A man will do everything to win the woman he loves. *** The king of the day had fallen asleep at the end of the twilight. The Goddess of the night swiftly took over his duty to illuminate the universe. A security guard was patrolling on the parking lot. The stomping of his shoes echoed scarily. His hand was holding a flashlight. He shined the light on every corner occupied by the darkness, reassuring that everything was safe and under controlled. “Who’s there?” He asked himself when his flashlight showed a silhouette of a man with his head resting on the steering wheel. He kept walking to close the guy. The light that landed on his eyelids caused Adnan to come to his sense. He narrowed his blurred eyes. He blocked the light with his left arm. “Are you alright, Sir?” The security guard asked Adnan after knocking the glass of his car window. Adnan—who hadn’t successfully gathered all his consciousness yet—lifted his head. He was still a little dazed. “Yeah. I’m fine,” he replied
When a man treats a woman gently, that’s he begins to hold the key to winning her heart. *** That morning was a lucky day for Ansel. When he arrived at Qeiza’s apartment, his ex-wife had just locked the door. She’s ready to go to work. Ansel got closer to Qeiza with a bright facial expression. “Good morning, Qeiza!” he greeted her while a bit bowing. The bouquet of flowers he brought was hidden behind his back. Qeiza stared at Ansel with her cold gaze. “I just found out what it’s like to be the boss,” Qeiza sneered. “Still have time to disturb someone else’s life while the others have gone to the office.” Ansel just smiled slightly responding to Qeiza’s mockery. The glimpse of the pale face of his mother forced him to forebear his emotion. No matter how, he had to succeed in persuading his ex-wife to meet his mother. “Hey! It’s not good to start the day with anger,” Ansel teased. He took out the bouquet of flowers he had hidden. Slowly, he cut the distance between them. “I hope
Don’t totally believe in what you see, because your eyes can deceive you. *** After talking on the phone, Ansel followed into Alina’s room with the feeling of joys. He was so glad that he could fulfil his mother’s wish. “Where’s Qeiza, Mom?” asked Ansel. He looked around in all directions of the room, finding Qeiza’s presence. His left arm was hidden in the pocket of his trousers. His face was wrinkled when he couldn’t find Qeiza in that room. Alina sat up and leaned back on the headboard. She stared coldly at Ansel. “I’ve chased her away,” she replied. “What?” Ansel was shocked. “Why, Mom? You yourself asked me to bring her here.” “I asked you to bring Qeiza home,” Alina talked back. “Not that cheated woman!” “Gosh, Mom!” Ansel was speechless. He rashly turned around, hunting for Qeiza. “Stop, Ansel!” prevented Alina. “Never bring the thief back in front of me!” Ansel lowered his hand from the doorknob. He exhaled a heavy breath. He had to admit that his mother had misunders
Beware of double-faced people because you’ll never know what kind of evil plans are hidden behind the mask of their good attitudes. *** “I don’t know what Mr. Freud whispered into your ear, Mr. Song,” said Qeiza. “But, I dare to swear. It’s not me who caused all the mess.” “Do you have the proof or witness?” Chin Hwa asked. “Here you are! I have valid evidence,” said Aleta. She didn’t give a chance to Qeiza responding to Chin Hwa’s query. She stepped forwards, handing her mobile phone to Chin Hwa. Her disdainful glance at Qeiza was like to say, 'You’re end! You’ll never win over me.' When Chin Hwa observed the pictures displaying on Aleta’s gallery, other employees were also concentrating on their phones. In fact, Aleta sent the pictures she had to the group chat of the company. Various kinds of negative comments and insults greeted each other and cornered Qeiza even more. Qeiza could say nothing. One of those pictures showed when she was trying to reach a roll of red silk fabri
There’s always a pebble in every journey that will be taken. You just have to go through it without feeling shaken. *** Walking to leave the storage room, Qeiza sometimes glanced at Chin Hwa. She was overwhelmed for realizing that he had come on the right time and become her guardian angel. “You should have still been in the meeting room. Why could you suddenly appear in the storage room?” The question just slipped out of Qeiza’s mouth. She could never hold back her curiosity. “Ah, that’s … earlier I phoned you,” said Chin Hwa. “As you didn’t answer my calls, so … I was looking for you.” “Really?” Quickly Qeiza checked her phone. That’s true. Chin Hwa had called her repeatedly. “I’m so sorry,” said Qeiza. “Did you need a hand?” “Not anymore,” said Chin Hwa. “The meeting’s over.” Qeiza’s face turned gloomy. She couldn’t hear the ringing of her phone because of being too focused on the riot that’s happening in the storage room. Chin Hwa caressed the top of Qeiza’s head. “Hey!
Jealousy is like the hot coals that scorch the soles of your feet. You can’t walk properly until all your wounds are healed. *** Alina hastily sat on the edge of her bed soon after hearing footsteps marched to her bedroom. Her face flashed brightly. She tidied up her hair with her fingers. She didn’t want to look messy in the eye of her special guest. Alina’s facial expression turned gloomy when Ansel came alone. “Where’s Qeiza?” she asked. “You met her, didn't you?” Ansel sat on the left side of Alina. He forced his lips curving up. “Qeiza’s still very busy, Mom,” he said. “She’s accompanying her boss.” Ansel’s heart was painful. He imagined Qeiza smile brightly at Chin Hwa. He wanted to get rid of that man from Qeiza’s side. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find them. There’s no other way for him but to tell a lie to Alina. “She doesn’t work in your office?” Alina asked. Ansel shook his head. “No, she doesn’t, Mom.” “Why? It'll be better if she works in your office, right?” Ansel
A male lion will never let other lions enter his territory. *** “Stop it!” Qeiza held Ansel’s wrist. “You prefer to defend this bastard than me?” Ansel’s fist was getting harder. “It’s already late,” said Qeiza. She struggled to control the tone of her voice and emotion. “It’s time for resting in peace. You don’t want to invite the people whom live here to get out, right?” Ansel was still holding on with his annoyance. His sharp eyes stabbed at Adnan. It made Qeiza feel mad. She then released her hand from Ansel’s. “It’s up to you. Do as you please!” said Qeiza. “I’m going to bed.” Qeiza turned around. Ansel could just stare blankly. He didn’t believe that Qeiza would act that easy. “If one of you needs a medical helper, you have to find him by yourself,” Qeiza said. “I’m too lazy to aid stubborn little kids.” The sound of a door bang awakened Ansel from his stupor. Adnan grinned. With no warnings, he landed a blow on Ansel’s stomach. Ansel grimaced in pain. He glared at Adna
It’s natural to feel jealous when you see your partner with someone else. What’s not natural is when the jealousy is so blind that you hurt her physically and emotionally. *** “You said you’re inviting a designer today. Where is she?” asked Ansel. He looked around. No one was in the living room but the couple. They looked confused. They stared blankly at the door. “Why are you dumbfounded?” Ansel waved his hand in front of Felix’s eyes. Felix and Joanna came to their senses. “Ah, Ansel … have a seat!” said Joanna. She was a bit awkward. “You both look weird,” said Ansel. “Is it because she’s not coming?” “Who’s?” Felix asked. His face looked stupid. “Who else if not the designer you wanted to introduce to me.” Felix and Joanna looked at each other again. “Sorry,” said Felix. “She’s just left.” “Has left? Why so fast?” Ansel smelled something fishy. “I don’t know. She seemed in hurry,” said Joanna. “She might not feel confident to show her works to strangers,” commented Anse
“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,