2024-11-30 05:12:00"I will not give up," he said finally, trying to channel all the conviction he had into his words. "This is about Dinda's future, and I will not stop until I get justice. Whatever it takes, I will do it."
His lawyer smiled thinly, though the tiredness was still evident on his face. It was not a smile of victory, but rather a kind of support that he wanted to give to his client in her predicament. "Okay," he said, "we will work hard to turn this around. What we need to do now is show that Dinda needs her father—and that you can provide the love and stability she needs."
Sebastian nodded firmly, though his heart was still filled with anxiety. In his chest, feelings of worry and love wrestled in an endless struggle. Still, one thing was for him: he would not back down for the sake of his beloved daughter.
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I Am Not A Poor Daddy 36
In a large and classy meeting room, Sebastian sat at the head of a long table, surrounded by company executives. One by one, they gave presentations, discussing the quarterly targets that had to be achieved. However, Sebastian's gaze was blank, his eyes not really paying attention to the presentation screen filled with numbers and graphs. His thoughts drifted to Dinda, his little daughter, and Sara who was increasingly trying to win custody."Mr. Sebastian," called Andi, the marketing manager, in a hesitant voice. "What do you think about this expansion plan?"Sebastian was surprised as if he had just been woken up from his reverie. "Oh, yes... the expansion plan," he mumbled while trying to understand the slide that was being displayed. However, his mind was still in turmoil.One of the other staff, Lila, looked at him worriedly. "Sir, are you
I Am Not A Poor Daddy 37
Lila nodded slowly, her eyes soft but filled with emotion. "I really thank you. If it weren't for you, maybe I would have given up and left this company, maybe even my dream of becoming a successful person."Sebastian smiled bitterly, feeling the pain behind Lila's praise. "I'm happy to be able to help, but also sad that something like that happened in this company. At that time, I felt that this company was not worthy of continuing anyone's dreams."Lila looked at him gratefully. "It was your presence that changed all that. Since you took over, I and many other staff feel more appreciated. You are not only a leader, but also someone who listens."Sebastian just chuckled, looking at his almost empty glass. "I'm not a perfect leader, Lila. My family's problems... I've never found a solution until now."Lila put her hands o
I Am Not A Poor Daddy 38
"Sara, please..." Sebastian's voice was barely audible. He knelt down, his head bowed, and both his hands tightly gripped Sara's hands. "I don't care what happens between us... But Dinda, she is my life. Let me remain a part of her life."Sara stared at Sebastian with a look full of disgust, then pulled her hand roughly, freeing herself from Sebastian's grip."You no longer have any rights over us, Sebastian. And the sooner you accept that fact, the better," she said in a cold and firm tone.Sebastian lowered his head, his tears falling to the ground as if all the hopes he had were shattered into pieces in front of the woman he once loved. He didn't know how he would face life without Dinda, without her warm smile, without her cheerful laughter. The pain was so deep, so devastating.
I Am Not A Poor Daddy 39
The day of the trial finally arrived, and Sebastian sat in the cold visitor's chair, looking at the room with mixed feelings. Although the courtroom was quite large, the day felt cramped and full of pressure. The high ceiling that usually made the room feel spacious actually added to the unbearable sense of intimidation. Sebastian's heart was beating fast, its rhythm seeming to accompany his increasing anxiety. His gaze was straight ahead, but occasionally, he glanced at Sara and Rendy, who had come as Sara's lawyer, his wife, sitting a few rows in front of him.Sebastian tried to calm himself down, but every beat of his heart seemed to remind him how important today was. Dinda, his beloved daughter, was at the center of all this. He remembered the beautiful moments with Dinda, the laughter and happiness they shared, and how hard it was to imagine life without her presence.Sara looked calm
I Am Not A Poor Daddy 40
On the other side of the room, Sara sat upright, as if unshaken by the serious atmosphere that dominated the courtroom. Her cold gaze was fixed on the judge, and occasionally she glanced at Rendy as if solidifying their strategy in securing Dinda's custody. Sebastian realized that Sara was very sure of her position. That feeling added a new burden to his chest, which was getting tighter as time went by.When the judge invited Rendy to give his initial statement, the lawyer stood calmly. He stepped into the center of the room with apparent confidence, delivering his opening argument in a loud and firm voice. "Your Honor," he said, "our client, Sara, has provided a stable and loving environment for Dinda. In addition, the emotional closeness between them has been a strong foundation that has encouraged Sara to maintain this custody."Every word that came out of Rendy's mouth was like a knife stabbing Sebastian's heart, making his chest
I Am Not A Poor Daddy 41
Seeing Sebastian looking shaken, Rendy continued his attack confidently. "In addition, Your Honor, we also have a video recording of the Child Protection Commission interview with Dinda. In this recording, Dinda explained very honestly about her feelings towards the parents who raised her." The video interview was played. Dinda's small voice was heard in the quiet courtroom. Dinda was seen sitting on a chair, trying to look at the Child Protection Commission interviewer with her innocent face, looking honest but full of caution. Her voice sounded soft and slightly trembling. "I ... I like living with mom. I feel comfortable at Mom's house. I can sleep soundly and I'm not afraid ..." Dinda looked down, then added in a softer voice, "When it's with Daddy Sebastian ... sometimes Daddy Sebastian likes to get angry with mom. I don't like seeing Mom cry because she fights with Daddy Sebastian ..." Those words pierced Sebastian's heart, who felt as if the world was conspiring against him.
I Am Not A Poor Daddy 42
The judge, who had listened to all the arguments thoughtfully, took a moment before speaking.“I will consider all the evidence presented, both from the plaintiff and the defendant,” he said in a firm, careful tone. “But the child’s interests are the top priority. Therefore, this decision will focus on Dinda’s comfort, safety, and happiness.”The courtroom was silent, everyone holding their breath waiting for the decision to be made. Sebastian sat with a broken heart, but deep in his heart he knew that, whatever the outcome, his love for Dinda would never fade. That day, in the midst of the emotional trial, Sebastian realized that being a father was not just about blood ties but about the unconditional love he had for the daughter, he might not be able to hug every day anymore.Sebastian stared ahead, trying to calm his turbul
I Am Not A Poor Daddy 43
"I will not give up," Sebastian muttered to himself, trying to gather back the strength that was starting to fade. He knew that even though the judge's decision had been made, his struggle as a father was not over. Dinda still needed a father figure in her life, and he was determined to stay there, even if in a different capacity.His lawyer, who was still standing beside him, looked at him with understanding. "Sebastian, we can appeal. There are many ways to fight for your rights as a father. This is not the end of everything," he said in a reassuring tone.Sebastian nodded slowly, even though his heart still felt heavy. He knew that this process would be long and tiring, but he would not back down. Dinda was everything to him, and he would do anything to make sure that his daughter knew how much he loved her. As they stepped out of the court
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Rendy felt his body weaken, as if struck by a heavy stone. His legs could barely support him, yet he held onto Vina, who continued to cry. “No... it can’t be...” he murmured, almost as if speaking to himself.Panic and fear enveloped him, making him feel trapped in darkness. Each heartbeat felt heavy, and Vina's sobs reminded him of how fragile life can be. Rendy tried to comfort the little girl, even though he himself didn’t know how to cope with the overwhelming fear.As he stared at the closed ICU door, thoughts of all the worst possibilities haunted his mind. Rendy felt guilty, realizing that all of this was the result of his own choices. He wanted to protect Rachel, but now he found himself in a situation that endangered everyone he loved.The tension in the air became palpable, and Rendy prayed that it wouldn’t end in disaster
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Rendy looked shocked, but there was deep unease on his face. He knew the situation was worsening. Every word spoken by Sebastian only strengthened his resolve to protect Dinda, and Rendy felt cornered.Sebastian stood firm, trying to contain his emotions. He did not want to be trapped in this game, but the deep pain and anger pushed him to take action. In his mind, there was only one goal: to save Dinda from potential harm.They both fell silent, caught in a moment full of tension. Sebastian knew that the next step would determine not only their fates but also Dinda's future, which should not be affected by the selfish decisions of adults.However, before Sebastian could continue, Rendy knelt before him. His usually confident face was now weak and desperate. Tears began to flow down his cheeks. "Sebastian, please... don’t
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Filled with anger, Sebastian chose to confront Rendy. When he arrived in front of the ICU and saw Rendy there, without a second thought, Sebastian threw a punch. He growled with rage, his eyes red as he glared at Rendy, who staggered slightly from the blow.Without thinking, Sebastian grabbed Rendy by the collar, pulling him closer until their faces were just inches apart. "What are you doing with Sara and Dinda?" he hissed, his voice trembling with emotion.Rendy, still shocked, tried to defuse the situation. "Sebastian, wait! This isn't what you think!" he said, trying to keep his distance.Sebastian didn't want to hear any defense. His anger clouded his judgment. He wanted to know the truth, but right now, everything was blurred by his burning rage. He knew he had to listen to what Rendy had to say, but all he felt was the need to protect his loved ones.
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Sebastian tried to imagine how Rendy and Vina were feeling right now. They must be experiencing a mix of profound hope and fear. He felt compelled to be by their side, providing the support they needed amidst this chaos.His mind was increasingly filled with questions. He recalled how strange Rendy's behavior had been all this time. Rendy suddenly appearing in Sara and Dinda's lives, always looking for ways to get close to them. And now, knowing that Rachel had just undergone a liver transplant, Sebastian couldn't ignore his suspicions.Could it be...? No, that was too cruel. Yet, as he contemplated the situation, the question kept haunting him. Did Rendy really approach Sara because of Dinda? Because he knew Dinda could be a liver donor?Sebastian felt a deep discomfort. He tried to dismiss the thought, but the mo
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Sebastian walked down the hospital corridor with hesitant steps, his mind filled with questions. He tried to locate Rendy, Vina, and Rachel, but he had no idea where they were. The hospital corridor felt silent, with only the sound of his footsteps echoing, intensifying his anxiety.Each door he passed seemed to hold untold secrets. He felt the tension in the air, shadows of uncertainty accompanying him. Memories of their emotionally charged meeting replayed in his mind, making his heart tremble.Sebastian thought about Rachel, the helpless little girl, and how easily the situation could turn into conflict. He wanted to protect them, yet at the same time, he felt trapped in confusion.He glanced at the clock on the wall; time seemed to crawl. In his heart, he prayed for their safety and tried to calm himself. He knew he had to find them and get the necessary exp
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Rachel finally cried softly against Rendy’s chest. “Why is that uncle being mean to Daddy?” she asked, her voice trembling.Rendy comforted Rachel by stroking her back. “Uncle Sebastian isn’t mean, sweetheart. He’s just angry because of a misunderstanding. It’s okay now, alright?”Sebastian felt his whole body freeze. He didn’t know what to say. His anger and the burning suspicion that had previously consumed him now evaporated, replaced by a hard-hitting realization. This little girl, Rachel, should not be a victim of whatever was happening between him and Rendy.“I... I don’t know,” Sebastian murmured softly, his voice barely audible. “I didn’t know she—” His words hung in the air.“Rendy!” a woman’s voice called, making Sebastia
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Sebastian stood in the narrow restaurant hallway, breathless, his hand still clenched after hitting Rendy. In front of him, Rendy staggered, trying to withstand the pain, but his eyes still radiated tension, not fear.Before Sebastian could throw another punch, a small voice piped up, “Papa!”The voice made him pause momentarily. Rendy, looking startled, quickly turned around, his expression shifting from tension to worry. Sebastian realized that the voice belonged to Rachel, the little girl he had seen with Rendy and that woman earlier.Guilt began to wash over Sebastian. He saw Rachel standing at the end of the hallway, her large eyes filled with confusion, as if she didn’t understand why there was tension between the adults around her.In that moment, Sebastian felt as though a bell had rung, awakenin
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Sebastian tried to push away his wandering thoughts, but the curiosity kept gnawing at him. With each passing second, the feeling that there was something deeper than just a professional relationship between them grew stronger.He attempted to refocus on the meeting and the clients in front of him, but the image of Rendy being close to the woman and child continued to disrupt him, making him feel increasingly alienated from his surroundings.After the meeting with the clients concluded, Sebastian excused himself to go to the restroom. However, instead of heading to the toilet, he took a detour that brought him closer to Rendy's table. From a distance, he heard their laughter, warm and full of joy.The woman called out to Rendy in a very familiar tone, "Rendy, look at Rachel, she’s so cute eating
102
Sebastian was having a serious discussion with a client at a restaurant, talking about the business strategy that needed to be executed immediately to win the hearts of investors. The atmosphere at the table was quite formal, though small laughs occasionally lightened the conversation. Lila, sitting next to Sebastian, appeared confident as she explained the technical details of their proposal. She spoke with enthusiasm, outlining figures and projections that were persuasive. However, despite her efforts to stay focused, Sebastian couldn’t fully shake off his thoughts drifting to Dinda. His image of Dinda, her smile, and the way she spoke kept interfering with his concentration. Every time Lila posed a question or asked for feedback, Sebastian was jolted back to reality, trying to push aside the longing that weighed on his heart. He struggled to provide the right answers, but his mind always returned to Dinda. Sebastian knew he had to be professional, but his feelings made it hard t
