Matthew couldn't stop laughing, even though what they were discussing wasn't all that funny. Or was it ridiculous? Who knows? But Matthew really didn't want to lose his sense of humor over this.
"You seem quite amused, sir," Thomas remarks as he sips his coffee. "I'm just stating the facts."
"Yeah, I know." Matthew tries to compose himself. He clears his throat briefly and looks back at Thomas. "But why is the report I received different, then?"
Thomas just shrugs. "You should ask Ms. Sonia about that."
"But so far, her work has been, okay?"
"Just okay isn't enough, right, sir?" Thomas voices his concern again. This is about Olive. Who else could they be talking about that's making Thomas a little annoyed? Why is this girl the topic of discussion? After all, meeting with Matthew isn't just about discussing Olive, right?
"I understand, Thomas." Matthew puts down his cup. "As long as it doesn't cause problems in the CBD, I think it's okay."
Seira lies weakly with an IV drip on her left side. Since last night, Olive hasn't left her mother's side for a minute. Occasionally, she lovingly strokes the slightly pale face. Seira's condition is much better now compared to when she first arrived at the emergency room with Koni. Olive can't imagine what would have happened if Koni hadn't been with her mother last night.Koni, upon seeing Olive arrive and hearing her talk about Seira's condition at work, left them both. It wasn't easy, but what could she do? There was work she needed to finish first. She promised to join Olive as soon as her workday ended.It didn't matter to Olive, though. Her mother was already in the care of the hospital staff. She was confident that her mother would be fine. At least she needed to maintain a positive outlook because her fear was not unfounded. Besides exhaustion, her mother had consumed a significant amount of alcohol. It could be said that her mother had a seizure because her a
Olive never expected a visit from Thomas. Earlier this evening, Yossie and Bu Marta had already come to see her. Ayana had conveyed her apologies for not being able to visit her mother. Olive completely understood that, and it wouldn't have been a big deal if Marta and Yossie hadn't come either. Olive knew they both were probably busy and it would be inconvenient to visit the hospital.Their visit didn't last long. It was just about inquiring about Seira's condition, who was now awake. Although still weak, her condition was no longer too worrisome."Thank you so much, Mrs. Marta and Yossie, for coming. Sorry for the trouble," Olive said."Oh," Marta smiled. "You've been apologizing all along. You take care of your health too, Liv. No one can replace you in taking care of your mother, right?"Olive had shared a bit about her family, but for the real issues, she wouldn't say a word. The most important reason was that her mother was exhausted from working to
"I thought you were still on duty today, Liv," Yossie said with a sparkle in her eyes. Without Olive for a day, Yossie felt quite lost. Plus, Dela still hadn't shown up. She said she'd be back in the office today. Dela had messaged, saying she was doing much better.Hearing Yossie's words made Olive smile faintly. "It's not good to be on vacation for too long. They might think I'm avoiding work."Yossie furrowed her brow. "Who says that?"Having known Yossie for a while, it seemed that Olive had to get used to her straightforward yet somewhat naive behavior. Why did Yossie have to emphasize the sarcastic comment? Olive's intention was clear, right? All Olive could do now was sigh quietly. "No one.""But your mom's condition has improved a lot, hasn't it?"Nevertheless, Yossie was a caring colleague. The question made Olive nod with both relief and sadness. She couldn't stay at the hospital for too long."Thank goodness she's doing much bette
"Good morning, Olive," Thomas greeted her nonchalantly."Morning, sir." Oh no! Caught red-handed. What Olive had just said was actually true. Thomas might be good-looking, but he was annoying. If there was a scale of annoying in this office, Olive would definitely put Thomas at the very top."Clean my desk while you're at it, Liv," Thomas ordered firmly as Olive seemed about to walk away from him. How audacious. After complaining about him openly, he didn't even apologize? Thomas wasn't going to let that slide. No one in Senayan had ever been as bold as Olive."Why me?" Olive asked, pointing to herself. "We have Miss Wina, sir." Wina, one of the office girls at the Senayan branch, took turns with Mr. Harso in charge of office cleanliness."Why wait for Wina when you can do it? It won't take long, will it?"Olive squinted in disbelief because Thomas said it so nonchalantly."Get to it, Liv, before a customer shows up. Remember, cleanliness is
Weak, tired, drained, limp, sluggish—Olive feels it all right now. How couldn't she? It's Wednesday today, but why are there so many customers that she can't even take a peaceful break? She ate like she was being chased and couldn't help but think about the crowded queue in the waiting area. Plus, everyone wants everything done quickly, even though dealing with money needs to be meticulously accurate. She can't afford any discrepancies in the deposit slips or the physical condition of the money. Especially when she thinks about the deposit slips, Olive becomes even more attentive. She doesn't want to be scolded again by her boss because of deposit slips.She doesn't know what's going on, but Olive thinks it's because it's nearing the end of the month. Luckily, there haven't been any significant issues while she's been handling the reports. The transaction totals today are also balanced, and there haven't been any problems that make their hearts race. At least, the exhau
Unfortunately, it was just a plan. As soon as she knocked on Thomas's door, his eyes seemed impatient to have a reckoning with Olive."Have a seat," he ordered, holding a file that Olive had noticed since earlier. Not that she cared about its contents, as she had memorized them by heart. What she wanted to see was Olive's reaction when she found out what he was going to say.Olive obeyed and sat on the comfortable couch. It didn't take long for Thomas to sit in front of her, handing her the file that piqued Olive's curiosity. "What's this, sir?""Read it," Thomas said, leaning back comfortably.Olive furrowed her brow but started flipping through the pages one by one."I remember that your transfer here was also for a promotion to head teller, right?"Olive glanced up briefly and nodded. "Yes, sir." It felt incomplete for Olive if she didn't respond to Thomas. "What's this about, sir?""This is my assessment of your credibility during
Ever since Olive left his office, Thomas had a lingering sense of unease. Especially when he kept imagining Olive's eyes, as if she were holding back tears. But what could he do? This was indeed his evaluation of Olive's performance. Could he manipulate it? No, he couldn't. Thomas remained within the bounds of professionalism at work. However, he also had to delve into what Olive's real warning signs were.First, she wasn't particularly meticulous.Second, she seemed somewhat emotionally unstable. Proof of that was her frequent grumbling.Third, perhaps because many people praised her for her good work, her actual performance wasn't all that great.That's what Thomas thought about Olive's current situation. That's why he didn't think too much about the document he had given her when he left for home. Whether or not the girl accepted it was up to her; the evaluation had already been made. He would have to wait three more months for his promotion to head te
"Why with your face, Liv?" Seira asked as she moved slowly. The pain in her stomach was still there. Although she hadn't been allowed to go home yet, she could guarantee that she would rest fully for three days. She followed the doctor's instructions for her diet: soft rice with chicken or beef broth. She winced as her back felt stiff. After returning from the hospital, she wasn't allowed to move from her bed at all.This is all because of Koni, her noisy friend who never stops moving. Even though Seira knows best what to do. She's used to being free and unrestricted. She admitted that she neglected her health during her recent illness, especially after the exhausting out-of-town trip.What could she do? Her livelihood depended to some extent on her loyal customers, the ones with plenty of money. Seira couldn't refuse when asked to accompany a guest there. Sometimes she felt tired and bored with the activities she'd been doing for the past twenty years. But Seira reali
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