A lavish wedding took place in a large and beautiful hotel hall, a wedding as beautiful as a king marrying his queen. But unfortunately, this time the wedding wasn't as happy as Ayna Deviana's. The 20-year-old girl was forced to marry only because she owed Raffan Arya Sudardjo a large amount of money. At her wedding, Ayna looked gloomy because the wedding she had been looking forward to had been ruined.

Ayna married a man she didn't like, and not only that, but Ayna's mother was also hospitalized. No one from Ayna's family was present; only Raffan's family members were present, and the rest were Ayna's coworkers.

Ayna works for a large company called the LAS Group, led by the Sudardjo family and managed by Raffan, the man to whom Ayna had now married without love.

Ayna stared at Raffan, now her husband, but unfortunately, there had been no communication between them since then.

Raffan took out his phone. At an event like this, Raffan still seemed busy with work. Their wedding was so sudden, so it was natural that he had a lot of work to complete afterward.

"It's late now, the guests have gone home. I'm going to my room, do you want to come?" Raffan asked, looking at Ayna. She only nodded in response.

They walked hurriedly toward the room, as Raffan's strides were long, and Ayna tried to keep up with him. Ayna glanced at Raffan's family, who were still there, but she only smiled.

But as Ayna walked behind Raffan, someone suddenly grabbed her hand. A beautiful woman glared at Ayna, startling her.

"You bitch!"

Slap!

Ayna held her cheek, which felt hot from the sudden slap. She looked at Raffan, who remained silent, staring at Ayna and the strange woman.

"Honey, are you married? Why are you doing this to me?" The woman asked, approaching Raffan, who simply stood there frozen.

"Who is she, Sir?" Ayna asked, because as a wife, she had to know the truth about the woman who had just slapped her.

"This is Syela, she's my girlfriend." Raffan introduced Syela to Ayna, making Ayna wonder. If Raffan had a girlfriend, why did he have to marry Ayna?

"Sir, if she's your girlfriend, why are you marrying me? Not her?" Ayna asked, annoyed.

"Yes, honey, she's right. Why are you doing this?" Syela asked, annoyed at Raffan.

Raffan held Syela's hand.

"Honey, you're the one who doesn't want to get married! Mommy, I don't agree with you either. Don't worry, Ayna and I are just a contractual marriage. We'll divorce after one year. Honey, please don't be angry. Mommy will take all my assets if I don't get married!" Raffan explained to Syela.

Syela, who was naturally money-hungry, was afraid that Raffan would become poor. Even though she was a famous model, she still always received money from him.

It would be very dangerous for Syela's pocket money if Raffan went bankrupt.

"Honey, please understand!" Raffan tried to reassure Syela.

"But why her? Honey, what if you fall in love with her?" Syela asked, staring intently at Ayna.

Raffan laughed. "Honey, I could never fall in love with a woman who's just an ordinary employee. I already have a woman like you who's beautiful, smart, and independent. How could I possibly like her?" Raffan belittled Ayna.

Syela immediately smiled, shamelessly embracing Raffan and planting numerous kisses on his cheek.

"Okay, honey. I don't mind, just don't fall in love with this poor woman!" Syela replied, glaring at Ayna.

"I won't,"

Ayna rolled her eyes lazily. She felt incredibly inferior, especially since Raffan seemed to be belittling her by calling her an ordinary employee. She didn't mind going through with the contractual marriage, but she at least wanted Raffan to respect her, not belittle her.

Syela stared at Ayna's hand, which was currently wearing Raffan's family's hereditary bracelet. Syela immediately pulled Ayna's hand, causing Ayna to flinch.

"This bracelet can only be worn by the woman who will become Raffan's wife, and you're just his contractual wife." Syela unhesitatingly snatched the bracelet from Ayna's hand.

Ayna's hand was in pain from Syela's rough tugging on the jade bracelet. It was real gold and extremely expensive. Who wouldn't want to be the daughter-in-law of that family, especially since Raffan was so handsome. Unfortunately, even women outside were reluctant to approach Raffan simply because of his exorbitant standards.

No matter how beautiful a woman, Raffan still rejected her, causing women to back away before approaching him.

Being rejected by Raffan was the most painful insult, as it would become the subject of gossip among everyone who idolized him.

Ayna simply glared at Syela, who was currently overjoyed to have received the bracelet. She didn't care about anything like that, as she didn't need any jewelry. She simply wanted to pay off her debt with this contractual marriage.

"Sir, where's my room? I want to rest," Ayna said with a curt expression.

Raffan handed her the room key. "Room number 8, and I'll sleep in room number 9." Raffan left without looking at Ayna with Syela.

Ayna sighed heavily. She had become a contractual wife and now she was the one covering up her husband's scandal.

Ayna was unfortunate, trapped in this situation, and she was also still worried about her mother, who was still unconscious in the hospital.

Ayna walked towards the room she had said she would be resting in.

But not far away, a man had been watching the conversation between Ayna, Syela, and Raffan. The man lamented what had just happened to Ayna.

"Poor Ayna," the man said, his eyes misty with pity for Ayna's plight.

**

The next morning, Ayna was ready to go home. Ayna and Raffan were returning to Raffan's parents' residence. They had invited them to dinner together. Ayna tried to act like a married couple in front of Raffan's parents, and not just Ayna, but Raffan as well, as they had discussed this plan beforehand.

"Are you ready?" Raffan asked, opening Ayna's unlocked door. He saw her making her bed.

"Yes," Ayna replied coldly, slightly curtly.

Nothing had made Ayna happy since their wedding, especially knowing that Raffan had a girlfriend. Ayna was becoming increasingly inferior, marrying only to repay a debt.

Ayna picked up her bag, which had been on the table, and immediately approached Raffan, who was standing in the doorway.

"Smile, so everyone knows we're really married. Don't show that gloomy face!" Raffan grumbled.

"Yes, sir," Ayna obeyed.

Half an hour later, they arrived at Raffan's parents' home. They were greeted warmly by Raffan's parents, especially now that they were happy that Raffan was finally married. At 30, Raffan was well-adjusted and ready to marry and have children.

Raffan was a successful man; he should marry and have children. He deserved to enjoy life.

"Smile!" Raffan said.

Ayna smiled as Raffan's mother approached and hugged her tightly.

"Thank goodness you're here. Did you sleep well?" asked Amitha Delia Sudardjo, who was none other than Raffan's mother.

"Sleep well, Auntie," Ayna replied.

"Don't call me Auntie, I'm your mother now. Call me Mama." Amitha smiled and gently stroked Ayna's head.

"Sorry, Mom," Ayna said.

"Okay, let's go inside." Amitha invited her daughter-in-law and son into the house, as they were going to have breakfast together this morning.

There was a large amount of food served there. Doctor Andre, Ayna's longtime doctor, was also present. However, they didn't talk much, as Andre felt awkward talking to Ayna, who was now his cousin's wife.

"Eat," Amitha explained to Ayna.

Ayna nodded with a smile, and also helped herself to some food. This wasn't her own initiative, but rather an agreement she had made with Raffan before arriving.

Amitha looked at Ayna's innocent-looking hand.

"Ayna, where's your jade bracelet?" Amitha asked which made Ayna and Raffan look at each other.

"Ayna, where's your jade bracelet?" Amitha asked, causing Ayna and Raffan to look at each other.

"What's wrong?" Amitha asked again, not getting an answer from her daughter and daughter-in-law.

"The bracelet," Ayna whispered, unsure of what to say.

"The bracelet is here, Mom. Ayna kept it because she was afraid of losing it," Raffan lied, of course, because he was defending his girlfriend who had taken the bracelet.

"Oh, thank goodness," Amitha said.

They ate together. This morning was perhaps the first time in the family's history that they had been together again after a long absence. This was all thanks to Ayna, who had recently arrived and was able to change Raffan's attitude, who had been very distant from his family.

Arya looked at Ayna, who had seemed uncomfortable there all along. Arya was sure that there was something strange about her son's wedding. Only Arya realized this, as she was certain that her son was deeply in love with Syela, and that Raffan would never move on from her quickly.

"Ayna, are you going to work after you get married?" Arya asked, shoveling dessert into his mouth.

"That depends on Mr. Raffan," Ayna replied.

"Mr. Raffan?" Amitha was surprised that Ayna still called Raffan "sir."

"Mom, that name is already stuck in my mouth, so I often slip up and say sir." Ayna tried to explain.

"But don't call me sir anymore," Amitha replied.

"Yes, Mom."

Raffan was also confused about whether to let Ayna work or not, as he wouldn't provide any living expenses for her, and he might even allow her to work to earn her own pocket money.

"I'll let Ayna work, let her be independent!" Raffan replied, not looking at his family's expressions.

"Raffan! What's wrong with you? Ayna is your responsibility, why are you letting her work? You have to fulfill all of Ayna's wishes, or I'll cut your money," Amitha threatened Raffan.

"Okay, Mom. I'll let her stay home and fulfill all her wishes." Raffan resigned himself to his family.

Breakfast went smoothly, and Ayna was sitting on the sofa waiting for Raffan, who was chatting with Amitha in her room.

Ayna looked at Andre, who was sitting there across from her.

"Morning, Ayna. When are you going to the hospital?" Andre asked.

"Morning, Doctor. I don't know." Ayna shook her head.

"Your mother had surgery yesterday, right?" Andre asked.

Ayna nodded with a smile.

"Yes, I haven't heard if she's awake yet because the nurse who's looking after her said she's still under the influence of medication. I'm actually afraid something might happen to her," Ayna said sadly.

"Don't think too much, just pray that your mother gets better soon." Andre tried to comfort Ayna as she was feeling down.

What woman would be strong, on her joyous wedding day, to receive the news that her mother needed immediate surgery. Ayna had hoped the surgery would be performed after Ayna's wedding, but unfortunately, the doctor was so quick to treat her mother.

Ayna got married without her mother in attendance, and vice versa, her mother underwent surgery without Ayna. Currently, Ayna doesn't know when she'll be able to go to the hospital, especially since Raffan hasn't allowed Ayna to go anywhere, claiming she has to abide by the contract they signed earlier.

"Okay, Ayna. I'll go to the hospital. If there's anything important about your mother, I'll let you know right away." Andre said goodbye and left.

Ayna simply nodded, hoping for good news from her mother. She wanted her mother to regain consciousness and recognize her like she used to.

Unfortunately, before the surgery, her mother didn't recognize Ayna.

Ayna looked at Raffan, who had just arrived with Amitha. She immediately rose from her seat out of respect for Amitha.

"Honey, why are you standing? Come sit down again," Amitha said.

"Sorry, Mom, I was just thinking," Ayna said shyly.

Raffan handed Ayna a jewelry box and a black card.

"Use this money for shopping or whatever you want. I'll top it up every month!" Raffan insisted.

"Just take it, Ayna," Amitha pleaded, sensing Ayna's hesitation.

Amitha could sense that Ayna was shy and not greedy for money, unlike Raffan's girlfriend, Syela, who loved money and always asked him for it.

Amitha didn't mind Raffan giving Syela money; she even had no problem with it when it came to marriage. She was just afraid that Raffan would change, as Syela was a smart woman who would definitely delay pregnancy.

The proof now is that Syela doesn't want to get married and Amitha is sure that Syela is not interested in marriage, that's what makes Amitha afraid. Syela often acts arrogant and presumptuous, which is also a disadvantage for Syela, who is struggling in the modeling world.

"Ayna, please take care of Raffan. I'll come to your house often. Please don't let Raffan go to work without breakfast first," said Amitha.

"Don't worry about it, Mom." Ayna smiled as she returned her mother-in-law's hand.

"Thank you,"

**

Bang!

Syela slammed the table in front of Raffan and Ayna. The three of them were currently having dinner together in the dining room. Syela was angry because Raffan had asked for the jade bracelet Syela had taken from Ayna the day before.

Raffan had explained that Amitha kept asking for the bracelet, but unfortunately, Syela didn't understand. She felt like everyone was defending Ayna, and that Syela's current position was nothing in Raffan's eyes.

"I'll buy you a better bracelet than this!" Raffan said.

"Really? I don't want you to lie, honey. Please defend me, not Ayna," Syela pleaded.

"What do you mean? I only acted because Mom asked about the bracelet. What if Mom asks again and the bracelet isn't there?" Raffan reassured Syela.

Syela handed the bracelet to Ayna. Syela had been looking at Ayna with distaste for her, which was understandable, since Syela was jealous of Ayna.

"Let's go now," Syela whined to Raffan.

"I'll just grab the car keys," Raffan replied, immediately leaving to get the car keys from his room.

Syela stared at Ayna, who was still feeding herself calmly and calmly. Ayna ignored Syela and Raffan. Right now, Ayna was truly a mosquito between Syela and Raffan, who were falling in love with each other.

"Ayna, don't expect to get Raffan, because he's only mine!" Syela snapped.

"If he's yours, why doesn't he just marry you? Why did Raffan marry me instead?" Ayna asked quietly as she shoveled food into her mouth.

"You bastard!" Syela growled.

Ayna went to the hospital after receiving news that her mother had just regained consciousness. She immediately rushed to the hospital without Raffan's permission. That evening, Raffan had gone shopping with Syela.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Ayna was deeply moved that her mother had finally regained consciousness and recognized herself.

"Mom, thank God, I'm so happy." Ayna immediately hugged her mother tightly.

"Ayna, doctor Andre said you're married? Where's your husband?" Devi, Ayna's mother, asked.

Ayna was shocked, at a loss for what to do because she couldn't possibly ask Raffan to come.

But Ayna couldn't disappoint her mother, who had just had surgery. Ayna smiled and nodded.

"Mom, I'll bring my husband here, and you can rest. I'll text him to come soon," Ayna said as she left to call Raffan.

Ayna hesitated to contact Raffan. Their marriage was merely a contractual one, and how could he possibly come to the hospital just to meet her mother? In the written agreement, they became husband and wife only in front of Raffan's family, while Ayna's family was not mentioned.

{Sir, can you come to see me? I just realized, Mom,} Ayna's message.

After waiting for a long time, Ayna didn't get a response from Raffan. Not wanting to disappoint her mother, Ayna immediately contacted Raffan. She didn't care if Raffan would be angry with her, because the most important thing for Ayna right now was that her mother knew that Ayna was married.

{{"Sir, can you come?" Ayna asked when Raffan answered her call.

"Tsk, I'm busy!" Raffan growled in annoyance.

"Please, sir, just now. I want to see you," Ayna pleaded.

Raffan could be heard sighing several times. Ayna realized he was reluctant to come to the hospital, especially since he was with Syela.

"Okay, I'll be there in a minute." Raffan hung up.

Raffan looked at Syela, who was still quietly shopping. This time, there were many obstacles in Raffan's way to be with his girlfriend.

But Raffan had to do this to convince everyone that Raffan was married to Ayna.

"Honey, I have to go because Ayna asked me to meet her mother." Raffan asked Syela for permission.

Syela was annoyed and immediately grabbed the paper bag Raffan had been holding. "Go away, ignore me!" Syela was angry with Raffan.

"Honey, I'm sorry. But this was really sudden. You can go shopping again. Here's your card, and you can shop to your heart's content now." Raffan motioned for Syela to forgive him and allow him to come to the hospital.

"Okay, but don't forget to pick me up again," Syela replied.

"Yes, honey," Raffan said.

Raffan immediately left for the hospital, not caring about the distance. He had to introduce himself to Ayna's parents, fearing they wouldn't believe they were officially married.

**

"Mom, this is Raffan, my husband." Ayna introduced Raffan to her mother.

Devi smiled happily that her daughter had found such a successful man. Devi hoped Ayna would be happy with her marriage, even though she knew Ayna had married Raffan suddenly.

"Mr. Raffan, please take care of Ayna. I only have her," Devi's request touched Raffan. This was the first time he had felt such a mother's love for her child.

"I'll take care of her, Mom. Don't worry," Raffan exclaimed.

"Thank you, Mr. Raffan." Devi hugged Ayna, occasionally kissing her daughter.

They chatted casually, to the point where Raffan forgot to pick up Syela, who seemed to still be at the shopping center. Raffan glanced at the clock; it was already ten o'clock.

"Mom, I have to go home now because I have to work again tomorrow." Raffan said goodbye to Devi.

"Ayna, you go home too. Don't leave your husband alone," Devi ordered.

"No, Mom, if I go home, who will you be with?" Ayna asked.

"I have a lot of friends here, including the nurses. You should go home, it's not good for the newlyweds to be apart," Devi replied forcefully.

At her mother's insistence, Ayna chose to go home with Raffan, even though she risked seeing Raffan and Syela's intimacy again. Ayna paid no attention to Raffan, who was currently busy calling Syela, who said she was still at the shopping center.

Ayna looked out at the deserted streets. The city streets were especially beautiful at night. Many buildings were bustling with people, especially the restaurants and cafes that lined the streets. Ayna simply smiled as she watched others her age enjoying their youth on a night out with friends.

Unfortunately, Ayna was locked in a contractual marriage with Raffan. Ayna, a beautiful girl who lived with many dreams, had to bury them all because of her enormous debt. If only her mother hadn't gotten sick and her father hadn't gone bankrupt, perhaps Ayna would have her own company to manage all by herself.

"Argh! This is all your fault!" Raffan snapped at Ayna.

Ayna sighed and glared at Raffan. "Why is it my fault? Your boyfriend can't be reached, why is it my fault?" Ayna demanded.

"Now go downstairs and look for Syela until you find her!" Raffan ordered when they arrived at the shopping center.

"Sir, just call your boyfriend!" Ayna replied irritably.

Raffan threw his phone at Ayna. "If he were, I wouldn't have asked you to look inside! Go find Syela until you find her, I don't want to know!" Raffan shouted.

"Okay," Ayna resigned herself, immediately entering the shopping center.

The place seemed to be emptying out, but Ayna wouldn't give up. She would search for Syela until she found her. She spotted a kitchenware shop. She spotted Syela there, but unfortunately, she only saw the same hair and clothes as Syela, not knowing if it was her or not.

"I think it's Syela," Ayna muttered, immediately running to get closer to Syela.

Unfortunately, she couldn't find Syela, but she did see Syela enter the elevator. "So it's Syela!" Ayna exclaimed, irritably approaching the elevator and seeing that Syela was headed to the fourth floor.

Ayna immediately entered when the elevator opened, pressing the fourth button, just as Syela had just said. As the elevator ascended, Ayna didn't realize it, but it stopped, apparently due to an electrical short circuit in the shopping center.

Bang!

The elevator plummeted back down. Ayna panicked, as this was the first time she had ridden an elevator with it off.

"Help!" Ayna screamed.