He's The Unaffordable
Chapter 29 - My answer is No

“How about Mila? Already have new leads?” ask Papa. I immediately nodded my head. I told him everything I knew from our conversation last night, about the Foster family, the Parapat where he met his adoptive family, also regarding his intention to help conduct a second DNA test.

“You told him about that? Why?” Papa who originally typed something on his tablet, raised his head and looked at me seriously.

“She was suspicious of Aunt Lindsey's attitude and all the adults when welcoming her on Dira's birthday. So, he asked for time to talk to me earlier. He asked if I knew his parents. Then I answer honestly about our suspicions and the tests we've done.” I gulped heavily watching Papa be quiet for a moment.

“What's the response?” ask Papa then.

“He did not believe that he could be similar to Aunt Abby and Claudia without any blood relation at all. So, he volunteered to help with the second test,” I replied slowly, starting to worry about his reaction.

“You also told him about our plan?” ask Papa not to believe.

“Pa, I know that this is still a secret. But Mila has the right to know it too. Didn't it involve him, then the test results would be more accurate? I know that this is hard for Om Edu, especially Aunt Lindsey. We're this close, Pa. We almost found Clarissa.”

“I understand how you feel, son. But we should put our best friend's feelings first rather than those we just met. We have to protect Edu and Lindsey who have suffered for a dozen years because of the loss of their grandson. You've seen for yourself how broken Lindsey was when she found out the test result was negative.” Papa sighed softly.

“If only he had a few memories of his childhood. That would be a big help. But a little three-year-old girl is a bit hard to remember her childhood. Especially if he grows up with a lot of trauma.” Papa put the tablet on the table. “We are waiting for the results of Irwan's investigation from the information we can about Mila.”

I nodded slowly, then remembered Mila's message last night. “Aunt Claudia and family will arrive on Monday. Can I invite Mila to attend Adi's birthday celebration?” tanyaku.

“How about Colin? Didn't he introduce the girl as his girlfriend to everyone?” ask Papa confused.

“It was just a skit, Pa,” I replied. The wrinkle on Papa's forehead deepens. “We both know that Mila is not from America, so all that is just their acting.”

“Why did Colin do that? Why would he hurt my daughter by pretending to be dating another?” Papa's voice intonation began to rise.

“I really don't know, Pa. He also did not tell me the real reason,” I replied honestly.

“You have absolutely no respect for the feelings of others, nor have you kept your own promises. If the heart has been hurt, it is difficult to recover it again. Just be careful if that stupid kid changes his mind and approaches my daughter again. Tell him that. She obviously avoided me for fear that I would break her neck.” Papa growled in annoyance. I nodded wryly.

“As for Mila, my answer is no. He cannot attend Adi's birthday party. But I'll talk to Mason and Claudia. If they give the green light, then I will tell you,” Papa said firmly. Seeing the enthusiasm of Aunt Claudia who flew over here as soon as she heard about Mila, I was sure she would answer yes.

We had lunch alone in the dining room, then sat back in the living room. Papa watches the news broadcast on television and repeatedly checks his phone when a message comes in. I told Mila about Papa's answer, and she was very disappointed. But I can't do anything. This is Papa's house, so he makes the rules.

My phone shook and I saw a new message from Dira. He invited me to visit Wendy's workplace. He misses his favorite croissants that are only provided by the coffee cafe. Imagining the traffic jam of the city on Saturday afternoon tempted me to answer no. But my sister might need a diversion so as not to think about her asthma problem, so I said yes.

Papa just asked that I be careful driving when I say goodbye. I spent over an hour arriving at the coffee cafe where Wendy worked. Though the location is not far from their school, but weekends make the trip several times longer.

Seeing that Dira and Adi had not arrived yet, I ordered food and drinks first. Kapucino and kroisan order was delivered directly by Wendy who sat for a moment to accompany me. He immediately stood up as a group of young men entered the cafe. The energy will be needed to deliver the guest order to their table later.

“You alone?” ask a young man whose voice is familiar to me in my ear. I looked up and saw him looking around us.

“Dira.” He sat in the empty chair in front of me. “Or could be Mila.” I smiled hearing him say that name. “You ruined all my plans. Don't you know how much money I spent to pay for his services?”

“That's your own problem. Not my problem. After all you know the name of the lie, someday it will be revealed as well. You have been my best friend for a dozen years. Do you think I wouldn't know that you were lying? Build, Cole.” I shakes in disbelief.

“Dira now definitely can't believe that I'm seriously ending our relationship.” He's clucking softly.

“What do you mean?” I laughed amusedly. “You and my sister have broken up. Where is he not taking seriously the end of your relationship?”

“I know Dira. Once she found out that Mila wasn't my real girlfriend, she definitely started to think that we were still together.”.

“You know nothing about my sister.” Once he sees Dira's new appearance later, he'll understand what I mean. It's true that my sister wasn't serious about the breakup of their relationship. Does he think he's the only man in the world?

“What is this, Brother? Why didn't Big Brother tell you that he will also come to see us?” said Dira who just came with Adi. He crossed both hands in front of his chest. “Don't tell this brother's stupid friend to start thinking about asking me back to him, because I don't want to have any relationship with him anymore.”

I smiled seeing Colin widen his eyes and open his mouth. Dira is no longer a brunette like her. His natural black hair now made his face pale skin even more contrast. There was no longer a way for them to be together.

“Oh. Because you're silent, so my guess is right? You asked my brother to bring you here so you could meet me?” tanya Dira confirmed.

“We accidentally met. He will sit down with his friends. You sit. Tell me what you want to drink and eat, let Adi order.” I gave you a debit card that I used to pay for my order. “I am a treat.”

“I can order anything?” Adi's eyes glinted happily. I'm nodding. What would he buy with my card? There was no food or drink containing gold in this cafe until he looked as happy as it was spending my money.

“Then, ah, I go back to my desk.” Colin stands. Dira immediately sat down next to me so that he would not stand close to his ex. “See later.”

I replied to my best friend, while Dira was just pouting. He took one of the chrysanthemums on top of my plate and broke it in half. Some of it he put back on the plate, and then the other half he ate with annoyance.

“Hey, is there an employee here named Wendy?” There was a woman's cry from the direction of the cashier. Because his voice was loud enough, he immediately became the center of attention.

“Why do we have to see him again, anyway? Will I never be allowed to live peacefully for one day?” grumbled Dira who put the croisan in his hand onto the plate. “What other business is he having with my best friend?”

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Author’s Note~

Happy Kartini Day to all the great women of Indonesia. Don't listen to those who say otherwise. (｡･3) ⁇ ♡

Greetings dear, dear,

Meina H's.