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Angel only let out a deep sigh, before he had never seen Kartika angry or said in a high tone.

"I never wanted to be in this place or be a golden boy. If you've ever seen me not allowed to work by Mrs.Sundari for almost a month it's because I just aborted due to the actions of Mami Sania who told guests to wear me alternately."

Kartika was no longer able to hold back her tears and feelings. Wendah and Ayu could only be stunned to hear Kartika's statement earlier. They don't know that at all. They thought Kartika did get preferential treatment, but it turned out far from what they imagined.

"I'm sorry, Tika. All this time I've been wrong to you, " said Wendah slowly as he extended his hand to Kartika. Kartika smiled and welcomed Wendah's helping hand.

"It looks good," said Angel.

"I never considered myself superior to anyone. I didn't even want to be in this place. If you can choose I want to go to school again, I want to get out of here. I want to have a diploma and reach my goal of becoming a teacher. But, what am I doing now?" said Kartika with teary eyes.

Wendah and Ayu approached and hugged Kartika tightly. Meanwhile, without them knowing Sundari was looking at all the events with a heart of pity.

'How unfortunate is your fate, Kartika. I wish I could help you more. I must have done it, ' Sundari's mind spoke.

***

In the evening, as usual, they returned to work in much better conditions. Kartika is no longer sitting in her corner with Marini or Angel. He started hanging out with others as well. Kartika realized, maybe all this time because of his attitude that is too quiet and less sociable he became isolated.

"Your prince didn't come tonight, Tika?" said Wendah.

"Who?"Kartika asked while frowning her forehead.

"Ah, likes to pretend. That's it, Mr. Rivan. He was a rich man's son, Tika, " said Stela one of the girls who had worked there for quite a long time.

"It's because he's a rich man, Mom. Maybe he could be serious about me. Maybe he's nice, maybe he loves me too. But, what about his family? Not necessarily his family can accept me as a future son-in-law. Who would marry a woman like me?" said Kartika.

Wendah patted Kartika's shoulder slowly.

"The wheel of life is spinning, Tika. How do we know that tomorrow or the day after tomorrow some people sincerely want to redeem us out of this place and make us live normally and better," said the girl?

Kartika smiled bitterly, for the first time she felt that there was warmth created between them.

Suddenly Mami Sundari came in and called Kartika to her room. Kartika was suddenly surprised to see Sania's presence there.

"Ma-Mom ...." the greeting is nervous.

Sania smiled as she gestured for Kartika to sit nearby.

"Here, no need to be afraid. I won't bite you," Sania said. Kartika nodded and approached then sat down next to Sania. He saw that Rivan was also in the room.

"Kartika, do you feel at home not living with your other friends in the mess?" asked Sania.

"Come on, Mommy."

Kartika mana dared to answer that she did not feel at home or wanted to go home. Can Sania treat her like she used to? Kartika doesn't want to experience that anymore.

"Rivan just called Mommy this afternoon. And he's given me money to redeem you from here. So, tonight you can pack your things in the mess and come with Rivan. You no longer need to work in this place, " Sania said.

Kartika fell silent, slowly she pinched her hand. It hurts, it means that this is not a dream. He and his friends talked about freedom. Is this the answer to prayer?"

"Mom is not lying, right?" ask Kartika once again just to be sure.

"Of course not. Rivan has completely redeemed you. You can go home to the mess and put your things in order, " Sania said with a smile.

Kartika immediately hugged and kissed Sania's hand. "Thank you so much, Mom. Thank you, " he said with both eyes that had been wet with tears.

Sania just smiled and patted Kartika's shoulder gently and warmly for the first time.

"But, believe me ... you will again ask for my help, " Sania whispered in Kartika's ear with a sly smile.

After saying goodbye to his friends, Kartika returns to mess along with Sundari and one of Sania's bodyguards to retrieve her meager belongings.

"Start a new life better, son. I will always pray for your good. Hopefully, your life in the future will be much better, " said Sundari.

"Thank you very much, Mom. Mom helped me a lot during this time."

Kartika hugged Sundari tightly to then join together with Rivan.

"You can still visit Mom here if you need help. I will help you, " Sundari said.

Kartika nodded and kissed both cheeks Sundari.

"Why, Mas?"Kartika asked Rivan when the car driven by Rivan had left the mess where Kartika lived for almost a year. Rivan smiled.

"I love you, Tika. You're so young, your future is long and it's a pity if you have to spend your time in that place. I went there just to find entertainment."

"So, all this time you just pity me?" asked Kartika. Rivan nodded and smiled.

Kartika sighed deeply and slowly exhaled her back.

'He only loves you, Kartika,' whispered the inner girl. He couldn't deny that he was a little disappointed. There is nothing most painful than the feeling of unrequited love.

Rivan takes Kartika to a boarding house for girls. The young man wanted to help Kartika.

"Tika, this boarding room I have paid for the next year. And from tomorrow you can start working at my restaurant. Tomorrow morning I'll pick you up, now you can rest. I can't linger."

Kartika just nodded, escorted by the owner of the boarding house, Kartika entered her room. The room was quite spacious with bathroom facilities inside and also equipped with a 24-inch television as well as air conditioning.

"Is it paid,mom? ask Kartika to make sure. Mrs. Lestari, the owner of the boarding house, smiled as she issued a payment receipt and gave it to Kartika.

"This you keep. Your brother paid it in full for a year this morning. Well, if there's anything, Mom's house down there, yeah. Remember here at Ten in the evening already have to go home. You can't bring a man to sleep. If there are guests, the door should not be closed."

"Okay, Mom. Thank you very much, " replied Kartika.