A red sports car has just parked at a luxurious house in an exclusive and highly private area. This location, long known as Beverly Hills Indonesia, is home to many important individuals, such as heavyweight entrepreneurs and famous artists. A tall man, standing at approximately 180 centimeters, steps out of the car and enters the house. His brown hair gleams under the scorching midday sun. Removing the sunglasses he had been wearing, the man now stands next to the family room's sofa. "Uncle Arthur, how are you?" Mario says. His body language clearly shows his deep respect for the elderly man before him. Arthur Rayder folds the newspaper he's been reading and smiles. "Take a seat, why are you being so formal with me?" he commands. Mario smiles and obeys Arthur's request. "How are you, Uncle? I see you're healthier and more vibrant now." Arthur nods. "Yes, perhaps the healthy lifestyle I've been leading in recent months has made me better than before. But I still can't fully ma
Kimberly was busy styling her long brown hair into a chignon hairstyle, elegantly exposing her slender neck and nape. Her makeup was subtle, accentuating her beauty. Almost perfect, Kimberly.Now, she just had to wait for her prince to come and pick her up. Tonight, she had chosen to wear a salem-colored off-shoulder dress with a cocktail-style lower half. Kimberly looked stunning. She remembered Mario's words from some time ago; he had mentioned that she looked more beautiful in this dress. Ah yes, Mario. Suddenly, Kimberly thought of him – her childhood friend whom she had loved but now despised because of the cursed arranged marriage orchestrated by Uncle Arthur. After her parents passed away a few years ago, Kimberly had been living under the care of Uncle Arthur. However, when the old man tried to matchmake her with Mario last year, Kimberly vehemently refused. How could she marry her childhood friend? Mario, on the other hand, didn't object at all; he even agreed to the crazy
The warmth of the morning sun successfully disrupted Nicholas's peaceful sleep. The man blinked his eyes several times before his consciousness fully gathered. Glancing at the clock hanging in the corner of the room, it already showed seven in the morning. He quickly got up and entered the bathroom. It only took him ten minutes to complete his morning routine in the bathroom. Walking to the walk-in closet, he picked a thin t-shirt and layered it with a white hoodie jacket. Grabbing a small bag and his phone from the nightstand, he walked somewhat leisurely towards the neatly parked car in the garage. This morning, Nicholas chose to go without breakfast as usual, thinking that maybe he could have breakfast with his friends later. They often did that. Before the car he was driving actually left, Nicholas reached for his phone, which he had previously placed on the dashboard, to send a quick message to someone. Nicholas: [Are you awake?] Nicholas looked at the message he had written,
Nicholas glanced momentarily at the cellphone screen in front of him, allowing the device to keep ringing, forcing himself to answer it soon. It wasn't due to hesitation, but rather to gather his courage. He was certain that something would happen after picking up that call, as it always seemed to be the case. Taking a slow breath, Nicholas assured himself and swiped the green symbol on the cellphone screen to begin speaking. "Hello..." "It's been a long time, Mama hasn't heard from you, Nick. Are you too busy over there?" There was a hint of annoyance in each word. Nicholas took a deep breath first, then replied, "Ma, how are you? I'm sorry if I've been too busy lately to contact you." "It's okay, honey. I've been better. So, how about you? Have you found a prospective wife over there?" Nicholas fell silent for a moment, knowing exactly where this conversation was headed. After some thought, he chose the right answer to avoid his mother dwelling on the subject of a potential wif
The computer screen displayed a series of numbers that Kimberly had been working on for the past two hours. She double-checked repeatedly to ensure that everything she had done was absolutely perfect without any errors. After sending a copy of the document to Nicholas via email, Kimberly turned off her computer and prepared to leave. "Are you finished?" Kimberly's body straightened instantly at the sound of the deep voice. She turned to the source of the sound and realized her boss was leaning in the corner of the room with his hands clasped. "Yes, it's done. I've also sent all the data to your email address," Kimberly replied. Nicholas nodded. "It's already six in the evening. If you have nothing else to do, you can go home. But before that, there's something important I want to discuss with you." "Huh? What do you mean, sir?" Kimberly asked, puzzled. "Pack up your things and come to my office right now." Kimberly reached for her work bag and followed Nicholas, who had alread
Alex and Keyra couldn't stop laughing as they listened to what Kimberly had shared in her office earlier this afternoon. As known, almost everything she experienced, she always shared with her two friends. To her, in this world, the two of them were the ones who always faithfully listened to Kimberly's complaints. They were also the ones who were always there when Kimberly needed help. "Why didn't you just accept it right away?" Keyra protested. "Even though this is beneficial, Kimmy. You won't have to make an effort to chase Mr. Nicholas anymore. Moreover, if you reject it, you might get fired, right?" Alex chimed in. Kimberly sighed in frustration. "Okay, I do want to be Mr. Ice's partner. But it's not the way to go about it. This is like he's using me as a shield to avoid his parents. I want him to be sincere and genuinely be my partner, not because there's an ulterior motive like this!" Alex smirked. "Weren't you the one who used to treat Mr. Nicholas as a bet? So now you rea
"So, you threatened her?" Edward asked while accepting a glass of wine that Nicholas handed to him. Tonight, for some reason, Nicholas had asked Edward to come to his apartment. Nicholas nodded. "I didn't know what else to do to make her comply. Just so you know, she isn't afraid after I threatened her." Edward sighed. "You really are clueless, Nick! If there's a woman who refuses to help you, that doesn't mean you should threaten her. You should try persuading her, Nicholas Alistair!" Edward couldn't fathom Nicholas's thought process. When it came to wooing women, both Nicholas and Kenzi were equally terrible. It seemed like Edward needed to give them a free course on winning women's hearts. "So, what should I do?" Nicholas asked, sounding genuinely lost. "Why are you being so foolish, Nick? If Kimberly still refuses you tomorrow, you should try begging her a little," Edward advised. "B-but..." "Don't overthink it. If necessary, you should even try to charm her. When women say
Nicholas hurriedly entered the Bengawan Restaurant on the first floor of Keraton Residence. From a distance, his eyes caught sight of a woman he knew well, enjoying the night view from behind the restaurant's window. Before approaching, Nicholas observed the woman from afar for a moment. His mind was still full of questions. What was the reason his secretary was suddenly so insistent on staying in his apartment? Even now, Kimberly was still wearing her work clothes, indicating she hadn't returned to her place yet. This only made Nicholas wonder even more about what Kimberly was hiding or planning. "Is the view outside so captivating that you didn't notice my presence?" Nicholas asked as he took a seat in the restaurant. Kimberly suddenly realized and shifted her gaze to where Nicholas was sitting. "The view here is beautiful, I like it." Nicholas crossed his arms. "So, explain everything to me!" Kimberly raised one of her eyebrows. "Explain what? I think I've already told you ever
The next two months."Nick, I think you should come home soon. Your face looks really pale now," Edward suggested. They had just returned from a meeting outside the office.Nicholas sighed deeply while continuing to massage his temples. For some reason, since yesterday, he had been feeling unwell. Now, it even felt worse than before."I can't, Ed. I need to finish my tasks soon. I have only a week left before I really move from Alpha Beta and take care of Rayder Corp," Nicholas replied, still holding his forehead.Edward shook his head vigorously. He was very certain that his friend's condition was not okay at the moment. He was just afraid that something bad might happen to Nicholas."In that case, I'll get you some hot tea." Edward then got up and walked quickly to the pantry. He grabbed a cup of tea and brought it immediately to Nicholas's room, handing it over."Drink it quickly. After this, I'll help you finish all your tasks so you can go home early."Nicholas nodded and reached
After returning from London, Kimberly and Nicholas were busy with various wedding preparations. From fitting wedding attire to pre-wedding photos, everything had to be done quickly due to their limited time. Cassandra and Arthur didn't hold back; they even chose BVLGARI RESORT BALI as the venue for the celebration.BVLGARI is a luxurious five-star resort perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Its location is not far from Pura Luhur Uluwatu and the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.Embracing a beachfront wedding theme, all preparations had reached 95%. Nicholas and Kimberly couldn't believe how meticulously and perfectly Cassandra had arranged everything. She even hired a top-tier wedding organizer like 'Belvedere' to handle Nicholas and Kimberly's wedding."Mama is truly amazing," Nicholas said proudly. He was amazed by what his mother had done.Cassandra clasped her hands to her chest, a smile on her lips as she heard her son's praise."I'll do anything for you, my dear.
All the invited guests never ceased to congratulate Nicholas and Kimberly. Everyone seemed lost in the euphoria of this luxurious engagement party.While all the guests were busy enjoying their meals, Nicholas, who was watching Cassandra relaxing, went straight to her and pulled her to the garden's edge."Mom owes me an explanation," Nicholas whispered.Cassandra chuckled softly, keeping her composure. "Oh, come on, dear. Just enjoy your party for now. I promise to explain everything once everything's over."Nicholas shook his head in disbelief, observing his mother's behavior. Meanwhile, in a different location, Kimberly also looked puzzled. She chose to remain silent but kept her facial expression looking joyful. Yes, even though she was genuinely surprised and, of course, happy. However, amidst all this, she hadn't even exchanged a word with Nicholas. The two of them mostly just stared at each other without speaking.After the guests left one by one, Cassandra kept her promise. She
Since morning, Kimberly has been busy packing her belongings to put them in her suitcase. After hearing Arthur Rayder's explanation about Nicholas last night, she decided to join the man in London as soon as possible.Enjoying the packing process, Kimberly suddenly remembered that she didn't remember Nicholas's address or his parents' addresses. After thinking for a while, she realized who had helped her gather the information.Quickly, Kimberly grabbed her cellphone, searched for someone's number in her contacts list, and dialed it promptly. After three rings, the call was finally answered."Hello," a voice on the other side replied."Hello, Mr. Edward. It's me, Kimberly. Can I ask for your help?" Kimberly inquired."Oh my goodness, Kimberly," Edward exclaimed in surprise. "What's the reason for calling me so early in the morning?""Can I... Can I ask about Nicholas's address in London?" Kimberly hesitantly asked."Of course, you can. But, I'm sorry in advance, why are you asking for
Arthur remembered well that Veronica, his wife, had been very active in charity work. Then, at some point, she accidentally met Cassandra, a young woman who had dedicated half of her life to helping street children and orphans. They both worked together to provide assistance until the time when Cassandra, by chance, met Robert Alistair, who was working in Singapore at that time. He also became the largest donor for the charity event organized by Veronica.Somehow, at some point, Cassandra developed a relationship with Robert Alistair and decided to get married. After becoming husband and wife, Robert brought Cassandra with him to England. Since then, Veronica and Arthur rarely met Cassandra. It was only occasionally when she was traveling to Singapore.Arthur reached for the teacup already placed on his table. He took a sip and continued speaking. "So, what brings you all the way here to meet me?"Cassandra took her own drink, sipped it slowly, and then placed her cup back on the tabl
Mario never seemed tired of smiling at all the guests who attended. His face was radiant after formally getting engaged just a few hours ago.Arthur was also delighted. The old man was even busy socializing with the business colleagues who were present at the party.Among the many happy people, only Kimberly seemed ordinary. She even appeared distant from the crowd, choosing to sit alone in one corner of the event room while continuously gazing at Mario from a distance.She should have felt relieved because she wasn't the one accompanying Mario tonight. Yes, a few days ago, Kimberly almost couldn't breathe when he suddenly brought up the topic of engagement. She thought that her grandfather, Arthur, was really going to arrange a match between them. However, Mario revealed that he would be engaged to another woman."So, is Grandpa really going to arrange a match between us?" Mario didn't immediately answer. He remained silent for quite a while, which only made Kimberly's thoughts wande
For the translated text in American English with correct grammar, please see below:"For the past two days, Arthur had been observing Kimberly, who seemed so gloomy. The woman went to work listlessly and returned home in silence. Usually, Kimberly always had something to share with him, whether it was work-related issues or just casual conversations about her daily life.Curious, that evening, Arthur finally asked Mario when the two of them had just returned from the office. He was convinced that Mario knew what was happening with his granddaughter lately."Is there something you want to talk to me about?" Mario asked while they were in Arthur's office.Arthur, who was engrossed in reading a book, paused. He first took off his glasses and then placed the book he had been holding aside."Have a seat," Arthur instructed. "There's something I want to ask you."Mario complied with Arthur's request, taking a seat right next to the elderly man."What does grandpa want to ask about?""About
"I choose Alpha Beta," Arthur Rayder stared at Nicholas with an expression that was difficult to interpret after hearing what the man had chosen. He remained silent for quite some time before finally smiling and asking, "Are you sure you chose Alpha Beta over my granddaughter?"Nicholas nodded. "I'm sure. Very sure. Congratulations, in this game, you're the winner."Arthur squinted at Nicholas. There were many things he wanted to ask the man."As I suspected. You never really loved my granddaughter. It was quite evident when you chose money over—""You shouldn't jump to conclusions," Nicholas interrupted. Arthur glared at him. He didn't appreciate it when someone deliberately cut him off mid-sentence.Arthur sighed in his position. "Then what's your reason for not choosing Kimberly?"Nicholas took a slow breath. It wasn't easy making a decision like this."I love Kimberly. There's no other woman I love besides your granddaughter. However, I can't be selfish. I thought that if I cancel
Arthur was sitting casually in his office, looking at the neatly arranged photos of Kimberly in an album. Mario was there, accompanying the old man. He had been asked to come early in the morning, even though it was a holiday. Arthur wondered what he wanted to talk to Mario about.Arthur smiled as he commented, "Kimberly is such a cheerful girl. Look, in almost all these neatly arranged photos, she's always laughing or smiling." Arthur showed a specific photo to Mario.Mario looked at each photo that Arthur displayed. Kimberly appeared in various poses in the pictures. Mario nodded in agreement."In all the time I've known her, I've only seen Kimberly cry twice. First, when she found out her mother had passed away. Second, when she decided to leave Nicholas Alistair's apartment."Arthur leaned back in his chair. Hearing Mario's last sentence made his blood boil."That brat had the audacity to make my granddaughter cry. Who is he, daring to do such a thing?""They just had a misunderst