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
Olive still couldn't close her eyes, even though her body was quite tired. Her eyes were a bit sore from crying too much earlier. But she found it difficult to sleep. So, she just stared at Seira, who had been sleeping soundly since earlier."Don't make me worry, Mom," Olive whispered as she moved closer to her mother. "You're all I have."Seira squirmed slightly because of Olive's embrace. Quickly, Olive moved away, as it seemed her mother wasn't comfortable being hugged. The clock in her room showed it was two in the early morning. If she didn't fall asleep within the next hour, she might oversleep later. Or even worse, get too little sleep, which could make her unable to concentrate at work. She was already harboring frustration towards Thomas at work, and she didn't want to add to her list of annoyances by showing her vulnerable side. This included her mistakes at work.Lack of sleep could lead to decreased concentration, right? She didn't want to make small
If he could keep his foot on the gas pedal continuously, Thomas would do it. His mother's arrival at the apartment made his heart work extra hard. There must be something that would prevent Thomas from closing his eyes quickly. Not to mention Kalina's long lecture, like a subway train.This gave Thomas a headache. But how could he refuse? His mother was the woman he loved most in the world. Whatever he did, he always prioritized his mother, even if it meant tuning out her lectures.The car he was driving had entered the apartment complex. If anyone asked why Thomas chose to live in a place like this, the answer was simple. He was alone in Jakarta, with only a few close relatives. Besides, Thomas had long been aware that he didn't have much wealth.Relatives from his late father's side always looked down on him based on what Thomas had. While Thomas worked hard in Jakarta for the sake of his mother back in the village. Instead of buying a house in Jakarta, he cho
Olive carried out her plan. She took a sudden leave. She woke up late, had a leisurely breakfast at Bu Kinan's curry rice stall. She had prepared porridge for her mother with just the broth, although it was initially refused. Olive reminded her of how uncomfortable it was to sleep in the hospital. Fortunately, her mother didn't argue much. She ate quite heartily and took her medicine under Olive's supervision."You should go to work, it's disturbing my rest," Seira grumbled slightly.Olive laughed. "No, I'm really fond of you, Mom. That's why I'm chatty. You're also chatty when I'm sick, right?"Seira remained silent."Today, Olive wants to go to the museum for a little refreshment.""With whom?""Alone, of course. Why bother inviting someone else? It's a hassle. Besides, I can't take you with me, can I?""Are you teasing Mom?"Olive laughed again. It had been a long time since she had such a friendly conversation with her moth
If only the beef soup in Olive's bowl could scream in pain, it would have been screaming since a while ago. The fork in her right hand is mercilessly stabbing the bowl repeatedly. Her breath is filled with irritation, while her eyes remain fixed on her conversation partner. The annoying part is how relaxed he is, enjoying his portion.As if there's no significant burden... Oh God! Can't Olive just vent her anger now? Regardless of this rather elite café (yes, elite! A bowl of beef soup with noodle soup is almost fifty dollars. Not to mention the extras). Olive admits, though... the beef soup is delicious. Although... it doesn't taste as good when eaten in front of Thomas!Yes!Thomas realizes what he said. He called Olive repeatedly until she got annoyed. Eventually, she gives in and answers the call after receiving a threatening text.[+61813***10080: If you don't reply to my messages and calls, once you enter the office, I'll slap you with SP 2]
"Because in Gajah Mada, there hasn't been a teller as capable as required by SAVEFUND's standards. Everyone there has their own standard. Tellers and cashiers interact, but their job descriptions are clearly different. Not to mention customer service. You should know that, right?" Thomas slightly straightened his back. "You happened to be the best there. That's why Bu Sonia didn't push you too hard. As long as you worked according to the company's desired SOP, even small mistakes could be overlooked, Liv.""It's not possible for Mrs. Sonia to be like that. We, as tellers and cashiers, had training during our internship, right, sir? Are you saying that the rules are different between branches? SOP is the foundation, right?""Indeed," Thomas smiled faintly. "But while you're in CBD, can you compare it to how it was in Gajah Mada? Is there any difference?"Olive fell silent."Try to think about it first, is there a difference? Even if it's slight, what CBD d
Well, what can you say? The evaluation has already been given to Olive. She has to be able to accept it, right? Besides, her conversation with Thomas yesterday is starting to make sense. She hasn't lost the opportunity for a promotion to head teller. What's so hard about waiting for three more months? She can also prove herself to be much better than Thomas's previous evaluation."Is Mom feeling better?" Olive asked just before leaving for work. She had prepared breakfast and lunch for her mother, albeit simple. Olive tried to cook in the morning to ensure that her mother's intake was somewhat regulated. She didn't want her mother to get sick again, and she also hoped her mother would be willing to reduce her working hours."I am," Seira looked at Olive with a faint smile. "I see you're in a better mood? Did you have fun during your outing yesterday?"Olive pouted because she knew her plan to roam around the Old Town alone while thinking and calming herself down
Ayana looked at the intercom with a puzzled expression. "Mr. Thomas is really strange, isn't he?""Why do you say that?" Dela, who was counting money just deposited by a customer, was curious about Ayana's remark. Fortunately, the counter wasn't too busy. There was only one person in line, and Yossie was handling it efficiently. Meanwhile, Olive was double-checking the verified deposit slips. It seemed like she was really making an effort to improve herself.Three months wasn't a long time. She was determined to prove to Thomas that she could be much better than his evaluation from yesterday."Mr. Thomas called for Olive to report the midday."Dela was taken aback. "Really?""Yes."Dela leaned in closer to Ayana and whispered. "Do you think Mr. Thomas has a crush on Olive, Miss Ayana?""Nonsense. Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Marta are a thing, right? You see how well they match?""Yeah, kinda." Rumors about their closeness have been cir
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