#The Act
“Take care, sweetheart. Listen to what your husband says.” Sari gently stroked the crown of her daughter’s head. It was painful to let her little girl go.
“Yes, Mom,” Inaya replied with a warm smile. She didn’t want to see her mother worry.
Alfiq shook hands with each of his in-laws in turn. Today, he would be moving into his new apartment. Inaya remained silent throughout the drive. Alfiq also seemed focused on driving, unsure how to start a conversation himself.
The slender woman was busy enjoying the scenery beyond the windows of her husband’s luxury car. The lush countryside views kept her eyes from growing bored.
An hour later, Alfiq’s luxury car was parked in front of a minimalist yet elegant apartment building. The tall man immediately got out, lugged his large suitcase along, and walked toward the apartment door. Inaya could only gape at her husband, who hadn’t even waited for her to get out of the car.
“Your room key,” Alfiq ordered, tossing a room key to Inaya, who had just entered the apartment. The woman was visibly catching her breath after carrying two large suitcases by herself.
“Just because we’re officially husband and wife, don’t expect you to be able to sleep in the same room as me.”
Inaya rubbed her chest, repeatedly encouraging herself to be patient while dealing with her husband. She hurried toward the room directly across from Alfiq’s. At least he hadn’t told her to sleep on the sofa.
Brrt! Brrt!
The sound of a flat object inside Inaya’s small bag forced her to stop what she was doing and leave her room-organizing behind.
“Assalamu alaikum, Umi,” Inaya greeted her mother-in-law over the phone.
“Wa alaikumussalam, sweetheart. How’s the apartment? Do you like it?” Salma asked enthusiastically.
“It’s comfortable, Umi. I’m sure I’ll be happy here.”
“Alfiq isn’t ignoring you, is he?”
Inaya choked, briefly adjusting her headscarf as she thought about what answer to give. How did her mother-in-law know about Alfiq?
“Hey, are you done unpacking?” Alfiq called loudly on purpose so his Umi would hear.
Inaya instantly froze at the sweetness in her husband’s deliberately affected voice. Apparently, Alfiq knew she was talking to his Umi. He approached Inaya, who was still frozen in place. The man placed his index finger directly in front of Inaya’s thin lips, signaling for her to play along.
“J-just about, Sir.”
Inaya covered her mouth after accidentally addressing Alfiq as Sir. The man glared sharply at her as though he wanted to swallow her whole.
“Hahaha, you’re still calling Alfiq that, sweetheart?” Salma asked, having heard Inaya’s conversation through the phone.
Alfiq carelessly raked a hand through his hair. There was no point acting sweet in front of his Umi anymore. The woman named Inaya had ruined everything.
“Hehe, I meant Mas Alfiq, Umi,” Inaya replied, trying to correct herself.
“Hey, I’m hungry.” Apparently, Alfiq still wanted to continue their act.
“Okay, Mas. I’ll cook first,” Inaya answered, playing along.
Understanding the very unsubtle hint from her only son that she shouldn’t bother Inaya, Salma immediately said goodbye and ended the call with a farewell greeting. Inaya lowered her head sadly. She had still wanted to talk with her mother-in-law.
After successfully completing his mission, Alfiq left Inaya’s room and returned to his own. His heart was dancing with joy that his act hadn’t been exposed.
After finishing organizing her room, Inaya walked toward the kitchen.