Chapter 10

For some reason, Calista has a feeling that tomorrow's visit to Surabaya wasn't just a vacation. She knew there was something her brother was trying to hide.

--

On the way to Surabaya city, both of them decided to drive a Ferrari. Not because they couldn't afford plane tickets, but because they wanted to relax.

"It's better to use a driver, Calvin. I don't want you to get tired." Calista suggested.

"Okay. Oh yeah, don't forget to call mom and dad. Let them know that today we are visiting Uncle Beni's house."

"Hmm."

Along the way, no one spoke to each other. Calvino then leaned Calista's head on his shoulder as he knew what his beloved sister was currently thinking.

"Sleep. It's still a long way to go, sweetie."

After making sure Calista was asleep, Calvino immediately gave orders to the driver to increase speed.

🍁🍁🍁

Surabaya, Indonesia

After a long journey, the car carrying the two finally arrived at the city of Heroes.

Beni and his wife, Mira, greeted them both.

"Why don't you just take a plane? Jakarta - Surabaya is far. You must be tired, right?" Said Beni.

"No, uncle. It's fun, though. It's rare to get a moment like this. Who knows, on the trip, I'll meet a beautiful woman, and I can take her home. I'm bored of seeing Calista every day." Said Calvino, joking.

"Want something fresh? Put your head in the freezer." Calista replied.

"Uhm, it seems like someone is angry, uncle."

"Stop it. You guys haven't changed. You're still like kids, fighting all the time." Mira interrupted.

"Let's rest first. We will take you around Surabaya city tomorrow."

"I will return to Jakarta tomorrow afternoon, uncle, because I must do lots of work immediately."

"At least one more day you accompany Calista, Vin. Don't be in a hurry. Just leave work matters to your trusted people." Uncle Beni replied.

"I can't. I have an important meeting."

"I also have a lot of work, uncle. So, what time are we leaving tomorrow, Calvin?" Calista asked.

"You stay here, darling," said Mira.

Suddenly, Calista was shocked to hear that. She then cast a glance at Calvino, demanding an immediate explanation.

Not wanting Calista to be misunderstood, Calvino immediately led her to the room. At the same time, Beni and Mira just looked at each other.

"Hopefully, Calis doesn't misunderstand." Said Mira.

"Never mind, honey. Come on! Let them solve their own problems." Said Beni as he pulled his wife's wrist into the room.

"I feel guilty."

"How can you slip up then?" Beni replied.

While in a room far from Beni and Mira's reach, Calista never stopped showering her beloved brother with sharp gazes.

"What did Auntie Mira mean?" Calista was angry because, from the beginning, she had been suspicious of his brother's actions when he suddenly invited her to Surabaya.

"Calista, calm down."

"I need your explanation, Calvin!"

"Yes, I know. But please calm yourself first. It's already late. It's not good if we make a fuss at uncle Beni's house."

"Explain now! What exactly have you been planning?" Calista sternly asked.

Not knowing what to explain, Calvino repeatedly exhaled heavily, and this made Calista lose patience.

"Okay, if you still choose to remain silent, I will return to Jakarta tonight!"

"Wait, Calista!"

Calvino then grabbed his little sister's hand, squeezing it gently and locking his sister's gaze that was no longer dazzlingly warm.

"I want you to stay here for a while, dear."

"What do you mean? You want to throw me away, huh?" Calista angrily asked.

"Please don't misunderstand, Calista. Listen to my explanation first. I know that Jozh has been bothering you all this time. I've been busy, and I can't keep an eye on you all the time, and this place..."

"Safe, is that what you want to say, Calvino? Listen! I can handle my own problems without having to hide like this!" Calista snapped.

"Don't you know? Danger threatens you all the time. Jozh is getting desperate. Please understand!" Calvino replied

"But I can't! I don't care about Jozh anymore, but I care about dad's company."

"Oh, so you're afraid of losing dad's wealth, huh? I didn't think Calista Earle Kafeel was greedy for money."

"You're greedy!" Calista snapped.

"How dare you throw me out of our own family for the sake of controlling dad's property, right? So this is your true character, Calvino Luz Kafeel, pretending to be good, pretending to care. It's all fake."

"You've misjudged me, Calista. Everything I did was for your safety, for your happiness. The one thing I really care about is you, not Kafeel's wealth. Don't you know my deepest regret, do you?"

Calvino paused for a moment because his lips suddenly felt numb to speak. At the same time, Calista kept showing a cynical look on her face.

"My deepest regret is having to see you suffer because of my mistakes in the past for entrusting you to that jerk. If only I could turn back time, Calista." Calvino explained as his tears fell down his sturdy cheeks without even realising it.

Seeing her brother's sincerity, Calista was immediately ambushed by guilt. Her fingers stretched out to wipe away his tears.

"Start your new life here. Get rid of your past, dear." Said Calvino while summing up Calista's cheeks.

"But why must it be here, Calvin?"

"I'm sure Jozh won't be able to find you in this town."

"Then, what about you? I don't want you to run the company alone." Calista was unable to hold back the tears that fell down her smooth cheeks.

"Stop worrying about me, you stupid girl. Think about your happiness, and you deserve to be happy, Calista."

Calista caressed Calvino's cheek. The slap marks were clearly visible there, forming her fingers.

"Sorry, did it hurt?" Said Calista regretfully.

Without answering, Calvino pulled Calista's body into his arms. He kissed the top of his sister's head. His love for his beloved sister exceeds anything in this world.

"Take care of yourself while I'm not around and promise me not to cry anymore. You deserve to be happy," Calvino whispered while Calista was sinking her head deeper into her brother's chest.

🍁🍁🍁

Next chapter ...