Bittersweet Arrangements : A Sugar Dady Affair

Elena chose to busy herself with her phone, even though it was certain that she couldn’t focus. How could she be calm and concentrate when the three adults in the room were chatting and joking over there? To make matters worse, the subject of their conversation, besides reminiscing about their youth, was Devan-the man who managed to steal her heart and leave a scar on it. Elena couldn’t comprehend why her parents were actually supporting Dinda in getting close to Devan.

She felt an urge to scream loudly to express her feelings. Elena wanted to tell them all that she loved Devan. But she didn’t have the courage. It was too risky. If Devan rejected her love, Elena would definitely fight for their love. But here’s the problem: Elena’s love was unrequited. Quite miserable, isn’t it? Falling in love and heartbroken at the same time. Suddenly, Elena remembered something. She grabbed a small sling bag next to her and took out earphones from it.

In haste, Elena put them into both of her ears, blocking out their conversation. Elena’s slender fingers started scrolling through the music gallery on the online music app. She selected a compilation of the latest trending Western music. Because Elena was currently heartbroken, her fingers automatically clicked on the title of “Reckless,” a single by Madison Beer. “Reckless” became one of the most popular Western songs this year. It tells the story of a woman’s heartbreak as her partner treats her recklessly. Although Elena’s love story was different from the lyrics of “Reckless,” the theme was the same: heartbreak.

Elena became absorbed in the lyrics and music that played, and unknowingly, Dinda started recounting several of her encounters with Elena at Devan’s workshop. Jeremy and Vanessa were suddenly surprised. Their attention immediately focused on the girl enjoying the music in the chair across from them-Vanessa’s chair. As far as they knew, Elena had never been there, except when she was with the two of them or coincidentally with her cousins.

“Really?” Vanessa replied, still puzzled. Then why had Elena never mentioned it? At least once, Elena could have asked for permission from her or Jeremy.

“Yes, if I’m not mistaken, we met there 3 or 4 times,” Dinda answered, confused when she saw the change in the expressions of the couple in front of her. “Is there a problem?” Dinda felt uneasy. Did she say something wrong?

“No, it’s okay. Devan considers Elena like his own daughter,” Vanessa replied, trying to dispel her negative assumptions.

“Of course, I can see they are very close,” Dinda replied with a laugh, recalling how Devan looked at and treated Elena, even though Dinda sensed Elena’s indifference towards her. Elena seemed cold and unwilling to meet her.

“You guys continue,” Jeremy interrupted, then walked towards where Elena was now seated.

Elena, who was smiling to herself while exchanging messages with Dirga, was suddenly surprised when she felt someone sitting on the back of her chair. Immediately, Elena stopped her activity. She closed the WhatsApp message she was writing but hadn’t finished. Elena then flashed a smile while removing one earphone from her ear.

“Seriously, who are you chatting with?” Jeremy asked, starting to get suspicious. He reached for the phone in Elena’s hand and checked the list of names in her contacts who were currently chatting with her. Elena tightly closed her eyes while biting her lower lip. Nervous and afraid. Then, slowly, Elena mustered the courage to open her eyes to see Daddy’s expression and reaction.

“Who’s Dirga? El’s boyfriend?” Jeremy asked directly.

“Thank goodness I deleted the chat with Uncle Devan this morning; it would be a disaster if the most handsome guy in front of me found out. He might get furious,” replied Elena, unfortunately only echoing in her heart.

“El, will you tell Daddy what’s going on?” Jeremy questioned again with an investigative look.

“Can El have a boyfriend?” Elena raised her head to look at Jeremy while turning the question back with her sweetest smile to melt his heart.

“No!” Jeremy stated firmly.

“Well, that means El and Dirga aren’t dating. He really likes El. But we’re just friends, Dad. If Daddy doesn’t believe you, just read El and Dirga’s chat yourself,” Elena challenged casually.

In her heart, Elena was cheering, finally she could find the right reason to cover up her problem with Devan.

Jeremy seemed to be thinking hard as he couldn’t help but stare at his daughter’s beautiful face. Jeremy is considering what he should do now. Re-confining Elena in her golden cage or releasing her but with the guarantee of stricter supervision. Even if necessary, Jeremy will order someone to follow wherever the girl goes. Someone who will watch over Elena like a shadow and report all the activities the girl has done at any time. Jeremy’s hand rose to massage his forehead which suddenly throbbed. Should he do that?ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Just read it so Daddy will believe it!” Elena urged Jeremy to read the chat he had with Dirga himself, which mostly contained teenage-style teasing.

“No need,” Jeremy answered without interest. Honestly, Jeremy felt relieved because it wasn’t Devan’s chat that was there as he expected. Maybe Elena often goes to Devan’s workshop just to talk about Dirga. Jeremy now realizes that it was his possessive attitude that made Elena stay away from him. So Elena is more comfortable telling stories with other people than with him.

“Dirga told me to just meet Daddy. Daddy wants to know what kind of guy would dare to like Daddy’s favorite daughter,” continued Jeremy then stroked Elena’s loose hair with a loving look.

“I’ll be killed!! Dirga will be the one who gets hit by the stone!” Elena muttered as she nodded her head in agreement. For now, that’s all Elena can do. She will think about Dirga’s affairs later. The most important thing right now is that Elena gets her Daddy’s trust first.

Not long after, Cindy, Vanessa’s assistant, knocked on the door of the all-glass room currently occupied by the four of them. After Vanessa asked, Cindy entered. Cindy’s arrival certainly brought a breath of fresh air for Elena. Cindy came to tell Vanessa that the photo shoot had to be done immediately. This means that Dinda has to go now.

Elena’s hopes came true when Dinda heard her say goodbye. Dinda got up and shook Vanessa’s hand. They also hugged each other with wide smiles like two friends who were still reluctant to part after not seeing each other for a long time. Don’t forget that Dinda also greeted Jeremy and Elena before leaving the room.

“Come on, do you want to take part in a photo shoot?” asked Vanessa who was already standing in the doorway.

“Okay!” Elena replied while removing the remaining earphones that were still in her left ear.

Vanessa rushed out first because Cindy was already waiting for her outside while Jeremy and Elena followed while embracing. Boutique employees are used to seeing intimate scenes between father and son. But it’s not uncommon for one of them to still feel jealous of what Elena has. Just imagine, this 18 year old girl was very lucky because she was born into a family filled with wealth and lots of love. The dream of all teenagers, or even the dream of all girls on this earth.

***

Three hours passed, the photo shoot for Vanessa and Elena, who happened to be willing, was finally finished. The three of them left the boutique and intended to have lunch at DAS Caffe, one of Jeremy’s cafes. The first cafe founded by Jeremy when he was on the run. There also the love story of him and his wife began. But before going there, they first picked up Viero at his school. Earlier, Jeremy had called his family’s driver that they would pick up his youngest son.

When Elena was about to get into the car suddenly someone called her. Recognizing the voice, Elena’s eyes immediately closed. Didn’t expect that they would have to meet in a situation they didn’t want. Elena is not ready to play her drama right now. I don’t know if this is a blessing or a test for him. Elena, who was just about to get into the car, was forced to greet the man.

“Hi Dirga!”

Elena’s face was so nervous that she turned red. But luckily the weather was hot so the light could cover up the panic that was attacking Elena at the moment. Jeremy, who was already in the driver’s seat, rolled down the car window. Staring at Dirga flatly as he examined the figure of the teenager in front of him in detail.

“Good afternoon Uncle, Auntie,” said Dirga friendly with a slight bow.

“Good afternoon too,” said Vanessa with a smile.

“I’ll be back first, okay?” said Elena, immediately ending the conversation before her Daddy made a sound.

“Oh yeah, sorry for interrupting your time,” Dirga replied, looking at Elena’s beautiful face with adoring eyes. And Jeremy was well aware of this.

“Oh, what are you doing here?” Vanessa interrupted out of curiosity. In Vanessa’s eyes, Dirga is quite an attractive and polite man.

“I was asked by Aunt Cindy to deliver her cellphone which she left behind,” replied Dirga with a big smile.

“What are you Cindy?” Vanessa said, she was starting to be interested in the teenager.

“I’m Aunt Cindy’s nephew, Auntie,” he admitted with a smile. Vanessa’s curiosity made her want to get to know Dirga better. From the way the teenager looked at her daughter, Vanessa certainly understood.

“Sorry, we have to go first!” Jeremy said then closed the car window again. “El come in!” Jeremy said firmly.

“Bye,” said Elena then immediately got into the car feeling relieved.