The Rhyme of the Depositary

LIMA

Anson woke up when it was too early. He looked at the woman by his side who was still asleep. Her hair is like the goddess Khayangan. His breathing sounds regular, very melodious.

Slowly, Anson touched the side of Alice's face. Enjoying the beauty that the woman kept neatly. Her face is so pretty and sweet.

He is like a siren incarnation that can wash away a man's soul. Her charm is strictly forbidden, yet seductive. Everything in him is like opium. Always pull it deeper and harm.

Anson smiled bitterly. How did this rare beauty just become something low-end and traded? why did Alice easily place herself as a paid woman.

Money is indeed the most powerful driver for humans. In this world there are only two possibilities. Those who do a lot to have money. And those who get a lot of things because they have money. It is that relationship that leads them both in mutual symbiosis.

Anson pondered. He's used to having a realistic woman. The disability he had made it hard to find a woman who sincerely accepted him. Their only motive is to get financial benefits.

Even Avana, the mother of her daughter is one of the rows of women. Two months after their relationship ended, Anson was shocked by Avana's arrival. He asked for some money to abort their future child. Anson acted the opposite. She offered to pay Avana three times her request if she was willing to keep and give birth to the child for her care. Avana of course agreed.

Anson needs something constant in his life. After her family died, she yearned for having someone to complete her, accepting her whole without regard to her flaws. Kimberly is that figure. The relationship of father and son will take place sincerely without having to have conditions.The girl has become her most valuable treasure.

That's why he wanted to protect her so much. He didn't want Kimberly to be close to one of his women because they only stopped for a while and didn't last long. The little girl can't be hurt when the woman Anson has decides to leave. Enough Anson to be his father, give whatever his daughter wants.

Last night as she watched Kimberly interact with Alice. Anson saw something he hadn't seen in years. The instinctive warmth.

Despite the instant, Alice was able to bring natural warmth to her daughter. His expression seemed sincerely full of motherhood. Their interaction seemed natural. Alice was even able to make Kimberly sparkle expectantly.

Anson was very angry at the time. A woman like Alice will never be permanent in her life. Alice should not play a child as small as Kimberly with empty expectations. Kimberly has no right to feel hurt when Alice leaves.

"Ehm" Alice moved sideways, changing her sleeping position.

Anson got off the bed slowly and left Alice alone. He really needs time to be alone.

...

Alice awoke when it was noon. Sunlight penetrates through each room's window grid. He stared at the bed beside him which was empty. Alice immediately went down and bathed with lightning.

Even though it's a weekend, Alice can't stay here for long. He would never be able to carry himself smoothly if he had to face Anson other than at night. What's he supposed to do? pleasantry conversation? Anson is definitely not that kind of man. Alice was getting more and more ridiculed by him.

Fifteen minutes later Alice went downstairs in hasty steps. Alice was a little surprised to find Anson and her daughter in the dining room she was going through. Susan was handing out breakfast on their plate.

Alice smiled awkwardly at Susan and intended to pass them towards the exit. Kimberly called him.

"Alice. Will you have breakfast with us?" the door is hopeful.

Alice looked at Kimberly helplessly. The child's face was too excited, making Alice feel even more guilty when she rejected him.

"Other times. I'm having other business" Alice said with an apology. Though he realized his stomach has not got intake since yesterday.

"Are you going to come here again? Can we play a puzzle or something?"

"I'm sorry Kimberly. It seems to be busy later," Alice refused to leave them. Alright. He's like a criminal now. Rejecting such a small child without the slightest bit of mercy. But how else? isn't that what Anson wants?

"Play with Dad, Kimi." Entertain Anson looked at Alice. As if he said leave now.

Alice smiled bitterly, leaving them.

...

The company that Alice owns is an individual company engaged as a property developer, especially middle-class residential homes. Although the company is not a giant company that is able to dominate the main economy of this city, but the company is stable enough to be able to provide comfort life for his family. At least before Alex comes along and destroys everything.

This afternoon he should have an appointment with one of the landowners who became the target lately. The land has an area of 3000 meters2 and is located on the side of the main urban road. A good prospect if it can be developed into a residential complex. Hopefully the owner does not ask for a high price.

Alice looks surprised when the person she is waiting for enters her office space with Daniel, her former lover, while they are still in college.

"Mrs. James, please sit down. Daniel, how are you?" greet Alice pulled two chairs to invite them.

"good. James is my brother-in-law. I heard you guys had an appointment. So I took the initiative to accompany her," Daniel explained showing off a smile. His expression was still as warm as before.

"Oh. A very profitable coincidence, I guess." Alice smiled as well. He did not expect Daniel to have a close relationship with a prospective business partner. Hopefully, the existence of Daniel can make James agree on his laughter.

After they spoke for an hour, they managed to agree on a purchase agreement, with some terms set. Shortly after James got a phone call from his wife, Daniel's older brother, and said goodbye to Alice. It seems like he has a sudden affair. Daniel chose to accompany her.

"I heard your husband died. I'm in mourning" Daniel said, opening the conversation in private.

Alice laughed flatly, not feeling sad at all.

"Don't waste your sympathies on a man like Alex. We both know what a jerk he's behind me." Alice said honestly, successfully making Daniel laugh.

"I heard he left a dozen problems with his death." Daniel is getting serious. Stare probing.

"Yes. But don't worry, I can handle it." In a way that you don't deserve to hear, Alice's mind is full of regret.

"You sure? I can be your friend if you need me," he bargained sincerely.

Alice smiled. Their relationship ended long ago. He shouldn't have given any signal of hope to a man as good as Daniel. For the sake of financial stability, Alice had become an unworthy woman for Daniel to know.

"I'm really serious Alice. If you need funds, I can help you a little" Daniel volunteered. There was no motive whatsoever for his laughter. There is only real sincerity.

How could Alice waste this extraordinary-tie man before. Now they are no longer the same. It was hard for Alice to accept Daniel's kindness.

"No need for Daniel. I can handle it myself." Alice refused.

Alice looked in admiration at Daniel. The man who once defined himself as a hacker, is now developing into the owner of a software company. The business he pioneered was able to penetrate the market with high selling value.

"Well if you insist. Alice do you have any free time Tuesday night? there's a charity party at one of my colleagues. Are you willing to be my partner?"

It was a blatant move for Daniel to approach him again.

"I don't think I can, Daniel. Sorry." Alice refused gently. Actually, for two nights, Alice's schedule was empty. Yesterday Mr. William told Alice he did not need to visit Anson's residence for two days because Anson was reviewing his business in Hong Kong.

"alright. Then give me your phone number. Maybe I can get back to persuading you tomorrow." Daniel did not give up.

Alice laughed, feeling funny. He gave a business card containing his personal contacts. Alright. It's just friendship. There's no harm.

...