Share
[40] b
"Sit down here, quick!"
Fathia pouted again. "Next time, I'll ask Aunt Naomi to get a different cookie jar. You cheated."
"You're quick with food problems. You're really slow with Clara issues."
"Why, though?"
Despite the teasing, Jess still recounted the conversation they had at the dining table. Fathia was hit with surprise. She hadn't expected that this time the conversation would be about her Aunt, Larasati.
"Do you know Aunt Laras? I mean, do you know her well?"
Jess's answer to Fathia's question was a shake of the head. "I've never been close to Uncle Alef's family."
"I think we really need to plan this out."
"Oh my gosh, Jess. We're like detectives."
"Hey! We need to. Clearly, we're in the middle of a tangled web. We're just starting to unravel it, and we're already feeling overwhelmed, right? If we don't make a plan and set goals, we won't get answers anytime soon."
"How about the archives?"
Jess sn
Related chapters
Heir of Revenge [41] a
Tonight, Fathia couldn't sleep again. Many nights had passed where Fathia chose to sit near the window. Staring at the clear sky from this corner of her room. The guest room window was large, designed like a cozy couch with lots of cushions nearby. Fathia simply pulled back the curtains, revealing the expanse of the night sky.And she did that just to summon sleep, which stubbornly refused to come for two or three hours since she woke up. Just like now. Should she take a sleeping pill to finally doze off?The book that was the reference for their planning was still lying on the table along with the nearly empty snack jar. They discussed like professional mystery solvers, connecting dots beyond Fathia's and Jess's thoughts. This made Fathia realize if the path she had to take to reach 'peace' had to be this complicated.She let out a long sigh, moving down not to return to bed but to pick up the portrait she always carried. She gazed at it closely, as usual, her
Heir of Revenge [41] b
Fathia just chuckled. Her mind drifted back to her activities in her parents' room earlier in the afternoon. Nothing was strange there except she found a book that she thought belonged to her mother. It was inside a special safe where her mother's jewelry was neatly stored. She had trouble opening the combination lock after inserting the key. Many numbers were tried, and Fathia almost gave up.She chose to lie on her parents' large bed. She closed her eyes briefly, inhaling the scent of lilies that she liked. Ah... she liked lilies because her mother did too. It brought back many sweet memories between her and her mother."Mom, why do you like Lilies?" Fathia asked one time. At that moment, both of them were sitting in the garden beside the house. Many flowering plants were thriving thanks to her mother's care. Young Fathia was wearing a dress with lace accents at the chest. Her long straight hair was tied into two ponytails like rabbits, complete with ribbons. And not
Heir of Revenge [42] a
Fathia didn't know how to act. Her body felt stiff, her eyes could only stare at Jess, who was lying weakly by the edge of the pool, gradually becoming blurry as tears welled up. Her hands were trembling fiercely. She desperately wanted to shout, "Jess, wake up!" But here, there was Kenzo. Busy attending to Jess since she hadn't resurfaced.If only she hadn't daydreamed about other things, she would have realized that something was wrong with Jess's movements in the pool."Don't just stand there! Call Naomi!" Kenzo's urgency snapped her out of it.The girl blinked frantically. Kenzo was right. Naomi. Yes. She needed Naomi. Without needing words, Fathia half-ran to find Naomi, wherever she might be. Luckily, she still remembered that she was pretending to be mute. Otherwise, she would have shouted for Naomi or anyone near her. Whether it was Dennis or Jack."Naomi, help Jess," Fathia panted when she found Naomi in the main living room, tidying up the ornam
Heir of Revenge [42] b
As Jess finished her shower, Fathia patiently waited, gazing at a map and a notebook with her mother's name on the cover. Fathia admired the beautiful handwriting of her Mommy, silently praising it in her mind. She gently wiped away tears, imagining her mother's smile that was as warm as the sun. That comforting look that always filled Fathia with spirit when she felt overwhelmingly sad and alone back then. Suddenly, she reached for an old photo carefully tucked behind the portrait that always accompanied her.The photo of her mother and her uncle. Taken in 1982."What did you find, Fathia?" Jess asked softly, skillfully drying her wet hair. She had changed into more comfortable clothes, carrying the scent of eucalyptus oil from Jess. "My stomach feels a bit queasy. That's why I used eucalyptus oil. Aunt Naomi is taking a while, isn't she?" Jess explained, noticing Fathia's raised eyebrow and puzzled gaze."Ah, this... is what I was talking about earlier." Fathi
Heir of Revenge [43] a
Fathia gathered her strength once more. She turned to the next page.July 1988I didn't expect to be pregnant with your child, Mas. I'm beyond happy. I also didn't expect that all my observations of your silly behavior back then meant you were holding warm feelings for me. I didn't even realize that... you meant so much to me. Can't wait for you to come home, Alvin.Fathia's heart was suddenly filled with a million butterflies. She was ecstatic due to her mother's words. They indicated that these words represented all the feelings her mother had. Her eyes welled up again, and with renewed excitement, Fathia turned to the next page.November 1988Thanks for loving me, Alvin. Thanks.Then there was a single photo on the page. Her mother was cradling her growing belly. She was slightly looking down and caressing her belly. Wearing a midi dress with a large coat and a scarf wrapped around h
Heir of Revenge [43] b
The little girl with doll-like eyes blinked slowly. She waited for her father to speak."Everyone here is like a monster. Ready to attack at any time. What you need to pay attention to are the monsters that only show on the surface. There's a monster waiting for us to lower our guard. Never let your guard down, Fathia. Remember this. Okay?"Fathia, who didn't quite understand her father's words at the time, simply nodded. Her young mind processed the fact that her uncle was a monster she needed to be cautious of. She couldn't let her guard down even for a second.It meant... she needed to suspect Alef Walker now. Which is why she had been trying to access the archives at Group Azure's office for the past week. Right, Jess mentioned they had a late shift. That meant she would have plenty of time to search. Or... if the opportunity arose again because sneaking into her father's office tonight was impossible. Too risky with Kenzo around. Why did that guy have to co
Heir of Revenge [44] a
"So, how's it going?" Jess asked, curious. Ever since she let Fathia sit by the window, she knew her friend needed more privacy. Not wanting to disturb too much, Jess chose to enjoy her warm tea and snacks. She had an intention to properly thank Kenzo, but she abandoned that plan upon seeing that Fathia didn't seem to be doing well.Her friend had been seen crying several times, then smiling again. Not to mention her facial expressions, as if completely engrossed in whatever she was reading. Jess really didn't want to disturb her for a moment."I think I need the 2000 archives," Fathia said without looking at Jess. She preferred to gaze out the window, which was now bright with garden lights. Apparently, reading her mother's writing took quite a bit of time. She let out a soft sigh. "Or... what is it? The company establishment deed? The one with the changes in the board of directors? What's it called?""Yeah, the establishment deed, Fathia.""I need the s
Heir of Revenge [44] b
Fathia immediately tried to cover Jess's mouth, who was already bursting into laughter. This made Fathia chase her even more energetically, while Jess continued to evade Fathia's pursuit."Uh... why are we playing chase? Let's eat first, Miss. It might get cold," Naomi intervened, shaking her head, though she couldn't hide the warmth that suddenly filled her. It had been a long time since she had seen her young miss this cheerful. Indeed, Jess's presence seemed to bring a new vibrancy to the young miss. At least she didn't always feel like she was alone. There were still many who cared for her, including herself, of course."Jess, you're annoying." Fathia crossed her arms. Her lips pouted. She sat, looking at Jess with a disapproving gaze."Ugh... sulking like that is not attractive, you know!" Jess teased and then burst into laughter again. "Alright, fine. Let's eat first. Tomorrow we'll need a lot of energy."Fathia agreed with that. She began to eat ca
Latest chapter
