Topan POV
"Sir, all the documents are ready. The court has confirmed detention and heavy punishment for Bryan."
I scanned the papers Dovic handed me, then nodded in approval.
"And make sure that greedy man never sets foot outside. What about compensation for his two kids? Make sure their lives are secured until they finish their education."
I had no mercy giving Bryan a punishment that matched his cunning and greedy acts over the past two years. The man had falsified financial reports at will, even forged agreement documents with the company stamp to snatch land from people—most of whom worked for me.
Dovic nodded clearly.
"Of course, Sir. Everything is done as you ordered. Assets, accounts, and Bryan's properties are all blocked. I've also taken care of compensation for his two children."
I stared blankly at this narrow-eyed man in front of me. Dovic was much more open and friendly than his younger brother, Arya. But these two were the only ones I'd trusted all this time in running the company.
"You may leave now," I ordered shortly.
Dovic nodded politely and walked out of the room.
I let out a soft sigh and sank fully into my chair. My eyes closed for a moment. Lately, my neck had been aching more than usual from staying late and making sure everything here was settled before I returned to Florentia tomorrow.
"Hah… if only Father were still here," I muttered flatly, opening my eyes to stare at the all-white ceiling.
I didn't know why, but lately I felt more tired, more fed up with the daily routine I had.
Since I was thirteen, Father and Grandpa had guided me strictly, even harsher than Ryuji. My whole life revolved around keeping this company running.
"I envy you, Ryuji…" I murmured softly, rubbing my eyes, feeling utterly exhausted.
Thinking about my brother made my head throb. Especially since we lost contact after Father passed away. Ryuji hadn't even sent a single message.
Tring!
I jumped at the ringtone of my smartphone. Picking it up, I saw Dewi's name, and I answered.
"Yes?"
"I thought you'd be home earlier? It's past lunch, you know!"
My brow furrowed sharply at her annoyed tone. I glanced at the clock on the wall. No wonder she sounded upset—it was already two in the afternoon. Time had flown while I was lost in thought.
"Topan? Hey, you still there? Listen—"
"I hear you, love," I cut in quickly.
I deliberately said 'love', feeling a little amused at Dewi's grumbling tone on the other side.
"Ishh, what do you mean 'love'?! Just come home already! I'm hungry, you know! Ugh, if I knew this, I wouldn't have waited for you, huh! You're so annoying!"
Click!
Eh?!
What did she just say? Dewi was waiting for me to have lunch together?!
Oh god… what have I done…
I jumped up from my chair and grabbed my jacket from the backrest along with the car keys. Not wanting to waste another second, I rushed out of the room.
At the parking lot, Dovic bowed respectfully, and I gave a brief nod in return. I needed to get to our cottage quickly—otherwise, Dewi would get even more upset.
"Thinking about it again… somehow we're getting closer, hmm? Have I really fallen for her, huh?"
I shook my head softly at my own mumble. Indeed, my relationship with Dewi seemed to grow day by day. My chest even fluttered a little at the thought of her.
Topan POV END
●●●
December 25, Late Afternoon…
Today, Dewi and Topan were heading back to Florentia. The clock showed five in the evening as the train they were on started moving, gliding along the tracks away from Mawa Station.
The luxury carriage was completely silent. No conversation passed between them—such a contrast from half an hour ago, when Dovic and the other factory workers came to see them off.
Topan sat at the corner table, pretending to open his laptop. Truth was, he had no idea how to start a conversation with his wife. Yup, his late return yesterday had made Dewi ignore him ever since.
Unable to hold back any longer, he closed the laptop and got up, walking toward Dewi.
Tap!
Topan stopped a few steps behind her. She was staring out the window at the passing scenery.
"I'm sorry," he said flatly, hands tucked in his pockets.
Dewi flinched slightly at the apology. But she still wanted to test him, so she stayed silent. Her chin rested on the edge of the window. The sunset was starting to show on the western horizon.
Seeing her still silent, Topan huffed softly. Oh, come on… he'd already apologized. And yeah, it was his first time doing it.
Tap… tap…
"Dewi, did you hear wha—arggh!"
Thud!
Dewi spun around at the sudden thump, accompanied by Topan's pained groan.
"Topan! You—hey, what happened? Let me see—pfftt…"
Dewi tried to see Topan's face, which was hanging low. But when he lifted his head, a rather big bump appeared on his forehead, tinted red.
"What? Gonna laugh? Go ahead… tchh, it hurts!" Topan grumbled coldly, rubbing his forehead.
"Yeah… I wasn't—hahaha. Seriously, didn't you see the bar up there, huh?! You're like a giant, so watch where you're walking! Here… hahaha, ouch—sorry! Sit down, let me get a compress first."
Dewi felt amused seeing her husband's blank face with the bump right on his left forehead. After helping him sit near the window, she hurried to get an ice pack wrapped in cloth.
A few minutes later…
"Tchh, careful! That hurts!" Topan hissed as Dewi pressed on the bump.
"Ishh, I'm not pressing hard! This is a compress to reduce the swelling. Just stay still!" Dewi scolded.
Now they sat facing each other, Dewi leaning slightly forward as she focused on compressing Topan's forehead.
He fell silent. The sunset light streamed into the train, dimming the carriage's atmosphere.
"Beautiful…" Topan muttered without realizing it.
Dewi's hand froze.
"Huh? Yeah, the sunset's really beautiful. We're not far from Mawa, right?" she replied, glancing out the window.
"Not that. You."
Dewi went quiet. Hearing the compliment made her stiffen. Her cheeks flushed, and she was too embarrassed to look at Topan.
Grep!
Topan lifted Dewi's chin, turning her face toward him. His chest thumped hard seeing his wife's face bathed in sunset light—looking more beautiful than ever.
"I think I'm falling for you…" he admitted honestly.
His other hand reached for hers, guiding it to feel his heartbeat.
Thump… thump… thump…
Dewi's face turned even redder as her hand felt the strong beating.
'Kyaaa… Mommy, help! I'm starting to like Topan too, but I'm so embarrassed… ukhh…'
Dewi's inner monologue clashed with her outward expression—her inner self rolling in bashful embarrassment.
"A-ale… um… ye-yeah, but—" Dewi cleared her throat nervously.
"Our contract… wasn't our agreement, ukhh—"
Topan exhaled softly. Unexpectedly, he leaned in and gave Dewi a brief kiss.
Smooch!
"H-hey… HEY!" Dewi instinctively pulled back. Her face was as red as a boiled crab, her hand covering the lips he'd just kissed.
"Our contract is over. You'll be my wife—my real wife, forever. And…"
Topan leaned closer, his body seemingly enclosing Dewi, who was resting against the train seat.
"Give me time. I promise I'll take you to see the sunset, wherever it is, every single day," he whispered gently, flashing a sincere smile.
Dewi froze. For the first time since she met Topan, he smiled—and truly smiled. His handsomeness doubled, oh my…
Their gazes locked, diving into the truth of each other's hearts. No words were needed.
Their eyes spoke more honestly than anything else.
The train continued moving, under the shadow of the setting sun. Night was ready to take over.
TO BE CONTINUED…