Mahardika was urged by his grandfather to marry Eka Maheswari. The Wijaya and Saputra families have long had a close relationship. However, Mahardika and Eka are quite far apart in age, about nine years. In the end, Mahardika had to patiently deal with Eka's childish attitude. What moments happened in Mahardika and Eka's household?
"Where are you going?" asked the middle-aged man, whose hair had turned white, to a handsome young man of thirty who was neatly dressed in a black suit, bow tie and trousers of the same color.
The young man, named Mahardika, stopped his steps as he let out a long sigh, "Yes, what else is there grandfather, other than going to the office. I have to attend an important meeting with some company officials. The meeting will start in an hour."
Mahardika looked at the watch on his left arm. His forehead furrowed slightly as the streets were bound to be very crowded at this hour.
"Sit down, there's something important I want to talk to you about," the seventy-five-year-old man pleaded.
Mahardika nodded slowly. He wanted to refuse. However, he decided against it because it was his grandfather who was asking.
"What exactly did you want to talk to me about?" Now it was Mahardika's turn to ask.
"Cancel the meeting!" said the middle-aged man, without blinking.
"Cancel it, you mean?" Mahardika raised one eyebrow in half surprise.
"Yes, every day you're always busy with work. There's never any time for family and thinking about your future. Don't you want a family?"
The middle-aged man, whose full name was Bambang Wijaya, asked in a serious tone. Leaning his head back, he folded his arms across his chest.
Mahardika let out another long sigh, "I'm not ready to start a family. I still want to grow our family business." Then he got up.
Mahardika had guessed the direction of this conversation and did not want to continue. He buttoned his jacket, about to leave.
"Sit down!" ordered Bambang, sternly.
"Never mind, Grandpa. Don't continue this conversation. Mahardika is not in the mood to discuss anything about marriage." His breathing was long and heavy.
Instantly, the smile faded from his handsome face. Her mood turned sour now.
"But, you have to get married, Dika. You're already thirty years old. How long will you be alone, while your father and mother want to hold grandchildren. Grandpa, too, wants to see you taken care of," Bambang Wijaya said, his voice shaking slightly.
Again, Mahardika exhaled heavily. "Didn't grandfather once say that a soul mate will come by itself. So, why should Dika look for it, if it can come by itself?"
Bambang Wijaya tapped his forehead. He couldn't understand the mindset of his favorite grandson. Mahardika was indeed good at business, very successful, but the way he interpreted his parents' words was very bad.
"It's up to you, but grandfather wants you to cancel your entire agenda today!" said Bambang Wijaya inviolably.
"The reason?" Mahardika questioned his grandfather's wishes.
"Because we're all going to go propose."
"Applying? What company do you want us to apply to again? We already have many companies in several cities. Oil palm plantations and coal mines," Mahardika replied innocently.
Bambang Wijaya tapped his forehead again while shaking his head. He eroded the distance. Now his position with Mahardika is less than or meters away. Overwhelmed by his grandson's innocence, Bambang Wijaya flicked Mahardika's forehead.
"Ouch grandpa, it hurts," Mahardika complained spontaneously while rubbing his forehead.
"To propose, not to propose. I mean proposing to a girl." The middle-aged man clenched his teeth in amusement and annoyance at the same time.
Mahardika paused for a moment. His grandfather's last sentence needed to be examined for a longer time.
"You're an adult, Dika. You should be married. In the past, your father got married at the age of 25, while you were thirty years old, without a companion. Mom and Dad have both agreed to marry you off to Eka..."
"Eka, Uncle Teguh Saputra's daughter?" said Mahardika quickly, fixing his eyes on the beautiful woman coming from the kitchen.
"I want you to meet Eka today because your marriage is fixed," said the woman familiarly called Mother.
Mahardika didn't say yes, but she didn't say no either. Silent like a stone statue for a while.
***
Balaraja, Tangerang Banten.
Saputra's family residence. A simple family who owns a well-known restaurant in the Balaraja area.
The two-storey house has a large courtyard overgrown with trees and ornamental plants, making anyone who sees it feel calm.
"Welcome to this simple house," said Teguh Saputra welcoming the arrival of the Wijaya family.
"Thank you for your warm welcome, my friend," replied Frans Adi Wijaya, standing right at the door.
"You guys go in first. I have to take a call first. It won't take long. Just five minutes," Mahardika said, in between warm welcomes.
He couldn't ignore this phone call because it involved a big project he was working on.
Bambang Wijaya shook his head. It was always like that. The phone call came at an inopportune time.
After that, the host immediately cleared the special guest to enter.
"Come on, have a seat. I'm sorry it's like this," Teguh said, modestly.
Bambang Wijaya, Frans and Annata sat on the sofa there. Each had a smile on their face. Their arrival was solely to propose to the youngest child of the Saputra family.
Meanwhile, Mahardika, who had not yet entered the room because he had to receive a phone call first, seemed to end his conversation with someone far away.
When he turned around, Mahardika saw a petite girl, wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt and jeans, walking silently between the mango and guava trees. Her suspicious movements aroused Mahardika's curiosity.
Mahardika's brow furrowed, because he recognized the girl. Her face was familiar, even though he had not seen her for a long time.
"Where is she going? Why does she look like a weasel about to pounce on a local chicken?" Mahardika wondered.
To answer his curiosity, Mahardika ran to follow the girl.
Right in front of the gate, the girl stopped her steps. "Where are the keys." She reached into her blue sling bag.
"What are you doing here?" Mahardika said in surprise.
The petite girl was stunned. Her shoulders twitched slightly. She turned around. The action was already known to someone. Even though she had made sure it was quiet. Today was quite unlucky for her.
"What is Uncle Dika doing here?" the girl asked, innocently.
"What, Uncle? Who do you call Uncle?" Mahardika frowned.
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. Whatâs worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldnât thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesnât seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that heâs different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
Joanna was sabotaged by her sister and ended up in a strangerâs bed. Despised by her boyfriend and pressured by her family, she was forced to marry a wealthy scoundrel, Rhys. Rhysâ young adoptive father was the richest man in town, but was also said to be violent. Everyone thought Joanna was doomed, but Owen favored her and condemned her bullies. Joanna secretly loved Owen, but after a night of passion, he began to withdraw from her. Heartbroken, she entertained other men. She was on a date when Owen suddenly barged in. "You said you loved me!" Joanna smirked. "Too late. Youâll have to get in line."
For two years, Ashton had poured his heart into his marriage, yet Emalee's heart remained cold. Despite his dedication, Emalee presented him with divorce papers. She bluntly stated she could not remain married to a man whose net worth was less than a million dollars. Ashton signed the papers, closing one chapter of his life and stepping into a new beginning. Then, Ashton revealed his secret identities: a music mogul, a medical expert, and a martial arts masterâeach persona impressive enough to stun the world. As Ashtonâs true capabilities came to light, Emalee was overwhelmed with deep regret.
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, âWho will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.â
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wifeâs countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. âLetâs get married again.â