Three days have passed with Kenzo stubbornly refusing to return to New York City. It actually infuriated Jess because of Kenzo's presence, she couldn't move around freely. There was always something she had to deal with along with the guy. Including... oh God! Jess felt like hitting the guy on the head with her collection of heels.
Enjoying her time around Beverly Hills where that agenda had once been brought up. Back then. And now, Kenzo had executed it without hesitation. He said, "Back then wasn't the right time to invite you, Lyn. Now you can't refuse. You have to accept."
"Mr. Annoyingly Persistent, now?"
Kenzo just chuckled.
"Do I need to bring clothes?"
The man paused. When Jess walked while checking the contents of her bag, it wasn't because of the clothes the girl was wearing, but more because of the question that implied... they were on a date. Spending a lot of time outside with many conversations Kenzo had prepared, more focused on pull
"Hey, Ken, do you know this place?" Jess was really curious about it. As they were driving through Beverly Hills and heading towards Lembang, Jess started wondering. But there was never an answer from Kenzo, just a grin.Until they reached the parking area, Kenzo still didn't want to talk. "Ken?""Yeah, I know," he finally said. "Yesterday, I was looking for a place to refresh my mind."Jess laughed. "Crazy. You're not in a weird mood, right? You're talking all poetic." Jess waved her hand, getting ready to go inside because, well, Kenzo's choice of Green Lake was indeed the right one. She did need some fresh air and was quite surprised by Kenzo's behavior today.Meanwhile, behind Jess, Kenzo smiled. He followed Jess into an area that was truly a feast for the eyes. At least before he returned to New York City and flew back to Malaysia, there was one thing Kenzo could fix: communication.Since he got to know Jess and they became close, and now they
Jess rubbed her temples while sitting down with a rather forceful thud on the sofa. Fortunately, the villa they had rented for the next two days had a comfortable enough couch. Her back wasn't too sore against the sofa's support. Just now, Asya called, delivering some news that left her in quite a predicament.Perhaps it was the word of mouth marketing that Loissa had been doing, but for the next week, Asya calculated that they had several cake orders, including... oh God, Jess had never expected that the middle-aged woman would be promoting her messy cakes to her socialite friends.So Asya was perplexed when she received four cake orders, especially a wedding cake for an event a month from now. The other three were for various important occasions. Asya didn't dare to immediately accept these orders. That's why this morning, the news reached Jess."What's wrong with you?" Kenzo asked, puzzled. He chose to sit down in front of her, staring at Jess with a look of
It's nearing midnight, but Jess can't seem to close her eyes. Kenzo really knows how to trap Jess into agreeing that they should stay here again. Before Jess fully agreed to Kenzo's idea that crossed the line, she was furious. Really angry. But Kenzo always manages to make her sit down and think, "Take this time to rest, Lyn. You're tired, I'm tired. When we get back to our activities, we'll be better."Jess scoffs. "That's just your excuse to keep me with you all the time.""I'm returning to Malaysia the day after tomorrow, Lyn. It's natural for me to want to spend time with you.""Spending time but constantly arguing. I'm tired!""Try to give in a little to me. I've given in to you plenty of times.""Ugh, no way!" Jess crosses her arms. "Besides, when did you ever give in, Ken? Do you need me to bring you a mirror?""Okay, how about just one more night, then? You're safe with me, right? I won't do anything."Jess lands a punch on Ke
The distance between the cemetery and the area where Jess hangs out isn't really that far. She can get there on her trusty scooter, which now spends more time in the café's parking lot. It's not like Jess doesn't know where it is; she could also ask for the exact location. But... she wasn't ready.The dreadful memories keep spinning in her mind, making her feel queasy. She pushes them aside with all her might, trying to keep walking and hold herself upright. Even in her room, when she's reminded of her shrinking belly with no child to accompany her, she gets lost in a long cry.On this trip back home, Jess chooses to stay silent. Kenzo seems to understand her silence because today, for the first time, a Jesslyn Rasopati visited her child. The child who was always the subject of her stories at home. Along with his mother, Fathia, he shared the exciting tales with Jess during their time in Beverly Hills.Whatever it is, no matter how small, Kenzo shares it
"It's hot, Lyn." Kenzo tried to shield Jess from the scorching sun that had been greeting them for the past hour. The spacious and well-maintained cemetery area had been greeting them for some time now. Kenzo knew that Jess was mustering the courage to get out of the car. He didn't force her to come down and visit.But Jess gently pushed aside the large black umbrella. She chose to walk slowly, savoring each step as she approached the grave that Kenzo had pointed to some time ago. A well-kept small grave.Their daughter's grave, whom Kenzo had named Asmarandhana Rinjani."What's her nickname, Ken?"Kenzo smiled faintly. "Asmara."Jess gazed at the grave for a long time. Her memories dragged her back to the first time she woke up in the hospital. The first thing she remembered was Po. She touched her belly, which had now shrunk slightly. Also... the sudden pain that attacked her stomach."Ouch," she winced softly, immediately drawing Kenzo's
"If Asmara were here, she'd be so happy playing with Gwen." Jess sits cross-legged, letting the wind tousle her disheveled hair. "Do you come here sometimes, Ken?" She lifts her gaze, which has been fixed on their child's engraved name."Ehm... yeah, often. For the past year, I've been here three or four times."Jess nods. "Am I the only one heartless enough not to visit Asmara?"Kenzo shakes his head gently. "We understand why Mommy hasn't wanted to come here. Asmara surely understands, Mom."Jess furrows her brow, her mouth agape. "What did you say?""Mommy," Kenzo points to Jess, then points to himself and confidently says, "Daddy."Usually, Jess would get upset at Kenzo's remark, but this time, a faint smile appears on the corner of her lips. Somehow, this time it sounds right. Not exaggerated."Mommy feels like the most guilty one here. Asmara should be in the middle of us, right, Ken?""God didn't intend for us to regret
"Sebastian's been on a big expansion, you know, setting up a supermarket and all that. He's been working on that project for about a year now. Originally, it was in Uncle Alif's department, but it got stuck during his trial. It was handed over to Uncle Akmal for the continuation, and it's been running smoothly again," Fathia explains from the other end.Jess sits in one of the chairs on the balcony. She deliberately placed two chairs and a table to enjoy the evening. Just like now. Her gaze wanders far ahead, enjoying the chilly night atmosphere in Beverly Hills. She's sure Fathia might not know the exact location earmarked for development, which includes her parents' house and their graves.Talking to Fathia about this was the right decision, and she also feels like she needs to find out if Roy is deeply involved."Why are you suddenly asking about the Azure Group?"The pink-haired girl doesn't want to hide what's happening to her. "I'm going to New York
Stopping by New York City, Jess didn't stay for long, just a few hours because Kenzo had to catch his flight. And for this time, using Dennish as a driver was the wisest choice. Kenzo was quite tired from driving from Beverly Hills to New York City and had to get to the airport right away. He didn't carry too much luggage, just a small suitcase, but he still needed to check if he had left anything behind.Meanwhile, Fathia advised Jess to go back to her place."Me and Mr. Dennish will manage it. How can I get back to Beverly Hills right away?" Jess smirked, but then she smiled. "Wait for me, okay? We'll gossip."Fathia, who was carrying Gwen, just shook her head in amazement at her friend's behavior. But really, Jess's eyes seemed more alive than they had been for the past few months. She felt like she was meeting the Jess she knew when they first met. Not the Jess who had been keeping to herself. Fathia knew Jess was close by, but not as close as she used to be