Olive had lost count of how many times she had rolled her eyes because of Darius and Riana's singing and humming loudly in the backseat. Oh, not to forget Yossie, whom Olive had tried to seat between her two noisy friends, but she had also joined in the deliberately created excitement.
Darius said, "Let's not make it quiet. Besides, Mr. Thomas didn't object, right, sir?"
Thomas was asked, and his response was just a smirk. He even agreed and slightly increased the volume of the car's audio. That only fueled Olive's irritation further. Her arms had been crossed over her chest for a while now.
"Just enjoy the moment, Liv," Thomas said with a chuckle. "They're having fun. They're not uptight and know their place. Besides, this is outside the office, so it's fine if they're relaxed like this."
"Annoying, you know that, sir," grumbled Olive.
"Why don't you just say you want to be alone with me but can't because they're here? Isn't that it?"
Olive
"Quoting your speech, you have to do the job responsibly," Thomas says with a grin. "I'm curious about how you take responsibility, Liv.""Mr. Thomas, don't make me more scared, please," Olive complained."That's why I immediately got a license to approach you, Rin."Olive pouted. "That's a different matter.""Huh? In front of others, they consider us a couple. Isn't it true? How long do you want to keep pretending? I can't stand lying all the time. I'll do it just for you."Olive's shoulders drooped even more."Or do you prefer me being close to Marta?""Ih, Mr. Thomas, you have no idea what triggered Olive to come down yesterday," Riana quickly interjected. Olive immediately turned her head and looked at her friend intently. Her heart began to beat irregularly because Riana was more than just a secret revealer, unlike Dela. Riana's role here was not to bring Olive down."What do you mean?""It's because of Dela's Whats
"Mom," Thomas called out. This time, he sat down comfortably while propping himself up. Talking to his mother on the phone was always fun, even though he had to ask this and that, including health and her daily life back in their hometown. Sometimes Thomas wanted to visit his mother there, with a sudden surprise. Just to avoid her persistent complaints about not being visited by Thomas.Like now.Since he entered the apartment, his phone had been ringing loudly. His mother's name appeared on the screen, and he immediately answered it. He didn't want to be disobedient by not responding to her calls. Don't worry, Thomas was in the living room. He hadn't even gone to the bathroom yet to change his clothes."Did you hear Mom's words, huh?""I heard, Mom," Thomas chuckled. "Until Mom wants to eat beef soup in Kauman’s market, right? I heard all of Mom's stories. The other day, Mom went to the doctor with Mrs. Ginem. Two days ago, Mom attended a religious
Thomas fell silent again."You're financially stable, mature for your age, and above-average looking. But if Olive's mother has already said that, what else can be concluded other than Olive already having a fiancé? Maybe you just don't know yet, Tom."His mother's words left him in doubt. But what could he do when his body betrayed him? He and his motorcycle were now in front of Olive's house. As soon as he realized it, he grabbed his phone to let the girl know he had arrived.Not long after, Olive came out of her house. She had a annoyed look on her face, and her mouth was purposely pushed forward a few centimeters. Not to mention her steps, deliberately stomping in irritation. But in Thomas's eyes, Olive's face this morning shone as brightly as the morning sun. It was not only warm but also showed a unique enthusiasm.People in love were different, huh? Just like Thomas. Everything looked beautiful to him."Good morning, Liv," Thomas gree
Late at night, after Thomas had dropped off Olive from the gathering."Sit here, Liv," her mother commands. A cigarette still lingers in her hand, and the smoke is still wafting, accompanied by a half-full coffee cup. Her mother claims that smoking without coffee doesn't feel right, though Olive can't quite fathom the correlation.She's not a fan of either of those things. She's a bit puzzled, to be honest, why her mother is so fond of smoking and drinking coffee. But her face still glows, shimmers, and looks naturally beautiful. Supposedly, cigarette smoke can make wrinkles more visible, but not for her mother. What's her secret, anyway?"Mom, aren't you working?" Olive asks with a hint of suspicion. It's already eight in the evening. Her mother is usually getting ready to head to the café to make some money."I took the day off today."Olive's brow furrows. "I know your schedule. Today isn't a day off." She takes a seat beside her mother. The evening breeze that's been playing with
"I thought it was thirty. Not three-seven. That's really Mr. Thomas the eternal single man, Mi!"Seira felt like she had a stomach ailment tonight. She kept laughing with Olive. Plus her son's face suddenly panicked but looked adorable. Obviously, Thomas didn't give Olive the slightest chance to be free once he knew how his daughter was behaving."Mami, don't laugh! I'm getting dizzy.""Why dizzy?" Seira's laughter was still there. "If you've already declined, you're far apart in age, and you have your own considerations, then fine..." Seira shrugged. "Give me a clear boundary. You have to really make your choice clear."Olive's eyes blinked."But all that you ask first, what's in your heart.""What does that mean?""It's clear from your story that you don't want Thomas to be close to another woman. Don't be evasive, I'm not a new kid who likes the opposite sex." Seira wiggled her index finger lightly in Olive's face. "Everything you did without realizing it, has made you guys closer.
Marta was incredibly frustrated. The image of Olive descending the stairs felt like a nightmare. And the man she had worked so hard to persuade to sit next to her, have dinner with her, and didn't mind if there was a hint of annoyance from the man towards her, just left to chase after Olive!Oh my God!She wanted so badly to step forward, drag Olive back upstairs, or unleash a barrage of disgusting words to make Olive stumble. But she realized her position. What would she gain if she continued? Even though her desire was overwhelming, Marta still cherished the name she had carried for so long. Could she stoop so low just for love?Although she had done a bit of it already.She massaged her temples gently. Her head was throbbing again. Her stomach felt a bit queasy too. Ah, she remembered. Since returning from the gathering event, she hadn't slept soundly. Her appetite had also waned. Her activities had been disrupted. She even found herself crying because this time her broken heart ha
Usually, Olive never wants to stare at Thomas for long, who stands right in the middle of the group of staff and employees at Senayan. Listening to one report after another. Asking which ones should receive more attention and providing answers that fit his logic. When it comes to work, Olive admits that Thomas is close to being a perfectionist. Nothing escapes his observation. The questions he sometimes asks make his staff struggle to answer.But this morning, Olive's eyes don't wander anywhere else except to Thomas."Why does he look even more handsome?" Olive asks quietly."Oh, Liv," Yossie chuckles next to Olive. She leans in a bit closer to the blonde girl to whisper. "You've been unintentionally locking eyes for a while now, haven't you? Yeah, we know! It's official now, right?"Olive immediately turns to Yossie, her eyes filled with horror. "Seriously?""You really didn't notice?"Innocently, Olive shakes her head."Well... it's called being in love. How can you realize when you
The doctor's note clearly stated she needed to rest for three days. But being a hard worker and unable to stay still at home, Marta was back to work on the third day. It was the last day she was supposed to rest."Huh? You're back to work? Are you sure you're fully recovered?" Thomas asked, quite surprised to find Marta sitting at her desk. As usual, after checking in on the second floor, Thomas preferred taking the stairs. It allowed him to greet the staff along the way."I am, sir," Marta smiled, her eyes, which had been admiring Thomas, now shifted to Thomas's belongings. His helmet and jacket seemed to have become his regular accessories in his hands. "Always riding a motorcycle now, sir?"Thomas just smiled. "Using our car might make me late, Marta."The word 'our' that Thomas just mentioned was like an arrow that pierced Marta mercilessly. But what could she do? This man had already decided where his sympathies lay. What could Marta do? Fight for it
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