Chapter 4 Unfair

"Mom, is it really important in your lives to always interfere with every breath I take? I'm only 28, Mom. Why the rush for me to get married? Grandpa too, if he wants to give an inheritance, fine, just give it. No need to create conditions that make people angry," Bian retorted sharply.

"Bian! Think before you speak. Come on, give Mama a little happiness for giving birth to you. Until now, Mama has found happiness and pride from your sibling who isn't even Mama's biological child. Just show your presence, Bian. Please, just obey this once?" Laras pleaded. Her hope was so strong that Bian would listen to her words.

"Just keep comparing me to Leo, that hypocrite. He's just good at acting, Mom. Deviously clever. He uses various tactics for the sake of his reputation. He treats me terribly, Mom."

"Bi, why do you always belittle your brother? Even though he's not from the same womb, he's still your brother. You share the same father."

"That's a fact, Mom. Not just empty words."

"Alright, fine. It's up to you. What matters is that you can't refuse this arranged marriage plan. Mama pleads, Bi, it's all for the good of your future. Every word from your grandpa is more than just talk."

"The condition is just getting married, right? It all started from the rumor that I don't like women, right, Mom? That's easy, I can think about it later. I have an important meeting. I need to go, Mom."

The man with the stern face, prominent nose, and thick eyebrows that added to his charm walked towards the door to leave the room where the owner of his heart was.

Laras, who received the same treatment, could only sigh. Bian was a person with strong principles about his own life. He didn't want to be bothered by other people's opinions, especially those who tried to force their will on him.

With this attitude, Bian daringly left the company under Abimana's umbrella-his grandpa. Instead, he started his own company in the food industry. More precisely, producing and marketing various kinds of snacks favored by young people.

Bian wasn't interested in his grandpa's company in the financial sector. To him, that job didn't make him comfortable. Too serious and restrictive.

Thanks to his strong determination, Bian, who decided to leave the company that had built up his family's name, managed to show the fruits of his efforts, even if it meant defying his family.

In a few years, the business he managed according to his conscience had grown into a company that could employ a considerable number of employees.

The business lessons instilled in him by his father and family since childhood were put to use when he was determined to establish his own company without the shadow of his controlling grandpa.

***

Inside the car, after changing clothes, Elsa thought for a moment. The first plan had been successfully executed. The next step was to win the heart of the man who might be loved by Vela.

However, Elsa still hesitated because she was just an adopted child, probably not strong enough to influence Bian Abimana, the owner of PT. BA Snack Tbk and one of the heirs of PT. Bank Kristal Tbk-a leading banking company in the country.

"Come on, brain. You have to think. The company led by Grandpa and Dad is not stable right now. There are some problematic hotels, but my part is okay, better than the others. Maybe I should invest in it? But if there's a problem, I'll be blamed. Moreover, Grandpa's condition is deteriorating, and if things get worse, he'll suffer even more. It's obvious, I'll be the one bearing the consequences. Plus, I'm just an adopted child without their DNA. But I have to get close to that person. I have to snatch him from Vela so he knows how it feels to be hurt. Yes, I'll deal with the consequences later."

Elsa spoke to herself at length, cursing her luck that had never been on her side. However, the pain in her heart fueled a burning revenge she desperately wanted to enact. Even if it meant facing the consequences later, Elsa remained determined to carry out her grand plan.

Her phone in her bag beeped, and Elsa retrieved it to see "Mama Nani" on the screen.

"Why would Mama Nani be calling me? Did she hear about the cancellation of my wedding? People behind Rio are amazing."

Finally, with great reluctance, Elsa scrolled through her phone screen. She knew that whatever her adoptive mother said would be sadistic and heart-wrenching.

"Elsa! You need to come home now. There's something you need to explain. Your Dad is waiting for you. Hurry before everything gets worse," Nani's voice commanded from the other end of the line.

"What do you want? Are you going to scold and blame me again?"

"You dare talk back like that now! Come home quickly! Don't make excuses before I report your behavior to Father Handi, who was kind enough to adopt you from the orphanage. Your brain should be used for thinking."

The call was cut off. There was no room to interject between Nani's words. With the reason that Handi had adopted Elsa, Nani easily controlled her life.

If Elsa misbehaved, Nani wouldn't hesitate to manipulate and use violence behind Handi's back. But in front of him, Nani acted like the victim, portraying Elsa as the difficult one.

Nani's complaints were endless and just kept washing Handi's brain until he grew to resent Elsa even more. The same went for other family members. Her words were venomous.

"You witch!" Elsa cursed at the phone screen.

Essentially, Elsa was a strong woman. Her weakness only lay with Handi, who had raised her. There was a strong sense of gratitude within Elsa. Nani's threats were limited to that. Elsa was helpless.

***

"What made you unilaterally cancel your wedding, Elsa?" The question came from a man Elsa deeply respected.

"Dad, I'm sorry, but recently, my feelings for Rio have changed. There's something that made me doubt and decide to cancel it on my own, Father," Elsa said softly but with conviction.

"What kind of reason is that, El? You know the preparations were complete. Everyone knew your wedding news was imminent. You canceled it without even discussing a word with your parents. Do you forget where you come from? Always causing trouble and bringing shame! Didn't the preparations cost a lot? Use your brain, El!"

As usual, Nani would be the first one to scold and berate Elsa. Especially now, Elsa seemed like the one who had made a major mistake. Nani would be satisfied to hurl her sadistic words, even in front of Handi.

"Mom, what if Mama's potential husband betrayed her? Would Mama still marry him?" Elsa's words deliberately taunted Vela, who stood not far away.

"Elsa! Speak politely to your mother. Don't try to evade your mistakes. Your father knows what kind of person Rio is. Here, you are the one at fault. Cancelling a sacred marriage without any negotiation at all. Go to your room, Elsa! Reflect on your mistakes there! Don't come out unless it's a very important matter!" scolded Handi. His anger seemed to be blazing. The veins in his neck were visible as he spoke.

"Dad, please listen to my explanation," Elsa pleaded, still trying to gain Handi's trust.

"Go in, Elsa!"

With a heavy heart, Elsa reluctantly entered her room.

***

"Mbak, can I come in? You haven't eaten since earlier. Here, I brought some food."

Without Elsa's approval, Vela entered the room.

"Leave, Vel. I didn't give you permission to come in."

"At least have some food first, Mbak."

"What do you care, Vel? You're happy seeing me suffer, aren't you?"

"No, Mbak. I'm actually disappointed about the cancellation of this marriage. Don't you love Mas Rio very much, Mbak? By marrying him, you'll surely be happy. You can choose your own happiness with Mas Rio, Sister. All this time, you've been looking for someone who genuinely loves you, right? You both seem so compatible and in love. Isn't it a pity to let go of someone who truly loves you, Mbak? You're free to seek your own happiness, Mbak."

Hearing the nonsense coming from Vela's mouth, Elsa grabbed a glass of water that Vela had brought and poured it right onto her stepsister's face.