THE SECRET OF EDMOND'S LOVE
Trying to Believe

In times of illness and need for attention, it can be painful when the person we expect to pay attention to is cold to us.

Edmond looked at Mahira who was changing the bandage wound on his temple. There was no gentle look, no smile on her lips even the sweet words of Mahira that always cool her heart were not there.

"Darling......!" Edmond held back the hand of Mahira who was about to leave after finishing his work.

"I want to see Vienna." Mahira tried to pull his hand but Edmond held it back.

"Don't be like this. Don't be quiet with me."

Mahira looked at Edmond. Still with his cold attitude. "You want what? I'm not letting you. I take care of your wounds, give you medicine, feed you while eating. What else?"

"I missed you, Ra."

"Sorry, Ed. It's not gonna be the same as before. I'm here because I keep the Viennese feeling." Mahira was about to leave but Edmond hugged her from behind. Mahira still had time to hear how Edmond grimaced because he endured the pain in his leg.

"Trust me, baby. I really love you and Vienna. I don't want our family to be ruined. I've resigned from the company and will return to Manado to prove that I want to stay away from Monalisa. But you forbid it yourself. How else do I have to be?"

Mahira was surprised to feel that Edmond's body was shaking because he was crying. The woman's heart almost melted. However, given everything that happened, Mahira tried to strengthen her heart. He would let go of Edmond's hand that was coiled around his stomach but he canceled it when he saw Edewina enter while carrying a cellphone.

"Mami equals papi hugs. Vienna likes....!" the little girl ran over and hugged the legs of her papi and mama.

"Dear girl, have you had breakfast, son?" Mahira finally broke away from Edmond's embrace.

"Already, mami. At breakfast, Vienna Videocall was the same as Oma. Vienna says papi's face, hands and feet were hurt. And Oma will come here." said Vienna.

"Oma's here?" Edmond was shocked. He didn't want mommy to see him in this situation.

"Yes. I told opa that oma was coming soon. Today. Can't be delayed. Oma said, afternoon or evening, oma is already in Samarinda."

"Darling, oma may be arriving tomorrow. The journey from Madrid here is far away." said Mahira.

"Oma's in Manado. Uncle Eduardo too."

Mahira and Edmond looked at each other. If Rachel's mommy comes, Mahira will never be rude to Edmond.

************

Rachel and Eduardo arrived in Samarinda at 5 p.m. The woman who still looked beautiful immediately cried to see her son.

"Why did it get into an accident, Ed? Aren't you a very careful person when carrying a vehicle?" Rachel hugged her son while crying.

"Already, mom. Vienna will be scared. I'm fine, all right." Edmond tried to smile.

"You have to be careful, Ed. Remember, you've got a wife and a son."

"Yes, mom."

Rachel finally calmed down. When he finished dinner, Vienna went to his room, and Eduardo and Edmond talked in Edmond's study. When Mahira was about to deliver coffee, he heard the conversation of the brothers.

"Sister, I already know about mommy's disease. I'm so sad to hear that. That's why I decided to marry my girlfriend" Eduardo said.

"Don't get married just because you want to make your mommy happy. Marriage is a lifelong commitment."

"Sister, is your marriage okay? I saw something between you and Mahira."

Edmond took a deep breath. "Me and Mahira are having a problem."

"Is there a connection with Mona Lisa?"

"The woman is crazy. I never liked him before. Does Mahira know what your relationship was like?"

"But you did it accidentally, brother. You were just trying to help Monalisa."

"Even though it was my purpose to help, I still lost people's lives. Mahira is gentle, innocent and loving. He certainly wouldn't accept knowing that I've lost people's lives. I'm afraid he's gonna leave me."

"Don't let mommy see you guys who don't get along like this. It can add to the burden of his mind. He always told me about Mahira and Edewina. He's so happy you're married. I'm also glad to hear you're married to the girl you've loved for a long time. Sis, mommy has asked Daddy to share the wealth for the three of us. I think mommy's been preparing everything before the end to pick her up. Daddy asks us to please mommy in her last moments. Daddy even allowed mommy to stay in Samarinda if there was no treatment schedule. Edewina your son, is the lifeblood of mommy."

Mahira decided to return to the kitchen while carrying a tray containing 2 cups of coffee.

*Edmond took the life of someone to help Monalisa? Was it an unintentional act? Oh, my God, Ed. Why your life is so secretive.

How are we going to separate? Mommy's here. And I am confused to determine my attitude towards you. Should I trust you? Do you really love me? Then how is your relationship with Monalisa*?

Mahira continues to struggle with her own feelings. Edmond finally went into the room.

"Eduardo slept in his Vienna room. He won't stay at the hotel." Edmond said then approached Mahira who was sitting on the sofa.

"Darling, haven't you slept?" edmond asked lovingly and attentively.

"I'm not sleepy, Ed."

"I sleep first, huh? Maybe the effect of the drugs until I feel sleepy." Edmond stood up and was about to head to the bed. But Mahira's call made him stop his steps.

"E.....!"

"What's the matter, baby?" Edmond turned his body.

"I overheard your conversation with Eduardo. Is it true you've killed people?"

Edmond's surprised. "The story is like this, baby....."

Edmond told me what happened that night. But he did not dare to tell about his involvement with the mafia group. He did not want Mahira to be frightened and increasingly away from him.

"Monalisa often has panic attacks. He likes to hurt himself. Only I can handle it because while in America, Ica's psychiatrist taught me how to handle Ica."

"Is it true you never touched Ica after proposing to me?"

"No dear. Monalisa often comes to mess. But I never touched her again."

Mahira looked at Edmond? Should he give Edmond one more chance to prove his feelings?

"Ra, please trust me again!" Edmond approached and grabbed Mahira's hand. This time Mahira did not pull him off.

"I love you, Ra. Love you so much."

Mahira took a deep breath. "Prove that you love me and Vienna without the shadow of Monalisa again."

Edmond hugged Mahira while crying. "Yes dear. I'll prove it. Only you and Vienna are in my heart." Edmond took off his hug. He then cupped Mahira's cheek face with both hands. "Give me one more chance. If it turns out that I broke it, I'm willing to let you go."

Mahira's heart trembled. He let Edmond kiss his forehead even though his heart was still doubtful.

************

Good night guys

welcome to Eid al-Fitr

Sorry to be born and