Kevin Samudra stood at the doorstep, observing the small house that was now home to Adelia and her two children. Kevin think, the house was no bigger than the dining room in his parents' house.
The sight of Naufal's rolled-up mattress leaning against the wall and the pile of cardboard boxes beside it pierced his heart. There was no dining table, no sofa, just a stark simplicity that felt heartbreaking.
He opened the door to the slightly larger room, finding only a wardrobe and a slightly wider rolled-up mattress, along with a fan that creaked softly. Anger and worry mixed in his chest.
He came out to find Naufal standing with Ikhwan, his father. Disappointment was evident on Ikhwan's face as he looked at the condition of the house. He was silent, and his eyes were sharp, reflecting deep disappointment.
Adelia had not yet returned home. The time was already 5:45 PM. Kevin had deliberately asked his driver to take Akhzam to the amusement park. He didn't want Akhzam to witness a possible argument.
The little boy might not understand, but seeing Kevin's anger was not a sight fit for him.
Kevin's phone rang. A call from Revan, his second younger brother.
"Hello," Kevin answered the phone, his voice sounding tense.
"I just read your message," Revan said from the other end. His voice was serious, without small talk.
"I'll take care of everything here. You just find those two bastards, catch them, and drag them to Adelia's feet." Kevin's voice trembled, holding back his surging anger. "Fatar and Chintya must be held responsible for all of this."
"Understood." Revan's answer was short and firm, showing his readiness to carry out the order.
Kevin hung up the phone and put it away. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He knew that this wasn't just about a cramped rented house, but also about the betrayal that had destroyed Adelia's life.
The betrayal of Fatar, her husband, and Chintya, Adelia's best friend, who had sold Adelia's house and drained Naufal's education savings before running away together.
Knock knock knock
The sound of a knock on the door broke the silence. Adelia stood in the doorway, her face looking tired, even paler than usual. She was a little surprised to see her father and eldest brother at the house.
"What's wrong, Brother?" she asked softly, her voice a little hoarse, bearing a heavy burden.
Kevin turned, his gaze so stiff. However, Adelia could guess that her family already knew about the problems she was facing. Fatar and Chintya's betrayal. The secret she had been trying to hide had now been revealed.
She looked at Naufal, who was standing beside her, with a questioning face. "I told you. Don't tell grandpa or uncle," Adelia scolded, her voice sounding a little firmer. She tried to hide her panic.
Kevin stepped forward, "Come in, Del." His voice still sounded cold, and there was a hint of gentleness behind it. He knew that Adelia needed support, not condemnation.
Adelia entered, her eyes sweeping over the cramped room. Naufal looked a little nervous, while Ikhwan, sitting on a cardboard box, his face showed restrained disappointment.
"Sorry, Pa, Big Brother," Adelia said, her voice trembling. Tears began to well up in her eyes.
Ikhwan got up, approached Adelia and hugged her. The tears broke. Again Naufal saw his mother cry after more than 3 weeks the tears looked like a river that had dried up in the dry season. "Don't cry, dear. Everything will be alright." His voice was soft, full of affection. He knew that his daughter had struggled hard, and he felt very sad to see his daughter's condition at this time.
Kevin approached, "Tell me everything, Del. Don't hide anything." His voice was softer than before. He wanted to hear everything from Adelia herself.
Adelia told everything, from beginning to end. Throughout the story, tears flowed freely, wetting her cheeks.
Kevin and Ikhwan listened carefully. They felt angry and sad at the same time. They never thought that Fatar, who Adelia had once defended desperately when Revan, her second brother, rejected Adelia's decision to accept the proposal, would have the heart to do such a thing.
A woman who was used to living in luxury for the sake of the glory of love was willing to live simply. Ikhwan rubbed Adelia's back, his heart aching at the sight of his daughter's suffering.
"Don't worry, dear. We will help you. We will seek justice for you." He looked at Kevin, "We will make sure those two bastards are punished according to their actions."
Kevin nodded, "I've contacted Revan. He will catch them soon. Not just criminal punishment, but I'll make sure they both have to kiss your feet!" He looked at Adelia with affection.
"Just pack your valuables," Ikhwan said. "You're moving to my house today. Let Roni take care of all the stuff here later."
"But ...." Adelia began to speak, her voice still sobbing.
"Move now!" Kevin's voice boomed in the room. His anger exploded. "I won't allow you to suffer!"
Naufal glanced at his mother, fear etched on his face. No one would dare to speak if Kevin spoke like that.
"Quickly pack your things, just the important ones," Ikhwan patted Naufal's shoulder, trying to calm his grandson.
"No," Adelia held Naufal's arm, her eyes looking at her father and brother with strong determination.
"Please just trust my abilities. This is just the beginning. Dad and Bang Kevin just give us enough attention. Let us struggle to live with our own strength.
"Adelia!" Kevin's voice boomed again, "Do you think I can bear to see you and your children living like this? This is not about ability, Del! This is about justice and protection for my family!"
"I've been through hard times when I left home, Bang!"
"But you were facilitated by Papa! The house that was sold by that bastard was a gift from Papa! You did say you were ready to live simply, and Papa agreed! But Papa still gave you the house as a gift to make you comfortable!" Kevin snapped.
Ikhwan intervened, "Kevin, let Adelia speak. She needs time to accept everything." He looked at Adelia, "Dear, we understand your desire to be independent. But right now, let us help you. This is not about ability, but about family."
Adelia was silent, an inner struggle taking place within her. She wanted to prove her independence, but she also knew that her family's support was very meaningful. She saw the love and concern that radiated from the eyes of her father and brother.
She turned her gaze to Naufal.
"Are you okay staying here? Mama promises, this is only temporary. Once our finances are stable, we will definitely be fine."
"I'm fine, but what about Azam? He doesn't understand Mama's difficulties."
Adelia fell silent. Naufal sighed before speaking.
"Just like this. Let Mama stay here. Let Mama and I fight for our lives in our own way. Grandpa and Uncle can come and pick us up, if the flag has been raised, a sign that we have given up on the life we are living," said Naufal.
Ikhwan and Kevin looked at each other.
"Alright," Ihwan agreed.
"Oh yeah, about Papa and Aunt Chintya, just let it be. There's no need to drag them home. It will only tear Mama's wounds again."
Kevin looked at Naufal.
"Can not!"
"Uncle, I was also the same as Uncle at first. It hurts so much to see Mama being treated so badly by Papa. But, isn't Mama too precious for that bad person? What's the point of dragging them home if it hurts again?"
"Naufal is right. A thorn that has hurt your skin, shouldn't it be thrown away?" said Ikhwan.
Kevin smiled. He patted Naufal's shoulder.
"Be a great kid and make your father regret throwing you all out of his life!"