"Rora, did you even tell Nenda that you’re coming back?," asked Nenda Amizah when Rora suddenly appeared in the yard of her house. "Sorry, Nenda. I haven’t visited you in a while. It's not that I didn't want to come, but I’ve been really busy," Rora explained.
"It's alright, I understands. You’re working over there. I know how busy young people are," Nenda said, glancing at the woman Rora brought with him. "Is that your wife, Rora?" she asked. "Yes, Nenda. It’s so quiet around here. Where's Haerin and Hanni?" Rora asked.
"Haerin is still at the hotel. He won’t be back until later, sometimes at night. He’s the head chef, you know. Hanni will be back from school soon. Bring your wife up, Rora. She must be tired from the long flight," Nenda replied.
"Alright, Nenda. I’ll drop the things in the room first, then I’ll come out to chat with you and help you cook lunch," Rora said. Ahyeon immediately followed her husband upstairs.
"Rest for a bit, baby. I’m going out to talk to Nenda. Do you need anything? Do you want something to eat or drink?" Rora asked. "It’s okay, I’ll eat later," Ahyeon replied. "Rora, I’m sorry about what happened the other day," Ahyeon said. Rora ignored her apology and walked away. Since that day, she had been avoiding talking to her wife, until Dr. Fauzan forced them to return to Japan together. His father could sense that something was off with Rora’s treatment of his wife.
"Where’s your wife, Rora? Is she resting?" Nenda asked. "Yes, Nenda, she’s probably tired. What are you cooking today? Do you have everything you need, or should I go out and shop for some groceries?" Rora asked.
"Hmm, that’s a good idea. Just buy everything you need from the store," Nenda said.
"Why so much, Nenda?" Rora asked. "Well, you brought someone new, and I don’t know your wife’s preferences. It’s easier this way. Just buy what she needs. If something’s missing, it’d be a shame for her," Nenda replied.
"Okay, Nenda. I’ll head out now," Rora said, excusing himself.
"Where is Rora?" Ahyeon asked as she came down the kitchen stairs. "Oh, he's just going out to buy some things. Ahyeon, why don’t you rest upstairs?" Nenda asked. "I want to help, Nenda. But I’m sorry, I’m not good at cooking. So, please teach me," Ahyeon said.
"I’d be more than happy to teach you, Ahyeon. Can’t rely on Hanni for help, she’s never interested in the kitchen. What do you like to eat?" Nenda asked.
"Oh, I can eat anything. I’ve loved traveling since I was a child, so I’m not picky with food from different countries. But I really can’t cook," Ahyeon replied. "That’s fine, just tell me what you want to eat. While you’re here, I’ll cook for you," Nenda said.
"Thank you. Oh, Nenda, could you teach me how to cook the dishes Rora likes?" Ahyeon asked. "Of course. How long are you two staying here?" Nenda asked.
"Ahyeon has a week off, Nenda. But Rora said he’ll only be here for four days because of work," Ahyeon answered.
"Ah, in that case, we have plenty of time. At least I’ll have company. Can’t count on Hanni, she’s still studying. Asa used to keep me company when he was here."
"Asa? Who’s that, Nenda?" Ahyeon asked. "What, Rora never told you about Asa? She’s from here, but she worked with Rora since his company wasn’t as big as it is now," Nenda explained.
"Were Rora and Asa close, or did they have a relationship before?" Ahyeon asked. "No, no. Rora isn’t good at forming relationships. He’s the type who struggles to initiate things. But once he gets close and you understand him, you’ll feel appreciated," Nenda said. Ahyeon nodded quietly.
However, there was something strange in her feelings at that moment. This was the first time a woman’s name had been connected to her husband’s past, and she didn’t like the thought of Rora having a relationship with another woman before marrying her.
"Nenda knows about what happened. Nenda knows that Rora wasn’t your choice as a husband. I know he must be very different from Ruka. But now, Ahyeon is Rora’s wife. For better or for worse, what’s in him, you’ll have to learn to accept. It’s the same for Rora. I know that marrying without love or in an arranged marriage is tough if both partners don’t learn to understand each other," Nenda Amizah advised.
"Patience is key. If you can’t control yourself during misunderstandings, you might make hasty decisions. That’s when divorces often happen," Nenda added.
"Alright, Nenda. I will try to follow your advice. Please pray for our marriage," Ahyeon requested.
"Nenda always prays for her grandchildren. Now, Ahyeon is one of my grandchildren," Nenda replied warmly.
"Rora has changed a lot now. He’s more tidy, more handsome. That shows you know how to take good care of him. Nenda believes you can take care of my grandson," Nenda said.
"Hello, Nenda. I'm home," greeted Hanni as she entered the kitchen. "You’re back already? So early?" Nenda asked her granddaughter.
"Yes, Nenda. There was a program at the university, and we were allowed to leave early once it ended," Hanni replied, casting a glance at Ahyeon sitting next to Nenda.
"Why are you looking at her like that? This is Ahyeon, Rora’s wife," Nenda said. "Oh, Rora came back here? But where is he?" Hanni asked.
"Ah, if it’s about Rora, you’re quick to ask. He’s out shopping. This is his wife, can’t you introduce yourself? She’s your sister-in-law," Nenda scolded.
"Okay, Nenda. I’m going to shower first, I can’t wait to see Rora," Hanni said, hurrying off.
"Where are Hanni’s parents, Nenda?" Ahyeon asked.
"Hanni’s parents passed away when she was young. They were in an accident. Her parents are gone, but she stayed with her foster brother. After that, they both lived with me," Nenda explained.
Ahyeon nodded after listening to Nenda’s story.
"Rora, you looks handsome now. The big round glasses are gone and your side-parted hair is gone too. Anyway, can we go out for a walk later?" Hanni asked.
"Hanni, you’re grown up now. Rora’s married, so it’s not proper for the two of you to go out alone. If you want to go out, take Haerin with you," Nenda advised.
"Nenda, Haerin is different, Rora is different," Hanni replied.
"Yes, I know they’re different. That’s why I said it," Nenda said.
"Alright, don’t pay attention to her, Rora. She hasn’t even finished her studies and is already talking about going out," Haerin said.
"If you want to go out, finish your studies first, then get married. After that, you can go out with your husband," Rora replied.
"I was actually wanted to marry you, but you went ahead and married someone else without waiting for me," Hanni blurted out.
"Hanni, stop talking nonsense. Go and bring in the clothes from the laundry, then fold them," Haerin ordered.
Hanni grumbled as she walked out of the house.
"Ahyeon, don’t take what Hanni says to heart. She’s only 20, but her way of thinking is immature. Sometimes, she speaks without thinking, just blurting things out," Nenda explained.
Ahyeon felt a pang of pain as she listened to the two women in her husband’s life. She had started to feel jealous. Furthermore, the situation didn’t seem to be in her favor as her husband was still ignoring her.
Ahyeon was determined to win Rora’s heart and soul completely. She would never allow any other woman to get close, let alone take Rora away from her life.
