Always Been You
"Stop right there, Evan! You can't fool me." Grace stretched out her hands to the right and left, preventing her best friend from leaving. "I know you're hiding something."
Evan crossed his arms over his chest. "Don't be so confident. And please, know your place. I have the power to replace you with anyone else." He leaned toward her and whispered to her ear. "Or, are you trying to seduce me? How much is your rate for one night?"
Upon hearing it, Grace gave him a smack across the face. She was silent for a moment in disbelief. Tears started to roll down her cheeks. "You're so mean, Evan. I-hate-you," she said, heartbroken. She turned away from him without further ado.
Evan teared up too, looking at his best friend leaving. "I'm sorry, Grace. I had to do it. We can't be together," he said weakly.
Grace and Evan became best friends after he saved her and her mother following a traffic collision. Their friendship grew stronger for years until they became inseparably fond of each other. However, fate played jokes on them. They had to separate for years, lose contact and bury their dreams. When they finally reunited in the same workplace, everything was not the same as it used to be.
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Chapter: Extra 02 : The FutureDealing with moving and a few other things seemed to take a lot of time. It was only in February that the newlyweds had the opportunity to go on their honeymoon. But who would have thought that an unexpected pandemic would strike the entire earth in early 2020? Luckily, Evan and Grace were able to return to Indonesia just before the government closed the border.Rumors about the economic downturn of the tourism sector were already here and there. As hotel workers, Evan and Grace were very involved in addressing this issue. Especially after the hotel owner said that there should be layoffs in every branch of the hotel to maintain business continuity.Over the next few months, they had to work even harder. As a result, this newly married couple experienced challenges in getting a child. A pregnancy program was the best solution. However, on the other hand, they also had to consider the unfavorable situation, especially the hospitals which were crowded with people infected by the deadly v
Last Updated: 2022-03-17
Chapter: Extra 01 : The Past[September 12, 2008]“Two special young coconut ice for my cutest loyal customer.” Dahayu brought two of the cafe's signature drinks for Grace and Evan who returned there at the weekend. They immediately took one for each of them. "To be honest, I'm curious. Are you two an item?”Hearing that, each of them spontaneously reacted in surprise. Grace spit out the drink that was already in her mouth while Evan coughed."Oopsies. Why are you reacting that way?” Dahayu patted them both on the back. "How could you be startled by my question?" She chuckled amused."Of course. What makes you think so, though? We are best friends.” Grace who wasn't having a problem with her throat answered.Evan turned to Grace once his throat was better. “Well, I know why she thinks so of us. We’re very close," he said, thinking of the most likely reason. “Not to mention, we come here every week to watch the sunset. We’re like a couple."Dahayu nodded with her index finger pointing at Evan. “There he knows,” she
Last Updated: 2022-03-17
Chapter: 45 Two Become One (Final)[December 8, 2006]"Why don't you turn it in, Grace? Didn't you hear Miss Diana say it's the end-of-semester assignment? Aren't you afraid of failing arts?"A keychain made of clear resin with half a clamshell stuck inside was placed sweetly on a pile of textbooks. Grace was looking at it with a big smile, satisfied to see the results of her hard work. "I did. I made two of them," she replied."Why did you make two?""No idea. I just felt like it. Who knew this keychain could bring happiness to someone?" Grace answered perfunctorily. She lifted the keychain in front of her face before putting it in her jacket pocket. "I'd better be going home now."Grace walked out of her classroom which was still quite crowded with tenth graders. While the others could still have fun with their friends after school, she had to go home as soon as possible. Her mom needed her help to look after the drink stall.The sky was quite cloudy at three that afternoon. Nevertheless, nobody would be able to tell
Last Updated: 2022-03-17
Chapter: 44 Almost MidnightThere were only a few hours left before the long-awaited day arrived. To make things easier, Grace stayed at the hotel where she worked, along with her mom. Of course, as the future wife of the hotel GM, she got a privilege. All those tasked with making her a queen a day would also be there around four in the morning the next day.Only Grace couldn't sleep. She continued to be restless, not knowing what was causing it. Indah said it was natural for a bride-to-be. Nevertheless, she felt that something else was bothering her."But you should try to sleep, Grace. Tomorrow will be a long day." Indah advised her while patting her own shoulder. "I'm sleepy, and also feel a little sore in the back after baking cakes with Rosa.""You shouldn't have pushed yourself too hard. Didn't I tell you that you don’t have to?" Grace arched an eyebrow. "Well then, you can go sleep first. I want to stay awake for a while longer. I might pray too, who knows this restlessness will go away after praying?" She
Last Updated: 2022-03-17
Chapter: 43 Reconciliation“Grace, thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet and talk.” Randy still couldn't believe that he finally got the long-awaited moment. With tears in his eyes, he looked at his daughter who had been separated from him for so long. “I also thank you, Evan. I should have told the truth from the start so you didn't have to go through everything alone.” Rosa chimed in, expressing her gratitude towards her only son. “Once again, forgive me. I thought keeping things to myself and letting you blame me was a good choice.” It wasn't an easy matter for Grace and Evan to completely release forgiveness. The pain in their hearts was still pronounced, like a post-surgery wound that hadn't fully healed. Deciding to have this meeting even took almost two weeks, close to their wedding day. “If it weren't for Mom, I don't think this day would exist. So, the gratitude, uh,” Grace paused, unsure of how to address Randy and Rosa. But finally, she decided in her heart to say, “Dad and Mama Rosa's gr
Last Updated: 2022-03-07
Chapter: 42 Secret"Oh, someone is legally going to be a wife next month." Nita visited Grace during her break after hearing the news about her marriage plan with Evan. “You … will make me your bridesmaid, right? People say that after a woman becomes a bridesmaid three times, she will get married soon." Grace laughed at Nita's words. "What kind of myth is that? I've never been a bridesmaid but I'm getting married next month, you see,” she said, amused. Sitting next to Grace on a small couch, Nita nudged her. "See who’s being arrogant now," she quipped. “Well, you should be grateful. You’re lucky to have met Mr. Williams. Unlike me who was already engaged, almost married, but suddenly left for no reason.” She took a deep breath. A few months before Grace's position as HRD assistant manager was replaced by Nita, she had heard the bad news. However, Nita's stubbornness and indifference made it seem like nothing wrong happened to her. At the request of her colleague, Grace also promised not to discuss it
Last Updated: 2022-03-06
Selamanya Kamu
"Hentikan semua ini, Evan! Kamu nggak bisa membodohiku." Grace berdiri di depan Evan, mengulurkan tangannya ke kanan dan kiri. "Aku tahu kamu sembunyiin sesuatu."
Evan menyilangkan tangan di depan dada. "Jangan terlalu percaya diri. Dan tolong, tahu posisimu. Aku punya kekuatan untuk taruh orang lain menggantikan kamu." Di dalam ruangan yang sedikit remang itu, ia mencondongkan tubuh ke arahnya dan berbisik ke telinganya. "Atau, sebenarnya kamu lagi coba merayu aku? Berapa tarifmu untuk satu malam?"
Setelah mendengarnya, Grace menampar wajah Evan seketika itu juga. Ia terdiam beberapa saat tidak percaya. Air mata mulai mengalir di pipinya. "Kamu jahat banget, Evan. Aku-benci-kamu," katanya, patah hati. Dia berbalik dari pria itu tanpa basa-basi lagi.
Evan menangis juga, melihat sahabatnya pergi. "Maafin aku, Grace. Aku harus lakuin itu. Kita nggak bisa bersama," katanya lemah.
~~~~
Grace dan Evan menjadi teman baik setelah dia menyelamatkannya dan ibunya setelah tabrakan lalu lintas. Persahabatan mereka tumbuh lebih kuat selama bertahun-tahun sampai mereka menjadi sangat menyukai satu sama lain. Namun, takdir mempermainkan mereka. Mereka harus berpisah selama bertahun-tahun, kehilangan kontak dan mengubur impian mereka. Ketika mereka akhirnya bersatu kembali di tempat kerja yang sama, semuanya tidak lagi sama seperti dulu.
Copyright 2021. SairentoGaaru.
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Chapter: Ekstra 02 : Masa DepanEkstra 02 : Masa DepanMengurus kepindahan dan beberapa hal lain rupanya memakan banyak waktu. Barulah pada bulan Februari sang pengantin baru mendapatkan kesempatan untuk melakukan bulan madu. Namun siapa sangka pandemi yang tidak disangka-sangka menyerang seluruh bumi di awal tahun 2020? Beruntung Evan dan Grace bisa kembali ke Indonesia tepat sebelum pemerintah menutup perbatasan Indonesia.Rumor tentang kejatuhan perekenomian sektor pariwisata sudah ada di sana sini. Sebagai pekerja hotel, Evan dan Grace sangat terlibat mengatasi masalah ini. Terutama setelah pemilik hotel berkata bahwa harus ada pemangkasan pekerja di setiap cabang hotel demi mempertahankan kelangsungan bisnis.Selama beberapa bulan berikutnya, mereka pun harus bekerja lebih keras. Sebagai akibatnya, pasangan suami istri yang baru ini mengalami tantangan dalam mendapatkan keturunan. Program kehamilan sudah pasti menjadi solusi yang terbaik. Namun di sisi lain mereka juga harus mempert
Last Updated: 2022-03-14
Chapter: Ekstra 01 : Masa Lalu[12 September 2008]“Dua es kelapa muda spesial untuk pelanggan setia Mbok yang paling imut.” Dahayu membawakan dua buah minuman khas kafenya untuk Grace dan Evan yang kembali datang pada akhir minggu. Kedua pemuda itu langsung mengambil untuk mereka masing-masing. “Sebenernya Mbok penasaran sih. Kalian berdua itu pacaran ya?”Mendengar hal itu, masing-masing spontan bereaksi terkejut. Grace menyemburkan minumannya yang sudah ada di mulut sementara Evan terbatuk-batuk.“Eh, aduh. Kenapa jadi gini kalian?” Dahayu menepuk-nepuk punggung keduanya. “Kaget ya sama pertanyaan Mbok?” Ia terkekeh-kekeh geli.“Iya lah. Dari mana coba Mbok pikir begitu? Kami berdua tuh sahabat deket.” Grace yang tidak mengalami masalah dengan tenggorokannya menjawab.Evan menoleh pada Grace setelah batuknya mereda. “Ya tapi maklum Mbok pikir gitu. Kita berdua soalnya deket banget,” ujarnya memikirkan alasan yang paling mungkin. “Mana tiap minggu ke sini untuk nonto
Last Updated: 2022-03-14
Chapter: 45 Dua Menjadi Satu (Final)[8 Desember 2006]"Loh, kamu nggak ngumpulin tugas, Grace? Kan Bu Diana bilang ini untuk tugas akhir semester satu? Nanti kamu nggak dapat nilai kelas seni rupa loh."Sebuah gantungan kunci yang terbuat dari resin bening dengan setengah cangkang kerang terjebak di dalamnya tergeletak manis di atas tumpukan buku teks. Grace mengamatinya dengan senyuman lebar, merasa puas melihat hasil kerja kerasnya. "Udah kok. Aku bikin dua," sahutnya."Kenapa bikin dua?""Nggak tahu. Kepingin aja. Siapa tahu gantungan ini bisa bawa kebahagiaan untuk seseorang." Grace asal menjawab. Ia mengangkat gantungan itu di depan wajah sebelum memasukkannya ke dalam saku jaketnya. "Aku pulang duluan ya."Grace berjalan meninggalkan ruang kelasnya yang masih cukup ramai dengan anak-anak kelas delapan. Sementara yang lainnya masih bisa bersenang-senang dengan kawan-kawannya sehabis sekolah, ia harus segera pulang ke rumah. Sang bunda memerlukan bantuannya untuk
Last Updated: 2022-03-14
Chapter: 44 Tengah MalamTinggal beberapa jam lagi sebelum hari yang ditunggu-tunggu tiba. Demi mempermudah semuanya, Grace menginap di hotel tempatnya bekerja bersama dengan sang bunda. Tentu saja sebagai calon istri seorang GM di hotel tersebut, ia mendapatkan sebuah akses khusus. Semua yang bertugas menjadikannya seorang ratu sehari juga akan berada di sana sekitar pukul empat pagi keesokan harinya.Hanya saja Grace tidak bisa tidur. Ia terus gelisah, tidak tahu apa yang menjadi penyebabnya. Kata Indah hal itu wajar bagi seorang calon pengantin. Namun ia merasa ada hal lain yang mengganjal."Tapi kamu harus coba tidur, Grace. Besok bakalan jadi hari yang panjang." Indah memberikan wejangan sambil menepuk-nepuk bahunya sendiri. "Bunda juga udah agak ngantuk, pegel dikit juga, habis bikin kue sama Rosa."
Last Updated: 2022-03-10
Chapter: 43 Rekonsiliasi"Grace, terima kasih udah kasih Ayah kesempatan untuk bertemu dan bicara." Randy, masih tidak percaya bahwa ia akhirnya mendapatkan momen yang sudah lama ditunggu. Dengan pandangan mata yang sayu akibat air mata, ia menatap putrinya yang telah sekian lama terpisah darinya."Mama juga terima kasih sama Evan. Seharusnya dari awal Mama kasih tahu yang sebenarnya, supaya kamu nggak harus melewati semuanya sendirian." Rosa menyambung, mengungkapkan rasa terima kasihnya terhadap putra tunggalnya. "Juga maaf sekali lagi. Mama pikir menyimpan semuanya sendiri dan membiarkan kamu menyalahkan Mama itu pilihan yang baik."Bukan perkara mudah bagi Grace dan Evan untuk benar-benar melepaskan pengampunan. Rasa sakit di hati mereka tentu masih terasa, bak luka pasca operasi yang belum sepenuhnya sembuh. Memutuskan untuk mengadakan pe
Last Updated: 2022-03-09
Chapter: 42 Kisah Rahasia "Ciyehyang bulan depan udah sah jadi suami istri." Nita menyambangi Grace di jam istirahat setelah mendengar berita tentang penetapan tanggal pernikahannya dengan Evan. "Lo ... bakalan jadiin guebridesmaidkan? Kata orang kalau udah jadibridesmaidtiga kali, lo bakalan menikah habis itu." Grace langsung tertawa begitu mendengar ucapan Nita. "Eh, mana ada hal kaya gitu, Nit? Buktinya aja aku nggak pernah jadibridesmaidtapi bakalan nikah bulan depan," sanggahnya geli. Duduk bersebelahan dengan Grace di atas sofa kecil, Nita menyikutnya. "Songong amat dah nih anak," celetuknya. "Yah, bersyukur aja lo beruntung ketemu Pak Evan. Nggak kaya gue. Udah tunangan, hampir nikah, tapi tiba-tiba ditinggal tanpa jejak." Ia menghela napas panjang.
Last Updated: 2022-03-08
Matchmaking Festival
PLEASE COMMENT, JUST TO LET ME KNOW THIS BOOK HAS READERS (EVEN 1 READER IS ENOUGH), SO I WON'T STOP WRITING. THANK YOU.
Have you heard of the Irish matchmaking festival? Well, Annaliese Lee hasn't either. If it isn't for her job as a travel vlogger, she might never look into anything related to love matters; something she has decided to never deal with anymore.
If there were an award for the unluckiest person in the world, she could be one of the top five nominees. Her first relationship fails after five years of dating. The second one also founders even after they are engaged. In the third one, she is dumped one month before the wedding!
Isn't it only normal for her to stop believing in love?
Nonetheless, fate has its way to lead her back to love again. There she meets William Chen who steals her heart when she least expects it. Ironically, the guy she falls for is bound by a promise to another girl.
After all the hardships she has gone through, will she let him go to protect her heart from breaking? Or, will she fight for her love this time, taking all the risks of getting hurt once again?
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Chapter: 30 MamaBack then, I didn't know why, why you were misunderstood. So now, I see through your eyes, all that you did was love.– Spice Girls•••"How do I look?" Annaliese asked William as they entered the Chens' house. She was feeling nervous about meeting Meyling again.William grinned and gently squeezed her shoulder to reassure her. "You look stunning, babe. Trust me," he replied. “Come on.”They walked to the living room and took a seat.After informing the Chens of their arrival, Mrs. Po returned and inquired, "What would you like to drink?"“I feel like having some lemonade, Mrs. Po,” William mentioned what he wanted without hesitation.“And you, love?” Mrs. Po turned to Annaliese who didn’t even hear the question.William gently touched her hand to get her attention. "Mrs. Po is asking what you would like to drink, babe," he informed her."Ah. I’m sorry, Mrs. Po. I'll just have water," said Annaliese absentmindedly. She was too preoccupied with figuring out what to tell Meyling later.
Last Updated: 2023-08-22
Chapter: 29 Just Give Me A ReasonJust give me a reason, just a little bit's enough. Just a second, we're not broken, just bent, and we can learn to love again. – Pink ••• "Hey, Son." David gave William a hug as soon as he saw him and then moved to Annaliese. "And, my future daughter-in-law." They took a seat at the table outdoors since the weather was good. Besides, the open space would be suitable for their serious conversation. "Let's order something first, David suggested. He raised his right hand, asking a waiter to come. "This cafe is well-known for its Instagrammable spots. Anna, you said you work in the travel industry, right? Why don't you take some pictures or videos first?" Both Annaliese and William frowned in wonder. "What? Don't be so surprised. I've learned what Anna's job is ever since she came to our house and told us about it. You know, I want to get to know my future daughter-in-law better," David explained, clearing up their confusion. "So, as a travel vlogger, taking pictures and videos, the
Last Updated: 2023-08-21
Chapter: 28 Motion SicknessI hate you for what you did. And I miss you like a little kid. – Phoebe Bridgers ••• “Please don’t be mad at her. I was the one who asked her to play.” Mrs. Po intervened in the situation. She tried to prevent any trouble from happening. Annaliese lowered her head a little to apologize. However, she had to refrain from saying a thing when she saw Meyling’s pointing finger at her. “Still, she could’ve said no!” Meyling believed the girl was in the wrong no matter what. “This piano is off-limits!” Mrs. Po touched her mistress’ arm. “She didn’t know. Now you may control your emotions,” she warned her. “Remember what the doctor said.” Her voice was low, like a whisper but it was still audible to Annaliese who stood close enough. Meyling took a deep breath and did what Mrs. Po said. “I’m sorry.” Annaliese finally got a chance to apologize. “If you’re sorry, you should leave now,” commented Meyling harshly. “For goodness sake, why haven’t you understood the way I have been treating
Last Updated: 2023-08-21
Chapter: 27 Never Give Up The FightThe doubt grows, the roads seem closed,. The petal wilts on a garden rose. But the battle's not over, don't let go.– Avant•••“I’m asking you why, just because it sounds familiar to me. Don’t get me wrong,” Sandra clarified the misunderstanding. “And I think you guys could use some advice from me. But that’s if you allow me.”“Sorry, guys. She's—” Neil was about to reprimand his girlfriend but got interrupted by William’s touch on his shoulder.William looked at him and said, “Let her speak.”“You’re sure?” Neil didn't believe it. He turned to Annaliese for confirmation.Annaliese shrugged and gestured toward her boyfriend with her head. She didn’t mind listening to her either, as long as William was okay with it.“What about the bowling game? You paid for it already, right?” asked Neil as if trying to stop them from listening to whatever Sandra was about to say. He definitely knew something they didn't.Chris stepped closer and grabbed Neil by the shoulder. “How about we let them t
Last Updated: 2023-06-26
Chapter: 26 Never Say NeverI will never say never. I will fight. I will fight 'til forever to make it right. – Justin Bieber ••• “Son, I love you! You’re now just blinded by this temporary love thus you're acting this way.” Meyling refuted the question William had just given her. “I’m blinded? Temporary love? Mom, what are you talking about?” William raised his intonation in exasperation. He ran his fingers through his hair backward and stopped somewhere behind his head to squeeze it. “As we’re now here on this subject, let me tell you what you’ve done these years regarding your best friend, okay?” While Meyling looked frustrated, Annaliese and David couldn't say a thing and just watched where this conversation was going. "Remember how many times you missed my basketball matches? And on top, you missed the last one which was crucial just because your best friend suddenly fell sick, despite her husband could take care of her? You could've just waited until my match finished. You’d promised! Did you know tha
Last Updated: 2023-06-17
Chapter: 25 Because of YouYou never thought of anyone else. You just saw your pain. You never saw me. – Kelly Clarkson ••• "I'm nervous, babe." Annaliese blew her bangs as she was standing in front of the door. In her hands was a closed container containing Guo Tiao, stir-fried flat rice noodles they had cooked together earlier. William patted her shoulder. "Hey, relax. We're in this together," he convinced her. After receiving a confirmation nod from her, he knocked on the door. In just a minute, the door was opened. An old lady around her seventies appeared with a bright smile. "William!" greeted the lady in excitement. She opened her arms and pulled William into her embrace. "Oh, I've missed you, you know." As William pulled away, he said, "Me too, Nan. Missed you too." "And who's this pretty young lady?" Her eyes sparkled when she looked at Annaliese. William gave a light push behind Annaliese's back and declared, "This is my girlfriend, Nan." "Really?" Annaliese grinned widely so her eyes formed
Last Updated: 2023-05-31
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