Chapter 5

"So it was this grumpy boss who bought me breakfast. How unlike him to be so nice," Dinda thought to herself. She washed up, and by the time she returned, everyone else had arrived for work.

Soon Ms. Desi came over. "How's that assignment coming along? Finished yet?"

"Yes, Ma'am, all done."

"Hand it over then. The Boss needs it for his presentation later."

"Right away, Ma'am." Dinda gathered the files and brought them to her. "Here they are. Please check them carefully in case I missed anything."

"Make sure there are no mistakes. I'd rather not see Mr. Radit upset over this."

"Of course, Ma'am," Dinda said with a smile, though inside she felt anxious.

I hope nothing's wrong. I'm only human—I make mistakes too, she thought.

"Dinda! Dinda!"

"Yes! Coming, Ma'am! What is it?" Dinda jumped.

"Why are you standing there daydreaming? Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing at all. Excuse me then," Dinda said and went back to her desk.

Ms. Desi walked into Radit's office. "Here are the documents, Sir—from Dinda."

Radit took them and began reading through them carefully.

Just as I suspected… this new employee has real talent. I like her work, Radit thought to himself.

"How is it, Sir? Anything that needs adjusting?"

"There's always room for improvement—she is new, after all. But honestly? This is very good. Exceptionally good for someone with no experience."

"Thank you, Sir. I'll take my leave then." She stepped out.

She's sharper than I expected. Alright then—you've passed the first stage, Dinda. But there's still a long way to go, Radit smiled at the papers in his hand.

A little later Ms. Desi came back to Dinda. "It seems Mr. Radit is quite pleased with your work."

"Really, Ma'am?" Dinda asked, eyes wide.

"Absolutely. I saw him smiling as he went through your files. I asked if anything needed changing, and do you know what he said?"

"What did he say?"

"He said while there's always room to improve, for someone new, your work was excellent. That's high praise from him, Dinda."

"He really said that?"

"Every word. I wouldn't lie to you."

"Thank goodness then! I'm so glad he's happy with it."

"You're doing great. I'll head back to finance now. Keep up the good work!"

"I will, thank you, Ma'am!"

Maybe he really does appreciate my work… or maybe he just feels sorry for me seeing me stay up all night. Either way, I won't overthink it, Dinda told herself.

Time passed and it was finally time to go home. She packed up and called Alfian. "Where are you? You're still picking me up, right?"

"Of course, sweetheart. On my way now."

"Drive safely, okay?"

"See you soon. Bye for now." He hung up.

Ten minutes later he called. Dinda answered.

"I'm out front. Where are you?"

"Coming now! I'll meet you at the usual spot."

"See you there."

She walked out and saw him waiting. "Been waiting long?"

"Just got here. Hop on."

She got on his motorbike and they rode off. By coincidence, Radit was leaving too and saw them together—but he didn't dwell on it.

Thirty minutes later they reached her boarding house. "Thanks for the ride home!"

"No problem. I'll head straight back then."

"Bye-bye!"

He rode off. Once he was gone, she went inside, fell onto her bed exhausted, and was fast asleep.

Half an hour later, Alfian arrived at a café. Someone was already waiting there for him.

"Over here, Alfian," the woman called out.

"Have you been waiting long?"

"Not too long. Sit down."

"Alright," he said and took the seat beside her.

"Have you ordered yet?"

"I was waiting for you."

"You didn't have to wait for me. Alright, let me order for us." He called the waiter over.

"Excuse me!" he said. The waiter came over with a menu.

"What would you like to eat?"

"Anything is fine."

"Sure thing. What about a drink?"

"Whatever you're having is fine."

"Okay then, I'll have this please."

"Coming right up, Sir," the waiter said.

Elsewhere in the café, Radit sat quietly. He looked over and saw Alfian with another woman. He frowned slightly.

I've seen that man before… wasn't he the one who picks Dinda up? But who's this woman? If he's her boyfriend, then she doesn't deserve this. But that's none of my business, Radit told himself.

"Mr. Radit? Are you alright?" someone asked, breaking his thoughts.

"I'm fine," Radit said, startled.

"You were miles away. Did you see something interesting?"

"Not at all, Mr. Dion. Nothing at all."

"Good. By the way, what did you think about the site for our new restaurant?"

"I want clear plans and a proper site assessment. We need to know if the location is truly right before we commit to building there."

"Understood. I'll have my team look into it immediately."

"Thank you, Mr. Dion. I appreciate your thoroughness."

"My pleasure. I'll be on my way then." Dion left.

Radit glanced back at Alfian and the woman, who were laughing together. He shook his head, finished his drink, and left for home.

Twenty minutes later he walked into his house and headed straight for the shower. But even as he stood there, his mind kept drifting back to what he'd seen.

Who was that woman? Is he really Dinda's boyfriend? If he is, she deserves better than someone who cheats. But why do I even care? She slapped me in public, remember? Yet I can't help feeling sorry for her. And seeing them together like that… it bothers me more than it should. Whatever. It's not my problem, he told himself, and hurried to finish his shower.