Chapter 2: Coming Home
A black Toyota Century SUV rolled into the upscale residential area nestled at the foot of the mountains. The sky was already completely dark, and the neatly arranged garden lamps lit up the smooth asphalt road leading to the Bong family estate. A grand colonial-style mansion stood tall on a sprawling two-hectare land, surrounded by manicured gardens and towering trees.
Adrian gazed at his childhood home with mixed emotions. The house that once echoed with his father's laughter now felt distant and cold since his father's passing three years ago. The lights in almost every corner were on, indicating someone was still awake.
"Strange. All the lights are on tonight" Adrian remarked as he stepped out of the car, inhaling the crisp, cool mountain air deeply.
"Looks like Mr. Asong's family is still up. They had guests earlier this evening," replied Uncle suryo while retrieving the luggage from the trunk with the practiced ease of someone who'd done it a thousand times.
As Adrian stepped onto the broad front terrace, supported by sturdy white pillars, the main door swung open. A large black dog came bounding out, tail wagging enthusiastically, jumping with joy.
"Blacky!" Adrian grinned, stroking the loyal dog's head. "Missed me, buddy?"
Blacky, a two-year-old mutt with a shiny black coat and intelligent brown eyes, barked happily as he pranced around Adrian. With a strong build and standing around 70 cm tall, Blacky had been part of the family since he was a pup. He was known for his loyalty and courage, always guarding the home with unmatched dedication.
Not long after, a graceful black Persian cat padded out from behind the door. Her silky fur glistened under the porch light, and her calm, intelligent blue eyes radiated a serene elegance.
"Milo, you're still as beautiful as ever," Adrian smiled, gently lifting the cat into his arms. Milo purred softly, rubbing her head against Adrian's chin, clearly showing how much she'd missed him.
"Young Master Adrian!" came a warm, emotional voice from inside the house. An elderly woman in her seventies hurried over, her gray hair neatly tied back, her face lined with kindness and wisdom gathered over the years.
"Aunty Minah!" Adrian wrapped his arms around the woman who had been like a mother to him, embracing her with heartfelt affection. Minah Kartodiredjo, a native Javanese woman, had been serving the Bong family since Adrian was five. Her gentle eyes always glowed with unconditional love.
"Thank God you're back safe, Young Master," she said, brushing his cheek lovingly with her wrinkled hand, tears brimming in her eyes. "I was worried. I made your favorite—Jogja-style gudeg and grilled chicken."
"Adrian Brother! Adrian Brother!" a cheerful little voice interrupted the touching reunion. A three-year-old girl came running toward him, her bright eyes twinkling.
"Mimi, sweetheart!" Adrian picked up the curly-haired child with joy. Mimi Kartodiredjo, Aunty Minah's adopted daughter, had been taken in from an orphanage when she was just six months old. Her round eyes and innocent smile always managed to soften Adrian's heart, no matter how stressful his business life was.
"Did you bring me a present, Brother?" she asked eagerly, her tiny arms clinging around Adrian's neck.
"Mimi, down now. Let Adrian rest, he just got back," Aunty Minah gently scolded.
Mimi pouted, clearly disappointed.
"Haha, it's okay, Aunty," Adrian chuckled. "Of course I brought you something, sweetheart. Here, a pretty panda doll from Beijing."
He pulled a small panda plushie from his bag. Mimi squealed in delight, bouncing up and down.
The warm reunion was cut short by the sound of heavy footsteps from the living room. A plump middle-aged man appeared with an exaggerated smile, his steps quick and eager, as if he had been waiting for Adrian's return.
"Well, Adrian's finally home," said the man, around fifty years old, with a forced cheerfulness. "I've been waiting to hear all about the business trip."
"Uncle Asong," Adrian greeted politely but coolly, immediately sensing an air of discomfort. Asong Bong, the younger brother of Adrian's late father, had grown increasingly indulgent with age—his belly protruded from years of drinking and overindulgence. His small, calculating eyes and round face betrayed his sly nature.
Behind him came a heavily made-up woman wearing flashy gold jewelry and gaudy clothes that screamed "trying too hard."
"Adrian, dear nephew," she chimed with a sugary voice that dripped with insincerity. "How was your trip to Beijing? Must've been exhausting, handling such big matters all by yourself."
Aunt Sari, Uncle Asong's wife, was a forty-five-year-old woman obsessed with appearances, known for flaunting luxury goods funded by her husband. Her surgically enhanced face gave her an unnatural look—overfilled lips and a nose sharpened too far.
"It went well, Aunt. Thanks for asking," Adrian replied flatly, his tone diplomatic but distant.
Then, two young men descended the creaky wooden stairs.
The first was a tall, thin man with thick glasses. His pale skin hinted at someone who rarely saw the sun.
"So cousin Adrian's back," he said smugly. "How's the business? Still alive? Or finally bankrupt like everyone predicted?"
Tono Bong, 28, was Uncle Asong's firstborn and had always considered himself smarter and more deserving than Adrian to inherit the family business. Despite his economics degree from a second-rate university, he had never managed to build anything on his own.
"The company's doing well, Tono. In fact, it's growing," Adrian answered calmly but firmly.
The second young man was his total opposite. Bobi Bong, 25, was muscular, tanned, and loud. His long, dyed-brown hair and tattoo-covered arms gave off a thug vibe. Thick gold chains hung from his neck like he was in a rap video.
"Yo, cousin!" Bobi slapped Adrian's shoulder hard, pretending to be friendly but clearly showing off his strength. "Beijing must've been a blast, huh? Living it up with company money?"
Bobi had been a problem child since high school—always caught in fights, run-ins with the law, and now a member of a notorious street gang called Loreng Jeruk. They were known for extortion, harassment, and looking like washed-up warlords with potbellies, missing teeth, and scarred faces.
"Just business as usual, Bobi," Adrian replied neutrally, though inwardly disgusted.
"Come, Young master, you must be tired," Aunt Minah stepped in warmly, linking her arm with his. "Let's get you something to eat. I made your favorites."
As they walked toward the dining room, with its grand teakwood table, Adrian caught a hushed whisper from Uncle Asong to Aunt Sari:
"We'll talk tonight about the shares and ownership. This boy needs to know his real place."
Adrian pretended not to hear, but the warmth from the ring on his finger suddenly intensified—as if responding to the storm of emotions inside him, radiating a strange energy he couldn't yet explain.