A man who is serious in a relationship will not hesitate to introduce his beloved woman to his family. *** Considering that she couldn’t look weak or be intimidated by Ansel’s attitudes and words, Qeiza lifted up her chin. She had to remain to look strong and respectable. “You're visiting me at the wrong time, Mister,” Qeiza stared intensely at Ansel, hiding her anger behind her cold look. Ansel took a look at the watch on his wrist. “It’s not too late,” he said. “I’m coming here to fetch you. Ums … I want to introduce you to my mom.” “What? You must be insane. We aren’t in such a relationship so you need to introduce me to your mom.” “I’m not the kind of person who likes showing courtesy,” replied Ansel. “I know what I want.” “But, it doesn’t mean that you can act as you please. I’m a human being, not a stuff that you can take away whenever you like.” Ansel’s pupils glowed unpleasantly. The woman in front of him was truly a dissident. “I just want my mom to know that I like s
Ansel still locked his gaze at the hijab woman who was sitting across him. If only he didn’t pay close attention to the color of her eyes, he must have thought that she was really Ae Ri. The dreaming girl he was going to fetch this morning. “What do you think? Qeiza is pretty, right?” asked Alina. Her lips curved into a teasing smile at his only son. “Where did you find her?” Ansel neglected his mother’s query. In the contrary, he attacked his mother with his own question. “Are you sure this strange woman is Qeiza?” Though Ansel had never once met his ex-wife, he didn’t know why his heart doubted her identity. He felt a bit weird when she appeared in his house unexpectedly. In fact, she was the one who sued a divorce and returned all the stuffs he gave her. Did she just regret it? “Ansel! It's not good to think badly of others, especially your ex-wife.” Alina looked displeased with Ansel’s suspicious attitude. “Mom, if she’s really Qeiza, my ex-wife, she should have felt ashamed t
The ringing of the doorbell on Qeiza’s apartment door roared like a starving baby. Repeatedly Ansel uncovered the hem of his sleeve to check the rotation of the hands on his watch. He had been standing there for more than ten minutes. “Where in the world is she going?” Ansel wondered. If Qeiza was inside, she should have opened the door for him. “She must have been angry.” Remembering that he didn’t grant Qeiza’s request and his lateness for picking her up, Ansel cursed himself. “Damn it! Because of that shameless woman, my plan is ruined.” Ansel grabbed his hair in frustration while shouting in annoyance. He always dreamed that he could introduce Qeiza to his mother. But, look what he’s getting right now? It’s just a hurt failure. After waiting for thirty minutes with no signs that Qeiza would open the door for him, Ansel walked unsteadily to leave that place. It’s his fault. He had no rights to get mad at Qeiza, let alone to hate her for what happened. The only one who deserved
Sometimes, God deletes the plans we have written and replaces them with better realities. *** “God! Oppa!” Qeiza yelled in surprise. “What happened?” Entering Dae Hyun’s house by using the duplicated key that he gave her, Qeiza was shocked by his condition, lying on the floor of his bedroom unconsciously. The sweats were pouring down all over Dae Hyun’s body. It made his clothes soaked. Qeiza touched Dae Hyun’s forehead. It felt hot. His lips looked blue and dried, like someone who’s dehydrating. Worrying about the bad health condition of Dae Hyun, Qeiza fought to move him onto the bed. She changed Dae Hyun’s shirt then compressed him with warm water. According to the theory from the article she had ever read, when the skin got a hot temperature simulation, thus the brain would give a command to the body’s central nervous system to cool down the body's temperature. By doing so, it was hoped that the temperature of Dae Hyun’s body would be back to normal. Qeiza didn’t know how lon
A man and a woman were like two different poles of magnets. They would attract each other. *** “Sorry! I’m–I’m just tidying up your blanket.” Qeiza pulled her head away from Dae Hyun’s face. Her heart beat fast. Her cheeks flushed because of embarrassment and awkwardness. “Thank goodness, you’re finally conscious,” said Qeiza after struggling hard to control her nervousness. “You must have been so thirsty. Do you want me to take some water for you?” Qeiza knew it was actually a silly question. Being unconscious for almost two days, certainly Dae Hyun would feel his throat dry. She shouldn’t have asked that. Seeing that Dae Hyun remained silent, Qeiza was more nervous. She quickly moved from there and left Dae Hyun’s bedroom. “Phew! Why did he have to wake up at that time?” Qeiza caressed her chest. One of her hands was resting on the dining table. “Just make me shy.” Meanwhile, Dae Hyun tried to sit up and leaned on the headboard. Just the same as Qeiza, he also felt his heart
The faint sound of the doorbell rang out into Dae Hyun’s bedroom. Daniel had just finished checking Dae Hyun’s health condition and removed the stethoscope from his ears. “It seems that you have a special guest on the weekend,” teased Daniel. Dae Hyun lowered the roll of his sleeve which had been uncovered when Daniel took his blood pressure. “Are you disdaining me?” asked Dae Hyun, leaning back again against the headboard. Daniel shrugged then pulled a chair. He sat beside Dae Hyun’s bed. “Is it good for me?” “It could be your girlfriend.” “My girlfriend trusts me a lot,” Daniel said proudly. “She can’t possibly follow me here.” Dae Hyun furrowed his eyebrows. “If it’s not your girlfriend, who is it then?” “I don’t know,” replied Daniel. “Do you want me to open the door to check it?” “Up to you,” said Dae Hyun. Daniel left the chair he just sat. However, after walking for a few steps, Dae Hyun’s shout stopped him. “If the guest is looking for Ae Ri, just tell him that he’s
If you can control your anger, you are a strong person. *** “Aunty, why are you screaming?” Xander—who also heard Alina’s shout—broke into the bedroom before Ansel arrived there. He bent and looked around in all directions. “Where’s the cockroach?” he asked while moving the chair. Alina was just silent. “A mouse?” Alina shook her head. She was standing with the gaze fixing on both of her hands. She looked like a dazed person. “A snake?” Xander kept shifting the position of the stuffs in that bedroom, looking for the creeping animals or whatever that had caused Alina scream hysterically. “Ouch!” Xander moaned in pain. He caressed his head. Ansel’s hit was hard enough landing there. “You thought this is the jungle or the zoo?” scolded Ansel. “Then, why did aunty scream like that if there’s nothing here?” Ansel approached his mother. That middle-aged woman was still standing like a statue. Her hands were trembling, holding a piece of paper. “Qe–Qeiza,” Alina stammered. “She–sh
Do not ever look for enemies. But if they come, you don’t need to avoid them either. *** “Have a drink!” Xander handed Ansel a glass of mineral water. His worry was reducing after Ansel awakened. He had slept for more the twenty-four hours. Ansel reached the glass handing by Xander with his weak hand. His eyes narrowed when he saw the infusion needle was sticking on the back of his hand. “Ah, let me help you!” Xander had just realized Ansel’s difficulty. “How long did I faint?” asked Ansel after drinking one-third of the water in the glass. “How long you fainted, it’s not important,” replied Xander. “The most important thing for now is that you’ve been conscious. How are you feeling?” “I don’t know,” said Ansel. “That nightmare always haunted me.” Ansel massaged his temples. His head was still dizzy and throbbing. Whenever he had the nightmare, his head was like hit with a hammer. “Tell me, Mom!” insisted Ansel, staring hopefully at Alina who was bowing her head because of f
“You’re damn pretty, Dear ….” Mrs. Kim’s eyes flashed the light of admiration and pride for the new status of Qeiza as her daughter-in-law. “Dae Hyun is so lucky to have you as his wife.” “Mom ….” Qeiza blushed. The guests had dispersed. Now, just Kim’s family left. They were ready to leave the wedding hall. Mr. Kim tapped Dae Hyun’s left shoulder. “Now, Ae Ri is now completely your responsibility.” “Certainly, Dad. I promise to protect her and make her happy.” Dae Hyun reassured Mr. Kim. His hand reflexively wrapped Qeiza’s waist. A wedding car moved slowly and stopped right before Dae Hyun and his family. “Go!” said Mrs. Kim when Qeiza said goodbye with her eyes. Dae Hyun shortly held her hand, being ready to walk to the car. Ansel tapped Xander’s shoulder. He forced the guy to stop when he saw Qeiza and Dae Hyun getting closer to their car. Ansel rashly got out of the car and ran towards Qeiza. “Qei!” he called. Dae Hyun stopped his hand movement that would open the car do
“Why are you so obsessed with me?” “I’m crazy about you. I … can’t live without you.” “You’d been fine for four years,” said Qeiza.”You’ll also definitely live well for the rest of your life.” “Qei, please … give me a chance!” “Sorry, I can’t make it.” “Why? Do you really hate me that much?” “I’ve floated the pieces of my broken heart in the sea of tears,” said Qeiza. “It’ll be useless if you insist to put them together again.” Ansel felt his heart as though had just been torn apart by the sharp fangs of wild animals. It was totally hurt and painful. The sky was suddenly cloudy. The weather in the fall was changeable. The rain could pour at any time. It was like Ansel’s heart that also covered by the dark cloud of sorrows. “I’m sorry, Ansel!” Qeiza said. “From now on, please … stop chasing me!” “But … I’m really being drawn to you, Qei,” said Ansel, still fighting to convince her of the sincerity of his feeling for her. “Thank you. I’m flattered.” “So, will you think about
Listening to Qeiza’s mutter, Mrs. Kim grabbed the album from her hands. She also wanted to see which photo caused her tears flooding her face more and more. “Don’t take it, Mom!” Qeiza robbed back the album from Mrs. Kim’s hands. “I miss my mom and dad so badly.” Mrs. Kim examined the face of little Qeiza on the picture then averted to Qeiza’s face before her, comparing them both. All at once, she rushed to hug Qeiza. “Oh, my dearest ….” Warm liquid flooded her cheeks. “I’m so sorry! It turns out that you’re very close all this time, but … I didn’t recognize you.” After hugging each other for a long time, Mrs. Kim raised Qeiza’s face. She wiped the girl’s tears with her fingers. “Thank you for coming back to us, Dear!” Mrs. Kim pecked Qeiza’s forehead. Mr. Kim also wiped his tears. Dae Hyun was dumbfounded. He was at a loss for words. He had mixed feelings—between being amused and touched. Qeiza did not know how long he stared at her parents’ face with the gaze full of longing.
Ansel tiptoed, getting out of the place where he hid towards Dae Hyun’s entrance door. Once in while he looked back to reassure that no one caught him red handed. Ansel’s fingertips would just touch the doorknob when he felt a hand pulled his collar from behind. He turned his head to the right. The security guard of Dae Hyun’s house welcomed him with a fierce gaze right away. “Shouldn’t you have gone home?” Ansel smiled wryly. “I haven’t said goodbye to Ae Ri yet,” he answered. “Mr. Kim asked me not to let anyone in the house before he came home,” said the security guard. “So, please leave now!” Ansel showed off a sad look. “Just a moment … let me meet Ae Ri before leaving.” “Miss Kim needs to take a rest. She can’t be disturbed.” Ansel’s facial expression turned cloudy from the despair. The security guard couldn’t be persuaded. He could only turn his look to the upper floor when the guy kicked him out of Dae Hyun’s yard. He walked before the cab he ordered coming to fetch him.
Ansel stood up straight away. His blood boiled seeing Dae Hyun carrying Qeiza. Furthermore, when from the distance he saw them both smiling at each other. “Is she no longer able to walk so you have to carry her on your back after doing exercises?” Ansel asked in cold voice. His gaze looked like he wanted to skim Dae Hyun alive. “Let’s get in, Oppa!” Qeiza whispered into Dae Hyun ear. She was reluctant to be near Ansel for a long time. Dae Hyun raised Qeiza’s position that lowered a little on his back. The next second, he walked to the gate, granting Qeiza’s wish. “Hey!” Ansel shouted when the security guard closed the gate without letting him follow them. “Let him in!” said Dae Hyun when his security guard asked him through his gaze. “He seemed to get lost.” Ansel clenched his hands into fists. Dae Hyun’s words were like intentionally insulting him. He could do nothing. In order not to lose Qeiza, he had to swallow the annoyance. He followed Dae Hyun’s steps into the house. “Yo
The stars scattered on the night sky. They sparkled beautifully as if they invited the sparkles of incandescent lights along the Han River stream to joke. They competed with each other to show off their charms to the world. Qeiza was standing on the balcony of her bedroom, embracing her hands. Occasionally she petted her upper arms so the cold weather felt a bit lessen. She took a deep breath. She was resting her palms on the balcony guardrail. Her eyes were travelling, enjoying the beauty of the Han River banks. Yeah. Her adopted parents’ residence was in an elite area with spectacular views of the Han River stream and Namsan Mountain. From her bedroom, Dae Hyun could see Qeiza standing alone on the balcony. He put down the business magazine he read. Their bedrooms were neighbors. Even, their balconies were only separated by an iron fence about less than a meter in height. Here was Dae Hyun now. He jumped over the lower fence. In a blink, he had stood beside Qeiza. He also pampere
Ansel packed his clothes in hurry. Repeatedly he glanced the clock on the wall as if he was afraid that it would run fast to leave him. “What are you doing, Ansel?” Alina walked to close Ansel. Her forehead furrowed when she saw her only son was packing up. He was like going to run away. “I’m going to catch up with Qeiza ASAP, Mom.” Ansel answered without stopping his hand movements, putting his clothes into the suitcase. His eyes didn’t avert to Alina either. “Why? Did Qeiza go back to Indonesia?” Alina got surprised. She had heard nothing about how she was since a few days ago. Ansel stood up straight. His suitcase was full. He came closer to his mother. He squeezed the shoulders of the middle-aged woman gently. “Wish me luck, Mom! I’m struggling hard to make your dream come true.” Alina caressed Ansel’s arm. “So … she really went home?” “She didn’t, Mom. She … she fled to Seoul ….” Ansel strengthened his squeeze on Alina’s shoulders. He forced his lips to smile eagerly. “Th
“What’s wrong?” asked Qeiza. Dae Hyun had just locked his phone. “Daddy is being hospitalized.” “I’m sorry to hear that. How long has he been there?” “Since yesterday.” Dae Hyun grabbed Qeiza’s hand. “Do you mind if we fly to Seoul right away from Bengkulu later?” “What? Are you crazy?” Dae Hyun smiled wryly. He was too early to ask her that question. “Just cancel the vacation! We’re flying home right away.” “Hah! Ae … you ... what did you say?” “Why are you stupid all of sudden, Oppa?” Qeiza glared at him. “We can enjoy the vacation anytime.” Dae Hyun was still dumbfounded. “Are you serious?” “Exceptionally I’m. Visiting daddy is more important. We don’t know how long he will survive.” “Thank you, Ae!” Dae Hyun was touched by Qeiza’s decision. “I promise. I’ll make it up to you another day.” A few seconds later, he called someone. “We’ll fly in two hours,” said Dae Hyun to Qeiza after he ended the call. “Turn around, Sir?” asked the driver that ear-dropped the conversati
“Qeiza! Don’t joke too much!” Amira scolded Qeiza. “What if Mr. and Mrs. Santoso get heart attack, huh?” “Ah, hahaha ….” Santoso laughed again. “So, it’s just kidding, right?” Mrs. Santoso just shook her head while caressing her chest. Raditya exposed a slight smile only. Qeiza sighed and said in a low voice, “It’s up to you if you don’t buy it." “Qei!” Abbas yelled at her. He gave her a deadly stare. Qeiza stared at Raditya seriously. “Don’t you say I never told that.” Qeiza rose. She bowed at Mr. and Mrs. Santoso. “Please forgive me, Uncle, Aunty … I can’t stay here any longer,” she excused. Abbas also stood up. He pressed Qeiza’s shoulders, forcing her to sit back. “What are you doing, Qei? The dinner has just started. It’s impolite to just leave.” Abbas suppressed his voice. He tried to cover the anger boiling in his chest. Taking advantage of Qeiza was not actually as easy as what he thought. “I’m sorry, Uncle! I have another agreement,” Qeiza denied. She raised her hand,