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91: Does It Hurt?
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 92: Why Didn’t You Wait for Me?
With this in mind, Kartika averted her gaze, a veiled distance echoing in her voice, “Planning on settling down here long-term?”“Yeah, everything should be stable in about half a month.”At that, Kartika replied, “Then consider this an early congratulations on your return. However, I foresee my schedule being quite packed. It's unlikely I'll have spare time to hang out.”Dima needed no further hints to grasp the subtle rejection in Kartika’s tone. Yet, the impulsive youth he once was had evolved into a more patient man. Years had taught him not to rush things—for Kartika, he was willing to play a long game.“It's alright,” he maintained his calm, “We can catch up whenever you’re free. Just don’t forget this old friend, even after all these years."His unexpected composure left Kartika second-guessing her earlier assumption. Had she misunderstood his intentions?Quickly, she made peace with the idea. It was possible that Dima, after five years abroad, already had a girlfriend. The tie
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 93: Unguarded Remarks
Farhan's words paused, trailing off as they should have been followed by the revelation: I saw you come back in Dima's car.But the words never quite made it past his lips. Perhaps, he thought, she'd clarify things herself, especially after being dropped off right at their door.However, to Kartika's ears, she assumed he was broaching the topic of Lestari's accident. She was certain she hadn't pushed her, but there was little point in explaining—would he even believe her?He'd probably only believe in "his" Lestari, right?With this in mind, Kartika looked squarely at Farhan and retorted with a question of her own, "What did she tell you?""What?" Farhan was taken aback, his mind still preoccupied with her return in Dima's vehicle.After a beat, he caught up to what Kartika was asking about. "You mean Lestari?"The affection in his voice for Lestari didn't escape Kartika, prompting a mocking smile, "Yes. She got hurt, didn't she? If I told you she fell on her own, would you believe me
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 94: Take It or Leave It
The more Lestari pondered, the more her resentment festered, igniting fury that paid no heed to the attempts at restraint. There stood Lee, Farhan's aide, called in post-work hours by an abrupt summons, now silently observing the commotion at the hospital's entrance, her outburst scattering debris like confetti. He leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, a silent eyewitness to the unfolding drama, inwardly shaking his head at the facade crumbling before him. Despite the distressing idea of Lestari's potential scar, which the doctors had grimly predicted, his compassion was short-lived. The thought of Kartika's pregnancy instantly striped away any pity for Lestari. Especially when her friends incessantly insinuated to the all-too-trusting Farhan that it was Kartika who had pushed Lestari. How could Kartika, already silently bearing the brunt of her pregnancy, be responsible for such an act? If so, surely there must have been provocation. Lee's loyalty obviously lay with Karti
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 95: What Happened to Your Injury
With that stern edict, Farhan turned and made his way back up the hospital stairway, each step measured and resolute. Lee's mission to fetch back the defiant assistant was cut short when he saw Farhan's return. Pausing, he steeled himself for confrontation. "Mr. Qin, about Lestari, she—"Before they could finish, Farhan strode past without a sideways glance, consumed by the aftershocks of his clash with Kartika, and oozing an aura frostier than the hospital's antiseptic corridors.The crowd of women, picking up on the icy blast emanating from him, stood frozen in place, none daring to intercept him with questions or pleas.Yet Farhan hesitated at their silent stares, pivoting to scrutinize one among them."You, why are you still here?" he questioned, his voice razor-sharp, pinning Suo Qiao beneath an arctic stare that sent shivers down her spine, her mind scrambling for an alibi."Farhan!" In the midst of this standoff, Lestari's desperate voice echoed from across the hall.They all
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 96: I'm Right Here
Lestari was dumbstruck, feeling all color drain from her face.She could never have anticipated Farhan's words. What did he mean by advising her to be more careful next time? So, was he implying that today's fall, her injuries, were all her doing, and that Kartika had nothing to do with it? He wasn't planning on holding Kartika accountable, was he?No, that was not what she should be focusing on right now. The question at hand was why Farhan had returned with such a change of heart. It must have been something Kartika said, Lestari concluded, her face paling at the thought.In an instant, overwhelmed by her swirling emotions, Lestari lunged at Farhan, sobbing softly in his embrace."I'm sorry, I'll remember what you said. It's just...my wound hurts so much, and the doctors...they said it will scar. My mind is a mess right now. Where did you go earlier? Farhan, did you hear about the scar and think I'll be ugly... that you won’t want me anymore?"The soft warmth clinging to him only ag
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 97: Karma Comes Around
At the hospital, it was Vina Damayanti who took care of all the administrative tasks—registering, queueing, and paying—while Kartika, feeling under the weather, curled up in a chair tucked in a corner, waiting for Vina to handle everything.Vina returned to find Kartika's complexion was off, her concern mounting. "Are you okay? Being pregnant seems as bad as being ill," she remarked, reaching to check Kartika's forehead heat.Relieved to find her friend feverless, Vina assumed it was just the discomfort from morning sickness causing the issue.Kartika, rubbing against Vina's palm, let out a weak laugh. "I'm actually doing alright, just really sleepy and nothing else seems appealing except for sweets.""Eating sweets? Even in normal times, you shouldn't indulge too much, let alone during pregnancy. We'll check with the doctor," Vina responded, cautiously advising her friend.Kartika nodded in agreement, "Alright."Watching Kartika so obedient, Vina felt a nostalgic blend of affection a
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 98: I've Figured It Out
Kartika stood perplexed, the color draining from her face at Farhan’s words.She didn't expect him to say that—implying the accident was her own fault and clearing Kartika of any wrongdoing. It became clear that any hopes of peaceful coexistence with Lestari had dissipated, and Lestari would most likely blame Kartika for the fall, regardless of what had happened.It seemed Kartika would have to be more vigilant around Lestari from now on; the woman was not as simple as Kartika had initially thought. She might have pretended gentleness and vulnerability, which would be fine if true to her nature, but a façade hiding malice was a different matter altogether.“I’ll take good care of myself,” Kartika reassured Vina. “And look, her plot against me backfired, didn’t it?”“Yes,” Vina agreed with a nod. “It’s comforting when the harm intended for others rebounds upon the instigator.”Their conversation was interrupted as the waiter served up another sweet treat for Kartika.Vina’s eyes widene
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 99: Keep Your Distance
"It's nothing."Kartika answered Farhan with a faint smile, her shoulders raised in a slight shrug. "I was just trying to see things from your perspective, which is why I can understand why you might feel compelled to place the blame on me. You're protective of her, and that's normal."As she spoke, Farhan’s gaze bore into her, unrelenting and intense."So what then?" he bit back, his eyes narrowing with a predatory intensity."I mean, it's natural for you to prioritize her," Kartika continued, pausing briefly before adding, "If I were you, I would probably do the same."Kartika hadn’t been saved by someone before, hadn't felt the desperation that Farhan had, but she could still imagine, even if her empathy was only a fraction of what Farhan felt. That moment when death looms, when your next breath might be your last—only to suddenly find a hand reaching out to pull you back. Who wouldn't be moved by such an act?Farhan’s expression was overcast, his features stormy as he looked back
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Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 114: Just Hold Back for Now
The room fell silent at Su Qiao's unexpected suggestion. Everyone stopped to consider the possibility—Duan Ziye was a thug and literally a desperado, making him the perfect candidate for some dirty work.Lestari was shocked by Su Qiao's words and quickly tried to dissuade Duan Ziye from considering it. However, Duan Ziye was resolute in his conviction, indicating that he had never done anything significant for Lestari in the past but had sworn never to let anyone hurt her. If anyone dared, they would have to answer to him.Lestari's friends did not want her to speak well of Kartika anymore, asking Lestari what she had done to deserve Kartika's visit or any concern. The consensus was that since Kartika had not shown up for Lestari nor shown any remorse, she did not deserve any kindness in return.Lestari lowered her eyes in sadness, "I was just..."However, the others wouldn't let her finish. They knew of her kind nature, but they were not willing to be as forgiving if they were treate
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 113: Willing to Do Anything for Her
Su Qiao immediately stood up, ready to take action. "Is he still downstairs? I'll go send him away. What a toad lusting after a swan."Just as she was about to leave, Lestari stopped her. "Wait a second.""Let him come up," Lestari said quietly with an unexpected smile.The surprise in the room was palpable, voices raised in unison, "Lestari!?""Do you forget how he treated you before? Duan Ziye is a thug. If you let him come up, aren't you...""Su Qiao," Lestari's voice was gentle, "No matter how he treated me in the past, the fact that he found out I'm hurt and came to the hospital means he cares. Shouldn't I be touched by that? How can I send him away?"Others in the room were not convinced. "Lestari, he's not concerned about you; he's interested in you in that way. If you entertain him, he'll think he has a chance.""I know you're kind-hearted and think his visit is sincere, but if he had no ulterior motive, why would he come?""Don't be too soft-hearted. If he tries to do anythin
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 112: The Kiss Was Not Passionate Enough
Only Mrs. Qin was allowed to go inside for the check-up, while everyone else had to wait outside the examination room. Farhan, leaning against the window, absentmindedly touched his pocket and remembered it had been a long time since he last smoked. Though he had hardly been a heavy smoker, he’d completely quit just over a year ago, shortly after he and Kartika slept together by accident. Since then, he’d become almost addicted to her scent and the touch of her skin, and he began to kiss her every chance he got, at various times and places.After enduring a particularly grueling several-hour-long meeting that had left Farhan in a foul mood, he returned to his office looking to smoke for some relief. He had just lit a cigarette when Kartika walked in with some documents and, upon seeing him smoke, asked with concern, "Why are you smoking now? Are you feeling upset?"He didn’t respond, only staring at her with brooding dark eyes. At that time, Kartika and Farhan were on good terms, and
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 111: Can Also Get Hurt
Compared to Farhan's emotional upheaval, Kartika remained much more composed. "Just drive, we shouldn't delay Grandma's check-up."Without any outsiders around, Kartika didn’t feel the need to act, and her tone and expressions were genuine, no longer the performed warmth she'd held before. After asking him to drive, she noticed Farhan making no move to start the car, her brow slightly furrowing in impatience. She hadn't intended to confront Farhan so directly, but his words had been too aggravating, prompting her to snap...She scolded herself for losing composure especially when Grandma's check-up results were still unknown. Taking a deep breath to regain her calm, she was about to speak to Farhan when the car suddenly surged forward at high speed. Startled, Kartika turned towards Farhan and saw him driving furiously, his dark mood filling the car.Unexpectedly, Kartika felt a wave of immense grievance wash over her, and her nose tingled with the sensation of oncoming tears. Why, whe
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 110: Of Course We Give Her the Best
Mrs. Qin's embrace carried a refreshing scent of lemon, creating a relaxing atmosphere that made Kartika reciprocate the hug with warmth. Female elders always held a special place in Kartika's heart.Mrs. Qin noticed Kartika's affection and playfully tapped her nose. "Are you missing your mom?"Kartika was momentarily stunned by the reference to "mom" but then nodded in acknowledgment after regaining her composure. "Yes, I have missed you all.""Ah, sweet girl, we've missed you too," Mrs. Qin said, then pinched Kartika’s cheek, marveling at her soft skin. She grasped it a few more times before turning to Mr. Qin, "Did you bring the gifts for Kartika that we talked about?"Mr. Qin rummaged through his pocket and pulled out two small boxes. "I did."Mrs. Qin took the boxes and handed them over to Kartika. "Here, these are gifts from us on this trip."Kartika had always received gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Qin, even before marrying Farhan, and they had always been quite valuable. Mrs. Qin wo
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 109: Can You Bear to See Her with Someone Else?
After Kartika fell asleep, her breathing gradually became even and deep. Farhan moved to the other side of the bed, where she lay turned away from him, and discovered she was indeed sound asleep—not just asleep, but in a peaceful, deep slumber.Touching the cheek that Kartika had slapped earlier, Farhan's expression was somewhere between reality and doubt—was it not for a faint soreness, he would have thought the previous uproar was a mere illusion. After all, who falls asleep in one moment, deeply and without care, straight after being furious?Kartika's recent changes were so significant that Farhan felt he barely knew her. His heart was unsettled, his emotions with no outlet, yet as he watched her serene sleep, he found himself rendered speechless. When he finally left the bedside, he did so with an almost lighter step.Settling on the sofa outside, Farhan couldn't deny the wakefulness of his mind despite the late hour; Ji Qingbei's parting words at the bar repeated themselves in h
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 108: I Don't Really Like You
With these thoughts, Kartika let out a mocking laugh, her eyes looking at him with a cold intensity. "If you have needs, go to Lestari."Farhan's eyes darkened with a shadow of anger as he bit down hard. "I want you, no one else."Despite Kartika slapping him and telling him to leave, Farhan’s grip on her wrist tightened as he raised his voice in frustration. "Angry? Weren't you playing the role of the dutiful wife quite well these past days? Why stop acting now?"Furiously struggling against his grasp, Kartika no longer had any desire to reason with Farhan, her sole focus was to free herself.As he watched Kartika's vehement resistance, Farhan felt both irritated and pity. Recalling the recent conversations with Ji Qingbei and Mrs. Qin, he gripped her wrist tighter. "These were your own words before, so why are you angry now? Shen Nuonuo, what are you angry about?"He was trying to confirm something with his intense gaze. "Are you upset because I said you’re just a physiological need
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 107: It's Been a Long Time Since I Kissed Her
Gu Yanxi stormed off in a huff, leaving only Farhan and Ji Qingbei at the bar. Ji Qingbei glanced at Farhan, who seemed lost in thought, and thus refrained from initiating further conversation.After a short silence, Farhan asked in a low voice, "What did you mean by what you said just now?"Ji Qingbei's lips curved up slightly, "Don't you already know the answer?"Farhan looked up, his gaze heavy and dark, seeking clarification."What answer?""Farhan, do you remember the last time we were here I asked you if, after all these years, you still hadn't figured out what you really want?"Farhan paused, recalling that Ji Qingbei had indeed inquired the same. The question felt familiar from earlier in the evening with his grandmother. However, when Ji Qingbei had asked previously, Farhan didn't give it much thought and disregarded the remark.Observing Farhan's silence, Ji Qingbei sighed softly, "You've watched her grow up, you've seen her through every mood and phase, and you know her ins
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 106: You're Not Enchanted by Her, Are You?
The night was cool and calm as Gu Yanxi and Ji Qingbei made their way through the crowd towards the bar counter, following yet another call from Farhan in the dead of night.To their surprise, they expected to find a drunken Farhan but instead arrived to see him completely sober and immaculately dressed, sitting at the bar with a drink before him that had not been touched."What's going on? Didn't you call us here for a drink?" Gu Yanxi asked, puzzled.Approaching Farhan, Gu greeted him: "Farhan, what's up with you? Not a single sip yet?"Hearing the familiar voice, Farhan snapped back to reality, his eyes finding Gu Yanxi before turning questioningly towards Ji Qingbei as if to ask: Why did you bring him along?Ji Qingbei caught the look and quickly realized the situation. It seemed that Farhan had only summoned him, not Gu Yanxi, but by then it was too late to rectify the mistake. Both men, understanding the circumstance, chose not to comment any further.Gu Yanxi, ever the carefree
