Chapter 03
His face was strikingly masculine, his jawline sharp, and his hair slicked neatly with pomade. His smile brimming with confidence. For a brief moment, Faby was caught off guard, stunned into silence and unsure how to respond. Quickly regaining composure, she put on her warmest, most welcoming smile.
“Yes, that would be me,” Faby replied.
She stepped out from behind the kitchen counter and shook hands with the unexpected guest. The moment their palms met, realization dawned on her.
“Indra Hendrawan, right? Oh dear, I completely forgot we had an appointment,” Faby said apologetically.
“That’s quite all right. No need to be so formal. Shall we go over it now?” Indra asked with ease.
“Of course. Would you like something to drink?” Faby gestured toward one of the available seats.
From across the room, Priska rose to her feet, tying her long hair into a ponytail. She couldn’t help but feel that this polite man was far more likable than Aldo, who was quick to snap and lose his temper at work. Indra carried himself with an air of wealth and refinement—it showed in his tailored suit, his polished leather shoes, and the effortless confidence in his demeanor. He looked like the kind of man who owned multiple companies, yet still found time to indulge himself under the guise of “business.”
Feeling suddenly awkward, Priska decided to retreat upstairs to rest. Her body and mind were both exhausted. Aldo had turned her world upside down again today, leaving her stressed and emotionally drained.
As she climbed the stairs, she faintly overheard Indra asking who the girl was. Faby explained that Priska was a close friend, then went on to describe how the café was still in its early days and the rent alone had taken a heavy toll on her finances. That was why she had invited Priska to live here as her partner.
Priska slowed her steps, intentionally eavesdropping. She couldn’t help but smile secretly at Indra’s voice. The moment she entered her room, she flopped onto the bed, thrilled at the thought of meeting such a handsome man.
“Probably a businessman,” she muttered, hugging a pillow as she tried to rest, though her mind was too full.
She and Faby had separate rooms. Priska closed her eyes for barely five minutes before forcing herself up—if she didn’t shower now, she would fall asleep in her clothes. She slipped off her shoes and jacket. The bathroom was only a few steps away from her room, down the hall on the second floor, which was reserved exclusively for living space and off-limits to customers. Someday, Faby might renovate it if the café grew busier.
“So tired…” Priska sighed, peeling off her clothes piece by piece.
Nothing felt more comforting than the promise of a hot shower after a long day at work. All she wanted was to sleep like a baby until morning, ignoring Aldo’s reckless words earlier. Perhaps he had only been joking.
Creaaak …
The bathroom door swung open from the outside just as Priska reached for her towel. Faby must have forgotten to call a repairman to fix the broken lock. Indra froze in the doorway, eyes widening before quickly turning his head away. For a split second, Priska was rooted to the spot, then hastily wrapped herself in a towel.
“Priska,” came another voice—one she recognized instantly.
“What is he doing here?” she whispered in shock.
She yanked Indra inside the bathroom, too panicked to think straight. She didn’t even realize how dangerous the situation was—Indra was still a man, and he had just seen her bare skin.
“Excuse me?” Indra stammered, startled as Priska covered his mouth with her hand.
“Please—help me, just this once. I beg you,” Priska whispered desperately, her face pale with panic.
Indra, towering at nearly 180 centimeters, could barely breathe with her pressed against him. His gaze betrayed him, flickering upward as he swallowed hard, fighting the tension sparked by the proximity of a woman he had only just met.
“Pris, we’ll talk after you finish your shower. I’ll be waiting downstairs,” Aldo’s voice sounded from outside the door.
“Sir, it’s late. I need to rest,” Priska replied firmly.
“This is important,” Aldo insisted.
His footsteps finally receded, descending the stairs. Priska exhaled in relief, unconsciously leaning against Indra’s body. She didn’t notice the unease her careless actions stirred within him.
“Should I leave, or would you prefer to?” Indra asked with a wide grin.
Priska looked up, blinking rapidly. She opened her mouth to shout, but Indra silenced her with a playful gesture. Cursing her luck, Priska slammed the bathroom door open and darted into her bedroom. Indra chuckled quietly at her flustered retreat.
It wasn’t until two hours later that Priska dared to leave her room, making sure the coast was clear. Wrapped in a thick blanket, she tiptoed downstairs.
Faby was sitting alone at a table, lost in thought, but smiled warmly when Priska approached. She quickly explained that Aldo had come under the pretense of discussing work but had left after receiving a phone call, tired of waiting for her.
Faby also shared good news—Indra had agreed to become an investor in the café. He was a connection of a trusted friend and had personally come to help at their request. For Faby, it was a blessing that someone of his status was willing to put money into her small business.
“Come on, Pris. Sit down.”
Priska lowered herself into the chair opposite her friend, cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. Today had been far too much.
“So, does that mean Mas Indra will be coming here often?” Priska asked nervously.
Faby nodded without hesitation. Heat rushed to Priska’s face. How was she supposed to face him again without dying of shame?
“He kept grinning after coming down from upstairs. What happened? I only sent him up because the bathroom sink downstairs is broken. I’ll call a plumber tomorrow,” Faby said.
Priska buried her face in her hands, mortified. She and Faby never kept secrets, so she reluctantly recounted the humiliating scene in the bathroom.
Faby burst out laughing, slapping the table in amusement.
“He saw everything? Oh my God, Pris! If this were the old days, people would already be forcing you two to marry—responsibility, you know, for seeing a woman like that!” she teased, clutching her stomach as she laughed even harder.