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06 Mr. Cold-hearted
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2021-12-06 09:57:04Bab terkait
Always Been You 07 Getting A Chance
It had been over two months since Evan had become the GM of this hotel. There had been no significant change from every effort Grace put into breaking his cold demeanor. What happened was that her workload increased. System overhaul and staff changes were also carried out. Inevitably, Grace was forced to work and became too tired to keep up with it. Despite his desire to advance the hotel, Evan had another goal: to keep Grace away from him. For the last few years, his efforts had been quite successful. He was quite happy. Nevertheless, seeing Grace frequently go home with a man who seemed to be close to her, somehow caused a strange feeling in Evan's heart. Because the Grace he knew didn't get along that close with any men. Before he had gone to England, he had been the only man who could be so close to her. Standing from a distance, Evan saw Grace walking limply out of the building. As usual, she was waiting to be picked up, either by an online taxi or by Anthony. Similarly, Evan
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2021-12-07Always Been You 08 More Aggressive
“Stop the car.” Grace's emotions rose when Evan didn't give an answer. “I said stop!”Evan ignored what she said. He kept the car running.“You said we can't be friends anymore like we used to, so please stop the car. I'm getting off," Grace insisted. Nevertheless, her stomach felt very churning so she chose to speak in a low voice. “Please, Evan.”Evan stopped the car, but he centrally locked all the car doors so they couldn't be opened.After Grace unbuckled her seatbelt, she tried to open the door but couldn't. "Unlock it," she ordered."Grace. Listen. We really can't be like we used to be. But that doesn't mean I can let a girl walk alone at night," Evan told her, feeling annoyed. “What kind of man do you think I am?”Grace turned her body so that she was fully facing Evan. "A man who broke his promise, who broke up a friendship for no reason," she answered sarcastically.Evan was silent. He would never tell the real reason."Okay. I guess you won't tell me why. Then I won't stop b
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2021-12-08Always Been You 09 October 31st
Every day, there were many things Grace did in order to carry out her 'Operation Disturbing Evan'. Starting from small things like taking over the office clerk's job to bring drinks for Evan, to taking care of everything in the HR department that required contact with the GM.Many rumors began to emerge regarding Grace's actions. Among them was licking the GM’s boots to get a promotion. While the subject of the conversation, Evan, ignored her, her closest colleague, Nita, had been nagging her for the past hour."Don't worry, Nita. Everything will be fine. When I feel cornered and have to do something about it, then I will tell them that Evan is my best friend." Grace replied casually.Nita put on a straight face while letting out a sigh. "You're really stubborn, aren't you?" she said, pinching Grace's arm a little.Since the pinch left no pain, Grace just chuckled. "Nita, there are more important things for me to do than just think about what people say about my actions," she said calm
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2021-12-09Always Been You 10 Reconsideration
"Grace, you still look unwell." Indah looked worried to see her daughter was still weak.During the weekend, Grace spent most of her time in her room. Or, she would sit on the terrace of her house doing nothing. She tried to recover from the bad memories that plagued her mind. She needed to focus on her work, especially in the last three months before the year ended."I'm fine, Mom. See, I can smile this wide, can't I?" Grace bared a row of her neat teeth.Indah shook her head in surprise at Grace's persistence. She knew very well that her daughter never wanted to worry her. But surprisingly, she did prove it. The sadness she was experiencing passed quickly and the wide smile would return, just like this time."Okay. But you better go home with Anthony. Every afternoon he passes by your workplace,” said Indah.Grace sighed and said, “Mom…don't make Anthony do it. Since you asked him for help, he must feel bad to say no. He could be home earlier, but unfortunately has to wait for me abo
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2021-12-10Always Been You 11 Forcibly Stopped
“Grace really doesn't know her place. Not to mention, how rude she was for calling Mr. Williams by his first name." "Right. Does she think Mr. Williams would fall for her? Having just been given a chance to speak up, she acts as if she can do as she pleases.” “What a lowly woman. She is completely out of Mr. Williams' league who is an Oxford graduate." The mean words grew fiercer in the next few days. They were not only spoken behind Grace’s back anymore but also right in front of her. She was getting sick of being bullied and almost exploded, distracting her focus. Fortunately, she could still restrain herself from proclaiming the truth that she was Evan's best friend. Luckily, Mario was a wise manager. Since the beginning, he had created a good atmosphere in the HR department. When there were bad rumors about Grace, her office was a safe place for her. The staff also didn’t carelessly judge and indulge in meaningless rumors. “Grace, can you come with me to my office?” Mario appr
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2021-12-11Always Been You 12 Sick of It
“Grace, Anthony’s here.” Indah touched Grace who was lazily leaning on the couch. Even though it wasn’t a holiday or weekend, Grace finally made up her mind to take sick leave. Luckily, Mario granted her wish and considered that she could use the break. All night long Grace had shed so many tears inside her bedroom. Right when she woke up, later than usual around eight in the morning, she had a little breakfast and rested on the couch. The TV was turned on, but she didn’t even look at it. Grace turned to her mom. “Just tell him to come in, Mom. I don’t feel like moving a finger. It might be because I’m having my period,” she reasoned. In fact, she had finished her period three weeks ago. Indah believed that something wrong had happened. However, her daughter didn’t tell her anything but the reason behind her sick leave. She was sure Anthony knew something about it. Returning to the living room where Anthony was sitting, Indah didn’t ask him to come to meet Grace right away. She as
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2021-12-14Always Been You 13 Battlefield
Returning to the office meant entering a battlefield. Grace armed herself with several ‘weapons’. Firstly, to tackle the harsh words spoken by some fellow employees. Secondly, to avoid getting involved with Evan. Grace made a request to Mario to let Nita replace her as the assistant manager for some period of time. It was initially burdensome for both Mario and Nita. Mario preferred to have Grace for having more experience and skills. Meanwhile, Nita felt more capable of working with a computer than standing in public. However, she pulled her best effort by giving some reasonable alibis until her request was finally granted. For approximately a month Grace successfully avoided Evan. Every time being asked to do something related to the GM, there was an excuse she could come up with to escape. She even left her place only when she had to go to the restroom or pantry, once a day. Not to mention how she made sure that she would finish work and leave the office on time. This proved that
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2021-12-21Always Been You 14 Someone New?
The advice from the strange woman made Grace deep in thought. Logically, Evan and she were just best friends, nothing more. However, the hidden feelings and hopes for Evan's return in her heart made her doubt. She knew there was something more to it than just being friends. Nonetheless, Grace thought it might only be a one-sided thing. Otherwise, Evan would have acted differently toward her. As a matter of fact, he had the heart to stay aloof from her. Grace’s mind had been all about Evan all this time. She even felt more restless after he’d come back compared to when he was absent. She thought that it was time to open her heart for another chance. ‘Then find something else to focus on, in order to forget him. Could be another man, or a new hobby.’ The stranger’s voice rang in her ears again. “Another man? The closest and possible one is definitely Anthony. But … I’m not ready.” Grace was talking to herself while sitting at her desk inside her bedroom. Before her, laid a personal j
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2021-12-24
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Always Been You Extra 02 : The Future
Dealing 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
Always Been You 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
Always Been You 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
Always Been You 44 Almost Midnight
There 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
Always Been You 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
Always Been You 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
Always Been You 41 Ex-Friend
Anthony's impudence affected Grace's mind. After all, she had been close to him; someone who once was able to put a smile on her face, when Evan hadn't returned. After his dad's death ceremony finished, Anthony disappeared without a word.Due to problems involving Anthony, Grace was forced to find a replacement for Nina to help run Indah’s pastry shop. It wasn't that she didn't want to hire the girl anymore, but that her family had withdrawn from dealing with Grace. It wasn't surprising, but still sad for her.She must admit that Nina's replacement was not as competent and deft as she was. But finding someone honest and willing to work as a cashier for a small shop was not easy. Therefore, Grace spent a little more of her time taking care of the shop every day like before."Are you dizzy, babe?" Evan stroked Grace's hair, who was counting money in the shop.A weak smile appeared on Grace's face. "Not dizzy. Just a little tired," she replied. "Got more work in the office today."Evan si
Always Been You 40 Laughter and Tears
The sun's rays penetrated through the gaps in the curtains that were not completely closed. The cold night was slowly replaced by the warmth of the sun. But the comfort that enveloped Grace made her reluctant to move from her place. Her hand moved to pull the blanket that was slightly dangling to the floor. That's when she felt something odd.The temperature of the air conditioner was set to the lowest and the sunlight was not the source of warmth she was feeling. When her eyes brightened, it was clear that there was now an arm supporting her head and another arm hugging her waist from behind. Even her fingers intertwined with those of the arm’s owner.'Good heavens. How did I get here?' Grace lifted the blanket up a little just to check if she was still fully clothed."Nothing happened. We just slept through the night.”Grace woke up in a hurry, then moved to another bed and sat down.“In the middle of the night, you suddenly moved to my bed, saying you felt cold. I wanted to turn up
Always Been You 39 A Business Trip?
The special assignment given to Grace required her to make a short trip to Lombok. The Spanish investor couple welcomed her warmly, like their own daughter; the woman, especially, always clung to her hand from the moment they met until they arrived at the beautiful resort in the south of Lombok.It was a private three-bedroom villa where Grace, the Dominguez, and the hotel owner, Roger, and his wife stayed. As previously informed, the other two rooms with a king bed each were occupied by the husbands and wives, and Grace was alone in the room with twin beds. The aim was to make it easier for them to negotiate, but at the same time get to know each other in a soothing place. A typical warm Spaniard, as Grace often read from cultural articles.There was not much to do once they were in the villa. Apart from chatting and having lunch together, Mr. and Mrs. Dominguez chose to relax on the balcony of their room. Meanwhile, Roger was sleeping in the bedroom, and Melissa, his wife, was making
