Before heading to the hospital, Fahira and Ariel had a brief argument because Ariel wanted to bring his motorcycle to save time and expenses, while Fahira insisted on her decision. Fahira would not allow Ariel to ride his motorcycle until he was declared fully recovered by Dr. Gavin. Fahira didn't want to take any risks that could jeopardize her brother's recovery.
Throughout the journey, Ariel carefully observed Fahira, who seemed restless. Ariel was sure something was bothering his sister. Fahira remained silent and looked outside the window.
"Sis, is there something bothering you?" Ariel finally dared to ask, reaching for Fahira's hand and holding it. Ariel felt like he had been a burden to Fahira all this time.
"There's nothing, little brother. I'm just tired," Fahira replied, smiling while squeezing Ariel's hand in return.
"Why have you never dated, sis? You're beautiful, smart, and kind. Don't
Ariel, who could read the meaning behind Gavin's gaze at Fahira, quickly came up with an idea to give them some time alone."Oh, by the way, sis, I need to use the restroom!" Ariel excused himself after they arrived at the hospital pharmacy waiting area to collect the prescribed medication."Don't take too long, little brother!" Fahira replied in annoyance because she knew Ariel intentionally left them alone. And it seemed like the universe was supporting Ariel's plan as heavy rain suddenly poured down. While waiting for the prescription and the rain to ease, they talked. The awkwardness Fahira had felt earlier was beginning to fade away. In Fahira's opinion, Gavin was a pleasant, friendly, and polite man. It was evident from how he responded to the greetings of nurses and hospital staff who happened to pass by, although Fahira knew that some of those nurses were looking at her with inquisitive eyes.Ariel
Darian approached Fahira, who was still in a daze."I can't live without you, Fahira!" Darian's hand lifted to caress Fahira's cheek with a loving gaze. Fahira returned his gaze with teary eyes, unsure of how to respond as she herself was confused about her feelings."You are the only woman in my heart, the only one I've ever touched, Fahira. I'm not the man you think I am. I apologize for all the pain I've caused you!" Darian said with a fading intensity. Fahira was taken aback. This was the same Darian she knew, cold, arrogant, and aloof, now appearing vulnerable and hurt."Mr. Dari..." Suddenly, Darian's body collapsed into Fahira's arms. She struggled to support his weight and ended up sitting down.With all her strength, Fahira tried to free herself from Darian's body, attempting to drag him inside the house, but to no avail. His large frame wouldn't budge. Eventually, she made her way to Ariel'
As usual, Fahira went about her morning activities. After performing the night prayer, reciting the Quran, and the dawn prayer, Fahira headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. She glanced at Ariel's closed bedroom door as she walked to the kitchen. Of course, it was still early in the morning, and it was Darian's rest time. Fahira smiled when she saw that her younger brother Ariel was still sound asleep."Always sleeping on your stomach!" Fahira scolded, as she had grown tired of reminding Ariel about his bad sleeping habit.She opened the refrigerator to check the available ingredients she could cook for now. It was Sunday, which meant it was time for Fahira to buy groceries for the coming week. She always made time to buy essentials like rice, fresh fish, vegetables, and fruits from the traditional market for the whole week. Going to work every morning meant she couldn't catch the vegetable vendors passing by at 6 a.m., ex
17Darian's smile widened as he breathed in the scent of roses in Fahira's room. His brown irises scanned every corner of the small room, comparable to the luxurious bathroom in his own apartment. While waiting for Fahira to fetch his change of clothes, Darian explored every nook of Fahira's room. It was small, but for some reason, Darian wanted to linger there. He paused in front of Fahira's dressing table, which held her simple makeup tools. Not as extensive as his mother's collection. He read the brand names on each cosmetic product used by Fahira."Her taste is good!" he murmured, recognizing some expensive and well-known brands, although their prices were still standard for Darian. He was used to seeing his mother's collection of expensive makeup items. As an international model, his mother was always hunting for makeup and branded fashion items. Especially now, she also managed E-Fashion Galeries, a subsidiary of Putra Corporation specializing in fashion development.His eyes la
Di the parking lot of the market, many people were already staring at them. "Are you sure you want to enter the market, Mr. Darian?" Fahira asked hesitantly, looking at Darian as he removed his helmet."Why not?" Darian replied, following Fahira's gaze as it wandered around."Maybe they think we're filming a soap opera!" Darian laughed, holding Fahira's hand as they entered the market. Fahira was surprised by Darian's relaxed attitude, as he didn't seem bothered or disgusted by the slightly muddy streets left from the previous night's rain.Fahira's thoughts were spot-on. All eyes were on Darian. He stood out like a candle amidst a swarm of small winged creatures called moths. Those small creatures always flocked to the light when it rained. It was a favorite activity for her and Ariel when they were kids. They used to turn off all the lights in the house and light candles placed in a basin of water. The adorable winged creatures would then gather around the can
Footsteps Darian's shoes echoed on the shiny floor as he made his way back to his apartment, reluctantly leaving behind the long drama he had created to spend more time with Fahira. If only Fahira hadn't sulked and insisted he leave, he would have refused to part with the girl who now occupied all his attention.Tick. The sound of Darian's apartment key opening the door was heard. He placed his shoes in their designated spot and headed to the fridge. Pouring cold mineral water into a glass, he sipped it slowly. Before he closed the fridge, his eyes were drawn to two bottles of alcoholic drinks that were usually available there. Darian seemed to be contemplating something. He took out his phone from his pants pocket and searched for someone's contact.Darian:"I have something for you. I'm waiting for you at my apartment now!"He typed the message before his phone died due to low battery.While waiting for his friend to arrive, Darian entered his room
Darian was annoyed because he was late to pick up Fahira to go to the office together. Although Fahira didn't confirm his invitation yesterday, her silence made Darian believe that she agreed. For reasons unknown to him, Darian had trouble sleeping last night, feeling restless about many things. It wasn't just about Fahira, but also about his personal life. Many things had gone to waste in his almost 29 years of life. He had material wealth and popularity in his hands, but he had no provisions for the afterlife.Feeling insecure, his once high self-confidence now sank to the deepest corner of his heart. He even felt unworthy of standing next to Fahira, a kind-hearted and pious girl whose life he had ruined.Darian's car stopped not far from Gavin's white Fortuner as he watched Fahira step out of the car with a smile and chat for a while before waving to the person still inside the car. Normally, Darian would have been furious to see Fahira with her cousin. This time, h
"What's wrong, Honey?" Darian asked as he gently caressed Fahira's cheek. As usual, Darian would pick up Fahira to go to the office together."It's nothing, I'm just nervous about the event tonight!" Fahira replied, holding Darian's hand that was still touching her cheek."Don't worry! Everything will be fine." Darian held Fahira's hand and kissed it. The car glided from Fahira's house onto the main road. During the journey, Fahira remained mostly silent, as she had been anxious since last night. In truth, Fahira had felt uncomfortable ever since Darian personally proposed to her. The relationship between her and the boss was now known by their co-workers. While the colleagues in her division had no issues with it, the reaction was different among other colleagues. Fahira had felt their cynical and contemptuous gazes since two days ago when Darian openly showed his feelings and attention in public.This morning was even worse. Darian opened the car door fo