After bidding farewell to Sean and Deasy, Darwin decided to return to his office. Lost in thought about Veronica’s question, he was suddenly surprised by the presence of Vivian.
Little did Darwin expect that his former girlfriend would suddenly appear in his office, standing before him. Their last encounter had already caused turmoil and misunderstandings with significant consequences. Now? With ease, Vivian had deliberately come to him as if there were no burdens.
“Calm down, Win,” Vivian requested. Her face appeared sad as she tried to gain Darwin’s attention.
Back then, Darwin had willingly devoted all his time and attention to Vivian without her having to ask. Now, everything had changed. His girlfriend seemed reluctant to meet him. Had the feelings Darwin had nurtured for Vivian in the past completely vanished?
“How can I stay calm?” Darwin replied hurriedly with an unfriendly glare. “Just so you know, Vivian…” Darwin continued, “Our last meeting already damaged my relationship with Veronica. So, what do you want now?”
Darwin was clearly emotional. Recalling his last encounter with Vivian, he immediately regretted taking such a big risk that had now disrupted his life. He wished he could turn back time and reject Vivian’s request from the other day, even if she had begged and pleaded with him.
“I apologize for everything that happened,” Vivian pleaded. “I’m sorry for being impulsive and suddenly visiting you this time. I had no other choice, Win. Moreover, I have plenty of time. After leaving here, I have to head to the airport.”
Darwin shook his head. From the beginning, he had resolved not to have any further contact with Vivian. For God’s sake, Darwin was afraid that if Vivian showed up like this, Veronica might unexpectedly appear and further complicate the situation.
“I don’t have time to talk to you right now, Vivian. Please, I really think we don’t need to meet anymore.”
Darwin appeared reluctant to respond. However, when he was about to dismiss Vivian, his former girlfriend took something from her bag and handed it to Darwin.
“What’s this?”
“They are the keys to the apartment that Veronica once gave me.”
Darwin frowned in confusion. He didn’t understand the purpose of Vivian’s gesture. Why was his ex-girlfriend suddenly handing over the keys to the apartment that Veronica had gifted to him? Darwin remembered clearly that Veronica had given the apartment as a reward and facility because Vivian had agreed to stay away from him during their six-month marriage trial period.
Was returning the apartment a sign that Vivian no longer wanted to be involved with Veronica and was willing to fight for Darwin’s love again? Or was there another motive that Darwin wasn’t aware of?
“What are these for?” Darwin asked after a moment of silence. “As far as I remember, in the agreement, Veronica gave me the apartment, and it was stated that she wouldn’t take it back even if we eventually divorce or continue the marriage.”
Vivian nodded. She didn’t deny what Darwin was saying. In the past, Vivian had made sure to clarify whether all the facilities, including the job, position, savings, and the apartment, would be taken back after the six-month marriage period ended, or if they would remain permanently hers.
“I won’t take back everything that has been given to you. Whether our marriage with Darwin ends in divorce or continues, all those facilities will belong to you. As long as you comply with the agreement we made.”
Vivian remembered Veronica’s words vividly from that time. But now, she felt that she no longer needed the gifts from her former boyfriend’s wife.
“Aunt Lily woke up from her coma recently. Because the man who has been her close friend offered to take her for treatment in Singapore, I decided to join them and stay there. That’s why I entrusted the apartment and all the facilities that Veronica had given me to you for return.”
Darwin fell silent once more, trying to digest each of Vivian’s statements.
“So, you’re moving to Singapore?”
Vivian nodded confidently. Besides, why would she stay in Indonesia alone when she had no family or anyone else? Her only family and the person she cared deeply about were far away in Singapore. Vivian thought this was the right time to repay her debt to Aunt Lily.
“Because Aunt Lily’s treatment duration is uncertain, I decided today to leave my job and position, with the consequence of losing them. Besides, we’re not together anymore. So, there’s no reason for me to stay here alone.”
Vivian’s words hit Darwin hard. There was a sense of guilt and pity for the woman he had once loved so deeply. He had promised to marry her several times, and in the end, he had to let her go in such a painful manner.
“Vivian… I’m truly sorry. I-”
“It’s okay,” Vivian cut him off hurriedly. “I also apologize for our meeting the other day, which may have caused you distress or misunderstandings with Veronica. I’m sorry for any turmoil that may have occurred. But don’t worry, after this, I won’t ever appear before both of you again.”
From her eyes, Darwin could see the sincerity radiating clearly on Vivian’s face. It was evident that she was serious about what she was saying.
“In that case, I wish you and Aunt Lily all the best. Once again, I apologize for disappointing you or hurting your feelings.”
Vivian nodded. Feeling content that she had conveyed the purpose of her visit, she intended to bid farewell. Before leaving the room, she spoke once more for the last time.
“Thank you very much for the happiness you’ve given me, Win. I hope you’ll be happy even if it’s not with me,” Vivian sincerely prayed.
Darwin nodded in response. He then replied briefly.
“Same goes for you.”
“Oh, by the way…” Vivian continued. “I almost forgot to mention something. I hope you and Veronica will be careful. It seems like there’s someone who doesn’t like your relationship.”
Darwin, who had just regained his composure, was once again surprised and curious about the meaning of Vivian’s words.
“What do you mean? I don’t understand.”
“I don’t have much time to explain,” Vivian said. “But essentially, someone met me twice recently and proposed a partnership. He even offered a substantial amount of money if I agreed to his plan to separate you and Veronica.”
Darwin’s eyes widened. Not only was his curiosity piqued, but he also began to wonder who this person could be who deliberately wanted to break up him and Veronica.
“But don’t worry,” Vivian added. “Despite my heartache and refusal to be thrown away so easily, I’m not that evil or vindictive. You know what kind of person I am, right?”
Darwin nodded. He knew Vivian’s personality well. Her independence, hard work, and aversion to seeking revenge against those who had wronged her had made Darwin fall deeply in love with her in the past.
“But, if I may ask again, do you know who this person is?” Darwin inquired.
Vivian shook her head. She truly had no idea who the person she had met twice was.
“I’ve never seen him before.”
“But if I could ask one more question, the person who met you twice, was it a man or a woman?”
Vivian nodded. She was happy to share and answer Darwin’s current curiosity.