The Murder of the Beloved
Chapter 19

Dinda waited until her mother and Bram finished eating and left the dining room, and she ate alone. The reason is, he does not want to disturb the newlyweds. So cynical. Until when does the name of the newlyweds stick to the two of them? Surely that's just Dinda's reason to avoid.

And now, on every holiday and Sunday Dinda went to Johan's house and was there for most of the day. At first he was still able to tolerate, but over time his frustration accumulated. But he did not dare to forbid. He still has concerns that the ban might lead Dinda to move from her home to Johan's. She longs for her familiarity with the child again, as it used to be when Johan was her husband as well as the times

when separated from Johan until his only friend is Dinda.

They used to be able to chat and joke full of laughter. Not anymore. Though there are times when they can still chat and joke like before, so do not have to include Bram? But at that time Dinda preferred to be alone with her tasks. Either study, make PR, or whatever else. And talking to him is all that's needed. Dinda seemed to show her anger because she married Bram.

Lilis was sad but also angry. Dinda has no right to rule her life as she herself has no right to rule Dinda's life. He had said that to Dinda but the boy said, "It's not about that, Mom. In my eyes, he's not a good man!" How dare the boy speak to him like he is smarter and wiser.

"What do you really understand about men?" ask me that time.

"Insting, Mom. Not understanding" said Dinda calmly.

"Oh, instinct? What is instinct?"

"Nonsense."

"You're scaring me. You just want me to stay a widow for the rest of my life. Your father lived with a woman who was not his wife."

"Don't misunderstand me, Mom. This has nothing to do with dad."

Dinda is very strong and hard. He is like a rock with his own opinion. Strange feeling. But Lilis believes, what is called instinct by Dinda is just hatred and envy alone. Dinda thinks Bram has taken it, but such an assumption is certainly wrong. He had run out of power and reason to persuade Dinda. Then came the idea of contacting Johan and asking for his help persuading Dinda. Perhaps Johan had greater authority over Dinda and could influence the child. But a sense of self-worth gets in the way of that intention. What if Johan insulted her in retaliation for the humiliation she had once received? Ah no. It was precisely at this moment that he did not want to allow himself to be humiliated by anyone.

But he still wanted to try to get close to Dinda. After all, Dinda was his flesh and blood. "It's been a long time since I bought you clothes, Din. When are you going to go out with mom?" ask her sweet.

Dinda looked at her mother in wonder. The astonished look that irritated Lilis feeling. Should his invitation be met with suspicion as well? "Kok tumben, ma'am," said Dinda, without spirit.

"Yes. It's been a long time. That's why I brought you. You're getting older, you know. Your grooming time is rich boy continues. How many dresses? There may not be, right?"

"I don't want to wear a dress, Mom. Don't shave ah."

The law that judges it makes Lilis pout. But he held back. "Yes, already. If you don't want to wear a dress, it's okay. I won't force. You're not a kid anymore. Free to buy when not in use. How about a nice blouse? Knit blouse? A cotton? The sutra? don't just shirt. And for his subordinates you can keep your jeans or shorts on. You still look feminine."

"I don't need new clothes, Mom. Later if you want to."

"Away too won't?"

"Is it now that Om Bram doesn't want to go for a walk, Mom?" Dinda asked back.

Lilis could no longer suppress her irritation. "This has nothing to do with Om Bram!" snapped it.

Dinda surprised. "Oh yeah? Sori, Mum."

"You're still the same sentiment as him, Din. Why the hell?"

Dinda closed her mouth tightly and looked away.

Dinda looked at her mother. His gaze became soft, as did his voice when he said. "We are near Mom. How else to get closer?"

"Mom already has Om Bram. Later if mom is closer to me, she can be envious. I'm busy now, Mom. Not much time for a walk."

"But you still have time to go to your father's house."

"There I learned too Mom. Not kidding."

"Then, let's just talk. Tell me about them."

"What story, Mom? They're mediocre. Nothing special." Dinda showed her disdain.

"You don't have any impression of that woman."

"Which woman is Ma?"

"Friends gather your father's kebo."

"Ah, I like cynics. But my mother called me cynical. That girl has a name. Mom doesn't know her name."

Lilis fell silent. He doesn't like to mention Irene.

"Name is Irene Ma."

"Yes. I know but I don't want to mention that name. That woman took your father. Disruptors and destroyers of people's households!" lilis exclaimed with vengeance in her voice.

Dinda watched her mother's reddened face. It was also her horror to see the grudge on that face. It is seen again when his father was driven out of the house at that time. He felt sorry for his father but could not blame his mother.

"Now the woman wants to influence you," Lilis continued sadly. "Had taken his father, he still wanted to take his son."

Dinda surprised. "Ah, why do you think that? I went there as far as U studied. There's no other reason. He never persuaded me, Mom. I was the one who troubled him. Believe Mom. I didn't see anybody. There's my dad, here's my mom. You are still my parents, even if you are separated. But Aunt Irene is not my mother and Om Bram is not my father."

"Of course not. But at least you can accept him as my husband, just as you accept that woman as your father's friend. Is it so hard?"

"That's not the same Mom. Aunt Irene is a girl, and Om Bram is a man."

"Why should? What do you think...?" Lilis frowned. His eyes looked in search, "Aha, you think ugly huh? Where'd you have such thoughts?"

"Think what, Mom?" challenge Dinda.

"That's Om Bram.," Lilis did not continue her words Suddenly she felt bad for herself to say what happened.

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to be continued 😂