The CEO's Wife's Suffering.

"Sorry, Naomi. I ... had to break my promise to marry you."

The woman with round eyes immediately lifted her head to gaze at the face of the man who had filled her days with various colors of life for over a year.

Sometimes sad, but more often, Lukas painted colors of happiness in each of his days. The attitude of the man in front of her is always kind. Often giving small surprises that make Naomi feel very loved. Especially after Naomi lived in an orphanage that was indeed very lacking in parental affection.

Even though there are caretakers, they only provide the bare minimum of care.

Naomi, who initially just went with the flow of love, has now completely drifted away and surrendered. In fact, she has now also deeply fallen in love with the man who became her first love.

"Naomi," he called softly. His gaze turned towards Naomi with sadness. The sadness was clearly visible on the face of the twenty-five-year-old man.

The girl with round eyes blinked for a moment. The gentle call of the man had dispelled the shadows of beautiful memories between her and that man, Lukas.

"Forgive me," Lukas whispered again while reaching for Naomi's fingers and holding them gently.

Naomi didn't answer, instead, she turned her face to the side while releasing her grip. Trying to hold back the tears that had already formed rivers in her eyelids so they wouldn't fall and wet her smooth cheeks.

From the beginning, she should have been self-aware. It is not appropriate for someone from an orphanage to be with a young doctor who surely lives a comfortable life, even one filled with wealth. Because Lukas's father himself is one of the donors at the orphanage where she was raised.

Naomi took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Hoping to ease the sudden tightness in her chest a little. Actually, he was very happy earlier because Lukas suddenly invited him to eat out. However, it turns out that there is something important that Lukas is going to say.

"Mom and Dad want me to marry the child of one of Dad's business colleagues to save Dad's company, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. And I can't do much except help save Dad's business."

Unprompted, Lukas explained his reason for ending his relationship with Naomi. It was clear from the glint in his teary eyes that he was very reluctant to go through with this marriage later on.

At that moment, Naomi cried. She could no longer hold back her tears that streamed down her smooth cheeks.

Lukas closed his eyes for a moment. Truly, seeing the woman he loved so much cry because of him was more painful than anything. He felt very guilty towards Naomi. But he also couldn't do anything else but accept his parents' matchmaking.

He should have been able to protect and take good care of Naomi. Considering that the girl he loves is an orphan. Her parents are even nowhere to be found. Because Naomi has been in an orphanage since the age of two.

Lukas really wanted to touch Naomi's smooth cheek to wipe away the traces of her tears. However, he couldn't. Lukas didn't want to hurt Naomi's feelings any further.

Naomi shook her head gently. She immediately wiped away the tears that fell despite her efforts to hold them back as much as she could. He was forced to pull the corners of his lips.

"Go away, Lukas." I'm fine. These tears of mine are tears of joy. Because finally, we found a match that is worthy. A match that meets your family's criteria. "Really, I'm fine," she said with her lips slightly trembling as she spoke.

Lukas's forehead creased slightly as he looked at Naomi's face in astonishment. Lukas knew exactly how Naomi felt about him. Just like his feelings for Naomi. However, fate did not side with him.

He knew that Naomi was hiding her sadness because he had ended their relationship and canceled his intention to marry his beloved. His hand reached for Naomi's fingers again and held them gently.

"Naomi, believe me ... if in my heart there is only your name. Only your name that I always include in my prayers," he said, still trying to convince Naomi that his love for her was indeed still intact and as great as ever.

"Lukas ...," she whispered while shaking her head slowly.

Naomi didn't know what else to say. Her heart was already too pained to hear the reality that the man who loved her would marry another woman and leave her with a million memories that she didn't know if she could forget or not.

Can she endure the days like before Lukas came and disturbed her heart? I don't know...

Slowly, Lukas released Naomi's hand. Then he reached for the paper bag next to his seat. Offering it in front of Naomi. "This red prayer rug has been a silent witness to the tears, as well as the hopeful prayers I have sent to the heavens for us before." I hope you will keep it as a final memento from me.

Naomi didn't accept it right away. She gazed at the paper bag containing the red prayer rug with hesitation. Until he reached for it with his slightly trembling hand, as tears fell again, wetting his white and smooth cheeks. However, she quickly wiped them away. Not wanting to appear so fragile in front of Lukas after knowing the real truth.

"Use it when you face God. That way, our hearts will reconnect with each other."

How could he do that? While Lukas himself will belong to another woman.

Even so, she still accepted the last gift from her ex-lover and intended to keep it. Then, she kept all the beautiful memories with Lukas tightly.

Because after this, she might try to forget Lukas and all their memories. Of course, for her own sanity. Because Naomi doesn't want to remember or even keep the name of a man who has been with another woman.

She doesn't want her heart to keep getting hurt. Naomi has resolved that after this, she will start her days anew. Because no matter the circumstances, life will continue to move forward as destined.

"May you be happy with your marriage, Lukas." Stay a responsible man to whoever becomes your wife. Throw me far away from your heart. From now on, we are just a thing of the past.

After her meeting with Lukas, Naomi stepped into an elite residence on the Upper West Side, Manhattan in order to fulfill her adoptive father's call, who said he would discuss important matters.

He couldn't avoid or refuse if his adoptive father had given him an order. However, the current situation is much better because of the intervention of a man who is now in his fifth year of life.

Naomi feels indebted. So to repay Josh for all his kindness, he will obey all his orders. As long as it is good and does not prohibit religious laws.

"Assamu'alaikum, Daddy," said Naomi with a wide smile when Josh was waiting for her at the main door of her two-story house. Naomi shook Josh's hand like a parent.

"Wa'alaikumsalam, Naomi. Come in...," he replied. Then he invited his adopted child to sit on a bench next to the house, near the swimming pool. So that the atmosphere is a little relaxed.

"What's important, Dad?" Naomi asked after they made small talk asking about Naomi's activities with the series of jobs she had given her in her office.

"So, actually... Dad intends to-"

Before Josh had time to continue his sentence, a voice came in and asked the same thing as Naomi. Making Josh and Naomi immediately turn towards the source of the sound.

"Well, it just so happens that you guys have gathered. Come and sit down, Brad. "Daddy will talk to you about something important," answered Josh, looking at his only child who was still standing in the doorway.

The man who had thin beards around his cheeks glanced at Naomi with an arrogant gaze. Then just walked past him and sat by his father's side.

"What's the matter, Dad? How come that village woman is here?" Brad asked while looking at Naomi disapprovingly. Making Naomi bow her head deeply. There was a little sadness that pierced his heart when he heard the words said by the man named Brad.

"Watch your mouth, Brad! Dad never taught you to insult anyone!" said Josh warning his son. "Moreover, she will be your future wife," he added calmly.

However, it succeeded in making Naomi and Brad's eyes widen. They looked at Josh in disbelief.

"What?" shouted both of them simultaneously.

"Really, Dad? How come I want to be married to a country woman like her!"

"Really, Dad? "How come Brad wants to be married to a village woman like her," he protested while glancing sarcastically at Naomi.

"Brad!" said Josh in a slightly raised voice. Remind your only child not to look down on other people.

"Well, Brad is Dad's only child, you know. Sole heir to the company. Why don't you want to marry a woman like this." Brad continued to protest while insulting Naomi's appearance.

Naomi herself can only hold back her anger because she continues to be belittled by Brad. In fact, he himself has a share in the garment company built by the Josh Smith family.

In the past, Naomi lived and grew up in an orphanage specifically for the poor and orphans. Josh Smith himself is a regular donor at the orphanage.

Seeing Naomi's great talent in designing clothes, he sent Naomi to a university in Manhattan to further hone her skills in designing clothes. And after graduating, Naomi was drawn into his company to become a talented young designer.

Thanks to Naomi's services, the company started by Josh is now growing rapidly.

"Brad, watch your words! However, Naomi has been very helpful to our company. And Papa wants you to get married. "On the basis that you are the only heir to the company, Papa will not easily hand over our family inheritance into your hands!"

He already understands the nature of his only child. Therefore, Josh intends to match Brad with Naomi, because apart from being good at designing clothes, Naomi is also good at managing the company that she has worked hard to start from scratch. Evidently, since Naomi joined the company, the garment business she runs has increased drastically.

"Dad, I'm the CEO of a big company. What would people say if I married my subordinate?"

"That's enough. Dad doesn't care. Anyway, you have to get married. "Father will prepare everything," he stressed.

"This isn't fair, Dad!" Annoyed. Then he left Josh and Naomi just like that.

"Naomi, I hope... you don't protest against whatever decision Dad makes," he said looking at his adopted daughter hopefully.

Naomi, who had been lowering her head, now dared to raise her head and meet her adoptive father's gaze.

"But, yeah. What about Brad? "It's clear he can't accept Naomi," he said anxiously.

"Already. That's up to Dad. The most important thing is that you want to. I really hope you can improve Brad's behavior. He has done a lot of harm to the company by wasting company money on unimportant things. So after you become his wife, Dad will transfer the company to you. I trust you."

"But, Dad...."

"That's it, Brad, let it be Dad's business!" he stressed. Then take a deep breath and exhale a little roughly.

And... whatever decision Josh has made cannot be opposed by Naomi or anyone else. Moreover, Naomi is very indebted to the man who adopted her as a child. Apart from Naomi now having a good career, she can also make the orphanage that raised her more secure thanks to her donations.

Naomi could only exhale a long breath. Surrender to all his adoptive father's decisions. Even though in his heart he still had doubts because Brad's attitude made it very clear that the man never liked his presence.

Her heart had just been broken because her relationship was broken by Lukas. Now it's even more fractured because of this matchmaking.

Lord... I surrender to You. Only You are the Almighty who knows what is best for me. Give me the ease to live it....

One month after the match, Brad and Naomi's wedding was held luxuriously in a hotel ballroom in Manhattan. The invited guests seemed to really enjoy the dishes that had been provided after Brad said the vows.

The newlyweds sat on the aisle gracefully while greeting several invited guests who wanted to congratulate the bride and groom. Then ask for a photo together.

Occasionally, Naomi steals glances at the handsome man who stands holding her arm when several invited guests ask for a group photo. The man with thin sideburns only glanced at him briefly. Then he turned back to the camera with a smile on Brad's handsome face.

My husband is also handsome...

Naomi could only praise the man who was now legally her husband in her heart. Without realizing it, the corners of his lips lifted upwards. Her mind wandered, if only Brad would accept this marriage happily. Surely the household will be happy. However, Naomi quickly put aside her expectations considering Brad's behavior towards her so far.

Naomi also chose to focus back on the camera when the photographer told her to style herself.

After undergoing a reception that was held for five hours, Naomi and Brad were taken to the most luxurious hotel room in the hotel.

"Go on, get some rest. "Don't forget to quickly give Dad your grandchildren, okay?" said Josh Smith with a wide smile as he let the newlyweds enter his bridal room. It was clear how happy the middle-aged man was to see his only child marry the woman of his choice.

Brad just took a deep breath and rolled his eyes. He looked embarrassed by the last sentence his father said. Meanwhile, Naomi just smiled stiffly while lowering her head.

"Yes, that's it. "Daddy wants to go back to meet the invited guests," he said goodbye. "Satya, remember Daddy's message, okay?" he added, patting his son's shoulder before leaving.

Without waiting for Naomi, Brad stepped into the large room first. Naomi also followed with feelings of uncertainty.

He immediately smelled the scent of lavender when he entered the luxurious room which was filled with red roses. In fact, on the bed there were many red rose petals formed by love.

It didn't feel like the corners of his lips were pulling upwards. It occurred to her that if this was a marriage between herself and Lukas, it would definitely be more beautiful and more romantic. Unfortunately, she didn't marry the man she loved.

However, even so, Naomi will try to live this marriage well. She was also determined to dedicate her life only to loving her husband, whoever he was. He will try to forget Lukas, who might also be happy with the partner his parents chose.

"Brad..."

Naomi approached and intended to help her husband take off his wedding jacket. However, her hand was roughly pushed aside by Brad, the man who is now legally her husband.

"Do not touch me!" he said firmly, looking at Naomi sharply. "We live under the same roof now, but don't expect me to love you, Naomi. Don't expect me to touch you either! We are only husband and wife on paper. Remember that!"

Her chest felt tight all of a sudden. Even breathing felt heavy for Naomi.

She had just decided to devote herself to the cold man who now held the title of her husband. Even if it was only on paper, as Brad had said, Naomi wanted to treat him well. But what did she get in return? Naomi never imagined Brad would be this harsh toward her.

Does he really hate her that much?

Naomi nodded slowly as she managed to regain control of her emotions. She then took a few steps back and let herself fall onto the edge of the bed, sitting quietly as she tried to contain the tightness in her chest.

Stay calm, Naomi. Be patient...

Naomi tried to soothe herself, reminding herself to be more patient. She was well aware of the nature of her boss, who was also her husband. The fair-skinned man had shown his dislike for her ever since the first time she set foot in the luxurious Smith family mansion. Especially when his father gave her a position in the company.

It only worsened when Brad was arranged to marry Naomi because his family disapproved of the woman Brad had chosen.

"We're just a couple on paper. You don't need to meddle in my business, and I'll never bother with yours!" the man said coldly as he shrugged off the wedding suit he was still wearing.

"But remember! We need to put on an act in front of everyone. Show them that we're the happiest married couple," he said with a mocking smile.

He then strode toward the bathroom, tossing the jacket he had just taken off as he passed Naomi. The jacket landed squarely on her face.

The sound of the bathroom door slamming shut echoed through the room as Brad disappeared behind it.

At that moment, a tear Naomi had been holding back finally fell.

"Astaghfirullah... please, God, grant me patience. I believe You will never test Your servants beyond their ability. So, please give me the strength and an open heart to endure this," Naomi whispered amidst her sobs of pain.

As the saying goes, when it rains, it pours. Naomi had just been left by the man she loved, who chose to marry the woman his parents had picked for him.

The wound in Naomi's heart was still fresh and painful. But now, it felt as if her own husband had rubbed salt into it, making the hurt even worse.

The first night that should have been filled with romantic moments between husband and wife was instead consumed by silence. Even during dinner, they said nothing to each other. Naomi didn't dare start a conversation. She was afraid of saying the wrong thing and making her husband even angrier with her.

They even slept in separate places. Naomi lay on the wedding bed adorned with scattered red rose petals, while Brad chose to sleep on the sofa in the same room, unwilling to share a bed with a woman he didn't love.

The next morning, Naomi woke up with slightly swollen eyes, the result of crying silently for too long before finally falling asleep. Her gaze shifted to the clock hanging on the wall of their hotel room.

"Half past three," she murmured softly. She sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, then glanced at the figure of her husband curled up on the sofa. Poor Brad, he must be cold, she thought.

Feeling concerned, Naomi took the initiative to grab a blanket and gently covered Brad's body, worried that he might be chilled by the room's air conditioning.

Afterward, Naomi decided to freshen up with warm water before performing tahajjud prayers. She wanted to pour out all her feelings to her Lord.

Raising her hands in supplication after completing her two units of sunnah prayer and prolonged dhikr, she whispered:

"O Allah, I surrender everything to You. Grant me patience and an open heart to accept all of this with sincerity so that You, too, will be pleased with me. Forgive me and my husband for not yet being able to fulfill this marriage as we should. If this is truly what's best and if Brad is indeed my destined partner."

After pouring out her grievances to Allah, Naomi continued by reading the Qur'an through an app on her phone, as she had forgotten to bring her small physical Qur'an. Occasionally, she glanced at her husband, who was still curled up, fast asleep.

When the time for Fajr prayer arrived, Naomi gently tried to wake Brad by lightly shaking his shoulder.

"Brad, wake up. It's time for the Fajr prayer," she said as softly as possible, careful not to disturb or startle him.

Brad stirred and slowly opened his eyes. He squinted at Naomi's face, which greeted him with a warm, gentle smile.

"Let's pray Fajr first," she said again, still smiling.

But in that instant, Brad's expression hardened. He roughly brushed her hand away. "Go pray by yourself. You don't need to tell

The hotel room doorbell rang. Naomi quickly opened it and received the breakfast delivered by the hotel staff.

While waiting for Brad, who was freshening up in the bathroom, Naomi arranged the breakfast dishes neatly on the dining table near the balcony.

"Brad, let's have breakfast. I've set everything up," Naomi said as her husband stepped out of the bathroom, his face looking refreshed.

Without glancing at Naomi, Brad walked straight to the dining table and sat down. The 25-year-old woman followed him quietly. Without waiting for a request, she began serving rice onto Brad's plate.

"What do you want to eat with it?" she asked, trying to continue serving him despite knowing how he might react. For her, fulfilling her duty as a wife mattered more than his response.

"I can serve myself!" he snapped, snatching the plate from Naomi's hands roughly.

Once again, Naomi could only take a deep breath. She then chose to sit across from Brad and eat her breakfast, though her heart felt torn.

There was no cheerful conversation between the couple, not even light small talk. Only the occasional clinking of spoons and plates broke the silence.

"After this, pack your things. We're going home," Brad said coldly, breaking the tension in the air.

Naomi lifted her gaze, her brows furrowed in confusion. "But didn't Daddy book

"Do as I say, or I'll leave you here!" Brad said firmly before rising from his seat, having finished his meal.

"Y-yes," Naomi stammered.

She had no other choice but to obey her husband's order. Besides, what was the point of staying longer in this luxurious hotel if the atmosphere was so stifling and dull? Though deep down, she couldn't help but feel it was a waste, considering how much money her father-in-law must have spent to book such an extravagant room.

Naomi stood up and began packing her belongings. Shortly afterward, she left with Brad. After about half an hour on the road, they finally arrived at Josh Smith's grand estate.

As they arrived, Josh was sitting on the porch, enjoying his coffee and reading the newspaper, taking advantage of the leisurely Sunday morning. He stood up upon seeing the newlyweds step out of the sleek sports car.

"Huh, why are you two back already?" he asked, his brows furrowing in surprise.