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Part 3

Author: Anne Guzel
last update Huling Na-update: 2023-11-23 00:16:35

Antony had entered the basement of Altezza's apartment and parked his sports car there. He once again helped Altezza toward the elevator that would take them to Altezza's penthouse.

Altezza remained silent, wrestling with his own thoughts.

"Stop crying over your fate, Al. I've told you from the beginning that she never truly loved you," Antony said as the elevator doors closed and began to ascend.

"She loves me, Antony. That's why she accepted my proposal," Altezza replied coldly.

"No, she doesn't love you, Al. And you have to stop fooling yourself. She married you because she knew she would get a comfortable life and financial support to boost her career. If she truly loved you, she wouldn't waste you. Her career would be secondary to your happiness. And look at what has been happening. For her, the career comes first, and you, well, who knows what order you're in. So what else do you expect?" Antony asked as the elevator doors opened. They walked slowly out of the elevator toward the door of Altezza's unit.

"She signed the contract without asking for my permission," Altezza lamented sadly. His head was bowed, and he chose to stare at his shoes rather than look directly at Antony. Given Jovanka's unilateral decision, somehow it made his lungs feel tight, and his eyes began to well up.

"And that further proves that you're not important. Not to make your situation worse, Cousin. But the fact is, all this time, you've given in too much to her. I'm not even sure if she feels jealous if you're with another woman. Your weakness in always letting her do whatever she wants makes her feel that whatever she does, whatever decisions she makes, you won't be angry because you know she'll come back to you, and she knows you'll always be there waiting for her. To me, you're like an entertainer who's always there when she wants you," Antony said, lifting Altezza's hand and scanning his cousin's fingers on the door before dragging him inside. They didn't talk until Antony dropped Altezza's body onto the wide ash-colored sofa in the living room of the penthouse.

Altezza groaned and positioned his body to be more comfortable, covering his eyes with one arm. Seeing that, Antony suddenly felt guilty.

"Sorry if I hurt you," he said sincerely.

"You're not wrong," Altezza replied without turning to look at Antony. "Everything you said is true. Since a year ago, I've felt like an unwanted man. But I denied it all because my expectations of her were too high.

"Since then, I shouldn't have given her another chance. But I always make the same mistake. And hearing that news earlier..." Altezza couldn't continue his words. Antony said nothing, walking toward the fridge, grabbing two bottles of mineral water, and returning to Altezza, handing him one.

Altezza sat down and took a sip of the cold water, finishing half of it. He leaned back on the sofa listlessly.

"She asked me to wait again," he said, playing with the bottle in his hand. "But this time, I'm not sure I can wait. Even the love I have for her no longer makes me confident." He murmured again, taking the remaining water and placing it roughly on the table. "I feel empty," Altezza said softly, lying down on the sofa again. "I've been faithful to Jovanka because I love her. Making my mother happy by giving her a good son-in-law is a bonus. And having a child and a happy family is my biggest dream besides a successful career.

"You don't know how painful it is for me every time someone asks Mamma and Padre when I will get married and give them grandchildren. What I want is to reveal everything to everyone. To admit that all this time—for the past five years—I have been someone's husband. But I'm too cowardly to do it. To fulfill my wife's wish, I actually disappointed the woman who gave birth to me. At least Uncle and Aunty have Flavia and use your past as a reason why you haven't married again until now. But me? I can't even admit that I have a girlfriend, and my girlfriend prioritizes her career over her lover and doesn't even intend to give her lover a child." A teardrop fell from the corner of his eye, and Altezza didn't bother to wipe it away.

Throughout their growth, Altezza was the one who always faced every crisis calmly and coolly. He wasn't as strict as Antony, nor was he too laid-back and carefree like their youngest cousin, Gian. However, Altezza could become very melancholic when he was sick or drunk. He was always sensitive—tending to be unable to control his emotions—when dealing with his parents or someone he loved.

"Break up with her, then," Antony said flatly. Altezza turned to look at his cousin with an unreadable expression. "Find another woman and marry her. If you feel you can't love another woman like you love Jovanka, then marry just to make your parents happy and have the offspring they want. At least the Quirino name will continue. Although, honestly, I really hope that you can marry for love. Not just marrying a woman who loves you or herself. But a woman who will love you, your child, your family."

"Is there anyone like that?" Altezza asked, uncertain.

"There is. Someone like Claire. Can't you see that? Then I'm sure there are other women like Claire out there. Just find a woman who truly loves her parents. Then she will surely love her own flesh and blood. And over time, I hope she will also love you, and you will love her. I always dreamed of marrying once in a lifetime with a woman I love and who loves me. And look at what happened to me. Fate is not always what we expect. And now, I'm trying to follow my fate by trying again. And you will witness my struggle in the future. And I want you to do the same." Now it was Antony's turn to pat Altezza's shoulder gently.

"If in the end, she doesn't choose you, then you make your own choice. At least as a man, we must have self-respect." He said, then stood up. "I'm going home; think about my words again." Antony then left Altezza, who was lost in his own thoughts until he eventually fell asleep on the sofa.

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    Adaline was late for work. It was all because the taxi she had taken had a flat tire, and they still had a considerable distance to cover. Adaline had no choice but to find another means of transportation to get her to the office. Unfortunately, she couldn't find a taxi during this busy hour, and on top of that, she had run out of money. It was just her luck. However, Adaline had no other option but to run to her office.With heavy breaths, Adaline greeted the security guard at the lobby and shouted at anyone in the elevator to hold it open for her. Adaline stepped out of the elevator looking less than put together. She was sweating, and her hair was slightly disheveled from the run. When she entered her office, her senior and good friend, Tessa, looked at her with a raised eyebrow."Late start?" Tessa asked, casting a teasing look at Adaline.Adaline grinned, placed her bag under the desk, and tidied up her appearance. "No, just unlucky on the way here," she replied while running her

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    After his conversation with Antony last night, Altezza really tried to consider his cousin's advice. Waking up with a headache and a dry throat from alcohol, Altezza forced himself to get up and hurriedly took a shower. He intended to go to the house he bought to live with his secret wife, Jovanka.Although officially a couple, Altezza didn't stay there because he was afraid that rumors about his relationship with Jovanka would spread to the public, potentially damaging her career. Ironically, every time he went there, Altezza always parked his car far from the house and even entered through the back gate. He behaved as if he were visiting a lover rather than his girlfriend. And he did all this to fulfill the desires of the woman he loved.He was the owner of the house, but he entered it like a thief. He did it all for Jovanka. Even his household assistant—a middle-aged woman with melancholic eyes, and her husband, whom Altezza appointed as Jovanka's personal driver and garden caretak

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    Jovanka sat on the thick carpet with her head bowed. Perhaps hoping that Altezza would take pity on her and surrender again. But this time, Altezza had truly hardened his heart.He looked at the middle-aged couple still standing in their place, who instantly lowered their heads when they saw the cold expression on Altezza's face."You are now my witnesses. Listen to me. I am Altezza Quirino, and from now on, I have no relationship with her. We started this relationship amicably, and we will part amicably as well."And this house, as I promised you, will be yours."I hope you are happy, and I hope the film you will work on is successful. I always wish the best for you," Altezza said and left Jovanka, who was just frozen in her place, trying to absorb all the words Altezza had spoken."I won't give up, Al! I will come back!"After all this is over, you will come back to me. And I will be yours, Al!" she shouted from the staircase. But Altezza didn't care. For him, everything was finishe

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    Adaline rushed halfway down the hospital corridor towards her mother's ward. She was in a panic, scared. Earlier, Emma had contacted her with sobs still audible, despite the woman's attempts to hold them back. Her mother was critical, and she was asked to come to the hospital immediately. Hastily, she sought permission from her boss, honestly stating that she needed to see her mother's condition.Adaline arrived at her mother's hospital room. Every time she was there, she felt regret for not being able to provide the best facilities for the woman who raised her. Instead of giving her mother comfort by renting a VVIP or VIP room, Adaline allowed her to be treated in a room shared with three other patients.Adaline desperately wanted to give her mother comfort, but their finances were dwindling day by day. This was all she could afford. It's not that she wasn't trying, but she had to adjust everything to their circumstances. All the money from her father's allowance had been used for he

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    "Haris, I need your help. Can we meet?" Adaline asked."Is it really urgent? Can't it wait?" he inquired after a brief silence."No, it can't. It's an emergency," she replied."Alright. Meet me on the office rooftop during lunch break," he said again. Adaline agreed before ending the call. She glanced at her watch; lunch break was half an hour away. Adaline hoped she wouldn't get stuck in traffic and that Haris would still wait for her if she was a little late.Adaline hurriedly walked to the elevator, heading to the nineteenth floor, from where she would take the emergency stairs to the twenty-first floor. Her foot tapped impatiently on the elevator floor. When the elevator doors opened on the nineteenth floor, Adaline felt relieved that no one she knew greeted her during the journey. She was confused about explaining her presence in the office since she had requested leave earlier.Adaline pushed open the thick iron door of the rooftop with all her might. The wind, mixed with the he

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    Adaline sat quietly in her chair, hands clasped together. Her palms were sweaty, and her chest heaved irregularly. This was her last attempt. Haris had told her last night that he couldn't find anyone willing to lend her the amount she needed. Even if Haris sought out a loan shark, the sum they would offer would be only a sixth of what Adaline required.Now, only one option remained: contacting her financial manager and trying to apply for a loan. "Oh Lord, grant me ease," she prayed silently.Adaline looked up every time she heard the elevator's sound, hoping her manager would emerge quickly so she could speak privately before her colleagues arrived. She had even come fifteen minutes early to ensure she'd be the first to meet with her superior.Five minutes before eight, her boss finally appeared. Adaline tried to shake off her nervousness, stood up, and followed her boss to the front door of the office. "Miss..." she called softly. The woman turned instantly. "Yes, Adaline. What is

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    A few hours later. Adaline sat in the waiting area in front of her COO's office, nervously squeezing her hands. Before lunch, Mrs. Jessica and Duncan had contacted her, stating that their boss wanted to talk to her directly after work. Mrs. Jessica reassured Adaline to stay calm so that their COO could approve her loan, while Duncan questioned her about the reason their COO needed to meet Adaline in person. However, Adaline chose not to give any answers until everything was certain. Half an hour had passed since the office closed, but neither Sir Altezza nor Duncan had shown up. Earlier, Duncan had contacted their COO's secretary, explaining that the meeting was delayed due to a few matters they needed to resolve, asking Adaline to be patient. Adaline was not usually an impatient person, but this time she was overwhelmed with anxiety. She feared that her loan application might not be approved, and she was confused about where else to seek a loan. Meanwhile, her mother's surgery was

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    "I can help you," Altezza repeated his words. Adaline froze, unable to believe what she had just heard. Was Altezza offering to help her personally? It was the longest time Adaline lifted her head and looked directly at Altezza. He observed her from his seat. Adaline's eyes were golden brown, framed by long and curly eyelashes, along with thick black eyebrows. Her nose was small and perfectly placed on her face. Her lips were not too thin, nor too thick, but sensual. Yes, Adaline was indeed beautiful, very beautiful. And even though the girl now looked at him nervously, it didn't diminish her beauty. "But there are conditions," Altezza said after a considerable pause. The girl seemed to straighten her shoulders. "W-What conditions, Sir?" she asked, sounding concerned. "Are you currently in a relationship with someone?" Altezza's question surprised Adaline, but without returning the question, she shook her head. Adaline did like someone, but she didn't have a special relationship

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    Adaline's POV:"Dad?" I saw my dad sitting on a bench in the park not far from our old rental house.Dad smiled, patting the empty space next to him, and reluctantly, I walked over and sat down."Why are you here?" I asked, glancing at our old house. The house we left when I entered middle school. The house filled with beautiful memories where I grew up."Do you forget? Back when we were moving, you cried incessantly. Saying to us how much you liked our old house."I smiled and nodded. I did cry a lot back then, begging my parents not to move from there.I didn't want to make new friends because I had a hard time socializing. But Dad said everything would be okay. In fact, if we moved, I would be even happier.Dad said I needed to learn to be more sociable because life is more beautiful with many friends."Why are we here?" I asked, confused.My dad smiled. His face looked so fresh, cheerful, and of course, handsome."Just a reminder that we once had a past," my dad said casually. "Do

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    Is this some sorta karma?Altezza gazed at his sleeping wife, deeply asleep. The doctor managed to save her. Save their baby.After experiencing a heart attack and losing a lot of blood, his wife could finally return to them. Even though his wife is now declared in a coma, just like himself.Oh God. Is this my payback for all my past mistakes?Why are You like this to me?"Wake up, Darling. Please wake up quickly. Don't you have pity on our two children? I haven't even been able to give them names yet." Altezza whispered to his wife's hand.That hand was so small and weak. The hand that had been holding his all this time. The hand that had always touched him gently. Regardless of what Altezza had ever done to her.Altezza reluctantly rose from his seat. "I'll be right back, hurry and wake up." Altezza kissed his wife's forehead. He bid farewell to his mother and mother-in-law before leaving the hospital.He still limped, his leg condition worsening as he carried Adaline back then, but

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    Everyone was running towards the front room. Objects flew, hitting the walls and crashing into pieces. Ceramic and glass shards scattered on the floor. Along with it, the sounds of screams and curses echoed. It was deafening to everyone witnessing it.Yes, Jovanka was raging in her residence. She looked at her assistant with a sharp gaze while Evans stood silently with his blank expression."What's going on?" Cindy glanced between Evans and Jovanka. The middle-aged couple behind her were holding hands in worry and fear simultaneously. "Evans?" Cindy looked at Evans again, seeking an answer.Evans carefully navigated through the glass shards and picked up the papers Jovanka had crumpled in anger. It was a police summons addressed to Jovanka. Not only that, but Cindy also noticed several swollen credit card bills, penalty invoices from the agency's law firm, all addressed to Jovanka Lawrence.Cindy looked at Evans, and Evans returned the gaze. "I told you to stop. But you never cared."

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    "I'm still better than him, Ada. I won't hurt you. I also won't leave you waiting while I'm in a coma. Because I never wanted to be in a coma. Not like him who left you waiting for so long with the excuse of being in a coma," Gian replied again."Damn you! Come on, Brother, quickly take him home. If possible, send him straight back to Italy to his parents," pleaded Altezza, looking pitiful.Antony sighed. He slapped his thighs and stood up. "I need him, Al. I need a right-hand man since you took Duncan. Come on, Gian, get up." He ordered softly. Gian complied."Thank you," Altezza replied as Antony was willing to fulfill his request."We're going home, Ada," Antony replied, acknowledged by Adaline's nod. "But if you're indeed tempted by Gian's words, just contact me. I'll willingly help you file for divorce from your husband," he replied flatly.Altezza gaped at him while Gian cheered happily. "Yes!" He shouted."Damn you both! Get out of here! Never show up here again!" Altezza yelle

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    Adaline felt kicks in her stomach. She groaned softly. Her eyes opened, and she could see the hospital ceiling in front of her.Wasn't she in the ICU earlier? Since when was she moved to the regular ward?Adaline glanced at the bed next to her. It was clear she had returned to the regular room she had been in. But her husband's bed, which was usually occupied, was empty.Adaline closed her eyes with her arm. She felt the IV needle in her left hand. It seemed she had passed out again, something that had happened frequently lately.Adaline heard her room door open, but she didn't want to turn or see anyone who came in.Footsteps and the sound of wheels approached her bed."Madam..."That voice? It sounded hoarse, but Adaline knew it so well. The voice she had longed to hear. Unwanted tears fell again. How could she daydream at a time like this..."Madam, do you really not want to see me again?"The tone of that voice? It sounded sad yet also joyful at the same time."Are you teasing me

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    Adaline sat motionless in her place. Her husband's body trembled violently, then convulsed momentarily. All the screens next to the man blared loudly.Adaline could only stare at her husband with an empty gaze. Someone wrapped their arms around her shoulders, pulling her back just as the paramedics arrived."We're leaving, Honey," said Delila's voice. Adaline turned her head and shook it, but Delila kept urging her to go."Mamma... Altezza... he..." she pointed to her husband. Mrs. Delila only nodded and continued to escort her out of the ICU room.Her mother-in-law settled Adaline into a long chair in the hallway. Adaline sat in silence. The commanding screams echoed only in her head. She twisted her hands, praying silently, hoping that God would return the man she loved.This wasn't the first time Altezza had an attack. But it was always frightening for her whenever it happened.Three months. Altezza had been in a coma for three months. Although the doctors said he showed progress,

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    Altezza opened his eyes, but he quickly covered them with one hand. The dazzling light hurt his eyes. Altezza squinted, trying to adjust his vision and figure out where he was now. As far as he remembered, he had just had an accident, but strangely what he saw now was not the ceiling of a hospital or the view of a treatment room, but large branches and dense foliage.Altezza sat up. He was quite surprised because he didn't feel the pain he should feel. He looked at his body and felt fine. But why was he there? Why was he in this vast green field? Why was he lying under a shady tree before?Altezza turned and was quite surprised to see someone he knew sitting next to him and even smiling at him. "Sir?" he asked, surprised.How long had they not met? If Altezza remembered correctly, the last time he saw that man was about eight years ago. "What are you doing here?" Altezza asked again.The man stared back at Altezza in surprise. "I should be asking you the same. Why are you here?" The m

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