Chapter 1 The sun had just emerged from the eastern horizon

The sun had just emerged from the eastern horizon, illuminating the campus with its soft golden light. However, for Aulia, a final semester student who was busy completing her thesis, that day felt very gray. Behind his anxiety and tiredness in facing guidance, there is a big secret that he keeps neatly-a secret that even his close friends don't know, let alone other people on campus.

Aulia is the wife of a lecturer who is known as a fierce and very disciplined figure on campus. The lecturer was named Pak Bima, a man in his 40s who was firm and uncompromising in academic matters. In his daily life, Mr. Bima always appears serious, with a face that rarely shows a smile, except when correcting student assignments that he considers unsatisfactory. However, behind her fierce attitude, there is a soft side that only Aulia knows.

That morning, Aulia was sitting in the campus cafeteria, checking her guidance notes while waiting for Mr. Bima to come to the lecturer's room. His heart pounded every time he remembered their meeting. They must always keep their distance on campus, pretending they don't know each other as more than just lecturers and students. Their relationship is a big secret that must not be revealed, because it could damage Mr. Bima's career and also Aulia's future.

Unexpected Encounter

When the clock struck eight, Aulia immediately walked towards the lecturer's room with fast steps. Every time she passes a busy campus corridor, Aulia always feels anxious, afraid that someone will suspect something. He entered the lecturer's room with a tense face, said hello to several lecturers who were present, then took a seat in front of Mr. Bima's table.

Mr. Bima, who had just arrived, glanced at Aulia before finally opening his laptop without saying anything. The atmosphere in the lecturer's room was quiet, only the sound of keyboard typing and paper rustling could be heard.

After a while, Mr. Bima finally spoke in a low, but firm tone.

"How many times have I told you, Aulia? You have to be more careful in writing data analysis. I don't want to see any more mistakes in this revision," said Mr. Bima, while still looking at his laptop screen.

Aulia looked down, trying to hold back her feelings of shame and sadness. "Yes, sir. I will be more careful."

Even though Mr. Bima spoke in such a cold tone, Aulia knew that her husband was just keeping his distance and didn't want to arouse suspicion. After giving some additional instructions, Mr. Bima ended their guidance session briefly.

"We'll discuss it again next week. Don't be late."

Aulia nodded obediently, then left with a heavy heart. After leaving the lecturer's room, Aulia took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Outside, he could act as usual, but in his heart, there was an ongoing emotional struggle.

Cold night

That night, after all campus matters were finished, Aulia returned to the small apartment she shared with Mr. Bima. They live far enough from campus so as not to arouse suspicion. After arriving home, Aulia was immediately greeted by the usual quiet atmosphere.

Mr. Bima, who had already gone home, was sitting on the sofa reading a book. When Aulia entered, he took his eyes off the book and looked at his wife with a gentler expression than on campus.

"You look tired," said Mr. Bima, closing his book.

Aulia nodded slowly. "The guidance was quite tough," he answered softly.

Mr. Bima smiled faintly, then reached out his arms to hug Aulia. "Sorry if I was too harsh earlier. You know, I just want you to get the best."

Aulia nodded again, this time with a more sincere smile. "I know. I just hope... we don't have to keep pretending like this."

Mr. Bima took a deep breath, then kissed Aulia's forehead gently. "We have to be patient. Just a little more, after you graduate, we can live more freely without needing to hide anything."

They were silent for a moment, letting the warm atmosphere between them flow without needing many words. However, in their hearts, there was a constant fear looming-fear of the future and the possibility that their secrets might be revealed.

Early Signs

A few days later, Aulia felt something strange. He started to feel nauseous every morning, and there was a feeling of dizziness that often came suddenly. At first, Aulia didn't think much about it, thinking it might be stress and fatigue. However, as the symptoms appeared more frequently, he began to worry.

One night, after returning from campus, Aulia decided to talk to Pak Bima about how she felt. When they sat together at the dining table, Aulia gathered her courage to open up on a topic she had been thinking about for a long time.