Just as the meeting ended, the message came to Edwin's cell phone. The man was still sitting in his chair while the others had already left the room.
[Aneska and Mother, come to the mall where we usually shop.]
The short message was sent by Edwin's mother accompanied by a photo of Aneska looking busy choosing clothes accompanied by Mianca.
For a moment, Edwin's eyebrows furrowed when he saw the closeness of Aneska and his mother's nephew.
"Director, you have a meeting with colleagues," said Zion.
Edwin looked up from his cellphone screen, took a deep breath, and then glanced at the clock, it was still afternoon.
"I hope it won't be long," said the man as he got up from his seat and left the meeting room.
That day was quite a busy day for Edwin after several days of relaxed work. However, Edwin monitors many things, not only working on several projects directly but also actively competent at work.
Meanwhile, the files resulting from Zion's investigation are still lying among Edwin's documents. Someone comes in, takes the folder, and goes from there.
Twilight is no longer present on the western horizon, clouds are a substitute for the presence of twilight. It was soon evening when Edwin finally finished his work.
“I'll go home alone. Good work today," said Edwin to Zion as he walked away from his assistant.
Zion watched Edwin leave, a little annoyed but then sighed. At least Edwin didn't force him to work overtime.
“Is there something strange about him?” Zion was surprised but chose not to care and went in a different direction to Edwin.
This busyness made Edwin forget the file that Zion had brought earlier, and he did not know that someone had taken the file. As soon as he returned to his room, Edwin immediately took his hanging coat and left.
Rain started to fall on the ground when Edwin finally arrived at the mall where Kira was shopping as usual and rushed to meet them there. There was a turmoil in Edwin's chest that he couldn't wait to meet, but so far Edwin was still able to control the turmoil that was present in his chest.
Is it because of Aneska or because of Mianca?
Edwin managed to control his breath, which was a little out of breath because he was in a hurry to meet his mother at the mall restaurant. The place is busy at night, especially on Saturday nights, and many young people in the area are spending time with friends or even lovers.
Edwin's arrival was greeted with a smile by Kira who sat facing the entrance, while Aneska had her back to him so that the girl did not notice Edwin's arrival, who was slowly approaching.
Then Mianca showed a seductive smile welcoming Edwin's arrival when the girl noticed Kira's gaze and smile.
"You are very rude, young master," said Mianca.
"Why are you here?" Edwin did not respond to Mianca's greeting, instead asking a question that sounded firm.
“You are very fierce, you. After all, I am Aunt Kira's favorite nephew, and your older cousin, you should be happy because I am here," replied Mianca.
Edwin didn't care and instead looked at Mianca sharply. In Edwin's mind, there was a possibility that Mianca would attack Aneska like Micah did.
"I asked why you are here?" Edwin repeated sharply.
"Jeez. Why are you angry? Can't you ask nicely, right? Why don't you just sit down for a moment," Mianca replied angrily at Edwin's words.
Luckily Edwin knew the place so he didn't make a fuss. The visitors only glanced at their tables when Mianca and Edwin greeted each other a little loudly.
Kira herself didn't try to intervene because she was used to it, while Aneska just kept quiet because she was confused by the two's attitudes. But then he greeted Edwin who chose to sit between the two girls. Of course, Mianca didn't accept it.
“There are empty seats. Why did you throw Aneska out and sit there?” Mianca protested angrily.
"I decide where I want to sit," answered Edwin nonchalantly.
Previously, Aneska sat in the chair occupied by Edwin, but the man asked Aneska to move the chair, which made Mianca angry.
"Jeez! You're not going to give up, are you? Be thankful you're older than me so I can give up, otherwise I would have beaten you!" Mianca grumbled as she got up from her seat and moved to an empty chair near Kira.
Edwin followed Mianca's movements sharply.
“You will come to dinner too?” Aneska asked, trying to get Edwin's attention from Mianca, who returned the man's sharp gaze.
"Yeah, I just finished at the office," answered Edwin without taking his eyes off Mianca.
“Your wife Aneska, not me. Why are you watching me as if I am going to take your wife?” Mianca said.
This time Edwin's gaze narrowed at the girl's words.
"You -"
Mianca raised her chin and replied fiercely to Edwin.
Mianca said Aneska's name so familiarly, that's why Edwin was surprised.
“It's a long story, Edwin. But what a beautiful coincidence, isn't it?” Kira said.
Edwin looked at his mother, asking for further explanation.
“Mianca is my best friend. I met Mianca when I first went to college," said Aneska in response to Edwin.
The man's attention was focused on Aneska, who again told Edwin about their relationship. Mianca snorted in annoyance when she found Edwin staring at her sharply again. Aneska also told about Mianca's arrival this afternoon and the reason they were there now.
“So that's how I am now,” said Mianca triumphantly.
Edwin continued to direct his sharp gaze towards Mianca.
Aneska looked fine, but it seemed like the girl was a little tired compared to Edwin, who had been busy all day. Aneska admits that she is still not used to shopping a lot.
"I want to go to the toilet," said Edwin after they chatted for a while and calmed the atmosphere.
It seems like Edwin and Mianca can't get along, they always get into trouble no matter how small. Both behave like children.
Dinner had not yet been served so they made small talk while waiting, but Aneska excused herself to go to the toilet a few minutes after Edwin left. Aneska felt uncomfortable and made the girl have to go to the toilet.