In the end, today Erwin and Velove returned to Indonesia. The plane they boarded is scheduled to depart around 3:30 PM South Korea time.
With plenty of time left, Velove decided to go to the shopping center first to buy some souvenirs. Her plan was to share these gifts with friends and a few colleagues at the office.
Remembering that they got lost yesterday and even came close to being lost, Erwin decided to accompany her. He didn’t want any unfortunate incidents to happen again or to befall his wife.
“What are you looking to get?” Erwin asked once they arrived in Myeongdong. Since it was the nearest and most comprehensive location, they decided to look for souvenirs there.
“I think I’m going to buy a wallet and some famous Korean perfumes,” Velove replied as they entered one of the largest accessory stores in Myeongdong.
Erwin went along with it. The man patiently and casually followed wherever his wife stepped.
“Have you already listed who you’re getting gifts for?”
Velove nodded. She had already made a list of everyone she wanted to give Korean-themed gifts to.
“Yes. Mostly division heads. The rest are staff and team members who have often helped me at work.”
Erwin seemed to think for a moment. Hearing Velove’s explanation, something suddenly struck him. There was something that was bothering him now and he needed to confirm it with his wife.
“So, you’re also getting a gift for Nathan?”
Once again, Velove nodded calmly and nonchalantly. Even though she was certain Erwin would object after hearing her answer.
“Of course, I’m getting him one.”
“Just because he’s your former sweetheart.”
“That’s not the idea, Win,” Velove defended herself. “Even though Nathan isn’t a past lover of mine at all, he’s still going to get a gift. You know his position in the office, right? He’s my assistant and a team member who often helps me. So, it’s only appropriate if-”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, no need to explain in great detail. I already know what your answer will be.”
Velove shook her head in disbelief. It was her husband who kept asking so many questions, making guesses as he pleased, and now he was overthinking on his own.
“Why are you so allergic to Nathan? Even though he’s not doing anything wrong. Plus, he often makes snide remarks. Your jealousy rivals that of a woman, Win.”
“Who’s jealous? Me?” Erwin asked, pointing at his own face. His expression clearly showed he wasn’t pleased.
“Not you. It’s the jealous neighbor,” Velove replied, then continued exploring on her own, leaving Erwin behind.
Velove bought so many perfumes. Fortunately, the store she entered also had the wallets she was looking for. So, she managed to get everything without having to switch stores.
Before deciding to head back, Erwin suggested stopping by a restaurant for a moment. Besides the fact that it was already noon, he was sure his wife must be tired after hours of wandering around looking for souvenirs.
“So, did you manage to get everything you wanted?” Erwin asked, taking a sip of bottled water in his hand.
“Yes,” Velove nodded. “After lunch, we can head straight home.”
Velove then took something out of her bag that she had been carrying. She handed the item over to Erwin in a special manner.
“When I was buying things earlier, I saw this and thought it was really nice. So, I bought it for you.”
Erwin squinted his eyes. He didn’t really expect that his wife would also buy something for him. While reaching for the gift from Velove, he then asked.
“What’s this?”
“Just open it right away.”
Erwin nodded and followed the instruction to open the box that Velove had just given him. Once it was fully opened, he smiled briefly and then looked up.
“A watch?”
“Yes,” Velove nodded. “I noticed you have a huge collection of watches at home. So, I bought one as a keepsake. So that whenever you look at the watch, you’ll instantly remember me.”
Erwin smiled. He took out the watch Velove had given him and put it on right away.
“Thanks. The design is right up my alley.”
After he finished putting on the watch, Erwin didn’t want to be outdone. Whenever he had bought it, one thing was sure, before digging into the food that was already laid out on the table, he took something out of his pocket, then handed it over to Velove.
“This is for you too. Initially, I was planning to give it to you when we got back to Indonesia. But, I guess giving it to you now wouldn’t hurt either.”
Velove smiled widely. She couldn’t even count how many sweet gestures the man had deliberately or unintentionally shown her.
“A necklace? Did you buy me a necklace?”
Erwin nodded. When Velove was busy buying perfumes earlier, he had seen a cute necklace. He just thought about giving that item to his wife. Moreover, upon closer inspection, Velove really liked wearing various accessories like bracelets, rings, necklaces, and watches.
“Yes. The necklace is cute. It seems to suit you.”
“The pendant has the letter ‘E’, right? That means it’s your initial, isn’t it?”
Erwin nodded. Instead of buying his wife’s initial, he deliberately chose the initial of his own name for various reasons.
“Of course. That’s definitely my initial. Why would I buy the ‘N’ initial?”
Velove thought for a moment. Then, shortly after, she caught on to Erwin’s sarcasm as he clearly mentioned the letter ‘N’ right in front of her. Who else could it be if not Nathan that he was hinting at?
“For God’s sake, Erwin. You’re so bothered by Nathan to the point of constantly bringing him up. Back in Indonesia, he’s probably going to cough because you’ve been mentioning his name all this time.”
“Let it be. It’s your fault for making him your ex.”
Erwin retorted casually. He then got up from his seat. Taking a step forward, he reached for the necklace Velove was holding.
“Let me help you put it on. So that you can wear it right now.”
Velove didn’t refuse. She simply handed over the necklace for Erwin to put around her neck.
“Done. Now your beauty has increased by 100% after wearing this necklace. So, if you want to stay beautiful, never take it off.”
“Oh please, that’s going a bit far.”
“I’m serious, Ve,” Erwin said as he returned to his seat.
“So, am I beautiful?”
Erwin nodded without hesitation.
“I’ve said it before, you’re beautiful in every way. So, it would be a huge lie if I said you’re not.”
Velove felt flattered. Just by looking into his eyes, Erwin spoke those words sincerely and not exaggeratedly.
Ending their conversation, they decided to have lunch and then prepare to leave for the airport afterward.
***