Revenge Marriage ~ Replaced My Cheating Groom

[Erlica Carldon: We'll meet at the Red Mardona Motel tomorrow night]

[Ann Rennita: I didn't expect to fall in love with your touches]

[Sabrian Adelle: Looks like we have to be more than just a one night stand partner]

Disgusting.

Arleena's expression immediately turned into amusement after reading the three messages in the screenshot. For a split second, Arleena stared at the screen of her cell phone in disbelief.

"What is this?" Arleena then spontaneously burst out laughing. "He has sex with other women? He even had a one night stand too?"

Next to Arleena. Gabriel, put the teacup on the table. As someone who managed to get hold of Arleena's fiancé information, Gabriel curved a proud smile.

Precisely proud of himself who managed to provide this information.

"So, this..." Arleena stared at one more piece of information. "You got the date he checked into the hotel? And... you got proof of the reservation?"

Gabriel raised his eyebrows in approval. "I told you, I can definitely find out information about him."

Arleena laughed crookedly. There was satisfaction on his face after hearing Naura's answer.

"Where do you get it?"

"Distant cousin. Someone who came to the family gathering two weeks ago. You've never met that person," Gabriel answered casually.

Arleena looked thoughtful for a moment. A few seconds later, after remembering, his face immediately lit up.

"Oh! That cousin of yours? He gave you this?"

"He's the manager of the hotel where a jerk—your fiancé—checks in with another girl," said Gabriel, who deliberately emphasized the sound of the sentence 'screwd boy'.

Arleena couldn't hold back her amused smile. He then put Naura's cell phone to hand it to its owner. With a relaxed sigh, Arleena leaned her back against the back of the sofa.

"Ah, jeez. I knew something was up already," Arleena said with a chuckle, "I had a hunch that turned out to be right. In hindsight, he's having a great time enjoying a night of sex with other girls."

"Offended?"

Arleena glanced at Gabriel. "What?"

"How are you feeling now. Hurt?" he repeated.

"No. It should hurt, but I already predicted this beforehand," Arleena said casually. Like it really doesn't matter about the facts that have just been obtained.

Gabriel looked at Arleena. His lips curved into a crooked smile, but deep inside, Gabriel was angry. Of course he didn't accept seeing his best friend treated like this.

"One week before the wedding, Arleena. You're not sad at all?" Gabriel asked again. His face seemed very curious.

Arleena knew that Gabriel only intended to provoke her. But Arleena doesn't want to show her true feelings now.

Although secretly, tightness creeps into Arleena's chest. Mixed feelings of anger, relief after knowing the truth, and worthlessness clash.

How could Arleena, who had spent so much money on the contract and wedding reception, lose to those booking women?

Arleena had already suspected something was up. But still, after knowing the fact that his hunch was right, this hurt.

"A little. A little hurt," Arleena finally admitted.

Gabriel widened his smile. "That's it, please. Don't pretend to be strong. I know you're hurt. So I have a reason to help you get revenge."

"No need," Arlerna refused, playing with his drinking straw.

Gabriel was almost stunned by Arleena's answer. His expression immediately changed to worry in between surprise.

"No need for revenge?" he asked. "Really?"

Arleena's laugh escaped. "No, it's not that there's no need for revenge, but... you don't need to help me."

While Gabriel frowned, Arleena smiled a knowing smile. There was something implied by the look in his eyes that looked at the drink with a glance.

"I know what's the right way to repay that jerk," Arleena said confidently.

Gabriel looked at Arleena, both wondering and impatient. But because Syerin said that with a confident tone, Gabriel knew: he didn't need to doubt Arleena.

"Oh, the day after tomorrow you will come to my family gathering with Justin's family, my fiancé. You want to watch something interesting, right?"

Gabriel leaned his seat towards Arleena. A look of curiosity was evident on his face.

"What spectacle?"

Arleena's eyes twinkled mischievously. Deliberately wanted to provoke Gabriel's curiosity.

"Something that cannot be forgotten by all family members," Arleena answered, which did not answer Gabriel's curiosity at all.

Annoyed, Gabriel made a gesture as if he wanted to punch Syerin. While Arleena just chuckled on the sidelines sipping her drink.

"If you want to tell me, don't be half measures!" Gabriel snapped already annoyed.

Finished sipping, Arleena turned her palms up to Gabriel.

"Instead of getting angry, give me the contact of your cousin who is the hotel manager," said Arleena.

Gabriel almost choked on hearing Arleena's words, making Arleena look at him surprised and confused. Gabriel's eyes immediately widened.

"Don't tell me you want to date my cousin?" Gabriel accused matteroffactly.

Really, Arleena felt like she would smack Gabriel in the head if she didn't remember where they were right now.

Because Gabriel's words always came off as random, almost every day Arleena had to hold back.

"You want to have additional family members like me?" Arleena asked back.

Innocently, Gabriel shook his head. "No, I know you're exactly a mad dog. I wouldn't want me to go to every family gathering or other family gathering, I heard stories from my cousin about your behavior."

Arleena couldn't hold back her laughter. In an instant, the anger that had lodged in his chest faded away.

"Here, give me your cousin's number. I have important business! I have something to do for the family gathering the day after tomorrow."

Arleena and Justin's Family Gathering Event, Two Days Later.

The sound of a microphone from the stage that was being examined by a woman was heard. Diverting the attention of all family members and private guests invited to this event.

The voices of conversation gradually faded away. Guests who are gathered in a sitting position or talking in a standing position are also looking in one direction.

The stage is decorated with flowers and the lights are lit from inside the petals.

"Hello everyone, welcome to Arleena and Justin's family gathering." A woman stands on stage wearing a red dress with dangling sleeves.

"I am Arleena, as Justin's fiancé, I am really very happy that you are willing to come. This event was held as a venue for engagement between the two sides of the family. Not only the core, but also the extended family."

All the guests are silent. None of them didn't smile seeing Arleena standing gracefully. Behind her, the lights reflected Arleena's beauty like a goddess in Roman stories.

Among the people in front of the stage, were Arleena's parents along with Justin's parents. Don't forget Gabriel and Sessy, Arleena's two best friends. There's even Gibran, Gabriel's cousin who helps Gabriel find out about Justin.

Also, Justin stood with a proud smile. Arleena's beauty was able to captivate his attention.

"Because earlier there was a meeting session between family members or private guests who may be invited, before entering the joint meal session, I will present something.

This look is dedicated to Justin, my fiancé."

The direction of Arleena's eyes fixed on Justin, making the direction of the other eyes also moved.

Instantly almost all the guests cheered teasing Justin. While Justin, who was standing with his uncle and two cousins, shook his head. Embarrassed.

When the eyes of the other guests were diverted to Justin, it was different from Gabriel, Sessy and Gibran who glanced at each other. Their crooked smiles curved after seeing Justin's shy reaction.

"What a disgusting reaction," Gabriel commented on Justin with a shudder.

Santa chuckled. He already knew about Justin's affair behind his back. Sessy casually sips her drink without a straw.

"He doesn't know what Arleena has prepared for him tonight."

Meanwhile on stage, Arleena had given Gabriel a meaningful smile.

"Can't wait, huh? Alright. Let's turn on the projector screen." Arleena gave the code to Keenan, her cousin, whom she asked to help with appearances.

Keenan widened his grin, because this was what he had been waiting for since two days ago. Arleena had told her everything before asking to help with her performance tonight.

The projector screen is turned on. Still showing black.

All the guests looked impatient and excited.

"This appearance is especially for Justin, someone with whom I have been in a relationship for almost seven years," said Arleena, who then stepped aside so as not to block the projector screen.

After the projector screen blacks out, a loading screen appears, until finally the loading has touched 100 percent.

"Please watch!" Arleena said enthusiastically.

Then the projector screen turns on.

In front of all of Justin's and Arleena's family members, as well as a few of their close friends, the screen flashed a video.

A room like a hotel room. The video was taken from the front of the big white bed.

Justin's smile slowly faded realizing a woman who was only wearing a bra and a triangular cloth covering something between her groin.

The woman was kneeling on the bed, her arms stretched out as if she was about to welcome someone. Not long after, a man appears who greets the camera before finally embracing the woman, pressing his lips against her nape.

The next second, in front of all family members on Arleena and Justin's side, the video shows erotic views. Justin's affair and a booking woman.

silence. All the guests looked at each other. Except for Keenan and Gibran, Gabriel's cousin—the hotel manager, who already know that Arleena will show this video.

Justin immediately moved his voice, "ARLEENA! WHAT IS THAT?!"

Arleena curved her smile. So quiet, but sharp.

"Isn't this you, darling? Yesterday evening, twelve minutes past eleven at night, at the Hotel Tree Tycoon."

What happened next was Justin's mother screaming in surprise, prompting the rest of the family to come over and calm her down.

The guests whispered, some of them covered their mouths in disbelief, some others held their breath from shock and couldn't make a sound.

Gabriel and Sessy, who were motionless in place, were transfixed watching the hot scene of Justin and the booking woman in the video.

"Why, honey? Surprised?" Arleena made a sound, then turned to Keenan. "Show me something else, my dear cousin Kenan."

Sixth smiled disdainfully. But happily, he changed the screen display.

The video changes to the notes view.

"Proof of chats and hotel reservations at eleven past twelve minutes at night. Hotel Tree Tycoon, South Jakarta."

Justin was speechless.

Then the projector screen changed again. Screenshot of one of the chat applications showing a chat room between Justin and one of the booking women.

"Chat from the man's side, Justin—my fiancé, says we'll meet tomorrow night at the Hotel Tree Tycoon. Don't forget to come no later than eleven at night. I've sent you the address," Arleena read the chat in the application's chat room.

Then Arleena turned around to face the invited guests of the event.

"I will bear the cost of hotel accommodation, he said," continued Arleena, who had memorized Justin's message to the booking woman below.

Arleena's grin curved. His gaze fell on Justin.

"Wow, four different booking women, and all of you are responsible for hotel lodging expenses. Not only that, the hotels where you stay are very luxurious.

You can spend almost tens of millions to book other women, but let me alone bear all the costs of our contract and wedding reception?" Arleena asked sarcastically.

Arleena's tone was completely emotionless. There was no sadness in his expression. However, through the reflection of light from the lamp that refracted into the face, his eyes implied sharpness. Highlighting deep anger at Justin.

"How is it? My performance is fun, isn't it?" Arleena continued asking, widening the knot full of satisfaction.

"JUSTIN!" Suddenly a voice rose from the right side.

All eyes turned. It wasn't just Justin who was surprised, but Justin's uncle and his two cousins ​​who stood on either side of him.

Justin widened his eyes in surprise. A few meters away from him, the figure of Ernando—Justin's father, walked up to him. His face growled angrily, staring straight at Justin all the way.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS?!" Ernando asked Justin, snapping.

Justin got really panic. People suddenly came close to Ernando, trying to reach so they could hold him back.

"Dad, Dad..." Justin stretched out both hands, making a stop signal. "Wait, Dad. It's not like that..."

At every step, Ernando was full of beats. Completely indifferent to Justin's panic reaction and the people who had held him back.

"You are an insolent man!" Ernando snapped at Justin back.

Ernando almost beat Justin up if Justin's uncle and the boys didn't hold back.

As soon as possible Justin and Ernando are given distance. Emotions radiated from Indra's eyes, which at that time tried to ward off the people's defenses.

"Let go of me! This child needs to be taught a lesson!"

"Mr, Mr, calm down!"

"Mr. Ernando, calm down. Calm down!"

"Mr. Ernando, don't give in to your emotions! It's at a family event!"

Chaos ensued in a matter of seconds. From the stage, Arleena gave the code to Keenan to turn off the projector screen. It was enough to feel satisfied after exposing evidence of Justin's affair in front of all family members on both sides.

"That's all from me, thank you," Arleena said goodbye when Indra had calmed down a bit and didn't yell.

Gabriel deliberately clapped and cheered loudly, along with Kenan and Gibran. While Sessy just shook her head, but a proud smile curved on her face.

Justin turned his gaze to Arleena. "Arleena! Don't spread slander about me!"

While going down the stairs with Keenan's help, Arleena was not at all provoked to anger.

The crowd began to subside because Indra had been calmed down. Even though Indra's breath was still ragged, his sharp eyes had not turned away from his only child—Justin.

Not long after, after walking off the stage, Arleena arrived near the crowd. Arleena headed for Justin, deliberately looking up and looking at him haughtily.

"The only thing you have to do is explain to your family about your behavior," Arleena said emphatically.

Then Arleena walked closer to Justin until he stood in front of his fiancé.

"Don't forget to get yourself checked. Who knows if you get infected with HIV. I don't want my body, which I have guarded, to be touched by a disgusting human like you," added Arleena giving a warning.

Justin frowned. He was surprised to hear what Arleena said. Likewise with other family members around them.

"Let's talk about this with the nuclear family. Now! The event is over!" Ernando then replied. From his voice, Ernando didn't want to hear any rebuttal.

"Canceled?!"

The reaction Arleena had expected earlier.

A while ago, after Ernando ordered the event to end, Arleena and Justin's nuclear families met. Yes, nuclear family only. Arleena's parents and Justin's parents.

According to what Arleena said to Justin, she wanted their marriage to be annulled. Even though Justin's mother had begged him, Arleena still refused.

And now, after the nuclear family talks, Arleena gathered with Gabriel, Keenan, Sessy, and also Gibran.

"Of course it has to be cancelled. A jerk like that really doesn't deserve you," replied Keenan, Arleena's cousin. He did use the Iyou vocabulary as a cousin.

There was the sound of ice cubes from the drink that Sessy was stirring. During their conversation—which was just done ten minutes ago, Sessy hasn't responded anything.

But in his heart, there was anger creeping because of Justin's actions. Sessy was more trying to read how Arleena felt. Even though from the outside, Arleena looks normal, even tends to be indifferent, Sessy understands that there can be no pain.

After all, betrayal is still betrayal.

"Indeed it should be cancelled," Sessy finally answered, making other pairs of eyes roll.

Sesst put down his glass of drink, then placed both hands on the table.

"Why don't you look sad at all?" Sessy asked in a serious tone. His gaze was fixed on Arleena.

There was silence for a few seconds, before Arleena finally chuckled.

"Who said I'm not sad after spending that much money, only to have an affair a week before the wedding."

Arleena shrugged her shoulders indifferently. "I don't know. I'm angry, but I'm more satisfied because I managed to reveal the evidence of an affair between my extended family and him. Luckily he was caught cheating before the family gathering started."

Sess frowned in astonishment. Somewhat did not expect the answer Arleena's explanation. Even though Sessy thought that at least Arleena felt sad because Justin was treated like that.

Turns out, Arleena was the exact opposite.

"I thought you deliberately pretended to be happy to cover up your sadness. But it turns out you weren't sad at all?" Sessy looked at Arleena in disbelief.

Arleena replied, "Hey, I told you, I'm sad. Thinking of that kind of money but being cheated on, ouch, I've been working hard all this time in vain."

Gabriel was suddenly curious about one thing. Spontaneously, he leaned in a sitting position to look at Arleena seriously.

"Wait, Leen, are they begging you?" asked Gabriel which distracted the other four pairs of eyes.

"Just ask Gibran. He watched before entering the room as a witness," Arleena replied, glancing at Gibran.

Suddenly Gabriel, Sessy and Keenan's eyes immediately turned to Gibran. Their faces seemed to demand clarification.

"Yeah..." Gibran was momentarily awkward. "As one would expect. Yes, they begged."

With a proud smile, Arleena pointed at Gibran.

"See? They're begging. Obviously, they're begging," Arleena replied. "And the reason they didn't go far from the wedding has already been paid for, so it can't be cancelled."

Bang!

Gabriel spontaneously pounded the table because of the sparked irritation. Out of curiosity, his face immediately turned irritated.

"Then what does the father mean by getting angry at his son?!" grunted Gabriel.

Arleena glared frantically, and so did Sessy. They both gave a code to Gabriel not to speak too loudly.

"Hey, slow down your voice," said Arleena whose voice hissed with worry.

Gabriel covered his mouth for a moment, then lowered his hand again. Looks so angry annoyance.

"He knows that his son's treatment is insolent, why do he keep begging for his son to marry you?" Gabriel grumbled again.

Arleena's breath was heard. "I don't know. Now I'm confused about the cost of the contract and the wedding reception that have already been spent. Really, everything was suddenly canceled?"

In the middle of that serious conversation, Keenan sounded surprised.

"Wow, Arleena! Do you know this yet?" said Keenan suddenly.

All eyes at the circle table turned to Keenan. Keenan looked surprised who was still focused on his cell phone screen. Including Arleena whose curiosity was immediately provoked.

Keenan lifted his dumbfounded face in disbelief.

"Arleena... Hugo has come home from his job assignment out of town."

Arleena couldn't believe what Keenan was saying. There was no way Hugo would come home from work without giving her a nice word. Or just an update on social media that shows you're on your way home.

Unfortunately, Keenan said the correct sentence.

When someone suddenly came to tell them that there was chaos in the courtyard where the event was being held, Arleena rushed to the location with Gabriel and Keenan. The three of them never expected with what sight to find.

"I LOVE HIM! HE PROMISES TO MARRY ME!"

Arleena was taken aback, her mouth gaping involuntarily. On the event page there was a woman screaming in frustration. The guests had already dispersed to escape the woman's tantrum as she approached one table at a time.

"What is this?" Keenan just came beside Arleena. He was both confused and shocked at the chaos on the event page.

Arleena and Gabriel couldn't say anything. Both of them were too stiff to react, because the strange woman there seemed to be possessed.

The panicked screams of the female guests were heard mixed with the tantrums of the foreign women who had just arrived. There is no security guard. Arleena was too confused why someone other than a guest had made it through to this event.

Arleena didn't feel familiar with this woman at all. He thought there was no way she was part of Justin's family. Especially members of his extended family.

"WHERE IS HE? I WANT TO MEET HIM!"

"Hey, anyone, stop that crazy woman!" One of the female guests, Eliza's sister—Arleena's mother, called out. When he saw Arleena's whereabouts, he hurriedly ran over to trouble. "Why didn't you do anything?! You see, there's a crazy woman! How did she get into this event?!"

Arleena just froze where she stood, looking at her mother's sister in a daze.

Really, it was as if Arleena's entire body was locked in something. Arleena thought of a woman who could suddenly enter this important and private event.

Thinking back, Arleena wasn't wrong to invite people. He had already counted the total number of members of his extended family or Justin's extended family. Including those who confirmed they could not come to this event.

So, it's impossible that there are extended family members of him and Justin who haven't come yet. What did this woman say just now anyway? Marry him? Who wants to marry her?

"Isn't anyone going to stop him?!" Now the adult male guests exclaimed when the strange woman suddenly laughed while walking in a daze.

Gabriel held Arleena's hand from the side. "Arleena, who is she? You have to stop her now."

Arleena already knew that the conditions were not conducive when the foreign woman was acting crazy. On the other hand, Arleena calculated the possibility that if she stopped her: wouldn't something like grab each other's hair happen?

Because Arleena thought that the woman's psychological condition was unstable. Arleena is afraid that if there is an unwanted fight.

"WHERE IS JUSTIN?! I'M LOOKING FOR JUSTIN!"

Justin?

Wait, Arleena seems to have misheard the name that woman called.

"JUSTIN PROMISES TO MARRY ME!"

Arleena stared in surprise. His ears didn't hear wrong.

Coinciding with the statement that came out of the strange woman's mouth, Arleena saw Justin's arrival. Out of nowhere the man arrived late to check.

But Arleena realized the worry and surprise was very clear from the look on Justin's face. It was then that the two of them made eye contact. The only thing Arleena could see in Justin's eyes was panic.

Like I've just been caught doing something big wrong.

"JUSTIN GILBERT!"

After the woman screamed Justin's name so loudly, all the panicked screams slowly faded away. All guests' gazes suddenly focused on one point: Justin Gilbert.

Then, the spotlight, which was originally aimed at the stage, moved slowly to highlight Justin.

When the atmosphere became silent, Justin did not give any reaction and Arleena who looked at him with eyes asking for an explanation, the sound of applause was very loud.

Suddenly all the direction of the eyes turned to the source of the sound. And, how shocked Arleena was at what she saw: the figure of Hugo in an allblack tuxedo walking down the stage clapping his hands. A satisfied smile curved across his face.

Arleena froze. So did Keenan, Gabriel, and Arleena's parents.

"Congratulations, Justin! You're doing great!" Hugo shouted loudly in front of the guests using the microphone. He walked up to the strange woman, then let out a rough breath. 'Jesus, what are you doing with the women, huh?'

No sound.

Justin didn't react either.

"Why? Are you confused?" he asked. After glaring at the woman beside him who looked angry at Justin, Hugo continued, "Isn't this woman someone you were in a relationship with... one year before you were in a relationship with Arleena?"

After hearing Hugo's sarcastic words, there were voices of surprise from the guests.

Arleena immediately turned to Justin who looked nervous. Meanwhile Gabriel held Arleena's hand tighter, not expecting and feeling sorry for Arleena.

"Hhey! What... what did you say?!" Justin protested. But his voice stammered.

The guests, members of Arleena and Justin's extended family, immediately whispered to each other. They all looked cynical, but some looked still in disbelief.

"She's just a crazy woman!" Justin glanced nervously at Arleena. "She's not... a nobody!"

"You fucking bastards!" The woman beside Hugo exclaimed while pointing at Justin. "You've had sex with me many times! Don't you remember this engagement ring?!"

Hugo immediately raised his hands to low to his chest, deliberately putting on a facial expression as if to say: I'm not participating in this matter.

Justin was getting panicked. Without answering the woman's words, he immediately approached Arleena. As if he had no guilt, Justin immediately grabbed Arleena's hands and held them tightly.

"Arleena... Arleena, listen to me. I don't know that woman, and we are not related," Justin pleaded with Arleena.

Arleena was actually a bit surprised by Justin's begging her. So, Arleena spontaneously released Justin's grip.

"What are you doing?" asked Arleena.

Justin looked at Arleena imploringly. "Darling, I did make a mistake when I had a relationship with you. However, I did not have a relationship with another woman before you."

"YOU BASTARD MAN!" The woman beside Hugo spoke again.

Arleena just laughed sarcastically and looked away. Anywhere but not staring at Justin's sickening pleading face.

"Darling?" sigh Arleena. "I can't believe you still call me that. Men... woah, even the term 'asshole' for you is still too polite. Why should I be in a relationship with you?"

he shook his head. "No, don't say that. I can't be in a relationship with you."

Arleena shook off Justin's hand, who wanted to hold his hand again.

"Do you think you're so cool when you play with women's hearts? Do you think I'm a stupid woman?" Arleena paused for a few seconds. He turned his gaze to Hugo. "To be honest, I actually have something to confess..."

After saying that, Arleena took two steps back. He kept looking at Hugo as a plan emerged in his mind.

Arleena turned around to take a step closer to Hugo. The atmosphere around remained silent. All eyes watched Arleena's movements, including Justin who looked curious.

Arleena steps closer to Hugo. Arleena ignored Hugo who was confused and seemed to be guessing what he was going to do. He could tell that Hugo was asking him through a glance.

Unfortunately, the plan in Arleena's brain was too strong. His adrenaline was racing, encouraging his belief to carry out his plan. The feeling of excitement made his heartbeat beat fast, and the rush of blood rippled was ridiculous.

Amidst the silence, Arleena was now standing in front of Hugo. Both of their eyes met each other. Very deep. The eyes that Arleena had not seen for nearly three years. Now Arleena could realize how 'mighty' Hugo's mature, sharp gaze was.

Arleena felt herself getting nervous because of the pounding in her chest. As close as two inches between them, Arleena noticed the details on Hugo's face. After three years of separation, there were quite significant changes: a cleaner face, a charming and mature aura, a strong jawline, and beautiful beady eyes.

"What would you do?" asked Hugo, speaking almost in a whisper.

"Carried out my plan," Arleena replied.

One second after answering, when Hugo frowned, Arleena immediately grabbed Hugo's collar. Without further ado, Arleena grabbed Hugo by the collar with a grip so strong as to shorten their distance. Hugo didn't have time to resist Arleena's sudden tug.

Then, their lips met.

Arleena closed her eyes.

Hugo stiffened in surprise. So did all the eyes that witnessed Arleena's actions.

That night, Arleena and Justin's relationship was damaged. Can not be fixed. So Arleena knew there was nothing she could do but spoil it even more in revenge for Justin's actions.

Hugo has an unpleasant feeling about Arleena.

That same day, in the night, after hearing the story that Arleena's fiancé was having an affair, Hugo's mind immediately thought of something.

How is Arleena now?

So, without informing and telling anyone, here is Hugo now. Standing in front of Arleena's private apartment door. Hugo had been standing for almost twenty minutes, just staring at the apartment door.

Why was he suddenly feeling doubtful now?

Even though a few moments ago, especially when he was on his way to Arleena's apartment, Hugo was already enthusiastic. Wanted to check directly on Arleena's condition when there was no one accompanying her. They haven't meet each other after yesterday kisses.

"Huh... what happened to me?" muttered Hugo, lowering his head while shaking his head slowly.

Hugo hisses. The feeling is restless. Thinking between whether Arleena will accept his arrival or he should turn around and leave.

"I'm home, or ring the apartment bell?" asked Hugo, muttering once again.

Hugo immediately sighed nervously. Because Hugo always knew that Arleena's true condition was when there was no one around her.

"Aish, fuck it!" Hugo really annoyed with his own thoughts.

Without caring about his worry that was too thick, Hugo pressed the bell of Arleena's apartment. His head was still bowed with his breath racing from feeling anxious.

One press, two presses, then three times in succession.

Unlucky. Hugo can't leave Arleena alone now.

"Arleena ... open the door—"

Check.

Hugo's face immediately lifted, looking at Arleena's figure in front of him. How surprised Hugo was when he saw Arleena's figure in her pajamas all over her body.

Arleena's hair looked a little disheveled, like someone who had just woken up. At first she rubbed her eyes, but gradually her movements slowed down when she realized that Hugo was standing in front of her.

"Wait..." Arleena'a voice sounded hoarse. Her hands dropped from her eyes, showing a look of both glazed eyes. "Wait a minute, who is this? Hugo?"

Hugo is also equally surprised. In a split second processing his shock, Hugo came back to his senses.

"Yes, I'm Hugo," said Hugo, who for some reason suddenly felt awkward.

Arleena half gaping. Staring at Hugo with wide eyes.

"Hugo!" Arleena almost screamed with enthusiasm and disbelief.

"You—ouch, Arleena! Why are you tugging?! Slow down!"

"Sssst! Stupid, don't shout, you'll be heard!" Arleena immediately reprimanded Hugo after they both entered her apartment.

The door is closed. The coded sound of the apartment door being locked echoed.

Now Arleena pulled Hugo's hand away from the door leading to the living room of the apartment. But in the middle, Hugo suddenly let go of Arleena's hand by brushing it off.

Arleena's body suddenly turned and looked at Hugo in surprise. Without warning Hugo grabbed Arleena's hand which he had brushed away, then pulled the woman's body closer.

One of Hugo's hands grabbed Arleena's waist to be pulled so that they were only two inches apart. Hugo deliberately did not let go of Arleena's hand, and one other hand locked her waist.

Hugo's eyes were now looking serious at Arleena's two beady eyes.

"Don't rush. I want to check how you are now," Hugo said in a low tone.

His calm and baritone voice immediately made all of Arleena's hairs prickle. Arleena's whole body could not move for a few seconds.

Only two inches away from his face, Arleena stared at Hugo's face.

"Your eyes are puffy," Hugo said back.

So dumbfounded by Hugo's actions now, Arleena realized that she had forgotten to cover her face. Even though when she found out that Hugo was coming, Arleena deliberately dressed herself as if she had just woken up.

She had forgotten that Hugo could read the slightest gap.

"Did you just cry over your son of a bitch fiancé?" Hugo asked again.

Arleena still could not move. But compared to a few seconds ago, Arleena had started to move her body.

"Hey... let me go first, okay?" Arleena's tone sounded squeaky.

Hugo immediately let go of his hands. Making Arleena's body almost fall backwards. Hugo didn't help hold Arleena's body at all to the point that Arleena had to hold her own balance.

"Ouch! Don't just let it go, Hugo!" grumbled Arleena who looked annoyed at Hugo.

Hugo scratched the back of his neck that didn't itch. He just realized that he had attached Arleena's body for too long. His real intention was just to make Arleena stop tugging at his hand.

"Sorry. I forgot. You told me to let go earlier, Arleena," Hugo answered between the awkwardness.

Arleena was really still clumsy after Hugo had glued their bodies together. But, Arleena could not show her clumsiness.

Arleena walked straight to the couch.

"I didn't cry at all," he explained to Hugo's words earlier. "Should I be crying because of what? Because you just came after three months away?"

Hugo already put his hands into his trouser pockets. The direction of his body is now facing Arleena on the sofa.

"Not crying? Seriously?"

Arleena deliberately sat with her back to Hugo to rub her eyes silently. It's a shame, Hugo already caught the traces of tears on Syerin's face.

"I don't believe it at all," said Hugo.

"I didn't—gosh, shocked!" Arleena jumped when she saw Hugo suddenly beside her.

With a curious look, Hugo bowed with both hands resting on the right arm of the sofa. His face was so inclined to Arleena.

Damn it, even Arleena almost kissed Hugo if she didn't turn her head away immediately.

"I'm not crying," Arleena repeated, her voice almost low from the jolt earlier. "Why don't you believe it?"

"I've heard everything. The news that you were cheated on, the jerk who turned out to have booked more than four women behind your back, your man who didn't want to cancel the wedding."

Arleena was stunned to hear Hugo's words. While moving Fatur's face away, Arleena looked confused for words.

"Wwait, wait... you sit there first," Arleena forced Hugo to sit on the single sofa beside him.

Hugo according. After sitting down, he watched Arleena as if waiting for what the woman would say.

"How can you deal with a man like that?" asked Hugo who couldn't stop thinking.

Arleena didn't answer at first. Because she didn't want to talk about it, Arleena just waved one hand.

"Never mind. Let's not talk about it anymore. You just hear the news from other people, don't ask—"

"He promised not to hurt you, Arleena," said Hugo, not wanting to listen to Arleena's words.

Arleena's cynical laugh was heard. "Promises are just bullshit, Hugo. In the end, everything is broken."

For a moment Hugo did not speak. Arleena watched so intently.

"That's right," said Hugo. "You're sad. Don't deny it. I know in front of people, you'd act like you're taking it for granted."

Actually Arleena was trying to divert her attention to the snacks on the living room table. After hearing Hugo's words, the movement of his hand that wanted to take a snack suddenly stopped.

"I've known you since childhood, Arleena."

Arleena's chest suddenly tightened. Instantly the memory of all the painful things during a relationship with Justin spun. During the seven years of their relationship, it was not only this time that Arleena found out about Justin's affair.

Exactly two years ago. Arleena knows about Justin's affair with an office mate. At that time Arleena decided to stay in a relationship with Justin.

Unfortunately the affair was repeated six months ago. Not with an office mate, but started booking some woman.

It was only during the second affair that Arleena felt devastated. It was then that accompanying him was Hugo.

Arleena took a deep breath. "This time it's not sad, Hugo. I'm just sad at my own stupidity."

Hugo laughed sarcastically. "You are aware. I've already told you, some men will never be enough with just one woman."

"Ah, damn it. Can you stop?" Annoyed, Arleena raised her head so that something that had pooled in her eyelids wouldn't drip.

Casually, Hugo pulled two tissues that had been placed on the living room table. After that he approached the double sofa and sat beside Arleena.

"If you weren't crying, you shouldn't have put the tissues on the table. You still suck at lying."

Hugo lifted Arleena's face, watching the tears welling up in his best friend's eyes. One by one started dripping.

Then Hugo carefully wiped Arleena's tears while cupping the woman's chin.

"You don't want to teach me one more lesson?" Hugo asked in between wiping.

Arleena didn't answer. While Hugo was wiping away his tears, Arleena's eyes were glued to Hugo's dark, dark night net.

So warm, so different from Justin's beady eyes which are always intimidating.

Why did Arleena feel a swish in her chest?

"Damn that guy. Aish, if he underestimates you, it means he also underestimates me. I want to meet him and beat him to the punch," Hugo grumbled once again.

Arleena barely blinked. After three months without seeing each other, it turns out that Hugo's face has changed. His jawline was firmer, his demeanor more dignified after the employment service took over as head of the company temporarily, fine hairs grew on his chin.

The impression of a man who ... grrrr, Arleena shivered even more realizing that his best friend had grown so much more impressive.

As long as Arleena's attention is enchanted by Hugo's charm, Arleena begins to be lulled.

"He has to face me—"

"Hugo..."

"Tell him it's not enough for him to just get one lesson—"

"You want to replace Justin's position as the fiancé of the man who married me?"

Silence.

Hugo stopped moving, stunned for a split second. The two looked at each other two inches from each other. Each other's eyes were glued to each other.

No one made a sound.

Before finally, Arleena spoke.

"Help me get revenge one more time, Hugo."

"Wow! Look at this, who's already home?!"

It really sucks.

Hugo rolled his eyes in annoyance while exhaling roughly. Not long after, he immediately threw his body just like that on the sofa. Letting all the aches and pains evaporate into the air.

"Argh, are you trying to welcoming me or mocking me?" Hugo replied in between closing his eyes.

On the other hand, Albrack—Hugo's older brother, stepped closer. Casually flung himself beside Hugo, making the couch he was sitting on sway.

Hugo chuckled angrily. "Argh, Dean! Can you sit down slowly? Do you just act on purpose because I'm sitting on this sofa?"

Albrack, who deliberately threw himself hard, chuckled. Feeling satisfied because he managed to provoke the anger of his only younger brother.

"Uluh, uhuh, uhh, my beloved, why do you have to be so angry all the time?" Albrack deliberately teased Hugo with pouting lips.

Hugo's face turned disgusted. Really didn't expect that, being left for three months, his only older brother had a brain error. Even though three months ago when Hugo said goodbye to work out of town, Albrack acted like he was cool.

"You know, you really disgusting?" Hugo asked and lambasted at the same time.

Albrack immediately laughed. It is very memorized that Hugo never liked watching himself act disgusting.

"What's going on? Dad heard noise in the living room, hm?"

Someone's baritone voice caught Hugo and Albrack's attention. Hugo just wanted to close his eyes. However, the arrival of Bernard, their father, made Hugo's eyes open again.

Suddenly Hugo and Albrack stood up from the sofa. Waiting for the arrival of Bernard who walked down the stairs alone. Until finally Hartono arrived before Hugo and Albrack.

"Hello, Dad. Hugo has finished his work assignment." Hugo said as he approached Bernard, shook his father's hand.

Bernard smirked at Hugo who was shaking his hand.

"Already home, but instead of being friendly with papa, instead lying on the couch?" Bernard was deliberately sarcastic, meant to be a joke.

Hugo grinned. But Albrack arched a mischievous grin. The idea of ​​wanting to play a prank on Hugo instantly made his grin widen.

"That's right, that's right! Wow. Hugo doesn't respect papa at all!" Albrack shouted mocking Hugo.

"Aish! Shut up, You!" Hugo was provoked to annoyance, turned to look at Albrack full of feeling annoyance.

Albrack laughed, making Bernard, who had just sat on the single sofa, shake his head. It was nothing new for him to witness his two sons bickering and taunting each other.

"Sit down, you two, come talk to papa," said Bernard, glancing at the long sofa for three people next to him.

Then Hugo and Albrack sat on the sofa that Bernard meant. Hugo's breath was heard.

"Mommy how are you, Dad?" asked Hugo. "Why is daddy at home? Didn't accompany mom at the hospital?"

"Mom is fine. She still has to be hospitalized after surgery three days ago. By the way, you don't know daddy always goes back and forth to the hospital after work, Hugo."

"Just today daddy was at home because mom forced daddy not to keep accompanying him," explained Bernard. At the end of his sentence, Bernard sounded a little louder.

"Hey, you don't know how busy daddy is among the other servants, even mom's personal assistant?" Albrack replied, retorted. "Mom is getting tired of seeing Dad constantly in the hospital."

Hugo surprised. "Really? But mom's condition is better after the operation three days ago?"

Bernard curved a proud smile. His head nodded. "Yes, thank God. Your mother was in pain before. In fact, you were not beside her and accompanying her."

Hugo's face immediately turned somber. Of course it provoked satisfaction for Dean.

"How are you, Mr. Hugo? Why don't you accompany Mama and instead go out of town?" sneered Albrack outright.

Hugo hissed, looking annoyed at Albrack. "I worked, managed daddy's company when daddy couldn't hold control temporarily. So, indirectly, I helped daddy."

Actually, after returning from work out of town, Hugo went straight to Arleena and Justin's family gathering last night. He didn't come home to this house—where his family lived.

Hugo also went straight to Arleena's apartment to make sure Arleena was okay. Because of that, he just returned home this morning to his parents' house, purposely not giving any news of his whereabouts last night.

Albrack raised his eyebrows with a smile as if he wasn't sure. While Hugo patted Albrack's shoulder.

"Don't be annoying, Sis. I'm twentynine years old and learning martial arts," Hugo said firmly to Albrack. His tone was calm, deliberately mocking back.

Dean immediately remembered something after Hugo mentioned his age.

"Oh, yes, you already have a partner? Since you just mentioned your age. You met the woman of your dreams there, didn't you?" asked Albrack in droves.

How ridiculous. It was true that Albrack's unexpected thought still had not disappeared. The question was asked with a face without guilt.

For the umpteenth time, Hugo was forced to sigh. Hearing that question made him remember how busy he was managing some rather messy things at his papa's company in London.

"Bro, I'm too busy to think about finding a girl," Hugo replied slowly, but one could see the feeling of being lost on his face.

Albrack looked at Hugo unsure.

"Are you sure?" asked Albrack one more time.

"Hm. How could I think of that when I was entrusted with cleaning up messy things at papa's company?" Hugo asked back to Albrack.

The house maid had already put the drinks down for the three of them. While Hugo thanked the waiter and took a drink, Albrack seemed to be thinking about something.

"What are you thinking about, Hugo? Your sister has already answered your question clearly," said Bernard, who was also taking the drink on the table in front of his eyes.

"That's not it. Why did I suddenly think that you weren't looking for a girl because you already liked Arleena?"

Spontaneously, Hugo choked on his drink for a second after hearing Albrack's question. Impressed origin frankly indeed. But Hugo couldn't avoid being shocked because he didn't expect Albrack to think of that.

Hugo patted his chest while coughing. For some reason, that made Albrack immediately arch a satisfied smile.

"Why are you so surprised?" Albrack looked at Hugo mischievously.

After a few seconds later, Hugo's coughs had started to subside. His eyes were so annoyed at Albrack.

" Gosh, don't be ridiculous. How can I like Arleena, my own little friend?" Hugo's voice sounded disapproving.

"That's it!" Albravk snapped his fingers. Even more enthusiastic to find out. "Because you two have been friends since childhood, it supports your feelings for him!"

Very weird. Hugo couldn't stop thinking about Albrack who seemed to have a thousand unreasonable thoughts. On top of that, Albrack was stubborn.

Just watch now. It's been denied, but Albrack still thinks that Hugo has feelings for Arleena. Even the look on his face conveyed how curious Albrack was.

How could Hugo like Arleena? After all, they've only been friends since childhood. Impossible, right, for the two of them who are busy with their respective jobs, to harbor feelings?

"Arleena is engaged. I heard the news two months ago," said Hugo, feeling annoyed. He deliberately pretends not to know about Arleena's engagement.

Albrack raised both eyebrows. "Hey, don't you know the latest news on Arleena and her fiancé?"

"News? What?" Hugo is confused and curious at the same time. But nothing went through his brain.

"Arleena is cheated on by her fiancé even though their wedding will be held in one week," Albrack answered.

Hugo's movement who wanted to put the glass to his lips stopped instantly. His entire attention was instantly drawn after hearing Albrack's answer.

"Have an affair?" Fatur's voice turned low, full of emphasis between disbelief and guessing. He show his surprised expression. "How could his fiancé be cheating on him?"

Albrack shrugged his shoulders. "It turns out that his fiancé often books other women behind Arleena's back. Not just two or three times, but more than five times."

Hugo was astonished. Absolutely nothing to say. Even the intention of sipping a drink void.

He turned to look at Albrack curiously.

"Ah, I don't know what's going on in her fiancé's brain. How can a woman as beautiful as Arleena, and achievers, be betrayed?" he asked again.

"How the story?"

Albrack turned his gaze to Hugo. But at that moment he was shocked to realize that Hugo's eyes had turned sharp. His jaw tightened and his tone was emphatic.

"Um..." Albrack became clumsy. "Last night was the gathering of Arleena's extended family and her fiancé. I got a video when Arleena appeared on stage exposing evidence of her fiancé's affair."

Hugo frowned. From the look on his face, he was still curious and wanted to hear more explanations. More he hear about Arleena's fiancé affair, the more he felt really mad.

"In fact, Arleena shared a hot video of his fiancé with the booking girl," Albrack continued, somewhat anxiously.

"His fiancé had sexual intercourse with a booking woman? More than four times?" Hugo asked.

"Yyes...."

Hugo turned his gaze to Albrack, looked at him seriously.

"I will show him who he is dealing with."

"Good morning, Mom. Are you feeling surprised by my arrival?"

Hugo immediately greeted his mother when he entered the VIP inpatient room. Behind Hugo, Albrack followed him.

The arrival of Hugo and Albrack distracted Bernard and Quinn—the mother. Both of them looked confusedly at Hugo and Albrack who were now spinning apart.

However, Quinn's attention was more on Hugo's local government, who is now on the right side, added. For a few seconds, all Quinn did was splash her eyes.

Hugo gave a big smile after shaking his loving hand. "How are you, Mom? You must really miss me, right?"

Quinn shook her head. "No, I don't miss you at all."

Instantly Hugo's smile disappeared from his face. His face was red, prompting laughter from Albrack.

"Hey, listen, I don't miss you at all!" Albrack deliberately made fun of Hugo.

Hugo's eyes flashed annoyance at the Albrack. Because it's still in their hands now, Hugo refrains from boxing his fists at his only brother.

"Mom really doesn't miss you either," Quinn said to Albrack.

Albrack's laughter suddenly stopped. It changed to a look of astonishment and shock.

This made Hugo laugh. Instead Hugo appreciated Albrack more satisfied than Albrack eased him.

"Feel it!" Hugo cheered for the Albrack.

"Mom doesn't miss you because you haven't visited for a long time," said Bernard, who sat back a little. He let Albrack go a little further to stand closer beside adding Quinn.

Hearing Bernard's words made Hugo's eyes widen. When he turned his gaze towards Albrack, Hugo seemed to be demanding an explanation.

"He said Albrack often visits you, Mom!" Hugo's tone sounded disapproving.

Albrack rubbed the back of his neck with a hesitant smile. "Yes...often, but that was months ago when Mom was in the hospital a few times. This month it's rare."

"Then why did you tease me yesterday because it took so long to come home and couldn't visit mom?" Hugo lifted his chin while looking at Albrack a bit stubbornly.

Albrack replied, "That's so you want to be invited to visit mom today. Instead of suddenly having work again?"

"It's finished," Hugo replied. "I'm not as busy as yesterday. Don't lie like that."

Albrack couldn't hold back his laughter at Hugo's annoyed grunts. He was always amused whenever he witnessed his younger brother's emotional reaction. Moreover, his younger brother easily provoked annoyance.

While Quinn and Bernard just shook their heads. Have been used to watching her two children. Even so, Quinn, who had not met Hugo for three years, still had not expected anything.

Both children are grown but still argue with each other.

"Okay, both of you rarely visit Mama this month," Quinn said.

Finally Hugo and Albrack simultaneously turned their attention to Quinn. From the initial annoyed expression, Hugo turned enthusiastic again.

"Mom, how are you? Are you feeling better?" asked Hugo. "Oh, I brought something for mama."

Quinn frowned. Her eyes watched Hugo who bent down to take something from the goodie bag he had brought earlier.

Then Hugo straightened up again, this time taking out a mediumsized black box. Hugo's eyes twinkled as if showing impatience.

"Look, Mom…" There was a pause. Hugo faced the box to Quinn while opening it slowly. "This is a special gift for mom because mom has struggled to fight the disease every time it relapses."

Quinn immediately widened her eyes in flabbergasted after witnessing that the box contained a necklace. The necklace is stretched to the side.

But what made Quinn gasp was something glistening on the necklace.

"I deliberately bought this for my mother before leaving for Jakarta," said Hugo amidst Quinn's surprise.

"My son..." Quinn was speechless. "Why did you give such an expensive gift?"

"Mom doesn't have the summer collection from their store, right? The latest release and limited edition," said Hugo, who didn't seem to mind at all.

Quinn's face still showed surprise and did not expect. Couldn't even speak a bit from the shock. Even though there was a bad feeling in his heart, Quinn still felt touched.

Even though he didn't expect that Hugo would give this diamond necklace.

"Papa," Quinn called Hartono, her husband. "Why did you give Hugo's permission?"

"He used his own money, Mom. His work," answered Bernard.

"After all, it's not as expensive as you think. It's still the initial release price, so you can get a discount."

On the other hand, Albrack and Bernard smiled sweetly at Quinn's warm expression. I don't know why Quin looks so cute when she smiles like that.

"Mom, just accept it," said Hugo who then closed the diamond necklace box. "I'll put it in this tote bag, OK? Later, when Mama is healthy, wear the necklace."

Quinn was unable to make a sound anymore. After Hugo put down the necklace box tote bag, Quinn stretched out her hands. As if asking Hugo to hug.

Of course Hugo happily accepted Quinn's hug. They both hugged not too tight. Hugo patted Quinn on the shoulder so he could channel his calm.

"Mama must be healthy again," said Hugo who almost whispered.

"Thank you very much. You shouldn't... you don't have to bother buying Mama the necklace, Hugo," Quinn said in the middle of their hug.

Hugo arched a knot and at the same time a quiet laugh sounded.

"It's okay, Ma. Mom, the important thing is to be healthy first, don't think about anything," Hugo replied.

Hugo and Quinn's hug soon separated. As Hugo straightened up again, Quinn watched the youngest child for a split second.

From Quinn's expression, Hugo felt that his mother was thinking something. Somehow Hugo's feelings seemed to whisper that Quinn was being disturbed by something.

"What's wrong, Mom?" asked Hugo after a moment of silence.

Quinn shook her head slowly. "No, mom was thinking of something..."

Hugo's eyebrows rose. His face looked thoughtful. "What's wrong, Mom? Is something bothering you?"

Quinn's eyes turned to Bernard. As if throwing a hint for Bernard to say something. Quinn still seems weak to talk about long and wide things.

Hugo realized Quinn and Bernard's eye contact interaction. But Hugo did not say anything at all. Just looked at the two of them confused, until finally Bernard cleared his throat.

Bernard got up and stood next to Albrack. His gaze fixed on Hugo, so serious.

Hugo really suddenly felt horrified.

"Actually, Dad and Mama want to talk about something important with you," Bernard said as a conversation starter.

Hugo felt the aura between them suddenly turn serious. From what was originally relaxed, slowly the expression on his face suddenly turned pale pitifully.

"Yes ... dad just say it. How serious is it, Dad?" Deliberately Hugo teases Bernard so that the atmosphere around him is not tense.

Unfortunately it didn't work. Bernard's sharp and serious eyes did not move at all.

Finally Hugo put both hands interlocked in front of the body. Fatur slightly lowered his head feeling reluctant.

"Dad asks first. Have you met Arleena?"

Hearing the mention of Arleena'a name, Hugo was a bit stunned. He looked at Bernard in astonishment as if he wanted an explanation. However, Bernard seemed reluctant to give an explanation, only wanting to hear Hugo's answer.

"Yes, Dad. Last night I came to her apartment to give you news," Hugo replied in a shrunken voice, worried.

To be honest, Hugo had already guessed what Bernard and Quinn would say.

"You already know about Arleena's canceled marriage?" Bernard asked again.

In the midst of his confusion, Hugo nodded his head.

"Yes. I've heard about it, Dad. Why is that?"

Bernard immediately turned his gaze to Quin . Leave the rest to the wife.

"Arleena lost a lot of money," said Quinn. "The wedding WO doesn't accept a refund."

Hugo frowned, between confused and surprised. He doesn't know about that one. "Not receiving a refund?"

"All of Arleena's money for contracts and prescriptions was ordered to be given up," said the Albrack. "You don't know that Arleena's marriage is all borne by Arleena?"

Gradually the expression on Hugo's face stiffened. His jaw clenched and gritted his teeth.

"The bastard exhusband didn't make any money at all?" asked Hugo.

Albrack shook his head with a regretful expression. Then Quinn heard slow breath holding.

"Mama has a request to you, Hugo."

Amidst his emotional tension, Hugo looked curiously at Quinn.

"What's wrong, Mom? What do you want?"

"Mom wants you to marry Arleena. Be the substitute groom."

Hugo's eyes widened. What?! Married to Arleena?!