So this is how love works. There is a sweetness in it, promises that seem to suggest life will become easier, that hardships will cease to exist. Yet, the rush of love, all the pink that courses through the blood, nourishing the heart and swaying the soul, is often just an elusive dream, one not everyone is lucky enough to experience.

Maybe true beauty does exist. Maybe someone, somewhere, receives love's splendor without struggle. But not Amir.


That's how Amir felt as he drove, the quiet child in the car seat behind him a silent witness. Despite his turmoil, he knew love had once found him. Sheyna, with her tiny presence, was proof of that. Amir stayed focused on the road, determined to take her home, unwilling for her to see the depth of his confusion. Sheyna, in her innocent wisdom, seemed to understand, remaining asleep throughout the journey.

By the time Amir reached Tangerang, night had already settled in. He didn't step out of the car. Instead, he let his mother open the back door and lift Sheyna out. She knocked on his window, snapping him from his trance.

Amir lowered the window, his gaze fixed forward as he fought back the tears welling in his eyes.


'How did it go with Erin's family today, son? Was there any resolution?" Mrs. Haifa's voice was gentle, cautious. She had a feeling she already knew the answer but needed to ask.

Amir's silence spoke louder than words. He shook his head and wiped at his red nose.


'It's alright, son. What's meant to be will be. Just stay calm, alright? Don't drive too fast."

The words felt more like an order than advice, and Amir took them to heart. His car sped down the road, passing vehicle after vehicle, paying no attention to the types or their drivers. He just wanted to go home. What did he want beyond that? Even he didn't know.

Tears blurred his vision, the red glow of taillights flashing before him like beacons of his own disarray. The blaring horns, the rush of traffic around him, only deepened the loneliness clawing at his chest.

An unsettling question haunted him: does being an adult mean bearing pain without breaking, or allowing oneself to express it, even just a little? Holding it in made him feel like he would shatter into pieces. Yet venting that pain brought guilt; he wasn't just living for himself now. Sheyna needed him to be steady. And in some corner of his heart, so did Erin.

Logic needed to prevail; he couldn't afford to be reckless like Erin, fighting for their love without caution. He had to be the one to stay grounded.

His hands gripped the steering wheel tighter, his foot pressing harder on the gas as his chaotic thoughts raged. All he knew was that he needed to get home.

The moment he stepped inside, the house felt saturated with Erin's presence. A Vogue magazine lay forgotten on the couch—who knew when she'd bought it. The scent wasn't his, but Erin's familiar vanilla lotion that clung to him like a ghost, making his chest constrict further.

Amir's fingers grasped the doorframe as he stood there, staring into the emptiness of his room. Erin's wide smile, usually peeking out from under the blankets, was nowhere to be found.

Patience.

His breaths came in deep, steadying gasps as he tried to carry on as if everything were normal. Pretend she was never there. Pretend she never existed in his life.

His feet moved sluggishly as he entered. He unbuckled his belt, tossing it onto the bed. His shirt slipped over his head and landed somewhere unseen. His steps carried him to the wardrobe, his actions methodical in his mind: pick out clothes, take a shower, and sleep.

But he stopped as his reflection caught his eye in the mirror. Disheveled hair, a stubbled face shadowed with exhaustion, a body marked by a tattoo on his ribs—a mark of love that reminded him, no matter how far he ran, Erin and Sheyna were imprinted on his memory. They couldn't be erased.

'You're so stupid," he whispered, a bitter laugh escaping him. 'Who do you think you are, Amir? Thinking you could marry someone like her? Have you even looked at yourself properly?"

He stepped closer, confronting the angry, tear-streaked man staring back at him. 'Indecisive. Weak. Why did you leave her there? Because you thought you were an adult? Strong? You're not. You're weak. You need her here, with you."

His shout reverberated off the walls, followed by silence. He let his body fall to the floor, sitting back until his head rested against the mattress. Staring at the ceiling, he exhaled a long, weary sigh.

Surrender. Let go. You can't control everything.

Amir took another breath, letting Erin's scent fill his senses. Calm down, he told himself. There must be a way. There has to be.

A WhatsApp notification interrupted the fragile peace. Amir reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, staring at a message from his mother.

A video?

With a trembling hand, he opened the file.

The start of the video was shaky, the angle off-center, but Amir recognized the location immediately. His mother was discreetly recording from her seat on a small, red armchair at the border between the living room and dining area. She focused on his father, a stout man with a head of white hair, munching on half a cracker that dangled from his fingers.

"I'm worried about Amir, sir," his mother said, her voice heavy with concern. "I'm afraid something might happen to him, that he might do something reckless."

His father barely paused his chewing. "There it is again," he muttered. "Amir's moved past that, Ma. He's not like that anymore. He'll be fine."

Amir's heart clenched.

Had he heard that correctly?

His father—distant, harsh, the man who rarely spoke to him or offered a kind word—believed in him?

He resisted the urge to replay the video right then, his fingers trembling as he kept watching.

"But people are unpredictable when they're overwhelmed. He could do something impulsive, don't you think?" his mother pressed, her worry laced with desperation.

"No! Listen here," his father said, pounding his own shoulder in a show of strength. "I'm his father, and I'm strong. That means he's strong, too."

A sob welled up in Amir's throat, but this time, it came with a soft, disbelieving laugh. Tears that had just dried reappeared, spilling down his cheeks as a smile broke through.

We believe in you, son. Today is tough, but tomorrow holds the promise of resilience.

His mother's message appeared below the video.

Who would have thought that the reassurance he needed most would come from the man he thought cared the least?

The tears continued to flow, but Amir's smile widened. Still leaning against the mattress, he let his eyes drift shut. Maybe, just maybe, it was time to start believing in fate again. To trust that what life offered—however painful—was meant to be. Whether he had someone by his side or not, he could survive.

The peace didn't last. It felt as if he had just fallen asleep when a sudden, forceful noise jolted him awake. He rubbed his eyes and looked around in confusion.

The loud pounding echoed again, making him jump.

Amir glanced at the digital clock on his phone. 3:51 a.m. Who on earth would come by at this hour?

A flicker of panic tightened his chest. Could it be a break-in? He realized with a sinking feeling that he'd forgotten to lock the gate last night, too consumed by exhaustion.

He grabbed the closest shirt—a black one from the pile in his closet—and slipped it on hastily before rushing to Sheyna's room. Peering through the curtains, he confirmed that his car was still parked in the driveway. The gate was ajar, yet the knocking persisted.

'Damn it," he muttered.

Amir tiptoed into the living room, peering cautiously out the left window. No one. He moved to the right side, straining to see, but the view was equally empty.

The banging came again, louder this time. A shiver ran down his spine. Summoning his courage, Amir dropped to the floor and peeked through the small gap under the front door. He prepared himself for anything—a shadowy figure, maybe nothing at all, which would mean a ghostly encounter, or worse, a thief.

What he saw was even more unexpected. A pair of green heels.

Amir's breath caught in his throat. He knew those shoes. Erin's favorite pair, the ones she wore almost daily. He shot to his feet and yanked the door open, eyes wide with disbelief.

There she stood—Erin, looking so vividly real that it hurt. She wore a tight white top paired with a black mini-skirt, her wavy hair styled thick and flawless. Her makeup was perfect, showcasing the radiant smile he hadn't seen in ages.

'Good morning, my love!" Erin chirped, her voice cheerful.

Amir blinked, glancing quickly up and down the quiet street. 'Did you run away again?"

'Nope," she said, grinning.

'Then how did you get here? And why are you here at this hour? What's going on?" His voice was a mixture of confusion and worry.

Erin lifted three sheets of paper, each the size of a standard envelope. 'I wanted to bring you these. They're designs from Nathan—nothing special, just from Canva. But this is a gift from my dad. Take a look."

Amir's brow furrowed as he took the papers. He skimmed over the first one, and his jaw dropped. 'Honeymoon tickets to Sumba, Switzerland, and select hotels in Jakarta? From Dad Rudolf?"

'Yep! Are you happy?" Erin's eyes sparkled.

'Wait," Amir said, stepping back as his mind raced. 'Honeymoon?"

'Yes, my dear." Erin moved into the house, wrapping her arms around his waist before he could react.

'What are you talking about? Your dad?"

'Yes, yes. The answer is yes."

'You're not joking, right? Showing up here at this hour without a word… What's going on?"

Immediate shock washed over Amir. If he had counted correctly, it hadn't even been twenty-four hours since he let Erin go to her parents' house, believing he might have lost her forever due to his cowardice.

Amir longed to explain to Erin that he hadn't acted out of cruelty, nor because he didn't love her. But now, his lips felt as frozen as the rest of him, unable to form a single word.

'It's okay, love," Erin said softly, easing the tension by cradling his face. 'I understand. Your honesty and unwavering commitment to always seek God's blessing have brought you what you truly desired. And here I am now, to tell you I'm not going anywhere. Ever again."

It had been two years since Amir last shed a tear, and today was one of the hardest. But how merciful was God, for he didn't need to be sad for long.

Although his swollen eyes felt strange, and even with Erin now standing in front of him, tears still trickled down his cheeks. The heaviness in his chest dissipated like black smoke, replaced by the gentle pink glow of Erin's presence, radiating love and calm into his very being.

Amir let out a laugh, the sound trembling with lingering sadness. 'You're so mean. You should've warned me first. I nearly had a heart attack."

Erin's smile softened as she tenderly stroked his cheek. 'I'm sorry, sweetheart. Are those happy tears? Are you happy to marry me?"

Words failed Amir; nothing could adequately express the joy flooding his heart. He acknowledged just how much he needed her, how lost he felt without her. Moving on instinct, he rested his chin on her shoulder, breathing in her familiar scent that had always held him captive. Erin wrapped her arms around him, cradling his head, and together they embraced, the unspoken promise binding them stronger than ever.

*

The same room, yet a different atmosphere.

Time had a way of moving too quickly when life was blissful, and creeping by when one waited. Erin experienced both in the days leading up to this moment.

At last, the living room was full again, brimming with warmth and the hum of excitement. The air was laced with the delicate scent of flowers that Mama Christy had meticulously spread to heighten the sense of occasion. The simple yet elegant chairs—bought by Papa Rudolf to welcome Amir's family—stood arranged neatly.

Two long brown sofas faced each other, occupied by their parents. On either side of the room were smaller two-seaters, one of which Erin and Amir shared. This wasn't a proposal gathering; it was an official family meeting to discuss the wedding date. Still, everyone was dressed in their best.

Papa Rudolf wore a blue long-sleeved batik shirt that matched Bapak Arung's. Mama Christy and Mrs. Haifa looked graceful in simple brown kebayas, their hair styled in elegant buns and their faces made up by a professional. Erin chose a dusty pink kebaya paired with a knee-length white batik skirt that perfectly complemented Amir's matching attire. Her hair fell in gentle waves, accented by a braided crown crafted by her mother's trusted stylist.

Erin's eyes sparkled as she looked around, taking in the faces that surrounded her.

She glanced first at Amir's parents. They were a study in contrasts. Mrs. Haifa, with her youthful Middle Eastern features, appeared much younger beside her husband. Bapak Arung, tall and portly with a stooped posture, wore his age proudly in the wrinkles and white hair that softened his expression. His ever-present smile crinkled his eyes nearly shut, a trait that Erin suspected had been passed down to Sheyna.

Next, she turned to her own parents, whose faces radiated joy. The genuine smiles and bright eyes of Papa Rudolf and Mama Christy left no doubt of their happiness for her.

A burst of laughter from the backyard momentarily drew her attention. Nathan, overdressed in a black tuxedo, was playfully carrying Sheyna—adorned in a white dress—around the pool, making grand tales of mermaids and fish that only he could see.

Finally, Erin's eyes settled on Amir. His hands were clasped tightly on his knees, a subtle bounce in his leg betraying his nerves.

Oh, how she wanted to reach for his hand, to hold it and silently proclaim the victory of their love. To reassure him that everything was finally right.

Her gaze softened as she admired the neatly combed hair that still held a hint of its usual unruly charm. Despite his mother's suggestion, Amir had kept his beard, trimming it only slightly—something Erin appreciated deeply.

With a smile, she promised herself that she would remember this moment forever. The day they sealed the promise of a lifetime, surrounded by love, laughter, and hope for the future.

That was one of Erin's favorite things about Amir. Not that she loved him solely for his physical traits, but that unique feature of his had once saved her. It was the memory of Amir's distinct presence that snapped her out of Steve's unwanted advances. That special connection, the sensation that came when their faces drew close, reminded her of who she truly was and brought Amir vividly back into her thoughts.

And now, finally, this man was hers—fully, completely hers.

They would share a life together, commute to and from work side by side, cook meals as a team, and spend their weekends enjoying each other's company. Forever.

'Erin?" Mama Christy's voice broke through her daydreams, drawing her attention to the present. All eyes were on her.

'Yes? What's wrong?" Erin asked, slightly confused.

'Oh, now I really believe it. Erin was the one who fell for Amir first. Just look at her, lost in thought staring at him like that," Papa Rudolf teased, prompting a warm chuckle from Mr. Arung.

'What? No, that's not true," Erin protested, cheeks flushing as the heat of embarrassment swept over her. From the corner of her eye, she saw Amir's slight smile, which only deepened her embarrassment.

'We've decided that the wedding will take place in two months at the venue suggested by Mrs. Haifa," Mr. Arung announced. 'It'll be an intimate gathering for immediate family and close friends. Each side can hold their own separate celebration later if they wish to invite a broader group of friends or colleagues."

'What do you mean by separate celebrations?" Erin questioned.

'For example," Mrs. Haifa clarified, 'if Amir's parents wish to host a small gathering for the neighbors, they could do so at their home and invite you both. If your parents want to celebrate with business associates, they could arrange a different event."

'Wouldn't that make it seem like the family isn't unified?" Erin asked innocently.

Mama Christy smiled reassuringly. 'We actually think it's better this way, dear. It allows the wedding to stay intimate and comfortable for everyone. Plus, this way, guests will have a direct connection with the hosts, and you won't need to worry about a large reception. It should make things simpler for all of us, right?"

Amir's warm voice added, 'It's okay, Erin. The idea is that the guests will have a personal connection with whoever invited them."

Erin nodded thoughtfully. 'As long as everyone is happy and there's no awkwardness, that's fine with me."

'Good, now let's move on to catering. I believe Mrs. Haifa has some recommendations?" Mama Christy said, shifting the conversation.

'Oh yes, I do…"

As the discussion resumed, Erin found herself lost in thought again. Was this really happening? Amir's hand, firmly intertwined with hers, made her flinch in surprise. She glanced at their parents seated across from them.

This wasn't the first time Erin had held Amir's hand, nor was it the first time in front of her family. Yet, her face felt hot with embarrassment as she caught Amir's deep gaze, which promised calmness and assurance. Somehow, it was this calmness that had saved their love.

What would it be like to accept Amir's kiss at the altar later? The thought sent her heart racing.

Suddenly, time seemed to warp. The scene shifted, and Erin found herself in a different place entirely. She stood under a veil, her vision slightly blurred. In front of her was a middle-aged man, a table separating them, candles flickering between them.

How could it have come to this?

She turned her head and saw Amir, looking stunning in his ivory-white suit. He was singing softly, and for a moment, Erin forgot the lyrics. Panic surged as her mind raced, fearing she would forget her vows.

In a picturesque park perched on a gentle cliff in Bogor, the wedding blessing unfolded solemnly. Fifty white chairs were filled with guests dressed in light blue. Simple decorations adorned the area, including a long carpet with white flowers for Erin's walk down the aisle and three photo spots framed with giant blooms. The videographer, wearing a black hat, seemed to struggle to capture the perfect angle of the bride, who was looking around nervously amidst the melodic prayers.

Eventually, the ceremony reached its crescendo. The videographer, sensing the tension, moved to the side, hoping for a better view of the groom.

Erin felt as if her brain had short-circuited. Everything she had memorized began to fade. Mimicking Amir's posture, she looked down but couldn't resist glancing behind her.

Her parents were holding hands, eyes closed, while Nathan tried to suppress laughter, clearly amused by his brother's flustered demeanor.

Deciding to follow suit, Erin closed her eyes.

In her anxiety, she felt a reprimanding nudge from the priest. 'Did you just fall asleep, Miss Erin?" Laughter erupted from the guests.

Erin shook her head, mortified.

'Next, we will proceed with the blessing prayer," the priest announced.

Still peeking at Amir, Erin noticed him adjust his stance to face her. The small movements were enough to remind her to straighten the white mermaid-style Sabrina dress that hugged her figure, its long train trailing behind.

At this moment, she wasn't sure if she was even breathing correctly. All that mattered was reading the words she had carefully prepared with the wedding consultant.

But standing there, facing Amir, made her feel as if she might collapse from the sheer intensity of the moment.

Why was he a hundred times more handsome than she remembered? Erin screamed internally.

It was as if a soft glow surrounded Amir. When he took the microphone, she noticed a slight tremor in his hand as he held his notes.

'Erin Suryo Handani, from the first moment I saw you, I thought someone like you could only exist in my dreams. You are breathtaking, kind, and I've seen so many people hope to be by your side," Amir declared.

His words brought back memories for him, too. Erin seemed like a model who had stepped out of an Instagram photo. He had admired her from a distance for so long—watching her fix her hair after leaving the restroom, noticing her quirky habit of snacking on bananas instead of lunch, and hearing her voice guide morning meetings.

He hadn't fallen in love with Erin right away; he had simply admired her beauty long before they'd ever spoken.

'I was a bit confused about my feelings for you at first because your boldness intimidated me…" A soft laugh rippled through the audience. Erin struggled to contain her laughter, unaware that Amir was fully aware of her efforts to get closer to him—like when she'd called him to 'fix" the computer in her room, purposely loosening the VGA cable just to have an excuse to interact with him.

What she didn't know was that Amir had pretended to fix the perfectly functioning computer just to spend a few more precious moments with her.

'But it turns out, you are one of the gentlest souls I've ever met, both in your actions and your heart. You are principled, yet open to learning new things. You are mature enough to accept all of my flaws, and your grace in welcoming both me and Sheyna into your life confirmed that I had finally found the love I had been searching for. I believe the Lord Jesus has protected us so that we can meet here today to fulfill our sacred promise." Amir felt the sting of unshed tears as he spoke, especially when he caught sight of Erin's emotional smile.

Now, Erin held a microphone and a piece of paper, but she couldn't look away from Amir's face. The carefully scripted words faded from her mind as her heart spoke louder, 'My Amir, you should know one thing: I have no regrets about pursuing you. Every expectation I had about you pales in comparison to your true noble qualities. Your love, your demeanor, your calm presence—it extinguishes the embers of my anxiety. You and Sheyna are the sunshine in my life, my guiding light, and a testament to God's greatness that I am forever grateful for."

What Erin wanted more than anything at that moment was to embrace Amir tightly. But the weight of her dress reminded her to stay composed for the ceremony.

The crowd erupted into applause, celebrating the heartfelt exchange between the couple. Mrs. Haifa and Mr. Rudolf wiped away tears of joy from their eyes.

'Now let's proceed to the wedding vows, shall we?" the priest prompted.

Erin watched as Amir reached out to her, a wave of confidence washing over her as she accepted his hand, feeling a surge of happiness because their hands were now connected, promising a future together.

Amir's hands felt as cold as ice.

"I am Amir Lucius Winarto. I promise before God and the Church of God that I accept you, Erin Suryo Handani, as my legal and only wife. I will live holy, wise, and faithful; in joy and sorrow, in health and sickness; blessed with children or not; in abundance or in poverty. I will love and honor you as the heir of this grace and guard this marriage until death do us part," he declared confidently. Erin felt a tingle in her hands, as if she were receiving a surge of strength from Amir, causing her heart to race.

"Okay, please respond, Miss Erin."

Erin cleared her throat. "I am Erin Suryo Handani. I promise before God and the Church of God that I accept you, Amir Lucius Winarto, as my legal and only husband. I will live holy, wise, and faithful; in joy and sorrow; in health and sickness..." She paused as her voice caught in her throat. Until now, she had never seen Amir sick; the thought was unimaginable. Could she bear to see him unwell? But Amir squeezed her hand gently, encouraging her to continue. "Blessed with children or not; in abundance or in lack. I will love and honor you as the heir of this grace and guard this marriage until death do us part."

Applause erupted, celebrating the sacred bond they had just affirmed. Emotional smiles lit up both their faces, wide and genuine, though the tremor in their shoulders betrayed their nerves.

Then, Amir and Erin noticed Nathan, tall and adorable, leading Sheyna to the front with a clear box in her hands. Amir crouched down to receive the box from his daughter and kissed it tenderly. Sheyna giggled and returned to her seat next to Nathan.

"This ring is a symbol of hope, a promise that the love blossoming here today will continue to flourish, eternally blessed. Please, Mr. Amir, place it on her finger," the priest instructed.

Amir set the ring box on the table, then took Erin's hand in his. For the second time, he slid the ring onto her finger, but this time the bond was much stronger—a connection forged with the ultimate witness: God.

As he slowly placed the white ring on Erin's right hand, applause filled the air, bringing a sense of relief to her heart. Now it was Erin's turn to put a ring on Amir's finger—the man she loved, who was now officially her husband.

The ring, chosen by Mrs. Haifa and Mama Christy after three failed attempts at matching, was a simple white band adorned with three small diamonds, their names engraved on the inside.

Erin was flooded with memories as the ring settled on Amir's finger. She recalled the moment she had researched Amir's relationship status, feeling a thrill when she discovered he was not married. Learning he was a widower with a child had somehow made it even better, for now, he had Sheyna by his side.

She never imagined that she would one day fill the empty space on Amir's finger with a ring of her own.

Suddenly, Amir's hand was lifting her veil.

In those few seconds, her view of him became clear.

She fought to suppress the urge to pull Amir close, clenching her fists to maintain control. But the slow reveal held its own thrill. Colors sharpened; Amir's white shirt, the flowers on his jacket, and finally, his face became visible, perfectly framed as the veil slipped from her head.

'Is that right, sir? Not the wrong person?" the priest asked, prompting laughter from the guests.

'No, sir," Amir replied, wiping away tears.

'Now, please kiss your wife. The camera is on standby."

Erin closed her eyes, ready to receive Amir's kiss, only to be surprised when he pressed his lips to her forehead instead of her mouth.

'Why?" she asked, confused.

'Later. Just take it easy."

'Oh, but that's better for photos!"

'Yes, later—up front."

'Why not now? The photos will look better!"

'Later, honey. During the photo session."

'Hey, are you two arguing already?" the priest chimed in, causing Erin to pout.

But Amir was referring to the photos they would take in front of everyone later. As the white balloons were handed out, the guests gathered at the far end of the white carpet, Amir's arm around Erin's waist while her hand rested on his chest, striking a somewhat awkward pose directed by the photographer.

'On the count of three, let go of the balloons and start posing, okay?" the photographer instructed, flanked by two assistants.

'Don't get your clothes wet, okay?" Amir chided softly.

'Isn't this fun?" Erin replied, a playful glint in her eyes.

'To take a photo of you looking beautiful," he said, a tender smile crossing his face.

'Hehe, yes, my Amir."

'Three!"

As Amir pulled Erin closer, he kissed her lips. Happy exclamations erupted from the crowd attending their wedding, applause accompanying their kiss. Yet, their world belonged only to each other now, closing the chapter of complaints, fatigue, and trials, replaced by the happiness that filled their hearts to the brim.

Unfortunately, there was still work to be done. They changed into a green dress for Erin, a matching green suit for Amir, and a dress of the same color for Sheyna. They approached their families, with Erin sharing a long hug with her father, who kept kissing her cheek while trying to hold back tears. Amir knelt at his father's feet, receiving a loving pat on his head, before sharing a heartfelt embrace with their mothers. They exchanged hugs with their parents, who never stopped smiling, witnessing the beauty and happiness of their children.

The place of blessing had been transformed into a wedding area for the couple to sit and receive guests. Amir returned to the chair, carrying Sheyna, while Erin welcomed them both like completing a pair of puzzles that now made her life whole.

Despite the hot midday sun, guests took turns approaching them, offering congratulations and taking pictures. Sheyna grew restless in the heat, whining until Mrs. Haifa took her back.

Erin and Amir happily greeted the familiar faces of their office colleagues as they arrived.

Mimi and Tata entered together, dressed in matching blue batik. Mimi wore a sabrina top, while Tata sported a vest and jeans, their appearance contrasting with the other guests.

'Your style is number one," Amir praised, embracing Tata for a photo.

'Sir, don't hug Tata! She won't be able to sleep!" Mimi scolded, standing beside Erin.

'Eh! Don't leak it!" Tata retorted, her cheeks turning red.

As the next guest approached, Erin furrowed her brow. She recognized the man, but the woman beside him, wearing a hijab, seemed unfamiliar.

'Fiki?" Amir greeted first.

Fiki? Kia's husband? Does that mean—

Erin squinted at the petite woman with glasses and chubby cheeks, who smiled shyly.

'Kia?"

'Congratulations, Amir, Erin…" Fiki said, shaking their hands. Kia followed suit.

'Congratulations, you two. Can we hug?" Kia asked, extending her arms. They exchanged glances, feeling an unexpected warmth rather than anything negative.

Erin nodded, and Amir acquiesced. Kia wrapped her arms around both of them, as if uniting them with her embrace. 'I'm sorry. I'm sure you two will be happy forever. God will always protect you."

'Of course. Thank you, Kia," Amir replied simply, stepping back.

Erin bent down to hug Kia tightly. 'You too. Always be happy."

This joyous day passed amid the hustle and bustle of guests, many more than the fifty Erin had thought they invited. She suspected her father had extended the guest list to include important acquaintances.

With her legs aching and her dress constricting, she felt stifled. Her meticulously styled hair felt sticky, and she couldn't shake the feeling that Amir wasn't truly hers; they had been too busy taking photos.

Erin glanced at the sky restlessly. The sun would set soon, and she needed a moment to recharge before changing for the after-party. If she felt this exhausted, their first night together might just be spent sleeping.

'Want permission to rest for a while?" Amir whispered in her ear.

What a sensitive man. Erin held back a smile, realizing Amir had been watching her closely.

'There's a nice place downstairs. Let's watch the sunset for a while. Want to?"

Without hesitation, Erin nodded. They could have some alone time to recharge.

But she immediately regretted her agreement.

The location Amir had in mind was outside the wedding venue.

Holding her hand, Amir led her towards the parking lot, where the area appeared deserted. He guided her down a set of stairs that led to a rocky river flowing rapidly below.

'Oh, are we going down? I can't take it; I'm tired!" Erin protested, halting in her tracks.

'No, honey. Just down two levels. Come on." Amir coaxed, and despite her pouting, Erin followed him down.

What Amir was aiming for became clear as they navigated two sections of stairs leading to a small access point on the left. They arrived at a natural terrace with a flat stone floor, bordered by rusty iron. From there, they had a breathtaking view of the sunset and the rushing river below, with rice fields stretching into the distance.

The night seemed endless.

'Wow, it's so beautiful!" Erin exclaimed, moving to the edge of the fence and gripping the cold iron. She imagined this was the view Amir would get if he climbed the cliff.

Suddenly, she felt two hands wrap around her waist. A wider smile spread across her face as Amir whispered, 'Not as beautiful as you, honey."

'That's sweet." Erin nudged Amir playfully.

She continued to smile, especially when Amir's hands began to gently rub her stomach, then her cheeks, and finally her chin, as if making sure his wife was real.

'Honey, we're finally together, huh?" Erin leaned against Amir's sturdy frame.

'Yes," Amir sighed in relief. 'Are you happy?"

'What kind of question is that?" Erin pouted. Amir looked up at her face, pinching her cheeks so that she appeared even more sullen, making him laugh.

'Oh, that's mean!" Erin protested, letting go of Amir's hands.

'You're the evil one. Look, you've stolen my heart, and now I want to give you the rest of my life," Amir declared sincerely. His words returned Erin's smile, and she let Amir hug her tighter, leaning her head against his chest.

'Did you think this day would actually happen?" Amir asked, breaking the silence. The sounds of the river and a piano instrumental played softly from their wedding area, while the cold air, filled with natural elements, refreshed them, contrasting the various perfumes they had been wearing.

'No, I didn't. I never imagined that the IT guy who was grumpy, stiff, and annoying would actually become my husband. Now you have an additional task, sir. You're responsible for programming my heart for the rest of my life and protecting me from worldly viruses. Isn't that a good analogy?" Erin grinned.

'That's easy. As long as you're ready to be my personal secretary for the rest of my life. How about it?"

'I'm not a secretary anymore!"

'It's okay. I wanted a hotter secretary anyway." Amir answered casually.

'Do you think I was hot when I was a secretary?"

'Of course."

'But you didn't tell me?"

'No."

'You idiot!" Erin elbowed Amir's stomach again. 'Why not?"

'Just to talk about it more freely. Because the hot one is my wife now."

'You're so naughty, I swear!" Erin struggled to pinch Amir due to their position. She released his embrace and turned to face him directly, giving him a cynical look at his mischievous smile. 'How can you hold back your naughtiness while we're together?"

'Because," Amir took Erin's hands, 'everything is more beautiful without limits. And if we can pass those limits with God's blessing, the beautiful things will look even more stunning—much more beautiful than we can imagine."

'Is that true?"

'Don't believe me? Want proof?"

'Ooh, what proof is that? I want to see!" Erin jumped with excitement.

'Later, I'll show you," Amir whispered close to Erin's ear, 'in the room."

'Still!" Erin freed their hands, rubbing her warm ears.

'Oh, so she teases, but she's the one who's nervous."

'You're the one… uh!" Erin's almost-completed thought was interrupted by Amir's swift movement.

He pulled her close, their faces buried together in the same corner, and captured her lips in a kiss without waiting for consent. Their mouths moved in harmony, lost in each other, without a second thought.

Erin's hands tangled in Amir's hair as he savored the softness of her lips. She playfully bit him, exploring the warmth of his mouth until their breaths quickened. When they finally pulled away, they both wore smiles that felt like they would never fade.

'My dear Erin," Amir said, wiping away the lipstick smeared on her face. He hugged her waist once more, pulling her closer. 'Thank you for believing in me."

Erin placed her hands on Amir's shoulders. 'Thank you for enduring all my craziness and imperfections."

'I love you."

'I was the first to love you!" Erin replied, sticking out her tongue.

'But I'm the one who fell deeper in love," Amir declared with feeling.

'I can't deny that one, hehe."

'See?" Amir brought his face closer again, but Erin stepped back.

'Please, just give me a little breathing space, okay? Don't act like you're starving!"

'Oh, with you, I'll never be full." Amir joked, shrugging.

His unfunny comment finally made them both laugh—a laughter that was worth every difficult step along their journey. One love that was a gift from determination.

Today, on this new page, their story ended happily, illuminated by the light and energy of love flowing between them. Under God's blessing and the universe's affection, their journey would become a legend known to many—a tale of two office workers, each with their own backgrounds and problems, traversing the bumpy path of love together.

Finally, they had improved themselves into better versions of who they once were, united in the best story. The sunset, the natural cliff, and the rushing river bore witness to the strength of their heart's bond. When Amir pressed his lips to Erin's once more, he no longer cared about anything else. In that moment, Amir felt he could do anything for Erin, and she would always be happy—always happy as long as she was with him.

*

You are the answer to my prayers,

The one who ended my waiting.

Like a shooting star,

You bring hope to my heart.

You are the waves that break upon my rocks,

The cluster of stars that adorn my dark night.

When this heart is troubled,

You bring me light.

You are my sun, and you are the ocean,

The place where my heart flows.

— Adera, Muara