"Every time she comes to this house, Mother always tells me to cook a lot of food. But she's not someone important to be treated with a feast every time she comes here. I'm not even allowed to have a bite of it, even though a woman like her doesn't deserve it," Riana pointed at Serly's face with emotion.

"Riana, don't you dare-" Mayang's mother's words were cut off.

"What? Don't you dare try to fight against all of you, is that what you mean, Mother? I'm tired of being treated like this all the time. If I resist even a little bit, my whole body will be covered in bruises. So, go ahead and hit me now, if you dare!"

Everyone fell silent, even the little baby remained quiet, listening to Riana's anger. After realizing that no one would respond to what she said, Riana chose to go into her room to change her wet clothes from being drenched by her mother-in-law.

"Rey, your wife is so bold towards Mother. Can't you see it?" Mayang's mother clung to her son, seeking his defense.

"Yes, Rey. She even called me someone who got pregnant out of wedlock. I'm so upset right now," Serly whined while holding onto Reynald's right arm.

"It's your own fault for behaving like that! She wasn't even given a single side dish, even though she cooked it," Reynald retorted.

"It's your own fault for behaving like that! She wasn't even given a single side dish, even though she cooked it," retorted Reynald.

"I already told you, Rey. I cooked everything myself," replied Mayang's mother.

"I saw it myself, Mom. You were just watching Riana cook, and even eating in front of her without inviting her to join!"

"What about me, Rey? Didn't I do anything to your wife? But why does she still insult me?" Serly asked with a gleam in her eyes.

"You are also at fault for asking Mom to pour water on Riana. Mom, where is the remaining money that was taken earlier? I want to buy breakfast for Riana, she hasn't eaten anything yet,"

"But you already gave it to me. Why are you asking for it again?" Mayang's mother asked.

"I didn't give it. You took it from me," replied Reynald.

Mayang's mother reluctantly handed over the remaining money, her face showing displeasure in giving it to Reynald.

"Here, your child's." Reynald handed Leo to Serly and hurriedly went into the room to follow Riana.

"It's Auntie,"

"But didn't you tell me to pour water on Riana?"

"Riana," Reynald called softly.

Riana didn't respond to her husband's call, she remained lying with her back turned to him.

"Riana, forgive me, please. I admit that I was wrong," Reynald gently touched Riana's arm.

The woman still didn't respond to her husband.

"You must be very hungry, my love. Let's go buy food outside, whatever you want to eat, I'll pay for it," Reynald persuaded.

Riana finally turned to her husband. "Is what you said true?" Riana asked with teary eyes.

"It's true," replied Reynald.

"In that case, let me get ready," Riana immediately got up from the bed to prepare.

Meanwhile, Reynald looked at his wife with fascination. Because when Riana smiled, she looked incredibly beautiful. It was her smile that captivated him, a smile with dimples that made her even more charming.

"Why are you daydreaming?"

"It's nothing, I was just thinking about something," replied Reynald.

"Oh, earlier all your money was taken by Mom. How will we pay later?" Riana asked, worried.

"Don't worry, I still have money. Let's go now, my hungry wife since morning." Reynald playfully ruffled Riana's hair.

"Oh, Rey! Now it's messy again," Riana fixed her hair with her small fingers.

Reynald chuckled and gently pulled his wife's hand to get going.

They left using Reynald's car, as he was a manager in a well-known company. It was unlikely that his salary was small, but he always gave his salary to his mother, keeping only half of it for himself. Riana never knew how much he earned, as Reynald always said that Mayang's mother was skilled at managing money to buy food supplies. So, Riana only needed to cook and take care of household chores.

"Where do you want to eat, my love?" Reynald asked.

"Up to you, wherever is good," replied Riana.

"Don't be like that, when else can we eat out like this?"

"Just grilled chicken, I've been craving it for a long time. When Mom orders food online, I get so jealous seeing it," Riana chuckled.

"Alright, if that's what you want," replied Reynald.

They didn't have to wait long, as they arrived at the restaurant that served the grilled chicken Riana desired. Reynald parked his car in the designated parking area provided by the restaurant.

"The aroma is so enticing," Riana said happily.

"Let's go," Reynald invited.

They walked hand in hand into the restaurant, like a couple in love. Riana chose a seat in the corner, as she didn't feel comfortable in crowded places.

"Waiter!" called Reynald.

"What would you like to order?"

"Two grilled chickens and iced tea," replied Reynald.

The waiter left after taking Reynald and Riana's order.

"It's been so long since we ate out like this," said Riana.

"I've been busy, my love. Besides, if we eat out too often, our expenses will increase," replied Reynald.

"By the way, how much is your salary working at the office? I've never known how much you earn since we got married," Riana asked curiously.

"Um, it's decent," replied Reynald nervously.

Riana fell silent. Her husband never wanted to disclose how much he earned working at the office. However, she was very curious about Reynald's salary, as some people said that his salary was quite enough to provide a decent lifestyle for her. Riana had a very modest appearance for the wife of a manager in a well-known company. Sometimes people mocked her for her appearance, but there were also those who felt sorry for her.

Their order finally arrived, and Riana was very happy to see the grilled chicken in front of her. She ate it eagerly, making Reynald feel sorry for his wife.

"Reynald?"

"Oh, Chiko. Who are you here with?" asked Reynald.

"With none other than my wife," replied Chiko.

"Your wife never misses a thing," teased Reynald.

"Of course. The woman I chose to accompany me for a lifetime deserves to be treated well," said Chiko.

"Yeah, yeah. Husband loves wife," joked Reynald.

"Who is this, Rey?" Chiko asked, glancing at Riana.

Riana was enjoying her meal and didn't notice that her husband's friend had approached.

"That's my wife," Reynald replied shyly.

"So, this is the wife of our Manager. Let me introduce myself, my name is Chiko." Chiko extended his hand to Riana.

Riana blushed with embarrassment. She didn't realize that her husband's friend had approached. She wanted to shake his hand, but her hands were dirty from eating, so she just smiled at Chiko.

"Riana," she replied.

"Sweetheart, let's eat," Chiko's wife clung to her husband's arm.

"Wait a moment, sweetheart. Our Manager is here, having a meal with his wife. Let's greet them first," Chiko said.

"Laras," Laras said, looking at Reynald and Riana alternately.

"Reynald," Reynald replied.

"Riana," Riana said with a smile.

"Oh, I just realized. Why is your wife wearing those clothes here? Aren't you a manager? Buying expensive clothes for her is meaningless," teased Chiko.

Laras gently elbowed her husband, as Chiko was always like that. He never hesitated to say what was on his mind.

"Sorry, we have to go now," Laras excused themselves and immediately took her husband to leave.

Reynald nodded. However, he stared at Riana for a long time, who had her head lowered. Indeed, her wife's clothes were not bad. They were still in good condition without any visible stitches, but the clothes were faded in color. It made anyone realize that they were very old.

"Let's go home!" Reynald said with gritted teeth in annoyance.

"But, Rey. I haven't finished eating my food yet, there's still half left," Riana refused sadly. It was rare for her to be able to enjoy a meal as delicious as this.

But Reynald grew more irritated. He stared at his wife's face sharply. "There are no 'buts'!"