Part 02

Thania got out of the car and pulled out a large bag from inside. She seemed to struggle carrying her bags on her own. Seeing this, Gibran hesitated to help her, then asked his driver to assist.

"Here, let me carry that for you," the driver offered.

"No need, sir, thank you. I can handle it myself," she politely declined.

Gibran entered his house, where his family was already gathered, waiting for his arrival.

"Gibran, you're alone? Where's Thania?" Daniel asked upon seeing his son walk in without his wife.

"She's still outside."

"Still outside? You left your wife out there by herself?"

"Let it go, dear. Gibran must be exhausted from today," Rose calmed her husband.

Thania walked in, her hands full of bags. She briefly glanced at Gibran before shifting her gaze to Daniel and Rose.

"You carried all your things by yourself?" Daniel asked with concern.

"Yes, it's fine."

"Let Miss Suti take them to your room."

"No need, Dad. I can do it myself."

"Daniel, you're overreacting. She's an adult; she can handle her own bags," Dania interjected.

"Dania, I didn't ask for your opinion."

"But I was just—"

"Enough. I don't want to hear any more. You all need to respect Thania as Gibran's wife."

The first day in this house as Gibran's wife—would this family ever accept her?

"Thania, you should go to your room and get some rest."

"Yes, Dad."

"Gibran, take Thania to your room."

"My room?" He looked hesitant.

"Yes, she's your wife. Have you forgotten her status now?"

Understanding, Gibran nodded and led the way up the stairs to his room, with Thania following behind.

After freshening up, Thania opened her bag, intending to arrange her clothes. She pulled open the large wardrobe beside the bed, only to find it already full of Gibran's clothes.

She paused, then decided to put her belongings back in her bag. She didn't want to touch anything in this room, not after how their marriage had come to be. It was best if she simply did nothing.

The clock showed eleven at night. Gibran had not returned to the room. Thania was exhausted but felt uneasy going to sleep without waiting for him. Still, her body couldn't keep up, and she finally gave in to sleep.

Not long after, Gibran entered the room and found it tidied up. Earlier, he had left his clothes scattered on the bed, but now everything was neat. His eyes then landed on Thania, asleep on the couch.

Early in the morning, Thania was already awake. She grabbed her towel and headed for the bathroom but suddenly stopped when she noticed the man still fast asleep on the bed.

She walked closer, gazing softly at Gibran's peaceful face. For some reason, seeing him like this stirred both warmth and pain in her heart. After a moment, she gently pulled the blanket over him, covering his sleeping form. She knew she shouldn't be doing this.

Now dressed and ready for work, Thania adjusted her watch. She had rarely visited Daniel's house since getting a new job at a bakery, which Daniel had approved. However, he had asked her to make time on weekends to visit and spend time with Gabi.

Stepping out of the bathroom, she saw that the room was empty—Gibran had already left. Checking the time, she realized it was already seven in the morning. Grabbing her bag, she hurried out of the room.

"Thania, where are you off to so early?" Daniel, lounging on the sofa, noticed her.

"I'm going to work, Dad."

"Work? You just got married yesterday, and now you're going to work? Didn't you take any leave?"

"No, Dad. I'd just get bored staying at home all day."

"Does Gibran know? Did he allow it?"

"He doesn't know."

"Where is he? Let him take you."

"No need, Dad. I'm used to taking public transport."

"Alright then, I'll have the driver take you."

"No! Please, Dad, I already said I'll take public transport. I have to go now before it gets too late."

"Alright, be careful."

"I will, Dad."

A few minutes after Thania left, Gibran came down the stairs and sat at the dining table, joined by the rest of the family.

"Gibran, have you thought about your honeymoon with Thania?"

"Honeymoon?" Gibran was caught off guard.

"Yes. Have you talked to her about it?"

"Do they really have to go on a honeymoon?" Rose chimed in.

"I don't know, Dad."

"Well then, talk to her about it tonight."

"Alright, I'll tell her," Gibran sighed.

After finishing his meal, he grabbed his car keys and left the house without saying goodbye.

Twenty minutes later, he arrived at a grand house. As the gate swung open, revealing a spacious front yard, he parked his car and stepped inside.

"Looks like we've got a newlywed visiting!" Kevin greeted, teasing him.

"Shut up before I break your bones," Gibran growled, throwing himself onto the couch.

"Hahaha, alright, alright."

"So, how was your first night, bro? Everything smooth?" Jo asked, still engrossed in his game.

"What do you mean?!"

"Haven't you two done that? How is your wife now?"

Gibran's expression darkened at Jo's words.

"Damn it! You wanna get smacked?" Gibran snapped as his friends burst into laughter.

First night? He hadn't even thought that far.