Bittersweet Arrangements : A Sugar Dady Affair

“Your joke this time, Devan, is really bad!” Zaky said, patting Devan’s shoulder while entering his office.

Devan’s body instantly jerked. He was surprised by Zaky’s unexpected presence. Zaky observed Devan’s disheveled appearance. Since the afternoon, Devan had secluded himself in his office. Zaky vividly remembered that Devan was wearing the same clothes his son had on when he left that morning.

“Dad? What do you mean? What joke?” Devan asked, not understanding Zaky’s direction of conversation. His mind was consumed by thoughts of Elena, especially since he couldn’t contact her.

“Can you believe Dion said your lover is a high school girl?” Zaky chuckled, finding Dion’s story very amusing.

Certainly, Fatimah and Zaky didn’t believe Dion’s statement earlier in the day that Devan’s lover was Elena, the high school girl they knew only as a niece to their son. Elena was like a granddaughter to them, and her parents were like their own. Even Erick, their grandson, treated Elena’s parents as his own.

Seeing Devan’s expression remaining flat, Zaky’s laughter vanished instantly. There was no trace of amusement on his face, only genuine concern. Zaky sighed deeply, looking at Devan with disbelief in his eyes. Through their eye contact, Zaky demanded an explanation immediately. Then the white-haired man shifted his chair, sitting down without breaking eye contact.

Devan sighed and stood up, walking towards the window. Still silent, he opened the curtains of his office, gazing at the bustling traffic on the road in the night. With one hand in his pocket, Devan turned around.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

“It seems Papa is just like everyone else. Treating my feelings for Elena as a joke,” Devan said cynically. “Am I wrong, Pa? Is falling in love with a high school girl a sin?” he continued, observing Zaky’s expression, which clearly showed disapproval.

Devan turned around again, gazing at the night sky that seemed to be on his side. The sound of raindrops started to pour over the city of Yogyakarta, accompanying his troubled heart. He felt the urge to shout to the world that his love for Elena was not just a charade. He truly fell in love with the innocent girl.

“No. You’re not wrong. You’re not sinful,” Zaky replied, maintaining his calm demeanor. “It’s just that what you’re doing right now will always be seen as wrong by everyone. Have you not considered Erick’s feelings? Does Erick know everything?” Zaky posed questions that led Devan to realize that his feelings were misplaced. Feelings that Devan should have eradicated before they grew and developed.

“But I love her, Dad,” Devan whispered, his heart feeling even more painful as no one seemed to understand his feelings.

Zaky stood up and walked closer. He placed a hand on Devan’s shoulder and spoke, “Talk it out with Erick!” After that, Zaky left Devan, giving him time to think clearly before making a decision. To make him realize that falling in love was not just about two hearts coming together, but also about preserving the hearts of two families.

***

Vanessa suddenly woke up, realizing that the bed beside her was empty. Vanessa hurriedly got out of bed, searching for her husband, whose whereabouts she didn’t know.

“Jeremy!” Vanessa whispered, as there were no signs of the man in the room.

Vanessa hurriedly walked towards the balcony door. From where she stood, she could see smoke rising. Vanessa took slow steps towards the balcony, which was usually dimly lit. Before bedtime, they were accustomed to turning off the balcony lights and leaving only the bedside lamp for illumination.

“Honey, why are you here?” Vanessa called out to the silhouette she was sure was her husband.

The figure was sitting facing the sky, accompanied by a cigarette held between his fingers. Upon realizing Vanessa’s presence, Jeremy extinguished the cigarette in the ashtray.

“Why are you awake, dear?” Jeremy asked in return, reaching for Vanessa’s fingers.

“I was surprised; suddenly you were gone,” Vanessa replied with a smile. Even in the dim light, Vanessa could see a faint smile on the man’s lips.

“How could I be far from you, let alone disappear?” Jeremy responded, pulling Vanessa’s hand and placing her on his lap.

“Tell me, why did you wake up?” Jeremy whispered, moving aside Vanessa’s hair that covered his favorite area.

“Are you missing me?” Jeremy whispered again while starting to kiss Vanessa’s neck.

“Darling, not like this, why?” Vanessa protested, trying to move Jeremy’s head away from her body.

If her mood was not bad, Vanessa would surely welcome Jeremy’s teasing.

“Why? Usually, it’s you who asks for it!” Jeremy teased with a laugh. Teasing his wife was his hobby, especially since Vanessa never refused his desires. Vanessa was a reliable wife in every aspect – career, homemaker, and of course, in their intimate moments.

“Enough, Jem. Not now, can’t you see?” Vanessa continued to resist. This time, Vanessa was really not interested in intimacy. Since yesterday afternoon, only Elena and Devan had been on her mind.

“This is precisely the remedy for all problems!” Ignoring Vanessa’s protests, Jeremy took her into the bedroom.

Unlike usual, tonight Jeremy was a bit rough. Vanessa’s body was dropped onto the bed without much consideration. Although the bed was soft and couldn’t possibly harm Vanessa, she still felt uncomfortable. Vanessa swallowed hard as Jeremy removed the only covering on her body. Since they got married, Jeremy always slept undressed, leaving only his boxers.

“Jeremy, stop it tonight!” Vanessa resisted while enjoying the beautiful sight before her. Faint but tempting.

“No way. Can’t resist when it’s already this exciting,” Jeremy crawled onto the bed. He was ready to pounce on the woman who always looked teasing and seductive in his eyes.

“Jeremy, isn’t this karma?” Suddenly, Jeremy’s body tensed upon hearing Vanessa’s words.

“What do you mean?” Jeremy replied, his hands starting to get mischievous.

“In the past, we weren’t approved by Dad, and now, it’s Elena and Devan that we don’t approve of!” Vanessa explained, instantly making Jeremy release a heavy sigh. His desire for intimacy vanished instantly.

Vanessa’s words were true. What Elena and Devan were experiencing now mirrored their own past. Love without approval.

Jeremy dropped down beside Vanessa, pulling the blanket to cover their exposed bodies.

“Basically, I don’t agree. It’s really great that Devan got our daughter. Besides, I was willing to risk my life to get Papa’s blessing,” said Jeremy, not willing to have his heroic love story with Vanessa compared to the teenage love story of Elena and Devan.

“Let’s sleep now!” Jeremy quickly grabbed Vanessa’s body and closed his eyes. The decision is final and cannot be contested by anyone for any reason.

***

The next day, Vanessa met Devan at his workshop to demand an explanation. Vanessa didn’t want to act rashly without listening to both sides.

“Am I bothering you?” said Vanessa while looking at Devan who looked unenthusiastic. Under his eyes it looked black. Vanessa was sure the man must have been up all night.

“Of course not. Sit down!” Devan replied then stood up. Invited Vanessa to sit on the sofa.

“Jeremy will be angry if you come without his permission!” Devan continued, placing two bottles of drinks on the table. Then, he chose to sit on the sofa across from Vanessa, prepared to listen to whatever his close friend had to say.

“Come on, you act like you don’t know Jeremy. He may be stubborn, but I’m the one who can handle him. I know him inside out. So, let me handle him,” Vanessa explained casually.

“That’s exactly what worries me about Elena,” Devan honestly expressed the concern that plagued his heart.

“Let’s not discuss that for now. I just came to ask for an explanation from you. I want us to talk heart to heart. Are you seriously in love with my daughter? Are you not taking your medication again, or did you hit your head on a big rock and go crazy?” Vanessa pressed on impatiently, haunted by curiosity since yesterday.

“Do you realize? Since she was a baby, you’ve been carrying Elena everywhere, and now you say you’re in love with her. Seriously, Devan, this is not funny!” Vanessa became sarcastic, carried away by her emotions.

“Do I look like a clown to you, Vanessa?” grumbled Devan. Apparently, everyone regarded his feelings for Elena as a mere joke.

“You’re probably preparing a surprise for Jeremy. His birthday is in two months, right?” Vanessa replied, feeling frustrated.

“You’re unbelievable. There’s no way I would play with Elena’s feelings. It’s like committing suicide. I’m serious, and if it’s just a joke, Jeremy would be furious, let alone if it’s true. He might strangle me,” Devan expressed his irritation. He didn’t expect Vanessa’s reaction to be beyond his expectations. Devan thought she had come to scold him, but in fact, she was inviting him to debate.

“I seriously love Elena, Vanessa!” Devan whispered, ruffling his hair in frustration.

Vanessa fell silent, looking at Devan meaningfully. The problem now seemed even more complicated for her. Initially, Vanessa hoped that Devan was only joking, but the facts indicated otherwise. There was no doubt in Devan’s eyes. No deception there. His feelings seemed genuinely sincere.

Seeing Vanessa thinking and acting casually made Devan slightly relieved. It meant that Vanessa did not oppose his relationship with Elena.

“Vanessa, you support me, right?” Jeremy dared to ask.

“Support you?” Vanessa asked back, pointing at herself. Automatically, Devan nodded with hope.

“Crazy! There’s no way I would let Elena marry an old man like you. Look at those gray hairs; they’re already matching mine! And do you enjoy calling me Mommy?” Vanessa replied, feeling absurd.

“Hey, be careful with your words! I’m still young. I’m strong enough to give you lots of grandchildren!” Devan retorted, not accepting Vanessa’s mockery.

Vanessa then stood up, and Devan followed suit. Vanessa fell silent for a moment, staring at Devan with an inscrutable expression.

“You better forget about Elena! Don’t meet her again!” regretted Vanessa. Nevertheless, Vanessa would never accept if Elena ended up with the man in front of her.

Vanessa swiftly grabbed her bag and walked towards the door. But before Vanessa could press the doorknob, Devan spoke again, “I’m sorry, Vanessa. I can’t do that. I will continue to fight for my love.”

Vanessa remained motionless, not intending to look at her friend even for a moment. She pressed the doorknob that was already in her grip. Vanessa quickly left Devan’s office with a somber expression. She even ignored greetings from Lucky and other employees.

***

Jeremy fell silent, waiting to see the reactions of his two friends after listening to the story of Elena and Devan. It indeed sounded ridiculous, but that was the story.

“You’re serious, Jem?” Arfan asked incredulously. Ardan, who remained silent, also seemed expressionless.

Jeremy nodded in response. This morning, Jeremy intentionally met Ardan at his office. Coincidentally, Arfan was also there. So Jeremy took the opportunity to share the family issue he was facing. Shortly after, Ardan and Arfan burst into laughter, thinking Jeremy was joking. What Jeremy narrated sounded more like a joke from the novels their wives usually read.

“I’m serious!” Jeremy’s brief statement managed to dispel the laughter from the brothers.

“Jeremy, if you’re trying to prank us with such a cheesy joke, it won’t work,” Ardan dodged, still not believing Jeremy’s words about one of their friends who was part of the Handsome Men’s Club.

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Jeremy retorted sarcastically and immediately stood up. It was pointless to share his problems with them. Instead of getting the best solutions, he became the subject of jokes.

“Don’t be upset, bro. You act like a sensitive girl,” Arfan intervened, grabbing Jeremy’s arm to prevent him from leaving.

“Devan probably needs a brainwash,” Arfan quipped, earning a sharp look from Jeremy.

“Enough, guys. Let’s discuss this calmly. Sit down! Let’s find a solution together,” Ardan suggested before a debate erupted between the brothers and their brother-in-law.

Two hours later, Jeremy returned to his office. Many things awaited him today, but nothing went according to Jeremy’s plan. The person he was trying to avoid was now standing in front of his office.

“Jeremy, I want to talk for a moment!”