That night, Brian was busy with his phone as Nadine was getting ready to attend a dinner invitation with Sandra. Brian looked more relaxed in a short-sleeved black shirt and mocha jeans, and Nadine couldn't help but admire her handsome husband. Especially in the casual shirt that accentuated his physique."Why are you looking at me like that? Or have you just realized that your husband is handsome?" Brian teased when he noticed Nadine's scrutiny. Nadine blushed and shook her head. Brian chuckled and placed his phone on the sofa he was sitting on, then walked over to Nadine, still gazing at her reflection in the dressing mirror. Brian reached for Nadine's shoulder and pulled her gently to her feet, embracing her tightly while maintaining eye contact in the mirror."I'm just amazed by you. You're only 25, so young, while I'm already 28, three years older than you. I feel like I'm a mature lady marrying a wealthy young man," Nadine admitted with a somewhat awkward smile. She acknowledged
Sandra was startled when Daniel suddenly held her hand that was resting on his thigh. She turned to look at Daniel, who was still talking to Brian but was gently caressing the back of her hand with his fingers. Sandra knew Daniel was trying to comfort her. Daniel had been a good man who had been there for her through thick and thin, even though he knew Sandra still harbored feelings for Brian. Sandra took a deep breath before returning Daniel's handhold."That's great if we become siblings. We can continue our friendship, and, of course, Daniel won't just be a friend but my life partner as well," Sandra interjected, instantly making Daniel turn to her, staring in disbelief at what he had heard. Daniel gave a relieved smile as he could see the honesty in Sandra's eyes."Oh, by the way, Sandra and I are getting married in a month. You must come, okay?" Daniel said enthusiastically. "Of course, we'll come if we're invited, and I'll prepare a special gift for you both," Brian replied with
After Daniel and Sandra's wedding passed, the friendship between Brian, Daniel, and Sandra improved once again. In fact, Sandra has now become a close friend of Nadine. They often go out together and shop together. The jealousy that once troubled Sandra because of Brian and Nadine's closeness has now disappeared without her realizing it. Every time she meets Ricky, Sandra always prays that she and Daniel will have a cute child like Ricky soon.Nadine is very happy to have a new friend as fun as Sandra. Sandra is her fourth friend after Danisa, Jenni, and Rio since she moved to Surabaya. Since her pregnancy, Nadine has limited herself from socializing with others. She just wanted to protect her feelings when others talked about her status as a young single parent back then. Even now, after marrying Brian, Nadine still feels pressured when there are questions about Ricky, who is now 4 years old, while their marriage is only 3 months old.Unlike Brian, who always proudly introduces Nadin
Nadine approached Ricky and opened the two plastic bags she had brought. She handed Ricky his chocolate vanilla ice cream and then opened the other bag containing the food. Brian sat next to Nadine, still curious about her sudden visit."Let's eat together, okay?" Nadine said as she opened the container filled with rice, sweet and sour carp, and rendang."But usually I come home, and we have lunch together," Brian replied with a puzzled expression."I want you to feed me," Nadine replied playfully. Brian chuckled, ruffled Nadine's hair, and kissed her forehead."Here!" Brian reached for the boxed lunch. However, he placed it back on the table. He stood up, walked to the sink, and washed his hands. Brian's movements didn't escape Nadine's notice."Ah..." Brian instructed as he was about to feed Nadine. Blushing, Nadine opened her mouth. After a couple of spoonfuls, they switched roles with Nadine feeding Brian. They ate together, taking turns feeding each other until the food was finis
"Dr. Anisa Pradipta, Sp.OG." Brian and Nadine spelled out the name in unison, exchanging glances as they received queue number 03 from a nurse. Earlier, Brian had merely followed Amanda's instructions as they were preparing to leave for Erlangga Hospital. Amanda, his mother, had arranged everything, and even Cakra had casually advised Brian not to go to the office.A wave of nervousness washed over Nadine. Their hands intertwined without a word as they grappled with a mix of fear and joy. They were anxious about the possibility that Nadine might not be pregnant, as her menstruation had been irregular for the past three months, and previous pregnancy tests had yielded negative results. Yet, they were overjoyed at the prospect of finally having a child together, the fruit of their love.Nadine explained all her symptoms to Dr. Anisa, which she had been experiencing for the past few days. "Alright, Ma'am. Could you please accompany my assistant to the restroom for a moment?" Dr. Anisa sa
Nadine shifted her body to rest on Brian's chest. She breathed in the masculine scent of Brian, which she had come to realize over the past few weeks she couldn't sleep without. Brian chuckled and then positioned himself to lie on the edge of the bed, embracing Nadine."Are you still feeling nauseous?" Brian asked as he massaged Nadine's shoulder. Nadine looked up at him, nodded, and managed a weak smile. Now Brian understood why Nadine had been acting so strangely and sensitively lately."It'll pass soon," Nadine replied, then kissed Brian's lips briefly."Was Ricky's pregnancy like this too?" Brian asked, regret swelling in his heart for missing Nadine's first pregnancy. Nadine must have been sad back then, with no one to pamper her; she had to fight through it all alone. Brian took a deep breath and let it out slowly, while holding Nadine close."Hmm... The first two months were really tough, so Mama always slept with me to be ready when I felt like vomiting or wanted something," N
Morning sickness that Nadine experienced finally ended when she reached the fourth month of her pregnancy. Throughout the first trimester, Nadine never complained, even though it was incredibly tough due to constant dizziness, nausea, and, most challenging of all, mood swings that could change unpredictably. Brian was the primary target of Nadine's mood swings, facing her sudden sulks for no apparent reason, tears over not getting what she wanted, and her nightly ritual before going to sleep. With patience, Brian complied with all of her wishes, often feeling overwhelmed.Every night, just before bedtime, Nadine would ask Brian to take off his shirt and lay down, resting her head on his chest. Brian had to rub her back until she fell asleep, and only then could he leave the bed to have a drink or use the bathroom. Yet Brian never got angry or complained about his wife's behavior. Instead, he felt grateful that Nadine wanted to be close to him all the time.Tonight was no different. Br
Twenty minutes later, they were in front of the Samudra Company building. As usual, Nadine had prepared boxed meals for the employees she would encounter."Danisa, is Mr. Brian busy?" Nadine asked, causing Danisa to wonder why Nadine insisted on addressing her so formally. As far as she knew, her boss was not fond of rujak buah."Yes, Ma'am. He's currently with Mrs. Sandra and Mr. Daniel. Please go right in," Danisa replied politely. Nadine was slightly annoyed because she had repeatedly asked Danisa to address her by her name only. However, the woman still insisted on calling her "Ma'am.""Wulan, please distribute the meals," Nadine ordered before making her way to Brian's office.Danisa's eyes lit up when she saw the red boxes with the familiar "Orang Tua" logo in her hands. "This is unexpected luck," she thought to herself.Nadine knocked on the door and greeted them with a warm hello."Papa?" Ricky called out, which made Brian choke on the spicy rujak buah. Daniel quickly handed B