The journey home felt long. No one spoke, except for the occasional heavy and regular breaths of Arman. Kinara sat quietly, trying to compose herself, while Rudi occasionally glanced in the rearview mirror to make sure there were no further disturbances.
The car stopped slowly in the magnificent yard of the Pramudya family home. As soon as the car door opened, a small voice shot out like a rocket.
"Mommy!"
Aksa ran out of the front door, as if he had been waiting since dawn. His small body hit Kinara's legs with a tight hug.
Kinara almost choked.
"Hey, slowly, son. Mommy hasn't fully gotten out yet..."
Aksa looked up with sparkling eyes.
"Mommy really married Daddy? Mommy isn't lying? Mommy isn't leaving again?"
Kinara swallowed.
"Ye-yes. Mommy is here."
The boy screamed with joy, hugging again, this time tighter. The servants who lined up to welcome the arrival of the host were stunned to see the marriage certificate in Kinara's hand. They whispered to each other, some even unable to close their mouths in shock.
"So... really married..."
"Mr. Arman's new wife?"
"So young..."
"Pretty too... definitely for the money."
"Why so suddenly?"
Rudi stifled a chuckle at the reaction.
Meanwhile, Arman only said coldly, "Aksa, move aside. Daddy wants to get out."
The boy immediately obeyed, stepping aside.
His demeanor changed quickly like a light being switched off. There was something between them, something that made Aksa very afraid when his father spoke in a certain tone. Kinara noticed this, her chest tightening slightly.
Arman got out of the car with Rudi's help. Without saying another word, he went straight inside, his wheelchair moving over the long carpet towards the family room.
Aksa pulled Kinara's hand.
"Mommy, come on! Daddy must want to say something!"
They entered together, Arman stopping in front of the grand staircase. His gaze fell on Kinara, sharp, as if assessing someone's character down to their deepest bones.
"From today, you live here," he said flatly. "And as a reminder... this marriage is just a contract."
Kinara nodded slowly.
"But I must emphasize one thing."
Arman's gaze fell towards Aksa, who was resting his head on Kinara's arm.
"From now on, you are his nanny."
Kinara immediately glared.
"Nanny?"
Arman hissed slightly, clearly disliking the disobedient tone.
"Yes, nanny. Your job is..."
Kinara cut him off.
"No, I am your wife. Aksa's stepmother and not a nanny."
Arman blinked, slightly surprised by the courage. Even the servants bowed deeply because the air suddenly became so tense.
Kinara raised her chin.
"If I'm married, I have the right to love Aksa in my own way. Whatever you call it, I'm still his mother now."
Aksa stopped breathing, Rudi froze.
The servants held back from dropping the trays. Arman stared at Kinara for a long, long time, his eyes dark and difficult to read.
Finally, he sighed.
"Do as you please. As long as you don't cross the line."
Kinara frowned.
"Line?"
Arman moved a few centimeters closer, close enough to give Kinara goosebumps.
"The line that this is just a contract marriage. Don't expect more. Don't touch my personal life. And…" his gaze fell to the wheelchair, cold, piercing himself, "never feel sorry."
Kinara was silent, speechless. Arman averted his gaze. Rudi pushed him slowly towards the upper floor. But before he went up the stairs, a small voice broke the silence.
"Mommy..."
Aksa pulled on Kinara's clothes, looking up with sparkling eyes full of hope.
"From today... Mommy really lives with Aksa?"
Kinara smiled, even though her heart was mixed, she stroked the boy's head.
"Yes, dear. Mommy lives here."
Aksa cheered softly, hugging Kinara once more. "Aksa loves Mommy!"
And from a distance, Arman stopped turning his wheels. No one saw his face change slightly. As if there was a fine line from his shattered past.
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