Chapter 88 - Kareen's Play

Telling each other about life and experiences of each other, that's what happened to Raymond and Kareen since last time until their dinner was over. They continued chatting in the living room while enjoying the snacks that Kareen had provided.

"By the way, why don't you invite Monica to this dinner?" asked Raymond who was sitting on a yellowish-white chair opposite Kareen who was across from a glass table.

Instead of answering, Kareen bent her face as if feeling sad about Raymond's question. huh, what's wrong with her? Is she acting?

"Kareen, what's wrong with my question?" asked Raymond with an investigating gaze.

"No, but I ... I don't know how to say it," Kareen replied hesitantly.

"Just say it," said Raymond angrily. "What happened between you and her?"

Kareen took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. She straightened her head back to look at Raymond who looked so curious. "Monica and I only get close in the office."

"You guys don't get close? Why?" Raymond looked incredulous.

"I don't know. Since she was promoted and I took her place as secretary, she has become unfriendly to me," Kareen answered liedly with a sad expression on her face. Jeez! How could she even slander Monica who was helping her get a job and letting her stay temporarily in her apartment, Damn clueless girl!

"Unfriendly? That's impossible. As far as I know, Monica is a humble, friendly girl and she cares about those closest to her. " Raymond still doesn't believe it, because he has known Monica for a long time. Even since Bryana moved to Jakarta and managed the company, since then he has also known Monica.

Kareen smiled and nodded her head. "Yes, she's typical as you call it. But lately, she's been very angry with me. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I feel unwanted to live in her apartment. therefore, I immediately moved after getting a new apartment with a rental price that suits my pocket. "

Raymond let out a rough breath. Glanced at Kareen with pity. "If you don't mind, I can reprimand her. you are sisters, it is not good to just be quiet with an uncomfortable heart. Don't let yourselves get caught in the cold war."

"No need," Kareen exclaimed immediately, then returned to bending her face. "I don't want her to dislike me even more because I have shown his true attitude. Let me try to approach her again," she continued.

"Hem. I hope your friendship will improve soon. You have to find out what was your fault or her fault. don't let something like this drag on for a long time, it's not good because you are siblings and co-workers, " Raymond exclaimed sadly. He looked at Kareen with a look of pity and admiration. Because she could be independent even though she lived in a narrow and simple apartment.

"Yes, thanks for the advice." Kareen breathed a sigh of relief.

Raymond nodded and smiled. There was silence for a few moments, they enjoyed snacks and drank hot tea. Sometimes they glanced at each other and smiled when they accidentally met their eyes.

"Kareen. I ... I want to tell you something," said Raymond with a shy smile.

"Yes, just say it," exclaimed Kareen.

"I'm looking for a future wife," said Raymond then reached out his right hand to grab Kareen's hand. "I think, the right future wife is you."

"Me?" Kareen looked surprised.

"Yes, you. I was excited to you the first time I saw you." Raymond clarified and his gaze became sad. "I thought about giving up because you were always avoiding but tonight, I feel you gave a spark of love to ignite my dark heart. Why are you doing all this? "

Kareen got nervous and pulled the hand Raymond was holding. "I ... I didn't mean ... I invited you as an apology because I ignored you ."

Raymond fell silent with pain in his heart. He looked at Kareen who was suddenly anxious. "Is it only because of that?"

"Yeah, I didn't mean to make you like me, because that's impossible," Kareen explained.

Raymond frowns as if he doesn't understand what Kareen meant. "What do you mean?"

"I'm just a poor girl and you are a handsome man who has everything. Monica always says someone like me doesn't deserve you, and I think it's true I don't deserve you because Monica is insecure, same with me?" Kareen even taunts Monica again. What does she want?

"Who cares? I never judge someone in terms of material or social status. I am a man, I have the right to choose and make the woman who is my life partner happy with what I have. I don't need a girl who is my equal. It's not important, it's not a necessity!" Raymond emphasized somewhat angrily. "And if Monica is like that, just let her. You should listen to your heart!"

"I think she likes you too. So, I don't want you to be close to me, or she will get hurt." Kareen spoke with her face bent. The sight of Raymond, who looked displeased, made her guts fall.

"Who cares? If she likes me, she should never ignore me." Raymond looks away, staring at the whitewashed wall where there is a photo of Kareen and Monica.

Kareen frowned. "Have you been in a relationship with her?" She asked.

"No," Raymond said curtly, then glanced intently at Kareen. "Forget about Monica. Now answer my question. Do you have a love for me?"

Kareen lowered her face and leaned her shoulders against the chair. "I don't know," she replied angrily.

Raymond let out a rough breath, then got up from the chair. "If you don't know, I'll find out. I'll go see Monica warn her not to keep making you feel inferior!"

Kareen fell silent. Raymond immediately walked towards the main door of the apartment with annoyance at Monica, he thought Kareen already liked him, and Monica messed things up.

"Raymond, wait!" exclaimed Kareen as she got up from the chair.

"Why?" asked Raymon curtly without turning his head.

"Don't blame Monica," cried Kareen who was already standing behind Raymond.

Raymond turned to stare at Kareen intensely, placing both hands on Kareen's shoulders. "I hate provocateurs the most, and she's brainwashed you into giving up expecting me. Isn't that right?"

"She's not wrong. Here I am the hypocrite, I who are too afraid to step in to love you." Kareen looked down and showed sadness on her face. "I'm afraid to fall in love with a rich man like you. I'm afraid that someday I'll just be ignored when you feel bored."

Raymond fell silent looking at Kareen with a probing gaze. His eyes tried to search for the truth that the girl had revealed. "Do you love me?"

Kareen was silent but nodded slowly. Raymond immediately pulled Kareen into his arms, kissing her forehead affectionately.

"Raymond!" Kareen released Raymond's embrace.

"Why? Are you going to let love be neglected when it finds a partner?" Raymond asked irritably, then grabbed Kareen's shoulder. "I love you too, Kareen. Don't care what anyone says. You even saw how Dean loved Bryana. Even though he's only a bodyguard, he still has the confidence to make Bryana happy. Don't look at yourself just because of an entity, status .... That's so annoying! "