"So, are they the ones who threatened the safety of my family?". Hendra confirmed the main purpose of this meeting.

"It seems so, but we don't have sufficiently strong evidence to catch them". Raka interrupted.

​​

"What is their main goal?". Hendra threw a question again.

"Obviously, to stop the limited number of Wenceslas's next generation." Andos answered.

"Threatening your family is the same as threatening the whole Wenceslas Group". Pradita added.

"That's the weakness of a company that's owned by a single family. When the next generation isn't born and stops, or not productive, it means destruction". Andos said.

"Your grandfather understands it in great detail, that's why we were brought in as the adoptive children which aren't small in number". Pradita said again.

Deg.

For a moment, Hendra remembered the condition of his marriage with Aruna. That young girl wouldn't possibly give birth to a baby in their marriage, because of the contract that he made by himself.

The key is only two. To conquer Aruna's heart and make her willing to accept Hendra as her husband completely, then cancel their marriage agreement. Or the worst, they have to end this contract marriage according to a predetermined schedule. Then Hendra looks for another woman who's willing to give birth to babies for the continuity of his family.

The sole heir paused for a moment lamenting the anxiety in his heart. He was truly at the point of regretting the most. Why did he forcibly hand a marriage contract draft when he met his future wife for the first time?

If only time could be turned back or he had listened to Surya's babble, maybe now the story would've been different. Aruna would've accepted him in a better way now, even he could've told his psychological condition. Including, he could've restrained Aruna so she wouldn't meet that man since they'd married properly.

In fact, rice had become porridge. What he's dealing with right now is Aruna, the warm and obedient girl that had transformed into a stubborn woman now. Sturdy in her stance, obeying the MoU that they'd agreed on.

***

"Ms., could you just sit down?". The household assistants were confused, between impressed and distracted, because the wife of the young master of this family was also present in their kitchen.

She was casually peeling onions, cutting vegetables, and washing whatever was needed. The head of the assistant looked messed up since he was afraid if grandmother knew about this condition.

"Don't wash it! Please, don't wash it!". An assistant was running, taking the things that were held by Aruna near the sink.

"Ugh.. Why is everyone so complicated here? I just want to help prepare food for my husband. Can't I? I'm his wife?".

"Hmm..". A man with a bowtie cleared his throat with burden while getting closer to Aruna.

"The problem is, what you're doing is unusual in the Wenceslas family". He was the head of the assistant.

"Do I have to sit quietly so that you feel relieved?". Aruna stepped back with an expression of surrender.

"I'm sorry, Ms. I think that's better".

Aruna observed them, tried to compare it to her condition in the past: If it were at Lesmana's house, her mother would be really happy even surprised since Aruna were willing to take time to help her in the kitchen with Linda. Moreover, if her sister, Aliana, who was a young manager, were willing just to take a glance at the kitchen, her mother would immediately hug her.

"What should I do so I can help you or vice versa, you can help me?". Aruna was a competent girl. She had many activities out there. Design college with overwhelming tasks, running Magic Letter with her friends, still active in social activities including was asked to attend start-up groups' coworking space activities.

And now she only needed to do nothing at the silent main house. Silent because most of the residents only smiled at her. The grandmother and mother of this family were only seen at a glance.

Aruna even remembered when she could see Hendra's mother. That quiet woman would take a walk at the park near the lake at 08.00 for 30-45 minutes, then disappeared again. At lunch, she would be seen for a moment, ate in a very polite way, and disappeared again. In the afternoon, when Aruna went to the third floor, that woman would spend time by doing yoga or meditation or swim on the first floor.

Her rhythm didn't change much, her facial expression was always flat, and she rarely talked. Like a woman who lived in her own mind. Aruna wanted to come to her just to greet her a few times. But every time her footsteps wanted to get closer, a female bodyguard always warned her: "Please, don't disturb her".

Ah. It turned out that there was always a female bodyguard that watched her from a distance. What kind of world is this? She had to think about how to get out of this house.

"What if I get permission to help you? Will you feel better?". Aruna asked.

"Maybe."

"Okay, I'll try".

Aruna tried to look for a woman whom they called Hostess, Grandma Sukma. Aruna hoped to interact more with this friendly grandmother. Unfortunately, grandmother also had activities outside the house. Reportedly, grandma Sukma managed the Wenceslas family's foundation. That's why she had a schedule on specific days.

Aruna knocked on the door of the main house's main room with fear. A carved door room which was as big as her room with Hendra. The difference was the coating was more shiny. What Aruna was Afraid of was this room was also the room of the old man whom everyone subjected to.

"Knock knock knock".

_Wah, I'm indeed unlucky_

The old man that she was afraid of emerged from behind the towering carved door.

"Hmm.. Grandpa, is Grandma inside?". The old man opened the door wider, then his hoarse voice greeted his wife.

"Someone's looking for you". Then the old man stepped aside.

"Oh, Aruna. What is it, Honey? What can I help?".

"Come in, just come in". The graceful old lady suddenly pulled Aruna's hand swiftly, asking her to come in.

_Isn't it a very private place? How come she's allowed to come inside this place?_

Aruna had rejected but Hendra's grandmother was really good at persuading when they were inside the main room of the Wenceslas family.

Lesmana's daughter was even more surprised. The design of this room was copied and pasted from the design of her room with Hendra. Wiryo sat at Hendra's favorite place, a work table facing the bed.

A bit crazy since it was exactly the same. The difference was this place was wider and looked more classic with the interior that seemed more old-fashioned.

The graceful lady was watching television.

Once in a while, Aruna glanced back. Hendra's grandfather didn't seem to care about the surroundings. That behavior was the same as Hendra who liked to ignore people around him except when he needed them.

"Tell me, what do you need until you knocked on the door of my room?".

"I'm not allowed to help the assistants in the kitchen, even though I want to prepare something".

"What do you mean? What do you want to prepare?".

"Today Hendra promised to come home earlier. I think I want to cook for him, even though actually I can't cook either".

"Wow, how sweet my grandchild's wife is. Okay then, I'll help too".

"Really, Grandma?".

"Yes! Of course since an offer like this rarely happened in our family". Grandma Sukma was more agile than Aruna, walked while pulling her hand to the main pantry of the Wenceslas family.

This afternoon, Aruna didn't stare at the view from the window anymore. She spent her days like that every day. Sometimes, she'd cried alone since she was lonely. Now, she was determined to find a way to immediately get out of the main house that she used to admire. Unfortunately, that main house metamorphosed to a different direction now. Aruna hoped that this condition was a part of the complete metamorphosis stage. Sort of a stage of a caterpillar into a cocoon. Then, one day, she could get out as a butterfly. If she couldn't pass this phase, then she would reside in it forever.

_That's why I need to be a good cocoon_

.

.

This afternoon, a very different scene was presented on the Wenceslas family. Grandma Sukma was so impressed with Lesmana's daughter. As if she remembered herself in the past. This kid was so relaxed, simple, and energetic.

The menu that was served on the Wenceslas family's dining table seemed more special today. This newcomer also took part in cooking the dinner menu, even arranged it directly on the table.

She ran to her room and came back in a different dress.

Unfortunately, the person who was waited didn't come that night. He sent a rose in the pot and an annoying note instead.

Aruna's feelings were so awkward and disappointed.