out, away from us.

“Let me go! My business with them is not finished!” Nora rebels want to get out of their hold. But he lost strongly. We immediately left as soon as the reporters' attention was on him. I was grateful to see Kafin pick us up through the side door.

Nora, who was initially struggling with security officers, is now seen trying to escape from the crowd of journalists. He should have learned from our experience. Hiding for a while and away from the place where reporters could find out where we were. Acting rashly will only make him become the moons of the media.

Arriving at the yard, I was stunned to see the cars of my friends and their husbands parked neatly. What business are they coming here for? I don't remember we had an appointment today. Aren't Claudia and Mason coming back to America tomorrow?

“They must have heard the news today and want to celebrate with us,” guess Hendra. Makes sense. We headed for the front room and they immediately cheered to welcome us.

“Oh, Zahara! I'm so glad this is over!” Claudia approached then hugged me while jumping around on the spot. “You are free from all bullies!”

“After what happened, they will definitely think twice to disturb the peace of your life again.” Qiana took turns hugging me.

“My daughter just got back from the hospital. They must be exhausted. Let them sit down, have a drink, just talk,” said Mama translated by Lindsey so that Claudia could understand. They all laughed when they heard it.

Hendra and I sat down. Dira immediately asked to be on her papa, while Ara who was getting bigger put her head on my thigh. Friends took turns recounting their feelings when they heard the shocking news this morning. We deliberately didn't tell Irwan's research results to my best friend. They will hear it from the news.

When they calmed down, I told them about the big secret I received from Annora. The originally boisterous room turned silent. Only the sound of Hadi and Colin playing with LEGO blocks was not far from us.

“You are sure of this news?” ask Darla not to believe it. Me and Hendra nodded.

“What do you mean by spreading that fact later?” Lindsey looked at me and Hendra in turn. “Do you plan to tell the media about their secrets?”

My husband and I exchanged looks, and then laughed. “No. Annora will do it. We don't know how he's going to dismantle this secret.”

“This is a very surprising fact. It is fitting that he likes to make people question the legality of Hadi and Dira. Bad woman,” said Qiana growled. “But why doesn't anyone know about this? I never heard that Mr. Nelson's daughter was a foster child.”

I answered the question as briefly and clearly as possible. They immediately took surprised breaths. Their subsequent responses varied. Some feel pity, some are happy, some don't care. They then question how his life and his mother will be because his father is entangled in a corruption case.

“You are talking about other people, there are reportedly more important for us to know,” said Mama broke up all of us. All spontaneous attention was on him. “How are you doing Naava? Did the operation go well?”

“Ah, yes. What about your mother-in-law, Zahara?” ask Claudia.

“Operation runs smoothly. Mama's condition was good and the doctor said that the operation was successful. Mama will be in the hospital for three days to observe her progress,” I replied. They all look relieved.

“Can we come to see him tomorrow?” ask Qiana.

“Of course. Mama would love to see someone visit her.”

“How will he feel when he finds out about Nora's secret? I can't imagine her disappointment.” Darla nodded slowly. He's looking at me. “How did Nora react when she found out her father was in police custody?”

“He did not come to stay with Mama at the hospital yesterday,” I explained.

“What?!” ask them simultaneously. I got shocked.

Hearing that Nora did not come to fulfill her promise, Mama invited us all not to delay dinner. I need to rest earlier than usual because I will be very bothered on the next day. I didn't understand what Mama meant, but we all obeyed. Will happened to come, so he could come eat with us.

After dinner, they went home. Hendra and I helped the kids get ready for bed. They were exhausted after a long day of playing with their grandparents, as well as Colin. Sleeping faster than usual wasn't easy, so my husband and I sat down to talk until the drowsiness came.

“Darling, did you know anything about Annora's plans for Nora?” askaku. I remember that he prevented me from forbidding our best friend from replying to the woman.

“No. But I knew that when Ann had already decided on something, nothing would be able to stop her intentions. I just saved you from wasting energy arguing with him,” he said casually. “You're too naive, baby. If Nora is in your position, she won't hesitate to use all the weapons to attack you. You should be too.”

“I'm not Nora, so I won't use the same way as her.” I crossed both hands in front of my chest.

“We don't use the same way, baby. Ann didn't strike back the way Nora did. She likes to twist the facts, Ann actually dismantles their lies by showing the real facts.”