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Extra 02 : The Future
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2022-03-17 22:30:25Related chapters
Always Been You 01 Game of Fate
[2007, April] “Hey, hey. Are you there?” This question continued to sound vague in Grace's ears. But her eyes were too heavy to open, her head too dizzy to be fully awake. “Please, save my Mom,” she said softly. It was raining heavily that afternoon. The sky looked so gloomy. The cars that were barely moving and filling the one-way street, were then completely motionless due to a traffic collision involving three motorcycle riders. While Grace and her mom helplessly lay down on the street, the guy who caused this fateful incident escaped. Having been in the same shoes once, Evan could care less about his expensive clothes being wet and dirty. He just wanted to help the casualties. As he was helped by a total stranger in the past and could get a second chance at life, he also wanted to pass that kindness on to others. “Help! Call an ambulance!” Evan shouted at everyone around him. He took off his backpack and put it under the girl's head as a pillow. “Please wait here.” Afterward,
Last Updated : 2021-08-15Always Been You 02 Familiarity
No one could replace Evan in Grace's heart. Even though she didn't know how he had been, she still hoped that he would be okay. In fact, she continued to pray that their communication breakdown was not because something bad had happened and taken his life. Nevertheless, a man came into Grace’s life almost a year ago, giving her warmth and filling her emptiness. His name was Anthony, several years older than Grace, and was the owner of a grocery store in her neighborhood. He and his family only moved here a year and a half ago. The two met for the first time when Grace bought some groceries at his store. But there was no TV series scene where one could fall in love at a glance. Their closeness only started when they were appointed to organize the Independence Day celebration. Grace discovered that Anthony was a hard worker, the breadwinner of his family. Her father was sick and her mother was gone, and he had two younger sisters who were still pursuing studies and needed a lot of mon
Last Updated : 2021-08-15Always Been You 03 Reunion
In the mid-year holiday season, hotels in Bali were flooded with tourists, as usual. Grace's HR assistant position that she got after years of working there demanded that she always be busy. Even though she wasn't directly involved in handling the guests, she still had a lot more work to do than usual. Especially along with the hotel growth where new and qualified employees were needed. Grace's dexterity since her first year of work immediately caught the HRD manager's attention. Before getting the position as his assistant, she was always asked to join Mario in meetings with the General Manager. According to the schedule, a brief meeting to replace the GM position with the new person was to be held this morning at ten. The aim was to introduce managers, as well as their assistants. So Grace came to fetch Mario at his office. "You look different, seemingly more beautiful today," said Mario when he saw his assistant. Wearing a light blue blouse and a black knee-length skirt was noth
Last Updated : 2021-08-15Always Been You 04 Competition
Not being given a chance to try doesn't mean losing. Grace didn't want to give up so easily. She might not be able to take the test to become an executive secretary to GM, but she had other ways.Grace managed to persuade many employees from various divisions to apply for the secretary position. This way Evan would feel overwhelmed doing it all by himself. Thus, he would need help from the HRD in order to sort out the candidates.Initially, Nita was the one asked to handle this task. Nonetheless, after convincing Mario that she could do better, Grace successfully replace her. Knowing all along what Grace was planning, Nita did not refuse at all.The registration time window was limited to one day. All the data of the applicants had been collected. According to the requirements proposed by Evan, Grace sorted the applicants. Quite a number of them had to be eliminated in the administrative selection stage.There were ten candidates out of eighty-seven applicants left. Grace was now walki
Last Updated : 2021-12-03Always Been You 05 Keep On Trying
Of the ten candidates tested, only two met Evan's standards. One was a man and the other was a woman. Both of them excelled in administrative matters—one of the most important skills as a secretary, but they must be able to follow Evan’s work rhythm. As seen from the psychological test result, they both belonged to the type of workers who were predominantly melancholic, in other words, too careful.This situation was in contrast to Evan, the choleric type who was very agile; a good fit for a leader. He always did things quickly. He was never a slowpoke type.Grace wanted to take advantage of this to get the secretary position. She didn't want to stop fighting for it. Her brilliant brain gave her an idea. She decided to talk about the candidates' weaknesses with Evan.“Mr. Williams, are you sure the two selected people have the qualities that meet your standard? They are the exact opposite of you," said Grace, still standing in front of Evan's desk after handing out the final exam paper
Last Updated : 2021-12-04Always Been You 06 Mr. Cold-hearted
Evan didn’t want to spend too much time on selecting the new executive secretary. Once the last two candidates passed the last test, he decided to choose the male one for possessing better credentials. This absolutely gave Grace no chance at all to thwart him.However, Grace was sure enough that she still had access to connect with her best friend, either as an executive secretary or not. After all, she was an assistant to the HRD manager who would always get involved in any meetings with the GM.That was another ordinary day. There was almost nothing different. Grace finished doing her job that day and was getting ready to leave for home.“Grace, are you really not going to hang out with us tonight? Oh, come on. It’s Friday night.” Nita was trying to persuade her colleague who always refused to have fun every single time.“It’s not that I don’t want to come, but I have a mom who works back at home. My mom’s small drink stall opens at four and closes at seven. At least, I can help her
Last Updated : 2021-12-06Always 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 2021-12-08
Latest chapter
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
