Alice was deep in thought. In her office, she had been preoccupied all morning with the short message her father had sent her last night.Papa Raphael: How are you, Alice? Can you help Papa?Previously, when Raphael had suddenly visited her home with the pretext of having been looking for her for a long time and wanting to meet, Alice had asked him a few questions. She was naturally curious about why her father had left so abruptly. She also wanted to know how his life had been outside.So many questions arose. They all gathered in her mind, demanding clarity or at least some explanations. At the very least, Alice, who was still in shock, could feel a bit more at ease."It's a long story, Alice. Papa was very sad when he lost your late mother. After marrying Miranda's mother, Papa had to endure the same fate.""So, Papa left me and Miranda because you were devastated by Miranda's mother's passing?"Raphael nodded. The man then bowed his head."Papa knows he acted wrongly and selfishly
Alice was lying down, cuddling lovingly in Ashton's embrace. Honestly, the most enjoyable thing in her life right now was lounging in bed. Alice loved it when Ashton kissed her cheeks affectionately, stroked her hair, or hugged and held her tightly until she fell asleep.Like this morning, Alice and Ashton had actually been awake since five o'clock. But, because they were still enjoying their cuddling, they decided not to get out from under the covers. Instead, they hugged each other, occasionally exchanging kisses."You're acting really strange today," Ashton remarked, kissing Alice's cheek and neck alternately. Now, the scent of his wife’s body was like an addiction. Ashton loved burying his face in the crook of Alice's neck or resting his face right on her chest."Me?" Alice pointed at herself. "Strange how?""Clingy. Not like your usual shy self, even though you like it too."Alice pulled her face back, pouting. Why did he have to comment on it? It made her embarrassed!"So, I'm n
Rumi smirked, his lips curling into a grin. In his office, he revisited the documents Andromeda had specifically given him two days ago.Having worked for years as a professional private detective, Rumi felt confident in choosing Andromeda for help. The proof was evident—his longtime friend had promptly delivered exactly what he asked for. In just 48 hours, Andromeda had gathered comprehensive information."His name is Rapael Ashborne."At that moment, Andromeda and Rumi made plans to meet. They discussed the issues surrounding the person Rumi had asked to investigate."A widower with one child who has been married twice. He used to be a businessman. Then, his situation declined when his second wife fell ill and eventually passed away. Devastated and feeling lost, Rapael decided to isolate himself. He even callously abandoned his two young daughters.""What a crazy father!" muttered Rumi, shaking his head. His emotions flared just with the description. "Feeling loss is human. Being sa
"Alice, please come to my office right away. There's something important you need to do."Alice immediately stopped her work activities. Rising from her seat, she approached Rumi first to ask for permission to leave the room.Even though her status was that of the company owner's wife, Alice couldn't act arbitrarily. Especially since in her office role, she was just an intern under Rumi's supervision."Sir, may I be excused?"Rumi glanced up and nodded, inviting Alice to speak."Yes, what is it, Alice? Need some extra allowance?""No, Sir! I need to step out for a moment. Mr. Ashton just summoned me.""Sure, take your time. It's not busy anyway, right?"Alice smiled and nodded."Thank you, Sir. I'll leave now."Alice hurried to Ashton's office. Upon arrival and after being invited in, she directly faced the man who was her superior."Excuse me, Sir. How can I assist you? Or is there something specific you need me to do?"Ashton, who had been drawing, looked up immediately. Casting a s
Alice sighed deeply. In front of her, right on the table, was the invitation that Ashton had handed over earlier.In hesitation and anxiety, Alice was engulfed in dilemma. She was unsure whether to hand over the birthday invitation or just discard it. But on second thought, she decided it was better not to let her father come to such a big event.Alice was worried; she feared that Rapael would bring up all sorts of things and disrupt the atmosphere. Truly, Alice wasn't ready yet. She needed the right time and all kinds of readiness to introduce her father to her husband's extended family.In the silence, while she was lost in thought, Alice's phone rang. Glancing at it, she saw her father's name calling. Just when she had been thinking about it!"Hello, Dad?""Yes, Alice. How are you? Have you decided when you'll give me the rest of the money?"Alice took a long breath. Her head instantly throbbed as Rapael reminded her once again. Where could Alice find 500 million? Such a large sum.
"Alice, we haven't met in a long time."At that moment, Alice was sitting in a corner of the cafeteria next to the office, enjoying her break. She wasn't alone originally. There were several colleagues and senior staff accompanying her.After waiting a few minutes for her food order, Dimas suddenly appeared. After disappearing for some time, Alice even thought he had resigned, but now he was in front of her, smiling and greeting her in front of their colleagues."Dimas.""Mr. Dimas!"Not only Alice, but all the staff sitting there greeted him. They were all surprised to see the handsome man who had been absent for some time."Hi, everyone," Dimas replied with a friendly nod to the female staff sitting with Alice. "I'm borrowing Alice for a moment, okay?""Sure, Sir. Please take her," Nita replied, nudging Alice's arm. She signaled to her nearby colleague to get up from her seat. "Just make sure to return her promptly when you're done, Sir."Dimas chuckled and nodded. He escorted Alice
In his office, Ashton was checking the project documents brought by Anggia. While evaluating, he also discussed the work that needed to be completed by the end of the week."Ashton, all the drawings have been sent. As per your request, construction will start this Saturday. If you have time, you can check it out yourself. I'll accompany you."Ashton remained focused on reading. He lifted his face, shaking his head at Anggia."Rumi's scheduled to inspect the site this Saturday. Let her oversee the workers in the field.""Why not you?" Anggia inquired. According to the schedule, Ashton was supposed to be on duty next Saturday."I can't. I have something I need to take care of.""Office matters?"Ashton shook his head."No.""Oh, something with the intern staff?""Her name's Alice, Anggia," Ashton replied curtly."I see. Okay, no need to discuss it. So, have you had lunch?""Yes.""When I went out earlier, I bought your favorite snacks."Anggia then turned around, walking to a table not
"My husband... Come on, wake up!"Alice intentionally shook Alsan's body while whining. She was insisting fervently for the still sleepy man to wake up from his slumber.Alice couldn't possibly forget. Today, right at the weekend's end, Ashton had promised to take her on a staycation or an overnight outside their home to find a new atmosphere.Say Alice was indeed very enthusiastic. Especially since she had been provoked by Quadra's senior staff during yesterday's afternoon break.How could she, who was often belittled and gossiped about because she hadn't shown any signs of pregnancy yet, bear it."Alice, don't let Lena win. She's already pregnant right after getting married. Amazing."Rindu teased without restraint. Even though her words were hurtful. How could women compare each other so casually and confidently, especially about sensitive matters."Yeah, maybe it's not in my fate," Alice replied casually. She wasn't bothered at all."Have you checked yet? What if there's something