He's The Unaffordable
Chapter 189 - Just Doing the Tasks

*Colin*

The accident case in front of Lily's school is still under investigation by the authorities. Although the school has returned to its usual activities, there are still students, teachers, and parents of students who take turns to fulfill police calls as witnesses. Lily and I were called as well.

Thankfully, we had our turn in the morning, so we could get to the police station first before I drove my sister to her school. We were both nervous when we arrived in front of the office. A police officer escorted us to a room where we could make a statement. Lily and I were dealing with different officers.

The man sitting in front of me started my statement by asking me to name and some things related to my personal identity. Then he began to ask what I had witnessed on that fateful day. I told you everything I remember.

When he asked if I knew the perpetrator, I said no. But when she mentioned her name, then I said honestly that I met her several times while accompanying Dira to do activities with her agency or work as a model.

Lily was done and asked to wait outside the room while I was still showered with questions. I should have lied by saying that I didn't know the perpetrator. But they could have known it later. I could have faced a bigger problem if it happened and I was dishonest from the start.

Nearly an hour after Lily walked out of two other witnesses sitting in the same room to testify, I was then welcome to leave. My head hurt a lot because I had to answer the same question repeatedly. They seemed to be doing it on purpose who knew I would change my statement.

“What's up? Why did they question you so long ago?” asked Lily who was walking by my side towards the exit of the office.

“We'd better not discuss it here.” I held her hand so she could go faster. My breathing suddenly tightened as if something was blocking my respiratory tract.

“What's up, Colin? You worry me,” asked Lily while receiving the helmet I gave her. “Does that cop suspect something?”

“I told you, not discussed here,” I said once again. I got on the bike and helped my sister sit behind me.

“We don't need to go to school. I've asked my homeroom teacher for permission. He also knew that I was still at the police station,” Lily said before I started the engine.

That's good news, because I'm not sure I can ride my bike that far. After a few kilometers, I pulled my motorcycle into the parking lot of a cafe. We chose a seat away from the filled table.

I let Lily order whatever she wants. After the waiter left us, Lily asked me to talk right away. “Do you think I have made a mistake by admitting that I know the perpetrator of the collision?”

“Where is the error? Dira is your boyfriend, while Laras is his agency partner. Of course you guys have met and maybe chatted with Dira,” he said casually. “Don't think too much. They just do their job. I was also being searched for with unreasonable questions. Though I was clearly an eyewitness.”

“Hopefully I didn't make a mistake that would get me in trouble. I don't like dealing with cops. This semester is my last semester. I don't want my plan to be as totally ruined as Manda.” I shook my head imagining it.

“Colin, relax. Even if Laras calls you his accomplice, the police need evidence, not just the word of origin.” Lily touched my hand on the table. “Again there is Uncle Hendra who will help if something bad happens.”

In order for Lily not to worry, I agreed to all her words and calmed down. The way the officer asked and the expression on his face did affect me greatly. He was so sure I was involved in the accident. I hope it's just my feeling.

Meeting Hadi that Saturday, I couldn't talk much with him. We had an appointment with each of our girlfriends. I will escort Dira to the audition spot, while Hadi will accompany Clarissa who is alone at home without her family.

When he came back to mention his offer to make me his assistant. I still don't trust myself. But the mention of Mama gave me an idea. I can talk to him a lot to find out what his duties are while accompanying Uncle Hendra. Mama would be happy if she knew Hadi's offer to me.

“Iya, darling. Thank you.” I put my hand on her shoulder.

“Do not worry about Baras. I'll make sure you don't get dragged into this. There are many witnesses who can prove that you and Laras were not close or planned the accident together. Vikal also knows it.” Dira glanced towards his assistant.

“I'm ready to testify and tell them what your relationship with the bad girl is like. Mr. Billy is dizzy too. His agency was targeted by news-hungry journalists.” Vikal gave a brochure to Dira. “Learn it before your turn arrives.”

Seeing that, I didn't ask Dira to talk anymore. I unlocked my phone screen and logged into an online game. No wonder I see so many of my friends online. Tonight we will follow the war again, so they have already started discussing our war strategy.

Adi and Lily were also online, so I invited them into my group. As usual, they immediately asked me to help them complete the unfinished weekly mission. I thanked them for helping me pass the time until Dira was done with her audition.

But when Dira came out of the audition room with a red face, I felt bad. Without going out ahead of the game, I locked my phone screen. Vikal signals me to follow them. People were looking at him and Dira, so I understood why he asked me to walk with them.

Dira stood on the side of my motorcycle, while Vikal approached me. He mentioned the name of the place where we should sit together. I comply. Dira didn't say anything when I helped him put on his helmet, even until we sat next to him in the cafe. Vikal came later and ordered food and drinks for us.

“Will they never forget that video?” ask Dira lirih. I took a deep breath hearing it. Is there a jury that has touched on the video again? “I don't care if they call me a cheap woman though. But how can a respectable person ask a would-be star of their ad to undress in front of a large crowd?”

He should have left the bad happenings behind and closed the book. Why do people like to remind him of the disaster? He was a victim, not a person who deliberately showed off his body in search of fame. Dira is a successful young model and loved by many people, she does not need to make a scandal to boost her name.

Although Dira never complained, I knew that she was still dreaming about the incident. Just like I still dreamt of the fatal accident that happened before my eyes. Things I wish I had never seen. My dear, he is innocent, but people close their eyes and assume he took part in broadcasting the video.

“That company I'll cross off the list, Dira. You will not deal with them anymore.” Vikal touched his hand. “I will also be more careful to find information about the person who is a judge at the audition ahead. May you not be humbled like that again.”

“I think I want to stop.” Dira covered his face with both hands. My heart aches to hear him sob. I put my hand on her shoulder. She brought her body closer to me so I could hold her.

My hands reflexively clenched hearing him cry. Dira is a tough girl. Crying to the ground is a rare thing. They must have said that with a mocking face and tone. What are all their hearts made of?

“Honey, did you tell Uncle about their actions?” askaku.

“No,” the answer is quick. She distanced herself from me while busily wiping tears and fluid from her nose. “You can't tell Papa. You too, Vikal. I can't depend on Papa every time I have a problem. Do you guys understand?”

“Why are you talking like that? Do you want to be reminded of that incident?” my protest.

“I'm starting to understand why they do it.” He sighed softly, then wiped away the tears that fell down his cheeks. “They just want to test if I'm a victim or just pretend to be famous. It was their job, finding out if I was worthy of being the star of their product ad.”

“But what they do is very low,” I said do not accept. Why did he suddenly change his mind?

“True. But people can reject their products once I become their advertising star. Which companies want to lose? Conversely, if they see for themselves that I am the victim in that case, they will defend me.”