Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong...
Suddenly, every employee's computer and phone started buzzing with email notifications. Chaos ensued as they read the incoming message.
Regarding this matter, I would like to announce a new company policy: A CODE OF ETHICS REGARDING ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS IN THE WORKPLACE.
"What? So we can't date anyone in the office anymore? Is that it?" asked Bella, a plus-sized digital marketer.
Yovie, who was grabbing a snack from Bella's cubicle, nodded enthusiastically.
"Yeah, who else would be behind this if not those two clueless idiots? Having an affair with a coworker, no less," she replied, her mouth full of spicy cassava chips.
"Oh, you mean the ones who got fired yesterday?" Bella realized this was a follow-up to yesterday's shocking event.
"Of course!" Yovie snapped. "They say, 'a small paddy field, all the frogs croak.' I know that guy was always hitting on the girls here. He'd always complain about his troubled marriage and then play the victim, which would lead to them sleeping together," Yovie rambled on in her dramatic way.
Bella turned to Yovie and grabbed a chip, popping it into her mouth. "Are you serious? Don't just spread rumors, they're already gone."
"May he rest in peace...," Yovie said casually, as if the person had passed away.
Bella lightly punched Yovie's stomach and glared at her.
"And here you are saying they're gone! Well, I was an eyewitness, sort of. I know a few people here who've hooked up. I just kept it to myself. It's their business, why should I be the one to talk? People might think I'm the office gossip," Yovie explained at length.
CLAP CLAP CLAP
The sound of Fara's clapping echoed throughout the marketing division. She had expected this kind of chaos, so she decided to minimize it by visiting each division to explain the new policy.
"I'm sure you've all received my email. I hope you can accept this new policy and keep our workplace professional. If anyone has any objections, please feel free to talk to HR. Now, back to work!" she said, silencing the commotion.
"Shh... Why does the boss look so grumpy lately? She's always been tough, but now she's even tougher," Yovie whispered.
"As long as my paycheck is safe, I don't care," Bella replied nonchalantly. "Now get back to work, or they'll dock your pay!" Bella turned back to her computer, while Yovie scoffed silently.
Fara continued her rounds, followed by Bonita like a shadow. To be honest, she had almost forgotten about this issue because her mind was solely focused on Sean, Sean, and Sean.
She couldn't forget him. Every time she ate, she thought of Sean, of how they would always sit across from each other, sharing stories and joking around. Fara still remembered his sweet smile that never left his face, even when she was sulking; he would always coax her like a little child.
Every time she looked at her phone, she thought of Sean and would start scrolling through their happy memories. Their trips to Bali, Belitung, and the last time they went to the Maldives, fulfilling Fara's bucket list. There were so many beautiful photos and videos from their tropical vacations. Fara would drown herself in those memories, cry, and then fall asleep from exhaustion.
Not only that, Fara couldn't escape Sean in her work environment. Last Thursday and Friday, without realizing it, she found herself waiting for Sean to pick her up from work. It wasn't until she realized she was going to be late that she decided to call Sean, only to be reminded that he was no longer in her life.
Days passed by, feeling empty. Even with all the work she had to do, she couldn't fill the void. She couldn't share her thoughts or feelings with anyone, not Sean, not even Nindy. She felt so alone. She thought she was strong enough to accept reality, but the emptiness still lingered in her heart.
"Boss, it's almost lunchtime. Do you want to make a reservation or order in?" Bonita asked as usual, making sure Fara wouldn't skip a meal.Fara shook her head and continued walking.
After her rounds, she planned to return to her office and check on all the ongoing projects.
"In that case, shall I order food for you?" Bonita suggested.
Fara stopped and turned to Bonita. "Bon, I'm not really hungry," she replied weakly.
"How about grilled shrimp from The Good Beach?" Bonita suggested, naming Fara's favorite seafood restaurant.
Fara sighed. She understood that Bonita was just doing her mom's bidding to make sure she ate on time. Finally, she gave in. She didn't want to make life difficult for anyone else, especially her kind personal assistant. Her own life was already hard enough, having lost Sean."With French fries," Fara said before continuing her walk.
Bonita smiled and quickly took out her phone to order food for her boss.
Fara stood by the window in her office. The view of Jakarta was breathtaking. Traffic was heavy even in the middle of the day. Exhaust fumes polluted the air, and even though she was on a high floor, the sky didn't look clear. It was cloudy and gray, and she could tell it was going to rain later.
It was okay. The sound of the rain would drown out her sobs tonight.
In the quiet corner of her office, Fara clutched her phone tightly. She looked at the photo of her and Sean on the screen. Her gaze was hopeful and uncertain. She had been consumed by longing since last night. Her finger hovered over Sean's contact, which she had saved as 'Amor'.
Fara pondered, weighing her options. Should she call Sean? Would he take her back, or would he reject her because he was already planning to marry someone else?
The question echoed in her mind like a mantra. Fara bit her lip. What should she do?
She looked at her phone again, her finger trembling as it hovered over the call button. A mix of emotions flooded her as she pressed the button and heard the faint ringing sound from the speaker.
Her heart pounded with each ring. It felt like her heart was about to leap out of her chest. Without realizing it, tears started streaming down her thin cheeks.
She never thought calling Sean would be this difficult. They were strangers now. But because of this stupid longing, Fara was going through a rollercoaster of emotions.
"Hello?"