
After getting a chance to shake hands with Mr. Hadinata and his wife, the King said goodbye to leave the reception.
Cleantha herself did not understand why the King was so rushed.
"Where are we really going, sir? I just want to go home because it's already night."
"Calm down, I'm not going to kidnap you" replied the King driving his car. Deliberately he let Cleantha be curious about their destination.
About thirty minutes drive, King finally parked his car in a restaurant concept park.
"Master, why are we going to the restaurant? Didn't we have dinner at the reception?" cleantha asked in astonishment.
"I didn't bring you here to eat" said the King holding Cleantha's hand.
A man in a white shirt rushed to greet them.
"Good night, sir."
"Night, I've ordered a special candle light dinner table on behalf of King Adhiyaksa" the king explained.
"Oh, well, sir, come with me."
The waiter stepped first through the path.
Cleantha looked around the dimly lit restaurant with colorful lights. Some of the guests are young couples. Understand it is Sunday night, time two lovebirds to combine love.
They continued walking until they arrived at a gazebo with all white shades. Gazebo with oval-shaped roof is located separate from other gazebos. The light is also the brightest because there are several candles that decorate it.
"Please, Ladies and Gentlemen," said the maid.
With hesitation, Cleantha stepped foot into the gazebo. Romantic nuances immediately felt, making Cleantha confused how to behave towards the King.
"Sit down, Clea," said the King pulling a chair wrapped in white cloth for his woman. Next the King sat on the chair facing Cleantha.
"You must be wondering why I brought you here? You'll know in a minute."
Before long, two female servants came to bring a tray containing pieces of cake, ice cream, and two drinks. That sweet desert they presented in front of Cleantha.
"Clea, I ordered that for you. I remember you loved sweet food."
"That was then, sir, not anymore, now" Cleantha replied honestly.
Cleantha observed one by one a desert dominated by red and pink. As a woman, she understood what the meaning behind the symbols and colors the King chose.
"Cut the red velvet cake" said the King. He has been training for a few days to avoid mispronouncing. Tonight has to be the most special moment of their lives.
Cleantha took out a fork and a small knife that was placed on the plate.
He took a small piece of cake with a fork and tasted it. It tastes sweet and the texture is soft, it really spoils the tongue.
"Try to cut the one in the middle" continued the King.
Although Cleantha did not understand, she simply obeyed the King's request. But when he was about to cut the cake, his knife and fork collided with a hard object.
Cleantha scrunched her forehead. Trying to split the cake in half but his attempt failed.
"Can't?" asked the King smiling.
"Yes, sir, it looks like there's something inside this cake."
"Keep some cream and cake on it so you can find what it is," said the King gave instructions.
With a fork, Cleantha did as the King said.
His eyes were rounded when he saw a small red box.
"I..this is a ring?" cleantha asked as if she was talking to herself.
Seeing Cleantha's shocked expression, the King stood up to her. He took the box from Cleantha's hand, then opened the lid.
It looks like a diamond ring. The king took the ring and showed it to Cleantha.
"When we were married, I didn't propose to you. All I did was force you and make you suffer. But now I want to fix that mistake."
"This ring is a sign of my love and seriousness for you. I'd like to propose to you to be my wife again. Maybe for you I'm in too much of a hurry, but I don't want to lose you a second time. I don't want to be the slow guy I used to be."
The next second, the King pinned the beautiful ring on Cleantha's ring finger. He could feel that Cleantha's palm was so cold.
While Cleantha was still transfixed like someone who was struck by a magic spell.
"Clea, if you accept my proposal, I promise I will always make you and Almero happy. I'll be a good husband and father."
The corner of Cleantha's eyes began to be inundated with tears. His old memory with the King who had been forgotten for so many years, suddenly appeared like a pounding wave.
Especially when the King held him, he realized that he had once loved the man. Unfortunately, the man also hurt and crushed his heart to nothing.
Seeing Cleantha crying, the King rubbed his female tears gently.
"Say yes, Clea. What matters to me is the happiness of our children, Almero and Ivyna. If we unite, their lives will be as complete as they were."
Hearing the King's sincerity for her son, Cleantha's heart was broken. It must be admitted that the King is the most appropriate man to be a father, Almero said.
With a quivering voice, Cleantha gave her answer.
"I..willing. But I have to be honest with you. At the moment I can't." said Cleantha can't continue.
From the beginning the king had expected this. It was likely that Cleantha would accept her proposal for the sake of the children. But heartily and outwardly, he has not been able to carry out his duties as a wife. Even so, he was willing to wait for a lifetime as long as Cleantha was already his wife.
"I told you I wouldn't force it. I'll wait for you until you're really ready to accept me. I will prove to you that I have changed. I'm no longer a selfish man who likes to impose his will."
Cleantha was speechless. While the King felt very happy because his proposal had been accepted.
"Thank you for giving me a second chance, baby. We start all over again" said the King kissing Cleantha's forehead.
The call "Honey" still sounded strange in Cleantha's ears. But he must get used to it, because soon they will become husband and wife.
...****************...
Before deciding on the wedding day, Cleantha and the King visit Alvian's tomb.
Cleantha placed a flower on her husband's grave while praying. So too with the King.
"Al, I'm getting married to Cleantha. You don't worry, I'll take good care of your children and your wife and never hurt them,"
the King said in his heart.
Time passed so fast. Cleantha never imagined that in her life she would marry for the third time. I don't know what kind of fate this is so she has to be married to two different men. But he has already committed himself to the will of the Powerful.
Cleantha and the King's marriage was simple, because it was Cleantha's wish. Only relatives and closest business associates are present at their marriage.
Throughout the event, the faces of Almero and Ivyna were very cheerful. The sparkle of happiness was clearly visible in the eyes of the two children, while accompanying their parents in the guarantee.
On the first night, the four of them slept. As he promised, the King did not force him to perform the bridal night. The king was already quite happy with their current state. He would not be desperate to make Cleantha love herself wholeheartedly.
The next day, Mommy. Marina and Mr. Bayu visit the King's house. They are very happy for the newlyweds.
"King, Clea, we want to give you a wedding present" said Mr Bayu.
Mr. Bayu handed over the two tickets he held to the King.
"We have booked a flight to Bali for your honeymoon. Although this gift is nothing, we hope you like it. There later, you can stay in my private villa."
"But, what about Almero and Ivyna, Om? They have to go to school" asked Cleantha, trying to avoid.
"There are both of us who will take care of them, Clea. After all, you've only been gone for three days" replied Ms. The marina.
"Rubber, newlyweds need time to be alone. We want to be able to immediately take grandchildren from you," seduced Mr. Bayu.
The king smiled at his in-laws. The hope of this honeymoon could make Cleantha accept herself as a real husband.
**connected
Don't miss the last episode of "The Paid Wife Belongs to the King."
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