Alexander's POV
My mother waves her hand among the dozens of people enjoying their lunch at this five-star hotel. I quickly approach her; I haven't seen my mother in a long time, maybe seven months.
Not without reason, I've been avoiding meeting my mother because she disapproves of my relationship with Jessica. In their eyes, Jessica is a gold digger. I don't blame them; Jessica's appearance does support that idea.
But how long do they have to control me? I'm 28 years old, and I feel like my mother has changed even more since she remarried her new husband. Her divorce from my father has left her assuming things on her own, carrying all her worries. Unfortunately, I'm the target, not my two siblings. Maybe because I'm the CEO of the family business and my two siblings live abroad.
"Alex!" My mother stands up from her seat and gives me a warm hug.
I've missed her, I miss the times when we were still together.
"How are you, Mom?"
I release the hug, her eyes glistening with tears. She returns to her seat, wiping the tears that wet her cheeks.
"Sorry, Alex. Seven months isn't a short time; I've wanted to see you for a long time. But I was afraid you were still angry. No messages, calls, not even a visit. Do you hate me that much?"
I feel a pang; the disappointment I've harbored for so long crosses my mind. But seeing my mother's tears makes me push it all aside. I have to let it go; I want to prove that my choice is right.
"The past is the past; let's leave it behind, okay? I don't want to discuss the argument we had seven months ago. I came to see you because I missed you. No child hates their parents, Mom." I grip my mother's hand tightly, and I can see a smile on her aging face.
Thankfully, I dislike it when tears linger for too long. Her affair during her marriage to my father drained enough tears from her.
"Yes, this meeting is also meant to discuss your relationship with Jessica, Alex. I'll be honest; no matter how long, I'll never be able to accept Jessica's presence in our family. But I'll try not to show my resentment and accept your decision. The shattered marriage was my biggest failure in life; I don't want to add new problems with my own child.
Moreover, we're still tied to the business. Our family company that you lead cannot be filled with awkwardness, hatred, and grudges among family members. I'll leave all the decisions regarding the relationship to you. If you want to be with Jessica, then go ahead, Alex."
My mother's voice quivers a bit, holding back her tears. I understand how she despises Jessica. This must be the most difficult decision for her.
"Thank you for your sincerity in letting go of Jessica for my sake, Mom. I appreciate it, even though you've claimed you'll never be able to accept her. But I want to ask you one thing. Allow me to be the bridge between you two. It doesn't have to be now, who knows when, but I want to try to open your eyes, to show you that Jessica isn't the bad person you think she is."
My mother sighs deeply; her head nods slowly. "Anything for you, Alex. So, how's the company doing? You know, for the last seven months, I've been shuttling between New York and Dubai. The oil refinery your stepfather built is doing well there. I haven't had a chance to check on our company."
"Everything is going smoothly, Mom. You know, actually, two weeks ago, I wanted to visit you. But my ego, which still saw you as a villain, held me back. When I received your message inviting me to meet, I was genuinely happy. I've missed you so much, Mom."
"Indeed, one of us has to give in. By the way, do you have any connection with your father? How is he doing?"
I shake my head. "No, since you two separated, I haven't had any contact with him. You know that. I'm disappointed in my father's behavior too; he acted like a coward. I'm with you, Mom."
A sudden silence falls between us. We just look at each other and share a smile. It feels like we've exhausted the topics for discussion. Ever since I've been with Jessica, conversations between my mother and me have been filled with tension alone.
You could say that the tension, the scolding, the suspicions constantly thrown by my mother become a separate topic that can be developed. We could argue for twenty minutes straight.
Now? I think I've been sitting here for fifteen minutes, and the topic has faded. What else do I want to discuss?
"Forgive this awkwardness. Honestly, I don't know how to respond anymore, Alex. The time we've spent has been about our own selfishness."
"Our selfishness? Really, Mom?"
"Sure. My selfishness of not wanting you to go with a materialistic woman, and your selfishness of not letting me prove what's been bothering me."
I glance at my watch. "It was only ten minutes ago that we hugged each other. I remember you saying you would let go of me and my choice. And now? You're back with your harsh words about Jessica. What's your real intention, Mom?"
My mother's face turns red; she takes a sip from a glass of water on the table. She then shows me a photo of a woman kissing a man on her phone.
"Can you guess who that is?"
I furrow my brow and shake my head. "Don't give me riddles; I'm not in the mood to think, Mom. What do you really want to show me?"
"That's Jessica, she's with another man. They were in the hotel lobby in Dubai, three months ago. I've wanted to show you this photo for a long time, but I was afraid you'd hate me even more, Alex. I want you to stop. Why do you still defend Jessica? How long are you going to let her use you? She's only after your wealth and position, Alex. She's a snake!"
"Enough, Mom!"
"No, I won't stop. Okay, I apologize for the false words I gave at the beginning of our meeting, convincing you that I had let you go. I used that to end our tension, Alex. It's only because of Jessica that we argue! And I'm not a mother who's willing to see her child paired with--."
"I'm leaving. Thanks for this meeting and disappointment, Mom." I stand up and give a kiss on my mother's forehead. I gaze at her face and say, "I'll never leave Jessica because of other people's words. Thanks again for shattering the happiness that had just started between us."
Fransisca's POV One year passed. All the sadness has begun to fade. I also take turns staying at my house and my mother-in-law's house. Today Riana graduated. Of course, Raymond, Bobby, and Tissa came to congratulate me as representatives of her family. Bobby is also getting bigger. Likewise with Tissa. After Nadya officially gave Tissa to me, I already had full power of attorney This time I also saw that Riana had become a graduate. This is quite a proud achievement for her and us as her family too. We are proud of Riana because she has also fought well all this time. I also brought a bouquet for her as a congratulation. After the graduation procession was finished, we met Riana. Bobby gave the bouquet of flowers to his aunt. "Thank you, darling," said Riana. "You're welcome, Aunt Riana." Bobby has talked a lot. I am also proud of him because he has learned a lot. He can also be an older brother to Tissa and doesn't seem to want to see Tissa fall. He becomes a bro
Raymond's POV I finally got to see Nichole helpless and then taken to the police station. I also asked the police to arrest Mr. Raul. I also don't know where he is. I hope Mr. Raul has also been arrested. "Wow, great stiffness, sir. If I were you, I wouldn't be able to do it. Moreover, the knife almost stuck in your chest," praised the auditor. "Ah, when we are in trouble we should be prepared for all risks, sir. Don't worry!” Because my business was finished, the auditor went home. I escorted him home and made sure he was safe. I went to the police station and couldn't wait to see Nichole in prison with Mr. Raul. Two people who betrayed me and almost destroyed my company. This time I was in front of the police station. I've also seen Nichole and Mr. Raul who were temporarily imprisoned at the police station before they were questioned. I saw them both. That's how they saw me too. “Hey, let me go!” shouted Mr. Raul. "Don't you know that you will go to prison be
Raymond's POV When Nadya came to the house and said she would help me, I was quite surprised. It turns out Mr. Raul has collaborated with Nadya. It's just that Nadya is no longer like she used to be. She has changed. "Okay then. Thank you for wanting to help me," I answered. "You're welcome. Can I see Tissa?” Nadya replied. "Of course. She's still sleeping at this hour. You can see her in my room. Because at night she always sleeps with me," answered Fransisca. "Can you take me to your room?" Nadya asked again. "Well, of course," answered Fransisca. After meeting Tissa, Nadya then invited me to discuss. As Her said yesterday, I also have to make Mr. Raul and Nichole feel tired because they had tried to stab me in the back. Nadya is quite good at this job. I also felt very helped by this. * The next day Nadya and Mr. Raul will meet to carry out further cooperation. I was asked to come along so I could keep an eye on him. Fransisca is also no longer jealous of
Fransisca's POV I'm quite worried about Raymond's condition as he continues to be under pressure from his work. Because he seems to be walking alone. I also can't help him directly. I only helped Riana when ordered by Raymond while I was doing assignments. For a month, Raymond was always worried about his unfinished work. He needs investors to redevelop his company. Moreover, there were enough employee layoffs to stabilize the company. Although actually, it doesn't really matter. It's just that his company can no longer pay its employees so the best step is for him to fire many of his employees. If only I were one of his employees. I come from a village and then applied for a job in the city and was accepted, which was a matter of pride for me. Moreover, I can also support myself and my mother. But when I have to be fired because of company interests, I will of course be disappointed. But right now there is no oth
Raymond's POV I've been struggling with my problem for a month but haven't gotten the best results. I also followed Fransisca's advice not to trust anyone, including Nichole, someone I have trusted for a long time. But my company's problems are getting worse. I also have to face that I can't pay my employees because my company's profits are decreasing. I'm getting more and more dizzy. Employees must also receive their salaries. “Sir, what about the employees who have to receive their salaries?” asked my secretary. Of course, she was also stressed because she kept asking questions from the finance department. "Well, I'll talk directly to the head of the finance department later." I immediately met the head of the finance department. "How is it, sir?" asked Mr. Hans. "Well, you already know that our company is experiencing problems, right? Suddenly investors withdrew their
Fransisca's POV I heard that Raymond had fainted in his office. I was really shocked. I immediately took Bobby to the hospital while I left Tissa with a babysitter. According to Nichole, Raymond fainted when he was coming home from work. I'm sure that Raymond is tired and might be late eating. Arriving at the hospital I saw that Raymond was still unconscious. After waiting for a long time, I could see that Raymond had regained consciousness. * The next day Raymond was able to go home. I was also relieved because Raymond was just tired. When he got home, Raymond had to go to work again. I also reminded him not to forget to eat. I also brought him lunch so he didn't need to go to the canteen to buy food. Actually, I already want to go to my house but I have to wait for the right time. Indeed, I feel comfortable at my mother-in-law's house. But I just miss the atmosphere of my house, especially after it has been renovated. Moreover, Tissa is also getting closer to me. Just like Bob