"Thomas declined the tickets and all the reservations for them."
Seira furrowed her brow.
"At dinner, Thomas said it's not that he doesn't appreciate me. He just wants their honeymoon to be entirely with their own money because making his wife happy is his duty, not someone else's. But I considered it a gift."
Seira grinned.
"I offered a hotel with complete facilities and a great tour guide, but he still declined."
"Are you mad?" Seira asked, leaning back slightly.
"Nah, not at all. I'm actually impressed; it means he truly cares about Olive. He doesn't want to take advantage of what's available." Robert gave a quick peck on his fiancée's forehead. "I asked him where they're going, and he said Nihiwatu. I think it's suitable for a couple."
"Where's that?" Seira asked, unfamiliar with the name Robert mentioned.
"In Sumba. Still in Indonesia, but when I asked Johan to look it up, it seems beautiful and perfect for spending
Like this, waking up on a workday feel? Incredibly nice. Seriously. Not thinking about anything except waking up feeling much more refreshed. Even though Olive knew she had a lot of agendas to handle, including preparations for her wedding. Today, her schedule includes a meeting with Sofia to discuss the wedding details and preparations for the party later in the afternoon. She deliberately chose an afternoon time slot for the party to avoid any complications. If she gets tired, she can just enter her hotel room.Simple, right?"Morning, Bee," Thomas greeted, holding a tray with a bowl and a glass of water. Olive's brow furrowed slightly."You're already up?" She quickly pulled back the blanket and gave her husband a suspicious look. "When?""An hour ago," Thomas grinned. "Didn't have the heart to wake you. You must be really tired from last night."Olive pouted. "You weren't working overtime in front of a laptop, but the kind of overtime that made
Olive is impressed, ah... using the word 'impressed' doesn't quite capture her current state of mind. The planned and already set up decorations are vividly apparent. This includes a space surrounded by flowers, which, according to Sofia, is typically used by brides and grooms for dancing."Oh, I couldn't possibly," Olive says with a laugh."No need for fancy moves, Liv," Sofia smiles broadly. "Just follow the music. Get close to your husband, create a romantic moment together.""Goodness!" Olive can't imagine it. "Is it really necessary?""It's a great concept," Sofia offers more support. "Have you tried the catering? It suits Auntie's taste. Not just because we've worked together often, but the menu this time is exceptional."Olive nods in agreement. "Mr. Thomas and I like it too, right?"Thomas, who has been paying attention to the event rundown, looks up and smiles faintly. "Yes, I like it.""Thank goodness," Sofia says, relieved
Seira never expected that Marta, who was supposed to be set up with Robert, is Olive's boss at the office. How does this history and their stories intertwine like this? Is this the path they were meant to follow? But isn't it true that no one is at fault for everything that has happened?The atmosphere at the dining table is unexpectedly lively. Seira had prepared herself to try and get along with Marta. She didn't want the girl to feel left out during this lunch invitation, especially when her future in-laws would arrive shortly. She needed to fit in since Marta and Daniel were her future family. Plus, Marta had been appointed as the bridesmaid on Robert's side.Surprisingly, the situation is quite enjoyable. Gisel herself seems to like Olive and engages in a lot of conversation with her. Marta, too. Both of them are new subjects of interest and receive numerous questions from Gisel, no matter what the topic. Especially Olive, who will be having her reception soon.
Gisel had given up on opposing, hindering, or withholding her blessing. Instead, she was here, witnessing how love felt real to the very depths of her heart. Maybe if she had given her blessing earlier, they would already be married. But God knows how to make them happy, right? As simple as having a meal together like this, after everything they had been through."Marta, why are you eating so little?" Gisel remarked, seeing that Marta's plate was almost empty, but she had no desire to take more side dishes."No, Mom. I can't eat much. It's delicious, but it can make me very sick.""Why is that?" Gisel frowned."Acid reflux, right?" Seira gave a slight smile after Marta's confession. "I often skip meals and eat irregularly. When I finally eat, I usually eat a large amount. That's why it's restricted now."Seira's statement was met with a thin grin from Marta. "Yes, Seira.""Just make sure it's not too empty, the important thing is your stomac
After returning from her future stepfather's apartment, Olive received a piece of advice that made her furrow her brow."Don't let there be any stains on your neck and around it, okay? Remember that."Olive had initially wanted to protest, but Seira had already waved her hand, so Olive quickly got into her car, taking with her a paper bag of her mother's cooking. She planned to enjoy it with Thomas at home.It turned out that her mother's warning was due to the dress she was wearing today, which exposed her neck and cleavage. Her chest looked just perfect, and the size was just right. No drama of having to adjust or mend any seams to make the dress fit perfectly.And what amazed her the most was her hair. The ombre light grey, which gracefully touched her shoulders and the front of her chest, looked very bright. She had gotten her hair done a day before the party. Thomas hadn't blinked an eye when he saw the result.One word was all Olive needed to
"Ew, don't!" Riana cautioned. "You should stand your ground, and besides, use Andre as a shield.""Why Andre, though?" Yossie asked, confused."Of course. Make use of the guys over there. Besides, Andre is not bad looking, right? Quite handsome." Riana said while pointing toward the door, where the person they were talking about entered the room."Hello," Andre greeted with a wide grin. He was wearing a shiny navy suit that perfectly complemented the kebaya worn by Yossie and Riana. It was intentional; for the groomsmen and bridesmaids, the theme was navy this time.Meanwhile, Olive, in her sparkling broken white gown, stood next to Thomas in a slightly darker gray suit. Olive had seen the result of the photos they showed for their wedding video production. Usually, the photo results were even better than their fitting sessions before today."What's up, Ndre?" Riana asked with a big grin. She had a motive, and she wasn't just asking casually. "Hey,
Seira's mind was in turmoil. Her thoughts drifted back to herself over a dozen years ago when she stood next to a man, holding hands with their daughter. With a joyful expression, she saw off the man who was her husband back then. Complete with many prayers, including affectionate words, "I'll be waiting for you to come home. Don't forget to drop me a line from home.""You just stay calm," the man said. Nothing more, not even a loving kiss for their daughter. Maybe he was too busy or in too much of a hurry, but the man who was the father of their daughter left just like that. Seira didn't have any thoughts or bad premonitions clouding her life back then.When the news reached her, exactly two hours after the flight took off, she felt her world shatter. Her heart was in turmoil, but... she didn't expect another surprise. A harsh one. It made her feel like death was a suitable gift for those two traitors.She went through one drama after another, and finally, Seir
Seira's eyes opened, where Robert's eyes had been watching her for a while."You women in my life now.""Thank you," Seira said softly. Her words were accompanied by a long kiss on her forehead. Seira felt that it was far different from what Robert usually did. More intimate, filled with greater love, and convinced her that Robert's words were not a game.The man was sincere."So... what's missing from our wedding preparations?"Seira smiled with a sense of relief. "Sofia hasn't given any updates, as far as I know, everything is going smoothly. The paperwork is fine, too. Since the decorations are not too extravagant, Sofia is actually happy because she can work quickly.""The venue yesterday was nice. What do you think?"Seira weighed it for a moment. "Not too flashy? With Olive and Thomas, their friends are very modern. Should we follow that style? Are you sure?"Robert burst into laughter. "Did you forget when we danced yest
Seira adjusts her glasses again. She wraps Olive to move away from the grave while whispering to pay attention to her steps. She doesn't want Olive to slip, even though the cemetery area is dry. There's nothing to worry about, but still, Seira doesn't want to take any risks.Before she truly leaves the grave of the woman who was once part of her life, Seira says, "I forgive you. Forgive me for not being the prideful daughter-in-law like Marissa, okay? I could only work at home and spend Tedy's money. Yes. That's just how Seira is. May you rest in peace."Olive can't stop staring at the large bowl of beef soup with broth. It contains carrot slices and sprinkles of fried onions and fresh slices of scallions. Olive inhales the aroma emanating from her ordered bowl several times."It's still hot, Bee," Thomas warns."Yeah, Sweetie." Olive grins satisfactorily. "The aroma is so delicious.""This beef soup place is Papa's favorite, Olive," Robert says wi
The gentle breeze brushing against Seira, she doesn't care at all. Her red hair has changed, much darker than the color she used before. But when she could enjoy the result in the mirror's reflection, it turns out to be truly suitable for her face. Koni said she looks much fresher.I don't know. She doesn't take the praise seriously or not. Not that she doesn't want to appreciate it, Koni always praises her every time she wears something new. So, according to her thinking, whatever Seira wears always fits her perfectly. Blessed with a face with a fairly sharp jawline, a pointed nose, and perfectly round eyes, sharply staring at her interlocutors, plus her beautifully split lips, making Seira even at her current age, as if time has stopped near her."I didn't expect you to come too."Since earlier, the man who met Seira right in front of this public cemetery gate didn't talk much. Not that he didn't want to, just greeting seems to be lost somewhere. All he could
"You always want more from me.""Come on." She nudges her husband's back gently. "I'm gonna make some smoothies. You want some, right?""Whatever you make, I'll eat it."Before Robert truly leaves the kitchen area, Seira grabs his arm. This makes Robert furrow his brow. "What's up? Earlier you wanted me to leave for work right away?"Seira's smile widens. She steps closer and when she's right in front of Robert, she gives him a quick peck as a form of encouragement. Unfortunately, Robert isn't content with just getting his lips wet."God, just be enough for his heart. Don't let anyone else break us apart. Make this man the only one who loves me with all his heart. It's only You I ask."***Olive grins widely. Like a lottery winner who just hit the jackpot today. Her eyes refuse to go anywhere else but to the printout of the ultrasound she just had. Even though she's still sitting on the edge of the examination bed. Listening, albeit n
This morning in Sydney, it's been pouring pretty heavily. The droplets drenching the smallest continent in the world have been hitting since last night. The weather forecast says it's better for folks to stay indoors. They're saying there might even be a pretty strong storm hitting. Seira's not bothered, though, about being inside this spacious unit.Two bedrooms and a kitchen area with plenty of food stocks keep her from getting too bored. She actually makes good use of it. She spends a lot of her time doing yoga. She doesn't need a private instructor. She declined because for her, she just needs privacy. Plus, there are plenty of tutorials she can watch on YouTube channels.Unless she's back in Senayan. Maybe the private issue with a special instructor is something she can consider. Honestly, Seira isn't too fluent in English. She can't just say yes or no! Oh God! Just remembering it makes her stomach suddenly cramp.That's why she chooses to be alone. She onl
Thomas's smile widens. "Patience, okay?" He then releases his hold on Olive's face. He chooses to tightly hold his wife's hand, intertwining their fingers, one of which has their wedding ring on."First, you're the most beautiful. This isn't a lie. Among all the women I've been close to, you're the winner." What Thomas says is the truth. Even when she's pregnant, although her belly hasn't grown too much yet, it seems like Olive has gained some weight. Proof is her chubby cheeks.But it doesn't matter. For Thomas, she's even sexier now. Plus, Olive's body is fuller and perfect for cuddling all night long. Even though sometimes he wonders, Thomas still goes along with whatever Olive eats within her control.Her mother says, "You're lucky, Thomas, Olive isn't picky about food. Thank God, Mrs. Giana, you know her, right? Lina? When she was pregnant with her second child, she couldn't eat at all. Had to be on IV. Weak all the time until she became skinny. Pitiful to
Olive pouts. There's really no remedy to coax a smile out of her, even a little. It feels like her heart is wrapped in annoyance and being overly emotional. Well... why not? The day she feared has arrived.Wait.A frightening day? Is there such a thing?For Olive, there are days when she feels like she no longer has Thomas's attention. It's like being in a long-distance relationship, not seeing each other for a long time. Especially not being able to see his face while he's at Senayan. Oh God! Sometimes Olive does tend to overdramatize things, but what can she do? She really feels that way.It's been two weeks since her mother's wedding. Almost every day, Seira keeps her updated, and Olive herself often gets absorbed in gossiping through the airwaves. Even though there are often signal problems, Olive doesn't mind. Proof is, she just enjoys spending a lot of time chatting with her mom, especially after work.She shares a lot with her mother, especi
"Hi, Wife," Robert greets when their eyes finally meet. Full of closeness and intimacy. Even their breaths seem to greet each other's faces."Hi, Husband," Seira replies just as warmly."Finally, today has arrived."Seira smiles tightly."Darling, last night's anger wasn't continued."The woman's brow furrows slightly."If it continues, I won't deny my words about smudging your lipstick.""Why so quiet?" Robert asks, slightly loosening their embrace. "Did I not hug you enough last night?""You're always talking nonsense, aren't you, Ro?" Seira says with a chuckle. "Come on, Johan must have been waiting since earlier, right?"Robert laughs. "When else will I get the chance to see Seira blush again?""Ro!"***Their journey to Sydney was accompanied by several family members, including Olive, whose in-laws also joined to see them off for a while."Don't forget to keep in touch, Mom," Olive says
Robert's departure back to Sydney couldn't be postponed. Besides having many projects that needed to be completed urgently, the man also prepared a special trip for himself and Seira."Nothing left behind, right?" Robert double-checked before they headed to the car Johan had prepared."Nah, I don't think so," Seira replied softly, but her eyes glanced again at the two large suitcases already at the apartment door. Her mind smoothly recalled the contents of the suitcases and what needed to be brought. "I'm pretty sure not," she said with a faint smile."Is Olive coming to see us off?""Yeah, she is," Seira laughed. "Wouldn't want to miss the moment waving goodbye to me, Ro."Robert just smiled thinly. His eyes focused on Seira standing by his side, showing a radiant face just for him. She looked even prettier in Robert's eyes, although he knew this dress she was wearing had been worn before. But it seemed different this
"Delicious or super delicious, Sir," Darius quickly responds. "Olive's taste buds don't know the word 'not delicious'. Everything is delicious to her. That's why inviting Olive to eat is the most fun. Not much comment. Before you know it, her plate is empty."Thomas chuckles. What Darius said is true, isn't it? It's rare to hear Olive comment on the taste of food that's already been ordered. Instead, she says it's a shame if it's not finished. A waste. It's a sin to waste food, she says. Better to go into her stomach.The problem is, no matter how much Olive eats, her body doesn't widen sideways. She remains slim and unchanged. When Thomas first met Olive, his wife rarely exercised. Thomas is confused, huh."Shut up!" Olive glares, not pleased. "Instead of worrying about my appetite, you better tell me what you've tried at the food booths over there. What's good?""If you like Zuppa Soup, I think it's good," Riana quickly says, pointing to the place on th