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Chapter 8 - 8. Comeback

A woman walks confidently toward Gilang's mansion. Her flawless appearance, flowing hair, and slender figure exude the aura of a woman who lacks nothing.

With each step, she draws closer to Gilang, the man she has long desired since high school.

Alia has long known that Gilang has never reciprocated her feelings, even since they were in school together.

However, now, with her status as an international model and the daughter of the wealthy Reymond Group family, she was confident she could win Gilang's heart, which seemed to already belong to another woman.

Upon arriving at the mansion, Alia immediately asked the guard for permission to meet Gilang. Without hesitation, the guard informed her that Gilang was in his office, and Alia stepped inside.

"Gilang…" Alia said his name softly, her steps steady.

Gilang, who was busy reviewing documents, lifted his head, his eyes sharp and cold.

"Alia? What brings you here?"

Alia smiled slyly. "I just wanted to meet the man I once pursued… The man who ended up choosing the wrong woman."

Gilang merely raised an eyebrow, showing no signs of surprise.

"I don't have time for such conversations."

"It seems you've changed, Gilang. We used to have such a good time together," Alia continued, ignoring Gilang's cold demeanor. "But now I hear you're married? May I ask who the woman is?"

Gilang stared at her with a sharp gaze but didn't speak. Alia knew Gilang wouldn't reveal who his wife was, but that didn't matter to her.

Meanwhile, Arlin, who had just finished lunch in the kitchen, overheard the loud conversation between Alia and Gilang.

She decided to peek in and her eyes met the confidently speaking beautiful woman. Soon, Alia noticed Arlin standing near the door.

"Oh? So this is her, the woman who finally managed to win Gilang over?" Alia's voice sounded sarcastic, directly aimed at Arlin.

Arlin felt an uncomfortable feeling wash over her. She wasn't the type to seek trouble, but Alia spoke so coldly and full of sarcasm.

"Yes, I... I'm Arlin," she replied softly, trying to remain calm.

"Arlin? Hmm, what can I expect from an ordinary girl like you? Do you think Gilang will be happy with you? You don't know anything about him. Really, you're not even educated." Alia sneered, her voice full of obvious hatred.

Arlin held back the emotions that were beginning to burn inside her.

"I don't know what you're talking about, but I don't need to prove anything to you." Her voice trembled, but she tried hard not to appear fragile.

Alia laughed softly, almost mockingly.

"Do you think Gilang will be satisfied living with you? With your shady background? Impossible. Only I am worthy of him. I come from a prominent family, from a world that will elevate him further." Alia's eyes narrowed, clearly aiming to hurt Arlin's feelings.

Arlin felt her blood boiling, but she knew she couldn't lose to Alia so easily.

"I don't need to compare myself to you. Gilang has already made his choice clear. So, if you came here just to insult me, you'd better leave now."

Alia smiled coldly, still convinced she was the best. "Oh, of course. I'll leave. But remember, ordinary girl, who Gilang will ultimately choose. You just have to wait and see."

---

After Alia left, Arlin walked back to her room. Her chest felt tight, but she wouldn't let those words break her.

Out there, the world could say whatever it wanted, but Arlin knew one thing: Gilang had chosen her, even though many people doubted that choice.

Meanwhile, Gilang remained seated in his office, his eyes fixed on the documents, but his mind wandering. He knew Alia had returned, but it wasn't a big deal to him.

What mattered more was how Arlin felt. Gilang couldn't help but feel confused every time he heard Arlin speak or act. That woman was messing with his mind.

Arlin tried to calm herself in her room. Alia's words still echoed in her mind, making it hard to shake off the feeling of being weighed down.

She knew she was no one compared to a woman as beautiful and talented as Alia, who might be more "suitable" to be with someone like Gilang. However, Arlin tried to push those thoughts aside.

Soon after, the door to her room opened slowly, and Gilang entered. Arlin looked at the man with a mix of emotions—annoyance, confusion, but also relief because his presence brought a sense of comfort.

"Are you okay?" Gilang asked, his cold voice trying to ease the tension he sensed from Arlin.

Arlin swallowed. "Are you really sure… about choosing me?" she asked bluntly, startling Gilang for a moment.

"What do you mean?" Gilang stared at her sharply, annoyed by the doubt on Arlin's face. "Why are you suddenly asking that?"

Arlin sighed deeply, lowering her head. "The woman earlier said… she's more suitable for you. Her background… is far better than mine. Is that true?"

Gilang stepped closer, his cold gaze softening slightly as he looked at Arlin.

"Alia has no right to judge who is worthy or not for me," he said firmly. "And I've never chosen anyone based on their background or status."

"But… she's right," Arlin struggled to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes. "I'm just an ordinary girl. I… I'm nobody, Gilang."

Gilang sighed, then with a swift motion, he grabbed Arlin's hand. "I don't care who you are or where you come from. All I know is that I want you to stay here. Do you understand?"

Arlin looked at Gilang, silent for a moment. His words made her heart feel a little lighter, but the shadow of Alia's mockery still haunted her.

She wanted to avoid trouble, to escape from all of this, but Gilang's gaze—that sharp, intense look filled with desire to possess her—made it hard for her to leave.

"Gilang… I'm just scared," she finally whispered. "I'm scared I'm not enough for you."

"I've told you, I don't care," Gilang replied coldly, but there was a hint of tenderness in his voice. "What matters is that you stay here. As long as I'm here, you don't need to be afraid of anyone, including Alia."

Arlin tried to smile, though her worries hadn't completely faded.

"Thank you, Gilang."

Gilang simply nodded. He didn't say more, but his demeanor showed that Arlin's presence was something he wanted, no matter how much he had to do to keep her by his side.

A moment later, he spoke softly, "From now on, don't let anyone disturb your thoughts. Alia, or anyone else… just consider them a passing breeze."

Arlin nodded, feeling the tension within her slowly dissipate. There was a sense of comfort when she was near Gilang, even though the man rarely showed warm expressions. Without words, she knew

that Gilang cared deeply for her.

"I won't let anyone oppress you."

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