CHAPTER 3: A BEGUILING REMEDY

The call was abruptly cut off from his end. I stood there, reeling from the weight of his final ultimatum.

"What? Married off? Mr. Darman certainly knows how to keep things surprising!"

That was my father’s name, Darman Dwi Atmaja. A titan in the culinary industry, and I was his sole heir. Yet, I harbored not a shred of interest in his business empire—a fact that never failed to ignite his fury.

I let out a heavy sigh and dragged my feet forward, my spirit flagging. People around me began to stare and whisper. I couldn’t tell what they were gossiping about; was it the tears staining my face, or my disheveled appearance that made me look like a misplaced sumo wrestler?

Choosing my usual mask of indifference, I hurried to the parking lot and hopped onto my favorite electric scooter, weaving through traffic toward Sadewa Mall.

Upon arriving at the shopping center, I stood before the cafe and dialed Dita.

"Hello, Dit. Where are you? I’m standing right in front of the cafe."

"Hello? I’ve been waiting for you out front, too. Why don't I see you?"

My brow furrowed. I scanned the area, searching for her. There weren't many people passing by, so she should have been easy to spot. Strangely enough, she was standing directly behind me, yet she seemed completely oblivious to my presence.

"Dita!" I called out, the phone still pressed to my ear.

Dita turned around, but she immediately looked away after a brief, confused scowl. I walked up to her and tapped her shoulder. "Dita! It’s me."

Dita spun back around. Her gaze swept over me from head to toe. Her forehead creased and her eyes widened in utter disbelief that the person standing before her was actually me.

"Good grief, Erika?"

There she went again, being overly dramatic. She stared at me as if she were seeing a ghost.

"What is it, Dita? No need to look so enchanted. I know I’m captivating. Just act normal."

"Captivating? Where?" She gave me a sharp flick on the forehead while biting her lip. I began to wonder—was my appearance really that catastrophic?

"Ow! That actually hurt!" I yelped, clutching my head.

"Serves you right! You look completely unkempt. Did you even shower?"

I gave a sheepish grin and scratched my head. "Of course I showered."

"When was the last time?"

I paused to rack my brain for the exact moment I had last cleaned myself. "Umm... I think, two days ago," I answered with a hollow laugh.

"Heavens... No wonder Mr. Jefri avoided you. He must have been so uncomfortable."

"Drop it. I’m parched. Where’s your table?" I scanned the interior of the cafe.

"Over there," Dita pointed.

The atmosphere inside was tranquil, a welcome reprieve from the noise outside. The mouth-watering aroma of baked pastries hung in the air. A glass of iced caffe latte was already waiting on the table. Its scent wafted toward me, and I couldn't resist taking a sip.

I slurped the drink slowly, feeling the chill slide down my parched throat.

"Ah... so refreshing. This coffee is divine." I smiled with satisfaction and squeezed Dita’s hand. "Thanks, Dit. You really are my best friend."

"Do you even have any other friends besides me?"

I shook my head and took another sip. From the glint in my eyes, Dita surely knew I was smiling.

"So, what’s the latest chapter in your thesis saga?"

I exhaled a heavy breath, my lips curling into a pout. I stirred the ice with my straw. "Mr. Jefri refused to wait because I showed up late."

Dita’s eyes nearly popped out. She dragged her chair closer to mine. "What! How did that happen? What were you doing? Busy writing again, weren't you?"

I did the same after setting my glass down—pulling my chair in until we were practically huddled together, our arms resting on the table, ready for a deep dive.

"I fell asleep. And the worst part is..." I leaned in toward her. I glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping before whispering, "I had a dream... an inappropriate one... about Mr. Jefri."

"What?!" Dita shrieked instantly. Her jaw dropped, and she froze like a statue. "No way. I wish for a dream like that every single night, and you’re the one who gets it?"

I slapped her arm, desperate for her to lower her volume. "Keep your voice down, Dita!"

Dita looked genuinely annoyed, refusing to meet my eyes. She pouted in blatant displeasure. "I hate you. How dare you get ahead of me, Er?"

"Shut up! Do you think I actually wanted a dream like that with him? I can't even stand the thought of his face."

I cut into a croissant with aggressive movements and stuffed a piece into my mouth.

"Watch your words. Careful you don't end up falling for him," Dita remarked.

Her words felt like a hex, making the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

"May that never happen..." I tapped my forehead a few times, hoping her prediction wouldn't come true. "Only a fool of a woman would like a man like him."

"So you're calling me a fool?" Dita countered, her temper beginning to flare.

"No... not you. I meant... other women." I grinned, trying to look as sweet as possible so she wouldn't stay mad.

Dita’s face remained darkened with resentment as she gave me a cynical look. But I knew her annoyance was only fleeting.

"Don't be mad. I really need your help right now." I took her hand again, hoping the gloom would lift from her face.

"What kind of help?!" Her tone was still sharp, but I knew she still cared.

"Papa is going to marry me off."

"What?!" Dita screamed again. Her eyes bulged, and she nearly choked on her drink.

Other patrons in the cafe began to stare at us. A few whispered and chuckled amongst themselves.

"Shh... keep it down," I whispered, flushed with embarrassment. I hated being the center of attention.

"Sorry, sorry..." Dita leaned in. Our heads were nearly touching over the table. "Are you seriously being forced into a marriage? Why?" she whispered in disbelief.

I slumped back into my chair, my face a picture of misery. "Because I haven't graduated yet..."

Dita’s lip curled into a slight, disappointed smirk. She let out a heavy sigh.

I reached for her hand again, hoping she had a solution to the crushing problem I faced. "Dit... help me. What should I do to get Mr. Jefri to finally approve my thesis?"

Dita pulled her hand away sharply. She picked up her coffee and leaned back into her chair.

"Sleep with him," she answered nonchalantly, turning her gaze away as she casually enjoyed her drink.