"Hey, Ta," Yessy and Peoni greet Tata cheerfully as they spot her sitting at one of the cafeteria tables where they occasionally have lunch together.
"Rare to see you here," Peoni quickly takes a seat right in front of Tata, who's busy enjoying her soup.
"Missing soup," Tata says with a chuckle.
"If only you'd come down with us earlier," Yessy chimes in, promptly ordering her lunch. Along with Peoni, her menu choice isn't too different.
"Super busy now that you're the new boss, huh?" Peoni remarks.
Tata sighs. "If only you knew, I feel like I'm being crushed by piles of reports and meetings."
Both of her coworkers laugh.
"But the marketing division's progress is amazing. The finance team was swamped with your projects, but the results..." Yessy gives two thumbs up. "Mrs. Tata immediately removed Mr. Levi's name as Mr. Jimmy's favorite child."
"No way," Tata scoffs, accompanied by a thin grin. "I heard you both got promoted too,
Tata had given full power to Ningrum as her lawyer to handle everything related to the marital assets. The process has been going on for almost four months, and today is the day she's been waiting for.Different from the divorce trial, Ottis, who came, just sits silently in the corner with a melancholic look. Not much talking, as if losing his former dominance that once made Tata feel small.Last time she remembers, Ottis wasn't as gloomy as this. What's really going on? Accompanied by Jenni, Tata is busy thinking about Ottis, also wondering if her ex-husband is really involved in a significant case."The Chairman of the Panel decided on the division of the house located at Duta Mas Complex, Angkasa Street No. 58 RT 010 RW 001, Jagakarsa Village, Jagakarsa District, each party receiving fifty percent of the proceeds from the sale."Previously, Tata had been informed. Although only an estimate from Ningrum as her legal representative, she didn't expect the
Levi could never pinpoint when he fell for the charm of the person sleeping in his embrace.The first time Levi joined ShopaShop, Tata was just an ordinary staff. He only interacted with her briefly, as she rarely spoke unnecessary things. However, her performance deserved more appreciation. Although he initially felt quite strange because Tata asked for some flexibility regarding certain things, including business trips, he understood it back then.A wife is indeed obliged to obey her husband. Anyway, Levi was already very grateful even though Tata didn't join the business trip. For him, at that time, Tata's husband was very lucky because his wife could put herself in two positions, as a wife and as a successful career woman. In Levi's eyes, his coworker shines brightly in her own way."You still don't want to wake up?" he asks softly.He carefully tucks away the strands of hair that fall onto her cheek. Levi's eyes don't stray anywhere else but to Tata.
"Was your weekend bad, Ta?" Jenni asks as she slices her steak thinly. Her fondness for eating tenderloin cooked well-done can't be stopped. Every time they eat out, her choice always falls on her favorite restaurant. Luckily, there are other menu options besides steak, so Tata doesn't worry too much about her friend's choice."My weekend was fine, actually." Tata gently stirs the smoothie that accompanies her lunch today."But why are you gloomy?"Tata furrows her brow. "I'm not gloomy, Jen, just thinking.""Uh-huh!" Jenni scoffs. She's already finished another piece of steak. "Is it Ottis's debt?""Oh, my God!" Tata is astonished. "Why would I think about that? He can't do anything about it anymore. How else could he repay the money unless he hands over the ownership of the house to me?"Jenni chuckles. What Tata says is indeed true. Considering it's been two weeks since the court decision regarding the division of assets that Tata has bee
They say riding a roller coaster is thrilling and fun. It can be a place to scream your heart out when the pressure gets too much. Afterward, there's a relief that comes along with your body feeling like it's been turned upside down. Even though Tata hasn't tried where the fun lies in those mini cars running on twisty tracks from varying heights, she already feels like her life often makes her heart work harder. Just like now.Many eyes are focused on her. If she were a model, that's what would be expected. Being the center of attention and what she shows getting more appreciation. Unfortunately, Tata is not a model. Since entering the corridor connecting several divisions in her office, she has felt quite a difference. Including Yessy and Peoni who immediately approach her."What's up?" Tata asks, puzzled."Ta, is that really your husband?" Yessy asks impatiently. Maybe after telling Tata the news, the woman now sitting in front of her kept silent. Two messages
Every living being will meet their Creator. Tata firmly believes that. Although not overly religious, she tries her best to fulfill her obligations. This includes believing that death is as close as a heartbeat, and therefore, living as virtuously as possible. Good deeds alone may not necessarily be rewarded with beauty, but what if one continues to do wrong? Although everything done has consequences, logic says, "Do good first. God knows how to repay it."Just like now. She never imagined having to stand in a crowd mostly dressed in black. The scorching sun doesn't deter many from continuing the procession. There are tears and mournful glances among the gathering. Especially from the woman always accompanied by the teary-eyed little girl. The woman wails repeatedly, calling 'mother' over and over again, sometimes even having to be carried as she suddenly weakens.However, the woman vehemently refuses to step aside. As if unwilling to leave one moment on her last day s
"Geez, why are you so gloomy, Ta?" Jenni exclaims. For the past hour, her friend has been silent. Not speaking, not touching the food in front of her, and her tea has gone cold from neglect. "What's up? Not just today, you've been like this lately.""It's nothing, Jen. I just need some time to think.""Oh, come on!" Jenni sighs, tapping her forehead. "I'm here, Ta. You can talk to me. What do you think I am, anyway?" She's getting frustrated with Tata's behavior. "You usually spill everything, don't you?"Tata's shoulders slump."It's related to something very private, Jen.""Ta." Jenni presses a little. She grabs her friend's shoulder so they're facing each other. "Listen to me carefully. If it's about privacy and it's bothering you, I get it. But if it's making you as upset as being left at the altar by Levi, I won't accept it!"Tata sighs. "That's not it."She never imagined something like that happening. It seems a bit terrifying.
Tata was reading the report Gina had sent half an hour ago through her email. The café she visited this time wasn't too far from where Echa had her counseling session. For the past week, this woman deliberately stayed in Kuala Lumpur. Besides relieving stress, she also had to meet clients in Johor Bahru. Gina had scheduled a meeting for the day after tomorrow with many important discussions.The atmosphere in this café isn't much different from the ones in Jakarta. Most people just stop by for a moment, then leave with a few cups of their orders. Or if someone chooses to stay, they're pretty much like Tata; busy looking at their work screen. One by one, she finishes her tasks. She's not someone who enjoys spending time without doing anything."May I... sit here?"Tata looks up, her eyes widening as she finds out who's talking in front of her. Rahayu."Sorry, don't chase me away just yet. I beg you," she pleads, even though Tata hasn't said a
The night where it all begins.Tata doesn't care what's gotten into her. She knows one thing for sure. Her palm pushes a bit roughly against the chest of the still-astonished man before her."Kiss me more," she whispers. The man's gaze, Levi's, is fixed intensely on hers.He immediately complies. Levi. Planting a long, passionate kiss, this time allowing himself to ignite with desire. He doesn't care that the woman in his arms belongs to someone else. Levi succumbs to Tata's charm and mysterious allure.Until they both collapse in the middle of the bed, the kiss never breaks for a moment. They devour each other, sucking and nibbling away. Exploring every inch of each other's lips, now moist from their play. When Levi momentarily breaks their kiss, he intentionally meets Tata's gaze."Say stop now, Ta. I won't continue."Unfortunately, she shakes her head."Where would I want to stop?"Her hands skillfully start to unbutton Levi
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