Charlos removed his hand from Rissa's waist, then took a step back. Rissa's eyes widened, her face turned pale like a surprised child after breaking a flower vase.
The bride and groom have reached their peak event. They ended the dance with a wedding kiss on a swivel stage that rose more than a meter high. It looks so lively, decorated with fountain fireworks around the stage. Convertible papers were strewn everywhere, and loud applause filled the room.
Charlos froze; something sharp seemed to stab into his chest. His actions tonight could be a betrayal of Reva. Why is he dancing with Rissa and not with Reva? However, Reva wasn't here.
Charlos just wanted to have some fun. It would be nice to be alone with Reva, but he also wanted to be alone with Rissa. The hand he was holding was the hand of a woman he had only just met, but it was also very captivating.
Whatever he did with Rissa was easy. Charlos doesn't have to think hard when doing anything when he's with Rissa, unlike with Reva. His heart protested so loudly.
This heart has belonged to Reva. Charlos had promised not to hurt Reva again. So, he had to stop all this right now.
"I'm sorry," Charlos said. "I shouldn't have forced you to dance. It's my fault."
"It's not your false," answered Rissa in a rather loud voice to compensate for the applause and cheers. "I'm glad that I could dance with you."
Charlos looked down and fell silent. Rissa's hand seemed to want to grab Charlos, but she didn't dare to do it.
This time, Charlos felt like he had plunged back into his past that was so different from his current view. However, his body is still here with his changed heart.
"I'd better go home," said Rissa in a normal voice after a minute had passed. "It's getting late. Now, it's not even twelve o'clock, but I really have to go. Thank you for making me feel like a Cinderella. I'm going home first. See you later."
Her eyes still looked sadly at Charlos, who was arguing with himself. Rissa seemed to expect Charlos to prevent her from leaving. Finally, the woman left with clumsy steps.
A husband and wife, whom Charlos knew were owners of a famous Chinese food restaurant, approached him and wanted to say hello. However, before they got any closer, Charlos took a thousand steps.
Charlos hoped Rissa hadn't gone too far. He felt that he was foolish. He had liked Reva for a long time. It was not easy for him to share his heart with others.
Rissa only touched his heart for a moment; it didn't mean she had snatched it. Charlos does not need to deepen his relationship with Rissa. The woman didn't need to know the truth because they were still co-workers. Therefore, Charlos had to explain something to her.
Charlos rushed to the elevator doors. Too bad Rissa seems to have come down. An elevator next to it opened. Charlos got in there and pressed button one. The elevator went straight to the first floor without stopping.
Charlos walked down the corridor. The atmosphere on the first floor was not too crowded. Maybe most of the guests had come and filled the reception room. He met Rendra, who was conversing with the security guard there.
"Rendra! Have you seen Rissa?" Charlos asked breathlessly.
"Miss Carissa took her coat and went there," Rendra pointed towards the parking lot. "I didn't have time to ask—"
Charlos immediately moved before Rendra finished his sentence. He could see Rissa easily from a distance because of her red dress. Her footsteps weren't as graceful as when she was in the middle of a party. It looked like she was stomping her feet with every step.
Charlos was approaching her. Suddenly, Rissa's leg slipped. Quickly, Charlos caught her body. His other hand supported Rissa's head so she wouldn't hit the wall.
"Are you okay?" asked Charlos.
Rissa's face was shocked. Why is she even looking at his face like that? That isn't very pleasant. Luckily, their faces weren't too close because something could get out of control again.
Charlos helped Rissa to balance her body. Her hair clip came off. Secretly, Charlos grabbed it then put it in his coat pocket without Rissa knowing.
"I'm fine," answered Rissa as she adjusted the skirt of her dress which was exposed, showing most of her smooth legs. "Why you are here?"
Charlos chuckled. "You're welcome. If I wasn't here, your head would have hit the wall and your white thighs would have been a spectacle for everyone."
Rissa was immediately embarrassed. "Thank you." That was all that came out of her mouth.
Charlos looked at her worriedly. "Are you really okay? I can take you home if you don't mind. I don't mean to be rude, but a woman like you comes home alone at night, aren't you afraid?"
Rissa looked at Charlos as if she was thinking about something. Her face still looks awkward. "I came here in the office car. If I don't come back, the driver will look for me. So, you don't have to bother driving me home. Really. I'm fine. Thank you."
There was nothing more Charlos could say. Rissa is right. He couldn't keep the driver waiting. Thankfully, there was a driver to take her home. At least, Charlos didn't need to be hard to explain anything to her tonight.
Rissa nodded to say goodbye. Then, she descended the parking lot and disappeared around the corner. Charlos started thinking, why wasn't the car parked inside the hotel? Is it because the parking space at the hotel is not wide enough?
Curious, Charlos walked downstairs, and he found the answer. What a lying woman. What office car, by the way? He saw Rissa was opening the door of the taxi and got into it. Now, Charlos feels guilty for letting Rissa go home alone in a taxi.
Charlos decided not to return to the party. It's better to go home. So, he walked towards the parking lot. His head was full of various thoughts.
He thought of Reva. They were supposed to meet today, but Charlos forced to cancel their meeting. He really regretted it.
However, it would be good if they didn't meet today. Charlos always felt guilty whenever he was with Reva. He was also worried if someone saw his togetherness with Reva.
His heart almost doubted his true identity. However, once again, Charlos made it clear in his heart that Reva was still his choice. Reva wouldn't leave him as Esther did.
Now, Charlos only had to find the right time to confess his feelings to Reva. His mind must be more focused so that he no longer has time to glance at other women.
***
From a distance, Reva saw everything. Reva felt so sad and disappointed. It was easy for Charlos to have a wedding party partner, but so hard to make time for them.
The young woman didn't seem to know she was dealing with who. If Charlos really prefers that woman, Reva will not remain silent. Charlos couldn't be with that woman.
Time and time again, Reva tries to stop pursuing a forbidden and impossible love to unite. It made Reva's heart feel so sore, and did not accept what Charlos had done with that woman.
Reva was sure that Charlos also had the same feelings. So, why did things seem so difficult for the two of them?
Furious, Reva decides to continue to get Charlos's attention until Charlos decides for himself who he will set his heart.