Lily was busy with her phone, ignoring the small calls inviting her to join a fan club of someone she knows. She shook her head in wonder. How could there be a fan club for James Adam at Cheryl's school? Maybe if Risa knew about this, her friend would sign up right away. Considering the first time Risa met him, compliments about his looks slipped effortlessly from her lips. Not to mention the gossip about him. Lily was even getting tired of the questions, "Has Mr. James's wife ever come, Lily?" Or, "Yeah, I told you too. Mr. James is a Hot Widower."
For Lily, none of that mattered. Cheryl was the most important thing to her. His status was none of her business. Not at all. Even if what most of the gossipers were also caregivers, it was true. James' face was indeed handsome, Lily admitted to herself, but that didn't make her fascinated by him. Not at all. It was enough for her to have any dealings with a man like James. It was more than enough.
Her presence in James's h
Spending the rest of this afternoon with Cheryl, at least, could ease his guilt a little. He asked Ahmad and Lily to go home earlier. Well, he had finished his business with Cheryl's homeroom teacher."Why's Daddy picking up Cheryl all of a sudden?"Glancing at his daughter, she was busy licking her portion of ice cream. "Don't you like it?"Cheryl actually laughs happily. "I'm really happy, actually. Usually Daddy comes home late, you know. Overtime, you know. It's strange that he's picking me up now."A sudden regret envelops James's heart as Lily's innocent sparkling eyes fill his mind. "Sorry, sweetheart."The ponytailed girl quickly shakes her head. "Daddy works for me, right? Busy for me too. So, I forgive you."James chuckles. "Where to after ice cream?" He lovingly strokes the top of her head. But instead of a happy face, he gets a sideways glance, a sign of displeasure at his recent action."My hair always has to be neat, Dad
"What's the big deal, James! That's so rude!"The man still wearing a neatly pressed shirt just tugs at the corner of his lips. "Rude? Are you sure about your words, Ta?""What files are you throwing at me, huh?!" the woman yells, becoming increasingly upset. Finding her conversation partner looking dismissive, unlike usual. Warm, friendly, and always smiling at her. Yes, only for her.The man remains unmoved. His eyes straight as they stare at his conversation partner without lowering their intensity. He stays in that position for quite a while, as does the woman."Do you know how important Cheryl is to my life, Ta?" The man sits down without waiting to be invited. "That little girl is my world. My life. Everything to me, Ta. You know that perfectly well." The man's eyes refuse to shift anywhere else except to the beautiful woman still standing, holding the brown envelope with the logo he threw earlier. "And you want to ruin Cheryl?""What do you
"Have you been sleeping at all, Sa?" Lily asks, curious after answering the greeting from her friend. At the other end, Risa's tired voice is heard. Yet all Lily wanted tonight was to enjoy the stars alone."Irsyad's out of town for work, Abyan's already asleep. So I thought I'd bother you instead," Risa replies.Lily shakes her head in wonder at Risa's response."How was the interview earlier?"The woman with shoulder-length hair is already sure there'll be another round of interrogation about the job she just applied for this afternoon. Lily explains in a flat tone how the process went. Before long, Risa is already very excited about the outcome. Lily just smiles hearing Risa. According to her friend, Lily's degree should be used for more than just being a caregiver. After all, from the beginning, this job was just a stepping stone."I hope you get accepted there, for your experience too," Risa says.Lily chooses to remain silent, enjoying
Throughout Lily's memories while being in this grand house, the scent of the room freshener remains the same. Citrus. Sometimes lavender alternates. Except for one room, her employer's office. Lily inhales deeply the Ocean Escape scent because to her, this aroma is more calming than the others."So ... what's your decision?" James asks while chin resting on their hand. Their eyes gaze at the interlocutor without interruption."I don't know yet." Lily blinks slowly, choosing to look down rather than lock eyes. AnJames Aria's gaze is too intimidating for her. It's as if the words she wants to convey vanish quickly without her realizing."You need to decide soon. You've already passed the psychotest stage, right?"Lily chooses to answer with a nod."I don't mind if you want to quit being Cheryl's nanny. Like I said before."Lily hears the sound of the chair being pushed, then slow but firm steps. Lily can believe in her heart that the man who's
The fragrant aroma of sautéed onions and the slight spiciness of chili peppers filled James' senses as he approached the kitchen. His stomach suddenly wanted to be filled with whatever it was that looked like it would be delicious. The image of a slender figure wearing an apron deftly pacing back and forth there was clearly projected. And that figure was actually in the kitchen. Complete with spatulas and a container that James is sure contains a variety of sea food.James' favorite type of food, and his son's.Speaking of his son, "Where's Cheryl?" asked James curiously as he found the chair the boy usually occupied, empty. Usually the daughter was already sitting there, gazing at the kitchen with interest while occasionally asking this and that cheerfully. Adding to the lively atmosphere of the morning and injecting a pocket full of enthusiasm for James' later activities.Lily only gave him a glance, "Finish making breakfast and I'll wake you up soon, s
Lily also hated doctors. So when Cheryl refuses to go to the doctor, Lily understands. But no less resourceful, a bribe in the form of baked spaghetti after the doctor is a gift. Cheryl couldn't refuse. And now, Lily was being billed for the dish."After eating, you take your medicine again."The little girl beamed with delight as a serving of baked spaghetti was placed in front of her. She seemed to ignore the word "take your medicine" that her nanny had just said."Eat slowly, Miss Cheryl." Lily smoothed Cheryl's hair which seemed to be distracting the child while eating. She occasionally wiped the sauce off the corner of the child's lips."This is really good, Miss."Lily smiled again. She checked Cheryl's forehead; it was better than this morning. She breathed a sigh of relief at last. Lily was quite worried about Cheryl's condition. She had never had any experience with a sick child. Even when she was healthy, the young lady was sometimes indu
Lily sniffed longingly at the scent of the rain-soaked soil. All the plants that filled her senses were evenly wet. Occasionally, there were still drops that fell and then stopped suddenly. The woman closed her eyes, her palms deliberately stretched out to feel the rain that fell in mid-March. Even though this is not a rainy season month. That's how strange the weather is now.One figure she remembered when it rained. Many things that became advice spoken from lips that began to blacken with age, which were still clearly imprinted in his mind. The man she respected all her life. The man who loved her mercilessly. The man who became her first love.Her father.Until that man came along. Captivating her heart, giving her another love, filling the niches of her heart with the full honey called love. People said he was lucky. Levi was good, hardworking, had his own business, a good career, and not to mention handsome. Very. Lily thought so too. She was very lucky. T
Lily exhaled softly. Over and over again. This was a tough spot for Lily as far as Cheryl was concerned. The girl sat next to her, leaning slightly against her as she enjoyed a bowl of cereal. The show on TV was really getting to her. Occasionally the little lips would laugh, then murmur softly."Miss." She couldn't possibly delay any longer. This Wednesday, Lily was invited to sign a temporary employment agreement contract. Which meant that, if Lily agreed, she would be working there from next Monday. Even though it was only for three months, the contract for the workers had to be in place."Come with me for a bike ride in the afternoon." Cheryl gave her a quick glance and then went back to engrossing herself in her treat."Can I have a word?"This time the young lady's attention was firmly on Lily. Even the thick eyebrows on the pretty face looked confused and waiting. Perhaps in her little mind, the governess just wanted to talk about the lessons for t
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