ARROGANT BILLIONAIRE LOVE STORY

Living amidst wealth made the Harold family one of the most respected families in Jakarta. Mr. Kenan Harold and Mrs. Clement Harold had a son, their only child, named Zefki Harold.

Zefki was a handsome man with a blend of Indonesian and American features inherited from his parents' lineages. This made him the desire of every woman, whether teenagers or an adults. At thirty, Zefki was already leading his father's property business, armed with a master's degree from a foreign university, earning his father's trust to manage the family business.

Being an only child, Zefki's demeanor appeared arrogant and self-centered. His brutal and indifferent nature piqued the curiosity of many women. Even during his school days, he was idolized by his peers, but he paid no attention to their affections, believing love and such things were mere nonsense.

Zefki believed he didn't need love; his logic and dominant mindset disconnected him from romantic feelings. Some even speculated he might be interested in same-sex relationships, but Zefki seemed indifferent to public opinions about him.

However, news of his single status reached his parents. Mrs. Clement, in particular, shed tears over her only child's unmarried status. One day, in Zefki's room, he questioned his mother's tears.

"Why are you crying, Mom? I find it strange your behavior. Crying over something abstract like that," Zefki remarked to his mother.

Taking a deep breath, Mrs. Clement wiped her tears and said, "How can I not feel sad seeing my only child still unmarried? Meanwhile, the children of our socialite friends your age are already married and having grandchildren. They are very enthusiastic about sharing their grandchildren's progress."

But Zefki remained unsympathetic.

"Forget it, Mom. Don't worry about what people say. I don't live based on their opinions, right, Mom? You're beautiful, aren't you?" Zefki hugged his mother, but Mrs. Clement persisted.

"I don't care! This year, you must get married! Period!" his mother declared.

Hearing his mother's words, Zefki burst into laughter, "Ha-ha-ha! Mom, you're being ridiculous. Who should I marry? I don't think about marriage at all, Mom. It's far from my plans. Ha-ha-ha, Mom, you're funny!" With that, Zefki walked away, ignoring his mother's words.

"Zefki, where are you going, dear?"

"I'm going to exercise, Mom. Do you want to join? Lifting weights, maybe? I'm sure you can't handle it, ha-ha-ha."

"Zefki! You're teasing Mom, aren't you?"

"I'm just joking, Mom."

"Well, go on, exercise, but remember my words," Mrs. Clement reminded him.

Zefki hummed happily, seeming not to hear his mother's words. He headed to the gym in his house, where he started his workout routine. After a satisfying weightlifting session, he moved to the swimming pool.

While he was swimming, his phone suddenly rang, interrupting his activity. Zefki stopped for a moment and answered the call.

Zefki: "Hello, who is this?"

Sutan: "I'm sorry to disturb your rest, Young Master."

Zefki: "I'm working out. Yes, go ahead, what is it?"

The call was from his assistant Sutan, who informed him about a client who wanted to meet him tomorrow morning.

Zefki: "Alright, Sutan. Please tell them I'll meet them tomorrow at 10 AM."

Then Zefki ended the call. At that moment, he sat on a chair near the pool, gazing at the blue evening sky, contemplating his mother's words.

*Ding-ding-ding.* The sound of his phone's alarm startled him. He saw that it was already 5 AM, time to wake up.

Like his daily routine, Zefki started his day with a workout. He walked to one of the rooms on the ground floor of his house and began stretching his arms and legs as a warm-up. His well-defined muscles added to his charm.

Zefki enjoyed boxing as a workout, a way to release adrenaline, considering his busy schedule. Sweat poured from his body as he punched the boxing bag quickly and precisely. After feeling satisfied, Zefki left the room and headed to his bedroom.

Passing through the kitchen, Zefki was greeted by Bik Yati, the family's trusted cook.

"Good morning, Young Master," Bik Yati greeted him.

"Morning, Bik. Is the fried rice ready?" he asked.

"It's ready, Young Master. Everything is served on the table. Oh, by the way, Mr. and Mrs. Harold left about half an hour ago."

"Why did Dad and Mom leave for the office so early?" he inquired.

"Um ... well, Young Master. They, uh, had guests at the company this morning. It seems to be an old friend of Mr. Kenan's."

"Alright, Bik. I'll go upstairs now. I want to take a shower." Zefki walked away from the kitchen and into his room.

The water pouring over Zefki's body felt refreshing. After showering, he stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel around his waist. Zefki quickly put on his office attire.

After enjoying a special breakfast of fried rice prepared by Bik Yati, Zefki went to his car garage and headed to the office at 7 AM sharp.

After a while, Zefki arrived at the office. The employees were lined up neatly from the outer lobby to the entrance.

Zefki exited the car and was greeted by his assistant, Susan.

"Good morning, Young Master."

"Morning ... what's going on? Why is everyone lining up?" he asked.

"Sorry, Young Master. It's Mr. Kenan's orders. To welcome a special client of the company. You are also required to greet the client." Assistant Sutan explained that it was all Mr. Kenan's orders.

Zefki nodded in agreement.

A line of cars was neatly parked in the office yard, indicating the client's arrival. Everyone got out of their vehicles; the guests were a married couple, Mr. Fidel and Mrs. Santi, both friends of Zefki's parents.

Zefki seemed surprised. He couldn't understand why his parents had organized such a grand welcome for Mr. Fidel and Mrs. Santi. Unbeknownst to him, his parents had a hidden agenda – they wanted Zefki to marry one of Mr. Fidel and Mrs. Santi's children.

They desperately wanted grandchildren from their only child, Zefki Harold, and they believed it was time for Zefki to settle down, given his age of thirty. Especially Mrs. Clement, who was very eager for Zefki to get married. Hence, the idea of arranging a marriage between Zefki and the child of their business associates was born.

*) Bibik is the term for a household assistant.

Mr. Fidel and Mrs. Santi exited the car in sync with Zefki's parents. The company's executives were busy exchanging greetings for their special guests.

It was Zefki's turn to offer his greetings. "Good morning, welcome to our company, ZR Corporation," he said.

Mr. Fidel and Mrs. Santi seemed impressed by Zefki's authoritative presence and apparent intelligence, not to mention his striking good looks.

Then Mr. Kenan said, "Allow me to introduce Fidel. This is Zefki Harold, the CEO of ZR Corporation, and he is my only child."

"Good morning, young man," Mr. Fidel said. "You are a very handsome young man, and I'm sure you're diligent in managing the company."

Zefki merely smiled cynically at the praise.

"Good morning, Zefki. I'm Santi, your father's friend's wife," Mrs. Santi said. Once again, Zefki only responded with a sarcastic smile.

In his thoughts, he mumbled, "They're making such a fuss over them. How great is this company that Dad welcomes them like this?"

"Well, let's go inside," Mrs. Clement said. "We might be mistaken for doormen if we stay here." Everyone laughed at Mrs. Clement's comment and proceeded into the meeting room.

Mr. Kenan began leading the meeting, explaining who the guests were and the purpose of their visit to ZR Corporation, which was to establish a partnership to develop a mall in the Tangerang area.

"Alright, for a clearer understanding of ZR Corporation, our CEO will provide more details," Mr. Kenan added.

Zefki grumbled, "What's the big deal, Dad? Why do I have to explain?" He gazed flatly at his father, stood up, and began to describe the history of ZR Corporation and the various sectors it operated in.

The two guests were very impressed by Zefki's presentation.

Mrs. Santi told her husband, "Dad, our choice for our daughter is right. We've matched her with Zefki. He's very charismatic."

"Yes, dear. But, Grace or Raceh, dear? Who will we match with Zefki?" Mr. Kenan asked.

"Well, let's leave that to Zefki. He can choose. We'll show him pictures of both of our children. But, dear, I'm not so sure about Grace. You know she's a bit spoiled, quite different from Raceh, who is more independent. Even though Grace is older than Raceh, she's more childish," Mrs Santi expressed her concerns.

"Alright, dear, we'll discuss it later," Mr. Fidel intervened.

That was a brief overview of our company, ZR Corporation. Thank you," Zefki concluded. The husband and wife were so engrossed in admiring Zefki that they didn't even realise he had finished presenting his company.

When it was time for lunch, all the top executives of the ZR Group joined, including Zefki. The previous guests shared a table with Zefki and his parents.

While Zefki was enjoying his meal, Mrs. Santi interrupted, "Zefki, if you don't mind, Auntie would like to know how old are you?"

But as Zefki was about to answer, Mrs. Clement interjected, "Oh, Zefki is thirty years old this year."

"Quite mature, indeed," Mrs. Santi commented.

Then Mrs. Santi asked again, "Do you have a girlfriend, Zefki?" But again, Mrs. Clement replied, "Coincidentally, he's still single."

Mrs. Clement's words made Zefki give his mother a sharp look.

Realising this, Mr. Kenan quickly said, "Enough, enough, let's talk about something else. Let's focus on lunch for now."

Meanwhile, in another house, Grace was crying on her younger sister's lap.

"Raceh, how long will Mom and Dad be busy outside? Don't they miss us, their children?" Grace asked her sister.

Raceh replied, "Sis, why are you talking like that? Dad explained that they're busy with business and for the sake of Dad's company. You know, Dad's company is going through a tough time. We should support them."

"But they've been gone for too long. Usually, it's just Dad who's busy, but now Mom is joining in," Grace lamented.

"Enough, Sis. Don't complain like that. It's better to pray for Dad and Mom to resolve the company's issues successfully," Raceh advised.

Raceh Pratista, the beautiful young woman, was twenty-three years old and had just graduated from a public university in Jakarta. She was the youngest daughter of Mr. Fidel and Mrs. Santi.

Raceh was a quiet person, not talkative, and a bit shy. However, she had a more mature mindset than her older sister, Grace. Her mature attitude made her more favoured by their parents, as she was more independent. But it didn't mean that their parents didn't love both of them.

As for her older sister, Grace Pratista, she was twenty-five years old and was working as an assistant manager in a company. Grace had a somewhat spoiled nature, but she never burdened her parents. Grace was in a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, Roy, who worked as an expert in a company in the Netherlands, a fact their parents were unaware of.

A ringing phone interrupted Raceh. She quickly answered it and saw that it was her mom calling.

Raceh: "Hello, Mom. How are you? How's Dad?"

Mom Santi: "Hello, Raceh. Dad and I are doing well. How are you two? Where's your sister, Grace? I've been trying to call her, but she's not picking up."

Raceh: "Oh, Mom, Grace has been sleeping in her room. She's been waiting for updates from Dad and Mom."

"Uh, Dad and Mom have been a bit busy," Mom Santi replied.

Raceh: "Mom, when will Dad and Mom finish their business?"

Mom Santi: "Tomorrow, Dad and Mom will return home, and some of Dad's colleagues will also visit our home."

Raceh: "Who are they, Mom? Are they investors who will help Dad's company?"

Mom Santi: "Yes, Raceh. Anyway, see you tomorrow. Don't forget to inform your sister, Grace."

Then, Mrs. Santi ended the call.

Meanwhile, Raceh was ironing her clothes for work the next day. She was a temporary employee in ZR Corporation, in the administration department, responsible for handling incoming and outgoing correspondence.

Raceh and Grace were both intelligent and graduated on time. Consequently, they quickly found employment in large companies in Jakarta.

Their father, Mr. Fidel, owned a small property development company. However, it faced losses due to an investor suddenly terminating their contract.

About three months ago, Mr. Fidel received an invitation from his friend, Mr. Kenan, to visit his company. This was the reason Mr. Fidel and Mrs. Santi.

Today is Saturday, as Mrs. Santi mentioned. If today, they would return home.

"Ra, what time will Dad and Mom arrive home?" Grace asked.

"Maybe in the afternoon, Sis. Hey, why are you dressed so nicely? Where are you going? Yesterday, you cried because you missed Mom and Dad, and now you're leaving?" Raceh inquired.

Then Grace responded, "Well, Ra, I have a work event in Bogor today. I'm representing the office. Whether I like it or not, I have to attend. But I already informed Mom, Ra. Early this morning, through chat."

As Grace bid farewell to Bogor, Raceh headed to the kitchen to see what dishes Bik Tina, the house assistant, had prepared.

Raceh assisted Bik Tina in the kitchen, preparing ingredients for lunch.

"Bibik, is everything cooked?" Raceh asked Bik Tina.

"Not yet, Miss. I'm confused about what to cook," Bik Tina replied.

"Alright, I'll help you with cooking, okay?" Raceh offered.

"Thank you, Miss," Bik Tina replied.

Today is Saturday, and Raceh has the day off from work, as her office has weekends off. So today, she is at home, helping Bik Tina cook.

After an hour in the kitchen, all the dishes were ready on the table. Raceh felt satisfied with the outcome of their cooking together.

Raceh has enjoyed cooking since childhood, often watching cooking channels and trying new recipes, unlike Grace, who dislikes anything related to the kitchen.

It's noon, indicating that in about half an hour, her parents and their guests will arrive home.

The day before,

"Mom, I don't want to go to Dad's colleague's house!" Zefki said.

"But, dear, tomorrow I have a lot of work with a deadline. Do I have to go, Mom?" Zefki added.

At that moment, Mr. Kenan entered the room, hearing the argument between his wife and son.

Then he said, "Son, you're going to Uncle Fidel's house."

"Why does everyone insist, Dad? Tomorrow, I'm swamped," Zefki protested.

"Postpone everything. It's for your future!" Mr. Kenan insisted.

"Don't trouble your mother!" After saying that, Mr. Kenan left the room, winking at his wife, and Mrs. Clement responded with a thumbs-up, indicating their successful plan.

"Mom is very pleased. You became obedient so quickly," Mrs Clement remarked.

Zefki remained silent, suddenly feeling a pain in his stomach. He said, "Mom, please ask Bik Yati to cook fried rice and bring it to my room. I'm starving." Mrs. Clement agreed and reminded him to set an alarm to wake up on time.

At the Pratista residence,

At half past twelve, Raceh's parents and Mr. and Mrs. Harold arrived at their colleague's house. Bik Tina welcomed them while Raceh was still in her room.

They entered and chatted in the living room while having tea.

"Kenan, I'm very grateful for your help with my company. Without your intervention, I wouldn't have overcome these tough times," Mr. Fidel expressed his gratitude.

"No problem, Fidel. Soon, we'll be family, so don't hesitate," Mr. Kenan replied.

"By the way, where's Zefki?" Mrs. Santi asked.

"Yeah, Jeng. Suddenly, Zefki got a call from his friend, who said it was important. But he'll follow later; I've already given him this address this morning," Mrs Clement explained.

"Mi, where are the kids? They're not visible," Mr. Fidel asked his wife.

"Yeah, Pi. This morning, Grace texted Mom saying she has office work," Mrs. Santi replied.

"Oh yes, Jeng. Grace is our eldest daughter, 25 years old, and the youngest, Raceh, is 23. Raceh is in her room," Mrs. Santi added, introducing her daughters.

Raceh came from the side, half-running, saying, "Mom, Dad, when are you coming? I miss you." She hugged her parents without realising there were other people present.

Then her father said, "Hey, you missed us so much you didn't even notice Uncle and Aunt are here."

"Oh, sorry, Mom, Dad," Raceh apologised and greeted Mr. and Mrs. Harold.

"How are you, Uncle and Aunt?" Raceh greeted them.

Mr and Mrs Harold were impressed by Raceh's beauty and friendly demeanour.

Then Mrs. Clement said, "How are you, Raceh? You look wonderful."

"Fine, Aunt. Thank you," Raceh replied with a smile.

Then Mr. Fidel said, "Since it's already noon, let's have lunch."

They went to the dining room, where Indonesian dishes were already prepared. Raceh served them, and Mrs. Clement was amazed at Raceh's hospitality.

"Wow, it seems our food is very delicious. Who cooked this?" Mr. Kenan asked.

"I did, Uncle," Raceh answered.

"Raceh, are you good at cooking?" Mrs. Clement inquired.

"Still learning, Aunt," Raceh humbly replied with a smile.

"Yeah, Jeng. Raceh is good at cooking. Everything she cooks is delicious," Mrs Santi added.

"In that case, Raceh, would you like to be a prospective daughter-in-law, Aunt? You know, my son is currently looking for a match," Mrs Clement surprised Raceh with her words.

"Well, we'll talk about it later. Let's enjoy this meal first," Mr. Kenan suggested.

Raceh smiled again, wondering about Mrs. Clement's words.

Hanny recalled her mother's words about her father's company situation and someone wanting to help but with the condition that Grace or Raceh would be engaged to that person.

"Raceh, why aren't you eating with us, dear?" Mrs Clement's words snapped her out of her thoughts about the engagement.

"Yes, Aunt. Don't worry; I already had my meal earlier," Raceh replied.

After the meal, they continued discussing business collaboration in the living room. Suddenly, Mrs Clement's phone rang, displaying her son's name.

Zefki: "Mom, love. It seems I can't make it there. Sorry, Mom. I have important matters right now."

Mrs. Clement replied,

Mom Clement: "I don't care, but you must be home by seven in the evening!"

Mrs Clement waited for her son's reply, but it didn't come.

"Oh, this kid!" Mrs. Clement sighed.

"Why, Mi?" Mr. Kenan asked in a whisper.

Mrs. Clement then told her husband their son might not come; he suddenly had an important meeting with his friend. Mr. Kenan got annoyed hearing this.

"Well, Jeng, it seems Zefki can't make it. He suddenly has an important meeting with his friend," Mrs. Clement lied reluctantly.

"It's okay, Jeng. Next time, Zefki can visit here," Mrs. Santi said, slightly disappointed because she also wanted Zefki to be her son-in-law.

"But, Jeng. Can I take some of the fried rice we had earlier home? Our son loves fried rice," Mrs Clement remarked.

"Sure, Jeng. I'll ask Raceh to pack it for you," Mrs Santi replied.

In the kitchen, Raceh was seen busy preparing fried rice to be taken home by Mrs. Clement.

At four in the afternoon, the husband and wife bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Pratista. Race, too, accompanied them home to the front door.

Mrs Clement never stopped glancing in Raceh's direction, which made the girl feel a bit uneasy, responding only with a friendly smile.

*) Jeng is a greeting for fellow women.