Indra in some way managed to arrange for Rica to get a new driver the next day—a woman. The bad news was that she barely talked and couldn’t be pried open about her personal life.
Rica, determined to be friendly and chatty as a good friend would, found her efforts completely ineffective with Claire. Rica couldn’t even believe that was her real name. At campus, Rica still didn’t know what Claire looked like since she wore sunglasses and spoke in a very formal tone.
“Ugh, this is a mess. I’d rather have Amri,” Rica grumbled, watching the car drive away.
They had exchanged phone numbers earlier; Rica only needed to text when it was time to be picked up. Claire wouldn’t stray far. Perhaps she was from some security agency or something similar—Rica didn’t bother to understand.
“Whatever.” She walked off, heading to her morning class.
Her days became peaceful because no one dared to bother her anymore. Rica interacted with people as needed, only asking about assignments or greeting them casually. Boredom crept in.
That afternoon, Rica daydreamed during the ride home. Claire was punctual, opening the door for Rica and driving calmly. She was stricter and more formal than Amri, instructing Rica to sit in the back for safety reasons and to maintain distance. Rica complied without protest, just as she had that morning.
“Where to go, Miss?” Claire asked.
“Home, obviously. Where else?” Rica replied lazily.
The car exited the campus area, merging into the never-empty city streets. Rica stared out the window, occasionally sighing deeply.
“Mr. Indra said I could take you to the mall or elsewhere, but I must accompany you, and you can’t come home late.”
“Oh, really? Hmm, in that case… let’s go to the hospital.” A grin spread across Rica’s face.
She provided the address of the hospital where Bisma was staying. Claire navigated through shortcuts and reached the destination quickly.
Rica breathed a sigh of relief. That meant she was allowed to go out as long as Claire stayed with her. Okay, Rica made a mental note to make the most of this opportunity. Before arriving, she bought some fruit for Bisma—it would be embarrassing to show up empty-handed.
For the first time since leaving the hospital, Rica felt truly happy. She smiled and greeted everyone she passed in the lobby and corridors.
Claire followed her every step like a shadow. Rica, however, paid little attention to the stiff woman as she focused on visiting Bisma.
In front of Bisma’s VIP room, Rica paused to eavesdrop, wary that he might already have visitors—especially female ones.
“All clear,” Rica whispered to herself.
Inside, she only heard Sigi scolding Bisma for not eating regularly despite being unwell. Rica knocked softly and waited for Sigi’s permission before entering.
Rica glanced at Claire, who instinctively stepped aside, knowing not to follow her in. Rica opened the door and greeted Sigi with a sweet smile.
“How are you, Ca? Feeling better?” Sigi took the fruit parcel and kissed Rica’s cheeks in a warm greeting.
“I’m fine, thank you. How about you?”
“I’m good, but I’m not okay seeing my brother skip meals for two days straight,” Sigi complained, placing the fruit on a nearby table.
Rica turned her attention to Bisma, who averted his gaze, fixating on a bird perched on the window. An iceberg—how could she possibly melt it? Rica wondered if Bisma resented her because she was Priska’s sister. Maybe it was hard for him to look at Rica without being reminded of Priska.
A phone call interrupted them. Sigi excused herself to take it, leaving Bisma and Rica alone. What should she do now?
“Would you like an orange or an apple? I can peel one for you,” Rica offered.
“No need,” Bisma replied, still avoiding her gaze, his eyes fixed on the view outside.
Ignoring him, Rica picked up both fruits and stood in front of him, blocking his view of the window. Internally, she grumbled, “Seriously, he hasn’t eaten properly for two days. I’ll make sure he’s full now!”
Just look at him—his face looked gaunter and paler than the last time she’d seen him before heading home. Rica couldn’t let this go; she wanted to care for him.
“You know, you don’t have to do this,” Bisma finally spoke, looking straight into her eyes.
“Too bad, because I want to, even if you don’t,” Rica replied.
“Why?”
“Because I like you,” Rica confessed boldly, disregarding how embarrassing it might be.
Bisma smirked. “What nonsense is this? Don’t pity me. Everyone knows I can’t walk or use my hands for now.”
Rica pressed her lips together and shook her head slightly. “Kak, orange or apple?” she insisted.
“I want you to leave,” Bisma shot back.
“I’m not leaving. I’m staying right here,” Rica countered.
“Then why are you dating the CEO of Fast Cargo?”
-- The End --