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
Being mature is not only about your age getting older, but also about how to be wise in facing various problems. *** Qeiza reached out her hand. She grabbed the phone on the right corner of the desk. Chin Hwa’s warm voice soon touched her ear. He asked her to come into his room. Qeiza took her design book. She rashly granted Chin Hwa’s call. She had no time to taste the drink Aleta served. From where she was standing, Aleta stomped one of her feet. She was frustrated as Qeiza didn’t taste the drink she brewed specially. Her jealous gaze continuously following Qeiza’s steps into Chin Hwa’s room. “Here it is,” said Qeiza. She gave him her design book. “Thanks.” Chin Hwa took over the book from Qeiza’s hand. He slowly opened it. He paid attention to the details of Qeiza’s design chosen by Joanna. “What kind of fabrics will you use to make this dress?” asked Chin Hwa. “According to the theme that Joanna asked, I’ll use the combination of some kinds of fabrics.” “Didn’t you say tha
Once in a while, a problem is getting closer when we want to avoid it. *** Lying down on the bed, Qeiza still couldn’t close her eyes. Her mind was filled with Alina’s words. Her ex-mother-in-law wanted her to remarry Ansel. What a hard request for her to grant. “Qei, you’ll remarry Ansel, won’t you?” said Alina. Her eyes stared hopefully at Qeiza. Qeiza kept silent. She had no idea what to say. She had closed her heart tight for Ansel. “I–I thank you so much for your attention, Aunty.” Qeiza spoke after a long time of silence. She answered while directing her gaze at her hand that Alina was holding. She was confused how to tell Alina about her decision. “Qei!” Alina called. Qeiza raised her head. For a few seconds, she got nervous when her eyes glued at Alina’s. Hastily she averted her look. “I’m sorry, Aunty,” said Qeiza. “All is over.” Alina sighed in disappointment. She got rid of Qeiza’s hand. Her eyes felt warm and teary. Alina looked down. She hadn’t talked for some ti
A woman sometimes behaves like a dove. Though she looks tamed, she will fly away when a man tries to approach her. Don’t push her. Just make her feel comfortable. *** Qeiza shouted in surprise. When she opened her eyes, her gaze crashed on a couple of eyes. They were watching her intensely. The distance of her face from the owner of those eyes was so close, less than an inch. Qeiza’s hysterical scream forced Chin Hwa to stand upright. That’s when Qeiza tried to sit up. Because of too rashly pulling her legs and suddenly getting up, Qeiza swayed. She almost fell down. Chin Hwa moved swiftly. He grabbed Qeiza’s waist. It caused her face landing right on Chin Hwa’s chest. Qeiza was nervous. The scent of orange blossom and neroli wafted from Chin Hwa’s body. It felt so fresh. The perfume of Patchouli and cedar also felt very calming. It made Qeiza feel comfortable to stay in Chin Hwa’s embrace. However, it didn’t slow down her racing heartbeats. The same thing happened to Chin Hwa. H
When you love a woman in the wrong ways, you’ll just chase her away. *** Qeiza was pensive. She read the messages she had just received. Chin Hwa was still concentrating at driving. Seeing Qeiza was silent, he averted his attention for a few seconds from the way to Qeiza. “What’s wrong?” he asked. “Bad news?” “Nothing,” said Qeiza. “Just messages from Miss Joanna.” “Did she change her mind about the wedding dress?” “No, she didn’t.” “So?” “She asked me to meet. She said there’s something important she wants to discuss.” “Won’t you have an appointment next week?” Qeiza sighed. “Yeah, you’re right,” she said. “But … if she wants to see me today, I can’t refuse her either, right?” Chin Hwa agreed with Qeiza’s opinion. A customer was a king. They had to prioritize their customer’s satisfaction. “Wanna immediately go there right now? I’ll escort you,” asked Chin Hwa. “You don’t need,” said Qeiza. “I can go there alone later. The appointment is after lunch.” Chin Hwa stopped sp
It’s not good to believe in other people too much, although you know them well. *** Ansel was getting closer. Qeiza moved aside. Her eyes rolled in all directions. She tried to find a way to flee. She had to leave the hotel room in no time. “This time, you won’t be able to run away again,” said Ansel. His eyes stared at Qeiza hungrily. “What do you want?” Qeiza tried to negotiate with him in order to buy the time. Ansel grinned. “Sign this paper!” he said. He raised the envelope in his hand high. “I don’t want to sign anything unclear,” replied Qeiza. Ansel’s face darkened. The flash in his eyes looked angrier. Qeiza’s stubbornness raised a hungry lion in his body. He stopped. He opened the envelope. He pulled out the papers in it. “You wanna read by yourself or I’ll read it for you?” asked Ansel. His hand was still holding the edge of the papers. “Tell me what it is!” Ansel completely pulled the papers out. He read the sentences written there. “This is a statement that you’
“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,