Chapter 6

Jasmin had just stepped toward the kitchen when she paused in the doorway. Faint voices drifted out and caught her ear, words that unsettled her deeply.

"I never imagined Edwin would marry so soon, especially not a woman who is already so far along," someone said. The voice carried clear disappointment. A young woman stood chopping carrots, her tone sharp with resentment.

"Perhaps it is simply the path he must walk," Ernawati replied gently as she stirred something simmering on the stove.

"Even so I cannot bear to see him with her. She has no grace and no manners. She is not fit to stand beside him."

Ernawati glanced over and offered a faint smile. "Let it be. Leave Edwin to decide his own way. Your place here is to help care for Candra and ensure the household runs smoothly."

"That I will do very well indeed." The girl nodded and smiled. She was grateful for Ernawati's kindness. She had never been treated differently despite being nothing more than an assistant. Their bond went back ten years. Her name was Wina. She had lost both parents and had no other family left. Candra Wijaya had taken her in and raised her as one of their own.

"Finish preparing the meal. I am going to rest a while." Wina nodded. Ernawati untied her apron then started in surprise. Jasmin stood just beyond the doorway.

"Jasmin?"

The pregnant woman turned, her expression guarded and proud as always.

"Yes," she said shortly.

"You heard all of that?" Ernawati asked uncertainly.

"I know exactly where I stand. Besides, she is right, is she not?"

"That is not what I meant, Jasmin," Ernawati said, guilt pricking her. She should have been more careful with her words.

"She spoke the truth. Your son deserves someone far better than me. But do not expect me to thank you for not shaming me on our wedding day. And rest assured I intend to leave this place as soon as I can." Jasmin breathed out sharply. Every word Wina had said rang in her ears.

"It is true. I am not the right woman for him. This whole ridiculous marriage feels more wrong every day." She turned and walked away, wanting nothing more than to be gone from there.

Ernawati rubbed her throbbing temples. She was about to go to her room when Candra called to her.

"What did she say to you my dear?"

Ernawati smiled softly. "Nothing of consequence. Just a misunderstanding."

"Ask Wina to prepare a meal and take it to her room."

"Why?" Ernawati looked confused.

Candra smiled gently. "Do you not remember when you were expecting? You could never get enough to eat. I have noticed she has not eaten since she arrived."

Ernawati tapped her forehead. How could she have forgotten? She had been so caught up in greeting everyone that she had not thought to offer food.

"You are right. I will see that a proper meal is sent to her at once."

The black sedan glided along the quiet road. Edwin sat in the back reviewing work he had set aside for two days. Beside him Jovan watched with a quiet smile. He knew how Edwin became once he lost himself in his work. He tuned out everything else.

Jovan cleared his throat. "Word reached me that you were married yesterday. Congratulations. You did not think to tell me such news."

Edwin looked up sharply. "Are you looking for trouble?"

The mere thought of that marriage filled him with irritation. Jovan chuckled.

"Why so defensive? Your grandfather has wanted you to settle down for years. His prayers were answered."

"Speak only if you know what you are talking about," Edwin said. He had no wish to discuss it.

"I know enough. I am just surprised you could not stand your ground against four men who dragged you to the altar. Unless…" Jovan paused. "Unless you wanted it to happen."

"I am not so desperate that I would rush into marriage. Especially not with a woman who is…" Edwin stopped himself. He had almost revealed the truth about Jasmin.

"Why did you stop?" Jovan leaned forward. "What are you keeping from me?"

"It does not matter. I have no wish to talk about her. You will see her for yourself soon enough." Edwin turned his attention back to his screen.

"Now I am truly curious," Jovan murmured. He wanted to see the woman who had been forced into marriage with his friend.

They said no more on the subject. Edwin worked steadily through the rest of the drive. Jovan went over schedules and reports. By the time they reached the office the day was nearly gone. They left together as evening fell.

"You should not be coming home with me," Edwin said, scowling at his friend. Jovan grinned from behind the wheel. He had offered to drive purely out of curiosity. He wanted to meet the woman who had become Edwin's wife.

"Come now. One night will not hurt. Who knows I might even keep you both company." He laughed.

Edwin gave him a firm nudge in the ribs. "Watch your driving. We could crash and you would have only yourself to blame."

Jovan winced. "You have no sense of humor at all."

Edwin only grunted. He knew what awaited him at home. More arguments with Jasmin. Her temper was quick to flare and so was his.