Chapter 30

Kamila felt sorry for the innocent baby killed by her cousin. When out there, many husbands and wives want to have children, but Vira kills her own child because she doesn't want to bear the shame of being pregnant outside of marriage. 

Gerald looked at Kamila, who was silent, seemingly thinking about something. "They forced you to divorce me, didn't they? Otherwise, you and your family are threatened. I know everything you said last night was true. You are a victim, and they have gone too far in lying to me!"

Kamila looked down; she was still curious about how Gerald knew.

"Just so you know? Two days ago, your aunt and cousin came here with a lot of theatrics to see mom. They lied, saying that you told someone else to kidnap Vira before the wedding day so that you could take her place because you wanted my property. I'm disgusted to remember your aunt's pretend tears. They said you were dangerous and told me to divorce you," Gerald explained.

Kamila was shocked. Her heart was pounding because she was upset with her aunt and cousin, who had slandered her.

"Gerald, that's not true at all. You've heard my story, right? I was the one who was forced to marry, replacing Vira," said Kamila. 

"I already know that you're right, but I'm still disappointed with you for being willing to lie about having an affair just to get a divorce from me. You should have been honest from the start and not be afraid of their threats because I will always protect you." Gerald said this while gently stroking Kamila's cheek.

Kamila's cheek felt warm, and her eyes closed. "I had to lie because I was afraid of them. Actually, a few days ago, I met my father because he found out that I was married to a mafia because he was told by my aunt, even though I told him not to tell my father. Reynaldi already knows that I'm married to you. The purpose of telling him was to make him angry and ask me to divorce you," Kamila said, no longer covering anything up.

"Aunty did that because you are sober, handsome, and rich. I also came to my aunt's house because I was upset. That's when I met Vira, and she didn't want to be honest about when she came back and where she went all this time. They asked me to divorce you because Vira was back and she wanted to live with you," Kamila continued. 

"If I don't divorce you, then they will destroy my family's life. My family also wants me to divorce you. That's why I asked for a divorce from you and was forced to pretend to have an affair. I just wanted to protect my family." Kamila was frank.

Gerald finally knew everything. There was guilt for hurting Kamila so cruelly.

"I apologize."

Kamila reflexively turned to her husband. Her brows furrowed; this was the first time she heard Gerald apologize, until she thought she heard him wrong because she couldn't believe it.

"What are you saying?" she asked.

Gerald took a deep breath. He was the one who never apologized; Kamila was the first.

"I'm sorry for being mean to you," Gerald said quietly.

Kamila smiled. She was happy that Gerald admitted his mistake. "But this is not your fault. I'm sorry too," said Kamila.

Gerald held Kamila's hand, which felt soft. "They are at fault; do I need to teach them a lesson?"

Kamila shook her head. "No, no matter how bad they are, they are still my family. I don't want my family to get hit because they want revenge," Kamila said.

"You just calm down. I will always protect you and your family. If they are not taught a lesson, they will become more arbitrary," said Gerald.

Kamila nodded. "Let it go; all they want is for us to divorce."

Kamila took a breath; it was hard to say. "Do you want a divorce from me?"

Gerald glared, and he released his grip. "No, no matter what, I will never divorce you. You are mine forever."

Kamila knew that letting go of Gerald would not be easy. "Why, I'm just an ordinary woman; there are many other women who are more than me."

"There are many more than you, but I only want you!" Gerald looked at Kamila sadly.

Kamila's heart pumped faster. She was used to hearing Gerald tease her, but Kamila had yet to open her heart to him.

"I love you. Even though at first I thought you were Vira, but you are Kamila, I still love everything about you. Especially after I know Vira's true nature, I don't want to have a wife like her," said Gerald.

Kamila was lost in Gerald's sweet words until her cheeks turned red. Gerald stroked his wife's hair.

"Do you love me?"

Gerald's question was very sensitive for Kamila, for fear of hurting Gerald's heart. However, Kamila didn't want to lie anymore.

"I'm sorry, Gerald. I don't love you."

Gerald pressed his index finger to Kamila's lips. "Don't say no, but not yet. You just don't love me yet, but I'm sure someday you will, even more than this feeling of mine."

Gerald would continue to try to make Kamila love him. 

"How can I love you if you torture me so much?" Kamila thought.

What Gerald doesn't realize is that he likes to express how much he loves Kamila through violence. Especially when he is angry and jealous, he likes to overdo it.

Kamila didn't know what to say. 

"Please, Kamila, don't leave me." Gerald pleaded. 

"But my father doesn't agree with our marriage; my family still wants us to divorce," Kamila said.

"About that, I can persuade them not to force us to divorce. I will do everything I can to keep you with me forever," Gerald said.

Kamila was silent. She knew that Gerald had the power; he could do whatever he wanted.

"I'm sorry, Gerald. I want us to divorce because I don't love you, and to be honest, I'm scared of your attitude. It hurts how you treat me." Kamila expressed her heart with tears in her eyes.

Gerald gasped, realizing his attitude was too much. Seeing Kamila look hurt, Gerald was hurt too. However, Kamila was much more pitiable because her heart and body were hurting.

"I'm sorry; I promise I won't be rude to you again," said Gerald. 

"No one can guarantee, Gerald. I've been tormented enough," said Kamila. 

"Please, Kamila. Trust me and give me a chance; I will change," said Gerald.

Gerald continued to plead, making Kamila feel sorry for him.

"Alright, I'll give you a chance." Kamila made a tough decision.

Gerald looked happy and reflexively hugged Kamila. "Thank you, dear."

"But can I ask for one condition?" asked Kamila before she thought of something.

Gerald released the hug. "What condition is that?" he asked.

"I'm still in college; can I continue my studies?" asked Kamila.

Gerald smiled. "Of course you can, and I will pay for your tuition until it's finished. That's my duty as your husband." Gerald ruffled Kamila's hair.

She was so happy that Kamila could reach her goal again.
Gerald was happy because Kamila was happy; he hugged Kamila again.