Tjoe covered his face with his hands as he vomited the contents of his stomach. He panted, trying to hold back the pain and embarrassment. Maxime helped him pull over, trying to defuse the situation, "I have to take you to the hospital right now."However, midway through the journey, the atmosphere became tense. Tjoe suddenly struggled and pushed Maxime with unexpected strength. "Insolent! How dare you snatch him from me!" he muttered in a voice full of disappointment and confusion.Maxime was shocked by the attack, his face filled with confusion and pain from the wound he had just suffered. With mixed feelings of worry and disappointment. Maxime tries to understand what is happening to Tjoe. Even though he was hurt, he still maintained his calm demeanor, "Tjie, I'm not trying to take anything from you. I just want to help you," said Maxime in a trembling voice, trying to penetrate the confusion that was rampant in Tjoe's mind.But Tjoe just looked at him with eyes that radiated despa
"Maxime can only pray for the best for Dad. I hope this is just a hallucination because he misses you too much." Maxime said goodbye from Mr. Cokro's house to continue his work in the garden. Maxime's business is growing, now he has several bosses who accommodate his harvest. He no longer needs to sell directly at the market, "I have to go to grandfather Leonardo's grave to make a pilgrimage and say thank you for what he has given me. Maybe I would live under a bridge and continue to starve if I didn't meet him." Maxime walked along the garden and path to the cemetery. On his way, Maxime saw a man with a suspicious attitude, "Who is that?" Maxime muttered curiously and approached the man. "That's like Tjoe! Why is he here hanging a rope from that tree?" said Maxime, still watching Tjoe from a distance of five meters. Tjoe got down from the tree and stood on a chair and tied the rope around his neck, "He's definitely going to kill himself!" shouted Maxime, running to prevent Tjoe fr
Maxime walked with firm steps, his eyes radiating strong determination. "I won't stay silent! This is grandfather's house, not mine. If that person has a problem with me, he shouldn't be like this!" he said with emotion, his voice shaking with mounting anger. He continued to hold his hands ready to hit anyone involved in destroying Ernest's grandfather's house. Mr. Cokro approached him gently, "Be patient, Max, as long as we are alive we will never be able to run away from problems. You will definitely be strong in facing all of this," he said with confidence, trying to calm Maxime who was being hit by burning anger. "But this is really too much!" Maxime hissed, his eyes bulging in deep anger. Mr Cokro nodded, "I understand Thur. But let's handle this with a cool head. We can't let emotions control our actions." Maxime nodded even though he was still full of emotion. "I will find out who is behind all this. They can't get away with it!" Mr. Cokro raised an eyebrow, "Remember, jus
Maxime staggered backwards while holding back the pain in his stomach. However, he had no intention of returning Tjoe's blow. In a hoarse voice, he said, "Tjoe, I know you're angry. But listen to me for a moment."Tjoe, still filled with anger, punched again, but this time Maxime managed to dodge and immediately grabbed both of Tjoe's hands, stopping the next attack. "Tjoe, Rafael didn't choose Lea because of me. He chose Lea because he loved her. Lea also chose Rafael. Love can't be forced, Tjoe."Tjoe tried to get away, but Maxime held him tightly. "Tjoe, you have to face this reality. We are all friends. I never intended to hurt you."Slowly, Tjoe's emotions began to subside. He stopped struggling and looked at Maxime in confusion. "But why? Why did everything happen so fast?"Maxime let go of his hand and sighed. "Sometimes, in life, we can't control other people's feelings. I can't control Rafael and Lea's feelings either. What happened wasn't your fault, it wasn't anyone's fault
Time passed so quickly, "Friend's Coffee" became more and more crowded until one afternoon, when Maxime and Tjoe were busy serving their loyal customers, the cafe door opened loudly and Rafael, who was jealous of their success, entered with a face full of anger.With big steps and without further ado, Rafael started tearing apart the cafe. He knocked over chairs, overturned tables, and spilled coffee on the floor. The customers screamed in fear, while Maxime and Tjoe were silent for a moment, shocked by the sudden chaos.Maxime immediately stepped forward, his anger evident in his eyes. "What are you thinking, Rafael? Why are you doing this?" he shouted in a trembling voice.Rafael, with a face full of revenge, replied, "I won't let your business go well Maxime!"Tjoe, who was always calm, tried to calm the situation. "Rafael, this is not the right way to solve the problem. Let's talk about it with a cool head."However, Rafael didn't want to listen. He continued to damage equipment i
Maxime quickened his pace, following the footsteps of Rafael who moved quickly between the cafe tables. His heart was full of suspicion and anger."Rafael!" she exclaimed when she managed to get close to the figure. Rafael turned around, looking surprised and worried."Maxime, wait a minute," Rafael pleaded, hands raised as if asking for mercy. "I know you're angry, but listen to me for a second."Maxime crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze sharp. "You think I'll trust you again after everything that happened?"Rafael bowed his head, his voice trembling. "I'm sorry, Maxime. Really, I don't know what to do anymore." He let out a long breath, looking very desperate. "I'm broke. The business I thought was going to work turned out to ruin everything. Dad... our father now has to live under a bridge because of me."Maxime frowned, slightly loosening his defensive stance. "Our father? How can that be?""After all the failed investments, we lost everything," Rafael continued in a hoarse
"Rafael, I don't think I can involve you in my cafe," Maxime said quietly, trying to keep his composure."What do you mean, Max?" asked Rafael, his face showing confusion."I was going to tell you to work at my cafe, but Tjoe didn't agree with that," Maxime said, his voice firm but regretful.Rafael was silent for a moment, then his eyes lit up with disappointment. "So you'd take Tjoe's word over helping your own brother?" he asked bitterly.Maxime sighed heavily. "Rafael, this isn't about choosing Tjoe or you. It's about keeping our cafe that we've worked so hard to build. I can't take a risk that could destroy it all."Rafael smiled bitterly, nodding slowly. "I understand, Max. Maybe you're right. I'm the one who always brings trouble. I don't want to trouble you further."Maxime felt a wave of pain when he saw Rafael's expression. "Rafael, wait. It's not about being troublesome or not. We can find other ways to help you."But Rafael had already decided. "No need, Max. I'll just lea
Without thinking, Maxime broke down the door with all his might. The door opened with a loud bang, and Maxime immediately saw his father lying on the floor, looking weak and helpless. "Dad!" Maxime shrieked, running over and kneeling beside his father. "What happened? Dad, please wake up!"Rafael stood in the corner of the room, looking confused and indifferent. "She's fine, Max. Don't overdo it."Maxime looked at Rafael with eyes full of anger. "Don't you see? Dad is in pain! Why are you silent?"Rafael shrugged in a nonchalant manner. "She's always like that, Max. It's no big deal. She just needs to rest."Maxime couldn't contain his emotions anymore. "You don't care at all, Rafael! Dad needs help, and you're just standing there? What's really going on here?"Rafael stepped forward, his face showing no less fury. "Don't blame me, Max. This is all because of your selfish decision. You didn't want to help us the easy way. If only you'd let me work at the cafe, things wouldn't have got
Maxime and Tjoe rode their bikes so casually, neither of them realized that danger was lurking around them."Apparently Rafael is that weak!" Tjoe muttered dismissively."Physically he's a bit weak, but when it comes to instigating, don't ask. Even people who just know him will believe what he says," Maxime said."Including me, who believed Rafael too much and ruined our friendship," Tjoe muttered.Suddenly Maxime's motorcycle was hit by a car from behind and they both fell down."Damn, do they have no eyes to hit us on the side of the road?" grumbled Tjoe."Patience Tjoe, we mustn't be provoked by emotions, the brakes might fail," said Maxime.Maxime and Tjoe got up and brought their bikes to the side, but Rafael's men got out of their car and beat Maxime up. Tjoe tried to help Maxime, but the enemy's numbers and strength were greater. Within minutes Maxime and Tjoe were lying on the ground, in pain and helpless."We'll take them now!" said one of the men. The semi-conscious Maxime a
Maxime returned to Neo's rented house to avenge his mother's pain on Neo. With his heart still filled with anger and resentment, he walked with firm steps towards the door. However, when he opened the door, Maxime was shocked and disgusted. Neo's body lay limply on the floor, covered in maggots and a pungent stench.Maxime's tears broke out seeing his father's terrible condition. All resentment and hatred instantly vanished, replaced by regret and deep sadness. "Dad..." he whispered bitterly. Carefully, he approached Neo and embraced his frail body."Tjoe used to come here to bring food and bathe Dad, but he hasn't come for a week now," Neo said in a weak and pained voice.Maxime's tears continued to flow as he carried his father's body to the bathroom. Lovingly, he cleaned Neo's body of disgusting dirt and maggots. Every time his hands touched his father's skin, Maxime felt a deep sense of guilt. "I'm sorry, Dad," he said repeatedly between sobs.After cleaning Neo's body, Maxime lai
Maxime stood transfixed, his feelings mixed. How could Rafael be his biological brother? This thought made him angry and disappointed with his father, Neo, whom he had considered a role model.With heavy steps, Maxime headed home. Arriving home, he immediately looked for Neo who was sitting in the living room reading the newspaper."Neo," Maxime called out firmly, without the usual "Dad" greeting. Neo lowered his newspaper and looked at Maxime with a furrowed brow."What's wrong, Max?" he asked."Is it true that Rafael is your biological son?" Maxime asked directly, without preamble. His voice shook between anger and sadness.Neo was silent for a moment. "Who told you?" he asked slowly."Just answer, is it true?" Maxime insisted.Neo took a deep breath. "Yes, it's true. But it happened before your mom died. I didn't know how to tell you..."Maxime felt like the world was crumbling. Without another word, he turned around and ran out of the house. He sped up his bike, heading for the pl
In the chaos, her father managed to remove the cloth gagging her mouth and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Help!!!" His desperate voice echoed, breaking the silence of the night and waking up the previously sleeping citizens.Maxime, who was lying on the floor with bruises on his face, heard his father's cry. His spirits rose instantly, replacing the pain in his body. With what was left of his strength, he got up slowly, trying to resist the dizziness that blurred his vision. He knew that he had to act quickly.Outside, the cries had aroused the residents' concern. One by one, the house lights began to come on, and within minutes, a crowd of people flocked to Maxime's house. They carried torches, sticks, and anything else they could use to protect themselves. The villagers knew very well that tonight they had to unite against the incoming threat.Rafael's men, who initially felt superior and untouchable, now began to panic at the wave of people approaching with determination. They r
That evening, after a long day, Maxime and his father sat in their small living room. A warm and loving atmosphere filled the room. Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door. Maxime got up, feeling a little uneasy. As he opened the door, he was surprised to see Rafael standing in the doorway."Rafael?" asked Maxime in a hesitant voice. "What are you doing here?"Rafael stepped in uninvited, his eyes sweeping the room quickly before finally looking at Maxime and their father. "I heard that Dad can talk again," he said in a flat tone. "I wanted to see for myself."Maxime felt the tension rising. "Yes, Dad is recovering," he replied carefully. "But why did you come all of a sudden?"Rafael looked at their father who looked awkward in his bed. "I just wanted to make sure that all this was right. And also, I wanted to know what your next plan was."Maxime let out a long breath. "Rafael, we're just trying our best for Dad. I'm working hard to make sure he gets the care he deserves."Rafa
Maxime nodded, wiping away his tears. "Yes, I'm Maxime.""There's someone who'd like to see you," the nurse said, pointing at an elderly man walking slowly towards them. Maxime recognized the man as Pak Budi, an old acquaintance of his family."Maxime," Mr. Budi greeted him in a husky yet warm voice."I heard about your father's condition. I came to see if there was anything I could do to help." Maxime was surprised and relieved at the same time."Mr. Budi, I'm very grateful. Our situation is very difficult right now. "Mr. Budi smiled wisely."I know, my son. Your father was a good friend of mine for many years. Although we don't always agree, I can't let him suffer without trying to help."Mr. Budi then took out an envelope from his jacket and handed it to Maxime."It's not a big amount, but I hope it can help a little." Maxime opened the envelope and found some money inside. Maxime's eyes filled with tears again, this time not from sadness, but from emotion and gratitude."Thank you
Without thinking, Maxime broke down the door with all his might. The door opened with a loud bang, and Maxime immediately saw his father lying on the floor, looking weak and helpless. "Dad!" Maxime shrieked, running over and kneeling beside his father. "What happened? Dad, please wake up!"Rafael stood in the corner of the room, looking confused and indifferent. "She's fine, Max. Don't overdo it."Maxime looked at Rafael with eyes full of anger. "Don't you see? Dad is in pain! Why are you silent?"Rafael shrugged in a nonchalant manner. "She's always like that, Max. It's no big deal. She just needs to rest."Maxime couldn't contain his emotions anymore. "You don't care at all, Rafael! Dad needs help, and you're just standing there? What's really going on here?"Rafael stepped forward, his face showing no less fury. "Don't blame me, Max. This is all because of your selfish decision. You didn't want to help us the easy way. If only you'd let me work at the cafe, things wouldn't have got
"Rafael, I don't think I can involve you in my cafe," Maxime said quietly, trying to keep his composure."What do you mean, Max?" asked Rafael, his face showing confusion."I was going to tell you to work at my cafe, but Tjoe didn't agree with that," Maxime said, his voice firm but regretful.Rafael was silent for a moment, then his eyes lit up with disappointment. "So you'd take Tjoe's word over helping your own brother?" he asked bitterly.Maxime sighed heavily. "Rafael, this isn't about choosing Tjoe or you. It's about keeping our cafe that we've worked so hard to build. I can't take a risk that could destroy it all."Rafael smiled bitterly, nodding slowly. "I understand, Max. Maybe you're right. I'm the one who always brings trouble. I don't want to trouble you further."Maxime felt a wave of pain when he saw Rafael's expression. "Rafael, wait. It's not about being troublesome or not. We can find other ways to help you."But Rafael had already decided. "No need, Max. I'll just lea
Maxime quickened his pace, following the footsteps of Rafael who moved quickly between the cafe tables. His heart was full of suspicion and anger."Rafael!" she exclaimed when she managed to get close to the figure. Rafael turned around, looking surprised and worried."Maxime, wait a minute," Rafael pleaded, hands raised as if asking for mercy. "I know you're angry, but listen to me for a second."Maxime crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze sharp. "You think I'll trust you again after everything that happened?"Rafael bowed his head, his voice trembling. "I'm sorry, Maxime. Really, I don't know what to do anymore." He let out a long breath, looking very desperate. "I'm broke. The business I thought was going to work turned out to ruin everything. Dad... our father now has to live under a bridge because of me."Maxime frowned, slightly loosening his defensive stance. "Our father? How can that be?""After all the failed investments, we lost everything," Rafael continued in a hoarse