Since her brief conversation with Bi Yuna in the backyard, Arlin began to try to accept the bitter reality that she might not be able to leave this house anytime soon.
Bi Yuna made her realize that not everything could be changed so easily, and perhaps Gilang had his reasons for being so stubborn. However, what happened that night still left a deep wound, even though she was now trying to come to terms with her feelings.
When Gilang finally returned after two days of being gone, Arlin decided to try a different approach.
As she watched the man walk into the mansion with his cold expression, her heart raced.
She wanted to speak to him, but how? How could she face a man so difficult to understand?
With slow steps, Arlin approached Gilang.
"Mr. Gilang," she called softly, trying to keep her voice as calm as possible.
"Don't call me that."
"Gilang." Arlin called softly.
Gilang stopped in his tracks, his eyes studying Arlin with a suspicious gaze.
"What is it?" he asked sharply, as if surprised to see Arlin speaking to him without fear.
"I... want to talk," Arlin said, trying to steady her breathing. "I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I want to try to talk to you properly."
Gilang's gaze grew sharper, but there was a slight furrow in his brow. "Talk about what?" his voice was low, almost like a warning.
Arlin took a deep breath before continuing, "Before all this happened, before I started working as a food delivery person, I was actually a designer. I worked at a small company as a fashion designer."
Gilang didn't respond, just stared at her, waiting for further explanation.
"The company was almost bankrupt at the time, but I received another offer from the director who used to be my boss, Mr. Rolan. He's a good person, even though his company isn't big," Arlin continued, her voice growing firmer. "I want to go back to working as a designer. It's something I truly love, something that makes me feel alive."
Gilang moved closer, now only a few steps away from Arlin.
"And you think I'll let you?"
Arlin bit her lip, trying to hold back the nervousness that was starting to take over.
"I know you don't agree, but this is important to me. I want to live a normal life. I can't stay cooped up here doing nothing."
Gilang snorted, his gaze hardening. "Why work? I can give you everything. You don't need a job. My wealth is enough to make you comfortable, Arlin."
"But that's not what I want," Arlin replied quickly, her voice a little firmer. "I want to do something meaningful. I want to develop my talents, even if the company is small and might not make much money. It's not about the money."
Gilang stared at her intently, as if analyzing every word that came out of her mouth. "No. I won't allow it."
"Sir, please..." Arlin began to plead, tears nearly falling from her eyes. "I'm not asking for much. Just let me work. I want to feel that little bit of freedom."
There was a long silence between them. Gilang, who was usually unwavering in his decisions, felt himself beginning to be weakened by Arlin's gaze.
He knew Arlin was different. Since that night, since he became obsessed with her, he couldn't get the girl out of his mind. However, on the other hand, he also didn't want to hurt her more by forcing Arlin to live according to his rules.
"I don't want you to leave my supervision," Gilang murmured, his voice barely audible.
Arlin was startled by the statement, but she didn't give in.
"I'll stay under your supervision if that's what you want, but please let me work."
Gilang looked at her again, this time with a softer expression, though still cold.
"Alright. But remember, I'll always be watching every step you take."
Arlin couldn't believe what she heard. Gilang was allowing her?
"You... you're serious?"
Gilang nodded briefly. "Yes. Starting tomorrow, you can work. But don't ever think about running away or causing trouble."
---
The next day, Arlin returned to the place she once considered her second home, Mr. Rolan's small office.
Despite the company's increasingly dire situation, with funds nearly depleted and few projects left, the office remained full of energy. Mr. Rolan, the cheerful and always smiling man, greeted her with a wide grin.
"Arlin! You're really back!" he exclaimed enthusiastically, though it was clear he was worried about the company's future.
Arlin smiled slightly, relieved to be back.
"I'm glad to be back, sir."
However, what Arlin didn't know was that behind all that freedom, Gilang was still watching her from afar.
Every movement, every step, didn't escape his supervision. Gilang might have allowed Arlin to work, but he wasn't entirely sure if the girl wouldn't run away.
Mr. Rolan's small office was filled with a lively atmosphere that morning. Arlin sat with Lusi, her friend who worked as a screenwriter on the new film project they were working on.
They were confident that this film would be a turning point for the small company they worked for, despite the limited budget.
"I'm sure your screenplay will make this film a hit," Arlin said as she reviewed some costume designs she had just finished.
Lusi chuckled. "I hope so, Arlin. But what's most important is that your costume designs are perfect. The actors will look amazing!"
Arlin smiled slightly, though deep down, she was still worried about how the project would proceed with limited resources.
"Yes, but we still need a major sponsor for promotion. Without that, this film might never be seen by many people."
Hearing that, Lusi patted Arlin on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Mr. Rolan must have a plan."
Suddenly, the office door swung open quickly, and Mr. Rolan entered with a face full of enthusiasm.
"Everyone! I have good news!" his voice rang out loudly, drawing the attention of the entire small team in the room.
Arlin and Lusi immediately looked at Mr. Rolan with enthusiasm. "What is it, sir?" Lusi asked curiously.
"Our film… will be promoted by a major company!" Mr. Rolan exclaimed.
Arlin and Lusi exchanged glances, both surprised.
"A major company?" Arlin asked in disbelief. "Who exactly will be promoting us?"
"Devano Group," Mr. Rolan replied with a wide smile.
"Devano Group?" Arlin nearly dropped her design sketch. The name made her heart race. She remembered clearly that it was Gilang's company.
"Impossible," she murmured softly, barely audible.
Mr. Rolan nodded, his eyes sparkling. "And not only that, they're even offering to give us shares. This is a huge opportunity, Arlin, Lusi. We can finally rise up!"
Lusi jumped with joy. "This is amazing! I knew this film would be a success, but getting support from Devano Group? That's unimaginable!"
Arlin could only manage a stiff smile, her mind in turmoil. How could this happen? Why would Gilang's company suddenly take an interest in such a small project? Was it just a coincidence, or was there another reason behind it?
Mr. Rolan, unaware of Arlin's concerns, continued, "Tomorrow we'll meet directly with representatives from the Devano Group to discuss the details. Both of you must be present."
Arlin nodded without saying much. In her mind, she knew for certain that Gilang was behind all of this. But why? Why was that man constantly watching her from afar?
However, while Lusi and Mr. Rolan were celebrating, Arlin tried to push aside her fear and focus on the positive. Perhaps this was an opportunity to prove that she could live independently, even though Gilang was still watching her.