Chapter 9 [8]

One name still sticks in Tata's memory: Anisya Ratih Dwihara. It's funny how she even remembers the woman's full name. The only woman who ever appeared in Ottis's life. Tata knows she was the replacement back then. An orphan girl who readily accepted the offer of false love, leading to a marriage supposedly based on love that could exist because of familiarity. The kind of love Ottis had for her. She forgets... memories of past love can erase everything.

Tata never imagined, for the second time, she would catch her husband with the same woman. Eventually, she also learns what kind of person Anisya Ratih Dwihara is.

"I already suspected that your wife must be very beautiful, Ottis," she says softly. Her smile curves perfectly. Her gaze also looks friendly. But Tata can't help but feel a question lingering in her heart.

Why is that hand clinging to her husband?

"I didn't expect us to meet here," the conversation partner adds.

"Yeah," she replies. "I also didn't expect to meet you here." While sipping her drink slowly, Tata looks at her conversation partner without hesitation.

There's laughter that sounds melodious, but there's also something that makes Tata not immediately divert her gaze. Even the gazes exchange silently. She's not blind.

"It's possible, Ra. You two have never met, huh? Even though Tata attended the high school reunion three years ago. If you had come, you would have become closer friends," Ottis says, laughing but with a wary heart. He didn't expect to meet his wife here. He's trying hard to appear relaxed and calm.

"Are you coworkers?" This time it's Jenni who asks. She's the one who greeted Ottis and pulled them to join together.

"No," Ratih replies, still with her cheerful tone. Her wavy blonde hair moves gently. "Just happen to be working on the same project. Right, Ottis?"

"Not coworkers, but... meeting on the weekend? Wow." Jenni smiles wryly. "Funny, huh?"

"I do have business with Ratih, Jen," Ottis interjects with an unfriendly expression, then looks at Tata, who only shows a blank face. It seems his wife isn't bothered by what he's doing. Does his wife not care?

Good.

"What time are you going home?" Ottis asks Tata.

Feeling questioned, Tata just smiles thinly. "Don't know yet. Jenni still wants company for chatting."

"I won't pick you up. There's still something I have to do."

Tata nods.

"We'll excuse ourselves then." Ottis stands up, followed by Ratih. Before their steps leave them all behind, Tata raises her hand.

"Keys, Ottis."

Ottis furrows his brow. "Keys?"

"Yeah. My car keys. You must have them, right? I'm too lazy to take a taxi. There's no overtime at the office, so no taxi vouchers." Tata says it very casually, without any burden at all. She doesn't care if Ottis gives her an incredulous or angry look.

The man glances at Ratih, who is still smiling, then looks back at his wife. He immediately reaches into his pants pocket and hands over her car keys.

"Here you go!"

"Have a good overtime, my dear Ottis," Tata says with her wide smile. She grips the keys tightly until her palm hurts. She also lets her husband leave with another woman affectionately. Her heart... shattered.

"Are you insane?" Jenni asks, slightly yelling. "He's your husband, Ta? You're just letting it happen?"

Tata grins. "What should I do, Jen? Shout and yell? Accuse him of cheating? Pull the other woman's hair? Then other customers will notice us?"

Jenni sighs in frustration. She didn't expect Tata's response to be just like this. Clearly, in her eyes, she knows Ottis is playing with fire.

"Ottis can't be left alone, Ta."

"I know." Tata still tries to smile even though the storm in her chest is getting louder. "But you know, Jen," Even though she's already teary-eyed and her voice is starting to tremble, she still tries to finish her sentence, "Somehow, I feel like I'm just waiting for Ottis to declare himself double."

"You're really not sane, Ta."

"Maybe." Tata wipes her now wet cheeks. "You know what numbness feels like?"

Jenni blinks slowly.

"That's what I've been feeling lately."

***

Tata is one of those people who like to keep things tidy with certain memories. Including the knee-length peach dress she wore eleven years ago. A dress that holds memories of where an Ottis Pahlevi proposed to her. A dinner event that was quite romantic by Samanta Kiehl's standards. Accepting his invitation to be bound in a sacred bond; marriage. Despite doubts, Tata still took the step.

"I'm sure love for you will surely appear, Ta. I'm also sure our marriage will definitely be happy," the man said.

Who wouldn't be flattered by such a sweet treatment? But now?

"The dress still fits apparently," Tata says with a bitter laugh. She examines herself repeatedly. Making sure nothing is left behind from the most beautiful memories of her life. Everything about her life with Ottis revolves uncontrollably. How sweet that love was, like honey she delved into, until she forgot that she was already poisoned.

Since when did her husband start neglecting her? More often, he cornered and blamed her for things that could still be compromised. In her head, it's ingrained; Ottis still loves her.

"Stupid," Tata whispers softly as she applies lipstick as a final touch. Not long after, the sound of a car engine is heard. Maybe it's the taxi Ottis took.

The woman fills her lungs as much as she can. Walking confidently, she leaves her room. Descending each staircase one by one and trying to put on her best smile. Until her steps halt right in front of her husband. It's kind of weird to see Tata dressed like this. It's been a long time since his wife took off the dress that showed her long legs. Choosing to change to a much more modest style because of Ottis's request. She didn't want any other man to see Tata's beauty.

Like now.

However... Ottis suddenly realizes something. The incident at the mall earlier. He still holds some resentment towards his wife. His face turns curt, different from when he's with Ratih.

"You deliberately embarrassed me, Ta?"

"I want to talk," Tata says, which surprisingly coincides with Ottis's words. She blinks slowly, then chuckles upon hearing Ottis's complaint just now. "Embarrass you, Ottis?"

"Talk? What do you want to talk about, huh?" Ottis crosses his arms. "There's nothing left to talk about. I'm tired."

"Yeah, Ottis. I know you're tired." Tata smiles thinly. "Tired of dealing with other women."

Ottis squints sharply. "Watch your mouth."

"My mouth is watched, but my husband's behavior apparently can't be controlled."

"Samanta!" Ottis snaps. He doesn't care if it's already too late to argue.

"I'm speaking the truth, Ottis." Tata approaches. "How shocked I was to find out that my husband was with another woman."

"I told you she's my coworker!"

"Hanging around like that? A coworker?" Tata asks, her face made as dramatic as possible. "Well then, I also want to hang around with other men."

"You're rude!" Ottis glares fiercely. "How dare you say that!"

Ottis grips Tata's cheeks tightly. He ignores his wife's gaze, which seems unapologetic and has successfully provoked him. The face that has been with him for years, usually full of love and easily deceived, but now?

Tata's courage comes from nowhere. Her gaze is flat and undisturbed by the intimidation he's trying to impose.

"Why should I be afraid?" Tata asks with more effort. She forcefully pushes Ottis's hand away. "Just admit it, Ottis, what you've done. Don't let me expose you."

Ottis laughs amusedly. "And embarrass me in front of my mom? Oh my, Ta. Your mind is so naive. Will anyone defend you?"

Tata falls silent. Her mind does agree with her husband's words. Who will defend her? No one. What she's sure of, her in-laws will fully defend their son. Regardless of right or wrong.

"Since you've asked, I won't beat around the bush." Ottis chooses to sit on the couch. Leaning back a bit. "I'm cheating. Ratih still loves me, and it turns out I can't deceive this heart, Ta. I still love her too. I want to marry her. Whether you accept it or not."

The woman nods faintly. "Since when?"

Ottis blinks slowly. Although all his words are intentional to provoke Tata's anger. But why is his wife becoming more indifferent? Does his wife... approve of their relationship?

"Two years ago," Ottis answers offhandedly. "Yes, two years ago." He confirms it not for Tata, but for himself.

"Then divorce me."

Ottis straightens his back.

"I'll wait for the divorce papers on my office desk, Ottis. You enjoy your new life. I don't want to be in between you two."

Ottis couldn't say anything.

"And during the process, starting now, you're out of the house."

"What?" Ottis is stunned.

"This is my house, Ottis. Take what you need and stay at your mom's house until the court decision comes out."

"This is the house we bought together. It's part of the asset division!" Ottis stands up and stares sharply at Tata. Strangely... the woman just laughs. Really loud.

"Ah... I thought if you're brave enough to cheat regardless of the assets we already have. You should be able to support your new fiancée with the money you have. Not what we used to have," Tata says, emphasizing each word heavily.

"You!" Ottis accuses angrily.

"I'll give you thirty minutes to pack all your stuff." Tata prepares to leave the living room. "Everything, Ottis. Don't let there be a single item of yours left here. If not, I'll burn all your stuff in front of Nilam's house."