Only I Love
Chapter 18

Syauqi went downstairs after performing the tahajud prayer. His heart and mind were still filled with guilt and confusion. Although they had made the rules for sleeping apart, his desire to see Humaira's state was unstoppable. With a heavy heart, he decided to open the door of the room carefully, choosing to just peek without interrupting.

Inside the room, Syauqi saw Humaira sleeping quietly, looking tired both physically and mentally. His tired face reflected the burden he felt in his heart. Syauqi sat on the edge of the bed with a pounding heart, watching his sleeping wife.

"I'm sorry, tonight, take a good rest."

In the silence of the night that surrounded them, Syauqi pondered his decision and the various feelings that engulfed him. He realizes that his decision to maintain a relationship with Salma has disrupted the peace and happiness of his marriage to Humaira. A deep sense of regret arose in his heart, and he wondered if there was a way to repair all the damage he had caused.

In that solitude, Syauqi contemplated the meaning of marriage and the promise he made as he swore before God and man. He feels swept up in a complicated dilemma and hopes to find the strength and clues to move forward wisely.

Staring at the sleeping Humaira, Syauqi felt a growing power within him. He realized, Humaira present in his life became a priceless gift, and he promised himself to fight to restore happiness and trust that had been disrupted.

With a new heart of hope and determination, Syauqi got up from the bedside, gently closed the door of the room, and returned to her room. He realizes that recovery and improvement will take time, patience and hard work, but he is committed to correcting his mistakes and improving his relationship with Humaira.

With small steps towards recovery, Syauqi hopes to create a better relationship with his wife, keep the trust that has been scratched, and build mutual happiness in their marriage.

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As Azan dawned, Ala awoke from her sleep with a light feeling. It was as if there was an infinite happiness sneaking into his heart. A smile was etched on his face, and he felt a burning spirit within him. Last night was the first time in recent times, where Syauqi, her husband, looked at her with great care and sincerity.

"Well, this just makes me happy. Especially if Uda Uqi can get even closer. Maybe I can melt unstoppably," he muttered with a face filled with a sweet smile.

The intimacy they experienced made Ala feel so excited and hopeful. He feels that their relationship is improving and entering a new phase that is more intimate and deep. His profound presence and loving look in his eyes made him feel appreciated and loved.

After performing the morning prayer with a grateful heart, Ala felt inspired to make a special breakfast for both of them. With a burning spirit, he rushed into the kitchen to cook.

However, as he opened the hood at the dinner table, he was surprised to see a stale omelette lying there. A look of wonder appeared on his face. He did not understand how the omelet was there and was stale. That feeling of surprise slightly ruined his excitement that earlier this morning.

Ala took the omelette carefully and examined it. He's trying to figure out what might happen. It was possible that Syauqi had already cooked the omelet overnight, but had forgotten to store it properly. Or there may be other causes that cause the omelet to become stale.

With a smile on her face, Ala decided to forget about the stale omelet incident. He remains passionate and grateful for the wonderful moments they experienced. For him, such a small mistake would not diminish the love and happiness that was in his heart.

Ala restarted her preparations to cook a new breakfast. He continued his morning with passion and hope, believing that every moment with Syauqi was a priceless blessing.

As Ala was busy cooking breakfast, suddenly Syauqi appeared from the top floor. He saw his wife who was in an instant hijab while cooking. Syauqi's gaze this time was attentive when looking at Ala.

"You must have been overheated with the hijab while cooking" Syauqi said with concern. Her words startled Ala, making her flinch and turn her head to look at her husband who was suddenly present nearby.

"Well, do you want breakfast?" ala asked, still a little shocked by the presence of Syauqi. She tried to understand the meaning behind her husband's words.

"Later, I'd like to accompany you in cooking. Remove your hijab. We're husband and wife. There is no sin if you flaunt everything to me" Syauqi said softly, carrying a sense of warmth in his words.

Hearing those words, Ala felt touched by the attention and understanding of Syauqi. This time, AIa felt appreciated and supported in her decision. Slowly, Ala took off her hijab and felt a little relieved due to the heat of the instant hijab she was wearing while cooking.

Then, Syauqi approached Ala affectionately. He looked at his wife with eyes full of love and respect. The two of them continued cooking together, feeling the close togetherness and closeness between them.

As they finished their breakfast preparations, Syauqi smiled at Ala gently. This time, he felt grateful to have a wife like the simple Ala, not to magnify the problems they had passed yesterday.

They sat together at the dinner table, enjoying the dishes they had made together.

"So, I found an omelette under the hood, did uda cook it?"

"Ah yes, I purposely cooked two servings. One for me and one for you." Syauqi sighed. "I'm sorry, for my behavior towards you all this time. I just realized all the wrongs I've done to you." Deliberately, Syauqi clasped his wife's hand.

"Yes, it's okay. Every human being must have been a philand."

Syauqi and Ala recognize that happiness in marriage is not just about physical beauty alone, but also about understanding, supporting, and respecting each other. The moment is a reminder for them to always support and share in every aspect of life, including cooking.

"I'm sorry Uda, did I hear your conversation yesterday? Honestly, I'm confused. However, I'm very happy if Uda decides to end the relationship with 'her.' Moga after this, this marriage is getting sadder, mawadah, warrahmah."

Syauqi was stunned to hear the hope from this girl sitting beside him. Slowly, his hand was removed. He has not been able to open up the new reality that the relationship he and Salma, actually, continues.