Chapter 93: Chapter 93

Fathia leaned her head on her work desk in her flower shop. She decided to extend her visit to Bandung to also look for fresh flower suppliers, so she can stock up her store in New York City. She's planning to establish AN FLOWER as her second store in New York City, a name that spontaneously came out of her lips when she was a kid.

Making sure that the store in Beverly Hills transitions from a rental place to her very own property. Transferring all the store's contents to a larger and strategically located space to boost sales and increase its popularity. That's the hope, at least.

In a significant change of plan, Fathia specially asked Melly to manage her store there. She taught her how to create simple reports and found a few people to assist Melly in her work. Fathia wouldn't let Melly work alone there, right?

"Oh my God! I still can't believe that you're... really well-off. No wonder, you're so beautiful," Melly said after she explained who she really was. Even for her family matters, there's no need for many people to know. She told Melly enough, indicating that her issue with the term 'going home' has been resolved.

"Every woman is beautiful, right?" Fathia's response was supported by Melly.

"But, are you serious about the store?" Melly suddenly doubted. She grabbed a chair to, once again, emphatically confirm this, because she really didn't expect it. How could she? Since Fathia's arrival at the store, a few luxury cars pulled up along with some intimidating-looking people. Plus, the hardworking girl she knew looked entirely different. The classy impression from an unusual background was so evident, even though Melly often saw Anne, aka Fathia, wearing loose jeans for easy movement.

Ah... that's nothing compared to the end of Fathia's story, where the girl decided that Melly should manage the store. Entrusting her with the responsibility of being the main manager for the flower shop there. The place is larger and more comprehensive than what she's managing now. And... oh my God! This really moved Melly. A mixture of sadness and happiness all at once.

They were given a comfortable house to live in with Ica. Upon reflection, if Melly and Ica were to come to New York City, who would manage the already well-known store in Beverly Hills? While Fathia knows that Melly worked hard to help build her florist, so she chose a comfortable house that could be quickly accessed by Melly and Ica, allowing them to get to the store. She also provided a car for their transportation.

This clearly left Melly gaping wide. Unbelievable. When the girl invited her to see the house and handed her the key, the first thing Melly did was cry tears of emotion. Seriously, she didn't expect to be blessed with so much fortune since knowing Fathia.

"What's up with the store, Melly?" Fathia asked, lifting her head lazily. Her mind is still in chaos, even though she's accomplished a lot here. Whatever she could think of, especially about Melly and the store, she's already done. But why are all her thoughts still centered around one name?

Sebastian Sachdev.

Argh! Fathia wanted to push it away immediately, but she couldn't. There were just too many sweet memories and so many things that had happened between Fathia and that annoying guy. No. No. She shouldn't think about it anymore. Especially... oh my God. It's connected to the marriage that guy never acknowledged, what its future holds. Not without reason Fathia wants to know what Sebastian will do. After... after everything? When there were several nights, Fathia truly spent with Sebastian? No. Fathia isn't wallowing in her fate right now. Not at all. What she's doing is purely under her control and full awareness.

However, those sweet words keep coming back, so loving, and those deep dark eyes keep enchanting Fathia mercilessly. Making her believe that what she's feeling is the same as what's in that guy's heart.

On the other hand, Melly bites her lower lip. She's somewhat hesitant to voice what's been bothering her, but she has to speak up. "The store in Beverly Hills, am I really the one managing it? Do you trust me to handle it?"

Fathia blinks slowly, pushing aside the turmoil in her heart for a moment. Digesting Melly's recent words. Then, a faint smile forms on the corner of Fathia's lips, tinted with a soft pink color. "Why wouldn't I trust you, Melly? While I'm in New York City, you've taken care of this store well. All my plants are thriving, even though there aren't many orders, it's still running. It's not just about the order amount that I emphasize, but it's given me confidence in you, Melly."

The girl deliberately pauses her words. Observing the woman a few years older than her with a direct gaze. There's a gesture of embarrassment that's very clear to her. Plus, her face is downcast.

"Afraid you won't be responsible enough," she whispers softly. Melly tries her best to express what's on her mind.

"No, Melly. I believe you can do it. You care about the store, right?"

Without hesitation, Melly nods.

"My dad once said, if I remember correctly. Love your job, when that love is present, the responsibility that comes with it isn't just an obligation anymore." Fathia falls silent. Her brow furrows. "Wait, I'm forgetting the next sentence." This clearly amuses Melly.

"Ah... according to my dad, responsibility becomes reflexively ingrained without force, and there's a desire to further develop it. It'll be gratifying if someone entrusted with responsibility not only succeeds in that role but also grows personally. Something like that."

Melly chooses to listen, but what the girl says holds some truth.

"I've been observing you here while I was in New York City, you know. So, I decided it's not just an ordinary decision. I've calculated it too. I believe you can handle it," Fathia says with an optimistic tone. "Besides, there'll be a few people helping. Specifically for the flower balloons, I'm waiting for the digital printing machine. I design it each time someone orders, so you just need to input the design into the machine. Stick it on. Done, right?"

The woman still seems to be considering it.

"I trust you, Melly," Fathia says firmly.

Enough already. Fathia couldn't be broken anymore in her determination. Melly was just afraid she wouldn't be able to handle it. She feared disappointing, but seeing Fathia's sincerity in entrusting her, Melly didn't want to step back. It could disappoint the girl whose smile was so genuine towards her.

"Alright, Anne, uh... Fathia. I'll try to work as well and as efficiently as possible." She clenches her fist and raises it slightly. Her face shows a different kind of optimism than before. "I'll quickly learn about reports, okay? So, I won't be so clueless."

Fathia finally laughs. At least here, she has a place to come back to. Her first store. She's obtained all the necessary permits and ownership, where she's the primary owner. Everything related to her flower shop, she'll expand it. If possible, she wants to reach all of Indonesia, just like her childhood dream. Where her mother approved.

She's sure her dad and her sister approve too.

All the paperwork is handled by Kenzo, who she often receives visits from now. Their relationship has grown closer, especially during their lively conversations about Aunt Laras. Her recovery is progressing well. The activities of the middle-aged woman in Fathia's house bring a breath of fresh air. Jack often says, "Mrs. Laras smiles a lot, Miss. She says she's happy staying here. Sometimes she even helps me in the garden."

Not to mention, Jack suddenly informed her that Iklima came to visit. There was no calm or cold demeanor during her visit. Instead, it seemed like they were mending the once strained relationship between them.

Truly, there's nothing more joyful than hearing news like this firsthand. Also, Kenzo's face isn't as rigid and expressionless as before. Like two days from now, when Kenzo will come to visit her again. Bringing documents that she needs to sign.

The issue of Alef Walker's trial, as if agreed without words, was never discussed while they spent time sipping warm cups of tea and Americano coffee together. Accompanied by plenty of snacks that Fathia intentionally ordered from Asya, because she's absolutely sure that Jess wouldn't want to make any for Kenzo.

In Beverly Hills, Fathia rented a rather upscale unit there. Still with Jess because Fathia never wanted to be far from her best friend. Besides, Jess could be a conversational partner until she got tired and ended up sleeping on the fold-out bed in front of the TV together.

"I'm heading to the back for a bit," Fathia decides. If she continues to sit here without doing anything, her thoughts will soon be interrupted by the presence of Sebastian.

Truly, thinking about Sebastian gives her a headache.

After all she went through with Sebastian? And now when she's asking about Sebastian's marriage, where Clara's words have deeply affected her. Stirring everything up until Fathia's thoughts start to unravel. All her negative thoughts disappear. Especially when she keeps remembering Sebastian's words about expressions that were too sweet for her to ignore.

His affection. His attention. And to top it off... his proposal of marriage?

Oh my God!

Which part of Fathia doesn't melt every time Sebastian's distinctive voice reflexively echoes in her head? When they were both facing uncertainty and finally agreed on something? Facing any risks together? And now? What does she get?

Argh! Fathia feels like pulling her hair out. Or maybe letting out what's inside her head, so it's not constantly dominated by the image of the guy who has taken control of her heart. Switching back and forth without warning and often making Fathia cry. That's the main reason she hasn't wanted to return to New York City even though her business in Beverly Hills is done.

She pretends to be busy with many things, even though she could order her trusted people to do what she wants. Enough. She's right, her decision to glance at the back area where some flowers are placed can slightly distract her. Yeah, she has to divert her thoughts from constantly feeling sad.

Fathia could actually contact Sebastian, but his messages to her have been rather short. Only asking if she's eaten and what her activities are for the day. After that? Nothing else. And even that frequency is sparse. Vino said Sebastian is currently in a very busy phase. Lots of meetings and appearing in court as a witness, providing necessary statements to the police.

But does Fathia believe it?

No. In her mind, the man she labeled as 'the most annoying person' is probably busy preparing for his wedding with Clara. Damn. Why does her heart suddenly ache remembering that, huh?

Clearly. Her heart is tight and closing in on her. Just when everything seemed to be at its peak, suddenly she's confronted with words and actions that strongly imply something completely opposite of what's in her heart. So contradictory.

Her steps halt as she passes by the wall calendar hanging there. She remembers the date when that extravagant wedding will take place. In two days. Ah... she feels like crying, but it's pointless. Who knows what game Clara is playing now? How could Sebastian get close to her again? The evidence is becoming more apparent in the hospital. Just one look and Fathia drew a big conclusion: she was fooled.

By all the sweetness and beauty of Sebastian's actions.

No, Fathia never regretted anything that happened between her and Sebastian. Especially that night they spent alone together. Filling the night with murmurs and harmonious sighs. Truly, Fathia doesn't regret it. Because everything she did was out of full awareness. And her feelings for Sebastian.

But even... Oh my God! Just remembering that much makes her cry. Again. Kneeling among her beloved plants, hiding her face which is surely swollen from tears.

She just wants Sebastian to be honest. Not just turning things around as if Fathia is some kind of plaything. She's sure she won't be able to bear seeing how much coverage that grand wedding is getting. Ah... should she just lock herself in her apartment for a week? As long as Naomi is preparing her food, Dennis is on standby, and Melly can manage the store.

What else is missing? Nothing.

Honestly, after Kenzo's visit, she'll isolate herself. Heck, if necessary, turning off her phone will be the first thing she does. Jess will tease her endlessly? She's used to it. Ever since she first confided her troubles, Jess has been openly teasing her. Though really, Jess's hug at the end of her stories still warms Fathia's heart.

She's not alone anymore.

She has her family.

Her friends.

The store she'll soon manage to the fullest.

Not to mention Group Azure that she'll handle well soon.

She quickly wipes away the tears that wet her cheeks. Normalizing her sobbing with repeated breaths.

She might be heartbroken, but her responsibilities will still be there. Accompanying her. And perhaps... the most effective remedy for her broken heart.

"Fathia," Melly calls out loudly. "There's been this call on her phone that's been ringing non-stop." Then her footsteps approach the back area. Causing Fathia to slowly get up, hoping her tears are unnoticed even though it feels unlikely.

"Who's it from?"

When they face each other, Melly looks at Fathia with concern and seems ready to bombard her with many questions, but Fathia quickly holds back.

"From who, Melly?" Fathia repeats.

"Ah, this." Melly stammers. Her focus was momentarily divided earlier. "It's... the name," Melly looks at Fathia's phone again. "The Annoying Mister."