Chapter 42: Chapter 42

Jess chokes, causing a disgusted frown on Fathia's face, who still can't fully believe what happened to her. Smoothly and without hesitation, Anne recounts the sequence of events. She tells Jess, who is enjoying her afternoon snack on the upper floor. Jess's café consists of two floors. They usually spend time there. Jess's café concept has quickly raised the name of Amorè.

Besides being cozy and suitable for lively chats with friends, Fathia also agrees with the reviews. The trendy food and drinks displayed on the menu bring new customers who keep coming back.

"Just give me the real news, okay?"

Fathia rolls her eyes. "You think I'm lying?"

Jess stares at Fathia with a hard-to-decipher expression. "Eat first, come on. Maybe after this, you'll be sane again. And talk normally."

"Ugh!"

Although slightly annoyed that Jess doesn't believe what she's saying, the spread in front of her is indeed tempting. When is Fathia not tempted by Asya's homemade baked spaghetti? Jess is really lucky because Asya agreed to accompany her all the way to Bandung. Asya said working with Jess is like playing.

While Fathia enjoys her meal, Jess is still juggling her Frappuccino and low-sugar cookies that she likes. It doesn't take long for Fathia to finish her portion of food. Jess is quite surprised by how quickly her friend devours the meal. "Are you hungry?" she asks, voicing her curiosity.

Fathia just nods slowly. She wipes the corner of her mouth, takes a sip of mineral water, and gets ready to tell Jess her story again. "Back to my story." There's a momentary pause before she continues. "I'm serious, it's not my imagination or invention. I met Sebastian."

"And then? What do you want if you meet Mr. Sebastian?"

Instantly, Fathia shrugs her shoulders. Jess is right. What does she want to do, anyway? "There's nothing, really," she mumbles softly.

"I know you miss him, don't you?" Jess raises her hand, not wanting to be interrupted. "Just admit it. Your face can't fool me. I'd miss him too if I were you. After all, he's like family to me, especially since your parents aren't around."

Fathia looks down more, her friend's words hitting home.

"Just consider it God being kind to you, Fathia. Today you got to meet and see Sebastian safe and sound."

Fathia nods slowly. "You're right."

"Don't be sad. I think today might be the only day you'll meet him."

The short-haired girl smiles slightly. Jess is right. It's not likely that there's a coincidence involving both her and Sebastian.

"But I'm curious about the part where you eavesdropped on someone in the bathroom. What do you mean by that?"

"I don't know what he meant, Jess."

Jess sighs. "You definitely know where my question is heading."

She takes another sip of mineral water and finishes it. "All I know is that Papa, Mommy, and Sister Felice died in an accident. But as far as the conversations I've overheard between Sebastian and Uncle Ronald, they believe that their deaths were staged."

"But?"

"Until the time I lived with Sebastian, there was never any evidence pointing to that suspicion."

Jess nods slowly. "Did you catch a glimpse of what the person looked like?"

Fathia shakes her head weakly. "I was scared, Jess."

"And?"

"And?" Fathia repeats, looking confused.

"Well... what are you going to do? You only heard a fragment. You didn't even see the person. Are you going to find out?"

Questions of this sort echoed through Fathia's mind as she made her way to her café. She brushed aside the pain in her right hand from when the motorcycle fell on it earlier. She felt a bit embarrassed because, in her fear and surprise, she ended up being nervous when starting the motorbike.

"Even Uncle Ronald and Sebastian gave up, let alone me, who's like this."

"Seems like we're destined to live like this, Fathia. You with your freedom, me with this enjoyment."

Willingly or not, she agreed with Jess's words, even though there was a hint of doubt. She shook her head slightly to dismiss the doubt in her heart, then agreed with Jess that her life now was already here. No need to delve into the past anymore.

"Enjoy what God has given us. I know... there might still be parts you're not happy with having. But... what if you're challenged by danger? What then?"

Fathia stayed silent.

"Unless you're willing to take risks like I said from the beginning when we were avoiding that, Clara Fox. You haven't forgotten, have you?"

No, Fathia couldn't forget Jess's words when the three of them first set foot in Flower City.

"It's all up to you, Fathia. What do you want? I'm here to support you."

Fathia's phone vibration, which was lying on the table, diverted their conversation. Jess shrugged, while Fathia seemed puzzled as she looked at the sender of the message.

(+815******07)

(Anne, I'm sorry for the long meeting earlier. You must have waited a long time. I'm sending a lot of bouquet references for two weeks from now. I ordered 10. Can you, do it?)

(Sent picture)

Fathia blinked. She glanced up slowly at Jess, who was sipping the last of her drink. "What's up with you?"

"I got another order for the building we visited earlier. Ten bouquets for two weeks from now."

"And then?"

"Can I meet Sebastian again?"

Jess burst into laughter.

***

Sitting next to the deliberately opened window, feeling the chilly night breeze, and enjoying the deepening darkness of the late night. Not caring that her fingertips were starting to go numb from the cold air brushing against them.

"Almost there, Max. Just a little more and Boss's goal will be achieved. You keep watch around the Boss. Alvin's child is dead. It doesn't mean Sebastian is an obstacle. Be patient. After this, we'll get rid of the Boss. I know you've been waiting for too long. Just like how we got rid of Alvin and his wife. Pity... Felice is involved too."

Those words echoed, chipping away at Fathia's sanity. A succession of questions pounded her mind. She couldn't share her thoughts with Jess since her friend chose the safe path. Fathia was reminded of their intense conversation, where tears greeted them first. The first time they met. Jess even pinched her own arm hard to make sure that the person in front of her was truly Fathia.

"Oh my God... I... I..."