Near from You

A red sports car has just been parked in a luxury house in an elite private area. The location, which has long been known as Beverly Hills Indonesia, is inhabited by many important people such as high-profile businessmen and famous artists.

A man about 180 centimetres tall got out of the car and stepped into the house. His brown hair seemed to shimmer in the sun's reflection that was so stinging this afternoon. Opening the black glasses he had been wearing, the man was now standing next to the living room sofa.

"Opa Arthur, how are you?" said Marco. His gestures clearly showed great respect for the older man in front of him.

Arthur Sanjaya folded the newspaper he was reading and smiled. "Sit down. Why are you being so formal with me?" he orders.

Marco smiled then obeyed Arthur's orders. "How is Opa? I see Opa is healthier and fresher now."

Arthur nodded. "Yeah, maybe because of the healthy lifestyle that I've been living in the last few months, making me better than before. But still, I can't fully manage the company."

"Isn't there uncle Adrian who can help Opa take care of the company?" Marco asked.

This time Arthur shook his head. "Adrian is unpredictable. He is very different from Afrian, Kimberly's father. Adrian prefers a job in the arts to running a company."

"Why don't you just ask Kimberly to continue all the business that Opa has been running so far?"

Arthur stared at Marco so closely. Considering to reveal what he was thinking to this young man in front of him. "Did you ever know my purpose in setting you up with Kimberly?"

"So that the big family of Sanjaya and Adiatma will unite and dominate in all business areas." Marco answered confidently.

Arthur shook his head. "Not only that, Marco. Since childhood, you and Kimberly have been friends, and I also know your personality very well. I want you to be my grandson's husband and continue all my efforts."

Marco's face looked so calm. "Whatever it is, I am happy to help Opa. So far, the Sanjaya family has always helped the Adiatma family in any matter. So it is only right that I help whatever Opa asks." Marco said earnestly.

Arthur smiled. He was very sure that Marco could rely on all this time. In addition to having a good personality, Marco also has skills that cannot be underestimated. His business ability is no longer in doubt. It's just that Arthur regrets a little why Kimberly refuses outright when she is paired with Marco. The young woman instead chose to leave the house.

No, not go. More precisely, run away and choose a difficult life out there. Even though his wealth will not run out even for seven generations, Arthur couldn't understand his grandson's way of thinking.

"You know, I'm very old. I can't be sure how long I will last. That's why I'm forcing you to quickly marry Kimberly so someone will take care of her and continue Sanjaya's business after I'm gone."

Marco nodded in understanding. "I already know where Kimberly is. It's just that I can't just force her to come home. Grandpa knows Kimberly is a rigorous person."

Arthur sighed softly. "Okay, I'll give you another chance. If you don't manage to get him home this time. I'll take him home my way." Arthur grabbed the tea on the table and took a slow sip.

Marco smiled. "I promise to take Kimberly home and make her my wife immediately."

***

Kimberly is busy styling her long brown hair until it turns into a chignon model. This hairstyle in a bun, to form a bun, successfully exposed the nape of the neck to her long neck.

Putting on a not too thick make-up, Kimberly looks elegant tonight. Almost perfect, Kimberly. Now just waiting for the prince to come to pick you up. Tonight the woman chose to wear an off-shoulder dress in a salmon colour with a cocktail bottom. Perfect, Kimberly does look so beautiful.

Remembering Marco's words the other day, he was prettier in this dress. Oh yes, Marco. Kimberly suddenly remembered the man. A childhood friend who he loved but now really hates because of the goddamn arranged marriage arranged by Opa Arthur.

After the death of her father and mother a few years ago, Kimberly did life and was cared for by Opa Arthur. However, Kimberly baulked when the older man set her up with Marco last year. How could he marry his best friend?

Meanwhile, Marco didn't refuse in the slightest and instead agreed to the crazy idea. Since then, he has considered Marco his enemy. Kimberly was furious, choosing to leave the house and all the luxurious facilities she had so far and selecting a simple life out there by trying to work and finally being accepted as an employee at AlpaBeta Corporations. The ringing sound suddenly interrupted Kimberly's thoughts. In the lyrics of the cellphone above the nightstand, a short message has just arrived.

Nicholas : [hurry out!]

Kimberly hastily grabbed her handbag on the bed then jogged out of the house. There, someone he knew was already parked neatly.

"I think Randy will pick me up," said Kimberly when she was perfectly seated in the car.

Usually, Nicholas never bothered to bring his vehicle like tonight for formal events such as dinner parties, business partners' birthday parties or essential celebration parties.

"Why? You don't like me to pick you up right away?" Nicholas replied as he started his car.

Kimberly smiled. "Oh, of course not; it's an honour for me to be picked up by the CEO of AlpaBeta in person."

The famous cold is as cold as ice: the famous handsome but unfortunately not sensitive. Kimberly kept muttering in her heart until she unconsciously chuckled softly.

Meanwhile, Nicholas returned to focus on the road before him until they finally arrived at their destination. Nicholas removed the seatbelt he was wearing, a little confused because the woman beside him couldn't help but open the door to get off.

"What are you waiting for? You don't want to come down?"

Kimberly looked at Nicholas. "Aren't you interested in helping me unbuckle my seatbelt or opening the car door for me?"

Nicholas seemed to chuckle. "If you forget, I'm your boss. You dare ask your boss to do all that?"

"Why not? Isn't a gentleman like that, mister?"

Nicholas shook his head. "You watch too many Kimberly movies. I'm getting off. If you want to stay in the car, go ahead. I won't stop you."

Kimberly snorted in annoyance, seeing Nicholas' attitude, who didn't care about her. His demeanour was 180 degrees different when Kimberly was sick yesterday.

Do I have to pretend to be sick until the ice cube master wants to pay attention to me? Unlucky! I will repay all your deeds. Don't call my name Kimberly if you can't bring me to your knees.

Kimberly immediately followed Nicholas, getting out of the car, whose position was already quite far ahead. Just entering the house, Edward and Jacob were already there to welcome the two of them.

"Finally, you're here, Nicholas Alistrair," said Edward, extending his hand towards Nicholas.

"So this woman you told me about the other day? What's her name, Ed?" now it was Jacob's turn to ask.

"Kimberly's name is Jac. How about it? Pretty, isn't it?" Edward asked bluntly.

Jacob nodded in agreement. "Beautiful, like---"

"Like who dear?" Jacob had not finished speaking yet; suddenly, Alma came and immediately cut him off from behind. The woman looked at Jacob with an unfathomable look. I don't know if he's really jealous or just teasing.

Jacob smiled. "Like my wife, of course."

Edward, Nicholas and Kimberly laughed together after hearing Jacob's answer. The man besides 'bucin' has now turned into a husband afraid of his wife. Alma smiled at Kimberly. "Introduce my name, Alma. You can come with me. Let them men gather."

Then Alma immediately grabbed Kimberly's wrist to follow her into the house. While Jacob, Edward and Nicholas chose to go to the second floor.

Up there, Kiano was already busy playing with Raphael.

"Kai, you're here too," said Nicholas. While carrying Raphael, Kiano tried to answer.

"You think the old madam will let me not attend this important event she considers?"

Nicholas chuckled. "Didn't Jacob say you were close to a beautiful woman? Then where is that woman? You didn't take her to Indonesia to meet your parents?"

Kiano changed his position to sit on the sofa. "Who do you mean? Veronica? That woman is only a date. Not a special woman who should be introduced to Grey's extended family."

Kiano replied. "Jesus. So what kind of woman do you deserve to bring before your extended family?"

Edward inquired. "Of course, a woman who fits my criteria. I don't want to bring just any woman to meet my parents."

"You playboy! Aunt Luna should have punished you for playing with women's hearts too much." Kiano immediately threw the doll that Raphael was holding right at Edward's face.

"Shut up, Ed. Do you want me to take your VIP Access out of all my hotels?" Kino threatened. Edward raised his hands in resignation. His words managed to stir Kiano's emotions.

"Okay, I'll shut up. But please don't take away my privilege to stay at your hotel."

Kiano immediately chuckled in disgust at Edward's response. "Fuck you, Ed."

All of them except Kiano laughed at the same time.

"Nick, you don't have a special relationship with your secretary earlier?" inquired Jacob. Nicholas sighed harshly.

Why did his best friend even interrogate his relationship with Kimberly?

"Come on, Jac. You know very well I've never had any desire for a relationship with a coworker. Doesn't that make our job look unprofessional? After all, the rules at our office don't allow fellow employees to have affairs. Jacob shook his head disapprovingly."

"Says who? If you like it, I'll make an exception for you."

"If you don't come forward, I will."

Now it was Edward's turn to continue Jacob's words. He seemed eager to answer.

Meanwhile, Nicholas looked straight at Edward.

"I won't let my secretary fall prey to you, Ed!" Satisfied with teasing Nicholas, they all chose to go downstairs to the other guests who were gathered. This private birthday event began. From cake cutting as usual. Prayer readings, hopes, and finally, the distribution of souvenirs to the guests. After the guests started to go home one by one, now only Nicholas and Edward remained at the residence of Jacob's parents.

"I think I will also be going home, Ken. It's late," Nicholas said. Jacob frowned. It was unusual for his best friend to come home early.

"Why in such a hurry? Isn't tomorrow Sunday?" "I didn't come here alone, Ken. I brought my secretary with me. It's no good bringing women home late at night." Edward sneered. "If you want, you can go home first. Let me take Kimberly home," Edward offered in return for a shake of his head by Nicholas.

Not long ago, Kimberly came out with Alma. The two women looked so familiar as if they had known each other for a long time. "Hi, Nick. Are you ready to go home?" asked Alma as he hugged Nicholas.

Kimberly was surprised to see Nicholas so comfortable welcoming Alma's embrace. She didn't expect that the ice cube master didn't look awkward at all, hugging his best friend's wife. Even his demeanour was so warm, unlike the previous Nicholas, who was cold and even annoying.

"I think it's too late, and I've got a girlfriend I have to take home soon," Nicholas replied.

Alma unravelled his arms. "Okay, I'll leave Kimberly back to you. Could you hurry up and take her home? It's no good taking women out so late."

Nicholas nodded.

"Okay, I'm going home. Maybe tomorrow we can go golf or shoot together? Doesn't Alma really like those two activities?" asked Nicholas.

"I agree," Jacob replied. "I agree, but please take Kimberly with you," Alma pleaded.

Nicholas looked at Kimberly and then acted as if he was weighing something.

"But, Al---"

"I can, I'd be happy to come with Mrs Grey," Kimberly said quickly.

Nicholas thought, what a big mistake it would be to get all of them out to shoot tomorrow. Look now. It seems all his friends are deliberately pranking him. Nicholas took a deep breath.

"Okay, I'll take him tomorrow. Don't worry. Then I'll take my leave first."

Kimberly and Nicholas were finally home. Leaving Edward and Jacob still involved in a serious conversation.

"Do you think Nicholas will take the woman tomorrow, Ed?"

Edward shrugged his shoulders. "We see tomorrow."

Jacob chuckled. "I think Kimberly is a good woman. Would you agree if we set Nicholas up with her?"

"I'm here to help you, Jac," Edward said.

"You know, I have a plan to keep Nicholas from turning down Kimberly."

Edward raised one eyebrow. "What?" Edward asked enthusiastically. "You'll see what I'm going to do shortly."

A meaningful grin appeared on Jacob's face.