The shopkeeper came in carrying two boxes containing sleepwear. Priska bit her lower lip in frustration but couldn’t refuse. She briefly glanced at Indra before accepting the troublesome items. Priska entered the changing room, and Indra followed, about to enter as well. The booth wasn’t very spacious, enough for two people to stand, but the mirrors inside were large.
Priska’s daydream was interrupted when she heard Indra and the shopkeeper. The woman was concerned about Indra wanting to enter the booth with Priska, politely rejecting the idea of a man and woman being alone together, fearing the store could be inspected by management. However, Indra insisted he had the right because she was his wife. Priska peeked at the awkward scene that made her embarrassed.
Indra showed photos from his phone as proof. “Miss, here’s a photo of our wedding ceremony, here’s a reception photo, here’s our marriage certificate, and lastly, the family card.”
“But, Sir, this is our store’s standard operating procedure,” the attendant said.
“My wife is pregnant, I just want to help her change clothes. Don’t worry, nothing will happen inside,” Indra assured.
Priska could see the shopkeeper looking frustrated and confused. Indra’s insistence didn’t make sense. The shopkeeper reluctantly allowed him to do as he pleased. A moment later, he entered the booth and received a sharp look from Priska.
“Do you think we’re at home?” Priska said, pulling at the collar of Indra’s shirt, extremely frustrated.
Indra shrugged nonchalantly. Priska let go of her grip and pushed the clothing box towards him. She had seen a mannequin wearing similar clothing and couldn’t imagine herself wearing it. It was disgusting!
“Not really, that’s why you should try one on so my curiosity is satisfied,” Indra responded.
Indra then busied himself opening the clothing box. Priska sighed in resignation and started unbuttoning the front of the floral dress she was wearing. Indra continued to watch her with admiring eyes, and he also helped Priska take the dress off. He hung it on the clothing rack.
“Should I wear it now?” Priska asked hesitantly.
After they got married, they didn’t go on a honeymoon because Priska was pregnant. Also, Indra had been busy with work, and Priska was already tired from their two-week vacation in Dubai, and her pregnancy was the result of their trip with Dr. Satria’s family to Bali.
Indra grinned. “No, next month, Pris.”
Priska pouted. “Why do I have such a weird husband?” she muttered.
Indra immediately asked his sister-in-law for her opinion. [ Ca, does your sister look better in this or in black? ]
Priska glared at Indra. “Do you really need to ask my sister about this?”
“Absolutely, and also to show off,” Indra replied.
"You're so weird," Priska scoffed.
Rica’s reply came a few seconds later. Indra and Priska chuckled as they read it. Priska’s sister sent an angry emoji, upset because Indra didn’t invite her along. Rica also complained about being bored in class and not wanting to listen to her elderly professor.
"You and your sister are the same," Indra said amusedly.
 “What? I was smart when I was in college,” Priska retorted.
***
“Who is this, Ma’am?” asked a woman in her 40s to Priska’s mother. She was Mrs. Laurentina Sutopo, one of Mom’s trusted colleagues.
“My eldest daughter,” replied Mrs. Desi.
They were in the restaurant inside the Genevie Luxe Dept. Store building. Indra and Priska took turns shaking hands with Mrs. Laurentina, but her gaze lingered on Priska because she was struck by the natural beauty of the 26-year-old woman.
"What ancestry does she have? She doesn't seem to be purely Indonesian," Mrs. Laurent asked, turning to Priska's mother.
"She's got Sundanese and Japanese blood from me, and Javanese from her father. No wonder my son-in-law is so completely crazy about his wife," Mom said, glancing at Indra.
“She’s so beautiful, I almost didn’t recognize her. Is it because she’s not wearing heavy makeup today?”
“Ren, you were at their wedding party, right? How could you forget Priska and Indra?” Mama smiled warmly at her daughter and son-in-law.
“That’s not it, Ma’am. She looks different now compared to at the wedding party,” Mrs. Laurent replied.
Priska looked down at Indra’s hand gently holding hers, feeling warm and possessive. Mrs. Laurent and Mama continued to discuss launching a new jewelry design for Genevie Luxe’s anniversary edition, struggling to find a model or public figure with a good image and aura to represent their jewelry. Mrs. Laurent said that she had found inspiration when she saw Priska.
“Uhm, Priska, sorry if you don’t mind, would you like to be the model for our new jewelry collection?” Mrs. Laurent asked with hopeful eyes.
“Ren, Priska doesn’t like being the center of attention,” Mama said.
Priska nervously looked at Mrs. Laurent. Becoming the model for Genevie Luxe’s luxury jewelry? It seemed impossible. Her photos would be everywhere, and she wasn’t ready for that, but Priska didn’t know how to decline without upsetting Mrs. Laurent.
“No,” Indra replied firmly.
Priska observed her husband’s disapproving expression, feeling grateful to have Indra, who always had her back. He understood her well, especially her tendency to feel uncomfortable saying no to others.
Mrs. Laurent glared at Indra, her eyes filled with anger. “I didn’t ask you, Sir.”
“Yes, but the answer is the same. She’s my wife, and anything she does must be with my permission,” Indra replied.
Mom smiled and raised an eyebrow at Priska, which made Priska feel slightly embarrassed, but that was how Indra was. Her husband always believed in his own principles and didn’t like being contradicted without a valid reason. Especially when it concerned Priska’s safety and comfort, Indra wouldn’t hesitate to stand firm to protect her.
A tense stare-off between Mrs. Laurent and Indra followed, neither willing to back down. They almost started an argument until Mrs. Laurent’s phone rang, interrupting them. Finally, she left them table.
After Mrs. Laurent’s left, Mom and Indra asked Priska again if she would consider being the model for the new Genevie Luxe jewelry. Priska shook her head lightly and smiled. Indra then kissed and gently caressed her head. Priska confessed that she wouldn’t feel comfortable seeing her own face displayed when coming here.
They began ordering the restaurant’s signature dishes, enjoying a lunch filled with laughter. Indra also explained his scenario of Priska becoming one of the employees at his company in the future. Mama reminded Priska to be careful because she was still early in her pregnancy, and she wanted Indra to always keep an eye on her to ensure she didn’t overwork herself or get stressed.