Early in the morning, Nicholas and Edward were already engaged in a crucial discussion. Both of them were seriously discussing the expansion of land and the addition of buildings to the existing Resort in the Maldives, Maldives. The popularity of the Maldives as a romantic tourist destination has been skyrocketing, especially since photos of its natural beauty have been circulating on social media. The country, located southwest of India, is often considered one of the luxury travel destinations. To explore the Maldives with its thousands of islands and dozens of coral islands worth exploring, one needs to allocate a substantial budget. That's why Nicholas didn't want to miss this opportunity to expand the Hotel and Resort network under the Alpha Beta umbrella. Countless resorts and even private islands were under his management, left behind by Kenzi when he went to England. Looking at the rapid progress of the company under his leadership, Nicholas might have reason to be proud. Eve
Wolfgang's SteakhouseNow, Nicholas, Kimberly, and Cassandra were at Wolfgang's Steakhouse. The upscale steakhouse from Manhattan, New York, USA, had opened its newest branch in Jakarta. This high-class steak restaurant served dry-aged beef, giving its steaks a unique and classy flavor compared to others. Unlike Kimberly, who preferred Chinese food, steak was Nicholas and Cassandra's favorite meal. Back in England, they used to schedule a weekly steak dinner together. After nearly twenty minutes of waiting, the eagerly awaited food was finally served perfectly on the table. Cassandra seemed impatient and immediately reached for the appetizer, the Beverly Hills Chopped Salad. It consisted of small pieces of carrots, peas, corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados, mint leaves, lettuce, red onions, and feta cheese. Meanwhile, Nicholas quickly grabbed a plate with a tenderloin fillet accompanied by mashed potatoes. He appeared serious as he cut the meat on his plate into small pieces. After
Silence prevailed throughout the journey back after dropping Cassandra off at her hotel. Nicholas and Kimberly chose to remain silent rather than exchange greetings. Neither of them wanted to concede and initiate the first greeting. The awkwardness was evident, stemming from the sudden kissing incident initiated by Nicholas. While Nicholas focused on the road, Kimberly opted to close her eyes briefly before reaching the apartment. As the car entered the VIP parking area, Kimberly didn't want to wake up and instead hoped that Nicholas would give in and lift her, just like in the romantic novels or Korean dramas she often watched. "Please, Nicholas, carry me like they do in those Korean dramas I watch so often. Be careful not to wake me up." As Kimberly's mind wandered elsewhere, Nicholas remained silent, gazing at the sleeping woman beside him. After a while, his hand extended to gently brush aside strands of hair covering her smooth cheek. Gradually, Nicholas moved his face closer.
Mario sat in his office chair, observing the report files provided by Joseph, his trusted associate. For the past year, he had assigned someone to monitor and investigate Kimberly's movements while she was out there. "Miss Rayder no longer lives in her dorm. She moved to Keraton Residence apartments about two weeks ago," Joseph informed Mario. Mario furrowed his brow but didn't divert his gaze from the files in front of him. "Are you sure she's living there now? I thought it would be harder to keep an eye on her. As far as I know, that apartment is really secure and not accessible to just anyone." Joseph nodded. "But there's something important you should know, Miss Kimberly isn't living there alone." Mario's gaze shifted, and he looked at Joseph with curiosity. "What do you mean? Who is she living with?" "Your fiancé is living with CEO Alpha Beta now." Mario smirked after hearing Joseph's words. "So, Kimberly is sharing a flat with Nicholas Alistair?" Joseph nodded. "Since movi
Before getting out of the car, Kimberly once again checked and adjusted her makeup. Nicholas, sitting next to her, could only shake his head at the woman's behavior. "Are you ready?" Nicholas asked to confirm. Kimberly nodded. "Yes, let's get out." Nicholas got out of the car first and then opened the door for Kimberly. Moments later, he reached for Kimberly's hand and held it tightly as they entered the restaurant. "Do everything as naturally as possible, Kimmy," Nicholas whispered as they approached one of the tables already occupied by Cassandra and Robert Alistair. "Hello, Mom and Dad. Sorry for making you wait; the traffic was quite heavy," Nicholas greeted, and then he and Kimberly took their seats. Cassandra smiled. "No problem, we just arrived ten minutes ago." Then they engaged in a lengthy conversation, discussing family matters, business developments, and even Kimberly was not exempt from their discussion. "So, Nick, when are you two getting engaged and getting marri
"Hello...""How's it going, Auntie? Did our plan work?"Cassandra smiled faintly. "I can't conclude if it's successful or not yet. But I managed to get them to come to London next week."Laughter could be heard from the other end. "I can imagine how confused Nicholas must be right now."Cassandra smirked. "Auntie doesn't care if he's confused or anything. What Auntie is thinking now is turning the game they designed into a reality. Auntie will make them both like each other.""I'll always support Auntie. If you need anything, Auntie shouldn't hesitate to ask for my help," the man offered.Cassandra cleared her throat softly. "But have you investigated Kimberly's background? Auntie doesn't mind her social status. Just want to make sure she's from a good family.""Auntie, don't worry. I've been investigating who she is, her background, which family she's from, down to the smallest details for a long time. To reassure Auntie, I'll send the report file to you via email right now. Auntie ca
"Nicholas had no idea how many times he had put a smile on his face. Edward, who witnessed his friend's behavior, could only sigh inwardly. He thought, there must be something making Nicholas look like a madman right now."Such a strange guy!"So, why did he call me here?"Is he asking me to watch him smile like a crazy person right now?"Such a waste of my time.""Nick!" Edward called out with an intentionally raised tone. He wanted to see if the man in front of him could snap out of it or remain lost in his own world."Sssttt..." Nicholas hissed. "You're just startling me, Ed!" he protested."I've been sitting here for 15 minutes, and you haven't said a word. Do you think I'm not busy, huh? What's your reason for calling me here?"Instead of feeling guilty, Nicholas chuckled at Edward's annoyance. If only Edward knew that Nicholas was smiling because he was thinking about Kimberly, he would definitely keep teasing him."This Thursday, Kimberly and I are heading to England. I'm asking
"How could you just leave that man without permission?" Kimberly asked when they had arrived at the apartment.Nicholas didn't answer, choosing instead to open the jacket that enveloped his muscular body and toss it casually onto the sofa. He then sat down and directed his gaze to Kimberly, who was still standing not far from him."Sit down," Nicholas requested with a gentle expression while tapping the surface of the sofa lightly."I want to go inside and rest," Kimberly replied."I said sit down.""But I—""Sit down quickly! Do I have to call you Mrs. Alistair before you obey?" Nicholas ordered with emphasis this time. His eyes sparkled sharply.Reluctantly, Kimberly complied with Nicholas's command to sit down. She took several deep breaths, squeezing her fingers to release the tension that was building up. She was quite sure that Nicholas was angry now."What's the matter with you?" Kimberly spoke softly, not wanting to provoke Nicholas's emotions."I didn't like you talking to Jul
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