ALDERANDA

Regret?

"Dera? What's wrong with you? You've been quiet all along. Hm,"
Nanda stroked Dera's flowing hair with his other hand still focused on the car's steering wheel.
"Nan, I'm fine."
"Are you still thinking about Al? Do you regret your decision?"
"There's nothing to be sorry for, right? Everything has already happened. It can't change anymore."
"So you still hope things can change?"
"Nanda. I don't want to talk about this anymore. I'm tired, I want to go home."
"Okay honey, let's go home now."
After Dera got home, Nanda returned to his apartment. Today is a really tough day for Dera. She must lie to her own feelings. Dera still loves Al very much, she doesn't even intend to end her relationship with Al. Circumstances forced her to do this.
Dera began to shed tears. She recalled the good memories with Al while looking at some of the portraits she still kept neatly. She didn't expect her relationship with Al to end like this.
"Al, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Actually I still want to fight with you. But I can't Al, I have to do this for your family. I don't want Nanda to hurt you and your family. I will always love you Al."
Dera cried uncontrollably. She could only vent her sadness and annoyance by crying tonight.

---

Meanwhile, Al kept cursing and banging his hands against the wall. He still couldn't believe this incident. He still hopes that this is all a dream, but what power is it all real. His mind drifted to the good times he had with Dera.
"Dera.. What did I do wrong honey? Why did you make me like this? You really broke my heart into pieces. It hurts Ra. You managed to numb me now honey. I'm not going to let this all happen. I know you are my destiny. I will not easily let you go."
Al knows Dera very well. He knew Dera couldn't possibly act like that without reason. Al promises to find out the truth and bring Dera back into his arms.

•••

Dera was in the office, she was still struggling with important documents that she had to study and recap. She was just trying to distract herself from last night's events.
Suddenly she was startled by the sound of someone knocking on the door.
"Enter." Dera answered without moving from her seat.
She didn't pay attention to the people who entered her room. She was surprised when she felt someone kiss her cheek.
"Nanda?"
"Hi honey. How are you? Are you really busy?"
"Nan, I have a lot of work right now."
"Okay, okay. Let me help here. What should I do?"
"No need Nan, what are you doing? This is my job."
"This task also comes from me, right? If I say you don't have to do this, it means that it's an order for you."
"Nanda, it's over. If you don't want me to do anything, then why am I still here? I'd better go home, right?"
"Honey, what's wrong with you? Why are you so sensitive today? Are you having PMS?"
"..."
"Or is it all because of Al?"
"Nanda please-- "
"What? Why honey? Am I right?"
"..."
"Hmm, honey listen to me," Nanda guided Dera to stand up from her seat. "You are mine, only mine Dera. Please , you forget about Al. He is only your past. Your future is only with me."
Dera didn't want to look at Nanda at all. Nanda began to gently caress Dera's cheek. When Dera closed her eyes, Nanda brought his face closer to Dera's. Nanda's lips almost touched Dera's, but that didn't happen because Dera immediately backed away so that there was some distance between the two of them again.
"Honey," Nanda was a little annoyed because his intention had failed.
"Sorry Nan, I need to go to the toilet first. Excuse me."
Dera came out of the room. Meanwhile, Nanda just chuckled in annoyance and let out a long breath.

---

That day, Nanda invited Dera to visit his parents' house. Actually, Dera refused to join, but Nanda's words succeeded in making Dera comply.
"Okay honey. We've arrived."
Nanda pressed the bell of the luxurious house in front of him. Not long after, a middle-aged woman with a socialite style was seen opening the door and welcoming them warmly.
"Nanda.."
"Mom, how are you?"
"Mama's good, honey. You've grown up here! Don't talk to mama again."
"Well Ma, Nanda misses Mama. Oh yes Ma, where is papa?"
"Papa still has business at the branch company. Nan, who are you going with? Is this Mama's future daughter-in-law that you often tell about?"
"Yes Ma, this is Dera--Nanda's lover."
Dera shook hands with Nanda's mother.
"Dera, Auntie."
"Oh yeah. Aunt--Nanda's mother. So you are called Dera. Nanda often tells about you to me. No wonder Nanda is always crazy about you, it turns out that this girl is this cute."
Dera only responded with a smile.
"So you can't come in Ma'am?"
"Uh, come on in. Dera, don't be shy honey. Just think of this as your own home. Just play here often, aunt will be very happy. Nanda also rarely comes here."
"Mom,"
"Yes, yes, I know that my child is super busy. You understand, CEO, right?"
"What the heck Mom?"

---

They were immersed in a warm chat. Mama Nanda really fit with Dera. Dera succeeded in attracting Mama Nanda's heart, of course she didn't hesitate to make Dera her daughter-in-law.
They continued chatting over lunch.
"Come on Dera! Eat it honey. Don't hesitate."
"Yes Aunt."
"Yes honey, eat a lot. Mama's cooking must be delicious."
... ... ...
"How is Dera? Do you like honey?"
"Yes. Erm, this is really delicious Auntie."
"Auntie is happy if you like it. Oh yes, Dera.. Nanda isn't fierce at work, right?"
"Ma, why do you ask Dera like that?"
"Yes, mama just wants to know what Dera's opinion dear. Come on Dera, tell auntie! But be honest."
"Hm, actually Nanda, it's really cold in the office, Auntie."
"But I'm not like that with you honey."
"Still, when you're not with me, you always act cold in front of other employees."
"Dera, don't be surprised! Nanda is that kind of person. He can only be warm and detached with the people closest to him, those he loves. If he can be warm with you, that's a sign that you're one of the people he loves. Nanda loves you."
Dera was silent.
"Mom, that's it."
"That's true, right? Nanda, why do you still let Dera work as your secretary? She's your future wife."
Dera immediately choked at Nanda's mother's words.
"Honey. Are you okay? Have a drink honey! Slow down, ok?" Nanda helped Dera drink.
"Aunt isn't wrong to say Dera?"
"..."
"Ma, don't talk about marriage now. I can't fire Dera either, right Ma. I still need Dera in the office."
"Mom just want to be able to witness my son's wedding right away. You also love Dera, right? You definitely want to be serious with Dera, right? There's nothing wrong with getting married soon. You're both adults."
"Mama, Nanda still wants to focus on taking care of papa's company first."

---

Dera daydreams on the balcony of Nanda's parents' house. Nanda also came to the girl there. Nanda understood for sure that right now Dera was thinking about what Nanda's mother had said earlier.
Nanda hugged her from behind.
"Dera.."
"Nan!"
"Why are you honey? Think about what mom said earlier, okay?"
"..."
"I think mama's right too. There's nothing wrong if we get married soon? I'll soon find your parents to propose to you."
"Nanda you--" Dera faced Nanda.
"Why honey? I love you. I love you so much. I'm ready physically and mentally to be your husband."
"..."
"Can't you give me your love yet? Don't you love me, Dera?"