Part 01

Marriage is every woman's dream. A long wait until finding a soulmate, exchanging sacred vows, and promising to stay together forever through all the ups and downs.

Marriage is not something simple, like buying a new toy and throwing it away when bored. It must be built on love from both sides, with a commitment to the choice they've made.

Thania never imagined she would marry her boss's son. She didn't feel proud or happy about this decision. The man she was about to marry was Gibran.

Why did Thania have to marry him? Love? No. Gibran's fiancée had left him—more precisely, she canceled their wedding when everything was already set.

Thania sat in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection in the beautiful white gown. She kept questioning herself.

Is this the right decision?Will everything be okay?Or is this the beginning of a disaster?

Knock... knock... knock...

An older man in a crisp white shirt and a black suit approached her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"You look beautiful in that dress, Thania."

"Thank you, sir."

"Don't call me sir. Soon, you'll be Gibran's wife and my daughter-in-law. From now on, call me Papa."

It was Daniel, Gibran Valyno Putra's father. He was the one who insisted Thania marry his son. He had always treated her like his own daughter and believed that Thania would bring happiness to Gibran's life.

Thania would never forget Daniel's kindness. She still remembered the moment that started it all—the day she saved his life.

She had been walking alone, carrying a brown envelope, wiping away sweat as she waited for public transportation that never seemed to come.

Just as she decided to walk, she spotted an elderly man about to cross the street. A motorcycle was speeding toward him.

"Watch out, sir!"

Thania sprinted, grabbing the man's arm to pull him back. But instead of him getting hit, she was the one who got sideswiped. She fell, scraping her arm against the asphalt.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" the man asked, worried as he helped her up.

"I'm fine, sir. Just a small scratch."

He pulled out his wallet and handed her several red banknotes.

"Take this for treatment, as a thank you for saving me."

"No, sir. I helped you sincerely. I can't accept this."

"At least sit down for a moment," he said, leading her to a bench.

"What's your name?"

"Thania."

"Thank you, Thania, for saving me, even though you got hurt instead. I owe you. How can I repay you?"

"You don't have to, sir. I already said I helped you willingly."

The man went silent for a moment before saying, "How about a job? Do you need one?"

Thania hesitated. Could this man really offer her work? But she had nothing to lose.

"Yes, I really need a job. I've been unemployed for two weeks. But I won't take money for nothing."

The man thought for a moment. "How about working at one of my branch offices? Do you live with your family?"

"No, my family is in my hometown. I live alone."

"Alright. You can also stay at my house and help around if needed. I do need a housekeeper, but I'm not offering you that role."

"That's fine. I don't mind doing house chores. But I can't stay at your house, sir."

"That's alright. Here's my card. Come tomorrow."

The next day, Thania arrived at Daniel's house, and from there, he brought her to his office. She wasn't a full-time housekeeper, but sometimes Daniel called her to help or take care of his youngest daughter, Gabi.

Now, as she sat nervously, Daniel noticed her unease.

"Are you nervous?"

"Yes... a little."

"That's normal. Soon, you'll be a wife."

He gently patted her head, giving her reassurance. He knew this was sudden for Thania, but he believed she was the right choice for his son.

Meanwhile, Gibran stood in another room, dressed in all white. He looked strikingly handsome in his suit.

"Gibran."

He turned toward the familiar voice.

"Mom?"

Rose sat beside him, gently rubbing his back. She never agreed with her husband's decision to marry him off like this. Gibran was still heartbroken, still in love with his ex.

She had argued with Daniel over this, but in the end, she had no choice. The invitations had been sent. Calling it off now would bring disgrace to their family.

"I know it's hard to let go of someone you've loved for so long, only to marry someone you don't love. But I don't want to see you suffer."

Gibran's voice was heavy. "Did I do something wrong, Mom? Is that why she left me?"

"No, sweetheart. You gave her everything. You were just too good for her."

She hugged her son, feeling his pain as if it were her own.

Knock... knock... knock...

"So, this is where everyone is."

Daniel walked in, looking at his eldest son. He embraced Gibran.

"Don't disappoint me, son. You've always been a role model for your siblings. Now, you have a bigger responsibility—to your wife."

"I understand, Dad."

Daniel hoped that with time, Gibran would move on and open his heart to Thania.

Suddenly, a cheerful voice interrupted them.

"Big brother!"

A beautiful young woman ran toward Gibran and hugged him.

"You look so handsome today!"

Gabriella—Gabi—the youngest of the family, beamed at her brother.

"And my little sister looks like a princess today," Gibran replied, stroking her hair.

Givan, the second son, scoffed. "Only Gibran gets compliments? What about me?"

Gabi laughed. "Fine! You're handsome too, okay?"

"Enough chatting. Let's get ready. The ceremony is about to begin."

Gibran walked toward his bride. She looked stunning. He had never seen her like this before. A small smile formed on his lips.

As the vows were spoken, Gibran slid the ring onto Thania's finger, and she did the same. The room erupted in applause and cheers.

During the photo session, the photographer instructed them to stand closer.

Thania hesitated but inched slightly toward Gibran.

"Closer," the photographer urged. "No need to be shy."

Gibran suddenly placed his hand on her waist, pulling her into his embrace.

Thania's heart pounded. Her breath hitched as their eyes met for a brief moment.

"Alright, done! We'll continue the shoot later."

Gibran quickly released her.

"Ehm... sorry."

Then, without another word, he walked away.

Thania frowned. Why did he apologize? Was it because he had touched her waist without permission?

But... wasn't that normal?