Widow Next Door

Chapter 4

Susi, who found out that her assistant had been kicked out by her husband, could not say much after a new maid was hired by her husband. They also argued because Susi didn't like the maid chosen by her husband, who was an old woman. And because of that, she was annoyed and left her house by slamming the door hard enough.

Fiona, who was planting vegetable seeds in the front yard, was shocked. Fiona saw that Susi was so angry and left her house. "What again now? Sometimes they are good, but sometimes they are fighting. Hm .." Fiona muttered.

In the evening, Fiona invited her son to dinner.

That day Fiona cooked a lot. At first, she wanted to invite her new neighbor to dinner at her house as the p*****t for his son's medical expenses. "Reyhan, the doctor and his wife seem to be fighting. I am not comfortable inviting them to dinner. What should I do?"

“It's okay, Mom, just tell them. At least you have offered them dinner together. If they refuse, that's okay."

"You are right. Okay, I will go to the next door then. Wait for me okay. Don't go anywhere. I'll be back in a moment." Fiona said to her son. Reyhan nodded. Then, Fiona walked towards Ardian's house.

Fiona was a little worried when she was about to knock on the door. But she could not go back, she already intended to invite them. Whatever they were agree or not, it would not bother her. Right before Fiona knocked on the door, Ardian had already opened the door. The two of them looked at each other. "Uh, doctor. Sorry to disturb you." Fiona said clumsily. Ardian smiled.

"It's okay, Fiona. What is wrong? Is Reyhan sick again?"

"Oh no, it's not. Reyhan is healthy, thank God." Ardian nodded. "Then?" Ardian asked curiously.

"Erm ... I wanted to invite you and Mrs. Susi to have dinner with us. But it looks like you have another agenda. So, maybe another time."

"Oh, I’d love to. I just to be going out for dinner." Ardian said and holding Fiona's hand as she was about to leave. Fiona turned around.

"Do you go out for dinner? Did Mrs. Susi not cook for you?" Fiona asked spontaneously. Seeing Ardian changed his facial expression Fiona hurriedly apologized. "Sorry for my words."

“It's ok. I'm used to not eating at home and having dinner out more often. Susi doesn't like cooking."

"Oh, I see." Fiona felt more and more uncomfortable. "So the dinner invitation is still valid, right?" Ardian asked. Fiona was confused by him. She did not want to be labeled a bad woman by inviting another man who was not her husband to her home. But she had already asked and Susi wasn't there either. Then, Fiona invited Ardian into her house.

Ardian entered Fiona's house. The minimalist-styled house looked neat and tidy. "Please come in, doc. Sorry, it's a bit messy. Reyhan has done his homework." Fiona said inviting Ardian to sit at the dining table.

Ardian looked amazed at the various kinds of home cooking in front of him. Ardian smiled kindly at Reyhan who was sitting in front of him. His hands reached out, ruffled the boy's hair. Meanwhile, Fiona was busy preparing plates, glasses, and spoons for them. "Hello, little buddy. Are you feeling good now?" Ardi asked Reyhan.

Reyhan looked sheepish. He just nodded his head. "Reyhan, answer him, please. He talked to you, so you have to give an answer." Fiona appeared from the kitchen carrying a plate, glass, and spoons. She put all of them on the table. Ardi wanted to help but Fiona refused.

Fiona also put the rice on Ardian's plate, serving him in a good way. Ardian had never been treated this way by his own wife as long as they were married. "Oh ... sorry," Fiona said and regretted her unnecessary behavior. She should not do this to another man except her husband. She lowered her head in shame. Likewise with Ardian. But silently he enjoyed it.

"No problem. I feel honored to be treated like that because honestly I have never been treated like that by my wife. Thank you." Ardian said with a smile. Fiona nodded sheepishly. Then, they started the dinner. Ardian felt lucky to be able to enjoy this kind of dinner at Fiona's house. Fiona was a warm heart woman and good at cooking. She was also very good at taking care of her family. That made Ardian immediately felt comfortable around Fiona. Not to mention Reyhan who was very funny and smart. The little boy did not hesitate to ask Ardian to fed him. Not only that, but Reyhan also sat calmly on Ardian's lap while being fed.

The three of them looked like a happy family. Ardian wondered how come Fiona's ex-husband could waste a woman as soft and as good as Fiona. Was that guy so stupid not seeing Fiona's sincerity? Ardian didn't know for sure, only God knew. But, certainly, at this time, Ardian was enjoying their closeness to each other.

***

Fiona was shocked to see Ardian still in her house. She thought Ardian had come home when she left him alone because she had to accompany Reyhan to sleep. Unexpectedly, Ardi was still sitting in front of the TV watching the news.

Ardian smiled then asked Fiona to come closer. Fiona came closer and sat on the sofa beside Ardi. "Is Reyhan asleep?" Fiona nodded. "I thought you already back home, Doc. I didn't know you still watching TV." Fiona said.

"I intend to wait for the owner of this house, I'm afraid I gonna miss her." Ardian teased. Fiona blushed. "You are so funny, Doc." Ardian laughed too. "Just call me Ardi, not Doctor. I don't like it."

“But… It's not good. I can not call you just by your name. "

"If that's the case, you can call me Mas Ardi. Please don't call me a doctor. I don't like it."

"But ..."

Ardian glared at her. Fiona lowered her head. Ardian raised Fiona's face. He stared at her. "Fiona, look at me," Ardian said softly but seemed firm. Fiona still kept her face down. "Fiona." His words gave Fiona goosebumps. Inevitably, Fiona finally lifted her face slowly.

Unconsciously she held her breath. Because Ardian's face was too close. Ardian even brought his face closer. Their noses touched. "Fiona, relax... Breathe," Ardian said without taking his eyes off Fiona.

Fiona slowly exhaled her breath. She had not done with the shocking moment, but Fiona was surprised again by something soft and warm on her lips. Ardian kissed her. Fiona froze, and when she got herself back again, she tried to get away, but Ardian deepened his kiss.

Her body was hugged tightly. Fiona gave up and let Ardian kiss her lips. But as time flew by, Fiona started to kiss Ardian back. Her hands were wrapped around Ardi's neck. Squeezing his hair and pressing Ardian's nape as if asking to deepen his kiss.

Then, Ardian deepened his kiss. He suck her lips, strong suction on Fiona's lips made her lose control. Ardian released her lips. Fiona gasped for breath before  Ardian kiss her back again. “Humph…. Aaah…” Fiona moaned as Ardian started to kiss her neck.

Fiona squeezed Ardian's hair. But then, she pushed Ardian's body. Ardian came to his senses and immediately apologized.

"I'm sorry, Fiona. I didn't mean ..."

"I understand. Please don't act like that anymore. You better go home. It's late, I want to rest." Fiona was looking away. Ardian apologized once again and then left her house.

Fiona grabbed her chest that beating so fast. At first, she was surprised when Ardian kissed her, but then she started to enjoy the kiss. She felt that gentle kiss full of longing. But then she realized, that was wrong. Ardian was Susi's husband, her neighbor.

She didn't want to be the third person between them.

***