Adaline lifted her head upon hearing her name called. A beautiful woman with long, flowing hair waved at her with a wide smile. It couldn't be said that she wasn't surprised to see her there. It was Joanna, her friend, who somehow looked even more stunning, especially since they hadn't seen each other for quite some time."How have you been?" Adaline approached, and they hugged each other, releasing the longing."As you can see, I always look as beautiful as ever," Joanna replied with her usual proud tone. "How about you? I really have to apologize for disappearing like that."Adaline remembered the moment when Joanna instructed her to return the money she borrowed from Altezza. Her friend even willingly covered the losses Adaline had incurred. Or to put it more accurately, she was willing to cover all the costs of her mother's surgery. But Adaline hadn't had the chance to mention the continuation of the debt between her and Altezza because Joanna had already left due to a sudden job
"Whatever happens, no matter how angry you are, never yell at her. If she's silent, it means there's something wrong with you and she can't say it. Never waste her love. Because if she loves, she'll love with all her heart. But if she's hurt, she's very difficult to forgive. Maybe her mouth says she forgives, but her heart doesn't," Altezza nodded again at Joanna's words.Altezza wanted a better future with Adaline, even though he never said it to her. And he was trying to understand her. He realized that all the attention Adaline had given him so far was genuine. He even realized that until now, Adaline had never asked him for anything. She just accepted whatever he gave her without ever demanding. Adaline, his funny wife. Somehow, every time he saw her smile, his heart felt warm. Somehow, every time he remembered her name, he felt nostalgic.Altezza was confused about his feelings. On one hand, he wanted to maintain the initial agreement they made. But on the other hand, he wanted t
Morning sickness for Adaline worsened day by day. Every time she finished eating, all the food would come back up. And it happened every time she was at the office. As a result, she always looked weary and lacked enthusiasm.Joanna contacted her again, this time inviting her for lunch at a five-star hotel restaurant. Joanna also invited Tessa to join them, stating briefly that she wanted to tease Tessa as usual.True to form, when the beautiful model waited for their arrival in the lobby, her first words to Tessa were teasing remarks."Hey, aspiring model of limited height, long time no see," she greeted with an exaggeratedly friendly face. Tessa squinted at her, but shortly after, they hugged each other."Long time no see, skinny girl. Been modeling for so long, you seem to be getting thinner," Tessa retorted with mockery."I'm skinny, but not just any skinny. Skinny from modeling brings in money. Are you skinny from worrying?" Joanna replied."Enough already, you two look like Siame
Altezza shook his head from side to side. His shoulders and neck felt stiff from too long spent hunched over the monitor screen. Suddenly, his phone rang, displaying Antony's name."Yeah?" he answered on the first ring."Still at the office?" Antony asked from the other end of the line. Altezza glanced at the watch on his left wrist. It was 4:15."I'll be heading home soon," he replied, leaning back in his chair. "What's up, cousin? Any problems?""None! Just wanted to extend an invitation. My beloved wife invites you and yours for dinner at our place tonight.""Finally, you both moved back to Manhattan?""Yups," Antony's voice sounded cheerful."Flavia?""She'll move next academic year. But for now, she's here.""Alright, then Adaline and I will come. Should we bring anything? Or perhaps the appropriate question is 'will you be giving us gifts'?""Already rich but still stingy. But be prepared, cousin, because another cousin will also be coming," Antony said playfully."What?!" Altez
"I always feel not quite right whenever I see you," Altezza replied curtly.Tessa, overhearing them, could only gape in disbelief. Although she didn't understand the man's words, she could tell that he was angry with his cousin. And she never expected to see that handsome face filled with such hostility, because as far as she knew, Altezza was always friendly to everyone."Are they arguing?" Tessa whispered to Adaline, who shook her head in response because she didn't understand what they were saying either."And please, stay away from my wife. Pretend you don't know her even if you accidentally meet her.""Oh come on, Cousin. How could I act like that? Ignoring an angel as beautiful as her just like that? Even other people would do a double-take if they saw her. What about me?" Gian seemed unwilling to back down. Altezza sneered."I don't care. Whatever the reason, you need to keep your distance from her. At least one meter. If not, I'll put blinders on that ugly head of yours." He t
The silence before the storm. Have you ever heard that term? That's what Adaline feels right now. There's an uneasy feeling filling her chest. A feeling Adaline can't quite interpret. Restlessness, discomfort, feeling off. Things like that, but she doesn't know what it's all for.There's nothing wrong with her job. Everything's going smoothly. There are no problems at home either. Although she noticed Altezza has been a bit quiet since their return from Antony's house. But Adaline thinks it might be because of work matters.There are no issues with her mother either because she just got a call from her to check on the routine checkup results. And her mother said everything's fine.So what's this feeling for?Adaline decides to have lunch outside the office area with Tessa. However, when it's time to return, Tessa has a bit of business to attend to, so Adaline ends up returning to the office alone.As Adaline enters the lobby, she's quite surprised to see Jovanka there. Even her fellow
“I myself don't understand, what 'new beginning' you want. Because my cousin clearly started a new beginning since you chose to leave him," Antony responds in his flat tone.The man's eyes glance back at Adaline hiding. Perhaps to make sure Adaline hears all of his words. And now Adaline realizes who Jovanka is, her status, and the reason why the woman is here and searching for her husband."Please, Antony. Give me one more chance." The woman looks so pitiful. Her face seems pleading."It's useless to plead to me. I'm nobody. I have nothing to do with your relationship.“If you really want to meet him, just find him. Because if you truly know him, you'd know where he is," Antony says before leaving the lobby area toward the executive elevator, followed by Gian and Duncan.From her spot, Adaline can see Jovanka sitting back on the sofa. The woman's shoulders appear to be trembling, her face covered by her hands adorned with diamond rings.On one hand, Adaline feels pity. On the other h
Two days passed just like that. Adaline knew that by now Altezza should have returned to Manhattan. But even over the past two days, the man hadn't tried to contact her at all. And Adaline hadn't tried to contact him either because she was afraid of bothering him.That morning was terrible for Adaline. Her morning sickness still hadn't subsided. This time it seemed even worse. Especially because for the past two days, she hadn't been eating properly or getting enough rest.Her body felt weak, her face pale. Every food she ate came back up. Only sweet tea settled well in her stomach.Tessa was so worried every time she went back and forth to the toilet. Sometimes the girl even waited for her, afraid that Adaline might faint from exhaustion."Ada, are you okay?" Tessa looked at her with concern.Adaline tried to wipe the cold sweat off her forehead. Her body felt weak, her head so light, and her eyes seemed to sparkle. Her face looked very pale. Even her lips were chapped."Let's go to