The Golden Mending

CHAPTER 4 - The Paper Trail

The ultrasound photo felt like a piece of burning coal in my pocket. Every time I passed Roy in the hallway, I felt the urge to thrust it in front of his face and demand the truth. But I knew better. In a house built on lies, the first one to scream is the one who loses.

"Roy," I said softly as he prepared to leave for the office the next morning. "I noticed the hospital name on Putri’s vitamins. Permata Medika. Is that where she had her prenatal check-ups?"

Roy paused while tying his tie, his reflection in the mirror looking strained. "Yes, why? Is there a problem, Lala?"

"No problem," I replied, smoothing out his collar. "I just thought I’d drop by and settle any remaining bills. It’s the least I can do as your wife."

Roy’s hand stilled on his tie. He turned to look at me, his gaze flickering with something—was it guilt or suspicion? "That’s... that’s not necessary, Lala. I’ve handled everything. You’ve done enough by letting them stay here."

"I insist, Roy. A clean slate is better for everyone, don't you think?"

"I said no, Lala!" Roy’s voice rose, sharp and defensive. "Stop digging into things that don't concern you. Just... just be the wife I need you to be. Quiet and supportive."

Quiet. That word again. It was the cage he had kept me in for seven years.

After Roy left, I didn't go to the kitchen. I didn't start the laundry. Instead, I waited until Putri was busy bathing the baby upstairs. I slipped into Roy’s home office—a place I rarely entered.

My heart was racing so fast I could hear it in my ears. I began searching through the drawers, my fingers trembling as I flipped through folders and bank statements. Finally, I found it. A hidden envelope tucked behind a stack of old tax returns.

Inside was a medical bill from Permata Medika, dated six months ago.

I scanned the charges. Emergency room visit. Blood tests. But there was no mention of a pregnancy. Instead, there was a name of a specialist: Dr. Herman, Oncology.

"Looking for something, Lala?"

I froze. The door to the office was standing wide open. Putri was leaning against the frame, holding the baby. She wasn't smiling anymore. Her eyes were as hard as flint.

"You're very persistent, aren't you?" Putri walked into the room, her presence suffocating. "But some secrets are kept for a reason. If you tell Roy you were snooping in here, who do you think he’ll believe? The mother of his child... or the wife who can’t even give him one?"

I tucked the envelope back into the drawer, my face a mask of calm. "I’m not looking for a fight, Putri. I’m looking for the truth. And the truth doesn't care about who Roy believes."

I walked past her, my shoulder brushing hers. For the first time, I saw a flicker of fear in her eyes. She knew I was close. Very close.