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
"Talking to you makes me even more upset!" She stood up from her chair, walking angrily. It wasn't because of the words; it was more about Thomas having to work late for a whole week. At this hour, it was still acceptable, but sometimes he wouldn't come to bed until two in the morning. Olive was the one who lost out. Since she started sleeping with Thomas, she developed this strange habit. In addition to needing Thomas by her side, Olive's hand always had to be in Thomas's grip.As if hinting that her husband never left her alone. But what if her husband is gentle? Is she left alone in the room? Even though she's already fast asleep, Olive can wake up suddenly, worried and restless, but she can't disturb Thomas too often, right? Her husband is working. But... ah, forget it!Olive got annoyed!She slammed her bedroom door shut a little forcefully. Behind the recently closed door, Olive let out a soft sigh. "You're so annoying, seriously!" Unconsciously, she wiped
He wanted to laugh, but seeing Olive looking at him with a forlorn and unaccepting expression for everything he did, he couldn't be selfish, could he? His life was no longer his alone. He had a wife who couldn't be ignored, who sulked because she felt neglected. Thomas thought that their breakfasts were quite short. They only talked about what was necessary before going to work. Even though they discussed some things, Thomas still fell short in giving more attention, especially during the past week when they were both busy preparing for the reception."My only wife is Olive," Thomas reached for Olive's hand and gently pulled her closer. Even though her face looked stern, at least Olive was within his reach. He cupped his wife's face and looked at her intently. Although her doll-like eyes kept shifting elsewhere, Thomas didn't want to give up."Don't say much!""I have responsibilities that need to be completed, Bee. I only have tonight to finish them, Bee. I kno
She stepped out of the car that faithfully took her anywhere she wanted to go. Really, what annoyed her a bit was how Robert behaved. He even had a car and a driver waiting for her around the house, claiming, "So you don't have to bother ordering an online taxi."Robert could be quite infuriating when he acted like this. But come to think of it, Seira tried to remember what Robert had done for her since she realized there was something different about this workaholic man. Seira was tired of hearing his confessions of love, which, admittedly, did stir her heart. But she built a fortress as high as the sky to make sure it wasn't easily penetrated. However, it seemed Robert's efforts were genuine and he was relentless in showing his seriousness.How could a man, who was adored by many women out there, choose to wait for Seira? Just a plain girl. A girl who had nothing except a daughter he cherished. Sometimes Seira saw firsthand how Robert was surrounded by other women, b
Barely visible, Seira applied some blush to her face, which she had already covered with light makeup. She wore a knee-length long-sleeved midi dress that was modest yet, when worn by Seira, still exuded a hint of allure. Surprisingly, the neckline was quite low, revealing a slightly tantalizing hint of cleavage. Seira mostly ignored it, as she had often met Gisel whose attire was far more revealing than what she wore tonight.Her smile appeared faint in the mirror's reflection. She never thought the day would come when she'd visit a man's house. Although she had set foot in Robert's house many times before, the context was different. While usually, the homeowner welcomed her with an indifferent gaze, Seira was confident that Gisel would welcome her with open arms this time. Not that she was overly confident about what she would face, but considering their recent conversation, Seira was sure that Gisel would be receptive. She remembered Gisel's words clearly."My son i
Marta once again reviewed the report Thomas had given her. Besides the handover, she needed to secure all the reports and ensure that she had everything in order so that when the new branch manager arrived, she would be well-prepared and wouldn't trouble Thomas, who would now be working from another location. She felt a sense of loss, but she couldn't say much, could she? This was Thomas's decision about where he would work in the future."Everything looks good, sir," Marta smiled broadly. "Honestly, dealing with asset-related matters can be quite confusing."Thomas chuckled. "At least with this, we know all the assets in Senayan."Marta nodded in agreement. "Certainly, I'll miss having a role model like you around here." She expressed her honesty about Thomas Adam's performance at Senayan. Since he had joined, this firm and charismatic figure, known for being strict but with a unique charisma, had indeed been a role model. He had handled many things efficiently
This afternoon, all the SAVEFUND Senayan staff gathered on the second floor. The new Branch Manager in Senayan, Aufar Leinhart, had arrived, and it was an introduction session because starting tomorrow, he would be working alongside Thomas in the office usually occupied by the man in the middle of the second floor.As usual, Olive chose to stay in the background with Yossie. Now, with Andre present, there were often moments when Olive had to give them fierce looks, because Yossie and Andre often argued like kids. Good Lord! Olive wished they'd get together and understand how frustrating they were when they bickered. It was ridiculous! Olive felt like Ayana. She had to take care of both of them to prevent them from quarreling constantly!The introduction that Aufar provided was quite brief. What Olive heard was exactly what Thomas had said. He had his own credibility, and his leadership aura was clear in the way he spoke."I'm very much looking forw
Sofia rolled her eyes. She had leaned back on the sofa in Robert's office, her eyes sharp as she looked at her college friend. But instead of being irritated, the woman, elegantly dressed in a yellow-flowered dress, just laughed. She was the kind of person who never escaped Robert's gaze."I told you, Sof, I told you to take care of Olive first. But you know what kind of guy Robert is, right?"Once again, they heard Sofia's exasperated sigh."You didn't suddenly lose the ability to speak, did you, Sof?" Robert asked, trying to hold back his laughter."You're unbelievable!" Sofia was genuinely annoyed now. "Whose idea was this, anyway?""Mommy's, Sof. You know Gissella Anastashia's way of speaking.""Oh my God! Was it a dream I had last night?" She immediately took out her planner. "Can't it be postponed to her trip to Sydney?""And I lose a multi-billion-dollar project? No way.""Your wedding is postponed, Robert!" Sofia declar
"Thomas declined the tickets and all the reservations for them."Seira furrowed her brow."At dinner, Thomas said it's not that he doesn't appreciate me. He just wants their honeymoon to be entirely with their own money because making his wife happy is his duty, not someone else's. But I considered it a gift."Seira grinned."I offered a hotel with complete facilities and a great tour guide, but he still declined.""Are you mad?" Seira asked, leaning back slightly."Nah, not at all. I'm actually impressed; it means he truly cares about Olive. He doesn't want to take advantage of what's available." Robert gave a quick peck on his fiancée's forehead. "I asked him where they're going, and he said Nihiwatu. I think it's suitable for a couple.""Where's that?" Seira asked, unfamiliar with the name Robert mentioned."In Sumba. Still in Indonesia, but when I asked Johan to look it up, it seems beautiful and perfect for spending
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