22 One Year

Later that evening in the underground headquarters

"Have you found their base?" Hidayat asked the man behind the desk.

"Not yet. We've managed to access to their mainframe and the team is currently screening through the footages to check for Brandon's location. The serpent is currently on standby and awaiting command."

"Update me ASAP if you have anything. I will have my phone on me 24/7." with that, Hidayat stood up and walked out of the room with the man.

**********

The outskirts were deserted and quiet. There were practically no vehicles around. Hidayat drove quickly towards the city. That night, he has a dinner invitation from Anston and his wife.

After almost an hour of driving, Hidayat arrived at the underground carpark of Sculptura Ardmore. Sculptura Ardmore is situated at the highest point of Ardmore Park, one of the city's most exclusive residential enclaves.

After he parked his car, he walked into the lift slowly and pressed for the 34th level. As seconds passed by, he was feeling anxious. Not knowing what to say if he does see the woman he has been missing and yearning for the past 1 year.

The lift had arrived and the door opened, Hidayat found no strength to proceed forward. His heart precipitate. He stood there till the door was closing on him in which he automatical stalled with his hand.

Gulu… He gulped. Why does the idea of seeing the woman make him startled? Hasn't he been wanting to have this chance to speak with her? Will she accept him back?

Hidayat took a step forward. Each step heavier than before. His heart beating faster. Before he could press on the doorbell, the door had opened from inside. "How long are you gonna take to reach my house from the lift" Anston smirked. He was already informed by the post guard that Hidayat had arrived about 10 minutes ago but he still did not hear Hidayat after a long time. So he anticipated the man to stand rooted outside procrastinating…

Hidayat smiled shyly back to his cousin and scratched his non-itchy head. Anston pulled Hidayat by his hand into the house. Jessica was preparing dinner in the kitchen but he could not see his woman. "She's not home yet. But don't worry, she will join us in a little bit for dinner." Anston whispered to Hidayat's left ear. Hidayat's face turned red at his cousin's teasing.

"Hidayat, come… sit at the dining table… Just give me a moment and we can eat," Jessica invited Hidayat upon seeing him standing like a lost person in the middle of the room. Anston moved into the kitchen to help Jessica get the table ready.

"Mom and dad send their love. They asked you to come over for dinner this weekend," Hidayat said while pulling the chair out for himself. Anston and Jessica used to sleep over at the Dragon Mansion at least once a month went they first got married. However, the past year had been busy for all of them and they had not had the chance to visit the patriarch family.

"Sure, we shouldn't have anything planned for this weekend," Jessica replied. With a bowl of salad in her hand and Anston following behind her, both of them sauntered towards the dining table and took their places. "Come, let's eat!"