Office
Four months later…
Fahira was incredibly grateful that her first pregnancy didn’t come with severe morning sickness like most pregnant women experience. However, she did feel nauseous and vomit every morning upon waking up. After vomiting the bitter yellow liquid, she would feel weak and easily exhausted. To alleviate the discomfort, she would drink warm tea and then rest in Darian’s arms.
As a result, Darian would arrive late to the office every day. David and Lily had arranged all of Darian’s schedules to ensure he wouldn’t miss any important company meetings. David himself became busier since Fahira’s pregnancy began, with his workload multiplying several times over. He frequently had to go back and forth from the office to Darian’s house whenever Fahira needed something.
As the days went by, Fahira’s clingy behavior and emotional sensitivity increased, often leaving Darian confused and overwhelmed trying to fulfill her desires. Furthermore, Fahira’s belly grew larger due to carrying twin babies, making her size larger than the average five-month pregnant woman. Darian became increasingly worried, especially when he saw Fahira being active around the house. Despite her gentle tasks, Darian remained anxious, as Fahira was stubborn and refused to be told to rest. She always found something to do every day.
Ariel, as Fahira’s only brother, also felt responsible just like Darian. He was ready to assist whenever Darian and Yasmin were not around.
This afternoon, the house was exceptionally quiet since both household assistants had requested leave at the same time for a few days. Bi Aminah was busy preparing for her daughter’s wedding, while Santi was mourning her father’s permanent departure. Without anyone noticing, Fahira decided to visit Darian at his office. Unfortunately, both Yasmin and Darian were not aware of her plan. To make things worse, Fahira drove her own car. The security guard at the gate was surprised to receive a greeting from Fahira, who was driving her car herself. He looked inside to find her chauffeur, but there was none.
Like a bird out of its cage, Fahira thoroughly enjoyed the bustling streets. Suddenly, she had a craving for a mocha-flavored pastry she had bought before. Her car instantly headed towards Anna Bakery. Upon arriving, Fahira promptly ordered various pastries in a considerable quantity.
Fahira’s luxurious black car slowly entered the company’s premises and stopped in front of the lobby. The security guard rushed to see the wife of the company’s boss arriving. He quickly received the car keys from Fahira to park the car in the company’s basement.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.
“Thank you, Sir!” Fahira said with genuine gratitude and a warm smile. Some of the employees who knew her respectfully saluted, and one of them, who worked as a receptionist, approached Fahira.
“Do you need any assistance, Ma’am?” the receptionist named Aliya offered.
“No, dear. But here, take these for all of you!” Fahira handed over a bag of pastries to Aliya.
“Thank you, Ma’am!” Aliya replied gratefully while receiving the bag of pastries from Fahira.
Fahira’s smile greeted all the employees she happened to meet, walking gracefully towards the special elevator for company executives with her visibly enlarged belly. The maroon knee-length dress made her fair skin shine even more, complemented by her long hair flowing beautifully and radiating Fahira’s hidden beauty that had been kept under wraps for so long.
*Ding* The elevator doors opened, and Fahira headed straight to her former office. The smile on her face remained as she recalled the memorable moments spent with her colleagues and friends. She missed the times of laughter, teasing, long queues during lunch breaks at the company’s cafeteria, and countless other memories she couldn’t fully describe. But she was undeniably grateful for everything she had experienced so far.
Happiness and sadness were intertwined aspects of destiny that had to be faced. Two feelings that couldn’t be negotiated. Fahira had gone through it all, the happiness with her family, and the tragedy of losing both parents and the feeling of isolation in Jakarta. Life was like a spinning wheel, and now, happiness seemed complete before her eyes, but who could predict when the wheel would turn and bring her back to its lowest position? However, Fahira was certain that as long as Darian held her hand firmly, they could overcome anything with ease.
Fahira slowed her steps when she saw her three friends, Mira, Susi, and Ray, engrossed in their work in front of their computers.
“Hi!” Fahira greeted them with a broad smile, causing everyone in the room to turn and look.
“Fahira!” Mira and Susi exclaimed simultaneously.
They quickly stood up, approached Fahira, and welcomed her with two bags of pastries in their hands. They hugged her and gave her cheek kisses in turn, except for Ray, of course. He simply shook Fahira’s hand, looking mesmerized.
“Mrs. Fahira!” Lily greeted her warmly. The 23-year-old girl had taken Fahira’s place as Darian’s secretary.
“Mrs. Fahira, do you want to meet Mr. Darian?” Lily asked Fahira, sliding a chair for the pregnant woman.
“It seems like there are still guests! It’s okay, I’d like to stay here. I miss chatting with you all!” Fahira honestly replied while inviting everyone to open and enjoy the pastries she had brought.
Mira and Susi couldn’t help but touch Fahira’s belly affectionately and with amazement as the lively conversation continued. They still couldn’t believe that the former secretary of Darian was now carrying his last name as a big boss.
Ray, who had been observing Fahira while chewing on his pastry, received a scolding from Susi. “Watch your eyes! Fahira now belongs to Darian, the big boss.”
“Okay, okay. You guys are no fun. I’m just amazed at how much more beautiful Fahira has become. She’s stunning!” Ray complimented, immediately receiving a playful elbow from Mira.
“Be careful, Ray. If your boss hears your words, it’ll be the end for you!” Susi teased, mimicking the gesture of someone slitting a throat.
“Oh, come on. I still want to experience our first night together, Mir!” Ray teased with a hidden intention. Ray had long had feelings for Susi, but she didn’t care. To her, Ray was just a friend. Meanwhile, Susi shivered with horror, finding Ray’s comment extremely disgusting.
Approximately an hour later, David and the financial director came out of Darian’s office. The director greeted Fahira politely before leaving, but David seemed frozen in place, realizing that Fahira’s sudden presence meant trouble for him. The wrath of Darian.
“What are you doing here, Mrs.?” David asked with concern.
Seeing David’s sudden panic, Fahira chuckled and reassured him, “Relax, David. Mr. Darian is already tame, you know!”
While Fahira found it amusing, the others surely didn’t. They knew that Darian’s protective behavior towards Fahira during her pregnancy, as David had shared with them, could mean trouble. They were probably in big trouble now. Fahira knew there would be a lengthy and free lecture coming her way. She found it strange how Darian had changed from a man of few words to a chatty and controlling husband. It was no surprise, though, given that he had been raised as the crown prince and had a certain level of authority ingrained in him. However, his chatty nature was something new.
Darian took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, choosing his words carefully to avoid saying anything harsh that could upset Fahira. He didn’t want her to feel stressed, as it could affect their unborn child. He strictly followed all the advice given by Dr. Intan, Fahira’s obstetrician, who had been taking care of her during the pregnancy.
“Honey doesn’t want to imprison you at home, Love. Just doesn’t want anything to happen to you and our future baby!” Darian placed his hand on Fahira’s belly, gently caressing it up and down.
Fahira hissed as she felt the baby responding to Darian’s touch.
“See? Our little ones agree with Honey. They always react whenever Abang touches them,” Darian said with excitement, feeling the gentle movements of the baby in Fahira’s belly.
“They have the same pro as you, Honey. They always react when you touch them,” Fahira replied while also caressing her belly. As usual, she immediately felt the urge to use the restroom.
“Need to pee?” Darian asked as Fahira moved her hand away and hurriedly got up from her seat, with Darian following suit. He was well aware of Fahira’s routine of frequent restroom visits during her pregnancy, especially at night.
Darian accompanied Fahira into her private office and followed her into the bathroom. He helped her remove her underwear, which was stuck under her bulging belly, and patiently waited for her to finish.
“Thank you, Honey!” Fahira said as she walked out of the bathroom, with Darian by her side.
“Don’t thank me. I should be the one saying that,” Darian replied as he made sure Fahira was comfortable on the edge of the bed. He then took a small towel from the walk-in closet to dry her wet feet.
“Let’s go home, alright? You need to rest!” Darian suggested, putting on Fahira’s shoes one by one.
“Isn’t you busy?” Fahira asked, her attention still focused on Darian, who was now standing in front of her.
“Honey can continue his work tomorrow. What’s important now is that we go home, Love! Besides, you’re feeling sore everywhere, right?” Darian teased, making Fahira burst into laughter.
Ever since Fahira became pregnant, Darian had learned to control his desires whenever they were together. Even assisting Fahira in the restroom made him feel feverish. Not to mention when Fahira would change clothes in front of him. Most people might consider pregnant women to look chubby and unattractive, but not Darian. He adored Fahira’s increasingly full and sexy body.
“You see, the lewd brain is acting up again!” Fahira laughed as she got up.
Darian immediately shut down his laptop and grabbed his phone. He also took Fahira’s sling bag before they left the room.
“Lily, please tidy up my desk!” Darian ordered, and Lily nodded in response.
David saw Fahira and Darian leave the office, so he grabbed his phone and car keys, ready to take them wherever they wanted to go.
“I’ll go home with my wife. So, please drive my car later,” Darian instructed David, who readily agreed.
Before they left the office, Fahira took the time to greet everyone in the room. Unlike when she arrived earlier, her presence had suddenly enlivened the office. But now, it was just smiles and nods in response to Darian’s appearance beside Fahira.
“Honey should live in the Arctic with his fellow creatures!” Fahira complained as they stood in the elevator. Darian raised an eyebrow, not quite sure what Fahira was referring to.
“What do you mean, Love?” Darian asked, trying to understand Fahira’s cryptic words, but he wasn’t making any mistake.
“Honey, why so stingy with your smiles? They look so scared!” Fahira’s words finally made sense to Darian.
“Oh, about that. Are you sure you won’t be jealous if you suddenly becomes friendly with everyone?” Darian inquired, shifting his gaze to his wife. Fahira seemed to be contemplating the question, remembering how the women reacted when Darian was around during their routine check-ups at the hospital.
“Promise me you won’t get jealous if I become friendly with them,” Darian probed further. Fahira paused for a moment, considering the question, while Darian’s words brought her back to reality.
In response, Darian chuckled and stole a quick kiss from Fahira’s lips, resting his hand on her shoulder while whispering, “If you want that, I’ll do it, Love!”