Hot Night With CEO

At 8 in the morning, Darian and Fahira finally came down from their room. The whole family was already having breakfast at the hotel restaurant where Darian and Fahira’s wedding celebration took place last night, including Darian’s extended family who came all the way from Turkey.

“Sorry we’re late!” Darian politely greeted everyone who was enjoying their breakfast.

“Come join us!” replied Abiyyu, Gavin’s father, with a hint of a smile.

Of course, everyone in the room looked meaningfully at the newlywed couple. The glow of happiness was evident on Darian and Fahira’s faces. Calmly, Darian pulled a chair for Fahira. Feeling a bit nervous after sweeping her gaze across Fahira’s family, she took her seat.

“Are you sure you want to postpone your honeymoon? It’s a special gift from your cousin, Darian, and, well, from us too!” Abiyyu continued, chewing his food.

“Yes, Uncle. Darian and I need to finish some work at the office first. Oh, by the way, where’s Gavin?” Darian inquired, not finding his cousin around.

“He left last night. He said there was a sudden operation call at the hospital,” Abiyyu replied casually. Gavin’s parents were used to his unpredictable schedule, but they had come to understand and accept their son’s demanding profession.

“Actually, Aunt and Uncle were planning to introduce Gavin’s beloved to us, but he keeps canceling whenever we talk about marriage,” Desi, Gavin’s mother, added. Fahira just listened while trying to enjoy her food. She didn’t have much of an appetite as guilt suddenly overwhelmed the happiness she had just experienced with Darian. Fahira almost forgot about disappointing the young doctor.

“A while ago, he mentioned wanting to introduce the woman he loves to us, but it was suddenly canceled. He said the woman is the sister of one of his patients at the hospital,” Desi paused, her words heavy with disappointment.

Uhuk, uhuk, uhuk. Fahira choked on the food she was chewing. Darian quickly grabbed a glass of water and helped Fahira drink it while gently rubbing her back. Of course, Darian knew the reason behind her choking.

“Easy there, Fahira,” Desi said worriedly. The middle-aged woman smiled, witnessing her nephew’s gentle behavior towards the woman he married yesterday. Desi still remembered Fahira as the woman she once met at the hospital mosque. Back then, Desi gave her business card to Fahira. For some reason, Desi felt compassionate towards the woman who was crying in her prayers that day, and she briefly considered getting to know her better.

“Oh, by the way, Uncle Bisma, let Fahira and me be the ones to take you, Arya, and Andini to the airport,” Darian purposely changed the subject to dispel the discomfort that had settled upon Fahira’s mind.

“No need, my child! We can just order a taxi. You both must be tired. Rest up!” Bisma replied with a hint of reluctance. Bisma felt uncomfortable among Darian’s large extended family. Coming from the countryside, he felt awkward and insecure, especially considering everything his wife and mother-in-law had done to Fahira’s parents.

“It’s alright, Uncle. Let us take you,” Fahira chimed in, glancing at her family members one by one.

“I’ll come too, Fahira!” Ariel finally broke his silence. Although he was annoyed by Arya and Rania’s closeness since yesterday, he still wanted to accompany his uncle and cousins. There was an unwillingness in him when he saw how easily Arya became close to Rania, a woman he had long admired. Perhaps it was Arya’s friendly nature that made the tomboyish girl bond with him faster than with Ariel. Despite Ariel’s fame as the school’s basketball team captain and member of the student council, he wasn’t easily approachable to everyone at school. The teenager was known to be cold and indifferent, especially to girls who openly expressed their interest in him.

“Of course, Dek, you’re coming!” Fahira replied, holding Ariel’s hand on the table. Ariel, who had been sitting next to Fahira all this time, appeared calm, but his gaze was fixed on Arya and Rania, who were sitting across the table. His expression was flat but meaningful.

After breakfast and about an hour of relaxation, the entire Darian family bid farewell, including Abiyyu and Desi. Ariel’s heart warmed up again when he saw Arya and Rania teasing each other in front of him. Darian, who noticed Ariel’s annoyed gaze towards Arya and Rania, could only suppress a amused smile. Especially when he realized that he was the one who fell in love a little late. Darian had never experienced the teenage love many called the most beautiful and unforgettable. He was late to fall in love, but he never regretted it because when he did fall, he was instantly led to his true love.

***

“Do you like Rania?” Fahira teased when the three of them were on their way back from the airport. Darian, sitting behind the steering wheel, glanced at Ariel through the rear-view mirror.

“Oh, come on, no, we’re just friends because we go to the same school!” Ariel argued, although in his heart, he admitted that he did like Rania. He felt a liking for her, but he hadn’t fallen in love yet, at least in his opinion. Darian seemed to be holding back a smile, seeing Ariel’s sudden embarrassment and reddening face.

“According to Fahira, it’s better not to date yet, Ariel. Focus on your studies. Fulfill Dad’s wishes, and besides, Darian will need your help in the company in the future. After this, Fahira will also step down from her job. As for college, it’s up to you where you want to go, as long as it’s not far from Fahira,” Fahira explained, then turned to look into Ariel’s eyes. She had great expectations for her younger brother. Fahira wanted him to succeed and become a great person, as their parents had wished.

“I already said earlier, Rania and I are just friends! As for college, I haven’t thought about it yet. What’s certain is I don’t want to be far from Fahira!” Ariel replied, trying to deny his special feelings for Rania, the only female student in school who had managed to catch his attention.

Then they all fell silent, preoccupied with their own thoughts, only the faint hum of the song “If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Ronan Keating, an Irish boy band alumnus, accompanied their journey until they arrived in front of a tall building with the sign “Rose Apartment” to pick up Fahira and Ariel’s belongings. Starting today, Fahira and Ariel would live in the luxurious residence of the Darian family, as requested by Yasmin. To be honest, Ariel felt a bit hesitant about living with his sister’s new family. However, due to everyone’s insistence, he finally resigned himself and tried to accept it with an open heart. Moreover, he couldn’t bear to live far from Fahira, the only family he had and loved unconditionally.

The arrival of Darian, Fahira, and Ariel was greeted with happiness by Yasmin. Her brown eyes sparkled as she lovingly embraced Ariel. Yasmin felt like she had gained a son again. The thought of her home being soon filled with her new family brought joy to her heart. At least the loneliness that had been faithfully accompanying her would soon vanish.

Yasmin immediately called her housekeeper to bring and escort Ariel to the room she had prepared. It was located on the second floor, adjacent to Darian and Fahira’s room, separated only by a lounge area with a large glass window showcasing the view of the backyard with a swimming pool below.

Ariel felt like a stranger in the grand house, but Yasmin’s gentle treatment reassured him, and he tried to be polite and composed. Ariel could sense the genuine affection radiating from Yasmin’s brown eyes, a woman of similar age to his late mother. Every time Yasmin hugged him, he felt like he had found his mother again. He missed his parents dearly.

Now, Ariel stood on the balcony of his room, gazing straight at the garden filled with colorful blooming flowers. Fatimah, his mother, was a lover of these beautiful flowers. Not wanting to drown in sadness, Ariel went back inside and arranged his clothes in the walk-in closet provided. The furniture and design of his room were just as he had wished for. However, Ariel found the new room too luxurious and spacious, far bigger than his room in the apartment where he had lived with Fahira. Ariel knew he had to adapt now; he didn’t want to be selfish. Fahira’s happiness was far more important than his ego.

As Ariel was putting his clothes away, a knock on the door interrupted his activity. He walked towards the door and opened it, welcoming Fahira inside. Fahira smiled and followed Ariel, who resumed his task.

“Brother, do you mind living with sister Fahira?” Fahira asked, now sitting on the edge of the bed. Worry filled her mind as she observed Ariel, who seemed calm.

“Of course not, Sister. Why would you think that?” Ariel replied, successfully making Fahira take a deep breath and hold it for a moment before exhaling slowly.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“I’m just worried, brother. This is indeed a lot to handle after everything we’ve been through. But please, try to understand and accept it all. I love Bang Darian, and you know that. Your relationship with him hasn’t been great, but please, try to get closer to him and get to know him,” Fahira pleaded, pulling Ariel’s hand so he would sit in front of her. “Whatever happens, I will always support and love you.”

Ariel held Fahira’s hand and looked into those beautiful eyes that were exactly the same as his late mother’s, saying honestly, “I know, Mbak. I just need to adapt.” He then offered a soft smile.

“Thank you, brother!” Fahira replied briefly, hugging Ariel tightly as tears began to roll down her cheeks. Ariel’s hand lifted to gently stroke Fahira’s back. Ariel promised he wouldn’t disappoint Fahira and their late parents.