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[31] b
Once again, she scrutinizes the aged picture that's now in her hand. A large house with grand pillars, seemingly in a white background. Next to where they stand with happy smiles, there's a row of flowers that have also faded in color. The handwritten, neatly slanted printing on it also includes a year. The year in question is probably the year the photo was taken. But what's the significance of 1982?
Once again, Fathia's brain has to work extra to remember the date and year her parents got married. Is the year written in the photo the same as the year of her parents' marriage? If so... did her mother indeed cheat? But... why?
The throbbing in Fathia's head intensifies, hitting her even harder. Even closing her eyes to push it away doesn't work anymore. Lying down is the only option she has now. She hopes that amidst the pain she's experiencing, there's a clue in her memory. She also prays to her God that the pain will vanish soon.
****
"You make me worri
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Heir of Revenge [32]
Jess was about to protest, but as soon as Fathia explained that their return wouldn't be a short one, the girl who now had her hair dyed a faded green agreed. It wasn't easy to leave what they had built here, even though it wasn't much. With Asya handling the kitchen part in the café, Jess took care of delivering orders and handling payments. They were assisted by another person, Dian, who was there to help Jess and Asya whenever needed.And then there's Fathia, who had been quite overwhelmed lately due to numerous flower balloon orders. For nearly three weeks, they've been dealing with preparations to leave the people who now worked under them. They were basically the bosses, even though they never liked to use that word, especially not in each other's hearing."I'm done," Fathia said, jumping in before Jess could start speaking. After these tiring three weeks, Fathia was finally free from the grip of orders, which she actually appreciated. But because of the c
Heir of Revenge [33] a
They hop out of the rideshare, which dropped them off at the big house that Fathia always remembers in her mind. She's frozen for a moment. Sixteen years of memories living there since birth whirl around without her control. Fathia's eyes suddenly get warm. Maybe in a blink, tears have already moistened her cheeks.The sound of her shouts while playing in the water with Kak Felice, or listening to Mommy tell stories about how she planted and tended to the garden, even though Dennis and Jack helped more. Also, all the faint advice Fathia recalls from her father. Everything is still vivid in Fathia's memory."You can do it," Jess softly pats Fathia's shoulder, creating a slight startle that makes Fathia sigh heavily."I'm scared," Fathia mutters. Jess's puzzled look doesn't prompt Fathia to continue talking. What is she afraid of? Earlier, she bravely came down from the rented inn to order the rideshare. Behind her, Jess walks while fighting off drowsiness.
Heir of Revenge [33] b
"What does Miss want to eat? Does Miss want a warm bath? Miss's room is always tidy," Naomi says with a sparkle of joy. Before Fathia's lips can reply to her words, Jack arrives with his report."Does Miss not want to see the backyard? All the flowers are growing nicely. I take good care of them, Miss.""I'll cut some fruit for you, okay? Miss looks really skinny.""Miss, Mr. Jack will change the flowers in your room right away, alright? Starting tonight, Miss will be staying here, right?"Amidst all their attention and the mix of feelings today, Fathia just chuckles. The corners of her eyes have been watery for who knows how long. Maybe since Fathia and Naomi shared tears? Or when the embrace, in which Jack, with a voice trembling withheld-back tears, joined on the front porch, dissolved."I... I... I truly can't believe you weren't buried. Every day, I prayed to God, hoping that what I saw was all just a trick," Naomi sobs briefly after unravelin
Heir of Revenge [34] a
Fathia had heard about her cousin named Kenzo. He studied abroad and even worked at an internationally known communications company. Felice said that Kenzo's job could be categorized as impressive. Fathia had never met him in person. Besides, she was always sheltered by her father, and her uncle only attended dinner gatherings with his wife, Aunt Larasati.Maybe it was because Claire's blood flowed in Aunt Larasati's veins, the middle-aged woman who always appeared glamorous with lots of jewelry on her hands and neck, and though she was pretty friendly, Fathia was sure it was just a formality. Although Aunt Larasati never talked in a way that offended or seemed cold and distant towards her, Fathia still felt strange under her gaze.The name Kenzo Walker, the only child of Uncle Alef and Aunt Larasati, she only knew from their stories boasting about their son's achievements. Young Fathia remembered, her dad and mommy rarely bragged in the way they did about Felice.
Heir of Revenge [34] b
Ideas and spur-of-the-moment scenarios put together by Jess and Mr. Jack were smoothly accepted by Kenzo. In front of the tall, bespectacled man, Naomi introduced Jess and Fathia, saying that they were her nieces from her hometown who were studying abroad. They asked for permission to stay temporarily here until they found jobs and to help around while looking for work.Kenzo just glanced at them reluctantly before heading up to the second floor. "Up to Aunt Naomi. Just don't disturb me," he said at the top of the stairs before he started ascending step by step.Jess sneered. "What's his deal?! He's just a guest here."Fathia gently pinched Jess's arm, making the green-haired girl wince in pain. She shot an annoyed look that clearly pointed at Fathia. "I'm right, aren't I? He's the one being a guest, and you're the one who owns this place.""I'm Anne, Jess, in case you forgot. Fathia's been buried." It seemed Fathia was getting used to referring to hersel
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"What did you graduate in?" Fathia tried to steady her breathing. In front of her sat Kenzo, looking relaxed. He wore a black collared shirt paired with knee-length shorts and casual house sandals. Choosing a seat in one of the rooms where a non-functional large TV sat in the right wing, Fathia was instructed to follow him.As Kenzo observed them standing in front of a large portrait of an Alvin Mehram, his uncle, he didn't like it. They were strangers to him. Why bother paying so much attention to everything in this house in such detail? Walking confidently toward the murmuring pair, and sure enough, there was a visible flinch as they were surprised by Kenzo's approach."What are you doing?" Kenzo asked, his gaze piercing particularly at the green-haired village girl. Where was she from? A village? And her hair? Oh my God! Was she trying too hard?"Apologies, Sir," Naomi quickly approached and lowered her head slightly. "I'm explaining the portraits.""T
Heir of Revenge [35] b
In the morning, Fathia helped a trembling Naomi in the kitchen. She watched her with fear and worry, especially when Fathia started slicing onions for seasoning. Occasionally, Clara Naomi would give warnings that only made Fathia burst into laughter."Don't worry about it. The kitchen and I are now friends," Fathia reassured her."Who's making friends with the kitchen?" someone said, causing Fathia's movements to freeze suddenly. Her eyes widened in surprise and she almost jumped in her place. Why did she talk so carelessly while Kenzo was in the house? How foolish of her! Fathia cursed internally."Why, silent now? I heard someone talking about making friends with the kitchen. You, Anne?"Fathia turned pale. Since when did Kenzo appear in the kitchen? Did he secretly eavesdrop on her conversation with Naomi? The well-dressed man with his long-sleeved shirt, who appeared out of nowhere, was now staring at her questioningly. Oh God!"Maybe you mishe
Heir of Revenge [36]
"We're supposed to eat, Fathia," Jess said with a chuckle. "And besides, we've been in here for how many hours? Aren't you hungry?"Jess didn't need Jess's answer when she heard Fathia's stomach loudly demanding to be filled. Making the girl laugh. "You're right. I'm actually hungry. Tomorrow we'll continue, and the suspicious folder, we'll take it to the room. I want to study it.""Got it, boss!"Fathia just shook her head. Quickly tidying up some scattered documents on her father's desk. She followed Jess, who was already heading out with the folder she had pointed at earlier."Lunch with what menu, Aunt? I feel like I'm about to faint," Jess complained the moment she opened the door. She intentionally made her face look as dramatic as possible. As if spending hours in there had completely drained her.Naomi laughed when she saw her. Jess's behavior was truly entertaining. If her young lady appeared quiet and untouched, Jess was the opposite, alw
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