"Devia, you will never win Argantara's heart!"

The voice pierced my ears the moment I opened the office door that afternoon. Revania stood before me with a triumphant smile. Her posture straight, chin lifted high, her eyes glittering with arrogance.

"Even if you are his wife, don't ever forget..." She stepped closer, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "I was his first love. Not you."

A faint laugh came from beside her. A young woman-Revania's assistant-covered her mouth mockingly.

"How pitiful. The legal wife, yet never seen as a wife. What a shame, Mrs. Devia."

The words lashed at my pride like a whip. My chest rose and fell heavily, my breath thick with anger. I tried to keep my composure, but Revania pressed on, merciless.

"Devia..." She stopped just an inch away, her smile dripping with malice. "You can parade yourself in front of others, but in front of Argan, you're nothing but a shadow. I'm the one he truly desires."

My fists clenched, trembling. And when she shoved me hard, nearly knocking me off balance, my patience snapped.

Straightening myself, I grabbed her wrist firmly. My gaze locked onto hers like steel.

"You think you can treat me like this, Revania?" My voice was sharp, cutting through the air. "You are nothing but the mistress. And that's all you'll ever be. If Argan truly loved you, he wouldn't have kept you hidden as someone's side woman."

Her eyes flared with fury, her face twisted with rage.

"How dare you speak to me like that!"

She raised her hand to slap me, but before her palm could touch my face, I caught it midair.

"Enough, Revania," I said coldly. "I've let you humiliate me for too long. But today, that ends."

Her assistant widened her eyes, then snickered mockingly.

"Hahaha, look at this! Mrs. Devia dares to fight back. Have you forgotten? Even your husband doesn't side with you. Mr. Argan always stands with Miss Revania."

I turned, my eyes slicing at her like blades. "Silence. You're nothing but her shadow. Don't interfere in the affairs of two women."

Revania yanked her wrist free with force, her face red, lips trembling with fury.

"Devia! Who do you think you are, talking to me like this?"

I stepped forward, this time pressing her back. "I am his wife. That's reality. Whether you accept it or not, the world acknowledges me as Argantara's lawful wife. And you? You remain hidden, a secret in the shadows. Even Argan doesn't dare show you in public."

Revania froze, caught off guard, but quickly masked it with a bitter laugh.

"You think I care about what the world says? What matters is that Argan loves me. I'm the one in his heart-not you."

I stared at her, my voice low but piercing. "If you're so sure of that, then why-after five years-are you still in the same place? A mistress."

"DEVIA!" Revania screamed, her face crimson. She raised her hand again, but I stepped back slightly, making her stumble.

"Don't touch me," I said coldly. "I won't lower myself to fight a woman who chooses to live in a man's shadow. You want to slap me? That only proves your desperation."

Her assistant stepped forward in protest. "How dare you talk to Miss Revania like that!"

I turned my glare on her, sharp and unwavering. "And how dare you, a mere subordinate, involve yourself in your master's private affairs? Don't forget-on paper, I am still the mistress of the Bagaskara family."

The girl paled instantly, retreating a step in silence.

Revania ground her teeth, pointing her finger in my face. "Devia... you'll regret every word you've just said. I'll take everything from you. Argan's love, your position in the company, even your dignity. Everything will be mine!"

A crooked smile curved my lips, though my heart trembled. "Then prove it. I've stayed silent for too long. Now... I'll show you that the Devia you belittle can rise higher than you ever will."

The air grew tense, heavy, the atmosphere like two lionesses circling for the kill.

A few employees passing by stopped, whispering breathlessly at the heated clash. But I didn't care.

Revania finally spun on her heel with a sharp flick, slapping away my hand as she stormed past. "You'll lose, Devia! You're too naïve to fight me!"

Her footsteps echoed down the hall, her assistant trailing behind with one last hateful glare.

And I stood there, unmoving, my resolve burning hotter than ever.

"You dared to push Revania, Devia?!"

That deep voice shook the entire room. The office door slammed open, and Argantara stood at the threshold, his face flushed with rage, his gaze as sharp as a blade.

I froze mid-motion, still holding the files I had been arranging. My heart instantly pounded in my chest. I knew exactly who had run crying to him-Revania.

I rose to my feet and faced him squarely. "You believe her words just like that?"

He strode forward, slamming his palm on the desk between us so hard it trembled. "She came to me pale and in tears! She said you pushed her to the floor!"

A bitter laugh almost escaped me. "Those tears were nothing but an act, Argan. You're a fool if you believe every bit of her drama."

"You're calling me a fool?" His glare grew darker.

I stepped closer, leaving barely any space between us. "If you take the word of a mistress over your own wife without proof... yes, that makes you a fool."

His jaw tightened. "Watch your mouth..."

"What?!" I snapped, my voice rising, my chest burning with indignation. "You expect me to stay silent while your mistress humiliates me again and again? You don't want me to touch her? Then make sure she stays out of my way!"

For a split second, his expression faltered, then hardened again. "You don't have the right to speak like that."

My eyes stung, but my voice remained firm. "I'm your wife, Argan! I have more right than anyone. But somehow, all this time, it's only Revania you protect, while I-Devia, your wife-am the one you trample."

Silence pressed between us, broken only by the sound of our ragged breaths.

I grabbed my bag from the chair and straightened my shoulders. "Oh, and Argan... starting today, I'm leaving your house."

His brows shot up. "What did you just say?"

"I said I'm leaving. You want a divorce? Fine. But remember, you'll face the consequences once your parents know our marriage is over."

"Devia..." His voice softened, but I had already turned away.

Before I could reach the door, his phone rang. He sighed heavily and answered. The voice on the other end froze him in place.

"Mother..." he whispered.

I stopped, narrowing my eyes at him. He listened quietly for a long moment, tension etched into his face. Then his gaze shifted to me.

"Yes, Mother. Alright. We'll come home."

He hung up.

"What is it?" I asked sharply.

He swallowed, stepping closer. For the first time, his tone carried a trace of pleading. "Devia... Mother just called. She wants us to come to the main house tonight. To stay over."

I blinked. "Why?"

He shook his head. "I don't know. But she sounded serious. It must be important."

I crossed my arms. "And why are you telling me this?"

His jaw flexed. "Because she asked for you specifically. She insisted you be there. Please, Devia... come with me."

I let out a dry laugh. "You're begging me? Just minutes ago you accused me of attacking your mistress, and now you expect me to obey?"

"Devia, please..." His voice dropped, almost a whisper.

I stepped closer, my eyes like daggers. "Why should I? You've never defended me. You've always believed Revania. Do you really think I'll just bow my head because your mother summoned me?"

He didn't answer. His eyes glistened, as though he was holding back words. Then, quietly, he said, "I know I was wrong... But I'm begging you, Devia. Just for tonight. Don't cause a bigger scene in front of Mother."

The admission caught me off guard. Argantara never admitted fault-let alone pleaded. But my heart, already shattered, refused to bend.

"If I go," I said coldly, "it's not for you. It's out of respect for your mother."

Relief swept across his face. "Thank you..."

I shot him a sharp look. "Don't thank me. Remember this, Argan-when I decide to leave, nothing will stop me. Not even your mother."

He stood silent, no words left.

---

That night, we returned together. The ride was suffocating in its silence-only the hum of the engine and the ticking clock on the dashboard filled the air.

I kept my gaze fixed on the blur of city lights outside the window, while Argantara gripped the steering wheel, his jaw tense, his silence heavy.

When we arrived at the Bagaskara family estate, Madam Dirgantara welcomed us warmly. Her smile was radiant, as though no storm hovered over our marriage.

"Devia, my dear. Argan," she greeted us with relief. "Thank you for coming. Tonight... I want us all together under this roof. A family must stay united, no matter what."

Her words struck me like a whip. Family? How could I feel like I had one, when my husband had reduced me to nothing?

Argantara cast me a sidelong glance, silently pleading again for me to play along.

I lifted my chin. "Of course, Mother. I'll stay here tonight."

Her smile softened as she patted my hand. "Good. You both must be tired. Rest for now. Tomorrow, we'll talk."

I excused myself and headed toward the guest room, Argantara trailing after me.

"Devia..." he called softly.

I stopped, but didn't turn. "What now?"

"Thank you for coming."

I closed my eyes for a moment, then replied quietly, "Don't misunderstand. I didn't do it for you. I did it because I still respect your mother."

With that, I entered the room and shut the door firmly.

Outside, I heard his heavy sigh.

And that night, though we shared the same house, we lived in two different worlds-divided by lies, wounds, and a love that had never been mine.

"Argantara, are you sleeping in a different room from Devia?"

Madam Dirgantara's sharp voice startled us. I was standing at the threshold of the guest room when she arrived, accompanied by an old woman-her trusted maid.

I turned quickly, while Argantara, who had just stepped out of the men's room, looked back at her with ease.

"Of course not, Mother," he replied calmly, though I knew very well we had slept apart. "I just wanted to check out this room."

With confident steps, Argantara walked right into my room without asking. I froze, a little panicked, but quickly forced a sweet smile for my mother-in-law.

"Mother..." I said softly. "Argan was only joking. We're fine."

Madam Dirgantara's smile widened. "Good. You two must give the Bagaskara family a grandchild soon. Don't make us wait any longer!"

I choked, unable to respond, my heart pounding wildly.

Argantara, on the other hand, nodded with a faint smile. "Of course, Mother. Devia and I will give you a grandchild very soon."

I whipped my head toward him, glaring sharply. What did he mean, saying such a thing in front of her?

Madam Dirgantara looked pleased. "Good. I like hearing that." Then she walked away, leaving us both behind.

The moment the door closed, I exhaled angrily. "Why did you say that? Don't make promises you'll never keep."

Argantara only looked at me, then calmly shut the door. "I just don't want Mother to get suspicious."

I stepped back as he moved closer. The room suddenly felt smaller, tighter.

That was when I smelled something strange. Sweet but stinging, as though something was burning. My body grew hot, my blood rushed unnaturally fast. I blinked hard, trying to resist the sensation.

"What... what's happening to me?" I whispered, my body swaying.

Argantara looked just as shaken. His face was flushed, his breathing ragged. He clutched his chest, then looked at me with an unreadable gaze-half confusion, half... desire.

"Devia..." his voice was husky. He stepped closer, closing the gap between us.

I held my breath. My skin burned, fire crawling through my veins. Argantara raised his hand, brushing my cheek, then leaned down slowly. His lips nearly touched mine.

I jolted, shoving his chest hard. "Don't you dare dream of kissing me again, Argantara! I am not your wife!"

He staggered back, his face tightening. His eyes still glowed strangely, his breath coming faster. "Don't you feel it? My body... it's burning."

Clutching the edge of the table for support, I tried to stop my trembling. "This... this isn't normal. Something's wrong..."

Argantara gritted his teeth, then suddenly grabbed a glass bottle from the table. Without hesitation, he smashed it, and a sharp shard sliced across his left arm.

"Argan!" I screamed in shock. Fresh blood streamed down his arm.

He winced, but his gaze grew slightly clearer. "I... need the pain to fight this heat inside me."

I froze, horrified and confused all at once. What was happening to us?

From outside the room, laughter echoed faintly. My head snapped toward the door. Madam Dirgantara.

"Madam, it seems they've already kissed," the maid's voice rang clear.

I clapped my hand over my mouth, my body trembling. So this was their doing?

Madam Dirgantara chuckled softly. "Indeed, Bi. The potion you gave them works well! Soon, the Bagaskara family will have a grandchild."

I went cold. Potion? So the strange scent, the unbearable heat in my body... it was their scheme?

Argantara looked at me, his eyes red from the effort of resisting the haze, his arm still bleeding. "Devia... we have to get out of this room."

I nodded quickly. "Yes... before they succeed in their little game."

I grabbed his sleeve, pulling him toward the door. But the sound of footsteps drew near, forcing us to retreat again.

The door rattled with loud knocks. "Argan? Devia? Are you all right in there?" His mother's voice dripped with false concern.

I hugged myself tightly, fighting the heat still clawing through me. Argantara stood firm by the door, his voice sharp. "We're fine, Mother. Please don't disturb us."

There was silence, then a soft chuckle. "Good. Don't hold back too much. I'll be waiting for good news."

Their footsteps faded away.

I collapsed onto the bed, trembling violently. "Argan... you heard it yourself. They set us up."

He sank into the chair, staring at the blood still seeping from his wound. "Yes. They want to force something on us that isn't even our choice."

Biting my lip, tears spilled down my cheeks. "I can't take this anymore, Argan. I've endured enough humiliation from you... and now even your family is using my body like a pawn. How much longer must I stay?"

Argantara looked at me for a long moment, then lowered his gaze. For the first time, I saw something unusual in his eyes-regret.

"Devia..." he whispered. "I never thought Mother would go this far. I know I've wronged you. But I swear, I won't let them taint your honor like this again."

I stared at him, stunned. "You... you're defending me?"

He gave a slight nod, though his face remained tense. "Not because I've suddenly fallen in love with you. But because you are still my wife. And I won't let anyone-even my mother-treat you like some bargaining chip."

I fell silent, my heart in turmoil. Should I feel relieved... or more broken than before?

Covering my face with both hands, I whispered, "Argan... how long do we have to live in this cruel game?"

He didn't answer. Only silence filled the room, heavy with the lingering, sickly-sweet scent.

And outside the door, I could still hear the faint, satisfied laughter of my mother-in-law and her maid. They truly believed their plan had succeeded.