Trisya's phone rang several times. She opened her eyes.
"Ugh… Who's calling this late at night?" she grumbled. "So annoying."
Trisya turned off her phone and put it back on the table.
"Just annoying!"
"See who's calling you," Ardi said.
Trisya turned her head. She realized she was sleeping on Ardi's lap on the couch.
"I'm sleepy, Bang…" Trisya hugged Ardi's waist. "I have to be at campus early tomorrow morning."
This time, Ardi's phone rang.
"Who's calling? It's already midnight," Trisya grumbled.
Ardi looked at the clock. It was already 2:00 AM.
He reached for his phone.
"Bapak?"
"Papa? Why are you calling this late?"
"There must be something important." Ardi immediately answered the call.
"Good evening, Sir."
"Maulana passed away."
"Trisya's biological father, Sir?"
"Yes. I tried calling Trisya but she didn't answer, so I tried calling you. Irfan called to say that a man over 50 years old was found dead in a hotel room. After an investigation, it turned out to be Maulana. Maybe his mind was filled with regret and guilt towards Trisya. It was clear from the letter he left behind. Please tell Trisya. Although I'm not sure she will care."
"Yes, Sir."
"Is she alright?"
"She's been asleep since I called you until now."
"Alright, leave her be. Let me know when you've told Trisya."
"Yes, Sir."
Ardi put down his phone and looked at Trisya.
"What did Papa say?"
"He said he called you but you didn't pick up."
"Why did he call me?"
"He wanted to tell you some bad news."
"Bad news?" Trisya sat up and looked at Ardi.
"Your biological father passed away."
"Oh…" Trisya rested her head on Ardi's shoulder. She closed her eyes.
"He seemed depressed. And he lost his mind, committed suicide."
"May God forgive him," Trisya hugged Ardi tighter.
"Don't say that. He's your biological father after all."
"God was kind to take him. He wouldn't have to suffer mentally any longer. Besides, I'm comfortable with Papa Richard. I don't want another father. Papa Richard understands me so well."
"Hey, at least show some sympathy."
"I want to sleep."
7 weeks passed…
"Good afternoon, Bu Trisya…" said a man who looked about 4 years older than Trisya.
Trisya turned and smiled.
"Pak Daffa…" Trisya greeted him, walking side by side with the man she called Daffa.
"I heard about your incident 3 days ago."
"Yes, I fell when my bag was snatched by a thief. But it's okay. I'm back to teaching now."
"Wow, Pak Daffa is getting bolder with Bu Trisya…" Rani teased.
"If you want to date Bu Trisya, you have to get permission from us, Sir…" Davina added.
"Why do I need permission from you?"
"We are Bu Trisya's class protectors," Rafi said.
"What?"
Trisya laughed.
"What kind of permission?" Daffa asked.
"Treat us to lunch at the canteen, Sir," Rani said.
"What?"
"We're waiting, Sir?"
"Alright, alright. Go on, all of you. You're being annoying."
Davina and her friends left.
"Any plans after teaching?" Daffa asked.
"No. Why?"
"Can I take you to the movies? No one will mind, right?"
Trisya shook her head.
"It's okay."
"Ok, I'll pick you up at home later."
Trisya waved before leaving Daffa.
"Pak Daffa…" said Alena, one of the students at the campus.
"Alena?"
"Still trying to get close to Bu Trisya?"
"Why?"
"She's someone's mistress."
"Oh, come on."
"Remember that video that went viral? It was a while ago. Rumor has it she's the mistress of a powerful man."
"Don't gossip, you!"
"Alright, if you don't believe me. I'm just giving you advice. There are still many good women in the world, Sir. Logically, she has a house in an elite area. Hello… we know how much we get paid at this campus."
Daffa didn't answer. He left Alena.
"What's going on?" Aisyah asked.
"Bu Aisyah. It's… Pak Daffa. He doesn't believe that Bu Trisya is someone's mistress. She just moved into a house in an elite complex two weeks ago. She also has a new car that's expensive."
"Don't just accuse her. Her house and car were bought by her father. Everyone knows who Bu Trisya's father is in this town."
"What about the viral video that was circulating?"
"It was already clarified. Bu Trisya's mother couldn't control her emotions because Bu Trisya was defying her ban on dating men of her choice. Don't spread rumors."
"Yes, Bu."
Aisyah walked away. She saw Trisya standing near the trash can. Aisyah walked towards Trisya.
"Trisya…" Aisyah called out.
Trisya turned around.
"What's wrong?" Aisyah asked.
"I don't know. I suddenly feel nauseous."
"Are you sick?"