"So, are you serious, Tom?" Matthew asked while placing the wedding invitation he had just received. This was the last time he inquired about Thomas's decision. It wasn't because of the wedding invitation he had just received, dear God, no. That was a different matter. In fact, Matthew was delighted that he had finally received an invitation from his hardworking junior.
"Dead serious, Sir," Thomas said with a confident tone. It had been two weeks since he had a significant meeting with his boss, where there was a lot of persuasion involved to get Thomas to stay. Even the salary negotiation had left Thomas breathless. But he had made up his mind.
His mother always told him that determination and unwavering belief in anything he chose to pursue were signs from God to bless his life. So, Thomas had no doubts when he decided to continue working at Savefund Senayan, even if it meant moving to the headquarters. Bachelor didn't understand why he hesitated.
"Okay, if th
The restaurant Robert chose this time made Olive can't stop staring at its interior. She tightens her grip on Thomas's hand. "It's nice, right? The restaurant."Thomas just grins. He is sure this is not just an ordinary dinner. Since he met Robert Arka Nendratama, the middle-aged man's gaze has never been far from his father-in-law. From Olive's stories about Seira's past, in which Olive was also involved, Thomas somewhat understands why his father-in-law preferred to be alone.But one thing that amazes him is Robert's loyalty and unwavering love, which eventually might change his mother-in-law's mind.Thomas has witnessed more than a few times how Robert gave Seira some 'touches'. They're not excessive, just a gentle pat on her shoulder, or her head, or even just a subtle smile accompanied by a sweet expression of gratitude and praise for Seira."When are you going to take me to a place like this?" Olive pouts playfully. "You're so annoying."Why
Thomas's first reaction is to choke. Robert's words are clear and very convincing, making him utterly surprised. He never expected that this dinner would take such a turn. Thomas was about to speak, but Olive's voice beat him to it"I... didn't hear that correctly, did I?" Olive blinks slowly, gazing intently at the middle-aged man near her. "Uncle... What did you just say?""Uncle wants to propose to you."Olive's mouth hangs wide open, completely astounded. "Uncle, you're not sick or something, are you?""No, I'm not. I happened to have my monthly check-up. My blood pressure is fine, my cholesterol and blood sugar levels are healthy.""Why are you speaking all jumbled up?" Olive shudders. "Uncle, you know I'm already married, right?""I know." Robert smiles widely. "Proposing here doesn't mean anything strange, Olive."Perhaps because Olive ignored his previous warning. But what can he do? Robert needed to speak with Olive, in his o
"Tired?" Thomas asked as he held the door open for Olive. Since she got into the car after bidding farewell to her mother and her soon-to-be stepfather, she hadn't said a word. Instead, she chose to lean back comfortably, her hand safely nestled in Thomas's grip."Yeah," Olive replied with a light chuckle. "I'm not sure why. Maybe I ate too much earlier, or maybe not. But I remember, I didn't eat a lot." She paused for a moment, deep in thought. "But I did eat Mom's steak," she laughed. "And the salad too. Wow, I guess I did eat quite a bit."Thomas chuckled, "So, that's why you're feeling sleepy?""Yeah," Olive said with a tired laugh. "Carry me, Bae. My legs feel like they're about to give out."Oh my! When Olive comes across as this needy, it's like a real test of courage for Thomas."There are plenty of attendants around the lobby, Liv. It's not a problem if I carry you." Thomas never really minded Olive's whims. However, if someone sees and he
Olive couldn't hold back her laughter. Her stomach was hurting each time she looked at the invitation that she had intentionally prepared for Diana. She had resolved not to hide anything about the invitation she intended to give directly to the woman whose face she hadn't forgotten. How could she just forget her? Ugh!"Are your legs still sore?" Thomas asked while placing a cup of tea in front of his wife. The sofa in the living room was now under the sole possession of Olive."They still are," she complained as she placed the invitation on the table. "My legs are killing me."Thomas laughed. "I'm the one who should be complaining about that."Olive pouted. "You never really care about me."She then got up from her comfortable seat. Ignoring Thomas's annoying laughter, she headed to the kitchen. Olive wasn't lying when she said she was tired. The nearly three-hour journey from Thomas's apartment to Bogor was fun, but it had left Olive's butt numb.
Olive glanced at the house they had arrived at, shooting a sharp look at Thomas who had just taken off his helmet."What's up, Bee?" Thomas asked, not understanding why his wife was giving him that look. "Is something wrong?"“Why do you know Diana's house so well?”Oh, goodness! What does he think? Thomas ended up laughing. “Well, I know, right? It's in the neighborhood. Plus, I'm good friends with Ardi, Bee.”Olive scoffed. “Lies, lies. Your nose will grow like Pinocchio’s!”When it came to Diana, Thomas had to extend his patience dealing with Olive. He also had to be careful in his actions, afraid of making a misstep and losing his privileges! How many days had it been since he was satisfied with just kissing Olive's lips and neck? Ck! He couldn't afford to get a cold shoulder tonight."Yeah," Thomas rubbed Olive's cheek lightly to soothe himself. "Should I ring the bell?""Well, duh," Oliv
Olive groaned softly. Her body felt stiff and heavy, and... oh my goodness! Thomas's arms were always tightly wrapped around her. It was like Olive was a rolling pin! And then there were his legs pinning her down, restricting Olive's movements. "Babe," she whispered, nudging Thomas's chest lightly, covered only by a t-shirt.The air here was chilly; they couldn't risk sleeping naked and catching a cold. Especially after their bodies were drenched last night. There was still Monday and the following days they had to face. They couldn't afford to break down just because of the rain, uh... the pouring rain, to be more precise.“Why?” Thomas asked, his voice muffled. His eyes still refused to open, pulling Olive closer, hugging his wife even tighter than the night before.“Aren't you gone get up this afternoon?” Olive asked.“Too lazy.” Thomas briefly kissed his wife's forehead. Then he pulled the blanket over them and snug
Two servings of seafood fried rice, one serving of banana and toast, and a warm pot of sweet tea were just right for Olive to enjoy this late morning. When she realized what time they had left the bed, they both burst into laughter again. But there was a sense of great understanding in Olive's heart.First of all, her husband was not the type to sleep in late. He was incredibly diligent, especially at the apartment. He did a lot of things before he actually left the place. Perhaps due to his busy daily routine, Thomas couldn't afford to waste time. He might end up late for Senayan.Second, it was probably because they were exhausted after expending so much energy last night, so their bodies needed a much longer rest than usual.Third, the atmosphere and weather were so conducive to lazing around in bed. They didn't even want to go to the hall for breakfast, even though they could have. They chose to wait for their food to be delivered to their room.The c
Actually, Tasya was somewhat afraid to enter her boss's office. Not because there were a lot of files, she needed Nathan to check – it was his duty to inspect all the divisions under him, right? – but because this past week, the boss appeared way scarier than a T-rex. Seriously.If the T-rex felt imposing and intimidating when it was nearby, the Raptor was the opposite. Even though it was much smaller in real-life animal knowledge, this creature was highly dangerous. Its fierce gaze, sharp teeth, and merciless way of tearing into its prey.For Tasya, Nathan was like that relentless Raptor."Why are you just standing there?"Wait, has Tasya been inside Nathan's office all this time? But she still had the files in her hand, right? What was she doing all this time? Staring at the Raptor? What's the point? Such a waste of time, right? There was still a pile of work on her desk, Tasya."Uh... this, Sir, is the report from the finance divisio
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