
*Clarissa*
I don't know what's in Luca's head until he's wherever I am. Only when I was in my own room did he not follow me. But it could be that when there is no one in this house, then he will come to see me in my room.
Hudson's father and mother were friendly and kind. I don't have a problem with them. Although Luca doesn't seem to give up on the fact that I already have a boyfriend, his parents are more polite. They did not discuss or persuade me to be close to their only son at all.
Grandma also stopped bringing me closer to Luca once she saw for herself my closeness to Hadi. Of course the young man was still the best candidate he wanted to be his son-in-law's granddaughter. Then why did Grandma still bring Luca and his family to stay one night at our house?
On the morning of Grandma and Grandpa's departure to Bali with their guests, I felt very relieved. I ignored Luca sitting by my side and did not stop trying to catch my attention. Not wanting to be rude, I obeyed Grandma who was looking at me pleading for me to treat the young man politely.
“So, you want to come back with your ex because he is the heir of his rich father?” luca said half a whisper so that only I could hear his words. “I must honestly say that he is a tough rival. His family is just as rich as mine.”
“Grandpa and Grandpa are rich and respected people in their respective countries. I don't need Hadi to live comfortably.” I smiled as I cut the sausage over my plate. “I love him, therefore I fight so we can get back together.”
“You lied about your engagement. I don't read the news in any media. Two couples from prominent families in this country are unlikely to engage in a secret engagement. Wyatt and Charlotte's engagement alone will be held on this Saturday.” He's laughing a little. “Are you that scared to get close to me to lie about your relationship?”
“I don't need to explain to you about our relationship. Even my grandparents never interfered. Whether you want to believe it or not,” I said casually.
He came back laughing. “Do not get angry. I'm just passing on the facts.”
I don't respond to his words anymore. There's no point in talking to people who think that everything I do has something to do with it. Yes, Hadi did pretend to be my girlfriend so that this young man stayed away from me. But my feelings for Hadi are serious. Our relationship will be used to win her heart again. I'm not acting like his girlfriend. I consider Hadi to be my real lover.
Sooner or later, he would admit the same. It took me only a few days to convince him that we could have a better relationship on this second occasion. Before, I was unaware of my feelings and I confessed wrongly that I had hurt her and severed our relationship. But I am different now. I want to fight for us.
Grandpa and Grandma set off in two cars with their guests to the airport. Me, Grandpa, and Grandma drove them only up to the front porch. Charlotte and Wyatt are not home, as they are undergoing a medical on campus today.
“Hm. There is a happy look no need to shy away from his fans anymore,” tempt Grandpa after the two cars were out of the gate of the house.
“Grandfather knew for himself that what he was doing was excessive. We were not friends before. Grandma was close to him and his family, not me. But he behaved as if we were old friends who met again. I feel uncomfortable, Grandpa,” I.
Grandpa and Grandma's faces immediately turned serious. “Honey,” says Grandma soft. He held my hand. “Did he hurt you without our knowledge?”
I shook my head. “No. But I felt that he was obsessed with me. We were not close and I never gave him hope. So, his attitude made me uncomfortable. He even found out the news regarding my relationship with Hadi in the past.”
Grandpa and Grandma exchanged glances. “I can see that Luca likes you. But I think he just needs some time to understand that you're not alone anymore. Or it could be Claudia who is overreacting about you to him and he thinks your grandmother is blessing your relationship,” Grandpa said.
“But you can calm down now. She went with her parents to Bali. According to Claudia, they will return to America from there.” Grandma rubbed my back. I hope that.
I cheered happily as Hadi sent me a message asking me to lunch again. He cancelled his plans for dinner with us, as Luca and his parents left this morning for Bali. I don't think he's gonna ask me out again. Luca's not here, so we don't have to pretend. Thank God, he still wants to see me.
An hour later, I heard someone coming to our house. It must be Hadi. I immediately checked my appearance for the last time in the mirror. One side of my hair was clamped to make it neat, my face was as natural as possible, and then I wore a straight shirt with flat-heeled sandals.
“Be careful on the road, Hadi. Come back anytime you are bored with each other.” Grandpa blinked one eye. I laughed hearing that.
“There is a good movie in the cinema. I'm sure Clarissa will like it. What if you invite him to watch too? Charlotte and Wyatt must have gone for a walk after the medical checkup. Poor Clarissa has no peers at home,” Grandma said suggesting.
Hadi looked at my grandfather and grandmother in turn. “Alright, Aunt. I'll take Clarissa at least nine p.m.”
“So much better.” Grandma smiled happily. When Hadi did not see, he blinked one eye at me. I move my lips in a word of thanks to him.
Hadi opened the car door for me, then closed it after I sat comfortably inside. He turned the car from the front and got into the car. We waved to Grandpa and Grandma as she rewinded the car towards the gate.
He didn't talk much during our trip. It's a normal thing, so I don't talk to him and enjoy the scenery around me. I don't know why everything feels so beautiful. Is it because I'm with him? Ah, yes. That must be the reason.
We headed to the restaurant I chose. For a long time not eating fruit, I ordered meatballs with the largest portion. He shook his head at my order. While waiting, he pulled out his phone and checked what was inside.
“Luca and her parents went to Bali this morning. Why did you change your mind and take me to lunch together?” I asked who wanted to ask that.
“Only Mama is at home. You know for yourself that Mama will only be in her special room to finish her new book.” Hadi shrugged his shoulders casually.
“Ah, yes. Aunt Zahara asked me to come whenever I had time. He wants to create a new novel that has something to do with me.” There were so many things going on lately, so I didn't have time to come visit their house.
“If Mama doesn't remind you, just ignore it. You'll be exhausted from facing Mama, just like Colin did. So, pretending not to remember,” he said giving advice that I think is very bad.
“Are you not aware that you have just suggested a bad thing?” many wonder.
“I'm just trying to save you from a very boring activity.”
“Save me or save yourself?” my challenge.
“If you think I'll change my attitude to you after we meet every day, you're just wasting your time, Clarissa. Our relationship is over and there is no more chance for us to be together,” he said firmly.
“I don't think so. It's just your mind,” I said evasively.
“I know you not a day or two lately. So, I know what you're thinking. Go ahead if you want to help my mom, but I won't come back to you.”
“What is a challenge, Hadi?” I was interested in that sentence. He frowned. “Did you just challenge me that we can't be together anymore?”
He immediately put on a serious face. “Listen. I'm not challenging you. I seriously. I'm not interested in fixing our relationship or whatever's on your head. I only help you by pretending to be your girlfriend, nothing more.”
“OK. You don't have to be so tense. I won't do anything that can make you uncomfortable with me.”
He relaxed and sat back down relaxed. The opportunity was used by the waiter to let us know that our order was ready. Hadi stood up and picked up the tray containing our meatballs and drinks. I helped by taking the tableware and the tissue.
When I turned around, I accidentally hit someone. I was grateful to hold the spoon and fork so well that it did not slip out of my hand. But there was the sound of something breaking on the floor and the man groaned in pain.