After attending a work meeting at the headquarters, Vivian intentionally applied for a five-day leave to vacation in Jakarta. Actually, the thought of meeting Darwin never crossed her mind.
Vivian was well aware of the threats that had been directed at her before. Not through Darwin as an intermediary, but Veronica herself, who had met her a day before she left for Kalimantan.
“I’m sure you know why I asked you to meet me here,” Veronica said when they both met at a cafe.
Vivian lowered her head while squeezing her fingers. She tried to calm her nervousness and the fear that was engulfing her.
She couldn’t even look Veronica in the eye, let alone respond. Her courage seemed to vanish instantly. Ever since the incident of being expelled and fired by Veronica a few days ago, she had become extremely cautious about her actions.
“Y-yes, Darwin informed me,” Vivian answered hesitantly. Slowly lifting her face, she mustered the courage to return the gaze. “I-I also agree to all the terms he proposed.”
“Good,” Veronica smiled. “I like it when you can cooperate like this.”
Then Veronica took out a brown folder from her bag. Shortly after, she handed the object directly to Vivian.
“There’s a legally protected agreement in that folder. It mentions that if you comply with my requests, you’ll receive all the facilities listed there. Please read it and then sign.”
Quickly, Vivian opened the folder presented to her. She took out a piece of white paper from inside and read it for a moment.
Vivian nodded her head. Her eyes seemed to be scanning and trying to understand whatever was written in the agreement. There were many tempting offers and rewards listed that she would receive if she followed what was written there.
“So, my only task is to not appear and to not contact Darwin at all?”
Veronica nodded in her seat. Of course, she didn’t want Vivian’s presence to disrupt Darwin’s concentration during his role as a husband for the next six months. Veronica had even gone so far as to buy Vivian a new phone and number so that Darwin couldn’t contact her while they were apart.
“Yes. That’s your task. Pretty simple, right? And if you agree to do what’s written, starting tomorrow at the new location, you’ll immediately take up the leadership position I’ve arranged for you.”
“But, is the location really in Kalimantan?”
“Yes,” Veronica replied shortly. Although, if Veronica wanted, she could have placed Vivian in an overseas branch of the company.
“Then, what happens after the six months …?” Vivian paused for a moment in her sentence. She looked at Veronica carefully and continued with calculated words. “What I mean is, after the marriage agreement between you and Darwin is completed, do I have to return the job, position, and facilities that I’ve received from you?”
For Vivian, she needed to clarify this issue. She shouldn’t end up sacrificing everything and getting nothing in return.
While being asked, Veronica just smiled. She slowly provided an explanation.
“No, don’t worry. You don’t need to be afraid. Even if after six months Darwin and I separate, I won’t retract or take back everything you’ve gained. Please enjoy what rightfully belongs to you. As long as you fulfill what we’ve agreed upon. And if you break the agreement before six months, I’ll take back everything I’ve given you. And this whole process will involve the authorities.”
Vivian swallowed hard. It was already mentioned that it was dangerous to play games with Veronica. Rather than taking unnecessary risks, it was better to comply and sign the agreement Veronica presented.
Moreover, it would only take six months before they would part ways. After all, her life would be guaranteed after this.
Initially, Vivian thought everything would go smoothly according to plan. However, before even reaching six months, Darwin had turned away. He had even discarded her, so to speak. All the sacrifices she had made seemed futile. Since yesterday, she kept pondering whether she should retaliate or accept all the decisions he had made.
“Vivian, what are you daydreaming about?”
From behind, a beautiful woman around 45 years old approached. She pulled out a chair and sat down.
Currently on vacation, Vivian had decided to stay in the apartment provided by Veronica. While on her assignment in Kalimantan, she had asked Aunt Laura to occupy her apartment unit. Moreover, as an orphan, Laura was the only family she had.
“Vivian is feeling bored and really frustrated, Aunt,” she admitted honestly.
Laura, who was peeling an apple at the time, immediately handed Vivian the first slice. She asked her niece to eat it instead of dwelling in her frustration.
“Why are you getting frustrated? Aren’t you happy to be on vacation in Jakarta before going back to Kalimantan? So, have you met Darwin?”
Laura knew well that Vivian had been in a relationship with Darwin for a long time. However, she was unaware that Vivian’s lover was now married and even had a wife.
“Vivian met Darwin two days ago,” she said with a melancholic expression. She even put the apple she was about to bite back on the plate.
“Oh, really? So why are you feeling so down?”
Vivian sighed deeply. She was unsure where to start explaining her problems from. She wanted to be honest about what had happened, but she didn’t want to make Laura worry.
“Darwin broke up with Vivian yesterday, Aunt,” she whispered. “And now, the two of us don’t have any relationship anymore.”
Laura was shocked. She never expected Vivian and Darwin’s relationship to suddenly end like this. After all, she knew her niece rarely argued during their relationship.
“Why did Darwin suddenly want to break up? You didn’t cheat on him, did you?”
Vivian shook her head. After being together for years, she had never once considered turning to another man. Even when they were physically separated between Indonesia and Korea, she had remained faithful to Darwin.
“How could Vivian cheat? All this time, people have always viewed Vivian in a negative light. There are even those who accuse Vivian of only wanting Darwin’s wealth. However, the truth is, Vivian has always genuinely loved Darwin.”
Laura sighed. She knew exactly what Vivian had just said was true. Born an orphan and raised by an aunt who’s a cafe singer, many people looked down on them. There were even quite a few who belittled and accused them of various things. Yet, the two of them had never done anything wrong.
“Auntie is also certain that you couldn’t possibly be cheating. So, why did you suddenly break up out of the blue? Wasn’t your relationship fine?”
Vivian shrugged. She was too lazy to explain the actual reasons. “Darwin has found a woman who’s better than Vivian.”
“Oh my.”
Laura then reached for Vivian’s wrist, gently squeezing it while looking intently.
“Can’t you talk about it again?”
Vivian shook her head, signaling to Laura that Darwin’s decision was final and couldn’t be challenged anymore.
“Auntie knows this must be really tough for you. But lingering in sadness isn’t good either. Just consider that maybe Darwin wasn’t the destiny God had for you, dear. You’re the patient one. I’m sure, after this, you’ll find someone even better than before.”
Vivian simply nodded. She didn’t debate or refute what Laura had said to her.
“Thanks for your prayers, Auntie. Vivian will try to overcome this issue.”
Before their conversation could continue, suddenly the apartment’s doorbell rang. Vivian quickly got up, heading to the main door. When she opened it, she appeared greatly surprised by the visitor who had come this afternoon.
“Good afternoon. I apologize if my visit is a bit disruptive. Can we talk for a moment?”
Vivian didn’t immediately agree. She pondered for a moment before nodding. However, instead of inviting the person in, she chose to step out, then closed the apartment door.
“Let’s talk at the coffee shop on the ground floor.”
The guest agreed with a nod. They went down a few floors using the elevator, then both made their way to the coffee shop not far from the lobby.
“So, what do you want to discuss this time?” Vivian opened the conversation as they arrived at the coffee shop. “And by the way, how did you know I was here?”
A small laughter echoed from the person across Vivian. Although there was nothing humorous about Vivian’s previous question.
“Actually, it wasn’t difficult for me to find out where you are,” they said, sounding somewhat arrogant.
“Oh, really?” Vivian narrowed her eyes. “So, you can easily do anything?”
“Of course,” Vivian’s interlocutor nodded. “And about the purpose of this conversation, as we talked about before, I came here to ask for your answer regarding the collaboration proposal from the other day.”
Vivian’s brow furrowed. In that moment, she also seemed to recall the collaboration proposal being referred to.
“Collaboration?”
“Yes. I want to make sure about the partnership offer to separate Darwin from Veronica. Have you made a decision?”
Vivian continued to gaze at her conversation partner. Instead of answering directly, she posed another question.
“What benefits would I gain if I agree to this proposed collaboration of yours? Besides, why do you seem so interested in splitting up Darwin and Veronica?”
Laughter echoed for a moment. Shortly after, there came an answer to the question Vivian had just posed.
“There are many reasons why I need to separate Darwin from Veronica. But, you don’t need to know the exact reasons. What’s for sure, if you agree to this collaboration, I guarantee that Darwin will come back and be yours alone. Not only that, you’ll also receive a substantial amount of money.”
Vivian chuckled softly upon hearing the benefits explained by her conversation partner. After Darwin unilaterally ended their relationship yesterday, she had become insecure. She wondered if complying with the collaboration proposal would eventually lead Darwin to truly return to her side or if he would stick firmly to his decision.
***