2025-03-24 08:51:56The night stretched long in the Santoso home, filled only with the distant hum of the Jakarta streets and the ticking of the old wall clock. The air was thick, suffocating, yet not from heat or humidity—this was the weight of something unspoken, something that had been festering between them for months.
Raka sat on the edge of the bed, his elbows resting on his knees, fingers clasped together as if he were gathering courage. His body still ached from the warehouse, every muscle sore from the relentless demands of his job. But tonight, it wasn’t exhaustion that troubled him the most. It was the space between him and his wife. Nadine lay beside him, turned away, scrolling through her phone. The blue glow illuminated her delicate features, highlighting the sharp contrast between what she had once been to him and what she was now—a woman slipping further and further away. She had barely spoken to him all evening. He had tried to start a conversation over dinner, but all he received in return were nods, brief hums of acknowledgment, and the occasional sigh. He had tried to ignore it, but it gnawed at him. Tonight, he wasn’t going to ignore it. Raka turned slightly, hesitating before reaching out. His fingers brushed against her waist, light and uncertain. A silent request. A small gesture. Nadine didn’t react immediately. She didn’t flinch, didn’t tense up, didn’t push him away. But she also didn’t turn toward him. Her phone screen continued to glow, the scrolling sound still audible, as if she hadn’t noticed his touch at all. But Raka knew she had. She was choosing not to acknowledge it. Swallowing, he tried again, letting his fingers press just a little firmer against her waist. It wasn’t forceful, nor demanding. Just a reminder. "I'm here," his touch seemed to say. Still, she remained silent. Raka exhaled slowly, steadying his voice. "Nadine." She didn't respond. He tried again, his voice barely above a whisper. “Nadine.” This time, she paused. Just for a second. Then, with practiced indifference, she locked her phone, placed it on the nightstand, and finally spoke. “I’m tired, Raka.” Her tone was soft, almost gentle, but it carried a finality that felt like a locked door. Raka hesitated. He wasn’t a fool—he knew things had changed between them. He had felt it in the way she barely met his eyes, in how her conversations with him had become shorter, in how the warmth in her voice had faded, little by little, day by day. But to hear her say it—to hear her reject him so effortlessly—it stung in a way he hadn’t prepared for. “You’re always tired,” he said, forcing a chuckle, trying to lighten the moment. "I don't even remember the last time we—" Nadine shifted suddenly, cutting him off. "I'm tired, Raka," she repeated, firmer this time. There was something cold in the way she said it, something that left no room for further discussion. Raka clenched his jaw. He wasn’t naive—he knew when a woman simply wasn’t interested. But this was his wife. The woman he had vowed to spend his life with. The woman who had once smiled at him with something close to admiration. She had never been deeply in love with him—he knew that. Their marriage had been built on something more practical, something less romantic. But they had been partners. There had been a time when she looked at him and saw a man she could rely on. Now? She wouldn't even look at him. A bitter taste formed in his mouth. He withdrew his hand, staring at the ceiling for a long moment, listening to the silence between them. Then, finally, he spoke. “Nadine,” he murmured, voice steadier than he expected. “Do you even want this anymore?” She didn’t answer right away. The pause stretched, filling the room like an unspoken confession. Then, finally, she sighed. “I just want to sleep, Raka.” Not yes. Not no. Just avoidance. A quiet rejection. And somehow, that hurt more than outright hatred ever could. Raka exhaled through his nose, running a hand through his hair. His chest felt heavy, weighed down by a loneliness that had been growing for months. He turned onto his back, staring at the ceiling, and willed himself to ignore the ache in his heart. Tonight, like every other night before it, he would sleep beside a woman who was no longer truly his. And she would sleep beside a man she had already let go of. Even if neither of them said it out loud.
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THE BILLIONAIRE'S HEIR UNCHAINED CHAPTER 5
The streets of Jakarta were alive with their usual chaos—motorbikes weaving through traffic, street vendors shouting their deals, and the scent of grilled satay lingering in the humid evening air. Raka dragged his feet along the uneven sidewalk, exhaustion settling deep in his bones after another grueling shift at the warehouse. The soles of his worn-out shoes barely cushioned each step, but he pressed on, eager to get home. At least to find little he could eat. As he walked past a row of shops, his eyes were drawn to a brightly lit jewelry store. The gleaming glass display showcased delicate necklaces, rings, and bracelets—far beyond what he could afford. Just as he was about to walk past, something caught his attention. A necklace. It wasn’t the most extravagant piece in the collection, nor was it adorned with diamonds or gold. But it had an elegant simplicity—a silver chain with a small sapphire-like stone set in the center. He imagined it resting against Nadine’s neck, c
THE BILLIONAIRE'S HEIR UNCHAINED CHAPTER 6
That evening, Raka sat in the small living room, exhausted. The flickering light from the old television barely held his attention as he stared blankly at the screen. The muffled sound of Nadine’s voice drifted from the bedroom, sharp and laced with frustration. He wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but the walls in the Santoso home were thin—just like his patience. “I don’t know what I was thinking, Dina,” Nadine sighed heavily. “I let my mother pressure me into this marriage, hoping Raka would help lift our family out of debt. He was hardworking back then, at least he had a stable job.” A pause. Then a bitter laugh. “But now? He hasn’t worked in years. I don’t even see a future with him anymore. Every time I look at him, I see failure. My mother was right—he’s just another burden.” Raka’s hands curled into fists. Her words cut deep, not because they were unexpected, but because they confirmed what he had long feared—Nadine had given up on him. She had once believed in him. Bu
THE BILLIONAIRE'S HEIR UNCHAINED CHAPTER 7
The warehouse was buzzing with the sound of machines and idle chatter. The morning shift had just begun, and Raka was already drenched in sweat, lifting crates while others slacked off. As usual, the group of workers who had singled him out gathered near the loading dock, laughing, smoking, and throwing occasional glances his way. “Oi, Raka!” Damar’s voice rang out, loud enough for everyone to hear. “You missed a spot over there. Go clean it up before the boss sees.” More laughter. Bayu leaned against the wall, smirking. “No wonder your wife doesn’t respect you, bro. How does it feel knowing she’s the one keeping you fed?” The words hit hard. Harder than the weight on his shoulders. Raka froze. His breathing grew slow and controlled, his grip tightening around the crate he was carrying. Damar wasn’t done. “Maybe that’s why she’s always ‘busy’ with... with someone far above your status. You think she’s out working?” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Nah. I’d check her loc
THE BILLIONAIRE'S HEIR UNCHAINED CHAPTER 8
The Santoso family had never been powerful. They were an average Jakarta household—comfortable, but nowhere near the elite. And Rini Santoso, Nadine’s mother, had always wanted more. Tonight was her chance. The Mahardika family was one of Indonesia’s wealthiest and most respected business dynasties. Reza Mahardika, their golden son, had been pursuing Nadine for months. Now, his high-profile family dinner was the perfect stage for Nadine to finally choose him. And Raka? He was nothing in their eyes. “Are you really wearing that?” Rini sneered, looking Raka up and down. He stood near the entrance of their modest home, dressed in a plain black suit—not expensive, not impressive. The Santosos weren’t rich enough for luxury brands, but they still tried. Rini and Nadine wore their best, carefully selected to impress the Mahardikas. “Maybe we should leave him behind,” Nadine’s cousin muttered. “He’ll embarrass us.” Raka said nothing. He had learned that words meant nothing
THE BILLIONAIRE'S HEIR UNCHAINED CHAPTER 9
The city stretched out before him, a sea of dazzling lights and towering skyscrapers as Raka sat in stunned silence. Jakarta’s financial district blurred past the tinted windows of the luxury car as they sped through Sudirman, Mega Kuningan, and Thamrin, where glass-and-steel giants pierced the night sky. The streets were alive, a symphony of honking cars, flashing billboards, and the quiet hum of wealth and power. But Raka barely noticed. His mind was still reeling. Datuk had bowed to him. People had bowed to him. His name—his true name—had been spoken with reverence, not mockery. It didn’t make sense. His fingers curled into his lap, his breathing steady but slow, trying to ground himself as they neared Pratama Towers. And then he saw it. Pratama Towers – The Crown Jewel of Jakarta The car slowed as they approached an architectural marvel—Pratama Towers. It wasn’t just a building. It was the landmark of Jakarta’s elite, an 80-story glass monolith that shimmered u
THE BILLIONAIRE'S HEIR UNCHAINED Chapter 10
The hum of the elevator was the only sound filling the silence as Raka stood straight in his tailored suit, hands clasped in front of him. The jacket clung to his broad frame, the fabric far removed from the worn hoodies and street threads he was used to. It felt strange, it was too smooth, too perfect. But he kept his face calm. As the elevator climbed to the top floor of Pratama Towers, his palms dampened. He wasn't just a street boy anymore. Today, he would be introduced to a room full of billionaires who managed a conglomerate that could buy and sell entire nations. Beside him, an assistant with a clipped voice and expressionless face finally broke the silence. “This floor is restricted. Only board members and invited persons may enter. They’re already waiting". Raka gave a slight nod. As he stepped forward walking through a corridor of glass, stone, and understated wealth. Every detail screamed of legacy, art pieces from across the world, minimalist decor, and hushed tones
THE BILLIONAIRE'S HEIR UNCHAINED Chapter 11
Cameras flashed like lightning strikes across the grand entrance of the Mandarin Continental, where the International Global Business Conference was underway. The Mandarin Continental in Jakarta had never seen such a crowd. The marble staircase, once just a luxurious decor, now felt like a royal aisle as Pratama Wijaya stepped out of the black Maybach, flanked by men in charcoal suits. Silence didn’t exist here, Reporters surged toward the convoy of black cars like waves crashing against a wall as their Cameras clicked continuously non-stop, trying to catch even the slightest reaction from Pratama Wijaya, the elusive yet commanding CEO of Pratama Group. “Mr. Wijaya! Mr Wijaya! Sir, is it true that’s your grandson?” “Where has he been all these years?” “Why was he kept away from the company?” “Is he officially taking over the Pratama Group?” “Sir! Just one statement—please!” But the man himself, stoic, unreadable, dressed in a sharp charcoal grey suit didn’t offer a sin
THE BILLIONAIRE'S HEIR UNCHAINED Chapter 12
The Next Morning, Raka sat in a chauffeured car heading to a high society event, this time, as a guest of honor. He wasn’t wearing bitterness on his sleeve. No. His revenge wouldn’t come in shouts or slaps. It would come in silence. In visibility. The world would honor the man they mocked. And those who looked down on him? They would live every day knowing what they lost. He remain silent, the city of Jakarta unfolding like a movie behind the tinted windows of the luxury car. Towering skyscrapers, packed markets, neon lights, and flashes of familiar corners sped past places that once made him feel small. Insignificant. Now, they will bowed before him. He adjusted the cufflinks on his dark suit custom tailored, stitched with quiet elegance. A far cry from the worn shirts he used to wear under the Santoso roof. The driver glanced in the rearview mirror. “master Raka, we’ll be arriving at the Imperial Club in twenty minutes.” Raka gave a simple nod, eyes still fixed outsi
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Chapter 28
The next Morning Raka and Selene were ready to receive Alaric Weiss at the Airport, they were both waiting inside the vehicle as the sound of private jets echoed across Jakarta’s elite airstrip, but one jet , sleek, silver, and marked with the WeissCorp insignia drew every pair of eyes. Inside the black armored vehicle, Raka adjusted the cuff of his tailored suit. Selene sat beside him, calm as ever, her eyes on the hangar doors. “He doesn’t like ceremonies,” she said. “Just respect and clarity.” Raka nodded. “That, I can give.” As they stepped out, the hangar opened. From the shadows emerged Alaric Weiss. Tall, silver, haired, with piercing grey eyes and a calm presence that commanded silence. He was flanked by two of his top advisors and guarded by silent Swiss security. Meanwhile is team had already set up the stage before his arrival a day before. immediately he saw Raka, Alaric smiled. “I’ve been watching you,” he said . “The lion that had had been silent... now fi
Chapter 27
the Next day, In a bright Afternoon, ,the sun peeked through the tall windows of Selene’s private suite overlooking the city. Raka sat on the balcony, dressed in a plain white shirt, a fresh cup of black coffee in his hand. Below, Jakarta buzzed with the usual rush, but right here, all was calm. Selene stepped out quietly,she was barefoot, her silk robe fluttering slightly in the breeze. “You didn’t sleep?” she asked softly. Raka shook his head. “Just thinking.” She joined him, curling up on the chair beside him. “About Leonard Halim ?” “No,” Raka replied. “He’s gone. I’m thinking about the next step.” Raka nodded, eyes sharp. “Reza’s logistics partner. Samudra Express.” selene smiled faintly. “ They control seventy percent of his imports. They’re holding meetings this week. We’ll send our proposal.” “They won’t know it’s from us,” Selene added. “They don’t need to. Not yet.” Raka said Silence stretched between them, comfortable. The kind that didn’t need words.
Chapter 26
The city lights shimmered far below as Selene stood beside the panoramic glass of her private office in Zurich,north-central Switzerland, she had returned to attend to a Board meeting at her headquarter at the capital of the canton of Zurich ... Her gaze was fixed not on the skyline, but on the decrypted message glowing on her tablet. The message was From her intelligence team... "Leonard Halim had just wired $2.5 billion to a known mercenary unit, using an offshore account that had remained dormant for 25 years, until now, we have the Intercepted call of Leonard Halim and the suspect." "They have something to do with Nugroho Pratama's murder. we're reopening the case officially. Note: The heir is the primary Target." Her grip tightened. She sent a reply. " Bring me the voice clip" As soon as she picked up her phone, she made the call. “Get my jet ready. we're flying to Jakarta right now.” Not long after, she landed in Jakarta and went straight to Pratama Towers.
Chapter 25
It was The next day, That very morning at the boardroom of Pratama Tower. There was a lingering tension of power struggles cloaked in polite conversation. Leonard Halim walked in with the same arrogance of a man who had held influence for too long and sought power as the director and CEO of Pratama Group ever since Nugroho, Raka's Father was the Director and the CEO of the company. The moment he reached his seat, He nodded to the others seated, ignored Selene entirely, and smirked when his eyes met Raka’s. “I hope we won’t be wasting another morning on cosmetic expansions and theatrics,” he said. Raka didn’t flinch. He didn't utter a word. Selene, seated to his right, wore a tailored white suit and a colder expression. “We were hoping for a productive session, Leonard. But theatrics? That’s your specialty.” A few chuckles stirred from the board, carefully hidden behind sips of espresso. Raka opened a folder and slid a document across the table. “Speaking of productivity, I
Chapter 24
weeks later a global acquisition summit was held in the gleaming towers of Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, it was a spectacle of power . Investors, CEOs, and conglomerate heads from every continent gathered under one roof. A battlefield masked in polite smiles and expensive suits. Raka stepped onto the marbled floor alongside Selene Aragon, both dressed in commanding elegance. Cameras flashed. Whispers followed. This wasn’t just business, it was their stage. Their entrance alone disrupted the room. Selene, known for outbidding billionaires. Raka, the silent heir no one saw coming, now a headline disruptor in Southeast Asia’s financial circles. From across the hall, Raza Mahardika’s face stiffened. Nadine at his arm, her eyes narrowing. What was Raka doing here, leading the pitch of a multi billion dollar green-tech merger? Selene leaned in subtly. “They didn’t see it coming.” “They never do,” Raka replied, gaze locked on Raza. The pitch began. Raka and Selene laid out a c
Chapter 23
Two Days Later The headlines broke first. "Raka Pratama to Marry Global Powerhouse Selene Aragon!" "From an Ex- son in-law to Billionaire Heir: Jakarta’s Most Eligible Is No Longer Single!" The reactions were nuclear. Nadine choked on her espresso at the breakfast table. Her mother Rini’s eyes bugged in disbelief. “Married?! To Selene Aragon?” Rini gasped. “This must be a PR stunt!” Are they been serious? Nadine threw her phone on the marble counter. “That man’s lost his mind.” shouting at the top of her voice. But deep down, a storm had begun to brew. She knew Raka. And he never did anything without purpose. Meanwhile, at Mahardika International, Raza stood frozen in his office, his phone glued to his ear. “Find out everything,” he barked. “How long have they been involved? What’s the endgame?” ***At the Press Conference at Pratama Tower Reporters buzzed like bees. Flashbulbs snapped. Security held the line. And then, they entered. Selene Aragon, draped
Chapter 22
It Was a begining of a new Month and another global event in Jarkata , this Time it was the ballroom of the Mandira Grand Hotel, it was shining with Jakarta’s elite. Champagne flutes, velvet gowns, and tailored tuxedos moved through the space. It was a charity gala on paper, but everyone knew this was more than fundraising, it was networking in its most ruthless form. Eyes turned as Raka Pratama entered. He walked with calm authority, and was dressed in midnight-black tailored Armani, every movement deliberate. Behind him, just two steps behind was Selene Aragon followed in a dark emerald gown, sleek and commanding. She didn’t hold his arm, but she didn’t need to. The message was already loud enough: They arrived together. At the back of the ballroom, Raza Mahardika clenched his glass a little too tightly. Nadine, standing beside him, noticed. “That’s Selene Aragon,” she whispered, eyes narrowing. “Why is she with him?” Raza didn’t answer. He didn’t know. That was the problem.
Chapter 21
Selene Requested her assistant called for a meeting at the Pratama Group. Her billion dollar foreign conglomerate was in Jakarta for one reason: to partner with Pratama Group on a Southeast Asia expansion. But they wouldn’t make it easy. The table was long, with foreign executives seated like a panel of judges. They respected results, not reputation. And they’d brought their own terms. Ruthless ones. Selene Aragon sat beside Raka, her calm as unnerving as his silence. She wore no company logo , just influence. “Miss Aragon, are you here as legal counsel or investor representative?” one of the execs asked pointedly, flipping through the slides. Selene didn’t flinch. “Neither. I’m here because your model is flawed and Raka Pratama’s is the only thing that might save it.” A tense pause. Raka leaned forward, finally speaking. “You’re seeking market share in a region you don’t understand. You’ve poured millions into shallow analytics, not behavior economics. We know the pu
Chapter 20
The streets of Geneva were far from Jakarta, but the woman seated in the corner of the exclusive Le Claire Lounge wasn’t the type to be tied by borders. it was Selene Aragon...again A name the world whispered when empires rose or collapsed. She sipped her martini, one leg crossed over the other, gaze locked on the large screen airing the international business segment. “Pratama Holdings Seals Three Major Acquisitions in Southeast Asia,” the anchor announced. “Analysts are stunned by the speed of the expansion, and the man quietly taking the lead, Raka Pratama.” Selene tilted her head, her lips parting in the faintest smirk. Only few days I got back from Jakarta after a business trip and now you've haunted a lot of game. “Now it's time, I have to meet with him,” she murmured. She reached for her phone and dialed. “Tell the team to prepare the jet. We’re flying back to Jakarta.” Back in Jakarta… Raka sat alone in his office, the executive wing of Pratama Holdi
