I Stand by You

A woman wearing a black blazer was walking gracefully along the corridors of the AlpaBeta Corporation building. Everyone even bowed respectfully when they accidentally bumped into him. He walked freely into a room located on the 15th floor.

An outside secretary politely guided him to enter the CEO's room immediately when he arrived. Inside, two men were seen having an earnest discussion. They didn't even notice the presence of another figure in the room at first until the woman spoke.

"It's been so long since we met, honey," the woman said. Nicholas and Edward, busy talking, suddenly turned their heads and showed expressions of no more minor surprise. Simultaneously, they stood up from their seats the next second, intending to greet.

"Mom ..." Nicholas greeted the woman, who turned out to be Cassandra, his mother.

"Yes, it is, Mama. Why are you always surprised every time you see Mama coming?" Cassandra snorted and took her steps to sit on the guest sofa on the left side of the room.

Meanwhile, Nicholas and Edward followed and sat down there too. "Of course, I'm surprised. Mama always comes suddenly without warning," Nicholas replied. "Besides, why did you come to Los Angeles?" he continued later.

Cassandra looked at Nicholas. "Your Daddy has been on a business trip to Canada for a few days. That's why I thought it wouldn't hurt to see you for a bit. Moreover, Jacob told Mama that there was a problem. Unfortunately, she didn't tell you more clearly what problem you are facing right now."

Nicholas took a deep breath. He is confused about how to tell the problem he is currently facing. Predictably, Cassandra would be angry if she knew that she and Kimberly were no longer together.

"Nicholas, why are you silent?" said Cassandra. "Oh, yeah. Where's Kimberly, by the way? Mama hasn't seen her for a while. Even the secretary who stands guard in front of your room seems like a newbie."

Good grief. What should I answer mom's question this time? I'm sure there will be a world war if my mother finds out that Kimberly and I have separated.

Nicholas took a deep breath. Be prepared for any eventuality that may occur. Sooner or later, he had to tell Cassandra everything.

"Kimberly and Nicholas, it's over, Aunty. She left a few weeks ago. That idiot caused trouble until Kimberly left him." Edward, who had been silent all this time, suddenly answered Cassandra's question with a relaxed and even innocent impression. This make Nicholas was looking straight at him. He want kill Edward right now.

Cassandra looked furiously at Nicholas. She was even ready to throw a series of questions to his son. However, she failed to do so because Nicholas spoke first to explain.

"I can explain everything, Mom." Nicholas exhaled slowly then tried to calm Cassandra so as not to get emotional. "As you heard from Edward, Kimberly has indeed left me. She even returned our engagement ring. This is all my fault. If I hadn't accused her of all kinds of things, she probably wouldn't have left." then Nicholas explained all the chronology from him ordering people to follow Kimberly, the woman's illness, to the Arthur Sanjaya issue he did not escape.

Cassandra massaged her temples, throbbing in pain after hearing her son's explanation. She kept trying to be as calm as possible even though she could beat Nicholas to vent her frustration.

. "That means your engagement failed again?" Cassandra narrowed her eyes.

Nicholas nodded resignedly. "I'm sorry, mom. Sorry if I let you down again." Nicholas looked down sadly.

"Oh, Lord!" Cassandra shook her head in disbelief at what she heard. "You embarrass papa and Mama, Nicholas. What will our extended family say if you fail again this time." Cassandra's voice was getting louder and louder, echoing through the room.

"I've been trying to find and meet Kimberly, ma. But Arthur Sanjaya is so strict about him. I don't know what else to do." Nicholas had a look of desperation on his face. After meeting Kimberly for the last time at the hospital, Nicholas kept asking the detective he hired to find out more information about Kimberly's health development and condition at the hospital.

However, sometimes expectations do not match the reality on the ground. Nicholas's men could not penetrate the stronghold Arthur had made for Kimberly. If this is the case, what other way should he take to meet and talk to Kimberly?

For the umpteenth time, Cassandra took a deep breath. "I know who Arthur Sanjaya is. The old man is arrogant and notoriously difficult to work with. But I'm sure there must be a way to melt his heart. And that's what you have to do."

Nicholas fell silent. Who else could he turn to for help now? Who can help him melt Arthur's heart and apologize to Kimberly? Who?

"Mama doesn't want to know, Nicholas. You have to marry Kimberly. Mama will give you one month to win back that woman's heart. If within that time limit you can't convince Kimberly to be your wife, I'll make sure you go back to London and get married. with the woman that Mama chose. Don't expect that you can return to Indonesia after that." this time, the sentence that Cassandra uttered sounded firm and not kidding.

"But, ma---"

Cassandra immediately raised her hand low. Give a signal if you don't want to talk anymore. He chose to get up and left Nicholas's room without saying a word. Kill you, Nicholas. Your fate is on the line now.

***

Kimberly stared blankly out the window of the room she was in. This is the seventh day after she underwent cancer surgery. Now she is even in Los Angeles, at the residence of the Sanjaya family, to be more precise.

Even though he had to undergo chemotherapy several times, she had to keep her spirits up. Kimberly was determined to get well soon so she could help Arthur take care of the company as quickly as possible. She didn't want to disappoint the old man's hopes and confidence this time.

"Kimmy, can we start studying now?" Kimberly immediately turned towards the bedroom door, which was deliberately opened. Marco was standing there smiling.

Kimmy nodded. "I was ready earlier. So where are we going to study?" she asked then.

"Opa's office room. There, we can be more flexible."

Then Kimberly followed Marco's steps towards Arthur's study on the first floor. Today, the man planned to teach Kimberly how to manage a company. This was done so that he could replace Arthur immediately.

"You can sit down first. I'll get some files for you to study," Marco ordered when they reached the study. There were quite a few files that Marco had given Kimberly to study. From general files regarding company profiles to shareholder lists. Tender files to the files relating to problems within the company's body. "I will explain to you one by one."

It is not difficult to teach Kimberly about business. The woman is reasonably competent. He had studied business abroad and graduated with top marks.

Moreover, her experience of accompanying Nicholas as a personal secretary made her know more or less about the ins and outs of the business world. While working at AlpaBeta, Kimberly has often seen how Nicholas builds good relationships with clients. How to deal with, take heart, and even get big tenders that can benefit the company.

It seemed that she had to thank the man now. Marco felt the same way. She had no trouble explaining all the material to Kimberly. The woman could easily understand what Marco had explained earlier.

"I think there's no need to explain everything to you at length. You already have a solid foundation in business," Marco complimented.

Kimberly gave a smile. "Yes, it's also fortunate that I worked for a big company like AlpaBeta. I learned a lot from there."

Marco nodded in agreement with Kimberly's words. "I know that. Your boss has unquestionable credibility and business skills. I know Nicholas is a man of genius. AlpaBeta takes up almost all major tenders."

Kimberly was still smiling. "You're right, and there's no doubt about Nicholas's business matters. He even dedicated half of his life to advancing the company. I don't know when I can become a leader like him."

Silence for a while. Marco chose to be busy tidying up the files Kimberly had finished reading. At the same time, the woman in front of him seemed dreamy, thinking about something. Marco was aware of that.

"Kimmy, can I ask you something?" Marco said as he sat back down quietly in his chair.

Kimberly raised her eyebrows questioningly. "Please, I'll answer as best I can."

"Do you still love Nicholas?" the question escaped Marco's lips. No other meaning. He just wanted to know how she felt now.

Kimmy was silent. I can't answer. She just doubted how she felt now.

"If my question bothers you, it's better to forget it, Kimmy."

Kimberly took a deep breath then finally answered. "When asked if I love him or not, I still love him," Kimberly answered without hesitation.

Marco got up and changed position to sit next to Kimberly. "If you still love Nicholas, you should fight for your love, Kimmy."

Kimberly looked at Marco suspiciously. "Why did you ask me to fight for Nicholas? Like it or not, you will be my fiancé soon. You should have separated us as grandpa did so that we wouldn't be together."

Hearing Kimberly's question, Marco chuckled softly. "You're funny," he said later.

"Funny how?" Kimberly asked, confused.

"I know about Grandpa, who still insists on setting us up. But I still have a heart. I want you to be pleased with your choice." Marco spoke sincerely, making Kimberly feel bad. All this time, he had always done anything to make Kimberly happy.

"Even though I love Nicholas, we can't necessarily be together," Kimberly said suddenly.

"You mean?" now it was Marco who was confused.

Kimberly took a deep breath. Discussing Nicholas's matter only made his chest feel tight.

"I doubt his feelings for me. I feel like he doesn't love me." Kimberly's eyes turned sad. Indicates that there is pain there.

"How do you know? Don't second-guess the heart, Kimmy," Marco objected.

Kimberly shook his head. "If he loves me, there's no way he would doubt me to the point of telling people to spy on me. Don't forget about grandpa too. Do you think grandpa would agree to my relationship with Nicholas?"

Marco grabbed Kimberly's wrists and held them tightly. "Who knows by now, Nicholas is fully awake. The proof is that he looked frustrated when he was at the airport, as if he was afraid to lose you. It was the same when he was in the hospital. He even repeatedly apologized to grandpa."

Kimberly laughed bitterly. "Besides, Nicholas doesn't know about my post-surgery health. If I forget, I'll have a hard time having children in the future. Nicholas is the only son of a tycoon in England. I doubt he and his family would still choose me when they found out I couldn't give him children."

"Oh my God, Kimberly," Marco said with a shriek. Then pulled the woman's body to hug her. "I don't like you giving up like this. Even if that guy rejects you on the grounds of heredity, I won't forgive him.

After all, I have been reminded many times that I am ready to marry you at any time." Kimberly did not reply. She chose to tighten her arms on Marco and cry there. While outside the room, Arthur was secretly watching the two of them.

***

"Are you ready?" Marco asked Kimberly, who was still busy in front of the dressing table.

"Very ready. I'll be down for breakfast in a minute. After that, we leave." Marco nodded and closed the door again to Kimberly's room.

Today Marco wanted to invite Kimberly to attend an important meeting with big investors. There will be many business partners there. He wants Kimberly to take this opportunity to present their company in front of clients and rivals from other companies.

"Are you sure Kimberly can do it? Today's nominal tender is not kidding, almost touching the figure of 25 Trillion," Arthur asked Marco when they were already seated in the dining room.

Marco nodded confidently. "Of course. Kimberly has good potential. That's why I'm sure we can get the tender this time." Arthur chose to take a sip of his green tea first and then continue talking.

"There will be another big company in attendance. I'm just afraid that---"

"Opa..." Marco took Arthur's hand. "Please, don't doubt Kimberly's abilities. Grandpa's grandson can do it." Marco tried to keep convincing. He was casting all doubts on Arthur's face.

Arthur took a deep breath. "I'm just scared. That's all."

Marco smiled. "Leave it all to me. I will stand by Kimberly and will never leave her."

"I always trusted you. That's why I chose you to be Kimberly's husband."

Marco just smiled and then resumed his breakfast. It wasn't long before Kimberly came and joined them for a quick breakfast. "Opa, Kimmy has permission to leave this morning. Pray that Grandpa's favourite grandson is successful." Kimberly got up from her seat and hugged Arthur briefly before leaving.

Arthur smiled. "Of course, Grandpa always prays for your success."

After saying goodbye, Marco and Kimberly went straight to the capitol building in the city centre. As Marco mentioned earlier, today they will have an important meeting with an American investor. They plan to invest 25 Trillion rupiahs to build a satellite city on the tip of the New York.

Not only Kimberly's company was participating attended. This meeting involved many companies engaged in construction and property. They will all compete with each other to get this big tender.

"You can sit there." Marco led Kimberly to quickly sit down on one of the available chairs in the room.

The meeting room. One by one, a representative from various companies appeared k is present. They even shook hands with each other. Until the presence of a man locked Kimberly's eyes. The person he had been missing for so long. Now it is natural in front of his eyes. The man smiled and then extended his hand towards Kimberly.

"How are you, Kimmy. Long time no see."

Kimberly welcomed the outstretched hand. "Nicholas ..."