After Jenny left, the house felt unusually quiet.
Hendrik looked at his wife, who appeared weaker than ever. A surge of worry that he could no longer hide tightened in his chest.
"Darling… how about we go to Singapore for treatment? Maybe the doctors there are better. I don't care about the cost, as long as you can get better. What do you think… will you go?"
Katrina paused for a moment, realizing it was a good idea.
"I don't want this situation to continue forever…" she murmured softly.
She looked deep into her husband's eyes and then nodded in agreement.
"I agree, Mas… but what about you? You'll be alone here. There's no one to take care of you or cook for you…"
Hendrik replied instantly, without hesitation,
"Darling… don't worry about me. Think about yourself first. I can hire a housekeeper, okay?"
Katrina gave a thin smile and nodded slowly. Her body had grown thinner and weaker, lacking energy.
Hendrik's worry deepened at the sight of her frailty. In his mind, he had already decided—he would ask Jenny to accompany Katrina to Singapore.
He guided Katrina to their bedroom.
"You're tired, darling. Rest first, okay? Tomorrow, I'll ask Jenny to accompany you to Singapore."
Katrina glanced at him, smiled sweetly, and lifted herself onto the bed with what little strength she had left. Hendrik helped her lie down gently.
For a moment, they lay together, embracing silently.
Hendrik's thoughts drifted far into the past…
Back in college, many women had tried to get close to him, but his heart was drawn to only one—Katrina. Beautiful, graceful, elegant, and always making his heart race whenever he was near.
And it turned out… his feelings were not one-sided.
They began dating.
But love didn't come easily.
Katrina's parents opposed their relationship outright.
To them, Hendrik… was not worthy.
Yet Hendrik did not give up.
Through persistence and patience, he eventually softened Katrina's parents' hearts.
They allowed the relationship… with one condition.
A condition that came at a heavy price.
Katrina would have to give up her entire inheritance.
Without hesitation, she chose Hendrik.
To her, love was worth more than anything else.
Over time, after they married, Katrina's father entrusted Hendrik with one branch of his company.
And Hendrik proved himself capable.
But happiness didn't last…
They still hadn't been blessed with a child.
Until one day, everything fell apart.
Katrina… was diagnosed with bone cancer.
Hendrik woke from sleep and stepped out of the bedroom, feeling thirsty and lost in memories.
It was still eleven in the evening. He remembered he needed to inform Jenny to prepare the tickets for Singapore tomorrow morning.
He grabbed his phone and pressed Jenny's contact.
Ring… Ring…
The call went unanswered for a few seconds.
"Maybe she's asleep…" he thought.
Just as he was about to hang up, a voice came through the line.
"Yes, … what is it?"
Hendrik's face lit up.
"Jen… sorry to bother you so late. Tomorrow, please book a plane ticket to Singapore."
Jenny hesitated, a hint of suspicion in her tone.
"Tomorrow ? But you're not going to Singapore.
She opened her phone to check Hendrik's schedule.
Hendrik anticipated her doubt.
"Yes… it's not for me. It's for your sister. She's going to Singapore tomorrow."
Jenny was shocked
"My sister? To Singapore? For what ?"
Hendrik's patience was tested, but he answered calmly.
"Yes, Jenny… I want her to be treated there. The doctors here have given up."
He glanced at her through the rearview mirror.
"There's something important she needs to ask," he added.
It was clear he was not pleased with her probing questions.
Jenny fell silent, realizing she had asked too much.
"All right… I'll prepare everything tomorrow," she replied shortly.
Before she could hang up, Hendrik added,
"Jenny… I need you to accompany your sister in Singapore. For other tasks, I'll have Lanny handle them."
The call ended before Jenny could respond.
She stared at her phone, frustrated and confused.
Why did she have to go?
Why wasn't Hendrik going himself?
But… it concerned her sister.
In the end, she agreed, though her mind buzzed with questions.
The next morning, Jenny prepared everything carefully, booking tickets and a hotel near the renowned hospital in Singapore
Once ready, she drove to her sister's house.
The morning traffic was light, allowing a smooth drive.
Upon arrival, Hendrik and my sister were already prepared for departure.
I smiled at my sister, who still looked weak. She returned the smile, but I noticed something missing—her childhood cheerfulness, the joy we once shared.
After settling everything, I left my car at her house. Hendrik took the wheel, driving us toward Soekarno-Hatta Airport.
The ride was silent. Everyone was lost in their thoughts—curiosity, relief, and worry about my sister's illness.
Suddenly, Hendrik's phone vibrated. He glanced at it, noting the sender:
Lanny.
Hendrik opened the message:
"Mr Hendrik, I'll wait at your father's house tonight."
Thump!
What?!
Lanny—the gentle woman he had known—also had a wild side Hendrik had not fully discovered.
Jenny, noticing his sudden change in expression, asked suspiciously,
"Who's it from ?"
Hendrik answered briefly, without looking at her directly.
"Lanny… my assistant."
"Oh… what does she want?" Jenny probed further.
Hendrik looked at her through the central rearview mirror, his tone calm but firm:
"There's something important she wants to ask."
It was obvious Hendrik didn't appreciate her questioning. His brow furrowed slightly, but he kept his composure.
After reading the message, Hendrik's mind raced—excited yet afraid of being discovered.
He tried to stay calm, acting as if nothing was troubling him.
Yet inside, his heart pounded, a mix of curiosity, apprehension, and a hint of excitement.
He imagined the night ahead, just the two of them—him and Lanny, the woman who had caught his attention since her first day at work.
For some reason, her allure and figure made her unforgettable.
A restless tension stirred inside him, awareness dawning that this was no ordinary situation.