Chapter 3 3. Failed To Move

The days had quickly turned into a week since Nadine started working as Brian's secretary. She had grown accustomed to Brian's teasing, although she tried to maintain a neutral stance whenever he complimented her. Despite her heart fluttering, Nadine knew Brian had a girlfriend, and she understood that she was just a fragment of his past. She considered Brian's playful behavior to be a continuation of their old dynamic, back when she was still his student. Nadine admitted to herself that her feelings for Brian hadn't changed. Not a bit.

With a heavy step, Nadine entered the office building, convinced that her handsome boss was already at his desk. She found it puzzling how Brian was so engrossed in his work. Every day, he left the office no earlier than 7 p.m. and sometimes as late as 10 p.m. The previous Saturday, they had left the office at 5 p.m., despite other employees having left at noon. As his secretary, Nadine always had to wait until Brian finished his work. Luckily, her apartment was conveniently close to the office, just about 500 meters away. It only took her 10 minutes to get there on her scooter.

Brian pretended to be engrossed in his work as he heard Nadine's footsteps approaching. His workaholic tendencies had intensified, but now he was even crazier. He deliberately lingered at the office just to spend more time with Nadine. At least this way, he could gaze at her face for an entire day.

"Good morning, Mr. Brian!" Nadine greeted him politely before taking her seat at her desk. In truth, Nadine felt uncomfortable sharing a room with her boss. It was Brian's request, and she couldn't refuse. Danisa was surprised to learn that Nadine and Brian were sharing a room, as Brian had never agreed to share his workspace with his secretaries before. Brian didn't like his privacy being disrupted.

"Good morning, Nadine!" Brian replied briefly without looking up.

"Please let me read out your schedule for today," Brian instructed after about 15 minutes of Nadine's arrival.

"Of course, Mr. Brian!" Opening her agenda book, Nadine proceeded to read out Brian's schedule for the day, which she had prepared the day before.

"Okay, thank you," Brian responded after Nadine had briefed him on his schedule. He had two client meetings lined up for the day.

"Mr. Brian, may I have your permission to take a break for lunch?" Nadine requested as her lunch break approached. But just as she was about to touch the door handle, Brian called out to her.

"Let's have lunch here. I've already placed a delivery order. We'll meet with the clients at 2 p.m. so we won't be late, and you can pray in my private room!" Brian suggested calmly.

"What? Your room?" Nadine was shocked and turned to face Brian, visibly irritated.

"Yes, my room. Is that a problem? It's more efficient for you to pray here than having to go to the third floor. We'll save time," Brian explained, pulling out a remote control from his desk drawer. Nadine was surprised as a bookshelf in the room shifted, revealing a door behind it. Curious, Nadine followed Brian into the room. She was amazed by the clean, white ambiance of the space. The room consisted of a king-sized bed, a bathroom, and a desk. Above the bed hung a large and unique abstract painting. The room brought back memories of five years ago when she had spent three nights with Brian in Bali.

The sound of the large curtains being drawn interrupted her admiration. Through the large window, Nadine could see the bustling city of Surabaya. She imagined the twinkling city lights at night, a sight that must be truly beautiful from where she stood.

"I spend a lot of time here," Brian's voice brought her back from her reverie. Nadine felt nervous as she heard Brian's gentle voice.

"Would you like to freshen up first? There's a towel in the cupboard." Brian gave Nadine a flat look before removing his jacket and shirt, leaving them on the bed. Nadine's heart raced even faster as she looked at Brian's well-defined chest beneath the sleeveless shirt. She quickly looked away, feeling her cheeks heat up, as Brian disappeared behind the bathroom door.

Under the soothing spray of the shower, Brian tried to calm the sudden turmoil inside him. He had initially intended to perform ablutions, but he found himself deciding to take a full shower due to the sudden warmth in his body. Brian wondered why being near Nadine always made him feel like this. It was a feeling he couldn't quite identify. Brian was reminded of his past love story with Nadine, one that had never really ended. He longed to ask Nadine about it directly, but his ego seemed to hold him back.

Five years ago...

"Miss Nadine?" Brian called out, rushing towards Nadine with a slightly breathless voice before bending over and holding his knees.

"Why are you here, Brian? Where are you going? And who are you with?" Nadine bombarded Brian with rapid-fire questions, her eyes focused on Brian as he caught his breath.

"Is it fate, Miss? Oh, by the way, now that I'm not Miss's student anymore, can I call you Nadine?" Brian teased, noticing Nadine's surprised expression.

"Whatever suits you!" Nadine replied casually before quickly leaving. Being her student for just a month and a half had been troublesome enough, and now she was unexpectedly running into Brian at the Ngurah Rai Bali Airport.

"I'm serious, Nadine. Will you marry me?" Brian asked, pulling Nadine's hand and embracing her.

"You're still talking about marriage, huh? Focus on your studies first!" Nadine responded while trying to break free from Brian's embrace. But Nadine's efforts to push Brian away were in vain. Unintentionally, she found herself smiling, enjoying the faint fluttering in her heart.

"Here, I'll carry this for you!" Brian took Nadine's backpack from her and placed it on the bed before guiding her towards the exit of the airport.

"Let go, Brian. Where are we even going?" Nadine squirmed, trying to free herself from Brian's grasp.

"Just come along, or should I carry you?" Brian teased with a mischievous grin, making Nadine shudder with dread as she shook her head.

They eventually arrived at a luxurious resort near Kuta Beach. As Nadine realized where they were, panic set in. Her panic subsided when Brian led her to a room and placed her backpack on the bed.

"For the next three days, you're mine, baby!" Brian's words echoed as he closed the door behind him.

Nadine had planned to spend a three-day vacation in Bali before returning to Kalimantan. Spending a vacation with her former student was a bit entertaining, she thought.

That evening, Nadine and Brian walked along the beach, watching the sunset. They held hands like a couple in love, and with Nadine's youthful appearance and Brian's tall frame, they didn't resemble a teacher and student. They looked more like lovers.

After dinner, they returned to the resort, spending time reminiscing about their school days. But as Nadine stood to say goodnight, Brian suddenly pulled her hand, causing her to fall onto his chest. They locked eyes, and before they knew it, their lips met in a soft kiss. Nadine's heart resisted, but her body succumbed to Brian's embrace, sending her spiraling into a night where something precious was taken from her by Brian.

As she stretched, Nadine felt a pain in her lower body. Suddenly, she burst into hysterical tears, realizing that she was naked beneath the blanket.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Brian was startled by Nadine's cries.

"It's okay, you can calm down. I'll take full responsibility, sweetheart. I truly love you!" Brian hugged Nadine, trying to soothe her panic. Last night, Brian had lost control, though he had intended to pursue a serious relationship with Nadine. However, he wasn't ready for marriage yet; he still had his dreams to chase.

Flashback off...

The door to the bathroom opened wide, and Nadine was momentarily stunned by Brian stepping out, clad only in a towel wrapped around his waist. She hurriedly entered the bathroom, her heart racing with nervousness.

After her prayers, Nadine rushed out of Brian's private room. Meanwhile, Brian was still engrossed in a lengthy prayer, asking for forgiveness for the sins he had committed. Was this a sign? With Nadine's presence by his side, did he have a chance to make amends for his past mistakes? Brian believed that everything was a positive omen.