Fahira resignedly followed Darian's steps into a luxurious Steak & Seafood Restaurant located in Thamrin, Central Jakarta. It was an expensive restaurant with exorbitant prices; the cheapest meal there cost 200 thousand rupiahs. It was Darian's favorite restaurant when meeting with clients.
"What would you like to eat? You choose, and as usual, I'll have the same," Darian offered, handing Fahira the menu. With hesitation, Fahira accepted the menu and tried to choose the same meal Darian usually ordered. However, she was silent for quite some time, going through the list of food prices in the restaurant. She was unsure which expensive dish to pick, as she felt 200 thousand rupiahs could be better spent on saving.
"Let me handle it," Darian requested, taking the menu from Fahira's hand.
"I'll have three portions of tenderloin steak, two cranberry juices, and one club soda. Also, one portion of steak and a
10Upon arriving in front of the Rusun Mawar building, Fahira quickly got out of Darian's car after thanking him. Fahira let out a heavy sigh as the man in front of her remained unmoved, not bothering to respond to her gratitude. Just as Fahira was about to bow out of respect, Darian's car slowly drove away. Her smile disappeared instantly as she muttered, "Optimus Prime, lucky he's handsome!"Fahira hurriedly climbed the stairs to her second-floor apartment. She wanted to catch the remaining time for Maghrib prayer. Of course, Fahira felt uncomfortable to ask Darian to stop at the mosque for prayer, especially since she had never seen Darian perform prayers, even though she knew he was a Muslim.Fahira was surprised when she went to put her shoes on the shoe rack at her terrace. A pair of white sneakers was neatly lined up there. She was sure they belonged to Ariel, who else would be with Ariel besides her friend Ariel herself. Fahira opened the door and greeted
"Why is the boss like a hungry tiger so early in the morning?" Mira whispered next to Fahira."I don't know, Mira. I just got here!" Fahira replied irritably as she placed her bag on the table."That person is weird! Hurry up and get in before the handsome boss gets angry!" Mira continued and then returned to her cubicle.After taking off her blazer and draping it over the back of the chair, Fahira entered Darian's room carrying her agenda book. It took 3 knocks on the door before a response was heard from inside. Fahira cautiously opened the door, entering a room that felt freezing, like being in the North Pole, and of course, there he was, the polar bear, standing in front of the giant mirror."Excuse me, is there anything I can help you with, Mr. Darian?" Fahira asked cautiously. She didn't want to spoil his happy mood, but seeing Darian's silence made her doubt if his good mood would last long, c
David shook his head, trying to dispel his negative thoughts about Fahira. Once he arrived at the parking area, he immediately got into his boss's car. He needed to meet Delon, the secret agent he had worked with in many cases. It turned out Delon was in Jakarta. Until now, the secret agent had never stayed in one place. He only stayed temporarily to carry out a mission and then moved to another location for the next mission.The car driven by David quickly headed to where Delon was waiting for him. It only took 15 minutes for the two military-educated friends to meet. They hugged each other and laughed to express their relief before discussing the purpose of their meeting. Finally, David explained his intention to investigate the accident that happened to Fahira's family three years ago."Coincidentally, I just finished a task in Yogyakarta. Now it's just the clean-up phase," Delon explained as he lit a cigarette. 
"Damn! What kind of dream did I have last night to end up in a situation like this? And Darian's face was so scary when he looked at Dr. Gavin earlier!" Fahira muttered to herself, recalling the recent events."Proud, huh? Fahira's being fought over by two handsome guys!" another part of her mind chimed in."Nonsense! Fahira is in big trouble. What if that Mean Boss fires her? She'll be unemployed!" another side of her mind joined the internal debate."Darian is handsome, wealthy, and a CEO, while Dr. Gavin is handsome, seemingly wealthy, a charming and kind doctor, something Darian doesn't have!" her inner self insisted."Stop!" Fahira said, interrupting the inner debate and smacking her own cheek to snap out of it."Miss, are you okay?" the taxi driver asked, who had been observing Fahira from the rearview mirror. Fahira had been shaking her head and smacking her cheek repeatedly."Oh, it's okay, Sir. Rusun Mawar, please!" Fahira rep
Putra Corporation, also known as Putra Property, is one of the Indonesian property companies listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange. Not only that, Putra Corporation also has subsidiary companies in major cities in Indonesia.Putra Corporation has long-term investments in commercial buildings, hotels, and resorts, and is involved in property development and leasing in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. And once again, Setiadi Property will build real estate in the Kuningan area of South Jakarta.This afternoon, Darian, along with his team consisting of David, Ray, Fahira, Susi, and Mira, is discussing the maturity of the development concept that will be built in the real estate in the Kuningan area of South Jakarta, as per Darian's request, before the meeting with the directors tomorrow morning."In my opinion, if we build affordable housing for the middle-to-lower-class, with public facilities like a beautiful playground for children and sports facilities, the
"I don't know what falling in love feels like." Darian asked David seriously, as they were having a conversation before leaving the office. David paused and scrutinized Darian's face, suppressing a laugh."Why? Are you falling in love? Who's the lucky girl that captured the heart of my perpetually single friend?" David teased, pretending not to know, although he was sure Fahira was the girl who had managed to make his friend fall in love."Why would I bother asking someone like you? Damn, why did I even bring up the topic of singlehood?" Darian grumbled before taking a seat in his chair."Well then, I'm not really sure how to explain it, because I tend to throw around the word 'love' to every girl that catches my interest. For me, women are enchanting creatures who can make me float on air!" David explained nonchalantly."So it's my fault for asking someone like you, an asshole who can't think beyond his pants!" Darian retorted, annoyed, causing David to
Before heading to the hospital, Fahira and Ariel had a brief argument because Ariel wanted to bring his motorcycle to save time and expenses, while Fahira insisted on her decision. Fahira would not allow Ariel to ride his motorcycle until he was declared fully recovered by Dr. Gavin. Fahira didn't want to take any risks that could jeopardize her brother's recovery.Throughout the journey, Ariel carefully observed Fahira, who seemed restless. Ariel was sure something was bothering his sister. Fahira remained silent and looked outside the window."Sis, is there something bothering you?" Ariel finally dared to ask, reaching for Fahira's hand and holding it. Ariel felt like he had been a burden to Fahira all this time."There's nothing, little brother. I'm just tired," Fahira replied, smiling while squeezing Ariel's hand in return."Why have you never dated, sis? You're beautiful, smart, and kind. Don't
Ariel, who could read the meaning behind Gavin's gaze at Fahira, quickly came up with an idea to give them some time alone."Oh, by the way, sis, I need to use the restroom!" Ariel excused himself after they arrived at the hospital pharmacy waiting area to collect the prescribed medication."Don't take too long, little brother!" Fahira replied in annoyance because she knew Ariel intentionally left them alone. And it seemed like the universe was supporting Ariel's plan as heavy rain suddenly poured down. While waiting for the prescription and the rain to ease, they talked. The awkwardness Fahira had felt earlier was beginning to fade away. In Fahira's opinion, Gavin was a pleasant, friendly, and polite man. It was evident from how he responded to the greetings of nurses and hospital staff who happened to pass by, although Fahira knew that some of those nurses were looking at her with inquisitive eyes.Ariel
That afternoon, David and Alea came to visit the twins. They were warmly welcomed by the entire Setiadi family. Apart from being Darian's personal assistant at the office, David was also his best friend. In fact, Yasmin had known about the close bond between the two men since they were in high school."Honey, aren't you tired of kissing baby Joziah all the time?" David protested, as Alea had been adoring the handsome face of baby Joziah non-stop since they arrived an hour ago. If observed closely, the two babies looked like duplicates of Darian, but one of them had darker brown eyes. Coincidentally, baby Joziah, with Darian's signature dark brown eyes, was in Alea's arms."Don't tell me you're jealous of this handsome little guy!" Alea squinted her eyes at David, her husband of three months and the father of the baby in her womb."You know how jealous I can be!" David replied, stealing a kiss on Alea's cheek.Alea laughed and apologized to Darian and Fahi
With a blossoming smile, Fahira examined herself in front of the mirror. She scrutinized her body, which had undergone drastic changes. From being slim and sexy, she had transformed into a curvier woman, especially in the chest area. The smile at the corners of her lips was momentarily concealed by the sudden appearance of tears in her eyes. Then, her hands lifted to cup her chubby cheeks in front of her reflection. Occasionally, she would gently press her cheeks to make them look slimmer, reminiscent of her appearance ten months ago when she was not pregnant with the twins.A heavy sigh filled the quiet room. The woman standing in front of the dressing table shook her head repeatedly, trying to dismiss the sudden negative thoughts that rudely disrupted her happiness and wreaked havoc on her emotions.Fahira reached for the makeup set on the dressing table to apply a bit of powder to conceal the dark circles under her eyes and her pale complexion. She als
In the waiting area outside the operating room, Yasmin and Santi remained silent. However, prayers continued to resonate in their hearts for Fahira's safety and the well-being of her two sons. Not far from them, Gavin hurriedly approached. He had learned about Fahira undergoing a cesarean section from his assistant. After completing his visiting duties for inpatients at the hospital, Gavin immediately went to the operating room."How is Aunt Fahira?" Gavin asked, trying to catch his breath. Hearing Gavin's voice, the middle-aged woman stood up and embraced him tightly. "We're still waiting!" Yasmin replied, still held in Gavin's embrace."Don't worry, Aunt, Fahira and her two sons will be safe and healthy. The surgery will be over soon." Gavin released the embrace and gestured for Yasmin to sit back down.Suddenly, anxiety overwhelmed Gavin's heart as he imagined Farah being in that operating room. The thought of being by his wife's side during a cesarean sectio
Ariel, who was about to leave for school, finished his milk and said his goodbyes to Yasmin. After kissing her on the back of her hand, the teenager quickly caught up with Darian and Fahira to say goodbye.The aroma of petrichor filled Fahira's senses as her wheelchair came to a stop. Her clear eyes scanned the entire garden, admiring the beauty of the blooming flowers. The colorful blossoms captivated her heart, which had been troubled since the night before. Fahira smiled as she watched butterflies and bees fluttering around the flower buds, like soldiers ready for battle."Are they more fascinating than your husband?" protested Darian, who had been observing Fahira's cheerful expression. For him, Fahira was the beauty he had admired all this time."Oh, I think my husband is just jealous of them. How can fellow butterflies be jealous!" Fahira chuckled, playfully squeezing the hand of her brown-eyed man."I am a jealous man," said Darian, kissing Fahira'
Days passed and months went by unnoticed, and now Fahira's pregnancy has entered the final trimester, which means the Darian family is now filled with a mix of worries and happiness about the upcoming arrival of the twins into the world.Since the first trimester of Fahira's pregnancy, Darian has been on high alert as a husband and has become more possessive and protective. He frequently goes back and forth to the office just because Fahira wants to be close to him. Fahira's sweet and clingy behavior has also increased multiple times since entering the eighth month of pregnancy. She experiences various discomforts, and Doctor Intan, who is in charge of Fahira's pregnancy, has already warned Darian and the family about the risks and vulnerabilities of a twin pregnancy.One of Fahira's severe complaints is the pain in her back and legs. She can't sleep if it's not Darian caressing her back or massaging her legs. Even light activities like standing and walking become diff
55The scorching sun, descending towards the southwest, failed to untangle the traffic jam in Jakarta, the capital city. Unfortunately, Darian was still trapped in the crawling traffic. Both hands, which had been resting on the steering wheel, were suddenly lifted when the harsh sunlight hit his retinas. He pulled down the sun visor to shield his brown eyes. Normally, no matter how long the traffic jam, having David in front of the wheel would never make Darian feel irritated like he did now. At least light banter or David's usual jokes would entertain Darian and make him forget how annoying it was to be stuck in traffic.After about 15 minutes, the car that Darian was driving slowly began to move. To dispel his frustration, Darian finally played his favorite song. The old song by Westlife started melodiously greeting his ears. As the music played, a sense of calm began to soothe Darian's heart, which had been grumbling incessantly. Unknowingly, his car began to move o
54David entered the Putra Corporation building feeling a bit annoyed since David hadn't picked him up as usual. Moreover, David hadn't given any updates at all. Usually, his personal assistant never skipped work or disappeared like this. He suddenly felt worried because David wasn't just his assistant; he was also his best friend—the only best friend he had.Reluctantly, Darian pushed aside his ego and decided to call David first."Shit!" Darian cursed under his breath when the operator on the other end of the line told him that David's phone was inactive.The elevator opened, signaling his arrival on the desired floor, and Darian stepped into his office. He glanced at David's desk, which was empty and tidy, indicating that he hadn't arrived yet."Lily, where's David?" Darian asked as they entered his office."I'm sorry, sir, I don't know. I tried to contact him earlier, but his phone was off," Lily explained, standing in front of Daria
53Four months later...Fahira was incredibly grateful that her first pregnancy didn't come with severe morning sickness like most pregnant women experience. However, she did feel nauseous and vomit every morning upon waking up. After vomiting the bitter yellow liquid, she would feel weak and easily exhausted. To alleviate the discomfort, she would drink warm tea and then rest in Darian's arms.As a result, Darian would arrive late to the office every day. David and Lily had arranged all of Darian's schedules to ensure he wouldn't miss any important company meetings. David himself became busier since Fahira's pregnancy began, with his workload multiplying several times over. He frequently had to go back and forth from the office to Darian's house whenever Fahira needed something.As the days went by, Fahira's clingy behavior and emotional sensitivity increased, often leaving Darian confused and overwhelmed trying to fulfill her desires. Furthermore, Fahir
"Miss Fahira! What's wrong?" Aminah called out, panicking as she had been in the kitchen earlier and witnessed Fahira's rush to the bathroom.Fahira could only manage a weak response, "I'll be fine, Aminah. Just feeling a bit sick."Despite her concern, Aminah gave Fahira some space, sensing that she might need some privacy. However, the uneasiness persisted, and Fahira couldn't help but wonder about the strange reaction she had to the mukbang video. She decided to keep it to herself for now, not wanting to worry anyone.Aminah knocked on the bathroom door repeatedly while calling out Fahira's name upon hearing Fahira's vomiting sounds. Shortly after, the door opened, revealing a pale and weak-looking Fahira. Aminah quickly assisted Fahira to sit on a chair and made her a cup of warm tea."Can you help me to the bedroom, Aminah?" Fahira asked after finishing her warm tea. The nausea in her stomach was starting to subside, but now she felt dizzy."S