The morning light crept in through a gap in the thick curtains, touching Jingga's face, which was still hidden beneath a silk blanket. No warmth accompanied it; only the piercing chill of reality, sharper than the coldest frost. Today, she was getting married. Not to Gery, the man she once loved, but to Alex Abraham, the man who had stolen her freedom, yet also given her a reason to live. A contract marriage, merely the fulfillment of a cruel duty.

Alex was waiting for her in the living room of the luxurious suite, wearing an elegant gray suit. From his gaze, he didn’t look nervous at all. He looked professional and cold, as if he wasn’t about to have a wedding. In front of them, a muscular lawyer and two people sat as witnesses.

"We are getting married now," Alex said.

Jingga stepped closer, her heart pounding even faster. She was wearing a simple cream-colored dress. There were no flowers, no songs, no vows of love. Only rigid formality.

The lawyer slid a stack of documents toward Jingga. “This is the prenuptial agreement, Ms. Kirana. Also, the cooperation contract. Please read and sign.”

Jingga read quickly. The clauses listed there were so clear and heartless: the marriage would only last until the child Jingga was carrying was born. Afterward, Alex would provide a substantial sum of money as compensation and release Jingga, on the condition that full custody of the child remained with Alex. She swallowed, tears almost spilling, but she held them back. This was not the time for weakness. This was the price she had to pay for her life, and an opportunity that, somehow, she felt in a corner of her heart, to avenge all the pain inflicted upon her.

“Do you have any questions, Ms.?” the lawyer asked, his voice devoid of expression.

Jingga looked up, meeting Alex’s gaze across from her. Alex’s eyes met hers, devoid of emotion, devoid of regret. “No,” Jingga replied, her voice slightly trembling. She took the pen, her hand shaking slightly as she affixed her signature to the paper. A signature that bound her to an unexpected destiny.

Alex followed suit, his signature firm and confident. There wasn't the slightest hesitation. The brief ceremony concluded with a few religious and legal formalities, which felt bland and hollow to Jingga. Afterward, Alex rose.

“Welcome to the family, Ms. Jingga,” Alex said, the formality feeling like a thorn. “From now on, you are Mrs. Abraham.” He offered no touch, not even the slightest smile.

Jingga merely gave a stiff nod. Mrs. Abraham. Her status had changed to Gery's stepmother. An ironic thought, which could even become a weapon. She saw an opportunity behind the veil of the fake marriage. Vengeance had to be exacted, and now she had a path.

***

That evening, luxury abounded in the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Adiwangsa, where Alex Abraham hosted his company's annual dinner party. Crystal lights hung from the ceiling, reflecting glitter onto elegant evening gowns and expensive suits. The scent of costly perfumes and gourmet dishes filled the air, mingling with the whispers and crisp laughter of the invited guests. This was the arena of tycoons, where power and wealth met eye to eye.

Jingga sat alone at the main table, wearing a dark blue evening gown specially designed for her, gracefully concealing her figure. She felt like a display doll, every movement scrutinized. Alex had earlier briefly introduced Jingga to a few close business associates as “my new family,” without providing further details. Jingga returned their smiles with a thin one of her own, hiding the storm of emotions within her.

In another corner of the room, Loly Pita entered with Gery Abraham, her arm possessively wrapped around her husband’s. Loly looked stunning in a fiery red gown, her hair perfectly styled, and a sweet smile that often concealed malicious intent. She felt like the queen of the night, for she was the wife of a major company manager and the future mother of the next heir. They had both just heard that Alex had recently married and were extremely curious to meet their new stepmother.

“My goodness, Gery, look!” Loly hissed, her eyes suddenly widening as she scanned the crowd. Her index finger, subtly hidden behind her other palm, pointed toward the main table. “Isn’t that… Jingga? What is she doing here? How dare she come to your father’s event!”

Gery followed Loly’s gaze. His jaw tightened. “Jingga? No way. You must be mistaken, darling. She wouldn’t dare come.” He was still convinced Jingga was somewhere wallowing, crying over her fate.

“No, Ger! It’s her!” Loly clutched Gery’s arm tighter. “Look at her dress! Her face! I’m absolutely sure. Has she gone mad? Does she think after everything that happened, she can just show up again in front of us?”

Gery’s face turned red, between anger and embarrassment. He felt that Jingga didn’t deserve to be in the middle of the party. However, he didn’t dare to drive her out and cause a scene at his father’s important event.

"How dare she sit at the main table. Who does she think she is!"

Loly smiled slyly, an evil idea crossing her mind. "I will talk to Jingga alone and ask her to leave. Don’t worry, I won’t cause a scene at your father’s party."

Gery hesitated, but nodded. He knew Loly was skilled with words. “Don’t let there be a scene, Loly. Remember, this is an important company event.”

“Of course, darling.” Loly kissed Gery’s cheek. “I’ll handle it.”

With graceful steps, Loly approached Jingga’s table, a smile spreading on her lips as if greeting an old acquaintance. Jingga watched her come, her heart pounding. The first battle was about to begin.

“Jingga?” Loly exclaimed, her tone feigning surprise, loud enough to draw the attention of a few people nearby. She placed a gentle hand on Jingga’s shoulder, but her eyes radiated cold hostility. “My God, how shocked I am to see you here. I thought you were… who knows where. Are you alright?”

Jingga kept her expression flat. “Loly. I’m always fine. Thank you for your concern.”

“Worried? Of course I’m worried, Jingga!” Loly looked at Jingga with sparkling eyes, as if pitying her. Then, she lowered her voice slightly, just enough for Jingga and a few nearby people to hear. “After you just left home, after what you did to Gery… I truly prayed you wouldn’t do foolish things. We are sisters, Jingga. I don’t want you to fall any deeper.”

A few guests nearby began to whisper, intrigued by the unfolding drama. Alex merely observed from above, his face remaining rigid.

“I’m not doing foolish things, Loly,” Jingga replied calmly. “I just want to move on with my life.”

Loly sighed dramatically. “Moving on with your life? How easily you say that, Jingga. After you tried to destroy our happiness? Do you know how much pain we felt when you tried to ruin everything? For God’s sake, Jingga, I know you don’t like to see me happy. But did you have to come to this important party to cause a scene?”

“What commotion are you referring to?” Jingga glared back at her. She felt like tearing apart the hypocritical face before her. But she remembered it wasn’t yet time for vengeance. Wait for the right moment.

“You have no shame being here. This is my father-in-law’s important event. Who invited you?” Loly suddenly grabbed her own wrist, then quickly yanked it as if Jingga had just clutched it. Her face contorted in pain. “Ouch! Why are you still so rough with me, Jingga? I only wanted to talk nicely.”

The guests’ whispers intensified. Gery, seeing the incident from afar, rushed closer with an angry face. “What’s wrong, Loly? Jingga, what did you do to my wife?”

Loly looked at Gery with tear-filled eyes, her lips trembling. “It’s nothing, darling. Jingga was just… just a little surprised to see me. She probably didn’t mean it.” She held her wrist, which wasn't actually hurt, but she feigned pain.

“Didn’t mean it? What is this, Jingga?” Gery snapped, anger burning in his eyes. “You’ve already made our lives miserable enough! Now you dare hurt Loly in public? Who do you think you are?”

Jingga stood tall, letting the disgusted and judgmental stares of the guests pierce through her. She didn’t defend herself. Her lips were sealed, but her eyes radiated an invisible fire.

The atmosphere that had been filled with whispers instantly fell silent as Alex walked down the stairs with his bodyguard. He stood, tall and authoritative, taking the microphone from the small podium prepared for the opening speech. His cold gaze swept across the room, before stopping on Loly and Gery, who were still arguing with Jingga.

“May I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen,” Alex’s voice boomed, breaking the silence. Every word he uttered was crystal clear, filled with undeniable power. He looked at Loly, then Gery, and finally his eyes fell on Jingga, his lips slightly curving into a thin smile whose meaning only he understood. “Tonight, I have an important announcement I wish to make to all of you.”

Loly and Gery fell silent, curiosity gripping them, yet still confused by Jingga’s presence. Loly still clutched her ‘injured’ wrist, her sorrowful expression not yet gone. She was certain her father-in-law would punish Jingga and expel the woman.

“Some time ago,” Alex continued, his voice calm yet with a tone that hinted at something significant, “I decided to end my bachelorhood. I have found a life partner, someone who will become part of the great Abraham family. And tonight, I wish to introduce that woman to all of you.”

All eyes turned to Alex as he walked toward the main table. Loly, still holding her wrist, felt her heart pound. She watched Alex extend his hand to Jingga. A slow smile appeared on Jingga’s lips, a smile no longer of pain, but a sign of the coming storm. Alex clasped Jingga’s hand tightly. He turned to face the crowd, his eyes sharply fixed on Gery and Loly, who were now frozen in place, their expressions a mix of shock, confusion, and a growing sense of dread. “Allow me to introduce,” Alex said, his voice louder than before, echoing through the entire room, “My wife, Mrs. Jingga Abraham.”

Instantly, the entire room fell silent. The guests were stunned, whispers ceased. Gery and Loly stared at Alex and Jingga with wide eyes, as if their world had just collapsed before them. Especially Loly. Her previously sorrowful face turned deathly pale, like a living corpse. The hand that had been clutching her ‘sore’ wrist now fell limply. Her gaze no longer showed hypocrisy, but overwhelming fear. She was Alex’s wife? Gery’s stepmother? What kind of nightmare was this? She didn’t even realize Alex had spoken Jingga’s full name. The truth Alex had just uttered felt more painful than a dagger’s thrust.

“Impossible!”