"Alice... where are you going?" Ashton asked when he saw his wife descending the stairs and heading straight to the living room. Instead of having breakfast together as usual, Alice seemed to be in a hurry this morning. He wondered what she was up to."I'm going to the project site in PIK.""To the project site on Saturday? It's a holiday today."Alice nodded. While arranging the contents of the bag she was going to carry, she responded to Ashton's question. It was no wonder Ashton was wondering. Because on Saturdays and Sundays, almost all Quandra employees were off duty."Yes, today is indeed a holiday. But, in case you forgot, who gave the deadline to the civil and field workers that everything should be finished by Monday?""Well, it was me." Ashton didn't deny it. He was the one who gave the task. However, he couldn't let Alice go today. "But, you can't go. There's an event at Mama's house this morning. It wouldn't be right for me to go alone."Alice also knew that there was an e
Alice never thought that just because of the office birthday party, she would end up being this busy. After all, she's just an intern. Somehow, Rumi's crazy idea made her one of the organizing committee members.As a result, for the past few days, almost all of her time has been spent preparing for the event. Luckily, the workload these days hasn't been too heavy, so she could focus. Plus, Rumi formed a team with quite a few members, so they could handle all the event preparations quickly."Alice, have you checked and discussed the event schedule for the week with Mr. Rumi?" asked Dita, who is the head of the event organizing committee.Currently, they were all sitting in one corner of the room, which the company had designated for small meetings or casual gatherings. All the committee members seemed focused on their respective tasks, including Alice."Yeah, Ms. Dita. It's been approved and signed off," Alice replied."Okay," nodded Dita. "So, tomorrow we'll start with some competitio
"Is Mr. Ashton going crazy or what?""Why crazy?""Well, yeah, crazy. Yesterday he sent lunch from that super expensive restaurant with a ton of food. And now? He's sending all sorts of breakfast foods for all of us. Is this just some kind of reward? Seems kinda weird.""Weird how? I don't get it.""Oh, come on, don't be dense. Just think about it. He says it's a reward, but is it really necessary multiple times? Mr. Ashton never used to do this before. Could it be that he's deliberately sending food for Alice?""Meaning? Ohhh, I see. Mr. Ashton is deliberately sending food to get Alice's attention?""Yeah! That's what I mean. Like what Mr. Dimas does. But Mr. Dimas is upfront about it. Whereas Mr. Ashton is being sneaky. Sending lots of food deliberately, including for us, so it's not too obvious that he's actually got something going on with Alice.""True! Suspicious, Mr. Ashton is smitten with Alice.""If he really is, it'll be interesting.""Why interesting?""Well, because Alice
Alice looked anxiously hopeful. From earlier, even since at home, before she really left for work, she already looked uneasy.Although she was known for being an extroverted person who was easy to get along with and blend in with anyone, Alice felt that this time her aura was different.For some reason, she still felt nervous when she realized that today she had to participate in a competition and be watched by almost all the employees of Quandra. Especially since the higher-ups were also present. Considering today was the first day that marked the beginning of a series of events for the next seven days.If she could have refused, Alice would have preferred to just be a spectator. Cheering, encouraging, or if necessary, being a supporter in the front row. But, because of Rumi's antics, she had no choice but to struggle to participate in all the activities that would take place. So tiring!"Why are you so tense? It’s like you’re about to go to war."Dimas, who had been standing at the
Meanwhile, on the field, Dimas was already lined up with the other competitors. Holding the relay baton, he looked ready. Listening carefully and waiting for the whistle to start the event."All participants, get ready!!!"The announcer started giving instructions. Looking at all the participants, and then, on the count of three, blew the whistle to start the race.Dimas in his position started running. The man in a white T-shirt seemed to excel and was able to get ahead of the other six participants.Usually, a relay race team consists of four athletes, but this time it was made different. Each team had only two people. Moreover, the winners of the first, second, and third places had to compete again to determine who would take the top spot.When he was about to reach the meeting point, Alice focused and got ready. As Dimas approached, Alice immediately reached out her hand, grabbed the baton from Dimas, and then ran as fast as she could.Luckily, before the race started, Alice had d
"If your ankle still hurts, you should take a break. I'll give you a few days off to rest."In the dining room, right in front of the dining table, Ashton stared at Alice as she enjoyed her breakfast. The girl seemed relaxed as usual, as if nothing had happened.But Ashton clearly remembered how much pain Alice was in yesterday after she fell. Honestly, he was so worried that he immediately took Alice to the hospital. Fortunately, nothing serious happened to his wife."I'm feeling better," Alice said after finishing the food in her mouth. Taking a sip of warm milk, she looked back at Ashton. "My ankle doesn't hurt like it did yesterday. After taking the painkillers, it feels much better.""Are you sure?"Alice nodded repeatedly. If she thought about it, her ankle wasn't as sore as yesterday."Yes. Besides, how could I just take a break? Because of what happened yesterday, the next competition had to be postponed. That's why I have to work today.""If it still hurts, why push yourself,
"Alice. How did you get to work earlier? When I went to pick you up at home, Tina said you had already left for work?"Alice, who was preparing for a cooking competition at the time, immediately turned around. She gave Rumi a puzzled and bewildered look in response to his question.Alice hadn’t forgotten. It was impossible to forget that earlier that morning, while she was waiting for Rumi, Ashton had clearly said that his sister couldn’t pick her up as usual because she had to take Umi Hana somewhere.That’s why, with Ashton’s persuasion, Alice agreed to ride with him to the office. Even though, in the end, she had to be dropped off wherever Ashton pleased, not at the destination."You came to my house? To pick me up? Didn’t you have to take Mom somewhere this morning?" whispered Alice, looking around nervously, afraid someone might overhear their secret conversation."Take Mom? Who said that?"Now Rumi was the one looking confused. He seriously didn’t understand what Alice was talki
Alice should be grateful. Luckily, after Ashton replaced Dimas to accompany her in the cooking competition, it eventually yielded the desired result.Whether it was because their food was genuinely delicious, or because Ashton, the owner of the company, was present, their team emerged as the winner.However, deep down in her heart, Alice admitted that the Rica-Rica dish her husband made yesterday was indeed delicious. Yes, even though it was very spicy and she couldn't finish it.After the competition, something funny happened. Remembering Dimas who suddenly disappeared, Alice asked Ashton to let him out, and it turned out Ashton had locked him in the restroom of his office."If anything happens to Mr. Dimas, you'll be responsible, Mr. Ashton," Alice warned. She didn't want her husband to get into trouble, nor did she want Dimas to experience anything bad."Relax. You don't need to worry; Dimas will be fine. The executive restroom is nice. It’s even designed with a bed," Ashton replie
"Ashton, why are you crying?" Her voice was unmistakably weak and slightly hoarse. Like someone just waking from a deep sleep, Alice clearly struggled to gather her strength to address Ashton, who had just released her from his embrace and was now busy kissing the tops of her wrists.Alice blinked repeatedly. Overwhelmed with a dizzying sensation, she tried to compose herself. After closing her eyes briefly, she finally mustered the courage to throw another question at her husband, who had been silent since she first opened her eyes."Ashton... why are you just silent? A-Are you seriously ill? Or did the doctor say I don't have much time left?"Ashton actually wanted to laugh. But he refrained from doing so. The overwhelming emotion enveloping his heart right now was more dominant than anything else."I'm fine," Ashton finally replied. He looked at Alice with a gaze that was hard to interpret. "How are you feeling? Are you feeling better?"Alice sighed audibly. She was annoyed that in
Alice was still wearing her pajamas while cooking and preparing breakfast for Ashton. Since he requested fried rice with sausage last night, Alice was now busy in front of the stove, making the dish her husband loves.Without needing assistance from the helper, Alice skillfully added all the ingredients. For her, preparing breakfast was a crucial activity she had to do herself. She hoped that what she cooked and served would delight Ashton's taste buds and motivate him for all his work today.Concentrating on cooking, Alice didn't notice her surroundings. She didn't even realize when Ashton approached until his strong arms clearly pulled her body and hugged her from behind."You're so serious. I've been calling you, but you didn't respond."Alice laughed without turning towards Ashton."I was focused on cooking, Honey. Sorry if I didn't hear you.""You're forgiven. Good thing I love you."Alice clicked her tongue and laughed."Alright, wait at the table. It's almost done and ready to
Alice appeared silent. Her eyes were busy gazing at the row of bottles filled with various kinds of medicines and vitamins that she had bought some time ago when she went to the obstetrician.It was all because of Aunt Hilda. The old woman, who was always so critical and nosy, had managed to provoke Alice and ultimately made her decide to go with Ashton to the obstetrician."From the series of examinations that you've undergone, there doesn't seem to be any issues or problems with your pregnancy. Everything is normal. No diseases or abnormalities were detected."Dr. Agatha was the specialist Alice chose to check on her pregnancy condition. After conducting a series of tests and examinations, it was confirmed that Alice and Ashton were in good health."So, Mr. Ashton himself also doesn't have any issues.""But... why am I not pregnant yet, doctor?"Although she had been assured that everything was fine, Alice was still worried. She was curious if there was something they had missed or
Maybe it's luck or maybe it's misfortune. Just a few minutes ago, Rumi flat-out rejected his mother's suggestion to find him a wife or arrange a marriage with a woman she had chosen.Rumi's pride was seriously wounded. Imagine, he is already thirty years old. Not a child who needs everything chosen for him. Is it really necessary to follow his mother's wishes all the time?Just think, from school, lessons, extracurricular activities, choosing a favorite college, to picking a major, Rumi followed everything. Even though he never dreamed of becoming an architect like his brother.From a young age, Rumi had a talent for music and leaned more towards the arts. He even dreamed of becoming a model or an artist. It would be a waste not to make full use of his handsome face.However, his dreams had to be shattered. Instead of being supported, both of his parents wanted him to follow in his brother's footsteps. Also, why was Ashton so annoying since they were kids? Always being the role model
If you pay close attention, since becoming Ashton Wolf's wife, Alice has attended countless events hosted by her husband's extended family. From post-wedding receptions, birthdays, anniversaries, welcoming distant relatives, festive gatherings, achievement celebrations, social gatherings, and tonight, Alice even has to accompany Ashton to a family dinner.Actually, Alice enjoys attending such family gatherings. Besides strengthening relationships and gaining new relatives, she can become closer to and familiar with the many members of Ahmad's extended family. However, there are some things that sometimes make Alice reluctant and a bit unwilling to attend, especially when Aunt Hilda is there, always butting into every conversation."Why aren't you getting ready?" Ashton asked as he exited the bathroom. He walked towards the closet, then chose the clothes he would wear to the event soon."Can't I just stay home?" Alice sat on the side of the bed, her face clearly showing her reluctance.
"With this, the court has decided that Ms. Anggia is sentenced to five years in prison, with six months deducted for psychiatric rehabilitation, on charges of attempted murder and assault."After more than a month of various investigations, Anggia's sentence was finally decided.In the courtroom, the woman, who looked beautiful in a white shirt and black pants, initially appeared calm. Throughout the trial, Anggia even smiled several times.However, upon hearing the sentencing verdict, Anggia suddenly screamed hysterically. She lost control and started to lash out, refusing to accept the decision."This isn't fair!" Anggia shouted. Two officers approached, trying to calm her down and keep her from falling to the floor."Calm down, ma'am."Anggia turned and glared sharply before shouting again."Ma'am... ma'am... I'm not your mother! Do I look so old that you'd call me 'ma'am'?""Okay, please calm down, Ms. Anggia."Anggia looked displeased. She tried to break free, writhing to escape
It didn't take long for Ashton to return to work. After ten days of recovery, today he truly started all his activities as usual.Knowing her husband was so enthusiastic about getting back to work, Alice gave him incredible support. Since early morning, she had been busy in the kitchen preparing several breakfast dishes for her and Ashton."Are we having a party?" Ashton asked as he entered the dining room. He didn't know Alice had cooked this much. "There's a lot of breakfast food."Alice, who had just finished cooking, walked to the table carrying several plates of food. Turning to her husband, she smiled."No, honey. It's not a party. I just cooked a lot to celebrate you starting work again. So you can be full and energetic at the office."Ashton took a step forward. Spreading his arms, he hugged Alice tightly."You're so sweet, my wife.""Of course! I've always been, right? You're just realizing it now."Ashton laughed. It wasn't new for Alice to tease him. Typical of a woman, why
"Sweetheart... why are you crying?"Ashton's consciousness had fully returned. After being examined for a while and confirmed to be in good condition, the medical team and other family members gave him some time to be alone with his wife.Inside the treatment room, Ashton turned slowly. He found Alice sitting there, holding his right hand tightly.Upon closer inspection, he noticed his wife's eyes were swollen and puffy. Ashton was sure it was from crying too much and not getting enough sleep."I'm awake now. You should be happy, not crying. Besides, why stay sad when happiness is free.""I know," Alice replied softly. "I'm like this because I missed you so much," she murmured, her voice trembling. Soon, tears fell down her cheeks again.Anyone would be moved. Just imagine, after two days of uncertain feelings—fear, worry—about something bad happening to her husband. And now, after a long wait, Alice's prayers, along with those of their family, were answered by God.Ashton, who had be
"Zayn, Hana, from the bottom of our hearts, we both apologize for what Anggia has done."Frans and Celine are Anggia's parents. They came to the hospital specifically to visit Ashton and apologize for their daughter's bad behavior and the chaos she has caused in the past few days.Frans was clearly embarrassed. His relationship with Zayn's extended family had always been very good, and now, everything was at risk of being ruined because of Anggia's reckless actions, which no one had predicted.Everyone knew Anggia as a good person. She was smart, independent, and accomplished. Frans was very proud of his only daughter.Frans knew that Anggia had liked Ashton for a long time. Because of her love for Ashton, Anggia had once asked for permission to change her religion so their relationship could go more smoothly.As a father, Frans initially disagreed. But seeing Anggia's strong determination, he couldn't bear to refuse and gave her permission to choose her own faith.However, if God say