Because I Don't Want to Lose
35 - Rivals

Although Izzar asked Anaya not to care about Ridwan's behavior to Naira and focus more attention on eliminating the trauma, Anaya still did not lose her curiosity. He secretly asked Mba Kemi in his room. The simple woman could not tell much. He only knew from the previous night, Ridwan and his wife had already started to quarrel. And that Sunday morning, while he was preparing Naira's breakfast, suddenly a bigger commotion broke out, making Naira cry in fear.

"Take a taxi, take Naira home. I was scared too" said Mba Kemi.

"You guys don't say goodbye? ask Anaya.

"Pamples. But Mr. Ridwan was silent. His wife is the same."

"Do you know what they're fighting about?" search Anaya.

"I think it's about infidelity."

"Well! Who's cheating?" Anaya enthusiastically wants to know. Though he often warned Mba Kemi not to interfere in the affairs of others.

"The wife is Mr. Ridwan." Mba Kemi whispered.

Anaya surprised. But, no wonder also if it happened considering its history of disturbing the household Anaya and Ridwan first.

"Just about the inheritance" whispered Mba Kemi again.

Anaya's eyes grew. He will only ask Mba Kemi to tell more details, but was interrupted because Izzar called him. Soon Anaya jumped out.

"What are you doing?" tanya Izzar suspiciously saw Anaya emerge from the door of Mba Kemi's room. "Already gossiping?"

"Nga! I was gonna change the money Mba Kemi made to pay for the cab." Anaya.

Izzar knew Anaya wasn't just replacing Mba Kemi's money. But he refused to dispute.

"I'm going to your house. You should come too, check what is lacking and choose the color of the paint."

"Why aren't you the only one who scoffs and chooses?" ask Anaya. Her body was a little tired.

"Why ah! Later if I choose wrongly, it has been protested, pouted anyway." Izzar refused.

"But I'm tired! Sleepy too!" Anaya dropped her body on the sofa.

"So you want to stay home?" Izzar.

"Yes." Yeah." Anaya nodded.

"Hm... Are you comfortable and comfortable with this house?" Izzar smiled and sat down next to Anaya.

"That's so good!" Anaya denies.

"Yes, let's go! Just for a second."

"But I'm really sleepy."

Anaya hugged Izzar's arm and rested her head on his shoulder. Eyes closed. Gentle Izzar kissed her hair. Warm feelings rule the hearts of both.

"Hey! What are you two doing?! Dating huh?!?

Anaya and Izzar were shocked. In front of them stood Naira. The little boy was on his waist with fierce eyes and face staring at the two alternately. Her tiny lips tapered, ready to bluff again. For a moment Anaya seemed to be a teenager who was caught by her judes mother while making out with her boyfriend.

"Mom can't take my girlfriend, yeah!" Naira went forward urgently stretching the distance between Anaya and Izzar.

"Whose girlfriend are you?" Anaya shifted her seat. Leave room for the child to interject sitting in the middle.

"This is my boyfriend!" Naira pointed to Izzar. "There! Don't come near!"

"Ih! How are you so possessive?" Anaya stands up as Naira keeps pushing her away.

Izzar laughed loudly at the behavior of two women nearby. He beckoned Anaya to give up.

Anaya remembered her childhood. He used to think his father was his girlfriend, in the sense of the most beloved man on earth. He also often considered his mother his toughest rival in getting his father's attention. Just like Naira is today.

Having a good and loving father will certainly have a positive impact on the formation of girls' personalities. Anaya felt. And, he was grateful there was Izzar in Naira's life now. As a counterweight to Ridwan's behavior and attitude that often ignores him.

Anaya took a long breath. Realizing her ex-husband, she did not reply to his messages and phone.

The next day in his office workspace, he discusses Ridwan's actions with Sandra.

"Naira's just abandoned, San."

Sandra shook her head in disbelief. "Why don't you try calling her again?"

"Religious. Lazy. But, if he's going to pick up Naira later this weekend, I won't love him!" promise Anaya.

"Leave it, Nay. Maybe he's stressed. I don't know about his wife, which I hear, he won't get the inheritance he expects. His father's company even his info most of his shares will be sold, not bequeathed entirely to him."

"I told you already. One of her father's lawyers has a crush on me."

Anaya tried to remember who Sandra meant.

Have you seen Mr Arsyad?"

Aih! Anaya patted her eel. "I forgot!"

"Come, Nay! You're his favorite son-in-law" Sandra said.

"Former son-in-law!" Anaya confirmed his status for Mr. Arsyad now.

"Yes, I know!... But you are still his favorite. If you're still married to Ridwan, I'm sure, the company will be handed over to you."

"Come! Worryingly. Don't want me."

Anaya's phone rang. Izzar sent her a message asking her out alone later tonight. Anaya smiled to herself. Without realizing it, Sandra noticed the change in her face.

"Hm... Someone is blooming apparently. Until he smiles to himself."

Anaya blushed.

"Message from whom?" ask Sandra.

"Izzar." Anaya can't lie.

"Why him?" Sandra really wants to know.

"Neo ngedate." Anaya put her phone on the table.

"What?" Sandra laughs. "Seriously?"

Anaya nodded, which prompted Sandra's laughter to grow louder.

"Want Tristan you're cuekin. He called me back and forth. Please persuade you to give me another chance."

"Don't you want me to be like that ngaco guy." Anaya pressed her shoulders.

"Well, what do the cans do if there's gold in hand, right?" Sandra blinked one eye.

"Kan, you said Izzar was good?" Anaya doesn't want to be insulted.

"Indeed. Before, if your marriage contract was up and you let go!... Baby you're waking up." Sandra seemed to be sorry.

"That means you're a rival to Naira. The kid already thinks Izzar's his girlfriend."  Anaya adds to Sandra's defeat.

"Duh! That Naira, small tastes are good too."

"Not in that sense, San. Naira needs a father figure who is really sincere affectionate with her. You know for yourself how Ridwan. While Izzar was very considerate of Naira." Anaya.

"I get it, Anaya." Sandra smile. "So, your contract means nothing now?"

"Yes, you could say that."

"Ciyeee..." Sandra teases.

Then there was a knock at the door. Their inbound marketing staff brought in a stack of draft drafts of event proposals that Anaya and Sandra had to examine before they were approved. The two alternated checking.

"Hey! You have to accept this!" Sandra pulled out a map. "You're the only one who can handle the Boss' mother with her."

Anaya received and opened a file containing plans for soft launching events as well as marketing for luxury apartment construction. Reading the name of his company, Anaya immediately knew what was meant by Bu Erlina. He kept reading. But, then unconsciously threw it back towards Sandra.

"Just you!"

"Byeah! Wh why? I can't do it, Nay! Miss Erlina likes you!" Sandra tried to refuse.

"It's not Miss Erlina who's in charge!"

"Who?" Sandra took the map that Anaya threw.

"Niece. Sassica. His ex-fiance Izzar.

Anaya's heart rumbled. He did not want to be near the woman again, let alone handle a job from her.

...***...