He's The Unaffordable
Chapter 196 - Don't Take It for granted

*Clarissa*

I still need the help of a small stick in order not to overload my newly recovered legs, but this is better than sitting in a wheelchair. The doctor even advised me to do a lot of activities with my feet to recover faster.

Not wanting to waste their time in Indonesia, Grandma urged that Hadi and I have our engagement. Dira and Colin did not hold any special events, but they forced us to obey their orders.

Fortunately, only close family and friends were invited. I don't want to deal with a lot of people just for an event as simple as getting engaged. Unfortunately, journalists knew of the event and forced us to allow them to cover it.

Om Hendra rejected those who disrupted the event. But he and Grandpa invited them to do an interview. The thing that made me happy at first ended up hurt. I was so naive to think that they would forget the photos and news about me with other men. So, I let Hadi answer.

All the questions they asked were nothing compared to the last question that was delivered without that heart. How dare she call me pregnant and have an abortion. Do they have no other news to pursue so as to slander me as low as that?

“Did the question have been recorded?” I asked Wyatt and Charlotte who had been holding their phones since the interview started. They simultaneously nodded. “Hadi already gave a warning, it seems like you are not afraid. Show me the proof.”

The man just smiled. “You sure you want me to show you the proof?” He looked around us. “There are many people here who can see you in a condition that is not, ah, polite, in this photo.”

Journalists started talking to each other. Some of them tried to get close to the man in order to see the photo he was hiding. It's nonsense. I don't sleep with anyone, how can I get pregnant, let alone get an abortion?

“What am I afraid of? Show me the proof,” I said once again.

She smiled cynically, then showed her phone screen to all of us. I couldn't see clearly from that far away. So, Hadi and I waited until he stood close enough to us. Very convincing evidence. Because the woman's face in the photo is me, but with the body of another person seen lying on a couch.

“You're sure it's me?” ask me calmly.

“Of course. All his physical features show he is you. Hows it? You still want to deny?” he said with a triumphant laugh.

“Our legal authority will come to you, your supervisor, as well as your boss. This is the cruelest slander anyone has ever spoken about me. You can accuse me of having multiple girlfriends, sleeping with various men, whatever you are. But to say I killed my own son is heartless slander. See you in court,” I said seriously.

We followed Aunt Gista out of the room. They asked so many questions, but we ignored them. Our engagement event is much more important than taking care of the person who likes to gossip and spread it.

Aunt Gista is leading the show. Hadi and I obeyed everything he instructed. When we finally put on each other's rings, my heart pounded happily. Finally, in front of everyone, Hadi and I were officially together. Although our wedding day is still a long time away, this announcement is enough. Witnesses who attended the event with us were also enough.

“Oh, Clarissa!” Charlotte hugged me tightly. “You were so cool there. If only I were a man, I would have married you by now!”

“Eeww ..!” wyatt and Hadi shouted at the same time. I laughed hearing that.

“But your sister was right, dear.” He put his hand on my shoulder. “You were so cool. ‘See you in court.’ My hair stands every time I remember it.”

“You are all overrated. I just reacted accordingly. Which woman is accused of killing her own child? He must be an amateur journalist. The time he could not see if the one he was holding was a fake or genuine photo?” I shook my head.

“You should always be ready, Clarissa. Dira can never forget the bad things that happened to him, because it was the work of people. Nor will they stop reminding you of your past,” Charlotte said. Ja. They're so mean. Dira kept being reminded of the video without clothes. But he didn't plan that. But many people think otherwise.

The reporters finally came home while we were still enjoying the dishes provided. Charlotte and Dira saw our photos during the interview filled with online news media. But there was not a single photo or video of our engagement. Goody. They did not violate the decree Om Hendra and Grandpa presented to them.

I look around me. Everyone ate their meals while talking to people near them. Seeing the laughter on their faces, I have no regrets listening to Grandma's request and holding an engagement event on this day. Because we were together several times, we were all sad or grieving.

“Seeing the way the reporter treated us, I understand why you are looking for a wife who has special criteria,” I replied slowly. “I can't imagine how they'd react to the mistake that Auntie Zahara made first.”

“That's one of the reasons Papa won't deal with reporters anymore. He only wanted to attend an invitation of one television station to conduct an interview. That was his last interview. Every time you need media, Papa sends people from the public relations department to meet them.” He looked towards his father and mother.

“I don't want to be like them. Whatever happened to your past, it's all behind. No need to be leveraged again.” He lowered his head.

“Hadi, knowing that the person you marry is sleeping with someone else is a terrible thing. Whether you like it or not, it will haunt you. The difference is, after it has passed for many years, you will laugh every time you remember it. Especially if you forgive him. Om stays beside Aunt for sure because parting is more painful than forgiving her mistake.” I put my head on Hadi's shoulder. “I know what it feels like.”

“You dare to cheat on me, either by meeting with other men or sleeping with him, your history is over, Rissa. I'm not as forgiving as my papa. Did you hear that?” said Hadi threatened. I laugh. “Why are you laughing? I'm serious.”

I raised my head and looked at him. “You're not as forgiving as your papa? Then what are you doing to Valeria?” She's pouting. “You are indeed cold outside, but I know in your heart, you are a very gentle person. Same as Om Hendra.”

He slammed his eyes at me. I wanted to continue mocking him, but he silenced my mouth with his kiss. Surprised by her sudden actions, I did not know how to respond. But sensing that she did not immediately end her kiss, I replied. He smiled, then ended our kiss.

“You dare to cheat just once, let alone kiss you, just look at your face I do not want to. So, don't try.” He looked at me sharply.

I hugged him and put my chin on his shoulder. “I won't betray you, baby. I-i promise. The same goes for you.”

“I am loyal to you while you are still missing, then I will be more loyal once you are here with me.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “I love you, baby.”

I smiled broadly. “I love you too!”

The affair with the thesis is the most annoying thing. By mid-November, Hadi had submitted his scientific work ready to be tested. I was still struggling with the revision and almost crossed the deadline for the submission of the thesis. He's been sitting around waiting for graduation, Colin and I should be getting ready for the hearing.

After uploading my script to the university page, I could not relax yet. Hadi invited me to take private IELTS lessons. Om Hendra has provided mentors to help us prepare. I dare not complain because his father planned it.

“It's not too late for you to back off, baby. Studying in England is not easy. So, I understand that you are giving up now,” Hadi said with a face pretending to care.

“If you can, why don't I?” I said I don't want to lose.

“After several trials and scores you can not even reach the minimum score of domestic universities, are you sure you want to stay ahead?” He purposely doused acid into my fresh wounds. “What's up, baby? Don't upset. Score can not lie.”

“OK!” I stood up from my seat. “Next month, my score must be higher than yours. Just look!” I'm getting out of that room. My driver, who was waiting in front, opened the car door for me. Hadi was already standing on the porch, but I ignored the wave of his hand.

I overtime for days to add vocabulary and master English grammar that is often tested in language proficiency tests. To find out my progress, I took an online test and have not improved my score.

Grandma and Charlotte were worried about my situation, but I couldn't give up. I should be able to obtain a higher grade than Hadi. Just one day before the next test, I did not study and chose to rest. Unfortunately, my grades are still far below him.

“There is a special strategy to be able to master this test, baby,” Hadi said when our mentor had returned home. I just pouted hearing it. “I'll teach you. But there are conditions.”

“Serious??” aska interested. He nodded quickly. “OK. What's the condition?”

She smiled meaningfully making me feel bad. “Give me a cool idea for a day of affection.” Ahah! This must have something to do with the event in his office. Simplest.