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
"Your extra cheesy pasta always wins, Jess," Fathia says as she continues to eat her pasta without a trace of worry. Her body is naturally lean except when she's pregnant, and even then, it requires a lot of food to show.Jess just nods but feels pleased that what she's served is still her friend's favorite. After returning from the airport, Jess took a rest because her body was incredibly tired. She didn't even realize how long she had been asleep. When she opens her eyes again, morning has arrived. A series of messages flood in as Jess grabs her phone from the nightstand.Honestly, the past week has been exhausting for her, despite the enjoyment she shared with Kenzo. As she checks through the messages, most of which are from Kenzo, Jess can't help but chuckle.Jess. R: Sorry, I fell asleep last night. So tired, Ken. I still have a day off, right? Only back to work tomorrow?Just as Jess peels back the covers, getting ready to change, wash her face, and
As Jess talked to Kenzo about her burdens, half of that weight diminished. And when Laras hugged her tightly, Jess didn't expect the middle-aged woman she respected to say anything, and that reduced her burden even more. Even when Jess expressed her fear of Laras blaming her for Asmara, Laras pouted."Mami's not that heartless, Jess.""Sorry, Mi," she said, lowering her head. Fathia had gone back inside. Gwen was crying, asking for milk. She intentionally left them and gave them some time."This conversation should have happened a year ago, shouldn't it, Jess?"Jess frowned. "What do you mean?"Laras handed her a cup of her homemade jasmine tea. "Drink this first to relax a bit. Tea helps us calm our tense nerves, Jess.""Mami's right. When I was in Beverly Hills, I enjoyed my own jasmine tea. So when I went to Green Lake yesterday, I stuffed Kenzo with tea because he had too much coffee.""Oh, really?" Laras furrowed her brow in conf