The living room in the Danendra family residence felt incredibly spacious and luxurious. Kirana felt as though she were standing on a theater stage without a script.
Aldo's mother, whom everyone affectionately called Mom Sandra, warmly took Kirana's hand and led her toward the dining table. Papa Damar—Aldo's father—was already seated there, along with Grandma, who was staring sharply at them from behind her silver-rimmed glasses.
"So this is Kirana?" Grandma Arini asked in a hoarse yet intimidating voice. "Are you the one who managed to conquer my ice-cold grandson's heart?"
Kirana swallowed with difficulty. She felt as though she were being interrogated by some top-tier detective.
"Yes, Grandma," Kirana answered briefly. She tried to smile as sweetly as possible to make herself look convincing.
Aldo stood beside her in an extremely protective stance. His arm was wrapped tightly around Kirana's waist, leaving her no room to keep her distance.
"She didn't just conquer my heart, Grandma," Aldo said, deliberately softening his voice. "She's the reason I can come home from work with a smile now."
Kirana nearly choked on her own breath. She looked up at Aldo, but he merely winked at her, making her face flush bright red.
"Oh, kids these days," Papa Damar chuckled as he sipped his tea. "Aldo, call your wife something sweeter. Don't just use her name."
Aldo lowered his gaze to Kirana. His stare was intense, as if he were asking her to play along until the very end.
"Of course, Dad," Aldo replied gently. "Honey, what would you like to eat first? I'll get it for you."
Kirana froze. The word "Honey" had slipped from Aldo's lips so naturally.
"Uh... yeah, babe," Kirana replied awkwardly. She was even confused about what she should call him—in the end, "babe" came out because it sounded more appropriate for someone like Aldo, a CEO.
"Babe?" Aldo whispered right into Kirana's ear as they moved toward the buffet table. "Interesting choice."
"Shut up, Sir!" Kirana whispered through clenched teeth. "Finish your lunch before I faint from embarrassment!"
"Call me babe, honey," Aldo teased as he served Kirana a small plate of rice. "Remember the rules, or your sweet martabak on Friday night is at stake."
Kirana rolled her eyes in annoyance. Still, she kept smiling as Mom Sandra came over to them.
"Kirana, what's it like living with Aldo?" Mom Sandra asked, studying her closely. "He's such a perfectionist. Doesn't he ever get on your nerves?"
Kirana glanced at Aldo standing beside her. He looked calm, waiting to hear what would come out of his assistant's mouth.
"Aldo is very considerate, Mom," Kirana replied in a slightly coquettish voice. "He always makes sure the house is tidy and... he's very patient with me."
Aldo put his arm around Kirana's shoulders again, this time pressing a light kiss to the crown of her head. Instantly, the dining table erupted with teasing from Aldo's parents.
"Look at that, Damar! Our son is really in love," Mom Sandra laughed delightedly.
"Of course," Aldo chimed in calmly. "I love my wife very much, Mom."
Kirana felt as though her world were spinning. The words "I love my wife" sounded so real, even though they both knew it was nothing more than a business contract.
When they sat down again, Grandma was still watching them sharply. She didn't seem easily fooled by their cheap romantic act.
"Aldo," Grandma called suddenly. "You two got married so abruptly. Do you really know each other well?"
"We've known each other more than well enough, Grandma," Aldo answered quickly. "Even during the hardest times, Kirana has always been there for me."
Kirana nodded in agreement, even as she cursed her fate inwardly. She had to keep pretending this far.
Suddenly, Aldo looked at Kirana deeply. Before she had time to react, he pulled her face toward him and boldly kissed her on the lips in front of his parents and Grandma.
It wasn't just a kiss on the cheek or a light peck. It was a kiss that felt intensely real, leaving Kirana frozen in her chair.
Everyone at the dining table let out small cheers. Kirana could only close her eyes, feeling her heart pound wildly out of control.
After Aldo ended the kiss, he gave Grandma a faint smile. "Is that enough proof, Grandma?"
Grandma snorted softly, but a glimmer of satisfied amusement appeared on her face. "All right. I suppose you two really are serious."
After that exhausting lunch was over, the two of them said goodbye and left. Inside the car, the atmosphere was extremely quiet and awkward.
Kirana stared out the car window, her face still burning red. She felt as though she'd lost her identity after what had just happened.
"Why so quiet?" Aldo asked as he drove with one hand.
"You're insane," Kirana whispered softly. "That crossed the line of our professional relationship, Sir!"
"The boundaries of our professional relationship disappeared the moment I said, 'I love my wife,'" Aldo replied flatly.
Kirana turned to stare at Aldo in disbelief. "You did that on purpose, didn't you? You're enjoying this act, aren't you?"
Aldo didn't answer. He merely smiled faintly while keeping his eyes on the road ahead. "Maybe."