Sophia was very surprised to see Alcand suddenly coming to the flower shop. It was still too early for them to meet, and Alcand himself had said he would come to the shop around ten in the afternoon. But it was still eight in the morning and Alcand was already at the shop. What's going on?
"Hey... weren't you here at ten?" Sophia reminded.
Alcand nodded, confirming what Sophia said. He was supposed to come at ten in the afternoon, but because he couldn't help himself, Alcand came early. To see how far Sophia's preparations for the café had come.
Sion cleared his throat to realize his position, "You know each other?"
"Oh my, Dad, I forgot to tell you that Alcand is asking me to work with him," explained Sophia, who had completely forgotten about the partnership they had discussed a week ago.
"What kind of partnership? Open a flower shop again?"
Alcand shook his head, and he took over what Sophia was supposed to explain. Initially, Alcand wanted to open a flower shop because Alcand himself also likes flowers. But seeing Sophia's complete and crowded flower shop made Alcand think twice. In the end, Alcand decided to open a flower cafe. Sophia wanted to decorate the cafe once a week with new flowers, new arrangements, and a new atmosphere so that the cafe customers would not get bored.
The problem with knowing each other is they just met one week ago. Sophia was surprised to learn that Alcand was Shaka's business partner. And Alcand was recommended by his friend to come to Sophia's flower shop. According to Alcand's story, Alcand's friend is a regular at Sophia's flower shop, and that's why he didn't mess around to invite Sophia to work together.
Sion was only able to give a small nod, it didn't matter what kind of cooperation he wanted, the important thing was that Sophia knew the limits, especially since the man was still a friend of Shaka. Sion was only afraid if later Shaka and Sophia misunderstood all this.
"Dad, take it easy, Shaka already knows," Sophia said, understanding Sion's anxiety.
Even though he was relieved, Sion still felt worried. The age of Sophia and Shaka's marriage is still practically new, if there is a third person quickly, of course, Sion feels anxious. He was afraid that Sophia and Shaka's marriage would often fight and decide to separate.
However, Sion is also thinking about Sophia's fate with her handicapped leg. If not married to Shaka, who else would Sophia marry? Is there a man who wants to be with Sophia? Even though having a beautiful face is not a benchmark for making the man survive. Sometimes some are ashamed to admit to being a wife because their conditions do not allow it. That's why Sion tried as much as possible to defend his only daughter's household.
"Ms. Pia, I was-" Lala's eyes suddenly widened to see Alcand who was already at the flower shop, especially since Sophia and Sion's faces looked unusually tense. "This... what's wrong?" said Lala as she smoothed her hair into a ponytail.
"In two hours the flowers will be picked up La, let's help me get it done quickly. Don't ask too many questions, I'll explain later." Sophia replied with more emphasis every second.
The wall clock in this shop kept running, Sophia just didn't want all her work to be messed up because of talking. At least, if they talked, they would have some free time.
***
After placing the order, Sophia and Alcand went straight from the flower shop to Alcand's cafe. He said that the place was clean and ready for renovation. Alcand had removed a lot of useless things and would replace them with new ones. It was classier and more elegant, so it looked beautiful, not to mention the flowers from Sophia. The table must be very beautiful with many different kinds of flowers.
Getting out of the car, Sophia smiled with satisfaction at the building in front of her. It was not like the first time Sophia came, the place was cleaner and more pleasant to look at.
"So where did we renovate this place first?" asked Alcand.
For that matter, Sophia didn't know where to start first. But if it's just the two of them, it won't be finished in a short time. Moreover, Sophia's condition does not allow for fast work, Alcand needs several people to peel off the peeling walls of this building and replace them with a new color. Moreover, this wall has a lot of unclear graffiti.
"Hire more workers then?" asked Alcand again.
"That should be the case," Sophia replied soberly.
In addition to the wall color, some roofs had to be replaced to make it safer. Alcand also had to prepare a cashier desk, customer tables, and beautiful chairs. It was also impossible for Alcand and Sophia to do it alone. The work is not just one or two days, it can even be more depending on how many people are working.
Sophia has already thought of some flowers to put in the front. She will make a minimum garden for this cafe so that some customers can take pictures. Sophia also has to look at the color of the walls and tables first, so that the flowers don't stand out.
"The outside is rather spacious. Later you can give restrictions for the kitchen, a place for employees to rest. The second floor gives you a special room and also some private places for important people." Sophia explained.
Alcand just gave a small nod while looking at the building in front of him with understanding. He already had a good picture for this cafe, Alcand was even thinking of inviting a singer for their grand opening. He would also invite some of his work friends to come to his new business.
"Good idea. Have it every Saturday, it'll be crowded." Sophia suggested.
"Agreed! When do we start the renovation?"
"Want it now? I can help a little here." Sophia offered and made Alcand give a small nod.
***
Shaka rubbed his face in frustration, he had just returned from the gynecologist after a check-up to see if they could have children quickly or not. At least Shaka knew that they were both fertile, it was only a matter of time before Valery got pregnant. But the thing is, Shaka and Valery's relationship has been quite long. They are both adults, they often do that when they are together. And not just once, but many times a day. Surprisingly, until this moment Valery was not pregnant either. Shaka knew that getting pregnant wasn't easy, and there were even people who didn't have children for a dozen years. Even though the doctor said they were fertile and fine. But the doctor said, that sometimes there are so many factors that make it difficult to get pregnant. Even though they have taken expensive vitamins, it will not affect the body.
"Why are you so lethargic after coming home from the gynecologist? Is there something wrong with the results?" Valery asked for confirmation.
Shaka shook his head, "No. We're fertile."
"Then why is her face bent like that? It looks like you don't like it when I get pregnant."
Hey... who said that? If I'm honest, Shaka had been waiting for this for a long time, before he got married to Sophia. If only Valery had gotten pregnant sooner, maybe this marriage wouldn't have happened. Shaka would have lived happily with the person he loved. But what can we do?
Cupping Valery's cheeks and rubbing them gently, Shaka smiled. "Don't have such thoughts, I'm even happy if that day comes."
"But I know that after I get pregnant you will leave me."
"Why is that?" asked Shaka in surprise.
Didn't Shaka see what a pregnant person looked like? Her body would expand so much that Valery's sexy clothes would not be enough to wear. The skin will also change, it won't be as firm as before and wrinkles will appear easily. Her face would look dull and ugly, Valery was just afraid that Shaka would suddenly leave Valery after successfully carrying Shaka's child. She still couldn't imagine how damaged her body would be when she was pregnant.
To convince Valery, Shaka promised her that he wouldn't leave her at all. Whatever the case, Shaka would still accept Valery in any form. Being skinny or fat didn't matter to Shaka, as long as there was money, everything could be solved easily. Valery loves to take care of herself, there's no way she'll look shabby while pregnant. What is clear is that Valery will be beautiful with her baby bump later.
"Horrible," Valery said with a shudder.
Shaka laughed, "That looks funny, what's horrible."
But still, Valery thought it was horrible, her body would grow like baking soda. Every month Valery would gain weight continuously to ensure that her baby was developing well and was healthy. After giving birth Valery will return to taking care of herself and give her child to Sophia. The woman is very suitable to be a nanny or perhaps a maid at home. Not to mention Sophia's appearance that didn't connect.
Too preoccupied with planning for the future, Shaka looked down at his lit cell phone. A message had arrived on his phone and it was from Sophia. The woman told Shaka that she was stuck with Alcand who was busy decorating his new cafe. But what made Shaka's eyeballs want to fall out of place was the photo of Petra standing next to Alcand, with Sophia hiding behind a rather large counter. That's the sign...
"Honey I have to go home, I forgot to send an important company file for tomorrow morning's meeting. I'll go first, take care of yourself." Shaka said goodbye and walked away without wanting to hear Valery's answer first.
The only thing on Shaka's mind right now was Sophia. How could she be this careless!!!
To be continued