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[isaiah-lee]

Lee Entertainment had an annual meeting that compared projects and performance; all agreed that every effort had been a profiting result, though the unusually long day. Hiram, who led the meeting, satisfied with all the work done by his son, Isaiah, fulfilled his expectation to the fullest as he expected. After such tremendous grinds, he felt that Isaiah deserved a vacation, and he provided him with many.

"So, Boston?" "I guess so. It's been a while, Father." "Alright, no pressure. Take all the time you need." "Thank you." "But, for sure, monitor all the company's progress. I don't feel safe when someone else takes over. Our company grows fast, and every second matters." "Would never lower my guards down." Said he.

Soft pats are given to his shoulder before the shadow of Hiram Lee missing out from his sight. There were many holiday plans he thought of as going to Boston. One of them is visiting his favored nanny's grave, Rahayu. Possibly meeting Indira and having a little chit-chat as they did last year. Then, visiting his campus, have a little look to trace all the memories he made during freshman. Well, Isaiah might not possess pleased memories as people in general. But, never a bit regretted his dad's strict upbringing. Because life indeed is far from the word easy.

But, perhaps, it is just him who grew up to be a little Hiram every single day?

[isaiah-lee]

2022: Reconciliation.

ISAIAH:

Unlike in Indonesia, Isaiah had so much discretion in carrying out his personal matter in Boston. Then, like now, driving his car unattended is much more pleasant than he usually did in Indonesia, where his driver goes along with him.

The man went out of the car, welcomed by the surprisingly bright sky as the breeze blew a little color into his pale cheeks. It wasn't a wealthy neighborhood, but the folks who lived there seemed to enjoy their lives. Notably, this is where Ann spent her life and created a few memories.

His lengthy foot leads him to walk close to the house's front door without hesitation. But, as usual, the thought of visiting is just a mere of his family formality. Though maybe, Ann would be the one he married in the end.

Isaiah pressed the doorbell.

[isaiah-lee]

A tall guy strolled up the path, his hands behind him and a slightly present expression on his face, quite at his ease as ever. Perhaps it was the weather remained almost unchanged in the morning as the milder wind stroked his skin, the clouds dissipated, and the dazzling sun shone brought up his mood. Or, he anticipated a meeting with his dearest old friend who went to Jakarta all the way from Boston.

There were many faces ahead, but the man paid little attention to them until this one familiar face went toward him. Isaiah smiles, even growing wider.

"Welcome to Jakarta." "Words can't express my gladness to receive such a heartwarming greeting from Mr. Lee." Although she knew she would be ashamed afterward, the woman still teased him. The man couldn't help but laugh it off. "It such a rare occasion to see the first-born of the Lee to be peacefully strolling around the park." "I don't fancy outdoor activities." "Your expression seems to tell another way round. You can't fool me."

Of course, she's not.

"So, how's the wedding? Is everything going well? I am sorry that.." "Stop, right there. I understand you must be busy. That's why I am here with my husband. You've been saying sorry thousands of times. Not so you." "You right, perhaps I am not me, presently." The bitter feelings emerged through the words, for her to feel something was wrong with her friend again.

"So, her name, Ann? A daughter of Armand Leigh. A very typical of your father." The woman looked at him in respectful silence, though she knew nothing would come out of his lips. "You love her?" The question is enough to draw his attention after.

"I respect her."

"But, you seem... dark? I don't know how to put it into words, but this is not about work, obviously." "I threw words I shouldn't." "Yeah, I mean... It's Isaiah Lee, after all. He had no clues about women but getting laid with them."

"Shut the fuck up." And Isaiah chuckled at her because she was right.

As time passed, Isaiah told her many stories he went through with Ann. But, of course, the woman who sat beside him does nothing but laugh at him.

"God. I hate the fact that you are so genius but dumb when it comes to this thing." Isaiah was speechless with the laughter. It seems the excitement had hardly subsided from her to, finally, listen to Isaiah's love story.

"You shouldn't presume that a lunch box could threaten in some way or whatsoever you thought of. I guess she's just in love with you."

"I mean, you said, you respect her then respect her. So be nice. Aside from being your wife, she will also be part of the Lee and all the drama on it. What she would be without you?"

The question hung in his mind for a moment.

"Unless you don't want to marry her. Then, tell your grandfather right away before he does a deal with Leigh. I must say this option is the easiest one."

"Then, what should I do?" Asked he, "I don't know? Which options would you go?"

Isaiah had his eyes staring at his friend for a while, brown eyes and dark hair curling to her shoulder, she might look promiscuous today, but she's always a mindful lady with manners. Her words always bring him a solution, and she is the only dear friend he had, being honest and surprisingly to guess his mind and act without him to explain much.

But, nothing came up to his mind. What would he do?

[isaiah-lee]

2022: Inadvertent.

ISAIAH: On the Saturday morning after Isaiah got out of the meeting room, Loretta handed him a newspaper then followed him to his room. Loretta could not see what went on the news, but a grin was seen on Isaiah's countenance, followed by the rumble.

"What news. Does anyone even care about her, though?" Isaiah's smile was vanished, kept his voice serene but cold.

"So, what's the schedule for today?" "Your appointment with Ms. Leigh at 10, Sir. Should I come after her?" "Yes, make sure it wasn't a hassle for her." "Then you clear from the schedule today." "Good. I can leave early. Needing some rest. If there's any sudden important meeting, tell everyone that my schedule is packed up. Unless it coming from my father or my grandfather." "Noted." "You may go."

As ordered, Loretta left the room while sending a text to Ann that she would pick her up anytime soon.

ANN: Ann was having her morning coffee when a text from Loretta, Isaiah's personal assistant, saying she'll be picking her up popped up on her phone. Initially, she planned to get some rest today after having a busy week. After seeing the message, she quickly finished her coffee and got ready. The fact that Isaiah was the one who asked her to see him is a bit odd for her. She can't even think of any possibilities what kind of talk will they have.

It was Isaiah, and it’s hard to predict everything when it came to him.

It doesn't take long for Loretta's car to arrive in the lobby. She greeted Loretta before getting into the car. After that, the vehicle drives to The Lee Entertainment building.

“Excuse me, do you…” “Perhaps know why Isaiah wants to see me?” she couldn't help but ask Loretta out of curiosity because who knows, she might have the answer. "I'm sorry, miss. Mr. Lee didn't say anything about that to me."

With Loretta's answer, Ann chose to stay quiet, thinking about any possible topic they would talk about until they reached the destination. "This way, miss." Loretta said, guiding Ann to @obsolecsent’s room.

ISAIAH: The door flew open after a single knock. The appearance of the women sent Isaiah to put aside his work. Then Loretta leaves the room, leaving Ann and Isaiah in the room.

"Have a seat. I want to consult you about a very serious matter," said Isaiah, taking a seat on the sofa a second after unbuttoning his suit.

"I'll go straight to the point." "I didn't ask for the lunch box you sent every day." "So, you better have it stop like now."

The demand that was not sudden to be made, Isaiah had been constantly complained about the lunch box, though somehow he relished it. However, putting it into a talk makes the man hesitated for a while. Though he does not reveal it, because his self-denial was so strong at the moment.

ANN: Not even a minute since Ann took her seat, Isaiah started to talk. In a serious tone for a very serious matter, he said. For a second, she couldn't believe what she heard. The lunch? Did Isaiah really call her for that? The lunch box she sent to him for days.

"Does it taste— bad?" "You could tell me on message if it doesn't taste good, and you want me to stop."

Is it perhaps just his subterfuge?

For a second, Ann thought that she had finally managed to move Isaiah’s cold heart. Gathering her courage for a while, she was determined to ask about something. After hesitating, Ann finally managed to ask the most impossible possibilities between her and @obsolecsent.

"Do you perhaps have a second thought on our engagement?"

ISAIAH: "No, you don't understand." None of her inquiries are being answered by Isaiah, leaving them into a minute of silence while he made up his mind before explaining further. "This relationship was made-up for the good of our families. If you want to seek attention from my grandfather, that would be fine. But two weeks in a row? Don't you think it was too much? What are you planning, anyway?" It displayed on his countenance that he was repressing anger. Though, deep down on him, he felt something bitter in his heart.

Everyone is piloting him for life. Everyone seeks the excellent outcome that came up of him. No one was caring for him without expecting something in return. That's just how life works for the firstborn of Lee. He must be extra cautious whenever someone endangers him to put down the guard and not neglect all the possibilities.

This woman, who sits with him, is soon to be a woman he spends life with, poses a menace to him.

ANN: "What?" again, she doubted what she heard as the answer from Isaiah.

Seeking attention from his grandfather?

"I was sending the lunch to you. How is it an effort to seek attention from your grandfather? Doesn't it make more sense if you say I was seeking attention from you?" she shot him a quizzical look. Now that Ann listens to Isaiah's question, her most impossible possibility guess does sound make more sense to her. It is true that she wants to seek attention, not to his grandfather but him. For God's sake, Ann Leigh is just someone in love.

If Ann was seeking his grandfather's attention, wouldn't it be better if she went straight visiting him? Having all the talks and everything. Way easier than facing Isaiah, right?

"I don't know what do you mean by seeking attention to your grandfather. I don't have any plans, just simply being nice to someone I like by sending food." "Plus, I gave the same food to some of the junior architects in my office." Ann didn't understand why @obsolecsent was wary about her and the lunch box. She absolutely has no ill intention with that.

ISAIAH: Isaiah despises the word nice over someone. Because, for the rest of his life, nothing comes easy to get such word, even he had that one day where he risked his life to get acknowledgment from his father. So, no way, such a word would come up with only a single lunch box.

"So, now, you agree that you were seeking for my attention?" His chin lifted, refused the fact she stated, and he twisted it. "Exactly like how your father did to my grandfather, yes?"

"Impressive."

"You should have talked early, then I understand your intention is." returned Isaiah, with a sarcastic glance at the woman. "You know, though, I know you these all about business. If you want attention from me, this wasn't the right way. I talk business, and I want a decent profit as a return."

ANN: "Why suddenly my father comes into the talk? It has nothing to do with him," she stated strictly.

Words by words coming from Isaiah's mouth left her astonished. Never in her life has she met someone who sees things as hostile as Isaiah.

How come such a simple thing, a lunch box, turns into something complicated. A business, he said?

She waited until the man finished talking. "Listen..."

"I don't really understand the business you're talking about right now. I sent you some lunch, as someone who likes you. Not as a businesswoman who tried to seek a new business partner.”

“Which part of my explanation is hard to understand? Do I need to go more straightforward?" Ann doesn't usually get insulted easily, but @obsolecsent’s words really left her wordless and slightly offended.

ISAIAH: "Now, even you use the word, what? 'Likes'? What are you implying, anyway? Do you in love with me? For real?" Isaiah was speechless until the mocking laughter burst.

"Don't even bother to think that we might reach one point where we love each other," said Isaiah seriously. For after a quick look at her, he added, in a cautious way. "This getting out of hands. I should remind you that our relationship was a mere for business. My grandfather put me in this place, and if it weren't for him, we might not even meet. So, please refrain from liking me."

After a minute's silence, "I should get going. Do you have anything to talk about? Because I don't."

[isaiah-lee]

2021: The Unknown.

Loads of work above his work desk were nothing new to him, with people coming and leaving only to question him a thing or two, and even the investors of The Lee Entertainment who he ought to meet. Chiara's scandal caused him to work a little more ever since the new year, not to lose the name of Lee Entertainment while sheltering her. He had no idea about the situation. Wishing for her to survive and managing the business to remain on track is all he could do.

"Lee Entertainment so powerful despite the scandal." Said one of the investors during the emergency meeting. But, Isaiah insisted that he does nothing but manage; the talent was the one who worked hard for the growth of Lee Entertainment. His statement causes them content while being secured and relieved for the minor loss. The company still survives after all. Thus, they keep investing no matter what. A few hours passed, a relief crept to his mind during lunch. His eyes flutter closed, tired.

"Excuse me, Sir. Ms. Leigh sent you this." "I told her not to send anything. Give that back." "She already left. You have a few minutes until the next meeting, and your lunch is not here either. How about you..." "Rest. I need rest." "Alright, the box, I will leave them here."

Loretta excused herself. Later, he took a peek then contemplated himself whether to wait for his lunch or to take this one.

———————–

The short morning wore away. Isaiah finished all the work surprisingly early. He delegates all the meetings to the team and leaves him nothing but a talk with his grandfather. An hour later, Graham had arrived in the building, he prepared.

"Sir, Ms. Leigh has sent you another lunch box." "Again?" Said he, aloud. "Is everything alright, Isaiah?" Saying Graham, who arrived at his room with a bit of quiver in his voice. "You don't have to worry about it, Grandpa. Please. Have a seat. Would you like something to drink?" "Oh, no need. I won't be here too long."

Isaiah nestled up to Loretta and whispered, "Bring him a tea and also the lunch box Ann has sent." His assistant left while heeding the order. Then Isaiah had his moment with Graham. Shortly afterward, Loretta bought a tray contented with a cup and a teapot then served on the table.

"The lunchbox, Sir." She added.

"What lunchbox is it?" asked Graham curiously. "Oh, this is Ann. She's been sending these since last week." "It seems I did better than your father." "Thanks to you, obviously, Grandpa." "You should arrange the date, then?" "We have talked about that, anyway." 𝘏𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘥, "But Ann is not ready. So, we agreed to take our time to know about each other better. Starting from these (the lunch box)." Unexpectedly, though Graham was super demanding to his marriage, this time around, he left the conversation with understanding. It seems today has been worked fine for him.

———————–

"Yes, another lunch box from Ms. Leigh," said Loretta, placing the bag on his table. "Really? I don't have time to eat. Take it for you." "But, Sir─" "I have said what I said."

And Isaiah slams the paper to the table staring at Loretta out of countenance. She knew she had to fetch the bag out of his sight immediately. The food wasn't the case to Isaiah, but it was Ann who had sent him the food for two weeks straight. So he sat there for a few minutes, contemplating his decision, staring at the box that was leaving the room in his personal assistant's hand.

A sudden feeling of emptiness overwhelmed him, and he glanced at the door with hazy gazes as if regretting his decision. Everything became an uncongenial topic by then. Isaiah needs to talk with Ann.

[isaiah-lee]

2021: Turning Point.

ANN: Night falls. Unlike the lively new year's eve outside, the car where Ann and Isaiah sit was super quiet. Ann was busy pondering a way to start a conversation with the guy sitting next to her. The ride arrived at the destination without any conversation between them. She lets out a small sigh while checking on her appearance for the last time before getting out of the car.

Another failure today, she thought.

Ann tidies her black satin dress slightly while waiting for @obsolecsent to get out of the car. It's her second time accompanying Graham Lee's oldest grandson, Isaiah, to an event.

ISAIAH: Graham Lee is not ambitious for no reason. Even he had to risk the whole life of Isaiah Lee for the sake of business, yes, he would. But, fortunately, the latest Chiara scandal is enough to cover his presence with Ann. Even though, in the end, his grandfather insists on making their appearance in public much often.

Both get out of the car, still encountering the familiar events. Without further interactions, their arms linked to each other and entered the entrance.

Still, no words escaped his lips.

ANN: The silence between the two of them was a bit awkward for Ann. Having their arm linked together, they walked inside the mansion right when the event started. After filling the guest book, Ann's eyes wander around a bit and find a photo booth. She looked at Isaiah, hesitating a bit before offering to take a picture together.

"Want to take a picture first?" Finally, Ann managed to open a conversation between her and @obsolecsent.

ISAIAH: His attention turns to the woman, and they halt the steps in front of the photo booth. "Do you want it?" This is not their first time to have their eyes met, but the first time without his grandfather was watching them. He doesn't have to pretend to enjoy her company. "Well, if you want it." Not even close to a minute, he turns away his eyes then has them walk to the booth.

ANN: Ann could only nod, sensing that the guy beside her doesn't even pretend when he doesn't enjoy her companion.

"A picture won't hurt, right?"

"Do you want to eat something?" she tried to start another conversation with @obsolecsent carefully while waiting for the auction to start. Various food is being served on the table for the guest to eat.

ISAIAH: The conversation that Ann is trying to bring in nothing makes a single word left from his lips. Even the food doesn't invite him at all. Instead, he walked to the appointed chair to sit and left Ann behind him for a few steps. He chooses to focus on the auction session instead.

ANN: She was left dumbfounded when Isaiah decided to get up from his seat and walked away instead of answering her question. While starting a conversation, Ann had never met someone who ignored her. A bitter laugh escaped from her mouth before she took a sip of her drink.

Did she ask the wrong question, or did he simply want to ignore her?

Ann decided to wait on their seat. She preferred not to start any more conversation between them after getting ignored by @obsolecsent. The fact that he ignores her does upset Ann a bit.

ISAIAH: At that moment, he drowned in the auction. Isaiah had fun watching until this moment where a car appeared, and the main spotlight went to his brother, Dre. He turned his eyes away from him as the bid closed and the car belonged to him. Everything related to his finances never he concerned that. A few hours later, the event went to an end. "We should get going." Said he to Ann. After that, the man stands up and hands out his palm to the woman next to him.

ANN: She followed Isaiah going back to their ride. The traffic on new year's eve makes the ride home longer than usual. Unlike before, Ann doesn't take a glance at Isaiah anymore. She was keeping herself busy, avoiding the quietness between them by having her eyes on the phone.

ISAIAH: Of course, what would you expect on the road on new year's night? Long traffic hinders their travel. The silence between the two deems uptight. However, he loosened the tension while leaning to the seat with a long sigh. "Do you want to do this?" Said he, without any explanation from the sudden question. "Even without me explaining, if this keeps going, we might end up married to each other. You can stop if you feel to stop. I can talk with my grandfather about this."

ANN: Ann stopped paying attention to her phone after Isaiah finally talked and asked her a question. Even without his explanations, she knows where the conversation leads. "I don't know. I don't think I would like to stop now," she answered honestly. "How about you? Do you want to stop? What do you want to do with our relationship?" she flooded him with some questions at once. Their relationship isn't about her only. Ann is also curious about how does @obsolecsent feel toward it.

ISAIAH: The car runs slowly in the middle of the traffic; while listening to the woman who had spoken about her thoughts, he quickly denied it. "Even the whole concept of relationship. I don't want that." Stated Isaiah, crystal clear with everything he felt. "Romantic relationship is never my cup of tea. I had many before, but everything didn't go well. I had temper, and you won't like it either." The man is steering his wheels to find the best way to finish the night he had to spend with Ann.

ANN: Surprisingly, instead of getting irked at his answer, Ann felt challenged. Things about Isaiah seem to be more appealing than before now. "I can clearly see you do have temper now." Ann chuckled a bit at his statement.

"How are you so sure with that?" "I don't know about you well, and you don't know about me that well. How are you so sure about what will happen to us in the future?" "What if I don't regret it later, @obsolecsent?”

ISAIAH: "I am not sure, but I am sure I know myself, my family. Even you don't regret us later, but you will face a lot of stumble blocks. Everyone would put their eyes on you, and my family is a real mess. If you look for a healthy and peaceful one, we shouldn't do it." That's what Isaiah would say to everyone near him, and he tried not to put another prey to his family, even that's the main reason why marriage has never gotten him until now. "I didn't mean to scare you. I told you the truth."

After a few moments, they got stuck in the traffic. They arrived at the lobby of Ann's apartment. Not even a minute after their arrival, the sounds of fireworks seem to festive than before. He gazes at the clock. It was right in the middle night, which means the year has changed.

ANN: "I know what I do."

The ride arrived in her apartment lobby right, right at the moment when the year changed. Ann glanced at @obsolecsent, thinking of a way to bid farewell to him. "Happy new year," she said awkwardly before getting off of his car.

ISAIAH: Not a surprise to him that Ann is stubborn at some point. His assistant, Loretta, has mentioned several qualities Ann had, one of which is persistence. Yes, Isaiah had made a quick background check to the woman his grandfather arranged to be his life partner. No more words left his lips, though he felt enough to explain almost everything to her. He warned, and that's all matter.

"And, Ann." His attention went to the woman who halted her way to get off the car.

"Happy new year too."

[isaiah-lee]

2021: A pact of the dungeon.

The clock struck seven when Isaiah arrived at the meeting his grandfather arranged. He is going to the door of the VIP room to meet someone that his grandfather stated, urgently, to be introduced.

"There you go, my grandson, Isaiah," said Graham, with exclamations of delight. "My grandson was an MI-T graduate as you do, and now the chairman of The Lee Entertainment. I couldn't be prouder of him. And, Isaiah, this is Ann, Ann Leigh." He slinked in to sit beside Graham, right in front of a woman later he knew as Ann Leigh. Their eyes meet, then a slight bow is given by the two.

She was pale and slim, with hazel eyes and brown hair curling over her shoulders. With a bright smile and a relaxed demeanor, she seems to be a woman who carries herself like a young lady conscious of her manners, undoubtedly Graham's favorite.

"I have heard about him, Mr. Lee. Isaiah is one of the important assets of the school. So, everyone must have heard about him at least."

"That is so nice of you, Ann." The words have been given by the firstborn of Lee, successfully producing an amiable smile to her lips.

On another side, Graham was satisfied. Everyone in the room knew the main reason for this meeting was more than it should be.

His servant, Rahayu, told Isaiah early on that being loved by someone is the best thing that could ever happen to him. But, perhaps, she sensed that someday, Graham's upbringing resulted in him being a hard-hearted person, even causing everyone to abstain from getting near him because of the burden borne as the heir of the Lee. So that, she nurtured Isaiah with love and so much caution, under the hope that in later days, he would ultimately remember that he is a human, after all.

Though Rahayu has successfully affected him to contemplate life in all aspects, several conditions can not. This meeting is one of them. His father has tried one, but his grandfather? How could he refuse?

"You two suits to each other, I sense that." Graham releases a short laugh, obviously pleased. "My dear, Isaiah got Lee's spirit. Of course, a fine man, but, what is better, he is a top tier to everything. Never for once did he disillusions even disgraces the good name of the Lee. I always am proud that his mother was giving birth to such a gold."

Isaiah closed his eyes for a few moments while releasing a little sigh, which no one heard. Nothing new to him to receive such effusive praise.

"Well, the credits goes to you, grandpa. I would be nothing without your guidance."

"I agree. You have been through all the hardship, and Isaiah adjusts it very well. It was you all along." She added, seems to understand the assignment. Graham quite glowed with the praise, which he thought was worth having.

-----------------------

"Oh, anyway." Graham's servant handed him a box. Supposedly, an invitation for the upcoming event, The Regale. "Ann, dear, I've sent an invitation to family, but here I sent you the invitation personally for the event." Ann's brown eyes widened, she replied demurely while receiving the box, "You are very kind. I will make sure to attend the party."

"And you don't have to worry. Isaiah would give you company, right?"

Graham looked at him with eyes that plainly did not feel a slight guilty for not giving him a choice. But, on the contrary, all this surprised enough flatter him, though he could deny, Isaiah would not ever make a fuss about it.

A light sigh releases, "Yes. We should stay in contact, then, Ann." "Yes, we should."

[isaiah-lee]

2006: A solemn rite.

"He is indeed a low-profile. If you met him on the street, you wouldn't realize it was him. Handsome and charismatic. A noble, I would say." So said the woman in a loose white shirt at the time, her hands busy having a vanilla ice cream with a white cup but still contrast to her shirt. The woman sat with her friend, who didn't seem interested joined the conversation. However, the conversation was hanging, and they were that close to the point a silence didn't make them uncomfortable.

On the table, excepts for two cups of ice cream, papers scattered about to cover it all. These women were taking a break from their assignments. Yet, as women primarily involved with engineering, conversing about a man was never their cup of tea, but the buzz that flowed around their campus this time was unstoppable.

Isaiah Lee, a student, coming from MI-T S-loan, has become a center of attention for winning an international competition equivalent to the Nobel prize. Even though the school was well known for its remarkable accomplishment, the man has smoothly suited himself to become one of their significant assets.

"Judging from his name, he should be Korean." Her partner suddenly drops his spoon into the cup and pays attention to her. "Well, you now taking your interest in me. Well done."

"What was his name again?" "Isaiah Lee." "Mm.." "What?" "What?"

Shouts of laughter arose of the two. They both crave a Korean for their future husband within their inside jokes. The impact of the Korean Wave began in 2006.

-----------------------

It was only a part of the routine for Ann to visit a church. Prayer and solitude from the world's crowds are all she pursues at the moment. As expected, a quiet and peaceful ambiance welcomes her presence. She glanced down at a few people who were also present, then took a seat in the middle. Her head bowed down, then cites prayer.

While in another part of other rows of seats. A man with cuts and bruises in his cheekbones and the bridge of his nose came and sat. His eyes were glued to the front, staring into nothing. It looks he went through an incident.

People said the eyes are explained subtle cues to one's soul. The situation seems enough to suppress his subconscious.

Ann, who happened to finish with prayer, walked through the man. Everyone does have one specific reason for coming to a church. Whatever the reason is, no one should interfere. But, her sense of humanity was above everything. So she decided to stop by to give a plaster in the empty spot right next to the man. But, before she left, the man spoke.

"Do you think God exists?" "I am sorry?"

No more words left his lips, and she decided to give him company by sitting next to him without even taking a stare.

"At least for me, by believing His presence, I found my peace. How about you?" "I don't know." Said he, after a minute silence. "One thing for sure. He would never be able to break me free." Assuming from his voice, Ann guessed something strangled him. Though she knew it didn't mean literally.

Both of them went back to a long silence. Ann doesn't have enough courage to give such advice to a stranger. But, listening should be more enough.

"Thank you." Again, he said, after the long silence, he stood up and left this time. However, a crumpled paper was fell under the seats. Ann took the piece that now almost ripped.

Isaiah Cassius Lee, Forbes Honored Entrepreneur Award.

"What? Isaiah?"

[isaiah-lee]

A catastrophe transcends in time and space.

Chapter 01: A solemn rite, 2006.

[isaiah-lee]

Invisible Pendulum

In New York, the afternoons were brief. The sunbeams lay down on the couch where the first heir of the Lee was sitting. The high window serves the view of skyscrapers. Unless with the Threeball Tech & Co team, Isaiah wouldn't dare to traverse the raw nature alone. So, this is a way he prefers to please himself. Witness the crowd in Fifth Avenue all day long, had his wine in his room while looking at high-rises twinkles the lights.

For some people, the title of the city that never sleeps might be bothersome. To him, the only bother he couldn't endure was his father. Today denotes a month without a single call from his father or people around him. It was a wave of peace for Isaiah Lee.

"The car is arrived, Mr. Lee." The man with a tall figure stood up in the presence of his assistant. As he walked, the warm sunshiny in his skin slowly vanished, leaving the room in silence as the door closed. The summer air of New York evaporates all the comfort he had at the moment. He was later welcoming back the invisible pendulum been weighing in his life, Indonesia.

"You home? Dinner, shall we?" His father had always been pleasant to him at some part, and it wasn't something unusual. Even though the dinner would be all about business, it doesn't wrench him because he has passion despite being a part of his father's master plan.

"I would arrange the time and the date, Father."

"No rush, you should rest."

"Right, I won't. However, I will be in touch with you later."

"How's the assistant? Was she good with her job?"

"I had trouble adjusting, but things will get better eventually."

"She is a top-notch among all."

"I trust you, Father."

"Good, then. Have some rest."

"Will do."

The phone call ended. Isaiah gave his forehead a two-fingers light massage with eyes closed. The jet-lagged dried his energy out, the warm bedsheets success to conceive his eyelids gently closed, and the breathing evened him out into a deep slumber.

He's home.

[isaiah-lee]

Bolt from the blue.

Her eyes, nose, and lips were everything to him. How could I have not fought for her better?

ISAIAH: Still, in New York. The activities of the first child of the Lee did not subside. Business trips like the piling files on his desk at the moment. He didn't expect that he has to do many things in New York when mostly all he ought to do was represent his father. However, being a businessman means seizing the opportunity. New York has a lot to offers in the entertainment industry that he won't miss up. This one particular fashion company, for example, that he currently visited. They are selling the highest quality of luxury, which is a good opportunity to expand his company's circle. He volunteered to visit the shop personally while loosening the tension over his shoulder.

SABAI:

ISAIAH:

SABAI:

[isaiah-lee]

Brushstrokes.

INDIRA: The streets were vibrant, fills with grasses that seem to be well guarded by the keepers. Gravestones lined up neatly around satisfy her view. Her hands held a bouquet of lilies, which she has personally picked to get the best quality.

Quivering, dripping, and mourning. Those three words described the young Indira whenever she realizes her grandmother was deceased. During the bustle, Indira had her face pallid and frantic, scarcely spoken about anything like she used to, and her belongings strewn. However, as she grows older, life lessons are much learned. Letting oneself drown in the darkness will never bring her grandmother back. Therefore, Indira chose to be in her best self every moment she visits her grandmother in Boston.

Then after a sequence of leisurely paces. Her footsteps eventually come to a halt in front of one of the tombstones engraved in the name of Nurnaningsih Rahayu. Her lips forming a lopsided grin eventually.

ㅤㅤ“Hello." The bouquet of lilies places in front of the tombstones very carefully. "Don't sulk. I keep coming back because I need to clean up these. Not because I missed you. Not a single bit." Contrary to her statement, the tone of her voice sounds to hide a thing. Although she knew that nothing she could hide from her grandmother at this point. But, Indira continues being evasive. Because their relationship has always been done this way.

ISAIAH: When he arrived in Boston, the first thing he did was to visit the grave of Rahayu, his confidant that Monalisa talked about some time ago. Even though Rahayu was no longer alive. However, Isaiah always finds peace even through visiting her grave.

The man gets out of the car and walks through the cemetery gates, tracing the pavements with a bouquet of Rahayu's favorite lilies in his hand. But, he holds down the stride. Once his orbs capture a woman's feature with dark brown hair, which contrasts with her bright dress. He knew everyone within Rahayu's family, but not this one. His feeling stated she seemed to be one of Rahayu's relatives, but nothing he would get as an answer unless he went further close to the grave.

INDIRA: Sitting on the side of the tombstone, Indira begins the one-way talk, with her brown eyes steadily fixed upon the stone and her fingers plucked the wild plants creeps.

ㅤㅤ“I had a great time with Mom today; ㅤㅤI’ll tell you about it. So, I was reading ㅤㅤLittle Women and drowning away as ㅤㅤ... I always do—"

The sounds of footsteps echoed, crushes the grass, and strides closer brought her to an abrupt halt. Her head raised, glanced upon the person who stands a few feet over her.

𝙄𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙖𝙝 𝙇𝙚𝙚.

Now that Indira stood on, she could not help but remember the words of her mother about meeting a Lee, especially Isaiah Lee, as the last person that her grandmother took care of. She had to display her boundless gratitude no matter what. Regardless of what kind of path Lee chose to walk on, for her and her entire family, they always had been the savior that drew them from dwelling in the dark. She lowered her gaze upon the man.

ㅤㅤ“Mr. Lee… Uh, allow me to introduce ㅤㅤmyself; I am Indira, the granddaughter ㅤㅤof your servant, Rahayu.”

ISAIAH: His mind hazily recalled the situation. Yes, it seems that Rahayu has revealed to him that she has a granddaughter whose ages were not much different than him. However, she did not mention the name. Isaiah feels not much different either when facing the woman. It seemed that she was speaking the truth because she doesn't cause any strange feelings to him.

"Please drop the formalities, and call me Isaiah instead."

The man then stepped closer to the tombstone, placed a bouquet of lilies next to the bouquet that the woman had placed. Isaiah looked down briefly and prayed for his servant, who had done so much for him as a child. He missed Rahayu so much, listening to all the stories and advice that no one would be able to give him because of the strong title of Lee within his image.

Then, Isaiah had his body turned to look at the woman. "Then, it means you are a sister to Hideo?"

INDIRA: The more she looks at it, the more she realizes that Isaiah’s tall figure and pleasant countenance define him as a man of noble mien. But, nothing comes close to perfection. However, a part of him is obviously brittle as the dark shadows follow him along, making him nothing but a mere empty vessel.

A part of him is obvious brittle as the dark shadows follow, making him nothing but a mere empty vessel. Her grandmother has said being Lee meaning endless battle. Yes, their family is steadily professional in the world’s eyes but far from the words happy and stable. A throne has a cost, and fame has consequences. The more people demands, the more it suffocates. The family remain estranged in a realm made by their own for generations, her grandmother believes in the future, it might swallow their soul as a whole. She wanted to prevent it from spreading to Isaiah’s veins and suggested Indira to befriend and be someone he confides in one day if they meet.

And now, they meet.

ㅤㅤ"Yes. He is my younger brother, to be exact." Said she, "By the way, I have finished my visit. You can stay if you want."

ISAIAH: He nodded, frowning. That meant all the time, Hideo was probably telling her about him. "No, it's okay. I barely do a long visit, though." For a moment, both of his orbs glance at the grave of his servant, then back to Indira. Little did he know that the woman in front of him has stunning eyes similar to Rahayu, even though he was looking at her all this time. Of course, she is Rahayu's granddaughter; after all, there must be one or two things that make them have a lot in common.

"But, I would like to know more about Nenek. You've probably heard a lot of stories that I haven't. Would you mind if I take you out to lunch together?"

[isaiah-lee]

Antigonus.

The man whose heart seemed unyielding than before was going to do his days as usual. Nothing but more like a robot that remains within the same circle of routines at the exact minutes and seconds. At ten o'clock in the morning, he had his father arrive in his office. Twice a month, Hiram had come over without notice which means something serious had come up. He doesn't know what to talk about this time.

"A month in New York, how?" "Alright." He will never be able to say no, anyway. "Then all settled, but Monalisa won't go with you. So, make sure to find a new personal assistant to assist you while you were there." "That was so sudden. What happen?" "I fired her." "But, I──" "You want me to file you several candidates, or you want to find it by yourself?"

A heavy sigh slips off his lips, "Don't bother, Father. I will find one by myself. By then, I will keep Monalisa by my side to have her train a new assistant."

That's a brief talk that Isaiah had with his father. Yes, another person has to be taken away from his side once he felt the comfort around the person. Again, as a little Hiram, he understood his decision. Even though his father never said it in a clear manner, he doesn't want love to grow within him, not even a single bit, or it will ruin all his plans to keep Isaiah beneficence to him and his company. As for now, Isaiah had to leave for New York for a month, taking over his father's position in an international business conference. Consider this as a long rest before returning to Indonesia and facing anything to his family's drama.

[isaiah-lee]

Rinjani.

ㅤㅤ Plot ini ditulis berdasarkan ㅤㅤ universe tanpa p/a/n/d/e/m/i. ㅤㅤ Menyesuaikan situasi normal; ㅤㅤ ketidaksesuaian dengan kondisi ㅤㅤ saat ini mungkin akan ditemukan.

ARYA: Bandara Lombok tampak lengang dengan segala kesibukan yang berkelebat di sekitar. Empat anak manusia yang sudah sejak tadi menunggu angkutan umum sewaan yang akan mengantar mereka ke basecamp Sembalun, bisa bernapas lega begitu mereka menaiki kendaraan pick up itu. Pada pendakian kali ini Arya tidak akan naik bertiga saja bersama Haris dan Isaiah. Ada Indra, yang merupakan programmer kantor, yang ikut serta bersama mereka.

Tiga jam perjalanan ditempuh sampai mereka akhirnya tiba di basecamp. Arya yang menggagas ide naik gunung bulan ini menjadi penanggung jawab administrasi pendakian mereka ketika proses registrasi SIMAKSI di kantor taman nasional. Dia juga yang mengumpulkan dan menyerahkan tiga surat medical check up lain milik teman-temannya pada saat proses administrasi.

ㅤㅤ"Udah nih, Ris, Ger, Ndra. Siap?" ㅤㅤ"Lo pada mau beli sesuatu dulu gak?"

Arya memastikan saat mereka masih di basecamp. Supir pick up yang akan lanjut mengantar mereka ke titik awal pendakian jalur Sembalun sedang izin ke kamar kecil. Karena langsung berangkat dari Jakarta, Arya berencana mengajak teman-temannya bermalam di Pos 2. Sebenarnya bisa saja mereka lanjut naik ke Pos 3, tapi berhubung 'cuti' mereka masih cukup panjang, tak ada salahnya untuk lebih menikmati pendakian mereka kali ini. Hitung-hitung kabur sementara dari hiruk-pikuk kesibukan.

ISAIAH: Teruna tertua dari Keluarga Lee tersebut lebih sering dipanggil dengan panggilan Gary ketimbang nama aslinya. Sebenarnya ia tidak bermaksud untuk menyembunyikan nama atau lain hal. Tetapi, rupanya panggilan ini, selain lebih membuatnya terdengar lebih bersahabat berada disekitar orang lain, juga ia bisa melepaskan beban keluarganya pundak untuk beberapa saat.

Seperti saat ini, ketika ia berdiri menunggu penjual jajanan kecil dipinggir jalan sedang menyiapkan pesanannya, satu bungkus cilok hangat dengan saus yang antah berantah dari mana asalnya terlihat merah pekat tidak seperti saus sebagaimana mestinya. Jika keluarganya menemukan tingkah lakunya saat ini, mungkin dia sudah tidak lagi duduk di kursi tertinggi The Lee Entertainment.

Sekembalinya ia di rombongan, ia mendengar Arya, "Lo pada mau beli sesuatu dulu gak?" Alih-alih menjawab, ia hanya mengangkat plastik berisi cilok ke arah Arya, menandakan ia lebih dulu selesai bersamaan dengan mulut penuh menyantap hangat jajanan tersebut.

RAVINDRA: Teriknya cahaya matahari pada hari ini seperti memberi petanda atas sebuah semangat yang bergelora dari 3 Wira. Diantara mereka, Ravindra lah yang baru pertamakali naik gunung. Selama Ravindra hidup, ia hanya berteman bersama komputer, lantas jelas mengapa ia terlihat gugup.

Namun ia menutupi rasa gugupnya dengan bermain ponsel pintar, Ravindra tak ingin membuat 2 rekan kerjanya mengetahui mengenai apa yang ia rasakan. Ketika dirinya sedang sibuk memainkan sebuah permainan, Ravindra mendengar rekannya alias Arya berbicara.

"Lo pada mau beli sesuatu gak?" Ucap Arya yang memecahkan sebuah keheningan.

"Kagak ya, gua udh ada semua." jawab Ravindra cepat namun ia melihat salah satu rekannya yang sedang sibuk memusatkan dirinya dihadapan sebuah makanan. Dengan bermodal nekat, Ravindra menyomot salah satu makanan yang ada ditangan gary tanpa meminta izin terlebih dahulu.

Saat Ravindra sedang asik melahap, terlihat tatapan kaget dari sang pemilik cilok dan hanya mendapatkan kekehan dari si oknum penyipettan cilok hari ini. "bagi atu gar hehe, tapi anjirlah.. ini pedes amat" sautnya saat ia mulai merasakan betapa pedasnya saus dari cilok cipettannya.

Ravindra langsung menegak air dan memikirkan sesuatu. Apakah memang semesta tidak mengizinkan untuk menjadi tukang cipet makanan?.

ARYA: Arya berkacak pinggang melihat tingkah laku teman-temannya. Kehidupan profesional mereka di Jakarta seakan bukan bagian dari mereka saat berada di tempat lain untuk maksud mencari penyegaran ini. Mereka mungkin akan menyadari kalau tingkah mereka bagaikan individu lain jika dipaksa untuk berkaca.

Hal bagus, kecuali cilok di tangan Gary yang membuat jiwa skeptis Arya agak meronta.

ㅤㅤ"Yaudah, kita lanjut ya."

Kebetulan setelah berkata begitu, supir mobil antar-jemput mereka keluar dari WC umum di sana dan langsung menghampiri keempat pemuda dari Jakarta ini.

ㅤㅤ"Lanjut berangkat sekarang, mas-mas?" ㅤㅤ"Iya, Pak. Langsung ke gerbang masuk." Arya menyahut tanpa jeda dan sambil lalu, menuju ke pick up untuk melempar dirinya bersama carrier ke bagian belakang mobil yang terbuka. Para 'Mas' Jakarta, siap melanjutkan perjalanan ke jalur pendakian Sembalun.

ISAIAH: "Cilok belum ada kayaknya, Dra." Celetuk Isaiah, terdengar sinis, sinis yang tak bermaksud lain selain guyonan. Disusul dengan tawaan kecil beserta tepukan kecil di tengkuk Ravindra setelah melihat kawannya yang tak menikmati pedas layak dirinya.

Sepersekon kemudian ia telah memposisikan diri untuk duduk di bagian depan, tepat di samping sang pengemudi. Tidak seperti Isaiah pada kesehariannya, ia berbincang dengan nyamannya bersama supir tersebut. Sebetulnya dibalik seluruh kepahamannya mengenai bisnis, ia jauh lebih ingin tahu tentang kehidupan orang-orang di sekitar.

"Lama juga, ya, Pak." "Iya, Mas. Saya merem aja sampai ini mobilnya ke gerbang."

Isaiah tertawa, cukup lepas. "Janganlah, Pak. Saya belum nikah." Candanya.

Tidak lama setelah percakapan tersebut, tangannya menggenggam pegangan yang berada plafon mobil karena jalan yang ditempuh mulai berbatu untuk ditempuh.

RAVINDRA: Saat Ravindra sedang asyik menjulurkan lidahnya untuk mengurangi kadar pedas didalam mulut, sang supir yang ditunggu oleh 3 Wira ini pun datang. Mereka bertiga dengan cepat menaruh badan dan menikmati perjalanan menuju tempat selanjutnya, meski medannya mulai tak mengenakkan. Terlihat Gary yang sedang asyik mengobrol dengan sang supir serta Arya yang menikmati perjalanan, Ravindra pun merasakan sebuah kepribadian yang baru dari teman sekantornya ini.

"Ya, ini si Gary orangnya emang suka ngomong?" Ucap Ravindra dengan pelan saat menoel Arya. Sesaat setelah ravindra menanyakan sebuah pertanyaan kepada Arya, Ravindra mulai merasakan yang namanya "mabuk darat".

Mual serta pening ia pun rasakan, Ravindra pun mulai menggenggam benda apa saja yang ada di mobil. "Pak maaf boleh pelanan? Sepertinya saya mulai mabuk"

ARYA: Namanya perjalanan di kota asing, tiada detik dihabiskan mereka tanpa percakapan. Ada saja topik yang dibahas.

ㅤㅤ"Anaknya gak bisa ditebak," Arya menjawab diplomatis pertanyaan Indra yang memang baru bergabung dengan mereka bertiga--Arya, Haris, dan Isaiah. Ketika menjawab, Arya menyadari Indra kelihatan tidak baik-baik saja. Rekan kerja dan naik gunungnya hari itu kelihatan tidak sehat.

ㅤㅤ"Dra, lo kepedesan cilok sampe segitunya?" Heran bercampur khawatir, kerut-kerut nampak di wajah Arya. Roda-roda mobil yang bergulir di atas jalanan terjal membuat ketakseimbangan para penumpangnya dapat dimaklumi. Tapi kelihatannya, tidak semua penumpang mobil itu berhasil melewati rintangan tanpa merasa gejolak aneh dalam perut mereka yang mengocok dan mengobrak-abrik isi lambung. Sebenarnya ada sisi baik di balik mobil yang sedang melalui jalan bergelombang ini, yaitu, mereka hampir sampai ke tujuan.

ISAIAH: Isaiah menoleh ke arah belakang mobil kala mendengar ucapan Arya, memeriksa keduanya apakah dalam keadaan baik-baik saja atau tidak. Sementara Arya masih bisa menahan diri, rupanya Ravindra terlihat pucat. Alih-alih menunjukkan rasa khawatir, ia menyeringai sedikit.

"Sabar, sedikit lagi, Dra. Nanti muntah dideket gerbang aja. Kayaknya ada tong sampah deket-deket situ."

Dibanding ketiganya, Isaiah sebenarnya yang paling jarang berolahraga atau melakukan aktivitas fisik apapun. Kesibukannya hanya terbatas di ruangan kerja ataupun ruangan rapat. Tetapi, dewi fortuna selalu berpihak padanya dalam keadaan ini. Ia menjadi yang paling sehat diantara ketiganya.

"Tapi, pelan pelan aja, ya, Pak." Ujar sang adam menepuk bahu supir, dan mobil pun bergerak lebih pelan hingga sampai di gerbang yang dituju.

RAVINDRA: "kagak biasa gua ya, naik mobil dengan medan seperti ini"

"Iye iye ini udh ditahan ger" ujar Ravindra kepada kedua rekan kerjanya ini sambil menahan rasa mual.

Tak terasa mobil yang mereka tumpangi, akhirnya tiba di jalur pendakian Sembalun. Di saat kedua rekannya masih di dalam mobil, Ravindra dengan cepat turun lalu mencari tempat untuk memuntahkan segala macam isi yang ada dalam perutnya.

"Ah lega.." Pelaku utama dalam tragedi "mabuk darat" ini pun berjalan menjauh dari lokasi dimana ia mengeluarkan isi perut dan kembali kepada rekannya. "sorry lama, abis ini kita kemana?" Tanya Ravindra kepada kedua rekannya, sesaat ia menanyakan sebuah pertanyaan. Ravindra melihat keindahan yang terukir di sepanjang jalur pendakian Sembalun.

"Wow.. indah"

ARYA: Mobil diberhentikan dekat gerbang masuk jalur pendakian sebagai tanda bahwa mereka bisa segera naik, tetapi langkah pertama yang diambil Indra adalah mencari tempat untuk memuntahkan kekacauan isi perutnya.

ㅤㅤ"Lo udah numpang-numpang belom tadi?" Arya setengah serius setengah bercanda mengomentari kondisi salah satu kawannya itu.

ㅤㅤGerbang Senaru terasa sudah memanggil-manggil keempat lelaki dari Jakarta untuk segera naik ke pos satu. Arya yang sejak awal sudah memperhitungkan rencana mendaki mereka hari ini yang dimulai dari siang bolong dan terpaksa diakhiri sore karena tak memungkinkan bagi mereka melalui semua pos pada hari yang sama, sekarang harus memperhatikan juga kondisi Indra.

ㅤㅤ"Kita naik sekarang ya." Arya berkata setelah memperkirakan ketinggian lewat status yang tercatat pada GS Pro di tangannya. ㅤ ㅤㅤ"Ger, lo paling depan. Ikutin jalurnya aja, biar gue jadi sweeper." ㅤㅤMeski tahu cuma naik berempat, Arya masih harus memastikan mereka naik dan turun secara lengkap. "Dra, lo belakang Gary. Biar Haris depan gue."

ISAIAH: Usai mendengar permintaan Arya, ia mengeluarkan tongkat yang biasa digunakan oleh pendaki gunung untuk sekedar mencengkram medan, meski begitu jalanan yang dilaluinya masih sangat nyaman dilalui, mungkin karena energi yang dimilikinya masih banyak perutnya pun masih kenyang diisi banyak makanan sebelum ini. Sabana luas yang memanjakan indera penglihatannya tersebut sangat menenangkan hati. Pelarian singkat yang berharga. Isaiah memutuskan untuk tidak banyak berbicara kali ini karena tenggelam dalam pemandangan sabana yang tak banyak pepohonannya itu, dan terus mengikuti jalur seperti yang disarankan oleh Arya.

RAVINDRA: Terik matahari menyambut mereka dengan ceriahnya, tanpa peduli akan sinar matahari tersebut. Mereka berempat mulai melangkahkan kakinya dengan hati hati. Ravindra memegang tali carrier lalu mengikuti setiap langkah yang Gary pijak sambil melihat pemandangan disekitar jalur. Di sepanjang perjalanan, pemandangan savana yang warna rumputnya hampir keseluruhan coklat jadi teman perjalanan kami. Terlihat Gary yang tak banyak berbicara dan berfokus untuk menuntun kami.

"Kira kira kita sampai di puncak sekitar jam berapa?" Tanya ravindra.

ARYA: Sesaat atensi Arya teralihkan dari padang rumput luas yang menghampar di sekitar mereka.

ㅤㅤ"Besok baru sampai puncak, Dra. Kemungkinan kita camp di Pos Dua atau Pos Tiga dulu. Lo juga lagi gak fit. Jangan dipaksain." Selayaknya sebuah pendakian, yang paling penting bukanlah target mereka mencapai puncak terselesaikan dengan cepat. Dan jika mengingat kondisi Indra yang tadi memuntahkan isi perutnya, Arya merasa tidak yakin kalau mereka bisa kejar target hari ini, apalagi pendakian dimulai bukan dari pagi.

ㅤㅤ"Yang penting kita naik sama turun sama-sama," mungkin yang seperti Haris atau Isaiah sudah kebal telinga atau jenuh mendengar Arya berucap demikian. Lain cerita telinga Indra. Tidak disangka tidak diduga seiring perjalanan kian menanjak, awan yang semula bersinar menunjukkan semu merah penanda datangnya senja berubah menjadi gelap. Arya memicingkan mata agar tak silau ketika kepalanya mendongak.

ㅤㅤ"Wah, mendung. Emang harus camp di Pos Dua kita kayaknya."

ISAIAH: Samar-samar didengarnya celotehan Arya di belakang. Kawannya itu memang sangat memperhatikan keadaan teman-temannya dengan baik. Karena mengetahui bahwa melakukan aktivitas ekstrem seperti ini mengharuskan mereka mengutamakan keselamatan dibanding apapun.

Langit semakin menggelap, sebelum jarak penglihatannya semakin kabur ditelan malam dan membuat mereka membuka peralatan untuk mendapatkan penerangan tambahan Isaiah bergerak lebih cepat. "Iya, Pos Dua aja." Celetuk pria yang kini kedua netranya menangkap sebuah papan besi berwarna oranye dengan tulisan 'Pos Dua' yang berarti mereka telah sampai pada tujuan yang disarankan Arya. Sang tuan Lee itu melangkahkan kakinya lebih lebar untuk mendekat ke sana dan meninggalkan dua kawannya di belakang untuk mencari lahan yang nyaman untuk mereka membangun tenda.

RAVINDRA:

ARYA:

ISAIAH:

[isaiah-lee]

The Encounter.

ADRIENNE: "We are going to take our anger and our indignation and turn it into energy! Justice!" She had to shout at this point to get her voice heard over the din of the crowd. Along with the demonstrators, she raised her hands in solidarity. Thousands of people are marching down New York's streets, engulfed in a single thundering sound amid a fresh wave of xenophobia, to call for a halt to assaults on Asi/an-Amer/icans. Along with the peaceful protest, Adrienne walks side-by-side with Jean. Jean is an American attorney who also had a descendant of Korea who works in North Carolina. It took her almost ten hours en route to attend the protest and raised her voice in New York, the dedication. Momentarily, the tiredness on her pale face begins to delicately obvious.

“괜찮아? No━Jean!" Her body suddenly collapsed in her arms, in the middle of the street, when the police taking away the barricades.

ISAIAH: "Don't you say this was the time where the police taking away the barricades?" The question given by the man sounds rugged to his driver, with both of his dark orbs stick to the side of the window. These crowds messed his schedule. Whatever they are facing right now, they shouldn't take his time this much.

He felt suffocated by the situation and decided to move out of the car then find the reason for the traffic jam. His eyes caught two women in the middle of the street; one of them was seeming frantic while supporting a body that flounder on the asphalt. Isaiah came closer and stood by the two of them.

"You're causing a traffic jam. Move away." He said.

[isaiah-lee]

Day-off.

ISAIAH: During his spare time between his busy work in Bandung, Isaiah took time to visit a studio owned by a friend of Monalisa's. He doesn't recall who the owner is, suspect a close person to Monalisa. It was such an unusual day for Isaiah to attend an invitation outside his job.

After all, Monalisa could convince him, considering Isaiah admires paintings. He bought Portrait of Adele Bolch-Buaer III and has it hanging in his office, not to mention other portraits he had in his house.

Paintings give him a sense of its calmness; it seems to spoke to him differently. Just like him, a person who barely speaks his thought through words, the paintings' gesture seems to resemble him, he thought. It has a certain kind of communication and manner.

"I am Isaiah, and you are?" The man asked the lass in front of him.

EISY: That day, Monalisa, her close friend, had promised to come to fulfill the invitation along with her boss. Of course now Eisy was ready to wait for them. There was a woman and a man walking into her studio.

“Monalisa! You finally came. Is it hard enough to find this studio?” Monalisa just shook her head and smiled.

“Right, good then.” In front of Eisy stood a man older than her, and got surprised when he suddenly introducing himself.

“I am Greisy, Eisy for short. Welcome to my studio, Sir Isaiah.”And then she introduce herself too. Eisy glanced at Monalisa, a little scared by the aura of the man in front of her.

‘𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺?’She gesture to Monalisa, then she only got a nod of her head.

ISAIAH: "Good to see you, Greisy." The man doesn't take his eyes away from a painting ahead of him. "Does this one is your masterpiece? Care to tell me a little bit more behind the paintings?" Monalisa gives a light pat to Greisy's elbow as his boss throws off a question.

The whisper that the woman who introduced herself as Greisy actually reached his range, but he tried to slides it on since it was Monalisa's friend. It's nothing new to him to apprehend people have their perception of him, both good and bad. Thus, it doesn't bother him at all.

EISY: Eisy bowed slightly, a habit she got from Korea as a form of politeness.

“A-ah.. It's pleasure to meet you, Sir Isaiah.” Attention was diverted when Monalisa lightly tapped her elbow to answer the boss's question because now she was just dumbfounded for some reason. Her eyes now follow the painting that Isaiah is referring to.

“I made this when I felt like being free. Not restrained by anything, without exception by my parents.” Eisy smiled slightly remembering the incident. Her gaze now turned back to the man in front of her.

“After seeing this painting, what do you feel, Sir Isaiah?”

ISAIAH: "You may drop the honorifics; worry not, you may call me Isaiah or anything to make you feel comfortable." He said while his orbs continue to stare at the paintings, finding the meaning that the woman trying to imply through her artwork.

"The freedom."

Without taking his eyes off, he continued to glance deeply into the painting while Greisy explained. All that he could hear is her voice and the urge of freedom that he would never get a chance to feel, just like how Greisy was trying to picture. It seems that on the other side, Monalisa began to feel that the man is immersed in Greisy's paintings.

"Did you sell this?"

EISY: When she explained about the painting in front, glances occasionally turned to Isaiah. There was an expression that Eisy caught from the look on the Isaiah face on the side, which clearly seemed to sink in there. Eisy hoped that her hearing was wrong that man was asking whether the painting for sale or not, but Monalisa gave a sign that her boss was seriously asking.

“Do you want this Painting, Isaiah? Before that I'm curious, what do you feel?”

Monalisa gave a code once again, that Eisy shouldn't have to ask that because it might even discourage her boss from buying. But still, Eisy didn't care about that.

ISAIAH: It seemed the man has been staring at the picture for a little while. He went away at the moment Greisy throw him a question. The feeling, the freedom he was longing for, he couldn't explain it. His body shifted to face Greisy. "You have a good hand. This is beautiful, just like you said. I thought liberation was the keyword too. I guessed it right." He attempted to be as soft as possible when facing Greisy, with a more refined gaze than usual. "And about the purchasing the painting. Yes, did you sell it?" Again, he repeated the question. Considering putting the painting somewhere within his house.

EISY: Eisy shifted her body to face Isaiah too. Heard anything what he said. The praise that came out from Isaiah made a blush on her cheeks, because no one had ever praised her work as Isaiah did. As quickly as blush appeared, it disappeared as quickly as it was.

“Thank you for the compliment.” Eisy said sincerely, then tried to steal glances at Monalisa asking what she should answer after this.

“Uhm.. Actually I don't want to sell this painting, because this is my first painting. But you seem to feel something in this, right?” Eisy sighed once, afraid that she would be wrong about her words.

Monalisa gave a sign to just sell that painting. “Well if you want it, I'll sell this painting for you.”

ISAIAH: "Oh, you don't have to if you don't feel like it." His words inversely with his conduct, his eyes back attached quite a while to the painting then turned it away before the two women noticed him about being serious to the painting. "Overall, that's the initial of your masterpiece, and I shall not take it away. But, thank you for creating a beautiful one."

His steps moved towards the other paintings. However, apart from the earlier painting, nothing caught his attention but enough to entertain him in the midst of his agenda.

"Sir, I will buy a coffee. Would you like one?" "Yes, as per usual, thank you." "And would you like one too, Eisy?" Asked Monalisa.

EISY: Eisy raised an eyebrow, then met with Monalisa who seemed to understand the sign given by Eisy. After the man stepped away, Eisy pulled Monalisa's arm.

“Your boss seriously wants to buy this painting, then why is that the answer?” She whisper, Monalisa just pointed her chin at the man who was looking at another painting. Eisy understands exactly what Monalisa means. When asked if she want coffee, she just shook her head. Monalisa excused herself to leave, leaving Eisy and Isaiah there. She started to walk over to Isaiah and stand right beside him.

“Can you feel the painting in front of you?” Eisy also looked at the painting in front of them, before Isaiah answered Eisy chimed in again. “Of course you don't feel it, Isaiah. Your thoughts are still in the previous painting.”

“I know really well the movements of buyers' interest. I didn't say I didn't like selling that painting.”

ISAIAH: Monalisa left the studio for a while to get their coffee. It makes Isaiah and Greisy stand in the same place. His eyes glanced briefly at Greisy when she was addressing the previous painting. The woman's implications were not wrong, and she was right about how his mind was fixated on the previous painting. This time, he wasn't going to deny the offer. He turned his body, moving toward the owner of the studio with both of his hands locked behind him.

"Then give me the best price you can offer."

[isaiah-lee]

Reason.

The story given is written based on the prompt provides by The Lee.

"And your father would like to see you at five." "My father?"

Initially, his eyes were fixed on the document he held, but after Monalisa mentioned his father, his attention shifted to her. Isaiah was taken aback by the sudden plan. He wasn't sure about the motive since the company has been doing fine so far.

"Did you know the reason why?" "I am not sure, but I think this is because of the woman who visits the office back then." "It's been a while since the last time he takes an interest in my personal life. He is getting sensitive because of the plan to get me married with anyone within his selection in the near future." Both fingers massaged his forehead even though he wasn't feeling dizzy. His eyes were closed for a moment, projecting the possibilities that would follow.

"Well, I don't think that the case, Sir." "You hear something?"

Monalisa told him the rumours she heard, and Isaiah stunned by those. Even though his father had once told him about someone who meant a lot to him. Isaiah never knew; the person is very much close to him.

Back then, when Isaiah in college and experiencing love. Hiram shared how he chose the company over his love. Tell him about the number of benefits he received in return and the loss he calculated if love is the one he chose. Young Isaiah believes it all but never heard the person he loved. Perhaps by their meeting later, it will be answered.

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Isaiah had his father entered the office room, right at five. All the planned schedules before and after were cancelled, even though he wasn't sure how long his father would have the conversation with him.

"Would you like some tea, Sir?"

"No, that's okay."

The refusal probably not a good sign of things to come. Even so, he had run into the worst before. This shouldn't be a big deal. With that, Monalisa excused herself then left the room to provide the space for the father and son to talk.

His workspace is spacious with black and white dominates, a virile aura spread across the room. This room belonged to Hiram some years ago before Isaiah, then he chose to give it a major change to its decorations. Hiram takes some time to reminisce about the room, and it seems some of his memories surfacing in his mind.

"I have been putting eyes and ears out ever since you took a sudden leave to Frankfurt." His slow and steady steps put a stop in front of his bookcase, run his fingers while gently gracing against the books stored in it. "My son wouldn't be leaving the town unless something important came up, right?"

"Yes, I took a visit to a friend, and you remember him, Rudolf, and also Sabai." Hiram turned his frame to looked at Isaiah, who stood up behind him when he mentioned Sabai. The man who happens to be taller than his father could read him through the pair of his orbs.

He had no reason to conceal it, after all.

The feelings that Hiram holds as their gazes meet also distinctly asserted through his eyes. In the end, he perceives that the rumours that Monalisa stated turned out to be true.

Hiram glanced away at the books on the shelf. He noticed that his son found something through the situation occurs.

"Didn't I told you to see Sara?" "I did." "Then? You don't like her?" "I love her, Sabai."

There was a long silence between the two of them while Isaiah wondered how his father would react to his words. The very first words he threw to his father because of his will, not him. Nevertheless, Isaiah understands, the situation will be challenging to face.

"You don't love her."

Those words uttered by his father were strong enough to make Isaiah halted for a while. In all his life, Isaiah has never opposed his father. Even the titles as the second Hiram have attached throughout his life. However, in Sabai's case, he would feel the contemplation within him for the first time.

"So, it was true then her mom is your..."

"Yes. And I think, you shall not say it further. Whatever your reason is, put everything to an end with Sabai." Hiram was reluctant to glance at his son, which reflects himself when he also strives for the love that never came.

So it does to Isaiah. He should never fall in love with Sabai when Hiram couldn't be with her mother. Yes, he should never be able to even if he wanted to.

"And, what if I don't?"

"You know the answer better than I am."

Hiram went away, leaving Isaiah in his office with the silence immersed. As ever, the man was left standing there without being given time to explain.