In another place within the same span of time, a handsome man sat at a large dining table. He reached out to take an apple from a basket piled high with fruit. After washing it, he bit into it slowly. His eyes were vacant, staring aimlessly. The sweetness of the apple reminded him of the beautiful smile of the woman he still missed so dearly—a woman he hadn’t seen in five years.
Settling back into his chair, Joe rubbed his face roughly. Once again, his mind replayed a loop of regret over his past actions. Perhaps none of this would have happened if he hadn't agreed to that arranged marriage. Although he was sick of how almost everything around him reminded him of Iona, Joe was beginning to grow accustomed to the ache. Deep down, he couldn't deny that he had yet to come to terms with the departure of his first love.
"Here."
Iona held out a green apple she had just plucked from the orchard. After Joe took it, she immediately sat down on the small checkered rug, settling beside her lover and resting her head on his broad shoulder.
(Source: Gemini)
"Thanks, it’s so sweet! Delicious," Joe said after taking a bite.
"Joe... if we get married one day, let's make a garden like this, okay? So whenever we want an apple, we can just pick one!" Iona said, beginning to daydream about their future.
Finding her adorable, Joe pinched Iona’s nose. "Thinking about the future already! Focus on the present first!"
Iona laughed and pinched Joe’s stomach in return.
"Don't pinch my nose! It'll get flatter!" Iona shrieked because Joe wouldn't let go.
They didn't care how loud they shouted; they were in the middle of Iona's family's green apple orchard. The twenty-hectare plot was one of their favorite places to spend time together. Aside from the cool air, it was a place where they could be together away from their parents' prying eyes, daydreaming or talking about trivial things.
"Let it be! That way, you’ll be the flattest-nosed one in our family!"
Iona glared at Joe and hit his shoulder hard.
"So what? Even with a flat nose, I’m still your future wife!"
The man smiled at her words. "My, aren't you confident!" he teased, hiding the faint blush on his cheeks.
"Oh, shut up! Is that how you're going to be now?"
"Forgive me, my Queen!"
Remembering the crisp sound of Iona’s laughter only made Joe's chest tighten. He quickly downed a glass of water, hoping to clear his mind—hoping the shadows of Iona would vanish for a moment so he could find some peace.
"Darling!" someone called from the top of the stairs. The sound of high heels clicking down the steps grew louder, signaling that the woman was approaching. "Oh, dear... are you still brooding over Iona? Iona is gone, Joseph."
Joe turned his head listlessly. "What do you need, Mother?"
Jena sighed, looking pityingly at her youngest son who appeared so miserable.
"Goodness, I just wanted to check on you. So, you realized I was here, after all?"
"Hard not to. Who else wears high heels in this house?" Joe hissed, his expression remaining sour.
(Source: Gemini)
"I'm just worried you might hurt yourself again or try something drastic. I'm making sure my youngest is living well—not just becoming a workaholic and wasting his days away."
"Don't worry, Mother. I will live for Iona. I'm sure that's what she would want from up there."
Jena was heartbroken to hear this. She hugged her son, stroking his shoulder gently. Joe accepted his mother’s warm touch. At the very least, since Iona’s death, the family dynamic had shifted; it was now warm and full of love, quite the opposite of before.
"Once again, I apologize for everything that happened. Please know that I won't pressure you to marry or find someone new. I respect your choice, no matter how difficult it is."
Joe said nothing. He only nodded and reflected on his life. No matter how far he went—moving houses, moving cities—the memory of Iona continued to chase him. Even in this city where everything was new and every corner felt foreign, his mind carried Iona everywhere. Joe himself was lost on how to move forward.
Perhaps he would try to forget her. Slowly open his heart to someone new and continue living as he should. Perhaps. Joe didn't know. In his heart of hearts, as foolish as it seemed, he just wanted Iona back.
＊✿❀ ❀✿＊
Iona slowly opened her bedroom door, peeking left and right. She couldn't hide her amazement at what she saw. A classic luxury style house with cool furniture and designs—far more pleasant than the room she had been confined to.
Seeing no one around, Iona cautiously pushed the door wider. This time, she didn't just poke her head out; her whole body stepped into the hallway. Her steps were a bit shaky but steady as she explored room after room. She wondered to herself: A house this big and not a single person?
"Princess Stella!"
Iona jumped as several voices shouted behind her. She was even more startled to find eight—no, ten—strapping men running toward her, their faces filled with joy and emotion. Iona didn't know how to describe the situation. She hugged herself, terrified they might be coming to get her.
However, she could only gape as the group of muscular men bowed before her. They all lowered their heads in respect, some sobbing with relief. A few hugged each other for support.
(Source: Gemini)
"Princess Stella has returned! Princess Stella is alive!"
Iona stared blankly at the men who were watching her without blinking. She was confused as to why she was being seated in a red chair that looked like a throne—one of the largest men had gently ushered her there.
"Princess Stella, may we ask you some questions?"
Now Iona realized these must be the subordinates of Stella’s father—who was now her father—Mr. Buana. She was fascinated by the fact that these large, tough-looking men spoke to Stella (well, her) with such tenderness.
"Y-yes..."
"Does the Radiant Princess Stella truly not recognize me?" asked a particularly eccentric-looking man with a thick beard on his broad face. "We are your subordinates and bodyguards! Please tell us the Radiant Princess Stella still remembers us!"
Instead of answering, Iona simply laughed. This immediately confused everyone in the room.
"Who on earth ordered you to call me by that long title?" Iona asked after struggling to contain her laughter.
"You did, Miss! Or do you no longer like that name?"
Iona shook her head in amusement, still suppressing a giggle.
"So, is it true that Miss Stella really has amnesia?"
Iona nodded, albeit a little hesitantly.
"Alright, stop bombarding Stella with questions!" Fiki suddenly appeared in their midst. "Stella needs to rest, gentlemen... be patient!" Fiki said as he walked toward his sister (who was now inhabited by Iona’s soul).
Suddenly, they all bowed again and shouted, "Radiant Princess Stella, please forgive us, Radiant Princess Stella!"
"Yes, especially for our stupidity in allowing the Radiant Princess Stella to go out alone that night!" said the bearded man who stood out the most.
Iona looked at the man who kept catching her attention. Stella’s body seemed to have a reflex of comfort around him, leading Iona to speculate that this bearded man was the subordinate closest to Stella.
"It’s fine, it was an accident. No one wanted Stella to get hurt. Now, let’s just pray for Stella’s swift recovery," Fiki said softly. All the men nodded enthusiastically, agreeing with Fiki, who was also their boss.
"Is there anything we can do for the Radiant Princess Stella?" the bearded man asked, gesturing to the others behind him.
"I have a request..."
Everyone watched Iona intently, waiting for whatever she would say next. Even Fiki was curious. What would be her first request after waking up with amnesia?
"Uhm... could you just call me Iona? Miss Iona?" Iona said hesitantly.
"Who is Iona?" Fiki asked spontaneously.
"It’s—"
"As you wish, Miss Iona!" they shouted enthusiastically, without a second thought about who or what "Iona" meant. Being loyal subordinates, they agreed to fulfill any request from their mistress.
Fiki and Iona both shook their heads in disbelief and then laughed together. She was grateful to these "Brothers" for saving her from having to explain the name Iona to Fiki—at least for now.
It seemed Iona was going to like this place. It also seemed she might easily win Joe's heart back. At least, that was her hope.
＊✿❀ ❀✿＊
"Stella? What are you doing?"
Fiki found her going through the family files—specifically the family registry and important documents. Iona wanted to know where she came from. Perhaps with her knowledge, even if it was five years out of date, she could figure out who this Buana family was. From her searching, she discovered that the Buana family owned many restaurants, inns, and even department stores across the city.
"I-I..."
"Goodness, Stella... if you have questions or need something, you can just ask me. I told you, didn't I? It's my duty to look after you."
Iona said nothing, merely scratching the back of her neck.
"So? What’s confusing you? Is there something I haven't explained?"
"Is Father... a mafia boss?"
Fiki fell silent for a moment, his eyes widening. But then, he suddenly burst into a fit of laughter. He laughed heartily for nearly two minutes.
"Who told you such a ridiculous thing?"
"I was just asking. Is it that funny?"
"Stella... Father is a major landowner; he has various businesses and mining companies. Because of his success, he has many rivals—some even consider him a mortal enemy because he outcompetes them. That doesn't make him a mafia boss."
Iona listened intently, her mind racing.
"Does that explain it? Or do you have another question?"
Though hesitant, Iona was very curious about one thing. She opened her lips and blurted out, "Do I have a boyfriend?"
This time, her question made Fiki laugh so hard he could barely stand. He laughed until tears practically pricked his eyes.
"What kind of man could handle you, Stella?"
Iona scratched her neck. Was Stella really that brutal that no man was interested? Was she that terrifying?
"Just how deep is your amnesia? I think I need to ask the doctor about this." Instead of explaining further, Fiki walked away, still laughing. "Oh, Father will be back soon. Wait here, I'll make your favorite coffee."
Iona grimaced. Stella’s father was coming back?! What did Mr. Buana look like? How did he and Stella interact? The questions made Iona panic. She couldn't settle down, but she didn't know where to go.
"W-wait, Brother!"
Iona ran after Fiki to the main kitchen. She was stunned by its beauty. All the furniture was finished in Calacatta Gold marble, designed with elegance and grace. The clean white and gold veins of the marble blended perfectly with black accents, creating an undeniable sense of luxury. It was clear that Iona's old family wealth couldn't compare to the Buanas. They were clearly billionaires.
(Source: Gemini)
"Haha, I'm not used to you being like this, Stella."
"How... how was I before?"
"Grumpy, bossy, a loner, critical, talkative... basically every negative human trait." Iona winced—it was a 180-degree difference from her. "No, no... it wasn't that bad. Regardless of how you are, you’re still my sister." Fiki smiled sweetly and went back to pouring creamer into two cups.
Iona was stunned for a moment before realizing something. She hated coffee!
"Uh, Brother... but I—"
Fiki approached with two cups. One of them wasn't even a cup; it was a massive mug!
Holy cow, is he making a drink for one person or the whole village?! That glass is huge! Iona thought, staring at the mug in horror.
"Since you don't have to take pills anymore, here, I made your favorite coffee. Double creamer! Drink it all up!" Iona swallowed hard. She couldn't imagine a single sip, let alone finishing the whole thing. "Hey? Why are you quiet?"
"Oh, yes, Brother. Thanks." Surprisingly, as she reached out, her fingers gripped the mug firmly. It seemed Stella's muscle memory was stronger than Iona’s consciousness. Her body's response to the coffee was proof; she could feel herself salivating at the strong aroma.
Slowly, Iona tried to take a sip. But to her surprise, her hand tipped the mug high, and she found herself gulping the coffee down rapidly until it was gone. Iona was shocked by her body’s reaction. It was clear that Stella was a coffee addict.
"I love seeing you drink it with such gusto. Anyway, I’m heading to the office. I have things to do. Father is already in front of the house." Fiki set down his cup and gently ruffled Iona’s hair. "I’m off! Hey, don't yell at Father, okay?"
Iona still wasn't used to being treated this way. Even though Fiki was Stella’s brother—and thus hers—she didn't like being touched like that. It made her miss Joe even more, as those small gestures triggered memories of him.
"Miss Stella!" Iona turned to see one of the female staff members bowing respectfully. "I've cleaned your room, so you can rest if you like. I’ve also changed the sheets to the color you requested."
"Ah... yes. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Miss! Oh, let me wash the mug and cup."
Iona let the staff member take the mug. As the woman busied herself with the dishes, Iona started to leave. Before she reached her room, she saw the bearded man—one of the "Brothers"—walking past. Iona was so excited she actually waved at him.
"Sir! Mr. Brother!"
The man promptly turned and ran toward her. "Yes, Miss Iona? How can I help you?"
(Source: Gemini)
Iona smiled. She looked left and right, then suddenly leaned in close to the bearded man.
"Can you... investigate all the latest information on Joseph Banara?"
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