UNEQUAL
143

. Arisa stared so deeply at Tio that it really took her by surprise.

"May I call you mother?" With a smile, Sarah nodded while wiping her tears.

"Then, did you forgive me? And do you also want to think of me as your stepson? Will my mother pay attention to me too? Sounds ridiculous indeed. But, this old me wanted to feel noticed as well. Not only Aris, but I also miss a mother's affection. And not also to vilify the mother in front of the mother. But, I just want to feel what it feels like to love a mother by being noticed directly. Not acting like you don't love."

"Without asking, you have been a mother's child since Tio. It's just, you're afraid you hate your mother. Because you know, by then you already understand what the problem is that befell your family."

"At first I did hate everything about this family, but after seeing Aris living better here, it felt like I had misjudged you. So I beg you. I'm sorry." Tio grabbed Sarah's hand, then kissed her regretfully.

"It's Tio. Mother who's guilty."

"Tio is also guilty of having time to blame mother."

"What's wrong. It was my fault. Already Tio. Wake up. Your pride is too precious to apologize to a woman like you."

"I'll wake up if you really forgive me."

"Mother has forgiven you Tio. Anyway, mother is guilty. Mother apologizes son. Because of Mother, your family was almost destroyed. And also, actually at that time the mother did not know about your father who was married. Many things are the reason for the closeness of your mother and father. One of them, maybe because Yugito was away from the family, then Reza's father died, and after that the presence of your father who seemed to be a cure for the sadness of mother and Reza. It's also the wrong mother who didn't question your father's status at the time."

"Dad is a jerk. She didn't think what if her daughter felt the same way as you."

"You're the same asshole, brother." Arisa chimed.

"Tio wake. Mother is not the one you should raise like this."

"Wouldn't you hold a grudge against my family after this?"

"No going Tio. If only mother did hold a grudge, maybe when Aris accident mother and Reza will not take care of her. Maybe you'll throw it away or make Arisa a guarantee for you to take revenge." Tio fell silent, Sarah's words began to come to mind by her calm mind. It makes Arisa a little relieved because Tio does not hold a deeper grudge on Sarah.

"Mother. And I hope you won't resist." Tio said his gaze again became flat but showed feelings of hope to Sarah.

"What's that?" Ask the curious Sarah at Tio's request.

"Let Tio take Aris home." His reply rounded Arisa's eyes which were shocked at Tio's question. Even Arisa never thought Tio would ask her to come home.

"Sorry brother. But--"

"The company needs you now." Tio immediately interrupted.

"Aris...."

"If this is my father's order, I refuse. You never even noticed me."

"This is my command. You have to manage the office I've prepared for you, not Artaris." Instantly, Arisa was back wide with Tio's words that felt unexpected.

"Basar brother stupid. You prepared for me but not for Rais." Arisa resentfully beat up Tio's arm that didn't react at all.

"Tio. sorry but for your request this mother can not fulfill. If you choose, you better be considered a prostitute by your family than to have to part with the Princess. Princess means a lot in your life. Daughter seems to be a substitute for the happiness of the lost mother."

"Mother. Don't make Nadhira's heart a reason to keep Aris here." Tio Protest.

"I don't feel locked up. I am freer here. At home, I'm like a stranger. No one's watching me. Also, I misjudged my sister. I guess you're really sincere about apologizing to you."

"It's not so Aris. Sister just..."

"What only? Just selfish? Sis... doesn't my brother know that my life is what it is at home? I can still forgive my brother and father. But, I can't if I have to be strong every day to be ignored. Not even my illness knows. In fact, if Raisa has a slight fever, mama is always ready to take care of Rais until she recovers. While me? Nosebleeds every day, in and out of the hospital almost every week, but where? Mama just looked at me without even touching me. And also, his attention was only limited to when I was dying." Tio was speechless to hear back the contents of Arisa's heart that still harbored her feelings of disappointment in Rahma. Even so, he did not dare to dodge the fact that Rahma indeed ignored Arisa. No wonder Arisa wants to stay with Sarah more than Rahma.

"All brother understands. But don't forget to go home. Don't remember your mama's bad behavior. But remember bi Ina. Aren't you very close to bi Ina?" This time it was Arisa's turn to be silent because of Tio's question. He really misses Ina. Although it had only been a few days apart, it felt like a long time ago.

"I'm still a lot of work and have to get back to the office. Sorry, I'm so busy." Arisa's voice shifted the direction of the conversation.

"You first. I still have business with you."

"Don't you think I'll just leave? Sis. I won't forgive you if you hurt your mother." Arisa sternly looked up at Tio.

"No Aris. I want to talk to my mother four eyes. Believe that! Brother won't hurt mom. Just talk. Seriously." Tio said convincingly.

"Review yes! Mommy. If Brother Tio is acting badly, tell the Princess right away." Arisa turns to look at Sarah after sniffing from Tio. His gaze was suddenly warm and very different than that of Tio. Arisa rushed back to the office due to her busy schedule. Actually he hesitated to leave Sarah and Tio, but how else, he could only entrust his unity to Juna.

"My apology is sincere. And the second request I'm not kidding either." Tio said after Arisa completely lost her sight.

"Mother follow the decision of the Princess only. But, you just can't imagine how the mother will live the days without the Princess?"

"Lantas, how are you with me keeping Aris from childhood until she disappeared 4 years ago?" Yes, Tio's right. Sarah could no longer answer. However, Tio is more entitled to Arisa's life.

- connected.