CHAPTER 3

"Lan, greet Amelia properly!" Robi protested at Alan—his brother.

Alan chuckled. "Oh, my, Brother ... fierce. Hi, sister-in-law, how are you?"

"Ah ... hi. I'm good ...."

"See, I'm getting awkward, Bro!" Alan protested.

"Get used to it. Even though you are the same age, she is still your sister-in-law."

"Long time no see, once home nagging," Alan muttered as he pursed his lips.

"What?!"

Alan shook his head slowly. "It's nothing, my dear brother, don't be angry, you'll get old soon," teased Alan.

"This kid ... really wants to be hit."

Although Alan and Mayang's relationship is like water and oil that can't be put together, their relationship with Robi is as good as a brother and younger brother.

Robi never treated Alan the same as the rest of the family, after all, they were still siblings despite being different Mothers—he thought.

Still remember in the shadows when Alan first set foot in Wijaya's magnificent house, only Robi said hello and wanted to talk to him.

People who didn't know him might be jealous because he lived a rich life thanks to his father's last will, but he lived like a bird in a golden cage.

No, it might be worse than that … because the truth is, he was never considered to be in the stately mansion that was more commonly referred to as a palace.

He once did leave the house, but it only worsened because Mayang was exposed to a scandal due to rumors that she had abandoned her son.

He came back determined to hold on until the time came. Fly freely and go as far away as possible without being afraid to live in the shadow of the Wijaya family.

"Robi is love slave, can't even poke his wife a little," joked Adit—Robi's best friend.

"Whatever you say, just say jealous."

The three laughed while Amelia was still restless, especially when their eyes met.

"I'll find Grandma first, okay?"

"Yeah, we'll be after you two alone."

Robi took his beloved wife in his arms, ignoring the whispers of the other brothers who were still gossiping behind their backs.

A room with a large and majestic door became the queen's resting place in the house of the Wijaya family—Yustina.

"Don't be nervous, it's normal ... it's me," said Robi trying to calm Amelia.

Amelia nodded slowly. After all, it wasn't the first time she had faced such a situation—she thought. An assistant opened the door for them, and immediately the lavender scent that Yustina liked wafted into their nostrils.

"Grandma ...," said Robi as he approached her, sitting in a plush and luxurious chair.

"How are you, good?"

"I'm fine, Grandma alone how are you?"

Yustina glared at Amelia, who was kneeling beside her husband. "Of course, Grandma is fine."

"In that case, thank God—"

"But not necessarily tomorrow or the day after," Yustina interrupted.

Robi was wide-eyed at his grandmother's words. "Don't say that, Grandma. Grandma must be healthy, live long."

"What for?"

"Didn't Grandma say that she wanted to welcome the great grandchildren of the Wijaya family? So, stay healthy."

"How long have you made Grandma wait?! Amelia ... answered Grandma!"

Amelia was shaking violently, but she tried to calm herself down as best she could. The rice had turned into porridge, she felt she had to use the crazy idea she had planned with him.

"Amelia is sure that I can give Robi offspring, Grandma."

"When? It's been five years, how long do we have to wait?"

"Grandma, please don't push Amel like that. We want to try insemination, IVF and whatever soon," Robi interrupted trying to defend Amelia.

Yustina snorted in annoyance, her patience limit had long since run out. If Robi had not been adamant, perhaps she would have done a lot to keep them apart.

"Don't test our patience, Bi. Grandma, wait for the good news, or ... we'll have to find a new wife for you."

Robi worried about Amelia's mental state, immediately said goodbye to her grandmother. Responding to it is also useless because Yusnita is the natural leader of the Wijaya family.

Amelia held her anger in her chest. Her pride has been hurt for a long time, if they want a child, then I will accept it—she thought.

***

Amelia stared blankly at the food before her, feeling nauseous again when she smelled the various pungent smells of food filling her nostrils.

She tried her best to hold it in so that no one would suspect. Robi is talking to his uncle and aunt. Usually, they discussed business matters, so Amelia decided to sit back and wait.

It's not that they don't want to blend in, they never even considered her existence even though Amelia was standing right in front of them.

Ddrttt'

Her cell phone vibrated again. Amelia clucked annoyed when she read the contents of the message she received.

[You must be nauseous, right? Don't eat if you're not strong, eat fruit.]

[Don't mind me.]

[Hey, you're pregnant with my child, how can I not care?]

Amelia looked around, looking for the figure who had come to make her uneasy, but she couldn't find it.

[Where are you?]

[You miss me? Didn't we meet?]

[I want to talk about something.]

[That's fine, but I'm asking for a small fee.]

Amelia huffed in annoyance, her hands immediately returned to reply to the message.

[Do not try anything with me.]

[Nothing is free in this world, my dear.]

[What pay?]

[Just a small fee, kiss me.]

[You are crazy. We are in the Wijaya family circle, many eyes can see us!]

[Look towards the window, meet me. Don't worry, it's safe here.]

Amelia was frustrated. She had no other choice but to leave, not necessarily she could meet him again, especially now that Robi was at home.

Everyone is busy in their world, it's also good not to be considered because they don't realize that Amelia is not in her place now.

"Is everything going well, Uncle?" Robi asked one of his uncles.

"So far, so good, all thanks to helping from Mother."

"Robi is happy to hear that. Oh yes, Anita was pregnant, right?"

"Yes, it's been two months. When are you, Bi? Aren't you tired of living alone?"

Of course, Robi also hopes that they will have children soon, but they haven't succeeded in getting Amelia pregnant.

He wanted to check himself for a while, but the concern that he was the one in trouble scared him, he was worried that if that happened, Amelia would leave him.

Over time, it was his selfish attitude that hurt Amelia. All the accusations were directed at her, while he could do Nothing but try to defend his wife by holding on.

Seeing Amelia continue to be tormented, Robi made up his mind to go for a checkup and follow the pregnancy program recommended by one of his friends.

Even though he might have to accept the harsh reality later, Robi is ready because he believes Amelia will take all his shortcomings.

"Pray soon, Uncle. We want to try insemination."

"Well, that's good. Why not just IVF, much greater success."

"Yes, Robi will try to talk to Doctor Rayhan later."

Robi was getting tired of responding to questions about heredity. There would be no end to them continuing to discuss it. He tried to find Amelia, but to no avail, because his wife was not where he had been sitting before. Robi reached for his cell phone, it turned out that there was an incoming message from Amelia there.

[I'm going to the bathroom first, Dear.]

Robi smiled faintly, his wife was so understanding by sending a message even though she was only going to the restroom—he thought.

"Uncle, see Alan?"

"I don't know, why are you looking for him?"

"Ah ... no. As for Adit, have you seen it?"

"Aditya? It looks like he was allowed to go outside."

Robi was annoyed with himself, when needed there was no one between them to work with. Finally, he was forced to respond to the annoying conversation with his brother.

Hurry back, Mel ... I'm bored—Robi thought.