Marry Me: After Divorce

"Don't you want to marry me?"

"Yes!?"

"Sorry, I meant contract marriage with me. We'll go for a period of time that I've set."

"Huh?"

"I need your answer, not just a hah-heh. Answer!"

"Crazy!"

"You!?"

Who wouldn't react like that if they were suddenly asked to marry, even if it was a contract. Kinar Dewi never imagined that her life would be tested like this.

The CEO of the publishing house where her books were printed, maybe there was a mistake in his brain while setting it up. This was their first meeting and there was a proposal scene that was not romantic at all. The romantic proposal that Kinar always writes about in her novels doesn't actually happen in real life. Seriously!

"I'm serious!"

His words stunned Kinar. What did he mean, anyway? Kinar really didn't understand the mindset of the handsome human in front of him right now.

"I have no other choice but you."

"What do you mean? I'm your last choice? Why?"

Both his shoulders were squared with a super flat face. But the look in his eyes painted a million hopes especially Kinar's answer.

"We have a contract marriage according to my agreement. You just have to go with the flow."

"Wait!" Kinar shouted although not loudly. "I haven't given an answer to accept or reject."

"And I do not accept rejection!"

Firm and straightforward. Kinar wanted to rage but he held back. This was a public place and it was not his style to get angry in public anyway. Kinar's sense of shame was still functioning. Unlike this man who was currently looking at him with interest. It was uncomfortable, but the feeling of being challenged rose without Kinar knowing why. Damn!

"I have the right to accept and reject because this concerns my life." Kinar tried to negotiate. "Why should I accept you when I haven't even met you or known you personally. This is strange."

"We don't need to know each other and you don't need to worry about your life. How much do you want?"

Kinar's face showed a ridiculous expression with eyebrows swooping upwards. The man before him was really strange. And Kinar's breathing got heavier. The 27-year journey of his life suddenly became a drama like in the movies and novels he wrote. Kinar couldn't explain it, his brain was stuck exactly like the traffic conditions in Bandung in the morning.

"You can name any amount but I don't accept rejection. You have to marry me, contract marriage to be more precise."

Yes, and the phrase contract marriage continued to be uttered from his lips which made Kinar even more furious but there was no power to fight it. Kinar's life was so dramatic.

"What is your goal?" Kinar asked quietly. Even Kinar's personality, who loved money too much when asked how much he wanted, immediately evaporated somewhere.

"I will explain later. Now you only need to accept and mention how much money you want or is there something else you want? Say it, I will fulfill it as long as you want to marry me."

"Crazy!"

A second time and Kinar shook his head with a mocking smile.

"Yes I am crazy and I don't have time to waste like this. So what's your answer?"

"No!" Kinar refused firmly. "I don't want to marry you, let alone contract marriage. As far as I know, you are already married. So why are you forcing me to accept this crazy proposal?"

"Whether I'm married or not is none of your business. You are strictly prohibited from involving your feelings and you are even prohibited from falling in love with me."

"Wow, I admire your confidence. But sorry, I still refuse. I am here and sitting in front of you just for business. Perhaps you are mistaken or have forgotten that the contract we are referring to is about our cooperation agreement and me publishing my books in your company. Not a contract in the concept of marriage. Excuse me."

"If you reject me, don't expect your career to be fine." Kinar's steps faltered at the publishing owner's voice. It sounded cold with a sense of emptiness. "I withdraw all your works and you pay the penalty we agreed upon."

"Why?" Kinar was attacked with frustration. Panic and anxiety mixed together.

"I told you that I don't accept rejections."

"Mr. ...."

"Pradipta. Anan Pradipta."

Kinar had heard the name of the publishing house owner many times but this was the first time the two of them had met which was not sweet at all.

"Dear Mr. Anan Pradipta, this is not something you can do as you please. This is about me and my life. I decide what my life will be like in the future. You are nobody and only an outsider." Kinar said curtly.

"Why can't this company be mine and I am free to have what I want including you."

"My life belongs to me. You don't understand, do you?"

"And I bought you."

How rude is that?

Kinar was stunned where he stood. His hands were suddenly trembling even though this was not something complicated. It only required a yes or no answer. And refusing was not something Kinar was good at. His livelihood only came from writing and when all his contracts were revoked, Kinar would lose his source of income.

Sitting back down was the only thing Kinar could do. He took a sip of his iced coffee, which was no longer cold. Kinar's throat was dry as if he was standing in the desert. And the CEO's gaze did not leave for a second. It was too intense and Kinar began to imagine the strange things that would happen between him and the CEO.

Wow, the impact of being single for too long makes Kinar excited just because of a look. Come on brain, please cooperate.

"Why me?" asked Kinar inexplicably.

"Because I want to." And Anan Pradipta's answer was completely beyond reason. A normal human being would never give such a simple answer.

"Why?" repeated Kinar because he did not understand why it had to be him when the CEO was already married.

Was his home life unhappy?

No way!

Kinar knew exactly what the rumors were. The CEO loved his wife too much and vice versa. If the answer is 'because I like it' everyone can do it, right?

"You're noisy!"

"What?"

"You should just say yes and it's done. You don't need to ask this and that which is a waste of time."

"Then you shouldn't be here and buying me." Kinar emphasized with a cynical face. "I'm also not an item that you can just bargain with."

"I think it's my right because I can afford it. Kinar ...." Anan called in his raspy wet voice. "No matter what, you must be willing to contract marriage with me. I need you."

"Why?"

"You're chatty and ask too many questions!" Anan chuckled in annoyance. Women had always been complicated. They couldn't work together to cut down on time.

"This concerns my life."

"And I guarantee your life. In the future you don't even have to worry about finances. I will cover all your needs. Even your family too."

"Wait! I don't understand what you're saying."

"I can't wait anymore. Answer yes and everything will be done this very second. I promise and guarantee everything."

Kinar was silent. His brain was blank as if frozen by Anan's answer. The offer Anan made was tantalizing. There is no woman who is not seduced. But for the stubborn Kinar, being fiercely independent was something he had always done. And undergoing a contract marriage, especially becoming a second wife, was not something Kinar had imagined.

"Can you not make my life difficult? I am already very difficult in various ways, not just economically. There are many burdens and responsibilities that I have to carry. And besides, you're ridiculous."

"Which part is ridiculous?"

"You're already married, why should you get married again and why should I?"

"That's none of your business!"

"It's my life!" Kinar panted.

"Okay it's your life. Marry me and you can still enjoy your real life."

Oh my God!

Kinar did not know - or understand - the difference between unregistered marriages and marriage contract. Only in outline. A siri marriage is where the marriage is legal in religion but not registered with the state. Meanwhile, contract marriage is a time-bound marriage where there is a grace period. And from what Kinar has encountered, several couples have entered into contract marriages for whatever reason.

What Kinar is currently experiencing is a dead end. After meeting with the CEO where his new book had to be signed in order to be published, it was actually stuck due to the owner's behavior.

There was not much Kinar could do other than stay in the corner of his boarding room and contemplate. His breathing was heavy. His head was full and the pain came instantly. Kinar's eyes were also heavy but he refused to close them.

"I will guarantee your life. If you agree, we sign the agreement that I have determined."

Anan Pradipta's words continued to ring in his ears and Kinar's head was increasingly gripped by pain. Rich people are indeed that free in their actions. Arrogant and arbitrary. The money they have can do anything and buy what they want. Including other people's lives.

"Money? You don't have to worry. You just need to contractually marry me, serve me and welcome me on certain days for us to meet. You don't even have to live in your boarding house anymore."

Isn't it obvious that Kinar has been stalked all this time?

Hoih, just imagining it gives Kinar goosebumps. Moreover, the word 'serve' here makes Kinar's brain run everywhere. Kinar is not stupid. He also understood where this was going. And if that really happened, it would not be impossible for Kinar to do his duties as a wife even if it was only a contract marriage.

"My wife likes you."

There was a happy twinkle that Anan radiated from his face when involving his wife and Kinar was increasingly not understanding the way these two couples thought. How cute is that?

"She wants you to be her sister in marriage."

Original, Kinar still clearly recorded the smile Anan showed him. But why did it have to be him among so many women? Why does it have to be Kinar who is mediocre and a nobody when his wife can find a more qualified woman.

Kinar also wanted to get married. He wants to have a life filled with stories with his partner. But if the concept is a contract marriage, Kinar's tongue is tongue-tied to say a word. It was not part of his life goals nor was it his will. Unfortunately, it was God's will.

Kinar sighed once more. His buttocks, which were sitting on the edge of the bed, began to move. Thinking too much, Kinar's stomach demoed from hunger. Unfortunately, earlier when upon meeting Anan, Kinar did not have time to order food or eat anything in the cafe.

Kinar's focus was entirely on Anan's offer of a contract marriage. And again, the nominal amount and the guarantee of his life, Kinar began to be tempted. But his brain was still sane or rather not. Kinar was reluctant to live a dramatic life like the content in his novels. Kinar wanted to get married legally and on the right track. Kinar also wants to live and be part of the story with the person he wants.

Accepting Anan's offer was the same as selling himself, right?

Shaking his head, Kinar immediately sat on the floor of his boarding room. During the day the atmosphere of his boarding environment was fairly quiet. Besides all the residents are employees, other activities are always busy at night. The Bandung area near alun-alun was always crowded in the late afternoon.

Kinar opened the rubber wrapper of his nasi padang. This was his breakfast and lunch, rationed. Taking Anan's offer really drained his energy. In fact, the answer is only yes or no, which is unfortunately detrimental to Kinar. Forward hit, backward hit.

The mouthful after mouthful of rice that entered Kinar's mouth and ended up in his stomach did not take his mind off Anan's offer. Now Kinar is considering carefully. About the advantages and disadvantages and the journey ahead.

Let's say Kinar is greedy, but the need for his survival also needs to be considered. If accepting Anan makes his life better, it's not a mistake, right?

Let's say Kinar is just lucky to be invited to marry a wealthy businessman. Don't care about other people's judgment. After all, we live for ourselves. Although globally there are views of people who judge our actions. But who wouldn't be tempted? Kinar did not deny that he wanted to depend on Anan. Even if it's only as a siri wife - let's say that - there are certainly many benefits that Kinar will reap for his future. It could be that Kinar's writing career will flourish. Who knows, right about someone's fate.

It's different with Anan, who is already sitting comfortably in his oversized chair. Several portraits sent by Teguh - his trusted assistant - took up all his time. The scorching midday heat is a rare occurrence in Bandung.

Anan scanned Kinar's photos one by one. Beautiful, Anan admitted, and sweet despite her barbaric demeanor. Anan's semiliterate smile rose as he recalled some snippets of his conversation with Kinar a few hours ago. This was the first time Anan had a headache in taking action for his wife. And only Kinar openly rejected his offer.

"Can you prepare an apartment unit for me?"

Teguh stared for a while then nodded and recorded his boss's wishes in the notebook he always carried with him. The tall man with his 175 height and jet black hair was Anan's employee since two years ago.

"Do you need a luxury type or origin?"

"Luxury."

Teguh immediately searched his trusted property page. There were many options on it and Teguh immediately handed Anan his tablet.

"This one has closer access to everywhere, sir." Just a suggestion from Teguh. Just as Teguh's mouth was about to open to share more information, it was forced to shut again at Anan's question.

"Kinar, what do you think?"

"Yes?" Teguh was taken aback and scratched his neck. "Ms. Ivana really likes Ms. Kinar, that means she's the most suitable choice for you."

Anan nodded and rubbed his chin.

Ivana Wijaya was indeed unique. There were times when Anan regretted God's destiny that had brought him together with Ivana and even had to be bound in domestic life. Unfortunately, the desires of the heart are not human to control. When God's intervention has taken over, what can Anan do?

"Is it me who is too greedy or Ivana who is less grateful?"

Teguh felt awkward hearing what his boss was saying. This was not a new case for Anan and his wife. Old employees who had worked under Anan also knew what problems his family was facing. The bottom line was that Teguh had nothing to say but to be a good listener.

"I like this one." Anan returned the tablet to Teguh after telling him which apartment she wanted. "Take care of it as soon as possible."

Teguh nodded and left Anan's room. His breathing loosened. This was not Teguh's problem but his head hurt thinking about it.

"It's hard to live a rich man's life."

If Teguh were Ivana, what Teguh would do is enjoy what her husband has decided. Unfortunately, a woman's perfection is not judged by her compliance alone.

Early in the morning before the sun greeted the Pasundan earth, Kinar was forced to open his eyelids. Glancing at the clock on his bedside nightstand, it was a little over six o'clock. This means that Kinar has only been asleep for about three hours. Night is the most active time for Kinar to caress every script on his laptop. And the knock on the door of his boarding room was very disturbing.

"Who?" Kinar shouted and downed his cold drink straight from the bottle.

He staggered towards the door and opened it. A pair of shiny black loafers further wrinkled Kinar's forehead and eyes. Kinar did not have an appointment with anyone. Kinar also had no intention of leaving his boarding house. So who is this, huh?

"Looking for who, huh?" asked Kinar with his head poking around to see the surrounding conditions.

It was still quiet. Some of the boarders were still asleep. Not all workers here will enter at the same time. It depends on each company's policy.

"Ms. Kinar?"

Both of Kinar's eyebrows furrowed once again at the mention of his name. Whether it was a greeting or a nickname, Kinar had no idea who the man in front of him was.

"I am Teguh," he introduced himself. Kinar nodded and stood up more relaxed. "There is a delivery from Mrs. Ivana Wijaya."

Wow... Kinar was surprised to hear such a familiar name. Who doesn't know Ivana Wijaya?

Everyone also knew this beautiful woman was Anan's wife. Now, what became Kinar's question once again was: what was the entrustment given to Kinar this early in the morning?

"Sorry to disturb Mrs. Kinar's rest time." Teguh was still standing in the doorway of Kinar's boarding house but several people began to enter and carry items in paper bags that had no idea what they contained.

"Please accept. It's a mandate from Mrs. Ivana that Mrs. Kinar must accept."

"Why me?"

Kinar was confused when all the items filled the floor of his boarding house. Already cramped with these items, Kinar's boarding house was even more crowded. Anyway, the question Kinar asked was really useless. Because when it comes to the conglomerate, there is no time to refuse. So of course the answer was clear and could be deduced by himself.

"I'm not sure but Ms. Ivana likes Ms. Kinar."

"Yes?" It sounded very ambiguous but that's how rich people talk. Saying what he likes and discarding what he thinks is no longer useful. Kinar desperately wished to be useless and discarded.

Teguh nodded with a big smile. His answer was the same as Anan's. The married couple were very good at making others confused.

"And this." Teguh handed over a white bushel depicting the flowers of the olden days. The red ones looked like roses at first glance, but different people would give different answers about the type of flower. "For Mrs. Kinar's breakfast, Mrs. Ivana's own cooking."

"For me?" Kinar pointed a finger at himself because he found this strange. Kinar was confused and didn't know what to do.

"And maybe this will continue." Teguh smiled after wondering if this was the right choice for Kinar to make. "Enjoy."

Teguh left there. Withdrawing before Kinar gave his approval. His face was stunned with his eyes sweeping one by one the paperbags on the floor of his boarding house.

Do you think Kinar is stupid to refuse Anan's invitation to contract marriage?

Anan is the one who is the target of many women out there. Kinar often hears the desire of these women to become his mistress, mistress, mistress or even be able to have a one night stand with Anan.

Great! It's crazy but Anan's charm is second to none. Like an actor in Korean dramas. Handsome and well-established.

But why did he have to be the one who was patronized by these two strange couples, anyway?

"I thought it was a dream." Kinar grumbled with his hand closing the door of his boarding room and his foot dragged into his room.

Before that, his breathing became heavy again. His eyes looked at all the paper bags on the floor. There was a desire to open them all. Also the contents of the bushel that Teguh had given her.

"Never mind!"

Only in Kinar's mind. In fact, his body reunited with the mattress and blanket. Kinar piled one hand on his face. Trying to drive away all the thoughts that disturbed his head. Hoping that this is just a dream or one of the characters in his novel whose fate suddenly changes.

Unlike Anan's morning. Unusually, Anan's mood was immediately shattered. All this time, Anan would let his wife's behavior go. Anan understood his love for Ivana. Today is an exception.

"Why?" Ivana still dared to ask in between buttoning Anan's shirt. "Your face is so sour that it's unpleasant to look at."

"You're too much!"

"What am I doing?" Ivana switched to smoothing the collar of Anan's shirt and smiled once the tie of her choice was neatly in place. "I made you vegetable rice cake. It has wings and thighs too."

"Start!"

"Are you nagging?"

"I like it!"

Anan no longer knew how to deal with Ivana. Giving up was not a wise thing for Anan to do. The way Ivana interpreted Anan's feelings of love was wrong. Labeling Anan as an acute love slave is no longer his level. Anyway, Ivana made Anan a man who had no self-esteem at all.

"I said I'm fine." Anan took a deep breath. "Do you realize that you're doing it wrong?"

"No! I know what I'm doing is right. I also know my actions are for the good of both of us. Why do you like to nag so much?"

Anan's gaze turned sad. There was no desire to avenge Ivana's actions. It should have been a long time ago when making Ivana Wijaya as an option Anan had realized that the woman standing in front of him could not be defeated just like that. A will always be A. It will never change into B or C.

"Whatever."

Anan's two limbs lifted towards the exit of his room. But Ivana's movement was no less agile. Hugging Anan from behind, wrapping both hands around Anan's muscular stomach and his face against Anan's back. Ivana sprinkled small kisses there. Anan's weak spot was being attacked by Ivana and Anan knew there was nothing he could do but keep quiet. Enjoying what his wife was doing.

"This time I admit I was wrong," Ivana said softly and her face pressed even more against Anan's back. "I realize I was too selfish by asking you for this and that, even silly things. But I have no other choice but to do this. And looking at Kinar, it's like looking at myself. I feel like he's a reflection of me all this time. Please, Anan."

Anan was weak and lame.

One hand clenched into a tight fist. Holding back anger and hoping this was just a dream. Every day when his eyes opened, that was his only hope. Unfortunately, it was impossible.

"I sent Kinar some clothes and things he might need. I also brought him my breakfast. Do you think he'll like it?"

Anan remained silent. His heart felt numb even as Ivana casually rubbed his chest. No special feelings flowed as usual.

"I brought thighs and wings. Between the two I don't know which one Kinar likes. It's your favorite of all so I think he should learn to like what you like."

"Whatever."

Anan released Ivana's embrace and walked out. No turning around, no affectionate pecking, and no affectionate goodbye. Anan was fed up with Ivana's actions at will even when she invaded Kinar's boarding house without his permission.