HATE Before LOVE
The Mutualism Symbiosis Agreement.

"Can't! No way! Are you out of your mind?!" Screeches Elif.

"Elif, watch your words!" Tegur Teddy's.

Ardan gave Teddy the code to let Elif ride.

"You said you didn't want to be in a relationship, why now do you suggest me like that?"

"Ted, please make a cold drink for this Miss, it looks like she needs something to refresh her."

Teddy moved without protest.

"I don't need a drink!"

"You need a drink." Ardan. "I'll explain after you drink and calm yourself."

Elif folded his hands in front of his chest, his face flushed so enraged. It felt like Elif threw whatever was nearby towards Ardan. He's never been this sorry. Never felt so played around like this, even when Dimas cheated twice, Elif was not this angry.

Teddy gives Elif a glass of iced tea, as well as Ardan he puts on the table. Ardan ordered Elif to have a drink before they continued their casual chat tonight.

"So" Elif started again after chugging half of the glass. "Can you explain, you said you didn't want to be in a relationship, and then you told me to tell my family that I'm in a relationship with you. Aren't you worried about your family's opinion as well?"

"Why are you thinking about my family's opinion?"

"Because I'm sure, your parents will also be like my parents. There will be suspicion. What else if suddenly his son announced to the public that he became a prospective companion to someone's life without first being introduced to their parents."

"Ah yes, you are right too. Ted, set a schedule so I can meet Elif's parents."

"What?!" Elif glaring. "I'm so tired Mr. Ardan, so please, just explain what you mean!"

"Okay, so like I said, I don't want a relationship, whatever it is, dating what else is marriage. But my parents always urged me to get married, choosing her daughter-in-law candidates to get acquainted with me. So I thought, why don't I just make this drama."

"Drama?" Elif frowned.

Teddy silently watched.

"You and I are going to pretend to be in a romantic relationship in front of my parents, maybe in front of your parents and the public."

"What?! Not want!"

"Listen first, don't immediately refuse. This drama is only the three of us who know, you, me and Teddy. I'll make a contract for this. It won't take long, Elif. Just five months. You only have to pretend to be fiancee for five months. And of course I'll give you a reward for your services." Ardan paused for a moment to chug down on his iced sweet tea which had already begun to dew the glass wall.

"All your father's surgery costs and all sorts of medical expenses I'll charge. If it's possible and feasible, we can do whatever surgery hurts your father as soon as possible. No need to wait for you to save up to collect fees. Fair right? You pretended to be my future wife so my parents stopped trying to get me. And I'll finance all your father's treatment."

Elif.

Teddy smiled faintly at the plan that his boss explained. I don't know where that idea came from. Clearly, Teddy was convinced the pretense would not last long. Maybe not Elif who will like Ardan first, most likely is his boss who first fell in love with the super cute and super brave girl before him.

"You won't like me, and neither will I. So if you agree, this deal is perfect."

Elif seemed to think, he did not dodge, did not argue, nor protested.

"Where do you know my dad is sick and needs surgery?" ask Elif.

Well true as well, from where the boss knows Elif's father is sick and must have surgery soon. Hmmmm. Teddy tried to guess without changing the expression of his face that was always flat.

"Did you forget, during the job interview I asked you to tell me about your life background, and you told your father that you were sick, so you quit college and focused on work."

"You... You remember what I said back then?" Elif buys eyes.

"of course! I have a perfect brain as perfect as I look, I can even repeat every word with the exact same intonation as you said at the time" Ardan said in his arrogant style.

Ah so Elif also told about his father's condition during the interview. Teddy understands.

"This is why at that time I asked you to tell me the background, because I could judge and choose what I should do to give you a task according to your background. Not just a kepo."

Elif was quite stunned, he did not expect Ardan to actually remember what he said, even about his father needing surgery. But if it's true that Ardan will finance the entire operation as well as the father's treatment as soon as possible, it's likely that the father will again misunderstand Elif's work, and it will be more difficult for Elif to explain everything.

"Thank you Sir for your intention to help with my father's surgery and treatment, but I don't think it's necessary, I don't think this deal and the drama you're planning should not have to continue. Yesterday night I had a fight with my father because he misunderstood my work, went very early and came home very late, delivered a man in the car anyway."

"Then would your father prefer you to go home with a guy on a motorcycle night-night or ride in a public transport night-night?"

"That's not what I mean. Clearly, my father was not the kind of person who readily accepted other people's explanations."

"I'll talk to your parents if you agree to this deal I'm offering. Just think about it. Then give me an answer tomorrow. How's it?"

Elif bit her lips, hesitating and worried.

Holy hooch! What is she doing, why does biting her lips like that make her look so cute? Jesus Ardan! What are you thinking! Focus Ardan! Focus up! He's an Elif, not your type, the one who's accused you of kidnappers and criminals!

"You can go home now, take a break and rethink this deal. And you better change your costume with your work clothes, otherwise your dad can misunderstand you again, right?"

Elif nodded.

***

On the way Elif was more silent. Several times he breathed heavily, but said nothing. His heart was so heavy, he wanted his father as soon as possible in surgery and undergoing treatment. But if she had to pretend to be Ardan's future wife wouldn't it cause any new problems later?

But if he still refused the deal, he had to make his father still wait first to do the surgery because of limited costs, and maybe the treatment could not be done immediately. But whatever it is, whether or not his father undergoes surgery and treatment as soon as possible, it still will not change the father's assessment of him, Elif knows it. But that's not what Elif's goal is. He just wants his dad to be healthy.

Oh, what's he supposed to do?

"Sir Teddy," Elif suddenly called out to Teddy, but his eyes kept on the street.

"Hem."

"If Mr. Ardan is really helping me, why should I pretend to be his future wife?"

"That's called symbiotic mutualism.