Steps Towards Happiness

While Viona was out for a walk with Steve, her phone vibrated incessantly. Notifications from family groups, friends, and even some old acquaintances filled the screen.

Furrowing her brows, she opened one of the messages sent by Theresia.

"Vi... have you seen the news today?"

Viona's heart raced. With a bit of hesitation, she opened the link sent by her friend.

"The Wedding Between Frans Alexander & Calista Wijaya Will Take Place Next Month"

The news was clearly displayed on her phone screen, complete with a photo of Frans and Calista at a formal event. They looked perfect together—Frans in a sharp suit, Calista with her signature graceful smile. Like a couple destined to be together.

Viona stared at her phone screen for a long time, her fingers trembling.

She knew this might happen. She had known from the beginning that Frans's family always wanted Calista for him. She knew Frans had ultimately chosen his own path. But still, seeing this news with her own eyes felt like a hard blow to her chest.

As if a wound that was nearly healed had reopened.

Steve, who had just arrived in front of Viona's house to pick her up, noticed her suddenly pale expression. He stepped closer with concern.

"Vi? What's wrong?" he asked gently.

Viona looked up, forcing a smile. "It's nothing," she said softly.

But her eyes were glassy.

On the other hand, Frans stared at his phone screen, rereading the news about his own wedding. He took a deep breath, then shifted his gaze to Calista, who was sitting across from him, busy typing something on her laptop.

Calista looked perfect as always—her hair neatly styled, her work attire always elegant, and her smile never faded even when she was busy. The woman had it all—a successful career, a strong family background, and an incredible aura of confidence.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Calista suddenly asked without taking her eyes off her laptop screen.

Frans smiled faintly. "It's nothing. I just... still feel like this is all happening too quickly."

Calista finally closed her laptop and looked at Frans. "Are you still thinking about Viona?"

Frans paused for a moment. He couldn't lie to himself—yes, he was still thinking about Viona. After all, that girl had once been a big part of his life. But now, Viona was gone. And he had also chosen his own path.

"A little," he answered honestly. "But I also know I can't stay stuck in the same feelings forever."

Calista smiled slightly. "Frans, I never asked you to pretend to be happy. But if you want to move forward, I'm here."

Frans looked at Calista longer. This woman was always there for him. Not demanding, not pushing him. Just giving him space and time.

Maybe… this wasn't about forgetting Viona. Maybe this was about accepting the reality that life has to go on.

Slowly, Frans took a deep breath and smiled. For the first time in a long time, his heart felt lighter.

"I know," he finally said. "And I'm ready."

Calista beamed at Frans's answer. Eagerly, she closed her laptop and placed her hands on the table, looking at Frans with a meaningful gaze.

"Then, as soon as I finish work today, let's start planning our grand wedding," she said in a light but confident tone.

Frans looked at her, a bit surprised at how easily Calista was moving forward. As if all of this had been written from the start, and he just needed to follow along.

"A grand wedding, huh?" Frans raised an eyebrow, smiling slightly. "Are you sure you don't want something simpler?"

Calista chuckled. "Frans, we're from respected families. Simple isn't an option," she joked. "But of course, I don't want to force anything. I just want our special day to be something unforgettable."

Frans nodded slowly. For some reason, his heart felt calmer now. Maybe because Calista was right—he didn't need to pretend to be happy, but he couldn't keep being stuck in the past either.

"Alright," he finally said. "Let's plan an amazing wedding."

Calista smiled with satisfaction. "That's the spirit!" she said, lifting her coffee cup as if giving a toast.

Frans smiled lightly and raised his cup as well. For the first time, he felt ready to step into a new chapter of his life.

Viona sat silently for a moment as she saw the news. An official announcement about the wedding date of Frans and Calista was clearly displayed on her phone screen.

Her heart did race a bit, but strangely, she didn't feel as much pain as she had imagined. There was certainly a feeling of shock—after all, this was someone who had once meant so much in her life. But after everything that had happened, she realized that this was the path they were destined to take.

Suddenly, her phone was taken from her hands.

"Don't look at news like this in the morning," Steve's voice came from beside her, relaxed as usual. He placed Viona's phone on the table and handed her a cup of warm tea. "Better to start your day with something better. Like this tea."

Viona turned to find Steve looking at her with a calm expression. That gaze not only calmed her but also reminded her that she wasn't alone.

She smiled faintly and took the cup. "You always show up at the right time, don't you?"

Steve shrugged. "Musician's instinct," he said lightly, then sat down next to her. "Or maybe I've just seen you face a lot of tough things. This time, I just want to make sure you're okay."

Viona stared at her tea for a moment, then let out a soft sigh. "I'm shocked, but I'm alright," she finally said. "I thought it would hurt more… but it turns out I feel more relieved."

Steve watched her expression for a few seconds before smiling. "That means you've really moved on, Vi."

Viona nodded. Yes, maybe this was the moment. The moment where she could truly close the old chapter of her life and open a new one. Moreover, this time, she wasn't alone. Steve was by her side.

Steve looked at Viona, who now seemed more at ease. There was something in her gaze that was different, as if the burden that had tormented her was slowly beginning to fade away.

"So… where to today, Miss Viona?" Steve asked playfully. "Or do you want me to cook something special for you?"

Viona laughed lightly. "Why do you always keep telling me to eat?"

"Because you're a medical student who often forgets to eat," Steve replied while leaning back in his chair. "And because I'm a great cook."

Viona smiled. "I'll take your word for that."

They spent a few minutes chatting lightly before Viona finally placed her tea cup on the table. "Steve," she called softly.

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

Steve turned with slightly raised eyebrows. "For what?"

"For staying here," Viona answered gently. "For not leaving me like the others."

A smile appeared on Steve's face, but this time it was warmer than usual. "I never intended to leave you, Vi."

Viona's heart warmed at hearing that response.

Suddenly, Steve's phone vibrated on the table. He glanced at it briefly, seemed to think for a moment, then finally picked it up. "Hello? Oh, yeah, Theresia? What's up?"

Viona watched as Steve now wore a curious expression.

"Sharone?" Steve repeated the name, causing Viona to perk up her ears.

Steve paused for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, I'll head over now."

Once the call was over, Viona immediately asked, "What's going on with Sharone?"

Steve sighed, putting his phone in his pocket, then stood up. "She's leaving for Australia today."

Viona also stood up. "Wait… she's really going?"

Steve nodded. "Looks like it. I need to see her before she leaves."

Viona looked at him for a few seconds before finally smiling faintly. "Go ahead."

Steve looked at her, as if checking for something, before finally smiling back. "I'll be back," he promised before grabbing his jacket and stepping out.

Viona gazed at the now-closed door. There was something in her heart that felt different—not jealousy, not fear. Just a feeling that maybe, something was changing in their lives.

In the taxi heading to the airport, Steve looked out the window with mixed thoughts. It felt strange knowing that Sharone would be leaving just like that after all they had been through. Their relationship had indeed grown distant for a long time, but still… there was a strange feeling that was hard to explain.

Once he arrived at the airport, he immediately spotted Theresia standing near the entrance to the departure terminal, her face slightly anxious.

"Has she gone in?" Steve asked as he approached.

Theresia shook her head. "She's still in the café, seems like she's waiting to board."

Steve let out a sigh of relief. "Okay, I'll go meet her."

Theresia looked at him hesitantly. "Steve..."

Steve turned. "Hmm?"

"I don't know why, but… I feel like Sister Sharone is really ready to go this time," Theresia said softly. "She doesn't look sad; she actually looks… relieved."

Steve fell silent. Those words seemed to affirm something he had known all along but had never wanted to admit.

Finally, he stepped into the café and easily found Sharone sitting in a corner, sipping her coffee calmly.

Steve walked over and sat in front of her. "So, you really are leaving today?"

Sharone looked up and smiled faintly. "Hey, you came."

"Of course," Steve replied. "I wouldn't let you leave without saying goodbye."

Sharone sighed, gazing at her coffee for a moment before saying, "I thought you wouldn't come."

Steve smiled wryly. "I almost didn't."

They both fell silent. There was something between them—not awkwardness, but more like an understanding that didn't need to be spoken.

"So, is this it?" Steve asked.

Sharone nodded. "Yes. I think this is what's best for both of us."

Steve looked deeply at her. "Are you really okay?"

Sharone smiled. "I thought I would be sad, but it turns out… I don't feel like I've lost anything."

Steve chuckled lightly. "Very honest."

Sharone shrugged. "I'm just being honest, Steve. We haven't really fought for each other in a long time, and I think we both realize that."

Steve couldn't disagree. He knew Sharone was right.

After a few seconds of silence, Sharone looked at him with a sincere smile. "I hope you can find your happiness too, Steve."

Steve smiled faintly. "You too, Sharone."

Sharone stood up, grabbed her bag, then looked at Steve one last time before saying, "Take care."

Steve nodded. "You too."

Sharone walked away, leaving Steve still sitting in his place. He watched her back as she moved further away until she eventually disappeared into the crowd.

That was when Steve realized something—this farewell was indeed meant to happen. There was no tight feeling, no painful sense of loss. All that was there was relief, like a burden that had finally been lifted from his shoulders.

He took out his phone, opened Viona's contact, and typed a message.

"I've met Sharone. I'll be home shortly. Where are you?"

A few seconds later, a reply came in.

"I'm at home. Drive safely."

Steve smiled faintly, then put his phone back in his pocket and stood up. As he stepped out of the airport, he felt lighter than before.

Today, something in his life had truly changed.