《My Handsome Uncle, Please Be Mine!》


 Chap 1

    Part 1


    Joe Sebastian, a 35-year-old man, was feeling sad because of his wife¡¯s recent divorce petition in religious court. He continued to consume the alcoholic drinks in front of him.


    One by one, the alcohol bottles became empty, but Joe still felt the emptiness in his heart. In an apartment unit, Joe isted himself for two days, not going to work, not seeing his daughter, and even forgetting to send money to ra.


    Yes, ra was a poor girl entrusted to Joe by her parents ten years ago. At that time, Joe was a colleague of Devano and Ce. ra¡¯s parents had died in a multi-car ident. Since then, Joe felt responsible for ra. For ten years, Joe had taken care of ra, providing her education, pocket money, and buying her clothes. Not only that, Joe had promised himself to continue taking care of ra until she married a man of her choice.


    The doorbell rang.


    Joe remained motionless.


    The doorbell rang for the second time.


    Joe had to get up from his seat. He walked wearily toward the door, feeling annoyed about who could be disturbing him.


    ¡°Who dares to disturb me?¡± Joe shouted as he pulled the door handle.


    ra fell silent, startled. This was the first time she had been scolded by Joe, someone she highly respected.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, Uncle,¡± ra whispered, taking a step back.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you. Come in!¡± Joe said, trying to control his emotions.


    ¡°No, Uncle, I cane backter or tomorrow,¡± ra said shakily, not expecting to receive such a scary shout from the authoritative man.


    ¡°Come in, don¡¯t argue. It¡¯s the beginning of the month, and you need to get your pocket money; otherwise, you¡¯ll go hungry during lunchtime!¡± Joe said tly. He roughly rubbed his face, trying to refresh his vision.


    Joe opened the door wide for ra to enter.


    ra followed, walking slowly, tracking Joe¡¯s every step. She nced around the room; it was still 2 p. m., but the curtains were closed. The room¡¯s lights were turned off, creating a gloomy atmosphere. Only a small amount of sunlight filtered through the slightly open curtains.


    ¡°Uncle, are you okay?¡± ra asked softly, ncing at her wrist to confirm that it was still 2 p. m.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine. Why do you ask?¡± Joe replied with his characteristic deep voice.


    ¡°Let me stay longer here; I¡¯ll clean up this ce. After that, I¡¯ll leave,¡± ra said. She walked to the curtains, opening them one by one to allow more light to enter the room. She also opened the venttion to reduce the stuffiness.


    Joe took a quick look and saw no reason to object. He let ra open all the curtains, revealing the messy and dirty state of the table in the middle of the room.


    Joe went into the bedroom to find his wallet, took out some money, and put it in an envelope, the same amount as ra¡¯s monthly allowance. Then, he returned to the living room.


    ¡°This is your pocket money,¡± Joe said, cing the brown envelope on the table. Then, he reclined on the sofa.


    ra nced at the cluttered table. There were several empty alcohol bottles scattered around, dirty and disordered sses, many cigarette butts, and scattered matchsticks.


    ra swallowed her saliva and shook her head softly. She decided to clean the table.


    ¡°You can go home; I can handle it myself,¡± Joe said firmly.


    ¡°No, Uncle, I¡¯ll leave after cleaning everything,¡± ra insisted. She started putting the empty bottles into the trash can and took the dirty sses to the nearby kitchen.


    Joe got up from his seat, supporting his face with both hands.


    ¡°My marriage is about to end, my dear Vivian! Why did you choose your career and Kimmy Olivia, our little daughter, over me?¡± Joe murmured, and tears began to moisten his cheeks. The impending divorce was a heavy burden for Joe, who still loved his wife deeply.


    Meanwhile, ra had finished washing all the sses and had tidied up the table.


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle,¡± she said while taking the envelope with her money. She saw the mature man sitting with his head hung low on the sofa.


    Joe just nodded, his face showing no signs of relief.


    ¡°Wait a minute, is Uncle Joe crying?¡± ra asked, walking over to Joe.


    Joe didn¡¯t answer; he chose to look away. He felt weak in front of ra, something he had always avoided.


    ¡°So, is what I read in the online media true?¡± ra asked, sitting next to Joe. She didn¡¯t want to leave him alone.


    ¡°What do you know?¡± Joe stood up from his seat and walked to the balcony.


    ra followed, matching the steps of the mature man she admired so much. Even when he was just standing and breathing, Joe looked handsome.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Aunt Vivian¡¯s divorce has been reported in the media, Uncle,¡± ra said, standing next to him and looking down, following Joe¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°So, you already know, ra,¡±


    ¡°Yes, Uncle, I hope you won¡¯t be too sad,¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sad; it¡¯s just that I still love Vivian very much,¡± Joemented honestly.


    ¡°Stay strong, Uncle,¡± ra consoled him.


    Hearing Joe¡¯sment, ra felt sad as well. Even though she had felt relieved when she heard about the divorce, she realized that this was her chance to get closer to Joe.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to see my daughter. You should go back to the dorm now,¡± Joe instructed.


    ¡°Alright, Uncle,¡± raplied, turning and leaving the room. She was looking forward to her monthly meetings with Joe, even though they only happened once a month.


    ¡°Uncle, don¡¯t be sad. If Aunt Vivian doesn¡¯t want to live with you until old age, maybe one day you¡¯ll meet another woman who loves you sincerely,¡± ra said firmly.


    ¡°I am that woman, Uncle. I love you sincerely. Wait for me, Uncle; I will grow up and be a beautiful woman for you. There¡¯s no doubt; I also have genuine love for you,¡± ra thought to herself as she walked out of the room. At some point, she didn¡¯t know when, but at the age of 17, she realized one thing: she missed her meetings with Joe Sebastian, even though they only happened once a month.


    To be continued

 Chap 2

    Part 2


    After ra¡¯s departure, Joe took a moment to shower. Cold water always managed to reinvigorate him. He put on his best clothes and prepared to return home to his little daughter, Kimmy.


    From his marriage to Vivian four years ago, they had been blessed with a daughter. Kimmy, the little girl who was now three and a half years old.


    Joe walked toward the elevator, pressed the ground floor button, and waited for the elevator to reach the lobby. When the elevator doors opened, he walked into the underground parking area and got into his ck Lamborghini. He drove to South Residence, a luxurious housingplex owned by the upper-middle ss, where his parents¡¯ wealthy family resided.


    Joe drove his car at full speed, his parents would be furious about the divorcewsuit that had been spreading in various media. However, the truth was, and as the man, Joe was ready to take responsibility for it all.


    Navigating a marriage was like sailing a ship. If the ship sank, the captain was to me. Joe didn¡¯t want to me Vivian; it was all his fault.


    After 20 minutes of driving, Joe arrived at the main entrance of his parents¡¯ residence. He parked his car in the garage, alongside other luxurious vehicles.


    He stepped out of the car and walked to the front porch, hesitating to ring the doorbell. In reality, when Joe¡¯s car reached the main gate, the security guard had already informed his parents, Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn, that their son had returned.


    Joe let out a slow breath and pressed the doorbell. A female servant opened the door for him.


    His hunch was right, his mom and dad were sitting in the living room, their faces showing curiosity and concern. Joe could sense their sadness regarding the news of his divorce with Vivian, which had already spread.


    Joe approached his parents and sat next to his mother. The room fell silent. Mr. Bond looked at his son, while Joe couldn¡¯t bring himself to return their gazes.


    ¡°Rest! Meet your daughter, and we can discuss this issue another time,¡± Mr. Bond said.


    The middle-aged man was angry, sad, frustrated, and disappointed to hear about his son¡¯s divorce. But there was something more important; Joe still looked okay. He would do whatever it took to support and uplift his son¡¯s spirits.


    ¡°She¡¯s been waiting for you; Kimmy has asked several times where her daddy is sincest night,¡± Mrs. Linn added. She gently patted her son¡¯s shoulder, seeing that his eyes were moist and teary.


    ¡°Alright, Mom, Dad, I¡¯m going to sleep now,¡± Joe said. He got up from his chair, walked up the stairs to the second floor, and opened the door to the room nearest to the stairs. It was Kimmy¡¯s room, and she was a three-and-a-half-year-old girl.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Kimmy shouted when she saw her daddy standing at the doorway. She opened her arms wide for a hug.


    Joe quickly approached his daughter and embraced her tightly. The hug was emotional and long, prompting Kimmy¡¯s caretaker to leave the room.


    Joe finally let go of the hug and cupped Kimmy¡¯s face with his hands. Unmistakably, Kimmy bore a striking resemnce to Vivian, her mother.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Papa been?¡± Kimmy asked in her soft voice.


    ¡°Papa¡¯s been working, my love,¡± he replied. Joe led his daughter to her bed, where he tucked her in. Tonight, he just wanted to be by Kimmy¡¯s side tofort her.


    Joe adjusted the nket to keep Kimmy warm. He kissed her forehead several times, feeling guilty for not being able to keep his family together with Vivian.


    After making sure Kimmy had fallen asleep, Joe left her room. He walked to the room next to Kimmy¡¯s.


    Joe inserted the key, turned the doorknob, and entered the room. It was his and Vivian¡¯s bedroom. It was spacious and warm, with several photos of them together on the wall, prominently featuring theirrge wedding photo above the bed.


    In four months, it would have been their 5th wedding anniversary. All the photos and beautiful memories inside only represented the past. So did the romance that had once blossomed in this room. The first night, the warmth of their touches, their smiles, their tears, and all the events in this room would now just make Joe sad, knowing they were all memories.


    Joe sat at the edge of the bed. His hands ran over the bedsheet. It was cold and lonely. There were several photos of him and Vivian on the wall, with the most prominent being theirrge wedding photo above the bed.


    His marriage to Vivian began to unravel after their fourth wedding anniversary. Vivian became obsessed with resuming her modeling career. Since then, she was no longer content at home and kept epting job offers.


    Joe had tried various ways to keep her from leaving him. He increased the money he gave her, surprised her frequently, but all in vain. Vivian wanted to break free from her marriage to Joe.


    All of it had been his fault from the beginning. Joe had put Vivian on a pedestal when she was a rising model. However, Vivian had epted Joe¡¯s proposal not out of love but because Joe was the son of one of the wealthiest people in the city.


    Joe looked up at the wedding photo. Tears began to flow down his cheeks. On this quiet and cold night, he was crying alone. He had missed Vivian for three months, hoping his beloved wife woulde home and give up her dreams and career. But he was wrong; what he received was a divorcewsuit.


    In this moment, he realized one thing. For Vivian, her dreams and career were more important than her marriage and her daughter. Tears continued to flow, moistening Joe¡¯s cheeks. When a man cried, his tears revealed the honesty behind the sadness that ran deep.


    Joe wiped away his tears. He concluded his sorrow for the night. He would return to his daughter¡¯s room, curl up under the covers. It wasn¡¯t that he was weak; he just had never imagined he would divorce the woman he loved so much.


    To be continued.

 Chap 3

    Part 3


    After returning from Uncle Joe¡¯s apartment, ra ordered an online motorcycle taxi to take her to the dormitory. Throughout the ride, she couldn¡¯t muster any enthusiasm. She was torn between feeling sad and happy about what had befallen Uncle Joe.


    On one hand, she was happy, but on the other, ra couldn¡¯t help but cry for Uncle Joe¡¯s sadness.


    Once she got off the motorcycle taxi, ra paid the fare and made her way slowly to her dorm room on the third floor.


    The time on the clock showed it was 4:00 PM. All the school activities had ended, and the resident students were in their rooms, preparing for dinner and evening study.


    ra climbed the stairs, one step at a time, reaching the end where her room was. The door was open, revealing a room with six beds. There were both upper and lower bunks, making it a total of 12 girls sharing the room.


    ra was closest to Nadia. Nadia slept in the upper bunk while ra was in the lower one.


    Both of them were intelligent students, but Nadia was luckier because she had both of her parents, whereas ra was alone, except for Uncle Joe.


    ¡°What happened? Did you not meet Uncle Joe? Or did he reject your love?¡± Nadia asked. ra¡¯s expression was different than usual. She used to be cheerful and enthusiastic when talking about Uncle Joe. Her eyes would light up as she recounted how handsome he was and what they had talked about. But now, ra looked unusually downcast.


    Could it be that she didn¡¯t meet Uncle Joe, or did he get angry with her?


    Nadia could only guess and waited for ra¡¯s response. However, ra didn¡¯t answer. She swiftly grabbed a towel and headed for the bathroom located on the ground floor. Living in the dormitory was exhausting, as all activities like meals and showers were located on the ground floor while their rooms were on the third floor, making ra have to go up and down more than five times a day.


    Arriving at the bathroom, ra began to undress, one piece at a time. She started to wet her body with cold water, closing her eyes and feeling the sensation of every water molecule passing through her pores. The refreshing cold water didn¡¯t manage to reinvigorate her this time.


    ra felt the need to do something to help Uncle Joe, to bring happiness back into his life and put a smile on his handsome face.


    An idea crossed ra¡¯s mind. Tomorrow, she wanted to find and meet Vivian to talk to her, to do something to help Uncle Joe.


    After some time, ra started tother soap on her body, cleaning off germs and sweat. The fragrant aroma of the jasmine soap couldn¡¯t lift her mood, which had already turned sour.


    If you were to ask how Joe influenced ra¡¯s life and mood, the answer was that he had a significant impact. When Joe was sad, ra would cry with him. But when Joe was happy, ra would be in sync with his happiness. She¡¯d smile when he did, even though Joe¡¯s smiles weren¡¯t meant for her.


    ra turned on the showerhead, letting the soapy foam wash over her body. Even though she managed to regain a little bit of energy and enthusiasm, she was sure that she would go looking for Vivian the next day and do something to help Joe.


    The next morning, along with the other students, ra and Nadia walked down the hallway towards their ssroom. Their steps were in sync, supporting each other.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to ask for permission this afternoon. I can¡¯t attend thest ss because I have something to do,¡± ra said. It was rare for her to ask for permission to skip any ss, no matter the subject, or even when she was sick. She didn¡¯t have any family members pushing her to attend.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Nadia asked. Thest ss was the Indonesiannguage, which was ra¡¯s favorite.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to look for Aunt Vivian. There¡¯s something I want to discuss,¡± ra said confidently. A smile formed on her lips as she felt that her idea was a good one.


    ¡°ra, please understand. Don¡¯t get too involved in Uncle Joe¡¯s life; he has his privacy, and you shouldn¡¯t interfere. You¡¯re overstepping boundaries by getting involved,¡± Nadia disagreed.


    ¡°Quiet! I can find Vivian on my own, with or without your help,¡± ra asserted. She then quickened her pace, not wanting to debate with Nadia any longer.


    Throughout the morning, from the first ss to the fifth, ra and Nadia remained silent, and neither gave in to apologize first.


    When it was time for thest ss to change, ra was packing her writing materials, and getting ready to stand up. She had her bag slung over her left arm.


    Nadia, without warning, was already walking alongside her. ¡°I¡¯ll treat you to lobster bakso. Let¡¯s ask for permission together,¡± she said, not wanting ra to go alone.


    ra smiled; Nadia was always so kind. Finally, the two of them asked for permission and ordered an online motorcycle taxi to an outdoor photoshoot location.


    ra had done her homework. She knew Vivian¡¯s work schedule for today, and it happened to be close to their school.


    Upon getting out of the motorcycle taxi, Nadia followed ra. They sneaked into a hotel building, where ra had gathered information about Vivian¡¯s manager, and agency, and even located the makeup room for today¡¯s event.


    ¡°Wait here; I¡¯ll go inside alone,¡± ra told Nadia. She didn¡¯t want Nadia to witness her daring move.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Nadia replied, following ra¡¯s lead and waiting patiently.


    Identifying herself as Vivian¡¯s niece, ra was granted ess to the makeup room of the renowned model. There, she met Vivian, a stunning, elegant, and wless woman like no other. For a moment, ra¡¯s aura dimmed as she trembled. She forgot her purpose and why she hade to see Vivian.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± ra said, and Vivian turned around, looking at ra with curiosity.


    Their eyes locked for a moment.


    ¡°Hello, Aunt Vivian, let me introduce myself. My name is ra. The reason I came here is that I disagree with you filing for divorce from your husband,¡± ra said, her voice trembling and her breath unsteady.


    Vivian looked puzzled and asked, ¡°Why? What is your reason for not wanting me to get a divorce?¡±


    ra faltered, her lips quivering. The strong presence of the woman before her shook her confidence, making her second-guess her purpose.


    ¡°Speak! Why do you oppose my divorce?¡± Vivian insisted, fixing her gaze sharply on ra.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t want to see Uncle Joe sad,¡± ra finally managed to say, stammering out the real reason due to her fear.


    ¡°Come, sit here, and don¡¯t leave until I allow you to,¡± Vivian ordered.


    She immediately picked up her phone and dialed Joe¡¯s number, which she had stored in her phone.


    ¡°You coward! You sent a little rat to beg for my love! Come here, or I won¡¯t let her out in one piece!¡± Vivian yelled on the other side of the phone, her voice stern.


    ra stood still, her trembling lips quivering. The powerful presence of the woman in front of her made her shrink, taking away all her determination and self-confidence.


    ¡°Speak! What is your reason for opposing my divorce?¡± Vivian demanded, intensifying her gaze.


    ¡°Um¡­ um¡­,¡± that was all that came out of ra¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Speak!¡± Vivian insisted forcefully.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t want to see Uncle Joe sad,¡± ra stammered, finally uttering the real reason, albeit with hesitation due to her fear.


    ¡°Come, sit here, and don¡¯t leave until I allow you to,¡± Vivianmanded.


    She promptly reached for her phone, dialing Joe¡¯s number still stored in her phone.


    ¡°You coward! Sending a little mouse to beg for my love! Come here, or I won¡¯t let her leave in one piece!¡± Vivian berated over the phone.


    ra winced; she was sure the person on the other end of the call was Joe.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 4

    4.


    In the afternoon, after having lunch with Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn, Joe took the time to y with his daughter. Today, he decided not to go to work, leaving everything to his secretary, Faris.


    He was reading the story of Goldilocks to Kimmy, who was now eager for an afternoon nap. Understanding that his little girl became quite spoiled when he was at home, Joe continued to cradle her in hisp.


    Suddenly, Joe¡¯s phone rang with a call from Vivian, who now lived separately from him. Joe hesitated for a moment before answering, curious about the reason for Vivian¡¯s call and what she wanted.


    Despite the uncertainty, Joe answered the call, hoping for some good news.


    ¡°Hello,¡± greeted Joe.


    It was clear from Vivian¡¯s angry tone and insults towards someone as a little rat that Joe sensed tension. Joe instructed her to beg for love. While Joe wasn¡¯t angry, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder who might have met Vivian and convinced her to withdraw the divorce suit.


    Joeid Kimmy on the bed, put on warm clothes, and hurried downstairs. Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn remained silent, not daring to intervene. Understandable! Perhaps their son needed time to navigate the emotional turmoil within him.


    Joe sat behind the wheel, driving through the city streets at full speed.


    Arriving at the parking area of a building, Joe stopped his car and walked towards a room.


    Vivi, Vivian¡¯s manager, directed Joe to the model¡¯s room.


    Opening the door, Joe found two women inside Vivian and a young girl in a gray uniform.


    Joe walked forward, now standing in front of Vivian. His gaze remained the same, filled with love and concern, but the beautiful woman in front of him was different. The happy glow in the model¡¯s eyes had changed; she seemed indifferent with a cold gaze as if she didn¡¯t recognize Joe, who was still her legal husband.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take this girl away now,¡± said Joe, turning towards ra and reaching for her hand, ready to leave Vivian¡¯s makeup room.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Wait, stop right there! Don¡¯t you dare step out of this room!¡±manded Vivian, hands on her hips, asserting her authority.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± replied Joe calmly. His warm eyes longed to embrace his wife. However, the divorce suit Vivian filed seemed to build a high barrier for Joe to do so.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re free to do anything, including dating this little girl. I won¡¯t be angry anymore!¡± Vivian said, lowering her head. Her attitude was indifferent, avoiding eye contact with Joe.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s on your mind. I have always been faithful to you, and the divorce? Wasn¡¯t that what you wanted? Weren¡¯t you the one pushing our marriage to the courtroom? So, just don¡¯t twist the facts. You wanted a divorce, and I will grant your request! Just so you know, I have never been unfaithful to you! Understand!¡± Joe stated firmly, tightening his grip on ra¡¯s hand. Then, he led her out of Vivian¡¯s makeup room, heading towards the parking lot on the ground floor.


    Joe opened the car door and guided ra to sit inside.


    Then, he walked around, got behind the wheel, and said, ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the dormitory now!¡± Joe nced at his wristwatch, indicating it was 4 o¡¯clock.


    ¡°Just a moment, Uncle,¡± ra interjected. She had been silent, still in shock from witnessing such a tense argument. ¡°I came here with Nadia,¡± she exined.


    ¡°Where is Nadia?¡± Joe asked, having some knowledge about ra¡¯s friend Nadia, as ra had mentioned her before.


    ¡°I¡¯ll find her in a moment,¡± ra replied.


    She got out of the car and went in search of Nadia, walking and looking around. Shortly after, she found Nadia waiting in the lobby of the building.


    The two of them walked back to Joe¡¯s car.


    Joe started the car engine and immediately drove at a moderate speed. ra sat beside him, while Nadia upied the back seat, busy with her phone.


    There was silence among the three of them.


    After a 20-minute journey, they arrived in front of the dormitory building where ra and Nadia stayed.


    Nadia got out first. ra also wanted to get out, but Joe stopped her.


    ¡°Just wait, sit here; there¡¯s something we need to talk about,¡± Joe prevented ra again, holding her arm to keep her seat.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Uncle?¡± ra asked, looking at Joe with fear.


    ¡°Fasten your seatbelt,¡± Joe instructed.


    ra remained silent, her mind busy guessing where Joe wanted to take her.


    Could this be considered a date? Would Uncle Joe give her a gift as a token of appreciation?


    ra was too positive in her thinking.


    Joe turned on the car and drove to a restaurant he had originally nned to visit with Vivian. To ease his disappointment, he decided to take ra along.


    ¡°Uncle,¡± ra called.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t got permission from the dorm if Ie backte,¡± ra said, looking downcast.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that!¡± Joe confidently reassured her.


    ra began to feelfortable. Romantic scenes with Joe shed in her mind. There was nothing wrong with imagining Joe holding her hand like he did earlier.


    Seeing ra who was silent. Joe buckled ra¡¯s seat belt. His strong hand identally touched a sensitive area on ra¡¯s chest. Makes the girl tense and surprised.


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    ¡°Sorry!¡± said Joe. He didn¡¯t feel anything. However, seeing ra who was so shocked, he felt guilty because he had touched the girl¡¯s private parts.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s okay, Uncle,¡± he said. ¡°Where are we going?¡± ra asked, controlling her excessive heartbeat. Not because it¡¯s cheap, it¡¯s just that ra likes masculine men.


    ¡°We¡¯re looking for a ce to eat,¡± answered Joe. ¡°I told you there¡¯s something we need to talk about!¡± he exined.


    Joe started the car and drove to a ce to eat that he wanted to go to with Vivian. To reduce feelings of disappointment, there¡¯s no harm in inviting ra.


    ¡°Uncle,¡± called ra.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered.


    ¡°I won¡¯t have permission to go to the dormitory if Ie homete,¡± said ra glumly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it!¡± Joe said confidently.


    ra started to feelfortable. Romantic scenes with Joe shed through her mind. There¡¯s nothing wrong with him imagining Joe holding his hand like that.


    ra wanted to do it again, in a romantic atmosphere and ce.


    To be Continued

 Chap 5

    5.


    The car continued at a moderate speed. ra shifted her gaze towards Joe, hoping to catch a glimpse of his smile, but she couldn¡¯t find it. Instead, she saw Joe¡¯s lips tightly sealed, as if harboring anger.


    ra nced out the window, biting her lower lip, sensing a bad omen. Joe might scold her.


    Her intuition proved right when, on a quiet road, Joe halted the car, pulling over to a secluded spot.


    ¡°Don¡¯t meddle in my personal affairs! What do you know? You¡¯re just a teenager, don¡¯t act mature and embarrass yourself. Not only that but what you did also makes me ashamed in front of Vivian! Understand!¡± Joe exined, his eyes piercing ra.


    Hearing Joe¡¯s words, ra fell silent. Tearfully, she lowered her head. It was the first time she had been scolded, and it hurt even moreing from Uncle Joe, the man she admired wholeheartedly.


    ¡°Anyway, I don¡¯t like your foolish actions!¡± Joe scolded, unaware that ra was crying.


    ra couldn¡¯t hold back her sobs; tears streamed down her cheeks. This was the first time she had experienced Joe shouting and reprimanding her.


    ¡°Cursed!¡± Joe muttered angrily, punching the steering wheel. Roughly, he rubbed his face. He had no idea how to console the crying girl beside him.


    ra continued to cry, and her sobbing became more frequent. Her breath hitched, causing her to cough repeatedly.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Joe eximed in frustration, releasing a sigh. He observed ra still crying.


    ¡°Stop crying, ra, I¡¯ll buy you ice cream!¡± Joe persuaded, checking the time on his watch, which showed a quarter past four.


    ra remained silent, her tears still flowing. She shook her head vigorously as her chest felt heavy.


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want it? There¡¯s the best ice cream in the world, you know?¡± Joe pleaded. Ufortable seeing ra still crying, her eyes red and swollen, he was sure that if anyone witnessed this scene, they would think poorly of him.


    ra stayed quiet, but her eyes widened as if intrigued. She was a fan of ice cream. The sweet taste seemed like a balm in her bitter life. Moreover, the sweetness of ice cream reminded her of beautiful memories with herte parents.


    ¡°You can have any ice cream you like,¡± he persuaded again. Looking up, Joe continued trying to convince the girl. It seemed to be working as ra¡¯s tears had stopped, reced only by asional sobs.


    This time, not only her eyes widened but her hands also moved.


    ¡°There¡¯s vani, chocte-,¡± Joe didn¡¯t finish his sentence. Now he saw a sparkle in ra¡¯s eyes and a bright expression on her face.


    ¡°Come on, I want to eat ice cream!¡± she eximed. Wiping her wet cheeks, she grabbed a tissue to gently press against her moist upper lip.


    Joe smiled, starting the car¡¯s engine, ready to drive to the mall. There, on the top floor, was a food court with a variety of ice cream and tasty snacks. Joe was confident that ra would enjoy it.


    After a ten-minute drive, Joe parked the car in an underground mall parking area. He then invited ra to enter. There were esctors and lifts for visitors to reach the top floor, the eighth floor.


    Joe signaled to ra to take the elevator for a quicker arrival.


    raplied. Along with four other visitors, they entered the elevator. The doors closed, and the elevator started ascending.


    As the doors opened, Joe reflexively grabbed ra¡¯s hand and led her toward their dining destination. Some people nced at ra, still in her uniform. Joe seemed indifferent to the judgmental looks. He tightened his grip on ra¡¯s fingers.


    ¡°Don¡¯t order ice cream; let¡¯s choose something else. It¡¯s already evening; let¡¯s go for seafood,¡± Joe suggested, suddenly feeling very hungry.


    ¡°I want ice cream,¡± ra insisted. It had been a long time since she had enjoyed ice cream, and Uncle Joe¡¯s forbidding it made her want it even more.


    ¡°We can have ice cream another time; now choose something else!¡± hemanded, asserting his authority.


    ra swallowed her saliva, forced to obey his words. It wasn¡¯t pleasant to contradict or refuse him.


    Soon, arge lobster and sweet-spicy cooked squid were served at table no. 3.


    Joe, who had lost his appetite for three days, became very enthusiastic. In contrast, ra appeared reluctant to indulge in the dishes in front of her.


    Is it Uncle who¡¯s angry, or is it me? Why is Uncle more excited about eating than I am? ra pondered.


    After the meal, Joe paid at the cashier. The atmosphere shifted towards evening, and the watch on ra¡¯s wrist showed six in the evening.


    They walked towards the elevator.


    ¡°Why the sulking? Are you still mad?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°No!¡± ra replied shortly. She lied; she was still upset about not getting to enjoy the ice cream.


    ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll take you here for ice cream!¡± Joe promised.


    ¡°Really?¡± ra asked, her eyes sparkling.


    Joe nodded confidently.


    ra smiled contentedly. There would be another date with Uncle Joe! This could be considered a date, especially now that Uncle Joe was almost divorced from his wife. Despite feeling a bit malicious, ra seemed happy about the divorce. Honestly, they seemed ipatible in every way. That was ra¡¯s opinion, as she believed she was the right match for him.


    Joe and ra entered the elevator.


    The elevator doors closed. Only the two of them were inside.


    Suddenly, the elevator seemed to stop descending, and then the lights inside went out.


    ¡°Uncle!¡± ra called out.


    She moved closer to the man standing beside her, feeling afraid because of the sudden darkness.


    ¡°Stay calm, don¡¯t be afraid!¡± Joe reassured her.


    She tried to calm down, although she felt worried. There seemed to be a malfunction causing the elevator to break down. The man guided ra to step back, lean against the wall, and sit down. He tightened his grip on ra¡¯s cold hand.


    ¡°Why did it get so dark, Uncle? Why did the elevator stop!¡± ra eximed out of fear. She clung tightly to Joe¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Calm down,¡± Joe whispered.


    One of his hands embraced ra in a hug. This time, he would find a way for someone to realize that the elevator was broken because they were trapped inside.


    ¡°Do you have your phone?¡± Uncle Joe asked.


    Her phone was already low on battery because she forgot to charge itst night.


    ¡°Here,¡± she replied.


    ra handed over her phone, her palm very cold.


    ¡°You, sit down first,¡± Uncle Joe requested. He took the phone and started to move from his seat. The faint light from the activated phone allowed him to see the buttons in front of him. Joe pressed the floor buttons one by one, but there was no movement whatsoever; it meant the elevator was broken.


    ¡°Uncle Joe, we¡¯re not going to die here, right?¡± ra asked, terrified.


    Sweat started to appear, and the school uniform she wore for the student council was getting wet. The fear andck of air in the elevator raised the temperature. ra couldn¡¯t think clearly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll ask for help and won¡¯t let us be trapped here for long,¡± Uncle Joe reassured.


    All the floor buttons were pressed again, but there was still no change. Joe, looking at ra¡¯s phone screen, turned on the wifi hoping to connect to the inte. However, there was no connection. To make matters worse, the phone battery would soon run out.


    Unbeknownst to them, Joe and ra had been stuck in the elevator for fifteen minutes. Joe continued pressing the rm button.


    Until footsteps approached the elevator.


    ra began to feel calm. It was clear; that some people outside were trying to force open the elevator doors.


    Joe and ra sat, trying to wait.


    Waiting.


    Still waiting.


    Continuing to wait.


    Until almost unnoticed, they had been in there for almost an hour and a half.


    ¡°Uncle Joe,¡± ra called softly.


    Her breath was sobored. She had already taken off her shoes to alleviate the heat and tightness inside the elevator. Her body was very weak, and her head fell to the floor. She felt desperate and resigned, and considered the sweet-spicy lobster as herst meal. She hadn¡¯t even had the chance to eat the world¡¯s most delicious ice cream, as Uncle Joe had described.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Uncle Joe replied, reaching out to support the girl against his arm.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    In the darkness, ra felt her way toward the source of the sound.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take it anymore; if I die, tell Nadia that I love her very much. Thank you for being a good friend. And to Uncle Joe, thank you for everything. I regret why this happened even before I could repay Uncle Joe¡¯s kindness, and I haven¡¯t even confessed my love to Uncle-!¡± ra rambled, gasping for breath.


    Joe rose, pressing the rm button again. Then, reaching down, he grabbed ra. The girl had already lost consciousness.


    [To be continued¡­]

 Chap 6

    6.


    Instantly, the elevator doors sessfully opened.


    ¡°Help me!¡±


    Uncle Joe shouted, and ra was quickly lifted onto the prepared stretcher. The girl was unconscious, her body drenched in sweat. They swiftly took her to the nearest hospital.


    ¡°ra, hold on!¡±


    Uncle Joe, worried, walked alongside the stretcher, almost running. One of his hands wiped ra¡¯s cheek, hoping she could be saved.


    She remained unresponsive.


    Later, the girl was brought into the ambnce.


    Uncle Joe continued to gaze at ra¡¯s face. There was a sense of regret for not buying ra¡¯s ice cream. If ra survived, he promised to buy her as much ice cream as she wanted.


    The watch on his wrist showed half-past seven in the evening.


    The man reached for ra¡¯s hand. The medical personnel on the other side were busy installing an IV and providing respiratory assistance. Though very faint, ra seemed to be breathing. There was a weak pulse in her wrist.


    The ambnce arrived at the hospital.


    ra was admitted to the inpatient room, and Uncle Joe stayed by her side.


    ra¡¯s condition was not too serious. She felt weak due to oxygen deficiency.


    Joe instructed his assistant to bring the phone he forgot to bring.


    Uncle Joe felt exhausted, but he kept his eyes open, waiting for ra, who was now sleeping.


    Shortly after, Faris arrived with his boss¡¯s phone.


    Joe told Faris to go back and informed him that he couldn¡¯t go to work tomorrow.


    Joe called the dormitory supervisor, informing him about the unfortunate incident with ra. After that, he returned to watch over ra, who was still asleep.


    The man observed ra¡¯s peacefully sleeping face. Worried, suddenly ra¡¯s expression changed as if having a nightmare. Cold sweat dampened her temples.


    ¡°ra,¡± Joe called worriedly.


    He tried to wake ra by gently patting her cheek.


    The bad dream came again, the terrifying dream that haunted ra¡¯s sleep. She dreamed of a dark ce and kept running, calling out to her parents. The horrific dream always came back.


    ¡°ra,¡± Uncle Joe called with a louder voice, trying to wake her.


    ra woke up and reflexively hugged Joe tightly.


    The man reciprocated ra¡¯s embrace, patting her back. Comforting the girl.


    ¡°Calm down; it¡¯s just a dream,¡± Joe reassured, suddenly bing close to ra. They had never embraced like this before.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, Uncle,¡± ra whimpered.


    She moved even closer and hugged Joe.


    ¡°Calm down, I¡¯m here!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared; the terrible dream keepsing back, Uncle,¡± the girlined.


    Slowly, ra released her embrace on Uncle Joe. Sheid her head back on the hospital pillow. Wiping away tears that wet her cheeks.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry,¡± Joe consoled.


    His palm wiped away the tears falling on ra¡¯s cheeks. He empathized with the fear felt by the girl.


    ra nodded, holding back her tears.


    ¡°Go back to sleep!¡± Joe instructed, adjusting the nket to cover ra¡¯s chest. For the first time in his life, he felt ra was so pitiable. An orphan, having nothing, and relying only on him.


    raplied, falling back asleep. The girl felt peaceful; the hug from the strong arms sitting beside her truly made herfortable. It managed to erase the fear when the nightmare came.


    The man then sat down and also fell asleep, feeling exhausted. He couldn¡¯t bear to leave the girl alone in the hospital.


    ra woke up in the middle of the night. She slowly blinked, scanning the room. It was the presidential suite of the hospital, equipped with one AC, one bed, one bathroom, a refrigerator, waiting chairs, a TV table, a wardrobe, a water dispenser, a sofa, a guest bed, a family room, and a dining table. This was the first time ra had been in such a luxurious hospital room.


    Her gaze shifted to Uncle Joe, who was asleep. Then, she began to recall the incident of being trapped in the elevator. ra breathed a sigh of relief, not expecting to still be alive.


    ra observed Uncle Joe, feeling delighted as he held her hand. She even smiled to herself in the middle of the night in that quiet room. Whatever that feeling was, ra was happy because Uncle Joe was still by her side.


    As dawn approached, ra woke up several times, always watching Uncle Joe¡¯s hand. She smiled again when she found him still holding her hand.


    At almost six in the morning, Uncle Joe woke up. ra pretended to keep her eyes closed.


    ¡°ra,¡±


    Uncle Joe called gently, stroking the back of ra¡¯s hand, and examining her face. He was worried as she hadn¡¯t woken up yet. It couldn¡¯t be due to the effects of the medication.


    Joe decided to press the emergency button. Shortly after, a nurse arrived. She checked ra¡¯s condition and said that she was normal, probably just sleeping.


    ra, who was still pretending to sleep, listened carefully to the conversation between Uncle Joe and the nurse. Eventually, she decided to open her eyes. Yes! There was no avoiding Uncle Joe because he was the only person who would take her out of the hospital.


    ¡°Cough,¡±


    ra pretended to cough, slowly opening her eyes, acting as naturally as possible. She felt embarrassed remembering thest words she uttered before fainting. She identally revealed her feelings. Hopefully, Uncle Joe didn¡¯t hear it.


    Uncle Joe, who was standing and feeling desperate, turned to find ra already awake. The man hurriedly sat back beside the girl.


    ¡°ra,¡±


    Uncle Joe called her name with shining eyes and a wide smile. His heart felt relieved. He looked at ra intently.


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    ra answered while rubbing her throat due to thirst.


    Joe took a ss of water from the bedside table and handed it to ra.


    ra sipped it slowly. With his right hand holding the ss, Joe used his left hand to tidy ra¡¯s messy hair.


    ¡°What do you feel now?¡± Joe asked.


    He ced the nearly empty ss on the table. Then, his eyes focused on ra once again.


    Joe fixed the front part of ra¡¯s hair, feeling immensely grateful to hear the woman¡¯s voice again.


    He had been extremely worried about the bad things that might have happened to ra.


    ¡°I¡¯m better now, Uncle. I want to go to school!¡± ra requested.


    ¡°No! Today you still need to be under observation. I will call the school so you don¡¯t have to attend today,¡± the man instructed.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle,¡±


    ra obeyed, lying back down on the hospital bed.


    And when a nurse brought her breakfast along with medication, ra hoped Joe would feed her.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    [To be continued¡­]

 Chap 7

    **7 || No Response ||**


    ra remained silent, waiting for Joe to do something. However, her hope seemed to vanish as Joe didn¡¯t bring a tray to feed her.


    Joe continued to be engrossed in his phone until he stood up and walked toward ra.


    ¡°It seems I can¡¯t wait for you here. Today, rest, and I¡¯ll be back in the evening to take you back to the dormitory. Take care! I have some work waiting for me!¡± His voice was as heavy as usual. Despite having just showered and not getting enough sleep, he still looked handsome, even while just standing there in silence.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle,¡± ra responded, disappointed.


    She yed with her fingers while looking down.


    Her hopes were shattered. She thought that by hugging herst night, Uncle Joe would pay more attention to her, but no! The incident seemed to mean nothing to her idol. Proof of that was Uncle Joe now walking towards the door, leaving her alone in the seemingly spacious treatment room.


    Around 2 PM, after school hours, the door to the treatment room opened, and a nurse apanied Nadia to ra¡¯s room.


    Nadia didn¡¯te alone. Mario followed behind her. Mario, a male student in the same ss as ra since the tenth grade, had stuck with her through the twelfth grade.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ra, who initially felt very bored, became cheerful with their arrival.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Nadia walked closer, looking worried since ra was fine yesterday. She was surprised when the homeroom teacher announced that ra was hospitalized.


    ¡°Last night, I got stuck in an elevator, and I passed out,¡± ra replied, recalling the unfortunate incident.


    ¡°Did you get stuck in the elevator with your Uncle Joe?¡± Nadia eximed enthusiastically. She couldn¡¯t wait to hear the next part of the story. It must be more exciting than ra¡¯s previous tales.


    ra nodded softly, holding back a smile, remembering the dinner, just the two of them ¨C could it be considered a date?


    ¡°Who is Uncle Joe?¡± Mario inquired, breaking his silence.


    Nadia and ra exchanged nces, staying silent and waiting for the other to speak.


    Silence. No one could provide an answer.


    In reality, Mario was deeply worried upon hearing about ra being in the hospital. In the three years of being in the same ss with ra, this was the first time she didn¡¯t attend school due to illness. Mario¡¯s forehead creased as his eyebrows knitted together, showing his displeasure upon learning that ra was alone with a man. Since their first meeting during orientation week, Mario had liked ra. He even personally requested the school authorities to be in the same ss as ra. However, up to this point, Mario hadn¡¯t dared to confess his feelings to ra. He nned to reveal all his hidden emotions to her after graduation.


    Many students admired ra at school. She was beautiful, smart, and friendly, but ra wasn¡¯t easily swayed by love. Whenever a male student approached her, she remained indifferent, showing no reaction. Consequently, over time, all the boys at school who liked her distanced themselves.


    However, not Mario. He remained consistent. ra was the only girl who met his criteria.


    Observing the reactions of the two girls in front of him, Mario tried to ask about something else.


    ¡°When can you go home, ra?¡± Mario¡¯s voice was higher than before, containing a suppressed irritation. He continued to wonder.


    Who is Uncle Joe?


    What is his connection to ra?


    Why did Nadia mention Uncle Joe as if the man belonged to ra?


    Mario¡¯s heart heated up, burning with the mes of jealousy, even before he saw the man named Joe.


    ¡°I can go home this evening, and maybe I¡¯ll be back at school tomorrow. Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯m fine!¡± ra replied.


    Nadia smiled, feeling relieved to hear her friend was okay.


    ¡°Then, who will pick you up and take you hometer?¡± Mario asked, even more curious. He didn¡¯t want Joe to be the one to take ra home.


    ¡°Someone will pick me up and take me back to the dormitory,¡± ra replied tly, looking displeased with Mario¡¯s apparent disapproval.


    ¡°Is it Uncle Joe who will take you home?¡± Nadia asked with sparkling eyes.


    Nadia and Mario stared sharply at ra, waiting impatiently for her answer.


    ra nodded slightly, a thin smile gracing her lips. Her cheeks even appeared slightly flushed.


    Initially, Mario just wanted to get a glimpse and make sure ra was okay. However, after witnessing ra¡¯s radiant happiness about the man named Joeing to pick her up, Mario changed his mind. He decided to stay at the hospital until ra was picked up. He was very curious about this Joe person. Consequently, he reluctantly decided to skip his scheduled private physics and chemistry lessons this afternoon.


    Nadia pped her hands, fully understanding ra¡¯s immense joy. ra treated the brown envelope containing the money given by Joe as if it were the most precious treasure. And now, with Joe offering to take her home, ra might not shower for another three days.


    Nadia and ra started chatting about various things, excluding Joe from their conversation. Meanwhile, Mario sat on the sofa, waiting, and indulging in his favorite online game.


    At 5:15 PM, Joe entered ra¡¯s room. He was wearing a ck sweater paired with matching jeans. It was a sharp contrast to his fair face and hands.


    Nadia and ra swallowed nervously, watching the man full of charisma walking towards them. Even from a distance, the fragrance of his cologne filled the room.


    A nurse who walked ahead of Joe stood next to ra, removing the IV from her hand and then covering the puncture site.


    ¡°I will take you home,¡± Joe said firmly. ra and Joe exchanged a fleeting gaze. Joe seemed nonchnt, but not for ra. Her heart raced just because of one second of eye contact with him.


    Nadia helped ra down from her bed. Then, she invited Mario to leave. Joe walked at the front, while ra, Nadia, and Mario walked side by side behind him.


    This was the first time Mario met Joe. One thing he understood immediately was that ra was not Joe¡¯s type. Joe was too mature for ra, who was only 17. Another thing, Mario acknowledged that Joe was cool, handsome, full of aura, trendy, charismatic, and masculine. However, Mario was confident that when he grew up, he would be cooler and more handsome than the man in ck walking ahead.


    ¡°Why are you like this?¡± ra asked, noticing Mario preparing to hit Joe from behind.


    [To be continued¡­]

 Chap 8

    8.


    Arriving at the parking area behind the hospital building, the four of them stopped by the car.


    ¡°You and Nadia can sit in the back,¡± Mario instructed. He preempted ra, who wanted to sit in the front. Unwilling to have the girl sit next to Joe, he felt the need to assert his presence.


    Although a bit frustrated sitting in the back with Nadia, ra tried to savor the moment, stealing nces at Joe and saving his handsome face as much as possible. Maybe next month would be the next time she would see him.


    The ck car started moving at a moderate speed, cutting through the city streets.


    ¡°Let¡¯s grab a bite first,¡± Joe suggested, trying to engage the attention of the three teenagers in his car.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra and Nadia responded. Mario chose to remain silent. He wanted to get out of Joe¡¯s car quickly, wanting to talk one-on-one with the man.


    The four-wheeled vehicle pulled over at a parking area of a restaurant that featured steak as its main menu.


    Joe, ra, Mario, and Nadia walked into the restaurant and sat at an empty table, the second one from the cashier.


    Joe remained busy with his phone, while Mario kept a watchful eye on ra, who continued to steal nces at Joe. It weighed on his chest, suppressing jealousy.


    Wait! Did Mario even have the right to be jealous??


    NO!!


    Their orders arrived shortly after. Four servings of steak with different vors and warm drinks.


    Feeling a bit insecure about her appearance, ra excused herself to go to the restroom. Nadia apanied her.


    Now, at the table, only Mario and Joe remained. Mario seized this opportunity to express what had been bothering him.


    ¡°Let me introduce myself; I¡¯m Mario,¡± the teenage boy said, extending his hand. Now he could see the details of the mature man who had been the talk of ra and Nadia.


    ¡°I¡¯m Joe,¡± the man replied, shaking hands with Mario.


    ¡°Uncle isn¡¯t nning to get close to ra, right? We¡¯re in the process of getting to know each other, and I don¡¯t want Uncle to be interested in my crush!¡± Mario said, staring sharply at Joe. He hoped the mature man understood his words.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, kid, I won¡¯t disturb your rtionship. ra isn¡¯t my type!¡± Joe replied firmly, intentionally baiting the young boy.


    ¡°Great if ra isn¡¯t to Uncle¡¯s liking, that means Uncle doesn¡¯t know ra¡¯s personality yet. Anyway, I¡¯m afraid Uncle might be my rival!¡± Mario replied, making it even more intriguing. No need to exin who ra was. Joe would be a seriouspetitor if he liked or even was interested in ra.


    ¡°Rest assured, I see ra as a little sister, nothing more,¡± Joe honestly stated.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°I believe you, and I hope Uncle Joe will always support my rtionship with ra,¡± said the hopeful teenager.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Joe replied, winking.


    ¡°But if ra likes Uncle Joe? Would Uncle reciprocate?¡± inquired the uneasy Mario.


    This time, Joe didn¡¯t answer. He just smiled, finding it amusing to see Mario acting as if worried about losing ra.


    ¡°What do you even like about ra?¡± Joe asked casually.


    ¡°ra is smart, kind, and cheerful. Her face may not be as beautiful as a Korean actress, but she¡¯s sweet and not boring. For three years, I¡¯ve been looking at her every day, and instead of getting bored, I be more interested!¡± Mario narrated, revealing facts about ra. His eyes sparkled as he spoke about her.


    Joe widened his lips. What did a 17-year-old kid know about women? His wife, Vivian, was beautiful, cheerful, kind, smart, sweet, and not boring, but the marriage built with the model was now on the rocks.


    ra and Nadia¡¯s arrival silenced Mario, and they got busy with the steak in front of them.


    Mario looked at ra. Her hair was neatlybed, and secured with a white feather clip on the left side. Her lips looked moist, and her eyebrows were beautifully shaped. Still the same, those two eyes of hers always captivated Mario, with rosy cheeks. They weren¡¯t pink like that a moment ago.


    ra started chewing her food.


    ¡°Eat a lot!¡± Joe encouraged.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra responded enthusiastically.


    Mario tried to keep his emotions in check, not showing them when ra continued to express her interest in Joe throughout their meal. They finished their food, and Joe suggested it was time to go.


    ¡°Come on, you all need to head home now!¡± Joe invited.


    The seating arrangement in the car remained the same. Mario didn¡¯t give ra a chance to sit in the front. The car started moving at a moderate speed. Soon, they arrived at the dormitory.


    The car stopped at the main gate of the dormitory.


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle,¡± ra said.


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle,¡± Nadia echoed.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re wee,¡± Joe replied.


    ra and Nadia got out of the car and walked into the dormitory.


    Mario looked at ra¡¯s back. There was a tightness in his chest. Tonight, he learned one thing: ra liked Joe. Fortunately, the man named Joe didn¡¯t know and wasn¡¯t interested in ra.


    ¡°You have no interest in ra, right?¡± Mario asked to make sure.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m already married, and even though my marriage is on the rocks, I can¡¯t possibly be interested in a 17-year-old girl your age,¡± Joe exined. He was getting bored with what Mario was saying as if ra had an extraordinary charm. Until now, Joe hadn¡¯t found one reason to be interested in ra as a woman, only seeing her as a little sister.


    ¡°Sorry, Uncle, is Joe getting a divorce?¡± Mario asked softly.


    Joe just nodded, a faint smile on his face. He seemed fine, even though his heart was shattered into pieces.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get off here, Uncle,¡± Mario requested; he needed to pick up his motorcycle left at school.


    ¡°Let me drop you off!¡± Joe insisted.


    ¡°No need!¡± Mario declined.


    Joe pulled over, letting Mario get out.


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle,¡± Mario said.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡±


    Joe drove off.


    ¡°Darn it,¡± he mumbled when he saw ra¡¯s wallet left on the back seat.


    Joe kept driving, trying not to care. It was ra¡¯s fault for leaving her wallet in his car.


    A momentter, Joe turned his car around and returned to the dormitory to return the wallet to its owner.


    Arriving at the main gate again, Joe called ra through the green app on his phone.


    ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s up, Uncle?¡± ra asked, sounding surprised.


    ¡°Come down quickly; you left your wallet!¡± Joe instructed.


    ¡°Okay,¡±


    Not long after, ra came to Joe¡¯s car.


    This time, ra had changed into cartoon-patterned pajamas, looking thin, worn-out, too small, and unfit for wear because they had been used for too long.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your wallet.¡± Joe handed the pink box-shaped item through the open car window.


    ¡°On the weekend, I¡¯ll take you out!¡± Joe invited, unintentionally catching a glimpse of the girl¡¯s cleavage. He discovered the real reason why Mario wanted to pursue ra.


    ra nodded and smiled sweetly. She purposely left the wallet on Nadia¡¯s advice. Yes, the 17-year-old girl of today was clever. Clever at finding reasons to always meet her crush.


    This time, Joe agreed with Mario; ra indeed looked very sweet when she smiled.

 Chap 9

    9.


    Days at school felt nd with the usual routine. ra eagerly anticipated Sunday, the day Joe promised to take her shopping.


    Sunday morning arrived. ra stirred her closet, looking for her best clothes, but found none. Eventually, she settled for casual attire. ra had never bought clothes, not because the money Joe gave her was too little, but because she preferred saving money rather than spending it on clothes, considering she would start college soon. She couldn¡¯t rely on Uncle Joe for the rest of her life.


    Joe: [Come down quickly! I¡¯ve arrived!]


    ra opened the iing message.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving now!¡± ra informed.


    ¡°Have fun!¡± Nadia replied.


    ra quickly went down, walking briskly towards the gate.


    ¡°ra,e in!¡± Joe requested, throwing a sweet smile at the young girl walking towards him. Meeting ra momentarily distracted him from his impending divorce proceedings.


    ¡°Alright, Uncle,¡± ra replied, running a little to reach him. Joe opened the door, and ra sat in the car beside him. She was overjoyed to be out with the man who filled her heart.


    ¡®This is our second date, right, Uncle! I¡¯ll consider it that way! Don¡¯t protest; let me daydream freely.¡¯


    raughed, realizing she was too infatuated with him.


    ¡°Put on your seatbelt,¡± Joe instructed. He was ready to drive.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra answered enthusiastically. Spreading joy because such moments were rare. Usually, Joe would only take her on vacation or shopping once a year, during the second-semester break. But this time, it was just the beginning of the semester.


    The car started moving through the city streets, heading towards the shopping center. ra asionally nced at the man sitting beside her; she wouldn¡¯t waste this opportunity.


    Uncle Joe parked the car, stopped it, then got out. He opened the car door for ra. They walked side by side into the mall.


    Joe unintentionally touched ra¡¯s thigh, which was only covered by shorts, making the girl suppress a giggle and sometimes smile to herself. They genuinely looked like they were on a date-one handsome adult man and a sweet-looking young girl.


    They stopped at a women¡¯s clothing store.


    ra started picking out clothes she liked. A pretty salesgirl was apanying her. Meanwhile, Joe just sat and waited, feeling a sense of sadness. Apanying Vivian¡¯s shopping would never happen again.


    Joe observed a group of young men looking at ra with mischievous nces-curious looks at ra. Understandable; ra¡¯s skin was very fair, her ck hair sweet, not too tall. She wore rather daring clothes-short jeans and a short-sleeved shirt with a wide cor that revealed her ample chest.


    Joe walked over to ra.


    ¡°Next time, don¡¯t wear shorts!¡± he ordered, ncing at ra¡¯s thighs. He was tempted if he lingered too long looking at that part. However, he couldn¡¯t admit it.


    ¡°Why, Uncle? This is veryfortable, and I like it,¡± ra replied, indifferent to the lecherous stares from the young men.


    ¡°And don¡¯t wear this thin shirt!¡± Joe ordered, pointing to ra¡¯s somewhat see-through shirt. His expression showed his annoyance.


    ¡°Why, Uncle, this is light andfortable for hot weather like this,¡± ra replied excitedly. She didn¡¯t understand the meaning behind Joe¡¯s instructions.


    ¡°Alright, suit yourself!¡± Joe replied, irritated at having to argue with ra. He liked ra wearing that shirt, but he wasn¡¯t willing if someone else saw it.


    ¡°Have you chosen the clothes you want?¡± Joe asked, seeing ra¡¯s shopping bags.


    The girl nodded.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll pay for them,¡± Joe said, handing his credit card to the cashier.


    They both walked to the ground floor via the esctor.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat!¡± Joe invited.


    ¡°Just ice cream, Uncle,¡± ra replied, remembering Joe¡¯s promise some time ago.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Joe replied.


    Then, intending to take ra to the ice cream shop nearby.


    ra ced her shopping bags on the back seat, sitting next to Joe. She wouldn¡¯t waste this precious opportunity.


    Upon arriving at the ice cream shop, Joe went in alone, deliberately not letting ra exit the car as many guys crowded the entrance.


    Joe took some ice cream boxes and paid. Then, he returned to the car. Feeling relieved because one by one he fulfilled his promises to ra.


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle!¡± ra said, looking at the ice cream box with shining eyes. It had been so long since she enjoyed the sweet and soft treat that melted in her mouth. Of course, she would share it with Nadia.


    The car started moving at a moderate speed. Unfortunately, they got stuck in traffic and had to spend a long time alone in the car.


    ¡°It¡¯s crowded, Uncle,¡± ra said.


    ¡°Be patient, it¡¯s Sunday, you know,¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Uncle, is Kimmy going to school now?¡± ra asked, suddenly remembering Joe¡¯s child. The divorce of the parents would certainly have an impact on their child.


    ¡°Kimmy hasn¡¯t started school yet; she¡¯s only three years old,¡± he answered. ¡°Oh yeah, ra, where are you going to continue college? I¡¯ll help you prepare!¡± Joe suddenly remembered that ra was almost graduating from high school.


    ¡°ra¡¯s still confused, Uncle,¡± she answered honestly.


    ¡°Oh, okay, when you¡¯ve decided, tell me immediately!¡± said Joe looking ahead. The traffic jam is getting longer, as seen from the Google map on the cellphone screen.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Silence, both people were busy with their thoughts.


    ¡°What about Uncle Joe¡¯s divorce?¡± ra asked bravely. The reason is that he can still feel the sadness and destruction that Joe feels.


    ¡°Tomorrow, the first hearing, with mediation on the agenda, I will note to speed up the whole process!¡± said the man, looking down. Vivian, that name is still etched in my heart, the only one until this moment. Even when that woman disappointed him, in Joe¡¯s heart and mind there was only that woman.


    ¡°Cheer up, Uncle, whatever happens in the future, it¡¯s the best for Uncle, keep smiling.¡±


    ra tries to encourage Joe. That¡¯s all he can do.


    Shut up! Joe didn¡¯t answer. He chose to look down to hide his sadness.


    ¡°It¡¯s hot,¡±ined ra, pretending to wipe her sweat. Breaking the silence, actually, he just didn¡¯t want Joe to linger in sadness.


    His body started to get hot, and his thin t-shirt stuck to his body. The thin material makes the skin of the body visible very clearly. Making Joe look at ra. Observe it for a few seconds longer.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    For the second time, he agreed with Mario, ra was really sweet.


    ra fanned her hands, but the cold air conditioner still made her hot. Looking right and left, look for a ce to avoid this traffic jam. His habit of rarely leaving the dormitory made him unable to control his emotions when he was stuck in traffic.


    ¡°Uncle, let¡¯s go to the park and eat ice cream,¡± said ra. Found a great idea to entertain Joe.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s wait until the T-junction, shall we?¡± Joe answered, his eyes briefly fixated on Ka¡¯s chest which he thought looked so charming. Normal! It had been more than three months since he had received warmth from Vivian. Restraining lust is something torturous for a young man like him. It is impossible to eat snacks outside, he is afraid of many infectious diseases.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± answered ra, still busy moving her t-shirt and sometimes blowing at her chest. How hot!


    Uncle Joe saw ra¡¯s silly behavior, it made him smile to himself. That girl is adorable. He covered his lips with his left hand, not wanting ra to see him when heughed. The attached t-shirt allowed him to guess what the girl¡¯s underwear number was.


    Danger! If he spends too long with ra, his fantasies run wild.


    Wake up, Joe! ra is still 17 years old, and not your type!


    The car started to move slowly, and after reaching the T-junction Joe turned the car into the City Park which was not far from the dormitory where ra lived.


    There are not too many visitors because the parking lot is still free. The weather is also hot, which makes people reluctant to go to the park. Byte afternoon the park will be busy.


    ¡°Come here,¡± said Uncle Joe as he stopped his car on the side of the road, lined up with other vehicles.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± said ra, carrying a box of ice cream. She will give another box of ice cream to Nadian. He opened the door and got out of the car.


    They walk side by side. All eyes were focused on the two of them. One tall, handsome man with a strong aura, beside him, was a young, petite, and sexy-looking girl in the clothes she was wearing.


    ¡°Wear this!¡± said Uncle Joe as he gave ra his jacket so that his exposed chest wouldn¡¯t be visible to anyone who saw it.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong Uncle, it¡¯s hot!¡± ra refused. Give the warm clothes to their owner.


    ¡°Let¡¯s obey ra,¡± urged Uncle Joe in a deep and serious voice. Making ra unable to refuse. ¡°If you argue I won¡¯t buy you ice cream anymore!¡± threatened Joe.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± said ra smilingly. Sheplied when Uncle Joe put the jacket on his shoulders.


    They sat on one of the chairs in the garden. Enjoy ice cream while watching people passing by. ra also noticed the man sitting beside her. She was busy eating ice cream, just like her. The air blowing under the tree made the man¡¯s aura radiate even more and he looked handsome.


    It¡¯s so sweet, sitting together enjoying ice cream in the city park with the person we love, Uncle Joe, I want to be the ice cream you eat, ra thought mischievously. Even though Joe never once touched his ice cream. Yes, he still thinks too much about his divorce.


    ¡°Why are you smiling to yourself, ra?¡± Uncle Joe asked, stopping ra from imagining things.


    ¡°Uh¡­, no, Uncle,¡± answered ra, surprised. She pursed her lips tightly and met the man¡¯s sharp gaze.


    ¡°Wait a moment,¡± Uncle Joe replied, lowering his gaze to observe ra¡¯s face.


    ra fell silent; being that close to Uncle Joe made her heart beat faster. Her tongue was tied, her lips sealed, and her eyes closed. She even forgot to breathe.


    Uncle Joe cleaned the ice cream stain on ra¡¯s lips with the back of his hand, causing the girl to stop breathing out of nervousness. Her body felt like it was hit by an electric shock; the man¡¯s touch always made ra react excessively.


    ¡°Haah¡­,¡± ra¡¯s breath escaped as if she had just sprinted away from a chasing dog. Her left hand gripped her chest, trying to control her erratic heartbeat.


    ¡°Are you not breathing?¡± Uncle Joe asked, puzzled.


    ¡°I just forgot to breathe, Uncle,¡± she replied, biting her lower lip to control her nervousness.


    ¡°You¡¯re funny!¡± Joe chuckled, talking to ra sessfully made her forget her burdens and problems.


    Uncle Joe was busy with his ice cream, enjoying the cold and sweet treat slowly. ra frequently nced in his direction, not wanting to miss that moment when Uncle Joe¡¯s lips caught the ice cream from the spoon and pushed it into his mouth. ra wished she could rece that ice cream.


    ¡®Someday, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be the ice cream that¡¯s currently on your lips, Uncle. Wait for me, okay? I want to grow up and be a beautiful woman, worthy of you.¡¯


    ¡°ra, why are you looking at me like that?¡± Joe asked. ¡°Is there ice cream on my lips?¡± he joked again.


    ¡°Just a moment, Uncle, let me clean it!¡± ra replied, lying; actually, she just wanted to touch Joe¡¯s lips.


    Soft. Wet!


    After finishing their ice cream, they both returned to the car, ready to go home. ra always looked at the man with admiration, more and more as time passed. It made Joe see ra¡¯s gaze several times, which he thought wasn¡¯t an ordinary look but one filled with love and meaning.


    ¡°ra?¡±


    Joe¡¯s voice snapped ra out of her daydreams. Wandering around freely.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied shortly, immediately lowering her head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that!¡± he said, surprising ra, who was lost in her thoughts. His voice was loud and firm!


    ¡°Sorry, Uncle,¡± ra whispered, realizing there was something different about Uncle Joe. She lowered her gaze again, avoiding eye contact with the man.


    Joe didn¡¯t respond to ra¡¯s apology, but he looked at her with a sense of inquiry. Making ra regret being too bold to stare at him without hiding or stealing nces.


    Don¡¯t be careless, ra! Don¡¯t let Uncle Joe find out everything right now. You don¡¯t even have anything for him to love; realize that you¡¯re just an unfortunate girl who won¡¯t be able to live well without mercy from this man!


    The car stopped in front of the dorm gate.


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle,¡± ra said, taking her shopping bags. Not forgetting the ice cream she would give to Nadia.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Joe replied briefly.


    ra entered the dorm after making sure she saw Joe¡¯s car driving away.


    To be Continue..

 Chap 10

    10.


    Morning came, and althoughcking enthusiasm, Joe still sat down at the dining table, not wanting to worry his parents, Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn. Mr. Bond sat in the main chair, Joe and Mrs. Linn on his left and right.


    ¡°So, are you going to attend the divorce hearing today, or are you going to work?¡± Mrs. Linn asked her son.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Mom, but I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t want to attend the trial, and as for work, Fadli has taken care of everything for me,¡± Joe replied, starting to fill his te with bread and chocte spread.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the only chance? Mediation schedules could help you resolve issues with Vivian. Are you just going to let it pass?¡± protested his mother. She felt it was a pity if there was no effort at all from Joe¡¯s side. While she understood that Vivian loved him very much.


    ¡°No reconciliation, Mom. Everything will not be the same. This divorce is Vivian¡¯s desire, not mine,¡± Joe replied. ¡°I¡¯ll do anything to make her happy. Perhaps this separation and divorce will make her happy and allow her to pursue her dreams more freely.¡±


    ¡°In Mama¡¯s opinion, both of you are selfish!¡± Mrs. Linn swallowed her saliva, still not believing that Joe and Vivian were both equally selfish.


    ¡°What about Kimmy? Both of you don¡¯t want to talk about Kimmy. Don¡¯t think too much about your feelings. Think about your daughter who is only 3 years old and has to live with divorced parents!¡± Mrs. Linn emphasized angrily.


    ¡°Enough, Mom! I have enough love. I will love Kimmy, and fulfill her needs without begging that woman, Mom!¡± Joe replied. He was angry but tried to restrain himself from exploding in front of his parents. Trying to control himself.


    ¡°Joe, please attend the hearing today,¡± Mrs. Linn insisted with hope.


    ¡°No, Mom, don¡¯t force me!¡± the man refused. ¡°I¡¯ve tried enough. I¡¯ve yielded and obeyed all of Vivian¡¯s wishes, and I love her so much. But what¡¯s the result now? Just pain, and it keeps hurting! I¡¯ve given her everything she wanted ¨C money, love, attention ¨C but she doesn¡¯t want what I give. What she wants is freedom!¡± Joe exined the actual situation.


    ¡°Joe!¡± Mrs. Linn called, looking sharply into her son¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing I can do except to set her free and let her be happy with her choice!¡± Joe insisted.


    ¡°Okay, if that¡¯s your will!¡± his mom conceded.


    ¡°I¡¯m full; I¡¯m leaving now!¡± Joe said, putting down his spoon and leaving the food on his te. He stood up and returned to the second floor to meet his daughter.


    ¡°Ma! Joe is an adult now; let him choose his path!¡± said Mr. Bond. ¡°ording to Papa, Joe is a responsible man for his choices!¡± the middle-aged man added.


    ¡°Pa, Mama knows. Mama just pities Kimmy, growing up with divorced parents!¡± Mrs. Linn protested.


    ¡°Enough, Ma. Our love for Kimmy surpasses Vivian¡¯s love for her daughter. Mama doesn¡¯t need to worry if our grandchild willck love just because Vivian doesn¡¯t pay attention to her,¡± Mr. Bond said.


    ¡°Yes, Pa,¡± Mrs. Linn conceded.


    Joe spent the whole day without enthusiasm, doing nothing. Just at home and spending time with his daughter, apanying her to y, and running in the backyard, while looking at the rose garden.


    Joe made that garden for Vivian because of her love for those flowers. Joe stared at those flowers with an empty gaze. Beautiful memories with Vivian floated away, evaporating with the impending divorce.


    Now in front of him was Kimmy, seeing Kimmy, who looked so much like Vivian, made Joe constantly remember that woman.


    ====???====


    ¡°ra,¡± Nadia called, lying on the bed still in her school uniform.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra replied, ncing at the clothes she bought with Joe.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to call Uncle Joe?¡± Nadia asked.


    ¡°Why?¡± ra asked back.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t today the first hearing of his divorce? Maybe he¡¯s already home now,¡± Nadia said, feeling this was the right time to get attention from the man.


    ¡°True,¡± ra agreed, grabbing her phone and searching for his number.


    The call connected, and a few momentster, a voice was heard from the other side.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Joe greeted.


    ¡°Hello, Uncle, it¡¯s ra,¡± ra replied, feeling embarrassed as she rarely made phone calls. And if it weren¡¯t for Nadia forcing her, she probably wouldn¡¯t have called him.


    ¡°Yes, ra, what¡¯s up?¡± Joe replied. His opinion of ra has now changed. If in the past, it was just about providing material sufficiency, this time Joe would pay a little attention to ra. Like her parents who always treated her well.


    ¡°No, Uncle, just wanted to ask how you¡¯re doing today, how was the trial earlier?¡± ra babbled, oveing her nervousness.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t attend the trial,¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Oh! Then how?¡± ra waited for him to pour out his heart.


    ¡°Nothing, everything is fine!¡± Joe asserted. He would never show his weakness.


    ¡°In that case, can Uncle teach ra to study? I¡¯m starting to have trouble with my assignments!¡± the girl said, following Nadia¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°How about I enroll you in private tutoring?¡± Joe suggested. He felt disturbed by the phone call from ra. However, he tried to maintainposure.


    ¡°No! No need. ra just wants you to teach her,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m busy, I also have to work and don¡¯t have extra time to teach you. Let me hire a private tutor for you, okay?¡± Joe offered.


    ¡°Not this time. I just want you to teach me, for this time only, Uncle, okay?¡± ra urged. ¡°This is an economics lesson, and I don¡¯t like it!¡± ra lied. She just wanted to seize the opportunity to meet him.


    ¡°ra, I can¡¯t,¡± Joe refused, with emphasis in his tone.


    ¡°This time, just this time, Uncle! Please, I promise it¡¯s only this once!¡± ra pulled out her trick with a sweet and cute voice.


    ¡°Alright,e to my house after school tomorrow!¡± Joe surrendered.


    ¡°Okay! Thank you!¡± ra replied, feeling victorious.


    The call ended.


    ra put down her phone and reflexively hugged Nadia.


    ¡°Thanks, Nad!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for you, ra!¡±


    After that, ra chose the best Osis uniform among the three Osis uniforms she had, it was ridiculous, but what¡¯s wrong with that?


    Moreover, soon Uncle Joe will be divorced from his wife. She is not a home-wrecker because Aunt Vivian doesn¡¯t love that man anymore.


    A 17-year-old teenager, fearless, wanting to fight for her first love without knowing how deep the gap separates her from Joe.


    To be Continue¡­

 Chap 11

    ¡°11 || One Step Closer ||


    In the ssroom after the lesson, rabs her hair, tying it into a ponytail. She applies lip balm to her thin lips, a practice she never does unless she¡¯s going to meet Uncle Joe.


    Nadia sits, always supporting her friend. She knows ra is eagerly waiting for thest bell.


    Mario, who always observes ra, nces at her, curious. It¡¯s unusual for ra to dress up after school. Even in the mornings when the girls in ss are busy with makeup, she prefers reading novels.


    Is there something special today?


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Mario asks, sitting in the chair in front of ra¡¯s desk, making them face each other. Mario can now see ra up close.


    ¡°Just curious! I can go wherever I want!¡± ra replies indifferently, still staring at her reflection in the mirror.


    ¡°Just as a friend, I just want to know,¡± Mario answers, bing more fascinated with his ssmate.


    ¡°I want to meet Uncle Joe,¡± ra replies, matching Mario¡¯s gaze. She can feel a different vibe from him.


    Mario quickly averts his gaze, unable to return ra¡¯s stare.


    ¡°Why?¡± Mario still looks down, curiosity making him keep talking.


    ¡°To talk about many things.¡± ra answers, awkward with Mario¡¯s continuous interrogation.


    ¡°Many things? What¡¯s that?¡± Mario presses.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business, and it has nothing to do with you!¡± ra retorts, frowning at her ssmate.


    ¡°Why do you want to know?¡± ra protests, starting to get annoyed.


    ¡°Okay, I don¡¯t want to know, but let me at least escort you to Uncle Joe¡¯s house. I just don¡¯t want you to take public transportation, that¡¯s all!¡± Mario says tly.


    ra looks at Nadia, seeking approval from her friend.


    Nadia winks, signaling her approval for ra to ept Mario¡¯s offer.


    ¡°Alright, apany me to Uncle Joe¡¯s house,¡± ra says, throwing a slight smile at Mario.


    Nadia heads back to the dorm, not far from school. Meanwhile, ra is escorted by Mario to Uncle Joe¡¯s house. She rides pillion on Mario¡¯s motorcycle, maintaining a distance to avoid leaning too much on Mario¡¯s back.


    Mario¡¯s two-wheeler starts moving ording to ra¡¯s directions.


    ¡°ra,¡±


    ¡°ra,¡±


    ¡°ra Rusadi!¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra answers.


    ¡°Can I offer you something?¡± Mario asks hopefully.


    ¡°What are you selling?¡± ra counters.


    ¡°Starting today, I¡¯m willing to be your driver, taking you wherever you want. What do you say?¡± Mario offers, still focused on riding his motorcycle.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it!¡± ra shouts so Mario can hear her.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± disappointed Mario replies.


    Mario continues driving at a moderate speed. He intentionally slows down to spend more time with ra. He can¡¯t bear the thought of ra liking Uncle Joe.


    In Mario¡¯s opinion, Joe is not suitable for ra, who is still young. Joe is too old, that¡¯s how Mario sees the age gap between Joe and ra.


    They arrive at the gate of Joe Sebastian¡¯s house. ra gets off the motorcycle, removes her helmet, and hands it back to Mario.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go in now, thank you. You can go home now!¡± ra instructs.


    ¡°No, let me wait here. I¡¯ll take you back to the dormter; I just don¡¯t want you to take public transport, that¡¯s all!¡± Mario says tly.


    ¡°No need, it might take a while!¡± ra refuses.


    ¡°I¡¯ll still wait for you,¡± Mario insists.


    ¡°Just go home; Uncle Joe will take me back to the dormter,¡± ra exins.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll wait for you!¡± Mario says, with no intention of changing his mind.


    ra remains silent, staring at Mario carefully.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯m going home now,¡± disappointed Mario says. He starts to get frustrated and then starts his motorcycle. He turns it around and walks away from Joe¡¯s residence.


    ====???====


    The gate opens. ra steps slowly into Joe Sebastian¡¯s luxurious yard.¡±


    ¡°Very spacious, with a garden, a pond filled with ornamental fish, and beautiful fountains. Next to the house, there¡¯s a sizable rose garden with various colors. ra continues walking forward, standing at the front door greeted by two tall white pirs. The walls are as white as a pce.


    A female servant opens the door for her.


    ra steps inside.


    ¡°Good afternoon,¡± ra greets Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond. The two of them are rxing in the living room.


    ¡°Good afternoon, ra. How are you?¡± asks the charismatic middle-aged woman.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. How about Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond?¡± ra asks back.


    ¡°We¡¯re doing well.¡± Mrs. Linn answers, observing the girl. She appears more mature since theyst met three months ago. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since you visited; make sure toe more often!¡± Mrs. Linn always treats ra kindly.


    ¡°Alright, Mrs. Linn,¡± ra replies. In the past, ra lived in this house. However, when Joe decided to get married, ra dared to try living independently, choosing a school with dormitory facilities. Since then, her rtionship with Joe¡¯s extended family has be strained.


    ¡°Do you want to see Joe?¡± Mrs. Linn asks. Joe is the only one close to her. Ten years ago, when ra was only 7 years old, a car ident imed the lives of her parents. Joe was the only one who could make her talk and help her get back to a normal life.


    ¡°Yes, Mrs. Linn,¡± ra answers.


    ¡°Go up to the second floor; he¡¯s ying with Kimmy,¡± she replies with a smile.


    ¡°Alright, thank you,¡±


    ra begins to climb the stairs, step by step, reaching the second floor. At the top, she stands, observing a father and daughter. Something is missing!


    ¡°Come here!¡± Joe instructs, sitting with Kimmy. The little girl seems engrossed in ying with her favorite doll.


    ra takes off her shoes and then sits on the soft carpet next to Joe and Kimmy.


    ¡°What do you want to say, ra? I know you¡¯re a smart girl; you can¡¯t possibly struggle with homework or have difficulty understanding the material!¡± Joe protests. ¡°This is the first time you¡¯ve had a problem like this, so tell me what you need!¡± Joe insists. Despite his cold and indifferent demeanor, Joe understands the girl in front of him like no one else.


    ra startles; her small lie is immediately exposed by Joe.


    ¡°No, Uncle, there¡¯s nothing,¡± ra denies, unable to admit her feelings. She is also self-aware, not yet ready to express her feelings of love.


    ¡°Is your allowance not enough, or do you want to buy clothes again, or is there a problem at your school with your friends?¡± Joe guesses.


    ra remains silent.


    ¡°Tell me honestly what you need; your attitude has been strangetely, ra!¡± Joe demands, staring sharply into ra¡¯s eyes. He doesn¡¯t like her odd and seemingly contrived behavior.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just stay silent; tell me what¡¯s bothering you, ra!¡± Joe loses patience seeing ra remain silent.


    ra looks down, her lips trembling. ¡°I like¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you like your friend from earlier, the one who brought you here? I saw him from the balcony! If you like him, I won¡¯t allow it! Don¡¯t date before you graduate from high school!¡± Joe asserts with a slightly stern tone.


    The girl bes even more silent, biting her lower lip to hold back tears. Lately, Joe seems to be more daring in scolding and getting angry with her.


    ¡°Why does Uncle Joe scold me?¡± ra protests softly. Tears start to well up in her eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like Mario!¡± ra says with a louder voice than before.


    Seeing ra crying, Joe feels guilty. He stays silent and tries to lead ra away from Kimmy and her caregiver.


    ¡°I¡¯ve liked you for a long time, Uncle,¡± those words slip out of ra¡¯s lips just like that.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 12

    12.


    ¡°Wait! Please repeat what you just said!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve liked you for a long time, Uncle,¡± ra confesses, louder than before.


    ¡°Are you serious, ra?¡± Joe res at the young girl. How could she, at 17 years old, dare to love him, now 35 years old and soon to be divorced?


    ra is taken aback, afraid to meet the man¡¯s gaze. Then, she straightens her head briefly to nce at Joe, feeling scared. She turns around, running down the stairs.


    Mrs. Linn sees ra with surprise. It¡¯s only been about five minutes on the second floor, and now she¡¯s already on the ground floor.


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong, ra?¡± Mrs. Linn scolds.


    ¡°I want to go home now, Mr. Bond, Mrs. Linn. I think I forgot something!¡± ra says and quickly walks towards the front door. She steps out, walking down the alley until reaching the main street. Then, she immediately orders a motorcycle taxi online through the app on her phone.


    =====???=====


    It¡¯s been 3 weeks since ra confessed her feelings to Joe. During that time, ra has been trying hard to forget him. Since then, ra has never called Joe. Likewise, Joe has been busy with work and his personal affairs.


    Now, the man is officially divorced from Vivian and a handsome, wealthy widower admired by many women.


    ra slides her work screen. Several articles about Joe¡¯s divorce from Vivian are trending on various online media tforms. ra swallows, realizing she¡¯s nothingpared to being a rival to the model. Vivian Rosaline, Joe Sebastian¡¯s ex-wife, is beautiful, intelligent, and wealthy. It¡¯s reasonable for Joe to love such a woman.


    ¡°Are you not going to send a message or call him?¡± Nadia asks, redirecting her gaze to ra.


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t send a message or call him,¡± ra chuckles, still staring at her phone screen, curious and continuously stalking Vivian Rosaline¡¯s Instagram.


    ¡°Tomorrow is the end of the month, and in the afternoon, aren¡¯t we having an outbound event for the farewell and handover to the new scout organization?¡± Nadia protests, knowing ra will need a lot of money for that event.


    ¡°I still have money in my savings; I can use it for the next 4 months,¡± ra confidently replies. She won¡¯t meet or send a message to Joe before he contacts her first.


    ¡°Come on, ra! It¡¯s okay; you just need to apologize and promise not to repeat your recklessness. That¡¯s all you need to do, rather than going hungry during lunch and not buying anything!¡± Nadia persuades, knowing ra loves snacks from the school canteen.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t dare. Even now, when he rejects me, I still like him!¡± ra says, not understanding her feelings. Her affection for Joe is too deep.


    ra gets up from her seat, looks into her wallet, and realizes her money is running out. There¡¯s a school event tomorrow that will require her to spend more money. She can only sigh in frustration, resisting the temptation of buying snacks outside and having dinner with the provided menu in the dorm.


    The next day¡­


    Something bad happens to ra. While rock climbing, she falls and can¡¯t walk. She even faints because her head hits the floor.


    Nadia and Mario immediately take ra to the nearest hospital with one of their supervising teachers.


    ¡°We need to contact ra¡¯s guardian!¡± Mrs. Santi, their supervising teacher, instructs.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am, I will call them,¡± Nadia replies. Meanwhile, ra is undergoing treatment.


    ¡°Alright, Nadia, I¡¯ll go back to the school event. You take care of ra and call me when ra¡¯s guardian arrives,¡± Mrs. Santi says.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°You better go home or return to the school event. I¡¯ll take care of ra,¡± Nadia orders Mario, who sits next to her, looking very worried.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here until ra wakes up!¡± Mario insists. They keep a close eye on ra, hoping she regains consciousness soon.


    ¡°Uncle Joe,¡± the teenage girl mutters without opening her eyes. Sweat dampens her forehead and face.


    Nadia is startled, wanting to contact Joe immediately. After all, he¡¯s the only person who can be asked for help. ra has no one else.


    Mario looks at Nadia, and vice versa.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call Uncle Joe,¡± Nadia says, grabbing ra¡¯s phone and dialing his number.


    The call connects.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Joe answers after seeing ra¡¯s name on his screen.


    ¡°Uncle, it¡¯s Nadia, ra¡¯s friend,¡± the teenager replies.


    ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s up?¡± Joe asks, currently having lunch with his friend.


    ¡°ra is in the hospital, Uncle,¡± Nadia says.


    ¡°Why did that happen?¡± Joe asks, concerned.


    ¡°ra fell while rock climbing and hasn¡¯t regained consciousness, Uncle,¡± Nadia exins.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯lle right away. Send me the location,¡± Joe responds, deeply worried. He intentionally didn¡¯t contact ra because he wanted her to forget him, fearing he might hurt her if he openly discussed his feelings.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replies, then ends the call.


    Before locking her phone screen, Nadia shares her location with Joe. Then, she goes back into ra¡¯s room. Mario is still there, always keeping watch over ra with a sad expression.


    ¡°Who will pick up rater?¡± Mario asks, his gaze always on ra, who is still unconscious.


    ¡°Uncle Joe,¡± Nadia answers firmly.


    ¡°What about ra¡¯s parents?¡± Mario probes. ¡°Why does that man have to pick up ra?¡± Mario protests.


    ¡°Uncle Joe has reced the role of ra¡¯s deceased parents!¡± Nadia exins.


    ¡°Are they close?! How close are they?¡± Mario¡¯s curiosity grows, bing more intrigued with Uncle Joe, especially the extent of his role in ra¡¯s life!


    ¡°Very close. Uncle Joe has always treated ra well, taken her on vacations, bought her a phone, and they met. Until everything changed a month ago!¡± Nadia whispers thest three words.


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡± Mario¡¯s voice also lowers, his curiosity increasing. He wants to ask Nadia, who may understand what happened between ra and the older man.


    ¡°ra confessed,¡± Nadia whispers, covering her lips with her index finger.


    Hearing that, Mario doesn¡¯t ask any more questions. He just feels heartbroken, but there¡¯s still hope because it seems Uncle Joe has rejected ra¡¯s feelings.


    To be continued¡­

 Chap 13

    13 || ra¡¯s Cry ||


    After hearing that ra is in the hospital, Joe immediately ends his lunch event. He cancels all his work schedules for the day, concerned about ra, especially since she hasn¡¯t contacted him for three weeks.


    Although worried, Joe is confident that ra will be okay. ¡°Postpone the meeting with the important client and meet with somepanies offering coboration,¡± Joe instructs Fadli, his loyal secretary.


    ¡°Alright, Sir,¡± Fadli responds.


    Joe swiftly leaves the cafe, driving to the hospital at full speed. Arriving at the parking area, he walks towards ra¡¯s room.


    The door opens, revealing Mario and Nadia sitting. Worry is evident on both of their faces. Joe inquires, walking forward and observing Nadia and Mario alternately.


    ¡°What happened to ra?¡± Joe probes, looking at Nadia and Mario.


    ¡°ra fell while rock climbing, Uncle,¡± Nadia responds. She steals a nce at Joe. Handsome, it¡¯s understandable why ra liked him even after being rejected; she couldn¡¯t forget him.


    ¡°Is she still unconscious?¡± Joe asks, looking at ra. There are scratches on her cheek, and a bandage covers her eyelid.


    ¡°She woke up earlier, Uncle, but now she¡¯s sleeping, probably due to the effects of anesthesia,¡± Nadia replies.


    ¡°Have you two eaten?¡±


    Joe is sure that the teenagers haven¡¯t had lunch, too preupied with worrying about ra.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Nadia rubs her growling stomach. Meanwhile, Mario remains cool, not too concerned about the offer from the man in front of him.


    ¡°Have something to eat!¡±


    Joe takes out five red bills from his wallet.


    ¡°Take this!¡±


    He insists, forcing Nadia to ept.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle,¡± Nadia replies.


    ¡°Come on, Mario, let¡¯s eat!¡±


    Joe invites Mario, who is still sitting on the sofa.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not hungry. I¡¯ll stay here and wait for ra to wake up! I¡¯m really worried about her!¡± Mario refuses. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Nadia, we¡¯ll eat first!¡± he adds, ignoring Joe¡¯s sharp gaze.


    ¡°Come on!¡± Nadia persuades, slightly forcing him. Fearful, she sees Joe¡¯s gaze changing when he looks at Mario.


    ¡°Worry about yourself first before worrying about others!¡± Joe jokes.


    Without much thought, Nadia grabs Mario¡¯s hand and forces him to leave the room immediately.


    Joe sits on the sofa previously upied by Mario. His gaze is fixed on ra, still deeply asleep. She looks thinner than three weeks ago. Her slender fingers and hands appear smaller than before.


    Joe looks up, then sighs in frustration. It seems he has made a mistake with ra.


    ra opens her eyes, waking up from her sleep. Her gaze sweeps across the room, then focuses on Joe sitting next to her. She blinks and pinches her cheek lightly, realizing that this is real.


    ¡°Uncle Joe, why are you here? What should I do?¡± ra whispers.


    ¡°Are you awake, ra?¡± Joe asks, very t and maintaining the same expression, not letting his face show the relief he feels.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replies softly.


    She tries to sit up, and Joe helps her. Now ra and Joe are staring at each other, quite close, and getting closer.


    Silence.


    Joe looks at ra, who ignores him, observing her longer and longer, but ra still doesn¡¯t turn her gaze towards him.


    ¡°ra,¡± Joe calls.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra whispered, choosing to lower her gaze instead of looking at the man. She felt embarrassed, awkward, and in pain. Yet, her heart and mind continued to adore him. His name was etched in ra¡¯s memory and couldn¡¯t be easily reced.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you meet me?¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you send a message to me?¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you take your monthly allowance?¡±


    Joe rambles on, not knowing how to express his anger towards himself for being too selfish. ra has no one but him, and when he¡¯s angry, ra doesn¡¯t dare to confront him. This hadn¡¯t crossed Joe¡¯s mind before.


    ra doesn¡¯t answer. Tears start falling, wetting her cheeks, coinciding with the opening door. Nadia and Mario stand at the doorway, staring at Joe with scrutiny.


    ¡®Why is ra crying?¡¯ Nadia wonders.


    ¡®Why did you make ra cry?¡¯ Mario thinks.


    Seeing Nadia and Mario¡¯s arrival, ra covers her face with both hands, revealing her vulnerability.


    Nadia chooses to stay silent, not daring to speak. using and questioning Joe would require more courage than she currently possesses. Mario, on the other hand, is different. His gaze sharp, he strides confidently towards Joe.


    Now, their bodies face each other, although Joe¡¯s stature is taller with a muscr build. Mario appears unfazed.


    ¡°What are you doing? Why is ra crying? Can¡¯t you, just not make her cry? You have no right to hurt her!¡± Mario says firmly in front of Joe.


    ¡°Enough, Mario! Uncle Joe is not at fault!¡± ra interjects amid her sobs.


    ¡°Is your heart made of stone? Look! When you make her cry and sad for days, she still defends you!¡± Mario protests louder than before. He¡¯s furious with Joe, who always makes ra sad while he can¡¯t do anything tofort her.


    ¡°Quiet, Mario!¡± ra shouts, wiping her tear-streaked face.


    ¡°Both of you, go home now! Let me handle this with ra!¡± Joe orders, signaling Nadia to take Mario away.


    Nadia steps forward, pulling Mario¡¯s arm to leave ra¡¯s room.


    ¡°Let go!¡±


    Mario roughly pushes Nadia aside and walks back towards Joe.


    They face each other.


    ¡°Once again, I see ra cry, just wait and see what I¡¯ll do to you,¡± Mario boldly threatens.


    Silence, a sharp stare exchanged between them.


    ¡°Take care of ra tonight!¡± Mario instructs the older man.


    ¡°I will take care of ra without you telling me, kid!¡± Joe retorts. He can¡¯t remain silent when a teenager dictates to him without any respect.


    ¡°I entrust you to take care of ra tonight! Apologize to ra immediately, and promise that you won¡¯t hurt her again!¡± Mariomands fearlessly.


    Joe doesn¡¯t respond. He observes, ring at the teenager with a deadly gaze.


    ¡°I have to go now because Mama told me toe home!¡± Mario says while checking his watch, indicating it¡¯s already five in the evening. Then he turns around, followed by Nadia, who waves to ra, eager to return to the dorm. She closes the door behind them.


    ¡°Damn, kid!¡± Joe curses in his heart, frustrated with Mario¡¯s attitude.


    Now in the room, it¡¯s just him and ra. Joe steps closer to ra, who is still crying.


    To be continued

 Chap 14

    14.


    ¡°I apologize, Uncle. Mario was rude to you,¡± ra whispered, holding back her sobs. asionally, she takes a breath, covering her mouth and nose with the back of her hand to muffle her cries.


    Joe sits at the edge of ra¡¯s bed, attentively observing her. There¡¯s a sense of unease in his heart, especially after hearing Mario¡¯s story earlier. Joe truly had no idea he hurt ra¡¯s feelings. He thought ra wouldn¡¯t be hurt after he rejected her.


    ¡°Is what Mario said true?¡± Joe asks. Slowly, he reaches for ra¡¯s hand, examining the wet and reddened brown eyes. The girl does look thinner than before.


    ra doesn¡¯t dare to answer. She bites her lower lip, trying to contain the pain in her heart. Joe rejecting her has deeply hurt her.


    ¡°Did I hurt you, or are you sad because I rejected your love?¡± Joe asks again, equally fragile in the current situation.


    ra remains silent, not daring to respond. Her lips were tightly sealed. Fortunately, her tears have stopped flowing.


    ¡°I apologize; let¡¯s make amends, okay? Let¡¯s not have any more hostility between us. Do you agree?¡± Joe offers. He realizes ra has no one else but him. Where would she go if she¡¯s arguing with him? She has no other ce to go.


    ra nods, agreeing. After all, fighting with Joe stresses her out. He is the only family member she has.


    Feeling pity for ra, Joe sees the sadness enveloping her. Then, he enfolds ra in a tight hug.


    What ra feels mirrors Joe¡¯s own emotions. If ra is sad because her love was rejected, he is also sad because he couldn¡¯t hold onto his love.


    The door opens. A female nurse stands in front of the door, sessfully interrupting the closeness between Joe and ra. Both Joe and ra release the hug.


    Joe stands up from his sitting position, looking at the female nurse tly.


    ¡°This is the meal and medicine for Miss ra, Sir,¡± the nurse says, walking over and cing the tray on the bedside table. Then she quickly leaves to avoid the awkwardness she feels.


    Joe rubs his face roughly. Then he walks around ra¡¯s bed, sitting on the other side.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten, have you? Let me feed you as my apology to you, ra!¡± Joe says, adjusting his sitting position. Then he reaches for the tray, ready to feed ra.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replies.


    Joe¡¯s offer is like rain in the desert. Her heart still races fast from his hug, and now it beats even faster. Having to look at Uncle Joe because he wants to feed her makes this evening truly heart-pounding for ra.


    The feeling of love is still the same and maybe even deeper, in line with the pounding of her heart. It¡¯s been a long time since she saw and missed him. Joe¡¯s hug truly had a strong impact. ra sometimes holds her breath, afraid Joe might hear her heartbeat.


    ¡°Are you not eating? Why are you letting your chubby cheeks be thin? I don¡¯t like it, ra!¡± Joe protests, trying to give a little attention to ra. Honestly, he feels guilty towards her.


    ¡°I am eating, Uncle,¡± ra counters, epting each spoonful that Joe feeds her. She chews and swallows. Being fed by Joe makes her more enthusiastic. The hospital menu, not much different from the dorm¡¯s food, still makes her eager to finish the dishes fed by Joe.


    After finishing the meal, Joe feeds ra the medicine. Only now does he realize that ra is just an ordinary teenager who needs attention from parents.


    The clock shows seven in the evening. Joe decides to call home, informing her that he won¡¯t being home tonight because he will apany ra to the hospital. Mrs. Linn understands; after all, she is very aware that ra has no one but Joe.


    ra reaches for her infusion bottle. She gets ready to go down because she needs to use the restroom.


    ¡°Where are you going, ra?¡± Uncle Joe asks.


    ¡°Toilet, Uncle,¡± ra answers, lowering her feet. However, her right leg feels painful, almost causing her to fall.


    Fortunately, Joe reaches out. ra doesn¡¯t fall. Without much thought, Joe lifts ra. He grabs her slender body, carrying her to the bathroom within the ward.


    ra¡¯s body is indeed very light, thin, and petite. Joe¡¯s muscr body doesn¡¯t feel burdened at all while carrying ra to the bathroom.


    This moment allows ra to observe Joe¡¯s face up close. Still the same, he remains very handsome when he just stands and breathes. Now, he looks even more handsome because he¡¯s carrying her.


    Joe opened the toilet door. Then lowered ra very slowly.


    ¡°Do you want me to wait for me inside or outside?¡± Joe asked observing ra who was still stunned. Staring at him without blinking.


    ra, who was still fascinated by the man¡¯s handsomeness, was silent and did not answer. She even bit his lip because she was so fascinated.


    ¡°Should I help you take off your pants ra?¡± Joe offered while showing his funny face in front of ra.


    This made ra realize. He looked down because he was embarrassed.


    ¡°Wait outside Uncle!¡± the girl softly held back embarrassment.


    ¡°When you¡¯re finished, call me!¡± tell Joe. He turned out of the bathroom. Closed the door and waited for ra outside.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± said ra


    Joe opened the door and grabbed ra¡¯s body again, carried her, andid the girl on the bed.


    ¡°Does your leg hurt?¡± Joe asked after seeing ra¡¯s expression as she grimaced, holding back her pain.


    ¡°A little, Uncle,¡± answered ra as if her leg had sprained when she fell from a rock climbing wall.


    ¡°Come here, let me massage!¡± Joe offered. Sitting on the edge of the bed prepared to hold the girl¡¯s ankle.


    ¡°No need Uncle, I can do it myself!¡± ra refused, blushing. All the man¡¯s treatment had made her heartache. ra was afraid that her heart would explode because of Uncle Joe¡¯s 180¡ã change in treatment, bing very sweet.


    ¡°No need to be embarrassed, since the age of 7, I took care of you, so don¡¯t be shy about me!¡± persuaded the man. ra increasingly realized that there was no one else ra could ask for help except herself. The longer he was close to ra, he realized one thing, all this time he had forgotten ra, made her live alone and only gave her material sufficiency without attention.


    Finally, ra invited Joe to touch her feet. Joe¡¯s strong hands turned out to be very soft.


    The man¡¯s touch made ra forget to breathe.


    To be continued¡­

 Chap 15

    15 || A Kiss ||


    ¡°Don¡¯t go back to the dormitory yet as long as your feet are still sore, stay at my house!¡± Joe ordered, continuing to give gentle massages to ra¡¯s feet.


    Joe didn¡¯t dare to press on ra¡¯s ankles too hard.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle,¡± ra replied, breathless! Then, panting.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Joe asked, noticing ra greedily inhaling oxygen as if she had just finished running.


    ¡°Nothing, Uncle.¡±


    ra evaded, unwilling to admit that she forgot to breathe because of his touch. Joe¡¯s hand, rubbing her ankles, sent vibrations that stirred molecules in her blood, prompting her brain to release dopamine associated with the happiness she felt at the moment.


    ¡°Go to sleep, ra!¡± Joe instructed, even though it was only 7:05 PM. He wanted ra to rest to recover soon.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied shortly. Somehow, in front of Joe, she could only obey and obey.


    Joe sat beside ra¡¯s bed. He nced around. Tonight he would sleep on the couch. However, seeing ra still not asleep made his eyes reluctant to close before watching ra fall asleep.


    ¡°What are you thinking, ra, why can¡¯t you sleep?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Not sleepy yet, Uncle,¡± she replied, looking at Joe.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait until you get sleepy!¡± Joe said, adjusting the nket ra was using.


    ¡°Uncle, can you tell me about Mom and Dad first?¡± ra requested.


    ¡°Why do you suddenly want me to tell you about your parents when you often stop me when I want to talk about them?¡± the man protested. Though tired and sleepy, he had intended to apany ra until she fell asleep.


    ¡°ra wants to remember their kindness, so that this nightmare doesn¡¯te again!¡± ra said, her expression turning sad.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you stop having that nightmare since you were 10, ra?¡± That¡¯s what Joe remembered.


    ¡°No, Uncle,tely that dream hase back, and I haven¡¯t been able to sleep again after waking up because of that scary dream,¡± ra recounted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, tonight I¡¯m here,¡± Joe joked. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll start telling you about your parents, ra,¡± he added enthusiastically.


    ra focused her hearing. Getting ready to listen to Uncle Joe telling stories about her parents.


    ¡°Once, when you were around 5 years old, I lived in your parents¡¯ house in Ennd, ra, do you know what was most memorable about your Dad?¡± Joe tried to grab the girl¡¯s attention.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What, Uncle?¡±


    ¡°Even though I was a stranger living with Devano and Ce, they always waited for me toe home before we had dinner together,¡± Joe recounted. His memories seemed to return to the past.


    Joe kept telling stories until ra got sleepy.


    ¡°ra,¡± Uncle Joe called from the chair next to ra¡¯s bed.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± she replied, with barely awake eyes.


    ¡°Go to sleep soon, I want you to recover and get better soon,¡± he said. His eyes stared seriously at ra¡¯s face.


    The man¡¯s gaze made ra melt, kneel, and dare not object. Slowly, she put down her phone again. Then, shey back down. Her heart was beating very fast because the man had been watching her for quite a while.


    ¡°Is Uncle Joe going to apany ra to sleep here?¡± ra asked softly.


    The man didn¡¯t respond at all. ra waited for Uncle Joe to say something, but until ra fell asleep faster due to the influence of the medicine she had just taken, the man didn¡¯t say anything.


    ra was already asleep, her breathing regr and her eyes tightly closed. Joe, still sitting next to the girl, couldn¡¯t help but admire the beautiful sight in front of him.


    Slowly, Joe wiped the sweat from ra¡¯s forehead. He pushed her hair back behind her ears.


    Joe nted a kiss on ra¡¯s forehead, carried away by his feelings.


    Then, he quickly pulled his face away from ra.


    Joe decided to sleep on the sofa.


    ====?====


    The next morning.


    ra woke up and found Joe sitting next to her. The man was watching her.


    ra hit her head. Yes,st night she had a weird dream.


    Uncle Joe kissed me!


    Huh! It seems like I¡¯m starting to hallucinate.


    ¡°Are you feeling dizzy?¡± Joe asked, seeing ra hitting her own head.


    ¡°No, Uncle,¡± ra replied.


    Stopping her hand movement.


    ¡°The doctor wille here soon and examine you!¡± Joe exined.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle.¡±


    ra got up and leaned against a pillow.


    Not long after, the doctor arrived, examined ra, and allowed her to go home.


    ====???====


    ¡°I can walk on my own, Uncle!¡± ra insisted, not wanting Joe to carry her. She didn¡¯t want to let her wild imagination continue to roll in her mind. She had to be aware, her love had been rejected. It was impossible for her to keep epting kindness from epting every touch of the man while his heart was not for her. Joe was clearly not interested in her.


    ¡°Really?¡± Joe asked to make sure.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied firmly, carrying her uniform bag. Then she walked ahead, enduring the pain in her feet. Joe walked behind her. He was not sure if the girl¡¯s feet were fully healed.


    And indeed, when they reached the stairs leading to the underground parking lot, ra almost fell. Joe swiftly grabbed her.


    ¡°Quiet! Don¡¯t refuse, let me carry you!¡± Joe firmly carried ra down the stairs towards his car.


    Joe sat in the driver¡¯s seat. ra sat next to him.


    Silence!


    Only the sound of ra¡¯s rapidly and loudly beating heart seemed to be heard by someone sitting next to her.


    The car started moving at a moderate speed. Leaving the parking area towards Joe¡¯s residence.


    Midway through the journey, ra felt somethinging out and wet in that area below, in her body¡¯s sensitive part. Then she took out her phone from her bag. Checking the date disyed on her lock screen. Spending one night with Joe made her forget everything, including forgetting the day and date today. ra¡¯s menstrual cycle was regr every month, always at the beginning of the month.


    ra covered her mouth. Forgetting that today was the first day of her period.


    What should I do?


    I can¡¯t ask Uncle Joe to buy me sanitary pads!


    But if I keep sitting here andter wet the car seat???


    That would be more dangerous and Uncle Joe could scold me!! This is a super expensive car!!


    ra scooted while the fluid below continued uncontrobly. Coming out more forcefully, she could feel it.


    ¡°U¡­ Uncle¡­,¡± ra called out hesitantly.


    ¡°Could you please stop the car?¡± ra requested.


    ¡°Where to?¡±


    Joe started to feel anxious due to a sudden meeting with his client.


    ¡°Stop at that mini-market, Uncle,¡± ra requested.


    Joeplied and pulled over his car.


    Without answering, ra quickly got out of the car. However, Joe noticed the red stain on ra¡¯s pants as well as on his car seat. He was stunned, torn between wanting to get angry and not knowing what to do.


    Joe hurriedly got out of his seat. He walked quickly, approaching ra, then grabbed the girl¡¯s hand.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Uncle?¡± ra asked.


    Joe took off his jacket and tied it around ra¡¯s waist. Without saying a word, Joe carried ra back into the car.


    Then, Joe went into the mini-market and bought sanitary pads for ra. He then returned to the car. He handed the woman¡¯s supplies to ra.


    ¡°Next time, don¡¯t let it happen like this, ra!¡± that¡¯s all that came out of Joe¡¯s mouth. He wanted to get angry because his car seat was dirty. However, he couldn¡¯t bear to scold ra.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle, I¡¯m sorry!¡± ra said.


    Joe fell silent, starting the car¡¯s engine and driving at a moderate speed. Throughout the journey, they remained silent, busy with their own thoughts. Joe was busy thinking about his love for his ex-wife, while ra was busy with her feelings still admiring Joe even though the man never nced at her even once.


    Upon arriving at Joe¡¯s residence, ra was attended to by one of the female servants in the house. Meanwhile, Joe chose to meet with his daughter.


    Not much was done by Joe; he only kissed and hugged his little daughter, then chose to talk to his ex-wife.


    ¡°Mom,¡± Joe called as he sat beside Mrs. Linn.


    ¡°Yes, dear, how is ra?¡± the woman asked.


    ¡°ra will stay here for a while, her foot is sprained and I can¡¯t bear to leave her alone in the dorm!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Yes, dear, mama doesn¡¯t mind, if ra wants to stay here, mama won¡¯t object,¡± Mrs. Linn replied. With ra in the house, she wouldn¡¯t feel lonely. ra¡¯s cheerful aura brought color to the house. Actually, three years ago when ra decided to stay in the dorm, Mrs. Linn was sad. However, she couldn¡¯t do much because Vivian also didn¡¯t like her much.


    ¡°As for that, let ra decideter, Ma!¡± Joe replied. ¡°I¡¯ll take a shower, and I have to go to work soon, Ma!¡± he added.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Mrs. Linn smiled at her son. She felt relieved that Joe didn¡¯t seem sad anymore.


    ===?===


    Cold water always invigorated Joe. For a moment as he looked at his reflection in the mirror, he remembered ra.


    ¡°How dare she confess her love to me!¡± Joe muttered. The next moment, he rubbed his lips. Last night, he had kissed ra¡¯s forehead. ¡°Nonsense! I will never like you, ra, you¡¯re not my type!¡± the man muttered again, shaking his head.


    Afterbing his hair and applying perfume, Joe decided to leave the room. He didn¡¯t forget to kiss his daughter¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Kimmy, daddy¡¯s leaving, okay!¡± he bid farewell.


    The little girl nodded, returning to her caregiver¡¯s care. Joe descended the stairs. Then, he stepped onto the terrace. He found ra sitting there.


    ¡°You¡¯re not resting? Rest inside, so your foot can heal quickly and don¡¯t walk too much!¡± Joe advised. There was a caring feeling welling up inside him.


    ¡°No, Uncle, I don¡¯t feelfortable inside the room!¡± ra replied. She intentionally sat on the veranda because she wanted to watch Joe leave for work. The kissst night was a good sign. Perhaps the mature man had changed his mind, and was giving her a little chance.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you!¡± Joe replied, staring at ra for too long, causing him to remember the events ofst night. Hah! He was sure it was all because he got carried away. Not because he liked ra.


    ra swallowed hard. Joe was indifferent!


    ¡°Wait!¡± Joe said, turning to ra. ¡°Aboutst night, I want to make it clear that it didn¡¯t mean anything, ra!¡± Joe exined, not wanting the girl to misunderstand.


    ¡°And then?¡± ra, who had already hoped, replied.


    ¡°I know you like me, but you should also know that I could never like a little girl like you, I only see you as a sister!¡± the man exined again. Compared to Vivian, his ex-wife whom he still loved, ra was nothing. Joe didn¡¯t want to hurt ra, nor did he want to give her false hope.


    ¡°I already know, Uncle!¡± ra replied, meeting Joe¡¯s gaze without fear. ¡°Uncle may not like me, but I will keep liking Uncle Joe! Just wait and see, Uncle Joe will like meter!¡± she added boldly.


    ¡°Nonsense, when did she start going CRAZY!¡± Joe muttered as he walked away towards his car.


    ra just chuckled. She hid her sadness. It seemed likest night¡¯s kiss meant nothing to Joe. It waspletely different from how she interpreted the kiss, full of meaning.

 Chap 16

    16.


    For nearly three days, ra had been staying at Joe¡¯s residence. Every day, she spent time ying with Kimmy, Joe and Vivian¡¯s almost four-year-old daughter.


    Even so, this afternoon ra was sitting with Kimmy on the second floor, waiting for Joe toe home, because every time he came home from work, he would always spend time with Kimmy. While sipping her drink, ra took the opportunity to meet Joe.


    Tap¡­


    Tap¡­


    Tap¡­


    Footsteps were heard climbing the stairs to the second floor. ra had memorized those footsteps, who else could it be but the footsteps of the man she liked.


    ¡°Good evening, Uncle,¡± ra greeted while sitting with Kimmy.


    ¡°Good evening, ra,¡± Joe replied. He chose to kiss his daughter¡¯s forehead and cheeks. ra swallowed hard and observed him from afar.


    ¡°Uncle, do you want coffee or hot chocte?¡± ra offered. Her foot had healed, and maybe tomorrow she would return to the dorm. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to try to contribute to Joe¡¯s day by making him a drink.


    Joe remained silent, looking at ra. ¡°Is your foot healed already?¡± Joe asked, squinting his eyes as he looked at ra¡¯s ankle.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle, see for yourself!¡± ra replied, spinning around agilely.


    ¡°Alright, make me coffee and not too sweet!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle!¡± ra replied and quickly got up. She stood up and walked quickly to the first floor.


    Once in the kitchen, ra made a cup of coffee for Joe and didn¡¯t forget to make milk for Kimmy. During the three days of staying there, Kimmy had be close to ra. Yes, children were easily getting to know new people because they weren¡¯t close to their mother, Vivian.


    After making the coffee, ra brought it to the second floor. She found Joe and Kimmy ying around.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your drink, Uncle,¡± ra offered, cing the tray on the table.


    ¡°Yes, ra,¡± Joe replied casually.


    ¡°Uncle, can I stay here?¡± ra asked. Seeing Joe every morning and evening was her own happiness. There was no harm in staying in this house and giving attention. Maybe today Joe still couldn¡¯t see her charm. But who knows what will happen in a month or a year.


    ¡°No, ra!¡± Joe replied firmly. To be honest, he was disturbed by ra¡¯s gaze and her always attentive attitude.


    ¡°Okay, then my foot won¡¯t heal!¡± ra threatened.


    ¡°ra, you have to get better, don¡¯t think about anything else except school. I don¡¯t want you to fail in your third year of high school!¡± Joe said. ra¡¯s presence in the house only added to his burden with her strange requests.


    ¡°So I¡¯m not allowed to stay here?¡± ra asked to make sure.


    ¡°Go back to the dorm and focus on studying!¡± Joemanded.


    ra was disappointed and chose to sit in the corner, not disturbing Joe and his daughter¡¯s closeness.


    Mrs. Linn arrived, she had been waiting for Joe¡¯s arrival since earlier. The middle-aged woman gestured to talk for a moment.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Mom?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t forget that tomorrow is Kimmy¡¯s birthday, did you?¡± Mrs. Linn asked.


    ¡°I almost forgot!¡± Joe said, tapping his forehead.


    ¡°There¡¯s not much Mama asks for, Mama just wants Vivian to be present too,¡± the middle-aged woman requested firmly.


    Before Joe could object, Kimmy, his daughter, held his hand. ¡°Yes, Dad, Kimmy wants Mom to be there at Kimmy¡¯s birthday,¡± the little girl joked in her cute voice.


    Joe just nodded, there was no other choice. Even though he was hurt by Vivian, Kimmy was their daughter. It was Kimmy¡¯s right to meet her mother.


    ¡°All right, you call Vivian and invite her here! Mama doesn¡¯t care, that woman just acts as she pleases!¡± Mrs. Linn scolded. Since Vivian decided to pursue her career again, Mrs. Linn had been angry and decided to hate her daughter-inw.


    ¡°Yes, I will call her!¡± Joe replied, swallowing his saliva, and nced at ra. He noticed that she was listening to their conversation.


    Mrs. Linn nodded and decided to go back into her room. Now, there were only ra, Joe, and Kimmy in the room.


    Joe reached for his phone and immediately made a call. He called Vivian. There was no response for a while, until his ex-wife finally answered the call.


    ¡°Hello, what¡¯s up?¡± Vivian asked curtly.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t forget, did you? Tomorrow is Kimmy¡¯s fourth birthday, Mama has prepared a party, and you have toe!¡± Joe exined, half-threatening.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, I have a photoshoot, and I can¡¯te!¡± Vivian refused firmly. There were thousands of reasons because she didn¡¯t want to be involved with Joe and his family anymore, especially with Mrs. Linn¡¯s rules.


    ¡°Kimmy wants you toe!¡± Joe pleaded.


    ¡°Sorry, I still can¡¯t!¡± Vivian insisted and quickly ended the call before Joe could persuade her further.


    Joe hung up the phone and threw it carelessly on the sofa. Vivian was not easy to deal with. His face looked weary and mncholic.


    ¡°Is Mama noting?¡± Kimmy asked, her face also sad.


    Joe didn¡¯t answer. Seeing the ufortable atmosphere, one of the caregivers invited Kimmy to go into her room. Now, there were only Joe and ra in the room.


    Joe rubbed his face roughly. On one hand, he didn¡¯t want to make Kimmy sad, but on the other hand, he couldn¡¯t force Vivian toe. Vivian was stubborn.


    ¡°Uncle, if I can bring Aunt Vivian to Kimmy¡¯s birthday party, will you allow me to stay here?¡± ra challenged. She dared to take a risk.


    Joe returned ra¡¯s gaze, trying to guess through her eyes.


    ¡°Answer, Uncle! If I can bring Aunt Vivian to Kimmy¡¯s birthday party, will Uncle Joe allow me to stay here?¡± ra pressed.


    Joe nodded slowly. He didn¡¯t know what ra was thinking. Joe tried to agree.


    ¡°Kimmy?¡± ra extended her right hand, offering a chance.


    ¡°Kimmy!¡± Joe responded, ignoring ra¡¯s extended hand. He stood up and walked towards his room.


    ¡°Wait, Uncle!¡± ra stopped him.


    Joe turned around.


    ¡°I am starting my business, and I am sure it will seed!¡± ra said confidently.


    ¡°Do as you please!¡± Joe replied indifferently, continuing to walk to his room.


    ra grabbed her phone and opened a message from Nadia.


    [Call me after reading this message!]


    Without thinking much, ra immediately dialed Nadia¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello, ra, how are you?¡± Nadia greeted from the other end of the phone. She sounded very concerned about ra.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Nadia, do you have time tomorrow?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Nadia replied. Besides missing ra, Nadia also wanted to hear about her friend¡¯s story with her beloved older men.


    ¡°Tomorrow, apany me to meet Aunt Vivian, there¡¯s something important I need to settle!¡± ra said enthusiastically.


    ¡°Okay, ra, I will always support you!¡± Nadia replied more enthusiastically.


    ¡°See you tomorrow!¡±


    ¡°See you tomorrow!¡±


    ra ended the call and ced her phone on the nightstand. Then shey down on the bed, staring at the ceiling and walls of her room.


    ¡°Uncle Joe, I¡¯m sure one day my feelings of love will be reciprocated!¡± ra murmured to herself to encourage herself before falling asleep.


    The next morning, Sunday at 8:00 a. m., ra came out of her room. She was wearing ck jeans paired with a light purple t-shirt, her hair tied back. The 17-year-old girl descended the stairs and found the ground floor being decorated with various ornaments for Kimmy¡¯s birthday preparation.


    ra approached Kimmy, who was sitting with her caregiver.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, Kimmy!¡± ra knelt down next to the little girl.


    ¡°Mama can¡¯te!¡± sheined with a sad expression.


    ¡°I will bring your mom here, don¡¯t be sad, okay?¡± ra persuaded, rubbing her cheek.


    ¡°Papa said Mama is working and can¡¯te!¡± Kimmy insisted.


    ¡°Trust me, your Mom wille!¡± ra reassured Kimmy and hurried out of the living room of therge house.


    Arriving at the veranda, ra met Joe, who was jogging. Joe¡¯s knee-length pantsbined with a ck t-shirt fit his body perfectly. His muscr physique wrapped in his dark skin.


    ra secretly stole nces as she walked towards him.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Joe asked, stopping his activity, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to bring Aunt Vivian to Kimmy¡¯s birthday party so I can stay in this house!¡± ra replied excitedly.


    ¡°Vivian is out of town,¡± Joe replied casually.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it! I¡¯ll bring Aunt Vivian to Kimmy¡¯s birthday party no matter what!¡± ra retorted.


    ¡°Whatever!¡± Joe resumed running past ra.


    ra left Joe¡¯s house. Nadia was already waiting for her in the online taxi waiting outside the gate.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Nadia asked, opening the taxi door for ra.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to Apartment A,¡± ra said, mentioning Vivian¡¯s residence. ¡°We¡¯re going to meet Aunt Vivian!¡± she added, sitting next to Nadia and starting to enjoy the journey along with the moving car.


    Throughout the journey, ra continued to recount every event that had happened between her and Joe. Nadia listened and was incredulous that Uncle Joe had kissed ra.


    ¡°So, what do you have to do now?¡± Nadia asked eagerly.


    ¡°I have to bring Aunt Vivian to Kimmy¡¯s birthday party, and Uncle Joe will allow me to stay!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Then, won¡¯t you stay at the dorm anymore?¡± Nadia asked sadly.


    ¡°No, Nadia, but don¡¯t worry, we can still meet during school hours!¡± ra persuaded.


    ¡°All right!¡± Nadia replied, understanding ra¡¯s struggle to get her love.


    ¡°Miss, we¡¯ve arrived!¡± the driver said, pulling over the taxi.


    ¡°Yes, thank you, sir!¡± ra replied, paying the fare.


    The two girls got out of the taxi, coinciding with Vivian walking in the parking area.


    ra ran towards the woman.


    ¡°Stop!¡± ra eximed, stretching out her hand to block Vivian¡¯s path.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Vivian snapped, not liking ra¡¯s presence.


    ¡°Aunt, Aunt Vivian muste to Kimmy¡¯s birthday party!¡± ra dared to reply, meeting the gaze of the older woman.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, I have work schedules!¡± Vivian dodged.


    ¡°Aunt, I beg you!¡± ra knelt at the feet of Joe¡¯s ex-wife.


    Silence. Vivian seemed disturbed to be the center of attention.


    ¡°Now you stand up!¡± Vivian pulled ra¡¯s hand and led her into the car.


    Silence.


    ¡°I can¡¯te, I don¡¯t want to meet Joe and Mama!¡± Vivian said.


    ¡°This is not for them, but this is for Kimmy who misses her mom, Aunt!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, ra, I no longer want to interfere with my ex-husband¡¯s family!¡± Vivian tried to exin.


    ¡°The ex-husband is there, Aunt, but the ex-daughter doesn¡¯t exist, this is for Kimmy, not for Uncle Joe!¡± ra persuaded again. Yes, this was herst chance to be able to see Joe every day. ra had to use all her moves.


    Vivian looked out the window, acknowledging ra¡¯s words. However, going to that house would only bring back painful memories of arguments with Joe.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I beg you, Aunt, Kimmy looks very sad when she knows you can¡¯te!¡± ra pulled out herst move.


    Silence.


    Vivian was still thinking, oveing the hesitation in her heart.


    ¡°What time is the party?¡± Vivian asked, starting to soften.


    ¡°At one o¡¯clock, Aunt,¡± ra replied, her heart rejoicing as she looked back and saw Nadia still waiting for her.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯lle!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± ra asked to make sure.


    Vivian nodded confidently.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll tell Kimmy now!¡± ra said enthusiastically. She won over Joe, and he couldn¡¯t stop her from staying in that house.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯lleter!¡± Vivian replied, looking at her wristwatch showing 09:17 AM.


    ¡°I¡¯m going home now, Aunt,¡± ra said as she got out of the car.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ra ran towards Nadia, who was still waiting for her. She hugged her reflexively.


    ¡°I did it!¡± ra shouted in satisfaction.


    ==?==


    [Uncle Joe must allow me to stay, Aunt Vivian wille to Kimmy¡¯s birthday party]


    Joe read ra¡¯s message. He shook his head, swallowing his saliva. ra was indeed a girl who was too eager. Once again Joe admitted, ra was very determined to get what she wanted.


    ¡°Damn kid!¡± Joe said with a mocking smile.

 Chap 17

    17.


    The atmosphere in Joe¡¯s living room had been transformed. Kimmy¡¯s Hello Kitty-themed birthday party was dominated by pink decorations.


    Some guests had arrived wearing red attire as per the dress code. They were rtives of Mrs. Linn, Joe¡¯s uncles and aunts, as well as rtives of Mr. Bond.


    Their family wasn¡¯t doing well. They envied Joe¡¯s wealth because, among their various business endeavors, Joe was the most sessful with his jewelry designpany, ¡°Blue Jewelry.¡±


    Joe was sitting with Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond, greeting the guests. Meanwhile, Kimmy sat next to Joe, looking towards the stairs. The little girl was waiting for ra toe down.


    Shortly after, ra descended the stairs wearing a red dress. She left her long hair neatly flowing. ra¡¯s gaze shifted to Kimmy, and she immediately approached the little girl.


    ¡°You said Mama woulde, where is Mama?¡± Kimmy asked hopefully.


    ra nced at her watch. ¡°Just wait a moment, your Mom wille, Kimmy,¡± ra reassured her.


    ¡°When?¡± the impatient girl asked again, scanning the door but finding no one.


    ¡°Just wait, I¡¯ll call her!¡± ra whispered, reaching for her phone and immediately dialing Vivian¡¯s number. However, after three missed calls, there was no answer from Vivian.


    ¡°How is it?¡± Kimmy asked again.


    ¡°Just wait a bit more!¡± ra reassured her.


    Now it was Joe¡¯s turn to inquire with ra.


    ¡°Are you sure Vivian wille? The party is starting in ten minutes, and there¡¯s no sign of her!¡± Joe said, not too concerned about Vivian¡¯s presence.


    ¡°Just wait a bit more, Uncle!¡±


    ¡°It seems like you¡¯re going to lose, ra! You won¡¯t be able to bring Vivian here!¡± Joe asserted. ra was too confident.


    ¡°ra, if Mama doesn¡¯te, will you apany me in cutting the cake?¡± Kimmy asked. She remembered the moment from her cousin¡¯s party.


    ¡°Of course,¡± ra replied.


    As the clock continued ticking, minutes turned into moments. Now it was exactly 1:00 PM. It was time for the birthday party to begin.


    ¡°Look, ra! You lost, Vivian didn¡¯te because I didn¡¯t want her toe. A woman like her doesn¡¯t deserve to be here!¡± Joe dered, feeling triumphant. Joe still loved Vivian. However, the divorce petition filed by Vivian hurt his heart and dignity. If he still behaved kindly, it was for Kimmy¡¯s sake.


    ra sighed in frustration as her efforts went in vain. She followed Kimmy, who led her to the party area.


    All the guests who had arrived began to sing the birthday song and p their hands. Joe was on Kimmy¡¯s right side, while ra was on her left.


    Then, it was time to blow out the candles and cut the cake.


    ¡°Okay, for the first slice, Kimmy, who do you want to give it to?¡± Joe asked in his baritone voice.


    Kimmy looked at Grandma and Grandpa, then at Joe. Then, her gaze stopped when she looked at ra.


    ¡°I want to give the first slice to ra,¡± Kimmy said, handing the slice of cake to ra.


    ¡°Thank you, Kimmy!¡± ra epted it. Everyone looked at ra with disapproving nces. Yes, ra was just a parasite who was leeching off. That¡¯s how Joe¡¯s rtives viewed ra.


    The event continued with a meal together. The party ended, and one by one the guests left therge house.


    ==?==


    In the evening at 5:00 PM.


    ¡°Where are you going, ra?¡± Joe asked. He was apanying Kimmy in opening her pile of gifts. He looked at ra from head to toe, focusing on the shoulder bag dangling from ra¡¯s arm.


    ¡°My leg has healed, I have to go back to the dorm because you¡¯ve already paid for my expenses there until the end of the semester!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Just stay here! Because Kimmy will feel lonely if you¡¯re not here!¡± Joe insisted.


    ¡°But, Uncle, I didn¡¯t seed in bringing Aunt Vivian here, and I also can¡¯t stay in this house because you¡¯ve already paid for my dorm expenses until I graduate!¡± ra pretended to be sad. In reality, she was jumping for joy inside.


    ¡°Kimmy, don¡¯t you want ra to stay here?¡± Joe asked his daughter.


    ¡°Yes, Dad, I want ra to stay here!¡± the little girl replied.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Do you hear that? Kimmy wants you to stay here. Stay in this house, and tomorrow I¡¯ll send someone to pick up your things from the dorm!¡± Joe asserted. He nced at ra with a convincing look.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle, I¡¯ll stay here!¡± ra replied with a nk expression, far different from the joy in her heart.


    ¡°So starting tomorrow, you¡¯ll go to school from this house! There¡¯s a driver, or you can go with me,¡± Joe said. ra¡¯s presence had changed Kimmy. The little girl, who used to be quiet, became more expressive now. Joe was sure it was all because of ra¡¯s attention and kindness.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡±


    ¡°Return your bag and study, tomorrow you have school!¡± Joe instructed.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡± ra replied, keeping her face expressionless. Slowly, ra walked back to her room. She turned the doorknob, then closed it tightly.


    ¡°Yes!¡± ra shouted with joy.


    Knock, knock.


    ra turned around and opened the door. Joe was standing behind it.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Uncle?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°Could you apany Kimmy? I have a guest downstairs, her caregiver is in the kitchen making milk,¡± Joe instructed.


    ¡°Sure, Uncle,¡± ra replied.


    Joe went downstairs while ra approached Kimmy.


    ¡°Kimmy, do you like me staying here?¡± ra asked as she sat near the child.


    Kimmy looked at ra and nodded slowly.


    ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll stay here!¡± ra replied, smiling as she remembered Nadia¡¯s words from earlier-if she wanted to get closer to Uncle Joe, ra also had to get closer to Kimmy. That way, she¡¯d be one step closer.


    The nanny, a woman named Cici, arrived with a bottle of milk for Kimmy.


    ¡°Mrs. Vivian is here!¡± Cici whispered to ra.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± ra asked, taken aback.


    ¡°She¡¯s downstairs. Mr. Joe didn¡¯t allow her to meet Kimmy,¡± Cici exined.


    ¡°Oh,¡± ra responded, choosing to act indifferent because she was disappointed with Vivian. Very disappointed.


    ra and Cici sat beside Kimmy and started opening gifts.


    Knock, knock, knock.


    The familiar sound of footsteps approached. Joe was standing next to ra.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Uncle?¡± ra asked, looking up and noticing Joe¡¯s strange expression.


    ¡°Somebody wants to talk to you downstairs,¡± Joe said.


    ra stood up, meeting Joe¡¯s gaze. Aunt Vivian?


    Joe nodded reassuringly, indicating that everything would be fine. ra descended the stairs and found Vivian sitting in the living room.


    ¡°Auntie wants to talk to me?¡± ra asked as she sat in front of Vivian.


    ¡°Yes, ra,¡± Vivian replied. ¡°You¡¯re not as innocent as I thought. You may be 17 years old, but your heart and mind are very cunning!¡± Vivian expressed, ending with a mocking smile.


    ¡°What do you mean, Auntie?¡± ra asked, trying to contain her emotions and anger.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know. You¡¯ve liked Joe for a long time, haven¡¯t you? And you deliberately approached Kimmy to get closer to Joe, didn¡¯t you?¡± Vivian used. She had received information from one of the servants in Joe¡¯s residence. She was both a right-hand and a spy whom she paid dearly.


    ¡°Before Uncle Joe married Aunt Vivian, I was already close to and knew Uncle Joe. It¡¯s natural for us to still be close to this day. And as for Kimmy, I¡¯m justforting her. What¡¯s wrong withforting a little girl who misses her mommy, who prioritizes her career over her own daughter?¡± ra replied.


    p, p, p. Vivian apuded. She stood up and moved closer to ra, then sat next to the girl.


    ¡°You¡¯re indeed clever at acting and shameless, ra. I know Joe has rejected you, yet you still try to get close to him! You really have no shame!¡± Vivian jeered, with a mocking smile. ¡°Look at yourself, ra!¡± she added.


    Silence. ra¡¯s throat tightened. There was a bitter taste there.


    ¡°Auntie has divorced Joe, right? He¡¯s no longer Aunt Vivian¡¯s husband, so it¡¯s okay for me to get close to Joe. He¡¯s a widower and doesn¡¯t have a rtionship status with any woman!¡± ra replied. The dislike for Vivian filled her heart again.


    ¡°You¡¯re audacious, ra. I did divorce Joe, but after getting what I want, I¡¯ll reconcile with him! So, don¡¯t you dare get close to Joe!¡± Vivian threatened. It hadn¡¯t even been a month since their official divorce, and someone was already approaching her ex-husband.


    ¡°If Uncle Joe is the priority, why did Aunt Vivian divorce him? Don¡¯t be greedy, Auntie!¡± ra trembled, but she tried to stand up to Vivian.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Vivian shouted with emphasis.


    ¡°Even if it¡¯s not me, there will surely be many women who admire Uncle Joe. He¡¯s handsome, kind, rich, and smart. Plus, he once loved Aunt Vivian wholeheartedly!¡± ra exined.


    ¡°Shut up, you brat!¡± Vivian was provoked to anger. ¡°Mind your words and don¡¯t try to influence Kimmy with your foolishness!¡± she added angrily.


    ra looked down, honestly, she didn¡¯t dare to meet Vivian¡¯s gaze. ¡°And one more thing, don¡¯t you dare try to poison Joe¡¯s mind with your nonsense!¡± she added angrily.


    ¡°I promise not to do anything inappropriate with Kimmy because I only want to be her friend. But¡­ I don¡¯t promise not to get closer to Uncle Joe because I loved him even before Aunt Vivian did. Got it!¡± ra threatened. She stood up and left Vivian. She was trembling, but she managed to ovee her fear and confront the older woman.


    Once she reached the second floor,


    ¡°Has she gone?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Get ready, I¡¯m taking you out to dinner. There¡¯s something I want to discuss about what you and Vivian just talked about,¡± Joe instructed. He was honestly curious about what Vivian and ra discussed.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied, then headed to her room. Before showering and getting ready, ra grabbed her phone and wrote a message to Vivian.


    [Aunty, I¡¯ll soon have a special dinner with Uncle Joe. Don¡¯t try to find out where we¡¯ll be dining. I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t be able to sleep tonight regretting divorcing Uncle Joe, my handsome CEO.]


    Click. ra sent the message to Vivian¡¯s number.

 Chap 18

    18.


    ra examined herself in front of the mirror. She observed her reflection there, wearing ck jeans and a light purple sweater. She let her long hair fall neatly, adorned with a beautiful ribbon.


    ¡°So pretty!¡± ra praised herself with a smile. Then, she hurriedly stepped out of her room, turning the doorknob.


    The door opened, revealing Joe already waiting for her.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied shyly, tucking her hair behind her ear.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go now!¡± Joe invited.


    ra followed behind Joe, feeling very happy to be going out alone with her handsome idol.


    ra continued to follow Joe¡¯s steps down the stairs until they reached the ground floor.


    ¡°Where are you two going?¡± Mrs. Linn, who was sitting in the living room, asked. Her voice was loud, indicating her dislike of Joe and ra¡¯s closeness.


    Joe turned and approached his mother. ¡°I need to talk to ra, Ma. Vivian came earlier; she didn¡¯t want to talk to me and chose to talk to ra instead!¡± Joe exined, not wanting his mother to misunderstand.


    ¡°Do you have to go together?¡± Mrs. Linn protested.


    Joe lowered his head, rubbing his forehead.


    ¡°Let them go together, Ma. Joe already sees ra as his own sister; it¡¯s natural for them to go together and share their concerns!¡± Mr. Bond intervened.


    ¡°Yes, Ma,¡± Joe added.


    ¡°Alright, don¡¯te home toote. You¡¯re still in the media spotlight because of your divorce with Vivian!¡± Mrs. Linn advised.


    Joe nodded, then walked out of the house, followed by ra walking behind him.


    ¡°Get in!¡± Joe instructed as he opened the door to his ck McLaren 720s.


    ra sat in the driver¡¯s seat, while Joe walked around and sat beside her.


    ¡°Buckle up!¡± Joe reminded as he started the car.


    The four-wheeled vehicle began to move, navigating the city streets on this evening.


    ¡°Where are we going, Uncle?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking you to my friend¡¯s coffee shop,¡± Joe replied, focusing on driving and unaware of ra who had been watching him since earlier. Yes, ra couldn¡¯t ignore the man who had always been the focus of her admiration.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we just have ice cream? We didn¡¯t get to have ice creamst time, Uncle!¡± ra suggested, remembering the incident when they got stuck in the elevator.


    Joe nced at his wrist. ¡°It¡¯s alreadyte, ra. I won¡¯t take you for ice cream tonight! Maybe next time!¡± Joe said.


    ra was taken aback. ¡®Next time?¡¯ Did that mean Uncle Joe would take her out again? The girl fell silent, her heart filled with joy.


    ¡°Alright, Uncle,¡± raplied.


    ra¡¯s phone buzzed. Vivian¡¯s name appeared on her screen.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you answer it?¡± Joe asked, noticing ra putting the t object back into her bag.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Uncle! Not important!¡± ra replied.


    Joe pulled over and stopped at the coffee shop.


    ¡°We¡¯re here!¡± he announced.


    Then they walked in. Joe chose a seat in a quieter corner.


    Joe and ra sat facing each other. While waiting for their order, Joe would start interrogating ra.


    ¡°So, what did you two talk about earlier?¡± Joe asked to the point.


    ¡°Not much, Uncle. Aunt Vivian just said she wanted to meet Kimmy, but you didn¡¯t allow it!¡± ra replied. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you allow Aunt Vivian to meet Kimmy?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I want Vivian to realize that she¡¯s been selfish all this time. She¡¯s always left Kimmy for her work, and as you know, ra, she was willing to divorce me for a job contract with a fashion magazine!¡± Joeined. He lowered his head, feeling disappointed and hurt by Vivian once again.


    ¡°Does Uncle Joe still love Aunt Vivian?¡± ra inquired, biting her lower lip, prepared for Joe¡¯s response.


    Silence.


    ¡°My disappointment and pain outweigh my love, ra,¡± Joe replied.


    ra fell silent, feeling Joe¡¯s pain over his separation from Vivian.


    ¡°Uncle, I need to go to the restroom,¡± ra requested. She was curious about her phone, which kept vibrating.


    Joe nodded.


    ra stood up from her seat and walked to the restroom. She stood in front of the mirror, reached for her phone in her bag. Her thumb slid across the phone screen. She opened a green app on her phone. There were dozens of messages from Vivian.


    [Do as you wish, ra.]


    [I¡¯m traveling to Paris.]


    [In three months, you won¡¯t be able to do anything!]


    [Enjoy your time with Joe now.]


    [The time wille when you leave Joe¡¯s life.]


    [You¡¯re not my rival. You¡¯re not mypetition.]


    [Realize, ra, you¡¯re not on my level!]


    ra read each message from Aunt Vivian one by one, feeling her chest tighten. She knew love was never wrong. And getting Joe was a struggle she had to endure.


    [Three months is a long time, Aunt Vivian. I¡¯m sure before that timees, I can make Uncle Joe forget about you.]


    ra¡¯s thumb danced agilely as she typed a message to Vivian. After sending the message, ra looked at herself in the mirror again. She tidied up her hair and applied a thickeryer of lipstick.


    ¡°Come on, ra, you¡¯ve got this!¡± she murmured, trying to motivate herself as she exited the restroom.


    ra walked back to her table, where Joe wasn¡¯t alone. There was a beautiful woman with him, even more stunning than Vivian from afar. She looked younger and had a sharply defined nose with beautiful blue eyes.


    ¡°Celine, meet ra. ra, meet Celine!¡± Joe introduced the two women.


    ¡°Hi, ra,¡± greeted Celine, extending her right hand.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Kak Celine,¡± ra replied.


    Oh no! ra realized she had been wrong to think that Aunt Vivian was the only rival for Joe¡¯s affections because Celine was even more dazzling. Joe was surrounded by beautiful women, not just Vivian. ra needed to open her eyes and ept that he was popr among them.


    ¡°So, ra, I consider you like my own little sister!¡± Joe exined. ¡°What would you like to order, Celine?¡± he offered politely with a wide smile.


    ¡°No, Mr. Joe, I have to leave now,¡± declined Celine, shing her perfectly aligned teeth as she widened her lips.


    ¡°Alright, see you tomorrow!¡± Joe replied warmly.


    ¡°Yes, see you tomorrow!¡±


    ¡°ra, I¡¯m heading out now,¡± he informed.


    ra nodded, but the smile that had adorned her lips slowly faded. Enormous jealousy filled her heart, making it impossible for her to lift the corners of her mouth.


    ¡°ra,¡± Joe called.


    ¡°ra!¡± he called again when ra didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°ra!¡± Joe moved his face closer to hers.


    ¡°Oh, yes, Uncle!¡± ra finally responded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t space out. Let¡¯s finish your meal, and then we¡¯ll continue our conversation in the car,¡± Joe instructed.


    ra nodded, but she didn¡¯t touch her food at all. Her appetite was gone; a new, more ¡°WOW¡± rival had appeared.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Finish your food,¡± Joe urged.


    But ra just nodded and did nothing.


    ¡°Okay, if you don¡¯t want to eat, let¡¯s go home now,¡± Joe suggested. He shook his head, not understanding ra¡¯s 180-degree change in attitude, from being cheerful and enthusiastic to silent and unenthusiastic.


    The handsome man paid, and they both walked towards the car. Joe sat behind the wheel, while ra sat beside him.


    ra remained silent, unwilling to speak. Joe, too, focused on driving.


    Until Joe¡¯s McLaren was almost home. Joe pulled over and stopped.


    ¡°ra, why are you so quiet? Is something wrong?¡± Joe asked.


    ra shook her head.


    ¡°Then why are you being so quiet and acting weird?¡± Joe pressed.


    ra still remained silent and only shook her head.


    ¡°Are all women like this, silent and hard tomunicate with? You even dare to ignore your good brother like this, ra. I really don¡¯t understand your behavior!¡± Joeined. Vivian, his ex-wife, used to be silent like this sometimes.


    Silence.


    ¡°How many women are there in your life, Joe?¡± ra asked. The question slipped out of her mouth reflexively because she was too curious about Celine.


    Joe turned to look at ra, who was looking down.


    ¡°What do you mean by that question, ra?¡± Joe asked back, with a displeased expression.


    ra shook her head and remained silent, cursing herself for blurting out the question like that.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, ra? I just want us to be friends, but it seemsplicated. You can¡¯t even bemunicated with!¡± Joe eximed. He turned on the car and started driving towards the house, which was less than a hundred meters away.


    The main gate opened. Joe parked his car in the garage.


    ra got out and walked ahead, leaving Joe far behind.


    She entered the house, followed by Joe, who hastened his steps to catch up with ra.


    The living room of Joe¡¯s house was quiet. The servants had already retired, as had Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond. ra continued to climb the stairs, one step at a time.


    She stopped at the top of the stairs, waiting for Joe to approach.


    Joe stopped right behind ra, who stood with her back to him.


    ¡°I hope Aunt Vivian is my only rival, and there are no other women. Not Celine or anyone else. I beg you, Joe, I love you so much. Wait for me, Joe, wait for me to grow up and be a beautiful woman for you. Before that timees, don¡¯t let Joe¡¯s heart settle on any other woman,¡± ra said without looking at Joe. She could express herself fluently.


    Joe remained silent.


    ¡°Promise me, will you do that, Joe? I¡¯ll keep standing here if you don¡¯t answer!¡± ra demanded. She was genuinely worried. The handsome uncle might belong to another woman again.


    ¡°Go to sleep, ra, you must be sleepy because your words are wandering!¡± used Joe, lightening the tense atmosphere between them.


    ¡°I¡¯m not wandering, Joe, I¡¯m not sleepy either. I say everything with full awareness. I love you, Joe. I want to be a woman worthy of being your life partner. I also want to be friends and a goodpanion for Kimmy. Will you wait until that timees, Joe?¡± ra insisted.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t even graduated high school, ra! Finish your schooling, and we¡¯ll discuss thister!¡± Joe exined. He walked past ra casually, scratching his head even though it wasn¡¯t itchy.

 Chap 19

    Part 19


    ra arrived at school. Monday, a day that required more energy because of the g ceremony.


    And ra¡¯s face reflected that. She looked disheveled and didn¡¯t have a single smile.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you as enthusiastic as usual?¡± Nadia asked. They hadn¡¯t exchanged messagesst night. Her friend was sure something had happened to make ra not cheerful on this bright morning.


    ra remained silent. She was still guessing why Uncle Joe left earlier. Was it intentionally avoiding her, or was there some other work, or did he want to pick up Celine? Thetter was the worst possibility.


    ¡°Uncle Joe again?¡± guessed Nadia.


    ra nodded, then rested her head on the desk. She felt too drained to lift her head.


    ¡°Come on, tell me, maybe I can help!¡± Nadia prompted.


    ¡°It turns out mypetition isn¡¯t just Aunt Vivian, but there are many out there. All this time, I¡¯ve been too confident in getting love from Uncle Joe!¡± ramented. The image of beautiful Celine and her captivating smile shed through ra¡¯s mind again.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t given up, ra?¡± Nadia probed.


    ¡°Not yet!¡± ra replied. ¡°I¡¯m just feeling stuck!¡± she added.


    ¡°Do you know ¡®Tresno jran soko kulino¡¯?¡± Nadia asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s Javanese, right?¡± ra guessed.


    Nadia nodded. ¡°Lovees from being ustomed to it,¡± she said.


    ¡°And?¡± ra looked up, waiting for Nadia¡¯s answer.


    ¡°Make Uncle Joe ustomed to your presence. After that, I¡¯m sure your handsome uncle will feel lost when you¡¯re away from him!¡± Nadia exined as if she were an expert in love.


    ra thought about it and felt it was the right time. Aunt Vivian was in Paris. At least she wouldn¡¯t meet Uncle Joe for three months.


    ¡°Okay. Nad, I won¡¯t give up!¡± ra replied enthusiastically.


    ¡°Good, ra, keep up the spirit!¡± Nadia clenched her fists. Always supporting ra.


    And thus, ra went through that long Monday. At school, she would focus on studying; she was intelligent, a good gene inherited from both her parents.


    ==?==


    At 2:00 PM, it was time for the students to go home. Mario was waiting for ra in front of the school gate.


    ¡°ra, I¡¯ll take you back to the dorm!¡± Mario requested.


    ¡°Thank you, Mario, but I¡¯m not staying at the dorm anymore,¡± ra replied. Meanwhile, Nadia had already gone back to the dorm. She would support ra in pursuing Joe. Therefore, she allowed ra not to return to the dorm.


    ¡°Are you staying at that Uncle¡¯s house?¡± Mario inquired.


    ¡°His name is Uncle Joe, not just ¡®Uncle,¡¯ and yes, I do live there because that¡¯s where my home is!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°I beg you, please don¡¯t stay there, ra!¡± Mario pleaded, getting off his motorcycle and sitting next to ra.


    ¡°I have no one else besides Uncle Joe!¡± ra said, not liking Mario¡¯s interference in her affairs.


    ¡°How great is this Uncle Joe, ra! If you can stay at his house, you can also stay at my house!¡± Mario started to get annoyed. If ra stayed at Uncle Joe¡¯s house, it meant she would often meet him.


    ¡°He¡¯s great, very great. He¡¯s kind, rich, and the most handsome CEO in the world!¡± ra replied irritably. ¡°I¡¯m going home now!¡± she added, standing up and leaving Mario behind, walking towards the private car that was picking her up.


    Mario swallowed. He had a bad feeling. His love would wither even before it was confessed. He began to be curious about Joe¡¯s true identity. He was a CEO, but what business field was he in?


    Mario started his motorcycle and rode off at full speed.


    .


    .


    .


    Upon arriving home.


    Mario got off his motorcycle. He grabbed his phone and immediately called his dad. Mario¡¯s parents were quite influential, owning a majority of shares in several coal miningpanies in Kalimantan.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello, what¡¯s up?¡± Mr. Erwin greeted. He was disturbed by the phone call from his son during working hours.


    ¡°Do you know Joe Sebastian, Dad?¡± Mario asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of him, why?¡± his dad asked back.


    ¡°Please, Dad, give Mario information about that person!¡± Mario said hopefully.


    ¡°Does Dad need to teach you how to use a phone? Some time ago, news about his divorce went viral! Don¡¯t make Dad angry because of this, Mario!¡± his dad scolded.


    ¡°Yes, Dad, Mario understands! Sorry to bother you!¡±


    Click. Mario ended the phone call before his dad could respond.


    Mario started browsing with his phone. He opened a search engine and looked up Joe Sebastian. He read several article titles and held his breath. The truths he received one by one made him flinch. Especially after finding out that the former wife of that man was the supermodel Vivian Rosaline.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m still not afraid! I will win ra¡¯s heart!¡± Mario said confidently.


    ==?==


    ra arrived home. Joe¡¯s residence looked quiet. Mr. Bond, Mrs. Linn, and Kimmy were out for a stroll.


    Joe¡¯s car was in the garage. But ra wasn¡¯t sure if he had already returned from work.


    ra walked towards the kitchen. She opened the fridge and poured cold water into a ss.


    She drank water while looking at the backyard.


    WOW.


    ra¡¯s eyes, which were sad, widened now. She stared at the scene in front of her. Uncle Joe, yes, the handsome man was gardening.


    ra stepped closer to the window. Then, she observed Joe from a far.


    ra swallowed hard. ¡°Uncle handsome. Why are you always handsome, and I¡¯m always shameless because I¡¯m constantly praising you!¡± the girl muttered with unblinking eyelids.


    Joe stood up and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he walked to the kitchen.


    ra remained silent. There was no time to hide or run.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°What are you doing, ra?¡± Joe asked with his heavy voice.


    ra took a step back. ¡°Um¡­,¡± that¡¯s all that came out of the girl¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Let¡¯s settle this now, ra!¡± Joe requested, pulling ra¡¯s hand, leading her to the backyard. Afraid that a servant might overhear their conversation.


    ra pushed Joe¡¯s hand away. She wanted to avoid and run. But Joe reached for ra¡¯s fingers again, preventing her from leaving.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it, I¡¯m ufortable, ra. I¡¯m ufortable with the way you look at me, pay attention to me, and steal nces from me!¡± Joe said.


    ra stayed silent.


    ¡°Stop it all, ra, I only see you as a little sister that I have to take care of, that I have to protect, don¡¯t misinterpret my attention, ra. Forget about me!¡± he pleaded, staring at ra with his eagle eyes.


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t like me? Then why does Uncle Joe still care about me?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°Because I feel responsible for you, ra!¡± he answered. ¡°Please, stop your feelings, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll get hurt, I¡¯m also afraid that I¡¯ll hurt you!¡± he added.


    ra stayed silent. She wouldn¡¯t be ra if she gave up that easily. No! Letting go of Joe was not something she would do.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll try to forget Uncle Joe, but with one condition!¡± ra suggested boldly. Nadia¡¯s message sparked a brilliant idea in her mind. ¡®Tresno jran soko kulino.¡¯


    ¡°Tell me what¡¯s the condition?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Pretend to be my boyfriend, Uncle!¡± ra said confidently. Maybe by pretending to be in a rtionship, Joe would gradually develop feelings for her. Hopefully! ¡®Tresno jran soko kulino.¡¯ That word kept echoing in ra¡¯s head.


    Joe narrowed his eyes, his eyebrows furrowed. ra¡¯s request distracted him.


    ¡°No, ra, I can¡¯t. Do you think my life is just a game, I have to work and think about thousands of my employees!¡± Joe refused.


    ¡°Well then! If Uncle doesn¡¯t want to, don¡¯t ask me to forget the feelings in my heart,¡± ra challenged.


    Silence.


    Silence.


    ¡°How long are we going to pretend to be dating?¡± Joe asked, giving in.


    ¡°Three months!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s too long, your final exam is only two months away!¡± Joe objected firmly.


    ¡°How about two months, Uncle?¡± ra suggested.


    ¡°One month only!¡± Joe bargained.


    ¡°Forty-five days? How about that?¡± ra made an offer.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s make the contract now!¡± Joe said, feeling like he found a resolution to his problem with ra.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    ra and Joe went to their respective rooms and started writing down the rules they proposed.


    After twenty minutes, they met again in the living room, Kimmy¡¯s favorite ying spot.


    Joe received a piece of paper from ra and began to read it.


    1. Escort to school every day.


    2. Dinner dates on Saturday nights.


    3. Respond to every WhatsApp message I send.


    4. Make time to chat and help me study every night.


    5. No arguments during this 45-day contract.


    ¡°ra, for point one, I might not be able to do it every day, but I¡¯ll try to take you to school!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle.¡± ra understood that Joe was busy with work and sometimes had to travel out of town.


    ¡°For points two, three, and four, I¡¯ll try my best, but I can¡¯t promise to do it every day!¡± Joe said. ¡°For point five, I promise we won¡¯t argue!¡± he added.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle!¡± Now it was ra¡¯s turn to read Joe¡¯s rules.


    1. No physical contact.


    2. No one must know.


    3. Don¡¯t interfere in my personal affairs.


    4. No pet names.


    5. No excessive demands.


    ¡°Even just holding hands with Uncle Joe is not allowed?¡± ra responded to point one. Who doesn¡¯t hold hands when they¡¯re dating?


    ¡°No!¡± Joe replied firmly.


    ¡°Even if it¡¯s just the two of us?¡± ra pressed.


    ¡°Yes, none!¡± Joe refused.


    ¡°For points two, three, and five, I can agree, but not for point four!¡± ra suggested.


    ¡°Okay, you can call me whatever you want when we¡¯re alone!¡± Joe said, not wanting to argue further with the girl.


    ¡°So when should we start pretending to date, Uncle?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you!¡± Joe replied, getting busy with his tablet.


    ¡°Starting tomorrow morning, okay, Uncle?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°KIMMY?¡±


    ¡°KIMMY!¡±

 Chap 20

    Part 20.


    This morning ra woke up earlier than usual. Two servings of mashed potatoes and stir-fried seafood were already cooked. Yes, the cooking extracurricr she took in ss XI enabled her to cook.


    ra brought them into her room. Then, she showered enthusiastically. Her lips constantly hummed a happy tune.


    Twenty minutes was enough time toplete her morning ritual. Now she was dressed in her uniform and ready to leave.


    The girl nced at the watch on her wrist, about to leave the room. Intending to wait for Uncle Joe on the front porch. Wanting to pack lunch for the handsome CEO.


    ra turned the doorknob, then descended the stairs. It was still too early, and Mrs. Linn was still sitting enjoying her warm tea.


    ¡°ra!¡± Mrs. Linn called out as ra reached the bottom of the stairs.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± ra replied, moving closer, the middle-aged woman always made her feel deferential.


    ¡°It¡¯s still too early, can we talk for a bit?¡± the woman asked in her soft voice.


    ¡°Of course, ma¡¯am,¡± ra replied, then she sat facing the mother of Joe Sebastian.


    ¡°In two months, you¡¯ll have your final exams, do you want to continue your studies?¡± Mrs. Linn¡¯s brown eyes delved into the girl¡¯s gaze. There was hope and mystery that she couldn¡¯t fathom.


    ¡°Emm¡­,¡± ra mumbled, looking down.


    ¡°I hope you¡¯ll go to college, it could help Joe in thepany and still be part of my family. I know you¡¯re smart, diligent, and reliable!¡± Mrs. Linn praised.


    ra nodded slowly.


    Tap..


    Tap..


    Tap..


    Footsteps grew closer. Uncle Joe¡¯s footsteps were familiar to ra.


    ¡°What are you two talking about?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Mrs. Linn interrupted. ¡°Are you about to leave, Joe?¡± she asked her son.


    ¡°Yes, Ma!¡± Joe replied, tying his tie. He actually wanted to avoid ra, but it was impossible because the girl was already ready to go to school.


    ¡°I¡¯m also about to leave, ma¡¯am!¡± ra bid farewell.


    ¡°Alright, both of you, take care!¡± Mrs. Linn advised.


    ¡°Yes, Ma,¡± Joe replied, turning around and leaving.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± ra eximed and followed Joe.


    ra quickened her pace, chasing after Joe, who was walking fast with wide strides.


    ¡°Uncle Joe!¡± ra called out.


    Joe stopped without changing his position. Reluctant to look at ra.


    ¡°Uncle Joe hasn¡¯t eaten yet, here¡¯s lunch for you! If you can¡¯t take me or don¡¯t want to take me to school, it¡¯s okay!¡± ra said, looking at Joe¡¯s gloomy face, intentionally avoiding her, making her feel guilty.


    ¡°No, ra, I¡¯ll take you!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Really?¡± ra asked to confirm.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡± ra asked, not confident.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ra followed, following Joe¡¯s steps to the garage. She took a seat beside the handsome man.


    Joe started the car and began to drive away from his home.


    They were silent throughout the journey.


    Quiet.


    ra looked out the window, rain was falling out of nowhere this morning.


    ¡°Why is it raining all of a sudden?¡± ra remarked.


    Joe didn¡¯t respond. His mood today was really bad. Not just because of ra, but also because of his work.


    They arrived at the front gate of ra¡¯s school. Joe pulled over his car.


    ¡°Uncle Joe, here¡¯s lunch for you!¡± ra ced the lunch box containing mashed potatoes and stir-fried seafood on the car¡¯s dashboard.


    Joe nodded without looking.


    ra still didn¡¯t get out, seeing Joe¡¯s indifference made her heart ache. Moreover, this was their first day pretending to be in a rtionship.


    ¡°Are you forced to do this, Uncle?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°Do what?¡±


    ¡°Pretend to be in a rtionship with me?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Joe lied. ¡°I¡¯m just not ready yet, ra,¡± he made an excuse.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait!¡±


    Joe thought for a moment. ra¡¯s behavior caught his attention.


    ¡°Why are you so chatty, ra! Haven¡¯t I driven you to school? It¡¯s only the first day and we haven¡¯t even pretended to be a couple for an hour!¡± Joe protested.


    ra bit her lip. She realized one thing. Her feelings for Joe, actually made the man ufortable.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Uncle!¡±


    Joe saw the sadness in ra¡¯s face. A feeling of guilt crept into his heart.


    He turned to ra. Then he rubbed the back of her head.


    ¡°Darling! Hurry up and go to ss, or you¡¯ll bete!¡± Joe urged.


    ra looked at Joe, staring at him in disbelief.


    ¡°Did Uncle just call me darling?¡±


    ¡°Sweetheart, don¡¯t you like that nickname?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°ra likes it, Uncle!¡± she replied. ra, who was initially sad, became enthusiastic.


    ¡°Get down there! Study hard, and you have to pass with good grades!¡± Joe encouraged ra, that¡¯s what he had to do.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle! Oh, can I call you darling, Uncle?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Joe nodded and felt happy seeing ra¡¯s smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m going down now!¡± ra said.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The girl got out of Joe¡¯s car and walked into her ssroom. Using the umbre pattern inside Uncle¡¯s car.


    After making sure ra got in, Joe started the car and immediately hit the gas. Heading to his workce.


    .


    .


    .


    Joe arrived at the parking area of hispany. He wanted to get out of the car, but his eyes were caught by a paper bag containing lunch from ra.


    Finally, Joe grabbed the paper bag and took it into his office.


    In his office. Blue Jewelry Tower, third floor.


    Joe is sitting while looking at the jewelry designs that will be produced next month. The new series to be released by Blue Jewelry.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir, what do you have there?¡± asks Antoni, who is Joe¡¯s secretary. He feels strange seeing Joe carrying a paper bag with a pink floral motif.


    ¡°That¡¯s my lunch,¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Oh, I see!¡± Antoni appeared surprised to see it. Joe Sebastian, the CEO of Blue Jewelry, brought his own lunch. ¡°Wait a moment, sir,¡± the man interjected, still curious.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Are you back in a rtionship with Mrs. Vivian?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Then who prepared this lunch for you?¡± Antoni was still very curious.


    ¡°Check the financial reports for this week!¡± Joe snapped.


    ¡°Yes, sir! I¡¯m sorry!¡± Antoni hurriedly sat back down.


    ==?==


    Later that evening.


    ra is waiting for Joe toe home. She deliberately opened her bedroom window to be able to hear the sound of Joe¡¯s car when he arrived home.


    The scene from this morning, when Joe called her darling, crossed her mind again.


    She held a book in her hand, but ra¡¯s thoughts were only focused on Joe.


    Eventually, ra fell asleep and woke up when her phone buzzed.


    ¡®Uncle Joe¡¯ appears on the phone screen. ra slides the green icon to answer the call.


    ¡°Hello, Uncle Joe, have youe home?¡± ra asks.


    ¡°Yes, ra, I just got home. I¡¯m sitting on the balcony and I see your bedroom window is open! Please close it and go to sleep, ra!¡± Joe instructs.


    ¡°How does Uncle know? Uncle Joe¡¯s room is across from mine, right?¡± ra protests, blinking her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sleeping in Kimmy¡¯s room! Please close the window and go to sleep!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Uncle! Goodnight, sleep well, and sweet dreams!¡± ra mimics the message from Mario that she receives every night.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Joe chuckles and quickly ends the call. ra managed to make him smile.

 Chap 21

    Part 21.


    Days passed by. Almost every day, Joe apanied ra to school. They grew closer and shared their worries and joys.


    Every night, Joe also made time to apany ra while she studied. At first, Mrs. Linn didn¡¯t mind. However, she gradually became suspicious of how close ra and Joe were getting. A mother¡¯s intuition is never wrong.


    Tonight, the clock showed 8:30 PM WIB. Kimmy was already asleep in her room. It was just ra and Joe in the living room. There were books in front of ra, and Joe was looking at his tablet screen while checking his schedule for tomorrow morning.


    Mrs. Linn observed them from a distance. Then she decided to approach them.


    ¡°ra, what are you doing?¡± the woman asked. If observed closely, ra was indeed beautiful. A cute face with dimples, fair skin, long hair, and a sweet demeanor! Surely many of her school friends liked her.


    ¡°I¡¯m studying, ma¡¯am,¡± ra replied, looking up at the source of the voice.


    ¡°Study in your room! Or in the library!¡± Mrs. Linn pointed to a room next to Joe¡¯s. ¡°There are plenty of knowledge books for you to read there!¡± she added.


    ¡°Yes, I will study in the library!¡± ra quickly replied. She stood up from her seat and took the two books that had been in front of her. Then, she headed towards the library.


    Now there were only Joe and his mother in the living room.


    ¡°Are you lonely?¡± Mrs. Linn inquired.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Joe asked, putting down his tablet and meeting his mother¡¯s gaze. There was an unusual expression on her face.


    ¡°Lately, Mama sees you and ra getting closer and closer. Do I need to find you a wife?¡± Mrs. Linn suggested. She thought Joe¡¯s closeness with ra was because he was lonely after his divorce.


    ¡°No need, Ma. I¡¯m a widower and right now, I¡¯m focused on work, not looking for a wife!¡± Joe refused. The disappointment in his heart was still not healed. It was impossible for him to open his heart to romance.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being a widower? You¡¯re still handsome and smart, even that 17-year-old girl seems to be crazy about you!¡± Mrs. Linn used.


    ¡°What do you mean, Ma, ra?¡± Joe asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t think Mama doesn¡¯t know!¡± Mrs. Linn said.


    Joe was startled. What did his mother know?


    ¡°How does Mama know?¡± Joe inquired.


    ¡°Mama is a woman, and Mama is the one who gave birth to you, so Mama knows who likes my son. I hope you can keep your distance from ra!¡± the middle-aged woman requested.


    ¡°ra, I already see her as my little sister, Ma! I also believe I can control my feelings, so don¡¯t worry, Ma!¡± Joe reassured.


    ¡°No! Mama won¡¯t be calm!¡± Mrs. Linn retorted.


    ¡°Alright, from now on, I will try to keep my distance from ra, Ma, so don¡¯t worry!¡± he persuaded to calm his mother. Joe could sense that Mrs. Linn didn¡¯t like his closeness to ra.


    ¡°Mama trusts you, Joe!¡± his mother said. ¡°Well, Mama will rest now!¡± she bid farewell.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, Ma!¡± Joe pulled the corners of his lips into a smile.


    Mrs. Linn stood up from her seat and walked towards her room.


    Joe closed his tablet screen. His gaze fell on the library door where ra was. It was almost nine in the evening and the rain didn¡¯t stop. He felt he needed to talk to ra about something.


    ==?==


    ra entered the library. The room was spacious with towering bookshelves reaching the ceiling. There were so many books.


    In the middle of the room, there was a pair of desks with a sofa. ra sat there. The room was eerie but the small study desk was morefortable.


    ra ced her books on the table. Then, she noticed a book, specifically a photo album, in the corner of the table.


    The girl opened the photo album. There was a picture of Joe on the front page. ra flipped through the pages, all the photos of Joe when he was studying in Ennd. ra finally arrived at a photo where Joe was posing with his parents.


    ra looked at the photo and tears began to fall from her cheeks.


    ¡°Mama ¡­,¡± she murmured. The tears continued to fall.


    Slowly, ra sat down and hugged the photo of her parents. She missed them, longing for them, and it was impossible to meet them again.


    Cklek.


    Tap..


    Tap..


    Tap..


    Footsteps approached. Joe stood up and found ra crying.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Joe asked, walking towards ra.


    Joe saw the photo ra was holding. He knew why the girl was crying.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry anymore!¡± Joe pleaded. He cupped ra¡¯s cheeks with his hands, wiping away the tears that wet the 17-year-old girl¡¯s cheeks.


    ra nodded, biting her lip to hold back her tears. For a moment, her defenses crumbled again.


    ¡°I miss Mama and Papa, Uncle!¡± she whispered.


    Joe embraced ra, giving her a hug. Trying tofort ra who was crying.


    ¡°Hush! Don¡¯t cry anymore!¡± Joe persuaded.


    Slowly, ra stopped crying. Sometimes she still sobbed.


    ¡°Go to sleep, it¡¯ste!¡± he ordered. Seeing ra crying, he abandoned his intention to tell ra about Mrs. Linn¡¯s growing suspicions.


    ra and Joe let go of each other. Joe felt embarrassed, caught up in the moment.


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle,¡± ra expressed.


    ¡°For what?¡± Joe asked, putting on his usual cool demeanor.


    ¡°Thanks for calming me down,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re wee.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, Uncle, sleep well!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, ra, goodnight!¡±


    ra exited the library and walked towards her room.


    Joe sat for a moment, looking at the photo album ra had just held. He closed the pages after reminiscing about ra¡¯s parents¡¯ kindness.


    ¡°Ugh, typical!¡± Joe muttered when he noticed the two books ra left behind.


    Joe left the library and headed to ra¡¯s room.


    Knock..


    Knock..


    Knock..


    Joe gently knocked on ra¡¯s door. He was sure the girl hadn¡¯t slept yet since she had just entered her room less than five minutes ago.


    ra opened the door.


    ¡°You left your book!¡± Joe stepped forward, standing at the doorway, then handed the book to ra.


    ra took the book. ¡°Thank you, Uncle,¡± she said.


    Silence.


    Footsteps were heard from more than one person in the hallway near ra¡¯s room.


    ¡°Dad, thiste and you¡¯re hungry, all the servants are already asleep!¡± Mrs. Linn grumbled.


    ¡°Dad forgot to have dinner, Ma!¡± defended Mr. Bond.


    ¡°Alright, Dad, wait there!¡± Mrs. Linn pointed to the living room. The ce where she and Joe had just talked. ¡°I¡¯ll get snacks and warm tea for Dad!¡± she added.


    Joe, surprised by her voice, entered ra¡¯s room. Now he had to wait until his parents went back to sleep before leaving the girl¡¯s room.


    Mrs. Linn went down to the kitchen. Meanwhile, Mr. Bond sat in the living room between Joe¡¯s and ra¡¯s rooms.


    Inside the room.


    ¡°Sshhh!¡± Joe put his index finger to his lips, signaling ra to be quiet. ¡°Quiet!¡± he whispered emphatically. ¡°Mom and Dad are outside!¡± Joe exined, then slowly lowered his finger.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there, Uncle?¡± ra whispered.


    ¡°Mom and Dad are outside!¡± Joe repeated in a softer voice.


    ra nodded, hiding her confusion. Her heart was beating faster, realizing she and Joe were in the same room.


    Joe nced around the room. ra¡¯s room wasn¡¯t as spacious as his. There was one medium-sized bed, one study desk, a set of cabs, and a vanity table.


    ra straightened her messy bed. ¡°Please, have a seat, Uncle!¡± she offered.


    Joe sat on the edge of the bed, trying to reconcile with the atmosphere.


    ¡°You should go to sleep, ra!¡± the handsome man ordered softly.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡± ra replied. She walked around, theny down on the opposite side of Joe.


    ra¡¯s room didn¡¯t have a bathroom. She had already put on thin pajamas with shorts. It didn¡¯t ur to Joe that he was trapped in her room.


    It would be a lie if ra could sleep. What she felt was strange, and she couldn¡¯t focus because the handsome man she admired was sitting on the same bed as her.


    ra tapped her chest, trying to control her erratic heartbeat.


    ¡°Sigh!¡± ra sighed.


    And¡­


    tter¡­


    She identally dropped a ss on the bedside table next to her bed.


    Joe and ra looked at each other.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Joe asked in a whisper.


    ra shook her head, feeling guilty.


    Knock..


    Knock..


    Knock..


    ra¡¯s door made a sound.


    ¡°ra, are you okay?¡± Mrs. Linn¡¯s loud voice was heard.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Mrs.!¡± ra replied as she got off the bed and identally stepped on the ss shards.


    ¡°Go to sleep, it¡¯ste!¡± the middle-aged womanmanded from across the door.


    ¡°Yes!¡± ra replied, enduring the pain in her foot.


    Joe stood up to approach ra. He saw fresh blood dripping from ra¡¯s foot.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± Joe observed ra¡¯s pained expression. Then, he lifted the small girl¡¯s body.


    Joe identally nced at ra¡¯s chest. The neckline of her shirt widened, causing Joe to unintentionally nce at ra¡¯s chest. Joe was only human! It was normal for his pants to suddenly feel tight.


    Joe sat ra down on the other side of the bed. ¡°Is there a first aid kit?¡± Joe asked.


    ra pointed to the vanity table drawer with her head. Her hand was still trembling from being so close to Joe just now.


    ¡°Huff!¡± ra held her chest. Her foot felt sore, but her rapidly beating heart dominated her.


    Joe knelt in front of ra. He started to take out iodine and sters.


    As Joe poured the red medicine, ra grimaced in pain.


    ¡°Sorry!¡± Joe whispered as he looked at ra¡¯s face.


    ra nodded.


    Joe folded a piece of gauze, then covered ra¡¯s wound.


    ¡°Go to sleep, I¡¯ll clean up the broken ss!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± raplied!


    Joe started picking up the pieces of ss, while ray down watching the handsome man. When else would she have the chance to be this close and in the same room as Joe?


    ¡°ra, I¡¯ll leave now, maybe Mom and Dad have returned to their room!¡± Joe said after finishing cleaning the floor of ra¡¯s room.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Uncle hear? The TV is on?¡± ra asked, sharpening her hearing senses. Absorbing the source of the sound from outside her room.


    Joe approached the door. The sound of the TV was clearly audible. That meant Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn hadn¡¯t returned to their room yet.


    Joe¡¯s phone vibrated.


    ra raised her right hand, signaling to Joe that she was the one who sent the message.


    [ Does Uncle Joe want to leave now? ]


    Joe read the message from ra. He shook his head as he walked closer.


    Joe nced around the room again. There was no other ce to lie down except ra¡¯s bed.


    ¡°ra,¡± Joe whispered.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied softly.


    ¡°May I lie down next to you?¡± Joe asked. He was tired and sleepy. ¡°I promise not to do anything inappropriate,¡± he added.


    ra nodded and adjusted her pillow, offering her only sleeping support to Joe.


    Joe took off his shoes andy down next to ra. Both of themy down, staring at the ceiling of the room.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you sleeping? Aren¡¯t you afraid of oversleeping?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°No, Uncle, I can¡¯t sleep if the light is on,¡± ra replied. Even if the light was turned off, ra couldn¡¯t sleep either. Joe lying next to her wasn¡¯t easy to ignore, especially with his perfume scent filling ra¡¯s senses.


    ¡°I¡¯ll turn off the light so you can sleep quickly,¡± Joe whispered as he turned off the main light, leaving the bedsidemp on.


    Now theyy down again. This time, Joe turned his back to ra. In the dim light of ra¡¯s room, she looked very beautiful, especially with her wide-necked shirt.


    Once again, Joe was just a normal man! It would be embarrassing if ra knew his pants were getting tighter.


    Slowly, ra¡¯s eyes became droopy. The feeling of drowsiness came along with her eyelids bing heavier, closing. Her breath became regr, and ra fell asleep first.


    Joe changed his sleeping position. He nced at ra, who was already asleep. Unconsciously, he turned to face the girl. He watched her closely.


    Her eyshes were long and curly. A straight nose, smooth cheeks, and small red lips.


    Joe swallowed. His gaze fell to her neck and chest. He covered ra up to her upper body.


    ¡°Enough,¡± he muttered. Then Joe focused his ears. There was no TV sound anymore. He got up.


    Gently, Joe ced a kiss on ra¡¯s forehead. ¡°Sleep well, ra!¡± He then left the girl¡¯s room.

 Chap 22

    Part 22.


    The morning sun began to rise, streaming through the gaps in ra¡¯s bedroom curtains.


    Her phone had been ringing several times. There was a call from Joe.


    ra quickly slid the screen of her phone to answer the call from the man.


    ¡°Good morning, Uncle!¡± ra greeted.


    ¡°Good morning, ra. I¡¯ve already left, sorry I couldn¡¯t take you to school,¡± the man said from the other end of the phone.


    ¡°But why, Uncle?¡± ra protested.


    ¡°I feel like your efforts won¡¯t seed, ra. We¡¯ve been pretending to be in a rtionship for almost three weeks now, but¡­ I¡¯m not interested in you at all,¡± Joe said.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°But Uncle! This isn¡¯t even halfway through, 45 days is still a long time, Uncle!¡± ra tried to plead. ¡°Uncle Joe doesn¡¯t intend to terminate the contract agreement before its time, right?¡± ra added, getting out of bed. Her chest felt tight as if she had just been heartbroken by her lover.


    ¡°No, I just need to focus on my work!¡± Joe reasoned. He just didn¡¯t want to put ra in a difficult position. If Mrs. Linn felt bothered by ra¡¯s presence, Joe was afraid that his mother would push ra away from his life.


    ¡°But Uncle!¡±


    ¡°What else, ra?¡± Joe asked, his tone firmer than before.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you kiss mest night, Uncle Joe? Doesn¡¯t that mean you like me?¡± ra asked, recalling the events ofst night. She felt like Joe had kissed her, but she wasn¡¯t sure if it was a dream or real.


    ¡°What? You¡¯re dreaming, ra! I never kissed you! It¡¯s clear that you were dreaming!¡± the Uncle used. ¡°Don¡¯t be too confident, ra. Your taste may be high, but sorry, you¡¯re not my type,¡± he said. Joe had to say those harsh words not to hurt ra, but to protect her.


    Click. ra, hurt by Joe¡¯s words, ended the phone call just like that.


    She stood up, grabbed a towel, and headed to the bathroom.


    Ten minutester, ra finished her shower routine. She emerged from the bathroom wearing her uniform.


    After getting ready, ra left her room. She walked quickly down the stairs, apanied by a driver to school.


    Joe watched ra from his balcony. He remembered the events ofst night when he left ra¡¯s room. His father, Mr. Bond, was still in the living room.


    ¡°My wife and I consider ra as family, but that doesn¡¯t mean you two will get married and be husband and wife. Be careful, Joe, or you could lose ra if my wife finds out about this!¡± Mr. Bond said upon seeing Joeing out of his room.


    His father¡¯s words made Joe take action. He had to take a step back to keep the girl by his side.


    ¡°ra, you¡¯re beautiful and smart. I don¡¯t want to ruin your rtionship with my family. I just have to make sure your future is secure,¡± Joe muttered as he looked at ra¡¯s picture on his phone screen.


    ==?==


    This morning, the handsome CEO asked Antoni to pick him up. His secretary sat behind the wheel, while Joe sat in the back.


    The man looked gloomy, with his eyes always looking out the window. Something was bothering his mind. However, Joe wasn¡¯t sure what he was feeling.


    ¡°Sir, are you daydreaming?¡± Antoni asked. ¡°You seem different this morningpared to yesterday,¡± he added.


    Joe raised his eyebrows. ¡°What do you mean?¡± His voice was t. Antoni was always interested in observing,pared to Vivian, his ex-wife.


    ¡°Yesterday, Mr. Joe, you were always smiling. Especially during lunch, you always smiled while enjoying your lunch¡­ Uh, this morning, I didn¡¯t see the floral pattern paper bag!¡± Antoni said, looking around.


    Joe remained silent, trying to decipher what was in his heart. As if there was a speck of dust bothering him there.


    ¡°Sir!¡± his secretary called.


    ¡°What¡¯s your mistake, Antoni?¡± Joe¡¯s gaze sharpened as he looked sharply at the man.


    ¡°Frankly¡­ I followed you yesterday!¡± Antoni confessed.


    ¡°You followed me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I was very curious about the person who gave you the floral pattern paper bag!¡± Antoni said, hoping Joe wouldn¡¯t get angry.


    ¡°And then?¡±


    ¡°Forgive me, sir, I followed you from in front of the house until we arrived at the office!¡± he confessed.


    Joe nced away.


    ¡°Is it the high school girl who made you lunch and made you very gloomy this morning?¡± Antoni couldn¡¯t contain his curiosity.


    ¡°Shut your mouth, or I¡¯ll¡­!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Antoni interjected, scared of Joe. He didn¡¯t expect his boss to be this angry.


    ==?==


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you eating, ra?¡± Nadia asked. Usually, ra would open her lunchbox.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not hungry,¡± ra replied, resting her head on the bench. Every break time, ra always sent a message to Joe. But not today. ra even hesitated to open her phone screen. She didn¡¯t want to see Joe¡¯s picture, which always greeted her when she opened her phone.


    ¡°Is this because of Uncle Joe?¡± Nadia used. Who else could it be but the handsome CEO uncle? ra¡¯s sadness andck of enthusiasm were clear reasons for Nadia.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about him for now, please,¡± ra requested.


    ¡°Okay, okay, I won¡¯t,¡± Nadiaplied.


    Her friend took another sip of her juice, her eyes always observing ra.


    ¡°Nadia!¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I should just give up?¡± ra asked, feeling desperate.


    ¡°Give up?¡±


    ¡°Last night, I dreamt that Uncle Joe kissed my forehead. I¡¯m scared, I¡¯m afraid of getting hurt because I¡¯m hoping too much,¡± ramented.


    ¡°If it makes you happy, go for it. But if it makes you sad and gloomy like this, it¡¯s better to stop before you get hurt,¡± Nadia advised. Seeing ra sad and without parents, Nadia felt touched. Sad!


    ¡°Okay, Nadia, I understand,¡± ra replied.


    Ding¡­


    Ding¡­


    The bell for thest ss rang. It was time for math ss, ra¡¯s favorite subject.


    Usually, ra would pay full attention during math ss. However, this time she couldn¡¯t focus. Her mind wandered elsewhere. Moreover, when she checked her WhatsApp messages, there wasn¡¯t a single message from the handsome Uncle.


    Until the bell for dismissal rang, ra was still lost in thought. Not a single piece of information entered her mind.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home!¡± Nadia invited. ra didn¡¯t hear the dismissal bell. Yesterday, she always looked at the clock above the ckboard because she wanted to call Uncle Joe right away.


    ra followed along and took Nadia¡¯s hand as they walked.


    Arriving at the gate, Nadia, who was no longer in the dormitory, was always picked up by her mother on time. While ra this time was still waiting for the family¡¯s private driver to pick her up.


    A message came in from Mrs. Linn.


    [ra, you go home by yourself, the driver is taking me and Kimmy to the doctor!]


    [Okay, Mrs.]


    ra walked towards the bus stop next to the school gate.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you home!¡± Mario said, suddenly appearing beside her. Her ssmate was sitting on his motorcycle.


    ra returned Mario¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Come on! Don¡¯t refuse, I won¡¯t let anything happen to you!¡± Mario exined. He just wanted to give ra a ride.


    ¡°Okay,¡± ra agreed. She took the helmet from Mario and put it on. Then she got on, riding behind Mario.


    ¡°Hold on!¡± the high school senior instructed ra.


    ra held onto both sides of Mario¡¯s shirt. Thetest model motorcycle from a well-known brand started moving, cutting through the city streets in the afternoon.


    Mario drove slowly. There were a few things he wanted to ask the girl riding behind him.


    ¡°ra!¡± he called out.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ever reply to my messages every night?¡± Marioined. It was tiring to send messages, already checked the blue ticks, but got no reply.


    ¡°I¡¯m studying, we have final exams soon, Mario!¡± ra reasoned. Although every night, she studied apanied by Joe. She didn¡¯t have time to reply to Mario¡¯s messages, because the time spent with Joe was very valuable.


    ¡°Really? Don¡¯t you have a special guy friend?¡± he probed.


    ¡°No!¡± ra adhered to the agreement, she couldn¡¯t tell anyone except Nadia.


    ¡°Oh, thank goodness,¡± he said. ¡°How about tomorrow afternoon I pick you up?¡± Mario offered.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± ra asked. She had no ns to leave the house, let alone go out with Mario.


    ¡°Did you forget?¡±


    ra thought for a moment.


    ¡°Tomorrow we have an event at school, a prayer event for the senior students! You¡¯reing, right?¡± Mario reminded her. He was surprised that ra could forget.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll go,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Shall I pick you up?¡± Mario urged.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Mario arrived in front of Joe¡¯s house. He parked his motorcycle.


    ra got off Mario¡¯s motorcycle.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± ra said as she returned the helmet to her friend.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Mario replied, shing his sweetest smile for ra.


    She walked away from Mario. Opening the gate and entering the house.


    Mario then started his motorcycle and went home. He felt happy. He couldn¡¯t wait for tomorrow. He wanted to pick up ra with his red Ferrari.


    ¡­


    Not long after, the sound of Joe¡¯s car was heard. The eagle-eyed man arrived at his house.


    ¡°Hasn¡¯t rae home yet?¡± Joe asked, not seeing Mr. Joko¡¯s car in the garage.


    ¡°ra has alreadye home!¡± the female servant watering the flowers replied.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Mr. Joko?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Joko is taking Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond to the doctor, sir,¡± she answered.


    ¡°So ra came home alone!¡± Joe emphasized.


    ¡°ra was brought home by her friend, sir!¡± she replied again, raising her eyebrows. It was unusual for Joe to ask in such detail.


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    Joe hurried into the house. He climbed the stairs to the second floor quickly and widely. Two steps at a time.


    The man barged into the room. Impatiently! He turned on the CCTV because he wanted to know who had apanied ra.


    Hisptop screen started ying the event from fifteen minutes ago. Even though she was wearing a helmet, Joe knew who had apanied ra. ¡°That Mama¡¯s boy.¡±


    ¡°Look, ra! You¡¯re not a faithful girlfriend. Just one day I didn¡¯t pick you up, and you let someone else take you!¡± Joe eximed. He grimaced harshly, impatiently wanting to talk to ra right away.

 Chap 23

    23 || First Kiss ||


    Part 23.


    ra, a high school senior, aged 17. Like most girls her age, ra also didn¡¯t fully understand the journey of life or how her current actions might impact her future.


    What ra knew was that her feelings for Joe were genuine. She had rejected many boys who had crushes on her to preserve her love for the charming widower. Without fear, she showed him attention and didn¡¯t care about older womenpeting for his affections.


    ra remained steadfast, trying to stand her ground and protect her feelings of love. But now, ra found herself at a crossroads. Between advancing and risking heartbreak or retreating with disappointment.


    Especially since Mrs. Linn seemed to disapprove of her closeness to Mr. Joe.


    ¡°Ugh!¡± ra sighed heavily. A heavy burden weighed on her chest. There was a lingering tightness, prompting tears to well up, then cascade down her cheeks.


    ¡°Enough!¡± she muttered, wiping away the tears that flowed from the corners of her eyes.


    ra¡¯s stomach growled. She suddenly remembered she hadn¡¯t eaten since morning. Then, she decided to leave her room. Descending the stairs, she headed towards the kitchen.


    ra¡¯s steps halted as she realized Mr. Bond, Mrs. Linn, and Mr. Joe were having dinner together in the dining room.


    ¡°Where are you going, ra?¡± Mrs. Linn asked, eyeing ra from head to toe. ra, naturally beautiful even without makeup.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to the kitchen, Ma¡¯am,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Join us for dinner, ra!¡± Mrs. Linn offered.


    ra hesitated for a moment. It didn¡¯t feel right to refuse the offer. She sat down beside Mrs. Linn.


    At the head of the table was Mr. Bond. Joe was on the left, while ra and Mrs. Linn were on the right.


    ra filled her te with rice and grilled scallops. She enjoyed that type of seafood.


    ¡°Have some more rice!¡± Mrs. Linn requested.


    ¡°I¡¯m good, thank you,¡± ra replied.


    They prayed together before starting to eat. ra and Joe remained silent, not exchanging any words. Truly like a couple in conflict.


    ¡°What did you use for transportation earlier, ra?¡± Mrs. Linn asked, turning to ra seated beside her.


    ¡°I was dropped off by a friend, Ma¡¯am,¡± she answered. The sauce from the scallops she was eating was delicious, whetting ra¡¯s appetite.


    ¡°A friend, huh?¡± teased the middle-aged woman.


    ¡°Yes, my friend, Ma¡¯am!¡± ra answered with a serious expression. Meanwhile, Mr. Bond and Joe only listened to their conversation.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a boyfriend, ra?¡± Mrs. Linn inquired. A girl as pretty as ra and without close friends seemed unlikely, especially nowadays.


    ¡°Um, no, Ma¡¯am!¡± ra replied, shaking her head slightly.


    ¡°That¡¯s good, you should focus on studying. Later, you can go to college and after graduation, you can work at Blue Jewelry,¡± said Joe¡¯s mother enthusiastically.


    ¡°Um¡­ yes, Ma¡¯am!¡± ra replied. She couldn¡¯t refuse, as the woman exuded a dominating aura.


    Silence fell upon them. They returned to focusing on the food on their tes.


    ¡°Joe?¡± his mother called.


    ¡°How was your work today?¡± Mrs. Linn asked.


    ¡°It went smoothly, and we¡¯ll soon beunching a new product next week!¡± Joe replied with a t tone.


    ¡°Why have you been so quiet since this morning? You haven¡¯t even smiled at your mom since then!¡± she protested. Mrs. Linn only had Joe Sebastian, her only son, who was always the apple of her eye. It was understandable that she was very attentive and noticed every change in her son¡¯s behavior.


    ¡°Not now, Mom,¡± was all Joe said.


    Mr. Bond, who understood ra and Joe¡¯s situation, chose to remain silent, observing. Afraid of saying something wrong and letting his wife know things she shouldn¡¯t know.


    ¡°ra, could you wait here?¡± Mrs. Linn requested.


    ra nodded. That¡¯s all she could do. She nced at Mr. Bond and discreetly nced at Joe. One thing she realized was that, even though she was angry, her feelings of love and admiration for him never waned. Evidence of this was that ra¡¯s eyes always seemed to be drawn to Mr. Joe.


    Mrs. Linn got up from her seat. She grabbed her bag. Then, she returned to the dining room. She sat back in her seat.


    ¡°ra, which one do you think is prettier?¡± Mrs. Linn showed two photos of women.


    ra examined the two photos of women. She hadn¡¯t seen them before. Then, she looked at them one by one with focus.


    ¡°This one, Mrs. Linn,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Oh, alright.¡± Mrs. Linn took the photo from ra¡¯s hand. She turned to Joe. ¡°Tomorrow, Mama will make an appointment with this woman, to have dinner with you, Joe!¡± she said.


    ra¡¯s already tight chest constricted even more upon hearing Mrs. Linn¡¯s words.


    ¡°What do you mean, Mom?¡± Joe asked. He nced at ra before focusing back on his mother.


    ¡°Mama doesn¡¯t want you to continue being sad and unable to move on from Vivian, Joe! Open your heart to other women!¡± Mrs. Linnmanded, seeing Joe¡¯s gloominess, she was truly frustrated.


    Joe remained silent. ra, who was in front of him, made him suppress his anger. A mixture of sadness and indescribable feelings filled his heart.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to my room first, Dad, Mom,¡± Joe excused himself.


    ¡°Wait, Honey!¡± Mrs. Linn stopped him. But Joe walked away, going upstairs to the second floor without paying attention to his mother.


    ¡°Mrs. Linn, Mr. Bond, I also need to go to my room, I want to study!¡± ra excused herself. The look in Mr. Bond¡¯s eyes made ra ufortable. The middle-aged man seemed to dislike her.


    ¡°Sure, ra, go ahead and study!¡± Mrs. Linn replied.


    ra rose and walked towards the stairs, slowly climbing step by step.


    As ra reached the top of the stairs, she was startled. Joe grabbed her hand and pulled her into his room.


    Joe locked the door and led ra to the balcony. He wanted to talk to her.


    ¡°Why are you ignoring me?¡± Joe asked, standing with his back to ra.


    ra was frozen. The touch from Mr. Joe was so impactful. Yes! Her heart was beating very fast. Instead of focusing on the man in front of her, ra was busy thinking about how to get out of Joe¡¯s room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just stay silent, ra! You even dared to choose a woman to be arranged for me, what are you thinking, ra? You¡¯re too bold!¡± used Joe. In reality, he was only disturbed because of Mario, who had driven ra home.


    ¡°I have to go back to my room, Om, before Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond go upstairs to the second floor!¡± ra said fearfully.


    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to leave until you answer!¡± Joe threatened, showing the room key in his hand.


    ¡°Did Uncle forget what he said this morning, Uncle Joe said I¡¯m not the type of woman Uncle Joe likes?¡± ra retorted.


    ¡°Do you forget our 45-day contract, ra? As your boyfriend, I don¡¯t allow you to be driven home by Mario. Couldn¡¯t you have taken a taxi?¡± Joe protested.


    ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t let Mario drive me again, Uncle, but please, I need to get out of Joe¡¯s room!¡± ra begged, fear evident on her face.


    ¡°Come here!¡± Joe pulled ra to sit beside him. His arm rested on ra¡¯s shoulder, forcing her to lean on him.


    ¡°Uncle!¡± ra whispered, truly afraid that someone else might see them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me Uncle! We¡¯re alone here, call me something else!¡± Joe ordered. With his left hand, he held ra¡¯s hand.


    Ugh!


    This time ra¡¯s heartbeat was already racing uncontrobly. Yesterday she had longed for Joe to hold her hand. But now, when it actually happened, ra froze. Between fear and desire.


    ¡°Why are you just staying silent! We¡¯re alone here, there¡¯s no one else!¡± Joe said, caressing ra¡¯s hand.


    The girl remained motionless. It was her first time being this close to a man. And that man was Joe Sebastian, the man of her dreams. The handsome uncle who would always be handsome.


    ra remained silent.


    ¡°You can do anything too, right? We can do other things besides holding hands, ra!¡± Joe whispered in ra¡¯s ear.


    ¡°No¡­ Uncle¡­ just this is enough!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°As long as the contract hasn¡¯t ended, it means you¡¯re still my girlfriend, ra, so don¡¯t get close to anyone. Especially Mario, I don¡¯t like him!¡± Joe asserted.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle!¡± raplied.


    ¡°Uncle again? Don¡¯t you want to call me ¡®darling¡¯?¡± Joe protested.


    ¡°Um¡­¡± ra mumbled, biting her lower lip in embarrassment, extremely embarrassed. And her heart couldn¡¯tpromise because it was still beating fast and strong. Maybe Mr. Joe could hear it too.


    ¡°Okay, from now until the contract ends, when it¡¯s just the two of us, you have to call me darling!¡± Joe insisted.


    ¡°Um¡­¡±


    ¡°Darling,¡± Joe called out softly, stroking ra¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Yes, da¡­ rling!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Can I ask you something?¡±


    ra nodded.


    ¡°Have you ever been in a rtionship?¡± Joe asked. Like Mrs. Linn, he was also curious about ra¡¯s love life.


    ¡°Never, Uncle! Uh, Darling,¡± ra said. There was happiness and her heart was fluttering. Maybe Joe was just pretending, but at least before the contract ended, she still had hope.


    Joe cupped ra¡¯s face with both hands. ¡°Look at me!¡± he whispered.


    ra was startled. Their faces were very close, just inches apart.


    ra swallowed. Trying to calm her heart and the fast flow of blood.


    ¡°Have you ever kissed, ra?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Never, Uncle!¡± ra answered, biting her lower lip.


    ¡°Do you want to try it?¡± Joe offered, he started to not care about the conditions he made.


    Before ra could answer, Joended a kiss on ra¡¯s lips. Long and deep. Being the first wasn¡¯t easy. Especially when there was no rejection from ra.


    ¡­


    Joe released their lip lock. They looked into each other¡¯s eyes.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°Uncle, I have to go now!¡± ra requested.


    ¡°Okay, ra, you stay here, I¡¯ll check the situation outside!¡± Joe replied. He got up from his seat and left his room.


    Joe was disappointed because Kimmy and his parents were not there. He still wanted to be alone with ra.


    He returned to his room.


    ¡°How about it, Uncle, can I go back to my room now?¡± ra asked hopefully.


    ¡°You can¡¯t, ra, it¡¯s very crowded in the living room, not only Dad and Mom are there, but Kimmy and Cici are also there!¡± Joe reasoned. ra¡¯s lips, as sweet as strawberries, still lingered on his.


    ¡°Tonight you don¡¯t need to study first, sleep in my bed or we can watch the stars together! Isn¡¯t that what you want!¡±


    ra¡¯s mind went back to the beginning of the contract. It was clear she wanted to be apanied by Joe every night. Chatting and even having dinner together. But not like this. In the same room and this close. Her heart was racing!


    ¡°Does Uncle already like me?¡± ra inquired.


    ¡°No, ra, I just want to explore my role as a boyfriend, because this is only for 45 days, so that someday you will remember my kindness!¡± Joe replied. Who knows if Joe was being honest or lying.


    ra sat on the edge of the bed, casting her gaze around the room. Joe¡¯s room was very spacious. There was arge wardrobe set, a sofa set, and a king-size bed. ra¡¯s gaze stopped when she saw Joe¡¯s wedding photo still neatly hung on one side of the wall.


    ¡°As a girlfriend, am I allowed to be angry when my boyfriend still keeps photos of his ex-wife?¡± ra asked. The girl looked down, hiding her heartache. How could the man who had just stolen her first kiss still not move on from his ex-wife?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, ra, I¡¯ll throw it away tomorrow,¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Really.¡±


    Knock, knock, knock¡­


    The sound of knocking on the door echoed, Joe and ra exchanged nces.


    ¡°Joe, Kimmy wants to sleep with you!¡± Mrs. Linn called out.


    ¡°Joe!¡± she called again.


    Joe motioned for ra to hide in the secret room behind his wardrobe set. It was a narrow room only about one meter in size. Meanwhile, he pretended to be asleep.


    Creak!


    The door opened as Mrs. Linn entered the room, holding her granddaughter¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Sleep next to your dad, Kimmy!¡± Mrs. Linn instructed.


    ¡°Yes, Grandma!¡± the little girl replied with her cute voice. She then climbed onto the bed andy down beside Joe.

 Chap 24

    24 || The Truth? ||


    Part 24.


    ¡°Papa,¡± called out Kimmy with her cute voice.


    ¡°Yes, dear?¡± Joe replied. ¡°What¡¯s up, honey?¡± he added.


    ¡°Grandma said I¡¯m going to have a new mom, is that true, Pa?¡± Kimmy asked, her voice trembling in typical four-year-old fashion.


    ¡°No, sweetheart,¡± Joe answered, unable to exin further.


    ¡°Mama, why did Mama leave us, Pa?¡± Tears welled up in the little girl¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Papa promised he wouldn¡¯t leave Kimmy, Kimmy, don¡¯t be sad, okay?¡± Joe reassured her.


    Kimmy nodded slowly.


    ¡°Now go to sleep, okay?¡± Joe requested. He wanted to quickly get ra out of her hiding ce. It wouldn¡¯t be fair for her to hide there for hours.


    ¡°Yes, Pa,¡± Kimmy replied.


    But the little girl couldn¡¯t seem to close her eyes; her gaze was fixed on the photo of her parents¡¯ wedding.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Kimmy whispered.


    ¡°Yes, dear?¡±


    ¡°Thank you for putting Mama¡¯s picture back up; I don¡¯t feel lonely now because whenever I miss Mama, I can see her there, and Mama is also watching me!¡± she said.


    Joe nodded.


    Oh!


    ra just realized that the photo was still there not because Joe hadn¡¯t moved on, but because of Kimmy¡¯s wish.


    So, what did that kiss mean? ¡°Does Uncle Joe love me?¡± ra¡¯s question shed through her mind.


    ¡°You go to sleep now! Papa is sleepy!¡± Joe coaxed as he turned off the main light and hugged Kimmy, hoping his little daughter would fall asleep soon so he could bring ra out.


    The ticking of the clock continued. Seconds turned into minutes. Joe observed Kimmy, who had fallen asleep.


    After making sure his daughter was asleep, Joe breathed a sigh of relief. Slowly, he got up from bed and walked quietly to the wardrobe.


    He opened it and led ra out.


    ¡°Uncle, I want to go back to my room now!¡± ra whispered.


    ¡°It¡¯s only nine o¡¯clock; Mom and Dad are still in the living room; wait until ten!¡± Joe requested.


    ra nodded andplied.


    The room was dimly lit. Two bedsidemps cast a soft glow, along with the light from the balcony.


    ¡°Uncle!¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s the sofa?¡± ra, unfamiliar with Joe¡¯s roomyout, asked.


    Joe guided ra to the sofa. They decided to sit together, side by side, on the plush seats.


    ¡°Uncle,¡± ra whispered.


    ¡°What is it, ra?¡± Joe responded, holding ra¡¯s hand tightly.


    ¡°That photo, the photo of Uncle and Aunt Vivian¡¯s wedding, let it stay there!¡± ra said.


    ¡°Why? I thought you didn¡¯t like it being there?¡± Joe turned his face closer to ra¡¯s cheek. There was aforting feeling that couldn¡¯t be expressed. There was a different feeling in his heart; no emptiness anymore. The void in his heart seemed to be filled with ra¡¯s presence.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Kimmy the reason Uncle keeps that photo there?¡± ra asked.


    There was no answer from Joe.


    ¡°Has Uncle forgotten about Aunt Vivian?¡± ra asked again. She really wanted to know, especially since Joe had stolen her first kiss. ra¡¯s enthusiasm grew; she wanted to know what was truly in Uncle¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Whether I want it or not, do I have to forget her? It hurts to love someone unterally, ra, it¡¯s very painful. She became selfish and did whatever she wanted. And¡­ Even when I gave in and followed all her wishes, I was still wrong,¡± Joe said.


    Silence.


    Oh! There was a tightness in ra¡¯s chest. It was overwhelmingly heavy.


    ¡°What about my feelings for Uncle? Is it the same as Uncle¡¯s feelings for Aunt Vivian? Will I also feel the pain Uncle feels?¡± ra asked.


    Joe couldn¡¯t answer. ra, she had a strong charm. But, when it came to love, her heart was hurting.


    ¡°Answer me, Uncle,¡± ra urged.


    Joe chose to remain silent because he couldn¡¯t exin anything to ra.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    ¡°ra,¡± Joe whispered after they had been silent for a while.


    ¡°Um¡­¡± ra murmured unenthusiastically, ncing repeatedly at the time on her phone that still hadn¡¯t reached 10:00 PM.


    ¡°Are you angry?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not angry, Uncle!¡± ra replied quickly. ¡°Can I make a request?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Go ahead, I¡¯ll do anything you want!¡± Joe answered. He felt guilty and afraid of upsetting ra. He was starting to get carried away by the atmosphere. An atmosphere where attraction and liking turned into excessive care.


    ¡°As long as the contract hasn¡¯t ended, I hope Uncle Joe won¡¯t bring anyone between us!¡± ra insisted, releasing Joe¡¯s grasp.


    ¡°Of course, ra!¡± Joe replied. He wrapped his arm around ra¡¯s waist. There was a sense of gratitude that emerged. If it weren¡¯t for ra, during the difficult times of his divorce from Vivian, maybe every night he would only run to alcohol. But, because of ra, because of ra¡¯s presence, Joe was able to control his frustration that he faced. Now he was frustrated because he was afraid of losing ra, and afraid of hurting her.


    ¡°ra,¡± Joe whispered, guiding ra¡¯s body into hisp.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± she wanted to refuse for a moment. But, another part of her was curious and couldn¡¯t resist it.


    ¡°Have you ever thought about us?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°What do you mean, Uncle?¡±


    ¡°Okay, if we were really in a rtionship, have you ever thought about people¡¯s reactions? My mom and dad¡¯s reactions, Kimmy¡¯s reaction, and also your friends¡¯ reactions?¡± Joe asked.


    Silence. ra. Thinking for a moment.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never thought about it, Uncle. All I know is that I¡¯ve loved you for a long time, and I just want Uncle Joe to reciprocate my love, regardless of what people outside say!¡± ra replied. Her face was getting closer to Joe¡¯s. Even his thigh felt warm. ra began to feelfortable sitting on Uncle¡¯sp.


    ¡°So, ra, I will tell you the possibilities of what people might think if we were really dating!¡± Joe said.


    ra listened carefully to what the man was about to say.


    ¡°Mom and Dad might be angry with us, my friends might think I¡¯m weak for chasing after someone older, and your friends might think you¡­¡± Joe stopped speaking.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what they say. All I know is that I love you very much, and all I want is for you to reciprocate my love!¡± ra interrupted. She was afraid of what Joe was going to exin, afraid because of her shameless love.


    ¡°But I care about you, ra. I want your future to be secure!¡± Joe insisted.


    ra, unable to handle what Joe wanted to exin, immediately got up from hisp. Then, she just left Uncle¡¯s room like that.


    Luckily, there was no one in the living room. ra went into her room. She closed the door tightly. Shey down on the bed, then hid, curled up under the nket.


    Joe wanted to chase after ra, but he was stopped by a cute voice calling him. Kimmy¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Papa?¡±


    Joe approached the source of the voice.


    ¡°Yes, sweetheart!¡± Joe replied, lying down beside Kimmy.


    ¡°I heard Kak ra¡¯s voice, did she juste here?¡± Kimmy asked, rubbing her eyes.


    ¡°There¡¯s no Kak ra here, it¡¯s just Papa and Kimmy, go back to sleep. Papa wants to sleep too now!¡± Joe pulled the nket to cover his and his daughter¡¯s bodies.


    Time continued to pass, and Joe fell asleep.


    ==?==


    Joe came home from work early. He intentionally wanted to invite ra to have dinner together.


    He arrived home around five o¡¯clock. After getting out of the car, Joe immediately went inside the house. He hurried his steps to tell ra to get ready.


    Arriving on the second floor, ra wasn¡¯t there. Only Cici was arranging Kimmy¡¯s toys.


    ¡°Where are Kimmy and ra?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Miss Kimmy is with Mrs. Linn, and as for ra, she¡¯s attending an event at her school, Sir!¡± Cici replied, pausing her activity momentarily to answer Joe¡¯s question.


    ¡°An event at school?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ra was picked up by Mr. Joko earlier, and she left again,¡± Cici answered politely.


    ¡°Was it Mr. Joko who took her?¡±


    ¡°No, Mr. Joko left earlier today and will be back tomorrow, Sir!¡±


    Joe hurried to his room. He checked the CCTV and had a hunch that Mario had taken ra back to school!


    The man checked the CCTV footage. With his right thumb, he scrolled through his phone screen to find ra¡¯s number.


    And¡­


    The call connected, but the girl didn¡¯t answer Joe¡¯s call.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you picking up, ra!¡± the man muttered, starting to worry. He hadn¡¯t had time to send a message in the afternoon because he was busy with preparations forunching a new product.


    The same thing happened in the morning. ra left for school early to avoid talking to him.


    ¡°Are you trying to avoid me, ra?¡± Joe asked himself. He admitted, he wasn¡¯t in the right position. In the position of someone who loves and is not loved in return.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    That¡¯s not the problem now! The only problem was whether Joe wanted to acknowledge his attraction to ra or let the girl misunderstand. Then, allow ra to get close to someone else.


    Joe sat down, watching the TV screen showing the CCTV footage. It was seen at 4:15 PM earlier, ra got into a car.


    Joe didn¡¯t see it wrong; the man who opened the door for ra was Mario. Yes, his posture and bodynguage were still vivid in his memory.


    ¡°Huuftt,¡± the man let out a long breath. ¡°Should I pick her up or let Mario take ra!¡± Joe leaned back on the sofa. He stared at the ceiling of his room. ra had really upied his mind today.


    One.


    Two.


    Three.


    His phone vibrated; there was a message from Mario.


    [Uncle, I need your prayers,ter on the way back, I want to express my feelings to ra, please pray for me, Uncle, hopefully ra will ept my love.]


    Joe got up from his seat. He quickly grabbed the car keys he had just put down. Then, he hurriedly left his room.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Mrs. Linn asked as she led Kimmy upstairs.


    ¡°I have some business to take care of, Ma!¡±


    ¡°Where are you going, Joe?!¡± Mrs. Linn shouted. However, the man just passed by.

 Chap 25

    25


    ra entered her room. It hurt so much to hear every word Joe said. She would be hurt, that¡¯s the meaning behind every word from Joe.


    Shey down, looking at the curtains in her room. However, what the man said was true. So, what should she do?


    Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond might not approve of her rtionship with Joe. And so does Kimmy, the little girl wouldn¡¯t ept her as a mother. There¡¯s also Aunt Vivian, Joe Sebastian¡¯s ex-wife. It¡¯s clear she wants to reconcile after her career goals are achieved.


    It¡¯s no longer just the media¡¯s interest in the handsome CEO¡¯s love life. ra sighed deeply. She couldn¡¯t deny that what Joe said was true. It challenged ra¡¯s mindset that had never thought ahead. All she knew was her immense love for Uncle, and she wanted that love reciprocated! That¡¯s as simple as ra¡¯s thinking.


    And.


    Joe couldn¡¯t be that foolish. Besides ra, there were many hearts he had to care for. His parents¡¯ hearts and his little daughter¡¯s heart.


    ra swallowed hard. There was a bitter taste in her throat.


    Forgetting Joe was impossible, but reaching him wasn¡¯t easy either. She had to prepare her heart as strong as a rock. It¡¯s not as easy as she had imagined all this time.


    Throughout the night, ra couldn¡¯t fall asleep. She changed positions several times. But still couldn¡¯t sleep until early morning. Her mind was stuck!


    .


    .


    .


    The next morning. ra decided to get up earlier than usual. She really didn¡¯t feel like meeting Joe, let alone talking to him.


    Twenty minutes, enough time for ra to shower and get ready. She decided to go to school by ordering a taxi.


    Arriving at school, Mario, who found ra arriving in a taxi, immediately approached her. Actually, without ra¡¯s knowledge, Mario had been observing her every day.


    ¡°ra!¡± Mario called out, stopping ra who was walking towards her ssroom.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra replied, turning back to the source of the voice. Finding Mario standing right behind her.


    ¡°Are youing alone? Not with Uncle Joe or his driver?¡± Mario asked to the point.


    ¡°No!¡± that¡¯s all that came out of ra¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°BTW, where do you want to continue your studies?¡± the teenage boy asked. He wanted to be close to ra and learn more about the beautiful girl. The girl he secretly admired and adored during their graduation year.


    ¡°I, still don¡¯t know, Mario,¡± ra answered. She still didn¡¯t know her next step. She loved designing, but wasn¡¯t sure if she wanted to major in that.


    ¡°Later tonight, I¡¯ll pick you up, okay?¡± Mario made sure.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra replied, still feeling down because of Joe¡¯s words fromst night.


    ¡°I¡¯ll also be the one to take you home tonight, okay? Do you want that?¡± Mario always looked at ra. In his eyes, the girl was always beautiful, smart, and perfect.


    ¡°Yes.¡± ra threw a smile at her friend. ¡°I¡¯ll go first, okay?¡± ra bid farewell.


    ¡°Okay, ra!¡± Mario replied.


    ==?==


    During break time, Mario asked Nadia to talk without ra¡¯s knowledge. They talked in the school canteen, which wasn¡¯t too crowded during the second break.


    ¡°Nadia, I want to ask for your opinion!¡± Mario said.


    ¡°About what?¡± Nadia replied.


    ¡°I want to express my feelings to ra tonight, do you think ra will ept my feelings or not?¡± Mario asked. He thought Nadia was the right person to tell him about ra¡¯s feelings.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Mario, my advice is to express it after the final exams!¡± Nadia said. It was also impossible for Nadia to tell Mario that ra liked Uncle Joe.


    ¡°But Nad, I think this is the right time, if ra epts my love after graduation, we can study at the same university!¡± Mario suggested. He couldn¡¯t hold back his feelings for ra anymore.


    ¡°Okay, Mario, it¡¯s up to you!¡± Nadia said. ¡°But I can¡¯t guarantee ra will ept your feelings!¡± she added and left Mario alone.


    ==?==


    At 3:55 PM, Mario arrived in front of Joe¡¯s house. The red Ferrari car his mother bought him for his 17th birthday finally came in handy.


    To pick up and drop off ra. Mario sent a message to inform the girl that he had arrived at Joe Sebastian¡¯s main door.


    Mario: [ra, I¡¯ve arrived.]


    ra¡¯s phone rang. There were dozens of messages from Joe that she didn¡¯t open.


    She looked at herself in the mirror, wearing jeans and a high-necked sweater, she was already wearing. She let her hair fall neatly.


    ra¡¯s phone rang. There was a call from Mario.


    ra slid the green icon to answer the phone.


    ¡°I¡¯ve arrived!¡± said the voice on the other end.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be down in a moment!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The phone call ended. ra closed her phone screen. Putting the t object into her sling bag.


    Then, she walked out of her room. The girl walked down the stairs and found Mrs. ra sitting in the living room.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I have a school event, after it¡¯s over I wille back immediately!¡± ra asked for permission.


    ¡°What time will you be back, ra?¡± the middle-aged woman asked, still staring at her phone. Exchanging messages with her chosen future son-inw.


    ¡°Maybe around eight ortest by nine in the evening!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Alright, take care!¡± Mrs. Linn replied.


    ¡°Okay, Ma¡¯am!¡±


    ra kissed Kimmy, then walked out of the house. She started walking away from the terrace and opened the gate.


    Mario got out of the car and opened the door for her.


    ra sat next to Mario. And the four-wheeled vehicle began to move at a moderate speed.


    ¡°ra,¡± Mario whispered. Turning to ra who preferred to remain silent.


    ¡°Emm¡­,¡± ra replied, still looking out the window.


    ¡°Look at me, ra!¡±


    ¡°Yes, what¡¯s up, Mario?¡± ra asked. They both looked at each other before ra turned her gaze away.


    ¡°What should I do when I like someone?¡± Mario asked. He deliberately wanted to ask ra¡¯s opinion first.


    ¡°You should tell them! Express your feelings!¡± ra advised. She advised as she had done herself. Expressing it to Joe.


    ¡°But what if they don¡¯t ept my love, what if they don¡¯t want to be my girlfriend!¡± Mario asked again. He was actually very afraid that ra wouldn¡¯t want to be his girlfriend.


    ¡°Express it first, whether it¡¯s epted or not is another matter. You just need to express it first!¡± ra suggested.


    ¡°But I¡¯m scared, unsure!¡± Marioined again.


    ¡°Emm¡­, I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll ept your love, Mario. Besides, who can resist the charm of the basketball captain and our school idol, no one can resist you, Mario!¡± ra said. She also realized that she was the girl Mario liked.


    ¡°Is what you¡¯re saying true, ra?¡± Mario asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Really!¡±


    ¡°Really!¡±


    They arrived at school. ra and Mario started joining the other friends.


    Mario decided to inform Joe. The man who was ra Rusadi¡¯s guardian had to know about his n to express his feelings towards ra. More precisely, to ask for prayers.


    The message was sent. Joe had read Mario¡¯s message. There were two blue checkmarks indicating that the message had been read. However, there was no reply from the older macho man.


    ==?==


    The joint prayer event led by a teacher turned out to end earlier than expected.


    Joe parked his car in the school parking area. The lighting in the ce was not bright. However, Joe deliberately chose a spot where he could monitor in all directions. Clearly seeing towards Mario¡¯s red Ferrari.


    Joe turned on the headlights of his car. Pointing towards the two teenagers who were walking towards the red Ferrari.


    Mario and ra stood facing each other. Mario was seen holding ra¡¯s hand, then kneeling in front of her.


    ¡°ra, I¡¯ve liked you for a long time, will you be my girlfriend?¡± Mario expressed.


    ra was startled. She didn¡¯t expect Mario to mean her.


    Silence.


    ¡°ra, why are you silent, you¡¯re the one who said I should express my feelings!¡± Mario said. Still kneeling in his original position.


    Tap..


    Tap..Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Tap..


    Footsteps were heard approaching them. ra turned around where Joe was standing right behind her.


    ¡°Uncle Joe!¡± ra eximed in surprise.


    ¡°What are you doing, Mario?¡± Joe asked.


    Mario stood up. He scratched his head, looking confused and not knowing what to answer.


    ¡°As ra¡¯s guardian, I do not allow ra to date before graduating from high school!¡± Joe said, staring sharply at Mario.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡± Mario replied. He was annoyed but couldn¡¯t do anything. Especially since ra remained silent, showing no intention of defending him.


    ¡°Thank you for picking up ra earlier, and now let ra go home with me!¡± Joe said. Taking ra¡¯s hand into his grip.


    Joe led the girl. To walk with him.


    ¡°Get in, ra!¡± Joe said as he opened the door to his car.


    ra just stayed silent and continued to obey what Joe ordered.


    Now the two of them were in the car. Joe started the car and immediately left the school parking area.


    Silence still enveloped them. Joe seemed reluctant to speak because ra allowed Mario to pick her up. While ra, she was still hurt by Joe¡¯s words and exnations fromst night.


    The man pulled over his car. In a secluded ce.


    ¡°Are you just going to remain silent, ra?¡± Joe asked. ¡°Now exin why you didn¡¯t respond to my messages and ept Mario¡¯s offer! Do you forget, during the 45-day contract¡­,¡± Joe¡¯s words stopped.


    ¡°Do I have to keep holding on, after what you saidst night, Uncle Joe? Do I have to keep nurturing my love, while I know everything is still uncertain! Uncle, I just realized! I¡¯ve been too brave, loving you who I can¡¯t reach! Now, I understand, Uncle! I don¡¯t deserve to have Uncle Joe!¡± Tears began to fall from the corner of ra¡¯s eyes. Finally, she could express the suppressed feelings in her heart. Feelings of disappointment and shame towards her own actions.


    Joe reached out to ra¡¯s hand. Forcing her face to face him.


    For the second time, Joe couldn¡¯t control his feelings.


    A kiss.


    A kissnded on ra¡¯s lips. Longer and deeper. This time, he explored and savored her strawberry lips even more. Joe became more enthusiastic as ra responded to his kiss.


    Joe ended the activity. He looked deeply into ra¡¯s eyes. One thing was certain, he was afraid ra would distance herself from him.


    ¡°Uncle!¡± ra whispered, breaking the silence when Joe remained silent.


    ¡°Yeah, what is it, ra?¡± Joe replied, still trying to control his feelings.


    ¡°What does this kiss mean, what doesst night¡¯s kiss mean? Is it normal for Uncle Joe to kiss any woman? Is this something adults do?¡± ra asked.


    Joe sighed. ¡°I¡¯m not that kind of man, ra. Besides my ex-wife, it¡¯s only you that I¡¯ve done it with,¡± Joe answered honestly.


    ra swallowed hard. Still unsure of Joe¡¯s feelings towards her.


    ¡°Do you like me, Uncle?¡± ra pressed, needing acknowledgment.


    ¡°I¡­ I just don¡¯t like you being close to Mario. Let¡¯s go home now!¡± Joe invited ra before she could ask again.


    He started the car and drove off at a moderate speed. Meanwhile, he thought about what he would exin to Mrs. Linnter.

 Chap 26

    26 || I Love You, ra ||


    Part 26.


    Tonight the sky was overcast, mirroring Joe¡¯s troubled mind. What he felt in his heart right now, he had felt before. Jealousy, which meant he already liked ra. Loved, to be more precise.


    Did the man truly love ra? Joe stared at the walls of his room. The 45-day contract with ra still had almost two weeks left. Mr. Joe wasn¡¯t sure if he was truly in love, liked her, or just felt intrigued.


    Joe kicked his nket roughly, frustrated with himself. Sleep was elusive, and he was confused even when awake.


    He reached for his phone intending to send a message to ra. Dozens of messages from Mario on his WhatsApp were also visible. However, Joe didn¡¯t open any messages from the teenager and focused on typing a message to ra.


    Joe: [Darling, are you asleep?]


    ra: [Not yet, Uncle]


    Joe: [I want to talk.]


    ra: [Okay.]


    ra waited for Joe to call her. However, her phone¡¯s ringtone didn¡¯t sound. She kept waiting until she received a message from Joe.


    Joe: [Open the door, I¡¯m in front of your room!]


    ra¡¯s hands trembled. The clock on her phone showed ten o¡¯clock. And Joe was outside her room.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    A faint knocking sound was heard. ra, with her trembling body, quickly opened the door.


    And¡­


    The handsome Uncle was standing right in front of her. He wore a casual t-shirt paired withfortable shorts. ra was transfixed by Joe¡¯s tousled hair.


    ¡°Do we need to talk, ra?¡± Joe requested.


    ¡°Um¡­¡±


    ¡°May Ie into your room?¡± Joe asked. ¡°Or should we talk in my room?¡± he offered.


    ra nced at her messy room. ¡°Let¡¯s talk tomorrow, Uncle, it¡¯ste!¡± ra refused.


    ¡°We can¡¯t, ra, I want us to talk now!¡± Joe insisted.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s talk in Uncle Joe¡¯s room then!¡± ra replied. She grabbed her sweater and followed Joe¡¯s lead.


    For the second time, she entered Joe¡¯s room. The room where he stole her first kiss. No, he didn¡¯t steal it. Because ra liked it too.


    ¡°ra,¡± Joe whispered as he reached for ra¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied, looking up to meet the gaze of the handsome man. It was a bit strange because Om¡¯s hair, which was usually neat, looked tousled.


    ¡°Tomorrow, after school, I¡¯ll take you out to eat and for a walk. There¡¯s something I want to tell you,¡± Joe said. He really wanted to confess his feelings tonight. But Joe hesitated. He wanted to create a special moment for a special girl like ra.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just tell me through messages or a phone call?¡± ra asked, smiling. Uncle Joe¡¯s face looked different. With a smile he often restrained.


    ¡°No, ra! Because I miss you too!¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Miss me?¡± ra asked to confirm.


    ¡°Yes, I miss you, ra!¡± Joe admitted his feelings.


    They fell silent, looking into each other¡¯s eyes for a long time.


    ¡°Can I hug you?¡± Joe asked.


    ra nodded, smiling. A momentter, Joe reached for ra¡¯s waist and they hugged.


    ¡°ra, I¡¯m starting to feelfortable with you,¡± Joe said.


    Hearing Joe¡¯s words, ra secretly felt happy. Hopefully, her love would be reciprocated.


    Joe let go of the hug and guided ra to her balcony. The sky was still overcast, the wind blowing and caressing their faces, giving a chilly and romantic feeling.


    He sat leaning against the railing, with ra in hisp.


    ¡°Darling!¡± Joe whispered. He felt truly smitten but didn¡¯t know what to do next.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra looked up at Joe behind her.


    ¡°If I were to like you, would we date or get married right away?¡± Joe asked.


    Wow!


    Married? ra had always liked Joe, admired him like crazy.


    But¡­


    Married? It had never crossed ra¡¯s mind.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°I still want to go to college, Uncle, and I still want to pursue my dreams!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Oh, I understand. So, should we date secretly for now, or how?¡± Joe asked again. He didn¡¯t want ra to feel ufortable. The most important thing for him was ra¡¯s happiness and being by her side.


    ¡°Um¡­,¡± ra murmured. She didn¡¯t know what to answer. Joe asking like this was never on her mind. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Uncle?¡± ra replied.


    ¡°For now, let¡¯s keep it a secret, thenter when we¡¯re both ready, I¡¯ll talk to Mama about it, okay with you?¡± Joe proposed.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle, I¡¯m not ready yet if Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond find out that I actually like Uncle Joe!¡± ra said.


    ¡°I like you too, ra!¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Uncle, you like me?¡± ra asked to make sure.


    ¡°Yes, I like you, ra!¡±


    If ra were alone in her room, she might have jumped for joy. But because Joe was beside her, ra just smiled, adjusting her wildly beating heart.


    ¡°It¡¯ste, I¡¯ll escort you back to your room, ra!¡± Joe suggested. He guided the girl to stand up.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll take you to school, and I¡¯ll make sure to pick you up!¡± Joe said as they walked towards ra¡¯s room. They held hands, feelingfortable with each other.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle!¡±


    ¡°Have a good night¡¯s sleep, ra!¡±


    ¡°You too, Uncle!¡±


    Joe nodded and continued to stare at ra until the door closed. He then went back into his room.


    Uncle held his chest. ra had made him feel happy. Even without realizing it, Joe always smiled to himself.


    ==?==


    Joe¡¯s car stopped in front of the school gate. It was still very early, ra hadn¡¯t even had time to dry her hair.


    Her wet hair was tied up, which bothered Joe.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tie up your wet hair, ra!¡± Joe untied her hair. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up after school,¡± he added.


    ¡°Ready, Uncle,¡± ra replied.


    Om Joe observed ra¡¯s every move. Her smile, her cheerful demeanor. She brought a new color to Joe¡¯s life. ra, who was always obedient, was very different from his ex-wife. Perhaps that¡¯s what made Joe feelfortable with ra.


    After ensuring ra entered the school gate, Joe immediately drove his car at full speed towards Blue Jewelry.


    ¡°Good morning, Sir!¡± Antoni greeted, already at the office.


    ¡°Good morning, Antoni,¡± Joe replied. He walked to his seat.


    ¡°You look different this morning, Sir,¡± Antoni remarked. As usual, he was always interested in Joe.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Joe asked, while looking at his schedule for the day. Yes, at one o¡¯clock he would meet a new client from Australia, then he would pick up ra. He smiled again.


    ¡°You seem happier, even your cheeks look rosier, Sir,¡± he pointed out.


    Joe just responded with a thin smile. Then he focused on looking at the magazine, choosing models for the new product photoshoot. Everything needed to be ready by the day after tomorrow.


    However, Joe couldn¡¯t calm down. He kept looking at the wall clock because he couldn¡¯t wait until two in the afternoon. He even skipped his lunch.


    ¡°Why haven¡¯t they arrived yet?¡± Joe asked anxiously. His client should have arrived before one o¡¯clock, but almost half past one and they still hadn¡¯t arrived.


    ¡°I just received a message that they¡¯ll likely bete and arrive by half past two!¡± Antoni replied, reading the message on his phone screen.


    Joe thought for a moment. He looked out the window, the weather was gloomy, and ra would be going home soon. But he still had to wait for his client who hadn¡¯t arrived yet.


    ¡°Can we postpone it, Antoni?¡± Joe asked, starting to worry about beingte to pick up ra.


    ¡°We can¡¯t, Sir. This is ourst chance, and if we can convince them to be customers, it will be very beneficial for Blue Jewelry because we can expand our reach to Australia. It could be a great achievement for us this year, Sir!¡± Antoni exined.


    Joe tried to contact ra but there was no response. His phone was off, and she hadn¡¯t checked his messages either.


    The man started to worry. He walked around, waiting for the client while trying to contact ra who still didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Sir!¡± Antoni called. Seeing Joe pacing back and forth, he felt annoyed. But he couldn¡¯t say anything because the man was his boss.


    ¡°Yes! They¡¯ve arrived!¡± Joe eximed.


    ¡°They haven¡¯t, Sir. They¡¯re expected to arrive by half past two!¡± Antoni replied.


    ¡°Why are they taking so long! Don¡¯t you see it¡¯s raining outside! What about ra!¡± Joe yelled, torn between wanting to pick up ra soon and not wanting to lose his client.


    ¡°Who¡¯s ra, Sir?¡± Antoni inquired.


    Joe didn¡¯t answer. The clock kept ticking, and it was almost half past two.


    ¡°You, meet the client yourself, Antoni!¡± Joemanded. He grabbed his car keys and his phone, ready to leave his office.


    ¡°But, Sir, they want to meet you in person!¡± Antoni tried to persuade him.


    ¡°I trust you can convince them, Antoni. I¡¯m worried about ra, something might have happened to her outside in the rain, and I promised to pick her up!¡± Joe exined.


    Antoni fell silent, watching Joe walk away from him like that.


    Joe drove his car through the city streets, which were being poured by heavy rain. His four-wheeled vehicle moved at full speed.


    ==?==


    ra reluctantly epted Mario¡¯s offer to take her home. It was already two o¡¯clock but Joe still hadn¡¯t arrived. She also forgot to bring her phone.


    Midway through the journey, Mario pulled over his motorcycle, suggesting they take shelter. The rain was pouring heavily. They stood side by side.


    Mario¡¯s eyes always paid attention to ra.


    ra crossed her arms, covering her chest. Her wet uniform exposed the bra she was wearing.


    Mario couldn¡¯t deny he enjoyed the sight. His chest was heaving! His white face looked flushed, the cold rain couldn¡¯t quench his desire.


    Then, Mario took a warm jacket from the motorcycle¡¯s trunk and gave it to ra.


    Mario reached for ra¡¯s arm, not wanting her to catch a cold. They looked truly like a romantic couple.


    Unbeknownst to the two teenagers, a ck McLaren car had just passed in front of them. The man inside the car watched the scene with wide eyes.


    ¡°ra.¡±


    ¡°Mario.¡±


    ¡°Bastard! Damn brat taking advantage!¡± Joe cursed. One hand gripped the steering wheel, the other clenched in anger.


    Joe turned his car around. He drove at full speed towards the two teenagers taking shelter.


    The man stopped his car. Joe opened an umbre and opened the car door, then walked towards ra with a mix of anger and jealousy.


    Joe was furious, it was clear that Mario didn¡¯t heed his warning. Without saying anything, Joe grabbed ra¡¯s hand. Then, he gently took off the warm jacket from ra¡¯s shoulder and harshly threw it towards Mario.


    ¡°Watch out, you brat!¡± Joe cursed as he took ra under his control. Then, he led ra away with him.


    ¡°Get in!¡± the manmanded firmly. He gently sat ra down. His two eyes stared intensely into hers.


    He closed the door and circled around, then sat behind the wheel. Without changing direction, Joe intentionally took a different route home.


    Joe nced at ra sitting beside him. Her wet school bag was ced on the backseat.


    The girl sat close, looking out the window, observing the heavy rain falling.


    ¡°Why is your phone not active?¡± Joe asked, trying to remain patient. Actually, he was still upset about the scene earlier when Mario reached out to ra.


    Silence.


    ¡°I left my phone at home, Uncle!¡± ra answered.


    Joe sighed. There was no reason to be angry; ra would just be scared.


    The man pulled over on a fairly quiet street, the heavy rain making the road deserted.


    He turned to ra.


    ra¡¯s hair, tied back, looked wet, as did the cor and her school uniform. He observed her for quite some time, but ra didn¡¯t turn around to meet his gaze. She continued staring out the window, whatever she was contemting.


    ¡°ra, didn¡¯t you listen to what I saidst night?!¡± Joe asked. His voice trembled with anger. ¡°Did you ignore my order not to get too close to Mario?¡± he added.


    ra shifted, instead of answering she bowed her head. It wasn¡¯t without reason that she epted Mario¡¯s offer to take her home. She didn¡¯t bring her phone to order a taxi, and the school was already deserted.


    Seeing the teenage girl¡¯s reaction, Joe became even more agitated.


    ¡°Answer me, ra,¡± Joe urged, lowering his voice and guiding ra¡¯s face to face him. His strong hands held ra¡¯s face in ce.


    ¡°It¡¯s not what Uncle thinks!¡± ra replied softly but firmly. Her lips trembled from the cold. Yes, those thin and tiny lips that usually tempted men with their vibrant redness, now pale from the cold.


    Joe couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. He embraced the girl tightly. His strong arms seemed to be able to crush the bones under his control.


    ra felt warmth andfort in every touch of the man. The wet fabric covering her body made every finger of the man touching her back feel so real.


    For several minutes they hugged each other, sharing body warmth. Slowly Joe guided ra¡¯s face away, then without asking, hended a deep kiss on ra. They exchanged feelings passionately. When he realized their lips were still intertwined, he released them just like that.


    ¡°What does this kiss mean, Uncle? Why does Uncle Joe like to kiss me so much!¡± ra thought.


    Unexpectedly, the man kissed her again, exploring her so skillfully. One of his hands hugged ra tightly.


    The girl¡¯s heavy breathing brought the front of their bodies closer without a gap.


    Joe released the kiss again. Lowering his hand, he freed ra from his grip.


    ¡°ra, I like you. From now on, don¡¯t let other men touch your body!¡± Joe whispered with a deadly sharp gaze.

 Chap 27

    27 || Strawberry Lips || Part 27.


    ¡°Uncle Joe likes me?¡± ra asked to make sure. For a moment, she felt like what she had just heard was just a fantasy.


    ¡°Yes, I like you ra!¡± Joe answered firmly.


    ¡°And then?¡± ra hoped Joe would propose to her. Dere his love and ask her to be his girlfriend.


    ¡°I like you, I don¡¯t want us to just pretend to be dating, I want us to date and get to know each other better. Then, I will marry you ra!¡± Joe said.


    Oh! Uncle Joe talked about marriage again? Honestly, ra¡¯s thoughts hadn¡¯t gone that far yet.


    ¡°Why ra? Don¡¯t you want to marry me?¡± Joe asked. He turned the car key, then started driving at a moderate speed.


    ¡°Umm¡­,¡± ra murmured, hesitant to answer.


    ¡°That¡¯s the risk, ra. Because you love this widowed man, it means you must be ready to get married soon! At least after you graduate from college, I am willing and will wait. How about it?¡± Joe said. The man didn¡¯t like to y around. Especially after being yed by his ex-wife.


    ¡°Umm¡­,¡± ra really didn¡¯t know what to answer.


    Silence. Joe waited for ra¡¯s answer.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer now, ra! After you finish your exams, we¡¯ll talk about this again. This time you have to really focus on your exams. Understand!¡± said Uncle Joe.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡±


    Joe parked his car in the garage. Just like Mario did, Joe grabbed the sweater he always kept in his car.


    ¡°Put this on! I don¡¯t want Mr. Joko or any other male servants to see it!¡± Joe pointed to ra¡¯s chest. ¡°It¡¯s ck!¡± he added while opening the car door.


    ¡°Not ck!¡± ra replied, crossing her arms.


    ¡°ck, I¡¯m sure I saw it!¡± Joe insisted.


    ¡°Not ck but navy!¡± the girl said.


    They entered the house and went to their respective rooms.


    ra decided to shower in the downstairs bathroom. Kimmy and Mrs. Linn were nowhere to be seen. The house was very quiet.


    The same goes for the servants who were nowhere to be seen.


    ra let the cold water flow, soaking her body. Now she was going crazy. Even when she closed her eyes, she saw Joe in front of her. ¡°Is this what love is?¡± ra murmured, smiling to herself.


    ra was wearing warm clothes. She walked to the kitchen intending to make hot chocte to warm herself up.


    The kitchen was empty, no one was there. The girl poured cocoa powder, then stirred it with hot water. So it could be drunk immediately.


    Tap..


    Tap..


    Tap..


    Footsteps could be heard approaching. ra turned around and found Joe standing behind her.


    ¡°Do you want hot chocte, Uncle?¡± ra offered. She raised her ss and sipped the hot chocte in front of Joe.


    ¡°Sure!¡± he replied. Continuing to observe ra. The scent of her soap wafting around made him want to be close to ra.


    ¡°Wait, ra, make one for me too?¡± he said.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to, I have another way to drink it!¡± Joe grabbed ra¡¯s waist and kissed her. The strawberry lips now smelled like chocte.


    ra¡¯s eyes widened. She didn¡¯t expect Joe to be so bold. Kissing her in the kitchen, and there could be servants or even Mrs. ra who would see them.


    Joe stopped his kiss. They looked at each other. Before ra could protest, Joe kissed ra¡¯s lips again in his embrace. ¡°You are mine ra!¡± he whispered.


    Boom¡­


    The sound of thunder was heard. Making them stop their activities. Then they went into their respective rooms to rest.


    Joe arrived in his room, as did ra.


    ra¡¯s phone rang. There was a call from Joe.


    The girl immediately slid the green icon on her phone screen.


    ¡°Hello, Uncle!¡± ra greeted.


    ¡°Hello, ra. Are you afraid of thunder?¡± the man asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m more afraid of Mrs. Linn than of thunder!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°My mom is not scary, dear. We should be able to go out tonight, ra. How about we go tomorrow instead?¡± Joe suggested.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle, it¡¯s raining heavily outside and it hasn¡¯t stopped! I prefer to stay in my room and hide under this warm nket!¡± ra said. Hiding her entire body under the nket.


    ¡°Are you cold?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes, I took a cold shower, there¡¯s no hot water in the downstairs bathroom like in Om Joe¡¯s bathroom!¡± ra exined.


    ¡°Do I need toe to your room now?¡± Joe offered.


    ¡°What for?¡± ra startled.


    ¡°To warm you up!¡± teased Uncle.


    ¡°No, Uncle, no need!¡± ra refused.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m just kidding!¡± said Joe.


    ¡°Umm¡­¡±


    ¡°Okay, ra, you rest, okay!¡± said Joe. He would call Antoni to find out about the information from his client earlier.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle?!¡±


    ¡°See you!¡±


    ¡°See you, too!¡±


    The phone call ended.


    Joe searched for Antoni¡¯s number. Then he called him.


    The phone call connected.


    ¡°How was your meeting with ra?¡± Antoni inquired curiously.


    ¡°Sessful!¡± Joe replied. ra¡¯s face shed in his mind.


    Click. Joe ended the phone call before Antoni could ask again.


    ==?==


    ra looked at her phone screen angrily. Articles about Joe Sebastian spreading on online media made her furious. Jealousy, more precisely.


    Just yesterday, the man kissed her and confessed his liking. However, news of Joe¡¯s closeness with Celine surfaced, bing a trending topic. Understandable, as Celine was a rising model.


    ¡°Uncle Joe, what does this mean!¡± rained.


    Drrrtt..


    Drrrtt..


    [ra, I¡¯m going to take you and Kimmy out for ice cream. Get ready!]Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ra only read the message. She wasn¡¯t interested in replying, nor was she interested in going.


    Her phone rang. Joe¡¯s name appeared on the screen.


    ra didn¡¯t want to answer the call. No. Jealousy wasn¡¯t pleasant.


    Tok.


    Tok.


    Tok.


    The sound of knocking on the door. Definitely Uncle Joe. Who else,tely, he often came directly to her room.


    Creak.


    And¡­


    Sure enough, the handsome man was standing in front of the door with his innocent expression.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you reply to my messages and didn¡¯t answer my calls, ra?¡± Joe protested. His eyes stared straight ahead.


    ra just shook her head softly. ¡°No!¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be silent like that, ra!¡± he protested again.


    ra just remained silent and kept staring at Uncle.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go buy ice cream?¡± Joe offered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like having ice cream, Uncle!¡± she replied.


    ¡°Then what do you want?¡± Joe persuaded. He thought after his confession of love yesterday, ra would be more open. However, Joe was wrong. ra was very different today.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want anything!¡± she replied curtly.


    ¡°ra, I¡¯m serious, let¡¯s spend time together this Sunday!¡± Joe was sure something was wrong. It couldn¡¯t be that ra changed so drastically if there wasn¡¯t a problem.


    ¡°It¡¯s better for you to leave my room now before Mrs. Linn or Mr. Bondes!¡± ra ordered. She was very annoyed. All those articles managed to make her angry, but Joe seemed indifferent.


    ¡°Are you angry?¡± Joe held the door to keep it open.


    ra shook her head.


    ¡°Is there something wrong with me?¡± the man asked again.


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Are you hungry? What do you want to eat?¡± Joe offered.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry and don¡¯t want to eat!¡± ra replied firmly. Trying to close the door because she didn¡¯t want to talk to Joe.


    ¡°ra! Tell me what¡¯s wrong, don¡¯t be like this!¡± he insisted.


    ¡°Get out of my room now, Uncle, or ra will scream, so Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bonde here!¡± ra threatened, still feeling annoyed.


    Joe slowly backed away. Letting ra close her bedroom door. Strange! This morning, ra replied to his messages enthusiastically. Why was she so angry this afternoon?


    The man sighed in frustration and decided to go back to his room.


    Meanwhile, ra was busy taking screenshots of articles about Joe and sending them to Nadia.


    [What should I do, Nad]


    ra wrote beneath the article photo about Joe and Celine.


    ra waited for Nadia¡¯s reply. However, her friend still hadn¡¯t responded to her message. Instead, her phone rang again, a phone call from Joe.


    ¡°What¡¯s up again, Uncle?¡± ra asked angrily.


    ¡°What you need to do is get ready, and I¡¯ll exin about those articles!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°What do you mean, Uncle?¡± ra scrutinized what Uncle had just said.


    ¡°If you¡¯re jealous reading those articles, it¡¯s better for you to ask me directly, ra. Nadia also can¡¯t answer what really happened!¡± Joe exined. He smiled, happy to be envied by ra.


    ¡°Maybe!¡± ra¡¯s words stopped.


    ¡°Yes, ra, you sent that message to my number, not Nadia¡¯s!¡± Joe said proudly.


    ra was silent. She felt embarrassed because Joe knew she was jealous of Celine.


    ¡°Hurry up and get ready; we¡¯re going on a D-A-T-E, and I¡¯ll exin everything!¡± Uncle said.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra replied unenthusiastically. Her face turned red with embarrassment. First, she was embarrassed because of jealousy, and second, she was embarrassed because she sent the wrong message.

 Chap 28

    28 || Obstacle! ||


    Part 28.


    ra and Joe were on their way to a shopping center. Mr. Joko, sitting behind the wheel, focused on driving the four-wheeled vehicle, providingfort to his employer.


    Joe and ra sat in the back, while the four-year-old girl was in ra¡¯sp.


    ¡°Kak ra!¡± whispered Kimmy.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra replied, focusing her gaze and attention on Kimmy.


    ¡°Grandma said Kak Kimmy wants to go to college and not stay at home anymore. Is that true?¡± Kimmy asked.


    ra threw a smile. She paused for a moment before answering the question. Meanwhile, Joe pretended to focus on his tablet screen. Although both of his senses were tuned into what Kimmy and ra were talking about.


    ¡°Emmm ¡­,¡± murmured ra.


    ¡°Kak ra will still stay here, she¡¯ll go to college ande home every day!¡± Joe interrupted, stealing a nce at ra.


    ¡°Emmm ¡­, Grandma likes to lie, huh, Pa?¡± protested the little girl.


    Joe smiled thinly and nced at ra again.


    ra chose to remain silent. She couldn¡¯t smile until she heard those exnations from Joe. Her heart was still burning with jealousy.


    After thirty minutes of traveling, they arrived at thergest shopping center in the city. Mr. Joko parked his car in the parking area.


    Joe, along with ra and Kimmy, got out of the car and began to enter the multi-story building. The man nced at his watch and then watched ra and Kimmy again.


    ¡°Shall we go to the top floor? Does Kimmy want to eat ice cream?¡± Joe asked. ¡°What about you, ra? What vor ice cream do you want?¡± he offered.


    ¡°Anything, Uncle!¡± ra replied, still indifferent. In fact, she didn¡¯t want to eat ice cream. She just needed exnations about those eye-catching and heart-wrenching articles.


    The elevator door opened.


    Joe led Kimmy, then made sure ra entered and always stayed close to her.


    The elevator door closed. The transportation device in the multi-story building began to ascend.


    Joe loves ra! That¡¯s what he feels. Initially, he thought he just wanted to see ra without having her. However, all of that was wrong. A dominant man like him couldn¡¯t contain his jealousy.


    The door opened.


    The three of them stepped out to a table reserved by Joe. It was a rectangr table with six seats.


    Joe sat at the end, Kimmy beside him. ra chose to sit across from Kimmy.


    Soon, a waiter came and brought two drinks and two servings of ice cream.


    ra thought for a moment, why were there two drinks? Strawberry juice was clearly Joe¡¯s order, but what about the soda? Kimmy couldn¡¯t have it. Joe also avoided soda.


    Tap..


    Tap..


    Tap..


    Footsteps approached. ra¡¯s question was answered. Celine was standing next to Joe, smiling sweetly.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Mr. Joe,¡± she greeted. She sat next to ra, facing Joe.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Celine!¡± Joe replied. ¡°Thank you foring!¡± he added.


    ¡°Yes, Sir, I¡¯ll always be ready if you want me toe!¡± she said with a continued smile.


    ¡°I want to talk about the articles circting in the media about us,¡± Joe paused for a moment, looking at ra who was enjoying her ice cream.


    ra seemed indifferent. But, in fact, she was paying attention to every word uttered by Celine and Joe.


    ¡°Oh yes, I read those articles earlier!¡± said Celine, pretending not to be interested. Although she was the mastermind behind the spread of those articles about her closeness to the widower.


    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t know where those articles came from, I just want you to confirm that none of it is true!¡± Joemanded. ¡°Our rtionship is just work-rted, nothing more. I don¡¯t want those rumors to spread, because there are hearts I need to protect!¡± Joe nced briefly at ra, then looked back at Celine.


    ¡°Mr. Joe, aren¡¯t you already divorced? That means you¡¯re not in a rtionship with anyone, right?¡± Celine asked, raising her eyebrows, full of questions. Could it be that Joe was in a rtionship with another woman?


    Joe stared at Celine sharply. He didn¡¯t expect the model to be so bold.


    ¡°Then, what¡¯s the meaning of the gift you gave?¡± she protested. A gift of flowers and a gown was given by Joe, about a month ago.


    ¡°Gift?¡± Joe squinted, trying to remember.


    Silence.


    ¡°I¡¯ll excuse myself to the restroom!¡± ra couldn¡¯t handle it. She didn¡¯t want to know what Joe gave to Celine, until the beautiful woman got carried away and thought Joe liked her.


    Silence. Kimmy was busy with her chocte ice cream.


    ¡°Which gift, Celine? I don¡¯t recall,¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Flowers and an evening gown!¡± Celine replied.


    ¡°Sorry, but I really don¡¯t know about that. I always s to the models I work with, but my secretary chooses them!¡± Joe exined. For a moment, he remembered Antoni and wanted to scold him.


    Celine¡¯s breath became heavy. Joe politely rejected her. Her face turned red with embarrassment.


    ¡°I¡¯ll excuse myself to the restroom for a moment!¡± Celine said, feeling extremely embarrassed. She walked quickly. The sound of her high heels shing with the floor echoed loudly in Joe¡¯s ears.


    In the restroom.


    Celine found ra standing in front of the mirror. They stared at each other.


    ¡°Who are you, what¡¯s your name?¡± Celine asked curtly.


    ¡°I¡¯m ra, Kak,¡± ra replied kindly. The woman she was talking to was incredibly beautiful, even with minimal makeup. Truly out of her league.


    ¡°Do you know the woman who¡¯s close to Joe?¡± Celine asked while examining her appearance in the mirror.


    ¡°Emmm¡­,¡± ra murmured.


    ¡°Damn, who is that woman! Why is she not interested in me! Why can Joe not be interested in me?¡± she eximed angrily.


    ¡°ra!¡± she called.


    ¡°Yes, Kak!¡± ra replied, trembling.


    ¡°I¡¯m beautiful, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Kak Celine, you¡¯re beautiful and talented!¡± ra replied honestly. The woman standing next to her was indeed perfect.


    ¡°I deserve to have Joe, right?¡± Celine¡¯s breath still sounded heavy with frustration.


    ra didn¡¯t answer. ¡°I¡¯m going out, Kak!¡± ra excused herself.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Celine stopped her.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°If you know who the woman close to Joe is, you should tell ra!¡± she requested. ¡°Since you¡¯re always close to Joe, you should know who he¡¯s close to!¡± she added with emphasis.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know, Kak!¡±


    ¡°My efforts have been in vain!¡± Celine sighed. She bowed her head, resting it on her hands.


    ¡°What do you mean, Celine?¡± ra asked, abandoning her intention to stay longer in the room.


    ¡°I made those articles, I paid the media. I thought he liked me!¡± shemented again.


    ra sighed. It was understandable! What she had been feeling all along. Loving Joe deeply. The man was indeed charming. Even someone like Celine, a model, desired Joe. Not to mention Vivian, his supermodel ex-wife.


    ra¡¯s courage faltered. Did Joe really love her? The longer it went on, the more doubts she had!


    ¡°Kak Celine, be strong! Loving someone without any reciprocation is painful! I¡¯ve felt it for years!¡± ra advised and quickly left Celine. A feeling of sadness creeping into her heart.


    Celine was stunned. Was what ra said true? Wasn¡¯t she still in high school? For years?


    Celine shook her head, unsure.


    Joeplied with ra¡¯s wish to go home.


    ¡°We need to talk tonight,¡± Joe requested before they arrived at the parking area.


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s talk over the phone, Uncle!¡± ra suggested. There was a sense of fear because Joe had started to boldly kiss her anywhere.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    They got into the car. Mr. Joko, who had been waiting faithfully, started the car.


    ¡°Where to, Sir?¡± the man asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go home!¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    The car started moving back towards home. Throughout the journey, Joe felt relieved because ra wasn¡¯t angry anymore.


    The four-wheeled vehicle arrived at Joe¡¯s residence. ra got out of the car, as did Joe, carrying the sleeping Kimmy.


    Out of the blue, ra was startled to see a woman sitting on the veranda of the house.


    ¡°Why is Aunt Vivian here already! It hasn¡¯t even been two months in Paris!¡± ra muttered as she followed behind Joe.


    The man stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°Darling, let¡¯s talk!¡± Vivian called Joe ¡°darling¡±.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± Joe whispered, brushing off his ex-wife¡¯s hand. He chose to leave Vivian behind.


    ra, who had been silent all this time, followed Joe into the house.


    ¡°Wait, ra!¡± Vivian stopped her, grabbing ra¡¯s hand roughly.


    ra stopped. She returned Vivian¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure Joees back to me! Realize yourself, ra, you¡¯re just a parasite living in this house, without Joe¡¯s mercy, you can¡¯t experience life with such facilities!¡± Vivian said confidently.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who should realize, Aunt! Youe and go as you please without respecting Joe¡¯s feelings!¡± ra retorted. She understood well how painful it was for Joe. Loving but not being prioritized was painful.


    ¡°Watch your words, ra! You¡¯re no match for me! Give up on getting Joe!¡± his former wife urged.


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid, Aunt!¡± ra tried to sound strong. But her heart was already torn apart.


    ¡°Fine! Get ready, ra, I¡¯ll make you cry blood. Because you¡¯re bold enough, I won¡¯t hesitate, I¡¯ll make sure your heart shatters into pieces!¡±


    ¡°Let go of my hand, Aunt!¡±


    Vivian released ra¡¯s hand. They exchanged fierce nces. Neither wanted to back down; they both felt entitled to Joe.


    ¡°I¡¯m not giving up, ra, don¡¯t cry! I¡¯ll make sure we¡¯ll be together!¡± Joe said as he reached out to ra in his embrace.


    Before ra entered, Joe was already inside her room.


    ra opened her unlocked bedroom door. Strange, because she had locked it when she left earlier.


    The girl sat on the edge of her bed. In her dimly lit room.


    ¡°How strong do I have to be, Uncle! Do I have to be a mountain! Or as tough as a rock! I feel small, why does loving you have to be this exhausting! I¡¯m tired!¡± ra murmured as she closed both of her hands. Tears welled up. Her chest felt heavy. Celine, Vivian, Mr. Bond, Mrs. Linn, who else would hinder her feelings for Joe.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired! Should I give up!¡± ramented with herself.


    Silence.


    Only faint sobs from the girl could be heard.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give up, ra, don¡¯t cry! I¡¯ll make sure we¡¯ll be together!¡± Joe said as he reached out to ra in his embrace.


    Before ra entered, Joe was already inside her room.

 Chap 29

    29 || Uncle Joe ||


    Part 29.


    ¡°Since when Uncle is here?¡± ra whispered. ¡°Why do you like barging into my room so much!¡± she protested. They faced each other, ra¡¯s heavy breaths noticeable by Joe.


    Silence.


    Joe didn¡¯t answer. His hands cupped ra¡¯s face, wiping away her tears.


    ¡°Uncle Joe, why do you keep sneaking into my room!¡± ra asked again, trying to divert Joe¡¯s attention away from her. She didn¡¯t like Uncle seeing her weak like this. ra always appeared fine. And now, she wanted to seem okay.


    ¡°This is my house, ra, andtely, your room has be one of my favorite ces in this house!¡± Joe replied. ¡°Why are you crying?¡± He held ra¡¯s face in ce.


    ra didn¡¯t answer, too scared to meet Joe¡¯s gaze. All she did was let her tears flow down her cheeks again.


    ¡°What did Vivian say?¡± Joe pressed on. Seeing ra sad made him sad too.


    ¡°Nothing, Uncle!¡± ra nodded slowly.


    With one move, Joe pulled ra into hisp, embracing her.


    ¡°My dear ra!¡± Joe whispered. His hands tightly wrapped around the girl.


    ra didn¡¯t resist, feeling sad and enveloped in Joe¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°Listen to me! Never listen to anything Vivian says, I¡¯m fed up with her too!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Uncle, do you no longer love Aunt Vivian?¡± ra wanted to know Joe¡¯s true feelings. Who was the woman in his heart? Celine, Vivian, or ra?


    ¡°I like you, ra, I love you!¡± Joe leaned closer to the girl¡¯s face, feeling her warmth.


    ¡°So, Uncle is returning my love?¡± ra dared to touch Joe¡¯s face with her hands. It felt strange, not strange but happy. The man she had admired for years was now hugging her, reciprocating her feelings.


    ¡°Yes, ra, I love you! I want to make you my wife!¡± Joe dered.


    They smiled at each other. Their presence filled each other¡¯s void, no longer lonely.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    Joe¡¯s words stopped. He nted a kiss on ra¡¯s cheek and lips. ra¡¯s tears still falling.


    ¡°But what, Uncle?¡± ra asked after Joe released her lips.


    ¡°This won¡¯t be easy, ra, but I promise I¡¯ll fight for us!¡± Joe said.


    ra¡¯s stomach growled. She hadn¡¯t eaten rice since morning. Just had some ice cream that wasn¡¯t satisfying.


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Joe teased ra. ¡°A little jealous, stop eating, a little conflict, stop eating, if you keep doing this, you¡¯ll get skinny, ra!¡± he teased while gently pinching ra¡¯s cute nose.


    ¡°Yes, I haven¡¯t eaten, Uncle!¡± ra held her stomach.


    ¡°Do you want me to order food, or should I cook for you?¡± Joe offered.


    ¡°Can Uncle cook?¡± ra wasn¡¯t sure if he could handle cooking in the kitchen.


    ¡°Yes! Wait here, I¡¯ll cook for you!¡± Joe got up from his seat and left ra¡¯s room.


    He walked down the stairs. In the living room, Mr. Bond was sitting, rxing, watching the news on TV.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Kimmy?¡± he asked the middle-aged man.


    ¡°Kimmy is asleep, Dad!¡± Joe replied, passing his father and continuing to the kitchen.


    Mr. Bond squinted. It was the first time he saw Joe going into the kitchen. He waited, and his son didn¡¯t leave the kitchen.


    Joe, in the kitchen, made instant noodles. Anyone could cook it, right?


    ¡°This is special for ra, because I¡¯ve never cooked for anyone before!¡± Joe muttered. He began to serve the dish on a te, adding sauce and eggs.


    Joe observed his cooking. ¡°Great!¡± he praised himself and quickly brought two tes.


    He walked and didn¡¯t realize his father was still watching him.


    ¡°You¡¯re cooking?¡± Mr. Bond was surprised.


    ¡°Yes, Dad?¡±


    ¡°Are you going to eat all of that?¡± he inquired, raising his eyebrows. It was unusual for Joe to eat like this. When eating with his son, he would only take a little. And this time, he brought two portions.


    ¡°Yes, Dad, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°One for Papa, while Mama¡¯s not home. If Mama¡¯s at home, Papa wouldn¡¯t dare to eat instant noodles!¡± Mr. Bond continued to observe the fried noodles brought by his son.


    Joe thought for a moment. ¡°Can¡¯t, Dad, I¡¯m very hungry, besides, Mama will be home soon!¡± Joe reasoned. Then he walked enthusiastically to the second floor.


    Unlucky on the second floor. Kimmy was already there with her nanny.


    ¡°What¡¯s Papa eating?¡± the little girl asked.


    ¡°Papa¡¯s eating instant noodles, Sweetie!¡± he replied and sat down first. No, maybe he also entered ra¡¯s room when Kimmy and Cici were there.


    ¡°One for Kimmy, please, Papa!¡± pleaded his daughter with a pouting face.


    ¡°No, darling, you¡¯re not allowed to eat instant noodles!¡± Joe reasoned. The fried noodles he brought specifically for ra, shaping the sunny-side-up eggs into heart shapes, were difficult. Joe wouldn¡¯t make them again.


    ¡°Aw, Papa!¡± Kimmy pouted.


    ¡°Mbak Cici!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± replied the nanny.


    ¡°Take Kimmy downstairs. Prepare her food!¡± Joe ordered.


    ¡°Alright,¡± she replied. Then she took Kimmy downstairs to the kitchen on the ground floor.


    After making sure Kimmy and Cici were going downstairs, Joe walked back to his current favorite room. Yes, ra¡¯s room.


    ¡°Darling, open the door!¡± Joe whispered. His hands were busy bringing food.


    ra opened the door, and Joe immediately burst in.


    ¡°Taa raaaa ¡­ This is a special meal for you, ra!¡± Joe said, handing ra a te of fried noodles with heart-shaped sunny-side-up eggs.


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle,¡± ra replied. They sat on the floor. ra intentionally opened the curtains so her room wouldn¡¯t be too dark.


    ¡°Come on, please eat!¡± Joe urged.


    ra ate the food Joe made little by little. It tasted delicious, besides, she was very hungry. The fried noodles made by Uncle Handsome were special.


    ¡°Delicious, Uncle!¡± ra praised.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡± ra took another bite. ¡°Did Uncle ever cook for Aunt Vivian?¡± ra inquired. Vivian¡¯s unexpected arrival made her curious about Uncle and his ex-wife¡¯s marriage life.


    ¡°Never!¡± Joe quickly replied.


    ¡°Why?!¡± ra¡¯s curiosity grew stronger. She wanted to know about Joe and Vivian¡¯s past.


    ¡°Vivian isn¡¯t the type to eat just anything. She always calctes the amount of carbohydrates and protein that goes into her stomach. She also prefers to eat fruits and vegetables in juice rather than cooked,¡± Joe replied. He still remembered Vivian¡¯s habits very well.


    ¡°So, Uncle has never cooked for Aunt Vivian at all?!¡± ra pressed on. Hoping this was the first time Joe cooked, and only for her.


    ¡°I have cooked for Vivian before, but my food ended up in the trash!¡± Joe said tly, in line with his increasingly nd feelings towards Vivian.


    ¡°Emm¡­,¡± ra murmured. It turned out Joe and Vivian¡¯s married life wasn¡¯t as perfect as she had imagined. Not as happy as the media portrayed.


    Joe looked out the window. Vivian, one chapter of his life had ended. Now there was ra, whom he would take into the future. Yes, ra. She would be an obedient woman who listened to her husband¡¯smands. Not like Vivian, who never prioritized her husband and child.


    ¡°What about Aunt Vivian? Did she cook meals for Uncle Joe, asionally or¡­,¡± ra asked again.


    ¡°Sometimes, when there was a TV station covering her, she would pretend to cook for me!¡± Joe recounted. Remembering Vivian would only remind him of his marriage, not much different from a nightmare.


    Silence.


    ra couldn¡¯t speak. Vivian Rosaline, indeed not as she appeared in the media and on the screen. A woman full of drama.


    With onest bite of Uncle¡¯s homemade fried noodles, ra¡¯s meal was finished.


    ¡°I¡¯m full!¡± ra said with a smile.


    Joe returned the smile and pinched ra¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Uncle!¡± ra whispered, needing to confirm something that bothered her.


    ¡°Yes, ra?¡±


    ¡°Are we dating now?¡± ra wanted to make sure of her rtionship status with Uncle Handsome.


    One.


    Two.


    Three.


    Joe chuckled.


    ¡°ra, I love you, I will make you my wife, not just dating. Until then, will you stay and stand by my side?¡± he replied with a sincere look.


    Silence.


    ¡°Now, focus on your exams. After your exams, I¡¯ll take you, along with Mom and Dad, on vacation, and I¡¯ll start telling them about our rtionship, about my feelings!¡± Joe dered. He reached for ra¡¯s hand and kissed it.


    ==?==


    Mr. Bond no longer weed Vivian¡¯s visits. This made Mrs. Linn go out to talk to Vivian.


    Joe Sebastian¡¯s mother couldn¡¯t refuse. Because Vivian tempted her with some information about Joe.


    At a coffee cafe, Vivian invited her former mother-inw to enjoy coffee while making a deal.


    ¡°Does Mom know who the woman is that¡¯s close to Joe now?¡± Vivian started the conversation.


    ¡°That¡¯s not very important to me, Vivian! The most important thing is, you don¡¯t contest custody for Kimmy. I want Kimmy to stay with Joe!¡± Mrs. Linn replied.


    ¡°Alright, Mom, I won¡¯t contest custody for Kimmy, as long as you do something for me!¡± Vivian requested.


    ¡°What else, do you need money? Or what?¡± Mrs. Linn started to get annoyed. Her former daughter-inw always rebelled, contradicted, and did whatever she pleased.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about money, Mom, I don¡¯t need money!¡± Vivian refused, meeting Mrs. Linn¡¯s gaze more boldly.


    ¡°Mom, you have to kick ra out of that house, Mom!¡± Vivian requested.


    ¡°I won¡¯t grant your request, Vivian, at least ra is not like you!¡± Mrs. Linn eximed, almost shouting.


    ¡°Are you sure ra is better than me!¡± Vivian challenged. ¡°Just so you know, ra is getting close to Joe, if you don¡¯t take action soon, ra will definitely seduce your beloved son!¡± Vivian exined angrily.


    ¡°Watch your words, Vivian! Joe only sees ra as a sister, if you regret divorcing Joe, just say it!¡± Mrs. Linn challenged Joe Sebastian¡¯s mother.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m not jealous, Mom, if you don¡¯t believe me, I¡¯ll prove to you that ra and Joe are in a rtionship, not as Brother and Sister, but as lovers!¡± Vivian exined again. She had to get rid of ra first before making Joe fall back into her arms.


    Mrs. Linn got up from her seat. Reluctant to entertain her former daughter-inw.


    ¡°Mom, Mom, you have to believe what I say, or I will prove my words, so you believe and immediately get ra away from Joe and Kimmy¡¯s life!¡± Vivian said before Mrs. Linn walked away.


    To be continued.

 Chap 30

    30 || Wrong Target ||


    Part 30.


    ra looked at herself in the mirror! Seeing her face this morning. It¡¯s the fourth day of her Final Exams. This afternoon she will be free from the pressures that forced her to study.


    Mr. Bond, Mrs. Linn, and Uncle Joe. They never stopped reminding her to study and study.


    And..


    Starting this afternoon, ra will be free to pursue her hobbies in her spare time. Watching Korean dramas or reading novels.


    ra stepped out of her room. She walked to the dining room to have breakfast together.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Good morning Mrs. Linn, Mr. Bond, and Uncle Joe!¡± ra greeted politely.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Good morning ra,¡± Mrs. Linn.


    While Mr. Bond chose to remain silent. ncing briefly and then focusing back on the food on his te.


    ra sat down and picked up her breakfast menu. She chose to eat bread with chocte spread.


    ¡°ra, is today yourst day of exams?¡± Joe pretended not to know. Even though he had marked and remembered today.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°What gift do you want from me?¡± Joe asked tly. He wanted to make sure his parents didn¡¯t suspect anything. Yes, for ra¡¯sfort, Joe had no intention of revealing their rtionship in the near future.


    ¡°Nothing, Uncle!¡± ra replied, eating pieces of bread filled with chocte spread.


    ¡°Ma, Pa, do you want to go on vacation?¡± Joe offered.


    ¡°No!¡± Mr. Bond refused.


    Joe looked at his Mom. He could only follow his husband¡¯s words.


    ¡°Papa and Mama have an invitation to stay at a new vi owned by Papa¡¯s associate, for three days!¡± Mr. Bond exined.


    ¡°When, Pa?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°This afternoon Mama and Papa will leave!¡± exined Mr. Bond.


    ¡°Oh, and will Kimmy go?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Kimmy won¡¯t go, Mama asked Vivian to stay here for three days!¡± Mrs. Linn said tly. As if it didn¡¯t affect her son.


    ¡°What?¡± Joe squinted hearing what Mrs. Linn said.


    ¡°Mama is sure this won¡¯t harm Kimmy?¡± Joe confirmed.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible, Vivian is her mother, she wouldn¡¯t hurt or endanger Kimmy, Joe! Get rid of your bad thoughts about Vivian!¡± Mrs. Linn requested. ¡°She is your ex-wife who has hurt you, but despite all that, you and Vivian must both love Kimmy!¡± she added hopefully.


    Joe bowed his head. There was no reason to object.


    ¡°When will Viviane?¡± Joe asked. He nced at ra briefly and then focused back on his te.


    ¡°She wille this afternoon!¡± Mrs. Linn replied.


    ¡°Is there no other intention behind all this, Mom?¡± Joe inquired. ¡°Mom doesn¡¯t intend to reconcile me and Vivian! Right!!¡± he added.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it you who wants to reconcile, you still love your ex-wife, right?¡± Mrs. Linn began to wonder who the woman was that Joe called every night. Because Joe always smiled to himself when exchanging messages with that woman.


    ¡°No, why would I love a woman who doesn¡¯t obey her husband!¡± Joe replied firmly. ¡°Because Mama approved Vivian staying here, please tell her to behave!¡± hemanded.


    Mrs. Linn swallowed hard. Her assumption was wrong, Joe had actually moved on. Not Vivian, there was another woman who filled his heart.


    ¡°ra, I¡¯ll take you!¡± Joe said. He stood up from his seat and walked towards the garage.


    ¡°Mr. Bond, Mrs. I¡¯m leaving!¡± ra asked for permission.


    They both nodded and gave a smile to ra.


    Now there were only Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn there. Mr. Bond, who knew the situation better, sighed irritably.


    ¡°Why, Pa?¡± asked his wife.


    ¡°Nothing, Ma, did Papa agree to something with Vivian?¡± Mr. Bond inquired. He understood his wife¡¯s demeanor very well. He didn¡¯t want his wife to suspect anything.


    ¡°Emm¡­, actually Vivian once said something about ra and Joe!¡± she said.


    ¡°What did Vivian say?¡± Mr. Bond tried to stay calm. He didn¡¯t want his wife to be suspicious.


    ¡°Vivian said, if Joe and ra were in a rtionship, of course Mama wouldn¡¯t believe it right away. Maybe that¡¯s Vivian¡¯s strategy to get Joe back!¡± she exined. She looked at her husband with convincing eyes.


    ¡°Why does Mama think that?¡± Mr. Bond inquired.


    ¡°Vivian, she failed to get a job with a fashion magazine in Paris. Her status now is a widow, after divorcing Joe, various job offers are not as many as when she was Mrs. Joe Sebastian. And¡­, the articles about Joe and Celine must surely make her regret,¡± Mrs. Linn expressed her feelings.


    ¡°ording to Mama, Joe and ra don¡¯t have a special rtionship?¡± Mr. Bond asked again.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible, Pa, Joe has taste! His taste is high and it¡¯s impossible for him to like a high school girl like ra!¡± Mrs. Linn insisted.


    ¡°What if Mama¡¯s guess is wrong?¡± pressed her husband.


    ¡°What do you mean, Pa?¡±


    ¡°What if what Vivian said is true, that Joe and ra do have a special rtionship?¡± Mr. Bond lowered his head.


    ¡°No, Joe couldn¡¯t possibly like that little girl!¡± Mrs. Linn rejected.


    ¡°What if Joe is like Papa, loving Mama who is decades younger than Papa?¡±


    Silence.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk like that, Pa, no matter how you look at it ra is not the right woman for Joe!¡± Mrs. Linn insisted. And left the dining table just like that.


    ==?==


    Going to school escorted by Joe was a special motivation for ra. She could do her exams smoothly and also happily.


    Because, even though Uncle Joe couldn¡¯t pick her up from school this afternoon, tonight Uncle will take her to dinner. Special, to celebrate their rtionship.


    ¡°One school, with exams and no boredom, that¡¯s just you, ra!¡± Nadia said. They were walking towards the school gate. Along with other students.


    ¡°No, because Uncle Joe already replied to my love,¡± ra replied. She smiled and Joe¡¯s face seemed to sh in her mind.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Nadia asked.


    ¡°Two Seriously?¡± ra replied.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it, ra! Congrattions!¡± eximed Nadia, reaching out to hug ra.


    Nadia let go of the hug.


    ¡°Congrattions, ra, I hope itsts!¡± Nadia shook her head in disbelief.


    ¡°Yeah, I hope so,¡± ra replied.


    They continued walking towards the gate.


    ¡°Nad!¡± ra called out, turning to her friend.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Nadia asked, replying to a message from her mom.


    ¡°If I¡¯m bored, can I stay at your house?¡± ra asked. Honestly, sometimes she missed her time with Nadia when they lived in the dorm.


    ¡°Of course, when do you want to stay at my house, tomorrow or the day after?¡± Nadia offered. She also felt what ra felt.


    ¡°No, for the next three days Aunt Vivian will be staying at home, I don¡¯t want to be teased and bothered by Uncle Joe!¡± ra exined.


    ¡°Aunt Vivian? Why is the ex-wifeing back?¡± Nadia inquired.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I can¡¯t just stay silent! Anyway, I¡¯m more deserving of Uncle Joe!¡± ra eximed, cheering herself up.


    ¡°Go for it, ra, I support you!¡± Nadia said, equally enthusiastic.


    Not long after, Nadia was picked up by her mom. ra then ordered a taxi to go home.


    ¡°Please take me to this address,¡± ra said.


    ¡°Alright, Miss!¡±


    The taxi started moving at a moderate speed. ra took out her phone and activated her inte data.


    Joe: [Are you home yet?]


    ra: [Just now, Uncle, I¡¯m in a taxi going home. What are you doing now?]


    Joe: [Missing you ra,]


    ra: [Uncle Joe is starting to flirt with me.]


    Joe: [I¡¯m not flirting, this is serious. During your exams, I never entered your room, ra. Tonight, meet me in the library, we can¡¯t go out because of Vivian. Sorry for telling you just now.]


    ra: [Okay, Uncle, I understand!]


    ra¡¯s phone rang. The man who had just exchanged messages with her was calling.


    ¡°Hello, Uncle,¡± ra greeted.


    ¡°Hello, ra! Are you almost home?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Almost, why, Uncle?¡±


    ¡°Vivian has arrived home, I don¡¯t want you to get into trouble. How about you go back to the apartment first, and around three we¡¯ll go home together?¡± Joe offered. Remembering ra crying because of Vivian¡¯s words the other day, Joe was worried. Worried that ra would cry again because of his ex-wife¡¯s harsh words.


    ¡°No need, Uncle! I won¡¯t get into trouble, don¡¯t worry!¡± ra replied, reassuring him.


    ¡°Alright then, don¡¯t forget to eatter, okay! And take a clean shower!¡± Joe instructed.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle! Got it!¡±


    ¡°See you at home!¡±


    ¡°See you!¡±


    The call ended. ra still smiled, feeling unbelievable that Joe had reciprocated her love.


    The taxi slowly pulled over as ra prepared to get off.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your money, Sir!¡± ra handed over two fifty-thousand notes.


    When the driver wanted to give ra the change, she refused.


    ra entered Joe¡¯s main gate. Something was different there. Usually, Joko¡¯s car would be parked in the garage. But this time, Vivian¡¯s car was parked there.


    ra reassured herself that everything would be fine! She immediately entered the house and went straight to her room, hoping not to meet Vivian.


    ==?==


    That night.


    Joe, ra, Vivian, and Kimmy were sitting in the living room on the second floor. There was a cold war between ra and Vivian. But ra tried to act indifferent and focused on texting Joe.


    Meanwhile, Kimmy kept cuddling in her mommy¡¯sp.


    Vivian looked at the clock, which showed 9:03 PM. She decided to send a message to ra.


    Vivian: [ra, step back, tonight I will prove that Joe still likes me.]


    ra: [What do you mean, Aunt?]


    Vivian: [I can be Joe¡¯s partner in bed, but you can¡¯t! You won¡¯t give your most precious possession to a man who may not even be your husband, right? Or¡­]


    ra: [Watch your fingers, Aunt! I¡¯m still sane, I¡¯m not that low!]


    Vivian decided not to reply to the message anymore. She told Cici to take Kimmy to her room. While she herself went down to the kitchen, leaving ra and Joe.


    In the kitchen, Vivian made a drink for Joe. Mixing it with an aphrodisiac. Yes, Vivian was trying to seduce Joe.


    After finishing mixing it with in water, Vivian went back up to the second floor. Joe and ra were not there.


    ¡°Where are they?¡± she muttered as she ced the ss on the table.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am!¡± called Cici as she walked towards Vivian.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Vivian asked.


    ¡°Miss Kimmy is crying and wants to sleep with Mommy!¡± the nanny replied.


    Vivian left the drink there and followed Cici to her daughter¡¯s room.


    ==?==


    ¡°ra, I miss you!¡± Joe said, reaching out to hug ra.


    ¡°Wait, Uncle!¡± ra stopped him. She just realized she left her phone on the living room sofa. It could be dangerous if Vivian took it.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Joe asked, abandoning his intention to pick ra up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get my phone first!¡± ra asked for permission.


    Joe nodded. ¡°Hurry back here and make sure Vivian doesn¡¯t see you entering this room!¡± Joe requested.


    ¡°Got it, Uncle!¡± she replied.


    ra began to move out of the library. She walked to the living room.


    ¡°Thank goodness,¡± she grabbed her phone and saw a ss of drink. It was perfect timing because she felt thirsty.


    Gulp.


    Gulp.


    Gulp.


    Without much thought, ra finished the drink that Vivian had specially made for Joe. She even drank it to thest drop.


    Then, she returned to the library to meet Joe.


    To be continued.

 Chap 31

    Part 31.


    ra walked slowly towards the library. She pushed the door handle. Joe was there, standing with a book in his hand. ra had entered this room before, but it was the first time she observed it carefully. It turned out that the room was filled with books.


    ¡°Do you read all the books in here, Uncle?¡± ra asked. She sat down while observing Joe from a distance. The man always looked handsome just by standing and breathing. Always and always, ra was captivated and mesmerized.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ve read them all!¡± Joe boasted.


    ¡°Are there any novels, Uncle?¡± ra changed the subject. Joe was indeed intelligent, diligent, and kind. All the wealth he possessed surely came from a set of good habits. The foundation of his sess. He was good at seizing opportunities, reading the market, and one more thing that no one else had. He was talented and handsome from birth.


    ¡°What kind of novel?¡± Joe asked. Novels were one of the least books he bought and read. He liked general knowledge and everything about business.


    ¡°Any kind, Uncle. My exams are over, and college registration is still about three weeks away. So, I¡¯ll use the time to read books!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you studying for college entrance exams?¡± Joe protested. He narrowed his eyes and noticed something different about ra. The girl looked sweaty, even though the AC in the library was on and it was quite cold.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking a break from studying, Uncle!¡± ra replied. She held her chest, which was pounding. It was strange; usually, she would be nervous when she was very close to Joe. But this time they were more than three meters apart, and ra¡¯s heart was beating fast.


    ¡°ra, are you not feeling well?¡± Joe inquired, closing the book he was reading and stepping closer to ra.


    ¡°No, Uncle!¡±


    ¡°Why are you sweating?¡± the man asked again, wiping ra¡¯s sweaty forehead.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Uncle! It just feels strange!¡± ra said, shaking her head. Her face was heating up with suppressed desire.


    ¡°Did you get caught in the rain earlier?¡± Joe began to worry.


    ¡°No, Uncle!¡± ra replied, feeling even hotter and her body feeling very strange.


    ¡°What did you eat? Did you eat too much satay?¡± Joe asked. He observed ra opening her warm clothes as if holding something back.


    ¡°Uncle, I¡¯ll go to my room first!¡± ra excused herself. She feltpletely out of control.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Joe grabbed ra¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Do I need to call Dr. Gaston?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°No, Uncle!¡± ra¡¯s breath started to race as she felt an unusual desire she had never felt before.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Joe asked again, carefully observing ra.


    ¡°Kiss me!¡± ra ordered, taking a step forward.


    Joe narrowed his eyes. ra wasn¡¯t usually like this. The girl would be shy and close her eyes. But tonight, ra herself asked for a kiss from him.


    Joe couldn¡¯t refuse. They looked at each other and began to unite their lips. Kissing each other.


    ¡°ra!¡± Joe whispered, breaking the kiss.


    ra didn¡¯t reply. She just stared at Joe provocatively.


    The man began to struggle to control and manage his body. All of ra¡¯s actions made him react even more.


    ¡°Wait a minute, ra, if you¡¯re like this, I can¡¯t restrain myself! Especially waiting until you graduate from college!¡± Joe whispered, trying to control himself. ra¡¯s ck hair flowing, her beautiful skin, red lips, and teasing movements.


    ¡°Kiss me, Uncle!¡± she ordered again.


    But this time, Joe refused. He was afraid of losing control himself.


    ¡°No, ra, I¡¯ll take you to your room and call Dr. Gaston!¡± Joe grabbed ra¡¯s hand and led her out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need Dr. Gaston, I need Uncle Joe!¡± ra whispered and tried to reach for the man¡¯s lips again.


    Slowly, Joe refused. He guided ra out of the library.


    ==?==


    ¡°Mama, don¡¯t go anymore!¡± Kimmy pleaded. Although sometimes she didn¡¯t like Vivian, in her deepest heart, Kimmy missed her mom very much.


    ¡°Mama won¡¯t go, sweetheart,¡± Vivian replied, reaching out to hug her little one.


    ¡°Can¡¯t Mama and Papa be like they used to?¡± Kimmy asked.


    ¡°They can, as long as Kimmy talks to Papa!¡± the woman persuaded. Kimmy was the only reason that could make her and Joe get back together.


    ¡°Talk to Papa? About what, Mama?¡± Kimmy looked up to see her mom¡¯s face.


    ¡°Enough, Kimmy, it¡¯s time to sleep now!¡± Vivian coaxed, remembering her n with Joe tonight.


    Kimmy obeyed, closing her eyes, trying to sleep.


    And¡­ slowly, the little girl fell asleep. Vivian looked at her daughter¡¯s face. There was a sense of regret because of her selfish behavior in the past. Kimmy must miss her very much. The woman wiped her face roughly. She rose from her bed slowly.


    She tidied her hair and walked towards the door.


    The door opened. Vivian stepped towards the living room. She approached the ss on the tray, which was now empty.


    ¡°Has Joe drunk it?¡± Vivian muttered. She nced around the room.


    After a moment of thought, she decided to walk to Joe¡¯s room.


    Knock. Knock. Knock.


    Vivian knocked on the door.


    ¡°Joe!¡± she called softly.


    Creak!


    The door opened because it wasn¡¯t locked.


    Vivian felt relieved. It wasn¡¯t hard to ess Joe¡¯s room. She entered and decided to wait for her ex-husband in their room first.


    The woman turned on the main light, looking around the room. Not much had changed, except for their wedding photo that was no longer there. Vivian continued to walk. There was something strange on the sofa. Yes, the sofa where Joe had kissed ra some time ago.


    ¡°Hair clip!¡± Vivian whispered, examining the hair clip. It wasn¡¯t hers because she never owned one. It wasn¡¯t Kimmy¡¯s either.


    ¡°Whose is this?¡± she added, full of questions.


    Vivian¡¯s chest felt tight. She was sure the hair clip belonged to ra.


    ¡°You little flirt!¡± she muttered.


    Vivian threw herself roughly onto the bed.


    ¡°Have you really forgotten about me? You said you couldn¡¯t live without me! Look, Joe, you lied. Not even three months after our divorce, you bring a woman into your room!¡± sheined angrily.


    Vivian then got up. She left Joe¡¯s room just as she saw her ex-husband and ra leaving the library hand in hand.


    ¡°So, is ra the woman you¡¯re seeing?¡± Vivian asked. She folded her hands in front of her chest as she walked towards them.


    ¡°Mind your own business! Stay out of this!¡± Joe replied. While ra, who stood beside him, felt increasingly powerless. Yes, ra felt her body temperature rising with her heart pounding.


    Vivian¡¯s gaze shifted to the empty ss. ¡°Who drank this?¡± she asked, probing.


    ¡°I did, Aunt!¡± ra admitted.


    ¡°What?¡± Vivian¡¯s eyebrows lifted with an angry look.


    ¡°Just so you know, I added medicine to that drink!¡± Vivian exined. ¡°ra, you¡¯re quite talented at seducing my ex-husband, and that medicine seems to make¡­¡± Vivian stopped her sentence, looking at ra disdainfully.


    ¡°Stop it, Vivian!¡± Joe snapped.


    ¡°What?!¡± Vivian challenged. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid. I¡¯ll tell everything to Mama!¡± she threatened with satisfaction.


    ¡°Just say it! I¡¯ll make sure nothing happens to my rtionship with ra!¡± Joe replied fearlessly. ¡°By you revealing everything to Mama, it means you¡¯ve helped me, and I don¡¯t need to wait until ra graduates from college to make her my wife!¡± Joe added.


    The man returned the gaze of his ex-wife. He knew Vivian had mixed a certain drug into the drinking water ra consumed.


    Joe led ra into his room and left Vivian behind.


    ¡°Watch out, both of you!¡± Vivian muttered angrily as she walked towards Kimmy¡¯s room.


    ==?==


    ¡°ra!¡± Joe called out, observing ra¡¯s flushed face.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡± ra replied, turning to the source of the voice. ra deliberately turned her back to Joe. She restrained herself from the raging desire. She really wanted to kiss Uncle, who was still in her room.


    ¡°Do you know what medicine you took earlier?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Uncle!¡± ra answered.


    ¡°That¡¯s a medicine you shouldn¡¯t have taken. Do you want me to stay with you? Or leave? Or should I call Dr. Gaston?¡± Joe offered.


    ¡°I¡¯m embarrassed if Dr. Gastones here, Uncle!¡± ra whispered, bowing her head. ¡°How long will the medicine stop working, Uncle?¡± ra asked. Keeping her gaze away from Uncle.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask Dr. Gaston in a moment?!¡± Joe reached for his phone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± ra stopped him. ¡°Don¡¯t call Dr. Gaston. I¡­ I¡­ Kiss me! Uncle!¡± ra turned around and kissed Joe enthusiastically. She continued to feel more and more eager.


    ra and Joe both loosened their embrace.


    ¡°ra, I have to leave your room! Honestly, I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to control myself anymore!¡± Joe confessed. The constant temptation of receiving kisses from ra was overwhelming for him.


    ra swallowed hard.


    ¡°But Uncle won¡¯t meet Aunt Vivian, right?¡± ra asked. The message from Joe¡¯s ex-wife about someone in bed made her uneasy and made her keep Joe close.


    ¡°No! Why should I? I¡¯m not interested in that woman anymore!¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle can leave my room, but promise me Uncle won¡¯t meet Aunt Vivian!¡± ra requested.


    ¡°Yes, I promise!¡± Joe replied, breathing heavily.


    Joe stood up.


    ¡°Uncle!¡± ra whispered.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Kiss me once more!¡± she requested.


    Joe leaned down and kissed ra long and deep.


    ¡°Tonight you¡¯ve embarrassed yourself, ra. You also have to promise not to do this with another man!¡± Joe requested.


    He then left ra¡¯s room.


    The door closed again.


    Joe breathed a sigh of relief. He gently pounded his chest. Seeing ra so wild, dominant, and affectionate really made his heart race.


    ¡°Could this be what ra feels when she¡¯s close to me!¡± Joe muttered as he walked to his room. He needed to rx from ra¡¯s antics that felt suffocating.


    He smiled, although ra¡¯s foolishness made him very happy tonight.

 Chap 32

    Part 32.


    In the morning, Vivian had asked for permission to take Kimmy to meet her grandparents from Vivian¡¯s side. Joe agreed, he followed Mrs. Linn¡¯s advice to ce some trust in Vivian. After all, she was Kimmy Olivia¡¯s biological mother.


    Joe stepped out of his room. The house was very quiet. There was no sound of Kimmy or her parents.


    Joe walked towards ra¡¯s room.


    Knock. Knock. Knock.


    ¡°ra!¡± Joe called softly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra replied, already awake from her sleep. She had even taken a shower because her body had been sweating the night before.


    The door opened.


    ¡°How are you?¡± Joe asked. He observed ra from head to toe.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Uncle,¡± ra answered. ¡°Where are we going this early?¡± she added.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking you out for breakfast and then to see Doctor Gaston!¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Is Uncle sick?¡± ra inquired. The man in front of her looked very fit.


    ¡°I just want to see him!¡± Joe answered, intentionally not revealing the real reason. There was no way he could tell ra that he wanted to consult with Doctor Gaston about what ra had takenst night. The girl would surely refuse.


    ¡°What about Kimmy and Aunt Vivian?¡± ra asked. She was afraid to go alone with the man.


    ¡°They are out together,¡± Joe replied. ¡°Vivian¡¯s parents want to meet Kimmy,¡± he added.


    ¡°Okay, but isn¡¯t Uncle going to work?¡± ra asked again.


    ¡°I cer in the day. I¡¯ve canceled all my appointments until noon!¡± Joe said. ¡°Are you ready?¡± Joe stared at ra closely. The girl was wearing a light blue dress, with a hair clip to adorn her beautiful ck hair.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle, I¡¯m ready!¡± ra replied enthusiastically. She went into her room to grab her shoulder bag and locked the door.


    Joe stood at the top of the stairs. When ra joined him, he reached for her hand and held it tightly.


    ra tried to resist. ¡°Please, Uncle!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there¡¯s no one else in the house!¡± Joe replied, grabbing ra¡¯s waist and walking down the stairs together.


    ¡°But¡­ Uncle!¡± ra protested. Even though Kimmy and Aunt Vivian were not there, there were still servants in the house. ¡°I¡¯m embarrassed!¡± ra whispered.


    ¡°What? You¡¯re embarrassed? You¡¯re embarrassed to be my girlfriend? Really, ra!¡± Now it was Joe¡¯s turn to protest.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it, Uncle, I¡¯m just afraid they¡¯ll report to Mrs. Linn or Mr. Bond!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Emmm¡­ let¡¯s go!¡± They both arrived at the garage. Joe chose his McLaren car. He sat behind the wheel, while ra sat next to him.


    ¡°Have you known Doctor Gaston for a long time, Uncle Joe?¡± ra asked, ncing at Joe. He still looked very handsome.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve known him since high school; we went to the same school. When we went to college, I chose to study in Ennd, and he chose to study at the State University in Jakarta!¡± Joe exined. He focused on driving, asionally ncing at ra.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that, Uncle?¡± ra asked. Joe rarely looked at her so intensely and for so long, especially with a suspicious smile at the end.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Uncle replied, hiding his smile.


    ¡°Why, Uncle? Is there something wrong with my face?¡± ra asked. She examined her face on her phone screen. It was still beautiful and wless.


    ¡°Do you really like my lips that much, ra?¡± Joe said with a t expression. ¡°Why were you so enthusiastic about kissing mest night! Now you¡¯re starting to be brave!¡± He shook his head while chuckling.


    ra sighed in frustration. She covered her face with both hands. ¡°Uncle, please, let¡¯s not talk about that, I¡¯m embarrassed!¡± ra recalled the events ofst night.


    ¡°Alright, sweetheart!¡± Joe replied softly.


    He looked at ra. She was young, beautiful, and smart. Surely many would like her. For a moment, Joe thought about marrying ra as soon as possible. Four years, waiting for the girl to get her bachelor¡¯s degree. It wasn¡¯t easy. Yes, what happenedst night. If Joe hadn¡¯t left ra¡¯s room promptly, things that had only existed in his imagination might have happened.


    ¡°ra, after thinking about it, I don¡¯t think I can wait any longer!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Wait for what, Uncle?¡± ra asked, trying to stay positive.


    ¡°What if we get married soon, in a month or two? I¡¯ll talk to Mom and Dad to make them understand!¡± Joe suggested.


    ¡°Is Uncle ready already?¡± ra inquired again. Actually, she should ask herself that question.


    ¡°I¡¯m ready, I have a job, and I really want to marry you!¡± Joe said with a t expression, as if it were something he talked about often. ¡°What about you, ra, are you ready?¡± Joe asked back.


    ra¡¯s throat tightened. She couldn¡¯t refuse. But she wasn¡¯t ready either. There was one thing she hadn¡¯t achieved yet. She wanted to find her family on her mom¡¯s side who lived in Ennd.


    ¡°After we get married, can I still go to college?¡± ra whispered.


    ¡°Of course, you can go to college, and you can choose where to live!¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Will we also have children?¡± the girl asked hesitantly.


    This time, Joe didn¡¯t answer because they had arrived at Doctor Gaston¡¯s new clinic. Usually, before starting his hospital rounds, he would practice at the clinic from six to seven in the morning. Especially this morning, he limited his patients due to Joe¡¯s arrival. Joe got out of his car and opened the door for ra. His hand once again reached for the seventeen-year-old girl¡¯s fingers.


    ¡°Uncle!¡± ra pulled her hand back. ¡°This is in public!¡± she added.


    Joe nodded understandingly and walked ahead.


    ¡°Where is Doctor Gaston?¡± Joe asked a female assistant.


    ¡°Doctor Gaston has been waiting for you since earlier, Mr. Joe, he¡¯s in his office!¡± the woman replied.


    Joe gestured for ra to follow his steps. ra tried to ignore the disapproving looks from the woman Joe had asked earlier. Uncle pushed the door handle and entered, followed closely by ra.


    ¡°How are you!¡± greeted Doctor Gaston.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, how about you?¡± Joe asked back. He sat in a chair facing Doctor Gaston, while ra sat beside him.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing well!¡± the white-coated man replied. Then, he looked at the girl next to Joe. ¡°Is she the girl you wanted to introduce to me the other day?¡± Doctor Gaston observed ra. She still looked young and beautiful.


    ¡°Not her¡­¡± Joe¡¯s sentence trailed off.


    ¡°Why is your life always surrounded by beautiful women? Spare one for me, pity your still single friend here!¡± the doctorined. At 35, the same age as Joe, Doctor Gaston was still unmarried. He was still content with his bachelorhood and busy with his work, both at the hospital and in his private clinic.


    ¡°She¡¯s ra!¡± Joe insisted.


    Silence. Doctor Gaston looked at the girl sitting next to Joe again.


    ¡°ra, the middle school girl who lives in your house?¡± Doctor Gaston asked, still observing ra. She was beautiful! Her wless white skin, sharp nose, long eyshes, and dimples. Beautiful and sweet.


    ¡°In a moment, she¡¯ll be a college student!¡± Joe defended. He nced at the girl briefly and then looked back at the white-coated man.


    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful, ra. Do you already have a boyfriend?¡± Doctor Gaston reflexively asked.


    ra looked at Joe and then lowered her gaze. She didn¡¯t know how to answer.


    ¡°Actually,st night ra took an aphrodisiac!¡± Joe redirected the conversation. That was the purpose ofing here.


    ¡°What?¡± Doctor Gaston squinted. ¡°What makes you such a jerk, Joe?¡± His friend shook his head in disbelief.


    ra remained silent. It turned out that Doctor Gaston and Uncle Joe were closer than she had thought. They talked casually, joked around, and gossiped.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°This is not what you think, Gaston!¡± Joe defended.


    ¡°Do you know, ra, Joe never used to be close to women, he¡¯s really a limited edition!¡± Doctor Gaston joked. ¡°It seems like you¡¯re wild now, Joe, giving that drug to ra!¡± he chuckled.


    ¡°The story isn¡¯t like that, doctor!¡± ra exined. ¡°I identally took it, Uncle Joe didn¡¯t tell me to take it!¡± she added. ra felt guilty for not exining this to the doctor.


    ¡°Is the drug dangerous for ra?¡± Joe asked seriously.


    ¡°What time did ra take it?¡±


    ¡°Nine o¡¯clock in the evening!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Usually, all drugs will still have an effect for 24 hours. How about you, is your heart still pounding fast?¡± Doctor Gaston asked carefully.


    ¡°No, doctor!¡±


    ¡°No, ra, don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re not sick and nothing¡¯s wrong!¡± he assured. He could see the worry in his friend¡¯s eyes.


    Joe looked at ra. He felt relieved that his girl was okay.


    ¡°Uncle, I need to use the restroom!¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± ra stood up and left the doctor¡¯s practice room. Now there were only the two men left.


    ¡°Is she special?¡± the doctor asked.


    Joe nodded slowly.


    ¡°It seems like I¡¯m not popr, you¡¯ve almost been married twice, but me?!¡± the doctorined.


    ¡°I¡¯m not wrong to love her, am I?¡± Joe asked. Gaston was one of the people he trusted to talk about personal matters.


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong! Maybe it¡¯s just the timing that¡¯s wrong!¡± his friend replied.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I think if you marry ra, she¡¯ll lose out. She¡¯s young and beautiful, but she¡¯ll end up with a widower husband!¡± Doctor Gaston shrugged, jokingly. ¡°I think I¡¯m more deserving of ra than you are, Joe!¡± he added confidently.


    ¡°No way!¡± Joe replied, unwilling to ept it.


    ¡°Be honest, you chased after ra until she agreed to be with you, right?¡± his friend used. Still unwilling to ept that Joe and ra liked each other.


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong, she used to like me first, she begged and wanted me to reciprocate her love!¡± Joe replied confidently.


    The door opened, and ra returned from the restroom.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving now, okay!¡± Joe asked. He saw that it was almost seven o¡¯clock on his watch. Doctor Gaston would soon leave for the hospital.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    ¡°What now!¡± Joe turned with an annoyed look.


    ¡°Not you! But ra!¡± he insisted.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, doctor?¡± now ra turned around.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like him anymore,¡± pointing to Joe, ¡°I¡¯m ready to rece him!¡± the doctor joked.


    ra smiled and then left the room.


    ==?==


    ¡°Who is this?¡± the man in front of Vivian asked, looking at a photo of a woman. He scrutinized her face carefully.


    ¡°Her name is ra,¡± Vivian replied. ¡°I want her out of my daughter¡¯s and ex-husband¡¯s life!¡± she added.


    ¡°Do you want me to make her leave temporarily or permanently?¡± the man asked again.


    Silence.


    Vivian thought before answering.


    To be continued.

 Chap 33

    Part 33.


    The day has turned dark. The clock shows 7:50 PM WIB. ra and Joe are sitting together in the living room on the second floor.


    ¡°Uncle,¡± ra called out, looking up at Joe who was sitting on the sofa.


    ¡°Yes, dear,¡± Joe replied, diverting his attention from the sales graphs on his tablet screen. He met ra¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°After seeing this photo, I¡¯m sure Uncle was very handsome back in high school!¡± ra eximed, examining a photo she got from Doctor Gaston.


    ¡°Where did you get that photo?¡± Joe asked, observing ra who was busy exchanging messages with the doctor.


    ¡°From Doctor Gaston!¡± ra replied honestly. ¡°I asked for it!¡± she added.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ are you idolizing me that much, ra?¡± Joe asked, cing the sleek gadget he was holding down and leaning closer to look at ra¡¯s phone screen.


    ¡°Three M¡¯s, Uncle!¡± ra replied, smiling, revealing her dimples that made her look very sweet.


    ¡°Is that 3M? Health protocol?¡± Joe raised an eyebrow, gazing fondly at the 17-year-old girl.


    ¡°Love,¡±


    ¡°Caring,¡±


    ¡°Desire for you!¡±


    ra bit her lower lip, watching Joe¡¯s reaction. Joe pinched her cheek and then said, ¡°I feel the same way!¡± The next moment, Joe nted a kiss on the lips of the girl he liked.


    ra pulled the corners of her lips when Joe released his lips.


    ¡°Uncle,¡± ra whispered. She dared to ask about something that had been bothering her for a long time.


    ¡°What?¡± Joe replied, returning ra¡¯s gaze with love.


    ¡°How many times has Uncle been in a rtionship?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°Never, ra, but I¡¯ve been married once!¡± he answered. ¡°I used to admire Vivian, I was only focused on her and was going to make her my wife. But¡­ you know how it is now, only disappointment I got!¡± he said.


    ¡°How many women has Uncle kissed?¡± ra inquired. Her curiosity about the man was very high.


    ¡°Two, my ex-wife and you!¡± Joe replied firmly.


    ¡°Seriously? Isn¡¯t a sessful businessman like Uncle Joe usually into one-night stands or something like that?¡± the girl forced her conversation partner to answer.


    ¡°No, ra, I¡¯m not like that, only two women I¡¯ve kissed, my ex-wife and YOU!¡± Joe replied, looking at ra affectionately.


    Silence.


    They stared at each other and exchanged smiles. Long. Happiness filled their hearts, not wanting this moment to end. Simple, yet close. In Joe¡¯s heart, there arose a desire to have ra soon, to marry her, and to express his love openly without hiding anymore.


    ¡°ra.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Uncle.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to make you my wife, you¡¯re obedient, so different from my ex-wife!¡± he said. ¡°After the opening of the third Blue Jewelry branch, I¡¯ll start seriously thinking about our rtionship. You don¡¯t mind, right, still being in college but getting married?¡± Their eyes met.


    ra nodded. What else could she look for? Joe was everything to her. Her other dreams she could fulfill with him.


    ¡°Before, I intended to be the guardian at your wedding, ra, and now I want to be your future husband!¡± Joe quipped with a chuckle. Unconsciously, he had fallen for ra too deeply.


    Tap.


    Tap.


    Tap.


    Footsteps could be heard, more than one person walking up the stairs. ra and Joe started to keep their distance. ra sat below, while Joe sat on the far end of the sofa.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Kimmy called out cheerfully as she arrived home.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Joe replied, opening his arms for his little daughter.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy, ying with Grandma and Grandpa!¡± she replied. Kimmy let go of the hug and hugged ra. ¡°Big sister ra, this is for you!¡± Kimmy handed over a box containing several candies and snacks for children.


    ¡°Thank you, Kimmy!¡± ra kissed the little girl¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°From now on, I will take Kimmy out more often to meet her Grandma and Grandpa!¡± Vivian said. She sat down and prepared to rest. Joe didn¡¯t respond.


    Vivian¡¯s gaze shifted to ra, who was joking around with her daughter. There was a sense of pity seeing the girl. For a moment, she agreed with Alex¡¯s suggestion not to dirty her hands and do something bad with the girl. There were still other ways.


    Vivian nodded, ns and evil ideas crossed her mind.


    ¡°Kimmy!¡± Vivian called out.


    ¡°Yes, Mom!¡± the 4-year-old girl replied.


    ¡°Mama will rest now, okay!¡± she said. She looked at Joe with an exhausted expression. However, her ex-husband seemed indifferent.


    ¡°Sister ra, Kimmy will sleep now!¡± Kimmy asked for permission. She didn¡¯t seem ready to part with ra.


    ¡°Yes.¡± ra nted a kiss on Kimmy¡¯s cheek again.


    Kimmy stood up and looked at Joe.


    ¡°Papa!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I want to sleep with Papa and Mama!¡± she requested.


    ¡°Kimmy, you¡¯ll sleep with Mama only!¡± Joe persuaded her. It was impossible for him to sleep in the same bed with Vivian again. He also wanted to respect ra¡¯s feelings.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to, I want to sleep with Mama and Papa!¡± she whined, her face turning red and tears welling up.


    Meanwhile, Vivian remained silent. It was the beginning of the scenario she had nned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Papa and Mama will apany you to sleep!¡± Joe coaxed her, then lifted Kimmy to her room.


    Vivian, who was walking at the back, turned to ra. ¡°I won!¡± she whispered, raising her hand.


    ra snorted in annoyance. Especially when she saw the bedroom door closed. Her mind started to run wild with suspicions seeing Joe and Vivian in the same room.


    ¡°Huufttt!¡±


    ra¡¯s hand reached for the remote to turn off the TV. She walked angrily towards her room.


    He closed the door and immediatelyy down on the bed.


    ¡°I should sleep too!¡± ra said tofort herself, feeling jealous. She widened the nket and hid under its wide fabric.


    One.


    Two.


    Three.


    ra opened her nket. She couldn¡¯t sleep. Instead, she kept guessing what was happening inside Joe¡¯s room.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Uncle Joe, Aunt Vivian, what are you doing in there! Hufft!¡± ra¡¯s mind started to get chaotic.


    Her heart burned. Jealousy, suspicion, and bad assumptions overwhelmed her. She got up from her bed, pacing back and forth without finding a solution.


    ¡°I¡¯m jealous, Uncle!¡±


    Finally, ra decided to go to Kimmy¡¯s room. She opened the door and walked down the hallway to Kimmy¡¯s room.


    In front of Kimmy¡¯s door.


    ¡°Knock!¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Knock!¡±


    ¡°No!¡± ra whispered as she kept thinking.


    And¡­


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    ra knocked loudly on the door and quickly ran back to her room, afraid of getting caught.


    ==?==


    Kimmyy in Vivian¡¯s embrace. Meanwhile, Joe just sat on the edge of the bed. There was no intention to talk to Vivian. His heart was already deeply wounded. There was no second chance for his ex-wife.


    ¡°Joe,¡± Vivian called softly. She sat up, letting go of the hug as Kimmy had fallen asleep.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving now because Kimmy is asleep!¡± Joe interrupted, not intending to engage in conversation with Vivian.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Vivian insisted. Joe wouldn¡¯t easily win back his heart; she needed a clear reason. Kimmy was the strongest reason.


    ¡°What?¡± Joe stopped in his tracks, worried. Although he had sent a message to ra, the girl hadn¡¯t read it yet.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you see!¡± Vivian walked closer to Joe.


    Joe stepped back, unwilling to be so close to his ex-wife.


    ¡°Kimmy wants her parents to be together again, she wants us both to reunite!¡± Vivian said. ¡°Let¡¯s forgive each other and start over!¡± she urged.


    Silence.


    Joe clenched his fists. How could Vivian say that so easily after everything she had done?


    ¡°We¡¯re done! I¡¯m not interested in going through it again!¡± Joe said tly. Disgusted! Disgusted with Vivian.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Joe prepared to leave. However, Vivian swiftly hugged him from behind, preventing Joe from leaving.


    ¡°I still love you, I beg you, I hope we can reconcile. This is for Kimmy, I beg you!¡± Vivian continued to hug Joe from behind, showing no intention of letting go.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Joe pushed away Vivian¡¯s hands harshly and left Kimmy¡¯s room.


    He decided to go to ra¡¯s room.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 34

    Part 34


    Joe stared intently at his phone screen. He was sure ra hadn¡¯t slept yet. So, he wrote a message to her.


    Joe: [I¡¯ll wait for you at the library!]


    ra: [What for, Uncle?]


    Joe: [There¡¯s a new book I just bought.]


    ra: [Just say it, you miss me!]


    Joe: [Fine, if you don¡¯t want to! I¡¯m going to bed now!]


    ra: [Don¡¯t! Is Uncle still in Kimmy¡¯s room?]


    Joe: [I¡¯m in front of your room!]


    ra¡¯s eyes widened. She got up from her seat, then stood up and opened the door. Uncle was already standing there.


    ¡°Uncle,¡± ra whispered.


    ¡°Do Ie in, or do youe out?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go to the library!¡± ra suggested. She thought the library was the safest ce to talk to Joe. It was at the far end of the building, and most importantly, there were no beds.


    The two of them walked side by side to the library. It was the safest room. Unlike ra¡¯s room, which always made them close because there was no space to move around, or like Joe¡¯s spacious room. The atmosphere was dim and cool.


    Joe opened the door. After making sure ra entered, he closed and locked it tightly.


    ¡°Are you jealous?¡± Joe used. ra¡¯s face looked dull, easily readable by him. Joe was very meticulous and detail-oriented, especially when it came to the woman special to him.


    ra didn¡¯t answer; she just stood leaning against the door.


    ¡°I beg you, never be jealous of Vivian. She¡¯s just Kimmy¡¯s mother, I no longer love her! Don¡¯t be jealous!¡± Joe insisted.


    ¡°I¡¯m not jealous!¡± ra protested, showing a convincing expression.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m not jealous!¡±


    ¡°Just admit it, or¡­?¡±


    ¡°Or what?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I just want you to be able to sleep well tonight, ra!¡±


    ¡°I can sleep well, Uncle!¡± ra chuckled.


    ¡°I heard knocking on the door, was that you?¡± Joe inquired.


    ¡°No,¡± ra denied again. She didn¡¯t want to admit that she was jealous. Vivian was very different from Celine, who was more worthy of jealousy.


    They stared at each other in silence. Long and deep.


    ¡°Uncle,¡± ra whispered, inviting Joe to sit on the only sofa in the room.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, sweetheart? What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Joe cupped ra¡¯s chin and stored as much as possible, the details of ra¡¯s sweet face. Oh ra.


    ¡°If Kimmy doesn¡¯t agree to me being her stepmother, what will you do?¡± ra asked. The question had just urred to her when she saw the closeness between Vivian and Kimmy.


    ¡°Kimmy, my little princess, you¡¯re my woman. I¡¯ll exin it to her, I¡¯ll wait until Kimmy understands that you¡¯re the woman I want!¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°What if ra still insists on not approving of our rtionship?¡± ra asked. Honestly, she was already very afraid of losing Joe.


    ¡°I¡¯ll convince my daughter, ra. You¡¯re good, you also care for Kimmy. There¡¯s no reason for her to reject you!¡± Joe said earnestly.


    ¡°What about Aunt Vivian?¡± the tired girl asked. Yes, jealous, secretly, and thinking about what would happen out there! She wanted to retreat.


    ¡°She has no connection with me anymore, ra. I like you, I choose you, I trust you, I love you, my future is with you, I promise our rtionship will seed, I won¡¯t let you go, whatever happens, I want to face it all with you, ra!¡± Joe said. He reached for ra¡¯s face, thennded a kiss on her forehead. The beautiful girl who had captured his heart.


    ¡°Sleep now?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sleepy, Uncle!¡±


    ¡°What are you thinking, my ra?¡± Joe gently pinched her cheek.


    ¡°My ra?¡±


    ¡°My phone, my phone! My ra, ra is mine!¡± Joe exined with a smile. ¡°What are you thinking? What are you worried about?¡± he pressed.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid, Uncle, afraid that Mrs. Vivian won¡¯t approve of our rtionship, afraid that Mr. Bond won¡¯t like me, afraid that Aunt Vivian wants to separate us!¡± ramented, tears streaming from the corners of her eyes.


    ¡°Enough, ra, don¡¯t cry! I, I¡¯ll fight for our rtionship. Do you believe in me?¡± Joe hugged her. He could feel the immense love in ra¡¯s heart.


    Joe wiped ra¡¯s tears away andnded a kiss on her lips. It was a mandatory ritual when they were together; ra and her strawberry lips were very tempting. It became addictive unconsciously. It became longing every night.


    ¡°Trust everything to me, ra! Sleep now! Tomorrow I¡¯ll take you to my office!¡± Joe suggested.


    ¡°What for, Uncle?¡± ra was surprised.


    ¡°You already know all my family members; I also want you to know what my job is!¡± Joe showed his seriousness to ra.


    ¡°Uncle is a CEO!¡± ra said.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°The title of a novel I want to write, of course, it will have a happy ending because Uncle Joe and ra will live happily ever after!¡± ra answered casually.


    ¡°Go to sleep! What, do you want me to seduce you?¡± Joe joked, his smile adorning his lips. ra always made him happy with her simple jokes.


    ¡°E, Uncle Joe, you¡¯re so naughty!¡± ra used, getting up from her seat.


    Joe grinned.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious!¡±


    ¡°Forgive me, Uncle, good night!¡±


    ¡°Good night, ra!¡±


    ¡°Sleep well, Uncle!¡±


    ¡°Sleep well, my ra!¡±


    ra moved towards her room. Joe could reassure her. Her doubts melted away when talking to him.


    Upon arriving in her room, ray down on the bed. She closed her eyes with a smile.


    ==?==


    At 5:30 AM, ra¡¯s phone buzzed. The rm rang along with a message from her beloved.


    Joe: [My ra, good morning,]


    ra: [Good morning, Uncle Joe.]


    Joe: [Get ready, we¡¯ll have breakfast together at seven, then we¡¯ll head to the office!]


    ra: [Okay, Uncle!]


    ra¡¯s right hand ced her phone on the nightstand. She stood up and opened her wardrobe. A knee-length ck skirt and an orange top with a ribbon modification on the cor.


    Then, she walked downstairs humming cheerfully. Joe. One name that was always beautifully engraved in her heart. It became the first name she always remembered when waking up. Andter, she hoped it would be the first andst person she saw when closing her eyes at night and opening them in the morning.


    ra entered the bathroom. The cold water flowing over her head brought freshness, added enthusiasm, and made her even more eager.


    Fifteen minutes was enough time for her to shower. She deliberately didn¡¯t wet her hair so she could tie it back without drama.


    That day when Joe untied her hair because it was wet! ra didn¡¯t want that to happen.


    After showering, ra put on her chosen outfit. Then, she walked out of the bathroom towards the backyard. There was arge mirror there, a perfect ce for prolonged self-reflection.


    ¡°So refreshing!¡± ra murmured. There was an artificial waterfall on the side of Vivian¡¯s pool. The sound of water sshing wasforting.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Vivian asked. She had her hands on her hips, authoritative.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Um¡­¡± ra mumbled, thinking.


    ¡°I want to talk to you for a moment!¡± she requested.


    ¡°Okay, Aunt!¡± ra replied, following Vivian¡¯s steps.


    ra stopped when Vivian halted her steps in the hallway connecting the kitchen and the backyard.


    ¡°ra!¡± she whispered with a different expression. She was no longer restrained by emotions. Her face became friendly and hopeful.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Aunt?¡± ra answered.


    ¡°I hope you understand the current situation!¡± she began the conversation.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± ra truly didn¡¯t understand what Joe Sebastian¡¯s ex-wife was saying.


    ¡°Kimmy wants her parents to be together again; she¡¯s only four years old. Kimmy doesn¡¯t know anything; all she knows is that her mommy and daddy are always together! So, I hope you understand, ra!¡± Vivian said intively.


    ¡°What does Aunt want?¡± ra challenged. Vivian was a model and actress. ra didn¡¯t know when she was acting or when she wasn¡¯t. Natural.


    ¡°Please, end your rtionship with Joe! This isn¡¯t for me, but for Kimmy¡¯s sake. I don¡¯t want Kimmy to lose the love of her daddy or mommy!¡± she said again.


    ra fell silent. She didn¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡°You¡¯re young and beautiful, you¡¯re also smart, and Joe will surely finance your education to the extent you want. You can grow and be even better; you can find a man better than Joe. Please, ra, let go of Joe, don¡¯t take him away from Kimmy, I beg you!¡± Vivian was about to kneel at ra¡¯s feet. But the girl dodged.


    Standing motionless, not even an inch moved.


    ¡°Don¡¯t steal Kimmy¡¯s happiness, don¡¯t steal Joe! Please, ra, understand!¡± Vivian pleaded, deliberately showing her pitiful expression.


    ra just remained silent. Was she really stealing Kimmy¡¯s happiness?


    To be continued.

 Chap 35

    Part 35.


    ¡°You like the food?¡± Joe looked at ra, who was busy chewing her breakfast.


    ¡°I do, Uncle!¡± ra replied.


    Footsteps approached. The sound of those footsteps belonged to Vivian, who immediately sat next to Joe and grabbed an apple.


    ¡°Eating vegetables and fruits is healthier!¡± she remarked. Vivian had to watch her weight. She always maintained a healthy lifestyle and counted the calories entering her body. She rarely ate dinner outside with Joe when they were married.


    ¡°These prawns are delicious too, Aunt! Especially since Uncle Joe ordered them directly from Japan!¡± ra said. She ate slowly, savoring every bite that entered her mouth.


    Sigh.


    Vivian felt jealous. Joe treated the girl specially. The woman restrained herself from cursing.


    ¡°Hurry up and finish, ra, we¡¯ll leave soon!¡± Joe ordered, choosing to ignore his ex-wife. Disgusted.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡± ra took onest spoonful.


    Joe deliberately took a tissue and wiped ra¡¯s lips. ¡°Look at your lips, such a spoiled child!¡± Joe said, seeing ra¡¯s smile revealing her cute face.


    Joe got up from his seat. He led ra¡¯s fingers. ¡°Come on, Antoni is already outside!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied. ¡°Aunt Vivian, I¡¯m leaving!¡±


    ra bid farewell, trying to act normal as if nothing had happened. She turned around and followed Joe, who had already walked ahead.


    ¡°WAIT!¡± Vivian shouted.


    The two turned to the source of the sound with questioning looks.


    ¡°You both have no shame!¡± she cursed.


    Joe and ra chose to remain silent.


    ¡°Are you even a father? You leave your daughter alone at home and choose to go out with this unstable teenager!¡± Vivian scolded, her gaze belittling ra.


    Joe wanted to retort, but ra prevented him by grabbing his hand.


    ¡°And look at you, ra, until now you still don¡¯t understand your position in this house! Don¡¯t just stay silent and pretend not to know like that!¡± Vivian moved closer.


    Joe stepped forward to block his ex-wife who wanted to touch ra.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who should understand, you¡¯re nobody in this house anymore!¡± Joe exined. ¡°Let¡¯s go, ra!¡± Joe pulled ra¡¯s hand out of the house.


    Vivian sighed in frustration. She grabbed her phone and immediately called the man who had always been on her side.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello, what¡¯s up?¡± the voice on the other end asked, as if knowing that it was Vivian calling, the woman would give an order.


    ¡°Help me!¡± Vivian pleaded.


    ¡°What should I do?¡± the voice on the other end responded enthusiastically.


    ¡°Get rid of ra!¡± she ordered impatiently.


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t do this, Vivian, you¡¯ll only dirty your hands if you resort to criminal acts against that girl!¡± Alex refused firmly. Like an elder brother, he didn¡¯t want Vivian to sink.


    ¡°What should I do, Alex! I don¡¯t want ra to steal Kimmy¡¯s happiness, my daughter deserves to be happy seeing her parents together again!¡± Vivian insisted.


    Alex suggested a n.


    ¡°Your idea is good!¡± praised Vivian. She agreed with what Alex had just proposed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be careless!¡± the man on the other end reminded again.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Vivian ended the call with an evil n in her mind.


    ==?==


    Antoni, sitting behind the wheel, drove the car at a moderate speed. asionally, he nced back. This was the second time he had seen ra up close.


    ra was indeed very beautiful. He nodded. It was understandable why Joe liked the girl.


    Once again, Antoni looked at ra. Whether by chance or not, the color of ra¡¯s clothes matched the color of the paper bag Joe had brought that day.


    ¡°Sir!¡± Antoni called out.


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Can you focus on work if apanied by a woman as beautiful as Miss ra?¡± he asked again.


    ¡°With ra¡¯s presence, I¡¯ll be more enthusiastic!¡± the man said, throwing a smile at ra.


    ¡°Huh, you two really make me jealous! I wonder what the employees think when they see Mr. Joe going to work apanied by this beautiful girl!¡± Antoni said.


    ra and Joe didn¡¯t respond; they both just smiled.


    Antoni stopped his car in a designated parking area. He opened the door for Joe. Then he walked around the car, opening the door for ra.


    Joe walked, and ra was beside him. All eyes were on the CEO and the beautiful girl apanying him.


    Many hearts were broken seeing them. Because many single female employees admired Joe. They only admired him from afar and didn¡¯t dare to approach.


    And¡­


    Now they had no chance. Who was the young girl Joe brought? Not only was she beautiful, but she was also graceful. She dressed elegantly and looked intelligent from her eyes.


    Joe deliberately walked past the stairs. He wanted ra to recognize his workce.


    With Antoni, they arrived on the third floor, where his office was located.


    ¡°My ra!¡± Joe called out.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡± ra replied, turning to Joe and then looking down. She blushed because Antoni also heard her.


    ¡°This is my office; this is where Antoni and I spend our time working every day. Next to this room is a room for other office staff!¡± Joe exined enthusiastically, exining everything to ra.


    ¡°Um, okay.¡± That was all that came out of ra¡¯s lips. She nced around the room. There was Joe¡¯s desk with aptop on it. Stationery and one photo, a portrait of Kimmy.


    ¡°Antoni, where¡¯s my schedule for today?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°At 10 o¡¯clock, you have a meeting with one of the agencies, selecting models for our new product!¡± Antoni replied.


    Joe nced at his watch; there were still two hours left to chat with ra.


    ¡°Alright, leave me and ra alone, there¡¯s something we need to discuss together!¡± he requested.


    ¡°Alright, Sir!¡± Antoni replied, trying to understand the smitten couple.


    He then left Joe¡¯s office. Now, there were only the two of them in the room.


    ¡°Darling!¡± Joe called softly.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡± ra moved towards the sofa, following the subtle gesture of the handsome man.


    ¡°Are you still thinking about what Vivian said?¡± Joe guessed, observing ra¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°No, Uncle, this is about Kimmy, Uncle!¡± ra said, lowering her gaze to avoid the gaze of the man sitting in front of her.


    ¡°What about Kimmy?¡± Joe inquired. He moved closer, sitting next to ra. He reached for her chin, forcing ra to meet his gaze.


    ¡°Since I was ten years old, I¡¯ve been living without my parents, Uncle! It¡¯s not a pleasant thing, Uncle, even though you¡¯ve always been there for me, it¡¯s not easy!¡± ra began her conversation.


    ¡°What do you mean, ra?¡± Joe pressed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want Kimmy to experience what I¡¯ve been through, Uncle!¡±


    Joe looked at ra with a puzzled expression. He still didn¡¯t fully understand.


    ¡°It seems like Kimmy would be happier if her parents were together!¡± the girl said, trying to hold back her tears.


    Silence!


    Joe stared at ra sharply.


    ¡°You¡¯re not God, ra, don¡¯t think you know what¡¯s best or worst for my daughter!¡± Joe retorted. ra¡¯s words hurt him.


    ra fell silent. Her chest felt heavy.


    ¡°What does that mean, you want me and Vivian to get back together! You brat! What do you think my heart is, ra! How foolish of me!¡± Joe rubbed his face roughly. He realized one thing; ra was still 17 years old and still unstable.


    ¡°No, Uncle, that¡¯s not what I meant!¡± ra tried to exin.


    ¡°If not that, then tell me what you want, ra! Don¡¯t you trust me?¡± Joe protested.


    ¡°I trust you, Uncle, it¡¯s just that¡­!¡± ra stopped her sentence.


    ¡°What?¡± Uncle pressed, forcing ra to answer.


    ¡°Aunt Vivian said that I¡¯m stealing Kimmy¡¯s happiness!¡± ra admitted.


    ¡°ra, listen! Don¡¯t listen to Vivian¡¯s words! She actually wants me to reconcile, but I don¡¯t want to. Now there¡¯s you in my heart! Don¡¯t hesitate, ra, don¡¯t be swayed by Vivian¡¯s words!¡± Joe urged. He began to realize that he couldn¡¯t watch over ra 24/7, and Vivian might seize the opportunity.


    ¡°Is Kimmy happy, Uncle?¡± ra asked. She didn¡¯t care about Vivian. What she cared about was Kimmy.


    ¡°Kimmy is still young, but I will also try to exin to her what happened between me and Vivian, so she understands that her parents are already divorced!¡± Joe exined.


    Hearing Joe¡¯s exnation made ra feel relieved.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What would you like to drink, Uncle? I may not be able to help with other tasks yet, but I can make coffee if you want,¡± ra offered. Seeing Joe angry, she tried to divert his attention.


    ¡°How did you know I¡¯m thirsty, ra!¡± Joe asked, looking at ra teasingly. He tried to control himself and understand ra¡¯s confusion. She was only half his age; Joe had to learn to understand if he wanted their rtionship to continue.


    ¡°Don¡¯t doubt my abilities, Uncle, even though I¡¯m a kid, I¡¯m unstable, but I can make youfortable!¡± ra retorted.


    ¡°Finally, you understand!¡± Joe raised his eyebrows.


    ¡°My goal was to bring you to the office!¡±


    ¡°What for?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°Be quiet and don¡¯t move!¡± Joe ordered.


    He reached for ra¡¯s chin, then nted a kiss on her lips. Long and deep. Countless times.


    ¡°So I can enjoy strawberries whenever I want!¡± Joe whispered in ra¡¯s hearing.


    To be continued.

 Chap 36

    Part 36.


    Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond returned home earlier. They were supposed to stay for three days and three nights. However, because they missed their grandchild too much, Joe Sebastian¡¯s mother decided to return home early.


    The couple, now sitting in the living room, apanied by Kimmy and also Vivian. Joe¡¯s former selfish wife.


    Vivian, a woman who prioritized her career over her husband and daughter. Now, she has realized the mistakes she made in the past. To whom else could she turn for help if not Nyonya Linn?


    From now on, she will try to regain the affection of the middle-aged woman. Then, she will regain what she has wasted all this time.


    ¡°Mom, I apologize for my mistakes, Mom!¡± Vivian said. She, who was sitting before, was now kneeling in front of her mother-inw. One thing for sure, she didn¡¯t want to let go of Joe for ra. Never!


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing for me to forgive, Vivian. That¡¯s between you and Joe. When Joe decided to marry you, I could only wish the best for both of you, and now that you¡¯re divorced, I believe it¡¯s the best decision you¡¯ve made!¡± Mrs. Linn said firmly. She understood well how much Joe loved Vivian. Honestly, she also felt hurt by Vivian¡¯s unfair treatment of her son.


    All this time Mrs. Linn had been kind to Vivian, just to maintain a good rtionship. Nothing more and nothing less, all because Vivian is Kimmy¡¯s mother. Her beloved granddaughter.


    ¡°I just realized everything, Mom! I was wrong, please allow me to make things right. I¡¯ve just realized that the divorce between me and Joe is bad for our daughter, so I ask for your blessing to reconcile with Joe!¡± Vivian pleaded. Still kneeling with her head bowed.


    ¡°I actually don¡¯t want to interfere! But because it involves my grandson, I will try to talk to Joe!¡± Mrs. Linn said. ¡°What do you think, dear?¡± She asked her husband.


    ¡°Papa leaves it all to Joe, Mom, however he chooses to live his life, he¡¯s not a child anymore, and he¡¯s capable of taking responsibility for his decisions!¡± Mr. Bond said. His trust and admiration for Vivian were shattered. He used to support Joe and Vivian¡¯s rtionship. But for now, he¡¯s very disappointed with his daughter-inw.


    ¡°Stand up, and when Joe arrives home, I¡¯ll talk to him! But I don¡¯t promise anything because Joe, he¡¯s already disappointed in you, Vivian!¡± Mrs. Linn said.


    Her fingers moved to her face, wiping away the tears that were falling and wetting her cheeks.


    Mrs. Linn called Kimmy. The little girl moved closer to the source of the sound.


    ¡°Kimmy, do you like it if your mommy stays in this house?¡± Mrs. Linn inquired. She just wanted to know if what Vivian said was true or not.


    ¡°Emm, yes, Oma! I like it, I want to sleep with daddy and mommy again, not just with daddy!¡± she replied. Slowly she crawled into her grandmother¡¯sp.


    ¡°Mama said she¡¯s going home tomorrow! If mommy stays in this house, is it okay?¡± the little girl asked again.


    ¡°Okay,¡± replied Grandma, who could do nothing but grant her granddaughter¡¯s wish.


    ¡°Hooray!¡± Kimmy shouted. Her face showed pure happiness.


    Mrs. Linn turned her gaze back to Vivian. The woman sat with her head bowed.


    ¡°Vivian!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mom!¡±


    ¡°What if Joe doesn¡¯t agree to reconcile with you?¡± Mrs. Linn prompted. She didn¡¯t want Joe to fall into the same trap again.


    ¡°I will try and wait, Mom. I will do everything like Joe did to win me back, Mom!¡± Vivian replied.


    ¡°Does that mean you will quit the entertainment world? Stop being a model! If you¡¯re willing to do that, then I will persuade Joe to reconcile with you!¡± Mrs. Linn insisted.


    ¡°I agree!¡± Mr. Bond finally spoke up.


    ¡°Alright, Mom! I will talk to my agent!¡± There was a look of determination on her former daughter-inw¡¯s face.


    ==?==


    ¡°My ra!¡± Joe called out.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡± ra replied softly.


    ¡°Sorry for making you wait, you must be very bored, right?¡± Joe guessed, approaching ra.


    ¡°A little, Uncle!¡± ra, who was watching a Korean drama while resting her chin on her hand, replied.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home! Or should I ask Mr. Joko to pick us up or should Antoni drive us?¡± Joe offered.


    ¡°Tell Mr. Joko to pick us up!¡± ra suggested.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll ask Antoni to pick us up right away!¡± Joe grabbed his phone. Then he wrote a message to his secretary.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡± ra replied, closing herptop screen. Then she walked over to Joe.


    Step by step, she finally stood before the man. Joe. Even after work, his hair was still neat and the scent of his cologne lingered, filling the room.


    ¡°Are you tired, Uncle?¡± ra inquired. She stood right in front of him.


    ¡°I usually am tired! But because you¡¯re here today, my fatigue vanished, disappeared just like that, ra!¡± Joe wrapped his arm around ra¡¯s waist. He couldn¡¯t wait to marry this girl.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite something, Uncle!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I seem to be going crazy because of you, ra!¡± Joe tightened his embrace.


    ¡°Let go, Uncle!¡± ra protested.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to!¡± Joe chuckled.


    ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m embarrassed, what if someone sees us?¡± ra refused. The refusal was only on her lips because her body didn¡¯t move. She feltfortable under Joe¡¯s dominating embrace. Comfortable! Not only that, the scent of his body tickled ra¡¯s sense of smell, making her want more. More and longer in such a position with Uncle.


    ¡°My ra,¡± Joe whispered.


    ¡°Yes, my Uncle Joe!¡± ra replied.


    Silent but quick, Joe carved a mark of possession on the side of ra¡¯s slender neck. The girl couldn¡¯t resist; instead, she was curious because she also desired it.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°A little, Uncle! What are you doing?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s a stamp of ownership, ra! You belong to me, understand!¡± he exined. ¡°Tomorrow when Mom and Dad return, I will talk to them!¡± Joe intended to confess his rtionship with ra.


    ¡°But, Uncle¡­!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond won¡¯t approve of me being close to Uncle Joe!¡± ra expressed her worries.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that! If they don¡¯t agree, I have a way to make my parents approve!¡± Joe suggested with a gleam in his eyes. He couldn¡¯t wait to make ra his wife.


    ¡°What¡¯s the way?¡± ra rolled her eyes.


    ¡°I have to make you pregnant, and they will surely approve, not only that, they will also insist that I marry you, my ra?!¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t joke, Uncle!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, ra! Do I need to do it tonight?¡± Joe teased. He was just teasing ra. He started to enjoy this simple activity. When ra felt annoyed or blushed because of his jokes.


    ¡°Uncle Joe!¡± ra said firmly, trying to bring him back to reality.


    ¡°Yes, what¡¯s wrong, my love?¡± he replied, looking at ra with loving eyes.


    Joe¡¯s phone rang, startling both of them.


    He slid the green icon on his phone.


    ¡°Hello!¡±


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯ve arrived!¡± the voice on the other end said.


    ¡°Okay, ra and I wille down now!¡± Joe replied, then ended the call.


    Joe noticed ra busy looking at her reflection on the phone screen. Her expression was worried and unsettled. Her long hair, which had been neatly tied back all morning, was now loose and messy.


    ¡°What are you doing, ra? Let¡¯s go downstairs, Joko is waiting for us downstairs!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Trouble, look at this, Uncle!¡± She showed the red mark on her neck.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°This, Uncle!¡± ra pointed with her left hand.


    ¡°What about it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m embarrassed,¡± ra blurted out. Understandable, this was her first time.


    ¡°You¡¯re embarrassed?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I yes¡­ Uncle!¡± she replied softly.


    ¡°How can you say you¡¯re embarrassed when earlier you just stayed quiet and didn¡¯t object! Stop it, ra! You make me fond of you!¡± Joe said, reaching for ra¡¯s hand, intertwining it with his, leading her out of the office towards the elevator.


    ra obeyed. She let her hair down, not wanting the kiss mark to be seen by others.


    The elevator door opened.


    Joe walked towards the parking area. He always held ra¡¯s fingers in his.


    He didn¡¯t forget to open the door for ra. Then, he walked around the car, and sat beside ra.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Joko!¡± Joemanded.


    ¡°To the house?¡± Joko asked, sensing the closeness between Joe and ra.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    The car moved at a moderate speed. ra and Joe, who sat in the back seat, chose to remain silent. They didn¡¯t want Joko to know about their rtionship.


    Joe didn¡¯t want his mom to find out about his rtionship with ra from someone else. If Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond knew, he would be the one to tell them.


    ¡°Sir!¡± Joko called out.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond have arrived home, around two o¡¯clock!¡± Joko said.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Joe looked down, hiding his smile. He felt like the universe approved of his rtionship with ra. Tonight, Joe had made up his mind to confess everything to his mother.


    The car stopped in the driveway. Joe and ra got out simultaneously. They walked side by side towards the front door.


    Click.


    The door opened.


    Joe entered first and found his parents sitting in the living room.


    ¡°How are you, Mom, Dad?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Good!¡±


    ¡°Good!¡±


    ¡°Joe, follow me upstairs, Mom needs to talk to you!¡± Mrs. Linn ordered, ignoring ra who was walking towards them.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 37

    Part 37.


    Joe followed his mom and dad to the living room. Meanwhile, ra headed to her room on the second floor.


    In the room were only Joe, Mr. Bond, and Mrs. Linn. The female servants in the house were busy preparing dinner in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Kimmy was ying with Vivian and her nanny.


    ¡°What do you want to talk about, Mom?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s about Kimmy,¡± she said.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Kimmy?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°I feel like Kimmy wants her parents to be back together,¡± Mrs. Linn said, unable to meet her son¡¯s gaze.


    Ugh!


    Joe¡¯s lips pressed tightly together, showing the tension in his jaw muscles. There was a bitter taste in the back of his throat.


    ¡°Does that mean I have to marry Vivian again, Mom?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Yes, that shouldn¡¯t be difficult to achieve, right? You still love Vivian very much, and she seems to have changed now. She can improve her behavior and make you and your daughter her priorities, not for me, but for Kimmy!¡± she added.


    Silence.


    ¡°The decision is yours, Joe!¡± Mr. Bond interjected, who had been silent all this time.


    Joe raised his head, looking at his mom and dad alternately.


    ¡°I can¡¯t go back to Vivian, Mom!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Papa won¡¯t force you!¡±


    ¡°Even for the sake of Kimmy?¡± Mrs. Linn interrupted.


    ¡°Yes, Mom, I have feelings for someone else, and I have no intention of reconciling with Vivian!¡± Joe said honestly.


    Ugh.


    Mrs. Linn observed her son¡¯s facial expression; there was determination there. ¡°Is there a woman you like?¡± she inquired.


    Joe remained silent. It wasn¡¯t the right time to tell his parents about his rtionship with ra.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s ra, Joe? You¡¯re not serious about your rtionship with that inexperienced girl, are you?¡± Mrs. Linn pressed, hoping for a different answer.


    Joe looked at his mom and dad in turn.


    ¡°I like ra, Mom! And I want to marry her!¡± Joe confessed.


    Mrs. Linn narrowed her eyes, disbelieving what Joe had just said.


    ¡°You choose one, ra or Kimmy! If you choose Kimmy, leave ra, if you choose ra, I will let go of Kimmy and Vivian¡¯s custody!¡± Mrs. Linn challenged.


    ¡°No, Mom, I can¡¯t! Kimmy stays with me, and I will still marry ra!¡± Joe insisted. His voice trembled with emotion.


    ¡°Open your eyes, Joe! You¡¯re not young anymore, and you shouldn¡¯t follow your ego. ra, she¡¯s not the kind of girl you can make your wife! She¡¯s not worthy!¡± Mrs. Linn retorted. ¡°Anyway, Mama disagrees! Understand!¡± she added.


    Mrs. Linn stood up from her seat, looking at Joe with a displeased expression. ¡°One more thing, either you end your rtionship with ra, or I will talk to ra!¡± she said. Then Mrs. Linn left the living room just like that.


    Joe looked at Mr. Bond. His dad remained silent. He couldn¡¯t defend his wife or his son.


    ¡°Fight for what¡¯s worth fighting for!¡± Mr. Bond advised. ¡°It¡¯s all in your hands, Joe,¡± he added, wanting to leave the living room.


    ¡°Pa!¡± Joe called out, stopping his dad¡¯s steps.


    Mr. Bond turned to look at the source of the sound.


    ¡°I like ra, Pa! I will fight for ra and also for Kimmy!¡± he said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be hasty, or you might lose her. Your mom is not a woman you can ignore, Joe, especially since she loves Kimmy so much! And you should also know, all this time your mom only considers ra as an outsider, not as a family member! Here, you can¡¯t be selfish, or ra will be the one hurt!¡± Mr. Bond said.


    The man then left the living room and headed to his room on the second floor.


    ==?==


    Joe stared at the walls of his room. He deliberately opened the door and windows wide, allowing the night breeze to blow on his face.


    A dozen messages from ra awaited his reply. His phone kept buzzing. Joe couldn¡¯t bring himself to ept a call from her.


    What would he say if ra asked about their rtionship?Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Joe decided to talk to the girl directly.


    Joe: [ra, we need to talk!]


    ra: [Just call me, Uncle.]


    Joe: [We need to talk in person!]


    ra: [Just say you miss me! Fine, I¡¯ll go to the library now!]


    Joe: [Come to my room instead!]


    Not long after, there was a knock on Joe¡¯s room door.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    He opened the door and saw ra standing there, looking at him expectantly. Before anyone else saw them, Joe pulled ra into his room.


    ¡°Lie down here, ra!¡± Joe instructed, patting the space beside him.


    ra obeyed, crawling onto the king-size bed, upying the spot Joe pointed to.


    ¡°What are you thinking, Uncle?¡± ra asked, sensing Joe¡¯s troubled expression.


    ¡°Turns out it¡¯s not as easy as that to marry you, ra. It¡¯s easy for me because I¡¯ve been married before, but I¡¯m not sure it¡¯ll be easy for you,¡± Joe said.


    ¡°I can still have a rtionship like this, Uncle, quietly, without anyone knowing,¡± ra suggested, facing Joe and looking at the man she admired so much.


    ¡°Yes, ra,¡± Joe said, embracing ra.


    ra looked up, so their faces were looking into each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful, ra. I can¡¯t hold back anymore, but why does everything have to be soplicated!¡± Joemented. He could marry ra if he wanted to. But what about his mom and the media, who wouldn¡¯t stay silent? It would only hurt ra because his ex-wife would surely not stay silent either. She could me ra for their divorce. The best thing to do was to wait for a while. Until the media forgot about his recent divorce with Vivian, which had only been two months ago.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    They heard a soft knock on the door.


    ¡°One moment!¡± Joe said. He told ra to hide.


    Joe went to the door, but no one was there. He returned to continue chatting with ra.


    ==?==


    Vivian kissed her daughter¡¯s cheek. She would be going home tonight. There were some photoshoot schedules for tomorrow. Most importantly, she was confident that Mrs. Linn was on her side. That was an advantage to get Joe back in her arms.


    ¡°Ma, I¡¯m going home!¡± she bid farewell, kissing her ex-mother-inw¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Yes, thank you for taking care of Kimmy,¡± Mrs. Linn replied. ¡°Come here often, anyway, I want the best for my granddaughter, Kimmy!¡± she added.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Vivian exited Kimmy¡¯s room and descended the stairs, leaving Joe¡¯s residence.


    Mrs. Linn sat, observing her granddaughter¡¯s face. She looked sad to have to part with her mom.


    ¡°Kimmy, are you okay?¡± she asked the little girl. A four-year-old who didn¡¯t understand about her parents¡¯ divorce.


    ¡°Oma, why can¡¯t Papa and Mama be like before, putting Kimmy to bed together?¡± the little girl asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not possible, dear, but Grandma will try to make your mommy and daddy go back to how they were before. Be patient, Kimmy!¡± Mrs. Linn persuaded.


    ¡°Yes, Grandma!¡± the little girl replied. ¡°Where¡¯s Cici going?¡± Kimmy, feeling lonely, asked.


    ¡°Cici wille back here tomorrow night. Tonight, Kimmy will sleep with Grandma, okay?¡± the middle-aged womanforted, feeling sad to see her granddaughter feeling lonely.


    ¡°Kimmy wants to go to Papa¡¯s room!¡± the little girl suggested.


    ¡°Okay, Grandma will take you!¡± Mrs. Linn got up from her seat.


    ¡°No need, Grandma, Kimmy can go alone!¡± the little girl said.


    Mrs. Linn nodded and smiled. Besides being smart, her granddaughter was also learning to be independent.


    Mrs. Linn tidied up Kimmy¡¯s room, while the little girl walked to her dad¡¯s room alone.


    Arriving at Joe¡¯s room.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Kimmy knocked softly on the door.


    ¡°Is Papa downstairs?¡± she murmured. The little girl decided to go downstairs.


    One.


    Two.


    Three.


    Four.


    Kimmy counted the steps she sessfully passed.


    And¡­


    She fell from the stairs. Tumbling down to the ground floor.


    Kimmy passed out.


    ==?==


    Fifteen minutester.


    ¡°Aaaaaaaa!¡±


    They heard the scream of the maid from downstairs.


    Mrs. Linn, who was walking to Joe¡¯s room at that time, was surprised and hastened her steps.


    ¡°Kimmy!¡± she eximed, hurrying down the stairs. The woman grabbed her unconscious granddaughter with blooding out from the back of her head.


    ¡°Call Joe!¡± she instructed Anik.


    The maid rushed to Joe¡¯s room. She knocked on the door as hard as she could.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Miss Kimmy fell, Sir!¡± she said.


    Joe opened the door wide, making Anik see ra still in her room.


    He saw ra there. One thing was for sure, as usual. She would report everything to Vivian.


    To be continued.

 Chap 38

    Part 38


    The night grewte. The emergency room of the hospital appeared quiet. There were only a few nurses and staff around.


    Joe gazed intently at his unconscious daughter¡¯s face. An IV needle was in her hand, and an oxygen tube was attached to her nose.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, you should go home and rest,¡± Joe said. A mix of sadness and guilt filled his heart.


    ¡°No, Mom won¡¯t leave until she makes sure her granddaughter is okay!¡± Mrs. Linn refused.


    ¡°Doctor Gaston will be here soon, Mom, don¡¯t worry,¡± Joe reassured. He was equally worried as Mrs. Linn.


    ¡°What if something happens to Kimmy? Why didn¡¯t you open the door immediately, Joe? Look, now my granddaughter is unconscious because of you!¡± Mrs. Linn used, her voice low but forceful.


    Silence.


    Joe chose to remain silent. Arguing with his mother wouldn¡¯t help. He¡¯d surely lose!


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Mom, don¡¯t me Joe. Let¡¯s just pray for Kimmy to wake up soon!¡± Mr. Bond intervened, cing his hand on his wife¡¯s shoulder.


    Footsteps approached.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Doctor Gaston asked, examining the condition of the little girl, his friend¡¯s daughter.


    ¡°Kimmy fell from the second floor, she might have fallen while walking downstairs!¡± Joe replied. His eyes continued to watch every movement of Doctor Gaston as he examined his daughter. Starting from checking her pupils¡¯ response, then her heartbeat, and the wound at the back of Kimmy¡¯s head.


    ¡°When will Kimmy wake up, Doctor Gaston?¡± Mrs. Linn asked.


    ¡°She might wake up tomorrow,¡± Doctor Gaston replied casually. He knew Mrs. Linn¡¯s character. She might stay awake all night if she knew Kimmy had a serious concussion. ¡°We¡¯ll do a CT scan tomorrow morning to confirm,¡± he added.


    Joe nodded slowly, hoping Kimmy would be okay.


    ==?==


    Mrs. Linn had arrived home. The atmosphere in the house was quiet. Only Anik greeted her and opened the door for her.


    ¡°Good evening, ma¡¯am, would you like some hot tea or should I prepare something?¡± the maid asked, ying with her fingers, feeling hesitant.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry!¡± Mrs. Linn followed her husband¡¯s steps, who had walked ahead.


    Anik bit her lower lip, unsure whether to say it or not.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, there¡¯s something I need to tell you!¡± Anik said in a loud voice.


    Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn stopped. They both turned sharply toward the source of the sound.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± the middle-aged woman raised her head, which had been mostly looking down to hide her sadness.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if this is right or wrong, I just want to tell you. It¡¯s about Mr. Joe and ra. When I called Mr. Joe in his room earlier, I saw ra in his room. At first, I thought I was mistaken, but I¡¯m sure it was ra in Mr. Joe¡¯s room!¡± she revealed.


    Mrs. Linn froze. Some of Kimmy¡¯s words shed through her mind. She realized one thing, what her granddaughter said must be the truth.


    Kimmy had said she heard ra and her dad talking at night. Not only that, her granddaughter had also told her that ra and her dad had fed each other. Finally, the four-year-old had said that her dad was going to take ra to the marriage registrar.


    ¡°Am I mistaken?¡± Mrs. Linn confirmed once again.


    Anik nodded.


    ¡°ra was in Joe¡¯s room?¡± she inquired sharply with a piercing gaze.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡±


    ¡°Is there anything else you know?¡± thedy of the house pressed. She tried to contain her emotions. She couldn¡¯t wait to confront ra.


    ¡°Nothing else, ma¡¯am, just that!¡± she said.


    The middle-aged woman walked, hastening her steps up the stairs.


    Mr. Bond shook his head. He could guess what would happen next.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    ¡°ra!¡± she called out loudly, banging on the door with all her might.


    The door opened. The owner of the name stood there with a frightened look. Her hands trembled, and her gaze lowered. She was sure Mrs. Linn would scold her.


    p!


    A hard pnded on ra¡¯s right cheek.


    ¡°You despicable human, who taught you to seduce my child! You were raised without gratitude! You were cared for without appreciation! What¡¯s on your mind, ra? You entered my child¡¯s room, seducing him! You¡¯re not a lowly prostitute who uses her body for money, are you? ¡­. Lowly!¡± she cursed, emphasizing thest word.


    ra remained silent, unable to say anything. Tears had already spread in both her eyelids. This was the first time she had received such a curse. It was very painful. It entered her heart, then sliced it. Until teardrops finally escaped, wetting her cheeks.


    ¡°Are you just going to cry? Do you still have the courage to stay in this house? Get out of here, you¡¯re not worthy of being in a rtionship with Joe, you¡¯re just a parasite. Understand!¡± she cursed with a loud voice, ending her sentence with a look of disdain. ¡°You have to leave this house as soon as possible, ra!¡± she said firmly, her voice loud enough to deafen.


    Mrs. Linn stomped her feet angrily, walking towards her room. She was annoyed. The girl whom she had considered to be like a sister to Joe ten years ago had turned out to be very disappointing.


    ¡°Mama doesn¡¯t need to be that angry with ra!¡± Mr. Bond pleaded. He opened the door to their room and guided his wife. ¡°Tomorrow, I will talk to ra,¡± he added.


    ==?==


    ra stared at her phone screen. It was already past eleven at night. She wasn¡¯t sure if Nadia was still awake.


    However, since she had been kicked out of this house, ra at least wanted to find a new ce to stay before moving on to the next step.


    ra: [Nad, can Ie to your house tomorrow?]


    She waited for a response. Only after a while did she feel her phone vibrate, indicating a new message.


    Nadia: [Sorry, ra, I¡¯m on vacation with my mom and dad. You cane to my house and stay in two days.]


    ra: [Got it.]


    Nadia: [Are you going on vacation with Uncle Joe?]


    ra: [Not yet, Kimmy is hospitalized.]


    Nadia: [I hope your future child recovers quickly, ra. See u.]


    ra: [Thank you!]


    The girl slid her phone screen, searching for a friend¡¯s number who could help her. There was only one name, Mario. ra opened a dozen messages from her friend.


    ra: [Mario]


    After checking the blue ticks, ra saw Mario¡¯s name appear on her phone screen.


    ¡°Hello!¡± ra greeted with a trembling voice.


    ¡°Hello ra, it¡¯s rare for you to reply to my messages!¡± heined.


    ¡°Are you not sleeping yet?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°I just got off the ne, I arrived at the international airport in Ennd tonight!¡± the voice on the other end revealed. ¡°Sorry I didn¡¯t meet you first, I heard you¡¯re going to study here too!¡± Mario said excitedly. Yes, that¡¯s what he heard from Nadia. ra was going to study in Ennd.


    Silence.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you toe here, ra!¡± Mario said enthusiastically.


    ¡°Um, yeah Mario. It¡¯ste here, I have to sleep now!¡± ra asked for permission. She didn¡¯t want Mario to hear her crying.


    The call ended.


    ra wiped away the tears that fell on her cheeks. She had cried many times. Not only did she have to bury her dreams of studying in Ennd and finding her family, but¡­ she also had to leave this house soon.


    ==?==


    The next morning.


    ra entered Mr. Bond¡¯s office on the ground floor. Joe Sebastian¡¯s father had asked her toe to his office.


    It was ra¡¯s first time there. The room was spacious. Larger than Joe¡¯s office on the second floor.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Please, have a seat, ra!¡± hemanded. His gaze was t as usual. Bond Sebastian finally decided to mediate between his wife and ra.


    The girlplied. She sat in the only chair. They faced each other. ra chose to remain silent. She continued to bow her head,cking the courage to look at her interlocutor.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you two options: end your rtionship with Joe for two days, and I¡¯ll guarantee your education in Ennd, or you can continue your rtionship with Joe but you can leave this house now!¡± Bond offered.


    ra remained silent.


    ¡°If you choose to go to Ennd, I¡¯ll ensure your education, but if you choose to maintain your rtionship with Joe, I¡¯ll try to make you two break up. And you have to remember, ra. Joe has chosen Kimmy to be his priority!¡± he said again, not showing his true expression.


    ra thought. She couldn¡¯t just leave this house and be homeless, right?


    ¡°However, you and Joe cannot be together in any way. It¡¯s better for you to take this ticket and we make a deal!¡± Bond persuaded. He didn¡¯t want ra to choose the second option. He wanted ra to have a guaranteed education.


    ra closed her eyes before finally making a decision.


    ¡°I will study in Ennd and I will end my rtionship with Uncle Joe!¡± ra said softly. She hid her trembling voice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you two days! End your rtionship with Joe, and never try toe back. Understood!¡± he said firmly.


    ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± ra replied.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 39

    Part 39.


    Doubt crept in, and it lingered for a while. But in ra¡¯s heart, the feeling of love remained just as strong and sincere for that man, Uncle Young Sebastian.


    The only man who fascinated and captivated her. She fell too deeply. Because he was the only owner of her love and her heart.


    It would be a lie if she were to really go to London in two days. How could she! Just one night without a message made her confused because of longing. How could ra choose to go to London and not see him for years?


    ra knew she loved Joe. The feeling of love had already been reciprocated. The girl was still determined not to leave as long as Joe himself told her to go.


    ra was sure her feelings of love were never wrong. Besides, Joe would marry her. Why should she listen to people trying to separate them? They didn¡¯t value her feelings.


    ra would talk to Joe. Then, she would take the next step.


    ¡°Sister, we¡¯ve arrived!¡± said a taxi driver.


    ¡°Yes!¡± ra handed him two hundred thousand rupiahs. Then, she got out of the taxi.


    ra then entered the hospital building. She headed to the third floor where Kimmy was being treated.


    ==?==


    Early in the morning, Vivian arrived at the hospital. She canceled all her out-of-town assignments. Choosing to ensure Kimmy¡¯s condition instead.


    The woman entered her daughter¡¯s treatment room. Her face was pale and desperate.


    ¡°How is our daughter doing?¡± Vivian asked desperately.


    ¡°Kimmy hasn¡¯t woken up yet!¡± was the only thing that came out of Joe¡¯s mouth. Although Kimmy had been moved to the treatment room, the little girl still hadn¡¯t regained consciousness.


    The woman rested her body. Choosing to sit on the sofa beside the patient¡¯s bed. Vivian reached for her phone, taking the opportunity to read the message from Mrs. Linn.


    Damn. Instantly, Vivian¡¯s hatred for ra grew. She felt like she wanted to be angry at Joe who was now sleeping while holding their daughter¡¯s hand.


    ¡°ra, why do you like to steal my happiness so much! First, you seduced Joe, and now your rtionship also caused our daughter¡¯s ident!¡± Vivian muttered angrily.


    Vivian decided to leave. She stood beside Kimmy¡¯s bed. Observing her daughter¡¯s face. Various negative thoughts crossed her mind. She realized, she had made many mistakes all this time. She had sacrificed many things to pursue her career, including her own daughter.


    Her sobs were heard softly. Tears began to wet her cheeks.


    ¡°Forgive me, Kimmy!¡± she said amidst her tears. Her tears fell. Along with the tightness in her chest.


    Joe woke up because of Vivian¡¯s crying. He wiped his eyelids and gathered his strength. Trying to focus with his gaze.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry!¡± Joe coaxed. He stood up from his seat and guided Vivian to sit down. He rubbed his ex-wife¡¯s shoulders and hoped she would stop crying soon.


    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault, all because of my ego, forgive me Kimmy, forgive your selfish mother!¡± Vivian said amidst her sobs.


    Joe chose to remain silent. There was a feeling of pity but disappointment dominated.


    ra watched the scene. When Joe and his ex-wife were sad for the same reason. That was their daughter.


    Finally, ra decided to leave Kimmy¡¯s treatment room. She abandoned her intention to talk to Joe.


    ¡°Where are you going, ra?¡± Joe asked, managing to grab ra¡¯s hand. The girl was about to enter the elevator.


    ¡°I want to talk to Uncle, but the timing isn¡¯t right. Maybe another time!¡± ra excused herself.


    ¡°No, talk about what you want to talk about!¡± Joe ordered. He led ra towards the stairs. They also arrived on the top floor of the hospital building. It was very quiet.


    ¡°What did Mama say to you, ra?!¡± Joe asked as if he could guess what had happened between Mrs. Linn and ra the night before.


    ¡°Nothing, Uncle!¡± ra evaded. Telling Joe everything would only add to the burden for him.


    ¡°Why do you look like that?¡± Joe pressed, disturbed by ra¡¯s cold and t expression.


    Silence.


    ¡°Uncle!¡± the girl called out.


    Joe approached, looking closely. The morning breeze blew on their faces.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Joe could read there was pain. Tears kept flowing even though they were held back.


    ¡°Uncle, choose me or Kimmy?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°You and Kimmy are not something I can choose between. Kimmy is my flesh and blood, she is my daughter, and I will always protect and love her, just like you, I love you and I can¡¯t ignore you! No, ra, you mean a lot to me!¡± Joe exined.


    ra remained silent.


    ¡°If Uncle can¡¯t choose, I will step back, Uncle, let¡¯s end everything here!¡± ra challenged.


    ¡°ra, understand my situation right now, Kimmy still hasn¡¯t woken up either!¡± Joe persuaded. He felt ra was very selfish.


    ¡°I can¡¯t live in the same house with Mrs. Linn anymore, and Mr. Bond, he will send me to London, I don¡¯t want to, Uncle, I, I want to be here, be near Uncle Joe!¡± ra expressed her desire.


    Joe reached for ra in his embrace. ¡°No, ra, calm down, I won¡¯t make you far from me, stay in my apartment, Antoni will take you there! Don¡¯t go anywhere and wait until Ie, Papa and Mama will never look for you there, do you understand!¡± Joe whispered softly in the ear of the girl he loved.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared, Uncle, I have no one but Uncle Joe!¡± rained despondently.


    The man released ra from his embrace. He wiped the tears on ra¡¯s cheeks.


    ¡°Get downstairs, Antoni wille and take you to my apartment!¡± Joe instructed. He let ra walk ahead. Descending the stairs and entering the elevator. Waiting for Antoni in the parking area.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Joe returned to Kimmy¡¯s treatment room. Doctor Gaston was already there. Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond had also arrived. They were waiting for Kimmy, hoping their granddaughter would wake up soon.


    ¡°When will Kimmy wake up?¡± Joe pressed. Representing Mrs. Linn who wanted to protest why Kimmy still hadn¡¯t woken up.


    ¡°The CT scan results are out. I have also checked the MRI results. Kimmy experienced a blow to the back of her head, not too serious but that¡¯s where the consciousness center is. I can¡¯t say for sure when she will wake up, it could beter today or tomorrow!¡± exined Doctor Gaston.


    ¡°Do whatever it takes, doctor, I want Kimmy to wake up soon!¡± Mrs. Linn urged.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just pray, Aunt!¡± Doctor Gaston replied. He gently patted Joe¡¯s shoulder and then left the room to check on other patients.


    The four adults watched Kimmy. Hoping the little girl would wake up soon.


    Joe wanted to talk to Mrs. Linn about ra. However, he decided against it. His mother looked very distraught observing Kimmy¡¯s pale face.


    ¡°Joe, go home and rest, thene backter!¡± Mrs. Linn ordered.


    Joe nodded, obeying his mother¡¯smand.


    ==?==


    ¡°Miss ra, is there anything you need?¡± Antoni asked. They would arrive at his boss¡¯s apartment soon.


    ¡°No, there isn¡¯t,¡± ra replied. Thinking about parting with Joe made her not hungry, not thirsty. Only Joe filled her mind.


    Antoni parked his car in the parking area. ¡°Miss, I will escort¡­¡± Antoni¡¯s sentence halted.


    ¡°No need, I can manage on my own!¡± ra declined. She got out of the car and walked towards the elevator that would take her to the floor where the unit was located.


    ¡­


    ra didn¡¯t do much. She kept staring at her phone, waiting for a message or a call from Joe. Until her phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number.


    ra slid the green icon on her phone. She chose to remain silent.


    ¡°Miss ra, it¡¯s me, Antoni!¡± eximed the voice on the other end. A familiar voice to ra.


    ¡°Hello, what¡¯s up?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°Mr. Joe is asking you toe to the hospital right away, he¡¯s been waiting for you!¡± the secretary exined.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll head there right away!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Shall I pick you up, Miss?¡±


    ¡°No need!¡± ra refused. ¡°I¡¯ll order a taxi!¡± she added.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    ra ended the call. She was worried about Kimmy¡¯s condition. Afraid that something might happen to her.


    ra grabbed her bag and hurried out of Joe¡¯s ce.


    ==?==


    Joe was in Doctor Gaston¡¯s office. He saw his friend¡¯s face with despair.


    ¡°Kimmy still hasn¡¯t woken up! What¡¯s going on!¡± Joemented.


    ¡°Believe me, Kimmy will wake up soon. Her pupil response is normal, and I have seen the CT scan and MRI results, there are no serious injuries except for the blow to the back of her head which is not that severe!¡± Doctor Gaston exined.


    ¡°I, I would feel extremely guilty if Kimmy doesn¡¯t make it, please do anything to save my daughter! Should I take her to Singapore right now?¡± Joe suggested frantically.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me, I¡¯m your friend and you¡¯re a sessful entrepreneur who once ranked in the top five young sessful entrepreneurs. How many times do I have to exin that Kimmy will wake up soon!¡± Doctor Gaston asserted. He started to get triggered by Joe¡¯s gloomy face and emotions.


    ¡°Are you sure Kimmy will wake up!¡±


    ¡°Yes, you better leave my office now, I will go eat and then go home!¡± Doctor Gaston dismissed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t protest if I call you tonight and ask you toe here!¡± Joe threatened.


    With unsteady steps, he left Doctor Gaston¡¯s room. If something bad happened, he would never forgive himself.


    Joe arrived at Kimmy¡¯s treatment room. Strangely, the door that was previously tightly closed was now open.


    He barged in and found ra standing next to Kimmy¡¯s bed.


    The tube that should have been connected to Kimmy¡¯s respiratory organ was in ra¡¯s hand.


    ¡°What are you doing, ra! You¡¯re not trying to harm my daughter, are you?¡± Joe yelled.


    ra stepped back. She hadn¡¯t done anything, and suddenly Joe used and yelled at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get close to my daughter, I don¡¯t know what makes you have evil intentions towards Kimmy, get out of here right now!¡± Joe yelled while pressing the emergency button for the nurse toe.


    ¡°Uncle, I¡­¡± ra¡¯s words stopped.


    ¡°Get out of here, ra, get out of here quickly!¡± he ordered with a terrifying expression on his face.


    To be continued.

 Chap 40

    Part 40.


    ¡°Get out of here, ra, hurry, get out of here!¡±


    Joe¡¯s words and his expression kept echoing in ra¡¯s mind. He truly expelled her.


    What should she do now? Go back to Joe¡¯s house and leave for London immediately? Or ask for Nadia¡¯s help? It¡¯s not possible because Nadia is on vacation. What about Mario? He¡¯s already in London.


    ra deliberately chose the stairs to descend from the third floor of the hospital. At least, there wouldn¡¯t be anyone else seeing her cry because no one was interested in walking through the stairs.


    Step by step, ra reached the ground floor. In the parking area in front of the hospital building.


    ¡°What should I do?!¡± ra muttered, looking into the distance.


    Suddenly, the rain poured down heavily. ra was trapped and didn¡¯t know where to go. The money she had was not much.


    Usually, she would ask Joe and he would give her money. But now, ra didn¡¯t even have the courage to speak, let alone ask for money.


    Worms in ra¡¯s stomach began to protest. She hadn¡¯t eaten anything since morning.


    ra swallowed her saliva, feeling desperate. It was the first time she felt like she had nobody. Tears started flowing from the corners of her eyes. Her chest felt heavy, feeling alone, having nothing, and not knowing where to go.


    ra leaned against the wall, trying to strengthen her heart. She wiped away all the tears that flooded her cheeks.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, please help me!¡± she whispered. It felt so suffocating inside her.


    Images of Joe being angry, Mrs. Linn pping her, Mr. Bond giving her side nces, kept shing through her mind. It hurt!


    ¡°ra, you¡¯re strong!¡± she encouraged herself.


    Honk¡­


    Honk¡­


    The loud honking made ra stop crying. Afraid someone would see her crying.


    The front window of a ck Luxury SUV moved down, revealing the face of a man ra had recently seen.


    ¡°You¡¯re ra, right? Get in!¡± the man inside the car shouted.


    ra shook her head.


    ¡°You spoiled brat!¡± muttered Doctor Gaston. He decided to get out of the car and unfolded the umbre that was always in the car¡¯s dashboard.


    Slowly, Doctor Gaston approached ra.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± the doctor asked, observing ra from head to toe.


    ¡°I¡­¡± ra stopped her words. She didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you home. Joe won¡¯t being home today because Kimmy hasn¡¯t woken up yet!¡± the man exined, pulling ra¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Wait, Doctor!¡± ra resisted.


    But Doctor Gaston still took ra into his car.


    Doctor Gaston sat behind the wheel while ra sat next to him.


    He started the car and drove his four-wheeled vehicle.


    ¡°Did you just visit Kimmy?¡± Doctor Gaston asked, ncing at ra. The girl was hugging herself.


    ra didn¡¯t answer. Hungry, sad, and not knowing what to do.


    Doctor Gaston felt ignored. How could this seventeen-year-old girl ignore him! Wasn¡¯t he as handsome as Joe Sebastian?!


    Doctor Gaston chose to focus on driving. He drove his car at a moderate speed. The rain was pouring heavily.


    ¡°Doctor Gaston,¡± ra called softly.


    ¡°Yes, ra,¡± he replied.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back to Uncle Joe¡¯s house!¡± she pleaded. Her gaze wandered, unsure of what was on her mind.


    ¡°Then, where will you go, ra?¡± the doctor asked. He already knew about ra. Information from Joe, that the girl was an orphan. She had nothing and no one.


    ¡°Take me anywhere, Doctor, just give me a ride for tonight! I just don¡¯t want to go back to Uncle Joe¡¯s house!¡± ra begged, sobbing. Tomorrow, when Nadia returned from vacation, she would stay at her friend¡¯s house for a while.


    Doctor Gaston changed his mind. Seeing a girl as beautiful as ra cry, he felt sorry for her. It was predictable; maybe ra was quarreling with Joe.


    ¡°Alright, but can you exin something to me, ra?¡± he asked. Curiosity pushed him to find out.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you, but not now!¡± ra replied, clutching her stomach.


    Doctor Gaston nodded softly. He stopped his car in the underground parking area of a multi-storey building where his apartment was located.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    They both got out of the car. ¡°Wear this!¡± the man instructed, handing ra a warm jacket.


    She took it and moved towards the elevator.


    The door opened. Doctor Gaston and ra entered. There were only the two of them inside.


    The doctor could clearly hear ra¡¯s stomach grumbling.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you eaten yet?¡± the doctor quipped, looking at ra with pity.


    ra bit her lip, not knowing what to answer.


    Ding. The elevator door opened.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s hurry!¡± Doctor Gaston urged. He wondered to himself why he should care so much about ra. He felt sorry for the girl. She had no parents, no home, and¡­ she was hungry.


    Gaston entered the code, and his apartment door opened.


    ¡°Come in, ra, there¡¯s no one here. My parents live in Bali, and I don¡¯t have a wife yet,¡± said the doctor, opening the door wide to wee the girl into his house.


    ra entered, casting a nce around the room. It looked neat with a modern feel and minimal furniture.


    ¡°Please, have a seat! I¡¯ve ordered food for you,¡± the doctor instructed. ¡°I only have fruits and milk in the fridge! You can help yourself. I need to take a shower,¡± he added. As usual, after returning from the hospital, he would take a shower before doing anything else.


    ra just sat there. She didn¡¯t do anything, feeling awkward and embarrassed to ask for help from someone she had only met twice.


    Not long after, about fifteen minutester, Doctor Gaston emerged from his room. He had changed his clothes and looked fresh, with wet hair and a hint of mint fragrance emanating from his body, reaching ra¡¯s nostrils.


    ¡°Put this on, you need to shower, or you might get sick!¡± instructed Doctor Gaston. He handed ra a light gray sweater, his own. There were no women¡¯s clothes in his wardrobe, so he chose that for ra¡¯s change of clothes.


    ra epted it.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the bathroom?¡± ra finally spoke up.


    ¡°You can use the one next to the kitchen, or the one in my room,¡± offered Doctor Gaston.


    ra nodded and headed towards the bathroom near the kitchen.


    While waiting for ra, Doctor Gaston decided to call Joe.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello!¡± greeted Joe on the other end of the phone.


    ¡°Did you lose something?¡± asked Doctor Gaston.


    ¡°Yes, I lost my family¡¯s personal doctor who chose to rest at home while my daughter is still unconscious!¡± replied the man on the other end of the phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a robot, I can¡¯t work 24/7! Anyway, see you tomorrow!¡± Doctor Gaston quickly ended the call right as the doorbell rang.


    The food he ordered had arrived.


    Gaston poured soup into bowls. Then, he made two hot choctes for himself and ra.


    The meal consisted of cabbage, rice, vermicelli, slices of chicken, eggs, topped with fried shallots, and drizzled with a vorful broth, perfect for enjoying in the rain.


    Before long, ra emerged from the bathroom. She walked to the dining table where Doctor Gaston was waiting.


    The man observed ra from head to toe. Why did she look even cuter wearing the oversized sweater?!


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat!¡± Doctor Gaston invited. ¡°It¡¯s not enjoyable anymore if it gets cold!¡± he added, holding a spoon and fork ready to eat the soup.


    ra nodded. She immediately scooped up some soup and enjoyed it. Eating together with Doctor Gaston.


    ra and Doctor Gaston enjoyed spoonfuls of soup until it was finished. However, the rain showed no sign of stopping.


    ¡°Do you want to rest now?¡± He observed ra, who had swallowed herst spoonful.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ready to sleep yet!¡± ra replied, ncing at the clock on the wall, which still showed 7:05 PM.


    ¡°You¡¯ve showered, you¡¯re full, I want to know why you don¡¯t want to go back to Joe¡¯s house!¡± Doctor Gaston asked, to the point. He brought a tray with two cups of hot chocte and gestured for ra to follow him.


    Now they moved to the living room. Outside, the rain still hadn¡¯t stopped. It was evident from ra¡¯s seat that the rain was pouring in Jakarta.


    ¡°Uncle Joe kicked me out, and Mr. Bond wants to send me to London for college, on the condition that I can¡¯t see Uncle Joe again for as long as possible!¡± ra revealed. She smiled weakly to hide the tightness and pain in her chest.


    Gaston observed the girl. Very beautiful, but fate really wasn¡¯t on her side.


    Honestly, ra was very beautiful. Gaston couldn¡¯t deny it. The feeling of pity in his heart grew even more.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s your n?¡± the man asked again.


    ¡°I won¡¯t go to London because I can¡¯t possibly not see Uncle Joe for the rest of my life. I also won¡¯t go back to that house. Aunt Vivian and Mrs. Linn were right; I¡¯m just a burden!¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯ll look for a job and work, and maybe start college next year. I have to start organizing my life. It¡¯s quite difficult because it¡¯s the first time Uncle Joe has kicked me out, but I¡¯m sure I can do it!¡± ra let out a breath, apanied by tears that couldn¡¯t be held back anymore. Tears rolled down her cheeks once again.


    ¡°Stop crying! I¡¯m sure Joe isn¡¯t that cruel. Don¡¯t be a drama queen like his ex-wife!¡± the doctorforted her.


    For a moment, ra widened her lips hearing the doctor¡¯s joke.


    ¡°Okay, doc!¡± ra replied, wiping away her tears. She tried to control her sadness.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me doc; I feel like I¡¯m in the hospital if you keep calling me doctor!¡± he protested.


    ¡°So, what should I call Doctor Gaston?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°Anything!¡±


    ¡°Uncle Gaston?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t, I feel very old with that title, besides, I¡¯ve never been married!¡± he refused firmly. No way would ra call him ¡®Uncle¡¯ like she called Joe.


    ra shrugged her shoulders because she didn¡¯t know what title to use for the doctor.


    ¡°Call me Mas!¡± he exined, smiling satisfactorily.


    To be Continued¡­

 Chap 41

    Part 41.


    ¡°Try calling me?¡± challenged Doctor Gaston.


    ¡°Ma¡­ I can¡¯t call you that, doctor!¡± ra refused, scratching her non-itchy head.


    ¡°Emm, okay, I won¡¯t force you!¡± the man said. ¡°Now, tell me why Joe kicked you out?¡± he asked.


    ra lowered her head, the events of earlier that evening still vivid in her mind.


    ¡°I went into Kimmy¡¯s room and found the oxygen tube detached from her nose, and Uncle Joe came in, thinking I was trying to harm Kimmy,¡± ra closed her eyes. The image of Joe, bundled with his anger, was etched clearly in her memory.


    ¡°Do you really like him?¡± Gaston inquired. He was curious if ra pursued Joe or vice versa.


    ¡°Yes, I like Uncle Joe, I don¡¯t know since when exactly, but I¡¯ve always looked forward to seeing him every time,¡± ra said. She smiled, reminiscing about her feelings of love. Every meeting with him would be an unforgettable moment.


    ¡°Did Joe reciprocate your feelings?¡± he asked again. ra was indeed beautiful, and Gaston couldn¡¯t help but notice her, despite his numerous observations.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra nodded. ¡°Uncle Joe promised to marry me!¡± she said, taking a sip of her hot chocte.


    ¡°Really?¡± Gaston raised his eyebrows incredulously. Joe hadn¡¯t even been divorced from Vivian for three months, yet he promised to marry ra. That wasn¡¯t like a man like Joe Sebastian.


    ¡°Wait, have you two ever slept together and engaged in marital rtions?¡± he guessed. It was possible, right? Joe, being a widower, could have engaged in such rtions with ra. ¡°No! Joe is not that kind of man; it¡¯s impossible for him to sleep with a woman who is not his wife!¡± she added.


    ¡°We¡¯ve kissed!¡± ra said innocently.


    The man looked at ra, his gazending on her rosy lips.


    ¡°Do you want to try to salvage your rtionship with him?¡± Doctor Gaston asked.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, of course!¡± ra replied enthusiastically.


    ¡°Alright, tomorrow I will help you exin things to Joe! Now, you should sleep!¡± he ordered.


    Gaston moved towards his room to get a pillow and a nket.


    ¡°Sleep in my room, ra, you need afortable rest after such a tiring day!¡± Doctor Gaston said, cing the pillow on the long sofa in front of ra.


    ¡°No, doctor, I¡¯ll stay here; you need to rest enough because many patients are waiting for you at the hospital!¡± she replied.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Doctor Gaston walked to his room and left ra to sleep outside.


    Hey down, thinking again about ra¡¯s beautiful face. Then he reached for his phone, intending to call Joe.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello,¡± the man said on the other end of the phone.


    ¡°Hello, how¡¯s Kimmy?¡± Gaston asked.


    ¡°My daughter is awake; I¡¯m relieved!¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Thank goodness. By the way, this is about ra. She¡¯s back at my ce; did you really kick her out?¡± There was emphasis on thest part of his sentence.


    ¡°Oops, I was really worried earlier; I¡¯m sorry!¡± he said.


    ¡°I know, tomorrow I will go to the hospital, and you have to exin everything to ra!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will apologize!¡± Joe felt very guilty.


    ¡°She really loves you, I think her feelings are sincere. You don¡¯t intend to leave her, right?¡±


    ¡°No, tomorrow I will exin everything! I don¡¯t want ra to misunderstand!¡± Joe exined.


    ¡°Good!¡±


    ¡°I entrust ra to you, beware if you dare to do anything!¡± Joe warned.


    ¡°So, you don¡¯t trust me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s very beautiful, and I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll be attracted to her!¡± Joe honestly expressed.


    ¡°Beautiful? I don¡¯t particrly like beautiful women! Anyway, I want to sleep now!¡± Gaston bid farewell.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    The phone call ended.


    Gaston¡¯s mind drifted back seven years ago when his fianc¨¦e passed away in an ident.


    He felt sad and deeply affected by the loss. Since then, Doctor Gaston chose to close his heart and focus on serving and immersing himself in his profession as a doctor.


    ¡°Enough!¡± he muttered, rubbing his face roughly and intending to sleep.


    ==?==


    The next morning at the hospital.


    Joe watched Vivian feeding Kimmy. He was very grateful that his daughter was awake and seemed to be fine.


    ¡°Look at Kimmy! She would be so happy if her parents got back together. Vivian is willing to leave the entertainment world and choose to be a good mother to her daughter. At least¡­ give her a chance. Besides, you¡¯ve only been divorced for less than three months! Ask your heart, Joe, have you really forgotten your ex-wife? It¡¯s no secret that you pursued her first!¡± Mrs. Linn whispered, sitting next to Joe.


    His throat tightened. His lips pressed tightly, showing his stiffened jaw.


    ¡°Leave ra, Papa and Mama will never approve of your rtionship! Understand!¡± she said firmly in a soft voice.


    Joe sighed in frustration. He was no longer a bachelor who could freely choose his partner. There was Kimmy, his flesh and blood, his daughter whom he had to prioritize. As a father, he would do anything for his daughter¡¯s happiness. However, reconciling with Vivian was not the right choice. What should he do?


    Doubt began to creep into Joe¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Kimmy called out.


    Joe snapped out of his reverie and moved towards his daughter.


    ¡°Mama said Papa and Mama can¡¯t be together anymore, unless they get married again!¡± Kimmy said in her cute voice. ¡°Papa and Mama are going to get married again, right? For Kimmy?¡± she asked hopefully.


    ¡°Yes, Mama and Papa will get married again!¡± Joe replied, solely tofort Kimmy. He didn¡¯t want anything bad to happen to his daughter again.


    ==?==


    ¡°Doctor Gaston, I¡¯m scared!¡± rained. The image of Joe when he was angry made her shudder.


    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived at the hospital; exin everything to Joe so there won¡¯t be any more misunderstandings between you two!¡± the doctor requested.


    ¡°What if Uncle Joe doesn¡¯t want to listen to my exnation?¡± Doubt seized ra¡¯s heart and mind.


    ¡°Joe is in a good mood; let¡¯s go meet him right away!¡± he urged her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure!¡± When she was still at Doctor Gaston¡¯s apartment, ra was very enthusiastic about exining everything to Joe. But when she arrived at the hospital, her courage vanished into thin air.


    ¡°I¡¯ll apany you!¡± Doctor Gaston persuaded.


    The elevator opened, and ra entered, standing beside Doctor Gaston, lost in thought.


    The elevator opened on the third floor of the hospital.


    ¡°I¡¯ll escort you to the door!¡± the doctor said.


    ra nodded weakly. She moved towards Kimmy¡¯s ward, summoning her courage.


    She stopped in her tracks, preventing Doctor Gaston from entering. The two of them stood at the doorframe and listened to what Joe, Vivian, and Kimmy were discussing.


    ¡°Yes, Mama and Papa are going to get married again!¡± Joe¡¯s words rang clearly in ra¡¯s ears.


    Crushed.


    Her hopes shattered. What was her significance to Joe all this time? Was ra just a pastime when he felt bored? Or was Joe just carried away by his feelings and had no intention of marrying her?


    It felt like an atomic bomb exploded in ra¡¯s heart.


    Love.


    Affection.


    Admiration.


    All evaporated from ra¡¯s heart, reced by heartbreak that sliced through her.


    ¡°Turns out Uncle Joe hasn¡¯tpletely forgotten Aunt Vivian!¡± ra murmured softly, tears streaming down her face. She clutched her chest, feeling suffocated.


    She ran towards the stairs that would lead her to the hospital rooftop. Not only was she saddened by Uncle Joe¡¯s statement, but ra also felt embarrassed in front of Doctor Gaston. He must have thought thatst night she was just fantasizing about Joe wanting to marry her.


    ra stopped. She knelt down, hiding her tear-streaked face.


    Doctor Gaston stood behind her. He didn¡¯t know what to do. One thing was certain: ra must be very hurt.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry! I¡¯m afraid the hospital roof will flood from your tears, ra!¡± the doctor said.


    ¡°Why did youe here? I¡¯m embarrassed; leave me alone!¡± ra said, still hiding her face. Her voice sounded hoarse.


    ¡°Come home with me; I don¡¯t want you to despair and jump from the hospital building roof!¡± Doctor Gaston stepped forward, closer to ra.


    ¡°Why? Is Doctor Gaston afraid that my ghost will haunt and scare you every night?¡± ra looked up. Their eyes met.


    ¡°Calm yourself down; stay at my apartment for a while; I don¡¯t mind!¡± Doctor Gaston said. He felt sad about what happened to ra.


    Finally, ra obeyed. She had no other choice for now but to stay at Doctor Gaston¡¯s ce. Otherwise, today would be herst day in Jakarta before Bond Sebastian sent her to London.


    ==?==


    In the afternoon at the hospital.


    Doctor Gaston had examined many patients, now he was just checking on Kimmy¡¯s condition. He intentionally put Kimmyst so he could chat longer with Joe.


    Gaston turned the doorknob and entered Kimmy¡¯s ward. It was the right time because Joe was alone, and Kimmy was resting again.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you sleeping?¡± Doctor Gaston asked. Joe¡¯s face looked pale.


    ¡°I¡¯m grateful that Kimmy is awake!¡± he said, smiling. He considered his friend¡¯s question unimportant.


    ¡°Kimmy¡¯s condition has improved; she can go home tomorrow and just follow up as an outpatient!¡± Doctor Gaston said.


    Joe nodded, feeling like something was missing. ¡°Where¡¯s ra?¡± he asked, realizing that he had been waiting for ra since earlier.


    ¡°ra is at my ce; she came back disappointed and heartbroken!¡± Doctor Gaston said bluntly.


    ¡°What did you do to her?¡± Joe raised his voice.


    ¡°Not me, but you, Joe! Are you serious? Did you just treat ra as a ything?¡± Doctor Gaston said tly.


    ¡°I like ra, I love ra, and¡­¡± his sentence trailed off.


    ¡°And¡­ you¡¯re going to reconcile with Vivian??¡± that¡¯s what ra heard this morning.


    ¡°What?!! So ra came here already?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Yes, and she went home disappointed and heartbroken after learning that you and Vivian are going to reconcile!¡± he replied angrily.


    ¡°This is so¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough, Joe, as your friend, I¡¯m disappointed in you; if you can¡¯t make ra happy, it¡¯s better not to give her too much hope! She¡¯s still too young and naive!¡± he said, expressing ra¡¯s current feelings.


    ¡°No!¡± Joe tried to exin.


    ¡°What¡¯s not? Reconcile with Vivian, and as for ra, leave it to me; let me make her happy!¡± Doctor Gaston said firmly, feeling satisfied that he had conveyed ra¡¯s feelings that morning.


    Then, he walked out of Kimmy¡¯s ward, leaving Joe very annoyed.


    To be continued.

 Chap 42

    Title: Part 42.


    The orange sky turned dark. The beauty of dusk was reced by the night. Joe was still in his car on his way home. Antoni was driving for him. He noticed Joe¡¯s continued gloominess since this morning. That afternoon, his boss didn¡¯t show a smile at all when signing a contract with a model for the new Blue Jewelry product of the month. Even when returning home from work, his lips remained tightly sealed without a smile.


    ¡°Sir,¡± Antoni called out, observing Joe through the rearview mirror.


    ¡°Hmm¡­,¡± Joe nced briefly and looked out the window again.


    ¡°Is Miss Kimmy still not recovered?¡± Antoni inquired. He was always curious about what was happening with his boss.


    ¡°Kimmy is in the healing phase, her injuries aren¡¯t too serious,¡± the man replied without turning. There was a heavy burden on his chest.


    ¡°Is there a problem, Sir?¡± Antoni probed further. ¡°Is this about Miss ra?¡± he pressed.


    ¡°Hmm¡­,¡± was all Antoni heard.


    ¡°If it¡¯s a matter of the heart, I can¡¯t help, but ifpared to your ex-wife, I think ra is more sincere with her feelings!¡± Antoni eximed.


    Joe didn¡¯t respond. Because their car had already arrived at his home.


    ¡°Not that issue!¡±


    ¡°Then?¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t understand, Antoni!¡± Joe exined. Yes, this was aplicated situation. Letting go of ra to London? Letting go of ra for Gaston? And¡­ Reconciling with Vivian?


    Joe shook his head vigorously; that wasn¡¯t the solution. His life would be full of regrets if he let that happen. No!


    Joe¡¯s phone vibrated, a message from Gaston came through.


    Dr. Gaston: [ra isn¡¯t just beautiful, she¡¯s also smart. Marry Vivian, and I will fight for ra!]


    Joe clenched his fists tightly, reading the message from his colleague.


    ==?==


    ¡°Dad, Mom, we need to talk!¡± Joe looked at his parents alternately. About ra, it had to be settled soon.


    ¡°What is it, son?¡± Mr. Bondmanded.


    ¡°It¡¯s about ra!¡± he said.


    ¡°What about that girl! She¡¯s the one who chose to leave this house!¡± Mr. Bond retorted.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let that happen, Dad! Even if ra studies in Ennd, I¡¯ll be the one to take her there! I¡¯ll be the one to prepare everything!¡± Joe insisted.


    ¡°Do you choose Kimmy or ra?¡±


    ¡°Both, Kimmy is my daughter, and ra, she has no one else but me!¡± Joe replied to his father¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Vivian, don¡¯t you want to go back to Vivian?!¡±


    ¡°No, I have the right to choose what I want, and I will always prioritize Kimmy! I hope Mom and Dad won¡¯t interfere anymore!¡± Joe left his parents¡¯ room. Deciding to pick up ra tonight as well.


    ==?==


    ¡°Mom, Dad, let me introduce her name is ra!¡± Dr. Gaston said to his parents.


    ¡°I¡¯m ra, Uncle, Auntie!¡± ra greeted each of the couple in front of her with a handshake.


    ¡°Airin, Gaston¡¯s mother.¡±


    ¡°Edwin, Gaston¡¯s father.¡±


    After making sure Kimmy could be discharged, Dr. Gaston, who had taken leave, immediately went to Bali. Besides missing his parents, he also wanted to take ra on vacation.


    ¡°Is she your future wife, Gaston?¡± Mrs. Airin asked with sparkling eyes. All this time, she had wished Gaston would get married, but she couldn¡¯t force her only son. The middle-aged woman could understand the pain her only child felt.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Ma, until now I haven¡¯t gotten any answer from her! Look, until now she always calls me ¡®doctor¡¯!¡± Gaston protested, ncing at ra with a mischievous look.


    ¡°ra, where do you live?¡± Mrs. Airin was very interested in ra. She wanted to get to know the girl better.


    ¡°ra lives at Joe¡¯s house, Ma, actually ra just graduated from high school, and her parents passed away ten years ago!¡± Gaston briefly exined.


    Mrs. Airin looked at ra. There was a feeling of sadness when looking into the girl¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Have some, ra,¡± Mrs. Airin requested. She opened several boxes of cookies.


    ¡°One moment, I have pudding in the fridge.¡± Mrs. Airin went to the kitchen followed by Gaston trailing behind her.


    ¡°Do you really want to make ra your wife?¡± Mrs. Airin impatiently asked. This was the first time Gaston had brought a woman to introduce after his fianc¨¦e¡¯s death.


    ¡°I¡¯m interested in her, Ma!¡± Gaston replied.


    ¡°Mom will be very happy if you start thinking about finding a wife!¡± she replied. Mrs. Airin opened the fridge and took out avocado pudding.


    ¡°Pray for me, Ma, even though ra is still young, I am really interested in her!¡± Gaston widened his lips into a smile.


    ¡°Mom always prays for the best for you, son!¡± they both walked back to the living room.


    ¡°ra, let¡¯s eat!¡± she offered.


    ¡°Okay.¡± ra widened her lips into a smile, but her heart still felt sad.


    Dr. Gaston, seeing ra still looking gloomy, took the initiative to take her out for a walk.


    ¡°Ma, I¡¯m going to take ra to the beach!¡± he informed.


    ¡°Alright,e back before dinner, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ma!¡±


    ¡°Auntie, I¡¯m leaving now!¡± ra bid farewell.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Mrs. Airin smiled. There was a new hope, well at least Gaston had moved on and was no longer imprisoned in the memories of his past.


    ==?==


    The beach wind blew softly, caressing ra¡¯s face. She sat next to the doctor.


    He was mesmerized by the beauty of the sunset.


    ¡°ra,¡± he called softly, turning to the girl beside him. The reflection of the orange sun made her face look different. In Gaston¡¯s eyes, she was very beautiful. Since the moment he met her at the clinic that morning.


    ¡°Yes?¡± ra replied. It sounded like a question.


    ¡°Do you not remember any of your family members?¡± Gaston asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember, doctor!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°What about your parents? Do you still remember them?¡± Dr. Gaston asked again.


    ¡°My father¡¯s name is Devano Rusadi, and my mother¡¯s name is Ce, we used to live in London. After my parents passed away, Uncle Joe decided to take care of me,¡± ra exined.


    ¡°Are your parents Joe¡¯s coworkers?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°No, Uncle Joe only lived with us for two years, while he pursued his master¡¯s degree,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°What about your grandparents?¡± he asked again. Quietly, he was investigating to find out about ra¡¯s family. Curious!


    ¡°My dad and mom never took me to meet them!¡± ra revealed.


    The girl lowered her head. Realizing one thing, that being alone and having no one was very sad.


    Dr. Gaston shifted his body. Closer to ra and forced her to lean on his shoulder.


    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to make you sad, ra!¡± he said.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not sad!¡± she dodged.


    ¡°Can I ask again, ra? It would bother me if I didn¡¯t ask!¡±


    ¡°Just ask, doctor! I¡¯ll answer!¡± ra slowly began to feelfortable. She who initially referred to herself as ¡®saya¡¯ now changed to ¡®aku¡¯.


    ¡°Do you still hope for Joe after what happened at the hospital yesterday?¡± the man asked point-nk. Gaston didn¡¯t intend to snatch ra from Joe, but what¡¯s wrong with fighting for it. Who knows there might be a chance.


    ¡°I no longer hope, but I still love him very much!¡± ra expressed honestly. Actually, ra wanted to meet Nadia and pour out her heart to her. Dr. Gaston didn¡¯t mind, he was also a good listener.


    ¡°Do you know anything about love, ra! You¡¯re still young, pursue your dreams, study the major you want, and when you graduate, then you can think about love!¡± the doctor advised. ¡°Whether it¡¯s me or Joe you will choose!¡± he added.


    ¡°What do you mean, doctor?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°Look at me, ra, am I less handsome than Joe?¡± he joked, forcing ra to look at him.


    ra remained silent.


    ¡°I¡¯m a doctor, and I¡¯ve never been married! My w, I just never attended gossip events because I never had a rtionship with a model!¡± he joked.


    ¡°Does the doctor want to have a rtionship with a model, to go viral?¡± ra teased.


    ¡°No! I¡¯m more interested in having a rtionship with you!¡± he replied. Looking at ra with a warm and deep gaze.


    ra just stayed silent.


    ra¡¯s phone rang. Startling them both.


    ==?==


    ¡°Where¡¯s Dad going?¡± Kimmy asked, seeing her dad rushing down the stairs.


    ¡°Dad¡¯s going out for a bit!¡± Joe replied, grabbing the keys from the table and leaving the living room.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Kimmy asked again.


    This time Joe didn¡¯t respond, wanting to pick up ra right away. Gaston¡¯s words really disturbed him.


    Joe entered the car. Turning the key and driving his ck McLaren at full speed towards Gaston¡¯s apartment.


    ¡°Tonight you have toe home with me, ra. How dare you not call and not send a message. Beware of you, Gaston! Are you a friend or an opponent!¡± Joe muttered angrily. He kept stepping on the gas pedal, wanting to arrive at his high school friend¡¯s private doctor¡¯s apartment as soon as possible.


    Shiiiit¡­.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Joe stopped his car in front of the apartment building. He stormed in through the main door.


    Entering the elevator and pressing the button ording to the apartment unit.


    Joe stood and couldn¡¯t calm down. Irritated by Gaston¡¯s intention to take ra away from him.


    Ding!


    The elevator door opened.


    The man got out of the elevator, his steps fast and wide. Less than a minute, he arrived in front of Gaston¡¯s apartment door.


    Joe pressed the doorbell.


    Once.


    Twice.


    Three times.


    No response and no answer.


    Joe grabbed his phone, deciding to call ra. Unwilling to let Gaston imprison ra any longer.


    The call connected.


    ¡°ra,e out quickly, I¡¯m waiting for you in front of the door!¡± Joe almost shouted.


    ¡°So you¡¯re picking up ra, it¡¯s a shame we¡¯re on vacation in Bali!¡± Gaston replied on the other end of the phone.


    The man really made Joe furious.


    ¡°Where¡¯s ra, why are you answering my phone, Gaston!¡± Joe protested.


    ¡°We just enjoyed the sunset, let me and ra return to the hotel and she¡¯ll call youter!¡± Gaston replied. Intentionally mentioning his house as a hotel. He smiled satisfied. Very sure tonight Joe wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep peacefully.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 43

    Part 43.


    Joe felt annoyed. He didn¡¯t know what was really going on. Was Gaston really interested in ra or was his friend just teasing him? Honestly, Joe felt very emotional and provoked. How could that man make him so irritated?


    The clock showed 7:10 PM WIB. In Bali, it was stillte afternoon. Gaston would soon take ra back to the hotel. Hufft. The image of ra, her smile, her strawberry lips. The man clenched his fists tightly.


    ¡°Gaston damn!¡± he muttered.


    He grabbed his phone and searched for Antoni¡¯s number.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello, good evening, Sir¡­¡± the man¡¯s greeting stopped.


    ¡°Cancel all my appointments for tomorrow!¡± Joe shouted.


    ¡°But¡­ Sir, we have to¡­,¡± Antoni¡¯s speech stopped again.


    ¡°Book a ticket to Bali for tonight!¡± Joe ordered.


    ¡°But Sir!¡± protested the voice on the other end.


    ¡°Inform me immediately!¡± Click. Joe ended the call.


    Joe tried to call Gaston, but there was no answer at all. So, he decided to call ra.


    ¡°Hello,¡± ra greeted from the other end.


    ¡°Where are you, ra, I will pick you up soon! I¡¯ve talked to Mom and Dad. You cane back home!¡± Joe exined.


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way home. I¡¯m on vacation and staying at Dr. Gaston¡¯s parents¡¯ house, Uncle!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be there right away!¡± he insisted.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Why should I be at Uncle Joe¡¯s house? Moreover, Uncle Joe will reconcile with Aunt Vivian, not only that, Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond never liked me! There¡¯s nothing to keep me there except my love, Uncle!¡± ra expressed what she felt.


    ¡°I won¡¯t reconcile with Vivian, and I¡¯ve talked to Mom, wait for me!¡± Joe insisted.


    Silence.


    ¡°Just wait for me!¡± he urged. ¡°And one more thing, don¡¯t get too close to Gaston! I don¡¯t like it! You are still my future wife, ra!¡± he added with an angry tone.


    Joe ended the call.


    ==?==


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Gaston asked.


    They were sitting in the family dining room. Bu Airin seemed to be preparing dinner with the help of her maid. She didn¡¯t allow ra to cook.


    ¡°Uncle Joe, he wants to pick me up, doctor!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Tell him we¡¯ll go home tomorrow! I¡¯ll take you to his house, ra, umm no need¡­ You wait here, let me call him myself,¡± Dr. Gaston said as he got up from his seat.


    Gaston contacted Joe and was immediately answered by the man on the other end of the phone.


    ¡°Wait for me, I¡¯ll pick up ra right away!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Hahha, you never change, always roaring here and there when your possession is touched, calm down I won¡¯t take ra from you, I¡¯m just taking her on vacation!¡± Gaston said. ¡°Our friendship won¡¯t be ruined by a woman! I was just kidding, Joe!¡± he added whileughing.


    ¡°This is not the time to joke, beware if you dare touch ra!¡± Joe threatened.


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t touch her, but maybe tonight I¡¯ll spend the night with her!¡± Gaston replied.


    ¡°What do you mean! I¡¯ll kill you!¡± The man on the other end of the phone became even angrier.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m just kidding!¡± Gaston insisted.


    ¡°You¡¯re joking again?! Oh my God, stop it Gaston, you really make me very angry! Beware, don¡¯t touch a single hair of ra!¡± Joe¡¯s voice sounded even louder.


    ¡°No, I dare not! I don¡¯t want to lose our friendship!¡±


    ¡°Well, just make sure you¡¯re notte tomorrow!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll make sure not to bete, Sir Joe Sebastian!¡± he joked.


    Click.


    Joe felt annoyed once again.


    Gaston moved to the dining room. ra and her parents were already there.


    ¡°Hurry up! We¡¯ve been waiting!¡± Bu Airin said.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Gaston walked over and sat next to ra.


    They had dinner together with dishes made by Bu Airin.


    After dinner, Gaston chatted with his father, while ra helped Bu Airin tidy up the dining table.


    ¡°ra,¡± Bu Airin called. She was really curious about the girl, because ra was the only girl introduced by Gaston after the bad incident in his past.


    ¡°Yes, Auntie,¡± ra replied, moving closer. She washed the dishes while Bu Airin arranged the silverware.


    ¡°I really hope that Gaston will get married soon, I hope your rtionship seeds!¡± Bu Airin expressed. Her lips widened, forming a smile.


    ra just returned the middle-aged woman¡¯s smile. Getting married? If it wasn¡¯t Joe who asked her to marry him, the thought wouldn¡¯t even cross ra¡¯s mind for now.


    ¡°Gaston is a good man, he is diligent and apetent doctor, many are drawn to him, and if you are his choice, I as his mother would be very happy, ra!¡± Bu Airin said.


    ¡°Thank you, Auntie, thank you for dinner and your kindness, I take my leave now, I need to rest because I have to return to Jakarta tomorrow!¡± ra requested. She had finished washing the dishes.


    ¡°Yes, thank you too, ra!¡± Bu Airin hugged ra briefly before letting her go. The middle-aged woman moved to the living room, where her son and husband were chatting.


    ¡°She¡¯s a poor girl, she¡¯s beautiful, polite, and mama sees she¡¯s very kind!¡± Bu Airin opened the conversation. She took a seat beside her son.


    ¡°ra is indeed kind, Ma, she¡¯s also very beautiful!¡± Gaston chimed in.


    ¡°Hasn¡¯t Joe ever tried to find ra¡¯s family?¡± Bu Airin inquired.


    ¡°Before, Joe tried to find ra¡¯s family, but he hit a dead end, maybe Joe is still trying to find her family, Ma!¡± Gaston exined, gazing at his mother¡¯s face for a long moment.


    ¡°Mama¡­¡± Bu Airin stopped herself.


    ¡°What is it, Ma?¡± Gaston asked.


    ¡°Are you still not interested in getting married, Gaston? Mama really wants to hold a grandchild, Joe is already close to another model, and you still don¡¯t want to get married!¡± Bu Airin protested.


    ¡°Patience, Ma, I¡¯m only 35 years old!¡± Gaston defended himself.


    ¡°Rest now, tomorrow you¡¯ll be going back to Jakarta, thank you for bringing ra here, hopefully, this will be a good start for both of you!¡± the middle-aged woman said.


    ==?==


    The next morning.


    Joe decided to go to work after picking up ra.


    His n was to exin everything to ra this morning. The issue with the girl needed to be resolved quickly.


    After showering, Joe opened his phone. There was a message from Antoni.


    [Tuan, it seems Detective Joe has received information about ra¡¯s family.]


    Joe read the message and wanted to call Antoni. However, he changed his mind when he heard a knock on the door.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    ¡°Sir!¡± Cici¡¯s voice was heard from behind the door.


    Joe opened the door.


    ¡°There¡¯s a visitor downstairs, he wants to meet with you!¡± Cici said.


    ¡°Who?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Your colleague, Sir!¡± the waitress replied.


    Joe furrowed his brows. He never asked his colleagues toe to his house.


    The man walked down the stairs, feeling a sense of foreboding creeping into his heart.

 Chap 44

    Part 44.


    Joe descended the stairs and walked towards the living room, then continued to the veranda of the house.


    A man in a ck suit was standing with his back to him. Joe observed him from behind, not recognizing who the man was.


    ¡°Ahem¡­¡± Joe cleared his throat as he approached his uninvited guest.


    The man turned around. They exchanged nces. The man in the ck suit was tall, fair-skinned, and appeared to be around 25 to 30 years old.


    ¡°Excuse me, who are you?¡± Joe asked. He really didn¡¯t know who the man in front of him was.


    ¡°Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Zio, I came here because I want to confirm something!¡± he said.


    Joe scrutinized the man in front of him.


    ¡°Is this indeed the residence of Joe Sebastian?¡± the man asked.


    ¡°Yes, I am Joe himself,¡± Joe confirmed. ¡°Please, have a seat,¡± he offered.


    Joe sat on the rattan chair in front of his house. The man did the same.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Sir,¡± he greeted.


    Joe shook the man¡¯s extended hand.


    ¡°I want to inquire about a married couple who lived in London ten years ago,¡± Zio began the conversation.


    Joe furrowed his brows. He was sure that Zio was referring to ra¡¯s parents.


    ¡°The married couple¡¯s names were Devano Rusadi and Marce Lim,¡± he exined, providing two photos showing ra¡¯s parents in separate frames.


    ¡°Yes, I know them, I lived with Devano and Ce for four years,¡± Joe exined.


    ¡°The information I have is that ten years ago they were involved in an ident, leaving behind a little girl, seven years old. Do you know where that child is now?¡± the man asked, showing his seriousness.


    Joe fell silent, thinking for a moment. Could Zio be ra¡¯s family member? He swallowed hard and decided to find out more before answering.


    ¡°The girl lived here for a while, but three days ago she left, I don¡¯t know where to,¡± Mrs. Linn said. She had been standing at the door listening since earlier.


    ¡°Is it true that the girl¡¯s name is ra Rusadi?¡± Zio inquired to confirm.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Joe nodded in agreement with his mother¡¯s statement.


    ¡°Where is the girl now?¡± Zio asked eagerly.


    ¡°ra is on vacation, she¡¯ll be back next week,¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s true that the girl is still alive?¡± Zio asked again, with an incredulous expression.


    Joe nodded slowly.


    ¡°Where is Miss ra vacationing? Let me pick her up!¡± the man suggested enthusiastically.


    ¡°I won¡¯t tell you, you could be a scammer and have ill intentions towards ra!¡± Joe used. His eyes looked sharp, aze with red, masking the turmoil in his heart. A sense of foreboding, could this be a sign that he and ra would part ways?


    ¡°Miss ra is the only granddaughter of Mr. Freedy Lim, he has been searching for ra for a decade, ten years, that¡¯s not a short time!¡± Zio defended.


    ¡°Freedy Lim?¡± Joe murmured. The name sounded familiar to him. Could ra¡¯s grandfather be the owner of FirstLim Group? Even Joe¡¯s Blue Jewelry couldn¡¯tpare to thatpany.


    Joe¡¯s phone rang. Dr. Gaston¡¯s name appeared on the screen.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take this call for a moment!¡± he excused himself.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Zio agreed, allowing it.


    Joe walked back into his house, answering the call from Gaston.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Joe greeted.


    ¡°I¡¯ve arrived at the airport! I¡¯ll bring ra to your house right away!¡± Gaston announced.


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Joe objected. ¡°Take ra to your apartment, I¡¯ll pick her up in the afternoon!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t joke, I might change my mind!¡± Gaston threatened.


    ¡°This is serious, please, just this once!¡± Click. Joe ended the call, as Mrs. Linn suddenly stood beside him.


    He nced at his mother briefly then headed back to the veranda to continue talking to his guest.


    Joe sat back down.


    ¡°I apologize for the wait, ra will be back in a week, if ra is indeed Mr. Freedy Lim¡¯s granddaughter, I hope you wille here with ra¡¯s grandfather, of course with more convincing evidence than a single photo!¡± Joe suggested.


    ¡°Alright, in a week I wille here with more urate evidence, and I¡¯ll make sure Mr. Lim will alsoe here!¡± he said. ¡°I take my leave!¡± he nodded respectfully, then turned and walked to his car.


    ==?==


    4:15 PM WIB


    Dr. Gaston¡¯s apartment.


    ¡°What would you like to eat, ra?¡± he offered.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry, doctor,¡± ra replied. ¡°When will Uncle Joee to pick me up?¡± she asked with a mncholy expression.


    ¡°Maybe after he finishes work,¡± the doctor replied.


    ra strengthened her heart to wait.


    Ding.


    The doorbell rang. Gaston opened the door, and there was no mistaking it, the man was Joe Sebastian.


    ¡°Pleasee in!¡± Gaston opened the door wide to let Joe into his apartment.


    Joe took three steps forward, seeing ra sitting casually on the sofa.


    ¡°ra, let¡¯s go home now!¡± Joe invited.


    ra startled, seeing Joe suddenly appearing in front of her.


    ¡°Come in, we should talk before you and ra step out of my ce!¡± Gaston suggested.


    He walked towards ra. ¡°Make two cups of coffee for us! I¡¯ll talk to Joe for a moment!¡± Dr. Gaston instructed ra.


    ¡°Alright, doc!¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ra went to the pantry to make drinks. Meanwhile, Joe and Gaston sat on the chairs on the balcony.


    ¡°Do you really love ra?¡± Gaston asked. To the point.


    ¡°Yes, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Joe replied curtly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, I apologize, I got carried away because ra is very attractive!¡± Dr. Gaston confessed honestly.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Not much, I just want you not to hurt ra and not make her cry again, okay?¡± He stared at Joe with a mocking expression.


    ¡°Believe me, I¡¯m not that kind of guy, it all happened identally!¡± Joe defended.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°What else,¡± his tone t.


    ¡°If you make ra cry again, I¡¯ll take her away from you, understood?¡± the doctor threatened.


    ¡°I won¡¯t make ra cry again!¡±


    ¡°I believe you, hopefully after this, you won¡¯t break my trust in you either.¡±


    Joe rubbed his face roughly. Then he looked at ra. The girl, if it weren¡¯t for Gaston, Joe might have hugged her tightly already.

 Chap 45

    Part 45.


    Joe and ra were in the car. Joe sat behind the wheel, while ra was seated beside him.


    Silence.


    There was a longing between them, but it was awkward to say it out loud.


    Joe parked the car in a secluded spot. He nced at his watch, which showed 5:03 PM.


    ¡°Sorry for beingte picking you up, ra,¡± Joe began the conversation.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Uncle, I¡¯m not a priority anyway,¡± ra replied, stealing a quick nce at Joe. Truthfully, she missed him dearly. She wanted to ask for his warm embrace. But¡­ She tried to hold back, not wanting to appear cheap by admiring him too much.


    ¡°There¡¯s Kimmy, Uncle also has to prepare to reconcile with Aunt Vivian, right now I understand my ce, who I am, and who you are!¡± she said, lowering her head. She had just realized that love, which began with happiness, could now be unbearable pain. When the desire to possess became greater, but reality spoke otherwise. She had to try to let go.


    ¡°I won¡¯t marry Vivian, both you and Kimmy are priorities! Understand!¡± Joe asserted. Swallowing hard, he pressed his lips together.


    ¡°What about Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond, Uncle? Last time, Mr. Bond wanted me to go to London and nevere back here! I¡¯m tired, Uncle! Very tired!¡± rained. She didn¡¯t expect that loving Joe would be so painful and exhausting. Joe¡¯s parents, histe wife, not to mention the media always curious about the handsome man¡¯s love story.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about them, ra!¡± Joe interrupted her. ¡°Emm¡­ actually, there¡¯s something I want to tell you, ra!¡± The man paused for a moment. One thing was for sure, he had to inform ra about the family members looking for her.


    Joe had confirmed the information from his hired detective. It was true that ra was the granddaughter of Freedy Lim.


    ¡°What is it, Uncle? What other bad news do I have to ept?¡± ra asked, preparing herself for the possible bad news that would make her retreat.


    ¡°I found your family, ra, they will pick you up in a week!¡± Joe announced. It was better to inform her sooner; it would be better.


    ¡°My family?¡± ra asked in astonishment, taken aback by what Joe said. Even though ra had buried that desire deep inside her all this time.


    ¡°Yes, they will pick you up in a week!¡± Joe repeated. This time, his eagle eyes stared sharply at ra.


    They looked at each other. Long, as if distance would soon separate them.


    ¡°What about our rtionship, Uncle?¡± ra asked, needing certainty. She wasn¡¯t the type of person to dy her desires.


    ¡°I still want you, ra, but¡­¡± Joe stopped himself. ra didn¡¯t know who her family was yet.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home, Uncle, I want to rest, this is very tiring!¡± ra requested.


    Joe nodded and started the car, driving the four-wheeled vehicle back home.


    In the living room, Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond sat. They looked towards ra and Joe as they walked into the house.


    ra stopped in her tracks. Her body trembled seeing Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn ring at her.


    Joe turned, approached ra, and took her hand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in,¡± Joe whispered.


    They both walked side by side, with Joe holding ra¡¯s hand tightly. Signaling that he had shown their rtionship in front of his parents.


    ¡°Starting today, until ra¡¯s familyes to pick her up, she will stay in this house, Pa, Ma!¡± Joe requested.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you!¡± Mrs. Linn replied, still disliking ra.


    Joe led ra up the stairs to the second floor.


    ¡°ra,¡± he called.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± she replied, still looking down. Various feelings mixed in her heart.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Uncle.¡±


    ¡°You shower, and we¡¯ll have dinner together, okay?¡± Joe offered hopefully. Looking at ra with pleading eyes.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle,¡± ra couldn¡¯t refuse.


    ¡°See youter!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Yes, see youter, Uncle!¡± ra replied. She smiled because Uncle, sometimes, was endearing. Their rooms were only about ten meters apart, and still under the same roof. But Joe¡¯s gaze made it seem like they were going to be apart for a long time.


    ra walked to her room, while Joe went to his daughter¡¯s room.


    ¡°Papa¡¯s home!¡± Kimmy shouted, throwing her doll and running towards her dad.


    ¡°Don¡¯t run, Papa doesn¡¯t want you to get sick again, sweetheart!¡± Joe said. He hugged his daughter tightly.


    ¡°Papa,¡± Kimmy called affectionately.


    ¡°Yes, sweetheart,¡± Joe answered, carrying Kimmy to the bed.


    ¡°Oma said Mama won¡¯t stay here? Is that true?¡± the little girl inquired.


    ¡°Yes, Mama won¡¯t stay here anymore, Kimmy, Mama and Papa are divorced and things won¡¯t be the same as before!¡± Joe exined, trying to trante it into words that his daughter could understand.


    ¡°What¡¯s divorce, Pa?¡± Kimmy became more curious. She sharpened her listening senses to catch every word that came out of her dad¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Divorce is separating, not being together anymore, not sleeping together, not living in the same house, but Papa and Mama will always be there for you, Kimmy!¡± the man exined again.


    ¡°Um, okay, Pa, Kimmy understands!¡±


    Joe nted a kiss on his daughter¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Sister ra? Grandma said Sister ra ising home today?¡± Kimmy really missed ra.


    ¡°Just wait here for a moment, okay? Papa will call Sister ra!¡± Joe granted permission.


    ¡°Okay, Pa!¡±


    Joe got up and headed out of his daughter¡¯s room. He walked towards ra¡¯s room.


    Knock. Knock. Knock.


    ¡°ra!¡±


    ¡°My dear ra!¡±


    The door opened. Their eyes met. Joe looked at ra, observing her face, her strawberry lips, her wet hair, and the lingering scent of her perfume. It tickled Joe¡¯s sense of smell.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle?¡± ra answered, still feeling awkward. Yesterday¡¯s incident left her hurt, and it wasn¡¯t easy for her to just forget about it.


    ¡°Kimmy is waiting for you in her room. Turns out it¡¯s not just me, but Kimmy also misses you!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle, just give me a moment tob my hair!¡± ra requested.


    ¡°Sure, um, let¡¯s postpone dinner to tomorrow, okay?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle.¡±


    ra closed the door. She walked to the dressing table, gazing into the mirror, examining her rosy cheeks. Then, she gently tapped her chest. Her body still reacted the same way, her heart still beating very fast.


    ¡°My dear Joe, will you still be mine?¡± ra murmured softly. Her heart was still pounding rapidly.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The girlbed her hair gently, applied a thinyer of powder to her face, and put on lip balm on her red lips.


    ra walked out of her room, heading towards Kimmy¡¯s room.


    To be continued.

 Chap 46

    Part 46.


    Bachelor, alright! Widower is more tempting!


    ra arrived at Kimmy¡¯s room. She walked in because the door was wide open. There were only Joe and Kimmy in the room.


    ¡°Sister ra, where did Sister ra go? Why did she juste home?¡± Kimmy blurted out, looking up for a hug.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kimmy, for not taking care of you when you were sick!¡± ra hugged the little girl.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Kimmy, it¡¯s time to sleep. Papa and Sister ra will stay here to watch over you!¡± Joe persuaded.


    ¡°But Kimmy wants to y with Sister ra,¡± she whined, her lips pouting five centimeters forward.


    ¡°Alright, Papa will call Dr. Gaston. Are you going to sleep or¡­?¡± Joe interrupted his sentence.


    ¡°Okay, Kimmy will sleep now!¡± she said tly, moving towards the bed. Then, she crawled up.


    Joe smiled at her expression.


    ¡°Kimmy, Papa said goodnight!¡± he said again.


    Joe approached and spread the nket to cover Kimmy.


    ¡°Say your prayers first!¡± Joe instructed.


    Kimmy closed her eyes and recited her prayers softly.


    Joe sat on the floor, the soft fur carpet serving as his cushion.


    ¡°Come here!¡± Joe beckoned, gesturing for ra to sit beside him.


    ra got up from the sofa and sat next to Joe.


    ¡°My ra, did you go to the beach with Gaston yesterday? Is that true?¡± Joe inquired. Honestly, he couldn¡¯t focus until he knew what really happened.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle, I went to the beach,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°So, what did you do with Gaston?¡± Joe¡¯s eyes scrutinized ra.


    ¡°We watched the sunset, talked, umm¡­ Dr. Gaston offered his arm to lean on, and¡­¡± ra paused her sentence.


    ¡°And what, ra!¡± Joe impatiently interrupted. Two of them at the beach, with dim light. Strong wind making ra¡¯s skirt sway up and down. Joe¡¯s left brain began to fantasize. Thinking about it made his chest tight and he felt like swearing.


    ¡°And¡­¡± ra rolled her eyes, deliberately making Uncle curious.


    ¡°What, ra? You didn¡¯t kiss him, did you? Or perhaps you hugged him?!¡± Joe used. His breath was racing with curiosity.


    ¡°Uncle¡¯s guess is wrong!¡± ra said casually with a t expression.


    ¡°Tell me, or I¡¯ll¡­?¡± Joe threatened, looking at ra mischievously.


    Silence.


    Joe waited for an answer from ra¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Nothing happened between me and Dr. Gaston! We just talked!¡± ra exined.


    ¡°Um, good!¡± Joe muttered. The drums of war and the mes of jealousy in his heart slowly subsided. He smiled secretly. Feeling very relieved.


    Their eyes met. Joe looked towards Kimmy, the girl was already asleep. Maybe because of the medicine.


    ¡°Do you like Gaston?¡± Joe asked. This also bothered him, ra¡¯s feelings towards the doctor.


    ¡°He¡¯s nice, and he¡¯s there when ra needs help, even when ra doesn¡¯t know where to go, Dr. Gaston is the only one who helps me!¡± ra said.


    ¡°Do you like him?¡± Joe pressed.


    ¡°Yes, I like him,¡± she answered. ra was also annoyed by Joe¡¯s questioning tone.


    ¡°What¡¯s so great about Gastonpared to me, that you also like him, ra?!¡± Joe restrained himself from getting emotional. Gaston was his rival back in high school. And now the man was his rival again.


    ¡°Dr. Gaston is a good man!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Am I not good, ra?¡± Joe tried to control himself.


    ¡°Uncle is good, Uncle Joe is very good!¡± she quickly replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m a widower, ra, and Gaston has never been married, but when ites to looks and charm, I¡¯m not inferior to him!¡± Joe boasted. ¡°Bachelor is okay, but a widower is more tempting!¡± he added with a convincing expression.


    raughed.


    ¡°What¡¯s funny? You dareugh at me!¡± Joe protested, pretending to look angry.


    ¡°Uncle Joe is funny!¡± she said.


    They fell silent and stared at each other.


    ¡°My ra,¡± he called out, reaching for the hand of the girl sitting next to him.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra looked at the man beside her without blinking. Joe, how he always looked handsome when silent and breathing, especially when he smiled. It melted her.


    ¡°I apologize for what happened at the hospital. I yelled at you, kicked you out, and you misunderstood. I¡¯m sorry for making you cry!¡± he said, guiding ra to lean against his chest.


    The girl nodded quietly, hoping it wouldn¡¯t happen again.


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about everything, ra. I can¡¯t be selfish. I can¡¯t hold you back from meeting your family,¡± Joe said. He didn¡¯t tell ra that ra¡¯s grandpa was Freedy Lim, who probably wouldn¡¯t approve of their rtionship.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle, ra understands,¡± she replied, leaning against his broad chest, feeling veryfortable. ¡°It feels heavy to part with Uncle Joe,¡± ramented.


    ¡°We can still meet, ra,¡± Joe said, although he wasn¡¯t sure, and this separation was harder for him.


    ¡°Uncle Joe, I¡­¡± ra¡¯s voice trailed off. Because the man next to her enthusiastically kissed ra¡¯s lips.


    ra also responded to Joe¡¯s kiss more enthusiastically.


    Joe released his lips¡¯ connection.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re getting good at it, ra!¡± Joe teased, smiling mischievously.


    ¡°Well, Uncle Joe taught me!¡± ra replied, not wanting to lose.


    ¡°Did Sister ra and Papa just kiss?¡± Kimmy asked while sitting up and blinking her eyes.


    Joe and ra turned to the source of the voice. It felt like they were caught red-handed.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re dating, huh?¡± used Kimmy.


    Joe and ra remained silent.


    ¡°Papa¡¯s dating Sister ra??¡± Kimmy asked again.


    ¡°Yes, Papa¡¯s dating Sister ra!¡± Joe admitted.


    ¡°Okay, then you guys just date. Kimmy wants to sleep again. Sister Cici said not to disturb people who are dating!¡± said the little girl.


    ¡°Who¡¯s dating anyway?¡± Joe inquired.


    ¡°Sister Cici said I have to sleep with her only because Papa is dating Sister ra in the¡­ li¡­ br¡­ ary!¡± Kimmy struggled with thest word.


    ¡°So, Kimmy already knows that Papa is dating Sister ra?¡± he asked again.


    Meanwhile, ra remained silent and observed.


    ¡°Yes, everyone knows. Sister Cici knows, Sister Anik knows, Aunt Marni knows, everyone knows,¡± she replied innocently.


    ¡°Well, there you have it. What about you, Kimmy? Would you like it if Sister ra became your mommy?¡± Joe asked.


    Kimmy rolled her eyes and thought for a moment. ¡°Um, so Kimmy will have two mommies, Pa?¡± she asked, showing an expression that couldn¡¯t be guessed.


    Joe nodded.


    ¡°Yes, Kimmy wants to!¡± the little girl answered.


    ra and Joe looked at each other and smiled.


    ¡°Papa will escort Sister ra to her room first, okay? Then Papa wille back here to keep Kimmypany while she sleeps,¡± Joe said seriously.


    ¡°Will it be quick or long, Pa?¡±


    ¡°Just a moment, dear!¡±


    ¡°But we¡¯re close, Pa, why do you have to escort her?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­¡±


    ¡°Papa, are you still going to date Sister ra?¡±


    ¡°Just wait a moment!¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, Kimmy!¡± ra said, following Joe, who had already left first.


    Arriving in front of ra¡¯s room.


    ¡°Have a peaceful sleep and sweet dreams!¡± Joe said, looking at ra¡¯s face, trying to memorize it as much as possible.


    ¡°You too, Uncle.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Joe continued to gaze at ra until the door closed. Only then did he return to his daughter¡¯s room.


    To Be Continued.

 Chap 47

    Part 47.


    The night grewter. The king of the night continued to reveal its light, providing illumination, piercing through the darkness. Joey beside Kimmy. The effects of the medicine seemed to have worn off as his little princess was still awake.


    ¡°Papa,¡± called Kimmy. She changed her sleeping position to face her father.


    ¡°Yes, sweetheart, you¡¯re not asleep yet!¡± Joe pretended not to know.


    ¡°Not yet, Papa, Kimmy is sad!¡± she sighed.


    ¡°Why are you sad?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Grandma said Aunt ra will return to her family¡¯s home, is that true?¡± Kimmy moved closer.


    ¡°Yes, ra will return to her family¡¯s home in a week,¡± Joe answered. His chest felt even tighter. Remembering that ra would soon leave his house and live with her real family.


    ¡°Is Papa sad?¡± Kimmy asked.


    ¡°Yes, Papa is sad!¡± Joe admitted.


    ¡°Kimmy will apany Papa.¡± Kimmy hugged her father and kissed his cheek gently.


    ¡°Go to sleep, it¡¯ste, or I¡¯ll call Doctor Gaston!¡± Joe said jokingly.


    ¡°Okay Pa, Kimmy will sleep now!¡± the little girl said. Annoyed because her father always threatened to bring Doctor Gaston.


    Eventually, Kimmy fell asleep while Joe remained awake with the turmoil in his heart. Joe reached for his phone on the nightstand. ra¡¯s photo appeared when he unlocked the screen.


    ¡°Soon you¡¯ll be leaving, ra, huh!¡± Joe muttered, feeling a tightness in his chest. ¡°How could you stay here for ten years, and I only realized everything two months ago!¡± he whispered, cursing himself.


    Joe got up from his bed and moved out of his daughter¡¯s room, heading towards the living room.


    ¡°Mom hasn¡¯t slept yet?¡± the man asked his mother, who was still sitting there.


    ¡°Not yet, Mama can¡¯t sleep yet! Where are you going?¡± Mrs. Linn asked back.


    ¡°I can¡¯t sleep either, Ma!¡± Joe replied, sitting next to his mother, his face showing frustration.


    ¡°Is this about ra?¡± Mrs. Linn observed Joe carefully. She could tell her son was restless.


    Joe remained silent, bowing his head and hiding his face in his hands.


    ¡°Has Vivian truly not found a ce in your heart, Joe?¡± Mrs. Linn tried to ask, seeking to understand what her son truly desired.


    ¡°Vivian is in the past, Ma!¡± Joe replied quickly.


    ¡°You¡¯ve only been divorced for three months, have you forgotten her already?!¡± protested Mrs. Linn.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about time, Ma. It¡¯s about self-respect. Four years of marriage, but Vivian rarely obeyed and respected me. Even thest time she filed for divorce, it was just a job contract with Fashion Paris,¡± Joe exined. ¡°She truly no longer considers me her husband. She never paid attention to Kimmy and me!¡± he added. Joe¡¯s mood worsened as he remembered his ex-wife.


    Sigh.


    The tightness spread to the middle-aged woman¡¯s heart. Kimmy, Kimmy, and Kimmy were always her focus. Mrs. Linn realized that all this time, she only cared about Kimmy without listening to Joe¡¯s feelings. The sadness and heartache she felt herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t think that far, I¡¯m sorry, I only thought about Kimmy, without wanting to know how you feel! Forgive me, Joe!¡± Mrs. Linn said.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Ma, everything¡¯s in the past,¡± Joe replied, turning to his mother and showing a smile.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m okay now, Ma,¡± the man asserted, smiling again.


    ¡°From now on, Mama won¡¯t interfere anymore. You have the right to determine your own happiness, Joe,¡± she said. ¡°Go to sleep, you have to work, the productunch is getting closer, you mustn¡¯t get sick!¡± Mrs. Linn advised.


    ¡°Yes, Ma,¡± Joe replied, exhaling, relieving the tightness in his chest. ¡°I¡¯m going to bed, Ma,¡± he bid his farewell. Then, he stood up and headed to his room.


    Mrs. Linn pondered for a moment. She closed her eyes, realizing how selfish she had been. And never thinking about Joe¡¯s feelings.


    Click.


    The sound of the door opening was heard. ra came out, right after Joe entered his room.


    ¡°Mrs. Linn, you¡¯re not asleep yet?¡± ra asked in surprise. She didn¡¯t expect Mrs. Linn to be in the living room.


    ¡°Not yet, and you¡¯re not either, ra?¡± the woman asked back.


    ¡°I want to get a drink,¡± ra replied. ¡°Would you like me to make hot chocte for you?¡±


    ¡°Make one for me too, ra,¡± Mrs. Linn replied.


    ¡°Okay.¡± The girl went downstairs, heading to the kitchen to make two sses of hot chocte.


    ra returned from the kitchen with two sses of hot chocte on a tray.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your drink, Mrs.,¡± ra offered, cing the ss in front of the mother of the man she loved.


    Then, ra walked towards her room.


    ¡°ra!¡± Mrs. Linn called.


    ¡°Yes, Mrs.,¡± ra replied. Stopping her steps, then turning to look at the source of the voice.


    ¡°Sit down for a moment,¡± she requested.


    Oveing the awkwardness, ra walked closer. Then, she sat next to Mrs. Linn. The ce that was originally upied by Joe.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mrs., is the chocte too sweet?¡± ra guessed.


    Mrs. Linn stared closely at the girl in front of her. ra was her in the past, loving a man much older.


    ¡°Yesterday someone came looking for you, ra. He imed to be sent by your family,¡± Mrs. Linn started the conversation.


    ¡°Really?¡± ra asked because she didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°Joe also said, in a week they wille to pick you up,¡± Mrs. Linn said.


    ¡°I already know about that, Mrs.,¡± she replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ra, forgive me for being harsh on you. ra, I did all that for Kimmy!¡± she said.


    Silence. ra didn¡¯t respond. Everything Mrs. Linn said truly hurt her.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t forgive me, but I just want to advise you, you¡¯re still young, pursue your dreams, you¡¯re beautiful and smart, seize the world and be a person of quality who makes your parents proud,¡± Mrs. Linn advised.


    ra embraced Mrs. Linn in her arms. She couldn¡¯t bear to see the woman tearing up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Mrs.,¡± ra requested.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, ra. When you return to your family, don¡¯t disappoint them, okay!¡± she whispered.


    ra nodded. Mrs. Linn was always kind. Except for the incident the other day that made her harsh and hurt ra¡¯s feelings.


    ¡°Once again, I apologize, ra!¡± she whispered softly.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Silence. Mrs. Linn and ra embraced each other for a long time. It had never urred to them to be in such a position. When ra would leave home and live with her real family.


    ¡°Whoa¡­ Am I seeing things right, the witch and the snow princess hugging!¡± Joe said behind ra.


    Mrs. Linn and ra broke the hug, turning to the source of the voice.


    ¡°You naughty boy, am I the witch you¡¯re referring to!¡± Mrs. Linn protested.


    ¡°Sorry, Ma, didn¡¯t mean to!¡± Joe apologized. ¡°Have you made peace?¡± Joe asked.


    ra remained silent.


    Mrs. Linn remained silent.


    ¡°Now that ra is willing to return to her family, Mama feels sad, yesterday you two were fighting!¡± he said, looking at his mother and ra alternately.


    ¡°Yes, mama knows mama was wrong, mama has apologized to ra!¡± she exined.


    ¡°Good, does that mean Mama now approves of me and ra dating?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Emm¡­ that¡¯s your personal matter, Mama doesn¡¯t want to interfere!¡± she said.


    ¡°Ohe on, Ma, just say that Mama approves of ra bing Mama¡¯s daughter-inw!¡± Joe pleaded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get married yet, ra is still too young, be careful, you!¡± Mrs. Linn joked, pointing her finger at Joe¡¯s face.


    ¡°No,¡± Joe replied, raising his hands whileughing.


    ¡°Mrs., I¡¯ll go to bed now!¡± ra asked for permission, her face blushing. There was happiness in her heart.


    ra stood up, nced at Joe briefly, then walked towards her room.


    Joe followed behind, following ra¡¯s steps.


    ¡°Where are you going, Joe!¡± Mrs. Linn shouted.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep with ra, Ma,¡± he replied tly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y around!¡±


    ¡°You said no marriage yet, but sleeping together is okay, right, Ma!¡± Joe joked.


    ¡°No! Go to your respective rooms!¡± she said firmly, hands on her hips.


    ¡°Hehe, okay Ma!¡± Joe replied, walking towards his room. A burden lifted from his heart, he felt like he could breathe freely.


    ra chuckled and entered her room.


    ¡°Dangerous!¡± Mrs. Linn muttered as she walked towards her room.


    To be continued.

 Chap 48

    Part 48.


    ra woke up earlier. She went straight to the kitchen. There were Mbok Iyem, Mbak Anik, and Mbak Cici preparing breakfast.


    ¡°ra, would you like some hot chocte?¡± Mbok Iyem offered. She remembered the girl¡¯s favorite drink.


    ¡°No, Mbok. I¡¯m here to help prepare breakfast!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°No need, dear. Mr. Joe will get angryter!¡± Mbok Iyem cautioned, while the other two servants just looked at ra in surprise.


    ¡°Mbak Iyem, Mbak Anik, and Mbak Cici, my family will pick me up next Sunday, and I will stay with them. Before I leave, can I help you?¡± ra offered. She just wanted to get closer to the people living in Joe¡¯s house.


    Mbak Cici looked at ra. She was indeed on the girl¡¯s side. While Mbak Anik, she preferred Vivian. The servant always reported everything happening in the house to the woman who was currently Joe Sebastian¡¯s ex-wife.


    Mbok Iyem chose to remain neutral and not take sides between ra and Vivian as the two servants argued about it.


    ¡°ra, prepare some tes, spoons, and forks!¡± Mbok Iyem instructed. She handed ra a cloth to start drying the utensils.


    ra obeyed what Mbok Iyem told her.


    ¡°ra, where is your family?¡± Mbok Iyem asked curiously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Mbok. Uncle Joe hasn¡¯t told me,¡± ra replied. ¡°By the way, Mbok Iyem, what gift would you like from me?¡± she offered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need anything, dear. I just want you, ra, toe here often!¡± she said.


    ra smiled, her gaze shifting to the woman beside Mbok Iyem who was busy frying fish. ¡°Mbak Anik, what gift would you like from me?¡± she offered. Although she knew Mbak Anik never acted friendly towards her, ra remained kind.


    ¡°No need, Mrs. Vivian often gives me expensive and nice things,¡± she refused without looking at ra.


    ¡°Well, alright. How about I get something for you, Mbak Cici?¡± ra offered, turning to Cici who was cutting green vegetables.


    ¡°Anything, dear,¡± she replied with a wide smile.


    ¡°Alright,¡± ra said. She had finished drying the tableware and took them to the dining room.


    Then, ra returned to the kitchen. She prepared apples and strawberries, Joe¡¯s favorite fruits.


    She peeled the apples while recalling the events fromst night when Kimmy caught her and Joe kissing. ra smiled to herself. Warm feelings spread through her heart.


    ¡°ra!¡± a baritone voice called from behind. She was sure it was Uncle Joe¡¯s voice.


    ra lowered her head, pretending not to hear, embarrassed because there were three other servants in the kitchen.


    ¡°ra! Can¡¯t you hear me?¡± Joe whispered, suddenly standing behind ra.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Uncle?¡± ra replied. She turned around, their eyes meeting.


    ¡°Make me some coffee, bring it over there!¡± Joe pointed to a seat next to Vivian¡¯s pool.


    ¡°Alright, Uncle!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t take too long!¡± he teased with a mischievous nce.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ra took a ss and made coffee for Joe. Meanwhile, the other three servants remained silent, not used to seeing Joe this close.


    ¡°Also, bring these cookies, dear. Mr. Joe likes these biscuits!¡± Mbok Iyem said, handing ra a small box of cookies with strawberry jam.


    ¡°Thank you, Mbok,¡± ra epted it and then carried a cup of coffee and snacks to the backyard.


    ra walked slowly, while Joe stared at her with a teasing look.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the coffee and here are the cookies, Uncle!¡± ra said, cing the tray in front of Joe.


    ¡°Thank you, my dear ra,¡± Joe said, staring at the girl without blinking.


    ra nodded and turned to go back to the kitchen.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Joe asked, reaching for ra¡¯s hand, stopping her from leaving.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to the kitchen, Uncle,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Who allowed you to go to the kitchen! Come here, sit here!¡± Joemanded.


    ra looked at Joe, there was only one chair there. The chair Joe was sitting on.


    ¡°There¡¯s only one chair, Uncle, besides, I still have to peel fruit in the kitchen,¡± she excused herself.


    ¡°Who told you to sit on the chair? Come here, sit here!¡± Joe ordered, patting his thigh.


    ¡°But, Uncle¡­¡± ra protested. She was afraid the servants in the kitchen would make her the subject of conversation.


    ¡°But what!¡± Joe pulled ra¡¯s hand, and the next moment ra was sitting on hisp.


    Joe embraced ra in his arms. Ignoring the three servants who might be watching them.


    ¡°Please let go, Uncle,¡± ra pleaded softly.


    ¡°Be quiet, ra, don¡¯t protest. Why do you always contradict me? Just sit and be quiet, I want it like this, just for a moment!¡± Joe whispered. Holding ra tightly in his muscr arms, making her unable to move.


    ra remained silent, sitting in Joe¡¯sp. It was useless to resist or try to break free, her strength was nothingpared to his.


    ¡°ra,¡± Joe whispered, with no intention of releasing his embrace.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied. Slowly, she began to feelfortable in the man¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°If every morning could be like this, I would surely be happy, ra,¡± Joe said.


    Every moment spent with ra was precious to Joe. Especially now that Joe knew Freddy Lim¡¯s profile. He probably wouldn¡¯t approve of his rtionship with ra. Truly, Joe also felt this was unfair, why didn¡¯t ra¡¯s family ask her toe back from the beginning! Why now, when Joe had already harbored feelings of love for ra.


    ¡°Uncle, please let go, Uncle,¡± ra requested. ¡°Someone might see us, Uncle,¡± she added. Truly afraid that Mrs. Linn or Mr. Bond might suddenlye.


    ¡°Why does it matter!¡± Joe didn¡¯t loosen his embrace, but instead held ra tighter.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared, Uncle!¡± ra insisted.


    ¡°Why are you scared, ra? They¡¯re not ghosts!¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m scared!¡± rained.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll let you go, but you have to apany me to the office this morning, okay?¡± Joe offered with sparkling eyes.


    ¡°No, Uncle, I want to go shopping. I need to find something to give to Mbok Iyem, Mbak Cici, and Mbak Anik. I want to give them souvenirs,¡± ra exined.


    ¡°Oh, so you prioritize them over apanying me to work?¡± Joe asked.


    It felt very heavy. Even though there were still six days left, the feeling of loss had haunted him sincest night.


    ¡°No, Uncle,¡± she replied.


    ¡°In that case, apany me to the office, and I¡¯ll apany you shopping, how about that?¡± he suggested.


    ¡°Alright,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Okay, you go shower first, and I¡¯ll showerter. We¡¯ll have breakfast together, and then you¡¯ll apany me to the office, okay?¡± Joe confirmed.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle.¡±


    ra stood up. Joe grabbed her hand again.


    ¡°What else, Uncle?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind if we showered together!¡± he joked, with a teasing smile.


    ra shook her head vigorously, rejecting Joe¡¯s offer.


    ==?==


    ra, Joe, Mrs. Linn, and Mr. Bond were enjoying breakfast. Joe finished his morning meal with a ss of water.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving now, ra!¡± Joe said, ncing at his wristwatch. He was wearing his work clothes: a dark gray suit with a maroon tie hanging from his cor.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Dad, Mom, I¡¯m taking ra to the office so she won¡¯t be bored at home!¡± he exined.


    ¡°Yes, but ra must be brought home on time, don¡¯t stay outte, especially don¡¯t take her back to your apartment, Joe!¡± Mrs. Linn cautioned.


    ¡°Yes, Mom! Don¡¯t worry too much! I¡¯m experienced!¡± Joe replied as he led ra out of the house.


    Mrs. Linn shook her head, her lips trembling as she watched her son¡¯s behavior. ¡°Does Joe forget that he¡¯s not a teenager anymore, or does everyone who falls in love be irrational?¡± she sighed.


    Mr. Bond just smiled.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    .


    .


    Mr. Joko opened the car door for Joe.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drive my own car! You can rest this morning!¡± Joe said. He led ra to his ck McLaren, his favorite.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Joko replied.


    Joe opened the door for ra. Then, he went around and took the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°ra, buckle up!¡± Joe ordered. He then drove the car at a moderate speed towards Blue Jewelry.


    ==?==


    Later that day.


    At Mr. Bond¡¯s residence.


    The doorbell rang. Vivian stood at the door. She wanted to check on Kimmy and make sure about the news regarding ra, who was supposed to stay with her actual family.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Mrs. Linn invited Vivian to sit in the living room.


    ¡°Thank you, Mom.¡±


    Vivian entered and sat in front of Mrs. Linn.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Kimmy?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Kimmy is in her room!¡± Joe¡¯s mother replied curtly.


    ¡°Where¡¯s ra, Mom? I heard her family wanted to take her home, finally, there won¡¯t be any interference anymore, separating me and Joe!¡± she said proudly.


    ¡°ra is currently out with Joe. For now, it seems like you¡¯re the one causing interference in their rtionship. Joe has told me everything, and you¡¯re no better than ra!¡± Mrs. Linn replied.


    ¡°What do you mean, Mom?¡± Vivian asked, with an incredulous look at what she just heard.


    ¡°Your rtionship with Joe is over, even though it¡¯s hard, Joe has managed to move on. And don¡¯t forget, you were the one who filed for divorce from Joe. Why do you also want to reconcile? It¡¯s the same as licking your own spit, Vivian!¡± Mrs. Linn exined.


    ¡°What do you mean, Mom?¡± she asked again. Refusing to ept the reality she just heard.


    ¡°You¡¯re only allowed toe to this house to meet Kimmy, not to ask Joe to reconcile! Understood!¡± Mrs. Linn stood up and went to her room, leaving Vivian alone in the living room.


    Vivian took out her phone. Intending to call Alex.


    To be continued.

 Chap 49

    Part 49.


    Afternoon, the sun was shining brightly. Joe nced briefly at ra, who seemed engrossed in reading a tranted novel by William Shakespeare.


    ¡°ra,¡± Uncle Joe called.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra carefully folded her book and closed it. Then, she walked over to Uncle Joe, who was sitting in his armchair.


    ra stood beside Joe, looking at theptop screen he showed her.


    ¡°Which one do you prefer, this one or this one?¡± Joe asked, pointing to two options of a pink and a purple teddy bear.


    ¡°ra likes the pink one, Uncle!¡± ra replied. She was sure that he wanted to buy a gift for his daughter.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll buy you the pink one, and I¡¯ll buy Kimmy the purple one,¡± Joe said, looking up at ra standing beside him.


    ¡°For me?¡± ra asked tly.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll buy it for you as a farewell gift before you return to your family, ra!¡± he exined.


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle,¡± ra replied with a restrained smile. She walked back to the sofa feeling irritated. The owner of Blue Jewelry, apany known for its quality and stunning designs of diamonds and jewelry, only gave her a pink teddy bear as a parting gift. ra shook her head softly, unsure whether it was stinginess orck of romance, this was an unexpected side of Joe that she had just discovered.


    ¡°Uncle, where¡¯s Uncle¡¯s secretary?¡± ra asked. She hadn¡¯t seen Antonie to Joe¡¯s office since this morning.


    ¡°Antoni is handling some meetings,¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t Unclee himself?¡± ra protested. She noticed Joe had been idling around since morning, looking at his phone, ying Mobile Legends, and sometimes opening random online shopping apps.


    ¡°I¡¯m the boss, what¡¯s the point of having employees if I have toe myself? Besides, Antoni can handle it!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°But that¡¯s not fair!¡± she protested again.


    ¡°What¡¯s unfair about it? I just want to spend time alone with you!¡± Joe replied.


    ¡®But why in the office, Uncle, we could go on a vacation or something!¡¯ ra thought, annoyed.


    ¡°I can¡¯t be alone with you at home because Mama, Papa, and Kimmy are there,¡± Joe said irritably. ¡°Taking you on a vacation alone is also impossible because Mama and Kimmy wille along!¡± Joe looked at ra as if he could read her mind.


    ra nodded, pretending to understand.


    ¡®But we could go shopping, Uncle!¡¯ ra thought.


    ¡°Shopping at the mall, I can do, but during the day, I¡¯m afraid of being caught on camera, and my face will be all over the online media tomorrow morning,¡± he said. ¡°Actually, I want to take you somewhere, ra!¡± he added, exhaling heavily.


    ¡°Where to, Uncle?¡± ra asked curiously. To an expensive steak restaurant? To a trendy coffee shop? Or to the ice cream parlor they went to that one time? ra¡¯s mind started to fill with the menus of her favorite dishes.


    ¡°To a hotel, but unfortunately, you¡¯re not my wife, ra, so the safest ce is in my office,¡± he said proudly. ¡°Mom and Dad think I¡¯m working, and no one will randomlye in here!¡± he added with a teasing look.


    ¡°That¡¯s true, Uncle, there¡¯s also no bed here, so it¡¯s safe!¡± ra nodded satisfactorily.


    Joe stood up from his seat. ra¡¯s words made him hold back augh. He walked over to ra, who was sitting on the sofa.


    The man looked at ra sharply. ¡°What do you mean by that, ra?¡± Joe whispered to her.


    ¡°No, Uncle, nothing!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Just so you know, I can do it anywhere, on the sofa¡­¡± Joe tapped the sofa next to him.


    ¡°Hehe,¡± ra grinned.


    ¡°I can do it anytime, ra!¡± Joe moved his seat closer to the girl.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra moved to keep her distance from Joe. She kept moving until she reached the end of the sofa.


    ¡°I can¡¯t hold back anymore every time I see your lips, ra! That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been ying games since earlier, to distract myself from dirty thoughts. You¡¯re beautiful, ra!¡± Joe leaned in, their faces were so close without any barriers. ¡°You¡¯re tempting me, your scent tickles my nostrils, you keep crossing my mind, and worst of all, you even appear when I close my eyes¡­ I¡¯m going crazy because of you, ra.¡± Joended a deep, wet kiss on ra¡¯s lips.


    ra was frozen and just epted it. Her body tensed with fear that Joe might do something excessive.


    Now Joe¡¯s body position was on top of hers. Don¡¯t ask anymore, ra¡¯s heart was really pounding erratically. She even held her breath for fear that her organs might explode being so close to Uncle.


    ¡°Uncle, what does Uncle want to do?¡± ra asked between her rushed breaths.


    Joe didn¡¯t answer. He just looked at her intensely, his lips curling up like a wolf about to pounce on its prey.


    ¡°Why? We¡¯re both adults, ra, we both like each other, what else if not¡­¡± Joended another kiss.


    Once again, ra was swept away in his kiss.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Uncle,¡± ra requested, closing her eyes. She was afraid to see Joe¡¯s face, which was flushed with desire.


    ¡°Are you scared?¡± Joe asked.


    ra nodded without daring to open her eyes. Meanwhile, Joe enjoyed this sight, when the sweet girl closed her eyes tightly, revealing her dimples.


    ¡°Open your eyes, ra¡­!¡± Joe requested. ¡°I could never do it before we¡¯re married! I love you, and I respect you,¡± he added, quickly standing up. Joe regted his heavy breathing, turning his back to ra, hiding the suppressed desire that made his pants feel tight.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call Antoni in a moment! You tidy up your hair, and soon we¡¯ll have lunch together!¡± he said.


    ra slowly opened her eyes. She was still catching her breath from Joe¡¯s recent actions. She began to tidy up her hair while Joe walked to the other end of the room, away from ra, and made a phone call to Antoni.


    The call connected.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Antoni greeted from the other end of the line.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°I just left your residence, Sir!¡± he replied.


    ¡°Did you give it to Mom?¡± Joe inquired.


    ¡°Yes, I told Mrs. Linn that the box contained books and you instructed to put it in the library!¡± he exined in detail.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s meet at the restaurant, A, we¡¯ll have lunch together!¡± Joe invited.


    ¡°Understood, Sir!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Joe ended the phone call.


    ¡°I¡¯m ready, Uncle,¡± ra said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯ll go downstairs now!¡± Joe invited, smiling at ra. For some reason, she looked very beautiful with her hair tied up, revealing her graceful neck.


    ¡°Okay, Uncle,¡± ra replied, epting Joe¡¯s hand. They left the man¡¯s office room together.


    ==?==


    Vivian intended to meet Alex at his house. He had been friends with Vivian for a long time, even before she married Joe.


    Alex already had a wife, but they hadn¡¯t been blessed with children yet. That made Alex free to be friends with anyone, including Vivian.


    Vivian stopped her car in front of Alex¡¯s main door. A servant opened the gate for her, and the car drove in.


    Vivian got out of the car and walked over to the female servant who had opened the door for her.


    ¡°Is Mr. Alex home?¡± Vivian asked.


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am, he¡¯s the one who asked me to open the door just now!¡± she replied.


    ¡°Take me to him!¡± Vivian requested.


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am,¡± the female servant nodded, looking at Vivian without blinking. She was beautiful and often appeared on television.


    Vivian let the woman walk ahead of her and followed from behind. They started to enter the house.


    Alex was sitting in the living room, looking at Vivian with seriousness.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Alex asked, intentionally avoiding Vivian¡¯s phone calls. He didn¡¯t expect his friend to force her way into his house.


    ¡°Help me?!¡± Vivian pleaded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to, I don¡¯t want you tomit a crime, your ex-husband has a lot of money, I¡¯m afraid it will harm you, Vivian! Stop it, or you might end up in jail because of your own actions, Vivian, not only that, your career could also dim!¡± Alex advised, trying to counsel Vivian for the second time.


    ¡°I have no other way, I want ra to leave and stay away from Joe, you don¡¯t need to make her lose her life, just make her cautious because she dared to seduce my ex-husband!¡± Vivian exined.


    ¡°You¡¯re weird, Joe used to beg, plead for your love, but look at you now, you¡¯re like a worm on hot bricks because you see Joe getting close to another girl!¡± Alex retorted with satisfaction.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for your opinion, do what I ask and I¡¯ll transfer whatever you ask for,¡± Vivian urged.


    ¡°Why are you always foolish, be my wife and bear children for me, you don¡¯t need to bother nning criminal actions, forget your ambitions and marry me!¡± Alex sincerely requested. He looked at Vivian with love. Since their first meeting, just like Joe, Alex was also fascinated by Vivian. He knelt before her.


    ¡°No, do what I ask and I¡¯ll pay you right now!¡± Vivian insisted. She returned Alex¡¯s gaze and showed no intention of changing her ns.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your money, Vivian,¡± Alex said firmly. He looked down, his gaze showing disappointment with Vivian¡¯s attitude, unable to be advised.


    ¡°You¡¯re ready to go to jail!¡± Alex said in despair.


    ¡°Did you forget, my daughter is also Joe Sebastian¡¯s daughter! My ex-husband would never let Kimmy have a mother who¡¯s a criminal, so you don¡¯t need to worry about me!¡± she replied. ¡°Just do as I say!¡± Vivian looked enthusiastic.


    ¡°You¡¯re too confident! I hope my suspicion is wrong, well, I¡¯ll do it!¡± Alex replied.


    ¡°Great!¡± Vivian grinned, confident that everything would go smoothly ording to her n. Joe and Kimmy had to return to her embrace again.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 50

    Part 50.


    The rainy season showed no signs of ending. Since evening, rain poured heavily. Joe¡¯s n for a romantic dinner with ra had to be postponed again.


    The man had just finished showering. He was sitting leaning on the bed while checking some emails from his colleagues.


    The sound of his phone buzzing diverted Joe¡¯s focus. He reached for the t object on the nightstand. There was a phone call from an unknown number.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Joe greeted.


    ¡°Hello, is this Joe Sebastian¡¯s number?¡± the voice on the other end asked.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct, who am I speaking to?¡± Joe asked back.


    ¡°I¡¯m ra¡¯s grandfather,¡± the voice replied.


    ¡°Mr. Freedy Lim?¡± Joe asked, suddenly feeling his heart pounding heavily.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°So you already know who I am?¡± Mr. Freedy Lim asked tly.


    ¡°Yes¡­ of course, who wouldn¡¯t know you!¡± Joe replied, his heart still pounding heavily.


    ¡°I just want to make sure when I can pick up my granddaughter,¡± Mr. Freedy Lim got straight to the point.


    ¡°Sunday night, Sir, you cane to my house to pick up ra,¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯lle Sunday night, thank you beforehand for taking care of my granddaughter, I¡¯ll make sure to bring a proper reward, for the kindness you¡¯ve shown to the youngdy!¡± the middle-aged man on the other end said. He would fly to Indonesia earlier, of course, before Sunday.


    ¡°No need, Sir, ra is a good girl, and my family is very happy to have her stay and get to know ra closely, so you don¡¯t need to hesitate!¡± Joe quickly replied.


    ¡°Hmm, well if that¡¯s what you want!¡± the man on the other end replied.


    ¡°Yes, Sir.¡±


    ¡°See you on Sunday, young man, take care of my granddaughter until we meet!¡± he requested.


    ¡°Yes, Sir, Mr. Lim!¡±


    The phone call ended.


    Joe patted his chest a few times, his heart still beating very fast. How could a phone call from Mr. Lim make him feel so nervous?


    ¡°Huufftt!¡±


    Joe let out a long breath to regain hisposure. Then he went back to replying emails.


    ¡°What time is it now!¡± Joe murmured, looking at the wall clock. ¡°It¡¯s time,¡± he said afterwards.


    Joe closed hisptop screen, then he got up from his bed. He walked towards the mirror, looking at his reflection there.


    There was nothing special about what he was wearing, just a white t-shirt paired withfortable home pants. His intention was what mattered.


    Joe grabbed his phone, typing a message to ra. He had to count the days until the girl left this house, it was sad. But Joe convinced himself to stay looking fine in front of ra.


    Joe: [Come to the library now.]


    ra: [Wait, Uncle.]


    Joe: [What for?]


    ra: [Does Uncle want hot chocte?]


    Joe: [No, I want you toe to the library right now! Hurry, I¡¯m waiting!]


    ra: [Okay, Uncle, after making hot chocte, I¡¯ll go to the library.]


    Joe: [Ok, don¡¯t take too long]


    The man smiled, then he put his phone in his pants pocket. Joe smiled, whistling happily as he left his room for the library. This was an opportunity, because when it rained all the upants of the house would go to their rooms earlier than usual.


    Joe stepped into the library, waiting for ra while sitting on the only sofa there.


    ¡ª


    ra climbed the stairs to the second floor, carrying a tray of hot chocte and snacks. After thinking about it, ra felt that the days with Joe, their closeness under the same roof, would end. Andter, when together with her real family, ra didn¡¯t know how often she would meet Uncle Joe, the handsome CEO who owned her heart.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    ¡°Uncle!¡± ra whispered as she knocked on the library door.


    ¡°One moment,¡± Joe replied.


    The door opened, their eyes met. Smiles blossomed on both their lips.


    ¡°Come in, ra!¡± Joe invited.


    The girl entered the library. She ced the tray on the table. There was something unusual on the table. A medium-sized box covered in ck velvet.


    ¡°What¡¯s this box, Uncle?¡± ra asked, observing and guessing what might be inside.


    ¡°Open it! It¡¯s special for you, the only product at Blue Jewelry that I made specifically for you!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°What, Uncle?¡± ra continued to ask.


    Joe walked closer. He opened the box. ¡°This is for you, ra!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Wow, I can¡¯t ept it, Uncle, I know it¡¯s very expensive, I dare not ept it!¡± ra refused, shaking her head.


    A ne with a diamond pendant. ra didn¡¯t even want to know its exact price. It must be very expensive.


    ¡°It seems like you¡¯re getting bolder, ra! Look, now you can even reject my gift, I designed it specifically for you, and you don¡¯t want to ept it! I¡¯m starting to doubt, do you really love me?¡± Joe looked at ra with annoyance.


    ¡°No, Uncle, that¡¯s not what I meant!¡± ra tried to exin.


    ¡°Come here!¡± he ordered. His gaze sharp, not wanting to ept rejection from ra.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Uncle?¡± ra scooted over. This time she didn¡¯t dare to refuse. She faced Joe.


    Joe took the ne, stood behind ra. Then, carefully, he ced the diamond ne around ra Rusadi¡¯s graceful neck.


    ¡°Look, it suits you very well!¡± Joe praised, staring at ra without blinking.


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle!¡± ra said. The pink teddy bear was not the actual gift. Joe was indeed unexpected. For a moment, ra felt guilty for having a negative assumption about the man.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Joe whispered as he hugged ra from behind. Very close, so close. If only they were married, perhaps Joe would have fulfilled his desires by taking ra to his room.


    ¡®Be patient!¡¯ Joe thought. Trying to control his erratic heartbeat.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    The sound of knocking on the door startled Joe and ra. The man put his index finger in front of his lips, signaling ra to be quiet.


    ra quickly hid behind the bookshelf, at the far end.


    ¡°Joe! I know you¡¯re in there!¡± Mrs. Linn called out, knocking on the door harder than before.


    Creak.


    The door opened. Joe appeared behind the door, trying to maintain his poker face.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Mom?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Where¡¯s ra? Mama knows you¡¯re hiding ra here!¡± Mrs. Linn barged in, scanning the entire room.


    ¡°ra,e out, dear, Mama won¡¯t be angry, but you have toe out of here, don¡¯t let him court you secretly!¡± Mrs. Linn instructed. She was really worried about Joe, afraid that Kimmy Olivia¡¯s father might make a mistake.


    ¡°ra isn¡¯t here, Mom!¡± Joe insisted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie, just so you know, Mama installed CCTV in the living room, so Mama knows when and where you meet!¡± Mrs. Linn exined. She said it with humor and a smile.


    Joe suppressed his smile.


    ¡°Let¡¯s all talk outside, don¡¯t stay in dim ces at night, tomorrow Mama will ask Mr. Joko to change the light bulbs!¡± the middle-aged woman said.


    She exited the library, ra and Joe¡¯s favorite ce to date.


    ¡°ra, you better go to bed now, Mama is sometimes scary, right?¡± Joeined, scratching his head that wasn¡¯t itchy.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Uncle, that means Mrs. Linn still cares, it¡¯s proof that she¡¯s concerned!¡± ra said. Joe¡¯s expression was resigned, like a thief caught red-handed.


    ¡°Goodnight, ra.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, Uncle.¡±


    They both walked to their respective rooms.


    ¡ª


    The next morning.


    Mbak Anik was apanying ra watering the strawberry nts in the backyard garden.


    ra was watering, while Mbak Anik swept around the Vivian¡¯s pond and rearranged some flower nts in vases.


    The female servant didn¡¯t like ra, so it was understandable that she remained silent and didn¡¯t engage in any conversation with ra at all.


    Mbak Anik¡¯s phone buzzed. The female servant put down the broom and moved away from ra.


    She reached for her phone from her pants pocket. After seeing Vivian¡¯s name disyed on the screen, she immediately swiped the green icon to answer the call.


    ¡°Hello, Madam,¡± Anik greeted enthusiastically.


    ¡°Hello, Anik, yesterday I came by, I want to ask about ra!¡± she said firmly and seemed in a hurry.


    ¡°Yes, how can I help you, Madam!¡± she replied politely.


    ¡°Is it true that ra¡¯s family wille and take her away from Joe¡¯s residence?¡± Vivian was already emotional.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct, Madam!¡± Anik answered.


    ¡°Do you know the origin of ra¡¯s family?¡± Vivian inquired. Anik was her only hope to provide information to facilitate her n.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that, even Mrs. Linn and ra themselves don¡¯t know, it seems that Mr. Joe really keeps it a secret!¡± Anik replied. ¡°But I know, on Sunday tomorrow, ra will be picked up!¡± she added.


    ¡°Um, what is ra¡¯s daily routine?¡± Vivian asked.


    ¡°Sometimes she goes to Mr. Joe¡¯s office, leaves in the morning, andes back in the afternoon with Mr. Joe as well,¡± she recounted. Making the woman across the line seethe with jealousy.


    ¡°And now? What is she doing?¡± trying to steer the conversation to seize an opportunity.


    ¡°ra is watering the nts, maybeter she¡¯ll go to her room, she¡¯s just at home and making me annoyed, because she often orders me around!¡± Anik exined.


    ¡°Is there a possibility that ra will leave the house? Certainly without anyone, including Joe?¡± Vivian asked.


    ¡°That seems to be difficult, Madam! She will only leave the house when Mr. Joe invites her,¡± Anik replied.


    ¡°Alright, keep an eye on them, if ra leaves the house without me! Immediately inform me!¡± Vivian requested.


    ¡°Yes, Madam!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± The call ended.


    Vivian threw her phone annoyed. She didn¡¯t expect ra to be her rival in winning Joe.


    She became more convinced to carry out her evil n against ra.


    To be continued.

 Chap 51

    Part 51.


    There was something different about the weather tonight. There were no clouds or rain. Shooting stars adorned the night sky, along with the reigning king of the night with its bright light. The moon tonight shone very brightly.


    It was almost seven o¡¯clock in the evening, ra came down from her room carrying three medium-sized boxes, which she packed in different paper bags. Upon reaching the kitchen, ra handed one box to Mbok Iyem, Mbak Anik, and Mbak Cici respectively.


    ¡°ra can only give these,¡± she said, looking at the three female servants in Joe¡¯s house one by one.


    ¡°Thank you, Miss,¡± Mbok Iyem replied to ra¡¯s gaze.


    ra nodded.


    ¡°Thank you, Miss,¡± Mbak Cici said.


    ¡°Yes, Mbak Cici, you¡¯re wee!¡± ra replied.


    Meanwhile, Mbak Anik remained silent, looking at ra coldly, displeased.


    ¡°Mbok Iyem, Mbak Cici, and Mbak Anik, I also apologize for my mistakes while I¡¯m here,¡± ra said.


    ¡°Yes, Miss.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mbak.¡±


    Anik remained silent.


    ¡°ra, are you here?¡± Mrs. Linn asked, carrying a food box.


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Please bring this to Joe¡¯s room,¡± she instructed, handing the dessert box to ra.


    ¡°Okay, Ma¡¯am!¡± ra replied, taking the box. She quickly left the kitchen and walked upstairs to Uncle Joe¡¯s room.


    Anik watched her with dislike and immediately went to her room to call Vivian.


    ¡°Hello,¡± a voice greeted from the other end.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you need toe here, look, ra is starting to act up now, even Mrs. Linn is okay with it. She asked ra to go to Mr. Joe¡¯s room. You need toe here immediately!¡± Anik pleaded.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be there!¡± Vivian said confidently.


    ¡°Now?¡± Anik asked, uncertain.


    ¡°Yes, I need to bid farewell to ra, right?!¡± the former wife of Joe Sebastian said.


    ¡°Okay, Ma¡¯am,¡± Anik replied eagerly.


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am, I¡¯ll wait!¡±


    The phone call ended. Anik smiled satisfied. There was no underlying reason for Anik to hate ra; the female servant just didn¡¯t like ra because she supported Joe and Vivian¡¯s rtionship.


    ¡ª


    ra knocked on Joe¡¯s door.


    ¡°Uncle Joe,¡± she called softly.


    No response.


    ¡°Uncle,¡± she called again.


    ¡°Just a moment, ra,¡± Joe replied.


    ra waited for a moment, tidying her hair.


    Creak.


    The door opened.


    ¡°Uncle, this is from Mrs. Linn, she said you ordered it!¡± ra said.


    ¡°No, I never ordered food,¡± Joe said, taking the box.


    ¡°Come in, this is Mama¡¯s code that she approves of our rtionship!¡± Joe led ra¡¯s hand into his room.


    ra shyly entered Joe¡¯s room. The man continued to lead ra, heading to the balcony.


    They sat in chairs, side by side.


    ¡°ra,¡± Joe whispered. He held ra¡¯s fingers in his grasp.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied, turning to the man sitting next to her. Joe didn¡¯t seem to be in a good state. That¡¯s ra¡¯s opinion.


    ¡°In three days, you¡¯ll leave this house!¡± Joe said, bowing his head, tightening his grip on ra¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra whispered. ¡°But I promise I¡¯lle back here to meet Kimmy and Mrs. Linn!¡± she said.


    Silence. Joe was thinking about something. Hesitant to tell ra or not.


    ¡°Your grandpa, he¡¯s arrived in Jakarta, he¡¯s eager to meet you, ra!¡± Joe said after oveing the conflicting feelings in his heart.


    ¡°Where is he from? Who is he, Uncle Joe? Can you tell me who else is in my family?¡± ra asked, curious.


    ¡°He¡¯s your grandpa from your mother¡¯s side, ra, his name is Freedy Lim,¡± Joe said.


    ¡°And then?¡± ra asked, intrigued.


    ¡°That¡¯s all I know,¡± he said. Joe¡¯s hand moved to embrace ra. ¡°ra, for three consecutive nights, I¡¯ve had nightmares about you and our rtionship,¡± he added.


    ¡°Dreams are just sleeping flowers, Uncle, maybe because you¡¯re worried about having to part with me?¡± ra teased.


    ¡°Hmm, maybe, hopefully!¡± Joe tightened his hug. ¡°My ra,¡±


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡± the girl replied, leaning on Joe¡¯s body and inhaling his scent, truly making ra feelfortable.


    ¡°What if your family doesn¡¯t approve of our rtionship?¡± Joe asked. Earlier in the afternoon, he had tried to find out about Freedy Lim. Starting from the family lineage, his business ventures, and variouspanies under the Lim Group. It can be concluded that his wealth is immeasurable.


    ¡°Same as Uncle Joe, who still defends me, I will also continue to persevere in exining to my new family how important Uncle is!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°It seems you¡¯re already head over heels in love with me, ra!¡± Joe murmured in ra¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle, forgive me for being so bold, shamelessly chasing after Uncle Joe¡¯s love,¡± ra replied, looking up at Joe¡¯s face, which was so close to hers.


    Silence.


    They enjoyed the night atmosphere on Joe¡¯s balcony. Cool with the breeze of the night wind, which caressed their faces.


    ¡ª


    At 7:25 PM.


    Vivian arrived at Joe¡¯s house. Anik, who had been waiting for her arrival, opened the door for her.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Mama?¡± Vivian asked.


    ¡°Mrs. Linn is in Kimmy¡¯s room,¡± Anik replied. ¡°As for ra, she seems to still be in Mr. Joe¡¯s room,¡± she added.


    Vivian narrowed her eyes upon hearing Anik¡¯s words. ¡°I want to meet Mama first!¡± she eximed, gesturing to Anik not to interfere too much.


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am,¡± Anik replied.


    Vivian climbed the stairs one by one with impatience. When she reached the top of the stairs, she nced towards Joe¡¯s room, then continued her steps towards Kimmy¡¯s room.


    Anik¡¯s words kept echoing in her mind; she really wanted to burst into Joe¡¯s room, but she tried to restrain herself. She needed to find reasons before holding ra ountable.


    Vivian kept walking and finally arrived in front of Kimmy¡¯s room. The door was open, she burst in and found her daughter already asleep.


    Mrs. Linn raised her index finger to her lips, signaling Vivian to be quiet and wait for a moment.


    Vivian nodded in understanding, exited Kimmy¡¯s room, and waited in the hallway. She felt impatient, but tried to restrain herself.


    ¡°What brings you here, Vivian?¡± Mrs. Linn asked softly.


    ¡°I miss Kimmy, Ma, and I also want to talk to Joe!¡± she said.


    ¡°Kimmy is already asleep, it¡¯s better if youe here during the day!¡± Mrs. Linn suggested.


    ¡°Alright, Ma, where¡¯s Joe? I need to talk to him!¡± Vivian insisted, impatient to enter her ex-husband¡¯s room.


    ¡°He¡¯s in his room!¡± Mrs. Linn replied curtly and returned to her granddaughter¡¯s room.


    Vivian nodded. With fiery emotions, she began to move towards Joe¡¯s room.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Vivian deliberately remained silent, choosing to knock on the door.


    Before long, the door opened.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Joe asked, surprised to see Vivian suddenly appear.


    ¡°I want to get something! Open the door!¡± Vivian demanded.


    ¡°No, this is no longer your room!¡± Joe refused.


    ¡°I have toe in!¡± Vivian insisted.


    ¡°Why are you forcing it!¡± Joe protested.


    ¡°There must be something you¡¯re hiding!¡± she used.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing, fine,e in if you insist!¡± Joe replied, opening the door wide.


    Vivian burst in. She looked around the room, her eyes fixed on ra, who was sitting on the balcony with her back to them.


    ¡°Exin why she can be in your room, Joe!¡± Vivian protested, feeling a sharp pain in her chest. It hurt so much to see that little girl recing her position.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to exin anything, Vivian, we have no rtionship anymore, did you forget we¡¯re divorced?¡± Joe said casually.


    ¡°No!¡± Vivian refused. She walked towards the balcony, standing right in front of ra. ¡°You leave this house, I don¡¯t want you here, let alone close to Joe and Kimmy, realize who you are, ra!¡± Vivian said, her anger and emotions taking over.


    ¡°Stop it, Vivian, you¡¯re the one who should leave this room!¡± Joe shouted.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave this room after making sure ra leaves too!¡± Vivian replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving this room yet, Aunt! Don¡¯t you forget, this is no longer your room!¡± ra retorted, annoyed.


    Vivian prepared to p ra. However, Joe swiftly grabbed his ex-wife¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Quiet, you child, do you even know who you¡¯re dealing with?¡± Vivian asked.


    This time ra chose to remain silent and bowed her head. Silence is always better.


    ¡°Get out of this room now, Vivian!¡± Joe yelled.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll leave this room, let¡¯s see what happens, you two be careful!¡± Vivian threatened. She looked at Joe and ra alternately. Then, she left the room.


    To be continued.

 Chap 52

    Part 52.


    That afternoon, the weather in Jakarta was scorching. A ck car zoomed through the city streets at a moderate speed.


    Joe sat behind the wheel, while ra and Kimmy sat in the back seats. They had just dropped Kimmy off for a check-up.


    ¡°Uncle, when will my familye?¡± ra asked, busy texting Nadia.


    ¡°At five in the afternoon,¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Um, can I meet Nadia?¡± ra asked for permission.


    ¡°Of course, as long as it¡¯s not a male friend, I¡¯ll allow it,¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Can Ie too?¡± Kimmy suggested. She was getting closer to ra, especially during ra¡¯sst moments in the house.


    ¡°No, Kimmy, Papa won¡¯t allow you to go out with just ra!¡± Joe said firmly. He nced at the rearview mirror, looking at his daughter and shaking his head.


    ¡°Kimmy, ra is just going out for a bit!¡± ra said, patting Kimmy¡¯s cute cheek as she sat beside her.


    ¡°Oma said, ra will go with her family, is that true?¡± Kimmy asked, looking sad and staring straight into ra¡¯s eyes.


    Silence. ra swallowed hard, not knowing how to answer Papa¡¯s question.


    ¡°Kimmy, ra wille to the house to meet you, don¡¯t worry!¡± Joe reassured her, driving slower because the road was crowded with vehicles.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Papa sad because ra is leaving?¡± Kimmy protested.


    ¡°Yes, Papa is sad, but Papa won¡¯t stop ra from leaving!¡± Joe exined quickly.


    ¡°Um, so when will rae back to our house?¡± Kimmy persisted.


    ¡°Maybe in a month or two,¡± Joe replied casually, while ra remained silent because she really didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°Hooray!¡± Kimmy cheered, widening her lips. A sweet, sincere smile adorned her face.


    Joe stopped the car in front of the gate.


    ¡°I¡¯m going now, Uncle,¡± ra said. ¡°Kimmy, ra will be back soon,¡± she added.


    ¡°Be careful, ra, don¡¯t take too long!¡± Joe cautioned.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡± ra replied. She opened the car door and got out.


    ¡°Bye, bye, ra!¡± Kimmy said, waving her hand out of the window.


    ¡°Bye, bye!¡± ra replied.


    The four-wheeled vehicle entered the house, while ra waited in front of the gate for the taxi she had ordered.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    While waiting, ra decided to call Nadia. She really missed her friend.


    Before long, the taxi arrived. ra opened the door and sat in the back seat. She continued trying to contact Nadia.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello, ra!¡± Nadia greeted excitedly. ¡°Where are you now?¡± the voice on the other end asked eagerly, no longer able to wait for ra¡¯s arrival.


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way to your house, Nadia, we¡¯ll meet soon, just a moment!¡± ra replied with equal enthusiasm. Just like Nadia, ra also missed her friend very much.


    ¡°Sorry, ra, I should havee to Uncle Joe¡¯s ce, not youing here!¡± Nadia apologized. She had just arrived home earlier that morning after a very long vacation touring Indonesia with her parents.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Nad!¡± ra reassured her.


    ¡°Okay, ra, I¡¯ll prepare some food for you, please turn off your phone now, okay?!¡± Nadia requested.


    ¡°Alright, see you soon!¡±


    ¡°See you!¡±


    The call ended. ra sat back and looked at the driver.


    ¡°Take me to this address, please, sir!¡± ra requested.


    ¡°Okay, Miss,¡± the driver replied, focusing on driving.


    Now ra sat quietly again. There was a mixture of happiness and sadness in her heart. Happy because she wanted to meet her family, but also sad because she had to leave the people she loved. Uncle Joe, Kimmy, and Nadia. They were all people who filled ra¡¯s memories with joy.


    ra looked out the window, with no idea what would happen ahead. She just hoped that her family would support all her decisions in life.


    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived, Miss!¡± the driver said after pulling over the car. He stopped in front of a house.


    ra snapped out of her reverie. ¡°Here¡¯s the money, sir!¡± She handed him two fifty-thousand bills. ¡°Thank you, sir!¡± she said.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee!¡± he replied, taking the money from ra. ¡°Here¡¯s your change, Miss!¡±


    ¡°No need, keep it for yourself!¡± ra said, quickly getting out of the four-wheeled vehicle.


    ra walked towards Nadia¡¯s gate. She stepped quickly, then rang the doorbell.


    Tap.


    Tap.


    Tap.


    Footsteps approached.


    The gate opened. Nadia stood there with a not-so-happy expression.


    ¡°ra!¡± she eximed.


    ¡°Nadia!¡± ra replied.


    They hugged each other tightly for quite a while, breaking down theyers of longing in their hearts.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside!¡± Nadia invited, leading ra into her house.


    They walked straight to Nadia¡¯s room, which was on the second floor.


    ¡°So, how¡¯s your rtionship with Uncle Joe?¡± Nadia asked, genuinely curious to hear ra¡¯s story firsthand.


    ¡°Look at this!¡± ra showed the ne adorning her slender neck. ¡°Uncle Joe made this specially for me, and it¡¯s one of a kind,¡± ra boasted.


    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re amazing, ra. It seems like you¡¯ve already gained love and attention from Uncle Joe!¡± Nadia eximed, never expecting Uncle Joe to reciprocate ra¡¯s feelings.


    ¡°This is all thanks to you, Nad!¡± ra hugged her friend tightly again, tears starting to well up in her eyes.


    Nadia returned the hug tightly, rubbing ra¡¯s back. She felt happy too.


    ¡°Are you crying?¡± Nadia asked. She could faintly hear ra¡¯s sobs.


    ra didn¡¯t answer. Tears continued to fall.


    Nadia released the embrace, observing ra who was busy wiping away tears with the back of her hand.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, ra? Why are you crying?¡± Nadia inquired.


    ¡°Later in the afternoon, my uncle, my biological grandfather, will pick me up. He wants me to live with him. But I¡¯m afraid, afraid of missing Uncle Joe, afraid of missing you, Nad, and I¡¯m also afraid of missing Kimmy!¡± ra revealed. During her time with Joe, she never showed her sadness. She always smiled and acted like everything would be okay. But in front of Nadia, ra¡¯s defenses crumbled, and tears continued to flow from her eyes.


    ¡°Rx, ra, we can still meet. It¡¯s just a matter of distance and time. We can schedule to meet whenever we want!¡± Nadia suggested, trying to calm ra down.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Nad!¡± ra replied, slowly stopping her tears. ¡°Thank you, Nad, you¡¯ve been a great friend, my best friend,¡± she added.


    ¡°Yes, I feel the same way, ra, thank you. We¡¯ll always be friends no matter what!¡± Nadia said. ¡°Wherever you are, whether at Uncle Joe¡¯s house or at your new family¡¯s house, we can stillmunicate, understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Nad!¡± ra agreed.


    They looked at each other and then smiled.


    ¡°Before you leave, let¡¯s have a meal together!¡± Nadia suggested.


    ¡°Sure!¡± ra replied.


    They both got up from their seats and headed to the dining room on the ground floor.


    ra, Nadia, and Bu Arni ate together. They deliberately postponed lunch to eat with ra.


    ¡°Aunt, thank you for the meal, honestly from the beginning until today, I¡¯ve always liked your sour soup,¡± ra said, finishing herst bite.


    ¡°Yes, ra,¡± Bu Arni replied.


    ¡°Nadia, Aunt Arni, I¡¯ll take my leave now,¡± ra requested, ncing at the watch showing 3:23 PM.


    ¡°Sure, ra, take care!¡± Nadia replied.


    ¡°Yes, ra, take care!¡± Bu Arni echoed.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Nadia and Bu Arni escorted ra to the front gate. Bu Arni, who had just found out that ra would soon be picked up by her family, hugged the girl again.


    Joe was sitting in the living room. The clock showed 4:05 PM. ra was supposed to have arrived home by now. However, she hadn¡¯t arrived yet.


    Joe¡¯s phone rang. Freedy Lim¡¯s name appeared on the screen. He slid the green icon on his phone.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Lim!¡± Joe greeted.


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way, I¡¯ll be at your house before five!¡± the man on the other end replied.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Lim.¡±


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s it!¡± Freedy Lim¡¯s voice sounded cheerful.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Lim.¡±


    The phone call ended. Joe swiped his phone screen, searching for ra¡¯s number.


    Joe called ra¡¯s number repeatedly, but there was no answer. None of the messages he sent were read.


    By 4:30 PM, ra¡¯s number still hadn¡¯t answered his calls.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Mrs. Linn asked, noticing the worried expression on her son¡¯s face.


    ¡°ra isn¡¯t answering my calls, Ma!¡± Joe replied, still trying to contact ra¡¯s number.


    ¡°Where did she go?¡± Mrs. Linn asked.


    ¡°To Nadia¡¯s house, her friend¡¯s, Ma!¡± Joe replied, swiping his phone screen to find Nadia¡¯s number. He remembered that when ra still lived at the dorm, ra once sent a message using Nadia¡¯s number.


    Joe immediately called Nadia¡¯s number. He waited for a moment before the call connected.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Nadia greeted.


    ¡°Hello Nadia, is ra still at your house?¡± Joe asked, worry filling his mind.


    ¡°No, Uncle, ra went home around half past three!¡± Nadia replied. ¡°Hasn¡¯t ra arrived home yet?¡±


    Joe didn¡¯t answer. He was sure something had happened to ra.


    To be continued.

 Chap 53

    Part 53.


    The night sky was clear, illuminated by the full moon, with stars adorning it.


    Unlike ra, she was in a dark ce with her hands and feet tied.


    ra shifted her body against the wall. The room was dark. There was no light at all.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± ra murmured. She felt the stifling, dry air. She didn¡¯t hear anyone else besides herself.


    She tried to remember what had happened to her earlier in the afternoon. After returning from Nadia¡¯s house, she couldn¡¯t remember anything.


    ra began to move, feeling around with her hands despite being tied up. She kept moving, feeling around with the palms of her hands, searching for her shoulder bag.


    ra found what she was looking for with her hand. A leather bag that Joe had bought for her some time ago.


    ra felt relieved because her phone was in there. She immediately reached for the t object, searching for Joe¡¯s number and trying to contact him.


    Unfortunately, footsteps approached, and the next moment the door opened. ra managed to send her location and close her phone screen before the man standing at the door turned on the light.


    ¡°Are you awake?¡± Alex asked. He stepped closer to ra, observing the 17-year-old girl.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± ra asked. She had never seen the man in front of her before. He was very strange because she didn¡¯t meet many people every day.


    ¡°It turns out you are very beautiful, ra!¡± he said without addressing ra¡¯s question.


    ¡°Don¡¯te any closer, tell me who you are and why you¡¯re imprisoning me here!¡± ra shouted. Her throat was dry, and she felt very thirsty. However, she still had a lot of energy. Thankfully, she had eaten a lot at Nadia¡¯s house earlier this evening.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°Not only beautiful, but you¡¯re also brave! It¡¯s no wonder Joe likes you!¡± he said again. He looked at ra with an unusual gaze.


    ¡°Who are you, and how do you know Uncle Joe?!¡± ra fought her fear. She moved backward until her body leaned against the wall.


    ¡°Be quiet, ra!¡± Alex ordered. His eyes focused on ra¡¯s slender legs. He became more interested when he saw ra¡¯s knee-length skirt.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mess with me, or I¡¯ll scream!¡± ra threatened. With her hands and feet tied, she had a hard time moving.


    ¡°Scream if you want, no one will hear you!¡± Alex replied! He was sure there was no one in his warehouse building. Besides, it was far from residential areas, and one had to pass through quite a deserted ntation.


    ¡°Be careful, you dare do anything, Uncle Joe won¡¯t forgive you!¡± ra threatened through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m scared, very scared, mercy!¡± said Alex with a mocking expression. It was as if he was genuinely frightened by ra¡¯s threat.


    Alex¡¯s phone rang. He stopped in his tracks. He took the sleek, sophisticated object from his pants pocket and looked at the name disyed on the phone screen.


    ¡°Wait a moment, ra, I¡¯ll take the call, and then we¡¯ll continue this exciting session!¡± Alex said, winking teasingly at ra. Then, he quickly left the room to answer the phone.


    Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to lock the door again because he didn¡¯t want the girl to escape.


    The phone call connected.


    ¡°Hello, Vivian!¡± Alex greeted.


    ¡°Where did you hide ra?¡± Vivian asked on the other end of the phone.


    ¡°Toward the summit, not too far from the center of Jakarta, at my agricultural warehouse!¡± Alex replied.


    ¡°Good, keep ra there until tomorrow morning. I¡¯lle there and give her a warning,¡± Vivian said enthusiastically. She was confident that her n would seed.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll have fun with her tonight!¡± Alex said, his voice sounding very cheerful.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you! You never change, always a crocodile. Already have a wife, ask me to be a second wife, and when there¡¯s a virgin, you snatch her too!¡± Vivian retorted, knowing Alex¡¯s character.


    ¡°This one¡¯s different, I won¡¯t let her slip away. ra is very beautiful with a proportional body!¡± Alex praised.


    ¡°Hah, a crocodile is still a crocodile!¡±


    ¡°Hehe!¡±


    ¡°Enjoy yourself!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡±


    The phone call ended, and Alex put his phone back in his pocket.


    After the man who kidnapped her left, ra picked up her bag again. The illuminated room made it easier for her to see. She reached for her phone and saw her messages had been read with blue ticks. It meant Joe had read her messages.


    But when ra tried to write a message, her screen suddenly went ck due to low battery.


    ¡°Damn!¡± ra cursed as she moved back to her original spot. She leaned against the wall again. In her heart, she kept praying for Joe toe and pick her up soon. She honestly felt very scared, but she wouldn¡¯t give up.


    ra lowered her head. The images of Joe and Kimmy alternated in her mind. If only she had let Kimmye along, or asked Joe to take her, or asked Mr. Joko to pick her up. Maybe by now, she would have reunited with her family.


    ¡°I¡¯m so stupid!¡± ramented. The words if, if, and if kept swirling in her head, giving her a sense of regret. ¡°Please help me, Uncle, please help me!¡± she murmured with a voice that sounded more like a whisper.


    Loud footsteps were heard approaching again, and the next moment they were reced by the sound of keys shing.


    The door opened again. And the man who had returned looked at her more boldly. His gaze sharp and directed at ra¡¯s sensitive areas.


    ¡°Are you waiting for me, beautiful?¡± Alex asked. He opened his ck jacket that he was wearing, throwing it to a random ce.


    ¡°I refuse!¡± ra replied with a loud and trembling voice. She moved to the right, to the corner of the room.


    ¡°I heard you¡¯re still a virgin, but I¡¯m not sure Joe has definitely wrestled with you on the bed!¡± Alex said. He began to unbutton his shirt one by one. And his gaze never left ra¡¯s beautiful face. The more he saw ra¡¯s fear, the more enthusiastic he became.


    ¡°Don¡¯te any closer, what are you going to do, I said stop right there!¡± ra asserted, fighting against her fear.


    ¡°ra, don¡¯t be like that, I won¡¯t force you, believe me, I want to give you something delicious!¡± Alex¡¯s voice sounded tempting. He threw his shirt randomly. This time, both of his hands moved to undo the buckle around his pants.


    ¡°Help!¡± ra screamed. With all her might, she was truly terrified.


    Alex knelt before ra. He brushed aside the hair that obstructed ra¡¯s beautiful face. Roughly, he caressed the lovely face with his fingers.


    ra desperately tried to free herself from Alex by moving her bound legs. She began to give up because it seemed like there was indeed no one else there.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 54

    Part 54.


    Freedy Lim, sixty years old. An entrepreneur who started his business from scratch.


    It began in the automotive industry, then expanded into construction, furniture, textiles, and fashion, gradually making him one of the wealthiest businessmen in Singapore.


    He has two daughters, Margareth Freedy Lim and Marce Freedy Lim. Since obtaining her bachelor¡¯s degree, Margareth has been helping him manage Lim Group.


    Meanwhile, Marce, who is ra¡¯s mother, hasn¡¯t been seen for 18 years. Even on the day of his second daughter¡¯s death, Freedy Lim was absent.


    When Marce graduated, Freedy Lim hoped his daughter would follow in her sister¡¯s footsteps and help him manage Lim Group. However, ra¡¯s mother chose to marry a man named Devano Rusadi, who is from Indonesia.


    Feeling disappointed, Freedy Lim chose to no longer care about Marce. He pretended everything was fine, even after Marce¡¯s death. He only visited his youngest daughter¡¯s grave a month after her death and never actively searched for his granddaughter.


    However, everything changed nine years ago. A year after Marce¡¯s death, Marce¡¯s older sister, Margaret, had an ident that resulted in her uterus being damaged and she was unable to conceive.


    Since then, Freedy Lim felt as if he had received a warning, and he began to search for his granddaughter. It was toote, all he knew was her name, ¡®ra Rusadi.¡¯


    Freedy Lim continued his search and briefly stopped due to ack of additional information. Six months ago, a colleague in Ennd who knew that Mr. Lim was searching for his granddaughter informed him that he knew a man who used to live with Ce and Devano.


    Most likely, that man was the one taking care of ra.


    Investigations continued until three months ago when he found out that Joe Sebastian was the man taking care of his granddaughter.


    He felt relieved knowing ra was alive and well, at least not feeling as guilty. However, he felt disappointed again when he learned that ra, his granddaughter, was in a rtionship with Joe Sebastian.


    Although the man was intelligent and a sessful young entrepreneur, he was a widower, and his ex-wife was a model. Freedy Lim felt Joe Sebastian wasn¡¯t good enough for ra.


    After verifying ra¡¯s DNA and confirming she was his granddaughter, Freedy Lim quickly wanted to take his granddaughter back before it was toote.


    ¡°Zio, does this outfit look good on me?¡± Mr. Lim asked. He had been admiring himself in front of the mirror for two minutes. This was an unforgettable moment. He hoped ra would wee him warmly.


    ¡°Of course, Sir!¡± Zio replied. ¡°Let¡¯s go downstairs now; we need thirty minutes to reach Joe Sebastian¡¯s residence. You don¡¯t want to bete, right?!¡± the man asked. Zio was one of Uncle Lim¡¯s trusted people.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Uncle Lim moved from his bedroom. He walked downstairs with a pounding heart. Yes, this¡­


    ¡°Are you okay, Sir?¡± Zio asked. Uncle Lim¡¯s right hand continued to rest on his chest, making Zio worried.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine, very fine!¡± he replied enthusiastically.


    They continued walking until they reached the front terrace. Zio went ahead, opening the car door for Uncle Lim. Then, he circled around and sat behind the wheel.


    ¡°Tell young Sebastian we¡¯ll be there soon!¡± Uncle Limmanded.


    ¡°Alright, Sir,¡± Zio replied. He reached for his phone and immediately sent a message to Joe Sebastian. ¡°Sir, we¡¯re leaving now!¡± said Zio.


    Uncle Lim nodded with a smile still lingering on his lips.


    Zio started the car, driving at a moderate speed. asionally, he nced back, seeing Uncle Lim¡¯s expression. He looked very happy.


    Since arriving in Jakarta three days ago and choosing to stay in one of his private houses, the aura of the middle-aged man had changed, bing more cheerful and enthusiastic.


    Understandably so, as this was the first time he would meet ra, his only granddaughter.


    ¡°Zio, do you think ra will be angry, or will she like me?¡± Uncle Lim asked, looking at Zio who was busy driving.


    ¡°Miss ra has no reason to be angry, believe me, Sir, Miss ra is a good girl!¡± Zio replied politely. During the four years he had served Uncle Lim, the middle-aged man was very wise and authoritative. This made Zio confident that ra likely had the same qualities as him.


    ¡°I hope so!¡± he said, looking down, his second daughter¡¯s face shed in his mind. For a moment, Uncle Lim felt sad. ¡°But¡­ I was once at fault, I was very indifferent to my granddaughter!¡± he added. Regret crept back into his heart.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Miss ra will understand, Sir. I hope you don¡¯t think too much about it; Miss ra is truly a good girl, she will surely love you, just as you love her!¡± Zio reassured. Annoyed, he also cared about the outfit he was wearing today.


    Uncle Lim observed the Rolex watch on his left wrist. He continued to watch the minutes change, repeatedly looking out the window and then back at his watch.


    ¡°When will we arrive?¡± Uncle Lim asked.


    ¡°Very soon, Joe¡¯s house is in the northern area; we¡¯ll arrive after passing through this alleyway!¡± replied Zio.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Uncle Lim adjusted his seat. A mix of worry and nervousness filled his heart. He couldn¡¯t wait to see ra in person, not just in a photo.


    ==?==


    The atmosphere that evening was different than usual. In the living room were Mrs. Linn, Mr. Bond, Kimmy, and Joe. Some snacks were arranged on the table along with fruits and drinks.


    ¡°ra, where are you!¡± muttered Joe anxiously. He moved around, ncing at his watch. Freedy Lim would arrive soon. Yet ra showed no signs of wanting toe home.


    Joe considered calling the police, but it seemed excessive because ra had only been out of contact for less than two hours. Yes, her phone number could still be reached, but she wasn¡¯t answering his calls.


    The sound of a car stopping in the front yard could be heard. Joe was sure it was the vehicle bringing Uncle Lim.


    ¡°Has ra still not answered your calls?¡± Mrs. Linn asked worriedly.


    ¡°Not yet, Mom, look at this! ra hasn¡¯t read my messages either!¡± Joe replied, showing his phone screen to his mother.


    Joe grew more anxious as he looked towards the front door, which was wide open. Two men were walking in. One was a young man who had visited before, and the other was a middle-aged man he had met several years ago during a business meeting in Singapore. Joe¡¯s memory was strong. Uncle Lim was the type of person not easily forgotten.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Joe¡¯s heart raced as the distance between Uncle Lim and himself narrowed.


    Now they were facing each other.


    ¡°Wee, Mr. Freedy,¡± Joe greeted the man in front of him. He bowed respectfully.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he replied.


    Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond looked at the man standing in front of them with curiosity. They weren¡¯t sure if the well-dressed man wearing an expensive ck suit was ra¡¯s family member. Everything the middle-aged man wore made him look like he came from an elite background.


    Uncle Lim scanned the room, looking at each person seated there. Starting from Mr. Bond, Mrs. Linn, then Kimmy. He realized ra wasn¡¯t there.


    ¡°Where is ra?¡± Uncle Lim¡¯s gaze showed anger and disappointment.


    ¡°Um¡­ ra hasn¡¯t arrived home yet,¡± Joe admitted. He wasn¡¯t lying, out of fear. Honesty was always the best choice.


    ¡°Where is she? You¡¯re not ying games with me, are you?¡± Uncle Lim¡¯s voice was louder than before.


    ¡°ra should have been home by four o¡¯clock, but she hasn¡¯t returned yet. I¡¯ve been trying to call her, but she hasn¡¯t answered!¡± exined Joe.


    ¡°Zio!¡± Uncle Kim called.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Immediately report to the police and have people search for ra!¡± he ordered with emphasis. A sense of foreboding consumed him. Uncle Lim looked at Joe while holding back his anger.


    ¡®If anything happens to ra, I won¡¯t forgive you!¡¯ thought Uncle Lim.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 55

    Joe stepped out of his house. Without much thought, he quickly got into the car that had been driven by Mr. Joko. Joe¡¯s hand gripped the steering wheel. He turned the key and started the car out of his driveway. He wanted to get to the police station as soon as possible.


    The man reached for his phone, intending to call Antoni. He needed his secretary¡¯s help.


    The call connected.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hello,¡± greeted his secretary on the other end.


    ¡°Please track the location of the number I sent!¡± Joe instructed. He felt worried, his foot continuously pressing down on the gas pedal, driving his car at full speed.


    ¡°Whose number is this, sir?¡± Antoni asked.


    ¡°ra is missing, and this is suspicious!¡± he replied.


    ¡°Should I contact Detective Joe?¡± the man on the other end asked.


    ¡°Yes, please, help me find ra as soon as possible!¡± Joe shouted.


    ¡°Understood, sir!¡±


    The phone call ended.


    Joe continued driving his car towards the police station; luckily, the city streets weren¡¯t too crowded this evening. This allowed Joe to keep pressing down on the gas pedal, driving his car at full speed.


    Suddenly, Joe¡¯s phone vibrated. He opened the message on his WhatsApp application. The message was from ra. It turned out ra had sent her location. Joe then turned the car around, driving towards the location indicated. After being searched, it turned out that ra¡¯s location pointed to the peak.


    The man continued to follow the directions from his phone, regardless of the darkening sky. The deserted streets allowed him to keep pressing down on the gas pedal.


    His bad feeling grew stronger. Why could ra end up in such a remote ce? What happened?


    ¡°ra, wait a moment, I¡¯ll be there!¡± Joe muttered. He pushed aside his bad thoughts, confident that ra would be okay.


    The car turned right, following the directions on Google Maps. In less than fifteen minutes, Joe would soon arrive there.


    He continued to drive his car past residential houses. Next, the atmosphere became even quieter as the residential houses became fewer. They were reced by ntations. And the road the car was traveling on became more difficult. Rocky and wet soil.


    After 10 minutes of driving through narrow and damaged roads, Joe was getting closer to the building where ra was located. And there he was at Alex¡¯s warehouse.


    Joe parked his car. As he got out of the car, he tried to call ra, but her number was still not active.


    A two-story house stood firmly in front of Joe. The only house there. Surrounding it was a garden with tall trees.


    The house looked deserted and uninhabited. Many weeds grew wild in the front yard. The ground beneath his feet was very damp. It was clear that the house had been abandoned for some time.


    Joe continued to walk. He was now in front of the door of the house. The lights on the porch were on, revealing moss-covered walls and piles of wood. The dull wooden door in front of him was open and neglected.


    Then, Joe forced his way in. The lights inside the room were on, revealing some farming tools and sacks of fertilizers.


    The man walked slowly. He was sure ra was in one of the rooms in this warehouse. Joe nced around the room.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± he muttered.


    Joe tried to climb the stairs to the second floor, following the faint moaning he heard. The sound, the sound of a woman moaning. Joe quickened his pace until he reached the end of the second floor.


    However, the sound he heard earlier disappeared. The second floor was quiet and unlit.


    ¡°Where are you, ra! If you¡¯re in danger, at least scream for help so I know you¡¯re in danger!¡± Joe muttered, growing more worried.


    Joe walked quickly, using the light from his phone screen to check every room on the second floor. However, ra was nowhere to be found.


    The woman¡¯s moans grew fainter. ¡°ra, where are you!¡± whispered Joe as he ran down the stairs. This time he checked every room on the first floor.


    And¡­


    He found a suspicious room. The room was at the very back. The only room with the lights on.


    Joe¡¯s footsteps widened and quickened. He burst into the room at the very end. He vaguely heard a man¡¯s voice. Joe looked down, where his feet stood. There were dusty white shoe marks on this floor.


    Joe swallowed his saliva as he took a step forward and found a staircase to the basement.


    The man reached for his phone again. He walked down the dark staircase, about four meters high. At the end of the stairs, Joe found the only room with the lights on.


    Before entering, Joe grabbed a fairly long wooden beam. Then, he forcibly opened the wooden door in front of him.


    Crack¡­


    The sound of the door hitting the wall was very loud. Joe found the body of a stranger on top of ra.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Joe shouted. He grabbed the man¡¯s cor. ¡°Alex, what are you doing? Are you trying to assault ra!¡±


    Thud.


    Thud.


    Thud.


    Three hard punchesnded on Alex¡¯s cheek, causing him to slump to the floor. Then, Joe turned to ra, who was crying.


    ra¡¯s condition was already chaotic. Her hair tie had been pulled back. Her face was full of tears, with scratches on her cheeks.


    Joe¡¯s gaze fell, observing ra¡¯s torn blouse. Her hands were folded in front of her chest to cover her exposed chest.


    Joe took off his ck jacket and used it to cover ra¡¯s exposed upper body.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here!¡± Joe urged, taking ra under his control. He wiped away the fresh blooding from ra¡¯s lips. He truly felt pained seeing the girl he loved experiencing this ordeal. Joe¡¯s heart felt heavy, and his throat felt constricted.


    Then, Joe and ra walked out of the basement. Joe continued to lead the still crying girl out, climbing the stairs step by step.


    ¡°Sob.. Sob.. My feet hurt, Uncle!¡± rained.


    Joe decided to carry ra. He couldn¡¯t bear to see her like this.


    ra¡¯s arms wrapped around the neck of the handsome man, observing him carefully. Once again, Joe became her savior.


    Even in the dim light, Joe still looked handsome. His forehead and the area beneath his eyes were sweaty. However, Joe tried to hasten his pace to reach the car soon.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± Alex shouted from behind them.


    Joe lowered ra, then turned to the source of the sound.


    ¡°What now?¡± Joe asked. With his right hand fingers, he sent the location to Antoni¡¯s number.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± Alexmanded.


    Joe and ra both raised their hands.


    And¡­


    Bang..


    Bang..


    Bang..


    Three bullets flew from the gun in Alex¡¯s hand.


    Who got shot?

 Chap 56

    Chap 56.


    At 11:13 PM WIB.


    In one of the VVIP rooms at the hospital.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Freedy Lim stood, his eyes fixed on ra¡¯s face. ra Rusadi, his granddaughter, was now lying on the hospital bed. Her eyes were closed with regr breathing. There were marks on the corner of her lips.


    The door opened, and Doctor Gaston entered. He walked up to the middle-aged man, recently finding out that he was ra¡¯s biological grandfather.


    Yes, the girl who had touched his heart turned out not to be just anyone¡¯s descendant. She was beautiful, intelligent, and the granddaughter of a businessman in Singapore.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you resting, sir?¡± Gaston asked. Since ra was moved to the care room, Freedy Lim had never stopped watching over her. He continued to stay by her side, wanting to be the first person ra saw when she woke up.


    ¡°No, I want to wait for my granddaughter to wake up,¡± he replied. His eyes returned to ra.


    ¡°Miss ra is still under the influence of medication, Mr. Lim, you¡¯d better rest!¡± the man in the white coat persuaded. He stood next to Freedy Lim, both of them watching over ra.


    Silence.


    ¡°How¡¯s Sebastian Muda¡¯s condition?¡± Freedy Lim diverted the conversation. He insisted on staying there until ra woke up.


    ¡°We have sessfully performed surgery to remove a bullet from his left temple; I believe he will regain consciousness soon!¡± he replied. ¡°Fortunately, the other two bullets missed!¡± he added.


    ¡°Good! Please give him the best care! ra will feel guilty if anything happens to him!¡± Freedy Lim requested. Seeing ra¡¯s current condition saddened him; he didn¡¯t want anything bad to happen to his granddaughter again.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Gaston replied. ¡°Good night, sir, I take my leave!¡± he excused himself.


    Gaston observed the man standing next to him, nodding respectfully, then prepared to leave ra¡¯s care room.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Freedy Lim stopped the doctor. There were a few things he wanted to confirm. He was sure the doctor, who was also Sebastian Muda¡¯s friend, knew about them.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Lim? Can I help you with something?¡± Gaston offered. He turned to face the source of the voice, walking closer to the middle-aged man.


    ¡°I want to know about your friend¡¯s rtionship with my granddaughter,¡± Mr. Lim¡¯s expression was very serious.


    ¡°Are you referring to Miss ra and Joe?¡± Gaston confirmed.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°As far as I know, they like each other,¡± he replied briefly. He just hoped Joe wouldn¡¯t be cornered because of his statement.


    ¡°Is their rtionship serious? From what I¡¯ve heard, Joe wants to marry ra, is that true?¡± The middle-aged man turned his face. He wanted to know the opinion of Doctor Gaston, who was Joe Sebastian¡¯s friend.


    ¡°As for that, I¡¯m not sure!¡± Gaston quickly answered. He didn¡¯t want to interfere too much. Knowing his limits, he didn¡¯t want to get involved in something beyond his control.


    ¡°What about the rumor of a doctor secretly introducing ra to his family and spending evenings at the beach, do you know who the doctor is?¡± Freedy Lim asked. The man he referred to was Doctor Gaston. A photo of ra and the man on the beach was already in his possession.


    ¡°Um¡­,¡± Gaston hesitated to admit it.


    Silence.


    ¡°I prefer you being close to my granddaughter; Joe¡¯s rtionship with my granddaughter will eventually end, sooner orter. I don¡¯t want my granddaughter¡¯s life and privacy to be overshadowed by the media and consumed by the public because of her closeness to Joe Sebastian!¡± Freedy Lim spoke. He moved quickly, even before asking the person concerned about it.


    Doctor Gaston swallowed his saliva. ra had once been his dream girl. But it was impossible because Joe also liked her. Their friendship was stronger, and the 17-year-old girl wouldn¡¯t ruin it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just stay silent! Do you want to take ra away from Joe?¡± Mr. Lim offered.


    Silence.


    The doctor, who was not young anymore and had no partner, also found ra attractive, but betraying Joe? He wouldn¡¯t do that.


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯ste, I must take my leave!¡± Gaston made an excuse, not wanting to answer Mr. Lim¡¯s offer. He nodded, then left the room.


    Recing Doctor Gaston, Zio entered ra¡¯s care room.


    ¡°Sir, you should rest!¡± Zio persuaded.


    ¡°No, I will wait for my granddaughter to wake up!¡± Mr. Lim refused.


    ¡°Let me take care of Miss ra, I will inform you when she wakes up!¡± he persuaded again.


    ¡°No, if you want to rest, rest on your own!¡± he replied emphatically.


    Zio chose to sit and apany the middle-aged man throughout the night.


    Antoni, Mrs. Linn, and Mr. Bond were sitting in the waiting room. Joe had just finished the operation and was not allowed to be visited yet.


    ¡°How many shots hit Joe?¡± Mrs. Linn asked. She tried to hold back her tears. Hearing that Joe had been shot made her feel weak, especially seeing her son still unconscious after the surgery. She couldn¡¯t do anything until she made sure her beloved son regained consciousness.


    ¡°Just one shot, one shot that hit his temple, Mrs.,¡± replied Joe Sebastian¡¯s secretary.


    Antoni was among the first to arrive at the scene. He saw ra crying helplessly while Joey unconscious with blood streaming down his face.


    One of the three bullets fired by Alex hit Joe¡¯s temple, rendering him unconscious.


    Upon arrival at the hospital, Joe was immediately operated on to remove the bullet, while ra was taken to the care room.


    ¡°Pa, I hope Joe will be okay,¡± Mrs. Linn said resignedly. A shot to the head was fatal, and she hoped Joe would regain consciousness soon. Hopefully.


    ¡°Joe will be fine, Ma,¡± Mr. Bond replied, trying to calm himself. He controlled the worry that engulfed him.


    Silence.


    Antoni and Joe¡¯s parents were busy with their own thoughts. If something bad happened to Joe, everything would be chaotic. The fate of Blue Jewelry, Kimmy, and all its employees would be at stake.


    ¡°Who dares to do this?¡± Mr. Bond growled angrily.


    ¡°His name is Alex, a businessman in the agriculture sector,¡± Antoni replied. ¡°The police have sessfully arrested the culprit,¡± he added.


    ¡°Does he know ra?¡± Mr. Bond inquired, while Mrs. Linn chose to remain silent and observe.


    ¡°No, but Mr. Joe knows him,¡± Antoni replied. Like Mrs. Linn, he was also pondering the motive behind the perpetrator¡¯s abduction of ra.


    ¡°What about ra¡¯s condition?¡± Joe may have suffered severe injuries, but that didn¡¯t mean ra was okay. She also went through a traumatic experience, almost falling victim to sexual assault.


    ¡°ra is still under treatment, and her uncle is still faithfully by her side,¡± Antoni replied.


    ¡°I have to go see them; none of this would have happened if it weren¡¯t for Joe helping ra!¡± Mrs. Linn eximed. She started to me ra for the incident.


    To be continued.

 Chap 57

    Chap 57.


    At 04:15 AM.


    ra¡¯s hospital room.


    ra woke up, blinking her eyes to sharpen her focus. The ticking of the clock was audible, resonating clearly in ra¡¯s ears.


    Then, she closed her eyes again, recalling what happenedst night. Joe running while carrying her, then supporting her to leave the building.


    Upon reaching the door, she heard a man¡¯s voice asking Uncle Joe to stop. The next moment, ra heard the sound of three gunshots.


    Joe fell with fresh blood flowing from his temple. After that, ra couldn¡¯t remember anything else.


    ¡°Are you awake?¡± Freedy Lim asked. He observed his granddaughter¡¯s hands, noticing that she was awake from her sleep.


    ra opened her eyes, looking at the middle-aged man standing by her bed. She had never seen or known his face before, yet ra felt strangely familiar with his presence.


    ¡°Good morning, Miss ra, I¡¯m d you¡¯re awake. Let me introduce myself, my name is Zio, and he is Mr. Lim. You can call him Grandpa Lim,¡± Zio joked.


    ra swallowed nervously.


    ¡°Grandpa?¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Yes, ra, I am your grandfather. I am your mother¡¯s father,¡± the middle-aged man said. ¡°I am very thankful that you woke up. I hope you¡¯re okay,¡± he expressed, smiling and feeling extremely happy. Finally, his worries disappeared, reced by relief.


    ¡°Where is Uncle Joe?¡± ra asked with a louder voice. She sat up in bed, remembering Joe¡¯s face with blood streaming down his cheek.


    Silence.


    ¡°Um, I worried about you all night, but when you woke up, you worried about someone else! How about that?¡± Freedy Limined.


    ra flinched. If this man was indeed her grandfather, ra shouldn¡¯t disappoint him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Grandpa! I just¡­¡± ra stopped her sentence. She bowed her head, unsure of how to respond.


    ¡°No, ra, I am truly happy to see you okay. Do you want to go home? Grandpa feels guilty towards you; I want to make it up to you before it¡¯s toote!¡± Freedy Lim said, choking up with tears.


    Silence. ra looked into the eyes of the middle-aged man. His expression of sadness weighed heavily on her chest.


    ¡°I am sorry to your mother and father; I didn¡¯t give my blessing to their rtionship.¡± Freedy Lim looked down, hiding his sorrow; regret resurfaced.


    ra listened to every word her grandfather said.


    ¡°Sir,¡± Zio whispered, patting the middle-aged man¡¯s back. However, Mr. Lim pushed him away.


    ¡°ra,¡± he called.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra replied, turning to face him.


    Before ra could stand up, Freedy stood up first and hugged his granddaughter.


    ra¡¯s tears flowed in her grandfather¡¯s embrace. Longing for her mother and father overwhelmed her.


    ¡°Grandpa!¡± ra called.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The grandfather released the hug. He observed ra¡¯s face, which resembled herte mother¡¯s.


    ¡°Take me to see Uncle Joe, then I¡¯ll go home with Grandpa,¡± ra said.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to go home with me?¡± Mr. Lim asked to confirm. His eyes sparkled upon hearing ra¡¯s statement. The opportunity hade, the opportunity to make amends for his past actions.


    ¡°Of course, but I want to see Uncle Joe first, Grandpa,¡± ra requested.


    The grandfather nodded, agreeing to his daughter¡¯s wish.


    ==?==


    In the morning, Gaston, along with other doctors, examined Joe¡¯s condition. After conducting a thorough examination, Gaston intended to meet Joe¡¯s family. He would inform them of what had actually happened.


    He felt guilty; Joe wasn¡¯t in good condition after all. After a series of examinations, it turned out that Joe¡¯s condition had deteriorated.


    ¡°Dr. Gaston, you went homest night, we¡¯ve been waiting; can we see Mr. Joe now?¡± Antoni asked. Along with Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond, he waited for Dr. Gaston¡¯s arrival and wanted to see Joe¡¯s condition immediately.


    ¡°Last night, we sessfully removed the bullet lodged in Joe¡¯s temple, but now he is in aa,¡± Gaston exined concisely. However, he had to inform Joe¡¯s family of Joe¡¯s true condition.


    Aa is a term that describes a state of unconsciousness in a patient until they cannot react to their surroundings.


    Medically, aa is characterized by the absence of cerebral motor responses to pain throughout the extremities, making it impossible to wake up thea patient even though they have been given pain stimtion. They do not provide a normal response to pain or light stimtion, have no sleep-wake cycle, and cannot perform voluntary actions.


    In addition to being unconscious, a person in aa experiences almost no brain activity. This means thata patients also cannot respond to sound, touch, or even pain.


    Coma patients will regain consciousness over time. However, each patient requires a different amount of time to regain consciousness.


    Some may take weeks, but others may need to be in this condition for years. The speed at which a patient regains consciousness depends on the extent of damage to the brain area and how much of the brain area can still function.


    Patients in aa cannot eat or drink in the same way as normal individuals. Becausea patients cannot swallow or chew, food or drinks will be provided in a different form.


    Coma patients eat and drink through intravenous fluids that are inserted into their venous blood vessels. These intravenous fluids contain electrolytes, which consist of salts or other substances, to preventa patients from experiencing hunger or dehydration.


    ¡°When will Joe regain consciousness?¡± Mrs. Linn asked, tears welling up in her eyes. Her throat felt choked; Joe was in aa?


    ¡°We can¡¯t determine that yet,¡± Dr. Gaston replied. ¡°And to assist with breathing, we have already ced a venttor on the patient¡¯s body,¡± the doctor exined.


    A venttor is used to deliver oxygen to the lungs and body. Additionally, the venttor helps to remove carbon dioxide from the body.


    The venttor is ced by connecting the machine to a person¡¯s respiratory tract through a venttor tube. This tube is inserted through the mouth, nose, or through a hole made in the front of the patient¡¯s neck.


    Although the venttor helps patients who have difficulty breathing, its use also has side effects, especially when the venttor tube is ced for a long time.


    The main risk of venttor use is infection. The breathing tube can introduce germs into the lungs, mouth, or nose, increasing the risk of pneumonia and sinus infections.


    The process of inserting a venttor tube can also irritate the throat or lungs. This condition can make it difficult for someone to cough. However, coughing can help clear dust and allergens from the lungs.


    Venttor use can also make it difficult for someone to speak because the venttor tube passes through therynx (voice box) containing the vocal cords.


    Other side effects of venttor cement can also cause lung damage due to excessive air pressure or excessive oxygen.


    ¡°So we don¡¯t know when Joe will wake up?¡± Mrs. Linn¡¯s voice trembled, apanied by tears streaming down her cheeks. ¡°What do we do now, honey?¡± sheined, leaning on her husband¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Can we see him?¡± Mr. Bond asked.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Dr. Gaston nodded, allowing Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn to check on Joe¡¯s condition.


    The husband and wife entered the ICU room. They walked in, seeing Joe lying in the hospital bed. There was a white bandage on his forehead. His eyes were closed. A venttor tube was connected through his mouth.


    Mrs. Linn¡¯s tears couldn¡¯t be held back any longer. ¡°Joe¡­,¡± she whispered, reaching for her son¡¯s fingers. The woman sobbed, praying in her heart for her son to wake up soon.


    Silence. Mrs. Linn¡¯s sobs were heard amidst the rumbling of the venttor.


    ¡°Will Joe recover, honey? Can Joe return to his old self?¡± Mrs. Linn asked resignedly.


    Mr. Bond nodded, unable to speak. This was the first time he saw Joe in such a bad condition.


    ¡°Honey, I¡¯ll do anything to make Joe recover. Do you believe Joe can recover?¡± Mrs. Linn¡¯s sobs became more frequent. Kimmy, thepany, her life. How would everything go on if Joe remained like this? No! Mrs. Linn¡¯s heart screamed, unable to ept her son¡¯s current condition.


    ra stood in front of the ss door of the ICU. Seeing Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond, as well as Joe still lying there. There was only one person she wanted to meet, Dr. Gaston.


    ¡°Where are you going, Miss?¡± Zio asked from behind her. Faithfully, he pushed the IV pole and followed ra¡¯s steps.


    ¡°I need to see Dr. Gaston!¡± ra answered. She walked towards the doctor¡¯s room.


    Zio followed her.


    The door opened, and Dr. Gaston lifted his face to see ra and Zio entering his room.


    ¡°What happened to Uncle Joe, doctor?¡± ra asked as she sat down in front of the doctor. ¡°Is it true that Uncle Joe is in aa?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± That¡¯s all that came out of the doctor¡¯s lips.


    ¡°When will Uncle Joe wake up, doc?¡± ra asked despairingly, wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, ra. We just have to pray; hopefully, Joe will wake up from hisa soon,¡± Gaston replied. He took a deep breath to ease the heaviness in his chest.


    ¡°What should I do to help Uncle Joe wake up?¡± ra asked again. Kimmy, the image of Kimmy asking about her daddy, shed in her mind. What would happen to the little girl?


    ¡°Apany him, ra. The presence of loved ones can help him wake up quickly,¡± Dr. Gaston revealed. Although unsure, the man was sure that Joe would be happy if ra was by his side.


    ¡°Doctor, I¡¯ll take my leave!¡± he requested. ¡°Apany me to see Grandpa!¡± ra asked.


    Zio nodded. They left Dr. Gaston¡¯s room. They walked back to ra¡¯s room.


    ra quickened her pace when she saw her grandfather sitting in a metal chair in front of her room.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    The man smiled at ra¡¯s arrival. In a moment, he would instruct the nurse to remove the IV from ra¡¯s hand and take her to Singapore this morning. There was a personal doctor who would examine his granddaughter¡¯s health.


    ¡°Finally, I can go home with my granddaughter!¡± Freedy Lim said, smiling as he saw ra¡¯s arrival.


    ¡°Sorry, Grandpa, I can¡¯t go home with you right now!¡± ra said.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 58

    Part 58


    ¡°Why?¡± The grandfather asked with emphasis. There was disappointment in his face.


    ¡°I want to apany Uncle Joe, he¡¯s still unconscious, I need to stay here,¡± ra replied. She lowered her head. Honestly, she didn¡¯t want to disappoint Grandpa Lim. It¡¯s just that her worry for Joe Sebastian dominated more.


    ¡°Alright, if that¡¯s what you want, I won¡¯t stop you,¡± the middle-aged man replied.


    ¡°Thank you, Grandpa!¡±


    ¡°But Zio will always be with you, and¡­ you have to study in Ennd, I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    Before ra could respond, Mr. Lim got up from his seat, nced briefly at ra, then walked out of the hospital.


    This morning, Freedy Lim flew to Singapore without taking ra.


    ==?==


    In the evening, ra entered Joe¡¯s room. She walked slowly until she reached the side of the bed of the man she loved.


    ¡°Uncle.¡±


    ra called softly. She observed Joe¡¯s face. The man was still unconscious. Then, ra¡¯s right hand reached for Joe¡¯s fingers.


    ¡°Will Uncle Joe wake up soon?!¡± she whispered hopefully. Not only for herself, but also for Kimmy, the four-year-old girl who surely wanted to see her father well.


    ra tried to keep her mind steady. She had to believe that Uncle Joe would return to his former self.


    The door opened.


    Tap.


    Tap.


    Tap.


    Footsteps were heard behind ra. It was Antoni.


    ¡°ra, you should rest!¡± Antoni said softly. He stood beside ra. Like her, Antoni hoped Joe would wake up soon.


    ¡°I can¡¯t even breathe easily seeing Uncle Joe like this!¡± rained. She bit her lower lip to hold back the tears. Trying to stay strong. It¡¯s very difficult; every time she faced a problem, ra always confided in Joe. And this time, ra didn¡¯t know who to confide in.


    ¡°Go home, ra! I¡¯ll let you know when Mr. Joe wakes up. Prioritize your health!¡± Antoni persuaded.


    ra didn¡¯t answer, her sobs were heard more frequently. The back of her hand repeatedly wiped the tears that wet her cheeks.


    ¡°Antoni is right, you should rest, ra!¡± Mrs. Linn¡¯s voice, who was already standing behind them, joked.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am!¡± ra eximed. She turned around and looked bewildered at the motherly face of Joe Sebastian¡¯s mother.


    Mrs. Linn approached. Her hands reached out to ra in a hug. They both cried and sobbed together.


    For a few moments, they continued to embrace, sharing their sadness with each other.


    ¡°Go home, ra, apany Kimmy, let me stay here to take care of Joe!¡± Mrs. Linnmanded. There was no reason to hate or me ra. She already knew the mastermind behind this unfortunate event.


    ¡°But, Ma¡¯am!¡±


    ¡°Go home now,¡± Mrs. Linn requested.


    ra nodded, nced briefly at Joe, then left the ICU room.


    Now, there were only Antoni and Mrs. Linn in the room.


    ¡°How is thepany¡¯s situation today?¡± Mrs. Linn asked her son¡¯s secretary.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I canceled some meetings and postponed others, for important matters, I have reported to Mr. Bond,¡± Antoni replied. That¡¯s all he could do. Making important decisions was not his jurisdiction.


    ¡°Good, continue your work as usual, and for important decisions, my husband will personally take over from Joe,¡± Mrs. Linn replied.


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am!¡± Antoni obediently replied. ¡°And what about Mr. Joe¡¯s ex-wife, Ma¡¯am?!¡± Honestly, Antoni was more troubled by this. All options seemed like a catch-22. Just putting Joe in a difficult situation.


    ¡°So you already know?¡± Mrs. Linn asked.


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am, Vivian is the mastermind behind all this unfortunate event. That woman ordered Alex to kidnap ra, and Alex, that pathetic man, harmed Mr. Joe!¡± Antoni replied. ¡°What should I do, Ma¡¯am?¡±


    Every criminal should be brought to justice. And now, if the criminal is the grandmother of her granddaughter, it¡¯s the same as making Kimmy, the daughter of a convict. No, Mrs. Linn wouldn¡¯t let that happen.


    But if she let Vivian go free, it wouldn¡¯t be fair. Because Joe is now in aa because of the actions of two evil people, Alex and Vivian.


    ¡°Antoni!¡± Mrs. Linn called.


    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am?¡± he replied.


    ¡°If Joe is okay, what do you think Joe will do? Will he put Vivian in jail, or will Joe defend his ex-wife because he doesn¡¯t want Kimmy to have a convict mother?¡± the middle-aged woman asked.


    Silence.


    Antoni seemed to be more often looking down than seeing Mrs. Linn¡¯s sad face. The woman who always seemed strong, now looked very distressed and desperate.


    ¡°I think Mr. Joe will follow the applicablew, Ma¡¯am. If his ex-wife is proven guilty of kidnapping ra, I think Mr. Joe won¡¯t do anything when his ex-wife indeed has to go to jail,¡± Antoni replied confidently. ¡°And¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Mrs. Linn urged, finding Antoni lost in thought.


    ¡°Freedy Lim, I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll stay quiet either if he finds out that his granddaughter¡¯s kidnapper isn¡¯t punished and is allowed to roam free!¡± Antoni exined.


    ¡°Well¡­ Antoni, you can go home now, let me handle this!¡± Mrs. Linn¡¯s hand moved up to massage her heavy forehead.


    After Antoni left, Mrs. Linn sat beside Joe¡¯s bed. Her son was still in the same condition as this morning. Silent.


    ¡°Joe, wake up, can¡¯t you see, Mama, Kimmy, and ra, everyone needs you, wake up and don¡¯t make us worry, Mama knows you¡¯re strong, you¡¯ll wake up soon, right?!¡± Mrs. Linn said while holding her son¡¯s hand.


    Joe didn¡¯t respond. He didn¡¯t even open his eyes, let alone speak.


    Creek.


    The door opened, and Dr. Gaston approached Mrs. Linn.


    ¡°Gaston.¡± Mrs. Linn hurriedly wiped her tears.


    ¡°If Joe wakes up, won¡¯t Auntie be too controlling of Joe¡¯s life?¡± Gaston asked.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± An annoyed expression appeared on the middle-aged woman¡¯s face.


    ¡°Recently, every time we met, Joe alwaysined because his mom always interfered in his family affairs,¡± Gaston exined.


    ¡°Well, if Joe wakes up, I¡¯ll be very grateful and won¡¯t want to stand in his way,¡± Mrs. Linn replied tearfully. She remembered it all, forcing her will on Joe.


    Regret, only regret remained because Joe still hadn¡¯t woken up.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 59

    Part 59.


    One monthter.


    Mr. Bond took over Joe¡¯s position in thepany, with Antoni¡¯s assistance, of course. The middle-aged man incessantly prayed for his only son to wake up.


    Mrs. Linn spent more time at home, apanying Kimmy who constantly cried missing her daddy.


    Meanwhile, Alex and Vivian were facing trial for their crimes. Alex was charged with kidnapping, illegal possession of weapons, sexual harassment, and attempted murder. The prosecutor demanded a 12-year prison sentence and a fine of 200 million. After lengthy negotiations, Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond still decided to send Vivian to prison. After all, the guilty must be punished. Regarding Kimmy, Mrs. Linn believed that what happened to Vivian wouldn¡¯t have too much of an impact on her granddaughter. Hopefully.


    The prosecutor charged Vivian with kidnapping a child, and she faced a 5-year prison sentence.


    Today, exactly one month after the kidnapping incident, ra visited Joe¡¯s ward almost every day. She talked to him, told him stories, and even read some books that Joe might like.


    ra sat beside Joe¡¯s bed, the man still not waking up. She was tired of crying; her tears had dried up. Yet, Joe remained unconscious, and God hadn¡¯t answered her prayers.


    ¡°Uncle, when will you wake up? ra misses Uncle Joe¡¯s voice so much! Don¡¯t you want to have a romantic dinner with me, Uncle? We haven¡¯t even celebrated our anniversary yet, Uncle,e on!¡± ra said amidst sobs. Her hand reached out, gripping Joe¡¯s fingers, hoping he would wake up soon.


    No response. Joe remained silent as ever.


    Buzz.


    Buzz.


    ra¡¯s phone vibrated. With the back of her hand, ra wiped her tears. Then, she reached for her phone and moved away.


    With her thumb, she slid the green icon to answer the call from her uncle.


    ¡°Hello,¡± ra greeted.


    ¡°Hello, ra, how are you?¡± asked her uncle from the other end of the line.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Uncle,¡± ra replied. ¡°And how about you, Uncle?¡± she asked in return. It had been a week since Freedy Lim and his granddaughter hadmunicated with each other.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, but I¡¯ll be even better if youe home soon, ra. As you wished, I¡¯ve enrolled you in a university in London. Mario is there too, your ssmate. I hope youe home soon and think about your future!¡± Freedy Lim expressed. He didn¡¯t want ra to linger in sadness.


    ¡°But Uncle, Joe hasn¡¯t woken up yet!¡± ra protested. It was very difficult to leave Joe if he hadn¡¯t woken up from hisa.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°You can¡¯t, ra. Uncle only wants the best for your future. You can still keep track of Joe¡¯s condition even if you¡¯re in London. You can alsoe to Jakarta every holiday!¡± her uncle exined. ¡°Besides, Margaret, your grandma, also wants to see you. Uncle hopes youe home soon because we are your true family, ra!¡± he urged.


    ¡°But, Uncle!¡±


    ¡°Here¡¯s the thing, ra. Grandpa knows you love that man very much, but you can¡¯t forget about your future. Before bing a good wife, you also need to be a dutiful daughter and a person of quality. That¡¯s Grandpa¡¯s advice! Grandpa¡­ Only wants the best for you!¡± the middle-aged man advised from the other end of the phone.


    Silence. ra couldn¡¯t find words to say; what her uncle said was the truth.


    ¡°After you graduate, you¡¯ll be free to determine your life, ra. For this time only, it¡¯s for your own good. Education is still the number one priority for Grandpa, and I believe your mother would agree with me,¡± he persuaded again.


    ra fell silent, pondering for a moment.


    ¡°When should Ie home, Uncle?¡± ra asked afterward.


    ¡°As soon as possible!¡± her uncle replied firmly.


    ¡°Okay, ra wille home tomorrow morning!¡± she responded.


    ¡°Grandpa will be waiting, and Zio will arrange for your return tomorrow!¡± he said.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    The phone call ended.


    ra moved back to Joe¡¯s bedside. She reached for his fingers and kissed them.


    ¡°Uncle, wake up, please. ra wants Uncle Joe to wake up soon!¡± she whispered while continuously kissing the back of Joe¡¯s hand.


    Creak¡­


    The door opened. Tap. Tap. Tap. Footsteps approached. Doctor Gaston stood beside ra.


    ¡°Are you crying again?¡± the doctor asked the seventeen-year-old girl.


    ra didn¡¯t respond. Her sobs sounded faint.


    ¡°Stop crying, ra. I¡¯m tired of you crying here every day for thirty days! If you¡¯re like this, how will Joe recover? He might get sadder seeing you crying in front of him all the time!¡± Doctor Gaston eximed.


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong, doctor. I¡¯m crying because tomorrow I have to leave for Singapore and start thinking about my future!¡± ra replied confidently.


    ¡°Good to know, ra. You¡¯ve realized it,¡± Doctor Gaston said. ¡°Regarding Joe, you don¡¯t have to worry about him. I¡¯ll update you on his condition regrly,¡± he added.


    ra nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll leave now, doctor. There are some people I need to meet,¡± ra bid farewell.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ra left the ICU room, while Doctor Gaston remained there with the patient.


    In his hand was the result of Joe¡¯s morning examination. Everything was the same as yesterday. There was no movement or response whatsoever.


    Doctor Gaston sighed in frustration. Honestly, he never expected Joe to experience something like this. His friend always seemed strong and unbeatable. It was truly saddening to find Joe in aa state for a month.


    He released the paper of Joe¡¯s examination results. He sat in ra¡¯s previous seat.


    ¡°Please wake up. Can¡¯t you see everyone¡¯s sadness because of your current condition, Joe? Your father has to take over your job at the office, your mother has to keep smiling in front of your daughter, and your daughter, she has to endure missing her daddy! Not to mention ra; she cries every day, and me! I have to deal with the same question every time, when will you wake up! Just like them, I also want you to wake up soon! So when will you wake up?¡± Doctor Gaston rubbed his face harshly, trying to regain control of himself.


    Silence.


    The doctor, who worked in the medical field, once again observed his friend¡¯s face. Joe Sebastian seemed still. There was no movement or response at all.


    ¡°So when will you wake up, huh? If you don¡¯t wake up, just watch! Just watch, I¡¯ll take ra away from you. So if you still want ra, I beg you to wake up soon!¡± Doctor Gaston said before deciding to leave the ICU room.

 Chap 60

    Part 60.


    ra invited Nadia to meet at a restaurant not far from the hospital. She walked in, while Zio, who had always apanied her everywhere, chose to give her privacy this time.


    ra chose a table at the far end. She ordered two soursop juices. While waiting for Nadia, ra opened her phone and checked today¡¯s news. Most of it was about Vivian, who was involved in her kidnapping case.


    ra sighed in annoyance. That woman ruined her career aspirations. On one hand, ra didn¡¯t like her because she almost got assaulted. However, on the other hand, she felt sorry for her because she was Kimmy¡¯s mother.


    ¡°Have you been waiting long?¡± Nadia asked. She sat down opposite ra. Since the unfortunate incident, they were meeting for the second time this afternoon.


    ¡°Just a bit!¡± ra replied. She pulled the corners of her lips into a smile in response to Nadia¡¯s.


    ¡°How is Uncle Joe doing?¡± From ra¡¯s frustrated expression, Nadia could guess that the handsome man ra loved was still not awake.


    ¡°The same as before!¡± ra replied. She sipped on the soursop juice in front of her to alleviate the bitterness in her throat.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just pray. I¡¯m sure Uncle Joe will wake up!¡± Nadia said.


    ¡°I have to go back tomorrow!¡± ra revealed, trying to keep her expression as t as possible. This wasn¡¯t good. It would be the first time she¡¯d be far from Joe Sebastian, very far, unlike the distance between home and the dormitory. It would be a different country.


    ¡°Going back to your grandfather¡¯s house?¡± Nadia asked, her eyes widened. It all seemed like a dream.


    ¡°Yes.¡± ra nodded softly, then pursed her lips.


    ¡°To Singapore?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s where Grandpa lives. I¡¯ll be going back to Singapore,¡± she said. ¡°But¡­¡± ra stopped herself.


    ¡°But what, ra?¡± Nadia asked, curious.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t want to be far from Uncle Joe, Nad!¡± ra exined, feeling cornered.


    ¡°Alright, you stay here. You can study in Jakarta. I don¡¯t think Grandpa Lim would mind!¡± Nadia suggested with sparkling eyes.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, I promised to obey his wishes, and this is the right time!¡± ra said, trying to convince herself.


    ¡°So, what can I do for you, ra?¡± Nadia asked.


    ¡°I need information about everything that happens with Uncle Joe while I¡¯m away. You just need to inform me once a week, on holidays. Will you, Nad?¡± ra asked, looking at Nadia hopefully, hoping her friend could help.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll always visit Uncle Joe to update you, ra!¡± Nadia replied. She would do it dly.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Really!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Nad!¡±


    ¡°In friendship, there¡¯s no need for apologies or thank yous, but I¡¯ll always be here to help you!¡±


    ra stood up from her seat. Regardless of the other patrons, ra hugged Nadia.


    ra hugged Nadia for quite some time until footsteps approached. Zio was standing next to ra.


    ¡°Miss ra!¡± he called out.


    She turned and released her hug, surprised by Zio¡¯s sudden appearance.


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡± ra replied, looking up at the source of the voice.


    ¡°I¡¯ve booked tickets for tomorrow; we better head home to pack!¡± Zio suggested.


    ¡°Alright! Just a moment!¡± ra responded.


    ¡°Yes, Miss!¡±


    Zio left ra.


    ¡°Nad, I have to go. Thank you for being the best friend I could ask for!¡± she expressed.


    ¡°Yeah, thank you too, ra. Take care!¡± Nadia replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m going home now. See youter, Nadia!¡±


    ¡°See you, ra!¡±


    They hugged once again before ra exited the restaurant. She made her way toward the ck car where Zio was waiting for her.


    She reached out and opened the car door. Then ra sat in the passenger seat.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home!¡± ra said.


    ¡°Alright, Miss!¡± Zio replied. He nced briefly at his wristwatch, showing 3:03 PM WIB. Then he started the car, driving at a moderate speed, traversing the city streets toward Joe¡¯s residence.


    The city streets looked very captivating to ra this afternoon. Her eyes were focused on the scenery outside the window.


    ¡°Miss?¡± Zio called softly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra replied tly.


    ¡°Are you very sad to leave Jakarta?¡± Zio asked. He observed ra¡¯s expression from the rearview mirror. There was an immense sadness reflected in her eyes.


    ¡°Not Jakarta, but Uncle Joe,¡± ra said.


    ¡°It seems he¡¯s very special to you, Miss?¡± Zio probed. He knew about the love rtionship between ra and Joe, but he didn¡¯t know their personal perspectives.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know when this started. All I know is that when I was in eleventh grade, I began to realize that I always looked forward to meeting Uncle Joe once a month. Yes¡­ Once a month, he woulde to the dormitory and give me my monthly allowance. I was so happy even though the meeting onlysted a few minutes!¡± ra reminisced. Memories flooded back when she was living in the dormitory.


    ¡°So, was it Miss ra who fell in love with him first?¡± Zio inquired, feeling very curious.


    ¡°Yes, I liked him first. I gave him attention and forced him to ept my love. All my efforts seeded because Uncle Joe was in a vulnerable state, having just gone through a divorce!¡± ra recounted. She looked down, remembering when she asked Joe to pretend to be her boyfriend. It was absurd, but it worked. Thanks to that n, she and the handsome Uncle became very close.


    Zio nodded in understanding. Now, he wasn¡¯t curious anymore.


    The man parked the car in Joe¡¯s garage.


    ¡°Shall Ie down to help you pack?¡± Zio offered. He couldn¡¯t possibly let Freedy Lim¡¯s granddaughter pack without any assistance.


    ¡°No need, I¡¯m just bringing a few things!¡± ra declined. ¡°We¡¯ll meet at the hospital tomorrow morning because tonight I¡¯ll be staying with Uncle Joe!¡± she added.


    ¡°Alright, Miss,¡± Zio agreed. He stepped out of the car and opened the door for ra.


    ==?==


    After finishing packing her belongings, raid down on the bed. With closed eyes, she began to recall memories with Joe in this house. In her own room, in Joe¡¯s room, in Kimmy¡¯s room, in the library, and also in the kitchen.


    ¡°Enough!¡± ra muttered. The clock on the bedside table showed 5:05 PM WIB. She looked at the suitcase containing a few pieces of clothing. Yes, all those clothes were bought by Joe. The suitcase, and other items.


    ra got up from her bed. Then, she left her room to meet Mrs. Linn. With slow steps, she walked towards Kimmy¡¯s room, confident that Mrs. Linn would be there.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    ¡°Mrs.,¡± ra called out. She waited for a moment.


    The door opened, and indeed, Mrs. Linn opened it for her.


    ¡°Come in!¡± Mrs. Linn held the door open wide, inviting the girl to enter.


    They both sat on the sofa. ra¡¯s gaze shifted to Kimmy, who was ying with her dolls.


    ¡°Mrs., I¡¯m saying goodbye!¡± ra said. Her tone was soft, her eyes not looking towards the middle-aged woman.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Goodbye??¡± Mrs. Linn was surprised by her words.


    ¡°Yes, I have to go back tomorrow because Grandpa asked me to, and I¡¯ve also promised to continue my schooling,¡± ra exined. She nced briefly at Mrs. Linn, then looked down again.


    ¡°If that¡¯s Mr. Lim¡¯s wish, I won¡¯t stop you, ra. Even though Joe is lying helpless and silent, time keeps moving. You do need to continue your schooling, ra!¡± Mrs. Linn replied. A sense of sadness crept into her heart. Ten years had passed, and now ra really had to leave this house.


    ¡°Mrs., I apologize for all my mistakes while staying here!¡± ra approached until they were sitting side by side.


    ¡°I apologize too, for being harsh on you, ra!¡± she replied. Then, she embraced ra. She realized she had made mistakes by siding with Vivian. In reality, it was Vivian who caused Joe to remain unconscious until today.


    They hugged for a long time until Mrs. Linn¡¯s tears subsided.


    ¡°Kimmy,¡± ra called out as she approached the little girl.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, turning her head.


    ¡°You take care, okay? Big Sister ra is leaving tomorrow!¡± ra bid farewell.


    ¡°Leaving? Where is Big Sister ra going?¡± Kimmy asked curiously.


    ¡°Big Sister ra has to go to school, Kimmy. You be good with Uncle, okay?¡±


    ¡°Going to school? Where?¡± Kimmy felt curious.


    ¡°Far away.¡± ra¡¯s voice was no longer audible. She hugged the little girl tightly. She was very sure she would miss her.


    ra released the hug. Then, she kissed both of Kimmy¡¯s cheeks.


    ¡°Big Sister ra is leaving now, okay?¡±


    With a heavy heart, ra nodded softly.


    ¡°Mrs., tonight I¡¯ll be staying with Uncle Joe at the hospital, and I¡¯ll be leaving for Singapore tomorrow morning!¡±


    ¡°Yes, take care, ra!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mrs., goodbye!¡± ra kissed the back of her hand.


    ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    To be Continued.

 Chap 61

    Part 61


    The sound of the venttor filled the room. The digital clock in the ICU showed 9:50 PM WIB. The hospital was quiet, with only the night shift nurse checking on the patient.


    The door opened. Doctor Gaston deliberately went to the ICU room before going home.


    ¡°Go home, ra. Let me take care of Joe tonight!¡± Doctor Gaston requested.


    Seeing ra¡¯s sadness, the man truly felt sorry. However, he still couldn¡¯t do anything.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you¡­?¡± his words trailed off as he noticed ra had fallen asleep. One of her hands tightly grasped Joe¡¯s fingers, while the other supported her face. Both her eyes were closed, and her breathing was steady. It meant ra had truly fallen asleep.


    ¡°Stubborn!¡± The doctor muttered to himself.


    Removing his white coat, the doctor draped it over ra¡¯s shoulders.


    Actually, Doctor Gaston liked ra. However, he couldn¡¯t do much. What mattered most was her happiness and future.


    ¡°Alright, ra, I¡¯ll go home now!¡± the doctor bid farewell, even though he knew ra couldn¡¯t hear him. ¡°Joe, wake up. Stop making us all sad. You need to wake up soon!¡± he said before leaving the ICU room.


    Throughout the night, ra slept. It wasn¡¯t until morning that she woke up.


    ra blinked her eyes for quite some time. She was surprised to find Doctor Gaston¡¯s work coat draped over her.


    ra shifted her gaze. She looked at Joe. The man was still unconscious.


    ¡°Uncle.¡±


    ra called out softly. She stared at Joe¡¯s face intently. The man, who meant everything to ra, remained silent.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving, Uncle. It¡¯s just for a while. I¡¯ll stille back here and demand your promise, Uncle Joe. We¡¯ll get married, remember? I hope Uncle Joe won¡¯t forget!¡± ra whispered.


    She gently kissed Joe¡¯s hand repeatedly.


    ¡°Uncle, even though ra isn¡¯t here, I hope Uncle Joe wakes up soon and stays well!¡± ra raised her head. She repeatedly stroked Joe¡¯s arm. Still, there was no response at all.


    =.=?=.=


    Zio was on his way to the hospital. He had just picked up ra¡¯s suitcase from Mr. Bond¡¯s residence.


    Upon arriving at the hospital, Zio went straight to the ICU room to meet ra.


    With his right hand, Zio pulled the ss door handle. Then he entered the room.


    ¡°Good morning, Miss.¡±


    He walked closer. Observing ra, who seemed lost in thought.


    ¡°Good morning.¡±


    ra didn¡¯t turn around. Zio¡¯s arrival meant she had to leave soon.


    ¡°We should leave soon, or we might bete, Miss!¡± Zio whispered softly.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ra¡¯s lips pressed tightly together. Until thest moment, she wanted to leave, but Joe still hadn¡¯t woken up. The girl moved closer. She kissed Uncle¡¯s cheek, long and deep.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± she said afterward, with a heavy heart.


    ==?==


    The clear sky of Singapore weed ra that afternoon. Upon arriving at Changi Airport, a chauffeur from Freedy Lim¡¯s family was waiting for Zio and Freedy Lim¡¯s granddaughter.


    Zio followed behind ra, holding a medium-sized suitcase in his left hand.


    ¡°Miss,¡± Zio called out, seeing ra being mostly silent and lost in thought.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied softly.


    ¡°I beg you, Miss ra, don¡¯t be like this. Mr. Lim will surely be saddened to see you like this!¡± Zio said, starting to feel ufortable with ra. The girl seemed unenthusiastic, frustrated, andcking in spirit.


    ra folded her hands in front of her chest, annoyed by Zio¡¯sment.


    ¡°At least, take off your sunsses and give a smile!¡± he requested.


    Avoiding an argument, ra took off her sunsses and then got into the car. She sat in the back seat while Zio sat next to the driver.


    The car continued toward the CCR area, the premium area right in the middle of Singapore¡¯s city center.


    Freedy Lim owned a penthouse in the Hond Road area.


    The driver parked the car in the underground area. Then ra followed Zio¡¯s steps toward an elevator. The transportation device inside the building took ra to a Penthouse located on top of one of the tallest buildings in Singapore.


    A super penthouse with five bedrooms equipped with a wine cer, which also included a swimming pool, jacuzzi, and private garden with a city view, made it Freedy Lim¡¯s residence, one of the most expensive penthouses in the city-state.


    Exiting the elevator, ra walked toward her grandfather¡¯s residence. When the door opened, two female servants weed her.


    ¡°Mrs. Margaret has been waiting for you, Miss,¡± one of the female servants said. ¡°Let me escort you to her room,¡± she added.


    ra nced briefly at Zio, who carried her suitcase into a room. Meanwhile, she followed behind, trailing the steps of the woman in ck uniform toward a room not far from the living room.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ra¡¯s eyes scanned the room, observing every detail of her grandfather¡¯s residence. Expensive paintings, soft carpets, and properties she had never seen before. It seemed her mother¡¯s side of the family was not just ordinary.


    The door opened.


    ¡°Pleasee in, Miss!¡± The female servant opened the door wide, inviting ra to enter.


    Silence.


    ra and Margaret stared at each other. Long and deep.


    The female servant immediately left and closed the door, giving them privacy.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time, ra!¡± said the woman sitting in a wheelchair. She was ra¡¯s mother¡¯s older sister. ¡°Come here!¡± she requested, extending her hand.


    ra approached, then hugged her aunt. It felt like meeting her mother again.


    ¡°ra, are you okay, dear?¡± Margaret asked. With both hands, she cupped ra¡¯s face. There was no denying that ra looked very much like her mother, Marce.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Aunt,¡± she said while still in her aunt¡¯s embrace.


    Margaret continued to study ra¡¯s face, analyzing her expression.


    ¡°Thank you foring back. Dad is so excited and hopeful again because of you,¡± Margaret said.


    ra nodded. The woman¡¯s touch made her feelfortable.


    ¡°Look at my condition now, just lying in bed, Dad has almost given up. But because of your presence, he¡¯s starting to feel hopeful again. Thank you, ra,¡± she said.


    ¡°Yes, Aunt,¡± ra replied with a smile.


    ==?==


    It had been almost a month since ra had been living with her family. During that time, she had been contacting Doctor Gaston every day to inquire about Joe¡¯s condition.


    And this time, it had been about a week since the doctor had not replied to her messages. The same was true for Mrs. Linn, who had been ignoring her messages and phone calls more often.


    ¡°Are you lost in thought?¡± her grandfather asked. He walked to the balcony, joining ra, who had already been standing there. They were both gazing at the Singaporean sky this evening.


    ¡°No,¡± ra denied. ¡°How was your work today, Grandpa?¡± she asked.


    One month was enough time for ra to get to know her real family. Margaret, who was always at home and pursued many things. Also, her grandfather, who always cared for her.


    ¡°Grandpa¡¯s job is quite exhausting. How about you? Are you ready to leave for London? The new semester starts next week, so you should already be there!¡± her grandfather suggested.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to London in three days, Grandpa. I¡¯ve nned everything, plus I have a friend there,¡± ra replied. She smiled at the middle-aged man.


    ¡°Alright, ra, I¡¯ll entrust everything to you. After you finish your studies, I hope you can help me in thepany,¡± Freedy Lim requested of his granddaughter. It was the only hope for Lim Group to survive.


    ¡°Yes, Grandpa,¡± ra responded. That¡¯s all that came out of ra¡¯s mouth.


    Drrrrtttt¡­


    Drrrrtttt¡­


    ra¡¯s phone vibrated with a message from Nadia. With her thumb, she unlocked her phone screen, and what she saw truly shocked her.


    ra¡¯s lips pressed tightly together. In the picture, she saw Joe attending an event. There was a scar on his right temple. Not only that, there was information at the bottom left indicating when the photo was taken. It was taken today about two hours ago.


    ra¡¯s fingers trembled. However, she tried to remain as neutral as possible. Uncle Joe had woken up from hisa, but Doctor Gaston and Mrs. Linn remained silent. What were their true intentions? ra¡¯s chest felt tight realizing that the people she trusted were willing to hide Joe¡¯s condition from her.


    ¡°ra, what¡¯s wrong?¡± her grandfather asked. He noticed the different expression on his granddaughter¡¯s face.


    ¡°N-nothing, Grandpa!¡± ra denied. She closed the screen of the sleek and sophisticated device. ¡°I¡¯ll go to my room first, Grandpa. There¡¯s something I forgot,¡± she excused herself.


    Freedy Lim nodded.


    ra hurried to her room. Walking quickly. Once in her bedroom, she closed the door tightly and immediately called Nadia.


    After waiting for several minutes, Nadia finally answered her call.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Nadia greeted.


    ¡°Hi, Nad, what¡¯s the meaning of the photo you sent me?¡± ra couldn¡¯t wait to ask.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle Joe has woken up, ra. I attended a meeting with my parents this afternoon, and I saw Uncle Joe with my own eyes!¡± Nadia exined excitedly.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s him,¡± ra replied. There was a scar on his right temple, and the suit he was wearing was the one ra had chosen for him when they went shopping together.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Nadia blurted out. She felt guilty for not wholeheartedly seeking news about Uncle Joe.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Nad. Thank you for the information!¡± ra replied and quickly ended the call.


    Next, ra began to call Doctor Gaston, Mrs. Linn, and Joe¡¯s number alternately.


    However, the phone numbers of the three people were no longer active.


    To Be Continued.

 Chap 62

    62.


    shback on.


    That night, three days after ra¡¯s return to Singapore, Antoni and Gaston were in the ICU. Alternating with Mr. Bond, Joe Sebastian¡¯s secretary, stayed overnight to take care of his boss.


    ¡°How¡¯s thepany doing?¡± asked Gaston, turning to Antoni. His hair looked wet and fresh, in stark contrast to his disheveled appearance and tired eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s going smoothly, but there are somepanies that didn¡¯t renew their contracts,¡± he replied. Both of their eyes were focused on Joe¡¯s body. A man who usually appeared so enthusiastic, now weak and helpless. ¡°When will Mr. Joe recover?¡± Antoni asked. He had asked the doctor the same question several times, and the answer was always the same.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, we just have to pray for the best for him.¡± Honestly, Doctor Gaston was also tired of answering the same question. Not just from Antoni, but also from ra, Mrs. Linn, and Mr. Bond. They all asked the same thing: when will Joe wake up? He himself wondered when his friend would wake up from thea.


    ¡°Doctor Gaston!¡± he called out.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Tonight, you go home, let me stay here and take care of Joe,¡± Antoni requested while sitting back on the sofa next to Joe¡¯s bed.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll leave now.¡± Doctor Gaston nced at his watch, it was almost eight in the evening.


    ¡°Yes, doctor.¡±


    Doctor Gaston stepped out of the ICU room, leaving Antoni alone to watch over Joe.


    ¡°Sir, please wake up! Thepany will copse if you don¡¯t wake up soon. What about the fate of the family and employees?¡± Antoni whispered with emphasis. The news of Joe¡¯sa had spread, causing thepany¡¯s stock prices to plummet.


    ¡°You¡¯re strong, ra is fine now, she¡¯s even happy with her new family! Look at what¡¯s happening. Don¡¯t you want to wake up? Okay, maybe you¡¯re willing to let ra go to someone else, or let thepany suffer losses and the employees lose their jobs, or you¡¯ll let your daughter cry every night because she misses you too much, Sir!¡± protested Antoni. ra¡¯s sad expression, Mrs. Linn¡¯s desperate face, and Mr. Bond who still had to work even though his health was deteriorating. It really stressed Antoni out.


    Silence. The sound of the venttor filled the room.


    ¡°Fine, if you don¡¯t wake up soon, I¡¯ll just leave and let everything be!¡± the man threatened.


    Antoni fell silent. He faintly saw Joe¡¯s index finger move. The longer it took, the clearer his boss¡¯s hand became.


    ¡°Sir!¡±


    For a few seconds, Antoni was startled before he finally ran after Doctor Gaston who had just left the ICU room a few minutes ago.


    His steps were fast, sometimes he ran a little. ¡°Where¡¯s Doctor Gaston?¡± he asked a nurse who was working the night shift.


    ¡°Doctor Gaston, he just left his office,¡± the woman replied.


    Upon hearing the woman¡¯s answer, Antoni ran after Doctor Gaston who was still in the hospital lobby.


    ¡°Doctor!¡± he called out.


    Gaston raised his head to look at the source of the sound. He assessed Antoni with an unreadable expression.


    Before Doctor Gaston could respond, Antoni spoke. ¡°Follow me, Doctor! Quickly!¡±


    Doctor Gaston followed Antoni¡¯s wide and fast strides.


    ¡°Hurry, Doctor!¡± he urged.


    Not long after, they arrived at the ICU room and immediately saw Joe¡¯s condition.


    Doctor Gaston approached.


    ¡°I just saw Mr. Joe¡¯s finger move, Sir!¡± Antoni exined, still in disbelief.


    Meanwhile, Doctor Gaston smiled as he saw Joe¡¯s eyes open. Then, he immediately removed the oxygen tube.


    ¡°Are you awake?¡± Doctor Gaston asked incredulously. Meanwhile, Antoni was shocked, his mouth agape, as he watched Joe regain consciousness.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Joe looked at Antoni and Doctor Gaston alternately. Then, he closed his eyes again, recalling something that happened before he fell into a deep sleep.


    ra¡¯s image dominated his mind. Yes, the girl¡¯s face appeared repeatedly in his mind. Until the point where there was Freddy Lim and ra in the warehouse.


    He kept his eyes closed for a while. Joe slowly opened his eyes.


    ¡°Do you remember me?¡± asked Gaston.


    Silence. Both men stared at Joe without blinking, waiting for his answer.


    Joe remained silent.


    ¡°Sir, who am I?¡± now it was Antoni¡¯s turn to ask. Relief turned into worry, fearing Joe might have lost his memory.


    Joe closed his eyes and shook his head slowly. His joints felt stiff.


    Gaston and Antoni held their breath.


    ¡°Joe, do you remember me?¡± Gaston asked.


    Joe nodded slowly. Then, he opened his eyes.


    ¡°Thank goodness!¡± eximed Antoni, feeling very relieved, seeing his boss¡¯s forced smile.


    ¡°How ¡­ is ¡­ ra?¡± Joe asked, stuttering.


    It was predictable; Joe must be asking about ra. It was natural since for a whole month, while he was lying in aa in the hospital, ra was the one who had been taking care of him and staying by his side every night.


    ¡°ra has gone home, she¡¯s preparing for her studies, in London,¡± Gaston replied.


    Joe furrowed his brow. He felt heavy and dizzy.


    ¡°When?¡± he asked again.


    ¡°Three days ago!¡± Gaston replied. Joe¡¯s eyelids closed again. ¡°How long have I been asleep?¡±


    ¡°For one month, plus three days, and just three days ago you returned to Singapore!¡± Gaston exined. ¡°You better rest now, tomorrow we¡¯ll do a check-up to see your actual condition!¡± the doctor requested. ¡°I¡¯ll move you to the recovery room tonight too!¡± he added.


    Joe nodded.


    Antoni nodded as well.


    ¡°I¡¯ll inform Mrs. Linn!¡± he said enthusiastically. Antoni reached for his phone and immediately called Mrs. Linn¡¯s number to inform her about Joe¡¯s condition. The man walked away.


    ¡°W¡­ h¡­ o¡­ did you call?¡± Joe whispered. Focused on Gaston, he was preparing to call someone.


    Who else but ra. The girl would surely be very happy to hear that Joe had regained consciousness from hisa. He had sessfully passed the critical period.


    ¡°ra,¡± Gaston replied.


    Immediately, Joe shook his head slowly, signaling Gaston to cancel his intention to inform ra.


    Click.


    Gaston ended the phone call. He obeyed Joe¡¯s wish.


    ¡°Just exin it tomorrow, you can rest now!¡± Gaston ordered.


    ==?==


    For 10 days, Joe underwent recovery. And exactly on the eleventh day, he was allowed to go home by Doctor Gaston.


    Although Joe had not fully recovered yet, Doctor Gaston was confident that his friend would fully recover.


    Blue Jewelry rose again. Even without Joe¡¯s presence. The news about the widower who had regained consciousness from hisa made the employees enthusiastic again, and slowly thepany¡¯s condition stabilized.


    Every day, Joe spent his time resting and spending time with Kimmy. He intended to forget about ra. Yes, the father of Kimmy Olivia realized one thing. If people used to think that ra was a flirtatious girl who seduced wealthy men, now it was the opposite. People would think that Joe was an insensitive man because he dared to like Freddy Lim¡¯s only granddaughter.


    ra, she deserved better than a widower, the owner of Blue Jewelry.


    ¡°Daddy, Kimmy misses Sister ra!¡± his daughterined while cuddling in her father¡¯sp. Usually, they would sit and chat in the living room on the second floor or in Kimmy¡¯s room.


    ¡°Sister ra is studying in London, you have to be patient!¡± Joe persuaded her. Honestly, his longing for ra was greater than Kimmy¡¯s longing for that girl.


    ¡°Grandma said Sister ra wille here when Daddy is better, Daddy is better now, why isn¡¯t Sister ra here,¡± she insisted again. Tears welled up in her eyes.


    ¡°Kimmy, go to sleep, Daddy will call Sister Cici for you,¡± Joe insisted, reluctant to argue with his daughter. He stubbornly didn¡¯t want to interfere in ra¡¯s life anymore.


    Kimmy couldn¡¯t refuse. Sister Cici¡¯s presence in her room immediately freed Joe from the unpleasant situation.


    The longing for ra sometimes made him feel annoyed. But he remained determined not to meet her. Trying to control his longing, love, and affection. Joe was sure he would forget ra. Very sure.


    ¡°Goodnight, Sweetheart!¡±


    Joe kissed his daughter¡¯s forehead and then left Kimmy¡¯s room. Unconsciously, he walked to ra¡¯s room.


    Joe¡¯s eyes swept across the room. He decided to lie down on the bed. Reducing the increasing longing.


    This was painful, but it had to be endured. Various memories with ra shed in the room. Instead of diminishing, the longing grew stronger as he looked at ra¡¯s picture on the nightstand.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Joe muttered.


    He got up from his seat. Rubbing his face roughly. And decided to leave the room.


    Joe closed the door behind him again and found Mrs. Linn watching him.


    ¡°ra has gone home, did you forget?¡± the mother said matter-of-factly.


    Silence.


    Joe¡¯s hand lifted. His fingers scratched the back of his head, which wasn¡¯t itchy.


    ¡°Do you miss ra?¡± Mrs. Linn used. As a mother, she was very good at guessing her son¡¯s thoughts and feelings. Including Joe¡¯s longing for ra. Everything was read by the middle-aged woman.


    Joe chose not to answer. Honestly didn¡¯t want to, and lying would be pointless.


    ¡°Mama just doesn¡¯t like to see you like this, Joe. Do whatever makes you happy, that¡¯s all!¡± Mrs. Linn said. Joe¡¯sa incident really made her realize. Joe was very valuable.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much about me, Ma, I can take care of myself!¡± Joe said. He looked at his mother and gave her a smile.


    Mrs. Linn returned the smile.


    ¡°If you¡¯re really okay, Mama wants you to apany Mama to attend an invitation from one of Papa¡¯s colleagues!¡± Mrs. Linn suggested.


    ¡°I dare, who¡¯s afraid!¡± Joe replied.


    .


    .


    .


    At that event, Nadia identally saw Joe. She immediately told ra about it.


    shback off.


    To Be Continued.

 Chap 63

    63.


    The ticking of the clock in ra¡¯s room was agonizingly slow. Standing while gazing at the city¡¯s beauty from her room tonight did little to ease the unease in her heart.


    Remembering that Mrs. Linn and Doctor Gaston hadn¡¯t responded to her messages for almost a week made ra wonder what was really going on. Initially, ra thought that the two of them were just busy. But the photos sent by Nadia made ra suspicious.


    ra got up from her seat. She left the room and immediately sought out her grandfather.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Grandpa?¡± ra asked the maid.


    ¡°Mr. Lim is in his room, Miss,¡± the woman replied.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ra walked towards her grandfather¡¯s room, which was next to Aunt Margaret¡¯s room.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    ra gently knocked on the door.


    ¡°Grandpa,¡± ra called out.


    After a moment, the door opened, revealing the middle-aged man standing before her.


    ¡°What is it, ra?¡±


    Freedy Lim observed his granddaughter¡¯s face. There was a restlessness there. ra¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, and her eyes were red.


    ¡°Grandpa,¡± ra¡¯s words caught in her throat. ¡°I¡¯m going to Jakarta tonight, there¡¯s something I need to confirm,¡± she dered. Even if she were to leave for London, ra wouldn¡¯t be at ease until she knew what was really happening with Joe.


    ¡°Is this rted to that man, ra? Are you really so fond of him?¡± Freedy Lim scrutinized his granddaughter carefully. ra wasn¡¯t much different from her mother, stubborn. Especially when it came to matters of the heart.


    Silence.


    ra hesitated to answer. She didn¡¯t want to hear her grandfather¡¯s reaction, which would likely oppose her rtionship with Joe.


    ¡°Answer, ra, Grandpa won¡¯t be angry,¡± the middle-aged man said tly.


    ra¡¯s lips remained sealed, unwilling to respond.


    ¡°Very well, Grandpa won¡¯t interfere, as long as you leave for London on time. Grandpa will allow you to go to Jakarta!¡± Freedy Lim tried topromise. What happened with his daughter before, he hoped wouldn¡¯t be repeated with ra.


    ¡°Thank you, Grandpa!¡± ra said, feeling incredibly happy.


    Freedy Lim nodded. ¡°Zio will apany you to Jakarta! Grandpa hopes you leave tomorrow morning,¡± he requested.


    ¡°Alright, Zio will apany me, and I¡¯ll leave tomorrow morning!¡± ra replied. She smiled, feeling relieved that her grandfather had allowed her to go to Jakarta.


    ==?==


    At 7:18 AM, ra arrived at Joe Sebastian¡¯s residence. She took the first flight today from Singapore to Jakarta.


    After dropping ra off at Joe¡¯s gate, Zio chose to go to Freedy Lim¡¯s private residence. That was ra¡¯s instruction because she didn¡¯t want Zio to spy on her. Then she would report everything to her grandfather.


    The security guard of the luxurious house opened the gate for ra.


    ¡°Thank you, Sir!¡± ra said. She walked across the yard towards the terrace.


    The house still looked quiet. ra continued walking towards the front door and chose to ignore Mr. Joko, who was staring at her with curiosity.


    ra¡¯s right hand reached out, pressing the doorbell twice in session.


    Mbok Iyem opened the door for her. ¡°Miss ra?¡± she eximed in disbelief.


    ¡°Yes, Mbok Iyem, how are you?¡± ra asked impatiently, eager to enter the house she had left just a month ago.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Miss!¡± Bi Iyem replied, following ra, who had already stepped inside. She was confident that Joe would be having breakfast with his parents this morning.


    This was rude. ra was aware of that. However, she did all this to make sure of what was really happening.


    Tap.


    Tap.


    Tap.


    ra¡¯s footsteps sounded loud. Her high-heeled shoes scraped against the floor. Her guess was right; she saw Joe sitting in the dining room.


    Mrs. ra was startled to see the girl¡¯s presence. She felt guilty. Toply with Joe¡¯s wish not to have any contact with ra again, Mrs. Linn had broken her promise to ra. Clearly, this was unfair to her.


    ¡°Good morning, Mrs. Linn, Mr. Bond, and Uncle Joe!¡± ra greeted. She stood beside Joe and saluted the three adults.


    ¡°Good morning, ra!¡± Mrs. Linn replied.


    ¡°Good morning, ra,¡± Mr. Bond replied. Meanwhile, Joe remained silent.


    Mrs. Linn nced at Joe, trying to guess what her son was thinking. They were all silent, waiting for Joe to say something. After all, he didn¡¯t seem bothered by ra¡¯s presence.


    Yes, Joe was still busy chewing his food. He paid no attention to ra whatsoever. The fork and spoon continued clinking, even when ra¡¯s frustrated breath could be heard.


    Gulp.


    Gulp.


    The sound of Joe drinking a ss of water indicated that he had finished his breakfast earlier.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Joe asked. Yes, he had told everyone in the house to act as if Joe¡¯s memory hadn¡¯t fully recovered and hadn¡¯t returnedpletely.


    ra¡¯s chest felt heavy. Her breath was racing, angry.


    ¡°Do you forget me, Uncle Joe?¡± ra asked. She sat beside him, gazing at him gently.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, who is she? Why is she calling me Uncle?¡± Joe protested, his face showing difort. ¡°Wait, have we met before?¡± he asked.


    Joe nced briefly at ra. He looked quickly, then stored her face away. Honestly, Joe missed ra a lot. But he had to be realistic. ra was no longer the high school girl who was all alone. Now she had transformed into someone like a princess because she was the granddaughter of Freedy Lim.


    ¡°I¡¯m Uncle Joe!¡± he said firmly. ra stepped quickly. Standing right in front of Joe, preventing him from walking. Now Joe could see ra¡¯s face more clearly and closer. His heart was pounding fast. His brain insisted on staying away from ra, but his heart said otherwise. Yes, he even wanted to hug her. Making sure she was okay. This time, his mind and feelings were not in agreement.


    ¡°Have we ever met?¡± Joe asked, turning his face away. ra¡¯s face, nose, lips, and both eyes. Yes, Joe missed everything about that girl. But Joe tried to stick to his decision.


    Mrs. Linn heard from a distance. She wanted to walk closer. However, her husband signaled not to interfere. Mr. Bond led his wife away to the backyard. Let ra and Joe talk without fear of being heard by anyone.


    ¡°Uncle Joe, we not only met before, but we also had a rtionship. Uncle Joe himself promised to marry me, didn¡¯t you?¡± ra protested angrily. Not believing and feeling furious. The man she had missed for two months. The man she always mentioned in her prayers. The man she remembered before going to sleep. Not remembering her at all.


    Joe chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re kidding, kid. I couldn¡¯t possibly like you,¡± Joe replied. ¡°Did I promise such a thing? I think you¡¯re making it up! A widower with one child couldn¡¯t possibly choose a young girl to be his wife!¡± he added.


    Joe¡¯s feet moved sideways. Avoiding ra, who was still standing there, unwilling to move.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    ra followed Joe¡¯s steps up the stairs. Joe¡¯s back was visible from behind. His hair, which was always neat day and night, now looked messy.


    At the top of the stairs, ra reached for Joe¡¯s hand. The man turned around, and they faced each other.


    ra tiptoed, bringing her lips close to Joe¡¯s. She kissed him for quite a while. Although Joe didn¡¯t return her kiss, he didn¡¯t reject it either.


    If continued, Joe wouldn¡¯t be able to remove the kiss from the strawberry lips of the girl. Indeed, although he didn¡¯t reciprocate, Joe was swept away in ra¡¯s kiss.


    ra¡¯s eyes widened. Unexpectedly, Joe pushed her back. He looked at ra ufortably.


    Then, Joe wiped his lips with the back of his hand, then looked disgustedly at ra. From now on, he had to make ra hate him.


    ¡°You dare to kiss me! I¡¯m more convinced than ever that we¡¯ve never met!¡± Joe snapped. Being near ra would only melt him, and he was afraid of the consequences if he continued to approach her.


    ra yed with her fingers. She didn¡¯t expect Joe to scold her like that.


    ¡°Leave immediately!¡± he ordered.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go. But I¡¯ll make sure toe back!¡± ra replied casually. She wanted to meet Dr. Gaston to exin everything that happened.


    ¡°Whatever!¡±


    Before ra could leave, Joe turned around and walked towards his room.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be fooled by your acting, Uncle!¡± ra grunted in frustration. Her hands clenched tightly with anger.


    A four-wheeled vehicle, ordered online by ra, took her to the hospital where Dr. Gaston was. Yes, although Dr. Gaston hadn¡¯t been able to respond to her messages for a week now. That man was ra¡¯sst hope. The person who could exin Joe¡¯s condition to her.


    Throughout the journey, ra was very sure that Joe hadn¡¯t lost his memory. It was unfair to ra if all those sweet memories were only remembered by herself while Joe didn¡¯t remember anything at all. ra sighed in frustration.


    The car pulled over in front of the hospital gate. ¡°Miss, we¡¯ve arrived!¡± the driver said.


    ¡°Yes, thank you, sir!¡± ra handed over a hundred thousand banknote and then got out of the car.


    The distance from the gate to the hospital entrance was quite far. ra hastened her steps to keep walking. Until she arrived at the hospital building. It still looked empty because it was still too early in the morning.


    ra walked to a nurse who was on duty at the ER.


    ¡°Sister, can I meet Dr. Gaston?¡± ra asked. ¡°I mean, has he left already?¡±


    ¡°Dr. Gaston just went into his room,¡± replied the nurse, who was already familiar with ra¡¯s face.


    The girl knocked on the door softly, then entered because the door wasn¡¯tpletely closed.


    ¡°Good morning, doctor!¡± ra greeted.


    ¡°ra?!¡± Dr. Gaston eximed, finding the girl standing in front of him.


    ¡°Yes, doc! Didn¡¯t Uncle Joe tell you that I wasing here?¡± Nadia asked.


    ¡°No!¡± he denied.


    ¡°I want to know what really happened to Joe! Please tell me the truth, doctor!¡± ra requested.


    ¡°Joe¡¯s physical condition is fine, but he has partial amnesia, some memories have been erased from his memory,¡± Dr. Gaston exined.


    ¡°But, doc, I feel like Joe remembers me!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s clearly your wish, ra. You¡¯re hoping too much that Joe will remember you.¡±


    ¡°Enough! Dr. Gaston turns out to be like everyone else. I will make sure to uncover the simultaneous drama that you and Joe are doing!¡± ra left the doctor¡¯s room, even before she sat down.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Dr. Gaston murmured.


    Before he went to the nursing home, Joe called him, informing him about ra¡¯s condition. Dr. Gaston had toply with Joe¡¯s request to lie to ra.


    ¡°Once again, I apologize, ra!¡± he muttered quietly as he watched ra¡¯s back move away.


    To be continued.

 Chap 64

    Part 64.


    ¡°Nad, something¡¯s not right!¡± ra eximed.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Nadia asked.


    In the afternoon, she purposely skipped herst ss to meet ra.


    ¡°Dr. Gaston and Uncle Joe seem to agree to hide something from me!¡± ra said, lowering her head as she sipped her cold juice.


    ¡°What are they hiding?¡± Nadia inquired.


    ¡°Uncle Joe has amnesia, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s impossible! There must be something he¡¯s hiding!¡± ra exined.


    ¡°What if he really has amnesia?¡± Nadia suggested another possibility, considering the gunshot wound on Joe¡¯s temple.


    ¡°Maybe, I just need to know what really happened!¡± ra lowered her head, knowing that no one in Joe¡¯s residence would tell her the truth.


    ¡°When will you go home?¡± Nadia asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay for two nights, then head to London!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Alright, I suggest that during your two days and two nights in Jakarta, you should stay at Uncle Joe¡¯s house. Maybe the parents, servants, driver, and gardener will keep silent! But, did you forget? ra??¡± Nadia rolled her eyes. She turned out to be very clever at devising scenarios and became a love advisor for ra.


    ¡°What should I do then?¡± ra asked. The sparkle in Nadia¡¯s eyes made ra excited, confident that her friend had a brilliant idea.


    ¡°Make Uncle Joe remember everything, ra, your memories at that house. If Uncle Joe can pretend, you should be able to act too!¡± the girl with brown eyes sitting beside her suggested.


    ¡°Okay, Nad, I understand, but how can I stay at that house? I¡¯m not sure Uncle Joe or any other family members will allow it!¡± ra started to worry, not wanting to lose Joe more precisely.


    ¡°Just say you miss Kimmy, if others don¡¯t allow you to stay at the house, I believe Kimmy really hopes you¡¯re there!¡± Nadia said. She smiled and then gently tapped ra¡¯s arm, giving her encouragement.


    ¡°Thank you, Nad, I¡¯ll go to Uncle Joe¡¯s house right now!¡± ra said, pulling the corners of her lips, returning her friend¡¯s smile.


    ¡°Good luck!¡±


    ra nodded and then got up from her seat. She immediately ordered a taxi to take her to Joe¡¯s house.


    ==?==


    The sun was shining very brightly this afternoon. Joe was sitting on the balcony of his room, checking some work agreements and other documents on his tablet.


    He reached out to grab a cold strawberry juice. He sipped it slowly.


    ¡°Strawberries!¡± he murmured softly, and his memory returned tost night. Where ra¡¯s strawberry lips, he just let them be.


    Joe¡¯s eyes looked out towards the gate where a taxi stopped there. A momentter, a girl got out. There was no mistaking it, that girl was ra.


    ¡°What are you here for again, ra!¡± Joe muttered, rubbing his forehead, feeling dizzy. As usual, he always refused to give up and wouldn¡¯t back down.


    Joe immediately grabbed his phone and called Celine.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello!¡± Celine greeted from the other end. Surprised that Joe, who had never called for so long, suddenly contacted her.


    ¡°I need your help!¡± Joe said to the point.


    ¡°What can I do for you, sir?¡± Celine asked.


    ¡°Come to my house tonight, pretend to be my partner!¡± he requested.


    ¡°What?¡± Celine asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Pretend to be my girlfriend, I need your help to make someone give up their feelings for me!¡± Joe exined.


    ¡°Okay, sir!¡± Celine replied, who actually had given up on her feelings for Joe.


    The phone call ended with a click. Joe decided to leave his room to meet ra.


    Joe¡¯s hands were folded in front of his chest. Standing at the top of the stairs waiting for two people walking up the stairs. Those two people were Cici and ra.


    ¡°What is Kimmy doing?¡± ra asked. This morning she hadn¡¯t had a chance to meet the little girl.


    ¡°Non Kimmy is in her room,¡± Cici replied. ¡°I heard this morning Non ra came and left right away? Is that true?¡± After knowing that ra was Freedy Lim¡¯s granddaughter, Cici called ra ¡®Non¡¯.


    ¡°Yes, I just met Dr. Gaston and my friend!¡± ra replied.


    ra had reached the top of the stairs where Joe was waiting for her. Cici was allowed to pass by, but not ra.


    ¡°Who allowed you to enter my house?¡± Joe asked. He stood right in front of ra and didn¡¯t allow her to enter the living room on the second floor. ¡°Just so you know, my house is not a yground where you cane and go as you please!¡± he added. Joe¡¯s eyes stared at ra carefully. Deep and long.


    ¡°Give way for me, Uncle!¡± ra requested. Their gazes met. Looking at each other.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want you here!¡± Joe excused. His mouth and brain really didn¡¯t agree anymore.


    ¡°I want to meet Kimmy, it seems Uncle Joe is too confident!¡± ra retorted. She moved aside and easily passed Joe. Then she followed Cici, who was walking towards Kimmy¡¯s room.


    Seeing ra standing at the door, Kimmy smiled and ran to her. The little girl reached out her hand for a hug.


    ra knelt down, then hugged her tightly. Kissing her forehead and cheeks repeatedly.


    ¡°I miss you, Kak ra!¡± Kimmy chirped. Hugging ra tightly.


    ¡°I miss you too!¡± she replied.


    Throughout the afternoon, ra apanied Kimmy in ying. It started with ying dolls, then Monopoly, and Snakes and Ladders.


    Mbak Cici, who had been out since earlier, suddenly came in carrying a tray of Kimmy¡¯s lunch.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat first, Non!¡± she said.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kimmyplied.


    Cici fed Kimmy, and ra approached to ask something.


    ¡°Mbak Cici?¡± ra called.


    ¡°Yes, Non!¡±


    ¡°I have something to ask!¡± ra asked for permission.


    ¡°Just ask, I¡¯ll answer!¡± she said.


    ¡°This is about Uncle Joe!¡± ra said, looking down sadly, remembering Joe¡¯s attitude earlier, treating her as a nuisance.


    ¡°Mr. Joe?¡± Cici was a bit surprised.


    ra nodded. ¡°How is Uncle Joe, after waking up from thea?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°Mr. Joe has never gone to work at all. He stays at home and sometimes has to go to the hospital. Like today, Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond always rece him at thepany!¡± Cici exined. Every time Kimmy finished swallowing her food, Cici immediately fed her.


    ¡°What about his condition?¡± ra bit her lower lip, afraid to hear Cici¡¯s answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, Mr. Joe is a closed person, and¡­ Miss ra, you know yourself, my position here is just a servant!¡± Cici said.


    ¡°Emm¡­ Has a woman evere here?¡± ra guessed the reason Joe pretended not to remember her.


    ¡°As far as I know, no! Not at all!¡± Cici replied.


    ra nodded. She walked a little away from Kimmy and Cici. Then, she took out her phone and immediately called Mrs. Linn.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello!¡± greeted the voice on the other end. Mrs. Linn hadn¡¯t received a call for a week, but this time she received a phone call from ra.


    ¡°Hello, ma¡¯am, may I stay for two days?¡± ra asked. She just realized she hadn¡¯t asked for permission from thedy of the house.


    ¡°Of course, stay as long as you want, our house is always open to you!¡± Mrs. Linn said.


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Oh yes, tonight my husband and I wille homete because we have a dinner invitation, would you and Kimmy have dinner first?!¡± exined the middle-aged woman.


    ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am!¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    The phone call ended. ra looked at the clock on her phone screen. It was no longer afternoon; it was almost four in the afternoon. No wonder she felt very hungry. ying with Kimmy made her lose track of time.


    ¡°Kimmy, Kak ra wants to eat first, okay!¡± she said.


    Kimmy, who was still busy eating and ying, just nodded. Cici smiled, allowing ra to leave and eat.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ra put her phone back in her bag and then left Kimmy¡¯s room to go to the kitchen to prepare food.


    Initially, Joe thought it would be difficult to get ra out of Kimmy¡¯s room, but this time he saw the girl walking down the stairs and stepping into the kitchen.


    In the kitchen, ra chose to make fried instant noodles. Simple, instant, easy, and delicious. She cracked a sunny-side-up egg on top of the fried noodles toplete her dish this time.


    Joe¡¯s footsteps stopped in the living room, right next to the dining room. And¡­ just as ra sat in one of the chairs in Joe¡¯s dining room, Joe pretended to receive a phone call.


    ¡°Alright, so tonight you¡¯lle here, we¡¯ll have dinner together because my parents will dine out!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Ready, I¡¯m waiting for you!¡± Joe said louder than before.


    Joe¡¯s phone conversation really made ra curious. Although ra¡¯s back was facing him, her senses were focused on hearing every word that came out of Joe¡¯s mouth.


    Spoonful after spoonful, ra finally finished her favorite meal that she missed. During her stay with her grandfather, there was a special chef who would cook for them. Of course, there were no favorite instant noodles of hers.


    ra stood up from her seat, looking at Joe. She really wanted to run and hug the man. However, ra refrained from doing so.


    Instead of immediately returning to Kimmy¡¯s room, ra decided to talk to Joe.


    ¡°Uncle really forgot about me?¡± ra asked.


    Joe chose to ignore her. ra, she was already too far for him to reach. Joe¡¯s confidence diminished. If Gaston, who was single and not a widower, chose to withdraw. Essentially, Joe felt unworthy of ra.


    ¡°Are you talking to me?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Alright, tonight I will try to make Uncle remember everything!¡± ra said, holding back her emotions. Then she went into Kimmy¡¯s room.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 65

    Part 65.


    ray down next to Kimmy, the little girl asleep from exhaustion. ra¡¯s eyes focused on her phone screen, feeling frustrated and unsure who to contact.


    She continued to move her thumb, scrolling through her phone, and found Dr. Gaston¡¯s number.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello,¡± greeted Dr. Gaston on the other end.


    ¡°Hello, doctor, it¡¯s me, ra!¡± she said.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, ra?¡± Dr. Gaston asked.


    ¡°Uncle Joe invited someone for dinner, can Dr. Gaston alsoe here? I need Dr. Gaston¡¯s help,¡± ra asked hopefully. She wasn¡¯t sure if her n would seed, but there was no harm in trying.


    ¡°So tonight, Ie to Joe¡¯s house?¡± the doctor confirmed.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°What can I help you with, ra?¡±


    ¡°Dr. Gaston¡¯s presence!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Alright, what time should Ie?¡±


    ¡°Just a moment, I¡¯ll ask Uncle Joe, then I¡¯ll let you know, the journey from the hospital to here is only half an hour!¡± ra replied, looking at the wall clock showing it was almost half past four in the afternoon.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait for you, ra!¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you in advance, Doc!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee!¡±


    The call ended.


    ra got up from her bed. With tiptoed steps, she walked out of ra¡¯s room quietly, not wanting to wake the little girl.


    Then, she headed towards Joe¡¯s room. Arriving in front of Uncle¡¯s room, ra hesitated, hesitant and unsure, afraid to knock. Afraid Joe would get angry or even do something to hurt her.


    And¡­


    The door opened even before ra could knock. It was Joe who opened the door from inside.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Joe asked, surprised to see ra in front of his room.


    ¡°I¡­ I just¡­¡± ra¡¯s words were interrupted.


    ¡°You¡¯re spying on me, eavesdropping!¡± Joe used. His eyes stared sharply at ra.


    ¡°No!¡± ra denied quickly. ¡°Uncle,¡± she called softly.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± This time, Joe softened his voice, unable to bear ra¡¯s changed sad expression.


    ¡°Follow me, Uncle!¡± ra requested. ra¡¯s right hand tightly gripped Joe¡¯s hand, while her left hand grabbed the door handle and pushed it.


    She closed the door tightly again.


    ¡°Does Uncle Joe forget? Almost every night we were in this room, talking and Uncle helping me study, does Uncle Joe forget?¡± ra protested.


    I didn¡¯t forget, ra. I remember, if I may be honest, I miss you too. I miss the moments when we were still together. It¡¯s just that my decision is final. You¡¯re better off without me. I¡¯m aware of myself, and I¡¯m not brave enough to defy your grandfather. He disagrees.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t just spend time together, Uncle. We hugged, we kissed, and we slept together!¡± ra fabricated thest incident. Of course, she just wanted to see Joe¡¯s reaction.


    ¡°Kissed? Slept together? Wait, ra, it seems you¡¯re good at making up stories!¡± Joe replied.


    ra didn¡¯t reply. She reached for Joe¡¯s hand again, then guided him to sit on the sofa.


    ¡°How much does Uncle remember?¡± ra asked.


    Joe remained silent, remembering everything. The scent of her body, her smile, and especially the strawberry-vored kiss. It couldn¡¯t be denied that every night for the past month, Joe always managed to find time toe into the library to remember ra because he missed her so much.


    Joe reminded himself again. He wasn¡¯t worthy of ra.


    ¡°Stop holding my hand!¡± Joe brushed off ra¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Alright, maybe Uncle doesn¡¯t remember everything, but I ask for one thing from Uncle Joe!¡± ra began to despair about her feelings for Joe. It wasn¡¯t fair if all the beautiful memories and feelings of love were only remembered by her alone. While Joe openly rejected and ignored them. This was more painful than her past struggles.


    ¡°Okay, tell me what you want, ra!¡± Joe said confidently.


    ¡°Kiss me, Uncle! Kiss the old me onest time!¡± asked ra. He tried to smile even though he was crying inside. He tried to be okay even though his heart was cut.


    ¡°Promise that after this you won¡¯t bother me again, ra?¡± Joe asked to confirm.


    ¡°Promise! I won¡¯t bother you anymore!¡± ra assured. Joe led ra closer. With both hands cupping ra¡¯s face. Then, he started to bring his lips closer to ra¡¯s lips.


    Goodbye ra, you still have a long future. Meanwhile, I have to get my life back in order. Maybe sooner orter I will find a mother for Kimmy, I hope you will ept. I wish all the best for you ra.


    Joe broke the kiss gently.


    ra stared for two seconds longer before looking down. I don¡¯t feel like I want this to be myst time with Joe.


    ¡°Who did Uncle Joe invite to dinner tonight? ¡°I identally heard it when Uncle Joe received the phone call,¡± said ra, trying not to let anything happen.


    ¡°Celine, I¡¯m close to him, mature and good!¡± Joe said. Smiling, deliberately wanting to make ra give in to her feelings without caring about the pain ra felt.


    ¡°Oh, yes,¡± said ra. He remembered that woman. asionally ra. Never met him. ¡°Because Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond came homete, I invited Doctor Gaston toe here to have dinner together!¡± he suggested.


    ¡°Oh okay, fine,¡± said Joe. He got up from his seat and left the library room first.


    ra looked at Joe¡¯s back as he moved away. The man she loved so much, really forgot his memory?


    ¡°Uncle, should I let you go?? This isn¡¯t easy, Uncle!¡± ra muttered, wiping the tears from the corners of her eyelids.


    ==?==


    After showering, ra climbed the stairs back into her former room. She sat facing the mirror and dressing table, applying a thinyer of powder on her face and applying nude lipstick.


    Then, she grabbed her phone and wrote a message to Dr. Gaston.


    ra: [Doctor, pleasee here at seven.]


    Dr. Gaston: [I¡¯m on my way, just wait, I¡¯ll be there soon.]


    ra¡¯s phone rang again, it was a call from Zio. Joe epted the order from the man.


    ¡°Hello,¡± ra greeted warmly.


    ¡°Hello, Miss ra, what are you doing?¡± Zio asked from the other end of the phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting ready for dinner,¡± ra replied. She was sure Zio was calling her for an important reason.


    ¡°Has Mr. Lim called you?¡± the man asked again.


    ¡°Not yet, why? What¡¯s wrong with Grandpa?¡± ra asked. She nned to call her grandfather tonight before bed.


    ¡°Nothing, he¡¯s just worried,¡± Zio replied.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll call grandpater!¡±


    ¡°Alright, Miss!¡±


    ra ended the call and went downstairs immediately. And it turned out Uncle Joe, Dr. Gaston, and Kak Celine were already waiting for her in the dining room.


    ¡°How are you, Kak Celine?¡± ra greeted. Addressing the only woman among the two men there.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, ra, how about you?¡± the woman asked back.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine too,¡± ra replied, sitting next to Dr. Gaston, as Celine had taken a seat next to Joe.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat now!¡± Joe offered. For a moment, he nced at ra, who was wearing a casual orange dress that he had bought before. She looked elegant and beautiful. And once again, Joe reassured himself that letting ra go was the best choice for her.


    ra chose to eat fruit, just like Dr. Gaston. Meanwhile, Celine served rice and side dishes for Joe.


    They ate in silence. Only after the meal ended did they continue to chat.


    ¡°How about I ask a question, let¡¯s consider this a game, it¡¯s still too early to go home!¡± Dr. Gaston suggested.


    ¡°A game?¡± ra asked enthusiastically.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Who agrees?¡± he offered.


    ¡°I do,¡± ra and Celine answered simultaneously.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll join!¡± Joe reluctantly agreed. He had no suspicion at all towards Dr. Gaston. It was Gaston¡¯s favorite game when they were in high school.


    ¡°How does it work, doctor?¡± ra asked. Turning to the man sitting next to her carefully. Unaware of a pair of eyes always observing her movements.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask a question, and you have to answer in turns. Agree?¡± the doctor said, looking at the others.


    ¡°Agreed?¡±


    ¡°Agreed!¡±


    ¡°Okay, the first question is from me!¡± the doctor said enthusiastically. ¡°Get ready!¡± he added.


    ra and Celine seemed more enthusiastic, unlike Joe who knew the game. Gaston¡¯s favorite game when they were in high school.


    ¡°Alright! The first question! If you could go back in time, what would you change?¡± Gaston asked. ¡°Celine, I¡¯ll let you answer first.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be a model, it seems being an ordinary person is morefortable than being a public figure who is always being watched,¡± she replied. ¡°What about your answer?¡± Celine asked, looking at the man sitting next to her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any, because I think I always think carefully about my decisions,¡± Joe confidently replied.


    ¡°Now it¡¯s Celine¡¯s turn to ask!¡± Gaston was very excited.


    ¡°Alright, Doctor! Here¡¯s the question, are you currently feeling love or liking towards someone?¡± It was clear. Celine asked the question for Joe. ¡°I¡¯ll let Dr. Gaston answer,¡± she added.


    ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m liking someone!¡± the doctor said. He nced briefly at ra. ¡°But I have to wait because maybe the girl is trying to forget someone she loves,¡± Gaston said casually.


    ¡°You¡¯re indeed very loyal and selective, doctor!¡± Celine replied. ¡°What about you, ra?¡± She couldn¡¯t wait to ask Joe a question.


    ¡°I¡¯m liking someone, it¡¯s been a long time, I don¡¯t know since when, and I feel like I should start giving up!¡± ra replied, bowing her head, hiding her sadness.


    Joe¡¯s eyes nced at ra, then darted away. He wouldn¡¯t change the decision he had made.


    ¡°What about you, Mr. Joe, are you currently liking someone?¡± Celine asked, hopeful and nervous.


    ¡°I used to like a girl, and she also liked me, but¡­ Oh well!¡± Joe said. ¡°Now it¡¯s my turn to ask, right?¡± he suggested.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Gaston agreed. ¡°ra, you get thest chance, okay?¡± Gaston turned to ra, who looked mncholic.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the biggest lie you¡¯ve ever told, Celine, it¡¯s your turn to answer!¡± Joe instructed.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯ve lied before, but I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a big lie,¡± Celine replied. asionally, she nced at Joe. She liked him very much. ¡°What about you, ra?¡±


    ¡°I lied to Grandpa, I said I wanted to go back to Jakarta to get some of my stuff left behind, that¡¯s a lie because I came here. To get the love from a cowardly man, and he¡¯s pretending to have amnesia,¡± ra replied, looking at Joe without fear.


    ¡°I am a coward, ra, I admit it, I didn¡¯t lose my memory. And¡­ I, I¡¯m not interested in continuing our rtionship!¡± Joe said firmly.


    ra¡¯s tears spread. All her sacrifices felt in vain.

 Chap 66

    Part 66.


    Joe¡¯s words made Celine angry. Without much thought, she decided to leave the house.


    ¡°It seems like a mistake for me to be here. Uncle Joe, you need to be more decisive with your feelings. If you still love her, fight for it! I know your love for her is immense. It¡¯s impossible for you to protect ra, sacrificing yourself if you don¡¯t love her!¡± Celine¡¯s message sounded slightly irritated. She realized she was defeated by ra. ¡°Dr. Gaston, ra, I¡¯ll take my leave now! I hope you can resolve your feelings without involving too many parties! Goodnight!¡± Celine nodded respectfully and left Joe Sebastian¡¯s dining room.


    ra¡¯s gaze fell downwards. She bowed her head, deeply hurt by Joe¡¯s words. Meanwhile, Dr. Gaston looked at Joe with disappointment. He felt Joe didn¡¯t need to go that far to make ra give up; telling her directly would have been more mature.


    ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve learned a lot from Vivian; now you¡¯re so good at acting like yourte wife!¡± Gaston said. ¡°We need to talk, but I¡¯ll apany ra to her room first.¡± He requested permission. He guided ra to go upstairs to the second floor.


    ¡°Which room is yours, ra?¡±


    ra walked alone towards her room¡¯s door. ¡°Thank you, doctor,¡± she expressed.


    ¡°Wait, ra, I¡¯lle in with you!¡± Dr. Gaston asked.


    ¡°But why?¡± ra asked, furrowing her brow. She didn¡¯t know Dr. Gaston¡¯s intentions.


    ¡°We need to talk, and I want to tease Joe. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t do anything inappropriate,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ra¡¯s hand reached out, opening the door widely to allow Dr. Gaston to enter her room. Then, they both sat side by side on the edge of the bed.


    ¡°ra,¡± Dr. Gaston called.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra responded, turning towards the source of the voice.


    ¡°What do you really want? This is about your rtionship with Joe,¡± Dr. Gaston asked, to the point. He felt he needed to do something to help ra.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°I¡­ I want to stay with Uncle Joe, doctor!¡± ra replied. Despite her pain, she wouldn¡¯t give up. Not at all.


    ¡°What about your studies? What about your grandfather¡¯s wish for you to be his sessor?¡± Dr. Gaston asked. It would be a shame if ra gave up, especially for a man whose feelings were still unclear.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind not studying in London. I¡¯ll deepen my knowledge in design and work for Blue Jewelry,¡± ra replied. ¡°And¡­ Regarding my grandfather, I can¡¯t do much. Aunt Margaret, she hasn¡¯t given up on bing the main heir. I¡­ I don¡¯t really want my grandfather¡¯s wealth, and it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want it, but Aunt Margaret seems to feel left out because of my presence! Actually, when I was at Grandfather¡¯s house, I felt really pressured!¡± ramented. While at her grandfather¡¯s residence for a month, ra learned a lot. Her aunt and uncle were trying to get things back on track. After that, they would start trying to have children. In essence, ra realized she couldn¡¯t be so heartless as to ruin her aunt¡¯s dreams.


    ¡°So, are you giving up?¡± Gaston pressed. It would be really unfortunate if ra gave up.


    ¡°I¡¯m not giving up. I just want to give Aunt Margaret and her husband a chance. After all, they¡¯ve been helping Grandfather for over ten years, managing thepany. And my presence, which has only been for a month, would rece them as the main heirs, it¡¯s outrageous, isn¡¯t it?¡± ra sighed. Being at her grandfather¡¯s house for a month, ra learned a lot. Her aunt was trying to get things back on track, and after that, she would start trying to have children. In essence, ra realized she couldn¡¯t be so heartless as to ruin her aunt¡¯s dreams.


    ¡°So, do you want to stay here?¡± Gaston asked to make sure.


    ¡°Yes, I want to always be by Uncle Joe¡¯s side. He has sacrificed a lot for me, and I love him so much! Before Grandfather cared and looked for me, Uncle Joe was already taking care of me, sincerely, and without any ulterior motives!¡± ra said.


    ¡°Joe would be at a loss if he lost you, ra,¡± he said, shaking his head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so!¡± ra denied.


    ¡°Can you lend me your lipstick?¡± Gaston asked.


    ¡°For what?¡± ra asked, not understanding.


    ¡°Either you lend me your lipstick or you kiss me directly,¡± he offered.


    ra chuckled. She got up from her seat and took the nude lipstick she was wearing, then gave it to Dr. Gaston.


    The man looked at the mirror, then applied the nude lipstick on his lips. ¡°Joe must think you just kissed me, ra! Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make him kneel before you. How could he y hard to get with a girl like you, ra!¡± Gaston muttered cunningly, grinning.


    ¡°What should we do now?¡± ra asked curiously.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need to go out; just wait. Joe will soone into the room after this,¡± he said, sitting back on the edge of the bed.


    Based on what he did. What¡¯s the point of making ra distant, but his heart wants to be here! Why hurt ra when Joe actually wants her!


    A ss of water had just been drunk, but thirst was felt again. Yes, Gaston and Celine¡¯s words were right; he was too cowardly. He was too afraid to face Freedy Lim to get ra.


    Joe stood up from his seat, moved to the kitchen to get cold water. He greedily drank a ss of cold water, but the thirst still lingered in his throat.


    One of his hands carried arge ss of cold water, ready to talk to Gaston. His friend would surely judge him for this issue. Especially since he had feelings for ra.


    ¡°Hufftt,¡±


    Joe sat back in his chair while waiting for Gaston toe down. The silence in the room made Joe remember his behavior towards ra since this morning, since the girl arrived at this house.


    Pretending not to know her. Pretending not to remember. Refusing, yelling, and hurting ra, of course.


    Joe¡¯s eyes shifted to his right wrist; Gaston had been taking ra to her room for a long time, but he hadn¡¯te down yet. The man took another gulp of cold water from his ss. Impatiently, Joe decided to walk up to the second floor.


    He stepped slowly, going up step by step. And finally, he arrived at the top of the stairs.


    Degh!


    Joe¡¯s suspicious eyes stared at ra¡¯s closed door. What were they doing inside? It had been more than fifteen minutes. Gaston was still inside ra¡¯s room.


    Joe¡¯s mind wandered. Could it be that Gaston was doing something to ra, like himself, who sometimes sneakily entered the girl¡¯s room for a strawberry-vored kiss.


    ¡°No!¡± Joe muttered, shaking his head. He hesitated to barge into ra¡¯s room. Finally, he decided to wait for Gaston while sitting in the living room.


    Joe tried to make himself asfortable as possible. Avoiding bad assumptions because Gaston was still in ra¡¯s room.


    However, after almost ten minutes of sitting and no signs of Gastoning out of ra¡¯s room, Joe took the initiative to knock on the door. He took a long breath, preparing himself for what he would see.


    Joe stood in front of the door.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    ¡°Gaston, are you in there? Let¡¯s talk now!¡± Joe requested. His tone sounded loud. As loud as his backbone hitting ra¡¯s door. Or rather, Gaston.


    ==?==


    Inside ra¡¯s room.


    ¡°ra!¡±


    ¡°Yes, doctor!¡±


    ¡°If Joe rejects you, will your heart¡¯s door open for me?¡± Gaston asked.


    ¡°Why is the doctor asking like that?¡± instead of answering, ra asked back.


    ¡°Actually, when I was in aa, Grandfather Lim asked me to take you away from Joe!¡± Gaston stopped his speech. ¡°I could have taken you from Joe, but after thinking about it again, what¡¯s most important now is your happiness. So, I make sure this time, Joe will beg and fight for you, ra!¡± he said with such confidence.


    ¡°Thank you again, doctor!¡±


    Gaston nodded and waited for Joe to knock on the door again.


    ¡°Doctor! What if Uncle Joe doesn¡¯t knock on the door?¡± ra asked.


    And¡­


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    The door was heard being knocked loudly.


    Gaston smiled at ra. ¡°Do you hear that!¡±


    ra returned the doctor¡¯s smile.


    Gaston¡¯s lips closed. He took a deep breath before standing up and walking towards the door.


    Before opening the door, Gaston tousled his hair and intentionally unbuttoned two buttons of his shirt.


    He was ready to open the door.


    To be continued.

 Chap 67

    67.


    Creak.


    The door opened.


    Joe¡¯s and Gaston¡¯s eyes met. Joe stared sharply at the man in front of him, observing Gaston from head to toe. He noticed three buttons of Gaston¡¯s shirt undone, and his hair was disheveled. Joe¡¯s eyes sharpened as he spotted traces of nude lipstick on Gaston¡¯s lips.


    ¡°What¡¯s up? Can¡¯t you see I¡¯m busy!¡± Gaston pretended to adjust his appearance. ¡°Oh,¡± his face looked surprised, and he quickly straightened his shirt buttons.


    ¡°What are you going to talk about! Spit it out now! I need to sleep and rest!¡± Joe said, trying to appear indifferent.


    Gaston nodded, turning back to nce at ra briefly before closing the door.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk downstairs!¡± Joe ordered. He really wanted to talk to Gaston and get him out of his house.


    Gaston followed, following Joe¡¯s steps down the stairs. They both sat facing each other in the living room.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the thing, Joe, when you were in aa, Mr. Lim asked me to take care of ra. Essentially, he preferred me to be ra¡¯s husband rather than you because you¡¯re a widower. And your ex-wife was a model, you know that would expose ra to the media, Mr. Lim didn¡¯t want that!¡± Gaston revealed, intentionally provoking conflict with Joe.


    ¡°What?! So you¡¯re the man appointed by Freedy Lim to take care of ra, to marry her like that?¡± Joe asked, restraining himself to remain calm. Honestly, the question about what Gaston and ra did in the room was still bothering him. Now, it waspounded by a new problem.


    Silence.


    Joe was okay with ra choosing another man. But if that man was Gaston?? No! Joe had never thought about that and certainly didn¡¯t want it to happen.


    ¡°Where did you learn to write such scenarios?¡± Joe used. He hadn¡¯t looked at Gaston with gentleness since earlier. He wanted to charge andnd a punch on his private doctor¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°This is not a fiction, open your eyes wide, Mr. Joe Sebastian. ra likes you, loves you, and will do anything for you, but look at what you¡¯re doing! You won¡¯t even fight for her, iming it¡¯s not appropriate!¡± Gaston stopped his speech. ¡°If you really don¡¯t want ra, let me fight for her!¡± the doctor urged. Irritated.


    ¡°Wait a minute!¡± Joe intervened. ¡°What did you just do in the room? Hah! Tell me what you just did while you were alone in the room?!¡± he demanded.


    Gaston grinned. He looked incredibly annoying.


    ¡°Tell me!¡± Joe couldn¡¯t think straight, jealousy engulfed him. And before reaching the frustration stage, he needed to find answers immediately.


    ¡°What do you think two people of different genders, still young, and alone in a room, what do you think I and ra did?!¡± Gaston deliberately emphasized each word. The angrier Joe got, the more satisfied he became. The more Joe burned with jealousy, the more sessful he was.


    Joe¡¯s hands reached out, grabbing Gaston¡¯s shirt cor. ¡°Tell me you kissed her? Hah!! You hugged her?! You slept with her, tell me!¡± Joe demanded, already too angry. His breath became even more erratic, and his hands clenched, ready tond a punch on the doctor¡¯s face.


    ¡°Stop! Are you really this angry with me, Joe, do you want to hit your own friend who stayed up with you every night when you were in aa, fighting between life and death. Do you really want to hit me?¡± Gaston looked at Joe warmly. Like a parent¡¯s gaze towards an angry child.


    ¡°What do you mean?!¡± Joe shouted. Slowly, he loosened Gaston¡¯s shirt cor.


    ¡°I never touched ra at all. This lipstick, I applied it myself. My messy hair, I tousled it myself, and I unbuttoned my shirt myself!¡± Gaston revealed, stopping Joe¡¯s curiosity. ¡°I think you still really like and love ra, and so does ra. You¡¯re the only handsome man she wants, can you believe that you want to leave her? Are you sure?! Gastonughed irritably.


    ¡°Talk to ra, don¡¯t be a coward, she will be very happy if it¡¯s Joe Sebastian who fights for her! Lower your ego a bit, ra with her sincere love deserves to be fought for, she really loves you, Joe!¡± he advised.


    Joe sat back down. ¡°Should I do all that?¡± Joe suddenly became naive and foolish.


    ¡°Yes, first you have to apologize, reassure ra, and finally convince Mr. Lim that only you can make ra happy!¡± Gaston¡¯s message. ¡°I have to go now, I need to rest! You should rest too!¡± Gaston ended his speech with a smug smile.


    Joe nodded slowly. ¡°Thank you!¡± he whispered, letting Dr. Gaston go home.


    ==?==


    The clock showed 9:03 PM. Joe, who had been in his room all this time, decided to see ra to talk to her and exin all this misunderstanding.


    Yes, the longing was growing, but his pride prevented him?! And at this moment, Joe had cast away his pride. What would he do, solely to mend his rtionship with ra.


    Joe opened his bedroom door. He immediately walked to ra¡¯s room.


    ¡°Are you still awake?¡± Mrs. Linn asked. She had just returned home and felt very tired.


    ¡°Not yet, Mom,¡± Joe replied, deciding to sit in the living room. It wouldn¡¯t be possible to go into ra¡¯s room with her mother around.


    ¡°Come here, keep mamapany for a while!¡± Mrs. Linn patted the sofa next to her.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Mom?¡± Joe asked curiously.


    ¡°Did you scold ra?¡± his mother asked.


    ¡°No, why do you ask?¡± Joe countered.


    ¡°Mom thought you were still being rough like this morning, are you really trying to let ra go?¡± Mrs. Linn expressed her concern.


    Joe didn¡¯t answer.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°If you really want ra to leave, it seems like your efforts are sessful, Joe!¡± she remarked.


    ¡°Joe doesn¡¯t know what Mom means, Joe¡¯s going to bed now!¡± He walked towards his room. He hoped Mrs. Linn would go into her room soon so he could sneak into ra¡¯s room to apologize.


    Joe¡¯s footsteps moved slowly towards his room. He deliberately opened the door to check if his mother was still in the living room or had entered her room.


    Joe stood at the door, asionally looking at the living room. Unconsciously, he waited for fifteen minutes. This time Mrs. Linn was no longer in the living room.


    Without further dy, Joe quickly rushed to ra¡¯s room.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Joe¡¯s hand tapped on the door very softly.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    He knocked harder this time. His right hand fingers reached for the door handle, then pushed it.


    Creak!


    ra wasn¡¯t in her room.


    ¡°ra! Where are you going!¡± Joe shouted in frustration.


    He immediately moved to Kimmy¡¯s room, but ra wasn¡¯t there either. His feet strode towards the kitchen, dining room, and downstairs bathroom. However, ra wasn¡¯t there either.


    Joe hastened his steps to go back upstairs. Whether he liked it or not, he had to ask his mother. Setting aside all his embarrassment.


    ¡°Mom!¡± Joe whispered in front of the door without knocking.


    ¡°You¡¯re not asleep yet!¡± his mother eximed in surprise, finding Joe in front of her room door.


    ¡°Mom, ra isn¡¯t in her room, do you know where she is?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°When Mama came home earlier, ra seemed lost and absent-minded, Mama thought it was because of you being too much with her, maybe she was picked up by her driver!¡± Mrs. Linn answered, closing the door because she was very sleepy.


    For a long time, Joe stood in front of his parents¡¯ room. His heart felt painful because of his own actions. Cut by the sword of his own anger. It hurt so much. His longing had to be suppressed again. His regret increased even more.


    ¡°ra, I don¡¯t want to lose you!¡± he whispered. Then, he reached for his phone in his pants pocket. Calling ra¡¯s number as he walked towards his room.


    He faintly heard the ringing of the phone. Finally, Joe found out that the sound of the device wasing from the open library room.


    Quickly, Joe walked to the library room.


    Joe opened the door wide and found ra inside the room, holding her phone.


    Without much thought, Joe walked, then stopped one step in front of ra. Joe¡¯s hands reached out, pulling ra into his embrace.


    ¡°I finally found you!¡± Joe whispered, tightening his hug.


    ¡°Did Uncle Joe look for me?¡± ra asked.


    Creak.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 68

    68.


    ¡°Yes, ra, I was looking for you,¡± Joe replied. He kissed ra. Starting from her forehead, then her eyelids, moving down to her left cheek and then to her right. Then, he gazed longingly at ra¡¯s lips.


    Relieved, it turned out Gaston had never kissed ra.


    ¡°Uncle¡­,¡± ra¡¯s words halted as Joe kissed her eagerly. Long, gradual, and deep.


    While embracing her, Joe continued to kiss ra. Hundreds of kisses felt insufficient to make up for the month after he woke up from hisa. If he remembered correctly, he missed ra every day. Morning, noon, and night. ra, ra, and ra.


    Slowly, Joe released his kiss. He gazed at ra¡¯s face carefully. Their gazes met each other.


    ¡°ra Rusadi Lim, I apologize for all my mistakes towards you. Firstly, for not telling you when I woke up, and secondly, for pretending to have amnesia,¡± Joe confessed. With his right hand, he brushed ra¡¯s hair behind her ear, then cupped her beautiful face. ¡°I missed you so much, ra, I missed you so much!¡± he said incessantly, never stopping looking at ra.


    Silence. ra¡¯s heart was pounding. Her love for Joe Sebastian grew stronger every day.


    ¡°Come on, we need to talk!¡± Joe invited, leading ra out of the library.


    ¡°Where are we going, Uncle?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°To my room!¡± Joe exined.


    ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°Just to my room, sleep in my room, we need to talk!¡± Joe said, tightly gripping ra¡¯s hand as he led her to his room.


    The door opened. After they were both in the same room, Joe closed the door and locked it.


    ¡°Just a moment, Uncle, didn¡¯t you say you wanted to rest earlier?¡± ra asked, recalling the conversation with Dr. Gaston.


    ¡°Yes, ra, that was just an excuse to get Gaston out of my house quickly, why?¡± Joe asked, feeling sentimental at the mention of Gaston¡¯s name. ¡°Wait, ra, what were you doing alone with Dr. Gaston in the room? What were you doing?¡± Joe asked. He walked forward, making ra keep walking backwards until she couldn¡¯t move anymore, blocked by the wall behind her.


    Joe¡¯s hands locked ra in his grasp. ra¡¯s frightened face made him very happy.


    ¡°Tell me, ra, what were you doing? Hugging? Holding hands? Or did I see lipstick marks on Gaston¡¯s lips, were you kissing him?! How could you, ra? What do you mean by saying you love me, but you let someone else enjoy my strawberry lips!¡± Joe used teasingly. Their faces were close, almost touching. Their eyes met,peting for oxygen. ra¡¯s heart felt like it was about to explode, torn between fear and nervousness.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything with Dr. Gaston, Uncle, didn¡¯t he exin? I really didn¡¯t do anything!¡± ra defended herself, telling the truth.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ra nodded weakly.


    ¡°Okay, ra, I believe you!¡±


    Smack.


    Another kissnded on ra¡¯s lips. Long and deep.


    Joe guided ra to the bed.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Uncle, don¡¯t go any further than this!¡± ra whispered.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Well¡­,¡± ra didn¡¯t answer.


    Joe gently pushed ra¡¯s body until shey down on the bed. His manly spirit began to rise. Somehow, ra¡¯s position was now beneath Joe¡¯s body.


    He dominated and controlled ra¡¯s petite body.


    For a long time, Joe observed ra, her eyes tightly shut in fear.


    Smack.


    Joe kissed her lips again.


    ¡°Uncle¡­,¡± ra whispered a warning.


    ¡°Open your eyes, ra, rx, I won¡¯t do that!¡± Joe said, moving to the side. Now they were lying side by side.


    ¡°ra, will you marry me?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle, I want to marry you!¡± ra replied. Slowly, her heartbeat returned to normal.


    ¡°But I can¡¯t wait long, ra, I¡¯m a widower and I need a wife, not just any wife, but a good mother for my child!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s elope, Uncle,¡± ra suggested.


    ¡°Do you really not want to study in London like your parents?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°I can study anywhere, Uncle, not necessarily in London, right?¡± ra suggested, starting to feelfortable with the conversation with Joe.


    ¡°Do you want to study or marry me?¡± Joe changed his body position, facing ra.


    ¡°Both, Uncle, I want to marry you and also want to study,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Okay, tomorrow we¡¯ll go to Singapore, I¡¯ll ask for your grandfather¡¯s blessing!¡± Joe said. His tone sounded casual, but his heart wasn¡¯t. There was a mixture of fear and determination.


    ¡°Really?¡± ra asked, almost jumping for joy.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Joe pinched ra¡¯s nose yfully. ¡°Go to sleep!¡± hemanded.


    ra nodded and closed her eyes, ready to sleep.


    Joe spread the nket, covering ra¡¯s body.


    ¡°Rx, I won¡¯t do anything!¡± Joe said. Standing tall, but not in fairness.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    It¡¯s quite difficult for a widower, especially when there¡¯s a beautiful girl sleeping next to him. Tonight, Joe really struggled hard to control his desires.


    ==?==


    Zio let out a long breath. What he had just heard needed to be reported to Mr. Lim immediately. The voice recorder he installed on ra¡¯s phone proved to be useful, providing a lot of information.


    With his right hand, Zio reached for the phone on the nightstand. Then, he dialed Mr. Lim¡¯s number. Regardless of the time showing past nine in the evening.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello,¡± the voice on the other end sounded hoarse.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Lim, sorry to disturb, I just wanted to inform you about something regarding Miss ra,¡± he said.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on with ra?!¡± Freedy Lim asked.


    ¡°It seems like you¡¯ll have a visitor tomorrow, Mr. Sebastian ising to Singapore and will ask for your blessing, Sir!¡± Zio eximed.


    ¡°Asking for my blessing? What does that mean? Doesn¡¯t ra want to study in London?!¡± the middle-aged man¡¯s voice sounded disappointed.


    ¡°Yes, from the voice recordings I installed on Miss ra¡¯s phone, I don¡¯t think Mrs. Margaret is entirely enthusiastic about Miss ra bing the main heir,¡± Zio revealed.


    ¡°What else did you hear?¡± Freedy Lim inquired.


    ¡°Miss ra, she seems to really like Joe Sebastian, Sir!¡± he replied.


    ¡°What about Gaston?¡± Freedy Lim remembered one name he trusted.


    ¡°Doctor Gaston, he supports Joe and ra, I think what matters most to him is ra¡¯s happiness,¡± he said.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Click. Freddy Lim ended the phone call abruptly.


    To Be Continued.

 Chap 69

    Part 69


    ra tightly held Uncle Joe Sebastian¡¯s hand. They had arrived at Changi Airport. A four-wheeled vehicle was parked at the airport exit.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are we meeting Grandpa now, Uncle?¡± ra asked as she stepped into the car.


    ¡°I need to eat first, ra. I¡¯m very hungry,¡± Joe made an excuse. He wasn¡¯t ready. Yes, meeting Freedy Lim, who clearly didn¡¯t like him, was daunting.


    ¡°Okay, we should eat first,¡± ra agreed. She felt very nervous. Her heart always wondered what would happen next? Of course, ra had a backup n in case her grandfather didn¡¯t give his blessing.


    The car they boarded stopped at a seafood restaurant. They got out of the car and started going in.


    Joe ordered some food from the menu. Strangely, his hunger vanished just like that.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating, Uncle?¡± ra asked. She was trying to swallow the scallops she had chewed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, ra, suddenly I lost my appetite,¡± Joe answered. He just stared at his empty te.


    ¡°Is Uncle very afraid to meet Grandpa?¡± ra probed. Because that¡¯s what she felt.


    ¡°No!¡± Joe denied. As usual, he always tried to appear fine in front of ra and didn¡¯t show his weaknesses.


    ¡°Alright, Uncle, let¡¯s just meet Grandpa!¡± ra suggested.


    ¡°Okay, ra, let¡¯s meet Grandpa Lim now!¡± Joe proposed.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle,¡± ra replied.


    They got back into the car. They both sat in the back seat.


    The car started moving towards Freedy Lim¡¯s residence.


    To ease his nervousness, Joe called his mom. Maybe it could boost his confidence.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Mrs. Linn answered on the other end of the phone.


    ¡°Hello, Mom,¡± Joe greeted. Suddenly, he forgot what he wanted to say.


    ¡°Have you arrived?¡± his mom asked.


    ¡°Yes, Mom, I¡¯ve arrived and will meet ra¡¯s Grandpa soon!¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Emm yes, as I said this morning, I always pray for you, hoping that your wish to marry ra will be blessed by her guardian,¡± Mrs. Linn said. She understood Joe¡¯s current anxiety. ¡°What is ra doing?¡± she asked.


    ¡°ra is sitting next to me, Mom,¡± Joe replied. ¡°Does Mom want to talk to her?¡± Joe turned to ra and shed a smile, though it looked stiff.


    ¡°No, she must also be nervous! Whatever happenster, whether Freedy Lim gives his blessing or not, it¡¯s the best for both of you,¡± Mrs. Linn advised.


    ¡°Yes, Mom, I understand. Where¡¯s Kimmy?¡± Joe suddenly wanted to talk to his daughter.


    ¡°Here, she¡¯s been listening to our conversation since earlier!¡± Mrs. Linn exined.


    ¡°Hello, Dad,¡± Kimmy¡¯s voice sounded very loud.


    ¡°Hello, Kimmy,¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Dad, be strong, just be strong!¡± the little girl said, although she didn¡¯t fully understand.


    ¡°Yes, Dad will definitely be strong!¡±


    ¡°Okay, Dad, I¡¯ll y again, bye!¡± his little daughter bid farewell and ended the call just like that.


    Joe¡¯s hand returned the t object to his pocket.


    ¡°ra, are you ready?¡± Joe asked. The question was more appropriate for himself. Freedy Lim¡¯s actions really made him uneasy. However, his determination to get ra still required effort.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle, I¡¯m ready!¡± ra answered. ¡°What about you, Uncle Joe, are you ready?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ready, ra.¡±


    His smile was restrained. However, he didn¡¯t want to show his inner turmoil to ra.


    The atmosphere fell silent again. The beauty and bustle of the city couldn¡¯t distract Joe from Freedy Lim. The middle-aged man still upied his thoughts.


    The driver stopped the car in the parking area of a multi-story building.


    ¡°Uncle, we¡¯ve arrived!¡± ra said.


    Joe snapped out of his reverie. ¡°Okay, ra, let¡¯s meet your grandpa!¡± Joe replied.


    They both got out of the car. Joe reached for ra¡¯s hand in his grip. Then, they walked towards the elevator.


    Only the two of them were in the elevator. ra pressed the number 104, the highest floor where her grandfather¡¯s residence was. Joe let out a slow breath. Controlling the growing nervousness with each passing minute.


    The elevator door opened. The building¡¯s transportation device took ra and Joe to the top floor of the building.


    Slowly, ra and Joe walked towards the door. They stood side by side.


    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived, Uncle, we¡¯ll meet Grandpa soon!¡± ra said. Her left index finger moved to press the doorbell.


    ¡°Yes, ra!¡± Joe nodded slowly.


    A waiter opened the door for them, and Uncle Zio stood up to greet them.


    ¡°When did you arrive here?¡± ra asked, surprised.


    ¡°Mr. Joe and Miss ra, Mr. Lim has been waiting for you in his office, I hope you will go there soon!¡± Zio requested, choosing not to answer ra¡¯s question.


    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll go meet him right away!¡± Joe replied firmly.


    The couple walked together towards Freedy Lim¡¯s office.


    ra pushed the door handle. Joe stared straight ahead, his eyes meeting Freedy Lim¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Grandpa!¡± ra greeted, walking ahead.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you since earlier, ra, finally you¡¯re back,¡± the middle-aged man replied with a friendly smile. ¡°Look who¡¯s apanying you,¡± he added, looking towards Joe. The man was approaching.


    ¡°Young Sebastian, please have a seat,¡± the grandfather requested, pointing to the sofa.


    Joeplied, sitting directly in front of Freedy Lim.


    ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve improved,st I heard you were in aa, but now you¡¯re even traveling abroad, that means you¡¯re healthy!¡± the middle-aged man said with a smile.


    ¡°Of course, Sir,¡± Joe replied. His tongue was tied to speak. His anxiety exceeded that of his thesis defense.


    ¡°Thank you for apanying ra, you can stay for free at one of the Lim family hotels!¡± he offered.


    Silence.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sir!¡±


    ¡°Sorry for what?¡± Mr. Lim asked.


    ¡°Sorry foring all the way to your house just to apany ra, but I also want you to kindly give your blessing to my sincere intention to marry ra!¡± Joe said wholeheartedly.


    Silence. Freedy Lim felt Joe was reckless and quite brave.


    ra saw her grandfather¡¯s displeased expression.


    ¡°Are you serious about what you¡¯re saying?¡± Freedy Lim inquired.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m serious!¡± Joe asserted.


    ¡°What will you do if I don¡¯t give my blessing?¡± the middle-aged man challenged. Even if he did give his blessing, it wouldn¡¯t be as easy as this.


    Joe bowed his head, thinking before answering.


    ¡°You have to bless my rtionship with Uncle Joe, because I¡¯m pregnant¡­,¡± ra¡¯s excuse stopped short.


    ¡°Quiet, I¡¯m asking Sebastian!¡± Freedy Lim teased.


    ¡°I¡¯m pregnant¡­!¡± ra tried to gain approval.


    ¡°ra, leave the room!¡± Freedy Lim ordered his granddaughter.


    Freedy Lim pressed a button. Shortly after, the door opened, and Zio was seen standing there.


    ¡°Take ra out of this room!¡± hemanded.


    ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± Zio replied. He moved towards ra. ¡°Miss, let¡¯s get out of here!¡± he requested.


    ra grumbled. She was afraid of what would happen next. Afraid that her grandfather wouldn¡¯t give them his blessing.


    With a heavy heart, she followed Zio out of her grandfather¡¯s room. Now there were only Joe and Freedy Lim.


    ¡°Is it true that you like ra?¡± Freedy Lim asked. ¡°She¡¯s still too young, and you, even your ex-wife was a model, are you sure you want to marry ra?¡± he inquired. Even though he hadn¡¯t raised ra from a young age, Freedy Lim also didn¡¯t want ra to be unhappy.


    ¡°I don¡¯t just like ra, I love her very much,¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Do you know that marriage isn¡¯t just about love?¡± Freedy Lim challenged. He raised his eyebrows.


    ¡°I once risked my life for ra,¡± he saidter. ¡°I don¡¯t think everyone can sacrifice and risk their lives for a girl who may not necessarily be their partner!¡± Joe added.


    ¡°So, you feel cheated because you were lying in aa in the hospital after saving ra, tell me, how much should I pay you!¡± the middle-aged man offered.


    ¡°ra and I are notmodities that can be measured in money and material possessions, I¡¯m just asking for your blessing, Mr. Lim. I want to marry ra, this is not just my desire, but our mutual desire,¡± Joe insisted, holding back his emotions.


    Silence. Freedy Lim thought for a moment before making a decision. Meanwhile, Joe continued to wait for what the man would say.


    ¡°Alright, I bless your rtionship, but with conditions!¡± Freedy Lim said confidently.


    To be Continued.

 Chap 70 END

    Part 70.


    ¡°First, I don¡¯t want ra to be a mother at her young age, make sure she continues her education until she obtains at least a bachelor¡¯s degree!¡± he said. ¡°Secondly, I don¡¯t want your married life to be consumed by the public, I don¡¯t like Lim family members being exposed to the media, and thirdly, guide ra to be a businesswoman, I still want her to be the primary heir!¡± Freedy Lim revealed these three conditions to ra.


    ¡°Alright, I agree,¡± Joe replied loudly.


    ¡°Come closer!¡± Mr. Limmanded.


    ¡°Yes, Sir.¡±


    Oveing his awkwardness, Joe got up from his seat and sat next to the middle-aged man.


    ¡°Thank you very much for taking care of ra, if you weren¡¯t a good person, my grandson wouldn¡¯t insist on staying by your side,¡± he said.


    Joe smiled. Freedy Lim wasn¡¯t as intimidating as the articles he had read about ra¡¯s grandfather.


    ¡°Continue to take care of my granddaughter, as you have been doing for the past ten years, make her happy, because only you can make her happy!¡± Freedy Lim held back his spreading tears.


    Joe nodded. ¡°When I brought ra back to Indonesia with me, I promised to take care of her until she met the man she would marry, I never thought I would be the one marrying ra,¡± Joe said, holding back his smile.


    ¡°So, Mr. Lim¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me Mr., call me Grandpa!¡± Freedy Lim interrupted.


    ¡°Umm¡­ Grandpa Lim, do you give your blessing for my rtionship with ra, I will agree to your conditions,¡± Joe Sebastian said seriously. ¡°Of course, I will agree to all the conditions you¡¯ve set!¡± he added.


    ¡°Yes, I give my blessing to you both,¡± he said.


    ¡°Thank you, Grandpa!¡±


    Freedy Lim nodded. It wasn¡¯t Joe, but he who should be thankful because Joe had taken care of his granddaughter.


    ¡°You may leave this room, have lunch and at least stay one night here before returning to Indonesia,¡± the middle-aged man requested.


    ¡°Alright, Sir!¡±


    ¡°Grandpa!¡± Freedy Lim reminded.


    ¡°Yes, Grandpa!¡±


    Joe rose from his seat. He nodded respectfully and then left Freedy Lim¡¯s room.


    ==?==


    ¡°Why is Uncle Joe taking so long?¡± rained. Since leaving Mr. Lim¡¯s room, she had felt anxious. Just pacing back and forth without even sitting down for a moment.


    ¡°Wait, Miss, is Miss ra very anxious, try to sit calmly and wait until Mr. Joees out of Mr. Lim¡¯s room!¡± Zio persuaded.


    ¡°What do you think they¡¯re talking about?¡± ra leaned her ear against the door, but didn¡¯t hear anything.


    ¡°Ugh!¡± she sighed because she didn¡¯t hear anything.


    Click!


    The door opened and startled her.


    ¡°Uncle!¡± she eximed as she saw the handsome man.


    ¡°What are you doing, ra?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°What did Grandpa say, Uncle?¡± ra returned the question with a grin, hiding her heartache.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go eat now!¡± Joe invited, pulling ra¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m very hungry!¡± he added.


    ¡°What about Grandpa¡¯s answer, Uncle!¡± ra insisted.


    Joe didn¡¯t answer. He then took ra out of his grandfather¡¯s residence.


    ¡­


    ¡°Answer, Uncle, don¡¯t just keep eating! Did Grandpa give his blessing to our rtionship?¡± ra asked again.


    Joe spooned a small piece of medium steak into his mouth. He had never felt this hungry before, his appetite seemed to increase.


    ¡°Uncle, can you please answer!¡± the girl urged again.


    Joe enthusiastically chewed hisst bite. His eyes widened, he had already finished three portions of steak.


    Joe¡¯s hand reached out to ra¡¯s fingers. Their gaze met.


    ¡°My dear ra, listen, we will get married next month!¡± Joe said.


    ¡°Wow!¡± ra eximed, disbelief evident in her voice.


    ra¡¯s shout drew the attention of some people around their table.


    ¡°Really, Uncle? Did Grandpa allow us to get married?¡± ra asked to make sure.


    ¡°Yes, ra, in one month!¡±


    ra reflexively hugged Joe, disregarding the people staring at them.


    ra loosened the hug when her phone buzzed. There was a call from her grandfather. ra¡¯s thumb slid the green icon on her phone screen to ept the call.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± Freedy Lim eximed from the other end of the phone.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be back soon,¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Okay,e back soon, there are many things that Grandpa wants to discuss with you and Joe!¡± he instructed.


    ¡°Got it, Grandpa!¡±


    The phone call ended. ra returned the phone to her pocket.


    ¡°Was it Grandpa calling?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go back now!¡±


    After paying, Joe and ra entered the elevator and returned to Freedy Lim¡¯s residence on the top floor of the building.


    ==?==


    ¡°You two read this prenuptial agreement!¡± Freedy Lim ordered.


    ra and Joe both held their respective folders, taking out the papers inside.


    ¡°I made this agreement for the sake of both of you!¡± he said.


    The two lovers read the writing on the paper inside each of their folders.


    Prenuptial agreement:


    1. Closed from the media.


    2. ra must graduate with a bachelor¡¯s degree before bing a mother.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    3. No matter what problems arise, never intend to divorce.


    4. Please do not vite rules number one, two, and three.


    ¡°How about it, do you agree?¡± Freedy Lim asked.


    ¡°How about it, do you agree?¡± asked Freedy Lim.


    ra looked at Joe, not daring to decide before the man she deeply loved gave his answer.


    ¡°I agree!¡± said Joe, nodding confidently towards Freedy Lim.


    ¡°And you, ra?¡± asked the grandfather.


    ¡°I agree, Grandpa, but what about point two? Why am I not allowed to get pregnant before obtaining a bachelor¡¯s degree?¡± ra asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Because all descendants of the Lim family must graduate with a bachelor¡¯s degree before starting a family. Your mother, Aunt Margaret, and I all did the same. I hope you will too, or I can offer you another choice. Study first before marriage or get married and study afterwards. Only after graduating can you be a mother,¡± the grandfather offered. His eyes carefully watched ra¡¯s expression, trying to read his granddaughter¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Um, yes, Grandpa, I understand! Alright, ra agrees to this agreement,¡± she said firmly.


    ¡°Very well, Joe, after signing, you may leave. I want to talk to ra,¡± he requested.


    ¡°Okay, Grandpa!¡± Joe replied. He signed the document, then left. ncing briefly at ra, he continued walking out of Freedy Lim¡¯s office.


    ¡°ra,e here,¡± the grandfathermanded.


    The girl moved closer, then sat beside her grandfather.


    ¡°Grandpa, don¡¯t you still want you to continue your grandfather¡¯s business? Study and learn many things from your husband. When the timees, Grandpa will still give Lim Group to you and Joe!¡± he said.


    ¡°But Grandpa! Why not Aunt Margaret instead! She¡¯s more suitable!¡± ra protested.


    ¡°No, one day you will understand, ra. One message from Grandpa: learn as much as possible from your husband, Grandpa will hold on for another four years and then hand everything over to you! Understand!¡± he emphasized.


    ¡°May I know the reason?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°No! For now, focus on your wedding and your studies in Jakarta, this time Grandpa doesn¡¯t want to be disappointed again!¡± the middle-aged man requested.


    ¡°Okay, Grandpa!¡±


    ¡°Go out, apany your future husband, the city view in the evening from the rooftop is quite beautiful, you will love it!¡± he said.


    ¡°Yes, Grandpa!¡±


    ra got up from her seat. She walked out of her grandfather¡¯s office. Something was bothering her. She felt like her grandfather was hiding something.


    To be Continued.


    **


    71.


    One monthter.


    As requested by the grandfather, ra and Joe¡¯s wedding was held in a simple manner, attended only by close rtives. On ra¡¯s side, only Freedy Lim and Zio were present, while on Joe¡¯s side, both of his parents invited their close rtives.


    Freedy Lim was chatting with Bond Sebastian and Linn.


    ¡°Mr. Lim, you should stay here, and we can go on vacation together,¡± Bond offered. Hearing that his inws were also leaving for Singapore tonight made him feel a bit sad.


    ¡°No, Mr. Bond and Mrs. Linn, I must leave immediately. My work is waiting, and I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll only disturb the newlyweds if I stay here,¡± he replied. ¡°After this, I have to go to the airport so as not to bete,¡± he added.


    ¡°Alright, sir, please wait a moment. We should have dinner together before you leave!¡± Bond requested.


    Freedy Lim nodded. Then Mrs. Linn moved towards the bridal chamber.


    Inside the bridal chamber, ra was taking off the crown that adorned her hair. Meanwhile, Joe was in the bathroom.


    The bathroom door opened. Joe came out with wet hair and a towel wrapped around his waist. He shook his wet hair, his eyes locking onto his wife sitting on the edge of the bed.


    ¡°Aaaaa,¡± ra screamed, covering her face with both hands. She had seen Joe shirtless before, but this time was different. Yes, they were now officially husband and wife, and it felt very awkward.


    ¡°Why, ra?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you wearing clothes, Uncle?¡± ra grumbled, peeking through her fingers. Her heart felt like it was about to explode.


    ¡°I just took a shower, it¡¯s normal to only wear a towel!¡± the man defended as he walked towards his wife.


    ¡°Don¡¯te close!¡± ra mumbled shyly. Her heartbeat sounded like a war drum. Especially seeing Joe¡¯s body, which had returned to its original shape. Six-pack abs adorned his stomach, making ra swallow nervously.


    ¡°Why? Now that we are officially husband and wife, and we can do anything, more than just kissing or hugging as usual, I will ¡­¡± Joe didn¡¯t finish his sentence.


    ¡°Enough, Uncle!¡± ra screamed, scooting away, moving away from her husband.


    ¡°Are you afraid?¡± Joe inquired.


    ¡°I, I¡¯m not ready!¡± ra whispered.


    ¡°Not ready?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not ready to do it yet. Besides, in the agreement, Grandpa doesn¡¯t allow me to get pregnant first!¡± ra made an excuse.


    ¡°Go shower and change your clothes, wear somethingfortable!¡± Joe requested. Seeing ra struggling to put on her recement clothes made Joe feel sorry.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle!¡± ra replied.


    Joe¡¯s ears were disturbed by what ra had just said. ¡°Wait!¡± Joe pulled ra to stand in front of him, with both hands on her chest. Instantly, ra¡¯s heart raced, and her heartbeat became very fast.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ra answered, looking down, embarrassed.


    Joe grabbed his wife¡¯s chin, his fingers touching it gently, then kissed her right on the lips.


    ¡°Until when will you call me ¡®Uncle¡¯? I¡¯m your husband now,¡± Joe whispered afternding a kiss on her strawberry lips.


    There was a knock on the door.


    ¡°ra, Joe!¡± Mrs. Linn called without stopping knocking on the door.


    ¡°Yes, Mom,¡± ra half shouted.


    Joe pulled ra back into his embrace. Stronger and not intending to let her go.


    ¡°Uncle, let me go. I want to open the door!¡± ra begged.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you go until you promise!¡± Joe requested with a mischievous smile.


    ¡°What?!¡± ra replied.


    ¡°Promise me first that tonight we will do ¡®it¡¯!¡± Joe challenged.


    ¡°What is ¡®it¡¯?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°Our first night together, can I do it tonight?¡± Joe asked for permission while still holding his petite wife.


    ¡°Not tonight,¡± ra bargained. ¡°Didn¡¯t Grandpa say I can¡¯t get pregnant first?¡± ra made an excuse. Marrying a widower was something.


    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t let you go!¡± Joe challenged enthusiastically. ¡°Not getting pregnant doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t do it, right?¡± Joe exined.


    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll do it tonight!¡± she surrendered.


    ¡°Promise!¡±


    ¡°Yes, promise!¡±


    Joe released the hug. They changed their clothes, then rushed together to have dinner with Grandpa Lim.


    The dinner event was over. ra and Joe escorted their grandfather to the front veranda.


    ¡°ra, Grandpa is leaving, take care here, remember to study diligently and finish your degree,¡± Freedy Lim advised his granddaughter, who had be Joe Sebastian¡¯s wife.


    ¡°Yes, Grandpa, take care of yourself too,¡± ra replied, kissing his hand and hugging the middle-aged man. Even though they had just met briefly, ra¡¯s affection for her grandfather was extraordinary, and vice versa.


    ¡°Joe, take care of my granddaughter, guide her, I have high hopes for both of you,¡± he said.


    ¡°Yes, Grandpa,¡± Joe replied.


    The middle-aged man got into the car. Joe and ra waved goodbye as he headed back to Singapore.


    ¡°Are you sad?¡± Joe asked.


    ¡°No!¡± ra answered, hiding her feelings. ¡°I¡¯m just tired, I¡¯ll rest soon,¡± she lied.


    ¡°Yes, rest, and I¡¯ll apany Dad and Mom to chat with the family,¡± Joe suggested.


    ¡°Okay, dear.¡±


    ¡­


    The clock showed 9:55 PM when Joe enthusiastically stepped into his room. He entered the room full of excitement but also hesitant, afraid that ra might have fallen asleep already.


    As expected, when he arrived in the room, he found ra lying down.


    ¡°Honey,¡± Joe called softly as hey down beside his wife.


    ra, who was actually still awake, closed her eyes, pretending not to hear, afraid that her husband would demand what he had promised. Yes! ra wasn¡¯t ready to do it tonight.


    ¡°I actually wanted to talk about our honeymoon, but never mind!¡± Joe whispered.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go to London!¡± ra suggested.


    Silence.


    ¡°It seems you¡¯re not asleep yet!¡± Joe said affectionately, moving closer.


    ¡°I¡¯m already asleep!¡± ra replied without changing her sleeping position, still turning her back to her husband.


    ¡°Honey!¡± Joe sighed in annoyance. ¡°You once said you deliberately prepared yourself for me, but look at what you¡¯re doing now!¡± Joe murmured, pretending to be annoyed. Meanwhile, one of his hands was circling, reluctant to let go of his wife.


    Silence.


    ¡°My ra, are you this cruel, turning your back on your husband on our first night?¡± Joe whispered.


    ra changed her sleeping position, lying on her back. Her heart was pounding, making her drowsiness disappear in an instant.


    ¡°Can I do it now?¡± Joe asked for permission as heid his head on his wife¡¯s chest, touching her with yful strokes.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared,¡± ra eximed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± Joe coaxed, unable to hold back any longer. Now that ra was his wife, he had the right to ask for ¡®it¡¯ from her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ready,¡± ra whispered, tightly closing her eyes.


    ¡°Calm down, trust me, I¡¯ll take it slow,¡± Joe persuaded, unwilling to give up on enjoying what was rightfully his. He had managed to restrain himself until now, holding onto his principles firmly. He would never sleep with ra before bing his wife.


    ¡°I¡¯m really scared,¡± ra eximed, still not daring to open her eyes.


    As a widower, Joe was already very experienced, especially dealing with an innocent girl like ra, his beloved wife.


    Slowly, Joe continued to guide and direct ra until finally, the dimly lit room and the red curtains became witnesses to their union tonight. The bone-white sheets now stained with fresh blood, evidence that Joe had sessfully possessed rapletely.


    ra scratched and pulled her husband¡¯s hair to endure the pain below, until tears unknowingly streamed down her cheeks, apanied by the incredible pleasure she felt.


    Joe observed his wife¡¯s face, feeling satisfied and relieved. However, ra¡¯s tears made him feel awkward. Slowly, he wiped away his wife¡¯s tears.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my dear,¡± he kissed his wife¡¯s forehead. ¡°Eventually, if we do it often, it won¡¯t hurt anymore,¡± Joe didn¡¯t regret it, no matter what, it was his right.


    ra nodded faintly. A faint smile adorned her face. Completely exhausted and sleepy, she finally fell into a deep sleep in her husband¡¯s embrace.


    To be continued.


    **


    After one week as husband and wife, ra and Joe were still trying to adjust to each other.


    Joe always wakes up earlier than his wife.  The man always tried to understand ra and not demand too much from his wife.


    This morning was the same as previous mornings.  Joe woke up first.  His head rests on one hand.  Both eyes turned to his wife who was still asleep.  Recently, it has be his hobby.


    The man looked at his wife who was still asleep.  His right hand reached out to brush away several strands of hair covering his forehead.  Wiping the sweat that dripped down his forehead and looking at ra closely.


    Joe was still looking at ra¡¯s face.  For the first time he admired the way his wife slept.  Beautiful thick eyebrows, curly eyshes, a small sharp nose, rosy cheeks, and a sweet smile on her red lips, could it be that ra is having a sweet dream about him?


    Joe gave a kiss on his wife¡¯s forehead.  Then, slowly he rose from his sleep.  The husband moved his body very slowly, moving down from the bed.


    With tiptoe steps, Joe walked out of the room.  He was afraid to wake his wife.  His hand reached out to pull the door handle.


    ¡°Hoammm!¡±  Joe yawned as he stretched his body.  He moved to the kitchen and intended to make breakfast for ra.


    ¡°Can I help you?¡±  asked the maid who was cooking in the kitchen.


    ¡°No, I can cook it myself,¡± he said. Opening the refrigerator, he took out chocte jam.


    Joe put some slices of bread in the toaster then arranged them on tes.  The special breakfast for his wife was ready.


    Then, he came back upstairs to his room.


    ¡°Are you awake?¡±  Joe asked, finding ra standing on the balcony of the room.


    ra turned and nodded slowly.  ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±  asked the wife, looking at the tray that Joe was carrying.


    ¡°Breakfast for you darling!¡±  Joe put the tray on the table.  He moved to the balcony to approach his wife.


    ¡°Did you sleep well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, dear,¡± ra put her arm around Joe¡¯s arm.  Leaned there.  ¡°Honey, how about we do it this morning?¡±  ra asked.


    ¡°No darling, you forgot today is your first day of college!¡±  Joe refused.  For the time, he gave a kiss on his wife¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Lately I¡¯m starting to feelfortable, and I want more.  It turns out my husband is very shrewd,¡± she said.


    ¡°No, for this morning I was afraid you were pregnant darling!¡±  Joe replied.


    ¡°My beloved husband, you were the one who said we could do it and still postpone pregnancy!¡±  ra whispered, embarrassed.  At first she refused, buttely she¡¯s been asking for it. ¡°My husband is my opium.  Hehhee¡­¡±


    ra¡¯s cell phone rang, ending their romance this morning.


    ¡°Who¡¯s calling so early!¡±  she grumbled as she walked inside.  Grabbing the cell phone on the nightstand.


    Her grandfather¡¯s photo filled his cellphone screen.  Freedy Lim was the one who called. Call connected.


    ¡°Hello,¡± ra said.


    ¡°Hello ra, are you awake?¡± the grandfather asked.


    ¡°Yes Grandpa. Is Grandpa okay, right?¡±  ra asked back.


    Of course, there were things that wete not okay.  However, Freedy Lim decided not to tell ra.  Afraid that her life was in danger like his parents who left first.


    ¡°Nothing, this is your first day of college?  Keep your spirits up?¡±  the grandfather said.


    ¡°Yes grandpa!  ¡°Grandpa, take care of your health, don¡¯t sleep toote,¡± ra said.


    ¡°Yes, calm down. you are grandfather¡¯s heir,¡± he said.  ¡°Where is your husband?¡±  Freedy Lim asked.


    ¡°He is in the bathroom, Grandpa,¡±  ra said, looking around and not finding her husband.


    ¡°Send my greetings to Joe.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Well, I need to go. Bye.¡±


    ¡°Bye Grandpa.¡±


    The phone call ended.  ra was disturbed by her grandfather¡¯s words which revealed her as his  heir.


    ¡°Who¡¯s calling?¡±  Joe asked.


    ¡°Grandpa, I think he misses me,¡± ra said.  ¡°Oh Grandpa Lim sends his regards to you, darling!¡±


    Joe nodded his head.  Then, he pulled ra into hisp.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    Knock.


    The knocks on the door stopped the action.


    ¡°Daddy!¡±  Kimmy shouted behind the door.


    Joe scratched his face roughly, then walked towards the door.


    He opened the door.


    ¡°Morning darling,¡±  Joe said,  kneeling in front of his daughter.


    ¡°Morning Dad,¡± his daughter said.


    ¡°Why are you pouting darling?¡±  Joe asked, while ra stood watching the little girl.


    ¡°Grandma said I can¡¯t sleep with Daddy!¡±  Sheined.


    ¡°Yes, darling,¡± Joe replied.


    ¡°Grandma said I can¡¯t bother Dad and Mom ra making a little sister for Kimmy, right? Kimmy wants to see it!¡±  the little daughter said.


    ¡°You want to see?!¡±  Joe¡¯s brow furrowed. Startled.


    ¡°Yes, Kimmy wants lots of younger siblings,¡±  her little daughter replied.


    Joe looked up at ra.  They both smiled.


    Every day, every morning.  Happiness enveloped Joe and ra¡¯s little family.


    That¡¯s how ra struggled to get love from the man she admired.  she married to her first love, who made her fell in love.  Her stubbornness and never giving up made her continue to persist with her first love, even though they were 15 years apart in age.


    True and sincere love life with this handsome CEO.  The man who first fascinated her.  The man who first made her fall in love.  The man who kissed her lips first.  The man who first made her feel jealous. she hopefully that man would be thest man for her until death do them part.


    End.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!