Endless Taste

37

. "Yes, I'm still hoping for Avil. And that's why I'm trying to separate them. You satisfied?."

"Then? Why are you trying so desperately to separate them after you find out I'm dying?" Now the cry of Amel is unstoppable. Aldian was silent and did not answer. And he doesn't know what to answer.

"Are you on whose side? Do you just pity me? Is it because my last request only wanted to be with Alvi, so you just persuaded Alvi to accept his betrothal, and do you think I would be happy if my life ended, I live with people I love but don't love me? No Aldi. That's hurtful. I won't be happy."

"Then are you just going to cancel the show? Don't be stupid brother. I've been willing to be hated by my friends because of this, and you're going to make my efforts go to waste? Know it? I honestly don't want to make Avil like this. I'm the only one who hurt him. No one else, brother." Aldian said in despair.

"You don't have to feel sorry for me Al. I'm fine." said Avril who suddenly was behind Aldi. Avril threw a smile as if showing that she was fine.

"Avil.." said Aldian.

"Thank you Al. and brother. And take it easy I won't mess up sister's show." Avril laughed a little. Absolutely the perfect charade, his heart slashed, yet still had time to laugh loosely without any burden.

. The afternoon had passed, with great difficulty Avril persuaded Noah, Galih and her father to come home this afternoon. Avril takes Demira to a beauty salon first before heading to Aldian's house, where the engagement between Alvi and Amel is held.

Demira was astonished, what did this attitude of her best friend mean? Dress beautifully, wrapped in a pink sweat dress that adds a sweet impression to her baby face. Demira already knew how much Avril felt about Alvian. With no way if Avril just let go of Alvi without feeling sorry. His smile always came after he was discharged from the hospital.

"What do you really want Avil?" Demira asked who was starting to not stand the attitude of her best friend.

"Haha what do you mean? I just want to come on my friend's happy day. Is that wrong?"

"Friends? Ahhh friend huh? Friends who love each other, and promise each other won't leave, and tie each other up with an engagement ring, then-"

"Then what should I do, Demi? I'm just a barrier to their relationship."

"No. My parents and your ego are the barrier."

"Ahh my ego huh? My ego is big, right? And I'm very smart when it comes to lying to people. That right?" Despite being emotional, Avril threw her smile at Demira which made Demira even more upset.

"As far as you go." Delik Demira turned his face away from Avril.

Avril herself did not understand him. On the other hand, he wants to prove that he is fine if Alvi chooses his decision. But, on the other hand, he was not able to watch Alvi belong to others.

"So, what should I do?" Avril murmured who unwittingly changed her facial expression into a moody one.

After putting on an appearance, Avril and Demi immediately headed for Aldian's house.

When the two arrived, it was seen Alvi had stood by at a podium of the main event.

Alvi did not in the least turn her gaze even like not blinking her eyes from Avril who had just gotten off Demi's car. His gaze was as sharp as an eagle. A frightening eye, clearly the hallmark of a cold and arrogant person.

"We look. Are you gonna hold on until the show's over? You act like you're okay." Alvi murmured following wherever Avril's direction passed.

It was witnessed by Ray, who already did not know what to do.

However, it looks like Avril approached Alvi who had not wanted to turn her eyes away.

"You coming?" Alvi asked unblinkingly looking intently at Avril's warm eyes tonight, the makeup and simple dress that made Alvi feel anxious.

"There's no reason for me not to come." Avril replied with a warm look.

"alright. I also have no reason to cancel my engagement and choose you again." Now Alvi turned her face trying to hold a smile that almost fell on her lips when she realized that the necklace given by her was still on Avril's neck.

"Hey sister... How quickly did you arrive? You're cured?" Damian's question suddenly grabbed onto Avril's shoulder casually in front of Alvi.

Alvi glanced sharply showing herself feeling annoyed by the sight in front of her. Moreover, Avril who seemed to have no problem embraced by Damian. Though clearly Avril is currently feeling uncomfortable. But for a role, Avril put aside her discomfort.

"Ah. sis. I'll be there for a second." Avril said she took off Damian's hand and then passed towards Tania and Ray.

Ray is surprised, why Avril is in front of him, and as deliberately Avril turned her back to Alvi.

"Miss? Why is miss here? Is Miss healed?"

"Don't think about my health, Ray. Now I want to ask for your help. Don't let Alvi here, and don't put on a panicked face. Stay there, so I don't show you my pathetic face, Ray." Avril slowly dropped her tears.

"Miss.." Tania softly grabbed Avril's shoulder.

"I beg you brother. Smile. So that Alvi doesn't suspect." Said Avril who let her tears fall.

"How can I smile when the lady is sad."

"Don't put on a face like that." Avril said a little spoiled. Sontak makes Ray and Tania laugh.

From afar, Alvi continued to notice Avril's unraveling hair. Seeing Ray and Tania laughing, it was certain that Avril was really not sad because she was left behind.

"What are you really thinking? I don't understand your way of thinking." Muttered Alvi who was still reluctant to turn his gaze away from Avril.

Ray turned to Alvi who felt colder than usual.

"Sir, if you know that the lady is very hurt." Ray muttered looking pushyly at Alvi.

Alvi seems to give a code that Ray must approach him. Ray swiftly followed Alvi's direction and walked ahead of him.

"Is Avril okay?" Although not shown, but Alvi realized that Ray was a little surprised to find a question about Avril.

"N-nona is fine sir. If it's a little weak, it's probably because the new lady's out of the hospital." Ray answered a little. Ray knows where Alvi's question leads, which is none other than Avril's feeling condition. But he chose to answer with Avril's health condition.

"You know that question wasn't what I meant by Ray."

"Ma-sorry sir. But...."

"From the way you speak, it's obvious that Avril isn't okay, is she?"

"No sir. miss-"

"Honest Ray. Since when have you lied to me? Didn't I choose you as my personal assistant and secretary because you're honest." Ray looked down at what Alvi said. It is true, he was trusted by Alvi because of his honesty. But this time, can Ray be honest with Alvi how hurt Avril is at this time. Avril asks herself not to tell Alvi. Ray breathed out his worries.

"Miss. Miss loves you so much, sir. To not want to show his sadness in front of the master." Said Ray in a soft tone and a little doubtful.

"That's it..." Alvi let out a heavy breath.

. As the time rolls on, until the ring exchange, Alvi now finds Avril nowhere. Only Galih and Nadia were near Ray.

Amel was beside him. Alvi smiled, and a smile was also answered by Amel.

"You're beautiful Avril." Alvi said slowly until Amel pulled back his smile.

"Sorry Amel.."

Amel glanced at Alvi's hand. There is still attached a ring that he refuses to take off.

*May day

. 'Plak' a loud slap rang out loud throughout the room.

"Do you want to embarrass your family?" Hilar slapped Alvi a few times.

"Dad stop.." cried Demira who had just turned around after stepping towards the door.

"Alvi... Why are you so stubborn? Tonight you're officially engaged to Amel. Then what happens if you don't want to take the ring off? Forget Avril. Or I'll withdraw all your assets." Furious Hendar stared intently at Alvi who did not budge in the slightest.

Alvi passed into her study with a cold face and gaze, and without saying a word.

Before long, Alvi brought a letter of agreement that he had signed, then gave it to Hendar.

"I've agreed on my assets you take, uncle." Hendar's eyes turned red even more furious. Hendar slapped Alvi again and grabbed the letter, then tore it to pieces.

"You're totally outrageous Alvi. Is this your reward after I'm tired of being educated and studying abroad."

"But I didn't promise you in what way I should return your favor uncle."

"You're too spoiled by your father. Until you dare answer me." The voice of Hendar is rising.

Alvi smiled cynically when comparing the words of Avril's uncle and father.

"I salute your father Alvi. Ahmad really educated you perfectly. You became a good man, humble, and not arbitrary towards his property, and the throne you are sitting on now. You became a great man at a young age. I'm proud of you." That's what Andre said to Alvi a while ago.

"This is one of the reasons why I insist on refusing an arranged marriage with Adam's family. You know uncle, if uncle betroth me to Andre's family, I can't possibly refuse. Besides I love his daughter, I also feel how to have a father and sister supporting me at every step of the way." Alvi said unconsciously now her tears were dripping for a moment.

"What's different about Adam's family? He has a son even though he is younger than you."

"Uncle does not understand."

"Yes, uncle does not understand. So it's up to you. If you still insist on refusing this match, I'll make sure company A falls in no time." Instantly Alvi was stunned to hear Hendar's words.

"Why should company A? This has nothing to do with this. If uncle wants to threaten me, I'd rather hand over all my assets to uncle."

"That's what I don't want to hear. You'll easily agree if I ask for your assets. But if this is the guarantee and the deal, then you won't refuse." Resolutely Hendar then passed to the door that still had Demira pecking.

"I shouldn't have come home from the hospital. Maybe I won't see this." Demira muttered, who passed into the car, then drove her back to the hospital.

"Avil.pardon me and my family.." Demira's tears broke while balancing her steering wheel.

*nightly event.

Amel trembled holding the ring he was about to attach to Alvi's fingers. Alvi casually thrust her hand at Amel.

"How's this? There's no way I'm wearing two rings, is there?" All were shocked when Alvi showed me a ring attached to his fingers. Though clearly his engagement ring with Amel is still in the grasp of Amel.

"Did Alvi deliberately publish it now?" Famela asked whispering to Deyan.

"Where's Avril?" Deyan whispered the same.

"I don't see him now. Demira doesn't exist either."

"Try you to call." Famela nodded then called out Avril's name in her contact.

"Not active." Fidgeting Famela then tried calling again a few times.

"Can Avril be with Demira to London? Because tonight Demira's departure is back there." Famela continued with teary eyes.

"Why are you crying? Wherever he is now, Avril will be fine." Deyan clutched Famela who started sobbing.

. "sorry. But I can't seem to continue with the show." The guests there were astonished to hear what Amel said. They guessed what happened.

"There are a few reasons. Not that I want to play games with the public, but more to, I want to uncover some facts that must be published. Me and Alvian were arranged by family. Y'all know? I loved her a long time ago, and maybe this matchmaking includes my ambition of wanting to have Alvi. But, there was someone who made me realize that the feeling of wanting to have, and somehow, it wasn't love. But selfishness. And I don't want to be selfish because I love her." Obviously Amel with a relieved smile on his face. Aldian was surprised and recalled those words. His heart wondered if Amel had overheard his conversation with Avril while in the hospital? Aldian turned around to look for Avril's whereabouts, but was not found.

"Shypha. Do you know where Avril is?" Aldi asked Syifa beside him.

"I didn't meet him."

"Ahh I forgot. You just came."

"I'll call him." Syifa started contacting Avril. But not connected.

"Not active." Syifa said worriedly.

"Where is he?" Aldi was no less worried about looking away while thinking where Avril went.

In front of the airport entrance, Avril released the departure of her beloved friend.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Demira asked doubtfully.

"Does my face look okay?" Avril laughed a little.

"Avril stop. I can't leave you."

"Let's hurry. You'll be left behind by the plane."

"Please promise not to be sad."

"Yes I promise."

With a heavy heart Demira passed leaving Avril. Even though Demira was already invisible, Avril was still standing in her place.

"Time to go home, miss."

"I don't want to go home." Avril turned around with tears in her eyes.

- connected.