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Maisie's POV

After moving into my house, I decided to return to work. It felt like it had been a long time since I distanced myself from my usual routine, and I missed my job and my friend, Nina. Working in the microbiology laboratory always provided me with comfort and satisfaction. Delving into the world of microbes, conducting research, and collaborating with colleagues was something that always excited me.

Who would have thought that behind all this, I was the wife of the director of the company where I worked? Initially, this position felt like a coincidence, but over time, I realized how important this role was to me. Although our relationship outside of work had its challenges, I felt lucky to work in the same place as the person I loved.

After contacting Nina, we quickly planned to meet. She had always been a source of support and encouragement in my life. When I entered the laboratory, the smell of chemicals and the sound of laboratory equipment made me feel at home. All the beautiful memories and challenges I had faced came flooding back to my mind.

The meeting with the lab team also felt warm. They welcomed me with smiles and questions about my condition. I felt accepted again, as if no time had passed. Amidst the busyness, I began to realize that the decision to return to work was the right choice.

With renewed enthusiasm, I was ready to face the challenges in the lab. Although there were dynamics to navigate as the director's wife, I was determined to prove that I could stand on my own and make meaningful contributions to the team.

The following days in the lab started to flow well. I became involved again in research projects, collaborating with colleagues, and rekindling my friendship with Nina. Each experiment we conducted brought a sense of satisfaction, and I felt my life starting to regain its color.

With every step I took, I knew I had made the right decision. Returning to the world I loved while still navigating a personal life filled with challenges was a challenge I was ready to face.

“Angga?” I raised my eyebrows when I found Angga standing at the door of the microbiology lab where I worked. “What are you doing here?”

Angga smiled sweetly. “You’re invited to lunch by Mr. Alexander in his office. And… is Nina around?” He looked inside.

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. “Why are you looking for Nina?”

“Just to invite her for lunch.” Angga continued to smile, appearing unfazed by my suspicion.

His cheerful smile eased my tension slightly, but my curiosity was only growing. My gaze sharpened. My suspicions intensified when Nina appeared behind me with a broad smile.

Seeing Nina, my feelings were mixed. Her smile seemed to indicate that there was something more than just a regular lunch. I tried to remember if there were any projects or important news that might be discussed, but my mind remained clouded with curiosity.

Nina stepped forward, looking excited, and I could feel her positive energy. In my mind, I began to imagine various possibilities.

“Hi, have you been waiting long?” she asked cheerfully.

“No, not really. Just arrived,” Angga replied with a sweet smile.

I looked at both of them, sensing the atmosphere growing warmer. Nina's and Angga's smiles brought a bit of cheer amidst my burning curiosity. This moment was supposed to be a chance to relax, but my mind was still filled with questions about what was really happening.

“Wait, wait.” I clasped my hands, standing between Angga and Nina. “Since when have you two become this close? I’ve only been out of work for a week. What did I miss?”

“Nothing at all.” Nina put on an innocent face. “Mr. Alexander is waiting for you; go on. I want to have lunch with Angga. Bye!”

My feelings were mixed. There was suspicion, but also a burning curiosity. Seeing their close interaction made me feel slightly disturbed. Had something happened while I was away?

Meanwhile, Angga just smiled, as if enjoying the situation. Even though Nina tried to appear innocent, I could sense that there was more than just coincidence behind their closeness.

“Alright, I’ll go,” I finally said, even though my curiosity was still not fully satisfied. I walked toward Mr. Alexander’s office with my mind still spinning about what might be happening.

Every step felt heavy, but I knew this moment was an opportunity to understand more about what was going on at work. When I finally arrived at his office, I was determined to focus on work and set aside all the suspicions that were troubling my mind.

Although there was a lingering anxiety, I hoped that this lunch would provide clarity and open the way for better communication among us all.

“Quick, Maisie! Mr. Alexander has a meeting at two!” Angga shouted while walking alongside Nina.

They looked close and familiar, walking side by side toward the cafeteria where I usually had lunch with Nina. Seeing their closeness wrapped my mind in jealousy and curiosity again.

I quickened my steps, trying to catch up with them, even though my heart felt heavy. Every second that passed made me more curious about what might have happened while I was absent. Were they discussing something important?

When I arrived at the cafeteria, I saw them laughing and joking. Nina’s smile looked brighter, and Angga seemed so comfortable beside her. That moment made me feel alienated, as if I were a missing part of their friendship.

After grabbing my food, I tried not to think too much about their closeness.

“They're suspicious,” I murmured, still squinting at Angga and Nina who continued to walk away.

Suspicion continued to cloud my mind. Seeing the two of them chatting so closely made me feel alienated. Was there something happening between them that I didn't know about?

I bit my lip, trying to calm myself. The moments of togetherness we used to share now felt distant and unattainable. Each laugh and smile of theirs seemed to remind me of all the things I might have missed.

With mixed feelings, I walked to a table further away, trying to divert my attention from their closeness. However, thoughts about what might be happening still haunted me. I was determined to find answers, even if it meant facing a reality I might not want to accept.

Finally, my phone rang. A call from Alexander.

"Hello, sir? What's up?"