Part 52.That afternoon, the weather in Jakarta was scorching. A black car zoomed through the city streets at a moderate speed.Joe sat behind the wheel, while Clara and Kimmy sat in the back seats. They had just dropped Kimmy off for a check-up."Uncle, when will my family come?" Clara asked, busy texting Nadia."At five in the afternoon," Joe replied."Um, can I meet Nadia?" Clara asked for permission."Of course, as long as it's not a male friend, I'll allow it," Joe replied."Can I come too?" Kimmy suggested. She was getting closer to Clara, especially during Clara's last moments in the house."No, Kimmy, Papa won't allow you to go out with just Clara!" Joe said firmly. He glanced at the rearview mirror, looking at his daughter and shaking his head."Kimmy, Clara is just going out for a bit!" Clara said, patting Kimmy's cute cheek as she sat beside her."Oma said, Clara will go with her family, is that true?" Kimmy asked, looking sad and staring straight into Clara's eyes.Silence
Part 53.The night sky was clear, illuminated by the full moon, with stars adorning it.Unlike Clara, she was in a dark place with her hands and feet tied.Clara shifted her body against the wall. The room was dark. There was no light at all."Where am I?" Clara murmured. She felt the stifling, dry air. She didn't hear anyone else besides herself.She tried to remember what had happened to her earlier in the afternoon. After returning from Nadia's house, she couldn't remember anything. Clara began to move, feeling around with her hands despite being tied up. She kept moving, feeling around with the palms of her hands, searching for her shoulder bag.Clara found what she was looking for with her hand. A leather bag that Joe had bought for her some time ago.Clara felt relieved because her phone was in there. She immediately reached for the flat object, searching for Joe's number and trying to contact him.Unfortunately, footsteps approached, and the next moment the door opened. Clara
Part 54.Freedy Lim, sixty years old. An entrepreneur who started his business from scratch.It began in the automotive industry, then expanded into construction, furniture, textiles, and fashion, gradually making him one of the wealthiest businessmen in Singapore.He has two daughters, Margareth Freedy Lim and Marcella Freedy Lim. Since obtaining her bachelor's degree, Margareth has been helping him manage Lim Group.Meanwhile, Marcella, who is Clara's mother, hasn't been seen for 18 years. Even on the day of his second daughter's death, Freedy Lim was absent.When Marcella graduated, Freedy Lim hoped his daughter would follow in her sister's footsteps and help him manage Lim Group. However, Clara's mother chose to marry a man named Devano Rusadi, who is from Indonesia.Feeling disappointed, Freedy Lim chose to no longer care about Marcella. He pretended everything was fine, even after Marcella's death. He only visited his youngest daughter's grave a month after her death and never a
Chapter 55Joe stepped out of his house. Without much thought, he quickly got into the car that had been driven by Mr. Joko. Joe's hand gripped the steering wheel. He turned the key and started the car out of his driveway. He wanted to get to the police station as soon as possible.The man reached for his phone, intending to call Antoni. He needed his secretary's help.The call connected."Hello," greeted his secretary on the other end."Please track the location of the number I sent!" Joe instructed. He felt worried, his foot continuously pressing down on the gas pedal, driving his car at full speed."Whose number is this, sir?" Antoni asked."Clara is missing, and this is suspicious!" he replied."Should I contact Detective Joe?" the man on the other end asked."Yes, please, help me find Clara as soon as possible!" Joe shouted."Understood, sir!"The phone call ended.Joe continued driving his car towards the police station; luckily, the city streets weren't too crowded this evening
Chap 56.At 11:13 PM WIB.In one of the VVIP rooms at the hospital.Freedy Lim stood, his eyes fixed on Clara's face. Clara Rusadi, his granddaughter, was now lying on the hospital bed. Her eyes were closed with regular breathing. There were marks on the corner of her lips.The door opened, and Doctor Gaston entered. He walked up to the middle-aged man, recently finding out that he was Clara's biological grandfather.Yes, the girl who had touched his heart turned out not to be just anyone's descendant. She was beautiful, intelligent, and the granddaughter of a businessman in Singapore."Aren't you resting, sir?" Gaston asked. Since Clara was moved to the care room, Freedy Lim had never stopped watching over her. He continued to stay by her side, wanting to be the first person Clara saw when she woke up."No, I want to wait for my granddaughter to wake up," he replied. His eyes returned to Clara."Miss Clara is still under the influence of medication, Mr. Lim, you'd better rest!" the m
Chap 57.At 04:15 AM.Clara's hospital room.Clara woke up, blinking her eyes to sharpen her focus. The ticking of the clock was audible, resonating clearly in Clara's ears.Then, she closed her eyes again, recalling what happened last night. Joe running while carrying her, then supporting her to leave the building.Upon reaching the door, she heard a man's voice asking Uncle Joe to stop. The next moment, Clara heard the sound of three gunshots.Joe fell with fresh blood flowing from his temple. After that, Clara couldn't remember anything else."Are you awake?" Freedy Lim asked. He observed his granddaughter's hands, noticing that she was awake from her sleep.Clara opened her eyes, looking at the middle-aged man standing by her bed. She had never seen or known his face before, yet Clara felt strangely familiar with his presence."Good morning, Miss Clara, I'm glad you're awake. Let me introduce myself, my name is Zio, and he is Mr. Lim. You can call him Grandpa Lim," Zio joked.Clar
Part 58"Why?" The grandfather asked with emphasis. There was disappointment in his face."I want to accompany Uncle Joe, he's still unconscious, I need to stay here," Clara replied. She lowered her head. Honestly, she didn't want to disappoint Grandpa Lim. It's just that her worry for Joe Sebastian dominated more."Alright, if that's what you want, I won't stop you," the middle-aged man replied."Thank you, Grandpa!""But Zio will always be with you, and... you have to study in England, I'll take care of it."Before Clara could respond, Mr. Lim got up from his seat, glanced briefly at Clara, then walked out of the hospital.This morning, Freedy Lim flew to Singapore without taking Clara.==❤==In the evening, Clara entered Joe's room. She walked slowly until she reached the side of the bed of the man she loved."Uncle."Clara called softly. She observed Joe's face. The man was still unconscious. Then, Clara's right hand reached for Joe's fingers."Will Uncle Joe wake up soon?!" she w
Part 59.One month later.Mr. Bond took over Joe's position in the company, with Antoni's assistance, of course. The middle-aged man incessantly prayed for his only son to wake up.Mrs. Linn spent more time at home, accompanying Kimmy who constantly cried missing her daddy.Meanwhile, Alex and Vivian were facing trial for their crimes. Alex was charged with kidnapping, illegal possession of weapons, sexual harassment, and attempted murder. The prosecutor demanded a 12-year prison sentence and a fine of 200 million. After lengthy negotiations, Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond still decided to send Vivian to prison. After all, the guilty must be punished. Regarding Kimmy, Mrs. Linn believed that what happened to Vivian wouldn't have too much of an impact on her granddaughter. Hopefully.The prosecutor charged Vivian with kidnapping a child, and she faced a 5-year prison sentence.Today, exactly one month after the kidnapping incident, Clara visited Joe's ward almost every day. She talked to him,
71.One month later.As requested by the grandfather, Clara and Joe's wedding was held in a simple manner, attended only by close relatives. On Clara's side, only Freedy Lim and Zio were present, while on Joe's side, both of his parents invited their close relatives.Freedy Lim was chatting with Bond Sebastian and Linn."Mr. Lim, you should stay here, and we can go on vacation together," Bond offered. Hearing that his in-laws were also leaving for Singapore tonight made him feel a bit sad."No, Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn, I must leave immediately. My work is waiting, and I'm sure I'll only disturb the newlyweds if I stay here," he replied. "After this, I have to go to the airport so as not to be late," he added."Alright, sir, please wait a moment. We should have dinner together before you leave!" Bond requested.Freedy Lim nodded. Then Mrs. Linn moved towards the bridal chamber.Inside the bridal chamber, Clara was taking off the crown that adorned her hair. Meanwhile, Joe was in the bat
Part 70."First, I don't want Clara to become a mother at her young age, make sure she continues her education until she obtains at least a bachelor's degree!" he said. "Secondly, I don't want your married life to be consumed by the public, I don't like Lim family members being exposed to the media, and thirdly, guide Clara to become a businesswoman, I still want her to be the primary heir!" Freedy Lim revealed these three conditions to Clara."Alright, I agree," Joe replied loudly."Come closer!" Mr. Lim commanded."Yes, Sir."Overcoming his awkwardness, Joe got up from his seat and sat next to the middle-aged man."Thank you very much for taking care of Clara, if you weren't a good person, my grandson wouldn't insist on staying by your side," he said.Joe smiled. Freedy Lim wasn't as intimidating as the articles he had read about Clara's grandfather."Continue to take care of my granddaughter, as you have been doing for the past ten years, make her happy, because only you can make h
Part 69Clara tightly held Uncle Joe Sebastian's hand. They had arrived at Changi Airport. A four-wheeled vehicle was parked at the airport exit."Are we meeting Grandpa now, Uncle?" Clara asked as she stepped into the car."I need to eat first, Clara. I'm very hungry," Joe made an excuse. He wasn't ready. Yes, meeting Freedy Lim, who clearly didn't like him, was daunting."Okay, we should eat first," Clara agreed. She felt very nervous. Her heart always wondered what would happen next? Of course, Clara had a backup plan in case her grandfather didn't give his blessing.The car they boarded stopped at a seafood restaurant. They got out of the car and started going in.Joe ordered some food from the menu. Strangely, his hunger vanished just like that."Why aren't you eating, Uncle?" Clara asked. She was trying to swallow the scallops she had chewed."I don't know, Clara, suddenly I lost my appetite," Joe answered. He just stared at his empty plate."Is Uncle very afraid to meet Grandpa
68."Yes, Clara, I was looking for you," Joe replied. He kissed Clara. Starting from her forehead, then her eyelids, moving down to her left cheek and then to her right. Then, he gazed longingly at Clara's lips.Relieved, it turned out Gaston had never kissed Clara."Uncle...," Clara's words halted as Joe kissed her eagerly. Long, gradual, and deep. While embracing her, Joe continued to kiss Clara. Hundreds of kisses felt insufficient to make up for the month after he woke up from his coma. If he remembered correctly, he missed Clara every day. Morning, noon, and night. Clara, Clara, and Clara.Slowly, Joe released his kiss. He gazed at Clara's face carefully. Their gazes met each other."Clara Rusadi Lim, I apologize for all my mistakes towards you. Firstly, for not telling you when I woke up, and secondly, for pretending to have amnesia," Joe confessed. With his right hand, he brushed Clara's hair behind her ear, then cupped her beautiful face. "I missed you so much, Clara, I misse
67.Creak.The door opened.Joe's and Gaston's eyes met. Joe stared sharply at the man in front of him, observing Gaston from head to toe. He noticed three buttons of Gaston's shirt undone, and his hair was disheveled. Joe's eyes sharpened as he spotted traces of nude lipstick on Gaston's lips."What's up? Can't you see I'm busy!" Gaston pretended to adjust his appearance. "Oh," his face looked surprised, and he quickly straightened his shirt buttons."What are you going to talk about! Spit it out now! I need to sleep and rest!" Joe said, trying to appear indifferent.Gaston nodded, turning back to glance at Clara briefly before closing the door."Let's talk downstairs!" Joe ordered. He really wanted to talk to Gaston and get him out of his house.Gaston followed, following Joe's steps down the stairs. They both sat facing each other in the living room."Here's the thing, Joe, when you were in a coma, Mr. Lim asked me to take care of Clara. Essentially, he preferred me to be Clara's h
Part 66.Joe's words made Celine angry. Without much thought, she decided to leave the house."It seems like a mistake for me to be here. Uncle Joe, you need to be more decisive with your feelings. If you still love her, fight for it! I know your love for her is immense. It's impossible for you to protect Clara, sacrificing yourself if you don't love her!" Celine's message sounded slightly irritated. She realized she was defeated by Clara. "Dr. Gaston, Clara, I'll take my leave now! I hope you can resolve your feelings without involving too many parties! Goodnight!" Celine nodded respectfully and left Joe Sebastian's dining room.Clara's gaze fell downwards. She bowed her head, deeply hurt by Joe's words. Meanwhile, Dr. Gaston looked at Joe with disappointment. He felt Joe didn't need to go that far to make Clara give up; telling her directly would have been more mature."It seems like you've learned a lot from Vivian; now you're so good at acting like your late wife!" Gaston said. "We
Part 65.Clara lay down next to Kimmy, the little girl asleep from exhaustion. Clara's eyes focused on her phone screen, feeling frustrated and unsure who to contact.She continued to move her thumb, scrolling through her phone, and found Dr. Gaston's number.The call connected."Hello," greeted Dr. Gaston on the other end."Hello, doctor, it's me, Clara!" she said."What's up, Clara?" Dr. Gaston asked."Uncle Joe invited someone for dinner, can Dr. Gaston also come here? I need Dr. Gaston's help," Clara asked hopefully. She wasn't sure if her plan would succeed, but there was no harm in trying."So tonight, I come to Joe's house?" the doctor confirmed."Yes.""What can I help you with, Clara?""Dr. Gaston's presence!" Clara replied."Alright, what time should I come?""Just a moment, I'll ask Uncle Joe, then I'll let you know, the journey from the hospital to here is only half an hour!" Clara replied, looking at the wall clock showing it was almost half past four in the afternoon."O
Part 64."Nad, something's not right!" Clara exclaimed."What do you mean?" Nadia asked.In the afternoon, she purposely skipped her last class to meet Clara."Dr. Gaston and Uncle Joe seem to agree to hide something from me!" Clara said, lowering her head as she sipped her cold juice."What are they hiding?" Nadia inquired."Uncle Joe has amnesia, but I'm sure it's impossible! There must be something he's hiding!" Clara explained."What if he really has amnesia?" Nadia suggested another possibility, considering the gunshot wound on Joe's temple."Maybe, I just need to know what really happened!" Clara lowered her head, knowing that no one in Joe's residence would tell her the truth."When will you go home?" Nadia asked."I'll stay for two nights, then head to London!" Clara replied."Alright, I suggest that during your two days and two nights in Jakarta, you should stay at Uncle Joe's house. Maybe the parents, servants, driver, and gardener will keep silent! But, did you forget? Clar
63.The ticking of the clock in Clara's room was agonizingly slow. Standing while gazing at the city's beauty from her room tonight did little to ease the unease in her heart.Remembering that Mrs. Linn and Doctor Gaston hadn't responded to her messages for almost a week made Clara wonder what was really going on. Initially, Clara thought that the two of them were just busy. But the photos sent by Nadia made Clara suspicious.Clara got up from her seat. She left the room and immediately sought out her grandfather."Where's Grandpa?" Clara asked the maid."Mr. Lim is in his room, Miss," the woman replied.Clara walked towards her grandfather's room, which was next to Aunt Margaret's room.Knock.Knock.Knock.Clara gently knocked on the door."Grandpa," Clara called out.After a moment, the door opened, revealing the middle-aged man standing before her."What is it, Clara?"Freedy Lim observed his granddaughter's face. There was a restlessness there. Clara's eyebrows furrowed, and her