That morning, sunlight slipped through the window of Vania's room, illuminating the stack of papers and the open laptop on her desk.
The air felt tense, different from usual.
Vania, who would usually be getting ready for the office, had deliberately taken the day off.
Her goal was singular: to draft a proposal for the cooperation bid with the Laguna Company Group, whose major project would be announced at 1:00 PM in a hotel.
Her fingers danced across the keyboard, but often stopped. Doubt, like a persistent shadow, gnawed at her thoughts. 'What's the use of me doing this? Kevin and Dennis are definitely appointed by Grandma. My proposal will just become their laughingstock again.'
She leaned her head back on the chair, staring at the ceiling in frustration. It felt like a waste of time.
Davin, who would usually have left for his ride-hailing job or housework, was sitting quietly in the corner of the room, watching her. "Don't stop," he said suddenly, his voice low but cutting through the silence. "Your concept about integrating green spaces and a community center is good. That's what sets you apart from the others."
Vania was startled. She looked at Davin, her eyes full of questions. How could this man, known for three years only as a ride-hailing driver and dishwasher, offer such sharp and visionary business input?
"How do you know?" she asked, astonished.
Davin just gave a faint smile. "Just guessing. But it's logical, right? Luxury housing projects now need more selling points than just walls and fences."
He then moved closer, and for the next few hours, Davin surprisingly provided detailed suggestions that left Vania amazed.
He spoke about market analysis, sustainable design, and financial projections with a fluency that completely contradicted his shabby appearance.
Vania grew more and more confused. Who was her husband, really?
Just as Vania fell silent, staring at Davin with a new gaze full of suspicion and bewilderment, the bedroom door suddenly swung open violently.
Sri, Vania's mother, stood in the doorway. Her face was wrinkled with displeasure upon seeing Davin not doing housework.
"Davin! Why are you lazing around here, huh? The floors aren't mopped, the laundry is piled up, and your room is a mess!" Sri scolded, her voice high-pitched and full of reproach.
Sri was the harshest person towards Davin in this house. In front of the Santosa family, she might stay quiet about Davin, but behind the closed doors of their home, she was his executioner.
"Sorry, Mother. I'll get to it right away," Davin replied obediently, immediately standing up and moving to get the mop.
"For three years, look at you!" Sri nagged incessantly, following him out of the room. "Just a ride-hailing driver! Not like my nephews who are already managers, have their own cars and houses! When will you ever make our family proud, huh?"
Vania could only listen with a feeling of sadness and shame. Her mother never stopped.
While mopping the floor, Davin suddenly spoke, his voice calm yet clear. "Mother, this afternoon I will submit a job application to Laguna Company. I'm sure I will be accepted there."
Sri snorted loudly, mocking him. "Laguna Company? A company that big would accept someone like you? Don't dream, Davin! If you really get accepted there, I will cook you a special dinner! But that's impossible!"
Davin raised his head, looking at Sri. "Alright, Mother. It's a bet."
---
Around 12:30 PM, with the proposal neatly printed in her bag, Vania rode pillion on Davin's old motorcycle to the offices of Laguna Company.
The journey felt long and silent. Vania's mind was filled with doubt and fear.
Arriving in front of the magnificent skyscraper, Vania's confidence plummeted. She saw well-dressed executives coming and going, dropped off by luxury cars.
She felt utterly insignificant in her simple dress, her proposal suddenly feeling completely inadequate.
"I can't, Davin," she whispered, trembling. "They won't accept me. I'm nobody."
Davin looked at her gently. "Believe in your proposal, Van. You can."
As Vania looked down, unable to take a step, Davin quickly took out his phone and sent a short text message, unbeknownst to Vania.
A moment later, something unexpected happened. A man dressed very elegantly, with a strong aura of authority, emerged from the building.
It was Joni Lunggana. He walked directly towards Vania, but his eyes deliberately avoided contact with Davin, as if he didn't know him.
"Can I help you, Ma'am?" Joni asked politely, pretending not to know.
"I-I'm Vania from Santosa Group," Vania answered nervously. "I'd like to participate in the cooperation bidding event."
As soon as he heard the name "Santosa Group," Joni's expression changed drastically. His face became extremely friendly and respectful. "Ah, of course! Welcome, Mrs. Vania. I am Joni Lunggana, General Manager here. Please, allow me to escort you in."
Vania was shocked by such a special welcome. She turned to invite Davin, but Davin had already said, "You go on in, Van. I want to go to the HRD department to apply for a job here. I heard they have openings."
Before Vania could say anything, Joni was already respectfully ushering her inside, and a staff member immediately accompanied her.
---
Inside the spacious and luxurious meeting room, the atmosphere was already bustling.
Representatives from major companies and wealthy families in the city of Maduna filled the seats, competing for Laguna Company's attention.
The project on offer—a luxury housing complex, apartments, a mall, a hotel, and office buildings—was the largest and most prestigious project ever seen in their city.
Among the crowd, Kevin and Dennis sat confidently, apart from each other, exuding an air of intense rivalry. They were sure they were the ones representing Sentosa Group.
Suddenly, their attention—and that of everyone in the room—was diverted. A Laguna Group staff member was escorting a woman to the very front row, a seat that had been intentionally left empty, as it was rumored to be reserved only for Joni Lunggana himself or very special VIP guests.
That woman was Vania.
Kevin and Dennis could hardly believe their eyes. Their jaws dropped. How was it possible that Vania, the lowly staff member, could sit in such an honorable place? Whispers and questioning glances spread throughout the room.
Shortly after, Joni Lunggana entered the room. All sound immediately died down. He stood at the podium, looking around authoritatively.
"Good afternoon, esteemed delegates," he began, his voice resonating. "Thank you for your presence at this cooperation bidding event for the 'Maduna Heights' project."
His eyes then shifted to the front row, and he smiled specifically at Vania, who still looked very nervous and confused by all the sudden attention she was receiving.
Kevin and Dennis could feel their blood boiling with envy and confusion. Something strange was happening, and they didn't know what it was. The game had begun, and without realizing it, they were already in a very disadvantageous position.