Episode 18

In a restaurant not far from the office, there resides one of the city's well-regarded European-style dining establishments, frequented for its distinctive French fare. The ambiance reflects a European touch, adorned with beautifully arranged wooden furniture and miniature chandeliers dangling above each table.

There, four individuals engage in a lunchtime meal. Occasionally, Sanaya speaks up, trying to break the silence; Renata appears stressed; Alvaro is visibly uneasy; and Mr. J maintains a calm demeanor, as is his norm.

Indeed, the four of them are sharing a meal together.

Initially, Renata had wanted to decline Sanaya's invitation. However, Mr. J surprisingly accepted it. His reasoning was obscure, especially since he was supposed to be at a lunch meeting with a client, rendering Renata even more stressed as it complicated her task of rescheduling Mr. J's client lunch meeting.

Contrary to what Mr. J thought, he believed Renata's stressed expression was caused by jealousy over Alvaro's closeness with Sanaya.

Mr. J smirked cynically, thinking a homewrecker will always be a homewrecker. It seemed necessary to enlighten Renata about the error of her ways.

"Your marriage seems quite harmonious," Mr. J remarked.

Blushing, Sanaya replied, "It's because we love each other, right?" she said, looking at Alvaro.

"Yes," Alvaro responded indifferently.

Mr. J looked at Renata, who showed no reaction, his provocation apparently inadequate.

"It's important to guard your husband well. These days, the profession of a homewrecker is flourishing, with a new one appearing every day," Mr. J said.

Surprisingly, instead of Renata, it was Alvaro who seemed offended, his face hardening.

"That's true, a third party always brings hurt. But I won't give that person any chance to steal Alvaro from me," Sanaya declared confidently, her gaze fixed on Renata.

Renata, indifferent as ever, did not feel alluded to, as she was not, in fact, a homewrecker.

"I should be more grateful from now on. God has blessed me much, enough to make others envious. But if they were sensible, they would strive to improve their lives, not to usurp and replace my current position," Sanaya continued.

"Well said, an intruder won't enter if the host does not provide an opening," Mr. J responded.

*Crash*

Alvaro's fist came down hard on the table, his emotions flaring, "What are you implying, J? Are you insulting my mother?"

The entire restaurant fell into a state of shock, Mr. J, Renata, and Sanaya included.

"I'm not insulting her," said Mr. J, one eyebrow raised, not expecting Alvaro to take offense.

Shortly after, Mr. J's smile twisted again, his inner thoughts acknowledging the wretched nature of the woman Alvaro was defending.

"Don't go too far, J! If you insult her again, I won't just stand by, even if you are──"

*Crash*

The sound of glass shattering interrupted their conflict.

Suddenly, Renata felt a constriction in her throat, a choking itch and burning in her mouth, "Uhuk!"

Mr. J quickly stood to catch Renata as she nearly toppled over, "Hey, what's wrong with you?" he asked, concern written across his face.

Alvaro examined what Renata had eaten, then sniffed the remains of her drink. His eyes widened in shock.

How could the orange juice have a slight scent of strawberry? Even worse, Renata was allergic to strawberries.

Renata's face reddened, gasping, "Uhuk, I can't breathe..."

"She's allergic, hurry, take her to the hospital!" Alvaro urged Mr. J.

Without another word, Mr. J lifted Renata in his arms and hurried out of the restaurant.

Alvaro intended to follow Mr. J, but Sanaya grabbed his arm, "Alvaro, where are you going? Renata will be fine with your brother."

Sanaya promptly let go when she caught Alvaro's sharp gaze.

"Sanaya, don't tell me you're the one who..."

She quickly shook her head, "No, it wasn't me!" she protested.

Alvaro grasped Sanaya by the shoulders, "Then who, if not you? Isn't it strange for the orange juice to smell of strawberries?"

"I don't know, Alvaro.”

"Be honest, Sanaya. You know I detest lies," Alvaro pressed.

Sanaya bit her lip, sealing her mouth shut.

Without receiving any answer, Alvaro released her. He was gravely disappointed, now certain that Sanaya had orchestrated this incident. The suspicion was clear, from the restaurant choice to her questionable behavior.

So why would his wife lie to him?

"You can't blame me if I come to despise you," Alvaro said, filled with disappointment.

Sanaya was startled by his words.

"Hiks," her sobbing could be heard, "Y-yes, it was I who paid a waiter to lace Renata's drink with strawberry powder."

Finally, Sanaya confessed her deed.

"I've confessed, please don't hate me, Alvaro. You love me, don't you?" Sanaya reached for Alvaro, but he pulled away.

"I didn't realize you had such a terrifying side, Sanaya."

**

"To the hospital!" Mr. J ordered his bodyguard.

"Understood, sir."

The car roared to life and sped toward the hospital.

In the backseat, Mr. J tenderly stroked Renata's now chilling cheek, saying, "Hang in there."

"Uhuk," Renata looked at Mr. J, pain evident in her eyes.

Why was his heart tearing apart at the sight of Renata's condition? Were not his feelings for her supposed to be of hatred?

"Jef... Hah…” Breathing was a struggle for Renata.

"What should I do?" Mr. J asked desperately.

"Sir, try giving her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation," suggested the bodyguard from the driver's seat, "It might help her breathe a bit."

Mr. J paused, considering the advice.

"How long until we reach the hospital?" he then asked.

"Fifteen minutes, sir."

Could Renata hold out that long?

Renata clutched at the sleeve of Mr. J's jacket. She was in excruciating pain.

But what had happened to her? As far as she knew, there was no allergy to speak of, and in the novel, there was no mention of Angel having allergies.

With Renata positioned on her back, head propped on his thigh, Mr. J unbuttoned the top two buttons of her blouse, hoping it would alleviate the suffocation. He then covered her with his jacket to keep her warm.

"Uhuk."

Still, Renata's distress did not subside. It seemed Mr. J was left with no other option.

Renata felt Mr. J pinch her nose with his long fingers before her wide eyes met his lips pressing against hers, as he forced breath from his mouth into hers.

Jefra Tjong administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation repeatedly until they reached the hospital. Rather than improving, Renata ultimately lost consciousness.

_To Be Continued_

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