"Hoaaahhmmm..."
It was too early for Zaylee on her day off, yet she was already seated in a restaurant with a coffee latte. Sleepiness clung to her despite her efforts to ward it off with caffeine.
Before long, a man walked towards her. He was dressed casually, wearing shorts and a polo shirt, not matching in color but still quite elegant, with an expensive watch on his left hand. Zaylee glanced at the large clock in the restaurant; it seemed the man had arrived on time.
"You didn't order for me!" Griffin exclaimed, seeing that there was only a cup of coffee for the girl.
"Why would I? We only need to talk, and you have to leave!" Zaylee retorted, met with a smirk from Griffin. The girl in front of her seemed to have a dual personality. At times, she could act as if she was hopeful, but she could also behave as if she were throwing Griffin away, just as Zaylee had done to him years ago.
"Quickly, tell me! What do you want to talk to me about?" Zaylee impatiently demanded.
"How about changing restaurants? I feel uncomfortable here," Griffin suggested, looking around. Zaylee sighed; she knew that the man before her was buying time. She was curious about what Griffin was hiding.
"Griffin! You're really..."
Ding...ding...
Anna is calling...
Zaylee's words were cut off as their attention turned to Griffin's phone, displaying a name they both knew. Even though the person wasn't physically present, their presence was still disturbing.
Griffin declined the call after ringing for a while, making Zaylee look at him puzzled. Griffin's face appeared serious, further intensifying Zaylee's sense of unease. Since the man had arrived, Zaylee's heart hadn't stopped pounding.
Ding...ding...
Anna is calling...
The phone vibrated again, and Zaylee continued to stare at Griffin without blinking, observing his annoyed reaction to his phone's ringing. It forced him to interrupt his enjoyment of his favorite soto.
"Hello!" Griffin said in as casual a tone as possible, trying to hide his irritation with Anna.
"Griffin! Where are you now?"
"I'm out, Anna. What's up?" Griffin responded, hearing a slightly agitated tone on the other end of the call. Zaylee enjoyed her slowly cooling coffee latte, knowing she also wanted to know what they were discussing. However, her cold demeanor indicated she no longer cared about Griffin's life. Everything had changed drastically from their past love story.
"Coincidence. Can you pick me up? I need your opinion on the dress we ordered yesterday."
"Sorry, Anna! I can't. I have some business to attend to," Griffin refused, glancing at Zaylee, who seemed busy with her phone, not diverting her attention for a moment.
"What kind of business? Dad said you were on vacation for the branch opening preparations."
Anna's tone changed slightly, and she was clearly disappointed that Griffin didn't agree to pick her up.
"Yes, that's right. I am on vacation out of town with Zaylee, getting some fresh air for my mind," Griffin replied, surprising Zaylee. He had told Anna the truth.
"You're with Zaylee, that damn girl!"
Anna's voice raised slightly, shocked that Griffin was out of town with Zaylee. Anna knew that Zaylee had feelings for Griffin, just like she did.
"Well, you still have a personal driver, Anna. I have to go on another trip," Griffin said, dismissing Anna's question. He unilaterally ended the call, regardless of how Anna would report it to her father regarding Zaylee, a girl he had sworn never to have around him except for business purposes.
"So, what now? Are you going to another restaurant?" Griffin asked Zaylee, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"No need, let's stay here! Quickly, tell me, what's your purpose in meeting me? Couldn't you send me a message?" Zaylee said impatiently.
"It seems I've changed my mind about telling you," Griffin replied calmly, not feeling guilty about playing with Zaylee's emotions.
Without saying a word, Zaylee immediately got up and left, leaving Griffin busy trying to take deep breaths. He seemed to be trying to control himself, but he couldn't speak properly.
The man chose to chase after Zaylee, who had already left the restaurant. She had just opened her car door when Griffin quickly stopped her.
"What else, Griffin? I'm really angry now!" Zaylee said with a restrained, emphasized tone in each word.
Griffin didn't say much; he appeared to be searching for something in his shorts' pocket. Griffin handed a pill tablet to Zaylee, who accepted it and examined it to see what it contained.
"What's this medication for? I'm not sick, Griffin!" Zaylee asked innocently, making Griffin hesitate to answer.
"I'm sorry, Zaylee, but you have to get rid of the fetus in your womb. Its presence was never expected, let alone desired," Griffin said sarcastically. Zaylee froze in her place. She remained silent, her tongue unable to respond.
"You jerk!" Zaylee muttered, turning away.
"I can only give you memories of today, but I can't take responsibility for the baby in your stomach. I really can't. I hope you understand that we can't be together," Griffin said, leaving Zaylee's gaze empty and tear-filled.
"I really can't take responsibility for an act I didn't even realize, Zaylee. You know I can't do it, even if I wanted to. Once again, I'm sorry!" Griffin walked away, leaving Zaylee frozen and struggling with her thoughts and emotions.
Her chest felt tight, and she couldn't utter a word. Until Griffin finally started his car and disappeared from Zaylee's sight. She stood there, not caring about the cold night air piercing her bones. She was shattered, as shattered as she could be. She clutched the pill in her left hand, rubbing her stomach with her right hand. Was she hesitant to kill her flesh and blood?
The dining room felt so quiet; only the sounds of utensils clinking against plates could be heard. Griffin seemed to be enjoying his meal, unlike his parents, who were exchanging glances as if about to ask something."What's up, Dad! I know you've been wanting to ask me something since earlier?" Griffin asked without taking his eyes off his food, his expression flat, making Alex uneasy."Why didn't you accompany Anna yesterday to try on dresses for your engagement party? Anna said you went with Zaylee," Alex said candidly, placing his utensils next to his plate."Zaylee? That girl, are you still in contact with her? You must remember your promise to Mom, Griffin! And remember how she treated you before!" Vion raised his voice, his emotions overflowing upon hearing a name that angered him.Griffin just smiled faintly. He was tired of his parents' drama, as if they didn't know what happened between him and Zaylee. He was not oblivious to the facts; he kept
"The sun's rays pierced through the light, disturbing the peaceful slumber of two individuals, especially the woman, who slowly opened her eyes. It was the first time she had opened her eyes, revealing Griffin's serene face, still closed in sleep. Zaylee held her breath as she woke up, quickly putting on her clothes and leaving Griffin's room. Fortunately, it was still early enough for her friends to be awake. Zaylee immediately cleansed herself, crying her heart out beneath the shower's cascading water. She scrubbed herself roughly, unable to believe this was happening and not just a dream. Zaylee yanked at her hair in frustration. "Stupid!" "Stupid!" "Stupid!" Zaylee's shouts echoed in the bathroom as tears continued to flow. She scolded herself for being so foolish as to listen to Dicky and accompany Griffin, who had been influenced by alcohol. Zaylee felt weak, sitting helplessly under the unrelenting shower. She cried, regretting the mess she had made of her life. She couldn'
Unfortunately, Griffin isn't as fortunate as others when it comes to romantic relationships. His parents control his life, and even his love life isn't left to chance by others. Moreover, his past relationship has left scars that have yet to heal and that he struggles to overcome. The sun has risen, and the mask of maturity is once again worn by many. Griffin is no exception, as he's dressed and ready to go to the office to lead the monthly meeting. Griffin stands in front of a large mirror in his room. He gazes at his reflection, takes a deep breath, preparing for breakfast with his family. Griffin soon sits down at the dining table, alternatingly smiling at his father and mother, pretending that the routine he has been performing for years is so beautiful. "Fin, when are you willing to marry Robinson's son? Your father is tired of avoiding Robinson's questions demanding clarity," Alex asks innocently, as if unaware that his question might hurt his son's feelings. "Patience, Dad!
Someone's footsteps from behind caught the attention of the girl enjoying the city atmosphere in the morning, seeking peace. Little did she know, Griffin was following her. The man appeared to be walking towards Zaylee with a cold gaze, both hands hidden in the front pockets of his pants, adding to his arrogant demeanour. Griffin and Zaylee no longer exchanged greetings, trying to calm themselves. More precisely, they forced themselves to forget the unwanted events in Batam. They were engulfed in silence, although occasionally, Griffin would glance at Zaylee, who kept her head down, doing her best not to respond to Griffin's gaze. Her heart was in turmoil, but her mind urged her to let go of the image of Griffin; her feelings remained intact, but her ego concealed them. Zaylee assured herself that Dicky was to blame for sending her here. Meanwhile, according to Griffin, everything was indirectly his fault. Griffin took a deep breath. The incident in Batam that night marked the end o
Every pair of eyes turned to a girl strutting arrogantly towards the CEO's office. Her red dress perfectly matched the lipstick on her thin lips, and her sharp gaze was concealed behind black sunglasses—Anna Margaret, the youngest daughter of Robinson, the owner of the digital marketplace app company. The girl moved freely and unashamedly in and out of the Griffin Company, as her name had become the talk of the local employees. After news of their arranged marriage, it had become a headline on various private television stations and newspapers. "Where's Griffin?" Anna asked, taking off her sunglasses and addressing Dicky, who was Griffin's manager. "In his office," Dicky replied curtly, seemingly unwilling to engage with Anna. Since their first meeting, Dicky had no desire to get to know her better. Anna, like many rich girls, was arrogant and haughty. She wanted to be respected but seemed to belittle everyone she met. The girl opened the door to the CEO's office, and Zaylee, who