SR3. 21. Proof

All night long, Laura couldn't close her eyes due to the anxiety that gripped her as she awaited the new day. It had been three days since she hadn't set foot on campus because of the scandal involving her provocative photos. She wasn't prepared to face the judgmental stares of her friends, and this time, it wasn't just friends from her faculty but the entire campus.

"Finish your breakfast first," Aryan said when he noticed Laura was merely playing with her food, lacking an appetite. Laura looked at Aryan with a half-hearted smile.

Laura observed Aryan approaching her while fixing his hair. If her mood were better, Laura would have chosen to stay home. She couldn't bear the thought of her husband becoming the object of attention for the campus girls. She understood all too well what went on in the minds of women who admired handsome men like them because she was one of them. However, ever since she had fallen in love with Aryan, there was no man more handsome in Laura's eyes than her husband.

"Aren't you going to the office?" Laura asked with a furrowed brow, surprised by Aryan's casual attire for work. Especially since Aryan was wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt that accentuated his athletic physique. Laura truly didn't want Aryan to become the focus of attention for the female students on campus.

"I'll wait until your business at the campus is finished, and then we can go on a date," Aryan replied casually before giving Laura a brief kiss on the lips.

Laura smiled with sparkling eyes. This was the first time Aryan had asked her out on a date. And, of course, dating was one of the alternative ways to temporarily ease her problems, which might eventually become more complicated.

Aryan admired Laura's appearance as she stood up to grab her backpack. Aryan's smile widened; Laura looked sexy in her blue jeans, white blouse, and navy checkered cardigan. Aryan admitted that with her proportional body, any outfit looked beautiful on Laura.

"Let's go," Aryan said when he noticed Laura was about to protest, having caught him scrutinizing her with attention.

After grabbing his hoodie and car keys, Aryan put his arm around Laura's shoulder and led her out of the apartment. As they walked towards the apartment parking lot, Aryan tried to define his feelings for Laura, but he couldn't quite put it into words. All he knew was that he wanted to be with the girl with rosy cheeks who was currently in his embrace.

"Let's go," Aryan urged when he saw Laura about to protest as he caught her observing him closely.

After grabbing his hoodie and car keys, Aryan put his arm around Laura's shoulder as they left the apartment. On their way to the apartment parking lot, Aryan attempted to define his feelings for Laura, but he couldn't quite pinpoint them. All he knew was that he wanted to always be with the girl with rosy cheeks who was now in his embrace.

***

From the moment Aryan's luxurious Jeep entered the campus courtyard until it stopped in front of Laura's faculty building, all eyes were on him. Laura's hands were already squeezing each other nervously as Aryan's car came to a halt. Aryan looked at Laura while holding her hand, trying to channel strength to help her face her problems.

"Come on, Laura, calm down. Everything will be fine. You don't need to worry about the cynical glances of others. I'm here by your side," Aryan said, gazing gently into Laura's eyes. She nodded and said a prayer before opening the car door, reciting a religious invocation.

Laura's fears materialized as all eyes on campus were fixed on them. She took a deep breath and said goodbye to Aryan before heading to her advisor's office.

"Don't be flirtatious, and be careful with any interactions with other girls!" Laura threatened in a hushed tone, noticing that the female students were now gazing at Aryan with unreadable, if not enchanted, expressions. Laura's nervousness turned into jealousy when Aryan smiled in response to a female student's greeting.

"No worries, Honey, I love you completely," Aryan replied and affectionately caressed Laura's head, ignoring their surroundings. Laura blushed and pinched Aryan's stomach before walking away, leaving Aryan chuckling.

Aryan waited for Laura while fiddling with his phone. After growing tired of social media, he checked messages from Dion, Andra, and Jefri. Suddenly, a large hand clapped down on his shoulder, startling him.

Anton stood next to him with a mischievous smile. They shook hands and exchanged typical guy greetings while laughing together. It had been a while since they last met, during Aryan and Laura's wedding a month ago. Of course, their camaraderie didn't go unnoticed by the female students present. In their eyes, both men were handsome, each with his own distinctive charm – Anton with his typical Indonesian features and Aryan with his hazel eyes and fair complexion.

Andra often teased Anton for still being single at the age of 32, not because he couldn't find a partner but because he wasn't ready for the commitment of marriage. He was still enjoying the adventures of love.

"Sorry, I have a class now. You can wait in Andra's office; he's also in class," Anton explained after a brief conversation. He pointed out Andra's office, conveniently located next to the economics faculty building.

"Okay, thanks, Anton," Aryan replied, then locked his car and strolled towards Andra's office.

***

"Please have a seat, Laura," Miss May said firmly. With her heart racing, Laura walked to her advisor's desk and took a seat, facing her.

Laura was not only panicked but also frozen in place as she saw someone she knew was crying. She sat facing Bu May, her head bowed, her hair almost covering half her face.

"Forgive me, Laura. I'm the one who spread those pictures of you with Noval," Sofia said, gripping Laura's hand and apologizing.

"Sofia!" Laura muttered in disbelief that the culprit behind the photo leak was her senior, Sofia. Despite their occasional disagreements, Laura never thought Sofia would do such a thing.

"I'm sorry, Laura. I hate Noval's father for ruining my parents' marriage. Now, Noval and I are stepsiblings because my mom chose to divorce and marry Noval's father. I was also jealous of you because Leo liked you. The guy I've loved since the beginning of the semester never noticed me and pursued your love, even though he knew you were already married," Sofia confessed with tears in her eyes.

Laura could only cry. She wanted to be angry, but it was pointless because everything had already happened. There was no point in holding onto anger. All Laura could do now was forgive, even though her heart ached at the tarnishing of her reputation.

After giving Sofia and Laura some time to speak, Miss May offered wise advice to both of her students. She emphasized that every action has consequences, especially in matters involving inappropriate behavior. As fellow Muslims, they should cover each other's faults instead of spreading them, which only worsens the situation.

Miss May didn't solely blame Sofia; she also provided guidance to Laura, reminding her that a woman should protect her honor.

Laura listened attentively, her head bowed in deep embarrassment. Everything her advisor said was true. She felt ashamed of her past actions, and Sofia listened while still sobbing.

"Enough for now," Miss May finally said. "I hope everything ends well. Please sign this agreement, both of you."

Sofia wiped away the remaining tears and took a deep breath before signing the agreement. She had to accept the suspension from the university, and her dream of graduating this year had to be postponed until next year.

Before leaving Miss May's office, Sofia shook Laura's hand with teary eyes. Laura nodded, forming a faint smile. She knew Sofia genuinely sought her forgiveness.

"Laura, you're okay, right?" Arabella called out anxiously. She had been waiting for Laura in front of their advisor's office for a while now and embraced Laura warmly when she arrived. Laura smiled and nodded.

Arabella led Laura to her husband Andra's office, as Andra had informed her that Aryan was waiting for Laura there.

"Hi, Honey," Aryan greeted, pulling Laura into a warm hug when they entered Andra's office. He affectionately stroked Laura's hair and kissed her. Andra and Arabella exchanged knowing glances; only Laura could win over Aryan, the notorious playboy.

Ahem... "If you want to get cozy, go somewhere else, not in my office," Andra protested as he saw that Aryan showed no sign of letting go of Laura. Quickly, Laura pushed Aryan away, her face blushing. She had forgotten they were in Andra's office.

Arabella laughed, touched by the affectionate display between Laura and her husband.

"Let's go home," Aryan said, pulling Laura's hand, which was still blushing.

"We'll go together. My class is already over, and we're having dinner at my parents' place tonight," Andra interjected while tidying up the books on his desk.

Now they walked closely together down the campus hallway towards the parking lot. Andra and Aryan, walking side by side, became the center of attention, especially for female students. Laura and Arabella quickly realized this and hurried ahead of them.

The campus was buzzing with excitement over the two handsome men walking side by side. They indeed looked very similar, with only their appearance and style setting them apart, not to mention their brown and hazel eye colors that added to their distinctiveness.

They parted ways right in front of Aryan's parked car. Aryan glanced at Laura, who was standing there, fidgeting and anxious, waiting for him to unlock the car.

"Do you mind if we go on a date to Coffee Break? I want to try their unique menu with you," Aryan offered as they sat inside the car, gently caressing Laura's cheek.

"Okay, our first date," Laura replied with a smile.

Still smiling and looking at the road ahead, Aryan took Laura's hand and kissed it.

"Love you, Honey," Aryan whispered, then stepped on the gas pedal, driving them towards Coffee Break with hearts full of joy.