Contract Marriage of the Sole Heir

Maya Syaqilla: The village girl, who is very friendly and humble, likes to help others, and is kind, is now starting to grow up. Maya is the first of three children; her younger siblings are still in school.

Maya does not want to continue to be a burden on her parents, who work as farm laborers on people's land with meager wages.

They can eat, so Maya's determination is firm and unanimous to change the fate of her family for the better; if not her, then who else? Her younger siblings are still too young to experience the world's harshness.

After lunch, Maya hurriedly washed the dishes and returned to sit on the ground covered with a shabby mat.

"Mom, sir, Maya has something to say," Maya said, looking serious. Both parents were now focused on her.

"What do you want to talk about?" asked her mother, Tinah.

"Yes, what do you want to say? How come it looks so serious?" Tejo said, also curious.

"It's a serious matter; Maya has decided not to continue her studies, and Maya wants to work in the city. Maya wants our lives to be better," Maya said carefully.

"WHAT? You don't agree; you think life in the city is good? You think it's easy to find a job in the city, huh?" Tejo screeched in refusal.

"But sir... Maya pities the younger siblings who often endure hunger every day and cannot be like other children; let Maya alone feel it all, sir; don't let Maya's younger siblings feel it, "Maya said pleadingly.

"FATHER IS STILL ABLE TO PAY FOR KALIANS, EVEN FOR SCHOOL; DON'T WASTE THE SCHOLARSHIP GIVEN BY THE SCHOOL," Tejo squealed unhappily.

"Maya actually also wants to go to school as high as possible, sir, but unfortunately the circumstances are not in Maya's favor. Let Maya work in the city, sir," Maya pleaded with tears in her eyes.

"What do you want to do? You don't have any experience, and it will be difficult for you to apply for a job," Tinah said with tears in her eyes.

"Maya will look for information first; the important thing is that mom and dad allow it," said Maya.

"Which parent is willing to let their child work far away in a foreign city? My heart is heavy," said Tinah unwillingly.

"Maya promises not to disappoint you," whined Maya.

"Once you say no, no," argued Tejo, who immediately hurried away to continue his work.

"Mom... Huhuhu, why are you so fierce with Maya? What did Maya do wrong?" Maya asked, crying.

"Your father just doesn't want to be separated from you; you're the eldest child, so how could he let you work in the city? It's better to think about it," Tinah said.

"Maya has thought it through," Maya said confidently.

"That's probably just your thinking; try to think again. Mom wants to go back to work first," Tinah said, then continued her work.

"Anyway, I have to work in the city; starting today, I have to find information," Maya muttered, wiping her tears.

After her parents' departure, Maya went to her relatives' house to ask for information about jobs in the city.

Unfortunately, her friends had no information because they were still continuing their education.

"I'm really sorry, May; I can't help because I want to continue my studies," Eka said unpleasantly.

"It's okay; it's just my fault for asking about job vacancies with people who haven't worked yet. Sorry for disturbing their time," said Maya a little sadly.

"Have you thought carefully about working in the city? Don't you want to use the scholarship given by the school?" asked Eka.

"No, ah, getting a scholarship, I still have to pay for some necessities and so on; it will burden my parents even more, so it's better for me to work," said Maya optimistically.

"That's too bad, but what can I do? I can't help more; hopefully, working in the city will be your fortune, May," Eka sincerely hoped. Maya agreed and then said goodbye to home.

Coincidentally, a neighbor heard that Maya wanted to work in the city. A few days ago, her brother told Hartini to find a village girl who wanted to work in the city.

"Maya, come here." Hartini called, waving to Maya.

"Yes, auntie, what's wrong?" asked Maya as she walked closer.

"You said you needed a job in the city, right?" asked Hartini to make sure.

"Yes, aunty, Maya really wants to work in the city," replied Maya enthusiastically.

"Good... It just so happens that my brother has a job opening; do you want it?" asked Hartini.

"What is the job, auntie?" asked Maya curiously.

"The job is to be a housekeeper, and this aunt's brother needs it immediately. If you want, I will give you the number so you can chat with each other," said Hartini reluctantly.

"No problem, Aunty. Maya wants to be a maid; the important thing is halal," Maya said without thinking.

"Here is the number; please call me first," Hartini asked, and Maya nodded.

After that, Maya went home happy because she could soon work in the city, and her family's life would be better.

"Anyway, I must immediately inform you of this number and tell you that if I am willing, Mom and Dad will inevitably allow it. It is not Maya's intention to be a disobedient child, but if it is not Maya who changes fate, then who else? Hopefully, this is my way of making my family happy," Maya thought, then hurried to call the number Hartini gave.

It was only on the third ring that Maya's call was answered; the tone sounded rude, making Maya's guts shrink. "Hello, who is this?" the man asked curtly.

"Gosh, are all the people in the city like this? So fierce," Maya thought in surprise.

"Hello... Don't joke, I'm turning off the phone," the man reprimanded, and Maya couldn't help but express her intentions and goals.

"Ha-halo, excuse me, is this really Mr. Handoko? My name is Maya," Maya asked to make sure.

"Yes, who is Maya?" asked Handoko curiously.

"I am Maya, Mrs. Hartini's neighbor. She gave this phone number earlier and said you were opening a job vacancy as a maid," Maya asked carefully.

"Maid? Haha, that's just a camouflage; originally, you will be married to my boss," Handoko was amused.

"Uh yeah, right, are you willing?" asked Handoko.

"I'm willing, sir," Maya replied enthusiastically.

"Okay, then in 2 days I will pick you up; it just so happens that my vacation schedule is that day, can you?" asked Handoko.

"That fast, sir? I can do it," Maya replied firmly.

"Good... See you in two days, Maya," said Handoko, then disconnected the call.

"I haven't answered it yet; you just turned off. It's true that city people lack ethics," Maya muttered in surprise and then returned her old-fashioned cell phone.

At least this time, Handoko could breathe a sigh of relief because the task from his boss could be completed. "Haha, would he still be willing if he knew my original job?"

In the center of a city full of the hustle and bustle of the world, one man severely limits himself to women. He is Boy Yudhistira. He has a perfect physique, and many women are very jealous. Undoubtedly, he is always the center of attention wherever he is.

Whatever he wears, even if it's just a plain T-shirt with long jeans, radiates his handsome aura. Moreover, he became one of the most successful young businessmen, and he entered the top 20 via Forbes magazine, so women were willing to lower their self-esteem to become a Boy's lover.

Unfortunately, no matter how they flirted, it never once swayed him until many women complained that Boy was gay, impotent, and other bad news. He didn't care about the news; instead, he was helped by the rumors.

Originally, Boy is just like many other men who sometimes also want satisfaction but are always suppressed because there is a trauma that is still imprinted on his heart. The trauma of being in love again with someone else...

Flashback

In the past, Boy had a girlfriend named Almira Cantika. They were in love for four years, and the longer their dating style was out of bounds, the more deadly the seduction became. The Boy's seduction made Almira willing to give up her crown for the sake of the idol.

After getting everything, Boy changed over time and often ignored Almira, making her lover think badly and even suspect that Boy was just playing with her. Finally, there was a big fight.

"Boy, we need to meet," Almira said via chat.

"What's wrong, honey?" replied Boy, not suspecting anything.

"You'll see, we'll meet at the apartment at 6 p.m.," Almira replies matter-of-factly.

"Ok, Honey." Boy replied lightly.

****

When the time finally showed 5 p.m., he hurried to his lover's apartment. Before leaving, he felt bad and was also nervous, but he immediately brushed it off and continued to meet his lover.

At the apartment:

"Hi baby, I miss you," said Boy, kissing Almira on the forehead.

"Hi baby, me too." Almira replied coldly.

"What's wrong with you? Why are you so cold?" asked Boy in surprise.

"I should be the one asking, after getting everything, why have you changed? Is this why you approached me?" accused Almira angrily.

"What do you mean?" asked Boy, not understanding.

"Never mind.... There's no need to pretend anymore. I know your purpose in approaching me is just to play with me, right? You're planning to destroy me, aren't you?" accused Almira.

"What are you talking about? Why are you talking nonsense? I don't want to play with you, let alone destroy you. I love you very much," Boy argued unhappily.

"Bullshit. What is this?" Almira showed a picture of a boy with another woman in a bar.

"Ah, you're making a big deal out of this picture! You should know better! I go to bars all the time, and for this, you seem to be overthinking it. It's just the two of us sitting together; where did I kiss or touch her? Don't make a fuss," Boy argued irritably.

"Did you forget you promised you wouldn't come to that place again? And in the past few months, why have you been avoiding me? What did I do wrong?" Almira asked for an explanation.

"I came to that place at the insistence of my friend, who organized a party there. Avoiding you? Never once did I intend to stay away from you," Boy argued.

"Why is it that every time I want to see you, you make so many excuses? Are you tired of me?" Almira is accused again.

"You're talking more and more nonsense the longer you talk! Honestly, what do you want? I'm sick of being blamed all the time," Boy challenged angrily.

"I ask you to be honest; are you tired of me?" asked Almira to make sure again.

"Who is bored with me or you? Don't twist the facts! I have always fulfilled all your wishes, but you are never satisfied with them," Boy said.

"Me? Why me?" asked Almira, annoyed because she felt cornered.

"Yes, you are! All this time, I have always been silent every time there is news that you are walking with this one. But I always believed you; did I ever ask you about it? Then why is a photo of you sitting together in a bar a problem? We haven't been dating for a month or two. We've been dating for almost 4 years, but this is the first time you've made a big deal out of something so trivial; if you turn it around, who's bored here?" The Boy quipped with a smirk that made Almira die.

"WHO TELLS YOU IF I'M WALKING WITH ANOTHER MAN?" screeched Almira unacceptably.

"There's no need to know who it was! The important thing is, as long as I don't see him directly, you and he are still safe." The Boy's sarcasm made Almira shudder in horror.

"Who told him? Oh my, I'll die if I get caught! I haven't completely drained his assets," Almira thought anxiously. "Why? Panic? Restless? Don't know how to explain? I told you, if I don't know directly, it's safe; I'm too lazy to argue like a child. I'll take my leave, dear," Boy said, not wanting to prolong the problem, and left.

****

A few months later, Boy saw Almira walking with a man in a mall. Without thinking, he approached and immediately beat the man who dared to touch Almira.

"Who is he?" asked Boy, surprising Almira and then releasing the hug on the guy's arm.

"Who is he, dear?" asked Boy, confused.

"Oh, this is your new favorite," quipped Boy, and Almira was nervous.

"Hmm, boy, I'm here," Almira replied nervously.

"How come you're so nervous? You're usually loud when explaining; why did you get caught red-handed?" she asked. And for you, how long have you been in love with my girlfriend?" quipped Boy with his fierce face.

"Oh, this is Boy? I'm Askara, and as you can see, I'm Almira's lover," said Askara bravely, holding out his hand.

"Good," replied Boy, who could not hold back his emotions anymore and immediately beat Askara unthinkingly, causing a crowd in the mall. Finally, Boy and Askara were taken away by security.

Since that incident, there has never been a word of love or woman in his life, and he chose to grow into a cold, cruel, and selfish man. Even after the incident, he left his family and decided to live in Singapore. There, he became the leader of a gangster who was famous enough that many were reluctant to follow him. Not wanting to continue to be a street troublemaker, he founded his own company with the existing capital until it could stand as successful as it is today. Although it had experienced a crisis, thanks to the help of his friends, it can now rise again.

A service that Boy will never forget to his friend who has helped him selflessly.

Maya will leave for the capital tomorrow to work and change her family's fortunes. Maya has high hopes for this job. Having finished packing, Maya now meets her parents to ask for permission. At first, her father refused; for him, Maya was still too young to feel how cruel life was in the capital.

But thanks to Maya's persistence in softening her parents' hearts, they finally agreed to let their daughter work in the city because she always gave news and told the address where she worked.

****

The following day, Handoko was ready to pick Maya up.

Tejo and Tinah felt sad when they let go of their daughter to work in the city, but with a heavy heart, they had to let go for the sake of Maya's business in the town.

In the afternoon, Maya arrived at her employer's residence. When she got out of the car, she was amazed by the luxurious and spacious house, which exceeded the soccer field in her hometown. Maya stared at the front yard of her employer's house, which infuriated Handoko.

Handoko was furious.

"Mayaaaaa!" Handoko half shouted.

"Yes, yes, sir," Maya replied in surprise.

"Let's hurry up and get in! Don't even look there," Handoko invited Maya to come in.

He was stepped into his master's magnificent palace.

Maya was awaited by Boy, sitting in the living room playing on his expensive cell phone.

"My boss has brought Maya," Handoko said as he bowed respectfully.

The Boy took in Maya's appearance from top to bottom. Although her appearance was tacky, her physique was okay. "What's your name?" Boy asked curtly.

"My name is... Maya Syaqilla, sir," Maya replied meekly.

"That's a good name. Starting tomorrow, you can start working; let the chief domestic assistant tell you what you do," Boy said tersely.

"Yes, sir," Maya replied nervously.

"Take her to her room to clean up first and then rest." Boy said, and Handoko nodded in understanding.

"Let me take you to your room," Handoko invited, and Maya nodded obediently.

For some reason, after Maya's departure, Boy's heart felt very sad. He remembered Almira, the woman who had made his heart feel dead.

No matter what, they were almost alike; the only difference was that Maya had a simple appearance like a village girl. "Why should she be my contract wife?" Boy muttered uneasily.

Feeling it would take too long to wait for tomorrow, Boy finally called Maya to his office.

Knock, Knock, Knock. There was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Boy answered from inside.

"Excuse me, sir, did you really call me?" asked Maya politely.

"Yes, please sit down," Boy replied.

"Please sign this so that starting tomorrow you can work immediately, and later I myself will monitor your performance," said Boy, handing over the agreement folder.

"Can I read it first, sir?" asked Maya, and Boy nodded in agreement.

Then, Maya carefully read the agreement given by her boss. At the last point, Maya was surprised by the agreement's contents and objected, so she immediately asked her boss.

"I'm sorry, sir, but for the last point, I have an objection," Maya said unpleasantly but had to say it immediately.

"What's the reason?" asked Boy curiously.

"Because I'm here to work as a maid, not to be a contract wife," Maya replied, half-frightened.

"Haha, you think I'll mess with you later? I won't! I'm reluctant to even touch you. Actually, you are here to be my contract wife. It won't take long-just a year. If it weren't for my family's insistence, I wouldn't be doing this; it would be demeaning to my self-esteem as the sole heir. as the sole heir," Boy said haughtily as Maya boldly refused his request, even though in Boy's mind, by reading the contents of the agreement, Maya would obey and immediately agree.

"No, sir! Marriage is sacred and only happens once in a lifetime! I don't want to play with marriage, so it's better to find another woman," Maya refused firmly.

"How dare you refuse my request? Just sign, and then we'll have a contract marriage next week. After that, I followed all the theatrics I had asked for. That's it, and I guarantee I won't touch or even sleep in the same bed with you. Did you forget what you came to the city for? You want to make it all happen. So sign this agreement.

And I guarantee your family a good, comfortable, and happy life," Boy said, influencing Maya.

"But, sir, the name of the marriage must have a marriage guardian and witnesses. I want my parents to witness it when I get married," Maya said innocently.

"That's if there is a real marriage, whereas this is just a contract. You will also get a monthly allowance of money from me, no matter how much you want," said Boy, again influencing.

"How much do I want?" Maya asked for confirmation.

"Of course! Just tell me the amount you're asking for, and I'll guarantee your family a good life too," Boy said provokingly and smiled faintly.

"I'm sorry, sir; I still can't; I'll have to excuse myself." Maya refused and left Boy alone in the office.

"Gosh, it's so hard to get her to obey me. Doesn't wealth tempt her? How can any woman today refuse free money? Especially this married to me. There are many.

Who is lining up to be my spouse, but she? A country girl who firmly refuses! She intrigues me." The Boy got annoyed and threw the folder in a random direction.

####

In the room, Maya couldn't stop crying when she learned that her purpose in working there was not to be a maid but a contract wife. It's true what her parents said: if life in the city is fierce and you can't care for yourself, you will be destroyed.

Then it will be destroyed.

Suddenly, there was a phone call from her father.

Maya immediately wiped her tears and picked up the call. "Hello, sir?" she said in a calm voice.

"Hello? Have you arrived? How is your employer? Evil? Cruel?" Tejo asked to make sure.

"Alhamdulillah, Maya arrived this afternoon, and Maya's employer told her to clean up and then rest. Maya just woke up, so she didn't have time to tell me. I apologize for worrying you," Maya lied.

"Thank God you have arrived safely; I have something to talk about." Tejo said it seriously.

"What is it, sir?" asked Maya curiously.

"Now that you are working in the city, I would like to ask you if you would be willing to give a little of your salary every month to us and also to pay off your debts." Tejo asked carefully.

"Since when did you have debts, and with whom?" asked Maya in surprise.

"Since a long time ago, it was to pay for your education, so I had to borrow from Bang Remon. You know how cruel he is when he can't pay off his debts," said Tejo sadly.

"Oh my! Why borrow from Bang Remon? If you don't have money, it's better to say you don't have it than to borrow from a loan shark! How much do you owe him?" asked Maya, upset and disappointed.

"You are also forced to borrow money from him. If the interest is the same, the debt will be $30 million, and Bang Remon even gave him one month to pay it off. He came here when he heard the news that you are now working in the city; he thought you would have a big salary," said Tejo, feeling guilty.

"Never mind, let Maya take care of Bang Remon's problem, as long as after this you promise not to have any more debts to him or anyone else," reprimanded Maya.

Maya admonished.

"Yes, I promise this is the first and last time. I'm sorry I've been a burden to you," said Tejo.

Been a burden to you," said Tejo sadly.

"Don't think about it too much; maybe this is his destiny. Hopefully in a month Maya can get that much money; Maya's boss is a good person; hopefully he can borrow the money," said Maya, which Tejo agreed to, and then their call broke up.

After the disconnected call, Maya felt dizzy because she had to get that much money reasonably quickly. Even though she was also self-conscious, if she just started working tomorrow, how could her employer be willing to lend even though it would be deducted per month from her salary?

"Do I have to agree to the marriage contract? Mr. Boss said he would grant me whatever amount of money I wanted," Maya wondered.