REDAMANCY - Love's Timeless Path

29th Note

The ornate chandelier above the mahogany table felt like it was bearing down on me with every insistent word that tumbled out of my family's mouths.

My head was already throbbing, a dull ache that pulsed in time with the rhythmic clack of my father's teaspoon against his teacup. "This is a prime location, Haira," my aunt cooed — Tante Rumi — her perfectly manicured nails tapping out a manic rhythm on the tablecloth. "Beachfront property, stunning views... it practically prints money!"

The air in the stuffy conference room felt thick enough to cut with a knife. My temples were throbbing in time with the drone of her voice. "...and the exposure for the family name, Haira! This is a golden opportunity."

I pinched the bridge of my nose, willing the pulsing pain to subside. It wasn't the hotel proposal itself that was giving me a headache; it was the relentless pressure from my family. The Darmana Holdings board meeting was a formality; everyone knew it was only a show to put me in the most uncomfortable place, but Papa had to since I was the one who would take everything as the heir, so yeah, enjoying this kind of atmosphere like every single time.

"Haira, are you even listening?" Papa, even the diplomat, tried to mask his irritation with a gentle smile. "We value your input."

Right. Like my opinion on a multi-million dollar venture held any weight. "The location seems a bit off," I ventured, my voice strained. "The new financial district is all the rage; wouldn't that be a better bet?"

Tante Rumi scoffed. "Too saturated, dear. This boutique hotel on the beachfront is exactly what those culture vultures crave — heritage with a modern twist!"

My gaze darted around the table. Oom Yudhis, even the most offensive people here, pursed his lips. He doodled on a notepad, a bored expression plastered on his face. This whole thing felt like a preordained play, and I was the only one without a script.

"The numbers don't quite add up, Tante," I pressed, the defiance in my voice surprising even myself. "Profit margins seem thin, considering the cost of erasing stretches of coastline, another pristine beach sacrificed to the never-ending sprawl of concrete." I grunted "There are other ways to stimulate the economy, Pa. Eco-tourism, for example. We could build a resort that celebrates the natural beauty of the area, not paves over it."

The room temperature seemed to drop by several degrees. Tante Rumi cleared her throat, her smile strained. "We can discuss the finer details later, Haira. The overall vision is sound."

"Vision isn't everything, Tante. We need a project that's financially viable too." My voice wobbles slightly, but I held my ground. This wasn't just about the hotel; it was about being heard, about proving my worth in this family obsessed with tradition.

A tense silence stretched between us. Then, to my surprise, Oom Yudhis spoke. "Perhaps Haira has a point. We should consider all options before finalizing anything."

A flicker of gratitude shot towards him. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for a real discussion yet. But as Tante Rumi sputtered in indignation, I knew this battle was far from over. The throbbing in my head intensified, a dull ache threatening to erupt into a full-blown migraine. This family, and their damn hotel, were going to be the death of me.

Giandra and Satya, who were standing next to me, faced each other. I felt bad for them because they had to see my family's stupid arguments.

"Can you hold back your personal opinion for now? I have something that must be presented when the hotel is ready, and what should we do for the new hotel." I brushed my hair. I was blinking my eyes, which were too sore because I was tired of crying. Today I should just rest in my apartment, but I couldn't. This meeting determines what I will prove to my family. "Firstly, I want to emphasize that this is my first project here. I don't want the place to be on the beach; we're not building a resort. And I think our hotel in Venice is enough to cater to that. If the family still wants to promote culture, our hotel in New York, which was built from an Art Deco building, is also quite cultured."