Genius Liar (English)

I opened my eyes to the sound of the cell phone alarm blaring across the table. Without needing to look at the clock, I know for sure that it is time for me to wake up. At exactly 5 am, I set the alarm.

I took a deep breath before I tried to get up from lying down. My movement stopped because of a hand that was wrapped possessively around my waist. I glanced at the owner of the hand who was still fast asleep beside me.

Smiling a little when looking at the innocent face of my sleeping partner, who is none other than my husband. His name is Raefal Syahreza, he is exactly 36 years old this year. The same age as me because we are the same age, only 5 months apart. The man I've been married to for 10 years. The man who seemed to have always been by my side all my life.

Before officially becoming husband and wife, we were in a relationship for 7 years. The first time we dated, we were still in high school. A smile always tugged at my lips with every sweet memory that crossed my head.

I'm not going to say my husband is a perfect man, maybe many other men are far more perfect than him out there. But for me, this man is perfect. His face I think is handsome, his smart brain that always manages to make me chuckle in awe, and his independence that makes even my family always praise him. He is a person who is so proud not only by his family but by my family too.

But of all the special things he has, his kindness and concern for me and our little family are everything to me. Being the reason that made me stay with him until this second with the sincere love that I only offer for him.

No matter how busy he is at work, he has never once neglected us. That's what made me love my husband so much. For him family is everything. Although now he is shining in his business career. His busy life at work never made him neglect his family.

I know very well how he was when he was nothing when he was just a young man who was seeking the highest knowledge. A young man who is willing to pursue scholarships for the sake of continuing his education because he does not come from a wealthy family.

I am a living witness to how hard my husband struggled until he achieved the success he is now. He was originally just an ordinary worker at a Japanese company engaged in electronics. Hyoma Industries is the name of the company as well as the brand of its electronic products. It's been 7 years my husband worked at the company, now he has served as General Manager in one of the company's branches located in the city of Bandung. It has been almost three years since we have lived in Bandung, occupying the official residence provided by the company.

I moved my husband's hand slowly, worried that my movement would wake him up.

After making sure my husband's sleep was not disturbed, I walked casually to the bathroom, intending to take a shower.

It didn't take long for me to take a shower, it only took ten minutes.

After that I rushed to the kitchen, I have to prepare breakfast for the three of us today. Have I told you that in this house there are three of us living?

Me, my husband, and Raffa ... our only son we got after 4 years of our marriage. He is truly the son we have been waiting for. Now he is 6 years old, and he is already attending a kindergarten not far from my husband's office.

Arriving at the kitchen, I prepare simple food. Toast for me and my husband and cereal for my beloved son. I don't forget to make warm sweet tea for my husband and chocolate milk for Raffa.

"Hmmm... done."

I looked with pride at the result of my hard work which was now served on the table. Our breakfast is ready, now I have to do my next task. You could say this is my routine task every day, especially in the morning.

I went back into my room. I found my beloved husband still coddled and spoiled in our bed. I approached him, and without thinking or feeling doubtful, I uncovered the thick blanket that wrapped his strapping body. I blushed violently when my gaze fell on his muscular stomach because last night he slept with his chest bare. Even though I have been his wife for 10 years, it has been 17 years since we were dating, and I have always been by his side. But still, seeing my husband's muscular body, which is one of the reasons I am proud of him, always makes me blush.

"Honey wake up. It's already 6 o'clock, you'll be late for work."

He didn't respond or even open his eyes. He remained motionless in bed in the same position, which was lying on his back on the mattress.

I reached out my hand, intending to shake her body. And that's when I realized I made a mistake.

With one jerk he grabbed my hand that was outstretched to him. Instantly my body fell on top of him. When I was about to get up, he hugged me tightly so I could not move in this confinement.

"What are you doing? let go. You'll be late."

"I am still sleepy. You accompany me to sleep in a while okay?" he said spoiled, he hugged me as if I was a bolster.

"Don't do this, seriously you'll be late. I have to wake up your son anyway."

I heard his moaning voice, it seemed he did not like to hear my refusal.

When I finally broke free from his clutches, I rushed to my feet.

"Come on, wake up, Mr. Raefal, the lazy one."

I pulled his hand after teasing him with that taunt. He didn't refuse this time, I easily managed to change his sleeping position to sitting.

"I'm still really sleepy, seriously," he said again reasoning.

"It's my fault for staying up late last night."

"Yes, it can't be helped, I have to prepare materials for the meeting."

"You have a meeting today?"

He answered with a nod of the head.

"That means you late home today?"

"Yeah, but I'm trying to hurry home. When the meeting is over, I'll go straight home."

This time I nodded. It couldn't be helped, he was a branch manager, and attending meetings had become his routine. As a wife, I can only understand him when he has to come home late because of meetings that sometimes take up tonight.

"Let's take a shower there."

I see he is still lazy to get up. I was forced to take action. I pushed his back so that his body, which was standing looming before me now, could move towards the bathroom.

"We bathe together, how about?" he asked while winking one eye, ignorant.

"Don't be silly. You're just like Raffa asking to take a bath together." Of course, I refused this ridiculous request.

"We used to take a bath together. You haven't rubbed my back in a long time," he said again, I rolled my eyes lazily.

"Just go to the spa if you want to scrub." He shrugged his shoulders at my answer.

"If Raffa asks, you won't refuse."

"Yes, yes, he was still small."

"Why am I so jealous of Raffa?" He said success made me chuckle.

"Oh my gosh, how can you be jealous of your child? Already there take a shower, I want to wake up Raffa first."

After that without waiting for his answer, I walked closer to the wardrobe. I prepared the clothes that my husband will wear this morning. I breathed a sigh of relief when the tail of my eye saw my husband's movement toward the bathroom.

As my original plan, I went to my beloved son's room. I was surprised when I found him sitting in front of his study table. His gaze fell down the table as if he was working on something. I quickly approached him.

"Raffa dear, are you awake?"

He turned to me with a wide smile, making me excited to want to pinch his chubby cheeks.

"What are doing?"

"Draw a picture, Mom," he said, showing him the picture he just made.

A picture of a simple house typical of the hands of children of his age.

"Wow, is this our house?"

"Yes, Mother. How did Mommy know?" he asked with round eyes directed at me. he looks even cuter.

"Because the picture is similar to our house."

And my answer seems to make my son happy. He skipped a little on the floor hugging his picture tightly.

"Come on, let's take a shower first. Soon you have to go to school."

In contrast to his father who had a thousand reasons to refuse, my beloved son obeyed my words at that instant.

"Do you want mommy to bathe?"

"No need, Mom. I can shower myself!!" he shouted from inside the bathroom.

I smiled broadly feeling proud of my son who had learned to be independent even though he was still very small.

While waiting for him to finish his bath, I prepared his uniform. I don't forget to make sure of the books and other school equipment that he has to bring today.

It only took five minutes, and Raffa walked happily toward me with a towel wrapped around his waist. I helped him put on his uniform. After his appearance was neat, we walked together to the dining room.

"Good morning Daddy," Raffa shouted happily when he found his father already sitting pretty in the living room. Without hesitation, he climbed into his father's lap. I smiled a little at this touching sight.

"Good morning to champion Daddy. How did you sleep last night? rest well?"

Raffa nodded enthusiastically, laughing out loud when my husband naughtily rubbed his chin on Raffa's neck.

"Daddy, I was drawing a house. Mommy said the picture looks like our house."

"Oh yes? Where are you trying to see Daddy?"

"Mommy, where's my picture?" asked Raffa, his cute look was directed at me.

"It's in your room."

"Take it, Mommy. I want to see Daddy," he pleaded with a whimper. I exhaled slowly when I found my son's spoiled nature starting to relapse.

"Later daddy look at the picture. Look, you're going to be late for school. Daddy has to go to work too."

"Well... mommy," he pouted, and he pursed his lips. Pout because you don't like my rejection.

"Later after work, daddy will see the picture. Now Raffa eats his cereal. Don't be naughty, Mommy will be angry."

"Yes, Mommy when angry is scary, like a lion."

And I can only shake my head when I hear my husband and son chatting. After that, there was no more chatter, and both of them started to focus on their food.

15 minutes passed, and my husband finally finished his breakfast. He took his briefcase and kissed the top of Raffa's head who was still eating his cereal, before leading me to the door.

"I'll go first. Be careful when you're on the road delivering Raffa," he advised me. I nod in understanding.

"You also be careful on the road. Have a good job today."

After saying that with all my heart, as usual, I kissed the back of her hand. Just as usual, he would kiss my forehead, right cheek, and left cheek, then end up kissing my lips softly. He walked towards his black sedan parked in front of our house.

I waved at him and waved back at him as soon as he started the car.

At first glance, our marriage looks harmonious, doesn't it? We both seem to love each other without any problems in our household life. Yes, it's true that from the outside, we look like a happy family.

However ... the reality is not like that. At least until I started to lose my faith in my husband.

It all started one month ago. As I was packing my husband's briefcase, I accidentally saw a red velvet box. A box in which a beautiful necklace is displayed. I will be happy if the necklace is prepared by my husband to be given to me.

But after I looked carefully, the necklace was not for me. It has ZK's initials on the locket. ZK is not my initials, because my initials are IG, Indira Gianina.

That's where my suspicions started, especially when I heard a neighbor who is like a sister to me, telling me she once caught my husband eating with a woman in a restaurant.

This is where my story begins. The story of my investigation to prove this suspicion, as well as to find out the name behind the ZK initials has managed to grab my husband's attention.

The time is exactly 8 pm at this time, as usual at this hour my husband is at home. Every day he comes home at 5 pm from his office, because the distance between his office and our house is quite close, at 6 pm he usually arrives home. Even if he doesn't have a meeting or other extra work outside the office that makes him come home late.

It can be said that it is quite rare for him to come home late, even if he has to come home late, he will let me know first. Maybe the reason he was so open to me made me never doubt his honesty during our ten years of marriage.

I found our husband and only son, Raffa... sitting in front of the television while their hands were busy holding game sticks. They were playing the PlayStation game Ninja Ultimate I saw it from the television screen where two ninja figures were fighting fiercely.

"Yeee... I won. Daddy loses!" Raffa shouted happily because he won the game.

Raefal, my husband ... pretended to put on a face that wanted to cry, suddenly making Raffa laugh out loud at the sight of him, looking so happy.

I shook my head for a moment to see the behavior of the two people before I decided to join them. I sat on the sofa right behind them who were indeed sitting on the carpet.

"Mommy, I won. Daddy lost. Daddy sucks, huh?" my son said with his innocent smile that never faded. I smiled a little in response.

"Who says daddy sucks?" my husband said, feigning offense.

"Yeah, Daddy sucks because Daddy keeps losing playing the game." My son replied smartly.

"That's because you are good at playing games, not because Daddy is bad."

Raffa giggled when Raefal suddenly picked him up, then he hugged Raffa tightly. Occasionally he would tickle Raffa's body, successfully making our beloved son twitch in amusement with his loud laughter that blared throughout the house.

"Darling, already. Poor Raffa."

I said that, when I saw Raffa laughing excessively while holding his stomach which was probably starting to hurt from laughing too much, I couldn't bear to see it either.

Raefal didn't say anything, he chose to obey what I said without any objections, it was seen from his stopping tickling Raffa and letting go of his hug.

"Come on, Daddy, play again."

"OK, Daddy definitely won't lose. This time, Daddy will win," my husband said excitedly.

After that, their game started again.

While I still faithfully sat behind them. Now and then I looked at my son who looked excited holding a stick in his hand, sometimes the sound of screaming came from his tiny mouth, inviting laughter for me and laughter for Raefal.

Now and then I looked at my husband's straight back, how he seemed to be enjoying his game with Raffa. The smile never fades from my lips when I see this sight in front of me, never ... until the memory of that necklace comes back to dance in my head.

The necklace with the initials ZK that I confirmed disappeared from Raefal's briefcase. Could it be that he gave the necklace to the owner of the initial ZK? I don't know the answer because I don't dare to ask Raefal. I was too scared, afraid that the answer I would hear would break my heart.

The sound of Raffa's screams, who again won the game, greeted my eardrums again, causing all my thoughts to be shattered in an instant.

"That's daddy sucks. Watch me win again. Isn't that right mommy, Daddy sucks?" I smiled broadly in response, then I gave my nod as a form of my approval.

"Yeah, Daddy sucks huh. You're the best," I replied.

Raffa got up from his seat, he was jumping up and down happily while his little mouth kept screaming with joy.

"Daddy sucks... daddy sucks." So he said over and over again.

"How come you say that, instead of defending me," Raefal pouted while turning to me. I didn't know how to react besides laughing following my son's laughter that had not subsided.

"Come on, play one more time, this time Daddy will win," said my husband, who was immediately nodded enthusiastically by Raffa.

That's when I glanced at the clock that was displayed nicely on the wall of the room and widened my eyes when I realized that it was 9 pm now.

"Enough playing already. Time for Raffa to sleep."

I said this, I got up from my seat. I took the stick that was being held by Raffa.

"Yeah Mommy, I still want to play games with Daddy," Raffa pouted, refusing when I took the stick from him.

"Tomorrow we will play the game. It's 9 o'clock, time for you to sleep. Come on, let's go to your room."

Raffa turned to Raefal as if asking his father for help to persuade me. I glared at Raefal when he looked at me and opened his mouth to say something. He winced when he realized my rejection through the look in my eyes.

"Mommy is cranky. You can just sleep, tomorrow we'll play a game again," said Raefal, finally choosing to help me persuade Raffa.

"Yeah, but I still want to play a game."

"Tomorrow we will continue, daddy promised."

"You have to keep your promise, Daddy," said Raffa, holding out his pinky finger to Raefal.

Raefal chuckled at the adorable behavior of our son, then without hesitation, he held out his pinkie. Their little fingers intertwined after that. I just smiled a little at the sight.

"I'll go to Raffa's room first, accompany him to sleep," I said goodbye, to which Raefal immediately nodded.

Raffa and I walked casually to Raffa's room, our hands were holding each other accompanied by Raffa's small mouth that never stopped chattering. Raffa is indeed the source of happiness and joy in my life. Without him, I don't know... I don't know if I can be this strong when my heart is upset because my trust in my husband is starting to falter.

Arriving at Raffa's room. I helped her change into her sleep pajamas. I covered him once his little body was lying comfortably on the bed.

Patting his thighs gently, a habit that I do every night so he can fall asleep quickly.

After 30 minutes passed, I was sure Raffa had fallen asleep. I came out of my son's room.

I frowned when I found my husband still sitting in front of the television. The television screen appeared to be showing a Hollywood action film, I don't know what the title was because I was more interested in finding out what my husband was doing. His head was bowed, it was clear that he was not focused on the television screen, but was focused on the cellphone screen in his hand.

From behind him, I saw his fingers so skillfully dancing on the keypad of his cell phone, clear evidence that he was typing a message that he would send to someone.

I cleared my throat quite loudly, of course, he heard it because now he reflexively turned to look at me.

"Raffa is sleeping?" he asked. I answered with a small nod.

"What are doing?"

"Watching movies. Come watch it together," he said, patting the empty carpet next to him. I shook my head, not in the mood for a movie at the moment.

"I'm sleepy. Just want to sleep. It's already late, you better sleep too. Tomorrow morning you have to work again.

He smiled a little at my answer.

"Not sleepy yet, the film is exciting. Yes, you sleep first. I'll be back soon."

Hearing his answer like that, there is no more reason for me to stay here, so I continued walking toward our room.

It didn't take long for me to fall into a deep sleep, my many activities today were enough to drain my energy. I need to rest.

In the middle of my deep sleep, I was startled when I felt something springy, wet, and warm touching my lips. I quickly opened my eyes and frowned confused when Raefal's face was right in front of mine. He just kissed me.

"Happy birthday honey," he said as he pulled my hand to get up from my lying position.

To be honest, my consciousness hasn't gathered yet, I'm also still surprised by his actions that awaken my deep sleep.

Without a word, I followed him who was still holding my hand to follow him out of the room.

He led me slowly down the stairs of our house. I'm still silent, letting him take me wherever he goes.

Until when we were in the dining room, I widened my eyes in great surprise.

On the dining table is a medium-sized black forest cake with a candle forming the number 36 stuck on the surface of the cake, and the candle is lit. There are also some of my favorite seafood dishes such as fried squid and spicy prawns already served on the table. It looked so tempting that without realizing it I swallowed my saliva.

"Happy 36th birthday honey. Wish you all the best," he said as he kissed my lips softly.

My consciousness was drawn to the real world completely. How could I forget this important day? It's true today is my birthday. Now I'm exactly 36 years old, the same as Raefal's birthday five months ago.

When I glanced at the clock on the wall, it was 00.12 now, exactly midnight. I was touched, I didn't expect Raefal to prepare such a beautiful surprise for me.

"Come on, blow out the candles," he pleaded, I didn't refuse him. I rushed to blow out the candle.

I cut the cake, then I gave my husband the first bite of course. We laughed together when the piece of cake I fed him accidentally fell and soiled the white shirt Raefal was wearing.

He wasn't angry because of my carelessness. He also held my hand when I intended to wipe the dirty stains on his shirt with a tissue. He held my hand that was holding the tissue, then he kissed the back of my hand gently. Have I said that my husband is indeed very romantic?

Affectionate actions such as kissing the back of my hand gently had often been done. I wasn't surprised to see him even though a blush always appeared on my cheeks whenever he treated me this sweetly.

"Come on, let's eat," he said, he pulled the chair I was going to sit on.

"You cook?" I asked curiously.

Raefal nodded, I believe this statement. I know very well how smart my husband is when it comes to cooking.

"How about this cake?" I asked again.

"I ordered earlier using an online shop," he replied.

I'm trying to think positively right now, maybe this is what Raefal was doing when I found him busy playing on his cellphone earlier, he was ordering this cake using an online motorcycle taxi service. Hopefully, this is indeed what happened, the reason he ignores the movie playing in front of him and prefers to focus on his cellphone screen.

After that, we also ate the food with gusto. We do have a lot in common, including our favorite types of food, any food as long as it's made from seafood.

"I didn't expect you to remember my birthday?" I ask this in between our eating activities.

"Have I ever forgotten your birthday?" he asked back.

I tried to remember, then I shook my head when I realized he never forgot my birthday. When I think about it again, I'm the one who often almost forgets his birthday.

"Thanks for the surprise."

"You like?"

"Very," I answered honestly.

We went back to eating our food in peace.

"Honey, can I ask you something?"

And let me say this again, there is something that is propping up my heart, I want to ask him right now.

"What?" he replied, he was looking at me now.

"Besides me, is there any girl you like?"

Raefal frowned for a few seconds before he returned to his normal facial expression.

"Nothing, just you wrote," he replied, his eyes still focused on my face.

"Really? You never see a cute girl, then you are attracted to her?"

"Never did."

"Hmmm ... I see," I muttered. He lowered his head and resumed his eating activities.

"You are not bored with me? We've been together for a long time right?"

And he looked up again as soon as the question came out of my mouth.

"Bored? It's impossible. I love you."

"Just honey? You don't love me anymore?"

I could swear, he was shocked to hear my question.

"Love dong for sure."

"You love me?" I asked, once again making sure.

"Yeah, really love."

"Until when are you going to love me?"

I heard Raefal snort at my question this time. Before he chuckled and shook his head slowly.

"Until whenever. forever." That's the answer not long ago.

"If I go. If I'm not there beside you Do you think you are sad or not?"

The first question I asked him was.

"Very sad. Why do you ask like that?" This time he asked me back, one eyebrow raised, maybe surprised because I wasn't usually asking questions like this to him.

"Just for fun," I replied, of course, I lied. I seriously asked all of him.

"Don't keep asking weird questions. Oh yes, I have a present for you."

After saying that, I saw him take out something from under the table. A paper bag decorated with a ribbon on the front. He gave the paper bag to me, which of course I immediately accepted without hesitation.

I opened the paper bag, and can't wait to see its contents. Deep inside, I wished that the paper bag contained the necklace I found in her briefcase. Even though that hope seems impossible.

And sure enough, my hopes did not come true when I found out that the contents of the paper bag were the latest luxury cellphones whose prices were fantastic.

"How? You like?" he asked enthusiastically.

I was stunned for a moment looking at the cell phone before finally, I nodded vigorously while smiling broadly at him. looks like I'm really happy when in fact my heart is very disappointed.

"Thank you, dear." I sincerely say this. He grinned at that, inviting a surprised frown to my forehead.

When he suddenly grabbed my hand, then pulled it forcefully until I stood up from my seat and ended up falling on his lap, I knew there was a hidden intention behind his annoying grin.

"Is that all you're saying thank you?" he asked, winking one eye, teasing me.

"Do you want me to say thank you in what way?"

"Seriously you ask?" I nodded, even though I could guess what was going on in his brain.

"Okay, I'll tell you then."

As soon as he finished speaking, he planted a passionate kiss right on my lips. Then stood up, holding my body as if to him my body was as light as cotton. He seemed to have no trouble walking up the stairs to our room even though I was on his lap. Our lips are still touching each other, neither me nor him, no one intends to let go.

My trust in my husband is slowly disappearing. There seems to be no other way for me than to investigate the owner of the necklace myself. Because asking Raefal directly seems impossible for him to say it honestly if I see from the answers earlier. As if there is no other woman in his life besides me.

I will investigate until I know who the woman with the initial ZK is.

But for now, I have no choice but to carry out my duties as a wife who must serve my husband's biological needs.

If my husband is cheating on me behind my back, let him bear the sin. not me. Because I will continue to carry out my obligations as a wife even though when I remember the possibility of him having an affair, it makes me lose interest in making love to him.