Code Village, 9 AM
"Incredible… your recovery is truly impressive. I thought the impact and those lacerations would leave a serious effect on you, but look—you're already able to walk normally."
Doctor Miria had just finished examining Topan. Only a day after regaining consciousness, the man already looked perfectly fine—as if he had never been in a coma.
Topan gave a short nod. Honestly, his fast recovery was a relief, but there was still one thing bothering him.
"My wife hasn't woken up since yesterday. Is she really okay? Or is there something else? Internal injuries, maybe?" he pressed, his flat gaze directed at the doctor, who was busy typing notes on her iPad.
"Hm? Miss Dewi?" Miria lifted her head and shook it politely.
"She's fine. It's just that she may have gone through something quite severe before this—perhaps a serious illness. Her condition requires more rest, and she must avoid stress," she added before returning to her notes.
Topan fell silent.
Before the waterfall incident, Dewi had suffered a miscarriage… and then the kidnapping, all within such a short time.
"She had a miscarriage a little over a week ago. Our first child…" he said quietly, his tone flat but heavy.
Miria stiffened. She immediately looked up again, her usually expressionless face now showing clear shock. She placed her iPad on the table and quickly stood up, walking toward a large shelf filled with medical journals.
Topan simply watched, even when she returned and sat across from him again, her expression now serious.
"If you don't mind… could you explain how you both fell earlier? Or—ah, forgive my impertinence, sir—"
"Dewi was kidnapped," Topan cut her off sharply.
He exhaled deeply before continuing, seeing that the doctor was fully listening.
Topan figured there was no harm in being honest. After all, the woman in front of him was one of his grandfather's people. Besides… he had already sensed the old man's presence behind him earlier.
"Ryuji had a past with Dewi. Something happened that caused them to break up. After spending around seven years in Vegas, he came back. He couldn't accept the fact that we were married—especially after Dewi had just miscarried."
Topan paused briefly. His shoulders felt heavy, but he continued.
"When our relationship was strained, Dewi—who was still hospitalized at the time—insisted on going home. We argued, and it was my mistake for letting her leave just like that. That same day, my world collapsed when I found out she had disappeared while I was searching for her… and the one behind it was my own brother."
This time, anger crept into his chest. His fists clenched tightly on his thighs, his jaw hardening as the memory replayed in his mind.
"Sir—" Miria tried to calm him, but her expression suddenly changed when she noticed the elderly man standing silently by the door, watching with a sharp gaze.
She was about to speak, but a slight shake of his head stopped her.
"I hate myself for failing to protect her. I know she's deeply hurt—far more than anyone realizes… but what can I do if she keeps pushing me away and refusing me?"
Anyone could hear the frustration in his voice.
Topan ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
"I'm ready whenever she wants to talk… even if she gets angry, even if she hits me… as long as it helps her trust me, even just a little," he murmured, lowering his gaze and closing his eyes.
Footsteps echoed softly.
"PTSD. The same condition Puspita once suffered."
Topan opened his eyes at the hoarse, cold voice. He wasn't surprised—he had already known the old man was there.
"Master…"
Doctor Miria stood and bowed respectfully to Sagara Indrajati, who stood a few steps away from his grandson.
"Is that why you insist on keeping her by your side?" the old man asked flatly.
Topan didn't waver. He let out a quiet scoff, stood up, and calmly walked toward him.
"I know how deeply she's hurt. She trusts no one—especially after everything with her family… and her past with Ryuji that slowly destroyed her."
"And you still insist, hm? You can't save—"
"I can," Topan cut him off firmly.
Their identical red eyes clashed sharply, until Sagara finally scoffed and broke the gaze first.
"Dewi is awake. She was looking for you, but I made her eat first. She's getting thinner by the day," he said calmly.
"Hm… and I suppose I'll have to deal with your father-in-law myself later."
Topan frowned slightly.
One thing was certain—facing Dewi's father, Andri, was not something to take lightly. Especially when it involved his only daughter.
Footsteps echoed again.
Topan nodded and headed for the door. But as he passed his grandfather, he paused.
"This isn't just about saving her or anything like that. For me and Dewi… we've already decided to accept each other." He paused for a beat.
"And besides… my wife finally told me she loves me."
There was a hint of smugness in his tone before he walked away.
Sagara looked momentarily surprised, then smirked and shook his head.
"Hmm… in that case, I'll be looking forward to a great-grandchild soon."
He turned to leave the room, giving Miria a quiet command.
"Prepare therapy sessions for my granddaughter-in-law. And the herbal treatment you made before—she's slowly improving because of it."
Miria nodded in understanding.
●●●
Florentia, 5 PM
Vroom…
A jeep drove into the wide courtyard of Dewi's family residence. Not long after, Andri stepped out, followed by his assistant, Satya, who kept pace with his hurried strides.
Up ahead, Mira was already standing there, held by her youngest daughter, Merry, her face filled with hope.
"B-babe, where's Dewi? I want to see our daughter!"
Mira pulled away from Merry and rushed toward Andri, trying to peek inside the car—hoping Dewi might still be there.
"Dewi hasn't fully recovered yet, so—"
"You mean she's badly injured? Why did you leave her there? Let's go there now!"
Mira cut him off, panic rising in her voice.
"MIRA!"
The sharp call made her flinch, especially at the cold look Andri threw at her.
"W-why? I-I'm just asking about our daughter…"
Andri's breathing turned uneven. His emotions were already on edge, and the barrage of questions only made it worse.
Vroom… screech!
Several cars entered the yard and parked nearby. From one of them stepped out Ratna and her eldest son, Ryuji.
Everyone turned.
Something snapped inside Andri's already chaotic mind. The moment he saw Dewi's ex walking toward them—he turned and strode forward.
"Andri, what happ—kyaah!!"
Drap… drap…
BUGH!
Ratna's scream echoed as Andri's fist slammed hard into Ryuji's face, sending him crashing to the ground.
"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT, YOU BASTARD! YOU—"
THUD!
A brutal kick followed.
Andri had completely lost control, rage consuming him as memories from a week ago flooded back.
"STOP IT, ANDRI! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY SON?!"
Ratna stepped in, shielding Ryuji and blocking another attack.
Satya quickly pulled his master back. Gamma and Arya rushed over, helping Ryuji up.
"Mother… calm down…" Ryuji groaned, trying to steady her as he held her shoulders.
"Uncle—"
"MY DAUGHTER STILL HASN'T RECOVERED! AND TOPAN—WHO KNOWS IF HE'S EVEN ALIVE OR DEAD! ALL BECAUSE OF YOU! PAST OR PRESENT, YOU'RE NOTHING BUT TROUBLE!"
Andri exploded, his voice filled with frustration. His body trembled, finger pointed straight at Ryuji.
"You… your family…"
He stopped, breathing hard.
Mira and Merry rushed to his side, holding him as tears streamed down their faces.
"B-babe… please—"
"NO!"
"You've all made my daughter suffer! You and Ratna even forced that marriage between Dewi and Topan—one I never agreed to from the start! ANSWER ME, MIRA!"
Mira could only cry as Andri shook her shoulders harshly.
"THIS MARRIAGE WAS A MISTAKE! AND… and… how stupid of me for not protecting my own daughter… D-Dewi…"
His vision darkened.
The last thing he heard was Merry's scream.
"Dad!"
Thud!
Andri collapsed forward, falling into his wife and daughter's arms. Satya quickly took over, supporting his body.
Ryuji stepped in as well, helping carry him inside—ignoring the bruises on his own face.
Right now, nothing mattered more than getting Dewi's father help.
---
A few moments later…
Doctor Rudolf let out a long sigh after finishing his examination. He wrote a prescription for medication.
"Andri is dehydrated, under mild stress, and needs complete rest for the next few days. Make sure he takes his medicine and vitamins regularly."
Mira nodded.
"What exactly happened in Code, Mr. Satya? Weren't you certain they were there?"
Ryuji finally spoke, breaking the tense silence.
Satya paused before answering.
"It's true. Miss Dewi and Young Master Topan are there. We met the village head and confirmed it. However…"
All eyes turned to him.
"The Master there is still holding them back, due to their condition not being fully recovered. Especially Young Master… he still hasn't regained consciousness."
Ratna broke down in tears, thinking about Topan still lying in a coma.
"Mother… sshh, it's okay…" Ryuji murmured, pulling her into a gentle embrace.
The room grew heavier.
Everyone was lost in their own thoughts—until Ryuji spoke again.
"Master… who exactly is this 'Master' you're referring to, Mr. Satya? Is it someone we know?" He frowned.
Satya remained expressionless.
He didn't answer.
Even after leaving the Marquez family long ago, he still guarded Sagara Indrajati's identity with absolute loyalty.
"Enough. What matters now is we know Dewi and Topan are there. I think… I'll go there too," Ratna said, stepping in to ease the tension.
She wiped her tears, trying to steady herself.
Mira nodded in agreement. And one by one, the others present also decided—
they would go to Code.
●●●●
Dewi POV
"Miss, are you aware that you have PTSD?"
"I—I… how would you even know?"
"I'm a doctor, in case you forgot. If you're willing, I can schedule a therapy session the day after tomorrow. Don't worry, it's just to help you release suppressed emotions. You'll feel much better afterward."
A fragment of yesterday afternoon flashed through my mind—when Doctor Miria came, bringing herbal drinks, and we talked for a bit.
I panicked when she brought up PTSD.
It's not that I'm trying to hide it… or afraid of being judged… especially by Topan.
It's just…
Do I really have to open up everything I've gone through these past seven years?
…I don't know.
I didn't even give her an answer about the therapy.
"Hah… am I really ready to go through therapy again…?" I murmured softly, staring at the vast rose garden behind this house.
This place…
The building itself feels like a grand maze—full of winding hallways and countless rooms. If the front yard is filled with herbs, the back is the complete opposite—rows upon rows of blooming roses.
And the air… it's so cool here. Facing directly toward the waterfall.
Who would've thought… Topan and I survived that night.
Grep!
"You're spacing out again. Something bothering you, hm?"
I flinched slightly as strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind. When I turned—
Topan.
I looked away again, back to the roses.
Silence stretched between us. Lying would be pointless anyway. He'd know.
"Doctor Miria offered me a therapy session tomorrow," I finally said.
His arms tightened around me.
"If you're not comfortable, you don't have to do it. I don't want you to feel pressured. We—"
"Are you ready?"
I cut him off. My voice trembled.
The thing I feared most right now...was how Topan would react if he found out the truth about my past with Ryuji.
"Dewi…"
I bit my lower lip hard, trying to hold back the tears. Slowly, hesitantly, my fingers touched his arm.
"What if… after everything… you decide to leave me? I—I…"
Damn it…
Why am I getting this emotional? Tears slid down my cheeks.
Srek!
I didn't resist when he turned me around. Our eyes met—heavy with different emotions. Then suddenly—
He leaned in.
A soft kiss landed on my forehead… lingering long enough to make me close my eyes. Calm.
I opened them when he pulled back slightly.
"Have I ever left your side this whole time, hm? If anything… you're the one who kept pushing me away."
I froze.
…He's right.
He never left.
Even when we fought… he was always the one who came back first.
"No matter how painful your past is, remember this—I'm the one standing beside you now. And I will be… from now on. Don't hide anything from me. I'm staying, love."
My face instantly flushed.
Topan smiling like that…
…completely flipped my world upside down.
"Ckk… don't you dare smile like that at other women, especially girls, got it?" I muttered, lowering my head to hide my racing heart.
He chuckled softly… then leaned closer, whispering near my ear—
"Got it… future mother of my children."
Bugh!
"TOPAN!! Ughh—!"
I lightly hit his chest, completely flustered.
"Haha…"
Seeing him laugh like that made me smile too.
Without realizing it, I melted back into his embrace.
Dewi POV END
---
The white room felt heavy.
The ticking clock echoed loudly, making the silence even more suffocating.
"Miss, please relax. Imagine a place that makes you feel at peace… cool air, beautiful scenery as far as your eyes can see… feel it slowly…"
Dewi, sitting on the long sofa, slowly followed the guidance. Her breathing, once uneven, gradually stabilized.
Her eyes slowly closed.
She sank deeper…into herself.
"Miria, I hope this won't hurt my granddaughter-in-law."
Doctor Miria stiffened slightly, then nodded respectfully.
Inside the room were only three people—Miria, Master Sagara, and Topan—who never let go of Dewi's hand.
"This is hypnotherapy," Miria explained softly. "The patient enters a deep state of relaxation… allowing the subconscious to surface suppressed memories."
Topan stayed silent.
Holding Dewi's hand tighter. Trying to give her strength— even as his own heart pounded with unease.
"Can we start now? I don't want her to feel alone for too long."
Miria nodded.
"Alright… miss Dewi?"
"Hmm..Just call me Dewi. I'm not someone you need to address so formally."
Topan froze.
That tone—cold. Unfamiliar.
"Alright… Dewi."
"If you feel uncomfortable with any question… you don't have to answer."
Silence.
Long… suffocating silence.
"Are you asking about Ryuji? My lover?"
Topan stiffened.
"Ah… no. He's the most disgusting person I've ever met."
"Miss—"
"Ckk… I told you not to call me that! Are you deaf?! I hate it!"
Miria swallowed hard.
This wasn't the Dewi they knew. This was her deepest self.
"I'm sorry… how do you feel—"
"STOP PRETENDING YOU CARE ABOUT ME!"
Her scream shattered the room.
Her grip tightened painfully around Topan's hand.
Her body sat upright—eyes still closed.
"You're all the same! Lying to me after saying sweet things like they meant something! In reality? Mom, Dad… even Ryuji… I thought the people I loved were sincere! I tried to understand everyone! I was the one who understood them the most! But what about me?! Not even once—"
She stopped.
Her breathing turned erratic. Tears streamed down her cheeks.
"When Daddy brought Merry home, I said nothing… I told myself I had to accept her like a real sister. My mom never cared when my grades dropped. I had to attend endless beauty classes… modeling classes… until Avra replaced me. Mom compared me to her—perfect, stylish, a top model. I always had to be perfect… because my parents were a 'perfect couple.'"
Her shoulders trembled violently.
Topan immediately pulled her into his arms. His chest tightened painfully.
"This has to stop! I won't let anything happen to her!" Topan snapped.
"Stay out of it," Master Sagara said coldly. "She's finally letting it out—"
"You're going to kill her!"
"Doctor—"
"Ryuji…"
Topan froze.
"…My love wasn't enough to make you stay, huh? Hahaha… YOU TRAITOR! I HATE YOU FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!"
Her body thrashed violently.
Topan held her tighter.
"Dewi… calm down…"
"YOU AND AVRA ARE DISGUSTING LIARS! I WAS SO RELIEVED WHEN THAT BITCH DIED—HIT BY A CAR… RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME…"
Bugh! Bugh!
Her hands tried to hit herself but Topan blocked every strike. Taking the blows instead.
"I trusted you… my lover… my best friend… I—ARGHHHH!!"
"STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!" Topan roared.
His eyes burned red.
"I… I want to sleep… forever…"
Panic.
Pure panic flooded him.
"Dewi—!"
Blood slowly trickled from her nose.
TO BE CONTINUED…