"I refuse," says Jane, crossing her arms. Although her body leans comfortably on the sofa layered with thin wool, her gaze is sharp as she faces her interlocutor.
"I knew you'd say that." The man in front of her laughs. "But, Olive," he casually takes out a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it immediately and taking a slow drag, exhaling the smoke. Regardless of the lounge in the hotel now appearing full of smoke. "You can't easily refuse this."
"The compensation issue? I think Brina can tell you how much money I've gathered."
Fabian laughs even more. "Oh my, our supermodel can boast now."
Jane rolls her eyes in annoyance. "Come on, this isn't a small matter, Fabian. I don't want to be associated with Goojoo again."
"I understand that very well, Olive." This time, Fabian puts his cigarette in the ashtray. Letting the butt burn itself out. He really needs to talk seriously about this. "Ursula doesn't want to continue the collaboration. Rumors swir
Calysta feels a bit weird about Kate's departure this time. The woman looks happy and even smiled at her during breakfast. But ever since she moved in, Kate has always been antagonistic and avoided conversations with her."Is something bothering you?" Austin asks, now seated at his spot. The dinner table is filled with tonight's offerings."No, nothing," says Calysta with a sweet smile. She quickly fetches a few dishes for her husband, occasionally asking if Austin's portion is enough for tonight. Once satisfied, they eat peacefully. Not much is said, but Calysta's mind is filled with many questions, especially about Kate's change in behavior."You're not listening to me, Honey?" Austin asks, wiping the corner of his lips. He intentionally made his portion small this time. Not because he's not hungry, but because his work isn't a hundred percent done yet. Usually, he doesn't bring work home. But lately, there have been enough complaints to give him a headache.
Jane settles comfortably on the long sofa right by the large glass window. The view she can enjoy is of Yazeran at night. The first time she came to this place, partly sandy and the heat was enough to limit her movements, Jane fell in love. With the ethnic lines on clothing and ornaments found in almost every public building there.And because of that, most of the souvenirs from Yazeran in her hands are woven cloth, each with its own characteristics as a marker that the fabric is a souvenir from the desert region. Under Giselle's creative hands, the fabric becomes a comfortable dress that makes Jane feel close to Yazeran.It's also the dress she wears for dinner with Fabian tonight. It's not unusual for Jane to hear praise from the man. And his annoying, almost nauseating behavior towards her, Jane can't just shake him off. The man always finds a way to put Jane back under his control.Including now. Where Jane occupies the suite at the famous Paradise hotel in
"Thanks for helping out," Kate says with a slight smile. "And your homemade cookies are getting better."Danisa pouts. "I even went out of my way to dive straight into the kitchen. Why does it still feel like something's missing?" But then she laughs. "Guess the kitchen just isn't my forte.""You're right," Kate says, immersed in the laughter created by her friend. "Send my regards to Jane. Who knows when we'll get to enjoy her dishes."Kate gently rubs Danisa's shoulder. "You're not alone in feeling that way, Danisa. I feel the same.""Especially you, Kate," Danisa says with a thin smile. "Are you really okay with everything that's happened? You know, not talking to you somewhat tortures me. That woman is way out of line treating her own mother-in-law like that.""I never considered her as a member of the Don William family," Kate chuckles. "Don't worry, I can still hold my own. As long as my silence is seen as foolishness and helplessness in Caly
Austin asks his assistant to double-check the financial reports and requests that came in until last week. Who knows, the answers he needs might be there. Last night, he couldn't finish the rest of his work. Instead, he sat by the window, scrolling through social media and news about his ex-wife.There isn't a single news item that directly bothers him. Even the dinner party where Austin crossed paths with Jane twice didn't make it to the media. No, Austin doesn't believe what he sees because he knows for sure there's someone pulling the strings behind the scenes.Isn't that good? Their divorce isn't being sensationalized in the news, which would drag him down. Austin doesn't like being involved in the world of celebrities. Most of them just need big names to climb to the top."I don't really care how she rises as long as she doesn't bother me. But Jacob's words from some time ago proved to be true." He compares Jacob's report with separate files. Many compariso
"According to a source Mommy trusts, there has been some debate about the ongoing marketing. Although some big shots at Goojoo know who you are, Jane, but since this is already outside of Goojoo, you're considered someone who works independently and can provide their own benefits."Kate's explanation in front of Jane and Fabian does make sense."But this is too coincidental, right?" Jane asks, sighing softly. "Maybe if it were targeting Giselle or Harvey, I personally wouldn't have too many suspicions."Kate nods, understanding the concerns of the woman in front of her. When the car carrying them stops at one of the tall buildings in downtown Yazeran, the person Kate doesn't really want to meet welcomes them. With a mischievous grin and an overly relaxed demeanor.Although they've known each other for quite some time, but still, when she remembers their conversation, that night when they accidentally met at Jane's house, annoyance reigns in Kate's heart a
"How's it going?" Samantha asks, a little excited. They're enjoying some time in the midst of what's actually a pretty busy schedule. But for Samantha, being here with a cup of coffee she likes and some snacks as company, it's all good. After all, Sams Group has been buzzing since the woman in front of her got involved.That's why Samantha won't easily let go of the woman who's now part of her family."I've tried to persuade Austin," Calysta sighs softly. "But it seems my persuasion skills still aren't enough. He just said he'll think about it.""Have you given him the best reason?" Samantha chuckles softly. "Usually, when you give that reason, even a tough guy like Austin won't be able to resist.""I have." Calysta's shoulders slump even more. "But it's okay. I'll wait patiently for his decision. I'm sure he won't be able to refuse me that easily."Samantha nods confidently. "No problem. While having an assistant helps me, since this position is j
Frustration builds up, fists clenched, and Austin curses under his breath, but still, the outcome remains the same. It hasn't been resolved quickly. Checking various parts takes quite some time. But still, as long as Goojoo is in his hands, and as long as he's under his father's supervision, there hasn't been a problem like this before.Plus, with what's going on, related to the project he recently got. He's already cautioned the staff involved in the project to concentrate more because the number they'll be producing is much higher than last year. There's trust, but there's also hard work to prove they're capable."Still no word from Richard?" Austin asks, sitting roughly in his oversized chair. It's been the second day since the bad news hit him through email. He couldn't just take it easy then. He acts quickly, and one of them is asking Richard to check there in person.I don't know what his trusted man is doing in Yazeran, but one thing is clear, the distanc
"Have they arrived?" Austin asks, checking the circular watch on his left wrist. It's almost an hour past the confirmed arrival time Fabian gave earlier."In a moment, Sir. Their car has entered the lobby area and is being directed straight to the upper floor to avoid the journalists. They're all after news about Miss Jane."Austin keeps striding towards the meeting room. At least he has to host the guests well, not let his image worsen. And he shouldn't lose focus either."Mrs. Calysta is also on her way to the office, Sir."Austin's steps slow down a bit. "For what?""She said she wants to meet the new Goojoo icon. Seems like Mrs. Calysta is giving full concentration to sales. I've seen her discussing a lot with Mr. Jacob in the past few days. Along with Mrs. Samantha, of course."Austin chooses to hold onto that information and pick the right time to talk to his wife. Since the investor trouble in Milan, his concentration has been disrupt
Jane tightened the coat she was wearing a little. The road she was walking on was a little slippery, even though she was wearing boots and watching her step, she still had to be very careful. The air around her dropped a few degrees from what she expected."Are you okay?" asked Fabian as he fixed the scarf Jane was wearing."That question is for you, Fabian." Jane chuckled. Fabian's face was already very red from the cold that hit them."You're really out of your depth when it comes to the place you'd most like to visit." Fabian spluttered. Rubbing his hands even though he was wearing gloves."But this place is exotic, right?"Fabian could not disagree with Jane's words just now. Especially seeing the twinkle that wouldn't leave since they arrived at the airport closest to this place. no. not close, but within reach of the place where they spent their days and time together after becoming husband and wife.The trip to Tibet was tiring but Ja
Jane couldn't help but laugh. "Forgive Fabian then.""No!" Rosalyn shook her head. "After you are married, you must stay at our house. There's a lot we want to hear about your relationship. Oh, my God! Fabian was really testing my patience. Why else would Zephyr have such a troublesome brother like Fabian!"The woman wasn't really angry. Just grumbling about her brother's behavior which she thought was a bit out of line. More than anything, Rosalyn was happy and touched. There was nothing she could do but wish them both happiness. Although the relationship between her husband and Fabian was not blood, couldn't a brotherhood be formed because of the setting? After all, Zephyr's affection for Fabian was not a trivial matter.Rosalyn realized that."We will definitely visit often, Ros. I promise. I'll make Fabian obey me in visiting you."Rosalyn smiled brightly. "Ah..." she felt like pulling Jane into her arms but it was impossible. She might get ang
"Quiet look on your face, Olive," Ursula said casually, but at least this redheaded woman's arrival came with the mineral bottle Jane needed."Hey, you're talking out of your ass," Harvey retorted with a disapproving glint in his eye. It's so representative of Jane's expression that he has to keep his smile and the outfit he's wearing this afternoon. He wants to talk a lot but the tension that's engulfing him doesn't go away easily."Did you forget how tense you were before the ceremony to legalize marriage?" Harvey spoke again with a look that had not been released from Ursula. The insinuated one, meanwhile, just shrugged her shoulders without feeling guilty. His hand skillfully unscrewed the bottle cap and handed it to Jane.As she said, "Drink first, relieve the tension. It's even more tense in front of the priest. You're about to take your vows for life with Fabian. You know, that's the moment when you have to convince your heart whether you can live togethe
Austin stared for a long time at the cell phone that displayed news about his ex-wife. Many things had apparently been accomplished by the woman who once lived with him in the big house that was now much quieter. Not wanting any regrets, Austin chose to put the phone back in the drawer.Their last meeting, although it left quite a deep impression on Austin, still wouldn't change anything. everything that had happened, could not be regretted more deeply. It was useless. He also didn't want to dwell on what was present in his life. He had to keep going, right? There was no way he could stay in the same spot while lamenting why he could be so stupid as to give a judgment?"You deserve real happiness, not a false one that ends horribly when you're with me, Jane." Austin let out a long sigh. His eyes were firmly closed with his hands clenched. He shook his head softly as his mind suddenly replayed the memory of his ex-wife's presence in the house."At least God is st
"How was your honeymoon?" asked Giselle without any awkwardness. She was being helped to wear a peach-colored dress that wrapped her body gracefully. On the back, there was a large, well-embroidered ribbon decorated with beautiful maple leaves."Do I have to tell you in detail?" Ursula gave Harvey an ignorant glance. "You must be curious, right, Harvey?"The girl who was wearing brocade gloves just chuckled. Her eyes looked at Ursula through the reflection of the large mirror in front of her. "Aren't you the one who requested special teaching from me because you have no experience?"Ursula spluttered but then, looked up as if she was already an expert in the matter they were talking about. "But I can honestly say, I didn't use any of your advice."Harvey stuck out his tongue. "How could I!""Ask Richard directly how I acted in front of him.""I don't think it was Richard who pounced on Sula. It was the other way around." Giselle had finished
"Looks like he's busy with his cell phone." Brina giggled in the doorway of Giselle's room. Jane stood not far from her. In her hand was a tray of chicken soup and porridge that she had made for Giselle.Hoping that the girl's appetite would return and her health would gradually improve. But it seemed, from the slight crack in Giselle's door that was not closed tightly, it could already be seen that Giselle was fine.Minus her pretty face scowling with eyes focused on the cell phone."But if you wait outside, Giselle won't eat this soup." Jane smiled slightly and knocked lightly on Giselle's bedroom door. Suddenly, the girl was slightly startled and hid her cell phone.Just like a teenage girl who was caught doing something. But so be it. As long as nothing made Giselle sad or disappointed, Jane was happy."I hope you like my cooking."Giselle smiled widely. "When would I turn it down." She prepared to sit on the back of the bed. The blanket
"I just want to go home," Giselle said in a low tone but her eyes were full of pleading. Which made Jane sigh repeatedly. I don't know how many times she shook her head with excuses, but none of Jane's words were heard by Giselle."Until your IV bag runs out, Giselle. The doctor is very tolerant of that." Harvey spoke this time. There was an unspoken but clearly audible final tone that made Giselle look away."You're so stubborn!" Harvey scowled. He was getting a bit annoyed with Giselle's childish behavior this time. It was much more troublesome with Giselle's unreasonable behavior than Ursula's indulgence that sometimes made him uneasy.Brina, who had been accompanying Giselle, could only remain silent. It also seemed like she had given up on giving many words to the beautiful girl who was lying weak."Can you leave us alone?" asked Jane which made them all look at her in surprise. Which Jane greeted with a warm smile. "I want to talk to Giselle. You do
As the grand show approached, there was nothing much Jane could do. The four pillars of SEO were specially asked to participate in the event to commemorate SEO's eighth anniversary. For most people who are familiar with SEO's signature clothing pieces, this event is highly anticipated. Because there will be many surprises given by Fabian there.Including special discounts for the purchase of certain items.Who wouldn't be tempted? Plus being able to attend the event, which for this year opened up a much wider reach."The concept is really good," says Giselle as she enjoys Jane's fruit jelly. The trip to Long Island and then to Milan and back to the city center where she lives was quite draining. She felt like her body could collapse at any moment. And it also felt like she had a queasy stomach.The effects of a long trip were quite miserable for Giselle."You'd better get some rest, Giselle." Jane approached as she set down the cup of tea she had j
The wedding party, which was predicted to be the most luxurious party of the year, was very well organized. Not many problems occurred because Ursula hired the services of a leading WO and was known for her very high-flying hours at major celebrity events. This includes officials and influential people living in the country.The red-haired girl's smile was beautiful as she accompanied all the events that took place a few hours after the sacred vows between them were lovingly exchanged."I don't know who's lucky to get who," Harvey says, wiping the corners of his eyes. Beside him sat Giselle and Jane. He was in the middle of his two friends. Not only her, but her two friends also seemed to be moved by the bond that was now in Ursula's life."They're both lucky, Harvey," Giselle said with a big smile. "I'm so happy today to witness the beginning of Sula's happiness.""You're right." Jane chimed in. "I pray they are always blessed with happiness.""Ca