“Honey,” Dira called weakly.
“What? You want to ask for money again?” Arka asked with a scornful look.
From his expression, it was clear he was fed up with Dira always asking him for money.
Dira said nothing in response to Arka. She merely lowered her head.
Hmph…
Arka took some money from his office bag and…
Rustle…
“Ungrateful woman,” Arka cursed after throwing a thick wad of cash at Dira’s face.
Dira fell silent, unable to return Arka’s insult. All she could do was lower her head and stay quiet.
“Thank you,” Dira said softly as she watched Arka walk away, leaving her alone in the bedroom hallway.
Dira picked up the money scattered across the floor, unaware that tears had begun to fall and slowly wet her cheeks.
“I have to stay strong. Just a little longer! I know there has to be an opportunity,” Dira whispered as she wiped away her continuously falling tears and gathered the money scattered across the floor.
In the dining room
“What’s wrong?” Binar asked.
“Why are you sulking so early in the morning?” Binar continued.
“It’s probably because of that Dira, Mom,” Dania said.
“Arka, you still haven’t managed to get Dira to sign?” Binar asked.
“Arka’s tried. You know what she’s like. From the beginning of our marriage until now—two years in—Arka has given her divorce papers every month, but she refuses to sign them,” Arka replied, massaging his temples.
“Ugh… If this keeps up, how am I ever going to have grandchildren?! I don't care what you say—you have to divorce her,” Binar declared.
“Yeah, Bro, you’re so weak. How about giving her one trillion so she’ll leave this place?” Dania added.
“I’ve tried that. I’ve tried everything, but she still refuses,” Arka said in frustration.
“What a damn bitch!” Dania cursed.
One hour later
Crash!!
“Hey, don’t act like you’re the lady of the house. Hurry up and get out here to clean that stack of dirty dishes,” Dania ordered when she saw Dira inside the bedroom.
Dania left immediately, and Dira walked out of her room without answering.
A few minutes later
“Do it properly. Don’t leave even the tiniest stain. My future sister-in-law is coming over,” Dania said.
Dira’s heart lurched.
“Don’t pretend to be surprised. You know the homewrecker is here too, don’t you?” Dania said scornfully before leaving after adding more dirty dishes to the pile.
“Be patient, Dira. Be patient,” Dira whispered.
“Have you sent it yet?” Ahmad asked sharply.
“Yes, Dad. I just sent it,” Dira replied weakly.
“How much did Arka give you? Don’t you dare pocket any of it,” Ahmad asked harshly over the phone.
“Twenty million, Dad. I didn’t pocket anything,” Dira answered.
“You’d better not,” Ahmad shot back before immediately ending the call.
Beep!!
“So, Dad? Is the money here?” Mia, Dira’s younger half-sister, asked excitedly.
“Of course. This afternoon, we can go shopping for as much as we want,” Ahmad said happily.
“Awesome!” Mia cheered.
“What’s going on? Looks like you just got a lot of money,” Indah, Dira’s stepmother, said as she came in from the kitchen.
“Of course, Mom. It’s the usual—our brother-in-law is generous,” Mia said with a blissful smile.
“Wow! That means we can go shopping later,” Indah said happily.
“Definitely,” Ahmad and Mia replied together.
They laughed happily together, completely unconcerned that Dira was degrading herself to support their happiness.
Three in the afternoon
“Wow, Dad, we bought so much,” Mia said, looking extremely happy.
“Of course we did. We’ve got plenty of money,” Ahmad replied.
“Next time, ask for more money, Dad. This isn’t enough. Mom and Mia bought so much, while Fikri only got one thing,” Fikri complained.
“That’ll be easy. We’ll ask again tomorrow, and he’ll definitely give us more,” Ahmad said casually.
They headed to the parking lot to drive home.
They looked happy on the way home because they had been able to buy so many things.
But while they were on the road…
“Dad, watch out!”
AAAHHHHHHH……
Crash…