The next day, Hendrik planned to pay his respects to his deceased wife. After all, Katrina was his lawful wife. He felt he had to be there, even though her family would likely refuse him entry.
Upon arriving at the Bumi Baru funeral home in Jakarta, a sense of unease immediately overcame him. He was certain he wouldn't be allowed to see Katrina. Yet, Hendrik reminded himself: for the last time, he must see his wife. Even if only for a moment, it was his right as a husband who had loved Katrina—the love of his life—who had been by his side for decades.
As he stepped into funeral room number 7, a black coffin lay in the center, containing Katrina's lifeless body. It was still early, and there weren't many guests yet—just as he hoped. He glanced at Katrina, dressed in a white gown, and unexpectedly, tears welled up in his eyes. Deep in his heart, he still loved her. Yet circumstances forced him to change. He could no longer rely on Katrina; he needed a healthy partner to continue his family line. That was why Hendrik had chosen Lanny.
Over and over, he whispered apologies in front of Katrina's coffin, murmuring, "Is it wrong if I marry again? You can no longer give me children, Katrina."
Suddenly, his thoughts were shattered by a loud voice at the entrance, startling everyone in the room.
"Hendrik… you bastard! What are you doing here!" Jenny shouted, dressed in black with dark glasses, her eyes red from holding back her anger.
Jenny charged at Hendrik, attempting to strike him, but several guests held her back.
Hendrik calmly stepped closer. "I'm sorry, Jen. I deeply mourn Katrina's passing," he said.
But Jenny, consumed by emotion, refused to accept his apology. "You caused my sister's death! I will make you pay!" she yelled, her face flushed with rage.
Hendrik remained composed, meeting her gaze. "Jen, your sister had little time left. It was her illness that took her, not me," he explained.
Instead of calming her, his words only fueled Jenny's fury. She broke free from the guests holding her and reached for a knife on the table… Thud! The knife pierced Hendrik's hand.
Chaos erupted in the room. Guests turned pale as blood streamed from Hendrik's hand. He groaned in pain and then fainted from blood loss.
Katrina's parents arrived at the funeral home, shocked by the crowd and the sight of blood on the floor.
"What happened… Jen?" asked Meliana, Katrina's mother. Jenny lowered her head, exhausted and emotionally drained, yet her gaze remained fixed on the exit.
Some whispered, "She attacked a man… maybe her husband, Ma'am?"
Meliana and Hendra held their breaths, fearing Jenny might escalate further.
Meliana gently stroked Jenny's hair. "Jen… did Hendrik come here?"
Jenny only nodded, her eyes vacant.
Meliana, feeling anxious, asked again, more cautiously, "Did you… stab Hendrik?"
Jenny nodded slowly once more, her eyes still locked on Katrina's coffin.
Meliana fell silent, her heart torn. Hendrik had indeed made mistakes, but she did not want her daughter to see Jenny imprisoned. Without delay, Meliana left to check on Hendrik's whereabouts. She learned he was being treated at a 24-hour clinic in the building next door.
Meliana and Hendra rushed to the clinic, leaving Jenny behind in the funeral room.
At the clinic, Hendrik, with blood flowing from his right hand, sought medical attention. The staff quickly removed the knife. After some effort, the knife was finally taken out, but Hendrik fainted from the blood loss. The medical team panicked, placing him on a hospital bed and administering first aid.
Katrina's parents arrived at the clinic, witnessing Hendrik unconscious and shouted in unison, "Hendrik!"
A while later, Hendrik regained consciousness. His vision was blurry, and his head ached. Using the last of his strength, he tried to sit up. His body swayed, and his eyes were not fully open.
Suddenly, a voice called from beside him.
"Hendrik… are you feeling better?"
Squinting, he tried to focus. It was his in-laws—Meliana and Hendra—sitting by his side.
"Oh… Mama, Papa. How did you know I was here?" he asked, holding his still-spinning head.
Meliana looked at him with concern. "Some people who helped you told us. How are you feeling now?"
"I'm still dizzy," Hendrik replied, glancing at his bandaged right hand. "It still hurts here."
Meliana exhaled and said, "Hendrik… forgive Jenny. She was too emotional. I hope you won't hold this against her."
Hendrik nodded slowly, understanding her meaning. He also felt guilty for marrying Lanny. Without looking at them, he whispered, "I'm sorry, Ma… for marrying again."
Suddenly, Hendra spoke firmly, his voice cold and heavy:
"Apologies are not enough. Marrying while Katrina was still alive… that cannot be forgiven. Do you understand?"
He added, "I will call a meeting with the board of commissioners to remove you from the company for disobeying our request!"
Hendrik remained silent, unable to respond. He was still in pain, dizzy, and exhausted.
Yet in his heart, a plan was already forming. He would take over the company he had been managing. It was Hendra's company, yes, but Hendrik was merely the CEO—and he knew how to turn his position to his advantage.
Even with his spinning head, Hendrik smiled sinisterly inwardly at Hendra's words.
They stood up and gave Hendrik a stern warning. Hendra, crushed by the loss of his daughter, was the angriest at Hendrik's actions.
"Hendrik!… all this time, Papa trusted you as a good man. But… Papa will never forgive you. Just wait—you will be ruined again! You are a son-in-law with no decency!" Hendra shouted.
Meliana, hearing her husband's words, nodded in agreement.
Hendra continued, "Our relationship as in-laws ends today! You are no longer part of our family!"
Then they left Hendrik alone, writhing in pain. Their words only strengthened Hendrik's resolve to act beyond their expectations.
Ignoring their warnings, Hendrik called Lanny. Her voice came through the phone, full of concern:
"Hello… honey! Where are you? Are you okay?"
Hendrik cut straight to the point, "You need to come here! I'm hurt. I'm at Bumi baru clinic."
Panic rose in Lanny's voice. "What?!… Okay, Yang. I'm coming right now!"
The call ended, leaving Hendrik in pain but more determined than ever.