74: C74 Chapter 74

C74 Chapter 74

ILANA2

I peered at the night of Jakarta through the clear glass wall. The committee booked a room on the sixth floor for me in one of the hotels in South Jakarta. I could see the gorgeous view from above, especially at night. It was my second day in Jakarta. The event where I was invited as one of the public speakers would be held tomorrow. I was always excited to share anything regarding my books with other people, particularly the young generations. Most of my books reflected my experiences. I did not write to get sympathy or compliment. My only goal was to encourage young people not to give up no matter how hard the world smashed and brought them down, they could manage to get up and achieve their dreams. Bullying was my main concern in my writing. Through my books, I tried to instill in their mind that bullying was not a form of pride; it was only the act of insecurities and incapability.

Spending a few minutes observing the road with the vehicles out there, I swiped the curtain left to cover the glass wall and headed back to the bed. This room might not be that big yet cozy. I set the temperature medium as I did not like the cold temperature. I had not been used to it since I was a child. I plopped my body on the soft bed blanketed by a white sheet. The table lamp was on sending its light to the ceiling above me. There was only one big wardrobe on the other side. The shower room was located in the corner. The TV was set across the bed where the people could watch while relaxing on the bed before dozing off.

My mind kept my eyes awake. There were many plans I had in my head during my stay in Jakarta. Apart from doing my job, I used this opportunity to search for my mother and Vera. The woman I saw in the department store looked like Vera from her figure. I was pretty sure that the woman with a little girl was Vera. Unfortunately, she walked too quickly that I could not make it to run after her. She disappeared in a blink. Since when could she walk that fast? I knew well her speed. Time changed everything.

Meanwhile, there was no clue or additional information about my mother so far. Even our neighbors and Mrs. Ali did not have any idea where my parents moved. I inquired about them during my visit to Mrs. Ali's house last year. Nevertheless, I did not let hopelessness vanquish me. I had a support system, my foster parents. They always cheered me up to find my biological mother. I would find her one day.

I still could not sleep. I had insomnia recently due to my hectic work. It was still normal, my doctor said. She prescribed some medicine that I could take when I had a problem with regular sleep. After two hours passed, I finally closed my eyes and fell asleep.

My eyes almost popped out to witness what time it was I woke up. The time almost ticked at seven. I got out of my bed, had a quick shower, and got dressed. In less than twenty minutes I was ready to go. It was the fastest I could do. The taxi that I had booked was waiting in front of the lobby just after I slid out of the lobby door.

Thankfully, the driver could discover the timeliest route to the venue of the event. That helped me a lot. Arriving at the venue, I noticed the committee was still brisk preparing for the seminar, setting the venue. Some were decorating the photo booth near the entrance. The others were walking around to make sure that everything was fixed.

One of the committees led me to the room where I could wait and eat the breakfast they provided. I had no time to have breakfast in the hotel. So, I ate the snack given to me. The other speaker had not yet come. The traffic jam trapped him on his way to this event. I was lucky that my driver knew the access to how to get here without dealing with traffic jams even though I was overslept and almost late.

I heard the head of the committee start the seminar officially from another room. Lasting for thirty minutes after the opening ceremony, it was time for my session. I directed my gaze around the room before I talked in the forum. All the eyes went on me, being ready to absorb whatever coming out of my mouth. Not even a tiny sound reached my ears when I spoke. They focused their attention on me as if they did not want to miss any single information I delivered. The moderator announced questions answer sessions as soon as my speech came to an end. I was surprised that many audiences seemed excited about the talk.

"My question goes to Ms. Ilana. Have you ever experienced being bullied?" The question from an audience in short hair made me a bit startled. It reminded me of my past. I realized that no matter how far I ran, those bad memories would haunt and chase me.

"Thank you for the question. I have. It has been a long time ago. That's what made I am today. Instead of cursing my bullies, I thank them," I paused. I looked at their wondering face. "What they did may torment and ghost me forever. However, it has forged me to be a tough person. It has taught me to treat others with respect because I am sure those who do bullying are those with unhappy souls. They are the ones who need help. They are the ones who have no true friends in life. They will forever live with contrition in their heart. If they don't repent for what they have done, they will live alone as no one wants to be with them at the end of the day." Applauses boomed the room. My session was over.

I went to the nearest department store right after the event. Reyhan promised to see me here for he went to Jakarta after me. Getting hungry, I was directly heading to one of the food counters in the corner of the first floor. Due to not being mindful of my step, I hit someone. I was trying to get up when that voice said my name while attempting to assist me to stand up.

"Ilana..." I flinched backward shortly after noticing the man before my eyes. It could not be him. He was in the US. I shook my head to ensure that it was just my hallucination. "How are you? It has been a long time. I hope you still recognize me." The man whom I was staring at was one hundred percent in contrast with that nerd spectacle boy. This man was too good-looking to be the same person as the boy I admitted as my friend, Reno. His brown eyes warmed my heart and soul through the mysterious way he gazed at me. His mature face with a strong jaw and raised cheekbone made him a true man. His broad shoulder and strapping towering body asserted that he could protect the woman he loved.

"N...Y-yes...I...I'm good," I faltered. I diverted my eyes from him to the floor where my feet set.

"You look different now. You have changed a lot." I did not see whether he was inspecting me from the top to toe as I was just eyeing my own feet.

"Ilana, you are here.” I spontaneously turned back. Reyhan was standing behind me with his questioning face.

"I was about to call you,

"Who is he? " Reno asked in curiosity.

"I am her fiancé."

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