Love Redux: Fated to the Handsome Doctor

“Compensation?” Mahya frowned. She didn’t understand what the caller meant. What did she do wrong?

“Hello?!” The voice kept calling, this time with a slightly higher tone. Mahya, whose patience was as thin as tissue paper, was certainly angry.

“Wrong number!” she snapped, then unilaterally hung up the phone.

The Channel Insight office was already quite empty, the time showing nine in the evening. Mahya – who happened to have no overtime duties – would certainly be preparing to go home, before another phone call, once again, disturbed her.

“Hello?!” This time, Mahya’s voice rose. She didn’t want to lose in this second battle.

“It’s me, Seno Adhijaya. You said earlier that you would compensate me!”

“Se-Seno?”

Mahya reflexively covered her mouth. “Oh my!” she muttered immediately. Mahya completely forgot that she had planned such a scenario. Her brain was too busy with the investigation proposal. She forgot something very important: the informant.

“Mr. Seno! Um, sorry, I thought you were an insurance agent,” Mahya explained. She didn’t want to appear cunning and as if she were waiting for an opportunity to talk to Seno according to her calculations.

“Ah, yes. Alright.” Seno’s voice lowered. Mahya could feel that the man was not offended by her statement.

“How can I compensate you?” Mahya said, trying to challenge the high ego of this new director.

“Um, can we meet? I want to discuss it in person, not over the phone.”

“Meet?” Mahya repeated the conversation. It was easier than she thought.

“Yes, can you come to Top Resto in Senayan? Now?” Seno asked unabashedly. His voice sounded firm and without hesitation. Mahya smiled slyly.

“Of course. I’ll be there. NOW,” she replied with emphasis on the last word. Today was the day Mahya had been waiting for. A Seno Adhijaya, was surrendering himself to be scrutinized by her. It was truly delightful.

“Alright. I’ll wait here.”

Seno hung up, leaving Mahya shouting with joy. “HAHA! THIS IS TOO EASY!”

***

Mahya arrived at Top Resto in Senayan, Central Jakarta. “Wow, this is nice!” She praised the restaurant concept and the luxury it has offered.

Top Resto in Senayan was located on the top floor of a luxurious building with modern architecture. From the outside, the restaurant looked majestic with spotlights illuminating its roof, creating a very exclusive atmosphere.

As Mahya entered the entrance, the elegant and comfortable atmosphere welcomed her immediately. She could see that it wasn’t easy to get a seat in this place.

“Seno is really a cool newly rich dude,” she muttered sarcastically.

The first sight she got was an interior designed beautifully, romantic, and luxurious, with a formal atmosphere surrounding it.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Large glass walls provided stunning views of the surrounding Senayan area, emitting the sparkling city lights. Crystal chandeliers on the ceiling added glamour and a taste of upper-class sophistication.

“Do you have a reservation, Miss?” a waiter greeted Mahya.

The ponytailed girl – this time in a charming maroon evening gown – nodded confidently. “Seno Adhijaya.” She uttered the name as if it were a mantra to get her out of the restaurant’s surveillance, which was ready to expel anyone who entered without prior booking.

The waiter checked the guest’s name mentioned on his screen. Moments later, he nodded respectfully and directed Mahya to her partner’s location who was already there. “Over here, Miss.”

They walked past several other tables neatly arranged along the restaurant’s area, complete with white linens and sparkling cutlery.

The professionally dressed and friendly waiters seemed busy serving the guests with warm smiles. Mahya was greeted by a senior waiter to guide her to the table located in the corner.

There, Mahya could see Seno observing her from head to toe. Despite feeling awkward, Mahya still smiled and maintained courtesy as best as she could.

“Darn,” she muttered, unheard by anyone.

“Please.”

A waiter pulled out a chair for Mahya to sit.

“Welcome,” Seno stood up, shaking hands with Mahya before she positioned herself in her seat.

“What would you like to order?”

After sitting down, Mahya was immediately presented with a variety of food menus. Western-style dishes adorned the menu pages with enticing photos.

The menu portraits ranged from delicious appetizers to mouth-watering main courses, all presented with impeccable layout, according to Mahya.

“Caprese Salad, please,” Mahya said, pointing to the photo of the classic Italian dish with slices of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. It seemed that the menu was enough to whet Mahya’s appetite to endure until the last course.

“Your order will be coming soon, Miss,” the waiter said before excusing himself.

Seno smiled at Mahya, making the girl quite embarrassed with the intent of his attention.

“The compensation, how much?” Mahya asked after taking a long breath. Mahya couldn’t resist eating as planned by Seno. Although, her initial goal was not like that.

The pleasant restaurant atmosphere mesmerized Mahya and created a sudden hunger that was difficult to refuse. Was this because of the effect of witchcraft? Really?

“Compensation, huh? Hm…” Seno seemed to think for a moment. Was he considering the cost of damage? Or was there something else?

Mahya’s gaze swept the other area of the restaurant: the rooftop. Many couples were enjoying a romantic dinner under the open sky.

The atmosphere mixed between moonlight and small lights that lit up around the restaurant created a calming atmosphere. Soft jazz music wafted from the speakers accompanying the guests’ conversations, adding a romantic impression that was so intoxicating.

“Compensation with your time, can it?” Seno asked a moment later.

“W-what?” Mahya stammered, she almost choked when drinking the mineral water that had just quenched her thirst. “My time, how?”

“I want to get to know you better, can’t I?” Seno asked shamelessly.

Mahya fell silent. There was suddenly a surge of anger in her chest. Instantly, Mahya’s face turned red. She wasn’t drunk yet. She hadn’t even touched the wine served in front of her.

“Gulp!”

Mahya gulped down a glass of wine in front of her. She was very annoyed by Seno’s unexpected response.

“Why do you want to get to know me?” Mahya asked with a flushed face. Her breath was getting faster. Mahya was very annoyed and even forgot the intrigue plan she had created from the beginning.

“You’re quite sweet. Don’t you want someone to support you?”

“WHAT? Support in what terms?”

“FInancially, of course!”

Mahya’s eyes rolled in disbelief. How could a somebody’s husband ask her to be his … what do you called? Sugar baby?

“Why are you so surprised like that? Isn’t it common nowadays? Girls these days have sugar daddies? Let’s get straight to the point, shall we? I can be your sugar daddy,” Seno offered himself without any hesitation.

Seno even didn’t remember who Mahya was and what her connection with Lara, his wife. Why was this man so shameless?

“Don’t you already have a wife, Sir?” Mahya scoffed. She wanted to slap Seno’s face right then and there, but Mahya held herself back.

“HAHA! Wife? Nowadays, a wife is just like a mistress.”