Chapter 13 - In the Dark
1478 Words
Even though Ardi found it impossible that the woman Gatot mentioned, who lived next to his new place, was Eva, his curiosity drove him to take the bold step of delivering the cake Gatot had prepared that night. He brought just one cake with him. The other eight would be distributed by Ardi tomorrow morning, as Gatot suggested.
It wasn't anything else. Ardi just wanted to prove whether the young woman Gatot referred to was Eva or not. Instead of losing sleep over it, wouldn't it be better for Ardi to check it out himself?
Moreover, Ardi felt the house next door was quite quiet for a family with two small children, especially at their most active age when they might not be able to stay still or at least make some noise.
According to Ardi, there were only two possibilities... Eva's children were already asleep, or it indeed wasn't his ex-wife's residence. Which possibility was true? Ardi had no idea.
At least Ardi was grateful that Gatot had prepared everything for him, including the cake he would distribute to the residents here. This gave Ardi a reason to knock on the door at this hour.
Ah, actually, it was just past eight, so it was still reasonable for someone to knock on another person's house. Especially just briefly to give a cake.
Little did he know, Ardi tried not to show a surprised face when he found out that the person living next door was indeed Eva. Yes, Ardi tried to act normally.
After Ardi handed over the cake and was about to return to his rented house, Eva suddenly called him and asked for help installing a light bulb.
For a moment, Ardi stared at Eva for a long time. What did the woman say? Asking for help to install a light bulb? Did Ardi hear it wrong?
"I did accompany you to the gate earlier, but I didn't expect us to live next to each other like this," said Ardi as he approached Eva again. "Even more surprising, you're seriously asking me to install a light bulb?"
"I know it's impolite to ask my own boss to install a light bulb. For that, sorry, never mind," said Eva very awkwardly.
"At the office, I am indeed your boss, but here... from now on, I am your neighbor. I also don't mind just installing a light bulb. The only question is, why me? Are you sure there's no one else you can ask for help besides me here?"
"No, but ignore my request earlier, sir. Because it's not happening."
Ardi thought hard... wasn't Eva on the phone earlier with someone suspected to be her husband? Someone Eva said didn't need to pick her up but just meet at home.
"Where's the light bulb?" Ardi then asked.
"Oh, no need, sir."
Ardi didn't answer but instead stared at Eva for quite a while, making the woman unconsciously say, "In-inside, sir."
"Here, let me install it."
As if hypnotized, Eva let Ardi follow her into the house. Eva even handed over the light bulb she had bought a few days ago. She had deliberately placed the bulb on the living room table while waiting for Daniel to arrive. That damn Daniel.
As soon as he took the 8-watt LED bulb from Eva, Ardi immediately knew which room needed the bulb replacement. Yes, from the living room, it was clear that the room with the open door was dark because the light was out. Ardi could tell it was a bedroom because the layout matched his own rented place.
"How many days has it been?" Ardi asked. "I mean, since it went out," he clarified.
"Around four or maybe five days," Eva answered honestly.
Ardi shook his head, unable to believe it. "Seriously, there's no one you can ask for help?"
"There is, but he hasn't had the time yet." Eva spoke honestly. In reality, Daniel indeed hadn't had the chance. He was supposed to come tonight, but unfortunately, her boyfriend failed to show up.
"How could he not make time when it's the bedroom that's dark?" said Ardi, increasingly confused. "What kind of husband doesn't have time to put up a light bulb when it takes less than five minutes?" he continued to mumble, but it seemed Eva heard him.
Ardi then stepped into Eva's room while taking the bulb out of its box.
"Husband?" Eva instinctively frowned in confusion. "What do you mean, Mr. Ardi?"
"Why doesn't your husband have time? How could he let your room stay dark for more than four days?"
Eva grew even more confused. Was Ardi making a joke or something? What husband?
"Is he that busy?" added Ardi.
Eva, still trying to process Ardi's words, thought hard while moving the dining chair that had been prepared earlier to speed up the light replacement process. Initially, Eva thought Daniel would be the one to climb it, but now it was Ardi who was ready to step onto the chair.
"Okay, I'll assume your husband is busy. Even until this hour, he hasn't come home," said Ardi again. He thought this because Eva's house was very quiet and there was no one else besides them.
"I don't understand what husband Mr. Ardi is referring to."
"Your husband."
"Huh?" Eva was getting more puzzled because Ardi kept talking about 'husband.' If it was a joke, why mention it repeatedly? Eva truly couldn't comprehend this.
"Where are your kids? Are they out with him?" Ardi said while climbing the chair and starting to replace the bulb.
"Wait, wait... Why does Mr. Ardi think I already have a husband and kids?"
Ardi removed the old bulb and handed it to Eva. Eva quickly took it.
Now, Ardi twisted the new bulb until it was securely attached while saying, "Isn't that what it is? I saw you all at the mall... really like a harmonious family. At least that was the first impression when I saw you together. But after knowing your husband couldn't even spare a moment to replace a bulb that takes just a short time..."
"Mr. Ardi saw us yesterday, didn't he?" Eva cut in. She understood now—Ardi was truly mistaken.
"Yes," replied Ardi, his hand still not letting go of the bulb that was now attached and ready to be turned on.
"That's not my husband and kids, Mr. Ardi. Oh my," said Eva. "No wonder I was confused when Mr. Ardi jumped to thinking I had kids and a husband, but that's not the case. What Mr. Ardi saw yesterday was my brother-in-law and two nephews."
"Are you serious?" Ardi asked, surprised but, strangely, feeling happy, as if a fresh breeze had just blown across his face. He stepped down from the chair. "So they're not your husband and kids?"
"No, they're not. Because I haven't remarried since our divorce five years ago," explained Eva. "I'll try the light now, alright, Mr. Ardi."
After saying that, Eva walked toward the switch, ready to press it, but unexpectedly, Ardi held her hand, preventing her from turning on the light.
Why was Ardi so fast? He had just stepped down from the chair. How could he suddenly be behind her, holding her hand?
"What are you doing, Ardi?" Eva turned her body so she was now facing him.
Honestly, Eva felt nervous.
"I thought you had a husband and children. Turns out I was wrong."
"Regardless of the misunderstanding, what if I did have a husband and kids?" Eva asked.
"I don't know. I don't really get it either. Maybe because you once said you didn't want a husband and kids before. But whatever it is, I shouldn't be too concerned with my ex-wife's personal affairs."
Ardi continued, "Yes, we're exes, right? Even if our marriage was just on paper?"
"You could say that," replied Eva, puzzled as to why Ardi kept holding her hand, as if reluctant to let go.
"If even enemies can marry, what about exes? Is it okay to do this..." Ardi didn't finish his sentence because his lips were already on Eva's.
For a few moments, Ardi waited for Eva's response. If she pulled away, he would stop—it would mean she was rejecting him. However, if Eva didn't pull away and just let it happen, or at least remained still... Ardi wouldn't hesitate to go further. Much further. He might do more than just kiss her.
Ardi smiled because Eva's reaction was more than he expected. How could it not be? She even closed her eyes, guiding his lips to explore every detail of her enticing red lips.
The delightful kiss continued softly until their bodies led each other toward the bed.
Was it really okay to do this?
Was it okay to go further, even though they were no longer husband and wife?
- Writer
