Chapter 3 - Future Wife
1227 Words
While living with Ardi, it wasn't difficult for Eva to fall in love with him. However, because their marriage contract prohibited them from liking each other, Eva inevitably had to suppress her feelings.
Although sometimes Eva hoped her marriage with Ardi would end like in novels, where they eventually fell in love and decided to live together forever—in other words, no divorce.
But that was just a fantasy because, in reality, everything followed the contract's terms. In the end, they divorced right after their first wedding anniversary.
Fortunately, Eva managed to hide her feelings well. Her love was truly hidden, making it impossible for Ardi to realize Eva's feelings even a little.
Right after officially divorcing, Eva struggled to move on from Ardi because, in truth, her feelings for him were deeper than she had ever imagined.
Eva, who was still very young at the time, constantly reminded herself that she didn't want to be trapped in a traditional marriage. Becoming a housewife at such a young age was certainly not an option.
However, she felt so comfortable with Ardi that it was very hard to let go of her status as his wife.
Eva kept herself busy with a packed schedule to avoid thinking about Ardi. Besides that, she tried to convince herself that her purpose in marrying him was to escape from the marriage arranged by her parents with a man who boldly proposed to her.
Now, five years have passed, and it can be said that Eva is comfortable with her current life. She has also long moved on and almost never thinks about Ardi anymore. Strangely, why has that man reappeared in her life?
His appearance not only reminds Eva of the past but also makes all the efforts to move on feel futile.
Fortunately, Eva can still finish her work even though she can't focus one hundred percent because she keeps thinking about the sudden situation she is facing—a very unexpected situation.
Like the other staff, Eva is currently tidying up and getting ready to go home. She notices two missed calls from Dika, her former brother-in-law, who is like a brother to her.
Eva herself is sometimes puzzled as to why Dika is referred to as her former brother-in-law, even though he never divorced Nafa, Eva's late sister. Perhaps because Nafa is no longer around, everyone refers to Dika as Eva's former brother-in-law.
Eva continues tidying up while waiting for her call to be answered by Dika. Yes, Eva deliberately called him back.
"Hello, Eva," greeted Dika on the other end of the phone.
"Hello Dika. Sorry, I just got a chance to check my phone because I was quite busy earlier," explained Eva.
"I know you're probably busy. That's why I didn't text you—because if you had free time, you'd definitely call back."
"What's up?"
"Have you gone home?" Dika asked then.
"I'm still wrapping things up. I'll be leaving soon. Why?"
"Hmm, how should I say this? I want to trouble you again," Dika said apologetically. "Sorry about that," he continued.
"Lukas and Lily, right?" guessed Eva.
"Yes, that's right. You've memorized it, huh?"
Lukas and Lily are the twins that Nafa gave birth to before she passed away.
Eva still vividly remembers when she was struggling to move on from Ardi. At almost the same time, her sister's passing made Eva's situation even worse.
Until then... the two little babies named Lukas and Lily gave her a glimmer of hope. Even to this day, those two nieces, whom Eva loves dearly, are still one of the reasons she can smile with happiness.
"Can you pick them up? I'll be late because I'm working late."
"Okay, I haven't spent time with them in a while," Eva replied.
"Thanks, Eva."
Since five years ago, Dika hasn't remarried. Whether he's still comfortable being a widower or hasn't found someone suitable to replace the late Nafa, no one knows.
As a hard worker, Dika is also a good father and loves his twins very much. He even takes care of his children tirelessly.
Every day, the twins attend kindergarten and daycare. When Dika returns from work, that's when they are picked up. However, because Dika has to work overtime, he asks for Eva's help as usual. It's safe to say this isn't the first time Dika has asked Eva to pick up the twins.
Of course, he couldn't ask his elderly mother to pick up the twins. Even just helping to take care of Lukas and Lily, Dika is very grateful.
***
“Mr. Ardi's handsome, isn't he?” Nia, one of Eva's colleagues, nudged Eva's arm. She was two years older than Eva.
“I don't know how many times you've asked me that, Nia.”
“Well, he is handsome, right?”
“Yes, he's handsome because he's a man. If he were a woman, he'd be called beautiful,” Eva chuckled on purpose.
Nia laughed briefly. “By the way, are you going home now?” she asked while observing Eva, who was already very neat.
“Yes. Why aren't you getting ready, Nia? Still have work to do?”
“My husband won't be able to pick me up for another half an hour, so I'm taking my time tidying up,” explained Nia. “That's what happens when both spouses work but have different finishing times,” she chuckled.
“The solution is to commute separately, Nia.”
“I wish I could do that, but I'm still scared of riding a motorcycle. As for a car... I haven't bought one yet,” Nia chuckled.
“Sorry, Nia. I can't give you a lift.”
“Yeah, we're headed in opposite directions,” replied Nia. “Besides... you're not going straight home, are you? You're going on a date, right?”
“I'm not going straight home, but it's not because I'm going on a date,” replied Eva. “I'm going to pick up the twins.”
Nia certainly knew that the twins referred to Lukas and Lily. Everyone here knew a bit about each other's personal lives. They were not just colleagues but considered each other like family.
“Oh, in that case, be careful, Eva.”
Eva just smiled.
***
“Ardi, what are you doing?” Ardi muttered, more to himself.
How could he not? At this moment, the man was following Eva. Eva, who had unexpectedly crossed paths with him again. Truly, Ardi hadn't expected Eva to be here and, absurdly... she had become one of his subordinates.
If this is a coincidence, then what kind of coincidence is this?
The last time Ardi met Eva was five years ago, and he distinctly remembered that she was still very young. However, today, he could clearly see the difference.
Yes, Eva had now transformed into a mature woman. Ardi was momentarily taken aback and needed a few moments to convince himself that the woman he saw today was indeed his ex-wife.
Ardi was a bit surprised to see Eva picking up two little kids at a daycare. The two kids rushed to hug Eva the moment they saw her.
So, now you have kids...
Suddenly, the vibration of his phone shattered everything. Ardi quickly grabbed his phone to see who was calling him.
Future Wife is calling...
- Writer
