Chapter 4 PART 3

Part 3 – Is It That Difficult?

The next day, preparations for Grand Ma's birthday began. The decorators arrived at Grand Ma's large house, and Anyelir tried to find Byan's presence, but for some reason, she felt like Byan was avoiding her. All she wanted was to ask about the status of their relationship. If necessary, she would explain about Emil.

Byan had even blocked Anyelir's phone number and WhatsApp. What about Byan's social media? Of course, a guy like Byan didn't have social media accounts. And Anyelir was tired of asking her aunt for Byan's number. Aunt Inggrid only knew that Anye wasn't that close to Byan, especially not to the point of exchanging phone numbers. She always remembered Byan's words: Keep their relationship a secret from anyone, especially Aunt Inggrid!

Lala, Bila, and Dinda were lounging on the bed after helping Anyelir with the preparations. Although Lala occasionally saw Anye looking confused and glancing towards the entrance.

Of course, Nabila and Adinda were busy taking selfies whenever they found a good spot for photos. When it came to taking selfies, these women were unstoppable.

"Ugh, I'm so tired today," Dinda stretched her arms.

"Hey, why didn't I see Byan today?" Bila glanced at Lala. Lala just shrugged.

Not long after, Anyelir arrived carrying a tray with glasses of dark red liquid. "It's time for something refreshing!"

The three friends didn't wait long to pounce on the drinks.

*****

Byan had just parked his car in front of Grand Ma's house. He glanced at the rearview mirror and saw a white car stop not far from where he parked. As he stepped out of his car, he looked behind. A man also got out of the white car and smiled at him.

"Good evening, sir," the man greeted Byan.

"Evening," Byan replied.

"Is this Grand Ma's house?" The man pointed towards the house behind Byan.

"Yes, that's right," Byan answered shortly.

"Nice to meet you, my name is Emil." The man named Emil reached out his hand, and Byan shook it.

So, this was him.

"Byan," Byan said, examining the man in front of him. They seemed to be sizing each other up.

"Hmm, may I know, Byan, what is your relationship with Grand Ma?" Emil asked.

"I'm still part of the family," Byan replied coldly, as cold as the night breeze that pierced the skin.

Emil nodded, still wearing a friendly smile. "Is there something you need from Grand Ma? Usually, at this time, Grand Ma has already rested. You know, she's old."

"Oh... no, I don't. I happen to be invited here by Anyelir."

Byan nodded in response.

"Are you colleagues or...?"

"I wish to be her life partner, actually," Emil tried to joke.

"Well, hopefully you'll be. Please, come in." Byan invited Emil to enter Grand Ma's house.

*****

Anyelir couldn't believe her eyes when she saw two men walking towards her. The evening had just begun, and they had just finished dinner. All day long, she couldn't find Byan, and now, here he was, entering this house with Emil.

Anyelir thought Emil wouldn't come because he had messaged her earlier saying he was still busy at work.

"Emil? So late at night?" Lala broke the silence as she saw Anye looking awkward.

"Surprise," Emil smiled while shaking hands with all of Anye's friends.

"Hmmm... I thought you wouldn't come," Anye smiled with uncertainty.

She was confused about how to handle her situation with Byan now that Emil was here. This guy would surely stick by her side if they met. Anyelir scratched her non-itchy head.

"Okay, Mas Emil, I'll leave now," Byan walked towards the inside of the house. Anyelir didn't waste this opportunity. After seeing Emil sitting and chatting with others, Anye approached Byan.

"Byan, wait," she called out.

Byan, who was about to open his bedroom door, stopped in his tracks.

"I want to talk to you." Anye stood there, glancing left and right. She didn't want anyone to know she was entering Byan's room. Maybe Byan asked her to talk in there.

"I'm tired, maybe later," Byan replied.

Anyelir was stunned. Did Byan really say that? Instead of inviting her into his room to talk, he was reluctant.

"Is it that difficult to just talk?"

Byan sighed but didn't move, still facing away from Anyelir.

"Not here and not now."

"Then when and where?"

Oh, Anyelir cursed herself for relentlessly pursuing Byan.

"After Grand Ma's event, we'll talk."

After that, Byan entered his room, leaving Anye in disbelief. It wasn't like Byan at all.