Chapter 5

Jasmin glared at Ernawati with a sullen expression. The older woman looked back at her with an unreadable face. As someone who lived in the same village Ernawati knew Jasmin and her family reasonably well even though their homes were not close to one another.

When Ernawati started to say something to Edwin he quickly changed the subject.

"There is nothing important to discuss about her. Let us speak no more of it," he said as he opened the car door. He told the driver who had been at the wheel to move to the back seat and sit beside Jasmin while he sat in the front next to his mother.

Throughout the entire ride Jasmin did not speak a single word. She only stared out the window. Beside her the driver looked uneasy. Jasmin shot him with sharp glares several times as if the very idea of sitting next to a man at his station offended her.

They arrived at the gates of a grand residence. The doors slid open automatically revealing a magnificent two story home built in a European style and finished in white. Jasmin stepped down when the driver opened the door for her. She was stunned. This house was twice as large as the one she had left behind. Her family home was considered one of the finest in the village yet standing here it felt as though her father's wealth meant nothing at all.

"Come inside Jasmin. You must be tired from the journey," Ernawati said gently.

Edwin spoke before she could reply.

"Mother should not concern herself with others. You should be resting and thinking of your own health. You have not traveled such a distance in a very long time."

Ernawati smiled and rested a hand on his arm. "I am quite well. But Jasmin—"

"Let us go inside," Edwin interrupted. He took his mother's arm and led her forward leaving Jasmin standing alone. He did not even ask her to follow them in.

"Please come inside Miss," the driver said, reaching for her suitcase.

"Be quiet," Jasmin snapped. The man stepped back instantly.

She hurried after them. She had no intention of getting left behind in a place this large. At the main entrance she saw Edwin greet an elderly man seated in a wheelchair. A young woman stood behind him. They exchanged warm greetings. Jasmin felt a twist of resentment watching them.

"So this is Jasmin," the elderly man said. His hair had turned white and he wore a simple blue shirt. He looked at her closely and frowned when he noticed how swollen her stomach had become. He had heard the story of the forced marriage but he had not known she was expecting another man's child.

Jasmin stepped forward breathing heavily.

"What if I am Jasmin? Do you intend to turn me away at this very moment?" She folded her arms across her chest. Everyone present was shocked by her lack of grace.

She had never met Candra Wijaya before yet she showed him no respect. Edwin felt his temper rise.

"Watch your manners Jasmin," he said firmly. "Or what you just threatened may very well happen. You are far from your family now. You cannot behave however you please. Act with the dignity and decency expected of a respectable woman."

Jasmin's face burned bright red. She glared back at him. Ernawati placed a hand on her son's arm to calm him.

"Show her to her room," Candra said quietly. His assistant nodded.

Candra did not object to whom his grandson married. He only wished Edwin to choose someone worthy. He had long hoped Edwin would find a partner and build a family. But this woman was not what he had hoped for. Her attitude was deeply disappointing.

"This entire family is the same," Jasmin muttered, planting her hands on her hips. "Just show me where my room is." She looked around ignoring Edwin and Ernawati who shook their heads.

The young woman who had stood behind Candra stepped forward looking uncertain.

"Which room should I take her to Mr. Edwin?"

"Any room will do. It makes no difference to me," Edwin replied as he answered an incoming call from his assistant Jovan.

"Please follow me Madam," the young woman said softly.

"Call me Miss Jasmin. Madam makes me sound terribly old," she said as she stepped into a spacious beautifully decorated room done in white and soft blue. She assumed this must be Edwin's room.

"Is this where I am to stay?"

"Yes, Miss Jasmin."

"See that it is kept clean and tidy." She sat on the sofa. The young woman smiled awkwardly then withdrew, closing the door behind her.

Edwin kissed his mother's hand. "I must go now, Mom. I have work to attend to. Rest well. I may be late returning." He nodded to his grandfather before leaving.

"Take care my son."

"He is always busy," Candra said watching him go. "That is exactly why I need you here with me."

"I prefer the village," Ernawati said with a gentle smile. "It is quieter and more peaceful there."

"This is your home too. And your old father needs you."

"Very well old man," she replied playfully, patting his shoulder as she wheeled him toward his room.

From the top of the stairs Jasmin watched them. The warmth between them was something she had never known in her own home. She saw the difference clearly. The love shown to Ernawati was nothing like the coldness she had always received from her own mother.