Without realizing it, my escape had brought me all the way to Vietnam, specifically to the old town of Hanoi, just north of the French Quarter. I had no particular reason, no concrete plan. Maybe after this, I’ll head to Thailand or Myanmar, who knows... I haven’t decided yet. As long as I have Indra’s credit cards, I can go anywhere I want. But let me clarify, this isn’t stealing—just a little compensation for the frustration he’s caused me. Am I angry and jealous? Really? Oh my God, what’s happening to me?
The taxi I’m in is heading to Ngoc Son Temple. I’m supposed to meet May, an old friend from when I used to work at the Indonesian embassy. That’s my life for you, weird and unpredictable. Actually, I’m the one who reached out to her first. She’s from Bangka Belitung, and now she’s married and decided to settle in Vietnam with her husband because of his job. I wanted to congratulate her, and at the same time I need someone to talk to, so I can clear my head.
“I don’t think Indra will mind if I use his money to travel a bit.”
I smiled to myself as I watched the buildings pass by the taxi and the locals going about their day. Every now and then, my thoughts drift back to that strange man. Indra Hendrawan, who only started thinking about redemption after losing two of his dearest friends. Truly, a man who defies logic.
Now, I can picture Indra somewhere out there, probably smirking as he gets notifications about every transaction made with his cards. I’ve almost traveled around Southeast Asia just because my mind is in turmoil. I’m confused about my feelings for him and need time to think.
“Getting married, huh? I didn’t think anyone would want to marry me,” I muttered sadly. “But... why does it have to be him?”
There was someone, apparently, but he’s not what you’d call normal. And to make it worse, Indra is one of the reasons my life has been turned upside down. But marriage isn’t just about two people, right? Indra may be a jerk, but he’s still from a respected family, and our relationship would be opposed by many. There are so many differences between us.
Of course, I have a lot of doubts, especially considering all my shortcomings. I don’t have a good family background or a stellar education, just an orphan girl who grew up in a shelter and graduated from a state university. And I almost didn’t graduate—I nearly dropped out in the final semesters because my scholarship was revoked. I was deceived by the sweet words of Aldo, my sleazy teaching assistant, whose betrayal nearly pushed me to end my life. But thanks to Satria’s family, I slowly started to rebuild my life and dared to dream again.
“So, why have I ended up like this?”
Seeing a couple walking hand in hand down the street made me miss Indra, for some reason. Maybe I’m foolish, but I have to admit, I felt comfortable by his side and was starting to think that what we had was real.
My mind drifted back to the first day he kidnapped me to Dubai. That crazy man... he should be neutered like a cat whose owner wants to prevent it from getting addicted to sex. Just imagining being pregnant with his child year after year stressed me out. And what if he leaves me when I’m covered in stretch marks and no longer attractive after having kids?
It was morning, though I didn’t know what time. Our room was still dark, with only a sliver of sunlight peeking through the curtains. We had fallen asleep after talking about so many things the night before. Nothing important, just about places we wanted to visit and what we wanted to eat.
Indra said that when he usually vacationed in Dubai with his four friends, they stayed in hotels far more luxurious than this and always had Rey Hutomo, the chef, cook for them, even though room service was available.
Indra explained that he never really got used to the food in Dubai, whether it was local cuisine or dishes from international restaurants. So, whether they were out in the wild or enjoying the high life, Rey was always the most revered among the group because of his culinary skills.
“Good morning, Pris,” Indra whispered.
He held me tighter from behind, kissing and nuzzling the back of my neck, making me smile despite myself. Since he brought me here, I’ve lost all sense of time—I don’t know what day or hour it is. This all feels way too much for me.
“I’m still dizzy, Sir. Please, be a little more respectful. Besides, there are plenty of pillows.” I tried to push him away, feeling a bit annoyed.
 
“There may be a lot of pillows, but there’s only one of you. Fine, let’s just spend the whole day in bed. I’m tired too. I’m not fully recovered from the illness I had.” Indra chuckled softly before yawning.
“It doesn’t look like we’re only staying for a day or two, right, Sir? I’m definitely getting fired,” I sighed.
Because I knew he wouldn’t be taking me back home anytime soon. Indra was deeply sad, stressed out, and needed an escape from reality. His relationship with his four best friends was incredibly romantic, lavish, and loyal. Honestly, I thought it was insane!
He snickered and asked me to turn around so he could look at me. We shared one pillow, and now our faces were too close. I needed sleep, having just come home from work, only to be whisked off to Dubai in the middle of the night. I’d be furious if he touched me in this state.
Oh, don’t worry, I was wearing comfortable sleepwear, and Indra didn’t try anything because he knew I was exhausted. To me, a man who always insists on getting his way and doesn’t know how to set the mood is incredibly inconsiderate.
His warm breath brushed my skin as his lips moved closer to my cheek, and I automatically closed my eyes, savoring his unexpected tenderness. Then, Indra gave me a shy smile, a faint blush coloring his face when I opened my eyes and stared at him in confusion. I didn’t know he could be like this. I thought he was a heartless bastard. Is this just an act? Are you trying to trick me?
“Pris, listen. Let me be the one to make money for you. I’m in a position where I can say that. Your job from now on is to take care of me.” Indra smiled sweetly.
“Take care of you? You could pay someone to do that. You’ve got plenty of money.” I deliberately said that to make him angry. I just wanted to see how patient he was.
Indra blinked, his lips forming a thin line. Maybe he was annoyed that my response wasn’t what he expected. I knew this man wasn’t the type to bring me flowers or anything like that. Indra was used to measuring everything in material terms, so it was only natural that he wasn’t good at expressing his feelings with words.
“Pris, I want you to help take care of my heart, my feelings, and my mind. Not because I’m lonely or that no one likes me, but because I like you, and my heart wants you.” His expression turned serious.