The Rudolf family had their own unique morning routine. If the master and mistress were home, breakfast wasn't served until nine, and sometimes Nathan was still burrowed in bed until noon. It usually took a hard knock on his door to rouse him.

But this morning was different. In a separate building in the backyard, in a mini-gym whose lights were already on, Nathan was brushing his teeth leisurely at the sink. His alarm buzzed just as he glanced at his phone—5:30 a.m. He turned it off, rinsed his mouth, and looked at himself in the mirror.


'Let's start with a run, then maybe some weights," he mumbled, admiring his newly defined biceps stretching against his black shirt. He grinned to himself. 'Not bad," he muttered with a hint of pride.

After washing his face, Nathan examined his reflection again. His pale skin, faint freckles, and tousled hair gave him a natural charm. He bounced on the spot, imagining how he'd look while running outside. Who knew? Maybe a beautiful woman would happen to jog by.

Ready to head out, he picked up his sneakers from the rack. But just as he was about to slip them on, he noticed someone by the pool through the gym window. The sky was still dim; it was far too early for anyone to be up, let alone lounging by the pool in a satin nightgown. Squinting, he realized it was his sister, Erin.


'Sis!" he called, stepping out of the gym. Erin looked up as he approached, cross-legged beside the pool, her feet dangling in the water. He sat down beside her, dipping his fingers into the cold pool, and shivered. 'What are you doing out here so early?"

Erin's hair fell across her face, her eyes staring blankly at the water. She looked pale, her eyes puffy as though she hadn't slept. 'Dad called early," she said, her voice soft. 'He was asking about my project progress."


'Ah, that's good, though, right?" Nathan replied, searching her face. Finally, she tucked her hair behind her ear and took a deep breath, looking defeated.

'So why the long face?" he asked, gently nudging her. 'Is there something else bothering you?"

Erin turned to him, her expression a mix of frustration and sorrow. 'You want to run, don't you, Nate? Just go," she said quietly. But he understood the real message—she didn't want him to leave her alone.

'Hey, I'm not going anywhere if you need me. What's wrong? It's Amir, isn't it?"

She hesitated, piecing together her thoughts, which only fueled Nathan's frustration. If he had the guts to confront Amir, he would've done it ages ago. But he knew how much Erin loved him, and that complicated things.

'Nate… Look at me," she murmured, crossing her legs to face him. Her expression was serious, almost pained. 'Do I…look like a…like a slut to you?"

'What?" he sputtered. Erin never used that kind of language unless she was dead serious. 'What are you talking about?"

'You know—my style, the way I dress. Do I come across as…cheap? Do people think I'm trying to seduce them?"

'No! Erin, what the hell? Where is this coming from?"

'Okay, then what about my Instagram?" she pressed. 'Do you think, just because I post bikini pictures, it makes guys think I'm inviting them all to sleep with me?"

Nathan frowned, alarmed. 'Whoa, wait. Is someone telling you this? No way, Erin! It's your account, your choice. Why are you even asking me that?"

She paused, searching his face for understanding. 'Let's say, hypothetically, you see a friend post a picture of herself in a bikini. Do you automatically think she's trying to seduce everyone?"

He scoffed. 'I'm a photographer, Erin. I have friends who model and share pictures in all kinds of outfits—or no outfits. To me, it's about art, expression. It's their profession."

'And if they weren't models?"

He tilted his head, trying to read her. 'What do you mean?"

'Like, what if a friend of yours, who's not a model, posted a bikini picture? What would you think?"

'It's her choice. Social media is just an online gallery. I wouldn't think anything of it."

Erin's shoulders relaxed a little. 'So… I'm not doing anything wrong by posting what I want on my account?"

'Absolutely not!" Nathan's expression darkened. 'Is Amir asking you to delete your photos? I swear, I'll have words with anyone trying to control you. I know how hard you work to keep fit, and you should be proud to show it off if you want to."

'It's not about Amir…" Erin's voice wavered as she looked away. 'I… I want to tell you something, but… promise me you won't get mad."

Nathan was already bracing himself for whatever Erin would say, though he knew 99% of it would make him angry. Still, he nodded, signaling her to continue.

'So…" Erin took Nathan's hand, squeezing it as if that could hold him back from his reaction. 'You know I'm not... pure. I've been in relationships, always mutual, always consensual. I've never been forced into anything."

The way Erin circled back to her Instagram photos, then mentioned coercion, made Nathan's chest tighten. He thought he knew where this was going, but he hoped he was wrong.

'A guy just... kissed me," Erin said, her voice breaking.

Nathan had been trying to keep calm, but it felt like a gong was going off in his head, lighting his nerves like a fire. 'Who?" he asked sharply.

'It was… we were alone. I let myself get swept up for a moment, but then he got forceful. I managed to pull away, but Amir saw it. I feel so... messed up," she said, her voice cracking.

'And you're worried about Amir?" Nathan asked, incredulous.

'I feel guilty," Erin's eyes were red-rimmed with unshed tears. 'I wasn't... I didn't push him away immediately. But Amir walked in, and he looked so disappointed, Nate."

'To hell with Amir's reaction!" Nathan flung her hand away, anger flashing in his eyes. 'Who was it?"

Erin grabbed his hand again, tighter this time. 'You promised you wouldn't be angry."

'I didn't promise anything! I just nodded because I have a headache. What's his name?"

'Nate, please... be patient."

'If you don't tell me, I'll find out from Amir myself," Nathan warned.

'Okay, okay!" Erin whispered, her head bowed, 'It was Steve."

'Steve. Fine. I'm going to kill him." Nathan got to his feet immediately.

'Nate!" Erin pulled him back with surprising strength. He could see the desperation on her face. She'd never been so serious, so wounded. 'Listen to me. It wasn't entirely his fault. I... I let him get too close, and he misunderstood."

'Erin, if anyone in that office has half a brain, they'll see you were the victim here!" Nathan raged. 'Why won't you defend yourself?"

'Because they won't see it that way. They'll assume I'm some flirtatious girl who led him on. They'll believe him before they ever believe me," she whispered, her voice full of bitterness.

'Why are you so sure?" Nathan asked, feeling his heart break for her. 'They don't know who you are?"

Erin shook her head. 'No. They don't know I'm Aunt Berta's niece."

'Not even Amir?"

'No. I was there under a different role, as a temp secretary. I didn't want people thinking I got in through family connections."

'Erin, that's insane!" Nathan looked at her, stunned. 'If they knew who you were, no one would dare say anything."

'I know it's stupid, Nate. I feel sick over it; I feel like I betrayed Amir. But please, Nate," she gripped his hands, her eyes pleading. 'Just listen, please. Don't do anything. I don't want to make it worse."

'You were assaulted, Erin! How can you sit back and do nothing?"

'There's no evidence," she said softly.

'What about CCTV?"

'There isn't any. It's a new office, Nate."

'Amir, then! He saw it, didn't he?"

'Yes, but it's not enough. Amir only came in after I pulled away. There's no proof. And like I said, the office will think I was just some girl leading him on."

The words stung, and Nathan could feel his fists clenching.

Nathan wanted to storm out and make sure that guy never walked without a limp again, but he knew he had to hold back. This was about Erin, not him. Losing his cool would only add to her burden.

With every ounce of restraint, Nathan forced himself to stay grounded. His body tensed, and his legs felt like steel, resisting the urge to snatch Erin's keys and leave. The fire in his mind smoldered, but he managed to douse it just enough. 'Is it really that bad? Aren't those office people smart? How could they all be so damn blind?"

'De, please," Erin's voice was barely above a whisper, a plea laced with exhaustion. 'Just help me think this through calmly."

'Fine," he muttered, his fists clenched. 'But he can't just get away with this, Sis. You're crazy if you're thinking of letting him off the hook!"

'I know," Erin whispered, looking at him with a mix of resolve and fragility. 'We'll figure it out. Just... be patient with me, okay?" She cupped his face, desperate for his support.

Nathan's frustration simmered, but her pain felt like his own. He couldn't shake the helpless anger clawing at him, knowing Erin had gone through this. With all the privileges and protections they'd worked so hard for, how could someone treat her like this?

For now, though, Nathan realized his priority was to make her feel safe. So, without another word, he pulled her close, letting her cry quietly against his chest.

The next two days, Erin stayed home. According to Aunt Berta, there'd be a delay in Erin's work transition because her boss, Fauzi, was dealing with some transfers and promotions. Erin suspected that her aunt also wanted to give her a bit of breathing room before plunging her back into the office, where she'd face Amir, reconnect with Kia, and—worst of all—run into Steve.

Of course, she could have reported Steve to her aunt. But with no proof, what would that accomplish? If her aunt was forced to reprimand him, Steve would likely turn the tables, only deepening her humiliation. She knew how things often played out; victims of harassment tended to attract more scrutiny than their perpetrators, and it was rarely supportive.

Nathan, thankfully, had held off on any rash actions. He seemed distracted, even borrowing twenty million yesterday, saying it was for some limited-edition shoes. Erin hadn't minded, hoping it would distract him enough to forget her ordeal.

But this afternoon, Nathan surprised her with an unannounced visit. He walked in, looking sharp in a dark green shirt with a small wooden house logo on the left chest, and handed her a matching shirt. 'Put it on, Sis. We're going out."

'Where to?" she asked, eyeing the shirt. Beneath the logo, she noticed the word ISCS. 'Some new restaurant?"

'Just put it on. I'll give you ten minutes," he replied, a little mischievous.

'Come on, Nate, I have to go to work tomorrow. I need to mentally prepare."

'All the more reason to get used to being around people again. No stiff first-day jitters, right?"

Erin had to admit he had a point. If she was going to walk into that office with confidence, she couldn't afford to show any signs of vulnerability.

'Ten minutes!" Nathan called, winking at her.

Erin quickly changed, pairing the shirt with jeans she hadn't worn in ages. She didn't know where Nathan was taking her, but she didn't want to embarrass herself by looking too worn down. After a touch of makeup and a quick hair tie, she finished off the look with a black knitted cardigan and black sneakers to match Nathan's.

When she met him at the car, Nathan's face lit up. 'Good. I promise, you'll come back feeling... fuller." He started the engine of his red Toyota Land Cruiser.

'Fuller?" Erin asked, amused.

'Fuller," Nathan repeated with a mysterious smile.

Their drive was longer than Erin expected. It wasn't like Nathan to head out of town, especially with her in tow. Usually, she'd be badgering him to make a pit stop, but today she was too curious to care.

Nathan's phone, tucked just out of her sight, guided them via Google Maps. Soon enough, the route started to look familiar—they were headed toward Bekasi. The sight of apartment buildings told her they weren't too far yet; probably somewhere in East Jakarta. Passing Kranji station confirmed they were in the right direction.

Finally, Nathan turned onto a narrow alley that barely fit his car. The sun was beginning to set, signaling the end of the workday as they continued down the crowded street. After eleven minutes of navigating the narrow road, he took a left onto a dirt path that only allowed room for one car. Nathan, maneuvering carefully, looked more determined than ever, keeping his eyes set on some destination ahead.

Pedestrians were forced to step into residents' houses to let cars pass. The crowd seemed to flow toward a single destination, gathering in a wide, open field where Erin noticed a parking attendant wearing the same SAJI shirt as hers. Other young men and women wore matching shirts, adding to the bustling scene.

In the field's center stood a simple, low stage decorated with flowers and colorful lights, with spotlights shining from both ends. Three large blue tarpaulins were spread across the ground, ready for people to sit.

Erin felt a slight headache at the sight of dozens of children darting back and forth. They looked no older than kindergarten age, with equal numbers of girls and boys. Most of them wore tiny graduation uniforms, holding little mortarboard hats in hand, while the rest sported colorful scarves over red or blue shirts.

'What is this place?" Erin asked as they parked.

'It's the graduation ceremony for SAJI kindergarten students," Nathan replied.

'ISCS?" Erin rubbed her forehead, feeling a fresh throb of pain.

'Indika Street Children School. It's part of the Indika Lionara Group, one of Dad's partner companies."

'Then why did you drag me here? You know I get a headache around kids."

'Yes, because we were invited, Erin. Now, come on—let's go!"

'You're so random, Nate! No way."

Nathan clicked his tongue in mild annoyance, climbed out of the car, and walked around to her side, opening her door. 'Come on. If you're nervous, you can hold onto me."

Erin sighed but had little choice. She took his arm and kept her gaze low, avoiding direct eye contact with the kids. Despite her efforts, the noise was impossible to ignore—the children's music, their loud chatter—but she let Nathan pull her along.

'Hey, Nathan!" A young woman in glasses waved at them, wearing the same shirt but with a ‘Committee' pin attached to her shoulder. Erin forced herself to look up and greet her.

The girl smiled, 'Welcome! You must be Erin?"

'Yes… nice to meet you," Erin shook the girl's outstretched hand.

The girl's face brightened. 'I'm Fitri, head of the committee tonight. On behalf of everyone here, the staff, and the ISCS students, thank you for your generous donation."

Erin's eyes widened. Donation? What? When?

She glanced at Nathan, who just gave her a serene smile.

'Um, thank you, Fitri," Nathan jumped in. 'But my sister is a bit modest about these things."

Fitri nodded, looking a little awkward, 'Oh, of course. Right this way, please—we've saved seats for you."

Fitri led them to a red leather sofa that was a bit faded in spots but had a clear view of the stage. In front of them sat neatly stacked glasses of mineral water, a plate of fresh oranges, and some sweet teas.

As they settled in, Erin leaned toward Nathan, whispering, 'What's your real motive here?"

Nathan held her hand reassuringly, 'I want you to watch the kids' performance tonight."

'Why? Is this some ploy to make me ‘accept' Amir's kid?"

'No, not at all," Nathan chuckled. 'I want you to figure out why you're so uncomfortable around little kids. I'm here to help."

'You've got to be kidding me." Erin tried to look away, but her eyes fell on a small child whining as he tugged at a flower arrangement on the stage, his young mother struggling to keep him from ruining it. The boy's wails filled the air.

'What's so scary about that?" Nathan asked.

'They're so annoying! They want things that don't belong to them, and then they just cry. Poor mother."

Nathan chuckled, 'You never acted like that when you were young?"

'No! I was the calmest kid ever. Just ask Mom."

'Oh, right… not everyone has a mom who promises Disneyland every time they ask for something," Nathan teased.

Erin shot him a glare, 'Who said I was like that?"

'Mom did. She said that whenever she didn't want to buy you something, she'd tell you she was saving for a Disneyland trip."

'Well… moms know how to handle things," Erin muttered, half-defeated.

'Not all parents can afford trips to the playground, sis..." Nathan replied.

'It doesn't have to be Disneyland! They could go to the night market across the street or something."

'Erin, not everyone has extra money. Some families are just getting by, sometimes eating meals that consist only of salt or shrimp paste. I've heard of parents replacing their kids' milk with rice water."

'There has to be something, though. There's no way there isn't at least some food for children," Erin countered lightly.

'Nah, you don't see what's in front of you, do you?" Nathan urged, gesturing toward the stage where fathers in batik uniforms were putting up a banner.

'Even for kindergarten, some kids have to attend free schools. You know, there are countless children out there who don't even get the chance to go to kindergarten, let alone school at all in their entire lives."

Erin's gaze shifted to the children starting to gather. They chattered happily, munching on their snacks. It struck her as odd how heavily powdered their faces were, making them look as if they were wearing masks, especially the girls, who sported bizarre lipstick colors.

'So what's the purpose of bringing me here, Nate? What do you want me to do?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and resignation.

'It's not that ambitious, sis. Just look at me…" Nathan gently turned Erin's face toward his. 'I want you to understand that your fears and your horror of children are valid. They're human emotions. We often fear what we don't understand. That's why I brought you here. I want you to see that children's cries, laughter, excitement, and even their annoying habits are all part of being human. It's a phase of life we've all experienced."

'I get that. But why don't their parents try to educate their children properly, as they should?"

'Sis, what does ‘proper' parenting even look like? Standards of parenting vary widely across the world. External factors influence everything, from economic backgrounds to education. Not everyone is as lucky as us. Imagine if we weren't born into this family. What if Mom and Dad had never met? We could be living without these luxuries."

Nathan's words pierced Erin's heart.

He knew that Erin wasn't his biological sister from the time they were in high school. But the strength of their parents' education and their bond had brought them closer, making them work together and support each other through anything.

His insight made sense. Without a brilliant and compassionate mother, there was no way a prominent family of successful businessmen like her father's would have accepted Christy, let alone embraced Nathan as an adopted child and loved him like a biological son. Erin had never felt out of place; in fact, she had always received more attention from their father.

All of this was a result of her good fortune.

As Erin looked back at the children, she saw them for who they were: kids from poor families who faced countless shortcomings yet still managed to enjoy their lives.

She doubted she could smile like them if she had to sit on a thin tarpaulin, feeling the stones beneath, or if her only wish was for a fake flower she deemed worthless.

'Don't be mad. Actually, that twenty million you gave me back then was meant for this event, not for buying shoes," Nathan joked.

Erin pinched Nathan's arm but laughed in spite of herself. 'So, what do you want me to do after all this?"

'I want you to figure out what you want and what you need, sis. I want you to end things with Amir after we leave here."

Erin looked at Nathan again, surprise evident in her eyes. 'End things? Break up?"

'Whatever it is, the important thing is to resolve the uncertainty in your relationship with Amir. I think this is the first step you need to take before you deal with your next issue, which is taking care of that jerk, Steve."

'Hey, do you still remember him?" she asked, her voice low.

'Of course! How could I forget someone who hurt my sister? I only think of revenge. But I know we're not on the same level as him. We need to handle everything elegantly and gradually. I hope you find some clarity tonight. I'll be waiting for you to come back, okay?"

'But are you sure I'm not in the wrong?" Erin asked, doubt still clouding her mind.

'You're not wrong, sis. Your appearance, your persona, your social media posts—they're your rights. You're beautiful, and you have the right to express that beauty in your own way. Don't let anyone make you change for the sake of those who can't respect you."

***