Chapter 11 - After Going Home Together
1364 Words
Eva reluctantly got into Ardi's car after he opened the door for her, gesturing for her to get in.
As soon as Eva sat down, Ardi also got in while dialing some numbers on Eva's phone, which immediately made her wonder.
"Mr. Ardi, what are you doing?"
"Making a call."
"Calling who? That's my phone."
"Yes, it is your phone," Ardi replied casually. "I need to call my number to find out yours and then save it."
Eva frowned in confusion. "Huh? Why does Mr. Ardi want to save my phone number?"
Eva clearly remembered what Ardi had said earlier in his office. Ardi had said that they should act as if they were meeting for the first time and as if they had never been involved in a relationship before.
Yes, Ardi himself had said that they should put the past aside and act as if there had never been a marriage between them. That way, they wouldn't feel awkward. Also, no one would suspect their interactions.
However, what Ardi just did was save Eva's phone number? Is this how he's keeping his distance?
"I saved your number without any hidden motives. It's purely just in case it's needed sometime," Ardi explained again.
"Needed sometime?" Eva asked, not understanding Ardi's words.
"I mean... it's work-related. As we discussed today, we have to be able to separate personal matters from work. And the personal matters between us... we've agreed to eliminate them. So, I assure you I will contact you only about work."
Ardi continued, "Besides, I'm giving you a ride because I'm your boss, not because we were once married."
Really?
"You're such a responsible boss who cares deeply for your subordinates," Eva replied.
"Buckle up," Ardi said while handing back Eva's phone.
After taking back her phone from Ardi, Eva immediately did as Ardi had just instructed, which was to put on her seatbelt.
Soon after, Ardi's car began to move, leaving the restaurant area.
"Where is your house?" Ardi asked while focusing on driving. He was actually considering whether to use GPS, especially since it was getting darker.
"Just drop me at the office, sir. My place is only a few minutes' walk from there."
"Why? Did you leave something at the office?"
"No. I just want to walk from there."
Eva's answer clearly showed that she seemed reluctant for Ardi to know her home address. That's why she preferred to be dropped off at the office.
Are you afraid your husband will misunderstand if I drop you off at home? Ardi thought.
The car kept moving, and no one spoke again.
"Eva," Ardi called, automatically breaking the silence between them.
Eva simply turned her head.
"Actually, I'm not very familiar with the roads yet. Especially since it's already night. So, can you give me directions?"
"Even to the office, Mr. Ardi isn't familiar with the way?"
"The distance from the office to the restaurant earlier was quite far. It's understandable if I forget because I'm still pretty new here," Ardi replied. "Alright, forget it. I should just open the maps."
After saying that, Ardi immediately activated the maps feature and searched for the office location. He then started the journey there.
Silence fell again. They didn't say anything more. Ardi was busy driving while Eva was occupied with her phone. See, how could there not be any awkwardness between them? It's obviously tough.
Suddenly, Eva's phone vibrated due to an incoming call. Eva was startled to see it was Daniel calling her. She thought for a moment. Is it polite to answer the phone while she's with her boss like this? Especially when the atmosphere was this awkward. Eva felt hesitant.
"Just answer it. No need to be hesitant," said Ardi, as if he understood Eva's thoughts.
Alright, Eva then decided to swipe the screen to answer.
"Hello," she said cautiously.
"Where are you? Why did you retract the chat you sent?" asked Daniel on the other end of the phone.
"I-I…."
Before Eva could continue her sentence, Daniel spoke again. "Do you want to be picked up? I'm on my way to your office now if you want. I caught a glimpse of the message before you retracted it, asking to be picked up."
"I'm almost there, really. So no need to pick me up. Let's meet at home instead."
"Then I'll come over, Ev. I also want to install the lamp."
Eva even looked at her phone screen once more to make sure it was indeed Daniel's contact. Not for any particular reason, but he had changed drastically, even though they had a disagreement earlier in the day.
However, Eva didn't care about earlier because what mattered was now. Maybe Daniel was trying to mend the relationship, right?
"Stop right there, please," said Eva after putting her phone into her bag.
"Wait, you said just to the office?" Ardi seemed confused.
"I changed my mind. Just stop right there."
Eva looked in a hurry, making Ardi realize she changed her mind right after answering the phone.
Your husband is already waiting at home, isn't he, Ev?
"Alright then."
After saying that, Ardi pulled over right across the gate of the rented house where Eva lived. After thanking him, Eva got out of the man's car.
Eva initially didn't want Ardi to know where she lived. However, she was in a hurry now. She couldn't let Daniel arrive while she wasn't there yet.
Eva entered through the gate just as Ardi's car began to disappear from her view. Unbeknownst to Eva, Ardi was actually watching her through his rearview mirror.
So, you live there….
***
After dropping off Eva, Ardi now arrived at the office. Ah, earlier, his destination was the same as Eva's—the office—but Eva suddenly changed her mind. However, it was okay. That way, Ardi got to know where the woman lived.
"Took you long enough, sir," complained Gatot, who had been waiting for Ardi. "I told you, I should have taken her to her place during lunch break, but you refused. I should have been home by now, not waiting for someone to finish eating."
"I told you, Mr. Gatot should have joined my team for dinner. So you wouldn't have to wait too long here."
"Easy for you to say," replied Gatot. "I refused to join because I didn't want to be the only outsider."
"An outsider? But the warehouse is still part of the company. Especially since Mr. Gatot is the warehouse manager, who is certainly respected."
"Alright, let's go. I'll take you, sir. I want to go home too."
"Sorry and thank you, Mr. Gatot, for waiting. You're very kind," said Ardi. "By the way, didn't you organize a welcome event?" he asked curiously.
"Welcome events are only for the good-looking. Anyway, let's go. I'll take you to the rental," replied Gatot.
Driving their own cars, Ardi followed Gatot's car ahead. It didn't take long for them to reach their destination. And once they arrived, Ardi paused for a moment. Isn't this where I dropped off Eva earlier?
"Is this the place?" Ardi asked when he and Gatot had both gotten out of their cars.
"Yes. Mr. Ardi, you can park your car inside. My car is outside because I don't live here and I'm only stopping by briefly," said Gatot.
Ardi complied, got back into his car, and drove it inside. Gatot naturally helped open the gate wide.
After Ardi parked his car properly, Gatot invited him to climb the stairs beside the parking area.
"I live upstairs? Why didn't you choose a unit downstairs?" Ardi asked.
"It was full, sir. There was only one unit left upstairs, so I took it right away," explained Gatot.
Ardi nodded in understanding. As he climbed the stairs to the top, he thought... Why would Eva's husband let her live in a place like this, especially with two kids?
Besides, does Eva live in a unit downstairs or upstairs? Which unit exactly?
Strangely, Ardi hoped Eva lived upstairs, preferably right next to his new place.
Oh my, Ardi! What would you do if Eva lived right next to your new place?
- Writer
