SECRET HEIR

POV Danu

This morning, before the sun had fully risen, I slowly stepped into the house with a heavy heart and an unbearable weight in my chest. I could hear my wife's sobs from inside. Motionless, I swallowed the deep pain within me.

Outside the house, my chest felt as though it were being torn apart, but I had to accept this risk because it was my decision.

At the front door, I hesitated, unable to bear hearing Rania's cries. I sighed and wiped away my tears.

"Coward..." I whispered, cursing myself.

I couldn't fathom how such a vile plan had ever crossed my mind. But it was too late now. All that was left was to wait for news of her pregnancy.

I am a sterile man. In four years of marriage, we have not been blessed with a child. I have often begged Rania to leave me-a useless man-but because she loves me deeply, she gets furious whenever I bring it up.

Three months ago, I received word from my family that I had an inheritance from my father's side-a father I had not heard from in years. My mother raised me alone all this time. It turns out that near the end of his life, he sought me out. My father, who turned out to be a wealthy man, had left a will stating that the inheritance would go to his male grandchild. However, since none of his children from his first wife were male, the condition was that I had to have offspring to claim it. Perhaps knowing I was sterile, they set this condition.

Of course, I couldn't let this opportunity slip by. My entire life, my mother and I lived far from comfort. Even after marriage, I had to work hard labor to provide for Rania.

"I'm sorry, Rania..." I murmured, tears streaming down my face. With a heavy heart, I pushed the door open and walked to the bedroom.

"I don't deserve to live anymore. I'd be better off dead," I heard Rania say from behind the bedroom wall. My eyes widened, and I hurried to her. My shock deepened when I saw her holding a knife.

"Rania!" I shouted. She turned to me, sobbing hysterically. I rushed to her and instinctively embraced her.

"Stay away from me! I'm no longer worthy of you!" she cried. I held her tighter, sighing heavily, burdened by an overwhelming sense of guilt. But I had to endure this.

"Leave! It's better if I just die!" she wailed again. I gently took the knife from her hand and spoke softly.

"It's okay, love. I'm here. Don't be afraid," I said, glancing at the disheveled bed. I squeezed her bare shoulder gently, my heart bleeding at the thought of what had happened on that bed-a bed I had offered to another man. I was nothing but a worthless coward. She continued to cry hysterically and tried to speak through her sobs.

"I was forced by a man," she stammered, gasping for air. I exhaled deeply while her sobs grew louder.

"Please, just kill me! I'm filthy!" she screamed. I tried to calm her down, looking into her tearful eyes as I spoke.

"Who was it? Do I know him?" I feigned ignorance. My wife shook her head repeatedly, tears streaming down her face.

"I don't know... I thought it was you coming home last night. I opened the door for him," she cried uncontrollably once again. I embraced her, holding her tightly.

"It's okay, love. Don't be afraid. I won't leave you," I whispered, and her cries grew louder.

"I'm not worthy of being your wife anymore. Another man touched me last night. Please report him to the police-he must be punished! Or... I should just leave this world," she pleaded. I could only stroke her head gently.

"Calm down, love. Don't cry. We will report this to the police," I said, trying to reassure her.

Three months passed, and my wife remained deeply traumatized. Since that day, she refused to leave the house and couldn't even smile. She was solely waiting for news from the police about whether the man had been caught, as she was terrified he might return someday. Since then, she also refused to be alone at home. Our house was quite secluded, far from residential areas-a legacy from my mother, built in the middle of her garden. It was a 200-meter distance to the nearest populated area, which facilitated my plan at that time.

I found the young man at a club. Knowing I needed good genes, I chose an attractive man, hoping to have a good-looking child. It sounds absurd, but it was an act of desperation due to my inadequacy as a man. Now, all I could do was wait for news of Rania's pregnancy while trying to comfort her so she could return to her former self.

However, this morning, I was shocked because Rania got her period.

"Honey, did you get your period?" I asked upon returning from the bathroom, having seen a sanitary pad wrapper in the trash. She nodded weakly, with a faint smile.

"Yes, thank goodness. I was so scared before," she said. I smiled awkwardly in response. Rania stood up and hugged me.

"Thank you for staying with me," she said, crying into my chest. I gently stroked the back of her neck.

"Yes, dear. I've reported it to the police; they will search until they find him," I said briefly, sighing again.

"My world feels like it's stopped. If you're burdened and can't handle it, you can discard me. Or just kill me," she sobbed. I remained silent, stroking her head.

What should I do? Rania isn't pregnant from that night. It's all gone too far, and my plan didn't work. Should I execute this mission again? But she hasn't even recovered from this trauma, I thought to myself.

But it's too late. This mission must succeed; Rania must get pregnant, no matter what!

POV Danu

Tonight, I want to meet Vero for the second time. Maybe he's still waiting for my payment. To get into that luxurious house, I have to make sure Rania is pregnant first. That strange condition set by my stepmother is making my head spin. I don't even have the money to pay Vero, and I can't get any from my father's lawyer either.

After struggling to convince Rania to stay at the house, I finally managed to leave her with an acquaintance who still lives in the same village.

The flickering lights of the nightclub made it difficult to find Vero. I waited for a moment until I spotted him chatting with his group. When he noticed me, he grinned widely, set down his alcohol bottle, and stood up to approach me.

"I've been waiting to hear from you, Danu," he said as he walked closer. I sighed as he reached for my shoulder and gestured for me to sit. I sank into the seat and glanced around.

"So, where's the payment? Remember, your child will definitely be handsome and adorable. After all, I have Filipino blood," he boasted, running his fingers through his hair. I sighed again and told him,

"She's not pregnant yet."

His eyes widened slightly, his lips twitched, and a man nearby let out a chuckle while nodding.

"Well, that's only natural. she can't possibly get pregnant after just one time," he muttered, stumbling over his words. I clenched my fists in frustration, struggling to speak.

"No matter what, she has to get pregnant," I said heavily, feeling my chest tighten. The man just stared blankly for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"Oh wow, I'm even getting paid for such an easy job," he jeered. I swallowed hard and grabbed the front of his shirt in frustration.

"Do your job properly this time! You know this isn't easy for me!" I snapped. Vero smirked faintly, noticing my reddened eyes. With a casual flick of his wrist, he swatted my hand away, straightened his collar, and shook his head.

"Your wife won't get pregnant if she's under too much stress. Do you think it's that simple?!" he scolded. I froze for a moment, realizing that Rania's mental state hadn't improved. She was still too traumatized by everything that had happened.

"You could leave her for a few days and stay with me," he suggested nonchalantly, taking another sip of alcohol. My heart pounded, and I trembled slightly.

How could I leave Rania for a few days? That night, I cursed myself until morning.

"So, what do you think?" Vero asked again. I remained silent.

"You're really amusing! Your wife won't accept this easily, especially since she's not like the other women here," he continued, leaving me speechless.

"By the way, why don't you just try IVF?" she added.

"If I had the money now, why would I promise to pay you later when I can enter that house?" I retorted coldly. Vero raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly.

"Ah, I see. I want to wrap this up quickly too. I need the money, you know. Don't worry. Once you get into that house and become rich, will you still be paying for the second, third, and so on?" he said, but stopped when he saw the fury in my eyes. He chuckled.

"Alright, forget it," he muttered, scratching his neck. I took a deep breath, my eyes fighting back the tears that threatened to spill.

The next day, after my meeting with Vero, I felt conflicted and burdened. I had to do this because I couldn't wait any longer. Last night, after leaving the club, I was informed by my father's lawyer that if my wife wasn't pregnant within six months, I would lose my inheritance rights. What else could I do? I had no other choice.

Meanwhile, back at home:

"Sweetheart, why are you daydreaming?" Rania asked. I jolted and instinctively turned to her.

"It's nothing, love. Oh, Ran, how about we take a vacation? So much has been happening lately, and I feel exhausted," I said. She furrowed her brows and replied,

"But regarding the case, I still haven't been called in as a witness by the police."

"Sweetheart..." I whispered, gently stroking her cheek.

"The police won't question you. I don't want you to be exposed to the public, and this would bring disgrace to our family. Let's just try to accept it, okay? Stay calm. I'll always be with you," I assured her. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she hugged me tightly. I instinctively stroked her shoulder gently.

"I want to take you on a vacation. I just resigned, and I have some severance pay. We can go anywhere that makes you happy," I said. Rania shifted slightly and asked,

"Why did you resign?"

"I just want to spend more time with you, love. In the future, we'll find a new business idea," I replied.

I deliberately hid from her my status and the condition my stepmother had set for me to enter my father's luxurious house.

Rania looked weary, and all I could do was gently stroke her cheek.

"Get ready. We're leaving," I said.

With the budget I had, I managed to rent a hotel room near the beach to take Rania on vacation.

POV RANIA

"How do you like this place?" Danu asked. I smiled as my husband wrapped his arms around me.

"I'm sorry I could only bring you here. One day, we'll stay in a better hotel, maybe even go abroad," he said. I nodded, gazing at him with love. He gave me a warm smile in return.

"This place is far more beautiful than our home. This is the most luxurious vacation you could give me. I only have one request-let's not be wasteful. Let's come here just once, okay?" I said. He chuckled.

"Yes, love, just once. But this time, I want to spend a whole week here with you. Maybe the romantic atmosphere will help us fulfill the hope we've had for so long," he said. I nodded slowly, touched by his words.

"I hope so, love," I whispered.

Night fell. After spending the entire day at the beach, my husband and I returned to our hotel room. After taking a shower, I stepped out and saw Danu preparing two cups of coffee, handing one to me.

"Sweetheart, let's drink some hot coffee on the balcony," he suggested. I nodded while drying my wet hair with a towel.

Two hours passed, and suddenly, I felt a pounding headache. I sighed, massaging my temples.

"Rania? What's wrong?"

"I suddenly feel dizzy," I replied. Danu quickly lifted me and laid me down on the bed.

"Stay here. I'm going to buy some medicine," he said. I nodded weakly as he kissed my forehead and held my hand for a moment. There was something in his eyes, as if it pained him to leave me.

"Stay here..." he said briefly before walking out.

"Come back quickly," I murmured as my head throbbed. Danu nodded and rushed out.

Half an hour later, my vision blurred, and I felt the room spinning.

"I'm so sleepy, but my head hurts," I muttered, trying to pull back the blanket and get up to find some herbal medicine. I remembered it was in my bag.

Thud...

The door creaked open, and I saw a man standing at the entrance. But for some reason, I couldn't see his face clearly because my vision was so blurry.

"You're back?" I whispered, my voice weak. The figure approached, but I couldn't make out his features. Darkness overtook me, and my body grew weak as I collapsed.

Danu caught me just in time and helped me back onto the bed. I tried to stay conscious and looked up at his face, but strangely, I saw the man-the one who had assaulted me at home months ago. I struggled, but my vision faded completely into blackness.

POV VERO

"Hey," i whispered, gently pattung the womans cheeck she was already fats asleep and unconscious. Slowl, I liftes her and laid her in the bed. For a moment, I paced back and forth nervously. I Could still remember her screams and hysterical cries the first time we were together. But now, she was so weak and unable to fight back, and addly, i Felt sorey for her.

"Damn it, why am I suddenly losing my nerve like this?" I muttered, glancung at Rania before sitting beside her. This beautiful face of hers intensified my desires. I still could"nt believe that something this pleasureable came with a Price.

"Hold it, hold it..." I told myself. Somehow, I pitied this woman. She was so unfotune to have a worthless and infertile man like Danu. But a deal was a deal. I tolk off my javjet and all my accessories perhaps her bpdy would make me feel a littel warmer. I gently stroked her lovely face and brushad hai aside.

"So beautiful," i whispered leaning in to kiss her lips. With no resistance tje sensation felt surprisingly dull.

Drrrrrt.

I jumped at the sound of my phone vibrating. My ayes widened aa i saw that mom was calling.

"Hello mom?"

"Vero, where are you?

"Um"

"Where are you?"

"What's going on mom?"

You need to get your father he's gravely ill. Your dad's store over there was looted, and he has nothing left. Pick him up," she scoled. I sighed and retorted.

"Mom, why do you still care about that lousy man!" Just let him die there," i snapped

"He's yiyr father, Vero. I don't wants us to neglect hin. He's in big trouble over. There because of debts ans his ex -wife, lets bring him here and then we cab live together as ahappy family," she explained. I sighed and gave a sarcastic smile.

"Oh, a happy family!" I mocked. The man who abandones mom after getting hee pregnant and webt back to his home country without caring about me? I scofed at thought ans turnes look at Rania

"Am I also cruel? For leaving my child in this woman's womb?" I asked myself silently.

"Vero?" Mom called again.

"Yes, Mom. Besides, I don't even have money right now. Just tell them to wait," I replied dismissively.

"Do your best, Vero. Your father deserves compassion," she answered.

"Yeah, yeah," I said lazily. She's right. I am too cruel. I've hated my father my entire life because of this, yet here I am, wanting to do the same. I'm going to impregnate this woman and leave her. Suddenly, guilt filled my heart.

"But she won't be abandoned. She has a complete family. Danu really wants this child," I whispered to myself.

"Ah, whatever," I muttered coldly and carried on with my task. This woman barely felt human to me. Has this coward even touched his wife? It felt as though he was offering her to me on a silver platter.

---

POV RANIA

I woke up to find it was already late morning. My head felt dizzy, and my body was utterly drained. Slowly, I turned to Mas Danu, who was holding me tightly. I could faintly hear him sobbing. His eyes were red, clearly from crying.

"What's wrong?" I asked. He held me even tighter, and I stayed silent.

"I was so worried. You had a fever all night and fainted," he said. I tried to recall last night. I thought I saw that man come into this room.

"Last night, I saw him. That bad man," I said. Danu shook his head and replied.

"There was no one, sweetheart. It was just the two of us." He held me again and kissed my cheek.

"What happened to me last night?" I asked. Mas Danu looked awkward.

"You were sick, and I panicked, so I called a doctor," he said. I pouted, confused as to why I couldn't remember anything. Danu still couldn't hide his sadness.

"I'm fine. Don't be like this. Why do you look so upset?" I whispered, stroking his face. He forced a smile and hugged me again.

"I slept too deeply and missed the sunrise," I murmured in his embrace.

"You'll see it tomorrow morning. Now go shower, and let's have some fun," he said cheerfully. I nodded and got out of bed.

When I reached the bathroom, I noticed a scent on my pajamas. It wasn't my perfume, nor was it Danu's.

"Why does my pajama smell like this?" I muttered, sniffing it. My heart skipped a beat when I looked in the mirror. There were bruises on my neck, like marks from something. My eyes widened.

"Darling!" I called from the bathroom. Danu came in quickly.

"Yes, love? What's wrong?"

"Why is my neck like this?" I asked, pointing at the bruises.

For a moment, Danu seemed stunned. He stepped closer and cupped my face in his hands.

"What's wrong with you? I'm sorry," he said. I frowned.

"Last night, did we...?" I asked hesitantly. Danu nodded.

I gasped, looking at the mirror again. I still couldn't understand why I couldn't remember anything.

"Why can't I remember anything?" I said softly. Slowly, Danu wrapped his arms around my waist.

"You were sick last night, so the doctor gave you a sedative. Maybe that's why you don't remember," he explained.

"Oh, I see," I replied. Danu kissed the nape of my neck and my bruised skin.

"Okay, go shower. I'll wait for you in the hotel lobby."

"Alright."

Fifteen minutes later, I finished showering. After packing up, I got ready to go downstairs to meet Danu in the lobby. But I got distracted by a watch on the nightstand.

"Whose watch is this?" I asked myself.

"I'm pretty sure Danu doesn't like wearing watches," I muttered. I quickly grabbed my things and headed downstairs to meet Danu.

Upon reaching downstairs, I saw Danu waiting for me. I immediately approached him and asked about the watch.

"Whose watch is this? Why is it in our room?" I asked. Danu looked startled and snatched the watch.

"Oh, this? It's mine," he said briefly.

"But haven't you always disliked watches?"

"It's not that I dislike them, love, I just couldn't afford one before. Now that I have extra money, why not have one, right?" he replied. I nodded hesitantly and said,

"Oh, I see. But I prefer if we don't spend unnecessarily like this, especially since you're not even sure where you'll work next."

"Don't worry. I'll do anything to make you happy," he said. I smiled.

"Thank you."

"Come on, let's go get some food outside, whatever you like," Danu said. I nodded and followed him.

---

Danu's POV

"I'm going to rest right away. I'm tired," Rania said as we returned from the beach that evening. She pulled the blanket over herself, preparing to sleep.

"Love, wait a moment. Take your medication as the doctor advised. Here's the supplement for you," I said, holding the pill. She glanced at the bottle in my hand, and I gently placed the pill in her mouth. She opened her mouth slightly and sipped the water I offered.

"Thank you," she said softly. I nodded and helped her lie down. Not long after, she fell asleep.

"I'm sorry, Rania," I whispered, holding her hand. I had to do this for our future. Hopefully, I'll recover, and we can build a peaceful and normal family.

Taking a deep breath, I stood, grabbed the watch, and went to meet Vero in the room he rented next door.

"You left this here on purpose!" I growled, throwing the watch onto his bed. The young man, busy with his phone, shifted slightly and sighed.

"I forgot. Why? Did your wife get suspicious?" he asked nonchalantly, lying back on the sofa.

"Rania's asleep. Go back," I ordered. Without hesitation, he stood and walked out.

"Wait!" I stopped him. He turned, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't leave any traces. I don't know how to explain when she questions the marks on her neck," I said, stressed. He nodded indifferently and left. I sighed and collapsed onto the bed.

I tried my best to calm my aching heart and the growing tightness in my chest. Again and again, I clenched my fists in frustration. I had dared to hurt Rania this much, even hurting myself.

"I'm sorry... please forgive me," I whispered, tears falling.

---

The next morning, I returned to the room before Rania woke up. However, that morning, my father's lawyer came to the hotel.

"Sorry to disturb you, Sir," he said. I couldn't invite him to talk in the room, so I brought him to a café nearby.

"Tomorrow is the inauguration of the new young director. Two names are listed: Harlen, Mr. Saseno's adopted son, and you, Sir. Since Harlen is still in America, we need you to attend the inauguration," he explained. I was taken aback.

"But I haven't received the inheritance because of the condition that woman set," I replied.

"That's true, but it's not a requirement for the office staff and employees. It's just a condition from Madam Saseno. The office urgently needs a new director. Tomorrow is the inauguration, and you must attend, Sir," he insisted. I swallowed hard and said,

"But I don't understand business. I'm just a graduate of Agriculture," I said hesitantly.

"I will provide the documents and the speech materials. You're not required to manage the company starting tomorrow, just attend the inauguration," he reassured. I nodded slowly.

"Alright, I'll come. But my wife... she needs this vacation here. Who will look after her?"

"I'll send bodyguards to protect Madam," he offered. My eyes widened slightly.

"Alright then, I'll go with you tomorrow."

---

That night at the hotel

"I've been looking for you everywhere. Turns out you're here," Rania said, looking polished as she walked in. I turned to her and said,

"Sorry, you were sleeping so soundly I didn't have the heart to wake you," I replied. She nodded, glancing at the lawyer and office assistant.

"Who are they?"

"Let me introduce you, Madam-" Mr. Hendru started, but I cut him off.

"They're business associates from Borneo. We were discussing work," I interrupted.

"Oh, I see. Sorry if I interrupted. I'll head back to the room," she said.

"No need, love. We're just about done. Thank you, gentlemen. We'll take our leave," I said, pulling her away.

"You got another job, love. Congratulations! I was worried about what we'd do next after you resigned," she said. I smiled.

"That's why you shouldn't worry, love. I'll always know what's best for you and our family," I replied. She hugged me emotionally, and I returned the embrace tightly.