Chapter 5 Even if you look at it with one eye

"Wow! Mbak! What are you doing?" exclaimed Vela as she wiped her face after being splashed with water.

"You said I can choose my own happiness. Splashing water on your face makes me happy, Vel," Elsa replied, placing the glass back on the tray. A satisfied expression crossed her face, accompanied by a smile.

"What do you really want, Mbak? I was just advising you to go back to the one you love. That's so you can be happy, Mbak!"

"Don't act like you care about me, Vel. I know your tricks. You're the one who always wants to make my life miserable. Get out of my room right now, Vel!" Elsa ordered.

"Given a chance to be happy and you just throw it away. You're so arrogant, Mbak."

"It's fine if I'm arrogant. It's better to feel hurt now than to be even more heartbroken later. Or go ahead if you want to pick up my pieces, Vel. Mas Rio is so kind, right? You'll surely be happy living with him. Isn't that what you just told me?"

Without answering, Vela let out a frustrated sigh and left Elsa's room, her face and hair still wet.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" Elsa muttered after Vela closed the door again.

Since Vela's arrival, Elsa's life had become increasingly distressing. Nani was anything but fair. The difference in treatment was painfully clear.

Nani showered Vela with excessive affection, even going so far as to say that everything in the house belonged to Vela. Anything that Elsa owned was Vela's as well.

With this upbringing, Vela's attitude toward Elsa became increasingly ruthless. In Vela's eyes, Elsa couldn't be happier than her. However, Vela had a soft side, seemingly angelic at heart.

Whenever a problem arose between Elsa and Vela, Elsa would always be blamed. Yes, because Vela's behavior was highly manipulative. She could play two roles at once.

Until the truth about Rio and Vela's relationship was revealed, the pain in Elsa's heart couldn't be ignored. This might be the golden opportunity to seek revenge for that betrayal. Elsa couldn't let it slip away.

The phone on the nightstand rang. Someone was calling. Elsa picked it up to answer the call.

"Hello, Miss Elsa. I've been instructed to pick you up to meet with the CEO. I'm already at the front gate."

The screen displayed the name "Rendi." He was the one calling Elsa. He was a man who worked for Wicaksono-Elsa's adoptive grandfather. He was tasked with secret assignments and was privy to important information.

However, only certain individuals knew about his specific tasks. Others saw him as a personal assistant to a hotel company owner.

"Alright. I'll meet you there. Just wait."

The call ended. Elsa placed the phone in her bag and got ready to leave. Despite being confined because of her supposed mistakes, this was an order from the highest authority in the family. Handi couldn't stop her.

"Elsa! Where are you going? Your father told you not to leave the house for a while, and now you dare defy his orders!"

Passing through the living room, Elsa, who was already dressed neatly, was scolded by Handi. His eyes widened, his anger evident on his face.

"I wouldn't be leaving if it weren't for Grandpa asking me to come, Dad. I know, in your eyes, I'm wrong. But I can't ignore Grandpa's orders. And if you don't believe me, Rendi is here to pick me up. He's already at the front gate," Elsa explained.

"He's probably lying, Dad! Just say she's causing trouble outside again!" Nani chimed in.

Elsa didn't pay attention to Nani's words. Instead, she was busy typing something on her phone.

"Please ring the doorbell. They won't listen to my explanations here." Elsa's message to Rendi.

Soon enough, the house bell rang.

"Rendi pressed the bell. Come on, follow along if you still don't believe me."

With a calm expression, Elsa sought some trust from those who no longer valued her presence.

Elsa was indeed an adopted child. However, there was a written agreement that as long as Elsa remained unmarried, the adopting family couldn't just cast her aside. If they did, legal action would be taken.

Because of this, Elsa was still allowed to stay and enjoy the privileges of the family, even after being thrown out. After marriage, Elsa would receive her share of the inheritance, as specified in the agreement. So, even if abandoned, there would still be some form of accountability from the family that adopted her.

Knowing this agreement, Elsa's relationship with Rio lasted quite a while. They dated for years. Consequently, the love Elsa felt was sincere. Until the bitter truth was revealed just moments before their wedding.

Moreover, perhaps Rio's family was only interested in the inheritance that Elsa would eventually receive after marrying him.

But how did a family secret become known to outsiders?

The answer was Vela. She intentionally revealed many things and manipulated Rio into doing anything for love.

Yes, sometimes people do foolish things when love is overpowering, just like Rio did. True love, though, should be nurtured healthily. Not through forbidden relationships like what Vela wanted.

"Why did Grandpa ask you to pick up Elsa, Ren?" Handi asked as the gate opened.

"I don't know, sir. I was given the order. He's waiting, so we should go meet the CEO now. Come on, Miss Elsa, please get in the car."

"Rendi, just tell the truth. Why did Grandpa ask you to pick up Elsa?" Nani asked emotionally.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I can't be late. We need to leave immediately."

Elsa was seated in the front passenger seat. Rendi followed suit in the driver's seat.

Without receiving any answers, Handi and Nani could only hold back their frustration as they watched Elsa leave.

"Don't you know anything, Mas? Maybe there's something Father is hiding," Nani inquired.

Handi shook his head. "Most likely just discussing the progress of the hotel Elsa manages. Why else would they meet? Let it be, don't think too much."

"But, Dad..."

"Enough, come on, let's go in. They won't turn back now. Dad requested it, and I can't do anything about it. Rendi must have been asked to pick her up without knowing anything."

Handi was unaware of the specific task Rendi was performing. Only certain individuals were desired by Wicaksono.

"Is it true that you don't know why Grandfather summoned me?" Elsa asked inside the car, which was heading to the hospital where Wicaksono was being treated.

"Actually, I already know the purpose of the CEO calling you, but it's better if the CEO tells you directly. Only after that, I'll explain everything."

"Alright. I respect your job."

The surging curiosity couldn't be satisfied in that instant. Elsa had to be patient until she stood before Wicaksono.