Chapter 20

Darwin had just finished getting dressed. Walking towards the bed, he found Velove who was still fast asleep.

Last night, when he finished compiling the report, Darwin saw Velove, who had woken up for a while and then went back to sleep. And now, feeling that his wife had had too much rest, he took the initiative to wake her up.

After all, Velove hadn't eaten or drank anything since last night. He is also worried that his wife is dehydrated or even weak because there is no source of energy entering her body.

For a moment, before actually waking up, Darwin chose to pay attention for a while. Staring at how Velove's face was so calm in his sleep. There was no longer the look of fear he had seen before.

If you pay close attention, Velove does have a beautiful face and a proportional body posture like the ideal women of men. But, somehow Darwin always denied it. In his brain and heart, there was only resentment because Velove's presence had managed to mess up his life.

There was no wind, no rain, all of a sudden he was betrothed to that woman. Because of Velove too, he and Vicky had to swallow the bitter pill, being forcibly separated. And now, can't even meet and keep in touch for the next six months.

In a split second, Darwin remembered the words and advice that Randy and Samuel often repeated. Should he slowly learn to accept Velove's presence in his life? Or even comply with Nathan's request to let go of his wife so he could return to the arms of the man he loves.

Darwin was long lost in his own thoughts. Trying to convince myself what decision he needs to make. Which made him even more dizzy and frustrated.

"Gosh, God. Why is my life made this complicated. Why am I destined to meet Velove?"

Darwin took another deep breath. A moment later he brought his hand to gently touch, occasionally shaking Velove's arm while calling out the woman's name.

"Ve... get up quickly," Darwin pleaded.

Initially, Velove did not give any response. On the third call, then the woman looks stretched. Opened his eyes, then soon answered.

"What's wrong Win?" Velove's voice was hoarse. The woman's eyes even occasionally still closed. As if his life was still not collected perfectly.

"You have to wake up," Darwin said gently. Not as snappy as the guy usually shows.

Basically, Darwin is a gentle and kind man. See how he treats Luna, Samuel's wife. Very humane, considerate, even taking care of, protecting when Liliana left her daughter-in-law in Korea at that time.

I don't know what demon possessed Darwin. When he married Velove, his attitude changed 180 degrees, and the funny thing was that he only showed his rude attitude to his wife.

Maybe he did all of this out of protest or resentment because he had married a woman he didn't love. But, no matter what, what he did was not to be justified. After all, Velove and himself were both victims of parental ambition, right?

"You've slept too long," continued the man again after being silent for a few seconds. "I'm afraid you're dehydrated or even weaker. If you're still dizzy or not feeling well, you can go back to rest. But, before continuing with all that, it's a good idea to eat and drink first."

Velove did not argue. The woman nodded and then slowly straightened up. Darwin, without even being asked to help so that Velove can lean comfortably on the headboard of the mattress.

"Thank you," Velove said sincerely.

Darwin nodded. The man got out of bed for a while to pull the breakfast trolley that he had ordered before. Get closer to Velove's position, then help reach a bowl filled with oatmeal complete with fruit topping on it.

"You have breakfast first. When you are full, please continue to sleep again."

"I think I'll just have to take a shower. Then get ready so I can go to the Leighton building with you guys."

Darwin shook his head. He did not agree with what Velove said. How could a woman want to return to her activities if her condition was clearly not as fit as it is now.

"No need. Today you just rest."

"I'm fine, Win. I'm not even sick."

"Okay, no need to argue too much. Besides, I've handled all the work well with your ex-boyfriend."

Velove clucked in annoyance. Occasionally, in this condition, Darwin would even insinuate Nathan's problem.

"Are you sure I don't need to attend today's meeting?"

Darwin shook his head again.

"No need. For now, just accept it. And now, hurry up and have breakfast before your ulcer recurs like before."

"Okay," Velove said and then put out his hand, asking for the bowl of oatmeal that Darwin had been holding.

"Want me to help feed it?" Darwin offered without hesitation. His sweet and kind attitude than usual made Velove stunned. His husband was not usually as kind and sweet as he is now.

"It's okay if you don't bother and make you late for leaving."

Without saying much, Darwin immediately spooned the outmeal with the banana and apple topping on it. Thrusting towards Velove's mouth, inviting his wife to eat immediately.

"Finish your breakfast. I won't stop feeding it if the food isn't finished."

Velove again complied. In addition, because I really feel hungry, the energy is also not 100% collected. It's just tired if in the end you even get into an argument with your husband. That's why, he just let it go when Darwin kept feeding him oatmeal until finally there was nothing left.

"Now, you can continue resting. I want to go first."

Velvet nodded. Invite Darwin to continue his activities. However, before actually leaving, Darwin rambled on again. Gives a warning as well as an order that seems obligatory for Velove to do.

"If you need anything, just call the hotel service. But, if there's something emergency, don't hesitate to call me. Remember, Ve! If there's an emergency, call me as soon as possible. Don't ever call your dad, let alone Nathan." . Later, they will even think that I am incompetent in taking care of you."

I don't know how many times Velove nodded his head. The longer her husband sounded more talkative and annoying at the same time.

"Yeah, just calm down. No need to repeat it, I already understand, Win."

"It's good that you understand."

Believing Velove's condition to be fine, Darwin quickly put on his shoes and then got up to get out of the room. Just as he was turning the lever on the door, from behind he heard Velove calling his name again.

"What's wrong, Ve? Hurry up. I'm about to leave."

"Thanks. I just wanted to say that."

***

Leaving Velove alone in the room, Darwin then continued with the agenda of activities he had to do today. Together with Nathan and Darius, the three of them visited the main Leighton building to carry out further discussions and to sign the contract.

Luckily everything went smoothly and seamlessly. Believing that there is a large profit potential, Darwin did not want to miss the opportunity to agree to the cooperation that was offered. Given more trust frUncle Darius, it was Darwin who was lined up to carry out the signing process and determine the schedule for when this large project would begin.

"Papa is impressed with your analysis as well as your belief in accepting this collaboration, Win," said Darius, while he was enjoying lunch with his son-in-law.

Darwin smiled broadly. Of course he was happy because what he had done received direct appreciation from his father-in-law.

When it comes to work, Darwin is always total. Moreover, he became the main representative of the Khiel Group to carry out this big project.

"Darwin also wants to thank you for trusting Papa to handle this big tender. Darwin is sure that everything will go according to what we expect."

Darius smiled. He was happy to see how enthusiastic his son-in-law carried out what was his responsibility.

"It seems that Papa did not choose you wrong," said the man once again proudly. Then after sipping a cup of tea in front of him for a moment, then he spoke again. "By the way, how's Velove doing? Has his condition improved?"

Darius was actually worried after hearing what happened to the princess. Last night, he decided to visit Velove directly in his room. Seeing his daughter who had fallen asleep peacefully, he felt a little relieved.

"Velove is fine, Pa. Earlier, before leaving, Darwin made sure he ate and drank enough. He said he was fine. However, Darwin thought it was better for him to just rest today in his room."

Darius nodded.

"You must be surprised by what happened to Velove, right? He does have a trauma from rain accompanied by strong winds."

"Why don't you just go to a psychiatrist, Pa? Too bad to see him scared like yesterday."

Darius took a deep breath. There was a look of tiredness etched on his face.

"Papa has forced Velove many times to try to go to a psychiatrist so he can do counseling and therapy. However, your wife is still stubborn. That's why, now that you are here, papa please take her and persuade her slowly to take medication. After all, it's for her good too."

"Darwin will try later, Pa."

"Thank you for your willingness, Win," continued Darius afterwards. "I don't know why, Papa is sure that he has left Velove with the right person. That's why, Papa asked that you be able to look after, protect, and accompany Velove. To replace the position Papa has been occupying so far."

Darwin simply nodded. Feeling sad with what Darius told him. Imagining that his father-in-law knew how he had behaved with Velove, he was sure that he would be killed immediately.

Any parent would be willing to have their daughter hurt or even cheated on openly. Fortunately, Velove wanted to hide what he had done. If not? Maybe now he has become a poor man who has nothing. After all, all the treasures that he had could be easily robbed by his wife.

After talking, Darwin and Darius resumed their day's activities until the afternoon. Just around six in the afternoon, he finished work and decided to immediately return to the hotel.

Entering the room, Darwin was astonished. When he took off his shoes, he found Velove coming out of the bathroom neatly dressed. Predictably his wife looked like she was about to go out. Curious, he asked about it.

"Very neat, where are you going?"

Velove, who was walking towards the nightstand, immediately turned his head. Sitting for a moment on the edge of the bed, the woman said, "I want to meet Nathan at the cafe down there."

"Meet Nathan? For what purpose? Didn't we agree that we won't meet exes anymore? Why are you still being sneaky too?"

Velvet chuckled. He could see the change in expression shown by her husband.

"I met to discuss work, Win. I don't want to date."

"Wanna talk about work? Why are you dressed up so pretty?"

"What did you say just now? I'm beautiful?" repeated Velove on purpose. Though, he was sure his ears did not mishear just now.

"That's not the point."

Darwin hastily corrected his words. Which in the end even looks awkward. He wanted to curse at the same time cursing his own mouth because he said carelessly.

"Alah, just admit it. I'm really beautiful, right? It's really hard to admit that his wife is beautiful."

"It's not important anymore. Back to the initial discussion," Darwin chuckled while diverting their conversation. "What job do you want to talk about?"

"Yes, about the tender offered by Leighton. So what else?" Velove said casually.

"There's nothing to talk about. I've handled all of today's tenders. Just the rest of the implementation. Besides, if you want to talk about Leigton, you should discuss it with me, who is competent. Not with Nathan. It's just like looking for an opportunity, just want to meet each other ."

"Darwin, what are you doing? Jealous? I really don't like it when I meet Nathan."

Darwin pressed his lips together. Time to be jealous. Just do it! He acted this way because he didn't like Velove cheating the agreement they had agreed on.

"I could be so jealous of you."

"Yeah, so what? If you're not jealous, why are you blocking me from going?"

"I already told you, you shouldn't go around meeting Nathan. If you keep on like this, I will meet Vicky tomorrow too."

"It's delicious!" said Velove, not accepting it.

"So, be fair. Don't try to cheat yourself. However, if you insist on meeting him right now, I'll come with you."

"Up to you!"

Velove looked annoyed at Darwin. Rising from sitting, the woman immediately grabbed her tablet, preparing to leave the room. Darwin himself hurriedly put his shoes back on, put down the bag he was carrying and then followed wherever his wife went. What a strange man!

***

It's already twelve o'clock in the evening. Darwin and Velove are currently both in bed with their backs to each other.

Knowing that his wife wasn't asleep yet, somehow the courage from which Darwin sounded clearing his throat. This is deliberately lightening the mood.

"You haven't slept yet?" he asked still in a position back to back.

"Why aren't you sleeping too?"

Not an answer, Velove instead asked back. Darwin was scratching his eyebrows because he was confused about having to state a rational reason why he hadn't slept yet.

"Not sleepy yet."

"Then it's the same. Besides, I'm sure there must be something you want to ask me. Right?" Velove guessed as if he could read what Darwin was thinking.

"How do you know? Your papa must be a shaman, huh?"

"No. My father is a businessman."

Darwin held back a laugh. When talking like this, he suddenly remembered Luna's behavior who likes to answer carelessly and joke when people are serious.

"I'm just curious. Why are you afraid of the rain?" asked Darwin in the end. Indeed, that was what he wanted to ask directly yesterday. Even though he had heard the explanation from Nathan and also Darius, he really wanted to hear directly from Velove's lips what really happened.

"Oh, about that."

Velove didn't move for a moment. Maybe there were a few seconds the woman was silent. Either he was working out his words, or he was trying to think of what kind of explanation he should make better. It wasn't long before he heard Velove speak again.

"I'm sure you've heard the reasons why. Actually, I'm not afraid of normal rain or drizzle. What I'm afraid of is rain accompanied by strong winds. There is a deep trauma about that. Every time there is heavy rain, I immediately remember the accident that my late mother had. "If in the past I didn't force my mother to pick me up in the rain, maybe now she's still alive. I was wrong that time."

"Hussh, you can't do that," Darwin said immediately. "That's called fate. It's really about time for your mother to go. Then, it's been a long time, right?" he asked

"Reasonable."

"Why don't you try counseling with a psychiatrist so that the trauma doesn't drag on? It must be really painful when it's raining, it makes you immediately feel anxious."

"I don't need a psychiatrist," Velove muttered softly.

"Then what do you need?"

"Friends chat."

Velove was silent again. The woman sighed first repeatedly. It's like shortness of breath when telling anything related to his ex-girlfriend. "All this time, Nathan has always been a friend to talk to. When I'm scared, he's also the one who always helps to calm me down. But, since breaking up, I've lost it all."

From his lying position, Darwin rolled his eyes lazily. For God's sake, she hated hearing Velove talk about Nathan or boast about his ex-girlfriend. It's like no other guy in this world is cooler than Nathan.

"Yeah, I just need someone to talk to, you can talk to me."

Velove was stunned. The woman turned her body around to stare at Darwin. Even her husband also did the same thing until their eyes now met each other.

"Your offer just now was not convincing at all, Win."

"Even though I'm serious too."

"Are you sure you want to hear my story?"

Darwin nodded casually.

"Sure. After all, what's so hard about being a listener. But, I'm serious about this offer. You said it yourself, for six months of being married, we have to act like a real husband and wife."

Velvet nodded. There are advantages to the threat he gave the other day. The proof is that Darwin no longer dares to act or speak harshly. In fact, the totality plays its role.

"Yes, later if anything happens, I will tell you. And before going to sleep, can I ask you something?"

Darwin raised an eyebrow. Staring at Velove, he then responded.

"What do you want to ask?"

"About Vicky."

"What about Vicky?"

"I can see, it looks like you really love him. You even defend him that much."

Darwin nodded. In Velove's eyes, she could see how her husband was smiling.

"Because he's the only one who understands me all this time. He's also always there when I need him either happy or sad."

Velvet nodded in understanding. Darwin's explanation just now he considered more than enough to describe how great the man's love for his girlfriend.

"It's late," said Darwin later. "We'd better sleep. Tomorrow, I want to take you for a walk before returning to Indonesia the day after tomorrow."

Velvet was stunned. He did not know that the day after tomorrow had returned to Indonesia.

"Shouldn't we be here a week?" he asked to make sure.

"The ones who have been here for a week are your Papa and Nathan. We are assigned the task of returning home early. After all, companies in Indonesia need our presence more."

Seconds later Darwin pulled the blanket to cover his body and Velove together. While facing each other, the two of them slowly closed their eyes. Resting the body so that tomorrow can wake up on time.