Nike returned to his office feeling irritated.For the time being, he had to work alone again because Citra was reportedly being quarantined in her room, according to Mrs. Merry.Nike actually wanted to protest and try to talk so that the woman wouldn't be confined like that. However, his arguments were always easily refuted by that woman."I don't know what to do anymore. Everything about me is now ruined in Citra's eyes. I will lose her trust completely. No! I don't want to lose that woman."Honestly, Nike didn't want his relationship with Citra to end at all. He always hoped that their sibling bond would remain intact, forever.However, everything seemed too late. Now Nike understood the reason why that woman no longer wanted to talk to him at all.His name was clearly tarnished due to the leak of secrets about the theft and the plan that originally came from Mrs. Merry."I think I need a cup of coffee to calm this noisy mind," Nike muttered softly.Nike walked away, out of his roo

A few hours earlier...Citra was in the makeup room, preparing for the event that would start in a few hours.Since earlier, not a single word had come out of her mouth.Citra had truly kept her mouth shut tight, not saying a single word since before.Only heavy sighs kept coming out of her mouth."Is there anything you'd like to add or remove, Miss?" asked the makeup artist to Citra.The woman remained completely silent, giving no response whatsoever, leaving the makeup artist with no choice but to resignedly continue her job until it was finished.There were no specific makeup requests made as usual. It was certain that Citra was entrusting everything to the makeup artist, or more accurately, Citra had no interest in the current event, allowing herself to appear as carelessly as possible.A few minutes passed, and Citra's makeup was finally done.Now it was time for Citra to change clothes."Come, Miss. I'll help you put on your dress," said the makeup artist, intending to assist th

Citra let out a long sigh.Now, she had to go downstairs and face many people for the main event of the party held in that grand and magnificent building.The embroidery that had transformed the once empty space into such luxurious and stunning decorations failed to touch Citra's heart.Her face remained expressionless, showing no happiness on what should be a rather historic day in her life.An engagement wasn't much different from the sacred ceremony of marriage; they would remember and immortalize this moment.But not Citra. She felt nothing at all, and even wished to forget this time."Would the bride please stand next to the groom," the host instructed Citra.Everyone seemed to praise Citra's stunning appearance, but some also noticed her completely flat expression, showing no regard for her special engagement day."Now, the groom may place the ring on the bride's finger first."Martin smiled with joy, taking the ring to place on Citra's finger."You look so beautiful, Citra. I a

Citra stared at her bedroom ceiling, which seemed more interesting than her surroundings.Her gaze hadn't shifted for a while.This was followed by a long sigh escaping from her mouth.Images of the events surrounding her engagement swirled in her head.Some time ago, when she and her family had just returned from the engagement venue.They had gotten into an argument when they were in the living room.Citra was no longer willing to stay quiet and resigned. She put up resistance when she felt let down by her own parents."No more objections. You must get ready because Mama and Martin's parents have prepared the wedding for you and Martin," Mrs. Merry said firmly, sounding like she didn't want to be argued with.Citra shook her head repeatedly, rejecting the words of the middle-aged woman."Enough, Ma! Stop controlling every aspect of my life. Have you ever thought about how I feel? Do you have any consideration for all of this? Am I really your child or not?"Citra hoped that her word

"Have a drink first, sis."Amel handed a glass of orange juice to the woman.A perfect smile was etched on her face, happy to see Citra again after not meeting for some time.Currently, the three of them were taking seats in the living room, specifically on the row of sofas."How are you, Citra?" asked Amel, touching the back of the woman's hand.Amel couldn't hold herself back anymore, she immediately hugged the woman's body for a long time.She felt so grateful and lucky to have met Citra, who was so kind that she was willing to sacrifice her own happiness for Amel's safety."I'm sorry, sis. It's all my fault."Citra shook her head, disagreeing with the girl's words that seemed to only blame herself."No, Amel. All of this isn't solely your fault. Ethan and I also made the same mistake because we were too busy working, we didn't pay attention to you," said Citra, bringing the girl into her embrace.Amel shook her head, still feeling that everything started from her being easily infl