Seira sighed repeatedly. Her hand gestured sharply towards the girl sitting in front of her. She had to admit the girl looked much paler than last night. Well, Seira could guess that she would fall sick eventually. When she left, the girl was already half-soaked. Not to mention, she was furious after being kicked out. So, her clothes were even wetter now.
"I don't want to take medicine. Just hug me, Mom," the girl pleaded while reaching out her hand. "Plus, I haven't had breakfast yet. My head hurts so much I've been trying to get up since earlier."
Seira sighed.
"Don't you want to hug me, Mom?"
"I'm not your mom," Seira replied quickly. But seeing the thin hand still reaching out to her, and Naina's pleading eyes, Seira gave in. She let out a heavy breath that made her move closer. She sat on the edge of the girl's big bed.
Naina was overjoyed!
Although her headache had left her powerless, seeing Seira here and feeling the warm hand was all
One thing Thomas really liked was looking at Olive's face in the morning. It felt like a dose of dopamine that made him addicted. Well... what could he do? His wife was a sight to behold, especially without a hint of makeup."What time is it, Bae?" he asked, stretching lazily. "Why do you always wake up earlier than me?"Thomas didn't answer except with a kiss. "Morning, my fairy girl.""Don't try to be so romantic in the morning," Olive pouted."Why not?" Thomas chuckled while tidying up Olive's hair. "What's it for?""Why are you staring at me like that?" Thomas was confused. Olive had a lot of weird and quirky vocabulary. Where did she learn that stuff? He wanted to laugh but was curious about her meaning."After staring at me like that, my faith gets weaker," Olive complained. "I have to make you coffee, prepare breakfast, and make sure I don't leave the house in a mess while we're going out all day. You know how it feels when I have to
Olive fell silent."Why are you quiet, Bee? What's up?" Thomas asked, his eyes filled with confusion.She had been talking at length about what she wanted to convey, and now it seemed to be postponed? Although it was delayed due to something enjoyable, she couldn't help but wonder if her words warranted a response of silence.Did it sound strange?Oh, not at all. Thomas had explained everything very well."Just thinking," Olive replied softly. She seemed to be gently stroking her chin. The road ahead was clear of any traffic. Taking the outer city toll road was a good option. Thomas was driving carefully; he was not a reckless driver, which relieved Olive.Speaking of getting carried away, Olive had been feeling quite helpless this morning.Her gentle demeanor, her touch that made her feel like she was floating up to the seventh heaven, and even when it got a little wild, Olive didn't mind at all. She was indulged and sa
Thomas looked at Olive intently. The road was clear, the car's speed stable, and he felt it wouldn't be a problem to occasionally glance at Olive. As long as he could control his vehicle, right?"I've been in your position before, Bee," Thomas said with a smile. "I really started from the bottom and finally got to where I am now, and it wasn't easy. Just like you who worked hard to prove that you have the capacity to be the Head Teller. If I dimmed that by asking you to resign, I'd be selfish.""Why is that?" Olive asked, her brows furrowing. "I mean, according to what I know, a wife should obey what her husband says.""That's true. It's the way it should be. Moreover, when you think about it, even if you don't work at all, I can fulfill any request you have, as long as I'm capable. Making your wife happy also has great rewards, you know."Olive smiled faintly."Especially the kind of happiness we had this morning."Olive's eye
"Hello, Miss Dena," Alex greeted with a wide grin. When else, right, could you have a friendly chat with a Seira Denaswari? A very rare opportunity because the red-haired woman rarely left her room. Usually, she was the one delivering drinks to the room where Seira usually entertained her guests.Seira just smiled faintly, taking a seat in one of the corners of the bar, which was also Alex's workplace. She brushed her hair aside, and her styling wasn't as extravagant as usual. Tonight, she was somewhat relaxed because, in a little while, she would be leaving this place. She would definitely miss the part where she spent many nights here. Complete with the beautiful shimmering lights and the music that made her heart beat faster than usual. A faint grin appeared uncontrollably."Margarita?" Alex offered. His hands were busy with bottles and jars, as well as several cocktail napkins that were intentionally prepared to be taken to the tables around the dance floor.
"What's wrong?" Thomas asked with a puzzled expression. He had noticed that his wife had been tossing and turning in her sleep for a while now."I don't know why," Olive replied as she slowly pushed the blanket aside. "I just can't sleep, Bae," she complained. She glanced briefly at the clock on the bedroom wall. It was already half past ten at night. At the same time, her phone vibrated softly, but it produced a noticeable buzzing sound that caught her attention."Who's calling this late at night?" Olive wondered. She immediately grabbed her phone from the nightstand next to her bed. "Aunt Koni?"Thomas chose to listen and hear what they were talking about."What?" Olive exclaimed, clearly surprised. "But Mom is fine, right?""I don't know, Liv." Koni's voice sounded agitated. "All I know is that after the phone call, your mom left right away."Olive unconsciously glanced at Thomas."Okay, I'll go to the hospital to che
Thomas sighed softly. His gaze couldn't stray far from the figure turning away from him. His hand, which usually held hers, was now folded across his chest. Thomas knew his wife was upset, or rather, disappointed."Bee," Thomas called out. Because it was nighttime, the streets were relatively empty. The distance between the hospital and their apartment took about thirty minutes. Amazing, right? Senayan was most enjoyable at night. "I'm sorry if my words were a bit too much."Olive only glanced briefly, then turned away again, her hand ready to open the car door. However, she forgot that Thomas hadn't unlocked the car's automatic lock. "Unlock," she said softly."Later, Bee," Thomas replied with a long sigh. "Let's talk first.""No need. I know your judgment, okay? It's enough.""You can't just do that, Bee," Thomas wasn't ready to give up. He took Olive's hand a little forcibly. "I was wrong. I sincerely apologize for what I said earlier."O
Seira sighed wearily, running her hands through her hair, letting it fall in a much messier state. The wind around her was quite cold, but once again, she didn't care. She quickly reached into her bag, grabbing her cigarette box and lighter. She clamped it between her lips, which still had traces of red lipstick, one of the few things she could manage. She lit it up quickly.Inhaling slowly and exhaling forcefully, she created a dense puff of smoke. "You can wear this. It's cold outside."Seira just looked up and brushed away the blazer that had just been offered to her. "Sit down, I want to talk."Nathan felt like he'd been hit by a storm with a magnitude of thousands on the Richter scale! Crazy! He was already going crazy because he didn't know where Naina was tonight. The girl had escaped, dear God! He had just come home and was about to prepare himself and Naina for Surabaya! Preparing for Surabaya required a very strong mentality, you know. So when Naina wa
Thomas once again glanced at Olive, who was still asleep with her eyes wet. He knew his wife chose to sleep instead of continuing to cry. He wanted to hug her, but what could he do? He had been pushed away. Instead, he received her back, the one he usually playfully patted. Moreover, the blanket quickly covered his wife up to her head, as if it didn't want to be disturbed at all.Seeing Olive's response, all Thomas could do was heave a sigh. No, he wasn't angry at all. In fact, he carefully recorded every word Olive had said in his mind. It was the anger of a child who, it turned out, held so much loneliness because of the one person she had in this world. A person she admired and loved so much. A person whose every word she obeyed. And a person whose unwavering spirit always faced the sun with a wide grin."Forgive me for not knowing how you feel, Bee," Thomas said as he approached. He kissed the side of Olive's head briefly. "Have a good night's sleep."Maybe
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