Cant Live without you

After her emotions had finally calmed, Iril realized that the thoughts weighing on her over the past two days weren't as difficult to face as she had feared.

"Serena was right… It sounds selfish, but it's human. Having feelings like this isn't something to overthink too much," she murmured to herself.

They spent their lunch with light-hearted chatter, the kind only close friends could share and understand. The atmosphere was much more relaxed than the tense emotional storm Iril had endured in recent days.

But amidst their ease, Iril noticed something that puzzled her. Serena was wearing more modest clothing than usual.

True, her friend had never dressed provocatively, but wearing a high-collared shirt in such hot weather seemed odd.

Curious, Iril glanced more closely.

Her eyes widened when she noticed a faint reddish mark on Serena's neck. She choked on her drink without realizing it.

"Are you okay?"

Serena asked with concern, handing her a tissue.

Iril took it and quickly wiped her mouth and hands. Small coughs still escaped her throat.

"Thanks,"

she murmured once she could breathe again.

"Was the drink too hot?"

Serena asked, frowning at Iril's sudden reaction.

"No," Iril replied quickly. "I was spacing out while drinking and suddenly choked."

Serena gave a small smile. They continued their lunch in peaceful silence, free from any more dramatic interruptions.

Moments later, Iril set down her spoon and looked at Serena.

"Serena..."

"Yes?"

"That time... were you okay?"

Iril asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Serena nodded slowly, a faint smile on her lips.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be there with you. I was out of town,"

Iril added apologetically.

"It's okay, Ril," Serena cut in quickly. "I know… You were the one who asked Ren to stay with me, right? Thank you."

"Oh come on! Between us, there's no need for that formal gratitude,"

Iril replied, lightly pinching Serena's arm.

Serena giggled and gave a small nod.

"Does this have anything to do with Mr. Shine?"

Iril asked again, this time more seriously.

"Hmmm... not exactly. But in a way, yes,"

Serena replied calmly.

Iril sighed.

"Honestly, that man never stops causing problems and disturbing your peace. What did Adrian say about it?"

Serena fell silent. Iril immediately gave her a serious look.

"In the end, he sided with his own family " Serena said softly.

Her expression reflected deep disappointment.

Iril immediately took her friend's hand, offering strength and reassurance. She knew how much Serena had been hurt, but also knew she wasn't someone who lingered in sadness for long.

"You still have me, and Ren too. Forget those people who don't know how to be grateful,"

Iril said gently.

Serena smiled a bit more freely this time. "You're right."

She reached for her glass of water, her throat a little dry.

"By the way, S…"

"Yeah?"

"Is Ren… you know, good in bed?"

Iril asked suddenly, her tone dripping with curiosity.

Serena immediately choked, nearly spraying out the water she hadn't swallowed. She stared at her friend with wide eyes, stunned.

"Iril!!"

"What? I was just asking,"

Iril replied, looking innocently curious.

"I don't know!" Serena snapped, her face now flushed red.

"What do you mean you don't know? You must know! I mean, can he—"

"We haven't gotten to that stage yet!" Serena cut her off quickly, clearly flustered.

Iril's eyes widened in disbelief.

"What?! You mean… not even once?!"

"HEY!"

Serena pinched Iril's arm, her face as red as a tomato.

"Sorry! But you can't blame me. If I were Ren, having you as a girlfriend, just looking at your face would already turn me on, let alone seeing your bod—"

"IRIL ANATASYA!! SHUT UP!!"

Serena yelled, a mix of laughter and exasperation in her voice.

Iril laughed triumphantly, delighted by how easily she could embarrass her friend.

---

That evening, Iril sat alone in the living room. Usually, Frau would already be home by now, but tonight he was running late. Growing impatient, she sent him a message.

> Iril: Busy?

The reply came not long after.

> Frau: Why? Is something wrong?

> Iril: Nothing… It's just, we need to talk.

Frau didn't respond immediately. Iril waited in silence, leaning back on the sofa, her eyes on the TV screen though she wasn't really watching.

> Frau: I'll be home in about 15 minutes.

Iril exhaled deeply after reading it. Her heart still felt uneasy, though slightly relieved that her husband would soon be home.

While waiting, her thoughts wandered back to earlier that day, when she teased Serena about the red mark on her neck.

Serena's reaction still made her chuckle.

"And you, S ! Didn't you feel tempted? Ren's body looks like…"

"I don't know!!" Serena had answered in panic when asked about Ren.

"How could you not know!" Iril had pressed on.

"Because I've never seen it!"

Serena had murmured.

And Iril had almost dropped her spoon.

"You… are normal, right?" she asked without thinking.

"HEY!!"

Serena had protested, pouting.

But Iril had only teased her harder, showing no mercy until Serena gave up, drowning in embarrassment.

Suddenly, the sound of the front door jolted Iril from her thoughts. She stood and saw Frau entering the doorway.

Without waiting, she approached him and wrapped her arms around him tightly, pressing a sweet kiss on his lips.

"Want to shower first?" Iril asked softly.

"Later,"

Frau replied, smiling back at his wife. They sat together on the sofa.

"We can talk now."

Iril looked into his eyes seriously.

"Frau… do you want children?"

That question made Frau pause for a moment, though he already suspected it was the issue that had burdened Iril for the past two days. He knew she had overheard his conversation with his mother.

"No," Frau answered firmly. "To me, you're everything. I can live without a child, but I can't live without you."

Iril's eyes immediately welled up, and tears fell down her cheeks. She hugged him tightly, as if to make sure he was truly there for her—that their love was unshakable.

"Don't worry about my family's opinions. Just think about me, okay?"

Frau whispered gently.

Iril nodded slightly, still sobbing softly in his embrace.

"And one more thing, babe…"

"Yeah?" Iril replied in a hoarse voice.

Frau pulled away slightly to look her in the eyes.

"Don't ever hide anything from me again. No matter how small."

Iril looked down, guilt washing over her, and more tears slipped down. She nodded again, this time with more conviction.

Frau wiped the tears from her cheeks and pulled her back into his embrace. That night, there were no more secrets, no more burdens to carry alone—only love, steady and unwavering.