"'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
"Nah, here's my place," Thomas said, pulling the gear lever. He turned off the car engine. "Thank God we made it."Olive unbuckled her seatbelt. At the same time, Thomas briefly held Olive's arm."Let me open the door for you.""Oh, no!" Olive shook her head firmly. Her grin was wide. "I don't want to! I don't want to be 'Ba—'" Olive winced. "Okay, Bae. I don't want you to ‘Sir’ me again. Nope! Dangerous!""Am I a virus or something? Dangerous?" Thomas laughed. Especially seeing Olive's behavior, who shot out of the car without hesitation.Meanwhile, Olive felt like covering her face with anything. But how could she? Why did she have to deal with a guy like Thomas?She couldn't forget when they ordered breakfast. Thomas didn't want to use the drive-thru service, for some reason. Even though it was the easiest, right? Just point at what you want to order without having to get out of the car. When asked, he casually said, "Wh
Olive managed to laugh. "Your words! Like a poet!""Oh, seriously. If you're not moved to have a partner but immediately agree that I can approach you, what do you call it if not God's hand at play?""Talking to you takes a lot of vocabulary to turn the situation around," Olive still clung to her laughter. "Come on, it's almost noon. We haven't had breakfast, geez."Thomas hurriedly got into the car. What Olive said was true. The slower they moved, the more likely they would get stuck for a long time when passing through the Puncak area, as regulations might be enforced by then."Will you feed me?" Thomas asked as soon as he saw Olive starting to unwrap their orders."Sure," Olive replied quickly. "The waffle, right?""Don't pour too much syrup. My life is sweet enough because of you."Olive pouted. "Don't talk nonsense." She quickly cut a piece of toast. "Just eat.""It's too big, Liv. You're trying to kill me with this."
Ehm... how long has Olive been engrossed in lively conversations with Kalina? It feels like forever. It started at the gate; from the moment they hopped on the motorcycle. They had something to talk about all the time. Even during shopping, for some reason, they kept veering off in all directions. Olive bought all sorts of things, but what was even more astonishing was Thomas's mother. Basically, if she thought Olive might like something, she bought it! Whether Olive wanted it or not. Olive had declined, but it didn't matter; a package was still hanging from the motorcycle's hook.But that wasn't the worst of it."Hey, Mrs. Ratih, let me introduce you to my future daughter-in-law. She's beautiful, right?""Mrs. Sopiah, how have you been? We haven't gathered at Mrs. Ipah's house for so long. It's always fun when we get together. Let me introduce you to my future daughter-in-law.""Oh my God, Miss Riska. Where are you headed? I'm going shopping. My future d
"She does.""What does she do?""I'll tell you later. We're on the road now. I'm afraid you might be shocked.""Eh?"Olive just laughed. "At the next intersection, we turn, right, Bu? I'm not familiar with the streets here. I might get lost.""Yeah, turn. After that, just go straight until you reach that big community hall, then turn right.""Are you really not going to tell me, Liv? Now I'm curious, and it's not good to make an old lady curious."As if Olive would tell her mother's job in the middle of the street like this? More likely, she wouldn't be heard properly, but would instead be asked repeatedly because it wasn't clear due to the wind and the noise of other vehicles. It wouldn't be a good idea, right?***"Hey?" Olive called while tapping on the bedroom door, which was slightly open. "Dad, are you in there?" Olive didn't want to step further into this room. She was afraid that if Thomas wasn't here, he might b
Olive had already curled up with her blanket and pillow. So comfortable. Occasionally, she could still feel a gentle caress on her head. The room's air conditioning was set to a not-too-low temperature. The air around Thomas's residential area was still quite cold at night.Kalina looked at the girl sleeping next to her with a genuine smile. Every stroke she gave contained millions of prayers. Just so this girl would be willing and comfortable spending time with her son. Her request for a future daughter-in-law was never extravagant. She didn't set too high standards. She remembered where she came from. What she was enjoying now was the result of her son's hard work and sweat from working abroad. There was Thomas's hard work and determination to raise his status in the community where he lived.Thomas's happiness was her priority. She had never seen Thomas's eyes shine as brightly as today, the day he introduced Olive to her. Ah, she remembered. Thomas had been just as
"Why are you asking that, dear?" Kalina's voice trembled. "I love Olive, you know, even though she hasn't officially become our daughter-in-law yet. That's why, come on, get her official soon." She wiped a tear from her cheek. "Actually, I'm a bit nervous too. Will Olive accept you, Tom? If you and I don't become an issue for Olive, matched with her mother. But Olive? It seems she could get something better than you, Tom?""Mom," Thomas adjusted his position. "Don't say that, Mom. It's like you're pushing me off a cliff."Actually, this conversation was quite sentimental, right? Why did it feel like Thomas was being cornered again? Once again, his mother could always make him frustrated and irritated. But he couldn't unleash his anger on his mother. Because afterward, he would receive warm hugs along with prayers for Olive not to leave Thomas's life this time. His mom's approval was crucial for their relationship.Now, it's just a matter of persuading Olive to g
The atmosphere at Thomas's house made Olive feel comfortable, so she sat down and enjoyed the fresh air and the greenery in the surrounding area. The neatly arranged garden, along with the rice paddies and lush green plants around it, was a stark contrast to the front of her own house. There, besides motorcycles and cars, there were kids playing by the roadside because there was no place for them to play. But here?Olive could see them laughing, playing freely in the mud or rolling around as they pleased, thanks to the spacious area available. What she loved most about this house was the backyard. When the kitchen door was opened, a deliberately spacious area was created with two bamboo chairs, a table, and a roof that slightly extended beyond the house's building. The view from this spot wasn't much different from the surroundings: rice fields and plantations.Although there was some distance between each house, separated by the rice paddies, they could be considered
Olive pouts in frustration. When he's in sweet mode like this, Thomas is unbeatable. All his words make Olive's heart not in good condition. Not to mention the warmth spreading across her face. Oh, if only she could see herself in the mirror, it would probably be obvious. Olive feels like she needs to search for more romantic words to reply to all of Thomas's words. She has to! Can't let him win."Not rubbing anymore, Bee. I feel like sleeping now. I don't mind sleeping without hugging you. Just let me sleep on your lap.""Nonsense!" Olive laughs. Thomas pulls Olive's hand even more and places it on his chest, intertwining her fingers with his. He lets Olive stroke his head again. The gentle breeze accompanying them makes the atmosphere even more comfortable and too precious to miss.Thomas really wants to fall asleep now."Come on, let's get married, Bae. So you can sleep while hugging me. I'm tired, being squished by your thighs like this," Olive says.
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