The Untouched Heart

Chapter 92 - The Persistent Woman

“We just shopped at a boutique near here. Then I remembered that we haven't had dinner in your favorite restaurant in a long time. How about we eat together?” mama said with a happy face. I'd like to rectify that it's not my favorite restaurant, but Za. Given that Mama hated him so much, I locked up my intention.

“I can't come, Ma. I've got business this afternoon,” reject me. Mom looked towards the door.

“Sherry, cancel all Hendra promises by tonight. He's going to have dinner with his family. Thank you.” Mama held Nora's hand and sat on the sofa. Sherry looked at me asking for confirmation. I nodded slowly. There is no point in arguing with my mother. “Quick finish your work, we wait.”

Five minutes later, Papa came and we came out of my room together. Sherry who was still behind her desk said her regards, I just nodded slowly. This will be the last day he's here when I come to work. Hopefully his successor can work better than him and does not intend to fall in love with his own boss.

Nora repeatedly tried to hold my hand or wrap her hand around mine. I-i refused. He must have thought that with the support of Mama, he had a great chance to get me. Tired of giving him an explanation, I better let him think as he pleases.

Eating at Za's favorite restaurant reminded me of her. I didn't even realize that I was ordering meat like he ordered. This woman is great. Five years apart, he still holds my heart and my mind. But I was wrong too. I often succumbed with my impulse and desperately slept by his side whenever my insomnia recurred.

I had no sleep problems before. Since the divorce with Za, I started having trouble sleeping. At first I was able to sleep well for several hours until I finally could not sleep at all without the help of drugs. Fortunately, Za has habits that I know. I would rather sleep quietly by his side than take medicine.

“Hendra, did you hear us?” mama asked me to break my daydream. I raised my head and looked at him. “Nora has good news for you.” I cut the meat back on my plate and put it in my mouth with a fork. No matter what the woman sitting by my side will say.

“There is a hotel in Bali that will be sold. Mine's. She is getting married and intends to follow her husband to her country. The condition of the building is still good, it's just that these few months are not many guests because he is busy preparing for his wedding. He no longer managed the hotel. If you're interested, I can take you to see him,” said Nora enthusiastically.

Which words from my last sentence could he not understand? “I won't buy any more hotels.”

“If time is your problem, then I am willing to help you to manage it. You don't have to make me General Manager of the hotel. I can help you as well as take care of my papa's hotel as well.” He repeated the advice his father gave him last night.

“If you are serious about finding a husband, I will tell you one thing. When a man says no, it means no. Persuasion or seduction will not be able to change his stance,” I said firmly. I felt Mama's sharp gaze towards me, but I did not turn my head and ignored her.

The woman did not give up either and continued to talk about the benefits I would get if I bought the hotel. He even mentioned various ideas of events that could be held to attract more guests. Why didn't he give all those proposals to his friend? I don't need it.

Mama forced me to drive her home, I refused. She came with Mama, so she had to go home with her. That woman is not my friend or my family. Finally, the driver drove her home. I can go back to my apartment.

“What event did you want to attend earlier?” ask Mama to know. Papa, who had opened the car door for her, was forced to wait until Mama finished talking. “Hadi's Birthday sure, ‘kan? Don't expect me to let you see that woman again.”

“So, that's why Mama suddenly invited me to dinner?” tanyaku.

“Ma, queue is long. We have to go now,” Papa said. Mama according. “See you later, Son. Take care of yourself.” I nodded slowly.

My mother's worries were unwarranted. I have no plans to attend Hadi's birthday party today. Our meeting back after five years of not meeting will not I do in front of a lot of people. My first meeting with my children will also not let me be witnessed by the crowd. I just want to do it between us.

“The gift I asked for has arrived at home?” ask the Kafin.

“Already, Sir. The contents are complete as requested by Mr.” he replied politely. I nodded with satisfaction. “Mrs leave that supply box for Tuan.”

“You take it home and enjoy with your family.” I don't want to remember the house by going back to eating Fahri's food.

“Mrs already gave my part and family, Sir,” reports. I just stared at him from the rearview mirror above the dashboard. “Ah, fine, Sir. I'll take it all home.”

“I've transferred some money to your account. Go on vacation with your family. I'm on a one-week leave, so I won't need a driver. Contact us if you need a hotel or flight ticket. He will take care of it for you, I will bear the cost.”

“Te-thank you, Sir,” he said moved.

“Focus, Kafin. You are driving,” I said reminded. I smiled to see him wiping his face with his shirt sleeves. “Thank you for faithfully driving me anywhere. I can't give you much, but I hope you and your family love your vacation. Tell me if the money is less. Don't hesitate.”

“I-iya, Sir,” he said slowly.

Ara immediately barked happily as I just opened the apartment door. Since he was being nice, I picked him up and let him vent his longing. I put it on the floor before going into the bathroom. As usual, he barked loudly in protest because I left him alone in my room.

She barked back happy to see me coming out of the bathroom towards the clothes room. I have completely lost my composure in this place since his presence. He is a dog that needs attention. Are all Golden Retrievers like that or is it because she's a female?

“Why is it difficult for women to be honest with their feelings, Ara?” We sat on the couch watching his favorite movie. The dog barked while wagging its tail. “Ah, not all women. My mother's chosen woman was outspoken about what was on her mind. Is it just Za that is?”

I was thinking about what I would do for the next week. Will my children want to spend time with me or will I be considered a stranger? I'll think about it later. After the first meeting passed, things would be easier later.

All this time, I was the only one who came to see them when they were gone. But this time I'll come show myself in front of them. It is time we met again.