"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.
Actually, the distance from Thomas's house to the venue of Diana's son's party isn't too far. It's just that the motorcycle Olive used yesterday while going around with Kalina was taken. If they had to walk, Kalina would grumble. She'd say, "What's the use of having a car if you don't use it?"Kalina is absolutely right in everything she says.Was Olive scolded? Of course not. Instead, the middle-aged woman mumbled throughout the train ride from Bogor to Jakarta because of her son's behavior. She said, "Your mom has already told you to take care of Olive properly. Yet you're making out with her. When it's official, it's up to you how you want to be, I won't object. In fact, if possible, be affectionate every day to have a child sooner."Olive had already run out of words to use for a little argument. Kalina's statements were always unexpected."But what Thomas said is true, Liv?" Kalina asks. This time with a hopeful tone before she really enters her room
Olive just grins, thinking if she should be the one to talk. Before she can finalize her plan, Thomas emerges from his room. His navy-blue shirt fits him perfectly, as usual. Thomas wearing a shirt is Olive's favorite look. Especially when he pairs it with a suit and tie. Olive feels like hugging him tightly. But she can't.Before, Thomas's level of handsomeness was overshadowed by his annoying behavior. It felt like Olive wanted to spray a lot of behavior-dissolving liquid on him. At first. But as time goes on, Olive starts to understand that Thomas has his own intentions behind his behavior."Mom's son is so handsome, huh, Liv?"Olive laughs. "Nobody at the office says Mr. Thomas is ugly. He's the favorite among the women at SAVEFUND. Unfortunately, he's annoying, so I don't want to deal with him."Kalina just shakes her head at Olive's words. Meanwhile, Thomas doesn't pay much attention to it. He chooses to warm up the car engine before they use it.
"I don't have much time, Diana," says Thomas, glancing at his watch. His eyes have been scanning the area, looking for Olive's whereabouts. She's not at the food booth she pointed to earlier. "Where's Olive?" he mutters quietly.Diana closes her eyes tightly. Thomas always sets high boundaries every time he tries to talk. His address and way of speaking are much stiffer. It's nothing like before when they were affectionate, and it makes Diana remember how they used to be in love."There are many things I want to discuss, Tom." It doesn't matter if Thomas is like this. Diana has to control herself. She's sure Thomas will come back. Diana is confused about where to start because, in addition to the short time, she also knows this isn't the right place for a lengthy conversation. "Or maybe tomorrow? It might be more comfortable to talk then.""You're the one who wants to talk, not me. I have no other purpose here except to come and attend your invitat
The sound of the river crashing against the rocks around it creates a serene atmosphere in this cafe. The rustling of branches brushing against the wind blends together to add to the calm ambiance. Embracing an outdoor theme with a natural setting, this place has become a perfect spot to unwind and spend time with a partner.Just like Olive and Thomas."Do you know where this place is from, Bae?" Olive asks curiously. She has finished her Tom Yum soup. Olive is quite hungry because at the party earlier, she didn't touch any food. Don't forget, there are still other snacks on her table that she's planning to devour. She's hungry today and needs to eat a lot."I don't know. I found it spontaneously.""If you hadn't found a place like this, where would you have taken me?""There are plenty of hangout spots around Puncak, Bee. We could spend the whole day exploring."Olive laughs. What Thomas said is true. But she's still curious about one thing
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