Hot Night With CEO

Before heading to the hospital, Fahira and Ariel had a brief argument because Ariel wanted to bring his motorcycle to save time and expenses, while Fahira insisted on her decision. Fahira would not allow Ariel to ride his motorcycle until he was declared fully recovered by Dr. Gavin. Fahira didn’t want to take any risks that could jeopardize her brother’s recovery.

Throughout the journey, Ariel carefully observed Fahira, who seemed restless. Ariel was sure something was bothering his sister. Fahira remained silent and looked outside the window.

“Sis, is there something bothering you?” Ariel finally dared to ask, reaching for Fahira’s hand and holding it. Ariel felt like he had been a burden to Fahira all this time.

“There’s nothing, little brother. I’m just tired,” Fahira replied, smiling while squeezing Ariel’s hand in return.

“Why have you never dated, sis? You’re beautiful, smart, and kind. Don’t close yourself off too much. I’m sure there are many guys out there who like you, but you just don’t notice,” Ariel expressed his curiosity. As far as Ariel knew, his sister had never been close to any man.

Gavin’s presence had motivated Ariel to bridge the gap between them. He simply wanted to see Fahira happy with someone who truly loved her. And Ariel could clearly see that Gavin had feelings for his sister for a long time. Since Ariel was diagnosed with arrhythmia, Gavin often asked about Fahira whenever there was an opportunity, especially after Ariel’s heart surgery. Gavin would frequently send messages to make sure Fahira got home on time from work.

“Sis, you don’t need a boyfriend, but you need a gentleman who directly proposes marriage to you,” Fahira said, smiling.

After reassuring Ariel with those comforting words, Fahira resumed looking outside the window. Her heart felt heavy, accompanying a cluster of raindrops that followed the taxi carrying her. Of course, it was just a dream, an unrealized dream that shattered even before it began. What could she be proud of as a woman who was no longer pure like herself? Hoping for a good man to propose marriage was like chasing a mirage.

Fahira took a deep sigh, recalling Darian’s behavior towards her. There was no way Darian could fall in love with a simple girl like her. She couldn’t deny that she had been thinking about Darian all the time. However, Fahira tried to suppress the feelings that were beginning to stir in her heart. Darian’s apologies and promises made her uneasy. Could Darian truly love her, or was it just to atone for his sins?

Gradually, the taxi they were in entered the Medika Center hospital compound. After paying the fare, they headed to the hospital’s lobby to get the patient queue number Fahira had reserved earlier over the phone. “Let’s go!” Fahira invited Ariel after receiving the patient queue number and went to Dr. Gavin’s practice room.

After waiting for one patient to leave, Fahira and Ariel were called to enter the blue and white room. The ‘Dr. Gavin Permana, Sp. JP’ name tag on his desk clearly indicated the profession of the handsome bespectacled doctor who was currently examining Ariel seriously. This afternoon, Dr. Gavin looked different, dressed in a more casual and relaxed manner. He wore a navy blue collared t-shirt without a tie, paired with black jeans. He left his white coat hanging on the back of the chair. Fahira couldn’t help but notice all of these details while Dr. Gavin repeatedly asked his assistant to prepare the equipment.

“Thank God, Ariel is healthy,” Gavin said, taking a seat again.

“Alhamdulillah,” Fahira replied with teary eyes. She caressed Ariel’s head, who was now sitting next to her, affectionately.

“But Ariel still needs to take the medication until it’s finished, and if there are any complaints, you can contact me directly or come to the hospital,” Gavin continued, writing down some prescriptions for Ariel.

“Miss Fahira,” Gavin paused, raising his face to look at Fahira. “Ariel must consume nutritious and balanced food. Avoid high-cholesterol and saturated fat foods. No strenuous activities for now, alright!” Gavin added with a smile.

“Can I go back to school, Doc?” Ariel asked because he was getting bored after two weeks of doing nothing at home.

“Of course, but for the time being, please refrain from participating in basketball extracurriculars and riding your motorcycle!” Gavin replied, a request that Ariel immediately agreed to. Ariel had told Gavin that he used to be the captain of the basketball team at his school before his heart condition affected his health and body.

“Alright, Doc. I promise to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, then. Thank you so much. Now, we’ll take our leave!” Fahira said as she reached for the prescription on the table.

“I’ll walk you home; Ariel happens to be my last patient today!” Gavin took the prescription from Fahira’s hand. He had intentionally scheduled only three patients this evening just to have a chance to meet Fahira.

“Mbak Dita, please take care of everything. I’m leaving now!” Gavin instructed his assistant.

“Sure, Doctor!” Dita replied, tidying up the medical equipment that had just been used and returning it to its place.

“But, Doc, we can go home by ourselves!” Fahira tried to decline, but Ariel intervened with a meaningful smile. “It’s okay, Sis. Our homes are in the same direction. Besides, it’s Sunday night, and there’s usually heavy traffic at this hour,” Ariel assured Fahira.

“Let’s go!” Gavin invited, leading the way, followed by Fahira and Ariel.

“We can go home by ourselves!” Fahira whispered, holding Ariel’s arm tightly as she glared at her suddenly annoying brother.

“Doctor, are you sure it won’t be a bother?” Ariel asked, trying to reassure Fahira, who seemed a bit sulky.

“Of course not! I’ll be happy to accompany you!” Gavin responded, switching to walking beside Fahira while looking at her gently.

Ariel, who could read the meaning behind Gavin’s gaze at Fahira, quickly came up with an idea to give them some time alone.

“Oh, by the way, sis, I need to use the restroom!” Ariel excused himself after they arrived at the hospital pharmacy waiting area to collect the prescribed medication.

“Don’t take too long, little brother!” Fahira replied in annoyance because she knew Ariel intentionally left them alone. And it seemed like the universe was supporting Ariel’s plan as heavy rain suddenly poured down. While waiting for the prescription and the rain to ease, they talked. The awkwardness Fahira had felt earlier was beginning to fade away. In Fahira’s opinion, Gavin was a pleasant, friendly, and polite man. It was evident from how he responded to the greetings of nurses and hospital staff who happened to pass by, although Fahira knew that some of those nurses were looking at her with inquisitive eyes.

Ariel intentionally lingered in another chair far from Fahira and Gavin, waiting for Fahira’s phone to ring before he rejoined them.

Finally, Gavin relented when Fahira insisted on going home. However, halfway there, Gavin stopped his car at a simple eatery.

“Why are we stopping here, Doc?” Fahira asked, looking at Ariel to signal him to decline Gavin’s invitation. But instead of helping Fahira, Ariel pretended not to understand.

“Come on, join me for dinner, then I’ll take you home afterward!” Gavin replied, wrapping his arm around Fahira, which made her close her eyes and hold her breath, feeling his masculine scent enveloping her. Unlike Darian’s sexy and provocative scent, Gavin’s scent was more calming, with hints of citrus and woody notes.

Click. The sound of Fahira unbuckling her seatbelt made her able to breathe again. Ariel, who had been observing the interaction between his sister and her doctor, couldn’t help but suppress a mischievous smile.

Darian, on the other hand, found himself at the muay thai studio. It was a place for him to release his frustrations and emotions whenever he faced problems. Apart from Fahira’s rejection, his bodyguard and friend, whom he usually sparred with, were unreachable at the moment. As a result, the punching bag became the target of his anger. After feeling somewhat relieved, Darian changed into fresh clothes and headed to where his heart was trapped.

Darian remained silent in his car, gazing at the Mawar Apartment building. An hour passed before he finally decided to see Fahira, even though he knew he would probably face rejection again. Just as he opened his car door, a white Fortuner that he recognized stopped not far from his parked car. His jaw tightened, his fists clenched when he saw three people getting out of the car. Darian’s anger flared as he saw Fahira giving a wide smile and waving at Gavin, a smile he had never received from her.

Blinded by jealousy, Darian quickly started his car’s engine and left the place. He could barely contain his urge to attack Gavin, who was his own cousin.

Darian arrived in front of a two-story building with colorful lights, the J-Rock Night Club. Loud DJ music dominated every corner. Darian chose a seat in front of the bartender and ordered his favorite drink. Erick, who noticed his friend’s arrival, approached Darian.

“What’s wrong with you again?” Erick said, patting Darian’s shoulder before sitting beside him. Darian merely gave Erick a cynical look before continuing to sip his drink.

Erick let out a deep sigh, observing Darian’s disheveled appearance while pondering many things. He had been friends with Darian for a long time, but when it came to personal matters, Darian was very closed off, never expressing his feelings, not even when he was drunk. Finally, Erick decided to accompany Darian and kept refilling his glass until Darian seemed satisfied.

“I’ll head back now, alright?” Darian excused himself, getting up from his seat. He stumbled a bit because he was quite drunk.

Nagita approached to help Darian, but Erick quickly stopped her. “It’s better if you leave, Git. His mood is not good right now,” Erick warned her as he helped Darian to stand. Erick grabbed his phone from his pants pocket and called David.

“Damn!” Erick cursed because David’s phone was turned off.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“It’s strange that the damn bodyguard can’t be reached!” grumbled Erick as he put his phone back into his pocket.

“I’ll manage on my own. You can go!” Darian let go of Erick’s hand and walked towards the exit with a wobbly gait. Erick, feeling worried, followed Darian until they reached his car. Darian was still sitting in the driver’s seat, with his legs hanging outside

, when he grabbed a bottle of mineral water and poured it over his face.

Erick’s smile widened as he witnessed his friend’s behavior, then he went back inside the club, feeling relieved that Darian would make it home safely.

Fahira, who had fallen asleep in her bed, was disturbed by a series of knocks on her door. Fahira grabbed her phone from the nightstand and glanced at the clock, which showed 2:00 AM. Instantly, she was wide awake. Her drowsiness vanished, replaced by fear.

“Who could be visiting at this hour?” Fahira mumbled as she got up from the bed. She noticed that Ariel’s room door was still locked. Maybe due to the effects of the medication, Ariel didn’t hear the knocks.

Fahira tried to think positively. Who would be knocking on her door at this hour? Perhaps it was a colleague from work or a neighbor who had to visit during the break time.

Click, click. It took two turns for the door lock to fully open. While reciting a prayer, Fahira opened the door. Her body froze when she saw the man who had occupied her thoughts standing there.

“Fahira!”