Hendrik woke up that morning at six. Singapore was still wrapped in the cool morning air, with birds chirping faintly outside the window.
He opened his eyes slowly and immediately glanced at Jenny sleeping beside him, her body uncovered, hair slightly messy.
Guilt surged through Hendrik. He knew what happened last night shouldn't have, even if it wasn't entirely his fault. He swallowed hard, his lips trembling.
"Katrina… forgive me. I didn't start this…" he murmured softly, almost inaudible.
He quickly got up and walked to the bathroom. Hot water poured over his weary body, each drop bringing back memories of last night—warm, thrilling, and unforgettable. He lingered under the water longer than usual, as if delaying the moment he had to leave the hotel and face reality.
But Hendrik couldn't stay any longer. He had to return to Jakarta, deal with Lanny's debts, and of course, he wanted to see Lanny his secret girlfriend.
As the day progressed, Hendrik went to the ICU room to check on his sister. Katrina was still asleep, her face pale and weak. Hendrik stood in front of the glass, looking at his sister with deep affection and regret.
"Darling… get well soon. I'll go first," he whispered.
As if hearing his voice, Katrina slowly blinked. Her fingers moved slightly, as if trying to reach out, to stop him from leaving.
"Don't… go…"
But it was too late. Hendrik had already turned around, entered the lift, descended to the lobby, and took a taxi to Changi Airport.
In the ICU, the nurse on duty was stunned.
"Doctor! Doctor, the patient is awake!" she shouted in panic.
The doctor rushed over and checked Katrina's condition.
A moment later, his face relaxed.
"The patient is awake. Pulse is normal, blood pressure stable. Incredible!"
The nurse tried to call Jenny immediately, but several calls went unanswered.
Meanwhile, Katrina slowly opened her eyes. Her breath was still weak, but consciousness had returned. She looked around and her lips moved softly, calling out:
"Jen… Hendrik…?"
Jenny, still at the hotel, was cleaning herself, still sticky from last night. Memories of the night with Hendrik lingered vividly. Although it might never happen again, it was impossible to forget.
Turning on her phone, Jenny was surprised to see several missed calls from the hospital. Without delay, she quickly dressed, went down to the lobby, and rushed to the hospital next door.
Upon reaching the second floor, a familiar nurse called out:
"Miss Jenny!"
Jenny stopped, out of breath, and heard the news that made her heart skip a beat.
"Your sister is awake!
.
"Really?" Jenny gasped.
She ran to the ICU, and indeed—Katrina had opened her eyes. Still pale, but awake.
"Jen… I'm awake. Thank you for taking care of me," Katrina whispered, a faint smile appearing on her face.
Without hesitation, Jenny hugged her sister tightly.
"Sis… I'm so glad you're awake!"
Several nurses were moved by the scene. It was an unforgettable moment for Katrina, who had almost lost hope, now regaining it.
But after releasing the hug, Katrina's eyes searched for something. Anxiety and curiosity were clearly visible.
"Jen… where's Mas Hendrik?"
"Mas Hendrik… he… he already left, sis!" Jenny stammered, her voice shaking.
A hint of disappointment appeared on Katrina's face, but she remained strong. She swallowed her emotions, forcing a small smile.
Jenny hurriedly tried calling Hendrik, but the call didn't connect.
"Sis… Mas Hendrik can't be reached," Jenny said softly, looking worriedly at her sister.
Katrina took a deep breath.
"Alright… just tell him later that I'm awake," she said.
Jenny nodded slowly.
"Okay, sis."
A few moments later, Jenny spoke again.
"Sis… Mom came to visit you yesterday."
Katrina's expression tensed. Anger that had been buried for so long surfaced.
"So… where is Mom now?" she asked coldly.
Jenny shrugged. Before she could answer, a familiar voice was heard from outside the room—loud, relieved, unmistakably her mother.
"I'm so glad you're awake, Katrina!"
"Mom!" Jenny and Katrina exclaimed almost simultaneously.
The middle-aged woman quickly approached Katrina. Her eyes were brimming with tears, hands trembling as she touched Katrina's now thin cheek.
"Katrina… forgive me for being too strict all this time…"
Katrina remained silent. The wounds in her heart were still fresh. She swallowed her emotions, looking steadily at her mother.
Finally, she nodded slowly. In a barely audible voice:
"Yes, Mom… forgive Katrina too…"
Tears fell from her mother's eyes. The cold ICU room suddenly felt warm with long-held emotion.
On the plane, Hendrik sat in silence, staring out the window as if looking beyond, but actually staring at himself.
Thoughts of last night with Jenny haunted him relentlessly.
"This shouldn't have happened!" he murmured, lightly hitting his head with his palm, frustrated.
Guilt burned in his chest. He had always treated Jenny like a little sister, so why hadn't he resisted last night? Why couldn't he control himself?
Closing his eyes, he thought of Katrina—her faint smile, tired yet determined eyes, and the hand that had almost reached for him before he left.
Hendrik regretted everything. "I shouldn't have left in a hurry. I should have given it time…"
Suddenly, his phone buzzed.
Ting…
He blinked, seeing a message notification from Jenny. Hendrik wanted to close it, restrain himself, but instinct made him open it.
"Hendrik… sister is awake!"
His body went limp. Heartbroken, he stared blankly at the window. He regretted not staying by Katrina's side when she was regaining consciousness.
All his hasty decisions, all the responsibilities waiting in Jakarta, made returning impossible at that moment.
With trembling hands, Hendrik replied:
"I'll video call once I'm in Jakarta!"
Yet the message did little to ease his heart. Guilt grew heavier, disappointment deepened. Unintentionally, he had hurt Katrina—the woman he truly loved.
Without realizing it, Hendrik murmured softly, almost drowned out by the roar of the engines:
"Katrina… forgive me. I promise I'll protect you!"
Tears streamed down his face as he whispered:
"Katrina… I love you!"
The plane surged forward, leaving Singapore behind, leaving the night of passion that could never be repeated, leaving Jenny, but carrying a single resolve: he would never let Katrina be hurt again.
Finally, the plane landed smoothly in Jakarta. Hendrik quickly got up from his seat, looked out the window briefly, took a deep breath, and walked briskly toward the exit. His emotions were mixed—relieved to be back, yet his heart heavy from leaving Katrina too soon.
In the airport lobby, he immediately pulled out his phone and video-called Jenny. The screen displayed Jenny and Katrina on the hospital bed, smiling warmly and seemingly close to each other. Hendrik's heart felt light seeing them together.
"Darling… sorry I had to leave earlier. I promise I'll come see you in 2-3 days!" Hendrik greeted softly.
Katrina returned a faint smile, her eyes bright despite still looking weak.
"It's okay… I'm awake now. I miss you!"
The video call ended, leaving warmth and longing lingering in Hendrik's chest.
Moments later, his phone rang—Mang Udin calling.
"Mang, where are you?" Hendrik asked.
"I'm here, sir, at the airport," came the reply.
"Okay, I'll wait for you at the lobby exit."
"Alright, sir!.
Soon, Mang Udin arrived, carrying Hendrik's luggage to the car trunk efficiently. Hendrik glanced at the busy airport terminal, inhaled Jakarta's hot and bustling air, and entered the car.
The engine roared to life, and the vehicle moved through morning traffic
toward the headquarters in a tall building on Jalan Thamrin.
During the ride, Hendrik sat silently, eyes fixed on the road, thoughts drifting to Katrina's face.
He regretted leaving her too soon, but he was determined—once he arrived, he would make sure Katrina would never be hurt again.