Angga’s low voice and contempt made Kinanti’s blood boil.
“You have no right to insult me, sir.” Kinanti met Angga’s sharp gaze.
“Hypocrite.” Angga’s lips curled mockingly. He wanted to kiss the lips so close to his, but the sound of someone tapping on the car window saved Kinanti’s lips.
“Daddy.” The little girl greeted him when Angga opened the car door.
The man smiled sincerely at his little girl, so different from the vengeful—and whatever else—look he gave Kinanti. She could never guess what was in Angga’s heart from his eyes.
Angga wanted to carry Kayla, but the little girl refused. She ran around the car and took Kinanti’s hand. The girl’s lips curved into a smile, her heart warming, but she also wondered: What if she found out that this woman was a homewrecker?
“Daddy, come on. Hold hands.”
Kinanti grew nervous when Angga took her hand. “Don’t call me sir later. Here, you’re my wife. Don’t act so stiff. I told my grandfather that we’re in love.”
Kinanti looked at Angga, but the man kept staring straight ahead. “Answer me.” Angga squeezed her hand.
“Y-yes, honey.”
Angga’s lips curved upward. His heart fluttered. The way Kinanti called him honey sounded so beautiful to his ears.
“Peace be upon you.” Angga greeted the three people waiting for them in the family room.
“And upon you,” they replied in unison.
Kinanti was incredibly awkward and nervous, especially when she caught the gaze of a woman she knew was Angga’s wife—the same man who currently had an arm wrapped around her waist.
“Come sit down.” Anwar welcomed them warmly, in stark contrast to the two women beside him.
“So she’s the one you married? Wasn’t she a staff member at your office?” Celina asked.
“Yes,” Angga replied. “We used to date. We broke up for one reason or another, and I had no idea she was now working at the office. As it turned out, we were meant for each other.” Angga spoke softly, his eyes gazing at Kinanti with longing.
Gulp.
Kinanti swallowed with difficulty. Once again, she couldn’t decipher the look in Angga’s eyes. His hand was wrapped tightly around her waist. What made Kinanti feel even guiltier was the unmistakable flush of jealousy on Celina’s face.
How could she not be jealous, seeing her husband with his arm around another woman’s waist and gazing at her with such love? The fact that Kinanti hadn’t been doused with acid was already a kindness.
“Meant for each other, huh? So you two really are meant for each other.” A happy smile spread across Anwar’s lips. “And you look perfect together. Grandpa’s happy you found someone who fits your criteria.” Anwar rose from his chair. “Come on, let’s start dinner. Grandpa’s hungry.”
Kinanti tried to remove Angga’s hand from her waist, but his strong fingers held her firmly.
Attentively, Angga pulled out a chair for Kinanti, making the two women seated across from her click their tongues in annoyance. His treatment of her in front of his first wife made the atmosphere unbearably tense for Kinanti. What intrigued her was how the handsome man beside her could control Celina so completely. Even though the jealousy on Celina’s face was obvious, she still accepted Kinanti.
Kayla’s little chatter helped Kinanti relax a little, especially since Anwar was so friendly and seemed like a good man. It looked as though the old grandfather accepted Kinanti, even though she didn’t come from the same social class.
The two women had been silent ever since, merely listening without commenting or asking anything, only occasionally responding to Anwar’s words.
Dinner finally ended.
“Why don’t you stay the night?” Anwar ordered.
Kinanti looked at the man beside her. Once again, Angga wrapped an arm around her, his lips forming a charming smile before he kissed her cheek. Kinanti’s eyes flew wide. She almost shoved Angga’s face away.
“Another time, Grandpa.”
Anwar let out a warm laugh at the affectionate pair before him. “Okay, Grandpa understands. Work hard so Grandpa’s wish can come true soon.”
Angga nodded. “Consider it done, Grandpa.”
Kinanti’s long lashes fluttered. “Work hard for what?”
Angga laughed warmly. “Of course, Grandpa.”
Kinanti let out a relieved breath. At last, she could leave that suffocating place. Her acting had gone perfectly this time; they had looked like a couple in love. Even the old man Angga called Grandpa had seemed incredibly excited.
But what kept bothering Kinanti was why Celina accepted having a co-wife. Did Celina know they’d gotten married because there was a legal document involved? Ah... Kinanti truly couldn’t figure it out this time.
The car sped down the road. Jakarta looked even more beautiful at night. The girl stared out the side window, wanting answers to all her questions, but she was afraid to ask. Her fingers twisted together, and every now and then, the corners of her eyes flicked toward Angga.
“Is there something you want to ask?” Angga asked without looking away, his face still turned toward the road.
“Um... I-it’s about Ms. Celin. Isn’t she mad about having a co-wife?”
“What do you think?”
Angga’s question left Kinanti gaping. Why was he asking her back?? What a moron of a boss! If I knew, would I be asking?
“Don’t curse at me.”
Kinanti covered her mouth, her eyes blinking as her long lashes fluttered.
The man smirked and leaned his face closer. “I know everything about you—even what’s in your heart.”