The Hidden Wife

"How?"

Feby answered the question with a shake of her head. Then she smiled wryly while staring at the darkened phone screen.

"Mas Ares may ... still have a meeting. So he can't be contacted from earlier," Feby muttered afterward.

"Are you sure?" asked the woman before her now. "It could be that he's busy with-"

"Mom!" cut Feby off quickly.

The middle-aged woman no longer continued her sentence especially when she saw Feby who had made a sour face.

"That's all right. Once again, I remind you not to expect too much."

After that, the atmosphere was silent because Feby chose to run to the room. She was shedding all the anxiety that she had been hiding alone.

It was already eleven o'clock at night. That means the man who has long been awaited has been freed from his busy schedule. Making Feby, who was still awake, quickly approached the nightstand.

[Already asleep, darling?]

Feby smiled after reading the message just now. Shortly after that, her cell phone rang.

"Hello, baby!" she squealed happily. "Where have you been? I've been waiting to hear from you for a day."

A whimper escaped Feby's sweet lips just like that. Expressing all the complaints as an outlet for being ignored by the person on the other side.

Not for long. Only about a minute because their time to chat was quite limited.

["Yes, sweetheart. I'm sorry. I thought the event was over until the afternoon. It turns out that Angga said it continued until dinner."]

Feby has not responded to this explanation. However, she began to switch their communication mode to a video call. Until in a few seconds, the man's handsome face appeared on her screen.

"Okay. I'm sorry."

["Thanks. Oh yeah. What's up today, hmm?"]

Instead of answering the question just now, Feby giggled to herself. Inevitably, her hand stroked her bulging belly.

"Our son, baby."

Feby's eyes sparkled brightly. As if to represent how excited she was to make the announcement. Hoping the same response would be seen on the man's face in front of the screen.

["Oh yeah?"]

As expected. Her husband was surprised while showing a cheerful smile. Feby then nodded her head. Even with great enthusiasm, she showed off the printout of the baby-to-be's photo attached to the sheet of her examination book.

"How is it? Are you happy?"

["Yes, darling, he'll be handsome like me."]

Feby also told what she heard from the doctor during the examination this afternoon. While her husband was still faithfully listening with a smile.

"I miss you, baby." Feby started to whine again.

[Feby] "Yes. Be patient. Later, if there is a suitable schedule, we will meet. Angga said that the Governor wants to come to the inauguration of the new project too. So we are still busy."]

Feby let out a resigned sigh. She knew very well that she couldn't force herself. Even he is also unlikely to catch up because of conditions that must be understood as well.

In the end, she gave in again for who knows how many times. Again, the longing that had been mounting had to be suppressed alone.

***

The news of an artist's pregnancy on the screen made Feby pursed her lips. There was a feeling of jealousy because she wanted her husband's presence by her side. Especially after a week ago, the man she loved had not given any news. So the pregnant woman looked gloomy.

"How does it feel, Feb? Living in wealth but lonely, right?"

The voice just now made Feby roll her eyes lazily. Instead of comforting her, her mother insinuated as well.

"This is my choice, Mom," Feby finally said.

Her mother nodded slowly. "I know, Feb. Regretting it won't be useful. After all, you're already pregnant like this."

If they continued, their conversation might get heated. Feby, who did not want to get involved in an argument, immediately changed the television channel in front of her eyes. Unfortunately what was selected was again the same news.

"Mom, do you want to watch? I'm already sleepy. If so, I'll leave the TV on," said Feby who had risen from her sitting position.

Her mother nodded. "Sleepy or ... want to hide in the room?"

"Whatever I want. Chatting with mom makes my heart hurt!" snapped Feby who was getting annoyed.

Luckily, her choice of action was sweet. Not long after, the cell phone rang. The screen displayed the name of the person she really missed.

[Feby] "Sorry, honey. I deliberately deactivated my phone just in case to be safe."]

"Hu um." Feby, who was still upset, exhaled harshly.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy made the beautiful woman have to be good at managing her mood. Even because her husband was not by her side at this time.

["Hey! Why are you silent again?"]

"What do you think, baby? I miss you but there's no cure!!!" whined Feby almost in tears.

["I'm sorry, it's not possible, honey."]

"When are you coming home, baby?"

In the end, the question that had never been thought of also came out of Feby's mouth. She didn't know why she could suddenly say it.

The atmosphere was suddenly silent. Feby had even shed her tears because of the feelings that were very difficult at this time. While on the other side, the man also lost his voice. Until then...

["Do I have to answer that question of yours?"]

"Sorry, Mas." Feby's tears became even more unstoppable. "I-I just miss you."

["You should realize yourself, Feb!!!"]

"What did you say?"

"You're telling me to be self-conscious, huh? I've had a lot of patience!"

Feby sobbed even more. Her right hand, which was not listening to the device, began to clench. Even now her chest was moving up and down.

[Feby] "Sorry. We shouldn't fight like this, Feb. Especially since you're pregnant."]

"Baby, I haven't finished talking," Feby whined unhappily.

["Honey, it's getting late. You'd better get some rest. Remember our future child in there."]

It was useless for Feby to beg. The call via the air was finally cut off just like that. Leaving the pain that again had to be suppressed alone.

***

The romance drama seen on the cell phone screen made Feby uneasy. The woman with two bodies chuckled as the actor was proving his love for the idol.

Sickening. That's what's in Feby's heart. However, in the deepest recesses of her heart, she wanted to be treated like that.

Oh my goodness! How long would she continue to dwell in delusion? It's impossible that the man she loves will act like that.

"Marni took the day off this morning. Her child is sick," muttered the mother while greeting Feby who had just come out of the room.

Feby nodded slowly. She immediately turned her face away so that she would not meet the middle-aged woman face-to-face.

"How come Mom is already here? Usually, you're already at school."

Her mother chuckled softly. "It's a red date, Feb. Look at the calendar!"

"Oh," Feby muttered then.

"Don't you have any intention of eating something?" her mother asked.

"No, I don't. Besides, if I want something, I can just order it. There are many delivery order services, right?"

The middle-aged woman chuckled softly. "Don't. Just tell Zaki. I'll pay him later. It's a pity for him. He still hasn't gotten a job yet."

"Didn't you say he was accepted as a TU staff at the school where you teach?" Feby, who had just landed her body on the sofa, immediately looked to the side.

"He said it's not suitable, Feb."

"He's spoiled! Try it first and see how it goes!" snapped Feby. "Mom loves that boy too much. Even though his nature is the same as father."

"Zaki is different, Feb!" The mother's voice began to rise. "Never mind. If you don't want to help your brother, don't do this. You're just stingy with your brother!"

"When was I stingy, Mom? I give you everything you need," Feby argued unacceptably.

And for who knows the umpteenth time the two mothers and children were involved in an argument. In the next few minutes, the atmosphere became silent because the master of the house had returned to the room.

[Feb, my sister's son wants to pay the farewell money. Borrow a million of your own money first].

The message just now was just one of a handful of discourses that Feby often received every day. The woman kept saying yes without ever refusing to help the brothers who were in need. It was as if she was the currency printer.

The sound of the bell from the entrance made Feby glance lazily. Luckily at the right time, Zaki had appeared first. So he simply gave the code through eye movements so that his younger brother walked towards the source of the sound.

"How about it, Feb? Isn't there money?" asked a thirty-year-old woman with a face that was already pleading.

Feby nodded slowly. "There is, but can you tidy up my pile of clothes in the corner? Marni didn't come today."

"Oh, of course."

Eagerly, her cousin immediately walked in the direction Feby was referring to. While she smiled meaningfully while folding her hands in front of her chest.

"When you're done, let me know, sis. I'm waiting in the room," Feby murmured, to which the woman immediately agreed.

Just about to take a step, Zaki's voice stopped Feby's movement.

"Sis Feb, share the money!" Zaki asked directly to the point. "It's Sunday night. I want to go to my girlfriend's house."

"If you want to take me to the mall for my monthly shopping. How about it?" Feby made an offer. Her sister's nod made her nod slowly. "In the afternoon, prepare the car."

The longing that was still lodged in her chest made Feby unable to resist visiting a place full of memories with her husband. She continued to circle the shopping center as if she were beside the man she loved. Until Zaki's reprimand made the pregnant woman growl softly.

"What do you want to shop for? Aren't there still plenty of fruits in the fridge?" asked Zaki, who was getting annoyed. Especially when the clock on his wrist showed the number six.

"Don't ask so many questions. You're just disturbing," Feby snapped with a sour face.

The younger brother who was smart enough to take advantage of the opportunity also said, "I want to buy my girlfriend chocolate and snacks too. Can I, Sis?"

"Whatever you want!"

After that, Feby just left. Then she stepped into a restaurant, the place where her husband took her the first time they dated.

A feeling of guilt slowly emerged when she realized the argument last night. Feby also intended to send a message in the form of an apology to her husband.

Unfortunately, the phrase she had composed in such a way was still checked one. Not wanting to bother anymore, Feby immediately ordered a drink to quench her thirst.

"Thank you," Feby said to the waitress.

"You're welcome, ma'am. Enjoy."

The kick of the fetus in there made Feby gasp for a moment. The shoulder-length-haired woman hurriedly touched her stomach lightly. Inevitably making a smile curve in gratitude that now she would no longer be alone.

"Angga?" Feby's monologue as soon as she saw a man she recognized.

Coincidentally, the person he was staring at also turned his head. The two of them looked at each other silently. Until the view in the south corner of the room made Feby stunned. Her tears fell instantly.

Feby gripped the glass of her drink tightly as she stared sadly at the suffocating scene. How could she not, the man there was sitting next to a beautiful woman. Could she be jealous?

"Don't keep looking if it will only make you hurt."

The voice just now made Feby turn her head quickly. She then muttered softly and asked, "How long has Mas Ares been in this city?"

"You have no right to ask, Feb," snapped the man in a cold tone. "Mr. Ares will let you know when it's time."

Feby chuckled softly. "You're just Mr. Ares' lackey. Don't boss me around!"

"I know myself. I hope you realize it too, Feb. You're just a mistress too."

"Shut your mouth, Angga! I'm his wife too," Feby argued unacceptably. "Although ... the second wife."

The man named Angga smiled wryly. "Oh yeah? One can be said to be a second wife if one knows the first. While you? Your status is a secret. In other words, just a mistress."

"You-"

Feby's words were cut off as Angga moved closer. He blocked her view instantly.

"Go away, or you'll be in even more pain later."

After saying the sentence just now, Angga then left Feby who was still frozen. There was no intention of following the advice of her husband's assistant.

That's right. Angga was not kidding. Less than five minutes now several people have joined there. Making Feby even more overwhelmed by feelings of envy. Especially when she saw the girls who appeared with various gifts in their hands.

Feby smiled bitterly. Deep in her heart, she dreamed of that moment. However, was it possible to happen in real life? It seemed impossible because even now no one knew who she was for an Ares Dwi Pranata.

"Hey, beautiful!"

"Eh, you're pregnant, you're still teasing!"

Feby's footsteps that were about to arrive at the parking lot stopped. She glanced briefly at the right side to confirm who the teaser was just now. A smile appeared after seeing two young men the same age as her sister.

"Sorry, ma'am. Didn't know I was pregnant. Sorry!" said one of them.

Feby did not respond with words. He just waved his hand in the air. Then he resumed his steps.

"Ki, what do you think ... how old am I now?" asked Feby suddenly.

His younger brother, who had been focused on the steering wheel, frowned. "Two five. What's wrong with that?"

The woman with two bodies chuckled. "Don't look at my birth year, Ki. Yes... if you take a glance."

Zaki shrugged. "I don't know."

"Am I pretty because of makeup or something?"

"Tsk. What the hell, sis?" Zaki laughed. "You're asking all these questions. If you were ugly, how could Ares be tempted? Eh? Bu-no."

Zaki immediately faltered because he felt he had misspoken. The high school graduate had even tapped his lips repeatedly. However, what was said could not be swallowed back. There was only regret.

Meanwhile, Feby is now smiling bitterly. Especially after hearing her sister's frank words earlier.

"I want to drive myself, Ki. Please stop the car at the intersection."

"What?!" Zaki was even more nervous. "Sorry, Sis Feb. I-I just let it slip."

"Already forgiven!"

"I shouldn't be left behind, sis?"

Feby, who was already annoyed, could not change her decision. She then took out a few hundred thousand bills and placed them on Zaki's thigh.

"This is enough for you to buy new clothes and ride a motorcycle taxi!"

"Sis!!!"

Did Feby care? The answer was no. She quickly fastened her seat belt and drove her luxury car at high speed.

One of the five-star hotels in the city was her current destination. Going home would be pointless. Her mother would probably disturb her peace. That was what was on Feby's mind right now.

[Thank you, Honey, for today's surprise. I thought I had forgotten about our anniversary].

The post on the social media account began to be flooded with comments by netizens. It seems that they are happy with the photo and caption full of flowers. Maybe only Feby herself is on fire right now.

"Marry me. I will fulfill everything you need."

The sentence from six months ago is now ringing in Feby's mind again. A handsome man named Ares who was in a chaotic state proposed to her with such a sweet promise. She did not refuse because at that time she was lulled into a forbidden romance.

This is where Feby is now. Soaking in the bathtub while reminiscing about her good times with her husband.

Unfortunately, tonight she must realize that she is a shadow wife. Let alone demanding rights, even attention also seems very difficult.

The clink of the cell phone just now immediately opened Feby's eyelids which were about to close. She smiled after seeing the message from Ares.

[Already sleeping?]

The nosy Feby then took the initiative to send a picture of her now. Bathing in a froth in a tub with a pose that provokes a man's desire.

Guess what the person on the other side replied? Feby even laughed when she heard her cell phone ringing erratically.

"Hi!" she greeted with the sweetest smile.

["Honey, what are you doing? Who are you with? Where are you right now?"]

Instead of answering the series of questions, Feby chose to keep the smile on her face. Making her handsome husband even more curious.

"Where do you think, Mas?" Feby whined spoiled. "I miss it. I want to go to the hotel we used to stay at. Am I wrong?"

Ares suddenly widened his eyes. Shocked beyond belief. Making Feby then immediately frowned.

["Don't joke, Feb!"]

"I'm serious, Mas. Why?"

Ares roughly pushed his hair back and then exhaled roughly. ["Me, Widya, and the kids are also staying here."]

"Oh." That was all Feby said in response. "What's the problem? No one knows that I'm here with Mas as usual. Just relax. In fact... you can play here, right?"

["Feby?"]

"Come on, baby. I miss you. We haven't seen each other for a month, right?"

["I'll come if I can, that's all."]

Although it was uncertain whether her husband would visit, Feby was still preparing herself as best she could.

***

I don't know what time it was. Feby didn't care even though she had closed her eyes earlier. However, what she was focusing on right now was the flat object on the nightstand.

[Open the door.]

Maybe it was because the night was getting late or her husband was still sleepy. So the message read a little flat. Unusual. Even so, Feby still walked with joy.

Still wearing her bright red bathrobe, she walked to the doorway. Then immediately welcomed the arrival of the man. Until a few seconds later...

"YOU?"