Chapter 4

Edwin sank back onto the sofa, his mind heavy with thoughts. He was certain his father in law had never truly accepted him. The threats proved it. Perhaps the man was keeping him here because he feared something. Edwin did not yet know what that something was. But he would find out. To fight now would be reckless. His mother's life hung in the balance. He had been drawn into this household, and every new thing he saw here felt strange and wrong.

"Get ready. We are leaving this place," he said at last. He had no other choice.

He stood and opened the glass door leading to the balcony. Jasmin turned to look at him, her eyes filled with confusion.

"You have changed your mind," she said.

Edwin ignored her. It was not weakness that moved him. He did it for his mother. His father had left three years ago and never come back. She was all he had left. He could not bear to lose her too.

The marriage might not be valid in truth, but he had spoken the vows. He intended to uncover the truth about Jasmin and her family. He would not let himself be used. If he simply walked away, who knew what lies Gunadi might spread? A single video could ruin his reputation, destroy projects worth millions, and tarnish his family's good name. They would be the ones to profit. And he would also learn who had fathered the child growing inside her.

"So that is all the courage you have," Jasmin jeered as she smoothed the bedcovers.

"Do not judge what you do not understand," he said firmly. "This is not only about my mother. There are reasons you need not know. At first I meant every word. I thought you were pure, a gift sent to me. But what did I find? Nothing at all."

Jasmin stopped moving and fell silent. Edwin narrowed his eyes. Her face looked puffy, as though she had cried through the night.

"Think whatever you like," she said shortly. She left the blanket where it lay on the floor and walked into the bathroom, slamming the door hard behind her.

Edwin let out a long breath. He gripped the balcony railing. No one had ever dared speak to him this way. Jasmin was different. She was the only woman who did not care for him, who spoke sharply without the least respect.

"She should be thanking me. I did not shame her on our wedding day," he thought. "But I know more truths will come to light once we leave this house."

He ran a hand over his face. Problems had pressed in on him since yesterday, wearing him thin.

"I am ready." Jasmin stepped toward him. Edwin turned and stared. She was dressed far too revealingly.

"Good heavens," he said, looking away. "Can you not dress with decency? Put on something proper. Or ask your father to release me so you need not come with me at all."

"You…" Jasmin stamped her foot in anger. She yanked open the wardrobe and pulled out a long dress, sending other clothes tumbling to the floor.

"Well Jasmin, is your husband taking you away this morning?" A woman leaned in and kissed her daughter's cheek gently. This was Jasmin's mother. Edwin stood a short distance away watching.

"Of course Ma. Edwin is my husband. Wherever he goes I go with him. We have plans for the future," Jasmin replied quickly, glancing at Edwin whose gaze remained cold.

"You are clever Jasmin. No wonder so many men admire you. Enough to leave their mark right inside you," her mother teased. Jasmin's face flushed bright red.

Edwin walked away to the sitting room. He did not wish to hear more. He checked his phone then dialed a number.

"What a truly strange family," he murmured to himself.

"Find out everything about Jasmin and Gunadi. They live in the village where my mother stays. And send someone to fetch me now," he ordered. He ended the call without waiting for a reply and sent his location.

"You are leaving already? Mama will miss you so much Jasmin."

Jasmin nodded.

"Yes. The sooner the better."

"You are right. You will be safer away from here."

"There is no truly safe place for me anywhere in this world," Jasmin said quietly, glancing at Edwin. She could not wait to leave this place that had held her like a prisoner. She had been allowed to move about, yet always with a rope around her neck.

"You speak truly. For some life feels like hell." Her mother kissed both her cheeks.

A black sedan pulled up to the gate. Jasmin watched as someone opened the door for Edwin with great respect. She did not care who he was.

"Are you just going to stand there? Or do you regret leaving your mother?" she asked as she sat beside him.

"And you are shameless," Edwin said without hesitation. Jasmin looked away, stung by the word. She had heard it again and again since last night.

Upstairs Gunadi watched them drive away, his expression hard and unforgiving.

Neither spoke as the car moved forward. They reached Ernawati's home. Edwin stepped out first. He had warned Jasmin not to act too familiar with his mother. Jasmin seethed as she saw how gently Edwin treated her, so different from the way he spoke to her.

'Strange man!' she thought.