Chapter 61

After work this afternoon, Velove decided not to go straight home. With the driver accompanying him, he accidentally stopped at one of his regular cafes. Ordered a Greentea Frapuccino, while enjoying his solitude in peace.

While sipping the drink that had been provided, Velove's mind drifted from time to time. He still remembers what Darwin said last night when he contacted him via telephone.

"You don't have any desire to come home to me? I really miss you, Ve. Don't you feel the same way?"

Velove was silent when Darwin asked that. Of course she missed her husband. But, the feeling of disappointment that had perched was still clearly felt. After all, how could his father give him permission to return to Darwin's residence before his husband proved that he deserved to be a companion.

"Not until you succeed in convincing Papa that you deserve to be his son-in-law."

"I'll prove it," said Darwin confidently. "I will obey your Papa's request to participate in the selection held by Foxtail. And I'm sure I will succeed and get the position I want."

Velove was stunned. How could he understand what Darwin had just said? What caught his attention, was it true that his father had put forward conditions for his husband to do it in the near future.

"What do you mean, Win? I don't understand."

"Papa Darius asked me to participate in the joint venture selection that Foxtail will be holding in the near future. This is a condition and determines whether I am really serious about our relationship. If successful, I am allowed to continue our marriage as before."

Velove was not playing surprised. Of course he knows Foxtail's name and how he walks. It's just that he didn't expect that his father would give such unreasonable requirements to his husband.

"And you agree with the request that Papa put forward?"

"Of course."

"Jeez, Darwin." Velove reflexively exclaimed. "Do you realize that accepting Papa's request is tantamount to suicide?"

"Yes, what should I do, Ve? Is there any other way I can do to prove to Papa Darius and also to you that I'm serious about our relationship?"

"The thing is, Foxtail isn't just any company. They ----"

"I know," Darwin interrupted. "That's why, I will try to qualify and get this tender like your Papa wants."

"If you fail?"

"I can't fail," Darwin said confidently. "I will prove that I am worthy to be your husband."

Velove sighed. Instead of being happy, he was even worried about what Darwin had to say to him. That's why, once again he asked about the consequences that her husband might receive.

"If you fail, how?"

"Your papa will separate us both. And again..."

"What are you doing?"

"Like it or not, the Khiel Group has to be taken over by the Wijaya Group."

Velove until he closed his eyes. He knew his father never played around or joked about important matters like this. If Darwin failed, it was certain that the man would lose everything.

"You better step back and ask Papa to give you other terms," Velove suggested. He realized that it would not be easy for Darwin to pass the requirements his father had proposed. After all, if something happened in the middle of the road, he couldn't help either.

"It's impossible for me to cancel the terms that I agreed to. Where do you want to put my pride, Ve. After all, I'm sure I can get what your father wants. So, don't worry. I'll prove it and will soon pick you up to go home."

Because of this, Velove came to see his father to confirm the truth of the story that Darwin told him. And Darius also confirmed this.

Now, Velove can only watch from a distance what Darwin will do. Hoping that her husband is able to satisfy himself and prove to his father that he is the right person to be her husband.

"Ve! I really like daydreaming! Watch out for the devil's attack, you know."

From behind, suddenly appeared the figure of Deasy who came with Nathan. His best friend had previously contacted and asked Velove to meet. Because he had left the office earlier, Velove asked Deasy to just follow him at the cafe. Who would have thought that the woman had brought Nathan with her.

"Who's daydreaming? I've been waiting for you," said Velove casually.

"Alah, excuse. I and Nathan have been calling you, but you didn't answer."

"Really?"

Dessy nodded. The woman then immediately sat down without being invited. Nathan also pulled a chair and sat next to Deasy.

"What are you thinking about?" asked Nathan curiously.

"Thinking about Darwin," replied Velove honestly. He deliberately said that with the intention that Nathan would not keep hoping for him.

Hearing Velove's answer, Nathan just smiled. While Deasy could be heard clearly clucking. Up to this moment, the woman is still hostile to Darwin as if she has a grudge that never ends.

"It's a waste of time thinking about unimportant people," Deasy said indifferently.

Velove chose to smile. Lazy also actually responds to Deasy's never-ending annoyance.

"In fact, this is important. Papa put forward unreasonable requirements for him to work on," said Velove. Then her eyes turned to Nathan. "Papa asked you to come forward too, right?"

Nathan nodded. Even though he had been told the reason why he was chosen, he still did not expect to be given such a big responsibility to take part in this prestigious selection.

"Actually, I was also surprised to be suddenly chosen by Mr. Darius. In fact, there are many seniors whose flying hours are unquestionable in the Wijaya Group. However, after I thought about it, there was something interesting too. From this selection, I can measure my abilities like what. Besides, I'm also very optimistic that I can qualify and be a part of Foxtail."

Velove doesn't doubt that. If you don't have more abilities, how could Nathan be selected as an expert staff. After all, his ex-girlfriend has always been known to be smart. Too bad he was born not from a prominent family. If not, maybe the two of them would have been approved of getting married from a long time ago.

"I can't pray for you to lose or win in the selection this time," said Velove with a face full of dilemma. "What is certain, hopefully the results will be as expected."

"Eh, wait a moment," interrupted Deasy, who had been silent. "What are you two talking about, anyway?" Deasy is annoyed with herself. Apparently he's the only one who doesn't know anything here.

"Well, it doesn't matter," Velove said, laughing.

As soon as the waiter came to deliver the food, he instead hurriedly invited his best friend to eat while looking for other topics of conversation. From now on, as much as possible Velove avoids discussing personal matters with Deasy especially now that she is with Nathan. It's enough that yesterday became a lesson and he doesn't want to repeat it again.

"Finally full," said Deasy while sipping the remaining chocolate milkshake in her glass. "Thank you, first lady, for the treat. Don't do this often."

Velove chuckled lazily. After paying the bill billed by the waiter, the woman seemed to be getting ready to go home.

"Don't worry. As long as the Wijaya Group is still thriving, I won't get tired of treating you."

"Aseeek," said Deasy with a happy smile. "Then where are you going? Go straight home?"

Velove nodded. After all, his father would definitely look for him if he lingered outside like this.

"It's half past eight. Besides, I'm already tired too."

"Okay, you can just accompany Nathan," Deasy offered on purpose.

Nathan, who had finished his meal, immediately nodded in agreement. After all, the direction of the apartment from the residence of the Wijaya extended family is indeed one way and quite close together.

"Yes, Ve," added Nathan. "Just with me, how?"

"Okay, let's just go home with Nathan. Who knows, on the road you'll get nostalgic for the days of dating."

Velove smiled. Her glazed eyes immediately landed on Nathan.

"Thanks a lot for the offer and attention. But, I just went home with the driver so that it wouldn't cause any slander. Besides, Mr. Dion is just standing by in the car, really. It's better if you just take Deasy away. It's a pity he went home alone. Later he'll be kidnapped by bad people."

Instead of agreeing to Deasy's invitation and provocation, she politely refused. Deasy of course immediately glared with annoyance. While Nathan just laughed. The man also respected Velove's decision to go home with his personal driver. They split up and eventually went home.

***

This weekend, Darwin deliberately visited his parents' residence. He intended to tell him about the conditions that his father-in-law put forward to him a few days ago.

For Darwin, he should and really need to convey this to his father. Moreover, the Khiel Group is also used as collateral. If he does not succeed in passing the joint venture selection, it is certain that the big family company will inevitably have to be given free of charge to be merged by the Wijaya Group.

"You really are crazy, Win!" Gerald's anger. Claudia even seemed to rub her husband's back gently so as not to get emotional which would end up in her son's fight. "How can you just agree to terms that you can't be sure of the outcome."

"Don't worry daddy," Darwin said soothingly. Yet, in his heart he also doubted. But, what else can I do. Everything's been done. Now, only Darwin's job is to try as hard as possible to pass the selection.

"How can you be calm? If you fail, the Khiel Group will be taken over by the Wijaya Group. What will happen to us then?"

Darwin knew and felt that it was natural for his father to worry like this. After all, the Khiel Group is a family company that Gerald has always been proud of. If it comes to a merger or acquisition by the Wijaya Group, it will definitely be felt like a loss.

"Pa, believe in Darwin's business. Whatever Darwin will do to qualify and get this tender. If Darwin succeeds, apart from getting Velove, the Khiel Group will also get big profits and will become a company that is increasingly being reckoned with."

Gerald knows exactly what Darwin's abilities are. But, still all the possibilities that must exist. Even if it fails, Gerald must take into account and prepare everything well too.

"It's impossible for Papa not to pray for you, Win. Papa hopes that what you are doing goes well. And again, you also have to take everything into account. Don't be rash and don't take your rivals too lightly."

Darwin nodded. Listen carefully to all the advice that Gerald conveys. Claudia also took part in the conversation that afternoon.

"But, you're really serious about Velove, right? You mean this Mama isn't just ambition. Then, what about Vicky? Are you serious about leaving him?"

Darwin is aware of Claudia's anxiety. When she heard a story from Gerald that it turned out that at the beginning of the marriage she had been toying with and even being rude to Velove, Claudia was very angry and disappointed.

All this time, Claudia knew Darwin was a gentle person. That's why he was surprised and couldn't stop thinking why his son could suddenly change.

"Mama, you don't need to worry, Darwin has nothing to do with Vicky anymore. And again, Darwin is also serious about wanting to keep Darwin's marriage to Velove. That's why Darwin just accepts the conditions that Papa Darius put forward."

Seeing the look in Darwin's eyes as he explained, Claudia was sure that her son meant it. There was nothing he could do other than support and also pray that everything Darwin was doing would run smoothly.

"Mama, I hope everything goes according to your plan and expectations. Hopefully, you can be back with Velove soon."

Luckily, after getting angry, Darwin was finally able to convince his parents. After a lengthy chat, he decided to go home immediately.

Arriving at home, Darwin was surprised. There was someone's car he didn't know suddenly parked in his yard. Curious, Darwin immediately followed in. Just stepping into the living room, his eyes already caught the presence of someone he knew so well.

"Rama?"

The man in the black shirt immediately got up when he was reprimanded by Darwin. Walk closer, then without hesitation give a hug to the owner of the house.

"I've been waiting for you," he said after breaking the hug.

"Wait...wait..." interrupted Darwin. "How come you can suddenly be in my house? When did you come from Korea?"

Rama smiled. He was sure his arrival tonight would have surprised his cousin.

"I do have a schedule to return to Indonesia this week, and coincidentally, Randy contacted me two days ago. Said you needed help. So, what kind of help do you need."

Darwin then smiled broadly. Glad not to play because the cousins are supportive and almost all of them can be relied on.