Better to Be Hurt by the Truth Than Comforted by a Lie
Better to Be Hurt by the Truth Than Comforted by a Lie
That morning, Diandra took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. Anger simmered beneath the surface, but she forced herself to remain composed. A deceitful man like Andre might think he could keep covering up his lies, but the truth had a way of revealing itself no matter how well he tried to hide it. A rotten secret would always seep through the cracks, just like the stench of something foul that couldn’t be masked forever.
Last night, it happened again. Andre spoke in his sleep, but this time, he said the name Selvia. A complete name. Diandra’s heart clenched, burning with jealousy and suspicion. Was this Selvia the same one she knew? Selvia Kamaludin, her own best friend? Or was it someone else entirely?
Whatever the truth was, she wouldn’t confront him just yet. She would play along, pretending their marriage was as intact as ever. But inside, she was harboring a storm of doubts—doubts she intended to investigate on her own.
——
“Mama,” Richie and Keira called out in unison as they sat down for breakfast.
The tension on Diandra’s face melted the moment she saw her children. She smiled warmly at them, momentarily pushing aside her inner turmoil. They looked so happy, so innocent. And that was what made her hesitate. Should she fight to keep this marriage intact, even if Andre was unfaithful? Or should she walk away, knowing her children would be caught in the fallout?
“Baby, let’s take the kids to school,” Andre suggested.
“Yes, Mas,” she agreed, her voice steady.
After dropping Richie and Keira off, Diandra returned home to tend to Andre’s needs before he left for work. She had always made sure he looked perfect—like the dignified director of PT Pratama Abadi that he was.
“I’m heading out now,” Andre said as he kissed her goodbye.
“What time will you be home tonight?” she asked casually.
“I might be late, Sayang. Monday’s off-day left me with a backlog of work. But don’t worry, I won’t be out past midnight—probably around eleven. Don’t wait for me, okay? You need your rest.”
“That’s fine, Mas. As long as you come home.”
“Where else would I go?” Andre chuckled. “This is my home, Sayang. Always has been, always will be.”
Diandra forced a smile. “Of course, Mas.”
“Oh, by the way, about Pak Budi did you decide to let him go?”
“No, Di. I reassigned him as a company driver for now. The office has been short-staffed since the last driver quit. But if you need him at home, I can arrange that.”
“Yes, Mas. Pak Agus called me yesterday. He’s resigning wants to move back to his village.”
“Alright, I’ll have Pak Budi stationed at home next week. I can manage without a driver until we find someone trustworthy. Can’t be too careful when hiring these days.”
“You’re right, Mas. Do whatever you think is best. I trust you.”
“That’s why I love you, Diandra,” Andre said, pulling her into an embrace. “You always trust me the way I trust you. I love you, Diandra.”
“I love you too, Mas,” she replied, keeping her expression neutral.
“Really?” Andre teased. “Then say it properly.”
Diandra smirked. “You’ll have to wait until tonight for my answer.”
“Come on, baby, don’t keep me waiting!”
“You’ll survive,” she laughed, gently pushing him toward the door. “Now, go. You don’t want to be late what kind of example would that set for your employees?”
Andre sighed dramatically. “Fine, fine. But first, my goodbye kiss?”
Diandra kissed his cheek, and he returned the gesture with a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“Drive safely, Mas.”
“I will, Baby.”
——
The moment Andre left, Diandra grabbed her keys and headed to her parents’ house. She needed to borrow her father’s car tailing Andre would be much easier if she wasn’t using her own vehicle.
“Where are you off to, Di?” her father, Fadli, asked as she arrived.
“I just have something to take care of, Pa,” she replied vaguely.
Fadli frowned. “Is something wrong? You’re acting differently today.”
“I promise I’ll explain everything later, Pa. But not now not yet. Once I have all the answers, I’ll tell you everything.”
Fadli studied her for a moment before nodding. “Alright, just be careful, okay?”
“I will, Pa.”
Diandra parked near Andre’s office and waited. She had brought snacks and drinks, knowing this could take hours. To pass the time, she watched a Korean drama on her phone.
Two hours later, Andre finally emerged from the building, looking… happy.
Too happy.
“That bastard,” she muttered under her breath. He’s definitely meeting someone.
As Andre drove away, Diandra followed at a safe distance. The chase led her to a luxury apartment complex, where a woman was already waiting outside. She had long, maroon-colored hair and wore a mask and sunglasses, concealing most of her face.
Diandra’s grip on the steering wheel tightened.
Who the hell is she?
Her heart pounded as Andre and the mystery woman got into his car and drove off. Without hesitation, Diandra followed them again.
Their next stop was a high-end shopping mall in the city. Diandra parked quickly, ensuring she had a clear view of Andre’s car. Then, she saw it.
Andre stepped out first. Then, the woman followed.
And he was holding her.
Diandra’s breath hitched. She barely noticed her own legs moving as she trailed behind them. Her vision blurred with rage, but she forced herself to stay calm.
They walked into a luxury handbag boutique. From a distance, Diandra observed them, her pulse hammering in her ears.
She had to see her face. She had to know.
Taking a deep breath, she inched closer—just enough to get a good look.
And then, she saw her.
A sharp pang shot through her chest.
It wasn
’t just anyone.
It was Selvia Kamaludin.
Her best friend.