Chapter 5 [5]

Being Nathan's assistant meant being versatile. This included suddenly entering a rocky and slippery terrain, filled with wild plants. Luckily, as Tasya mentioned, she was very experienced in enduring Nathan's torment. She wore comfortable pants and a cotton blouse, her hair tied back, although it was a bit challenging since her straight hair had been recently rebounded. She also chose dark-colored sneakers.

And this was the place they were heading to.

Muddy. Slippery. Hot. Rocky. The path was dangerous, and she had to be extremely careful with each step. Her boss? Well, he didn't wait for her. He just walked ahead as if he didn't consider that her steps were small and calculated. If she fell? If she fell onto the soft muddy ground, it would be embarrassing enough, but what if she fell onto sharp rocks? Oh, no! Not only would it be embarrassing, but the pain would be unbearable!

"Tasya!"

Tasya took a sharp breath. "Yes, Sir!" She quickened her pace while adjusting her glasses multiple times.

"Have you been listening to what I've been saying?"

"I've been listening, Sir." When it came to listening to Nathan's ramblings, Tasya always used the most effective method. She recorded them with a special device. If later the Raptor asked for a summary, she could just listen back, and nothing would be missed.

From behind, the Raptor actually had a broad back. His shirts always hugged his well-shaped body. Tall and imposing, his hair was neatly cut, although he had some fine hairs around his jawline. But the boss never forgot to take care of them properly. Whether it was her fine hair or his overall cool appearance, Nathan always managed to attract attention.

However, Tasya didn't care. She wasn't dazzled by her boss's charm. Because when that charm had faded in the past, she was slapped with a reality: Nathan was a true player. While she remained the epitome of loyalty. For her, once he played with a woman, no matter how faithful his words might be afterward, he would eventually slip back into his old ways. Adventuring with one woman after another.

That's where Nathan was, and where Tasya stood.

So any form of attention Nathan paid her, she was immune. She simply said thank you and kept her expression neutral as usual. Or she responded to avoid having too many debts of gratitude. Let the Casanova wander as he pleased. She had closed off her heart to him. Better to protect herself, right?

"How much is the deal, Sir?" Nathan asked again, gazing at the bright sky of Sidoarjo. "Didn't you bring an umbrella, Tasya?"

"What for, Sir?" Tasya was puzzled. She was standing by Nathan's side now. The only tempting thing about Nathan that could weaken Tasya's resolve was his back. Fortunately, Nathan never showed her his back while working. So... Tasya held onto her steadfast determination not to be swayed by Nathan's charm. After all, how often did Nathan show her his back?

"It's hot," Nathan complained.

"Oh, dear Lord! The Raptor runs through the wilderness without caring about the weather. This Raptor here is quite different," Tasya muttered quietly. It was remarkable how, even though she uttered the complaint like a chant, her smile appeared, and her boss could hear it!

"I'm not the Raptor, Tasya!" Nathan grumbled.

The project manager handling the current matter, Kelvin, laughed at their small argument. Since he first met an assistant of Nathaniel Sinclair, he noticed that the aura displayed was quite different. Unlike the assistants, Nathan introduced to him before. Serving under Faldom for six years made him aware of how often Nathan changed his assistants.

Only Tasya was content and often debated with Nathan without fear.

"No, Sir, there's none. I offered to bring it, but you said it wasn't necessary," Tasya calmly replied. She had already opened the notes she had put in her bag earlier. "So, what does Mr. Kelvin need to make the deal?" She adjusted her glasses. Tasya's own sweat was already bothering her; her bangs were slightly damp. "Is the problem still the same as three months ago?"

"That's the situation."

Tasya nodded in understanding. "We've been trying from every angle, haven't we, Sir? I can see that we've made progress in approaching them, but it seems like we're stuck."

"The location seems fine to me," Tasya continued. "But the residents here want a higher price. There are rumors circulating about a proposed construction of a connecting road that would pass through this area, Miss." Even though Kelvin was much older than Tasya, he always addressed her as "Miss" out of courtesy. Initially, she was bothered by it, but over time, she had grown accustomed to it.

"But the plan does exist, right, Sir?" Tasya asked curiously. Suddenly, she looked up as a shadow appeared right above her head. "Huh? Sir?"

"You didn't believe me when I said it was hot, did you, Tasya?" Nathan grumbled. "Well... Just ask Kelvin, then. Keep negotiating with the residents until we reach a deal. I've already shared the highest budget we can offer. I want this project to start at the beginning of the year."

And many other discussions took place between Nathan and Kelvin. Nathan's hand, however, didn't take turns holding the umbrella, which was mostly aimed toward Tasya. The Raptor, or rather Nathan, her boss, had a kind heart. He was understanding and attentive in his actions. But... He easily led many women into his arms.

Tasya? She wasn't an easy woman.

***

"Why are you taking so long, Miss?" Naina asked with a pouty face, her hands folded across her chest. Don't ask what kind of look she was giving Tasya. It was as if Tasya was being accused of grave wrongdoing by Naina.

"I'm working, Naina. Tormented by the ferocious Raptor," Tasya replied.

"Is that true?" Naina's anger subsided, and she sat down next to Tasya. She immediately scrutinized Tasya's body. "There are no injuries, huh."

Naina's statement made Tasya burst into laughter, even though it caused her stomach to ache. But it resulted in the girl who had been questioning her for the past two days sulking again. "Miss Tasya is no fun! Annoying!"

"Naina knows who our Raptor is."

Naina folded her hands across her chest again. "When are we going back to Jakarta?"

"Aren't you enjoying it here?" Tasya took off her glasses, her vision slightly blurred, but she adjusted to it. Her eyes were a bit tired, so she needed to take them off for a moment. She also needed to clean the lenses from dust and dirt that had accumulated, as it obstructed her vision.

"Yeah, I'm bored." Naina shrugged. "Grandma keeps bothering me about school, my dreams, and my studies. Can't she ask me something else?"

Tasya chuckled. "Grandma is worried about you, Naina. She asks those questions for your own good."

"I study, you know, Miss." Naina leaned against Tasya's shoulder. In her current life, Tasya's early arrival when she started working with Daddy was a stroke of luck. It felt like she finally had someone to talk to. Unfortunately, Tasya was always busy. Just like Daddy.

"Most importantly, aim for the best grades." Tasya lovingly rubbed Naina's head. "Can you do that?"

"Of course, I can. I'm naturally smart. I'm just lazy when it comes to studying." Naina remembered Seira again. She had promised herself not to think about the red-haired woman anymore. But Seira's face kept haunting her. "Ah, I miss Mommy."

"We promised not to remember, remember?" Tasya briefly tapped the tip of Naina's cute little nose.

"But it's called missing, right?" Naina quickly retorted. "I told Grandma, and she got so curious. What's the big deal if I want Mommy Seira to be with Daddy?"

"It's not possible, Naina." Tasya laughed. "Mommy Seira is with her own family. Naina and Daddy are different."

"Is that so?"

Tasya could do nothing but rub the top of the twelve-year-old girl's head again. "Oh... Your birthday is coming up soon, right?"

"Yes," Naina replied briefly. "I don't want any celebrations."

"Why?" Tasya was surprised. Almost every year, she was bothered with decorating a birthday party for Jung Naina. Whatever Naina said, Nathan had to fulfill it. And Tasya was the one who was most troubled by it.

"I'm bored," Naina shrugged. "My prayers haven't been answered by God."

"What do you want?" Tasya laughed. In her opinion, being Naina was already extremely fortunate. Growing up in an economically privileged class, she could have anything she wanted immediately. She received love, albeit limited, from Nathan.

Although... Tasya admitted that losing one's parents was incomparable to what the girl had since childhood. But at least, Naina didn't experience the hardships she had. Even now, she still had to struggle to provide for her younger sibling's education. No, she wasn't complaining. It was pointless. Because every month, her mother would squeeze her for money. The love she received was limited to payday. Beyond that, she was never asked, not even about trivial matters.

There was a desire in her heart to be asked, "Tasya, have you eaten? Have you been sleeping enough? Be careful with your work. You're a woman."

None. Tasya never received that from her mother. Her father? He passed away a long time ago due to a work accident. Realizing her position as the eldest child, she buried many hopes of a bright future for herself to support Naina.

Although... Without a word of thanks.

"Can I ask God for a new mommy for my life?" Naina suddenly spoke up.

"There's no such thing," Nathan quickly interjected. "Come on, Tasya. I still have a meeting."

"Are you leaving already?" Naina asked as she got up from her seat. "Daddy just came back, right?"

"Yes, Naina." Nathan smiled widely. "Once I finish one more meeting, then we can go home."

"You're not lying, right?"

"No." Nathan chuckled. "Tidy up your clothes, okay? Ask Grandma for help."

Tasya couldn't object. Even though she was still exhausted. She had planned to use the Sidoarjo trip as an opportunity to take a nap. But no... Boss Nathan, the all-knowing one, wanted to discuss multiple projects. Usually, he would be on the phone with some woman and talk in a way that annoyed her. Why did that habit suddenly disappear earlier?

"Sir, where is the meeting? It's almost five o'clock in the evening. How come I didn't know about it?" Tasya questioned.

"It's with the Grass Media side. How come you didn't know? Are you my assistant or did you suddenly change positions? We'll have dinner together. We have a flight to Jakarta tomorrow morning, right?"

Tasya knew about that, at least.

"Come on, Tasya! You're as slow as a snail!" Nathan urged.