"Have you eaten?" Indra asked after Dinda appeared and greeted him.
With a slow nod, Dinda replied, "I have."
Indra’s heart sank at her response. He even paused mid-motion as he was about to take off his shoes and socks.
“She had dinner without me?” he thought. “That’s right... she’s mad at me.”
And why wouldn’t she be? Even though their marriage was bound by an agreement and seemed forced, their daily life resembled that of a real couple. Dinda always waited for him to come home so they could have dinner together. But not tonight. Indra could feel that something had changed in her—and he knew it was because of his own mistakes.
Blinking hard to compose himself, Indra forced a smile. “Alright,” he said. He stood up and walked into his room, trying to keep his expression bright even though he wasn’t in the mood.
“Really!? That’s all he’s going to say?” Dinda thought to herself. “He actually believes I already ate?”
Deep down, she had hoped he’d care. Dinda had deliberately tried to test him—to see if he would feel sad that she didn’t wait for him. But reality had once again fallen short of her expectations.
Her frustration grew when Indra simply walked into their room as if everything were normal.
“Unbelievable! That’s how he treats me now?” Dinda muttered, crossing her arms over her chest. She shook her head, overwhelmed by her husband’s indifference.
Fuming, she stomped back toward the balcony, her anger bursting like fireworks in the night sky.
“He doesn’t even apologize for what happened this afternoon,” she whispered, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. “I know this marriage is just a formality, but he shouldn’t treat me like this. I’m still his wife.”
Unconsciously, she let all her emotions spill out, though there was no one there to listen. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks as the emotional weight finally became too much to bear.
Sobs...
Dinda cried despite her efforts to hold back.
“It’s all my fault. I made the rules myself and insisted this relationship was just on paper. But I crossed the line,” she whispered, her voice shaking. She shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought. “No! I was wrong from the beginning. If only I hadn’t fallen for that damn Kevin! I wouldn’t be living like this.”
Without realizing it, tears streamed down her face as the painful memory of the man who had dragged her into this mess resurfaced.

That night, Indra stood frozen in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at his reflection. Hours had passed since the incident at the café, when Dinda had shown up unexpectedly while he was with Sonia. She had looked visibly upset and uncomfortable. Indra knew he had to make it right.
Taking a deep breath, Indra gathered his thoughts. It wouldn’t be easy, but he had to try. Still dressed in his office suit, he stepped out of the bathroom—and froze again. There, in the dim light, was Dinda, her head bowed, silently sobbing. Guilt struck him like a blade.
"I'm sorry," he said softly, walking over to her. "I know you're still upset and disappointed about this afternoon. I'm truly sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it—there's nothing going on between me and Sonia.”
Dinda was quiet for a moment. “I know. I’m fine.”
But Indra could tell she was pretending—putting on a brave face.
"I understand. I was wrong... but please, let me make it up to you. Let me take you out—just the two of us. I promise there won’t be any more unpleasant surprises.”
After a long pause, Dinda wiped her tears and turned around, her face still puffy. “Alright. I’ll get ready.”
That night, the sky glittered with stars, casting a serene and cool atmosphere. When Dinda got into the car, silence filled the air.
"Where are we going?" she asked flatly.
Indra smiled slightly. “Somewhere nice. I hope you’ll like it.”
They drove quietly, accompanied only by soft music from the MP3 player. Eventually, they arrived at a quiet hilltop. From there, the city stretched below them, its lights twinkling like stars.
“Wow, it’s beautiful,” Dinda said, her eyes lighting up.
Indra nodded. “I always come here when I need to think. It brings me peace.”
They sat on a bench near some food vendors, enjoying the cool night air. Indra seized the chance to speak from the heart.
“Dinda, I’m really sorry about earlier. I never wanted to make you uncomfortable. Sonia and I—”
“Haa... forget it. I don’t care what you do or who you’re with,” Dinda interrupted, her voice laced with bitterness. “I’ve decided to close my eyes and ears—for the sake of our child.” She gently stroked her swollen belly with a sad smile.
She looked into Indra’s eyes, searching for sincerity. “I know you probably didn’t mean anything... but still, seeing you with her made me feel jealous. It hurt.”
"I understand, and I promise I’ll be more careful from now on. I want to—eh?" Indra suddenly paused, eyebrows raised. “Wait… what did you just say?”
Dinda remained quiet, watching him carefully.
“You… were jealous?” Indra repeated, eyes wide.
Dinda smiled faintly and gave a small nod. “Yes.”
Though a trace of resentment lingered, she pushed aside her pride and let her words speak for her heart.
“I know it sounds crazy. I didn’t think it would come to this,” she admitted, her voice slightly shaky. “But... I feel uneasy every time I see you with another woman. I don’t know why—it just makes me feel... selfish.”