Chapter 61

"How? It's delicious, isn't it? Hahaha..." Nina smiled hearing Aiden's spontaneous compliment. 

Aiden returned to taste the next piece with warm rice which made the taste of the meat even more evocative.

"You didn't eat either?" Asked Aiden who realized that Nina was just watching him.

"Hahaha... watching you eat heartily like that makes me full. Yes, but what can I do. I'll eat too!" She said while also tasting the rendang that she had cooked for several hours in Aiden's kitchen.

Aiden was in a frenzy, without realizing he had finished three plates of rice. He hadn't had such an appetite like this since the diet program he'd been on a few years ago.

"Ah... I'm so full, my stomach can't fit anymore!" He  muttered while rubbing his stomach.

"Haha... how? Delicious, right? did I say!"

"Yeah, not bad when you're hungry, not bad!"

"You, can't you praise sincerely? Never mind, I'm going to wash the dishes, then go home!" Nina got up while picking up dirty plates and bowls.

"Nina!"

"Yes?"

"You really don't love me?"

"Why do you keep asking that?"

"It's okay. Do you want me to give up or keep trying?" He asked. He, who had doubts after meeting Samantha, finally realized that his feelings would not change that easily.

"Why do you love Me?"

"I don't know!"

"Why? Give me one good reason why I believe you love me?"

"What reason is it important?"

"Sometimes it does, but sometimes it doesn't. It all depends on the situation, and right now I need a reason."

"If I give you a reason, will you accept me?"

"I don't know,"

"You don't know huh?" Aiden who was annoyed immediately got up and approached Nina who was silent in her place.

Aiden showed that look again, no matter how he looked at his face, that feeling still didn't change. This woman is what he needs to accompany him in difficult and happy times. He never wanted anything more than her love.

"Why don't you try a relationship with Samantha? I think you-"

"You always say annoying things like that! What if I date her,, then you will feel happy?"

"But at least, she is the most worthy to be with you."

Aiden was silent, how sad it is when a woman insists on rejecting him like this for very unclear reasons.

"Okay, sorry for forcing you. Maybe you're right, just because we did it doesn't mean we have to fall in love with each other. I was too naive, I'm sorry-"

"Yes!"

"Maybe, I will date Samantha and try to fall in love with her. I hope you will also find the love that you dream of. Hope you are happy, let's say I never said that I love you, so that in the future, our relationship can return as before."

"You're really going to date her?"

"Maybe, I met her earlier and I understand what she wants from me. Now I have no reason to refuse hee, because I know you don't want me."

After saying that, Aiden walked away, leaving Nina who was stunned alone. It hurts when Aiden really thinks about trying a new love. Nina who didn't know how to act, could only refuse and kept refusing, even though her heart said that she wanted Aiden to fight for his love. But in reality, Aiden couldn't understand the meaning Nina was trying to show him.

***

"You know? Men want greater appreciation from the woman they love. For example, like you appreciate every little thing he does for you, or be a loyal listener to him and respect his decisions," Courtney said who was chatting with Jennifer. Meanwhile, Nina who was busy turning the pages of the magazine, had to listen to their conversation.

"Nina, why are you silent? Are there any problems?" She asked.

"Ah n-nothing-"

"Are you serious? Because your face looks like someone who's upset. If there's a problem, just tell me!"

Seeing these two friends, Nina who initially had no intention of confiding in anything, somehow her inner voice prompted her to find a solution to the problem she was facing.

"Have you ever been loved by a man you never expected?"

"It means?"

"For example, there is a man who is close to you and there are many things you have done together. You also feel comfortable and happy when you are around him, but-"

"But?"

"You are aware that you also want it, but on the one hand, you are afraid that the bond that has been established will be damaged if something unexpected happens one day."

"I really don't understand what you're saying, in short how?"

"There is a man who loves you, he is very good and perfect. However, you are afraid to accept his love because you are aware that there will be a lot of pressure from unwanted parties. Do you understand that?"

"That seems different from what you said before!"

"Haaah... come on, there's no use discussing this matter with two delusional single women like you!"

"Your mouth is asking to be pulled, huh?" Courtney said annoyed that the reality of her life was being brought up.

"I see what you mean!" Jennifer said.

"Is that true?"

"Yes, the feeling of insecurity from considering ourselves unworthy, that's what you mean. Right?"

"Right!"

"But, what makes you think you're not worthy?"

"As you often say. I am very annoying, often take advantage of the kindness of others, cunning and selfish. I have never thought about truly being loved by someone, because all this time I only thought about money and ways to get it."

"I'm impressed that you realize that quality of yourself. But, if you think about your shortcomings, that means there is a man who for you deserves the best, is that it?"

"Yeah, I'm really confused. He's very nice, even though he often gets angry, but he always helps me. When he tells me how he feels, I'm confused, really confused. If he's not a nice guy, I might continue to use him to depleted his wealth. But, when I see his face, I feel very guilty-"

"I'm confused with you, what's wrong with you having a healthy relationship. You can accept his love and you will become a normal couple. Why do you have to think about draining his wallet?"

Nina was silent, Courtney's questions always made her feel cornered. However, it is impossible to say, the reason why Nina loves money so much.

"I think there is something wrong with you. You know? If I were in your position, I don't care about the money. I would immediately accept him because the most important thing is love. Money can be earned, but someone who loves us sincerely is a rare opportunity that won't always happen."

"Courtney is right, you better think again if you want to reject a man like that. If he really loves you, he will definitely prove it. Not just words."

"But, I'm curious. Who is that guy who loves you? What are your friends on campus? Do we know him?"

"Oh I forgot, how about this? What should I tell them?" Nina thought nervously.

"N-no, you don't know him." She answered nervously.

"Really? Hem... you're so suspicious!" Courtney and Jennifer, who were suspicious, immediately looked at Nina with intimidating eyes.

"W-what are you guys talking about? Never mind, I'm going to sleep first!" Nina said as she got up from the sofa and entered her room, leaving Courtney and Jennifer looking even more suspicious.

"Oh my God."


***