Sweet dreams, my love...
Reality is always exhausting.
But wake up now, there's a real dream waiting for us to weave together.
Just you and me…
— — — — — — — — — — —
Dewi's POV
Hahh…
I let out another long sigh, boredom and frustration wrapping around me like a heavy blanket.
Yesterday, after Grandfather—more precisely, after I told him everything that had happened to us before we fell from the cliff and were dragged by the waterfall—he had gone silent for a long time. Then he simply stood up and left, without answering a single question about Topan.
"Ugh… why do they keep telling me to rest? It's already the fifth day, and I still don't know how Topan is doing…" I muttered under my breath.
I forced myself to get up from the bed, even though I couldn't deny my body wasn't fully healed yet. The moment I stood, dizziness hit me.
Haish…
I sat back down on the edge of the bed, gripping the wooden frame tightly and lowering my head, trying to steady the throbbing pain.
Tok! Tok!
Huh? Who's that? I lifted my face at the sudden knock.
Is it Grandfather?
Cklek!
The door opened, and a woman dressed like a doctor stepped inside.
"My apologies for entering without permission. I thought you were still asleep."
Her face was expressionless, almost cold. But her eyes… why are they different colors?
Tap… tap…
She approached and placed a cup on the bedside table.
"May I examine you, Miss Dewi?"
I nodded and leaned back against the headboard, letting her check my condition.
"You haven't fully recovered yet. Aside from the cuts and scrapes, there are several severe bruises on your body."
I stiffened slightly at her words.
Yes… those must be from Ryuji. I had struggled against him back then.
Silence filled the room again when I chose not to respond.
After she finished examining me and I drank the liquid from the cup she had brought, I suddenly grabbed the sleeve of her white coat as she turned to leave.
"Yes, Miss? Is there something else you need? Are you still in pain—"
"My husband…" I paused, staring at her with hope.
"Where is Topan? You're a doctor, right? I-Is he here too? Is he… alright?" I asked in a rush, tightening my grip on her coat.
She only stayed silent.
And that silence made something inside me snap. Why does everyone keep quiet?Ranah, Grandfather, and now this doctor too?!
I let go of her sleeve and turned my face away in disappointment.
"Just leave. I want to be alone—"
"Miria. And about your husband… fine. I'll take you to him."
I immediately turned back, relief flashing in my eyes.
"Doctor Miria, thank you!" I said quickly, jumping off the bed—only for my vision to blur dangerously.
Grep!
"Careful, Miss. Let me help you."
I nodded gratefully and allowed her to support me as we walked out of the room. We passed through several corridors. It felt like walking inside a labyrinth. Not long after, we stopped in front of a large glass door. And there he was.
Topan
Lying still. An IV line attached to him. An oxygen mask covering his face.
Wait… those machines… Is his condition that serious?
"C-Could you open the door? I-I want to go inside…" I asked softly.
But Doctor Miria shook her head.
"This room can only be entered by Master. I will only be called when Master is present."
I bit the inside of my cheek, my chest tightening painfully.
I knew exactly which Master she meant. As I was about to step closer to the glass door—
A sharp voice cut through the air behind us.
"You're still as meddlesome as ever, Miria."
We both turned at once.
And of course.
It was Grandfather.
Dewi POV END
The elderly man stared at the two women with a flat expression.
Behind him stood two young men with identical faces but different hair colors, dressed in the same stylish attire. Their presence was calm. Controlled. Unreadable.
Tap… tap…
The sound of his cane striking the floor echoed as he slowly approached, causing Miria to instinctively step forward, positioning herself slightly in front of Dewi.
"Forgive me, Master. Miss Dewi only wished to see—"
PLAK!
The slap landed hard across Miria's cheek, snapping her face to the side. Dewi's eyes widened in shock.
"You should know how to restrain yourself," Sagara Indrajati said sharply. "Do not let yourself grow soft and drown in other people's problems."
The two young men behind him did not react at all. It was as if they had witnessed such scenes countless times before.
Dewi clenched one hand tightly.
She could not stay silent while someone else became a shield for her.
Tap!
She gently touched Miria's shoulder and stepped forward, placing herself in front of the woman to face the Sagara elder.
"Miss—" Miria sounded startled.
"Are you trying to hide the truth about my husband from me?" Dewi asked steadily, locking eyes with him.
"Dewi—"
"I was the one who forced Doctor Miria to tell me about Topan."
The interruption, along with the sharp gaze she directed at him, made Sagara Indrajati murmur a single name.
"Puspita."
Dewi's eyes widened.
"Y-You knew my late grandmother?"
Grandfather Sagara's expression softened. He gently patted Dewi's shoulder.
"You look exactly like her. Even your eyes. I suppose your temperament resembles hers as well. Puspita was always the first to stand for anyone she believed deserved defending."
Dewi lowered her gaze in agreement. A fleeting memory of her grandmother passed through her mind.
Seeing her fall silent, fingers intertwined restlessly, the old man exhaled.
"Miria, leave with Jaya and Andi. I believe Suyaib is currently handling the people from Florentia."
Jaya and Andi—the twin young men with blue and green hair—nodded briefly and walked ahead without a word. Miria obeyed as well, though concern flickered in her eyes as she glanced at Dewi.
When their gazes met, Dewi smiled faintly and nodded.
"I'm fine, Doctor. Thank you for bringing me here."
Miria shook her head. Throughout her life, only a handful of people had ever truly stood up for her. Dewi's gesture, despite being someone she had just met, warmed something long untouched.
"I should be the one thanking you." She glanced at her Master, then gently patted Dewi's shoulder once more.
"You may call for me anytime."
Dewi nodded in return before Miria finally followed the twins out.
Now only Grandfather Sagara and Dewi remained.
The elderly man walked first toward the glass-walled room ahead and pressed his fingerprint against the scanner.
The door unlocked.
He turned slightly, gesturing for Dewi to enter.
Tap… tap…
The white room felt cold.
The steady beeping of the machines attached to Topan's body echoed faintly, proof that he was still alive.
"The laceration at the back of Topan's head was severe. He required immediate surgery," Grandfather Sagara explained calmly.
Dewi froze.
Tears slipped down uncontrollably as she approached the bedside, her hand slowly reaching out to touch Topan's cold fingers.
"W-Why did you save me, you idiot…?" she whispered hoarsely, her shoulders trembling.
The old man's gaze softened as he watched her break down. It was clear now—his granddaughter-in-law truly loved his grandson.
"I was surprised to learn that you ended up marrying Topan… not Ryuji," he said after Dewi gradually calmed.
She wiped her tears and let out a small, breathless laugh. "We married because our mothers arranged it, Mr. Sagara."
"Grandfather. Call me Grandfather, granddaughter-in-law," he corrected firmly.
Dewi looked up and nodded, adjusting her address.
"I've never met you before… yet it seems you know many things about me?"
A warm smile spread across the old man's face.
"I am nearly ninety years old. I have lived long enough to see many of those I loved leave before me. Among them was someone particularly spirited—Puspita. She adored her only granddaughter. You."
Dewi smiled shyly and nodded. The memories of her late grandmother were still deeply engraved in her heart.
"Would you like to hear a story from the past?"
She nodded enthusiastically—then hesitated.
If Grandfather Sagara knew everything about the past… then her parents must know as well.
"I would love to hear it, Grandfather. But may I ask something first?"
He smiled faintly, as if he had expected that.
"You are not an ordinary woman, Dewi. You carry many thoughts within you."
He turned toward the door.
"Come. My study is not far from here."
And he walked out first, leaving Dewi to follow.
●●●
5 PM...
Ryuji's POV
I placed a bouquet of flowers in front of a gravestone bearing my father's name.
Kemal Sagara.
Passed away on October 22, at the age of 52.
"I'm sorry it took me this long to come see you again, Father," I murmured after finishing my prayer.
The late afternoon breeze brushed against my face, strangely calming.
I came here on purpose—after three straight days of burying myself in work without pause. My gaze fell on Father's grave, on the photo of him smiling warmly.
"Do you hate me, Father? I'm the one who made Topan disappear… and Dewi too."
Thinking about them made my chest ache again. My fingers curled into fists as the memory replayed in my mind—how they called each other's names.
"I was the one who loved Dewi. I knew her first. I fell for her first. So why Topan…?" I clicked my tongue.
I couldn't deny it. The jealousy toward my own younger brother still weighed on me.
"If Grandfather hadn't treated us differently. If he had paid attention to me too… maybe…"
My words trailed off.
Just thinking about Grandfather stirred something bitter inside me. Just because Topan followed his wishes didn't mean he should be the only grandson worth seeing. What about me?
"Father… was what you said back then true? Even Topan too? Can I believe that Grandfather is proud of me too?"
The wind suddenly picked up, swallowing my question whole.
Tap… tap…
"Huh? What kind of question is that? Of course he's proud! You're his grandson. So is Topan. You two are basically the ultimate combo of the Sagara family."
I froze.
I turned to see someone standing there, holding her own bouquet of flowers.
"You know eavesdropping is a crime, hm, Merry?" I said flatly, clearly remembering the slap she once gave me in the hospital parking lot.
Merry. Dewi's younger sister. They were vastly different—especially since they weren't even blood-related.
"Hmm, you're still mad about that slap, aren't you? I can hear it in your tone. But I'm not apologizing for it, okay?"
I scoffed, rolling my eyes. The audacity of this girl.
"I used to come here a few times with my sister and Aunt Ratna. But since my biological mother passed away and was buried here too, I come regularly now. So I bring two bouquets."
I nodded in understanding.
We stood in silence for a while, staring at my father's grave.
Strangely… she wasn't as sharp-tongued as before.
"You were asking whether your grandfather is proud of you or not. I don't think that needs proof, does it?"
I shot her a sharp look.
"Don't act like you understand and interfere in—"
My words stopped when I saw it.
A tear sliding down her cheek.
"I don't even know who my real father is," she said quietly. "I was raised by Mama until I met Daddy, Mommy, and Dewi. And when the truth hit me—that I'm not Dad's biological daughter—I felt so guilty. I grew up wrapped in their love for years. If people who don't share my blood can love me that sincerely… then what about someone like you, who belongs completely?"
I fell silent.
Was it really wrong for me to feel jealous of the way Grandfather always looked at Topan?
"Maybe your grandfather just loves you in a different way. From what I see, Topan hasn't had an easy life either. Since he married my sister, I know they…"
I waited.
"…finally found a back they can lean on. Each other."
Her voice was soft, but I heard it clearly.
"So what? Should I step aside and give up?" I asked bitterly.
"Give up what? After you left my sister back then, you should've known things would never be the same! Do you think this is some soap opera? That Dewi would just wait for you and keep loving you after you hurt her? Damn you, sick!"
I burst out laughing.
Her sarcasm was brutal.
"What? I'm not less handsome than Topan. I'm even more famous," I smirked.
She looked me up and down, then shook her head.
"Brother in-law is more handsome."
"Really?"
I flashed my model charm.
She snorted and looked away.
"Wow, so confident, huh? Makes me wanna punch you. But yeah, Topan's flaw is he talks too little. And what's with that constant flat face? No wonder Dewi gets annoyed all the time."
We both ended up laughing.
And for the first time in a long while, my chest felt lighter.
When I decided to take on Topan's responsibilities, that was when I realized something.
My younger brother had been carrying far heavier expectations than I ever acknowledged. The company's long-standing problems. The family pressure. Everything.
How strong have your shoulders been all this time, Topan?
Ryuji POV END
●●●●
Dewi's POV
Beep… beep…
The sound of the machines attached to Topan's body slightly disturbed my hearing.
Once again, I looked at his peaceful face—sleeping without any sign of waking up. I let out a soft sigh and continued wiping his arm gently with a warm towel.
"What are you dreaming about that makes you sleep so soundly, hm?" I whispered into the silence.
Topan's hands are big. Strong. Completely the opposite of mine. That's why I love it when he holds me like this.
"But it's such a shame… this hand is so cold now."
I wrapped both of my hands around one of his, holding it tightly.
My eyes drifted back to his calm face, hoping—just a little—for any sign from him.
It's been seven days since he was declared in a coma.
Flashback
"Grandfather, you like reading?" I asked when I entered the spacious study. Tall shelves lined the walls, filled with neatly arranged books. The fireplace and reading lamps made the atmosphere feel solemn and warm.
Grandfather smiled softly and sat down on the sofa, patting the space beside him.
I hurried over—only to freeze when I saw the large wooden-brown album in his hands.
Wait… isn't that like the one I found in the mansion's storage room? But this one is much bigger.
"This photo album belonged to my late wife, Ustura. She passed away after giving birth to Kemal. She loved collecting photos from every moment. I continued the habit until now."
As he flipped through the pages one by one, I was stunned by the many unfamiliar faces. Only a few I recognized.
"Grandma…" I murmured, pointing at a picture of a smiling woman holding the hands of a little boy and girl. My mom and Father-in-law, perhaps.
Grandfather nodded.
"Puspita had only one daughter—Mira. As for her husband… I don't know where that uncivilized man is. She never liked speaking about him."
His tone turned sharp, and I didn't dare ask further.
Page after page turned, each photo accompanied by stories. I learned that Mommy and Topan's father grew up together. There were countless childhood and teenage photos of them.
On the next page, I saw Grandfather standing beside my grandmother and several others—celebrating something.
"After my wife passed, I reduced my involvement in the company. I had to raise Kemal alone. Puspita helped. So did some of my closest friends. But among them… some tried to betray me."
I stiffened.
His fingers brushed over several photos of men standing beside him and Grandma.
"When Kemal turned seventeen, I began introducing him to the company. I didn't want what I built to fall into irresponsible hands."
My heart pounded. This wasn't a light story. This was power. Legacy. Intrigue.
The pages kept turning.
"Why did Father and Mother get married? I mean… uhh…"
I cursed my reckless mouth when I saw the next photos—Mommy, Topan's parents. Even Daddy was there. Uncle Qwenteen. Medina's late father, Uncle Albert.
Grandfather studied me as if reading my thoughts, then smiled.
"Their relationships were complicated. Puspita and I agreed not to interfere in their matters of the heart. When Kemal married Ratna, two years later Mira married one of Kemal's seniors—Andri. As for your arranged marriage, I knew nothing about it. I warned Kemal not to interfere my grandchildren's love lives."
I lowered my head.
"But Mother said our arrangement was Father's last will… does that mean Father never moved on from My mom?" I asked quietly.
Tap!
Grandfather's hand rested on my shoulder.
"Not forgetting your first love doesn't mean you haven't moved on. Letting go sincerely helps you understand the meaning of the partner beside you now, my dear."
His words sank deep into my chest.
Then he turned another page.
And I froze.
My wedding photo with Topan.
"I don't know Kemal's exact reason for leaving such a will. But seeing my grandson now… and seeing you… I understand the similarity between you two."
I frowned.
"What do you mean? We're completely opposite, aren't we?"
Puk!
He tapped my head lightly.
"You are both stubborn. Neither willing to lose. But that's precisely it. Opposite poles attract, don't they? Strong. Drawn together. Difficult to separate."
A tear slipped down my cheek without me realizing.
Flashback End
"Grandfather said we're stubborn, you know! It's because you're always so annoying, huh! That's why…"
(Tears slid down her cheeks)
"I—I…"
My tears fell harder.
Why?
Why did it take seeing you lying here like this for me to realize how much you've done for us?
"I'm so stupid, aren't I…?" I sobbed.
I lifted his hand and pressed a soft kiss against the back of it. So cold.
"I kept running… s-so why did you keep chasing me? I was scared… Ryuji hurt me so much and I didn't want to go through that again…"
Today, I let myself completely fall apart. There's no one else in this room anyway.
"I won't run anymore… so please… wake up, Topan."
I lowered my head onto his broad chest. I don't care if he'll tease me for being this pathetic later.
This time… my heart belongs entirely to him.
"I love you…"
I whispered weakly, listening to the faint rhythm beneath his chest.
Dewi's POV END
As Dewi closed her eyes, exhausted from crying, a small movement appeared in Topan's hand resting beside his body.
It was tiny.
Almost unnoticeable. But it was real.
"Nggh… Dewi?"
TO BE CONTINUED...