Graduation day finally arrived. Everything went smoothly, even though I struggled a bit walking in high wedges and my kebaya. Honestly, the excitement I once had when I first started college had long faded. All I wanted now was to get my bachelor’s degree—nothing more, nothing less—and head straight home once the rector shifted my graduation cap tassel.
Dara and Satria were there. We took countless photos with the help of Farel and Faby’s younger cousin. I smiled because all the emotional turmoil I’d experienced on campus was finally over—the heartache of walking through familiar corridors, the pain of sitting in the library, and the anger every time I saw Aldo’s shadow lurking everywhere. How could he be so cruel, taking my heart and my virginity, only to leave and marry his first love? Pretending to be romantic! What a jerk!
Faby’s parents left early, and Dara and. Satria also had a doctor’s appointment for a prenatal checkup. Now, outside among the FISIP students from the second graduation wave, it was just me, Faby, and Farel, who wouldn’t stop posing for photos. Farel kept complaining about being hungry, clutching his stomach, but Faby scolded him, promising to buy his favorite food after we were done on campus.
I also met Bisma, Faby’s friend, who was was quite famous, even appearing on one of the campus banners with his calm demeanor. I tried to avoid his gaze, knowing from Faby’s earlier comments that he had a bit of interest in me, which scared me. I’m afraid of men because you never know what’s going on in their minds.
After we finished taking photos, what I dreaded happened—Bisma called over the man with glasses. He was here. Aldo, in his semi-formal suit, looking as ordinary as ever, still idolized by FISIP students. I was sickened by that wolf in sheep’s clothing. We exchanged a few meaningless pleasantries, and that was it.
“I hope you find a good man who’ll love you forever, Priska,” Faby said.
We were walking down the corridor, about to leave. I just smiled at her wish.
“I’m not interested in getting married young, Fab.”
“That’s fine! I’m just praying now so God will grant it whenever He sees fit. Maybe in two years, or four years later. But you have to introduce him to me before anyone else.”
I nodded lightly. “Of course, Fab.”
“Promise me, Pris. No more sadness. I get sad when you’re sad.” Faby’s eyes welled up.
“What are you talking about, Fab? Don’t start making me cry now.”
We laughed because the situation was so chaotic, and many other students were still caught up in the graduation emotions. After roughly four years of education, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed at this moment. I hope only good things will happen from now on. Amen.
***
Year 2027
Four years later, Faby’s prayer was finally answered. It’s funny because I wasn’t really that interested in my love life. But now, after returning from Dubai, I have to introduce Indra as my fiancé to everyone. He needs to take responsibility for getting me fired without honor.   
My eyes fluttered open as his voice became clearer, and my heart ached hearing Indra call out the names of women in his sleep—all his ex-girlfriends, who he cherished like Barbie dolls. Last night, he got heavily drunk at a bar, while I struggled to get him back to the hotel.   
I managed to get a taxi driver to bring us safely to the hotel. Everything went smoothly, but Indra was still a heavy burden for me. Exhausted and a bit tipsy, I fell asleep beside him. But this morning, I had an overwhelming urge to strangle him. Before he was mine, I didn’t care how many women had passed through his life. But now that he’s proposed to me, making me his lawful wife, I have every right to be angry.   
I shifted to get up and placed both my hands around his neck, pressing slightly on his Adam’s apple, making Indra cough as he struggled to breathe. “Ugh, I just want to kill this man.”   
Indra didn’t wake up, even as I did this. If I hadn’t fallen in love with you, who knows what your fate would be. You’d probably end up in jail, and your whole family would be ruined—Sigi, Bisma, and Danar’s power would be more than enough to destroy you completely. But they chose to make a wiser decision by not destroying you, considering my feelings that are no longer governed by my mind. Bisma, I feel so guilty for hurting him.   
Stupid Indra! Ugh, instead of getting mad at a drunk man, I’d better start packing. I want to go back to Indonesia; staying in Dubai for too long is making me sick. I got out of bed, heading to the wardrobe to find the phone Indra had so arrogantly confiscated.   
“Let’s see.” I turned on the phone, and instantly, thousands of messages poured in. “Ugh, Pris, you’re in trouble.”   
Countless messages had piled up since Indra hid my phone for over two weeks. He said he wanted to enjoy the moment, and if I wanted photos, I should use a camera instead. There were messages from Dara, Satria, Faby, and a few work colleagues. Some were from my bosses, a bit harsh, and there were various package delivery notifications.   
Honestly, I’m afraid to go home, but I also want to because I can’t stand being here any longer. I glanced at Indra, who was still muttering women’s names in his sleep. What is he, a woman collector or something?   
“At this rate, he’ll start naming the plumber at his house too.” I stood with my hands on my hips, looking at my annoying boyfriend.   
I’d better shower and pack up before he wakes up. I quickly headed to the bathroom to freshen up. It didn’t take long before I changed into fresh clothes after my shower. It took me over half an hour to shove my clothes and Indra’s into our respective suitcases—neatly or not didn’t matter, just as long as it was fast.   
“Danilla, Katty, why are you so beautiful now? Let’s have a staycation sometime,” Indra murmured.   
I rolled my eyes at the different names and the endless invitations to hotels or vacations. I once asked him if any of his girlfriends ever went on a trip with him like me. He said yes, but only for a few days, not as long as the two weeks we spent together in Dubai. At first, I felt so special, but hearing this made me furious.   
“Who are they anyway? I’m just waiting for him to name the security guard next.”   
My plan was to leave this bastard in Dubai without his ID or money. I took his wallet, emptied all the cards, and left only a few bills for taxi fare. I’m not that cruel, but this is as mean as I get!   
“You still deserve to be messed with, Sir, so you learn your lesson.”   
I wrote a farewell note on a piece of paper, then kissed it with the matte lipstick I’d reapplied several times. Congratulations, Ndra! Enjoy finding your way back home alone!   
Time to leave and find the earliest flight out. Maybe I’ll take a little detour to a few countries to heal from the sadness of being jobless and the confusion over my feelings for Indra. This is all because of my possessive and selfish boyfriend.