In this moment, Brian stood outside the gates of Henry and Athalia's house, watching Ricky playing in the yard. Occasionally, Brian smiled as he saw Ricky's joyful laughter while running around. Ricky was playing in the yard under the watchful eye of his grandmother, Athalia. Unbeknownst to her, Brian had been observing them for almost an hour.Brian loosened his tie, which suddenly felt constricting. His mind wandered back to his recent encounter with Dave at the office three days ago. If he could turn back time, Brian would choose to have a healthy relationship with Nadine. Not like now, burdened with the consequences of their forbidden relationship. Regret constantly disturbed his peace of mind. He leaned his head against the car seat, massaging his temples. For some reason, his head always throbbed painfully whenever he imagined Nadine and Ricky being together with Dave. He should be the one in that position, not someone else.If Nadine hadn't left back then. If Brian had known ab
With a heavy heart, Brian finally recounted the entire story of his love affair with Nadine. David took a deep breath, surprised by the situation of both his friends. "Okay, I get it, Gas. But in my opinion, you should approach Nadine in a more subtle way. Win her heart back in a good manner. That's my advice, whether you want to listen or not is up to you," David replied, looking at Brian with a serious expression. Brian simply shrugged. He didn't expect his friend to provide such sound advice, considering that David lived a carefree life and had no intention of committing to any woman."I'm impressed – you managed to have a kid without getting married," David said with a wide grin, earning a punch in the arm from Brian."Thanks, David. I swear, soon enough you'll turn into a 'bucin' just like me," Brian teased with a smile. It was the first genuine smile he had shown since his visit to David's club."Impossible," David replied curtly, shaking his head and raising his index finger si
In his almost twilight age, Cakra's charm and charisma did not fade. With hair starting to turn white and a strong jaw adorned with fine hairs of an impending beard, it only added to Cakra's enduring handsomeness. His athletic body was still clearly evident as he stood dressed in a black suit and matching tie, making him appear younger than his age."Here are the documents you requested yesterday, Sir." Marco bowed respectfully and placed the brown envelope that Cakra had asked for the previous night. Despite Cakra's cold demeanor, he held the envelope with a firm grip while maintaining his gaze on Marco. Marco kept his head down, not daring to speak. He knew his boss's mood was not good, especially considering the matter of the woman whom Cakra had removed from Brian's life five years ago."Alright, thank you, Marco. You may leave. And... make sure no one else knows about this, besides us," Cakra said firmly. Marco briefly raised his head before bowing and leaving Cakra's office.Cak
"Get back to work! If we get caught gossiping, we're done for!" Rio said, shooing Nadine and Jeni back to their cubicles. With a pout, Jeni returned to her workspace and playfully flicked her long hair onto Rio's face, prompting him to unleash a string of curses. Nadine chuckled at their antics. She wondered why Danisa couldn't get along with Rio and Jeni when she found them to be enjoyable coworkers.Creak... The door to Cakra's office opened suddenly, making all three of them pretend to be engrossed in their work."Nadine, come with me for a moment! And you, Rio and Jeni, you can leave early," Cakra said flatly and expressionlessly. Rio and Jeni exchanged puzzled glances, then stood and bowed in respect. Jeni glanced at her wristwatch to confirm her vision, as the office wall clock showed only 2 in the afternoon."Very well, Sir!" Nadine replied politely, then packed up her bag and turned off her computer. She didn't think much about it, as it wasn't the first time Cakra had taken h
"Yes, my grandson," Cakra affirmed, reassuring the two surprised women in front of him."Mama!" Ricky called out, running towards Nadine and then reaching for both Nadine's and Cakra's hands in turn, planting kisses on them."Smart boy, Grandpa brought lots of toys. Ricky will surely love them," Cakra scooped up Ricky, cradling him in his arms. He kissed Ricky's forehead while showing him the toys. Ricky immediately showed excitement, struggling to get down and approach the many toys with his eyes gleaming."Thank you, Grandpa," Ricky said, holding onto a box of transformer toys. Cakra gently stroked Ricky's hair, his eyes slightly watery. In his heart, he promised to unite the toddler's parents."What's going on here? Why so many bags? Who did all this shopping?" Henry asked, walking out of the house due to the commotion."You consider me a friend, right? How could you not tell me you have a grandchild? Your grandchild is mine too!" Cakra exclaimed as he hugged Henry."Well, what can
"Please come in!" Cakra ordered as he heard a few knocks on his office door."May I talk to you for a moment, sir?" Nadine asked politely but without expression. This time, she gathered her courage to inquire directly about Marco. Cakra was still sorting through the files that Marco had just delivered, placing them neatly into his drawer."Go ahead, Nadine," Cakra replied while sitting in his large chair and casually adjusting his tie. He smiled at Nadine's anger, knowing that she must have met with Marco."Have you met Marco?" Cakra continued, which instantly froze Nadine. She couldn't believe that the person she respected and looked up to would do this to her."You probably think I'm a villain too, don't you?" Cakra sighed heavily and then stood up, approaching Nadine who was still frozen."Sit down! It seems we'll need a bit more time to talk," Cakra said with an unusual expression, his cold gaze turning into a warm smile. Now, Nadine sat on the sofa next to Cakra."Wherever Brian
Nadine was amazed as she entered the building adorned with luxurious and elegant decorations. Her eyes were greeted by a lush green scenery, accompanied by the vibrant colors of live flowers that filled nearly every corner of the building. For Nadine, this was her first experience attending a garden party-themed event, and everything seemed perfect. Every detail was carefully planned, and Nadine was certain that professional hands were responsible for creating such a serene and comfortable atmosphere.With a smile, Nadine greeted Dave, who had extended his hand to her. She looped her arm through Dave's with a slight feeling of awkwardness. Dave nodded while looking at Nadine with love. Tonight, Nadine was accompanying Dave at his friend's engagement event. She looked graceful in a black dress with silver accents, while Dave wore a matching suit jacket. They walked following Dave's steps, approaching a couple dressed in matching white outfits who were engaged in conversations with othe
The loud sound of a crashing stretcher colliding with the tiles shattered the long corridor of the hospital, as if stealing Nadine's entire world. Her heart couldn't function normally anymore, with only one plea in her mind: Brian's safety. The medical team in full attire stood ready beside the operating table as a nurse brought in Brian. The operating room doors slowly closed, and the blinking red lights signaled that the surgery was in progress. Amanda and Gaby's sobs continued as they clung to Cakra. Nadine knelt in front of the operating room, her silent tears falling. Her heart was a constant prayer for Brian's safety."Dear, it's better for us to pray a lot for Brian's safety," Cakra said, holding Nadine's shoulder and guiding her to stand after calming Amanda and Gaby, who couldn't stop crying."Forgive me, Uncle, it's all Nadine's fault. Because of her, Brian is like this," Nadine replied, her eyes swollen from crying for too long."You must not blame fate, dear. All of this h