Chapter 1 I Gossip

Via looked at the sleeping face from the man she adored, and the one she loved, Sean Reviano. The love that welled up on the man in front of her was no longer unstoppable. She really wanted to say the three sacred words, but it would might definitely end their relationship if she said it. 

She kept holding her tongue and swallowed the word ‘love’ just to maintain their no-future relationship.

The twenty-four year old girl stroked Sean's cheek gently. Her heart trembled as their skin touched each other. Her smooth hands stopped when the man in front of her squirmed because of the soft touch of the fingers she gave, even a soft murmur was heard, the remnants of last night's event.

Via's did not take her eyes off Sean's handsome face which perfectly combined with a hard jaw forming a square with a dimple splitting his chin. She could clearly see the two dimples that added to his perfect handsomeness.

She remembers the moment when she first entered the interview room, not once did Sean raise his head when two of his subordinates asked about Via's qualifications when applying for a job at that time. 

She even blushed when her eyes met the HRD interviewer after getting caught stealing a glance at Sean's perfect handsome face. Via wonder, what color Sean Reviano's eyes were at that time.

Blue, as deep as the ocean.

Now his eyes were open, staring softly at her.

“Are you satisfied by keep looking at me?”

Via's body trembled at his masculine voice. Not once did she dream of hearing the husky voice of Sean Reviano's waking up. Now, she was content to hear that voice every morning.

“I'll never be satisfied,” Via answered shamelessly.

Sean chuckled softly and planted a peck on her lips.

“What time is it?” Sean asked as he yawned and stretched.

Via glanced at the clock on the nightstand right next to Sean.

“Still dawn, five o'clock,” Via answered reluctantly, because soon the sun would rise and they parted ways through the day at the office without showing the slightest affection.

Sometimes, Via wanted to speak her mind, saying she objected to the relationship rules that Sean had set since this kind of relationship began. She still remembered that time Sean said,“No Commitment. No Pregnancy. No Wedding. If you still want to have an affair with me, call this number.”

At first, she thought her heart must be strong, but she was wrong by thinking that an ounce of cotton was not lighter than an ounce of steel. The more days they spent together, the harder she felt.

“We still have two more hours, more than enough,” said Sean as he pulled Via in a hug and started a hot kiss until they were lulled by the delayed desire.

……………………

Lunchtime had just begun, but conversations about the news of Sean Reviano's engagement to a beautiful model spread quickly. The canteen room of the Luna Star Hotel employees was noisy by whispering discussions about the news of their young CEO's engagement.

At first, Via was deafening, but the conversation around was no longer contained, even Sean's private secretary named Altha was the loudest among the group. Unfortunately, Via sat across from her so that she couldn't help but hear the conversation.

“Mr. Reviano still hasn't clarified, but from what I read, it's not a hoax. They are often seen together at every event,” said Amber, who also chimed in.

“Yes that's right. Yesterday, they were also seen eating together at Moon Café,” even Reina didn't want to be left behind.

“He said they had been close since childhood. So, yeah, no wonder if they get married soon.  Evelyn is the daughter of a shipping company conglomerate, her status is on par with Mr. Reviano.”

Without realizing it, the spoon Via had been holding had changed its shape slightly, bent from being pressed for a long time.

“Geez, guys, have a look! They’re so good each other…”  One table leaned toward Cece, who swung her phone in the air, showing off a photo of Sean's intimate relationship with a woman. 

The two were seen embracing each other, posing for the camera wrapped in elegant luxury clothes after attending the gala event.

At a glance, Via saw the woman who was paired with Sean. She really felt insecure with her body that was not that slender and tall. Even the makeup polished to the face was absolutely perfect, clean and well-maintained, touched by hundreds of millions of skin specialists.

“If only my face was as beautiful as hers and came from a rich family, my problem would be half solved. How envious to have a perfect face,” Amber sighed with wishful eyes.

Altha just laughed at the constant compliments from her co-workers on the woman named Evelyn. Only a weak, insincere smile was etched on Via's face, which was getting sluggish.  Now that her appetite had gone, it was very difficult for her to swallow the rest of the food.

“Are you sick? You look not okay,” asked Kezia who was sitting next to Via. The girl was one of those who had not been swept away in the sea of ​​admiration that their co-workers experienced.  As if immune just like her.

“Suddenly my stomach churns,” Via replied pretending.

“Gosh! Just stop, and use this,” said Kezia looking at her sympathetically while handing eucalyptus oil.

“Thank you, it will get better later,” Via said accepting.

“Do you believe the gossip?”  asked Kezia suddenly.

Via nodded slowly. “I don't know, maybe it’s true. The fact that they are so close is proof enough.”

Kezia snorted disapprovingly. She said, “without clarification, gossip will always be gossip, right?”

Lazy to reply, Via bowed to the table. She wanted the break time to pass. Even her ears seemed to have a will of their own, listening to the conversations around her one by one. Shamelessly eavesdropping, even though the direction of the two tables from the group gathered.

Her heart whispered, it was better to directly ask rather than guess. But her head refused until her eyes and ears seemed deaf and blind to logic.

……………………………

The meeting had just started, but Via wanted everything to end quickly. Maybe a little nap could get her working again. Her mind was wandering somewhere, but she was jolted when a familiar masculine voice called out, making several heads look at Via questioningly.

“Via, I've been calling you. Are you sick?” Even though his intonation sounded normal, Via could still hear a hint of worry in the voice.

Clearing her throat before speaking, Via was a little embarrassed to be the center of attention.

“I haven't been feeling well since this afternoon,” she replied and continued, “Sorry for disturbing your concentration.”

“If you are not well enough to attend the meeting, just take a rest.”

Sean was known as a caring leader, although sometimes he was very strict and disciplined, but the health of employees was always a priority.

“Just keep remember, ask permission if you feel unwell before the meeting starts,” said Sean as he opened the document he explained earlier. “Back to the meeting, I want us to improve Luna Star's service and….”

The meeting went smoothly as usual, but Via, who was not focused, turned her attention to the figure of Sean who was sitting on his chair. She was lost in the sound of Sean's voice that she heard every night whispering sweet and soft words in their hot night. And not to mention his crescent moon curved lips.

In her mind, Via asked, how much longer would she be able to enjoy it all. Until when those strong arms wrapped around her body, and protected her from the approaching night dreams. 

Could she enjoy the soft back of his broad chest that was always clad in a formal black suit while working, or maybe these were her last days enjoying it all. Really, she was in a dilemma. There was probably no man who could match the figure of Sean Reviano in Viania's life.