Tasya, who had just stepped into the house that had been visited frequently lately, furrowed her brow. Normally, this big house was quiet, with only Naina welcoming her with shouts and running around recklessly. But now? There was Bu Sunny, and... Who was it, again? One of the red-haired women?

Tasya couldn't remember the profile of the woman that Sunny had introduced to her. There were many of them, and she needed to be very selective because, supposedly, they had to match both Nathan and Naina. The faces of these women looked somewhat similar, especially in the alluring department. Just like the one in front of her right now. Fair skin, a radiant face, bold eyebrows, striking red hair, and that smile... It seemed genuine.

Naina stood beside the woman, and if Tasya could be brutally honest, the child looked like she was forced to be there.

"Good evening, Tasya," Naina greeted with a hint of annoyance.

"Good evening, Naina," Tasya replied with a thin smile. "Good evening, Bu Sunny. Bu Alexa." She nodded politely because there were two middle-aged women in the house. Moments like this rarely happened. Or... Oh God, why did Tasya forget that this red-haired woman was undoubtedly Nathan's special date, specially prepared by both of them?

So... Was tonight's dinner special, huh? Why was Tasya asked to come?

"Good evening, Tasya. Where's Nathan?"

"He's still on the phone with Mr. Leo," Tasya maintained her smile. "I'm sorry; I didn't know the dinner event was this grand."

Sunny laughed. "No, it's not," she said as she quickly grabbed Tasya's arm. "Come on. You need to try Merry's cooking tonight." But just as Tasya was about to follow Sunny's lead, the middle-aged woman stopped her. Oddly enough, she had initiated the movement. "Oh, Tasya, let me introduce you to Mirah first."

Tasya couldn't wipe off her smile. She accepted the handshake from the woman, who, in her opinion, had made quite an effort in her appearance tonight. Unlike Tasya, who was wearing a soft pink blouse with dark baggy pants, paired with a slightly brighter pink blazer.

Meanwhile, the woman in front of her wore a low-cut dress. Tasya was busy calculating; how many cups was this woman wearing? They were quite big. Different from hers, of course... Oh God. The dress clung to Mirah's body perfectly. Her curves were no joke and were quite an enticement for anyone to appreciate. Tasya herself had no intention of turning away quickly. Mirah's figure reminded her of the woman Naina had mentioned back then. Mami Seira.

The difference is, Seira rarely smiles. Her face is firm, challenging anyone who looks at her. Her words are brief but full of determination. Indeed... The clothing that envelops the woman named Seira is considered both sexy and elegant at the same time. If Tasya could give an opinion, her level was far above the woman named Mirah.

However, in the name of courtesy, Tasya still extended her hand, calling her by her full name with a broad smile. As if she was interested and approved of whatever Sunny had planned; matchmaking for her boss. Judging by her boss's behavior of liking sexy women, Mirah fell into the category of those who would end up in bed. Then... would she really be left like that?

Considering this introduction in front of Nathan's parents this time, would it end up as usual?

"Tasya," Naina called out, grabbing Tasya's attention, who was now next to her.

"Yes?"

"I haven't done my homework yet," Naina frowned even more. "Now it's even noisier because of dinner."

Tasya sighed softly. "Let's eat first, okay? I'll help you with your homework later."

"But I have a lot of homework," Naina still looked at Tasya with hesitation.

She wasn't lying about her schoolwork. This time, she was asked to create something artistic that she found difficult. She had been trying since this afternoon, with the help of both of her grandmothers, but she still couldn't meet her expectations for an artwork. She didn't know what was wrong, and even Sunny and Alexa were confused. They couldn't contact Tasya casually to help their granddaughter with her schoolwork, right? "Yeah, I'll help you later."

"But will you go home later?" Naina folded her arms across her chest, her lips pouted an extra five centimeters.

"After helping you with your homework, I'll go home," she assured Naina and extended her hand to the child. "Let's eat first. What did Merry cook tonight?"

"I don't know," Naina shrugged, but a moment later, she accepted this outstretched hand. "But Oma Alexa brought mandarins. I wanted to eat those, but Uncle said I have to eat rice first."

"You didn't eat lunch?" Tasya asked as she left them all behind. Somehow, when she was near Naina, she couldn't see anyone else. It was as if the others simply disappeared, and she found herself fully immersed in the little girl's chatter. "I did, but just a little. Besides, I was busy with my homework, you know?"

"Unfinished homework?" Tasya chuckled, but Naina didn't get mad. If it weren't for Tasya, it was guaranteed that laughter would have disappeared instantly due to Naina's anger.

Mirah observed this interaction with her eyes. Nothing escaped her watchful gaze. Since her recent acquaintance with Naina Sinclair, she hadn't managed to get on the girl's good side. It seemed that Naina was a very stubborn child who wouldn't easily yield. Returning home from this house a while ago, Mirah had thought of ways to win Naina over. Unfortunately, there was no pleasant response from Naina. No, Mirah wouldn't give up so easily because it seemed... She had fallen in love. With the figure that entered the house. Carrying his jacket carelessly in his hand, his hair a bit disheveled. There was no smile on his handsome face. His steps were unwavering. Until he stopped right in front of the older woman; the middle-aged woman standing not far from her.

"Good evening, Mama. Good evening, Aunt," he greeted with a thin smile. When his eyes met the woman he had known a while ago, Nathan finally realized what kind of dinner he was facing. "Where's Naina?" Ah... why had he even bothered thinking about it?

"She was with Tasya earlier," Sunny informed him. "She has homework, and we both couldn't help her. Mirah also tried to help, but nothing suited her."

Nathan pursed his lips slightly. "Tasya knows what Naina needs the most." He sauntered off after throwing the thinnest of smiles at the woman named Mirah.

"Where are you going?" Sunny asked, puzzled.

"I'm going to meet Naina first, Ma. My purpose for coming here is to meet Naina, have dinner with her. There's nothing else."

Sunny blinked slowly but then tried to recover from the somewhat surprising statement. She then nudged Mirah. "Nathan is like that when he's not close yet. Well... understandable. Daddy's busy." Mirah smiled understandingly. "Yes, Aunt."

"Come on, Miss, let's go to the dining room. Naina must be there, eager to devour her grandmother's soup."

Alexa joined in the laughter. However, the looks exchanged between her and Sunny were laden with meaning. It seemed that the others didn't quite understand what was going on between Nathan and Tasya.

Proof of that... At the dinner table where their dinner was already served, Tasya sat beside Naina. In front of them was Nathan, who couldn't stay still, vying for Tasya's attention. Meanwhile, Mirah, who was being ignored by both of them, could only sigh, but her smile showed no signs of forced politeness. She patiently served whatever was requested.

"Tasya, ugh, I don't want any celery. Just a little."

"It's hard to pick them out of the soup, Naina," Tasya pushed aside the thin slices of celery, which she found refreshed the soup's aroma. "But it's delicious, you know, Naina. It prevents the meat from being too overwhelming." "Yeah, but this is too much," Naina grumbled irritably. "I don't want to eat a lot tonight. I'll get sleepy."

"So it's not the celery's fault, Naina," Tasya laughed. "It's the rice. Right?"

Naina just pouted, but then looked with interest at Tasya's plate, which was brought closer to hers. Slowly, the rice on Naina's plate started to disappear, all because of Tasya's maneuvering. "Yeay! That's enough. I'm full now, and I want to eat the mandarin oranges."

"Sure thing."

"Tasya, this isn't how you get back at me if you're mad," Nathan wouldn't back down. "This is too much."

"Too much of what, Sir?" Tasya focused her attention on Nathan, who was giving her an annoyed look. "That's your portion, isn't it? I didn't miscalculate."

"But even with the meat in the soup, it's still too much."

"My plate is already full, Sir," Tasya smiled. "Just eat slowly, okay, Sir? It would be a shame. The food tonight is delicious."

"It is delicious, but it's making me fat, isn't it?"

"Who said your fat, Sir?" Tasya pulled her chair closer. But before her bottom could fully land on the cushioned, comfortable chair, she had already prepared a glass of water for both Nathan and Naina. "Enjoy your meal, everyone. Naina, don't forget to say grace."

"I already did, Tasya," Naina no longer argued with Tasya.

"Ma, let's eat. Why are we the ones left behind?"

"That's not polite, you two," Sunny pouted. "How can you leave the guests like that?"

"Are you really guests?" Nathan grinned. "I'm hungry, Ma. Tasya made me unable to move much because of work. Naina also wants to do her homework, right? Let us eat first." Nathan smiled broadly. "Merry, prepare a meal for Mama and Aunt too." Nathan glanced at the woman next to his mother. "And Mirah."

"Even though Mama made dinner tonight," Sunny said, approaching and giving Nathan a light flick on the ear, making her son wince a little, but he laughed afterward.

"Ma, seriously. I'm really tired. Don't make me lose my appetite just because I ate dinner a bit early with Naina. Please?"

Nathan and his antics were truly beyond help. Tasya felt uncomfortable, but she quickly got up to help prepare dinner, but...

"What do you want, Tasya?"

"Yes, Sir?"

"Sit down and enjoy your meal, Tasya." Nathan said firmly. "Mama and Aunt Alexa have Merry. You've already been busy dealing with me and Naina. Now it's time to sit down and eat."

***

Mirah isn't blind at all. Everything that happened tonight didn't escape her notice. Especially the interaction between the long-haired little girl and the man called Daddy. Also, how both of them competed for the attention of the woman who, in her opinion, was far from fashionable. How should she put it, outdated maybe?

Her glasses were as big as an owl's. She had braces, making her smile look strange. Not to mention her messy bangs and what Mirah considered overly simple clothing. There wasn't a part of the girl's body that stood out for attention. For a city girl working as an assistant to a handsome and wealthy boss like Nathan, the girl's appearance, according to Mirah, was strange and gauche.

It was different for her.

But why did the man's eyes only glance in her direction? No response other than small talk? After all, she was the one presented to get to know each other better, right? Her grip on the edge of the cup tightened.

"Mirah," a familiar voice called in her ears. It made her turn with the sweetest smile she could muster. "Yes?"

"Accompany Nathan over there," she pointed with her chin. "Have a chat."

"I've been trying to replace a chance to chat, but it seems Mr. Nathan doesn't want to be disturbed."

"Who says?" Sunny chuckled softly.

That remark made Mirah join in the laughter. "I'll try that, then, Mrs. Sunny."

The woman was already walking away, approaching the man she had pointed out earlier. Sunny observed closely what would happen. Meanwhile, Alexa approached Sunny, who was still standing in her spot. "Will there be any problems, really?" Alexa was a bit hesitant, but she knew Nathan needed a little lesson.

"If any arise, let Nathan handle them like a man." Sunny smiled broadly. "I prefer Tasya, to be honest. Although Mirah is actually quite nice."

"Yes, I like her personality. But I don't want Naina to feel forced to accept Mirah, Sunny."

"I completely understand." Sunny smiled broadly. "The determinant here is Naina. As stubborn as Mirah is in entering Nathan's life, if she can't win Naina's heart, everything will be difficult."

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