She couldn't resist Levi's invitation for the second time, especially since her conversation with Jenni ended a few hours ago. Her friend still had business with a client, which made their lunch plans fall through."You... canceled meeting your friend, right?" Levi asks, looking at her intently. "Sorry, I accidentally overheard your phone call earlier."What excuse could Tata give now while Levi seems to hope she can join? It seems like Levi heard the conversation with Jenni pretty clearly."When else do we get to eat with the team, right?" Levi's statement rings true."Yeah, Sir," Tata smiles thinly."In that case, you can join us, right?"What excuse could Tata make? It feels like there isn't one. Especially when Levi says, "Just consider it another thank you for playing with my kid."Eventually, Tata sits beside Levi, just keeping him company for lunch. Sudar and Ridwan are there too. Oh... a few other marketing staff members invol

"Honey, it's pouring out there," Tata complains while brushing off raindrops from the end of his blazer. "If we go out, we'll catch a cold, Honey."Ottis laughs. "That's where the fun's at. Mom says heavy rain like this won't get you sick."Tata shakes his head in disbelief."Seriously." Ottis looks at his wife convincingly. "Come on, let's go home now. It'll be fun to shower in the rain together."For some reason, memories of the day they ended up soaked in rain, yet full of joy, repeat without warning in Tata's mind. Maybe because he's standing right in front of the window, where there are now many raindrops.In the first year of their marriage, Tata felt everything sweet and lucky being married to Ottis. The man's treatment has yet to be forgotten. But it's balanced with his changing behavior. Every time she questions what's going on, he just brushes it off. Redirecting the conversation or even further cornering her is something she's gotten use

Tata can't take her eyes off Levi since earlier. Not because they're on the plane, which is already peacefully in the air, but because of Levi's gentle behavior towards his daughter. They took a bit longer during the initial check entering the cabin because Echa is joining on this business trip. With Merry, of course."Echa insisted on coming, Ta," Levi informs shortly after they met at the airport some time ago. "I can't just leave her like this."Levi talks about it so calmly. There's no sense of annoyance, no hassle because of Echa's behavior later on, or any dislike due to the amount of stuff she needs to bring. None of it is printed on his face. His smile even widens. His hand keeps holding Echa tightly. The daughter also looks relaxed and happy. Maybe she feels like this trip is a vacation."Come on, Ta, you going to stay here forever?""Oh, yeah, sure, Sir." Tata immediately follows Levi's steps.No. Tata is not affected at all by whether Echa is there or not. It's just that wh

Levi runs his fingers through his hair slowly. Still, he lets the night breeze mess it up again. He closes his eyes, just to neutralize the rage he had unleashed earlier."Have a drink, sir."The voice makes Levi look up."Thank you, Ta," he says after a moment of hesitation. He opens the mineral water bottle effortlessly. He takes a few sips until he feels the anger has subsided significantly.The giver just smiles thinly, then dares to sit next to him. "That... " She's somewhat afraid to ask, but her curiosity has already been exposed with her earlier words."Echa's mother," Levi cuts in softly. He almost finishes half the bottle in one gulp. "I'm sorry for scaring you earlier."Tata grimaces slightly. "It seems like it's Echa who's scared.""You're right," Levi stares straight ahead.The hotel they're staying at in Bali is near the beach. This is where they are tonight. Taking a break after the chaos earlier.The soun

Tata tries to act as relaxed as possible. Though the corner of her eye keeps a close watch on every move of the woman sitting in front of her. It's been five minutes already, but the woman still hasn't spoken. She really doesn't want to meet with this woman. If it weren't for something supposedly important to discuss, she'd rather spend lunchtime in the cafeteria with Yessy and Peoni."What do you want from me?" Tata finally asks. She can't let her time be wasted just for this woman."I don't really like beating around the bush, to be honest. Just afraid of hurting your feelings."Tata lifts her cup of coffee latte that she ordered. She sips it slowly, feeling the mixture of flavors that greet her taste buds. "Don't waste time, Ratih. Besides, what you want to talk about surely isn't far from your affair, right?"Ratih chuckles. "You're quite sharp, aren't you?""How long has it been?" Tata places the cup down slowly. A moment later, she stares sha