Mr. Rudolf tried to map his heart in the wisest and most thoughtful way possible. The blessings for his family continued to multiply. Like a singer promoting an album, his flight schedule had doubled compared to the previous year. All of this, it was said, began with a recommendation from the president of a major company in Japan, who had been captivated by Mr. Rudolf's presentation of Indonesian cuisine—crafted with international flair yet maintaining its authentic taste.

For him, such praise was the greatest payment, more rewarding than the thousands of dollars flowing into his bank account.


When Mr. Rudolf returned to Jakarta, he would become entirely himself again—a father of two grown children whose growth he still tried to curb, feeling they were not yet ready to face the world on their own.

At an empty dining table, just before midnight, he gathered his family. Mr. Rudolf sat beside Mama Christy, while Nathan and Erin sat across from them. His beautiful wife, whom he adored with all his heart, still looked radiant despite the exhaustion that showed in her dark eye bags and disheveled ponytail. She was like his personal guardian—responsible for his mental stability and physical well-being.

Nathan, with his increasingly unkempt long hair, sat beside Erin, whose face glowed with a brightness and an ever-present smile. The energy in the room was mixed—tension from Mr. Rudolf's fatigue and Nathan's gloom, offset by the joy radiating from Erin.


It was Mama Christy's job to stabilize that energy, but tonight, she was too tired. She could only hope that whatever emotions surfaced would not spill over.

'Dad got a good report from Berta," Mr. Rudolf said, his voice warm as he turned to Erin. 'Your project is secured, right?"


'Yes, Dad," Erin nodded.

'When does it start, sweetheart?"

'This week, we're finalizing the employee selection process. It should start next month."

'Good. Congratulations," he said, a faint smile breaking through his tiredness.

'Thank you, Dad." Erin's eyes sparkled with gratitude, and Mama Christy squeezed her hand in silent praise.

'Nathan…" Mr. Rudolf's voice softened as he addressed his son, who looked up only slightly, answering with his eyes. 'How's your work coming along?"

Nathan glanced at Erin, who nodded in encouragement. 'I just had another selection with an agency yesterday. I also made it to an event selection last month but didn't pass. And before that…"

'It's almost been a year, Nathan," Mr. Rudolf interrupted, his tone firm. 'There's only a month left, and I still haven't seen significant progress from your efforts."

'I've added a lot to my portfolio, Dad. I even did a shoot for Miss DKI Jakarta," Nathan replied defensively.

'Unfortunately, we can't live off of photos alone," Mr. Rudolf said. 'I've always stressed the importance of a stable job. You need a steady income to meet your basic needs without interruption."

'But, Dad, you're a chef and a factory owner at the same time," Nathan argued.

'When I'm away, the company is managed by Mr. Rahmadi, who's been with us for twenty years. We can't always rely on him. If you take over our company, you'll still have time for photography once our business runs smoothly."

'It's not a company, Dad, it's a factory," Nathan corrected, a hint of frustration breaking through.

'What difference does it make, son? Cikarang isn't what people stereotype it to be. It's an industrial city—a hub for hardworking people from all over the world. You'll meet incredible individuals there! Most of Dad's high-paying clients come from that area."

Nathan's expression darkened. Moving to Cikarang would mean cutting himself off from the social life he had in the capital. He knew what the industrial area was like—crowded with thousands of workers on motorcycles and enormous trucks, the heat so relentless that a convenience store every few blocks was a lifeline.

'But my heart isn't there, Dad. You don't know how hard it's been for me to adapt here after living in Australia. Everyone's too friendly and nosy at the same time. And now you want me to leave the city?"

'It's for your own good," Mr. Rudolf said, his tone unwavering. Nathan shook his head in disbelief. 'Right now, you might think passion is everything. I was in your shoes once and learned the hard way. Even if I have to be tough on you, I can't let you make the same mistakes."

'I don't really have a choice, do I?" Nathan's voice held a tremor, laced with defiance.

'You do," Mr. Rudolf replied, his tone unwavering. 'But the universe has shown that the path you're on may not be the one for you."

The room fell into a tense silence. The air felt heavy, almost stifling. Erin shifted uncomfortably, rubbing her arms as if warding off a swarm of invisible mosquitoes. Typically, she would step in to mediate between her father and brother, but tonight was different. She had her own secret weighing on her, and the moment to reveal it had finally come. If she didn't speak now, she might lose the chance, and there was no telling how her father would react when Amir showed up unannounced.

Erin glanced at Nathan, who looked weary, the spark in his eyes dimmed. She'd always tried to help him, but her well-intentioned efforts often backfired. Nathan's passions ran hot, quick to distract him from the steady path their father pushed for.

'Papa, I have something to share," Erin said suddenly, breaking the silence.

'Is it about Amir?" The question caught Erin off-guard. Her father's gaze was sharp, searching. How did he know? Had Mrs. Berta mentioned something? A wave of betrayal washed over Erin, considering she'd helped Mrs. Berta avoid reporting Steve's issue to their father.

'Berta said there was something important," Mr. Rudolf continued, taking off his glasses to massage the bridge of his nose. 'Care to explain?"

'Yes, Pa." Erin's voice faltered as she looked to her mother, who waited, equally curious. 'We're dating. His name is Amir Winarto. He's thirty-five, an IT Operations Manager. He's kind, responsible, and..." She took a breath. 'I love him."

'Why him?" Her father's voice was stern, predictable.

Nathan shifted in his seat, visibly relieved that the spotlight was no longer on him.

'Because he's an adult, Pa," Erin said. 'He's mature, steady, and... I fell in love with him."

'For a man in his thirties, maturity should be a given," Mr. Rudolf said, the disapproval clear. 'Falling in love is not reason enough."

Erin felt her heart sink. She hadn't prepared for this. She glanced at her mother, who looked at her with gentle concern.

'Your mother and I already suspected something," Mama Christy finally interjected, her tone softening the tension. 'We respected your privacy, hoping you'd share when you were ready."

Erin swallowed hard, searching for the words that would convey the depth of her feelings. 'I love Amir because he's shown me what it means to truly care for family. He's a single father, Pa. He has full custody of his child and takes that responsibility seriously."

The weight of the revelation dropped like a stone in the silence that followed. Nathan's eyes darted nervously, afraid even to breathe.

Mr. Rudolf's mind spun as he processed the news. Erin had always been a spirited, intelligent child—headstrong, but with an undeniable knack for business development. And she was beautiful, a reflection of her mother, Christy, whose elegance had been passed down effortlessly. But why couldn't Erin choose someone... simpler? Someone with fewer complications?

'Why him, Erin?" Mama Christy voiced what they were all thinking, her question softer than her husband's had been.

'Because my heart chose him, Ma," Erin said, a smile barely lifting her lips. 'I never expected it, but he's different. He's kind and sweet, not just to me but to everyone around him."

'All men seem kind and sweet when they want to impress someone," Mr. Rudolf countered.

'I know, Pa. But this isn't just a passing feeling. I've met plenty of kind men, but none of them made me feel what Amir does. Love isn't logical."

'Love wasn't logical when you fell for that man in Australia, either," he said, the bitterness clear.

'Papa!" Christy's rebuke came swiftly, but it was too late. Erin's eyes darkened with the sting of the old wound. Still, she sat up straighter, willing herself to be strong.

'Yes, Pa," Erin whispered, eyes locked on her father. 'But I learned from that. And this time, it's real."

Erin sat up straighter, unwavering. She wasn't afraid. 'My feelings may be irrational, but Amir is different. I've been in a relationship with the worst before, and now I know I'm with the best."

'And how can you be so sure he's the best?" her father pressed.

'Because the way he loves me has transformed me, Pa. His energy, his care—it all makes me a better person. I've changed so much for the better."

'Erin," Mr. Rudolf said, his voice calmer, 'some people come into our lives to motivate us, to teach us lessons. They don't always have to be a partner. They can be friends, companions."

'That's true, Pa. But in this case, I want to share my life with him. I want his support, his motivation, and his wisdom to be with me for the rest of my days."

Unlike Nathan's emotional, impulsive arguments, Erin mirrored her father's debate style—controlled, confident, and sharp. They locked eyes, each assessing the other's resolve. There was no room for carelessness or defeat.

What surprised Mr. Rudolf was seeing this side of Erin. She had always been the sweet child who would lower her head, apologize, and comply when told she was wrong. Yet here she was, standing her ground with poise. Secretly, he felt a glimmer of pride. This was the strength of a leader. But he knew he would have to let Erin follow her path, as she had earned it through her resilience. Nathan, on the other hand, still seemed far from showing the same mental fortitude.

Finally, Mr. Rudolf's expression softened. 'Bring him home."

Erin's eyes lit up, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. 'Yes, Pa!"

***