Episode 9

Richard, lounging with a cup of coffee, jolted at the sound of Velyn's shout. Thankfully, it didn't splatter onto his laptop.

"Richard! Let's go home!" Velyn called out again, impatiently.

Quickly, Richard closed his laptop and ran into the room, worried something had happened to Velyn. As he opened the door, they collided. Startled, Richard didn't catch her, and Velyn fell backwards.

"Ouch! Richard!" the woman yelled, rubbing her backside.

"Why are you shouting and running around like this?" he said, helping Velyn to her feet.

Velyn didn't dwell on it, since she was currently overjoyed. It was evident in her eyes. "Look! I want to go home. Right now. Do you know? A big company from abroad has invested in Narendra Corporation!" Velyn exclaimed with a wide smile, tearing at Richard's shirt in her excitement. "And not just that, Cad. Several other companies there are also offering partnerships based on recommendations from Dirgantara Corp!" Velyn added, jumping for joy before rushing into Richard's arms.

Richard sighed with relief; he was glad to see Velyn smiling again. He was a responsible man. "I'm glad to hear it too," Richard responded, not returning his wife's embrace, knowing it was only reflexive.

As expected, when Richard spoke, Velyn quickly let go of him. She turned to the wardrobe, tidying her clothes. "We can fly out this morning, right?"

"There's no airport here. Our only option is to take a ride-share!" Richard replied casually.

"What?! What kind of place is this? Without even an airport!" Velyn frowned, muttering as she packed her belongings.

Richard just smiled in response, "The place I used to live! But you've liked staying here, right?" he teased, quickly ordering a ride-share from his phone.

Velyn didn't answer, because it was true. In one week, this place had changed her life. From being burdened with worries and sadness to happiness and relief.

"So, we can leave now, right? I've been away from the office for so long. There must be a pile of work," Velyn said, not daring to meet her husband's gaze.

"Go take a shower!" Richard suggested lightly, pinching his own nose, teasing Velyn who had just woken up.

Velyn looked at her disheveled appearance, her embarrassment increasing. She hastily sprinted to the bathroom.

Richard held back his laughter as he tidied up their belongings, then set them down at the front.

After breakfast, they set off immediately. The taxi had been waiting for a while. The newlyweds sat in the back seat at the same time. As the car moved slowly, Richard handed Velyn several plastic bags.

"What's this?" Velyn squinted as she scooted toward the door.

"For motion sickness precaution," joked Richard, forcing the bags into her grasp.

Velyn's mouth hung open, inwardly livid at her husband's teasing. Yet, she recalled that indeed, a week ago, she had gotten sick.

She accepted the bags roughly, clenched her fist and stuffed them into her bag. Then she turned away from Richard, focusing on the road ahead.

Richard shrugged indifferently, his attention turning to his phone to thank his secretary for following through with his orders.

...====000====...

After nearly seven hours of travel, they arrived at the Narendra residence. Without tiring, Richard rushed in with two suitcases. Velyn had already strutted ahead.

Velyn was so eager; she immediately got ready for the office. Even though it was already three in the afternoon. Richard opted to sleep in his room to avoid meeting other household members, which he found detrimental to his hearing.

...====ooo====...

The sun set in the western horizon, darkening the sky sprinkled with stars. Richard woke, his stomach rumbling due to not eating since lunch.

Getting up, he stretched his neck, hearing it pop. An idea struck him. Too lazy to shower, he just washed his face. Still handsome, charming, and scented.

Not wanting to encounter his toxic family, Richard snuck out. He exhaled with relief upon exiting unseen.

"It's already 8, and Velyn isn't home?" he muttered, checking his watch.

...====ooo====...

Just minutes of driving brought him to his wife's office. Seeing her car in the parking lot, he surmised she was still inside. He ordered food through an app in Velyn's name. Then, he went to the bar where he used to work.

The first person he approached was the bar manager. His stride was firm, his gaze sharp as an eagle's. "Where's Ale?" Richard asked one of the employees.

"Who?" A new man approached from behind.

Richard turned, facing his former boss. "Boss! Please play the CCTV from my last night of work," Richard said calmly but firmly.

"That's not possible!" Ale, the manager, refused.

"Come on, Boss. I really need it. It's a matter of life or death," Richard pleaded.

Ale looked Richard up and down, a dismissive glance, but Richard didn't care. He needed the proof now.

"No way! Just die for all I care. Waste of my time!" Ale retorted, leaving Richard alone, still regarding him with disdain since Richard was just a server.

"Damn it! Wait until I buy this little bar! I'll make you bow at my feet! If only I wanted to!" Richard cursed, kicking at the air.

Frustrated from the fruitless heated argument, Richard flopped onto a sofa. As he rested with closed eyes, he faintly heard Velyn's name mentioned.

To be continued~

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