73

Maisie's POV

Alexander nodded, seeming to understand. "This isn't about choosing one over the other. It's about protecting yourself and ensuring that what happened doesn't happen again in the future. Your family, no matter how strong the emotional ties, shouldn't be an excuse to ignore the truth."

His words flowed like cool water, helping to calm my turbulent thoughts. I began to feel a glimmer of hope at the end of this dark tunnel—what I was doing now was an important step to freeing myself, while also protecting others who might become victims.

"Thank you, Alexander," I said softly, looking into his caring eyes. "You've always been there when I needed someone to share this burden with. It feels like I'm no longer fighting alone."

Alexander smiled, but there was a hidden doubt behind his smile. "You have to remember that this decision won't be easy. There are consequences to face, not just for you, but for your family and everyone involved."

I nodded slowly, realizing that even though the road ahead seemed promising, there were many obstacles to overcome. "But I know I can't keep compromising the truth for a false sense of comfort. I have to be brave enough to be honest, even if it hurts."

"And that's a tremendous strength," Alexander said, his voice filled with conviction. "Remember, the truth has a way of freeing, even if it initially feels painful. This is the first step toward healing, for both you and others."

With a new flame of determination igniting within me, I felt a strong urge to move forward. "What's the next step?" I asked, eager to embark on this process.

"First, we need to make a plan," Alexander replied. "We have to ensure that everyone involved is treated fairly, but we also need to prepare ourselves for their possible reactions. Transparency will be key."

I contemplated his words. Openness could indeed be a double-edged sword, but I knew it was the only way to create real change. "Let's start now," I said, my resolve growing stronger. "There's no more time to hide the truth."

Alexander nodded, and we continued our discussion. The plan began to take shape, accompanied by hope and courage I had never imagined before. Perhaps this was the chance to rewrite my life's story—and maybe, just maybe, rediscover myself.

However, that sweet moment was interrupted by a knock on the door.

Alexander released his embrace first, looking at the door intently. "Who is it?" he called, his voice firm yet still attentive.

Tension filled the air, replacing the warmth that had enveloped us. Thoughts raced about who might be coming and what they wanted. In an instant, the sense of safety we had felt was threatened by uncertainty.

I waited anxiously, holding my breath, hoping that whatever happened next wouldn't disrupt the precious moment we had just created.

"Angga, sir. I brought the documents you need to check."

Alexander sighed softly, looking hesitant for a moment. "Looks like I have to work for a bit," he murmured to me. He stood, gently kissing the top of my head, providing warmth before moving back to his own bed.

"Come in, Angga!" he called, shifting the atmosphere back to a more formal tone.

I observed his change, feeling a mixture of relief and sadness. Our intimate moment had to pause, but I understood that responsibility had to be faced. When Angga entered, I felt a slight sense of loss, but I also knew that Alexander was striving to create a better future for both of us.

The door opened, and Angga entered with a woman, Bela.

I frowned as I saw Bela walk behind Angga with her usual friendly smile. But now, I no longer trusted that smile.

Bela's eyes sparkled, but something made me feel uneasy. Perhaps it was the bitter experience still fresh in my memory, or maybe it was the aura she carried that felt different.

A sense of suspicion and wariness crept into my mind as I tried to suppress the discomfort that was beginning to surface. In an instant, the warm atmosphere we had just built felt threatened again by the unwanted presence.

"Ah, sorry. I met Bela downstairs, and she said she wanted to visit you, so I brought her along," Angga explained, noticing Alexander's puzzled gaze and my sharp look.

A wave of regret washed over me. "I think bringing her up was a mistake," I thought to myself.

Bela's presence heightened the tension in the room. Her friendly smile stood out starkly against the already tense atmosphere. I felt wary, unwilling to give space to feelings that could worsen the situation.

Alexander's gaze showed confusion, and I knew that the situation was becoming more complicated. It felt like an intrusion into our private moment, and I struggled to remain calm even as my heart raced.

"I tried calling you earlier, but the line was busy, sir. Thankfully, I ran into Angga downstairs," Bela explained in a voice as sweet as honey.

She seemed poised to approach Alexander's bed, her steps confident, as if she wanted to get closer with familiarity.

I watched her every move, feeling the discomfort intensify. Bela's smile felt like a mask, hiding intentions that might be lurking behind it. In an instant, the atmosphere in the room shifted; the tranquility that once existed was replaced by uncertainty.

I tried to stay calm, but every passing second felt increasingly tense. Bela's presence served as a reminder that not everything that seems good comes with sincere intentions.

Seeing this, I immediately got off my bed. My whole body was now in alert mode.

Bela placed a fruit basket on the table and approached Alexander's bed. As usual, she greeted Alexander and leaned in to kiss him on the right and left cheek.

However, in a flash, my hand blocked Bela's face as she moved closer to Alexander.

The room felt even tenser, and all eyes focused on me. I could feel my heart racing, confronting courage and uncertainty head-on. The decision to protect Alexander and keep my distance from Bela was not easy, but I knew this was the right moment to act.