His Secretary, His Wife: A Love Story

For Bahtiar Gema, it's about creating pleasure. For Alara Senja, it's about collecting memories. And for the judges, it's about symbiotic mutualism. Where both need and benefit from each other. Gema with his biological needs and Alara with the most beautiful recordings in her memory. That's as far as it goes.

But even something as simple as this is still being fussed over constantly. Not through sarcastic or rude words. Not even shouting at each other. Only through the gaze of the eyes that emit each other's signals, has created a signal of rejection on one of the parties. Humans - sometimes - act beyond reason. Complicating a situation that is clearly easy to do.

The echo is the main culprit. It's not that I'm against it, it's just that it's crazy. Throughout the course of her life as a lawyer who changed assistants, Alara was the only one who dared to be impudent. Ah, not really. Oho! How nice of Gema to say this. Because if it's considered presumptuous, yes, Alara falls into that category. But if Gema could give a thumbs up and give a score, Alara was quite brave and courageous.

Alara should know-or even already knows-that by offering what she has is a risky risk in which Gema does not involve feelings in it. Okay. Judge the Echo broken. That's how some people see it. And Gema, not once did she want to mess around with people's judgment of her. What she had and what she had achieved were all due to the role of her parents and the support of her family. So, no matter how bad his name and image are in the eyes of the wider community, as long as the encouragement from his family supports his progress, everything will not be a problem.

But since Bahtiar Gema is also bragging... he doesn't know what bridged Alara Senja to do so. Of course, for the sake of that symbiotic mutualism. What a human being!

Here's the thing. Bahtiar Gema will tell you a little about Alara Senja. Since this is the opening chapter, it would be unethical for Gema to tell the whole story. His brain will not be able to accommodate the whole of how the real Alara is. Only through the big glasses seen in her daily life.

After all, humans are so habitual. Judging from the cover only. What a wonder!

She was still young. Echo forgot how old she was. When she applied to be his assistant at his new lawyer's office, to be honest, he just picked her. Not without reason. That day, there had just been an uproar that required Gema to replace his assistant immediately without obstruction. The problem was simple. There were many cases that Gema had to take care of, immediately and as soon as possible, considering the pile of items she had to attend to. Not to mention the trial that took up her time. So, Alara Senja's candidate, Gema agreed.

And during her three months here, Alara was quite useful considering she was still a student. Gema couldn't imagine-at first-how Alara would divide her time between working and studying, not to mention the assignments that demanded her attention. Um, now Alara is looking for another outlet to be petted. Echo is the target. The demon in Gema's brain deserves to be thrown into the abyss.

But... still. Alaran's visit to her room where the office was completely deserted and only the two of them remained. Want to know what Alara wants? This is crazy. That's all. Even crazier, Gema couldn't resist. Weren't they both crazy?

Just imagine it. Two crazy people meeting, what would happen. Other than... yeah, you know what I mean?

"Why?" Alara blurred Maha's various judgments about her being the equivalent of a 'Classy Woman'. Who was so independent and never whined about the work that Gema always gave her. "You're young and smart. Why Alara?"

Silence. Alara's lips were locked tight. If asked such a question, Alara had no answer. Aside from being reckless and instead wanting to test her adrenaline-uhh, her boss was tantalizing. Dazzling pairs of female eyes in one glance. From the moment she applied to this office, Alara had been infatuated with her widower boss. Yes, a widower. Imagine that! Alara's taste is unique. Different from the others. When all of her friends are chasing after the pure single ones - not meaning the widower is not alone - but meaning the virgin one. And her beautiful brain sensibly wanted the widower who was in front of her now.

"Because I like it." Alara's spontaneous answer wrinkled Gema's forehead.

Alara's body was cold and hot. Goosebumps on the disco floor. The frown of Gema's forehead in Alara's eyes was as if she was sighing her name and tightening the pleasure created in it. Traveling too far or Alara too close to sin? I don't know.

"Your brain is dirty."

"Eh?"

"You... can only imagine something dirty when I'm in front of you."

Okay, fine. Alara was caught. But if you've been caught, it's useless to avoid it. So just continue in silence.

Alara's lips pursed forward. Which in Gema's view was very tempting. He wanted to immediately grab them, knit the saliva threads there, explore every inch of her body and-STOP! Just as dirty. Let's get dirty together.

No way! This is forbidden. Alara is not his type. But something rubbery comes into contact with her big palm. Uhm, what is that? How does it feel familiar and okay well, Echo's eyes bulged perfectly.

"It fits, right?"

Oh my God! Just punish Echo. Who must be swearing inwardly but reluctant to get out of the way. The expression on Alara's face giving her support invited Gema to explore further. The reddish tinge that was printed on Alara's white face along with the beads of sweat that were pouring out further invited Gema to enjoy.

Is it time to break the fast?

Why? The feeling of Ramadan is still far away. Suddenly it's time to break the fast.

"You're too much!"

"And you enjoyed it."

Damn, that's right. Something on both her thighs woke up too. It felt awkward and cramped. And Alara's unexpected movement made Gema breathless. She sat on his lap, grinding her ass in a sensual motion.

Hey, wait, how can you just nudge a little directly-Gusti. Gema was embarrassed but also liked the sensation. Even her heart was already jedag-jedug disco. And next thing she knew it was because of Alara Senja.

"Get down, Ara!"

Ignored. And Alara continued to do her job well. It wasn't until there was a stifled growl from Gema's throat that she stopped. Unfortunately, before Gema could open her eyes, her lips were already fully engulfed in the warm lips that silenced her. Alara also runs her delicate fingers to make abstract circles on Gema's chest. This was truly a peerless opening for Gema to resist.

"You're wasting too much time," she whispered hoarsely. "We should already be on the main menu and not have to negotiate for so long."

Negotiate he said. Gema snorted. But her memory serves her well when she catches Alara's stifled sigh. This woman was very good at driving herself crazy. Truly a crazy woman. And she would be even crazier if she didn't touch Alara this very second.

"You threw something you shouldn't have."

"I know."

"The risk?"

"More than ready."

Ah, why is it that the words Gema proposes actually give Alara the support to move forward? While her heart and brain could not work well together. Her heart wanted rejection while her brain gave support to drag Alara into her personal space.

"Don't involve feelings."

"Okay." Alara's fingers again traced the skin of Gema's jaw. They sent a strange shiver down her chest.

"This is about sex not making love."

"I know."

"Bound?"

Folded Alara thought and nursed. How long would it take to reach her destination.

"Three months, how?" Even so, Alara hesitated when she said it. Because... could it be that fast?

"Deal."

And that afternoon, Alara officially had the 'Widower Brother' who had been the source of her obsession for the past few months. Which Alara proudly echoed in her heart of hearts-even though it was wrong to break her agreement. But it's not black and white for Alara to use her feelings. As long as Gema did not know her heart.

Then what after this?

Alara already got Bahtiar Gema-though not forever.

Alara has made her obsession-though only briefly.

It was already in front of her eyes that her dream would soon be achieved.

What comes after?

Alara had listened to all her friends talk about marriage. Even with those who were already married. So, what about Alara? If the question was directed to Alara, then the answer would be 'yes and want to'. Alara is a girl. Of course, loving and being loved are inseparable. Alara wants to do it. Indeed, even before she met Bahtiar Gema, Alara wanted to get married. With someone with whom she could believe in the words of falling in love every day.

Unfortunately, every road has a point where it can bring down cars, motorcycles, even those with large loads. So it is the same with Lara who has the weakest point in her life. Besides having to relent and admit her defeat on the battlefield, Lara closed all doors to access her heart. When she likes someone, there is only a degree of admiration that Alara secretly harbors. When someone comes to approach, Alara will try her hardest to stay away slowly. Alara's life is already very bland when someone who is most valuable takes away her 'ownership' and moves to another heart.

But there are also other facts that Alara cannot get rid of considering how she has been damaged since long ago. Seeing the track record of how the world has left her cornered and lamenting her own fate. Alara has no chance to be happy. Even if Alara can achieve happiness, mockery after mockery will accompany her journey. And someone who Alara considers home, will leave slowly leaving her alone again. Enveloped in loneliness, cloaked in dark dew and swallowed.

Alara's married friends also told her. There is no need to look for the perfect partner. It's not necessarily real. Sometimes we also need to be fooled by the illusion of the eyes. It's easy to fall for someone who looks 'perfect' even though at that time we already have one who can fill half of our soul. Because in the end, the final goal is only one; who can provide a home to live in. And if it has been found even with one who becomes his trust to repatriate all stories and is able to share many things until aging together in age.

It would be very peaceful, yes, if you could find one person who was willing to age together. Unfortunately in Alara's mind it was only part of her dream. I don't know when such a time will come to visit her. She said, if we don't take action and get out of our comfort zone, no one will come to us. But Alara was too afraid to try. Alara is too afraid to fall back. Alara was too afraid to get hurt again.

Alara's smile appeared. It was very small and faint. The twitches in the corners sent a painful throb even though the sun was not yet fully high. The dry season had begun to greet the earth and the heat was unbearable. Just standing outside for a few minutes had soaked all the liquid into her shirt.

"Come in." The commanding inner voice was ignored by Alara. "Come on Ara." One more time and Alara was still casting her eyes in all directions. Because, this was still in the office environment. It would be very dangerous if any other employees saw her. "You go in or I'll come down."

The threat was valid. So Alara rushed inside and breathed a sigh of relief. Oh my! That was her heart almost falling out of place. Ouch, Alara was starting to overreact.

"You're like a jailbird. Come as you please, leave as you please," Alara grumbled. She didn't feel guilty about what she said even though Gema frowned at her. "Don't get in touch during office hours, sir."

"You're even bolder." Omo?! What is this? Why did Alara feel so threatened. Volume II after Echo had called out her actions to expose the relationship between the two. "You came into my room and offered more sex than I told you to get into the car."

That's right. Come to think of it, Alara's actions were more frontal than Gema's. Alara even offered her breasts for Gema to hold and play with sensually. My God, where was Alara's face at that moment? How could she do such a thing to her own superior.

"Yes, it's because it's necessary." Gema stifled her laughter. She took her eyes off her driving and cleared her throat once she felt her voice was normal. "Are you laughing at me?"

"No, you didn't. Why would I laugh at you?" But indeed Alara Senja had a level of uniqueness that Gema had never found with any woman. Not even the women who warmed his bed or his ex-girlfriends. Most of them were mature and knew how to keep up with Gema. But Alara... she was unique and had her own charm. So Gema began to waver in her defenses.

"Must be..." Alara's pause made Gema's head turn spontaneously. Her palms were suddenly wet and her mind was blown. "I look like a child in your eyes." Oh, what was Gema thinking. That was indeed the case. Most important of all, Gema could feel Alara. It didn't matter if she was a child or not.

"Not really." Meaning: yes. That's roughly what Alara concluded. Understandable, anyway. Bahtiar Gema was heading towards the age of 33, which was already established and mature. The only thing missing was a companion - a reappearance, that is. And Alara could not expect that when her condition did not give her support.

Alara once imagined. Once in a flash of her empty shadow. When she had found the one person who could provide a home for her heart and soul. Alara remembered her dream some time ago. She said that love is a home for the soul. When Alara had found her home, she would not be busy looking for anything else to move to. Maybe it's true, because for many days to come, love needs more strength than just safety and comfort.

Is Bahtiar Gema one of the nominees Alara Senja envisions?

No-no idea. Alara is just exploring her heart. Feeling her feelings. Is this really what she wants or is it just a matter of obsession? I don't know if it's because of what people say about how strong Gema is in bed. One thing is for sure, Alara wants to make memories-though not many-and if that can be granted, she wants to take the theme of marriage.

"Does falling in love take time, sir?" Alara's question was random. She didn't know why she wanted to ask about love. Though clearly there should be no feelings involved between the two.

"It takes time. It's the same with those of you who hold love. You know, even when you're in love, you get bored." Alara shook her head. Gema responded with a smile. "But what we need is that we are able to find him who will not give goodbye."

Ah, why are Gema's words the same as Alara's thoughts? Suddenly something strange crept in without permission. Letting hope grow there. Alara was baper (bring feelings). Does anyone understand this?

"It would be nice to find a partner like that." Alara's eyes ran out the glass window. Watching the crowded cars that had come to a complete stop in the afternoon traffic jam heading home. "Why did you divorce?"

This was the kind of question Gema had often gotten. Wanting to get angry felt inappropriate. Answering the dark period that he had buried was also not the right solution. Some people will continue to pry. Instead of listening to what kind of wounds Gema got.

"No human is perfect, right?" Alara's head nodded without looking at Gema. "That way, we know how much self-introspection is needed for a better life."

"It only belongs to God if you expect too much change. If the change you're aiming for is for humans, that's it, sir. It's different if you intend it for yourself."

Why did Alara say that? Because she knew Gema was avoiding answering the question she asked. The value would be the same and look balanced.

While for Gema it seemed striking and right on target. What Gema thought was that Lara was a child (little boy) was in fact open-minded and mature. Gema was slapped.

Having someone who texts you every day, motivates you every time, is faithful in listening to all your complaints, truly cares about you in every way, reminds you to eat on time, and takes your medicine when you are sick is the best blessing. Everyone needs that kind of person in their life. Which not everyone can get their fair share of. And if you have one of those people, you're lucky. While others are out there chasing after what's rightfully theirs, you get it easily.

However, there is a time that we will meet the long wait. Not when I find you but when I know; all this time my best prayers to pick you up have finally united with the good prayers that God has answered. And all that is left of us is happiness and amen from the people who prayed for our love.

Too bad it's just a handwritten work on a piece of white paper. What was originally blank has now been mixed with black ink. Painting the mood of the writer; Alara Senja. Where her black eyes looked at the gray afternoon clouds. Swirling in the wind with an orange painting in the background.

Alara wants to feel like she belongs even though she doesn't really belong. Just to feel how her love is reciprocated by the person she likes. It would be amazing if Alara could describe it. But it's impossible.

Having been betrayed, hurt so deeply and unable to feel any feelings other than resignation. Lara always dismissed all the thoughts that had just crossed her mind. Even though in the end there were other vibrations present, it was very unlikely.

Bahtiar Gema was not the right choice. For Alara to drop her heart in the widower's grasp. But because of the agreement that Alara had sown on top of her high ego, that feeling played more of a role than her logic. She was already wet with regret. There was no way Alara could take back her words and go her own way. Think of it as a last resort so that there is no pressure that complicates Alara's space. It feels sick when you are forced together but not with your own heart's desire.

The echo-in Alara's eyes-could not be ignored. The man is so precious that Alara is so crazy to want to have him. And this was the only path she could take above the frustrating thoughts that greeted the fatigue of her life.

Tired. That's right. Alara had been feeling tired lately. Both physically and mentally. One thing was for sure, running was not enough. Stopping her limbs that were already getting farther and farther away was also not a good way. Alara was that planned. Yesterday was firm about her choice. Look at her today? Completely bemoaning her fate.

"You regret it?" Echo noticed Lara's expression from earlier. Frustrated and anxious. "You can share it with me if there's a problem." Who knows, it might be a good idea and Lara would open up to her a bit. She didn't expect much more, though. She was also a good listener.

"Hm. Eh?" Alara's eyes blinked. Lifting her sluggish head and glaring at the sight of Gema's face so close to hers. An inch away would have been the embroidered, saliva-laced lips that were knitted together. "These are just words."

"You're nervous, then." And Gema was a person who liked to draw conclusions as quickly as a Japanese train traveling from one station to the next. "You also answered with approval-"

"I think about this-"

"Me!" Gema pressed. The man's eyes were cynical and sharp as he corrected Alara's words. "The office is quiet and working hours are over. You don't need to be so formal. We're a couple, remember?"

Oh, to be reminded of that Alara snorted. Showing her dislike openly. Which obviously wrinkled Echo's forehead.

"You're unstable."

"Sa-I have a headache." Alara put her head back on the table. This time with a gentle tapping action. To Gema's dismay, she dropped her large palm onto the table.

"I don't want to date a sickly person."

"Damn it!"

"Don't swear, I'm older than you."

"Okay, uncle."

"I'm not your uncle."

"So what? Honey? Brother? Mas? Papa? Papi? Dad?" Alara replied equally sarcastically.

"Do you have a problem?"

"You think?"

"There is if that's the case. Care to share?" Echo offered again.

"Bed?"

My God, why was Alara's brain starting to go into the realm of yes-yes. Forgotten or what if Bahtiar Gema's track was an accomplished player? The man had been a widower for five or six years. Naturally, a bed warmer is always needed. And Alara the next generation.

"You want?" Ambiguous but Gema wanted to play it cool. She didn't want to be grumpy like she usually was. She still had to dive into why Alara Senja, who was her assistant, came to ask her about a ridiculous agreement for an unclear bond. Tell me, if not for bed, then what?

"Sometimes. I get horny when I see you."

WOW. Alara's honesty deserves appreciation. The red tomato changed places on both of her chubby cheeks. Making Gema reflexively kissed until the sound of 'plok' was heard and moved away afterwards.

"You can move into my house from now on. I don't like the boarding house atmosphere, it's noisy."

"My boarding house is safe. It's soundproof and the people aren't reckless."

"Who said that?"

Gema investigated. The condition of Alara's boarding house was not bad like most boarding houses. But when Gema went there, the neighbors on either side of her were at their worst. Politely welcomed Gema. Smiling, greeting and asking rotten pleasantries. Furthermore, they roamed over Gema from his sturdy arms to his broad chest. Such unclean treatment could provoke Gema. It's not that cheap for Gema to play with women. Gema's hired prostitutes are always of high quality and the best in the place. Providing excellent service inside and out was worth the amount of the check Gema wrote.

"I'm rarely there. I work from morning to afternoon. I go to college at night. Go home and sleep. So I consider them normal."

"Your eyes are normal." Echo grumbled. "I went there-"

"What did you do there?" Change again. Alara liked it. "I'm really curious about my life."

"It's not like that. I want my boyfriend's life-"

"Temporarily. Take notes!"

"You've been cutting me off!?" Oh yeah? Alara didn't realize. And didn't want to wake up. "I want to guarantee your life. So as long as we're together, there's nothing bad for me to leave behind later."

Gema's explanation made sense to Alara. This was Jakarta. Life in the big city is not as easy as one might think. So don't even think about struggling here if you don't have the effort and mental strength. Because courage is not enough to fill your stomach. Guts are not enough to quench your thirst for the real hard life. Alara had experienced it all.

"Bang." Alara called. Gema turned her head. His face was back to its original suit; flat and serious. "What do you think about a girl's virginity or not?"

For a moment, the different colored eyes touched each other. And through seconds that were about to turn into minutes, Alara unlinked them. She tidied up the files on her desk and prepared to leave. But Gema's answer to her question held her already raised hips.

"Not good and not bad. But as bad as I am as a guy, let alone a widower, I need that release. I'm normal. And living freely is the motto that I have been living by. But about virgins and not girls. Honestly, as vile as I am, I want a virgin if I get another wife."

"You're a conservative brother." Alara's sarcasm did not match the throbbing pain in her heart. The order that had been neatly put together was shattered. It was shattered by the storm. In one breath, Gema had explained the meaning of a life that was useless for Alara to live.