That night, the atmosphere in their room felt different. Ever since what had happened earlier that day. Arlin sat on the edge of the bed, her heart beating faster than usual.
A sense of awkwardness and slight fear lingered over her, while her mind kept wondering what Gilang really wanted.
Gilang entered the room, his expression calm and composed as usual. However, his eyes betrayed something else.
Arlin could feel that piercing gaze fixed on her, making it hard for her to look away. She swallowed, trying to calm herself.
"I'll get something to drink," Arlin said, trying to avoid the situation.
But Gilang quickly grabbed her hand, holding her in place.
"No need," he replied in a low voice.
Arlin stared at Gilang as he approached, her heart racing faster.
"You… what's wrong?"
Gilang reached out and gently touched Arlin's face, though his gaze remained cold.
"I want you here, with me," he said softly but firmly.
Arlin felt her face grow hot, confused by the request. They were married, but such intimacy still felt foreign to her.
"I... I'm not used to this," she said softly, trying to hide her anxiety.
Gilang only gave a small smile, a rare expression on his face. "You're my wife, Arlin. I don't want any barriers between us."
Arlin nodded slowly, trying to calm herself. Though her feelings were mixed, she knew Gilang was her husband, and there was no reason to refuse him.
But the way the man looked at her, deeply and obsessively, made her feel both afraid and drawn to him.
Gilang leaned closer, and Arlin felt his warm breath on her cheek.
"Trust me," Gilang whispered, his voice soft yet commanding, leaving her no room to refuse.
Arlin closed her eyes, trying to dispel the remaining doubts. She felt herself melting under Gilang's touch, even though she knew this man was far from warm.
"I know you don't like this," Gilang said softly, his voice almost a whisper, yet still firm. "But you're mine now."
Arlin looked at Gilang, wanting to say something, but her throat was tight. "Gilang... I never thought any of this would happen."
Gilang looked at her for a moment before finally taking her chin and lifting her face so they were looking directly at each other.
"Arlin!"
"I just want you to be honest with me," Gilang whispered, his strong yet gentle fingers brushing her cheek. "Can you try it for me?"
Arlin nodded slowly, trying to understand Gilang's feelings.
"I'll try..."
Gilang pulled her into a tight embrace, and Arlin felt swept away by a strange calm she had never felt before. Though the man didn't say much, his touch felt so meaningful.
Gilang leaned down slightly, gently kissing Arlin's forehead. "Thank you," he said softly, his cold voice softening for a moment, making Arlin realize there was another side to her husband she wanted to understand more deeply.
Gilang began his actions. Arlin tried to accept it all.
That night, the two of them were immersed in a new togetherness, trying to bridge the gap between them little by little.
That bright morning felt different for Arlin. As soon as she opened her eyes, her body still felt a little tired, but what was more troubling was her mind.
Last night… what had actually happened between her and Gilang? It felt awkward, filled with a mix of emotions that were hard to express. Arlin stared at the ceiling of the room, trying to calm herself.
She tried to calm her chaotic thoughts. Though Gilang had seemed softer and more attentive last night, Arlin couldn't shake the lingering sense of shame.
It wasn't the first time they'd been so close, and it… felt confusing.
After a few moments of trying to calm herself, Arlin got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. The room felt empty, with only the ticking of the wall clock filling the silence.
She tried to finish quickly, though her heart was still filled with unanswered questions.
After getting ready, Arlin looked at herself in the mirror. What should she say to Gilang? What should she do after last night? Her hands trembled as she tidied her hair, trying to calm herself.
When Arlin opened the door, she could see Gilang already sitting at the dining table, as if waiting for her. The man looked calmer, even smiling slightly when he saw Arlin come out of the room.
"Good morning," Gilang said softly, his voice calm, but there was something different, something that made Arlin feel even more awkward.
Arlin only gave a faint smile, trying not to show how uneasy her heart felt.
"Good morning," she replied, though her voice trembled slightly.
However, as she stepped into the dining room, her anxiety deepened. She didn't know where to start, what to say. Instead, Arlin just stood there, staring at the dining table with an uncertain feeling.
"Don't you want to eat breakfast?" Gilang asked, looking at Arlin with an intensity that made her feel even more pressured.
Arlin swallowed, trying to steady her breathing.
"I'm not very hungry, sir," she replied cautiously, though her stomach was already growling.
Gilang merely nodded, but his expression remained impassive.
"You have to eat. So you'll have enough energy to work later."
Arlin felt increasingly uncomfortable. Without waiting any longer, she decided to divert his attention.
"Sorry, I… I have to go now."
Gilang stared at her sharply. Arlin turned and walked quickly toward the exit, trying to avoid Gilang's gaze. Every second she spent there felt more and more embarrassing.
"I said, eat, Arlin!" Gilang snapped, unwilling to accept refusal.
Arlin pouted in annoyance, then turned and smiled broadly at Gilang. She walked over and sat beside him.
Gilang leaned in close, making Arlin nervous. "What do you want?" she stammered.
"I don't like refusals, Arlin. Don't defy me. After eating, Shakeel will take you home. And I warn you not to get too close to other men."
"Why?" Arlin asked quickly.
"You're mine; I like everything about you." Gilang whispered, making Arlin's face flush.
"You, you can't claim that."
"You're my wife, so you can't?" Gilang snapped, holding Arlin's neck and kissing her lips. The maids immediately smiled and closed their eyes.
"Gilang!!" Arlin snapped.
She immediately ate her breakfast. After that, she hurried out, feeling utterly embarrassed. That man? He has no sense of place!
Meanwhile, Gilang smiled thinly after Arlin left. That woman truly drives him mad.
"Shakeel!" Gilang called.
"Yes, sir."
"Take Arlin, and tell them I'll come there to check on the progress of the work."
Shakeel nodded in understanding and hurried off to take Arlin. Along the way, Shakeel smiled slightly.