(NON) PRETEND HUSBAND
The Past of Papa

"That's how our days passed, your mother was the prettiest girl who first came to Papa's heart." Jonathan smiled wryly. "After he went to school in London, Papa began to pioneer the business of buying and selling houses. Even though your grandfather was rich, Papa Keukeh carried out Papa's passion at that time. Papa really likes the world of marketing, meeting a lot of relationships and expanding networks" Jonathan explained, taking his breath occasionally.

Ann heard her Papa's story solemnly, this is the first time her Papa has opened up to her past story. Kian who had listened to a little story that he already knew could only be silent sad.

"A few years passed, your mother returned to Indonesia with her new title. Our parents met to talk about the continuation of the match, considering that your mother's age was enough to get married, so they planned to have the marriage as soon as possible." Jonathan paused for a moment, he seemed to set the rhythm of his breathing which began to hunt.

"But, there is one bitter reality that Papa must swallow at that time. It turns out that while in London, your mother found another man who made her fall in love. The guy named Dimitri who brought him to his knees because he was from Russia, fits perfectly with the story of his favorite Disney movie, Anastasia." Jonathan was silent for a moment. "You were frank with Papa when our wedding was scheduled and it was impossible to cancel. Finally we agreed to get married but only for a year, after which we'll split up nicely and your Mama will return to Dimitri."

Ann was stunned, she turned to Kian who was also looking at her. Ann as if dejavu because the story of her father at a glance similar to the incident she experienced.

"We were married, but never slept together. Your mama sleeps in bed while Papa sleeps on the couch. Our household is very empty. Your mother still often contacts Dimitri by mail, and Papa increasingly chooses to concern himself with work. Until the incident that night finally made Papa tarnish your Mama, until she became pregnant." Jonathan stopped again, staring at the vase of flowers at the table with a blank look.

"Papa's drunk, Ann. And your mama hates Papa even more after she finds out that she's pregnant.  At first your mother insisted on aborting her, but Papa insisted even more on keeping you." Jonathan took a long breath. "Before Papa thought, maybe by pregnant and giving birth to you then your Mama can open her heart a little for Papa, but it turns out that the door was closed tightly. We finally made a new deal, he will keep his contents and will leave once you are born, he does not want to wait another year" said Jonathan sadly. Sometimes his eyes were on Ann.

"And after you were born, your mama completely disappeared. Our parents were shocked and blamed Papa. Because of that incident, your grandfather, Papa's father died of a heart attack. And since then, the relationship between parents deteriorated until finally Papa never again heard news about your mother or her parents. Papa raised you both with your grandmother, Ann. But when you were two years old, your grandmother left us." Jonathan paused for a moment, he wiped the corner of his wet eyes.

Increasingly clenched his hand to Ann, he was sure that his wife must be very hurt to hear this fact. The same with him who had once been very hurt when Jonathan told the story of his past.

"Papa named you after your favorite character, Annastasia. Your middle name is your Mama's name, Camellia. Even though your mama left us, but Papa wants her to stay alive among us."

"Sorry Ann, Pa. All this time Ann thought it was Papa who was mean to Mama!" whinek Ann while shedding her tears on Jonathan's shoulder.

"Papa is evil with your mother, Ann. But Papa is grateful because the evil that Papa did actually makes Papa's life not lonely now."

"Papa is not evil, Papa just does what a married couple should do! Maafin Ann, Pa, huhu ..."

Jonathan smiled softly and stroked his daughter's back gently.

"Papa won't stop you from looking for your Mama, Ann. Now you know the truth."

"No! Ann hates Mama. Ann doesn't need a mother like her."

"Don't do that, however, she's still the woman who conceived and gave birth to you. His blood is flowing through your body, Ann. If Papa dies later, look for your Mama wherever she is—"

"No. Papa can't leave Ann!!"

...****************...