After Arka's cold demeanor all this time, Farrel was happy when his papa came to school. He rushed over, hoping for a hug but Arka didn't extend his arms.

"Why are you here? I still have taekwondo class," Farrell said.

"I just wanted to say goodbye to you. In two hours I'll be at the airport, I have to work in Bali."

"Bali? Until when Dad? The day after tomorrow..."

"I know. Don't worry, I've taken care of all the preparations for your event."

"Papa will come on my birthday, right?"

"I'll try."

Lately, Arka began to feel different about his heart. He realized that. Does everyone who adopts, their heart will change if they have their baby?

"Rel."

Arka rubbed Farrel's head, trying to awaken the love he once had for his beloved son.

"Please take care of your mom."

"Yes, Papa."

Arka turned to the driver standing beside him. "I'll take a taxi to the airport, you wait for Farrel here."

"Yes, sir."

Arka gave Farrel a light peck on the forehead before walking away to stop the taxi that passed in front of the school.

*

Despite the busy atmosphere outside, it was quiet inside the house. Lisa spent her time in front of the television because she was too lazy to be in her room. She was very anxious because Arka hadn't confirmed when he would be home.

Tomorrow was Farrel's birthday party.

"He said the meeting is Saturday morning, he should be able to take a flight to Jakarta in the afternoon, right? Poor Farrel."

Before long, Farrel and his grandparents came to join them. Enjoying the spectacle and afternoon snacks while keeping an eye on the courtyard as the location of Farrel's birthday party.

"Can't wait for tomorrow!" said Mama Wendi.

"Yes. I hope all my friends will come," said Farrel.

"I hope your papa can come home soon."

"Papa will come home."

Seconds passed into the next hour. Their attention was distracted as the voice approached. Arka returned. There was a happy look on Farrel's face.

"Papa..."

Lisa guided Arka to sit beside him. Perfect. This house was complete with the presence of her husband. The next day, in Farrel's room, Arka smiled as he fixed the black suit Farrel would wear to the party. The boy looked handsome to him.

"What a handsome boy," Arka praised.

"You prepared the suit. I look like an adult."

"It's an important day, it has to be the most special, right?"

"Thank you for coming home so soon. I'm glad you're here."

The party atmosphere was still exhilarating for the little ones. They enjoyed the party, the artificial playground, and the delicious food and snacks.

Farrell smiled because, on his happy day, many friends had come. Even more so with his parents by his side.

"Blow out the candles, dear."

His eyes glazed over. His father rubbed his head to show his love. His mother was also so happy at this birthday party.

'Maybe it's true, papa had a lot of work yesterday. You still love me.'

That's what Farrel echoed in his heart. Arka's attitude could not have anything to do with his father's enthusiasm for his baby.

*

Five months later...

Arka smiled as he hugged Lisa's shoulder. The two of them were walking leisurely in the park, taking the garden path to get to Lisa's best friend's ob-gyn practice.

"I hope your pregnancy is okay," Arka said, worried.

"He must be hanging in there."

"Please take care of him, honey."

They walked back to Suga's office. As they got closer, Lisa became more nervous as this was the first time Arka had taken her for a gynecological check-up. She hoped he was okay so Suga didn't say anything that would hurt Arka.

'Please stay there, son. Mama is here. Papa needs you.'

Right when she stopped in front of Suga's room, Arka hugged her for a moment.

"Everything will be fine. Wait, I need to call the hospital first. I don't think I can go back to work."

"You want to skip your ... ?"

"Haha, just today."

Arka reached for the cell phone in his jacket pocket. He was surprised that there were many incoming calls from the hospital.

"What is it, Ka?"

"There are three patients who have heart failure and need surgery. The other cardiothoracic doctor is away," said a medic on the other end of the call.

Arka looked doubtful. The patients' lives were in danger. Recognizing her husband's serious look, Lisa smiled and held his cheek.

"Well, I'll just go next time," Lisa broke off.

"No, honey. You're already here. You have to keep control."

"But don't you want to know how my pregnancy is progressing?"

"Yes, but-"

Shortly, Suga appeared from behind the open door. His smile faded as he saw the two of them looking tense.

"What's wrong, why are you here? Let's go in!" he invited.

"Suga, please check on Lisa. I have some business. I'll pick her up later," Arka pleaded.

Arka left the hospital. Lisa was led into the room. After a few minutes of examination, she couldn't stop crying. She rushed out of the office with a smile that couldn't even be hidden anymore.

"You did it, Lisa. Take good care of your pregnancy. I'm sorry that I gave up too soon. Now you can tell your husband that this child will be born healthy. But even so, you have to keep checking in more often and keep your health in check, don't get stressed!"

Lisa wanted to cry as much as she could and thank the ob-gyn. She hugged the man who was her longtime friend.

"Thank you. I won't forget all your kindness."

"Don't hug like this. It's embarrassing for people to see."

Lisa laughed slightly and pinched the side of his waist. A happy look could not be hidden from both of them.

"Remember everything I say!" Suga ordered.

"Yes, Mr. Doctor."

Suga bent down slightly to align his face with Lisa's stomach.

"Hey, little boy! Don't be naughty in there! Take care of your mama! Don't trouble her!"

Suga held Lisa's womb, feeling movement around the right side of her uterus.

"He's playing football inside, Lis."

Their happiness was too obvious. Around the corner, a cell phone was pointed at them. Either taking pictures or recording them. A sardonic smile rose from the person's lips.

"Very interesting. How about a little playfulness with you, Arkana? You ... should see this."

Someone was planning something bad for their relationship. Arka's trust in his and Lisa's love would be tested by fate.

*