Arlin sighed deeply as she stepped out of the office. A sense of satisfaction that her work was going smoothly mingled with the lingering frustration from the earlier meeting.
Shakeel nearly revealed their closeness to Gilang, causing Lusi to look at him with a questioning gaze. What if Lusi ever found out? Arlin didn't want to add more complications to her already complicated life.
Upon arriving at the mansion, Arlin found Gilang waiting for her in the living room with a calm expression. He gave her a small smile as she entered the room, and he could see the change in her face—spoiled yet annoyed.
"You look a little… unsatisfied?" Gilang asked.
Arlin sighed. "Shakeel almost exposed me. I don't know what to do if Lusi finds out about us."
Gilang looked at her for a moment before shifting his gaze back to the book in his hands.
"What do you want?" he asked briefly, his voice still cold.
Arlin was taken aback. Usually, Gilang rarely offered something like this.
"No need, I'm fine," Arlin replied, though deep down she was tempted.
Gilang raised his eyebrows slightly, but his face remained calm.
"Let's go shopping."
Arlin was taken aback by his flat tone, as if it were just a minor decision for him.
"I… really don't need it, Gilang."
Gilang closed his book, stood up, and walked ahead of her.
"It's up to you. Choose what you want, or I'll choose for you."
Finally, Arlin gave in and followed Gilang to the luxurious shopping center. There, even though she only chose a few simple outfits, Gilang asked the attendant to pack expensive dresses that Arlin had never even touched.
"Gilang, this is too much," Arlin said, protesting slightly.
Gilang glanced at her. "I decide." His gaze remained cold, but Arlin knew it was his subtle way of showing care.
Time passed, and though they didn't speak much, Gilang's presence by her side made Arlin feel safe. After shopping, they returned to the mansion with several bags filled with clothes that left Arlin almost speechless.
When they arrived, Arlin stopped at the door, looking at Gilang for a moment.
"Thank you. I… I'm very happy."
Gilang only looked at her briefly.
"Rest," he replied briefly before turning away, leaving Arlin with an indescribable feeling.
After Gilang disappeared upstairs, Arlin stood for a moment in front of the bedroom door, looking at the bags that had been purchased. For some reason, there was an odd warmth in her chest.
Shortly afterward, Bi Yuna approached with a gentle smile.
"Miss Arlin, Mr. Gilang rarely takes the time to do this. I think he wants you to feel comfortable here."
Arlin smiled slightly. "Maybe. But he's always… so cold."
"That's just the way he is, dear. Even as a child, Mr. Gilang never talked much, but he has a gentle heart. Believe me, he just doesn't show it with words." Bi Yuna chuckled softly.
Arlin pondered. "Maybe I'm just not used to it yet…"
The next day, Arlin decided to wear one of the outfits Gilang had picked out for her. The dress was simple yet elegant, with a cut that made her look a little different from usual.
She stepped out of her room hesitantly, meeting Shakeel in the living room.
"Miss Arlin, today the Master asked me to take you to work," Shakeel said politely, with a slight smile.
Arlin furrowed her brow. "I can go on my own. Besides, this isn't my first time there."
Shakeel hesitated for a moment. "I'm sorry, but the Master requested it. He wants to ensure your safety."
Arlin sighed softly but eventually nodded. During the ride, Shakeel talked about his work at Devano Group, but occasionally glanced back at Arlin.
"Shakeel, is… Gilang always that serious about small things?" Arlin asked with a faint smile.
Shakeel chuckled. "Yes, Mr. Gilang is quite protective, especially toward people who matter to him. But he's just not good at expressing it."
Arlin fell silent, feeling her heart race unpredictably. She didn't know how to feel. Gilang was indeed hard to read, but somehow, there was a part of her that kept guiding her to understand the man.
Upon arriving at work, Arlin was warmly greeted by Lusi and Mr. Rolan. As soon as they saw the elegant dress Arlin was wearing, they couldn't stop praising her.
"Arlin, you look different today! Wow, your style is really stepping up!" Lusi exclaimed teasingly.
Arlin smiled, a bit blushing.
"Ah, it's just… a coincidence. Nothing special."
Mr. Rolan nodded enthusiastically. "Good, Arlin! Your outfit today shows that we're ready to compete at the top level!"
They began their workday with enthusiasm. Amid her tasks, Arlin recalled Gilang, especially when his cold gaze hinted at an unspoken concern. Though the man never spoke much, Arlin began to feel a connection growing between them.
After finishing work, Arlin planned to go home alone. However, as she stepped out of the building, a black car was already waiting at the entrance. Shakeel got out and opened the car door with a small smile.
"Sorry, Miss Arlin. Mr. Gilang asked me to make sure you get home safely," he said politely.
Arlin sighed, unable to suppress a small smile. "Gilang is always like this, isn't he? Seeming indifferent, yet there's always a way he makes me feel cared for."
Shakeel nodded with a understanding expression.
"Mr. Gilang may not be good at expressing his feelings directly. But behind his cold demeanor, there's a lot he does, even without you realizing it."
On the way home, Arlin remained silent, gazing out the window. Her mind was filled with images of Gilang, whom she had always seen as an untouchable man.
However, the more she got to know him, the more she saw the hidden gentle side behind his sharp gaze.
Upon arriving at the mansion, Arlin entered slowly. Gilang was waiting for her in the living room, sitting calmly while reading documents. When he saw Arlin enter, he closed the documents and nodded briefly.
"You're back on time," Gilang said succinctly, but his tone sounded slightly relieved.
Arlin smiled, approaching hesitantly. "Yes… thank you for making sure I'm safe. I—I'm actually not used to being treated like this."
Gilang only nodded slightly, as if he didn't want to make it a big deal.
"As long as you're here, your safety is my responsibility."
Arlin felt her cheeks warm at those words. Unconsciously, she looked at Gilang with gratitude.
"Gilang, thank you... I know I might be making things difficult for you with all my requests and attitude."
Gilang paused for a moment, his gaze softening slightly. "You just need to know… whatever you want, I can give it to you."
Hearing that, Arlin felt her heartbeat quicken, but she tried to hold back. Perhaps, for now, it was enough for her to know that the cold man actually had a warmer side than she had imagined.