"Come in!" says someone from inside the room. They don't need to lift their eyes from the row of reports being examined. The voice already explained who entered the room dominated by white and gray.
"For the second quarter, I've finished checking." The fair-skinned hand stretches out while placing a needed file. "Nothing suspicious."
That statement makes the room's owner stop his activity. Even the glasses he's wearing are taken off. There's a soft sigh between them. "Sure?"
"Yes, Sir," the woman replies. "But," once again, the hand reaches out to place another file with a different folder, "your suspicion is in the third-quarter report. I've marked everything you asked for."
A thin grin and a satisfied look are clearly imprinted there.
"Good." He immediately takes the handed file. "I'll check first. You prepare for the meeting this afternoon."
"Does it have to be this afternoon, Sir?"
Levi stares straight at the woman. "Is there a problem?"
"From the schedule I know, the finance division has a meeting discussing the budget for this month's promotion."
"My agenda is different tomorrow, Ta," Levi says softly. "You know that, right?"
No need for words, Samanta knows everything related to Levi's work. In response, she just nods briefly.
"Don't postpone it for too long. After all, their budget also comes from my decision, right?"
What Levi says is indeed true.
"Just prepare the materials. I'll talk to Mrs. Tety about the afternoon meeting."
"Alright, Sir."
Tata gets ready to leave the boss's room. She feels she has no other reason to linger here. There's still a lot to be done even though the chance to just observe how the hot widower labeled man works, God carved him so perfectly.
Who doesn't know Levi Mathias? His name is famous throughout the ShopaShop pantry because of his handsomeness. Not to mention his quiet, firm, and brilliant attitude. Oh... not to forget, his status as a single parent officially makes Levi an idol for women around here.
Does that apply to Tata too? Of course not. Tata's mind is as straight as a highway. Go to work, arrive at the office, flirt intimately with rows of numbers and product progress analyses, then go home. That's it.
So when someone says, "Ta, you're really lucky to be close to Mr. Levi. It keeps his mind fresh," Tata is confused. In seven years of working with her boss, she has never had such a thought. The man joined ShopaShop when she had been there for about four years.
"Oh yeah, Ta."
Levi speaks again. The woman who was in front of him stops in her tracks. Maybe one or two more steps and she would reach the door of the room.
"Yeah, Sir?"
"Next week, there's a business trip to Medan. I've emailed the permit. But it seems you can't make it, huh?" Levi smiles slightly.
"That," Tata blinks slowly, "I need to talk to my husband first, Sir."
"Don't make it a burden, Ta. I understand." Levi still wears that smile on his lips. "As long as you help me from home as usual."
Business trip. A word that becomes a haunting for Tata. Once she accompanied Levi on a business trip, not far though. In Bandung. The distance from Jakarta to Bandung can still be covered in a maximum of four hours. However... she chooses to forget that bad memory. Don't let that fleeting memory ruin her already messed-up day.
"Okay, Sir." Tata bows slightly. "Forgive me."
After the woman who represents him leaves, Levi just shrugs. He goes back to dealing with the reports Tata handed earlier. This week, he has been busy with reports indicating markup fraud in the promotion fund. Everything is shifted to the marketing department. He doesn't accept these accusations. Unfortunately, many pieces of evidence have been manipulated, leaving him deadlocked. When all his focus is on these reports, his phone rings loudly. Merry's name is on the screen. There's a subtle furrow on Levi's forehead.
What's Merry calling about?
"Yeah, Mer?"
"Sir, Echa's condition is worsening. I can't handle it, Sir."
***
Ottis rhythmically taps the table in his living room. A cup of coffee, now turning cold, is his companion this time. The ticking sound of the clock adds to the loneliness. He grumbles in frustration, not for the first time, because the person he's waiting for hasn't shown up. Finally, the rumble of a car entering the garage area becomes audible.
Not long after, Tata opens the door, which has been unlocked since earlier.
"You... are just getting home?"
"What time is it, Ta?"
She sighs softly. "I informed you. There was an impromptu meeting, and I had to find a solution."
"What time is it, Ta?" Ottis repeats, but this time with a very cold and sharp gaze.
"Ten, Ottis."
Tata is actually tired. She doesn't know where the Ottis she has known all this time, the one who convinced her to enter married life, has gone. Every time her husband behaves like this, she always brings back the 'shadow of Ottis' in her mind, so that everything will be 'okay' later. She cannot accept that the changed Ottis is the one she should be dealing with.
"Ten o'clock, but you're just getting home? Are you working or fooling around, Ta?" Ottis asks loudly. He rises from his seat, taking wide steps toward his wife. He points his index finger right at Tata's face. "My office also has many female employees. But none of them come home this late!"
"There's something I had to finish, Ottis," Tata retorts. She closes her eyes tightly to contain the emotions brewing in her mind.
"Oh, please! You have so many excuses, Ta!" Ottis threatens. "I allowed you to work, but not to break the rules and the role of a wife, Ta. You come home at this hour, and when will you prepare dinner for me? Warm water? I even have to brew my own coffee! Think, Ta! Think!"
"What should I do?" Tata asks softly. Her hands have been tightly clenched since earlier. The tips of her nails feel like they are cutting into her skin due to the force of the clenching. "I work not just for myself, Ottis, but for your family too."
"Oh!" Ottis scoffs. "Are you bringing this up again?" He then chuckles unbelievably hearing his wife's words. "Those are two different things, Ta. Helping my family doesn't mean neglecting your duties as a wife!"
"But this is my job, Ottis!" Tata retorts, unable to contain herself.
"Wow!" Ottis looks at Tata in disbelief. "Are you daring to snap at me? Your husband?!"
Without mercy, without caring if the slap across his wife's cheek would cause a million pains, Ottis still imparts a lesson to Samanta Kiehl. It's a hard slap that makes a painful sound.
"Don't think that just because you're now the assistant manager, you can be arrogant. Forget your duties as a wife in this house! Acting as if our family lives because of your money!" Ottis hisses. "Never think like that, Ta!" Then, Ottis leaves his wife just like that. However, before truly ascending the stairs to his room, he adds, "No wonder God still hasn't given us a child. You're busy with your own affairs!"
The buzzing sound that was spinning in Tata's head starts to subside. However, it leaves a disturbing sting in the corner of her lips. That's nothing compared to the sudden pain that overwhelms her. It's so strong that she feels her entire body throbbing and bleeding.
Every time Tata comes home late due to her office affairs, Ottis always scolds her, saying many things that make her more upset. Unconsciously, tears fall from her eyes. Her shoulders also tremble more and more as she tries to hold back her sobbing. Until finally, she collapses to the floor. Clutching her shirt tightly as support. Tata takes quite some time to try to regain her composure, only to find that Ottis has already come back downstairs, complete with a large bag.
"Where are you going?" Tata asks, hastily wiping away her tears. Ottis tightens his lips. "I know I was wrong, but you don't have to solve it by leaving the house, right?" Tata, following Ottis' steps, reaches out and somewhat forcefully grabs her husband's hand.
"Ottis!"
"What?" Ottis snaps rudely. "Meanwhile, I'll stay at my mom's house until you can think clearly! Clear, Ta, clear! Think about your mistakes! You're defying your husband all the time!"
"What do you want me to be?" Tata can't help but voice the question in her mind. "What?"
"You clearly heard what I said earlier, didn't you? We've argued about the same thing more than once."
Tata grumbles in frustration. "In that case, I'll resign tomorrow!"
Ottis looks at Tata in disbelief. "You don't understand what I said, Ta!"
"I indeed don't understand, Ottis. Explain it then."
For some reason, Ottis still refuses to speak.
"If you want me to keep working, fine, Ottis. Anyway, since I was alone, I've been used to working. The longer the job demands from me, right? You too, huh? Why am I blamed for coming home late? I don't fool around out there. I really work," Tata says with a gasp. "Now, when my job demands something from me, you get angry. But you also need me to work. Right?"
The man doesn't say a word.
"You should think that if it weren't for me helping the family's economy, what would happen to your mom and Nilam!" Tata finally blurts out what she has been holding in for so long. Every time she received demands from both of them, Tata chose to stay silent. This time, she is truly on the edge.
That statement makes Ottis thin his lips very slightly. "Impressive. My wife is really something. So good at digging up the past. No wonder my mom always said you're only sweet in front of her."
In Levi's life, the figure lying weak with an IV line in their hand is both a blessing and a curse. There's a tremendous anger considering who this person is and where they come from. But truly, every time those bright light brown eyes look at him a certain way, the man kneels. All the anger he has dissipates. Especially when that hand touches Levi's face and asks, "Is work okay?"God!Can Levi be given one chance to redo life? It doesn't matter from what era, as long as he doesn't take the incredibly foolish path and decisions in the past."Sir," someone Levi recognizes calls. He just glances briefly, then refocuses his attention on the figure lying in this bed. Feeling no response, once again, the voice's owner says, "You can go home, sir. I'll take care of Miss Echa."Levi smiles thinly. "Go home. Let me take care of Echa.""But, sir." Merry, the nanny of his child, is a bit insistent. She knows the man in front of her clearly has a very high workload. "Tomorrow, sir will have to—"
"Is the meeting stuff all set, Ta?" The 36-year-old woman has been busy preparing the report they're going to discuss with the finance team since earlier. The decision on promotion budgets and target points by Levi's team is just a step away. That's why Tata can't just let go of all sorts of summaries from previous meetings without checking them more carefully."Just a bit more, Sir," Tata says without taking her eyes off the computer screen. Not meaning to be rude, but she can get easily distracted. The data she's checking has to be perfect for the final presentation.Levi understands how Tata operates. He doesn't feel offended or neglected when his subordinate answers without making eye contact. It shows high dedication from someone like Samanta to her job."Oh yeah, Ta, after the meeting, we've got a lunch invitation with the BoD."This remark makes Tata raise her eyes. Adjusting her glasses slightly, she replies to Levi's words."Where at, Boss? I gotta tell the hubby first."Levi
Ottis:I'm coming home late. Office stuff.Tata falls silent, staring at her phone. Unconsciously, her fingers scroll through the conversation thread with her husband. Nothing unusual, just lately Ottis has been coming home late more often. Sometimes he texts, sometimes his reason is forgetfulness. The woman doesn't want to argue with her husband too much.There's a sense of fatigue every time she brings up the issue. Ottis always corners it with one sentence. "You're busy too, right? I am too."Tata doesn't want to neglect her husband. The demands of her job are like that. But even with lengthy explanations, Ottis refuses to accept. Instead of making her heart even more tired, it's better to stay silent and continue her duty; serving her husband when he comes home from work. She sighs softly. She puts her phone in her desk drawer. She picks up the scattered pieces of focus once again.Human Greatness has approved all the instructions
"I'm really sorry, Ta," Levi says, not sure how many times he's repeated the same thing. His face also looks guilty. Yet Tata doesn't make a big deal out of what happened.It's normal for children with Asperger's syndrome to act spontaneously, including biting their hands. He's quite surprised, but he realizes that the girl who bit him might be defending herself.Tata, a sudden stranger nearby. Maybe the girl feels threatened. Tata is half scared and shocked by the unexpected response of the child. Her wound is just a scratch. Echa immediately lets go once her father hugs her tightly. Whispering softly to calm her daughter down, that's what Levi does."I'm okay, Sir," Tata maintains her smile. "You've apologized many times already. I'm sure Echa didn't mean it that way. Her name is Echa, right?""Her name is Aleisya Kirei.""Wow, such a beautiful name, Sir," Tata compliments."Do you think so?" Levi asks. They're on their way back to his off
"Dang, it's been so long since I've seen you, Ta." A woman dressed in pretty trendy fashion immediately approaches Tata. She hugs her tightly."You're exaggerating," Tata grumbles. "It's only been a month.""A month is long, Bebs. Plus, you canceled last weekend, remember?" Jenni says with a laugh on her face. "How's life treating you?" She takes a seat in front of her friend."So far, so good," Tata replies while stirring her smoothie slowly."Thank goodness nothing magical has happened in your life again."Jenni's words aren't without reason. Knowing her for almost fifteen years, her friend has coined many terms for her, especially for Ottis's 'peculiar' family. Nilam the Rat Chewer, her mother-in-law the Fake Witch, and Ottis the Man with the Rein.At first, Tata didn't like these nicknames. After all, they're all part of her life. But Jenni had one sentence that couldn't be denied. "You consider them family, but they see you as a money p
One name still sticks in Tata's memory: Anisya Ratih Dwihara. It's funny how she even remembers the woman's full name. The only woman who ever appeared in Ottis's life. Tata knows she was the replacement back then. An orphan girl who readily accepted the offer of false love, leading to a marriage supposedly based on love that could exist because of familiarity. The kind of love Ottis had for her. She forgets... memories of past love can erase everything.Tata never imagined, for the second time, she would catch her husband with the same woman. Eventually, she also learns what kind of person Anisya Ratih Dwihara is."I already suspected that your wife must be very beautiful, Ottis," she says softly. Her smile curves perfectly. Her gaze also looks friendly. But Tata can't help but feel a question lingering in her heart.Why is that hand clinging to her husband?"I didn't expect us to meet here," the conversation partner adds."Yeah," she replies. "I
Tata leans on the edge of the bed. Her room just got hit by a tornado. The vanity table, once neat, is now in disarray. Her makeup collection and perfume bottles litter the floor. The bedsheet is all messed up. Pillows and bolsters are strewn everywhere. Even her wardrobe, almost all of its contents are scattered on the floor. She herself doesn't know what items broke there."I'll make sure you regret doing this, Ta."That statement slightly disturbs Tata. Even after the man still labeled as her husband leaves her with two big suitcases, she remains stoic. She won't degrade herself or apologize for kicking Ottis out. It's enough for her to stand her ground.But, not long after, she crumbles.Crying her heart out. Screaming like a mad person. Ranting and venting all the anger she's been holding since they were seated—ah, it didn't start just a few hours ago. Perhaps her anger has been festering in her heart for a long time. This is the first time she
Jenni got to the hospital as fast as she could. Actually, since yesterday her heart had been in turmoil. Tata's eyes couldn't deceive her; her friend was deeply disappointed. Damn it, that guy! Ottis is really annoying. Why does a guy like Ottis get to have a long life in this world?Useless."Are you... Ms. Jenni?" Levi asks cautiously as he sees a woman hurrying towards Tata's room. He can't just leave his assistant manager like that. He's a bit confused because Tata's phone is locked and the emergency contact number he got from HRD isn't responding at all. Yet that number belongs to her husband.During the trip to the hospital, Jenni's name appeared on Tata's phone screen. Levi explained what happened and now they're here."That's right," Jenni smiles faintly, "You must be Mr. Levi?"Levi just nods briefly and accepts Jenni's handshake. After a brief introduction, he updates Jenni on Tata's current condition. The doctor said Tata was experiencin
Days go by, months roll by, years also add up. But one thing is timeless. Togetherness in the two-story house that is now never quiet again. Sometimes Anna's voice fills the corners of the room where Nika is too active to move. The seven-year-old is like a deer in headlights. She can't keep still. I don't know where her energy comes from. Anna is not afraid that something will break or fall because of Nika. But she was worried that her granddaughter would get hurt because she was too agile. Running here and there, sometimes jumping up and down while laughing merrily. Fortunately, Levant could accompany Nika's activities, although the youngest daughter had to wait until her middle sister came home from school. Meanwhile, Cheryl was really busy with her studies. Levant also started to have a lot of activities at school. Even so, Cheryl never wasted time with her family. Even Levant. Whenever there is an opportunity to get together, they do it with great j
Lily gazed at Nika, who had fallen asleep, fondly. She still remembered how she gave birth to her youngest daughter. Although there was a lot of drama, her gratitude never subsided. "Sleep well, sweetheart. Sweet dreams." She gently kissed Nika's forehead as she prayed, "Oh God, always protect my children from nightmares. From people with evil intentions. From the hypocrites around them. Make them good and virtuous children." Fixing the edge of Nika's blanket properly, tidying up the books that Nika had messed up, and making sure the room temperature was comfortable, Lily left the room. Which turned out to be awaited by James. "Not sleeping yet?" asked Lily, who carefully closed the door to Nika's room. "I can't sleep if you're not around." James sulked exactly like Levant. That's why Lily often joked that her husband transformed into his son when he was five years old. All Lily could do was to mess up James' rather messy hair.
Even though it was loud and noisy in her father's luxury SUV, Cheryl still had a quiet spot. Even though her mouth occasionally asked Levant not to tease her youngest sister, who had no idea where Levant's nosy behavior had come from, it was still a niche that sometimes demanded attention. She deliberately created a void in her heart to imprison the figure of Keana there. The figure that should have been there when she was sad, worried, lonely, read her stories, prepared her breakfast, and all sorts of activities that little Lily used to do. Like the woman who sat beside her father; who was never late to accompany her to do anything, even when she arrived in her red and white uniform. Not in a kindergarten uniform or even a time when her memory was not too perfect. The trip to one of the malls in Central Jakarta didn't take too long. Once in the parking area, James asked Levant and Nika's nanny to enter the shopping center first.
In the past, it took a lot of effort for Lily to get Cheryl to talk. This time, Cheryl could easily tell Lily anything, especially what happened to her. From her activities at school to her friends who she finds annoying. Cheryl had something to tell Lily. For her, talking to her mom is fun. Unlike her father, who often teases her. Especially about relationships with the opposite sex. "What's wrong, mom?" Cheryl folded her arms across her chest. Her face was sullen. The look in her eyes held irritation. "What's wrong with Papa?" Lily folded her smile. She reached out her hand to tidy up her daughter's long hair which was a bit messy. "I was asked about Noah. Am I his friend? When did I become Noah Narendra's friend?" "Drink the milk first, okay?" "I'm not Levant, Mom." Cheryl still didn't accept being treated like a child.Even so, she accepted the glass Lily handed her. She sipped slowly,
The second pregnancy was a bit risky for Lily. Her age made her worry, although not as much as the happiness that surrounded her. The doctor said, "As long as you take care of your womb, condition, and food intake, God willing, it will be fine." For Lily, everything that poured into her life now was more than a gift. What she had hoped for all this time, the millions of prayers she made in every prostration happened so easily. As if without burden, God gave her that wish when Lily let go of everything. When she let go of being a childless woman. Cheryl was enough for her to show off. Risa's advice to Lily was exactly that. So when her first pregnancy happened, the happiness was not only hers. But her whole family. Nita and Rianto often traveled to Jakarta to see their first grandchild grow. As befits the name Lily gave her second child-for Cheryl was her first-Levant Akala Virza. She hopes that her life will be as bright as her name.
The man was still frozen in front of the steering wheel. There was a moment of hesitation before he decided to actually get out and walk towards the place where James Adam's fare wall party was being held. Today, his coworker resigned. He chose to continue the business he had started rather than struggle under the command of someone else. There was a mountain of curiosity in the man's heart. Especially the words that had been bothering him since this morning. "I'm definitely missing Mr. James at work."He said honestly. His coworker this time was very dedicated to work."Mr. Levi could have. I had intended to resign a long time ago but the timing always clashed. It just so happens that my wife is spoiled beyond belief, asking to be accompanied at home.""Pregnant women have different hormones, boss," said Denny, James Adam's assistant. "Ms. Lily is so independent when she's spoiled, it's really funny.""Don't imagine someone's wife. Date someone else!"
"Where's Lily, James?" It was James' turn to be puzzled by such a question. Since leaving the room he had chosen to tidy up the files in his study first and then head to the dining room. Usually his wife, Sari, was preparing breakfast. But this morning, she wasn't there. Plus his mother's question just now. "Probably in Cheryl's room." That was all James could answer. "Morning, Grandma. Morning, Papa." Cheryl, cheerfully approached her father as well as her grandmother. Giving a good morning kiss befor
Lily is tired? She must be.However, her heart was happy because in addition to the wedding party that she had once dreamed of, it was perfectly realized by her husband. Even her wishes regarding the bridal room. Although she had protested, Lily was able to get her husband to comply. There was no bridal suite in the place where she spent her first night after becoming husband and wife. Even though the hotel had offered the most luxurious package to Lily, she refused. James actually didn't understand Lily's way of thinking. Wouldn't she be amazed to see how beautifully the bridal suite was decorated?James was eager to ask, but a smile and a sad look appeared on Lily's beautiful face. He did not want to ask further. Maybe later, when she was in a better mood, he would ask her about it."Tired?" asked James when he entered the room.He glanced at his wife who w
BALI The man frowns. The wedding invitation the receptionist had just given him was enough to make him tingle, but he would still tell his employer. There was no way he could hide this invitation from her."Keana," Andri called out loudly as he entered the long-haired woman's apartment unit."What the hell, you're screaming incoherently!"Keana, who was putting on her eyelashes, felt suddenly distracted. She felt like throwing her assistant with the boots next to her. It took a lot of concentration to put on those lashes and Andri succeeded in distracting her."I have a surprise for you."Andri grinned innocently. Handing the invitation to the woman. Keana snorted in displeasure but she read it anyway. She read the wedding invitation that came to her for a long time."When will it arrive?" She was still flipping through the ivory-colored invitat