“Helena, you look a little tense,” Michael said in a soft tone as they sat in the living room after dinner. He looked at his wife, who sat staring blankly out the window, her eyes seemingly glazed over.
Helena took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “I'm fine, Michael. It's just... earlier, when I met Jacob's family, I felt that there was something evocative of the past. Especially with that young man present... I feel anxious.”
Michael looked at his wife with concern. “Are you feeling anxious because of him? Or is it something else?”
Helena shook her head slowly. “Not because of him, Michael. It's more about the complicated past... which is long forgotten, but not completely gone. I know I've forgiven everyone, including Tiara and Arslan. But seeing their son, seeing him next to Luna... it's like I'm reminded of everything that happened.”
Michael sighed and sat closer, taking Helena's hand gently. &l
“Who are you looking at, Lin?” Jihan's voice suddenly broke the silence in the cafeteria, making Olin startle and almost choke on the orange juice he had just gulped down.“Huh? Who?” Olin hurriedly turned to Jihan with a panicked face, trying to hide his nervousness.Jihan narrowed her eyes, giving Olin a probing look. “Don't pretend, I saw you just now looking at Andy from a distance. What's wrong, huh?”Olin let out a long breath, then shook his head quickly. “Nothing, Jihan. You saw it wrong.”However, Adel, who was sitting next to Jihan, immediately chimed in. “Oh? Andy? Isn't he that cold guy who rarely talks? How can you be interested, Lin?”“I'm not interested! Gosh, what's wrong with you guys?” Olin tried to deny it, even though his face was starting to turn red. He knew Jihan wouldn't let go of this topic easily.Vina, who was usually more reserved, suddenly ch
“Olin, are you ready?” Jihan's voice broke the silence in the preparation room. She looked up at her best friend sitting at the piano, seemingly practicing the last notes.Olin let out a long breath, trying to compose himself. “Not sure, Jihan. I don't know why our homeroom teacher chose me to perform. There are many others who are better.”Jihan chuckled and sat next to him. “Olin, you're really good. They chose you because you're the best. Besides, you're not alone. We're all here to support you.”“But my family will come,” Olin rolled his eyes. “I told them that Mama was enough. If they all came, I'd be even more nervous.”“Your family is fun,” Jihan patted his shoulder. “Think of them as hard-core fans.”Meanwhile, on the main stage, Andy stood in the center of the crowd, monitoring the festival. His face serious, he occasionally spoke into a walkie-talkie to ma
All the way home, Helena chose to remain silent. The atmosphere in the car was eerily quiet, filled only by the sound of tires rustling across the road. Occasionally, Olin glanced at her mother, hoping for an explanation, but Helena kept her eyes straight ahead, focused on the road stretching out in front of her.Helena was being deliberate. She knew that if this conversation took place in the car, she would not be able to convey everything calmly. The mixed feelings she had been bottling up for so long were now coming back to the surface, hitting her hard ever since that encounter at the festival.“What are you really thinking, Helena?” she muttered to herself. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, while her mind went back to the past that she wanted to forget.Helena knew the look Andy had given Olin earlier. It wasn't just a friend's look. There was something there-a feeling she recognized all too well. It made her chest tight, not because
“Olin, what's wrong? You're not usually like this,” Jihan opened the conversation in a quiet but worried voice. They were sitting on a bench in the school garden during recess. Olin just sighed, his eyes fixed on the grass in front of him.“I'm fine, Ji,” Olin replied briefly, without turning his head.Adel, who was sitting beside him, rolled her eyes. “It's okay? Seriously, Lin? If you're okay, why do you look like you've lost something? Even your voice isn't as loud as usual.”“Yeah, Lin,” Maria added as she leaned forward, trying to find Olin's gaze. “You didn't even respond when we teased Rihana earlier. You're usually the most excited when there's something to joke about.”Rihana nodded in agreement, though she was a little disturbed by the discussion. “That's right, Lin. You didn't even laugh when I almost fell earlier. Are you sick? Or... something wrong at home?”Olin s
“Dad, I need to talk,” Olin's voice was soft but full of anxiety. She stood in the doorway of her father's study. Michael, who was busy reading a document, looked at his daughter. There was something in her tone of voice that made Michael immediately close the document and wave a hand, inviting her in.“Sure, honey. What's wrong? Sit here,” he said, pointing to the chair in front of him.Olin stepped in slowly, sitting with her back straight but her face downcast. She clutched the hem of her sweater tightly, a clear sign that she was agitated.“Pa... I'm confused. I don't know where to start,” she said finally, her voice trembling.Michael smiled a little, trying to offer some comfort. “Try starting with what's bothering you, Lin. Papa is here to listen.”Olin lifted his head, looking up at his father with teary eyes. “It's about Andy, Pa. And about what Mama said yesterday at the festival.&rdqu
The school hall was filled with the noise of the students who were busy preparing for Olin's farewell event. That day, Olin stood in the center of the hall in his neat school uniform. Although he tried to smile, the heaviness of leaving this place was clear on his face.“Lin, are you sure you want to go?” Jihan stood beside him, her eyes glazed over. “You know we're all not willing to let you go.”Olin took a deep breath, then looked at his best friend. “Jihan, I have to go. I can't stay here.”“Why not? We can face this together. You don't have to run away from everything.”Olin smiled, but didn't answer. He knew this decision was the best for him and for his family.One by one, his friends came up to Olin, saying goodbye. Adel, Maria, and Rihanna had been crying since the beginning of the show.“We'll miss your chatty voice in class,” Adel said as she wiped away her tears.
Hi readers.I don't know if you're still missing Helena's story or if you're already bored. But honestly, I'd like a change of pace regarding the plot. I happen to like enemy to lover plots. So I just uploaded it here. Hope you guys will accept it. And have you read the story of Victoria helping the paralyzed Mr. Logan? I've uploaded the other work for their story.****"Mom, I'm leaving for work today. Please pray that my work goes well," said Gadis before leaving the boarding house she had been staying in not long ago. The atmosphere in the boarding house corridor was quiet and there were only slippers on each door. A sign that the boarders were not awake yet.Maybe it's still morning. The girl said to herself. Glancing at the clock in her hand, it was still 5:45. She was too diligent to welcome the day but... it was her big day! The first day of work after two months of unemployment and lazing around at her mother's house."Yes, you be careful. Mommy wishes you a good job. Cheer up
"Hei!" Manda grimaced and cringed at the way Gadis ate. It was nothing if she choked and they went to the hospital and then she made a report to the doctor: "Sorry, Doc. My friend choked on a jumbo sausage."It wouldn't be fun.If she choked on another sausage, she might still be able to understand. But this..."Dis, you can be more careful when you eat, right?" asked Lily as she held out a piece of tissue. "Your mouth is full of sauce."But Gadis didn't care. She ate even more voraciously. The grilled sausage, which she ordered three servings of, was already gone. Maybe only the sauce and mayonnaise were left. "I still want to eat." The girl quickly downed the sweet-iced tea she ordered. "I need to eat a lot."Manda patted her forehead; Lily could only shake her head in surprise. Especially seeing Gadis walking to another food booth. This time, it was the Takoyaki booth. She needed a serving of the mix with the maximum spicy level."What's wrong with her?" asked Manda curiously."I d
“Wow, the famous model candidate has finally returned to the cage,“ joked Afandi with a wink as he saw Gadis entering his work area. The one who was being teased just pouted as she pulled up her work chair. She sat back comfortably while taking a long sigh and unwinding her hair.“I'm really fed up with this dual job,” complained Gadis but then laughed.“You should be grateful because your income has doubled,” teased Panji, who had just arrived with a cup of coffee. ”Eh, do you want me to make you an iced cappuccino?”Gadis didn't immediately agree. Panji, Afandi, and Hary, when they offered help, there was always something they wanted. Gadis didn't want to get into more trouble than just asking for someone's private phone number.“How much do I need to pay?” asked Gadis with suspiciously narrowed eyes.Panji was clearly laughing hard. ”You're really sensitive about this kind of thing, Dis.”“Brother Panji, the price list is written on your forehead.”This time, the uproarious laughte
“What are you doing, Dis?” asked Manda with great curiosity. This evening, they were eating for free. Apart from the many side dishes brought by her mother, Gadis, her friend kindly wanted to stay busy in the kitchen even though she had just returned from work. She also said that she was not too tired because she was being driven by a colleague from the office.Of course Manda and Lily were curious even though their hearts were happy because the money for this dinner could be used for other things.“Create a status,” replied Gadis briefly. Her mouth was still chewing the rice she had just cooked, complete with spicy basil chicken. ”To make the burning souls even hotter.”Manda's forehead wrinkled. “I didn't see the status you made, Dis. Where is it? I'm curious,” Manda quipped, now busy looking at her cellphone. There wasn't a trace of dinner left on her plate. Besides being delicious, it was also free. When else w
Gadis stopped dead in her tracks. Reflexively, she held back King, who was walking alongside her, to stop.“Why?” King asked with an annoyed look. ‘They said they wanted to buy pudding. That's it,’ King pointed without feeling strange at all. ”That counter, right?”“Um... can you make a different route?”King stared at Gadis in surprise. “We can't. Why would we go around when we can go straight?” But then, King chose to tease Gadis who never stopped talking. “Or do you still want to be alone with me?”“Don't be crazy, okay.” Gadis chose to turn around. Even so, her eyes returned to the same point; the point that made her decide to cancel the event of buying her favorite pudding at the corner of the mall not far from where she was standing now.Even though during lunch with King it was not enjoyable at all; because this man really tests a girl's patience, there is so
“Your schedule is also busy, huh,” King said as Gadis sat not far from his desk. He deliberately called the girl for a follow-up discussion. No, King had no intention of raising the flag of war this early.For him, this Monday felt special. At least he went to the office with a sense of enthusiasm even though he had to struggle with Jakarta's traffic jams again. Why is that? Because today is payday. Yoo-hoo ... the salary that will be deposited in his account this afternoon is what King has been waiting for all month. Apart from wanting to make sure that the bonus in his account is correct, there is something he wants to buy right away.“Well, that's how it is,” said Gadis, sighing softly.“Are you unusually not excited? Why? Are you giving up because of your busy schedule?” asked King, giggling. He also held out a planner that he had just made at home related to the division of work in his work division. He had even adjusted it to fit Gadis' schedule. Some of his other subordinates t
Spending the weekend at your parents' house is fun. Nothing can match the taste of Gadis' mother's cooking. And one thing is for sure; her stomach is always full. Similar to her mother, Gadis loves to be in the kitchen. It feels like the greatest form of distraction that Gadis can do if she is there. Whatever she cooks, she will definitely get more appreciation.Especially with Manda and Lily joining her on weekends. They said, “Eating is free while there's still food left.”Fortunately, Maya never objected to the addition of two people who were the same age as her daughter.“If you're at home, you don't feel like going home,” said Lily as she lay down in the girl's room. They had just finished lunch with an appetizing side dish. Not to mention the snack that the girl had made that morning, making them reluctant to leave the table.“You have a really good life,” teased Gadis, not accepting it. "You don't help me either.”“We'll help you, okay,’ replied Manda, giggling. "Help you finis
“Mom,” called Gadis quietly. She was a bit hesitant to talk about the problem that had been going around in her head for the last three days. Anyway, since Gadis met Angga's family and all the pressure that came with it, Gadis started to think; was their relationship real and healthy?“Yes?” The woman, who immediately looked at her with tenderness, approached Gadis. She was sitting and looking at the lunch menu without interest. This was the second time she had seen Gadis looking unenthusiastic.Gadis' return last night brought real joy to Maya's face. She had prepared many dishes that she would cook with Gadis. Remembering that Gadis hadn't been home for two weeks because she was busy at work, Maya tried not to ask too many questions because Gadis needed to adjust to her activities at the office.Maya has not forgotten all the help her eldest daughter has given to the family economy. Maya is very proud of Gadis and her acceptance and what she has done so far. That's why when Gadis sa
During the two meetings that Gadis had with Angga's parents, which were fairly brief and only left an impression if they were both kind and friendly. But in this place, Gadis finally realized why Angga could be so selfish and not willing to lose at all.All of that was displayed in such a way, wrapped in an intimate dinner but according to Gadis, it was very different from the atmosphere of dinner at her house. Even though it was only a simple side dish and sometimes the portion of the side dish was shared so that everyone got the same amount, the feeling of family and intimacy and not wanting to leave immediately was really felt.Tonight, Gadis felt like leaving the table that served a variety of delicious dishes.“Here you go, sir. I've prepared it for you,” said Hilda, Angga's mother, who had been busy with her husband's plate. Meanwhile, her husband was busy with his cellphone and seemed to ignore the presence of his wife, children, and guests.No, Gadis did not expect a warm welc
“I don't need to congratulate you, am I right?” asked King, who was still folding her arms across her chest. He and Gadis had just left Mr. Ubud's room. The final decision regarding Gadis's involvement in the project that Leo was working on received a very good response from the client. They even wanted to meet Gadis in person because they felt that Gadis had a face that fit their brand quite well.However, to maintain the continuity of the collaboration between GreenTech and Velue Jewelry, Leo did not immediately agree to this. He also wanted to see the public's response to the new face that would be alongside Ransi. And there was a lot of conversation that took up a lot of concentration for Leo, Ubud, and King.Even though King's face looked unfriendly when Leo told him the news, the man tried to be professional when discussing the part he had to work on to support the ad so that it could attract many enthusiasts.“I don't need congratulations from you,” said Gadis, sneering. She gl
Panji laughed. “Don't call me bro, it feels really old.”The girl just grimaced. Following Panji's steps who walked first and in the eyes of the girl, the man protected her from the many crowds who wanted to immediately enter the elevator area. Once away, the area around them was much more spacious.“Do you like working at GreenTech?”Gadis's forehead wrinkled deeply. “Why did you ask that? Is there ... another meaning?”Panji laughed again. ”Nothing. I was just wondering if what I felt when I first started working at GreenTech was the same as you.”“Don't you like it, Panji?”“I do,” Panji replied enthusiastically. "Even though Mr. Raja and all his magical antics make us angry,”“Oh, my goodness. I thought I was the only one who felt that way," Gadis interjected immediately. ”I think he just can't help being annoying and irritating. I don't know why, but there are creatures like him in the world.”Panji couldn't stop laughing. “Crazy! You really make your own boss look bad.”“But it'