Grateful to Have You
Layla, overwhelmed with happiness, unconsciously shed tears. "Is this true? This is truly the most beautiful gift! Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Aunt Agatha!"
Layla immediately hugged them tightly, unable to contain her happiness. The three of them embraced in a moment filled with meaning. Kinara and Sarah, witnessing this scene, couldn't hold back the tears welling up in their eyes. They were also overjoyed.
Jayden smiled as he embraced Layla and Agatha. "Both of us love you so much, Layla. We will definitely be a happy family from now on."
Amidst the warm embrace, Kinara wiped her eyes and smiled brightly. "Thank you, Agatha. Your presence has brought so much happiness to this family."
Sarah also expressed her gratitude, smiling softly with traces of tears. "Indeed, Layla must be so happy to have a mother like you, Agatha."
Agatha nodded, smiling genuinely. "I am also very happy to be a part of this family. I hope we will always be together through thick and thin."
Jayden looked at Agatha with love. "You complete this family, Agatha. Thank you for being here with all of us."
"Yes. Likewise, Jayden," Agatha replied, returning the gaze with an immeasurable amount of love.
"Aunt, um... is it... may I call you 'mom'?" Layla suddenly released her embrace.
"Ah?" Agatha reflexively stunned, her face blushing unexpectedly. She then teasingly tweaked Layla's nose. "Of course, Sweetie. You can call me whatever you want."
Layla blushed shyly, lowering her head. "Thank you very much, Mom."
Agatha chuckled softly, although her heart was racing. Jayden also felt his face reddening. Something within him suddenly felt odd.
Kinara and Sarah giggled amusingly at their interaction. In that room, love and happiness truly formed a strong bond among the Byhantara family members.
***
In the bright morning, the Byhantara family gathered for breakfast together. They enjoyed the togetherness, light conversation, and occasional laughter. Only one seat empty, where Cakra, who hadn't joined yet, was supposed to sit.
After breakfast, Jayden and Agatha prepared to go to the office and drop Layla at school. They departed together, feeling the warmth throughout the morning journey.
Meanwhile, as the day turned to noon, Jonathan arrived home after his trip from out of town. Kinara promptly informed him about the previous night's incident involving Cakra. Jonathan's face immediately turned serious and angry.
"How could he do such a thing? What a fool!" Jonathan cursed, unable to accept Cakra's heinous behavior.
Kinara tried to calm her husband. "We have to teach him a lesson, Jo. This can't be left unchecked."
Jonathan nodded in agreement. Together, they planned the next steps regarding Cakra's actions. Eventually, they reached a decision.
That Cakra would receive a strict punishment by going abroad for introspection on his wrongdoing. Kinara and Grandma Sarah also felt disappointed, but they knew this was the consequence Cakra had to face.
In a firm and disappointed tone, Jonathan said to Cakra, "What you did is absolutely unacceptable! Your actions have tarnished the family's and the company's reputation. I am deeply disappointed in you, Cakra. Now, you must take responsibility for your actions. Prepare yourself for a period of introspection abroad."
Jonathan continued, "Not only as a company leader but as a son, you have let down both your mother and your family. This is an unforgivable act. Your time overseas is an opportunity for reflection and self-improvement. I hope you can find a better path forward after this."
With a gaze full of remorse, Cakra could only nod silently. He felt the weight of his mistake and knew he had to accept the consequences of his actions.
Jonathan left the room with a serious expression, leaving Cakra in a regretful silence.
On that very day, Cakra was sent abroad for a period of introspection. Firm steps were taken to emphasize that misdeeds would not be tolerated in the Byhantara family and company.
Jonathan, still filled with anger and disappointment, decided on a harsh course of action. With authority as a father and company leader, he revoked the CEO position previously given to Cakra.
Then without hesitation, Jonathan immediately went to Jayden's office with the intention of transferring the company to his deserving son.
"Jayden, you will be the CEO of the company that previously belonged to Cakra. You deserve this trust," commanded Jonathan, delegating a significant responsibility to Jayden in his office that afternoon.
Jayden, who didn't expect such a sudden show of trust, was immediately grateful and overjoyed. "Thank you, Dad. I will work as hard as I can."
Jayden smiled with determination, but happiness shone brightly in his eyes. "I will give my best and make the company bigger and more advanced in the future."
Jonathan nodded, looking at Jayden with conviction. "I trust you, Jayden. And don't forget, our family is always here to support each other."
Meanwhile, Agatha, sitting beside Jayden, felt proud to see the significant change in the Byhantara family. She hoped for a brighter future with Jayden and Layla.
Jonathan then turned to Agatha with sincerity. "Agatha, thank you for your positive influence on Jayden and this family. You bring the happiness and warmth that we need."
Agatha smiled modestly. "Thank you, Mr. Jonathan. I am happy to be a part of this family and contribute to positive change."
Jonathan smiled, a smile rarely seen by just anyone. He then stood up from his seat.
"Let's build a better future together. Family is everything, and we will move forward together."
After Jonathan left, Jayden immediately hugged Agatha tightly, his joy hard to express in words. "Thank you, Agatha. You are a crucial part of my success, I am grateful to have you."
Agatha smiled meaningfully. "I'm sure you will continue to excel, Jayden. And I will always be by your side, supporting you whenever you need it."
Suddenly, Jayden released the hug and looked at Agatha with deep emotion. "May I kiss your forehead, Agatha?"
Agatha nodded, smiling sheepishly. "Of course, Jayden."
Jayden gently kissed Agatha's forehead, full of love and affection. "I promise, someday we will celebrate this happiness with a beautiful wedding."
On the other hand, in the office parking lot, in hesitation, Grace decided to abandon her plan to apologize as she was not yet ready.
She realized that her impulsive and jealous actions had led to a major mistake. With a heavy heart, Grace chose to step back and give space to Agatha and Jayden's relationship.
Alone in the car, she pondered for a moment. "I am not worthy of disrupting their relationship. If they love each other, I should support that, right," Grace thought to herself.
Despite still feeling embarrassed and regretful, Grace promised not to interfere in Agatha and Jayden's relationship.
That night served as strong evidence that they were truly destined to be together. However, Grace was not yet able to meet Agatha directly and apologize for her serious mistakes.
***
"Hey, Agatha. What do you think, senior Grace seems to have changed, right? Now she no longer bothers you like before."
True. Just as Aluna mentioned, even when they passed each other, Grace didn't glance her way, even briefly. The woman's gaze remained straight ahead with a cold expression, yet still graceful.
"You're right, Aluna. Maybe it's because graduation day is approaching?" Agatha guessed casually.
"Oh, yes, maybe."
Although puzzled by Grace's suddenly indifferent attitude since that night, Agatha felt much better than constantly arguing with her. Her campus life could also be calmer if they didn't know each other.
"This way, we can study safely and peacefully." Aluna giggled in amusement. Then she linked arms with Agatha. "To the cafeteria, let's go!"
Agatha smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, Sweetie!"
Walking side by side towards the cafeteria, Agatha felt very happy. Her lips kept smiling as if sure that no more problems would come her way. Some people who glanced at her also felt the positive aura she exuded.
It made them involuntarily smile. Because Agatha had never openly radiated such a bright smile before. Even the men who admired Agatha could hardly believe the change.
Day by day, Agatha went through it well and full of enthusiasm. The months that had passed had no obstacles that dragged her down.
As Agatha suspected, peace had now become her life companion to achieve the future of her dreams.