Exchanging Bride

Why Defend Verlitas?

"Mike, I'm used to thinking about my own life. You were the only one closest to me before I had Kiara," Aldi said carefully, trying to calm down Mike who was still full of anger.

"Then?" Mike said in a flat tone, still stuck in the anger that dominates him.

"I'll explain to you about Verlita, but we'll talk alone. Let Daniel out first," Aldi pleaded with Mike while looking at him with anxious expectation, even though what was spoken of was Daniel who was beside Mike.

Daniel realizes that his existence is being unwanted by his boss. So wisely, Daniel stood up and asked permission to leave the room. He does not need Mike's approval to leave, because he knows very well the atmosphere that is happening.

Mike was still too angry with Aldi. Although this is the first time Aldi has stated that Mike is a person who is very close to him, it does not mean anything at the moment. Mike felt sorry for Kiara.

"I've always been jealous of how intelligent and genius you were since childhood. Om always looks at you with admiration. Because of your advantages, you will not be thrown away by your parents like me," Mike said, his voice filled with pain and frustration.

Aldi just silently looked at Mike, not wanting to argue or cut off the outburst of Mike's anger on him.

"You're like the lamp of hope in the lives of your parents. But me?!" Mike cupped his face with both hands, sadness evident in his eyes.

"I wasn't wanted by Daddy because of another woman, Al! And my mom won't survive for me either! He preferred suicide to leave me because of the suffering in his heart. He did not want to survive fighting for life! My mom would rather kill herself!" Mike shouted, his tears unbearable.

Aldi remained calm looking at the already angry Mike. Aldi rarely saw Mike like this, and he could feel how deep the wound was in the heart of this one-of-a-kind cousin.

"You are so genius and talented in so many fields, Al. Your presence is appreciated and desired by many people. You're not an outcast like me," Mike whimpered with a sense of sadness that can't be hidden.

"So that's why you're staring at Verlita from a distance?" aldi asked suddenly, trying to steer the conversation to the core of the matter.

Mike glued to Aldi, surprised by the question asked. Mike could no longer speak, let alone be angry.

"You always pay attention to Verlita. Since before she dated me until now, you still can't stop watching Verlita from a distance" Aldi continued, conveying what he wanted to convey. Aldi was sure Mike could no longer be angry with him.

"Verlita moved to Indonesia after some time break up from me and won the project. So you also used some excuses to return to Indonesia. She always lived in the same apartment as him. Wherever Verlita moves, you always follow her," Aldi noticed Mike's frozen facial expression.

"You stayed close to Verlita even though you never once greeted her or met her in person. You just watch him from a distance. And it didn't stop until now!" Aldi is getting stronger.

"How can I keep you away from Verlita! I moved you to the headquarters with a high position so you could get closer to him and try your luck. Butwhat? You didn't take action at all, Mike!" Aldi looked at Mike deeply. He looked at Mike with emotion. He watched the shame that emanated from Mike's face.

"Do you expect me to unite with Verlita?" Mike was doubtful of his conclusion.

Mike was silent for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts. His heart felt heavy as Aldi revealed the reason behind his actions. He pondered for a moment, seeking the truth within himself.

"I don't know, Al" Mike said in a stammering voice. "I always tried to erase my feelings for Verlita, but I always couldn't bear to be close to her. Even if it's just staring at him from afar or just being in a room with him, it's worth it to me."

Aldi felt a little sympathy for Mike. Aldi is in the same position at the moment. Aldi could only stare at Kiara from afar through her laptop screen. Aldi could not get close to Kiara at all, especially until he could reach Kiara into his arms.

Aldi sighed deeply, understanding how complicated the feelings Mike and himself were going through right now.

"Mike, we can't keep harboring these feelings and hope that everything will be okay. You have to choose one step: either face your feelings for her or retreat silently because you realize Verlita will not be able to live a happy life with you!" aldi was clear.

Mike pondered for a moment, letting Aldi's words seep into his heart. Mike silently digested everything Aldi had said.He realized that Aldi was right. His heart felt sliced by the truth revealed by Aldi.

"I don't know what to say, Al," Mike said in a soft voice. "I realized that Verlita is your ex-boyfriend and she is a bully in your relationship with Kiara. However, I cannot shake this feeling. I try to stay away, but every time I see her, my heart still can't move on from her."

"Love is a complicated thing and sometimes difficult to explain. Mike, I understand how hard it is to get rid of those feelings. I can't force you to forget Verlita too quickly either. However, we have to face reality" Aldi said in a soft voice.

Mike nodded slowly, but confusion was still visible in his eyes. He tried to sort out his feelings, looking for the best solution for all parties.

"I want your relationship with Kiara to improve. I will try to control these feelings and deal with Verlita as much as possible. Maybe with me facing Verlita head-on, my feelings for her will change" Mike said with renewed determination.

Aldi smiled, nodding in understanding. He knows that this process will not be easy for Mike, but he hopes Mike can better understand his feelings for Verlita to the point of realizing that Verlita is not good enough for him.

"Thank you, Mike. I know that this is hard for you, but I appreciate your determination to overcome this feeling. We're going to get through this together" Aldi said, giving support to Mike.

The two of them sat next to each other on Aldi's office guest sofa. The two supported each other in this difficult decision. Their relationship is being tested, but their togetherness and understanding will remain strong pillars.

"Aldi, I never thought that my feelings for Verlita would affect your relationship with Kiara. I can't let this go on. I'll do whatever it takes to fix it" Mike said with renewed determination.

Aldi looked at Mike with a hopeful look. He was relieved to hear Mike's decision to change the situation even though Aldi was aware this would be a little heavy. Mike loves Verlita too much.

🌸🌸🌸🌸

_Dinda^^