That evening, in the backyard of Tera and Tama's house, everyone gathered for a barbecue party to celebrate Tera's birthday. If Indra's group of friends were still intact, Aldo, Rey, and Tomi would have been there with their families. But Tera knew that some things were beyond human control, so she was grateful for what she had now. Ardo had brought ten folding camping chairs, grilling equipment, and a small tent for the children to play in.
"Why did you cut your hair?" Tera asked Priska, who was chewing on a piece of meat.
Her sister-in-law smiled, and Tera waited for her to finish her meal before answering.
Tera took in the surroundings while sipping a can of soda. Ardo and Lila were grilling meat, while Indra and Tama were chatting and playing chess. Her gaze returned to Priska, who was now focused on Gaffie, who was drinking milk from a bottle. The star of the night was that baby, alongside a Shiba Inu named Hachie, Gia's pet dog that now belonged to Felix, Ardo's son.
Before moving to Singapore, Aldo had entrusted Hachie to Ardo. With Gia no longer around, Aldo feared being constantly reminded of his only child, sinking deeper into sorrow. Tera suddenly missed Giska; time had passed so quickly.
"He's just like Indra. I had a feeling your first child would be a boy," Tera commented.
"Why?" Priska raised an eyebrow.
"Because the male genes in our husbands' family are so dominant, Pris. Just look at Ben." Tera pointed to her eldest son, who was playing tag with Felix and Hachie.
Priska followed her sister-in-law's gaze. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
Tera chuckled and grabbed a can of beer. If it weren't for Priska and Indra's idea, tonight would have ended like any other night. Tera watched the children, who were still engrossed in playing in Ardo's tent, seizing the opportunity to interact with peers who weren't their schoolmates.
Benjamin did indeed resemble Tama a lot, both in appearance and personality. Tera's marriage was only three, going on four years old, and they already had three boys. Honestly, she still didn't know Tama well because their marriage was arranged. He was too mysterious, unlike Indra, who had many ex-girlfriends that could still be traced one by one, although Tera doubted Priska had the strength to delve into Indra's past relationships. On the contrary, Tera's husband was the opposite of his brother; Tama remained faithful until death took the woman who had been with him for years. Naturally, this made Tera very jealous.
Indra got up from his seat and walked over to Priska, taking Gaffie from her arms. The baby didn't cry, even when taken from his mother. Priska then stretched her shoulders and arms to relax.
"Go eat some more. I'll take care of Gaffie," Indra urged Priska.
His wife shook her head. "I'm full. Tama is waiting for you," Priska replied.
Indra quickly returned to his chess game, while Ardo sat next to Tama, chatting about who knows what. Lila knelt down to feed the children, who were starting to get bored of playing in the tent, then approached Priska and Tera.
"By the way, happy birthday, Sis. I've been busy with the meat since I got here," Lila said after placing the food on a portable table and sitting down nearby.
Tera nodded with a smile. "Ahh, I feel like I'm in the wrong crowd. I'm the oldest here, huh? You're 30, while Priska is 28. I'll be 40 in a few years." Tera laughed.
"Oh, come on, Sis. You're still very beautiful, only 36 years old," Lila retorted.
"Age is just a number, Sis," Priska added.
"That's something a pedophile would say, Pris," Lila teased, lightly tapping Priska on the shoulder.
The three of them laughed, and the conversation shifted to Priska's new haircut, now only neck-length, whereas it used to be long, down to her shoulders. Priska explained that she was too busy taking care of Gaffie and Indra, making it difficult to manage long hair.
"It was falling out a lot, Sis. I've consulted a doctor, and it's better to cut it short for now. I also experienced baby blues at the beginning of taking care of Gaffie, afraid I wouldn't be a good mother," Priska said sadly.
"It's okay; every woman who gives birth for the first time has those feelings," Tera advised.
***
"Where to next, Ma'am?"
Tera snapped out of her thoughts. She checked the time on her phone and looked at her driver. "To my mother-in-law's grave."
"Yes, Ma'am."
After that, there was no further conversation. Tera preferred her driver not to get too involved in her personal business. Lukas just needed to do his job obediently. Besides, he wasn't the type to talk much. Whoever Tera's personal driver was, they had to keep their promises and maintain silence to protect the secrets of the family they worked for. No need for attachment, no need for too much emotion, and no need for pity. Professionalism was key.
After school, the children had begged to visit their grandparents—Tera's parents—because a few days ago, they had promised the grandchildren the gifts they wanted. And Tera certainly couldn't refuse when her three children put on sad faces. Besides, Tera didn't like her father-in-law and his sharp-featured young wife, who was addicted to plastic surgery.
When they arrived at the Christian public cemetery where her mother-in-law, whom Tera had never met, was buried, Tera felt a strange chill. She was the mother of her cold and OCD-stricken husband, Pratama Irawan, who had never loved her. Men were the most selfish creatures Tera knew—they could have a family and children with their lawful wife, yet their hearts belonged to another woman. What kind of logic was that in Tama's mind? A cold-hearted human.
"Why is he here?" Tera muttered when she noticed Indra's car.
She got out of the car, looking around. She saw a few other visitors and put on her sunglasses to hide her sadness. It wouldn't be funny to be laughed at by Indra, who had long known that Tera had started falling in love with Tama on her own.
When she reached her mother-in-law's grave, Tera greeted, "Hey, Ndra."
Indra chuckled. "What's going on here?" he asked mockingly. "This is unusual."
"I'm the first daughter-in-law in your family," Tera replied haughtily, trying to remind Indra of their position in the family hierarchy, even though they were the same age.
"Yeah, yeah, I know, no need to make a big deal out of it." Indra pointed to a white chrysanthemum flower on the grave. "You know what's funny and makes me feel like a bad son? He comes here every morning before starting all his activities. A CEO is different."
Tera blinked and automatically clasped her hands in prayer. In her heart, she prayed for the best she could for the most important woman in her husband's life. If she were still alive, maybe Tera could ask her many things about Tama and the best way to win his heart.
"Want me to tell you a secret about my brother?" Indra said.
 Tera frowned, feeling annoyed by Indra's untimely remark. "Don't you know any manners?"
"Sorry, sorry, but I think this could save your marriage." Indra smiled slyly after finishing his sentence.