3 Years

It had been three years since Selvia’s last encounter with Diandra in Bali. She had distanced herself from Diandra changing her phone number, moving to a new apartment, and even buying a new car. She vanished from Diandra’s life, but deep down, she was exhausted from being the mistress. Now, seeing Andre in the mall with Diandra and their children, she couldn’t help but feel unappreciated by him.

Selvia let out a heavy sigh. Why does he have to be with her, Andre?

Andre and Diandra laughed together, clearly enjoying each other's company. In Selvia’s eyes, their gazes were full of affection, and it burned her with jealousy. She couldn’t bear to witness such a disgusting sight in front of her.

I should be the one beside you, Andre, not Diandra. I am better than Diandra, she thought, her heart aching.

When Richie and Keira ran over to call Andre, her anger only deepened. Andre smiled brightly as he picked up Keira, and Richie held Diandra's hand tightly.

The sight of Andre’s family tortured her. Those should be my children with Andre, not Diandra’s.

Tears welled up in Selvia’s eyes. She desperately wanted to confront Andre and Diandra, expose everything about their affair, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She feared that confronting Diandra would only make Andre angry with her.

Andre wrapped his arm around Diandra’s waist, planting a kiss on her cheek. Selvia turned away, unable to watch the painful scene any longer. It hurt so much that it took her breath away. She wanted to scream but couldn’t.

With heavy steps, Selvia moved away from Andre and Diandra, but her progress halted when she heard Diandra call her name. Her heart pounded, her anger boiling over, threatening to spill her jealousy to the surface. She wiped the tear from her cheek and turned to face Diandra.

“Selvia, where have you been?” Diandra asked as she embraced her.

Selvia smiled weakly and returned the hug, but her eyes locked on Andre with fury. She wanted to scratch his face. Andre, startled by her presence, knew exactly why she was angry. He understood that Selvia didn’t like seeing him with Diandra. He had to keep his composure and make sure Diandra didn’t learn about his affair with Selvia, which had been ongoing for three years.

“How are you, Di?” Selvia asked, her tone cold.

“I’m fine, Sel. But where have you been? I missed you. It’s been almost three years since we last saw each other.”

Selvia responded with a forced smile. It was clear from her eyes that she didn’t want to meet Diandra or Andre again.

“I’m leaving now, Di,” Selvia said.

“Where are you going? Come eat with us, let’s catch up.”

“No need, Di, I’ve already eaten.”

“Come on, Sel. We haven’t seen each other in three years. You can’t just leave like this. Oh, by the way, what’s your new number? Where are you living now?”

Selvia shot a harsh look at Diandra. “You’re so nosy, Diandra! I don’t like you asking about my personal matters!” she snapped.

Diandra was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Selvia to yell at her. What’s going on with Selvia?

“Sel, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry,” Diandra apologized awkwardly.

“Hey, Selvia. Why are you yelling at my wife? What’s your problem with Diandra? Don’t think just because you’re her friend that you can yell at her like that.”

“I’ll do whatever I want! It’s my mouth, so why are you mad?” Selvia retorted.

Andre glared at her, his anger rising. He couldn’t stand that Selvia dared to defy him, especially in front of Diandra. He had to maintain his authority and not show any weakness to his mistress.

“You ungrateful widow! After I’ve been kind to you, you still dare to talk back. Who do you think you are? Watch your mouth, or I’ll slap you in public.”

“Ha! You’re pretending to be a loyal husband, acting all sweet with Diandra, but behind her back, you’re being all affectionate with another woman! What do you think I am, Andre?”

Andre was stunned by Selvia’s words. What’s gotten into her? This was dangerous for their relationship—if Diandra found out everything, it would ruin them.

“What do you mean, Sel? What’s your relationship with Andre?” Diandra asked, shocked by Selvia’s outburst.

Selvia fell silent. She had almost lost control and revealed everything about her affair with Andre to Diandra. She was increasingly frustrated as Andre defended Diandra, when he should have been defending her. Andre had once promised that he would always choose her, but now, he was choosing Diandra.

“Tell me, Sel, are you mute?” Diandra pressed.

“I don’t owe you an explanation! What gives you the right to ask about my personal affairs?” Selvia snapped.

Diandra’s eyes narrowed as she continued to stare at Selvia, growing more curious about what was really going on.

“Let’s go, Di. Don’t ever see Selvia again. I don’t want you associating with that widow. She’s a woman with no shame!” Andre said, his temper flaring as he pulled Diandra’s arm.

“Mas... wait. I’m not finished talking to Selvia,” Diandra protested.

“I told you we’re leaving, Diandra! And Selvia, don’t ever bother my wife again. If you see Diandra, stay away. Don’t even think about crossing paths with her. If you do, don’t blame me if I take it further,” Andre threatened coldly.

Andre pulled Diandra away, with Richie and Keira following, confused by the argument they had just witnessed. Selvia clenched her fists, vowing to get back at Andre for daring to yell at her.

“You’ll regret this, Diandra. You’ve made the man I love choose you over me. Soon, you’ll be crying for losing someone so important to you,” Selvia muttered with a glare of hatred at Diandra.

———

At home, Diandra was still sulking. She could sense there was something going on between Andre and Selvia. Why would Andre get so angry over something trivial and yell at Selvia?

“Mas, what’s your relationship with Selvia? Why did she get so mad, and why are you acting so strange? Are you having an affair with Selvia?”

“That’s enough, Di! Don’t talk about Selvia again. I’ve never had an affair with her. From now on, the name Selvia is forbidden in this house.”

“Mas, isn’t this a bit much? Why are you so angry over such a small thing? Are you really having an affair with Selvia?”

“Don’t ask me that again, Di. I’ve already answered you twice. I haven’t cheated on you with Selvia. I only love you and the kids.”

Diandra remained silent, staring at Andre. She found it hard to believe his words.

“There’s nothing strange going on, Di. You are my only wife, and no one else matters. As my wife, you should know how to follow your husband’s wishes. Don’t ever break my rules.”

“I hope what you’re saying is true, Mas. If you ever cheat again, you know the consequences you’ll face.”

“Yes, darling. I’m sorry. I’ve always been faithful to you, Di. Please forgive me.”

Andre embraced Diandra and kissed her lips softly. Diandra closed her eyes, feeling the tenderness of his kiss. For three years, Andre hadn’t shown any suspicious behavior, and Diandra had even forgotten her initial doubts about his affair with another woman. But today was different.

“Di, I have to go now,” Andre said, breaking the kiss.

“Where are you going, Mas?” Diandra asked.

“I have some work, Di.”

“Okay, Mas. Don’t stay out too late.”

Andre gently stroked Diandra’s long brown hair, gazing at her beautiful face. He was lucky that Diandra hadn’t suspected him in the past three years. Now, he had to hurry to Selvia’s apartment to explain his anger to the woman who had stood by him for three years.

Unlike Diandra, Selvia was watching Andre leave with suspicion. Let’s see what kind of relationship you really have with Selvia,

Mas. Don’t think I’ll just sit back and do nothing.