Chapter 4 : The Offering (2)

“I need some time to clear my mind,” Lalita finally said.

Fortunately, Brian nodded slowly.

“Please, think carefully,” he said gently. “For now, let’s go to a psychiatrist.”

“What for?” Lalita protested.

“To prove that you’re sane. If you want Uncle Hadi to believe you, you need evidence.”

While Lalita was still trying to process his words, Brian had already dialed Hadi’s number and turned on the speakerphone, motioning for her to stay quiet.

“Hello, Uncle.”

“Yes, Brian. How’s Lita?”

“I’ve talked to Lita. I’ll take her to get checked out, okay, Uncle? I’ll give you the results afterward.”

Hadi sounded irritated from the other end of the line.

“No need to trouble yourself, Brian. Let me handle it. I need to teach her a lesson. I’ve spoiled her too much. This time, I need to be firm. She’s going to be someone’s wife soon. She can’t work, she can’t save money, and now she’s sick, too. Her fiance might even run away.”

Lalita couldn’t hold the tears.

Her father’s words felt like knives stabbing straight into her chest.

Realizing that, Brian quickly responded, “It’s okay, Uncle. I’m going to the hospital anyway to pick up some medicine for my dad, so I’ll take Lita for a check-up while I’m there. I’m glad that I could help.”

“All right.” Hadi sighed. “Please look after Lita. Can you give her your phone? I want to talk to her.”

Brian handed his phone to Lalita.

Her father’s soft voice changed, remaining cold and sharp.

“Lita... listen to me carefully. I’m going to pretend I never heard what you said about Citra and Aldo earlier. I also won’t tell them. They might be hurt if they hear those baseless accusations of yours. Now, go with Brian and don’t make things difficult.”

Lalita lowered her head.

Thereis  no words left for her to say.

She simply handed the phone back to Brian and sat silently.

Not long after, they arrived at the hospital, and Brian immediately gave Lalita further instructions.

“After you see the psychiatrist, get a lab test for poison, too.”

“Didn’t the doctor already confirm that I’m safe?” Lalita turned toward him uncertainly. “I think it would be better if we investigate first so we have evidence to give Dad.”

“My people are handling your investigation.” Brian replied casually.

Lalita couldn’t believe that Brian was no longer the little boy who used to play by the sand or the teenager who’d like to change girlfriends every semester.

He is an adult now, one of the heirs of Wiguna Group.

A conglomerate with businesses across numerous industries, including the hospital where they were standing now.

Wait...

“I just thought of something. Why do you work at my dad’s company?”

Brian smiled.

“I can learn about several business sectors at once by working as a consultant. Dad agreed and asked Uncle Hadi to take me under his wing. Well, I’m pretty capable, so I managed to climb the ranks quickly,” he boasted.

Lalita merely gave Brian an unimpressed look, even though she knew his statement was true.

“Okay, then. Thanks, Brian.”

And that was how it went...

Lalita could only follow Brian’s instructions for the rest of the day.

She went through a series of consultations and laboratory tests that took up almost the entire day.

“I’ll let you know when the results are out. Now, get some rest,” Brian said after they arrived at Lalita’s apartment.

“But... are you sure you’re going home? You can stay at one of my apartments,” Brian asked again.

“It’s fine. It would be strange if I suddenly moved somewhere else.”

“Are you sure?”

Lalita nodded.

“I’m sure. Nothing will happen to me. Sorry for troubling you.”

“Relax. It’s for my future wife, after all.”

“Tsk! I’m leaving now. Thanks, Brian.”

Lalita doesn't want to listen to any nonsense.

She immediately got out of the car and left him behind.

However, the moment Lalita opened the door to her apartment, the two people she most wanted to avoid were sitting on her sofa.

Aldo and Citra!

“Litaaa, I missed you!” Citra greeted her with exaggerated friendliness. “Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?”

Lalita took a deep breath and forced herself to smile.

Act, Lalita. Act.

“Hahahaha,” Lalita laughed. “I’m just surprised. I didn’t expect you two to come over. I just got back from Bandung. I’m exhausted after... cafe hopping,” she try lied casually.

Citra looked at her suspiciously.

“But it’s unusual that you didn’t bring us any souvenirs.”

“You two go to Bandung all the time. Why would I bring you souvenirs?” Lalita replied jokingly. “I’ll bring you something when I go to Korea next month, okay?”

“Maybe some Jeju sand?”

Citra chuckled.

“Okay. I’ll be waiting for it, along with some seashells.”

Meanwhile, Aldo approached her and pulled her into a hug.

“You’re tired, huh? Go get some rest.”

Damn it!

Lalita wanted to throw up.

But she simply buried her face against Aldo’s chest so he wouldn’t become suspicious.

“I’ll go rest first. Are you two working again?” Lalita asked, still with the buried face.

“Yes, sweetheart. There’s a tender next week,” Aldo replied. “Oh, right. Drink this lemon tea before you go to sleep.”

Lalita stared blankly at the glass.

Warm lemon tea that might be poisoned.

Should she drink it?