ALDERANDA

Goodbye Al?

Nanda and Dera returned to the office. Dera was still a little shocked by Nanda's treatment of her just now. She understood that Nanda did that because he did not want to lose herself. Dera only thought that what she could do now was to obey Nanda's orders and not to make Nanda emotional again.
"Darling, you continue with your work! I will go to the room first. If there's anything, just tell me. Bye honey." Nanda kissed the top of Dera's head briefly.
"Yes Nanda."
Dera continued her work in the secretary's room. Suddenly her cellphone rang. Dera was really surprised when she saw the name that appeared on the screen of her cell phone. The name Al is clearly visible there. Dera confused what to do.
Dera also ventured to answer a call from Al.
"Hello..."
"Hello Dera dear, how are you? Are you healthy?"
"Yeah Al, I'm fine."
"Hey honey, I have good news for you."
"What good news Al?"
"Actually, this is good news for my family, hehe.. But I hope you enjoy hearing this too."
"Yes Al. Actually what's wrong?"
"Okay, so like this honey. My dad's company is back to being better now. All the problems that caused the company to die now can be resolved. I'm very happy."
"Ohh, I'm also happy to hear about Al. Congratulations, Al..."
"Yes honey. That's why I'm telling you. I want to take you out to celebrate this happiness. You have time tonight right?"
"Emm Al how are you? I can't make any promises, because today I'm really busy."
"Well... Can't you spare a minute for me? I miss you so much. We rarely have time alone together anymore. Darling, I beg you to do this!"
"Sorry Al. But I really can't go as I please and want. I'm the secretary here. I can't go without permission from my boss."
"Baby, it's okay. It's okay. Maybe we can just go another time. Don't be too busy at work either! You have to remember to rest too. You might get sick later."
"Okay Al. I'm sorry."
"Hey em honey. That's it, it's okay. You're excited! Don't be tired! Yes, I'll close first. Bye dear. Love you !!"
"Daa Al..."
Dera feels guilty for rejecting Al's invitation. Dera just wasn't ready to explain everything that happened, including her relationship with Nanda. Dera knows that Al is currently very happy because the Darmajaya group has recovered. However, Al doesn't know that the price he has to pay for his father's company is to lose the person he loves the most.

---

It was almost evening, at this time Nanda was in Dera's room.
"Dera dear! You don't want to go home? Hmm?" Nanda hugged Dera from behind.
"Nanda, my work is not finished."
"I didn't ask you to finish it today, did I honey?"
"But Nanda--"
"Hmm, why? Do you want to work overtime today? Well then I'll accompany you until you finish." Nanda kissed Dera's cheek.
"Honey? Can I ask you something?" continued Nanda.
"Ask what Nan?"
"Who did you call earlier? I saw you talking to someone on the phone earlier."
"Uhm that, s-I'm talking to--"
"With who dear?"
"Nanda, I'm sorry, but don't be angry, okay? I was talking to Al. Al called me so--"
"What's he talking about?"
"In advance, thank you for keeping your promise. Earlier Al told me that the Darmajaya group is doing well."
" It's okay honey. Did he just want to tell you about that?"
"Actually he asked me to go out tonight, but I refused his invitation, I said I was busy with my work. And even now I'm still here."
"Good. You can't go out with him. You are now my girlfriend."
"..."
"Hmm but honey, he doesn't know about our relationship yet, right? When are you going to tell him? When are you going to break up with Al and really leave him honey?"
"..."
"Why, dear?" Nanda gently stroked Dera's cheek, now the two of them were facing each other.
"Nanda, I don't know how I can explain all of this to Al. Al won't accept all of this that easily."
"Um, okay then, let me tell him about us, OK... You don't have to worry."
"Nanda but--"
"Never mind dear. I'll let this be my business. All you have to do is one thing, forget about him and still be mine. Okay?"
Nanda hugged Dera warmly.