Chapter 35

• The first day working as a Junior photographer for Rio was enough to make him feel comfortable and content. This was his passion. This was the job he had always dreamed of, even though according to his parents, there was no job more prestigious and secure for his future than becoming a civil servant. Since long ago, he was confident that he could have a life just as prosperous as the civil servants in this country. The sad and somewhat tragic reality surrounding him, which he often encountered, sometimes made Rio shake his head in disbelief, as many civil servants pawned their certificates to the bank and still had debts to pay even after retirement, making life after retirement even more difficult and challenging than those who had their own businesses. Despite repeatedly explaining this reality to his parents, it seemed like they were unwilling to listen to him. Their hope was for him to become a civil servant. This was also the reason why Rio rarely went back home for Eid, besides the fact that the cost was not cheap.
• Now, the time had come to prove himself. He not only had to prove it to his parents, but also to show that he was worthy and equal to Retno in front of Retno's large family. He loved the childless widow sincerely, and with Retno, Rio believed he could have a better life than before.
• After arriving back at his new boarding room this evening, Rio immediately headed to the bathroom. Unlike his very simple boarding room in Jogja, this time his room was in an exclusive boarding house with various facilities such as an en-suite bathroom, AC, TV, and even a refrigerator. Rio even got a parking spot for a car, which made him laugh. He didn't own a car, and he had to be content with taking the commuter line from now on to get to work. Leaving earlier and coming home later was something he had to accept with sincerity starting from today. The cruelty of the capital city, which people said was even more cruel than a stepmother, would be his companion from now on.