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26 Time Out
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2022-01-27 23:16:46Related chapters
Always Been You 27 Bad News
Everything had been going well until about a month later. There was no sign of both Grace's dad and Evan's mom, and they jump to the conclusion that their parents didn't come to Bali to meet Grace. Things got better and even progressed. Evan's psychological health improved, and Grace returned to her routine at the office and helped Indah after work. Additionally, with sufficient savings, Indah's small store had officially turned into a pastry shop. For Grace, there was nothing better than times like this. She started to see good things happening in her life with Evan being the old best friend she used to have and some improvements in her little family. She didn't hope for anything other than peace in life. It was Saturday noon and Grace knew it was time for her to take turns with Indah to stay in the shop. She left the house in a fairly perfunctory fashion and her hair tied up. The sun was high and it dazzled her eyes. She walked with her hands over the front of his head. Before en
Last Updated : 2022-01-29Always Been You 28 Support System
“Why did you follow us here? Your presence does more harm than good!” Grace almost yelled but quickly suppressed her angry voice as she remembered where she was.Randy tried to reach out to Grace but failed as she dodged right away. “Please, don't ask me to just leave like this. Give me just one chance. At least by helping your mom,” he pleaded in desperation.“Listen to me carefully, Mr. Harris. You have no right to take part in this family ever since you walked out of the house and stayed with another woman. I can take care of my family without your help.” Overwhelmed by great anger, Grace's ego grew even bigger. She didn't want any interference from someone who had hurt her and her mom.On a chair next to the bed where Indah was sleeping, Grace propped her spinning head with two hands. She couldn't think clearly after her dad's sudden appearance. Not to mention the diagnosis result had come out, stating that Indah had Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Since this disease was serious enoug
Last Updated : 2022-01-31Always Been You 29 Stroke of Fortune
Working at a hotel as well as managing Indah’s pastry shop wasn’t a piece of cake. Having lesser time to rest was energy-draining. Moreover, the HR department was never without work to finish. Indah wouldn’t have been able to do anything if she hadn’t pleaded with Grace. Eventually, she allowed her mom to make pastries but in a lesser amount than usual. Meanwhile, she dealt with the sales, assisted by Evan and Anthony. Seeing how hard Grace worked, Evan couldn’t just stay and watch. He knew that it was time for him to do something. Therefore, he deliberately created a new position that had never existed in the history of hotel management. After his proposal was approved by the hotel owner, he gave Mario, as the HRD manager, to internally spread the news. “Grace! Have you seen this? There’s a new position that best suits your skills!” said Nita, after running toward her colleague. Unenthusiastically, Grace turned to Nita. "What's that?" Without getting Grace’s permission, Nita open
Last Updated : 2022-02-01Always Been You 30 Self-efficacy
“Grace, you left your purse at home.” The sudden call coming from Indah stopped Grace from walking, right when she stepped into the hotel. “Goodness! Did I? I think I left it on the dining table?” Grace was reminded of her rare recklessness. “Kid, you got too nervous due to the pre-employment test.” Indah cackled with laughter. “I’ll send your purse over. Just calm down. Take a deep breath, and pray. I’m sure you can do it.” Grace’s smile appeared as soon as she heard Indah’s words of encouragement. She felt a little calmer, especially with her mom’s full support. “Okay, Mom. Please tell the delivery man to tell security to send it to Grace HR. There are several Graces here.” “Break a leg, mama’s girl!” This remark marked the end of the call. With a steady heart, Grace continued walking and stopped in front of the elevator. There were some people, whom she didn't know, waiting there too. Even so, she still showed a friendly smile to them. “Miss Grace!” It was clear who the cheerf
Last Updated : 2022-02-07Always Been You 31 Some Changes
Nita rushing back home wasn't a common sight to see. Grace was actually about to invite her to dinner with Evan, her mom, and also Anthony, after having received the good news. She was exuberant about being chosen as the head of the translation subdivision under her own steam. Likewise, unfortunately, Evan was too busy with work that required him to take Vino out of the office. It made Grace a little dispirited since there would only be her mom and Anthony. Grace went straight home and looked for some restaurant references after showering. While waiting for her mom to get ready, she texted Anthony to come at half past six. A moment later after getting the three best choices of the restaurants, Grace entered Indah’s room. She was about to inquire about her opinion. The bathroom door was closed, but she could see the light was still on from the ventilation. “Mom, why are you taking too long there?” Grace checked the digital clock on her phone and realized that Indah had spent nearly
Last Updated : 2022-02-09Always Been You 32 A Question
“We hereby announce that Mr. Williams has officially been assigned a minimum of six months to lead our new hotel branch in Vietnam. Most likely more. Hence, the position of GM will be temporarily replaced by Mr. Suganda. Hope everyone can work well together for the betterment of this hotel. The meeting is over." That was the announcement made by Roger, the hotel owner about a week after Evan returned. When everyone present at this important meeting left the place as if nothing had happened, it was different for Evan and Grace, who were disappointed. Each of them pondered over the sudden and unexpected decision. "So this is what you wanted to tell me last night?" Grace started the conversation when there was no one else in the meeting room but them. She made the sound of her voice calm and relaxed despite the turmoil in her heart. Evan nodded weakly with a heavy sigh. "Why in the world when things are settled and peaceful, must there be such an unpleasant situation?" he complained, t
Last Updated : 2022-02-11Always Been You 33 Another Question
“Why am I missing him already?” Grace mumbled to herself, staring at the laptop screen in her bedroom. Already getting used to being together and once again being separated still gave her unpleasant feelings, even though Grace and Evan's friendship had been mended. They stayed in touch as if no day without communication. At least they would send a short message. Evan sent pictures, showing every side of Vietnam he visited. On the other hand, Grace told him about her new daily work routine as the head of the translation subdivision, and the progress of Indah's pastry shop. Nina, Anthony's little sister, had been working as a cashier for the past three months at the pastry shop. Indah's workload was reduced and her health improved. As usual, Anthony helped deliver some pastry orders when it came to quite distant places. Without Evan being around, Anthony got more chances to spend more time with Grace. He made use of every opportunity well, still trying to win her heart.“Grace. What
Last Updated : 2022-02-15Always Been You 34 Restlessness
For the past two weeks, Anthony's deepest feelings had been troubling Grace. So far every kindness he had shown her and Indah had made a significant impression. There was even a time when she considered Anthony a good husband-to-be.Nevertheless, the trauma Grace had of men caused by her dad made her withdraw quickly. Like a flower having no time to bloom and yet suddenly dying due to winter.Surprisingly enough, Anthony didn't give up yet, even though he hadn't gotten any answer from Grace since that time. In Evan's absence, he used as much time as possible to show that he deserved a chance.Hence, Indah became more and more aware of what Anthony intended to do. She didn't mind his help at all. However, seeing the repercussions for her daughter, she felt the need to intervene."Do you think I have to talk to Anthony?" Indah asked when Grace was enjoying the porridge she made for breakfast.Grace shook her head. "No need, Mom. We are both adults. You don't have to get involved in this
Last Updated : 2022-02-17
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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
