THAT NIGHT, Erin went to Amir's house. It felt like stepping into a neighborhood lifted straight from an Instagram advertisement.

The houses were simple. Amir's house had a narrow garage, just large enough for one car and a motorbike, provided the mirrors were folded in. Despite its simplicity, it felt genuine to Erin, as if this was truly what her future home could be like. A home with Amir and Sheyna. The thought stung, considering how unlikely that future seemed now.


When Amir opened the door, Erin took in the small living room, which was still unfurnished.

"I haven't had time to think about the interior design," Amir admitted with a sheepish smile.

"I'll take care of that later, okay?" Erin offered.


"Deal." Amir's smile widened as he led her into the family room. A new room had been built at the front, near the garage. From the closed white door and the animal stickers on it, it was clear it was meant for Sheyna. The living room had only one long, plush white sofa.

Erin sank into the sofa, exhaling as she surveyed the space. The mini bar and kitchen were visible from where she sat, as well as a storage room that opened onto a small backyard.


"The inside is more spacious than I thought," she remarked.

"I made a few adjustments," Amir said, pride in his voice.

He disappeared behind a gray door that must lead to the main bedroom. Erin leaned back, slipping off her heels and trying to steady her thoughts.

"I don't have any women's clothes, but you can wear these." Amir reappeared with a T-shirt and sweatpants.

"Thanks, sweetheart."

"The bathroom's downstairs. There's a spare toothbrush there—it's new," he said.

"Thanks," Erin repeated.

Amir sat down beside her, worry etched across his face. "When you shower, use the warm water, okay? Picture it washing away the negativity. Breathe deeply, calm yourself. Once you're ready, we'll talk and figure things out."

Erin nodded, uncertain that anything could truly fix her problems, but she appreciated Amir's concern.

Following his advice, she emerged from the shower feeling slightly more at ease. Amir's oversized black T-shirt felt like a dress on her, and the sweatpants were tied tightly around her waist. His scent clung to the fabric, comforting her in an unexplainable way.

In the living room, Amir had set up a small wooden table with plates of sweet and savory martabak Indonesian thick pancake. He was still dressed in his work clothes, though half his shirt buttons were undone.

"You should eat. I'll take a quick shower," he said.

The sight of the food made Erin's stomach churn, but hunger won out. By the time Amir returned, she'd finished several pieces of both the egg and chocolate-cheese martabak. He laughed softly at her.

"You've got a little something," he said, taking a tissue and gently wiping her lips.

"You eat now," she urged, handing him a piece of egg martabak, which he accepted with gusto.

"You beast," she teased.

"And are you Belle?" he shot back, amused.

"Yes, Beauty," she said, pointing to herself, "and the Beast," she added, gesturing at him.

"As you wish, princess." He playfully nipped at her finger, making her giggle.

"So, want to tell me what happened?" he asked, his tone turning serious.

Erin's smile faltered, the weight of reality crashing back down on her.

"Not ready yet?" Amir guessed, his brow furrowing. "Well, the longer you wait, the longer it'll take for us to get married."

"Can we... just do it without Papa's blessing?" Erin's voice was barely a whisper as she reached out to touch Amir's bearded cheek.

"Is it really that bad?" Amir's voice softened, concern pooling in his eyes.

Erin's silence was enough of an answer.

"Do you know his reason? Maybe I can challenge it, show him he's wrong."

Her father's fear was rooted in what had happened with Steve, in his deep-seated worry that Sheyna would somehow suffer the same fate as Erin. No amount of reassurance from Amir could dispel that fear. Only time would prove her father wrong.

"If we're going to get married, we need to be honest with each other," Amir pressed gently. "It might sound cliché, but communication is everything."

"You know I love you," Erin said, her voice trembling. "When I choose not to say something, it's because I'm trying to protect you from being hurt even more."

Amir studied her carefully. "You're serious?"

Erin nodded, her eyes glistening.

"Then I guess I need to be prepared for whatever comes next," Amir said, his tone heavy with understanding.

"Honey, I'm serious," Erin squeezed Amir's shoulder. 'This hurts me so much. But I know it will hurt you even more."

'It's okay. As long as you're sharing your pain, not keeping it all to yourself."

Erin felt her body melt at his words. Tears threatened to spill as she took in the kindness in his eyes. 'Why are you so good to me?" she whispered.

'I should be the one asking why you're so irresistible, making me fall for you over and over."

'Ugh, don't make me feel even worse! You're perfect, Amir, and I'm so unworthy."

'Unworthy? You've got it all wrong."

'Don't you see? You're everything I could ever want. You're handsome, kind, strong, and you love me. You love Sheyna. And yet, here you are, fighting for someone who only brings you pain." Her voice trembled as she spoke the truth that had been clawing at her heart. Amir was truly everything, and she was... just her.

'Hey," Amir said, bringing her focus back to him. 'Don't change the subject. What did you want to tell me?" His eyes softened as he gently pushed her to speak.

Erin took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. 'Alright. First, I need you to know how much I love Sheyna."

Amir's expression froze. 'This is about Sheyna?"

'Yes. I warned you this would hurt."

'No, it's okay. Just tell me." His words were confident, but she noticed the way he swallowed nervously.

'I grew up with an abusive father, Amir. Papa Rudolf raised me with so much love, doing everything he could to break that cycle. But he's always been afraid. Afraid of the dark connection that seems to follow me. And when he learned about Sheyna's mother, that fear grew stronger. He thinks that my life is tied to danger and crime and that Sheyna will grow up to be like her mother—or like me, always attracting trouble."

Amir's brows furrowed as he took in her words. Silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating.

'See? It hurts, right? You insisted I tell you!" Erin's voice cracked as the weight of her father's words pressed on her heart.

'Yeah…" Amir exhaled, rubbing his chest. 'It does hurt. But it's a good hurt. Rub here a little more, will you?"

'How can you joke right now!" Erin slapped his chest lightly, but he grabbed her hand and held it there.

'Seriously, it helps," he said softly, guiding her palm over his heart. 'It's a bit cold now."

'Amir, I'm so sorry."

'It's okay. Let's break this down," Amir said, taking a deep breath. 'Your father is struggling to accept me because he's scared that Sheyna will grow up to be like her mother?"

'That's part of it."

Amir stared blankly at the wall as if processing the impossible. Erin's heart twisted with the urge to shake him, to pull him back to her, to see any kind of reaction.

'Wow. It's… tough," he said at last, voice low.

'See! I knew it would hurt you." Erin's hands instinctively rubbed his chest in soothing circles.

'It does. But what hurts the most is that I get where he's coming from. He's not completely wrong. We don't know how Sheyna will turn out."

Tears stung Erin's eyes. 'I hate that he said those things. How could he talk like that about an innocent child?"

'That's where we come in, honey." Amir held her hand tighter. 'The only thing we can control in life is how we respond. I'm choosing to focus on understanding your father's fears. It doesn't make them easier, but it helps me be prepared for what's ahead."

'You're not thinking about my feelings at all, are you? His words were cruel. It wasn't just worry, it was judgment!"

'Honey, I do understand. Your dad has always been your hero, and hearing him say those things cut deep. But think of the years he spent raising you, adapting, becoming the father you needed."

'But he shouldn't have said it!"

'He said it to make you question your choices, to protect you, even if it came out wrong."

'Why do you keep defending him?" Erin's voice rose as she yanked her hand free.

'I'm trying to see it from all sides so I know how to deal with it."

'See it from my side too!" she pleaded. 'So you can understand how I feel."

'I do, but we can't stay stuck in the pain, Erin. We need to find a solution. Isn't that what you want?"

'I don't know!" she snapped, her voice cracking with frustration. 'All I know is that I'm so disappointed in my dad."

Erin snapped, her voice taut with anger.

"Alright, I understand," Amir straightened up, his tone calm and unwavering. "I won't push you. I won't try to motivate you right now. I'll let you process your feelings. But in the meantime, can I take some steps? I could talk to your father and show him the plans I've made for Sheyna's education. I've already put down a deposit for her elementary school to secure her a spot. I want him to see that I'm committed to giving her the best, to protecting her from her mother's legacy."

"No! Don't go to him. Am I the only one who can be stubborn and angry? My pride is on fire. I want him to realize how hurtful his words were. Let him deal with the consequences of his actions for now."

Amir nodded slowly. "Okay. Do you want to take some time to calm down? Stay here for a while?" He softened his voice, hoping to soothe her. Gradually, Erin's flushed face relaxed, her shoulders loosening.

"Yes," she answered, quieter this time.

"Good. But promise me you won't let this hold you back. Keep moving forward, alright?" Amir shifted the conversation, drawing a faint smile from Erin.

"Yes."

"Do you want me to set up a computer for you, or will you use your laptop? Should I call the maid to handle the housework and cooking?"

"No, I need to be alone. No one should come over. I can work on my laptop and manage the house and meals myself."

"Alright. But put any laundry out by ten each morning so I can send it to my usual place. I'll make sure they don't disturb you."

"Yes, boss!" Erin's lips lifted into a smile, the heaviness between them momentarily dissipated. She wrapped her arms around Amir, feeling the comfort and safety of his embrace.

Amir returned her hug, hiding the ache that gnawed at his heart. The thought of losing Erin or failing Sheyna weighed on him. But for her smile, he would endure anything.

The next day, Erin felt as though she had embarked on a new chapter.

It felt surreal. She was staying at Amir's house—her partner, her future husband. Yet she slept alone in a room with the door open, allowing her to see Amir as he rested on the couch in the living room.

A tinge of annoyance sparked within her; even now, he held steadfastly to his principles despite their deepening bond. Yet she understood—Amir's past had forged these unyielding values, shaping him into the man she cherished.

The unfamiliar space made it hard to sleep soundly. A few hours after drifting off, Erin awoke to the sound of the morning call to prayer from a nearby mosque. She turned to see the couch was empty, but moments later, the bathroom door opened, and Amir stepped out, towel draped over his shoulder, shirtless and surprised to see her awake.

"Morning, honey," Erin greeted, her voice husky with sleep.

"Morning..." Amir approached and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips before moving to the wardrobe. His freshly showered scent, a mix of masculine soap and body spray, enveloped her.

"Don't do that," she mumbled, her cheeks warm. "I haven't even showered. I smell."

"How bad can it be?" He smirked as he toweled off and pulled on a long-sleeved black shirt.

Erin rolled her eyes and headed to the bathroom, catching sight of two plates with egg sandwiches ready on the counter. "Hey, don't cook tomorrow! I'll make breakfast," she called out.

"No promises!" Amir's playful tone made her sigh with mock irritation as she vowed to reset her routine.

That day, Erin threw herself into cleaning. Amir's house, though simple, was spacious enough to make her back ache after mopping from the living room to the front porch. She decided twice a day would be enough. She swept the backyard, fed the koi fish in the glass pond, and even ordered some casual housedresses online, panicking when she realized she'd only brought formal tops and undergarments in her rush.

By four in the afternoon, she was showered and dressed in a knee-length batik housedress, a towel still wrapped around her damp hair. She stood at the kitchen bar, adjusting the flavor of her stir-fried capcay while keeping an eye on her open laptop.

Her phone rang, interrupting her focus. She glanced at the screen but ignored it until a message from her mother appeared, mentioning she was alone. Sighing, Erin propped the phone against a salt shaker and took the video call, keeping one eye on her stir-fry and the other on her laptop as she checked in with her employees.

"Hey, aren't you going to the office today?" Her mother's voice brought a pang of familiarity to Erin's chaotic day.

Erin's mother, Christy, was a careful woman.

"Working online," Erin answered tersely.

"Oh. Where are you now, honey? Whose house are you at?"

"You don't need to know, Mom."

"Sweetheart, you're an adult. You know problems need to be resolved, right?"

"Sometimes, before solving a problem, someone has to apologize first, Mom."

"You see, I don't even understand what your father's issue is with you! He still won't talk about it."

"Just accept it, Mom."

"Sweetheart, I want peace between you and your father again," her mother said with a note of desperation.

"Don't worry about it, Mom. He's probably been forced to tolerate me all this time." Erin's voice wavered despite her efforts to sound defiant.

"Why would you say that? Don't think like that, honey."

"That's why, Mom, just let it be. I don't want to hurt you, and I know he doesn't want to either. It's better if we stay silent for now and see where things go."

"Sweetheart... please."

"Stay good to Dad and yourself. No matter what, he'll always be more important to you. Unlike me—I'll leave, with or without his blessing." Erin turned off the stove and placed the capcay on a wide, white plate.

"We love you, honey. If your father is so adamant, there must be a good reason. Tell me so I can help talk to him, okay?"

"No, Mom. Let time reveal everything. Okay, I need to get back to cooking. Please don't try to find me or follow me. You know I need some time alone."

"Alright, sweetheart," her mother relented, though her voice trembled with concern.

It was almost six when Erin settled onto the couch, nibbling on snacks she'd bought earlier, when Nathan called. Just like their mother, he had to message her first to ensure their father wasn't around before Erin would pick up.

"Where are you, sis?" Nathan's voice was stern and tense.

"Not your business. Don't try to track me down."

"Sis, Mom's been crying non-stop. She's at a loss on how to help."

"Tell her not to help," Erin said, maintaining her aloof tone.

"It's not that simple. She wants us all back to normal. The house feels cold without you, even Dad's so distant."

"Why do you think that is, Nate?"

"Because you and Dad are both so stubborn."

"It's not the same, Nate. He and I aren't even related by blood."

"Hey! Why would you say that?" Nathan snapped.

"So you'll understand. My life felt perfect for years, and then suddenly the father I loved the most brought up something I'd buried."

"Did he really say that?" Nathan's voice was thick with disbelief.

Erin nodded, the bitterness evident in her eyes.

"Sis, you know he loves you. If he's gone that far, he must really want you to reconsider."

"Nate, all I want is to marry the man I love. What's so wrong with that? Amir's perfect! Even his daughter is too young for anyone to predict how things will go!"

"Maybe Dad knows something you don't, sis."

"I don't care," Erin retorted.

"So what's your plan? How long are you going to stay mad?"

"I'll wait a week. If nothing changes, if he doesn't reach out, I'll consider getting married without family."

"Is that even possible? Would Amir agree?"

"He loves me! Of course, he would!" Erin declared with an air of defiance.

"Wow. Then maybe you don't know him as well as you think."

Erin's chewing slowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Amir's careful about you. He's kept his distance for religious reasons. Do you think he'd go against those beliefs and marry you without your family's blessing?"

Deep down, Erin knew Nathan was right, but she didn't want to admit it. "We'll see. If he doesn't agree, I'll convince him. My love for him is too deep to let anything break us apart."

"Alright, sis. I just hope, once you've calmed down, you'll think this through. Mom's worried."

"Don't tell Mom anything, especially about Dad's words. I don't want her to be more hurt."

"Understood, sis."

Erin trusted Nathan; he was good at keeping secrets. The weight on her chest lifted a bit, satisfaction settling in now that she'd exposed her father's hurtful truths, even if only to Nathan. If only she had the heart to tell their mother.

The following days unfolded more smoothly. Erin made it a point to wake up early and prepare breakfast for Amir. The routine began to feel normal, like a rehearsal of married life. She enjoyed the simplicity of it, the quiet domesticity.

But as Saturday crept closer, reality set in.

Nathan shared that their father had been busy managing matters at the factory, a detail that reinforced Erin's urgency. She needed to persuade Amir to elope, though she knew it sounded absurd. Deep down, she doubted Amir would agree to such a drastic step, but desperation left her with no other choice. There was no way he would abandon her. Or would he?

Their conversation, however, had to be postponed when Amir texted to inform her he'd be working late due to overtime. Exhausted from the day's turmoil, Erin fell asleep on the sofa, only to be swept into a strange dream.

In her dream, she and Amir stood on a high cliff, facing a breathtaking sunset. The view was eerily reminiscent of Cika Larang Cliff, a place from their shared past. But something was wrong. Amir turned to her, took her hand, and forcibly slipped the engagement ring from her finger. She screamed and struggled, tears streaming down her face.

'We've hurt each other enough," Amir said, his tone cold and final. Then, without another word, he tossed the ring into the void below.

Erin's heart raced as she woke with a start, her chest tight and heaving. The dream left a sharp sting of dread. She glanced at the Cartier ring on her finger, a token of Amir's love and commitment. It was a luxury, an affirmation of how much he valued her. Would he come to regret giving it to her?

Unable to stop the tears, Erin hugged her knees and let the sorrow wash over her. It wasn't long before she heard the familiar sound of a car pulling into the garage. Quickly, she wiped her face, sitting up to greet Amir, the man she loved more than anything.

Her eyes, still puffy, widened when Amir entered the house—but he wasn't alone. He pushed a navy-blue stroller, and a small, radiant face peeked out from inside.

'Sheyna!" Erin's voice cracked with emotion as she jumped to her feet.

'Look who's here," Amir said, scooping up the little girl.

'Mommy?" Sheyna's eyes lit up as she reached out with chubby hands.

The simple word—mommy—touched something deep inside Erin, filling her with both warmth and aching tenderness. Tears brimmed in her eyes again as she took Sheyna into her arms, cradling her and planting kisses until the child giggled in delight.

The moment was short-lived as a series of notifications buzzed from her phone on the table. Erin exchanged a glance with Amir, who picked it up and looked at her questioningly.

'Want me to open it?" he asked.

'Go ahead," she whispered.

Amir unlocked the phone and opened WhatsApp, standing beside Erin so they could read the messages together. It was a new number, but the sender was unmistakable.

Erin, this is Dad.

Come home tomorrow afternoon.

Bring Amir.

Berta wants to speak with us.

Erin's heart plummeted.

'Amir?" Her voice trembled.

'It's okay, love. We'll go," he said, his tone steady.

'But... what do they want? I'm scared."

'We have to face it sometime, don't we?" Amir reached for her hand, squeezing it reassuringly.

'Promise me, Amir. Promise you won't leave me, no matter what."

'I promise," he said without hesitation, though doubt flickered in his eyes. His only certainty was that he wanted her to be happy, even if it meant making a sacrifice he couldn't yet fathom.

That night felt like it could be Erin's last in the house. The uncertainty of what awaited her tomorrow gnawed at her, so she clung to the present moment, cherishing every second. The living room, with its familiar mosquito buzz, the neighbor's karaoke, the distant call to prayer, and the playful chatter of neighborhood kids—it all felt sacred now, as if she could hold onto it forever.

But she chose to move outside, settling onto the artificial grass in the backyard. Dressed in her comfortable blue batik housedress, she cradled Sheyna on her lap. The gentle gurgle of the fish pond and the trickle of water added a serene background to the scene.

Tomorrow, she and Amir would visit her parents, leaving Sheyna with her aunt. Erin had briefly considered bringing Sheyna along, hoping her innocence might soften her father's heart. But she quickly dismissed the thought; it was too risky.

She pressed a kiss to Sheyna's head, breathing in the sweet scent of baby shampoo, when Amir's voice interrupted her thoughts.

'Let's sing," he said, appearing with a guitar in hand, dressed in his brown pajamas.

'Since when do you play guitar?" Erin teased, unable to keep the smile from her face.

'Since now," he replied, settling beside her. 'Let's sing Sheyna's favorite song. Can Mommy help out?"

Erin's grin widened at the endearment. 'What's your favorite song, sweetheart?"

'She likes Munajat Cinta," Amir said, strumming the familiar intro of a popular song from a legendary band in Indonesia..

'Alright," Erin said, as Sheyna clapped her little hands, excitement lighting up her face.

The strumming of the guitar resonated softly, blending seamlessly with the nighttime symphony and the gentle splashes of water from the pool. The song broke the stillness.

Tonight, I'm alone,

No one to accompany,

Like the nights

That have passed.

This heart is always lonely,

No one to brighten it,

Like this love

That always fades.

Amir's smile was warm as he listened to Erin's tender voice. Sheyna's innocent giggles only deepened the moment.

This rose is withering,

Unclaimed,

Like me,

It fades further each day.

Amir joined in, his voice roughened by the surge of unexpected emotion.

God, send me

A kind-hearted love,

Who accepts me

For who I am.

The song drew to an end, the short duet leaving a trail of unspoken emotions hanging in the air. Amir's gaze fell on Erin, holding Sheyna so tenderly, and he was transported back in time—to the days when Sheyna was still a promise in her mother's womb. Back then, this song had echoed through their home, sung by him and a woman with red hair who had once been his world, his everything.

Those days were long gone, scattered like ashes in the wind. Now, this woman was here, with her warm embrace, her unwavering eyes, and Sheyna's untainted joy—a reality that felt as genuine as the past once had.

His love had reached its limit, an impasse where retreat was no longer an option. Yet, fate had dealt them a cruel hand. Tomorrow, they would face reality. They would meet the final hurdle, the moment that would decide everything.

Erin's eyes met Amir's, both reflecting an undeniable, profound love. The weight of what might be their last night together hung heavily between them. But amid that fear, Sheyna's bright smile shone like a ray of hope.

And for now, that hope was enough.

***