Wife Custody (Second Love)

Second Marriage

"I accept his marriage, Julie Sandara Hikmawan bint Guntur Hikmawan, with a dowry of 20 grams of gold, paid in cash."

The word "legitimate" was uttered by both witnesses, followed by a rumble of Hamdalah reading from the audience behind him. Today, exactly 7 months after Keanu's death, and 2 weeks after Hanung proposed to Julie officially, they got married.

Julie's father and mother, who later lived in London - Annie's hometown, Julie's birth mother - were present at the wedding of their first two daughters. They have been here 2 weeks, exactly the day before the application. Also present was Julie's younger sister, Katie, who had been living in Bandung. There were also Keanu's parents, Frans and Lestari, who lived not far from their home, just a different housing complex. Hanung's parents come with Faraz and Dinda - the four of whom immediately sit down with Renata and Darrel. Diana, who was invited with her husband, did not appear. Hanung and Julie's office friends came in crowds. This wedding event looks simple with shades of ivory white, but memorable festive because many guests who come.

After the wedding, Julie and Hanung have lunch together. Before starting to enjoy the main dish, Hanung stood up and asked for time to talk.

"The audience we respect, allow me to tell you a little story for you all. Me, Ahmad Hanung Atmojo, and my wife, Julie Sandara Hikmawan, thank you all for your support and assistance during this time.

"Today, I married the wife of my own best friend. Keanu Alexander, is a friend who I have considered a brother, like my own brother. We have known each other since High School, then studied at the same campus, and eventually worked in the same office as well. Although in the office he looks bossy and often irritates me, but outside the office, he treats me as an older brother he respects. And also.. He loves you too."

Hanung rubbed his tears that started to fall.

"I am grateful to have met God with Keanu and his family. When I fell out of my divorce, they comforted me and helped me to get back up. I owe a lot to this family.

"Therefore, I could not resist when Keanu asked me to marry Julie, with the intention of looking after and loving her family. He left the people he loved me most: his subordinates whom he often angered but whom he trusted most as friends and relatives.

"Really, at first I felt this was too much for me. Julie is a great and perfect woman in my eyes. Renata and Darrel are also great kids. I have admired Julie for a long time, for having successfully accompanied and encouraged Keanu to achieve his best achievements as a professional, a good father, and a tough man. Julie also manages to educate the children well and lovingly. But the admiration was only limited to what his brother felt to his sister.

"If then Keanu leaves this great woman and children to me, really.. I feel unworthy to be with them. But I realized, to whom else Keanu could ask for help if not for me.

"Then that night I decided to propose to Julie to continue living with Keanu's family. I do not intend to replace Keanu here, I want to carry out the trust that I have been willing to give to my friend. Keanu will remain in their hearts, and the hearts of all of us. I will stand in another position. Please pray from all of you, so that I can carry out the mandate well. Also pray that Keanu will have the best place by His side. Thank you." Thank you."

Hanung sat back down and found Julie staring at him with teary eyes. 'Jul, enough of these are your last tears, after this I will try to make you happy, as well as the children, ' Inner Hanung.

***

Katie pulls Julie's hand and leads her to a quieter place. Not to forget he gave a smile and returned the greetings of the guests they passed.

"Sit down" Katie said.

Julie sat down and looked at Katie in surprise. What's the matter? Ah, definitely about...

"Why did you know I suddenly was? Why don't you tell me from a long time ago if you want to get married again? And why did he marry Mas Hanung, his best friend Kak Keanu himself?"

Julie took a deep, long breath. He looked at his sister's face which he had just told him 3 days ago.

"I'm afraid to interrupt your busy life. You're doing a fashion show again. After all, it's not that important" he replied slowly.

Katie seemed annoyed to hear that. "I don't matter what you say? My sister got a boy for the second time, I don't know, and no one told me, not even Mama Papa! You got married today, I just got notified 3 days ago. I can't help you, I can't make a dress for you, but I'm a famous designer! Jul, what do you think I am?"

Julie felt sorry for choosing to do so. He also asked his parents not to tell Katie, because Katie was very busy. The fashion show that Katie will hold two weeks later is very time consuming and requires a lot of preparation. He did not want to ruin his sister's schedule and activities.

"What matters now is that we're here, right? My wedding dress with Keanu used to be nice and fit right in my body, so I just wear it again. I'm sorry, Kat. I really don't want to bother you."

"As for Mas Hanung, maybe you've heard of it from children. Keanu left us to him. He asked Mas Hanung to marry me. Don't worry, Mas Hanung is a good and responsible person. The kids love it too."

Katie let go of his embrace.

"Mas Hanung is good. But his ex-wife? Do you know who Diana and her family are? You have to be careful, Jul," Katie said.

Julie's forehead wrinkled. Meanin?

"I know Diana. She used my services to make her kebaya and wedding dress first. Ah, long story, Jul. Obviously, I remind you from now on. You have to be careful of that woman. Her.. Quite dangerous. If he's acting late, tell me. I'm holding his ace. But sorry, I can't say it now."

'What other trials are these, God, ' Katie's inner. He had never met and dealt with Diana, all this time only knowing her from Hanung's stories. About her treatment, how she filed for Hanung's divorce, and her attitude after they divorced. Honestly, Julie was anxious at that time, how could there be a woman who could lower the self-esteem of the man who became her husband and left him just like that. On the other hand, Julie also sensed that Diana was dangerous. According to Hanung, he would do anything to get what he wanted and get rid of people he disliked.

But, Julie suggests she stay calm and alert, as Katie asks. Anything can happen, and he has to be ready.

"Already, me and the kids are safe with Mas Hanung. I'm sure he can protect me. Thanks for the information. Yuk, we're back to the front. I have to greet the guests I haven't met yet." Julie takes Katie back to the wedding reception.

They walk in tandem. From a distance Julie sees Hanung talking to some of his office friends. He paused for a moment and looked at the figure of the man, Keanu's best friend, who was now her husband.

Hanung is a handsome man. Especially when his body was wrapped in a suit like this time. He is tall, his haircut is neat, his body is well proportioned. His face was handsome, but different from Keanu's good looks to Julie's taste. There was almost no reproach on Hanung's physical appearance, except for the left leg which was not as strong as his right leg. If you do not remember wrong, the former accident he experienced first.

Julie walked over to Hanung. She approached her husband and touched his arm. Hanung looked over, then smiled. More precisely trying to smile. Lousy.

"Jul, do I still need to introduce them?" Hanung tried to melt away the awkwardness he felt. Julie shook her head while laughing lightly. "Thank you, you guys have taken the time to come" he said, replying with nods and smiles from Hanung-and Keanu's office mates. They already know each other, because they often meet during a gathering or party held by the office.

Julie puts her hand on Hanung's arm. They then went around to meet and greet other guests: Julie's co-workers, lecturers and campus employees.

"Mbak Julie was lucky, married twice, her husband was all handsome. Where is this cool widower, Ma'am? How not to share with me? I am also a widow, more senior even" said Bu Nanik, one of the senior employees at the campus where Julie works. The joke was greeted by the little laughter of other guests and a smile by Julie. Let it be, let it be quick, he thought. But his hand suddenly became tense. 'Becandanya Bu Nanik not fun, ' his inner.

Hanung smiled and asked them to pray for the good of his family now. They went to the other guest table, greeted for a while, then sat down at the special table of the two of them.

"Jul, your friend's words had nothing to think about, yes. Just relax. Your hand is tense right from before. It's okay." Hanung stroked Julie's hand gently.

Julie nodded and drank the water in front of her, then set her breath to relief.

"Whatever happens, don't be afraid, Jul. I will be faithful and take care of you. Also children," Hanung said as she kissed Julie's hand. Tears welled up at the end of Julie's eyes.

"Huh.." There was a soft female voice coming from behind Hanung and Julie.

Hanung turned to the source of the voice.

"A.. Diana?"