"Just email everything, Jo. After that, you'll take my place in the meeting at the Intercon."
There was no need to wait for approval from his assistant, Johan, to carry out the task Robert requested. He refocused on the road, which was clear after a day spent with Seira. She sat calmly, but Robert was quite wary of her demeanor. Not that her recent glance didn't make him feel a bit awkward.
"It's just a regular meeting, Seira."
"Oh." Seira opted to grab her water bottle, enjoying the mineral water that started to hydrate her throat, wetting her lips, which were always adorned with beautiful lip color. This time, she chose a coral shade that made her look more natural than usual.
Robert let out a soft sigh as a sign of regret. "I just wanted to be with you, Seira."
"But you're wasting a lot of work, Ro." Seira glanced briefly at the man who was now trying to grasp her hand. No, Seira had never rejected Robert's attempts to slip his fingers between h
The smile of the red-haired woman widened. Her eyes once again looked at her hand, which was still held by the man. Where the new ring was placed, it was still being turned slowly by the giver. "You have Olive's permission, right?" With her other hand, she touched Robert's jaw and gave a gentle caress.The man clenched his jaw firmly, growling. He could feel how soft the palm was, smoother than silk. Incredibly smooth."I'll make sure your love for me isn't in vain, Ro. I'm sorry if I—"Seira's words were cut off when she received a brief kiss on her lips. Clearly, the main suspect was Robert. This made her pout in annoyance."Don't say sorry. Just say, I love you too, Ro."Recalling that made Seira reflexively smile. The dinner event with a proposal, and seeking Olive's approval for their relationship, was still vivid in her mind. Although she had considerable doubts, Seira tried to convince her heart, for this one last time, to believe in R
"I'll go straight to my room, okay?" Thomas said. These days, Thomas's hobby was petting Olive's head like she was a spoiled cat. And again, blame his wife for giving him this look when he did it. Was she doing it on purpose, acting a bit pouty, or did his wife genuinely enjoy every touch he made?Who knows. What was certain was that Olive's head rubs had now become a routine that Thomas never missed. He knew from the beginning that he fell for her because of her dark, doll-like eyes. And now, she's become even more adorable. His love for her only deepened because of her gaze.Olive nodded calmly. Thomas climbed up the stairs with somewhat hurried steps. Just as they reached the parking lot, her husband's phone demanded attention. He meant to ask for a good morning kiss but it got canceled because Thomas had a teleconference with the Board of Directors. God! Her husband was really busy, wasn't he?"Hey, newlyweds," Kiara greeted cheerfully. The girl, who had now
Nothing unusual happened while the three of them were at the counter, even though, as usual, Andre always managed to provoke Yossie. But this afternoon, two cups of mango and hazelnut smoothies with special packaging - BTS, no less! Olive was surprised because Andre hadn't gone out for lunch this afternoon.The fair-skinned young man always brought his own packed lunch from home. But don't get it wrong. The food he brought always looked delicious. He said, "My mom has a catering business at home, so I save a lot, right?"Was it because he could save on his meal that he bought Olive and Yossie their favorite drinks? But it was definitely not for Olive. Olive realized that. Because whatever Andre gave to the two of them was never wrong for Yossie's taste. As for Olive? Pfft! Always wrong. Fortunately, Olive's stomach was never an issue if something was wrong. She'd eat it all, as she would never waste food."Thank you, Andre," says Olive while stirring the content
Seira grinned widely, pleased with her recent accomplishment. The fried carp with sweet and sour sauce was beautifully presented on a plate with a small floral motif along the edge. Most of the kitchen utensils in this apartment were provided by her. Years of knowing Robert and being by his side had made her incapable of leaving anything incomplete, especially if it was something she saw as lacking.Furthermore, Robert never protested when new items found their way into his storage cabinets, all of which were provided by Seira. She was a lover of neatness, even though she wasn't particularly skilled at cooking. So, she took pride in serving dinner, which she considered quite special.She hadn't forgotten the dessert, which she had prepared since her arrival. Fruit pudding with custard that only needed to be warmed. She also prepared some snacks. For some reason, she felt like cooking a large portion tonight. There was a person who regularly cleaned Robert's apartment, and Seira had en
Nathan stared in disbelief at the woman behind Naina. Maybe his anger, coupled with his frustration towards Tasya's incompetence in finding Naina, had made him lose focus. "Miss... Seira?" He rubbed his face roughly. "Tasya, take Naina to her room.""Sure thing, Sir," Tasya grinned broadly. "Come on, Nai.""I haven't finished my homework yet, Tasya. Help me, will you?""What have you been doing all this time?""Playing, with Aunt. You know my homework is your responsibility, Tasya.""Oh my God, this kid!" Tasya sighed in exasperation."Tasya!" Nathan felt like stuffing his assistant's mouth. Why did both Naina and Tasya turn into the same type of people? Noisy and full of antics? Meanwhile, in the office, Tasya was so obedient, never daring to meet his eyes. He wished he could kick this woman out. If there weren't guests in front of him that he had to welcome properly, the two of them would face Nathan's wrath."Yes, Sir." Tasya grinned broadly. "Come on, Nai."Whatever Tasya said sou
"This is so delicious, Mi," Olive compliments. Not just once, but several times. Don't even ask; she's going to have more of her mom's sweet and sour gourami. She won't waste her mom's cooking.Her arrival was a bit late, partly due to traffic, and the man sitting next to her mom requested a salad as a dessert. Well, how could Olive refuse such a request? Besides, it's fun because she gets to spend time with her husband since Thomas has been super busy all day. She wanted to bombard him with many questions, but his face looked so wrinkled like a shirt that hadn't been ironed in three days, so Olive decided to postpone her intentions.She'll ask when Thomas is in a better mood later. It might be because of his recent move to a new Branch Manager position at Savefund, and he doesn't know who will replace him. That's why her husband is busier than the president. Seriously, what is Olive thinking?"Be careful with your eating, okay? Don't talk while you eat like tha
That's why tonight, it wasn't just Seira who seemed delighted with the dinner. Robert was, too. Nevertheless, he chose to step aside for a moment to let the two of them be together. It felt right, didn't it, his decision to support Seira's resignation? She must have plenty of time for Olive. And for him as well. That's what's most important.And here he was with Thomas, enjoying the evening air, where occasionally you could still hear the honking horns and the noisy rumble of vehicles down below. Conversing with Olive's husband was also enjoyable. His head seemed to have an above-average capacity. It made sense that Thomas excelled in his career.Meanwhile..."You had time to cook in the morning, right?" Seira asked after making sure everything was in order."I did. Something simple so we wouldn't be late."Seira nodded. She patted the couch she was sitting on so Olive would come over. She glanced at the slightly open balcony door where Thomas and
Time around Olive and Thomas passed by so quickly. Was it because everything around them just flowed naturally? Or was it because they were too busy enjoying their days? One thing was for sure, there were two things they would face. Um... or more precisely, Olive.First, their wedding reception was just days away. Second, Thomas Adam's resignation. Her husband was in his peak state, not just with meetings but also handing over the remaining work. Although Olive heard that his replacement was quite capable, work was something Thomas took seriously.Olive could understand that even though, well... they had their arguments. It's not like she didn't want to sleep early. But when Thomas was in front of his laptop, he was always focused and rarely could be disturbed. That frustrated Olive."Honey," Olive called out, glancing at the kitchen wall clock; it was already eleven at night. They should be snuggled up under the same blanket, right? Why was Thomas so intimate w
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