The Five Billion Wife
Chapter 9. Meet mother-in-law and brother-in-law

The atmosphere seemed gripping, when Bu Elena, Rio's mother had already commented on Riana's whereabouts. Riana, who was only a few steps away, stopped stepping. That remark, deeply pierced his heart.

Not only speech, but also eyes full of ridicule and demeaning. It emanated clearly from the look in Bu Elena's eyes. Riana could only try to become a stronger woman to be able to stay in this house. Although she would only be the subject of her mother-in-law's banter and even others who knew her status.

Like what Riana had decided before, it was better to sincerely accept the reality, than he was desperate. After all she was here treated well even though to be the perfect wife, she could not do it yet.

"Welcome, Mama Elena. Sorry, Riana can't pick up because Mas Rio said that Mama will come tomorrow," welcome Riana tried to be as friendly as possible. Even though Riana's heart hurt enough to hear her mother-in-law's words.

"Right .... Women don't know themselves" muttered Bu Elena.

Bu Elena's face suddenly wrinkled as it held back emotions. She had already said that should offend Riana, but Riana instead seemed to have not heard what she said. Her heart grew even more upset as Riana greeted him kindly.

"I'm not your mama, don't call me mama" Elena said.

"Your name is Riana, isn't it? Uda, don't be so friendly. Especially call mama everything. You're not the daughter-in-law in this house. But you are the slave that Brother Rio bought. Supposedly, a woman like you doesn't match that big of a price. If according to appearance, he was the biggest price, one million was enough. Where she's a widow again. She was not a good woman, so she was sold by her husband. My brother is indeed a fool," said Tiwi, Rio's sister with all her evil words.

"You're right Tiwi. A woman like her, a cheap slut, could be bought cheaply as well. The village and look at it, he's like a beggar on the street" Ms Elena added.

"Please talk about me. I wanted to be a good daughter-in-law to Mama, and be a good sister-in-law to you, sister-in-law. But, after hearing and seeing you like this, I became embarrassed. When you insult me cheaply do you not feel, are you also insulting Mas Rio? Maybe I did sell myself, but the buyer was no better than me, too" Riana said.

Riana's hope of establishing a good relationship with Rio's family, is gone already. This problem is not an easy thing to overcome. Since long ago, if it was the thing that made Riana most hesitant to get married, was the problem with in-laws, especially the mother-in-law. Plus the problem with brother-in-law.

In the past, Riana also experienced the same thing when she married Anwar. They married without the blessing of their parents. Although they were initially very happy, but in the end they separated as well. Hence, after Anwar divorced Riana, her former mother-in-law was very happy. Moreover, they get five billion money from Rio.

Right now, Riana was quite sad. He was afraid he would experience the same. Be a widow, not a second time.

Riana began to feel the closeness she wanted in each of her evening prayers. He felt like God had given a clue that led to the proof that Rio was a good priest for him.

To be able to stay together with Rio, of course he must be able to make his mother-in-law and sister-in-law accept him as he is. But Riana was still confused, how.

He was also already stirred by emotions when insulted by them. Everything is out of Riana's control.

"Mom, Tiwi. Why did you come and not tell me?" Rio's voice shocked everyone.

"Rio, what time is it, how come you're home?" ask her mother nervously. Apparently, her mother accidentally came earlier just wanting to see and insult Riana. They already knew that Rio was very protective of Riana and made her the queen of this house.

"Why, Ma? Mama doesn't like Rio coming home?" rio asked with a smile.

"Rio, Mama wants to talk to you. We'll talk in your study" said her mother, glancing at Riana. The glance that made Riana shudder.

Yuda pushes the wheelchair towards Rio's study, followed by his mother and sister. Rio and his mother sat facing each other. While Yuda and Tiwi, stood beside Rio and Bu Elena.

"Ma, Rio hope, Mama doesn't need to interfere in Rio's household affairs. I love Riana, I want her to be my wife" Rio said firmly.

"Rio, how can you say that you love that woman? You don't know her, but you spent that kind of money on a widow" asked her mother, annoyed.

"Ma, Riana is my life. Mama still remembers, the little girl who always helped Rio when Rio was in elementary school?" rio asked while looking at his mother.

"That girl you've been looking for all those years?" asked her mother trying to convince Rio's statement.

"Right, Ma," Rio replied.

Rio started to tell her about Riana and her relationship with her. Until the moment of the accident that happened to him and Riana is his life saver.

"So, you spent that kind of money to be with him? Rio, have you gone mad, separating husband and wife who have lived happily. Are you not afraid of sin?" ask her mother worried.

"Mama, back then, Rio was just joking about buying Riana. Rio thought, her husband must love her very much. Her husband really took her seriously. The temptation of five billion dollars is undeniable" Rio said.

"Rio, Mama doesn't know what to say. You know what Riana said when Mama insulted her? You are no better than him either. Mama saw, she was not a weak woman. But how could she be sold to you by her husband?" ask Bu Elena curiously.

Rio's speechless. Riana wants to marry him because she loves her ex-husband so much. That right cannot be Rio. Rio also knew that, Anwar tried to kill himself when Riana rejected Anwar's plan.

Actually the victim in this transaction is Riana. He is not an item but he is treated like merchandise. But Rio had another thing he had to finish first, before he apologized to Riana and explained everything.

"Rio, my mom feels guilty for Riana. Should you apologize to her?" ask Miss Elena.

"Yes, Brother. Tiwi also felt guilty. Poor her, sold by her own husband and a dime she did not feel the money" Tiwi said sadly.

"No need to apologize. I know he won't think too much about what you're doing today."

Rio's words made his mother and sister shocked. If they didn't apologize, Riana must have thought they were evil in-laws and sisters-in-law.

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