"What I'm questioning, Dela," Marta sighed softly, "is that you deliberately made a wrong transaction, tricking Olive and me as well. If a teller makes a mistake, it affects everything."
"Why am I the only one being blamed? Why not Olive?"
"Even though it's clear you did it on purpose?" Thomas couldn't take it anymore. "You've seen the CCTV footage yourself. You swapped the transactions of these two customers. The system shows the right balance, but the customers don't match, Dela."
Dela clenched the edge of her skirt roughly.
"This slip you corrected is evidence that you intentionally swapped their transactions. Can you explain why?"
No one spoke among them.
"I've been studying everything about this case with Mr. Thomas since yesterday. No, I'm not taking anyone's side here. Even though you're close to me, if you do things like that, I won't defend you."
"No, ma'am. I'm not like that. It was Olive who didn't carefully approve my post
"Seriously, you're insane!" Riana exclaimed with excessive excitement. They were having their video call routine after 9 PM. It had become their little tradition, and it turned out to be quite enjoyable for the four of them.This time, Olive dominated the conversation. "That's why you shouldn't mess with me. You know I'm fierce. If you poke me, I'll scratch you!""Ouch! I'd love to be scratched by a fierce cat like Olive," Darius joked."Shh! Quiet!" Riana quickly interrupted."Ugh! You've been yelling, and I haven't scolded you. Why did you tease Olive, and I got sprayed?""Come on, think about it. Olive is already taken. You still tease her. It won't work!"Yossie finally burst into laughter because she found Riana's honesty so funny. "I wonder what it's like if Riana and Darius are dating.""Ew!""Never!"They chorused together."If you want to shout like that, just go to a field, not here! Your voices are like
Kalina on the other end chuckled. "Oh... I want to see your face. Are you getting more handsome or not? Meeting Olive every day, if you're not getting more handsome, it's not good.""What's the influence, Ma?" But Thomas responded to his mother's words with laughter."Don't forget the event this week, Tom." Kalina reminded him. "You have to come with Olive. I want to show her off.""Ma," Thomas exclaimed in frustration. "I can't just invite Olive without permission.""Right after Fajr prayer, I said many prayers. I'm sure I have been given permission. That's why you should say it correctly. Or just give your phone to Olive's mother. Let me talk to her.""Okay, Ma, we'll see you soon.""Be careful if you don't come. I can't wait to show Olive off to the entire village. Anyway, now the most handsome young man in the whole district of Bogor has a future wife."Actually, his mother's enthusiasm was not at all wrong. But Thomas's relations
Anyway, Olive can't help but pout all day. Not in front of customers, though. That's a different story. But when it comes to what happened this morning, Olive will definitely be grumbling again. But, God, please stop all this redness on her face! Why does it keep appearing? Why do Thomas's words keep replaying in her head like a broken record?Every time she's about to manually count the money given by Yossie, Thomas's whispers echo again. Or when Dela hands over slips for her to check. But when it comes to Dela, Olive's concentration is at a thousand percent! She won't let Dela breathe easy, let alone see a smile on her face. Ew! Olive won't allow that to happen!Her eyes carefully observe every detail of Dela's corrections. "Um... like this," Olive hands the slip back to Dela, who's pouting and giving Olive a sardonic look. If gouging out those eyes were allowed, Olive would have done it since the first time Dela caused trouble. But Olive isn't that heartless. Respon
"Just say you're going to date," Dela mutters disapprovingly. Her words are quiet, but because it's quiet and they're close to each other, Olive can hear clearly. Is Olive angry? Not at all. She just responds with equally surprising words. This time, she won't let Dela win.Whether in words, actions, or even making mistakes in their work that could drag her down. She won't allow it!"If that's what it is, then what's wrong with it?" Olive asks with a mischievous glance. "Or do you want to be like me? Have the boss as your boyfriend?" Her hand rests on the counter right in front of Dela. Her eyes stare at Dela full of mockery.Dela tries to ignore Olive."If you want to be like me," she plays with the end of her bangs, glancing mischievously at Dela, who still refuses to look at her. "First, fix your heart. Kind-hearted girls will definitely find a prince who is much kinder and also handsome."Dela's retort is left behind as Olive walks away from th
Has Olive's heart finally settled down? Nope, not yet!After being utterly surprised by Thomas's actions – well, Olive can't entirely blame him, can she? They both stooped down together to pick up the farthest sheet of paper, and then an incident occurred that Olive can't forget until now.Olive wonders if there's a CCTV camera in Thomas's office. If there is, will they review it like during internal audits? What will her face look like? Purple? Red? Green? Oh God! Why does Olive's memorable moment have to be like this?How could she forget that Thomas's face was so close to hers? Not to mention, Olive can still feel the accidental meeting of their lips? It's indescribable. Words can't capture it. Her heart felt like it was beating loudly, like it wanted to fight someone, but who? And what's even more absurd is that she bumped into the edge of a table! Yes, dear readers! This is a concoction of embarrassment, extreme embarrassment compounded by her squared
"But I don't want it with Miss here." Nathan chuckled. "I want Olive to help me today.""Well... but the procedure is like this, sir," Olive tried to explain. "Besides, I'm here."Nathan seemed to consider something. "Can I meet Marta?""Unfortunately, Ms. Marta isn't in today, sir," Dela quickly interjected. "May I assist you with something?""So it seems." Nathan reluctantly gave in. He took out some documents and other identification for fund transfers and substantial cash deposits. He handed several slips that he had prepared to Dela for verification."Is everything here, sir?" Dela asked as she examined eight different slips she was going to check and input."Yes. Don't make any mistakes, Miss. I don't have time to fix minor errors.""Understood, sir." Dela nodded. She was slightly annoyed by Nathan's previous comment. Just because he was a priority customer? But when she accessed the customer's data, her eyes widened. She also f
"Ready?" Thomas asked, double-checking one last time. Beside him, Olive sat casually in an oversized sweater paired with jeans and turquoise sneakers. Everything Olive wore this morning was just too cute to miss, and Thomas couldn't tear his eyes away from her since earlier. Even though Seira, who was occasionally clearing her throat, gave him a warning. Well, what more can be said? Thomas was simply too captivated."Ready," Olive replied, tidying her hair a bit. She then rolled down Thomas's car window, waving to her mother standing by the fence. "I'm heading out, Mom.""Take care, okay," Seira smiled faintly. "Tell Thomas to stay focused while driving."Thomas certainly heard Seira's words. He just grinned. "Don't worry, Mom, Olive will be safe with me.""Once you're at your mother's place, call immediately. I'll keep an eye from here, you know. I know how long the drive from Senayan to Bogor takes, especially in the morning. The traffic regulations hav
"'Mr. Thomas' is just an excuse, right, Mom?" Olive asked, leaving Thomas flabbergasted."No," Seira shook her head quickly. "Mr. Thomas is honest."It felt good to hear Seira talk like that."Besides, Liv, if we're just getting acquainted, why are you making such a fuss? What's the big deal?"Olive pouted. She seemed reluctant to express what was on her mind."From our phone conversation earlier, Mr. Thomas's mother seems nice. You won't be eaten alive.""Mami, seriously!""Besides, if after meeting, she gets along with you, and the guy's side is ready, then Mom should accept it. The key question is simple: is your boyfriend ready to propose to you if asked to?""Ready," Thomas interjected quickly."Mom!""See?" Seira laughed. "Mom gives you thirty minutes to chat. After that, you can go home, Mr. Thomas. Not that we're kicking you out. You both must be tired, right? You're going to Bogor tomorrow morning, aren't
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