That afternoon, the evening sun peeked out of the reddish sky. Its soft light fell on the Irwan Family's house. The large and luxurious house was one of the oldest houses built in Jakarta. The walls were made of gray stone and designed in an ancient style.
This house had been the main household of the Irwan family for generations. All the guests who came to visit were always amazed by the garden in the front yard of the house. The garden was well kept and looked elegant, but what attracted guests' attention more was the passageway of the vines.
The path leading to the house was given a semi-circular fence. The fence was overgrown with vines, making passersby feel like they were in a natural passage. When the vines were in bloom, the scenery was very beautiful.
The servants of the house were busy with preparations for the evening's event. Although Janice—Leila's mother— said that she was just going to prepare dinner, the dishes were more like a festivity. That's why all the servants were busy working non-stop.
The sound of a high heel knocked across the cobbled paths of the park caught everyone's attention. The servants turned towards the source of the voice.
"Ah, Miss Leila." Greeted one of the male servants with a smile, "Is there anything I can help you with?"
The young lady was not only loved by her family. All the servants also loved her like their own child. For them, Leila was the most ideal employer.
Leila smiled back at the maid. She was wearing a snow-white dress that reached her knees. Combined with a jet black cardigan, her appearance looked cute and fashionable, "I'm looking for Grandpa Simon. Do you know where Grandpa is?" She asked.
"Ah, Master is in the pavilion as usual. He doesn't want to be disturbed, but I'm sure he will be happy to see you." The maid answered.
Leila nodded, "Then, I'll go and meet him. Thank you!" She said without forgetting to smile sweetly.
The maid bowed and was about to carry on with her duties, but Leila's gaze fell on the guest list in her hands.
"Ah, wait a minute." Leila immediately stopped the maid, "Is that the guest list for tonight's event?" She asked.
The man nodded as he said, "Yes, we are adjusting the seating position of the guests."
"Please show me the contents!" Leila asked. Without waiting for the maid's reply, she immediately grabbed the list. As she flipped through the list of names, Leila asked, "Have you invited Brother Mike?"
Suddenly, her eyes caught an unexpected name. Leila's hand movements stopped as she reread the name several dozen times.
The waiter just smiled ambiguously. He and the other servants found out about Leila's overreaching love for Mike Austin, "Of course. The Austin brothers and his wife were invited. They confirmed that they would be there tonight." The maid replied.
Even after hearing that, Leila's expression didn't change. She continued to stare at the names on the list, as if looking at it was enough to change the contents. The servant looked at Leila and said, "Miss, don't worry. We will only add guest names to this list when the guest has confirmed their presence."
"Ohh, I see." Leila said, but her expression didn't change. She returned the list, then turned around and went back into the house.
"Miss Leila?" The servant called her, feeling confused, "You will not find the Big Master in the house!"
"It's okay, I just remembered that there is something I have to do before seeing him." Leila said calmly.
However, after she was far enough from the servants, Leila's expression changed. She gritted her teeth as she remembered the names of the married couple who were visiting tonight.
*****
It was half past six in the evening when Lilia and Jean's car entered the Irwan family house. The security guard at the gate seemed hesitant to let them in, but Jean's identity made the guard relented.
Lilia stared out the window wondering if the attitude of the maids in this house was as bad as the security guard. But that thought was immediately forgotten when Lilia looked at the front yard of the house. The atmosphere around the house was so calm and comfortable that it made Lilia forget they were still in Jakarta.
Jean sat beside Lilia and folded his legs casually. As their car slowly stopped in front of the steps, the man asked, "Do you like this house?"
Lilia turned her head and smiled broadly, "I like it very much!" She was being honest with her answer, "When we get old, let's find a house like this. We can drink tea in peace, feed the birds, and also take care of the garden. I'm sure a quiet life like that will be really fun!" Lilia was chattering.
Before Jean could answer, the man's cell phone suddenly rang.
"Sister Claire? What's wrong?"
Hearing Jean's words, Lilia turned to him. She didn't know what Claire was saying on the phone, but the man seemed to be listening attentively.
Jean replied, "Very well, I'll be right at your place."
When Jean lowered his cellphone, Lilia immediately asked, "Did something happen? Is Claire all right?"
Jean nodded, "Just take it easy, she's fine."
Just as Lilia was about to sigh, Jean continued his words.
"Leila suddenly fell ill."
*****
When it was six in the evening, Lilia and Jean's car stopped in front of the Austin Family house.
Along the way there, Jean tried to find out more details about Leila's current condition. But he only received news that the woman was rushed to a nearby hospital because her health had suddenly deteriorated. The dinner was also canceled because of it.
Luckily, Claire and Andrew hadn't left when they received a call from the Irwan Family yet. Jean's sister immediately called her brother and told him to come to their house alone for dinner. The news about Leila falling ill shocked them all.
A waiter opened the car door for Lilia and Jean. Another servant immediately escorted them into the house.
"Where's Sister Claire?" Jean asked the waiter. His stern tone made him sound like the owner of the house.
If Lilia had heard this conversation before she really knew Jean, she would definitely think of him as an arrogant man. But now Lilia knew that was the way Jean usually spoke.
"Mrs. Claire is cooking in the kitchen. She has instructed me to escort you all to the living room." The maid replied.
Jean nodded and followed the maid without asking any further. He reached out, then took Lilia's hand as he walked. That action made Lilia's face flush red, but the woman tightened her hand while smiling happily.
When the two of them entered the living room, they saw Mike relaxing on the sofa. The young man's two feet were raised on the table and his hands were busy playing with his cell phone.
"Young Master Mike." The servant scolded while frowning.
Mike looked up from his cell phone, but he ignored the servant's critical gaze at him. He greeted Jean with, "Young Master Jean."" but Mike just nodded at Lilia.
The woman looked at Mike curiously, but Andrew's younger brother had returned to focus on his game. Since they first met, Mike had never addressed her politely. But Mike himself was not someone who would be gentle with the opposite sex.
As they were exchanging greetings, Claire emerged from the kitchen.
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