You are free to choose, but one thing is for certain, am I not a choice? *** Calvin's previously bright face turned dark when the car left Setiadi's residence. Emily understands Calvin's moody nature. So, she chose to keep her lips sealed tightly. She didn't want to touch any sensitive topics that could result in Calvin's poisonous tongue lashing out at her. Emily thought Calvin might have been better off as a woman, or maybe his soul was trapped in a handsome male body. Like the fantasy novels she often read. Emily shook her head, brushing off those random thoughts of novel-inspired stories. "Why are you looking at me?" Calvin's comment startled Emily. He was aware of the meaning behind Emily's gaze. Strange. "Ugh, what's up with that? Don't flatter yourself; I was just checking out the street performer," Emily retorted, pointing towards the street musicRyan they just passed by. Whether it was a coincidence or not, right after Calvin spoke, their car stopped at a red light, and a
Emily turned to meet Calvin's gaze and offered a smile. "I don't know. He just canceled our wedding a couple of days before the event. To be honest, I've never wanted to know why he left me. Let's just say we were destined to have a brief encounter." Emily's clear eyes appeared to be glistening with unshed tears. She turned her gaze back to the ceiling, attempting to hold back the tears that had already gathered in her watery eyes. "I don't believe in chasing someone who doesn't want to stay. I'm here now, and that's what matters."Calvin's jaw clenched as he heard Emily's confession. He had never imagined that Emily's love story could be even more tragic than his own. "Ah, that's not important. It's all in the past, and I've learned from it. Besides, God has replaced it with you," Emily said as she stood up and leaned against the bed.Calvin lifted his head to look at Emily's face. "Wait, I thought you were the one who wanted to talk earlier?" he remarked, trying to divert the conver
Sometimes, wounds are the only reason for you to keep going. *** Ryan listened to Calvin's confession with a mix of astonishment and concern. He couldn't believe the predicament his friend was in. "Calvin, you're really crazy. I didn't expect to have such a crazy friend," Ryan scolded after hearing Calvin's story. "Did you really say that to Emily?" Ryan asked, his expression one of disbelief. Calvin nodded with an innocent look on his face. "Don't mess around, Ryan. I came here looking for a solution, not more trouble," Calvin replied with frustration, running his hands through his curly hair. "Who's looking for trouble? I'm giving you the best solution. Even if I benefit from it," Ryan responded with a laugh. "I'm serious, though. If Emily is free, I'll be the first to pursue her. Besides, you're so foolish for neglecting your precious gem," Ryan added, genuinely concerned. "By the way, are you serious that you haven't touched her yet?" Ryan's curiosity got the better of him.
Just feel and savor every moment when love takes over everything. *** Since Emily had no other option, she finally accepted a ride from Mrs. Nurul to go home together in her car. Mrs. Nurul was one of Emily's fellow teachers at Cempaka Putih Public Elementary School, where Emily had been teaching. Moreover, the distance from the school to Emily's parents' house was quite far. So, accepting the ride was a wise choice to avoid the crowded and hot capital city. From South Jakarta to Depok, Emily had to cover a distance of 18 km to reach her home. It had been exactly one month since Emily last visited her family with Calvin, and this was the first time she was returning home alone. Emily greatly missed her parents and her brother, who always pampered her. If only Emily could pour out all her current troubles, her heart wouldn't be as painful as it was now. But Emily had to be strong. None of her family members should know about the current condition of her marriage. "Mrs. Nurul, let's
Emily shouted to Edwin, who was about to knock on Erick's door."Alright, you can wake him up. I'll make the drinks, then."Nadila stood up after patting Emily's thigh and headed to the kitchen at the far end of the house.Even though this house was simple, it was divided into two parts: the semi-public (common) and private areas. The semi-public area was in the front, including the terrace and living room. Guests could come and sit freely in these two rooms. The private area was located in the back, consisting of the dining room, family room, bedrooms, kitchen, and the backyard. Usually, only close family members could enter this area.Emily's house also had two guest rooms, known as "paseban," beautifully designed to accommodate visiting guests. Many of Emily's family guests came from East Java, as her mother's grandmother was from East Java. However, due to living in Depok for so long and being surrounded by the Betawi community, Emily's mother had adapted to the Betawi culture, ma
My exhaustion now surpasses the bounds of logic. I want to give up, but you're always here, in my heart, gnawing at my soul with false hope. *** While waiting for Calvin to shower, Emily placed the food she had brought on the nightstand and resumed reading the online novel that had been interrupted earlier. Although she wasn't as focused as before, it was her way of trying to ease the nervousness of spending the night with Calvin, something that should have been perfectly normal. But it wasn't for them, as they were accustomed to sleeping separately. Calvin came out of the bathroom wearing just shorts, leaving the t-shirt that Emily had given him on the side of the bed. He slowly climbed onto the bed, never taking his eyes off Emily, who appeared to be engrossed with her phone. "Have some food first so you don't get sick!" Emily said without taking her eyes off her phone screen. Calvin shifted his position and reached for the plate of food, placing it on Emily's lap. "Why are you
Emily's self-doubt continued to eat at her, making her wonder what had gone wrong in their marriage. She tried to open her heart and make Calvin fall in love with her, but her efforts had been in vain. Even though Emily was reluctant to engage with Calvin herself, deep down, she still felt insecure. She worried about what Calvin thought of her and her inability to stir any desire within him. Calvin slept with his body positioned diagonally, using an arm as a pillow and facing Emily, who had her back to him. Slowly, Calvin moved a pillow between them and shifted slightly to put more distance between himself and Emily. What had pushed Calvin to do this, he couldn't really say. All he knew was that he wanted to hold the woman he had repeatedly hurt. Calvin felt regret and the desire to earn Emily's forgiveness. Emily, sensing the movement behind her, closed her eyes. She bit her lower lip to suppress the pounding of her heart, which had started to race. Suddenly, Calvin's large hand en
By forgiving, it doesn't mean I'm defeated. In fact, I'm fighting to make you surrender. Surrender to the passionate feeling. *** Emily smiled as Calvin's large hand still encircled her body. Her face warmed as she remembered the events of last night. They had spent a night filled with passion as true husband and wife. Emily had fulfilled her duty as a wife by giving her most cherished possession to the man who deserved it. Calvin had not only provided financial support, as he had done all along, but had also satisfied Emily's emotional needs. Slowly, Emily lifted Calvin's hand from her body and carefully extricated herself from his embrace. She held back the pain she felt in her core. Emily stepped onto the floor and collected her scattered clothing. She looked at Calvin's peaceful face as he slept. Her gaze then shifted to his bare chest, recalling how he had passionately taken her last night. It had been their most beautiful night in the four months of their marriage. Emily shoo