The receptionist called Vita and closed the end of the phone handle; momentarily, she glanced toward Rico."Not yet, sir," Vita replied shortly."Alright, thank you," Rico said as he left the reception desk. Briefly, he glanced at the veiled woman who seemed nervous.Adine felt behind her like a turbulent wind wanted to knock her down. Not only that, but a sudden heat swept her back."Darling, I can't wait for you to buy me the diamond necklace I want." The timid voice of a woman made Adine nauseous; it could only be Laura, the home-wrecker and life-ruiner.'Just wait, I will make your lives a mess,' Adine muttered to herself; even though her chest still felt throbbing pain, she began to regain control.Adine's thoughts started to drift somewhere, wondering why God always brought her together with those toxic partners when they were being affectionate."Sorry, Miss, Mr. Miguel claims not to know you." Vita's voice suddenly interrupted her reverie."Come here, give me your phone handle
Adine paced back and forth from the living room to the bedroom, cradling her phone between her cheek and shoulder. A severe conversation was evident from the woman's facial expression."Can we meet tomorrow?" Adine asked the person on the other end.["I'm free for lunch; let's eat at our favorite restaurant from our working days. I'll pick you up tomorrow, okay?"]"I don't want to inconvenience my friend," Adine said.["We're like siblings; don't overthink about it!"]"You truly are the best friend, Monica. I can't wait to put together some plans for them," Adine said, restraining her anger.["Great! That's my smart friend. But are you sure about this?"]"Monica, I'm serious this time. Are you willing to help me?" Adine asked pleadingly.["Relax, my friend, I can't refuse you. Tomorrow, I'll try contacting someone reliable. The job will be discreet, and I guarantee it won't be easily traced."]"Thank you, Monica, my dearest friend." Adine's tone was smooth and alluring. "See you tomor
Adine glanced briefly at Willy beside her, attentively observing the man dressed in all black. The man, busy steering the wheel, only stared straight ahead, following the road without attempting to glance, even though he knew he was being watched from the corner of his eye. Willy's flat expression did not diminish the handsome impression on his face, with his slick haircut and fair skin."Willy... Do you always wear clothes like that?" The question didn't make the man turn towards the woman next to him."Sorry, Miss, it's the master's order," Willy replied briefly."I'll protest to him later so that you can wear more stylish clothes," Adine quipped with her mischievous smile.The BMW driven by Willy continued towards the restaurant designated by Monica. Adine had to cancel Monica's plan to pick her up because Dominik always threatened to cancel their meeting if Adine wasn't willing to be accompanied by Willy.A few moments later, they arrived at the intended restaurant. Adine took a m
"You are always reliable; I made the right choice in selecting you as my assistant," praised Dominik to Arion."You're too kind, sir, considering I'm just doing what is expected of me," Arion replied with a shy smile. They both laughed, and although Dominik's requests were sometimes absurd to Arion, they never shook Arion's loyalty.Arion fell silent for a moment, briefly recalling memories of his past and his encounter with Dominik. The two were brought together when Arion, facing a financial crisis while studying in Germany, sought employment at the Einhart family mansion. His family in Seoul, South Korea, had gone bankrupt and could no longer support his education.With determination, Arion applied for a job at the Einhart family mansion. Despite the occasional absurd requests from Dominik, their close bond led Dominik to ask his family to help Arion.Arion managed to finance his education independently and support his family by working for Dominik's family company. "Arion, take a
"Why are you like this? Unreasonable anger!" Laura grumbled at Rico, who cursed without knowing the cause."They're all insane!" Rico messed up his black hair in frustration.Laura furrowed her brow deeply, staring at her husband with a strange look. Perhaps in her heart, she thought her husband was no longer sane."First, tell me what's happening; don't just get angry without reason," Laura reminded him."All the companies I proposed cooperation with rejected me, all with the excuse that they're not sure they can handle PT. Samudra Biru, well!" Rico's words instantly made Laura touch her chest."Is what you just said true?" Laura's face looked worried."Do you think I'm a liar!" Rico shouted angrily at Laura.Laura took a long breath and released it slowly. She was too lazy to deal with her husband, who couldn't control his emotions.'Good, this opens up cooperation with Dominik even more,' a sly grin appeared very thinly; in Laura's heart, she laughed heartily."Enough, dear, we sho
"Tired today," Adine said as she stretched her arms upward. The laptop screen was still open, displaying a black-and-white sketch."My body feels uncomfortable. Very tired and want to sleep," Adine murmured while massaging her forehead, feeling a headache.The woman glanced at the wall clock hanging right in front of her. The time showed it was still seven in the evening."I think I have a fever," Adine mumbled again, rubbing her forehead and sensing her body temperature.Adine quickly closed the laptop and tidied up all her work. Her body swayed as she rose from the chair.She felt a bit dizzy, and her vision blurred. Perhaps, due to the fever, her eyes felt hot."I hope Dominik doesn't come tonight," the woman whispered, hoping.Without entering the bathroom, Adine uncovered the blanket on the bed. Her slender body was ready, dressed in pale yellow Korean-style pajamas.She hurriedly lay on the king-size bed and wrapped her entire body with a thick blanket up to her neck."Oh God, w
"Stupid Dominik!" cursed Adine with her chest tight with anger. "How can the kitchen be like this? More work for me."Adine strode off angrily. She was picking up utensils and leftover vegetables scattered on the floor. She couldn't get over the fact that Dominik was a slob despite his handsome face."Adine, why are you shouting?" Dominik hurriedly followed Adine into the kitchen at a half-run.His steps stopped at the threshold of the kitchen door; his breathing seemed to stop for a moment. Dominik saw Adine picking up the things she had used the previous night for cooking while her luscious lips grumbled incoherently."You're such a slob!" Adine suddenly looked at Dominik with a cold gaze."Oh...yeah, I forgot last night." Dominik made an excuse while scratching his hair that was not itchy. "I was in a hurry because I didn't want you to be late for your medicine."Adine froze, and suddenly, her chest rippled. She did not realise the male lion was already in front of her."Hhmmpphh..
"It looks like what Adine said was right; Rico and Laura must have applied for cooperation with Dominik's company. Duh, seriously, Laura is a snake woman, I'm sure she must be trying to trap Mr Dominik." Monica did not stop grumbling down the hallway after her feet had just stepped on the floor after getting out of the lift.Her mouth stopped when she saw a strapping figure before Adine's apartment door. Her steps were slow as she eyed the figure there."It's that annoying bodyguard," Monica muttered curtly. Her steps quickened again, and she quickly approached."Aren't you tired of standing here?" Monica asked in a nosy tone.Willy only glanced at Monica's figure; perhaps because she was equally annoying, she looked away again."Eh...instead of being ignored, I want to meet your lady!" snapped Monica. "If you don't move, how can I get in?"Willy only had a flat expression; he knocked on the door of Adine's room. While Monica spluttered with annoyance, she could also be alone without
That night, Dominik decided to stay at the villa. Accompany Adine and order Arion and Richie to return to the capital and will pick up Dominik the next day. However, Adine said firmly if Adine wanted to stay at the villa during her pregnancy. Dominik forbade her, however, as Mr. Michael, accompanied by Mrs. Nita, had to go to Singapore for treatment. “We will get married again. Pledge before God and accompany father to Singapore,” Dominik said convincingly. Adine looked at Dominik with a shady look in her eyes. “Dominik, I understand your concern. But believe me, I'll be fine in this villa. I want to enjoy my pregnancy in a quiet and peaceful place.”Dominik let out a long sigh. “But Adine, your father has to undergo intensive care in Singapore. What if something goes wrong when I'm not by your side?”“You don't have to worry, Dominik. Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Melati will accompany and take care of me while you're away,” Adine said reassuringly.Dominik looked doubtful for a moment, but
Adine was busy preparing the porridge that he would give to his father, while Mrs. Nita was almost finished with all the menus for breakfast that morning. Vegetable beef soup, grilled chicken and potato cakes were the side dishes they would eat that morning. Tofu tempeh bacem was also part of their menu.“Bu Nita, the smell of her cooking makes me hungry,” Adine said as she mixed the chicken porridge.Mrs. Nita smiled as she poured all the dishes into plates and bowls. “We'll have breakfast soon, Miss,” she said.“Daddy's porridge is done. I'll help you prepare the food,” Adine replied.Adine quickly brought the vegetable bowl and a plate of potato cakes to the dining table. All the food was ready. Adine then stepped into her father's room to help him get ready for breakfast.While Mrs. Nita was still struggling with some kitchen utensils, she heard the bell ring. She stopped washing the utensils, washed her hands, wiped them on her apron, and then quickly took it off. She walked qui
Traveling for almost two hours, the car Richie was driving arrived in Lembang when the sky was already dark. Although the city lights would never go out at night, it was impossible to reach the villa Adine was staying at that night because the road was dark and surrounded by tea gardens on the slopes of the mountains.“Sir, it would be very risky if we continue our journey tonight. Perhaps, you can stay at the hotel just for tonight. Tomorrow morning we will continue our journey,” suggested Richie who was still circling the city streets.Dominik still looked silent and didn't say anything. His head was still filled with considerations. A moment later, he nodded and accepted Richie's suggestion. “Find a hotel nearby,” he told Richie.The man who was still focused on driving nodded and started looking for one of the inns that they would use to rest for a few hours. After a few minutes, Richie found a hotel that looked comfortable and safe. They immediately pulled up in front of the h
The sky was already dark. Dominik seemed reluctant to move from his black chair in the study. His expression was completely glum. He clutched his smart flat object tightly and stared at it as if he was afraid it would disappear. He didn't even hear the creak of the door opening, his only focus was on the phone screen.“Sir,” Arion called, which didn't take Dominik's gaze off the screen. Arion, the personal assistant, continued to step closer to Dominik who looked completely disoriented.“Mr. Dominik, it's getting late. Aren't you going home and resting?” repeated Arion, which still made Dominik flinch.Dominik let out a long sigh, his voice sounding weak and full of despair. “If I go home, Adine's face will always decorate my head. I can't live without her, Arion. Please, tell Richie to find her soon. She's pregnant with my child. That's what made him leave for fear that I wouldn't accept my future child.”Arion looked at Dominik with concern, understanding how deeply his boss felt.
Dominik hurriedly called Richie to pick her up, and also interrogated the man who had driven Adine back to the penthouse. “Ckck...where's Adine?” muttered Dominik who was sitting next to Richie. The man who was driving beside Dominik gave him a glance, revealing the panicked face of the young master. “Richie, why didn't Adine answer my call earlier. Are you sure you drove Adine to the apartment?” he asked the Richie beside him who was turning the wheel. “I dropped her off in front of the lobby and she walked quickly into the lobby,” Richie replied. Dominik who was listening breathed a sigh of relief, but the look of panic was still on his face.Richie remained focused on the road, but his answer clearly gave Dominik some peace of mind. “But I didn't see Madame go upstairs, young sir. I believe she went into the lobby, but after that I can't be sure,” Richie added, his voice sounding cautious.Dominik squeezed his cell phone, anxiety taking over his mind. “Try calling again. Maybe
Upon arrival at the penthouse, Adine was pacing back and forth on the terrace. Right on the top floor of one of the high-rise buildings in the city of Jakarta. The weather that was not too hot blew a gentle breeze right in the woman's face. Her face looked confused, she didn't know how to tell Dominik that she was pregnant with his child. “I have to go,” she muttered. “He'll be furious if he finds out I'm carrying his flesh and blood.” Adine's tears suddenly fell unbidden, imagining if Dominik would force her to abort the seed that had grown in her womb. Adine shook her head vigorously trying to dismiss all her bad thoughts. “No! I must act immediately.” She ran to the small table there and grabbed her cell phone. Her hands were shaking as she scrolled through the phone. As the dial tone began to sound, Adine was filled with worry. Her only thought was to protect the baby in her womb. Three times the dial tone was heard, the voice of someone on the other side began to sound. [“M
Adine was startled when she heard banging on the door. She was nervous and quickly put away all her test pack results. “Adine, are you okay inside?” Dominik's voice was getting louder. “If you don't answer me, I'll break down this bathroom door!” Adine hurriedly put her test pack into the pocket of her dress carefully so as not to be found by Dominik. The banging sound was getting louder, she was getting more nervous, “Dominik, be quiet! I'm fine!” she replied in the bathroom. But Dominik, a stocky man with short hair and eyes that always seemed to be looking for answers, was not satisfied. “If you don't answer me, I'll break down this bathroom door!” His threat grew more serious, his voice rising, sounding frustrated. With a pounding heart, Adine unlocked the door and opened it slightly so that only her head and some of her shoulders were visible. Through the crack in the door, she saw Dominik standing with both hands clenched at his sides, his face showing a mixture of wo
"I don't know, suddenly my head is spinning."Adine tightly gripped Dominik's hand as he tried to support her. He helped his wife to sit on the sofa."Sir, I will get the wind oil from Belle's place."Dominik nodded, and Arion quickly left his master's study."We need to go to the hospital," Dominik said while rubbing Adine's left hand."There's no need, it might just be exhaustion. It will pass," Adine replied while massaging her temples and closing her eyes."Exhausted? Exhausted because you have to attend to me in bed every night?" asked Dominik with a chuckle."Dominik! That's not funny!" Adine slapped Dominik's arm and glared at him angrily."I'm calling the doctor!" Dominik declared firmly."But I'm fine," Adine protested with a pleading look."No arguing!" Dominik stared at her sternly, stepped towards the desk, and grabbed his phone.Adine just watched him pace back and forth, trying to reach someone on the phone.A serious conversation unfolded between Dominik and the person
“Dominik! I was asking!” Adine looked annoyed as Dominik just smiled lightly while ruffling his hair.“I don't know where your anti-ham pills are,” Dominik finally replied, albeit falsely.“Maybe you ran out and forgot,” Dominik quipped again.“But I'm sure I still have my anti-pregnancy pills,” Adine said as she recalled them.“My safeguards are out, but I don't think there's any need to use them,” said Dominik, which made Adine's eyes round, looking more and more like the eyes of a bambi deer.“But...”“No buts! I think you'd like it better if I didn't wear a harness,” Dominik cut in with a mischievous look at his wife.Adine couldn't interrupt, her body felt weak. Dizziness, that was all she could feel right now.“Dominik, what if there is already something growing in my womb?” asked Adine with a pained face.Dominik looked at Adine with a warm smile. He could see how tense his wife's expression was.“Do you mind keeping my seed there?” asked Dominik, which immediately made Adine c