A message appeared on Celine's phone. She opened it reluctantly, knowing the sender was her ex-boyfriend, whom she despised. Leo had never changed since the beginning; he was always immature and willing to do anything to achieve his desires, even if it hurt others."Sorry, I'm busy," Celine replied."I know. Can I come to your house?""Can't you read? I'M BUSY!"Celine's chest thundered. Dealing with a guy like Leo was incredibly irritating. Without much thought, Celine blocked Leo's contact on her messaging app. She was truly fed up with the guy who had once caused her so much pain!"Damn it, this guy! Does he think I don't know he's the reason I broke up with Zack?" Celine exclaimed angrily, glaring at her phone.Her anger spilled into a WhatsApp status. She expressed her frustration about her ex's actions. However, deep in Celine's heart, another reason for her rage was the profound loss of Zack.She wasn't fully ready to part ways with Zack. The reality was that everything had hap
The night was getting late. All the afternoon shift employees had left the production area. Some of them, including Celine, went straight to the parking lot, ready to go home. Her eyes scanned for her automatic scooter, her companion for the past few years.The girl smiled upon seeing the blue-white scooter far from the parking lot entrance. After taking and starting her scooter, Celine left the export shoe factory. However, her steps halted when she saw a man with a big motorcycle smoking in front of the factory."Leo?""Oh, Celine. Heading home?""Yeah. What are you doing here at this hour?""Just wanted to make sure you're safe. Shall I accompany you home?""No need. I can go home by myself.""It's okay, I'll stay behind you.""Whatever!" Celine exclaimed lazily.She then started her scooter again and passed by Leo, leaving him behind. Nevertheless, Leo was persistent. He still dared to follow Celine until she reached her home, even though, in the end, he only saw Celine from behin
Zack sipped his iced tea slowly. His heart raced faster, but he tried to keep his composure. He didn't want to appear nervous before Kylie, his cousin. Occasionally, he squeezed his cooling fingers and took another sip. The snacks they had ordered remained untouched for several minutes. "Hey, you look so nervous, don't you?" Kylie asked as if she knew what Zack was feeling. "No, I don't," Zack lied. "Don't lie! Your face shows it all," Kylie laughed, displaying her neatly arranged teeth. "Kylie, you never know how Celine's actually--" "Oh Gosh, I know, I'm her best friend, right? She just sometimes so childish but she was great and good." Kylie tried to explain her vision of Celine's attitude. "Yeah, I know it. But sometimes it can cause serious trouble for us to maintain our relationship you know," "Maybe you just need to be more patient," advised Kylie with a deep breath. "Hope Celine will get back together with me." "Amen." Zack resumed sipping his iced tea when two women
"Okay. This time, do what you think is best, Celine. I'll wait."."Thank you. Forgive me for doing this. But I don't want to be a victim again. I don't want to invest my feelings a hundred percent. I'm tired of being hurt. Anyway, your actions in the past few days have hurt me. Starting from suspecting me of having a relationship with Leo to seeing you having a meal with your ex. Don't you think that's too painful?"Zack remained silent, listening to Celine's complaints. He felt incredibly guilty for causing Celine so much pain. If he had been more realistic then and hadn't let his jealousy escalate, maybe Celine wouldn't be like this now."Celine, forgive me.""It's okay. I've forgiven you, Zack. But it doesn't mean I've forgotten. No! I still remember it to this day. I truly apologize.""It's okay. This is all my fault. I made you like this, Celine.""Give me time to think, okay?"Zack nodded, even though his heart felt heavy. "Sure, Celine. How long?""One week.""Isn't that too lo
"Since the incident of Zack's rejection at the cafe, Emma has grown to hate Celine even more. She contemplates various ways to punish the girl she considers cheeky and ungrateful. Celine had already won Zack's heart, but she decided to end it. Ingrate, Emma repeatedly thinks that Celine is a person who can't reflect on her actions.Already broken up with Leo, got Zack, then broke up again, while she? Approaching Zack only resulted in insults. Even Zack didn't give her time to explain everything.Emma saw Celine entering the factory, and her feelings turned to disgust. Moreover, she also felt a strong grudge against Zack. So, to vent her anger, she decided to attack Celine first. As the elders used to say, it's better to see the person you love happy with someone else than to see the person you love in sorrow.So, Emma planned to make Celine feel like she was in hell. Emma started her plan by approaching Kylie. Emma knew that Zack's cousin was a girl who easily got emotional, so she pu
"She's trying to impress the supervisor. Look at that; almost all the tasks that other friends do, she does them herself," Kylie said to Emma."I have no comments. I've already told you. Besides, I heard how she badmouthed us to the supervisor," Emma replied."If that's the case, this can't be ignored. We need to teach her a lesson. Everyone here already knows how to behave towards seniors," Kylie said, holding back her anger."Celine and I don't work too far apart. If I were to confront her, she could twist everything I say. It's different for you, as you're a real senior," Emma replied.Emma heated Kylie's emotions again with a sad face. She also reiterated that Celine shouldn't be left alone. Seeing her cunning nature, Celine would indeed not feel guilty."She'll keep avoiding and acting innocent!" Kylie cursed."That's clear, Kylie. It's predictable from her overly sweet demeanor. Look at her, smiling everywhere. It's disgusting. She can slander me, insinuating a connection with Za
"After the incident instigated by Kylie, Celine became more reserved. She didn't want what Kylie accused her of to be considered valid by her friends. However, no matter how hard Celine tried, some of her colleagues in the factory chose to distance themselves from her.They justified all of Kylie's previous statements. Moreover, compared to Celine, Kylie was much more senior and respected in the factory. Adding to that, Emma always spoke ill of Celine behind her back.Now, Celine felt truly alone. Almost every day since the incident, no one wanted to greet her, even with casual small talk. Celine felt even sadder when break time arrived. Now, no one wanted to go to the cafeteria or sit and eat lunch with her.Kylie had successfully made all of Celine's coworkers shun her like a pariah. Emma was delighted with what was happening to Celine. She felt happy that she had successfully taught Celine a lesson, and now her revenge against Zack was beginning to unfold.Emma successfully fueled
"Why is your face all scrunched up like that, sis?" Gina asked while sitting next to Celine."Feeling annoyed. Turns out workplace bullying exists, huh?" Celine replied, gazing at her younger sister."What do you mean?" Gina asked, not understanding."I've had a pretty serious issue these past few days. I had a conflict with Kylie," Celine explained."Kylie?" Gina looks so surprised."Yes.""Oh, how did that happen?"Celine finally shared everything that had been happening at the factory where she worked. For the past few days, Celine had felt burdened and overwhelmed. There was no friend she could confide in and share her feelings with. In times like these, Celine truly missed Zack. However, her pride and ego prevented her from contacting him."As far as I know, Kylie isn't the type of person who's evil," Gina said."That's what I thought too. I believe someone else is deliberately making things worse," Celine continued."Who could it be?" Gina asked, starting to think critically."I
About 5 years later ...."Don't run around, Dear. You might fall."Celine tried to catch Eve, who was happily running around in the yard, though she struggled a bit due to her bulging belly. Despite the difficulty, Celine continued to chase after her princess. Witnessing this from inside the house, Zack quickly walked over to them."Sweetheart, don't make Mama worried," Zack said, catching and holding Eve in his arms."Papa, why haven't the others come yet? It's taking so long," Eve said amusingly.At the age of five, Eve was already very smart. Celine and Zack never expected their firstborn to be chatty like her mother but wise like her father."They'll be here soon, don't worry. That's why Eve has to be a good girl. No mischief, no running around, be kind to Mama," Zack continued, pointing towards Celine.Celine smiled while gently rubbing her growing belly. She was truly grateful that, in this second pregnancy, she didn't experience the same difficulties as her first. Even the docto
Not hearing Joe's response to her question convinced Kylie that it was true. That the real reason was Joe being tempted by the charm of the karaoke hostess. "Oh God...," Kylie moaned. She was still accompanied by sobs that seemed endless from her red lips. "You're so heartless!" she protested angrily. Honestly, Kylie never expected that her husband, who in her mind was always gentle and deeply in love with her, would have intentions to betray their sacred love! Her mind refused to accept it. "I can't believe that you have such rotten behaviour. At home, I pretend to be gentle and full of love for myself, but outside, I shower the same love to another woman. Even a karaoke hostess gets a share of your affection!" Kylie continued to curse while seeking forgiveness repeatedly. Her heart was in pain. Very painful, indeed; she couldn't describe how hurtful it was when the fleeting temptation of a karaoke hostess overshadowed her pure love and dedication! For a wife, there is no more s
After fully understanding her husband's intentions, Kylie's body automatically rose. Even the table in front of her shifted due to her movements. With an unconsciously gasping breath, Kylie looked towards Joe with a poignant and sharp gaze."You want to get married again? Hahaha! Don't joke!"Kylie tried to laugh, although it felt like the laughter coming from her mouth was very bitter. She tried to think positively, assuming that Joe was joking or trying to surprise her with some emotional twist. Unfortunately, Joe still looked very serious.The man stood up. His eyes glanced anxiously at Kylie as if afraid that the woman before him would explode."Kylie, please listen to me first. I am not joking at all. There is a woman who needs my guidance, so I want to marry her to ensure that our closeness doesn't turn into a sin."Kylie blinked her eyes several times; a thousand pains seemed to pierce her heart. Yet, what Joe revealed might not even be true. She gazed at the face of the man wh
Spontaneously, Monica covered her mouth, unintentionally shocked by what had just been said by the man who had been filling her days recently—the man whom she had targeted to be her life support."Did I hear it correctly? Do you want to marry me?" That was the only question her tongue could muster, suddenly feeling stiff.Joe stared into Monica's eyes intensely,"Listen first. I mean, I want to ask permission from Kylie first, whether she allows me to marry you—""But of course, she has to agree. You have the right to make choices. Besides, religion doesn't prohibit it, right?" Monica interrupted with great joy.She almost couldn't contain herself from jumping with happiness.However, in front of her, Joe shook his head, making Monica pout because she didn't understand what the man meant by being so elaborate. Wasn't it the man's right as the husband to make decisions in his household?"That's not the correct concept, Monica. I am indeed the husband and have the right to decide the di
"Darling, where were you? I've been looking for you!"Kylie asked as she met her husband in front of the office building. Surprisingly, this made Joe, who had just returned from Monica's place, panic.With a tense expression, Joe immediately embraced Kylie's shoulders and said, "Darling, I had lunch outside. Lately, you've been so busy and always eating in your room. So, I thought you didn't want to eat with me!"It was okay if they didn't eat together because of Kylie's recent busyness. However, knowing that her husband had eaten elsewhere, Kylie felt confused.The woman, who always appeared in public wearing a hijab, asked, "Where did you eat? I had prepared your lunch as usual. Why didn't you eat that?"Joe grimaced, just remembering the packed lunch. When he went for lunch at Monica's place, Joe would usually ask his colleague to eat the packed lunch prepared by Kylie. But yesterday, Joe forgot to do so, and Kylie must have noticed the untouched lunchbox.Guiding his wife back int
On that afternoon during lunchtime, Joe was startled by the noticeable transformation in Monica's appearance. He spontaneously stared at the beauty of God's creation embodied in Monica's figure, now adorned in a soft salmon-coloured modern gown with a simple design that perfectly complemented her body.Her beautiful face was covered with a matching ssawl, styled how Kylie usually wore her pashmina. Instantly, Joe felt as if he were seeing Kylie's twin but in a more attractive package, as Monica's curves were still entirely exposed.For a moment, the time he seemed to stand still. Joe's desires, which he had been trying to suppress, ignited passionately. The sight presented by Vioan tempted his faith to its core. It seemed as though he was genuinely captivated by Monica's undeniable charm."Joe? Do you think I look good in this outfit?" Monica asked with an uncertain gaze. She intentionally displayed a shy smile to appear like a maiden seeking approval from her beloved. My goodness! Mo
"Hello, Honey. Have you finished your overtime?" Joe spoke into the phone as Kylie called him. Remembering, he told Monica to be silent. He couldn't let Monica make any noise that Kylie might hear.On the other end, Kylie replied, "Darling, it seems like I'm going to work overtime until 09:00. Is it okay if I add an hour? Because my work is not finished yet, and if I pile it up for tomorrow, I'll be overwhelmed."Joe took a long breath, but he felt a bit happy. If Kylie extended her overtime, Joe could spend more time with Monica. Finally, he replied, "Yes, that's okay. When you're done, call me, Honey!"After that, their phone conversation ended. Joe put his phone back in his pocket. Kylie was busy; even coming home had to be postponed. But it didn't matter for now because Joe was at Monica's inn."What's your wife's position in the company, Mas? Why does it seem like she's so busy, working overtime almost daily like this?"That was a question posed by Monica as she took her seat nex
Joe firmly emphasized to Monica that he did not want to betray Kylie. A sense of guilt immediately overwhelmed him. After returning from the mall, Joe promptly dropped Monica off at her accommodation. For now, that place was the safest for Monica.Joe then prohibited Monica from going back to the karaoke place. Instead, he always gave her money and had already bought her a phone for everyday use. Joe didn't want to label what he and Monica were doing as an affair, but he realized that what he had done couldn't be justified.A shiver ran down his spine as he thought about the possibility of Kylie finding out about his actions. Indeed, she would be deeply disappointed."Aren't you coming in? Although it's an inn, I'm free to bring guests inside! Because people staying here often bring their friends in freely, the owner never minds!" Monica offered before getting out of Joe's car.The invitation Monica gave sounded very tempting, and there was a strong desire in Joe's heart to nod his he
"Oh my God! You're so absurd!" Joe retorted, refocusing on driving. They were on a quiet road, so he had pulled over easily to recover from the shock of Monica's statement."How am I absurd? I do want to be your wife. I believe I can live a better life under your guidance. I'm sure because I see, Joe, you're so good as a husband," Monica elaborated, emphasizing her words. Joe, in turn, shook his head in disbelief, wondering about the basis of her thoughts."But there are still many single men out there who would want you, Monica!" Joe, once again, expressed his disapproval. He believed Monica should not dare to speak like that to a married man. Yet... why did he feel a sense of pride and joy when he first heard it? Oh God! Something was wrong with his heart, Joe pondered."I've met many men. Most of them only wanted my body," Monica lamented with a bitter tone. "They didn't care about my job. I want a life like other women, sheltered by their husbands, feeling safe and guided to becom