"What do you mean mom?" Rere's throat tightened.

"Dino married you because he wanted to protect and keep your dignity. He's aware that you've been living a hard life for the past few years. You are ridiculed and insulted. You become the talk and gossip of the neighbors. He wanted to atone for his past sins. Re, marriage is not only about love. Indeed, marrying the man we love is the dream of all women, but marriage does not always begin with love. Remember, love will not fill your stomach in a marriage. True love is love that comes after marriage. I know that Dino is a good man. Don't be angry at Bara for forcing you to marry him. Bara only wants the best for you. Take my words, if Dino hurts you, Bara will be the first to defend you. You need to make peace with your past. Your match is Dino. We will never know how God brought us to our soulmate. Matchmaking is a mystery, Re. Take me for an example. I never thought that I would remarry after your father died. I found your father figure in Herman. He also found the figure of his late wife in me. No one knows who our fated partner, Re. I remarried and the marriage gave you an older brother. A big brother who will stand in front of you to protect you. He loves you so much even when I kicked you out when you are pregnant with Leon, he supports you and became a father figure for Leon."

​​

Rere looked down languidly, and did not dare to refute Ainil's words. Her mother's words hit and slapped her heart.

"Dino is only carrying out his duties as a father. Even though he missed the moment of Leon's birth. Dino wants to make up for all the moments that have been passed. Even though Leon lives with you, who is materially affluent, he still cannot eliminate the obligation of a biological father to continue to provide for his child's needs. A father must continue to carry out his obligations to meet the needs of the child until he grows up, both material needs, attention, and affection. Don't be selfish, Re."

"Mom, it is not like that." Rere protested and tried to defend herself.

"Don't lie to me. The look in Dino's eyes said it all. You have to learn to be a good wife and mother. Maybe as a mother, you have done your duty properly, but what about your duty as a wife?"

"Mom, the problem is not what you think."

"Explain to me then!"

Rere's guts shrunk. She couldn't explain it to Ainil. She couldn't forgive and accept Dino yet since the wound in her heart is still fresh. Whatever! Rere doesn't understand her heart. Why is it so difficult to receive kindness from Dino even though the man always tries to be nice to her?

"Mother, I'm going to my room," said Rere before leaving. She did not want to continue their conversation. Instead of getting support, she was cornered by her own mother. She left before Ainil could answer her question.

"That child, she is too stubborn," Ainil grumbled.

"Who's being stubborn, princess?" Bara suddenly came. The man likes to tease his stepmother by calling her 'princess'.

"Bar, when are you coming?"

"Just a minute ago."

"Who were you talking to?"

"Who else?" Ainil was still looking straight ahead. Watching Rere leave with a feeling of sadness.

"Who is that?"

"Rere."

"Are they home?" Bara was shocked because he didn't hear the news of Dino and Rere's return. His two men had yet to give him the news. Bara clenched her fists in anger, upset because they both did not work competently.

"Yes. They just got home."

"Where's Dila?"

"She is in the room."

"Bar."

"Yes, mom."

"It looks like they had a fight. Even though Dino was acting normal, I felt something was wrong. Dino seemed to keep his distance from Rere. He's so cold."

"What do you mean, mom?"

"I think your sister creates trouble that makes Dino very angry."

"You don't have to think about it. Everything will be fine. They are adults so they can handle their problems."

"I don't have any doubt for Dino since he is so mature, but Rere. Only God knows, Bar. She's stubborn and wants to win over everything."

"Yes, I know my sister very well. Don't worry. I will advise her."

"Bar, they are newlyweds. I am afraid that the incompatibility between them will cause a polemic. I don't want them to get divorced in the end."

"Don't say that. They are fine. Our words might come true so just say good words."

"I am just worried, Bar."

"It's okay." Bara calms Ainil.

After that, the man left Ainil. He took out his cell phone and called his men. Bara wanted to vent his anger. Before he had time to call them, his phone rang, his men called him first.

"Tell me!" Bara said coldly.

"Rere and Dino are back, sir. They had such a big fight earlier that made Dino furious."

"What is the problem?"

The man told what happened to Dino and Rere. Bara's head started to get dizzy as he pinched his temples. What kind of method should he use so that Rere can accept Dino as a husband. If they don't fall in love, Bara will feel threatened since Dino's attention to Dila made him jealous.

"What a stupid plan you guys came up with. It doesn't help at all and only adds unnecessary problems. If you want to make a plan, tell me first before executing it."

"Aren't you the one who told us to think by ourselves, boss? You did not tell us to confirm it with you."

"Don't make me angry. Even if I told you to, at least tell me what you're going to do. Everything is a mess now."

"Sorry, boss. We don't know that Rere is a suspicious person. We think…."

"Stop making excuses. You're just useless." Bara was angry as he cut off the call.

"Rere. Why do you love creating a problem?"

*****

"When are you going back to KL?" Bara asked while relaxing with Dino on the Rooftop. They enjoyed the afternoon, waiting for dinner.

"Maybe tomorrow, Bar. I can't leave the office for a long time."

"Well, just bring your wife and children to KL."

"It's not that easy, Bar."

"You're her husband. You're the head of the house. Rere has to follow you wherever you go. The wife must follow her husband's decision as long as your order did not have malicious intent. You are too soft on Rere. Sometimes you have to be tough with her."

"Bar, Rere cannot be handled that way. She will be stressed out. I have to deal with her properly."

"Luckily, Dila is an adult." Bara is grateful to have a wife as good and patient as Dila.

"Do not compare them. Just based on age, the gap is too far."

"My wife is the best."

"Every husband must say that their wife is the best."

"It's time for dinner." Rere came to the rooftop to call Dino. Rere was forced to do it because Dila told her to.

"Why did you only call Dino?" Bara glanced at Rere.

"I called you too."

That evening they had a delicious dinner. All rejoice as Leon and the triplets eat voraciously. Dino watched Rere, who was getting food for Hanin. His wife has been able to adapt to his daughter.

Ananya…Rere can be a good mother for Hanin. You don't have to worry anymore, dear. Dino says in his heart as he looks at Rere and Hanin.

Dino relaxed, reading fairy tales to Leon. Leon's new habit is going to sleep after he heard a fairy tale story.

Dino laid Leon who was sleeping on the sofa. Dino also covered Leon's tiny body.

"My son, I hope to grow up to be a responsible man. Even though you were born out in wedlock but I will make you a child that heaven longs for. Sorry that I left you alone these three years, kid." Dino stroked Leon's cheek. After making sure the child sleeps. Dino went to his room.

"I have prepared clothes for your departure," Rere said when Dino entered the room.

"Don't worry, Re. All my clothes are in KL, I will leave everything here." Dino sat next to Rere. The woman sat on the bed cutting her nails.

"But I've prepared your clothes."

"Forgive me." Dino smiled sweetly. His smile scared her even more. Feeling anxious when the man teased her.

"No need to apologize."

"Re."

"Yes."

"I don't think I can go back and forth. How about we stay in KL?

"I don't want to, you just go back to KL so I can take care of Hanin and Leon."

"How can I do that, Re. I'm busy there. I can't leave my company for too long."

"But I'm comfortable here."

"Re. I'm your husband. You have to follow your husband's orders. I've been silent all this time, obeying your wishes. I just want to make you comfortable, but you've become arrogant."

"Why not stay in Jakarta? I'm comfortable here. I don't want to go back to KL. Why do I need to go there?"

"You don't even work here."

"Give me some time to think about it. It's too sudden for me."

"Good."