Ring of Vengeance: A Promise Behind Secrets

"If Leon finds out everything... will he still want to know me?" she murmured softly, as if asking the silence itself.

Lara stared blankly at the wall of her room, her lips trembling. The image of Leon's face resurfaced, tormenting her further. "Should I be honest? Or keep this secret until I die?" she wondered to herself, but even the thought of an enraged Leon drained all her strength.

"Why does it have to be like this?" she whispered, clutching the blanket tightly against her chest. "Poor Leon." Her empty gaze turned to the window, as though seeking answers in the dark night beyond.

That night, Lara woke up gasping for breath. Her body trembled, despite the warmth of the room. Her eyes were damp, and an overwhelming guilt weighed heavily on her chest. In her dream, Leon's face, filled with disappointment, had haunted her again-that piercing gaze as he discovered the truth about Cantika.

Lara recalled how Leon had unintentionally learned that Cantika, her stepsister, didn't truly love him. To Cantika, Leon was just one of many options, not the only man in her heart. And, tragically, it had all happened because of Lara's own carelessness.

Deep down, however, Lara secretly harbored a profound love for Leon. Her feelings were so intense, yet she never dared to express them. All she wanted was to see Leon happy, even if it meant hiding her own pain.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, Lara hugged her knees tightly. Another memory crept into her mind, even more harrowing than before. She vividly recalled the confidential documents she had found in Uncle Jeri's study. Those papers clearly outlined the dark connection between the Ariatama family-her own family-and the tragic past of Leon's family, including the untimely death of his parents.

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The Next Morning

The morning sun cast a gentle glow into Lara's room, slowly waking her up. After enduring a night of nightmares, her head felt heavy, but she pushed aside the feeling and tried to start her day. Lara got up, donned her elegant work attire, and prepared to head downstairs for breakfast. The aroma of toasted bread and coffee filled the air, bringing a small sense of comfort amidst her chaotic thoughts.

In the dining room, her father, Mr. Darma, was already seated at the head of the table, reading his newspaper as usual. Her stepmother, Vina, sat beside him, sipping tea gracefully, while Cantika was engrossed in her phone, occasionally chuckling at incoming messages.

"Morning, Lara," Vina greeted, glancing at her briefly. Her smile was polite but icy.

"Good morning," Lara replied, taking her seat across from Cantika.

Her father lowered his newspaper and gave Lara a sharp look. "Why did you suddenly leave the party yesterday, Lara? Everyone was asking about you."

Lara took a deep breath, trying to respond without raising suspicion. "I'm sorry, Father. I wasn't feeling well, and I heard Uncle Jeri wasn't feeling great either, so I went to check on him," she said, keeping her gaze fixed on her plate.

Mr. Darma nodded slowly, the concern in his expression easing a little. "Uncle Jeri... I wonder if he'll be able to make it to the office today," he muttered before turning his attention back to his breakfast.

But Vina quickly took over the conversation, her gaze shifting to Cantika with a teasing smile. "Speaking of the party, Cantika, everyone couldn't stop talking about you and Leon. You two arrived together and looked so perfect as a pair."

Cantika smiled shyly, putting down her phone. "Father, Mother, we're just friends. Leon offered to go together since he was also invited," she said cheerfully, though a faint blush colored her cheeks.

Mr. Darma smiled, his eyes filled with hope. "Leon is a bright and talented young man. I've always seen a promising future for him."

Vina added with a small laugh, "Exactly. If your relationship becomes more than just friendship, that would be wonderful news. He'd make a great partner, Cantika."

Lara felt her chest tighten as she listened to the conversation. Their voices felt like painful echoes, shaking her resolve. Yet, she composed herself, sipping her coffee calmly while hiding her turmoil behind a neutral expression.

But her mind couldn't stop wandering. Her thoughts drifted back to the party yesterday, where Leon had effortlessly captured everyone's attention with his charm. His warm smile, the way he spoke, and his kind demeanor mesmerized everyone-including her. Yet that vision was quickly replaced by the image of Leon's face, filled with anger and disappointment. Cantika's careless words, unaware that Leon had overheard them, had wounded his pride and heart deeply.

Lara swallowed hard, her chest feeling heavy. The memory remained vivid in her mind.

Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening broke the tense silence. Footsteps echoed in the hallway, followed by Vina's voice greeting someone from afar. Lara lifted her gaze, and her heartbeat seemed to stop.

Standing in the doorway was Leon, exuding effortless elegance in his casual attire that only heightened his good looks. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Leon's warm, unassuming smile struck Lara like lightning, setting her heart ablaze.

"Good morning," Leon greeted in a friendly tone, his deep gaze landing squarely on Lara.

Lara froze, her entire body stiffening.

Vina greeted him with a broad smile. "Leon, good morning! Come in, have a seat, dear. Join us for a bit before you leave," she said, glancing at Cantika, whose face lit up even more at the sight of him.

Cantika nodded slightly, her eyes sparkling. "Come on, Leon, have a seat. The coffee this morning is amazing," she said, pointing to an empty chair beside her.

However, Leon barely glanced her way; his eyes immediately sought Lara, who was seated across from Cantika.

Lara froze as Leon's gaze locked onto hers. Without hesitation, Leon walked straight toward her.

"Lara," Leon called out, his voice deep yet firm. "I'll sit here."

Lara looked at him, confused. "Leon... y-yes?" she stuttered, gripping her coffee cup tightly.

Leon sat down in the chair next to her, ignoring Cantika, who was now staring wide-eyed at them. Mr. Darma and Vina, Cantika's parents, looked equally surprised.

"How was the party last night, Leon?" Mr. Darma asked, trying to ease the suddenly tense atmosphere. "I heard you were the center of attention with Cantika."

Leon smiled faintly, looking at Mr. Darma politely. "Ah, the party was wonderful, sir. Monic seemed very happy, and all the guests appeared to enjoy the event."

Vina chimed in with a soft laugh. "Of course, especially with your presence, Leon. You always bring a positive aura."

The atmosphere in the Ariatama family's dining room grew warm again, accompanied by Cantika and Aunt Vina's cheerful chatter praising Leon's presence at Monic's wedding party. Lara, however, remained quiet, occasionally glancing at Leon, who seemed calm, even though the aura around him felt different.

Leon eventually set his spoon down, straightened his back, and looked around at everyone in the room.

"Mr. Darma, Aunt Vina, may I have a moment to speak?" Leon began, his tone firm yet polite.

Aunt Vina smiled warmly. "Of course, Leon. What is it? Don't be so formal. You're practically family."

Leon nodded slightly. "Thank you, Aunt. Before I proceed, allow me to express my gratitude. Over time, I've been warmly welcomed in this home. I truly appreciate the chance to become friends with both Lara and Cantika."

Lara was startled, a growing unease creeping over her heart. Leon seemed too serious this morning. What was he about to say?

Leon sighed, his gaze sweeping across the room. "But today, I'd like to discuss something very important to me."

Mr. Darma, who had been watching calmly, finally spoke. "Go ahead, Leon. I've known you for quite some time, even before you became close with my daughters. If it's important, just say it."

Leon looked at Mr. Darma with utmost respect. "Thank you, sir. Here's the thing: over the past few weeks, I've grown personally close to one of your daughters."

Cantika raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. Lara, on the other hand, froze in place, her heart filled with uncertainty.

"At first, this relationship was purely professional. We worked in the same team at the office. But as time went on, I got to know her more deeply, and I feel... I am serious about my feelings," Leon continued, his tone resolute.

Mr. Darma nodded, signaling Leon to continue.

Leon took a deep breath, looking directly at Lara with unwavering determination. "I intend to marry Lara."

The room fell silent. Cantika turned quickly to look at Lara, disbelief written all over her face.

"Lara?" Cantika murmured, as if unable to believe what she had just heard.

Lara felt her body stiffen. Her eyes widened, staring at Leon without being able to utter a single word. All of this felt like a strange dream.

Mr. Darma finally broke the silence. "Leon, this is a big statement. Are you certain about your decision?"

"I am absolutely certain, sir," Leon answered firmly, standing up. "However, with all due respect, I don't want to overstep any boundaries. This decision is not mine alone. I leave it entirely up to Lara, as well as Mr. Darma and Aunt Vina as her parents."

Lara remained silent, still trying to process what had just happened. Inside her heart, emotions swirled chaotically-love, confusion, and guilt. The man she had silently admired, loved, and observed from afar, the man whose past struggles she had uncovered due to her own family's mistakes, the man she had seen striving to pursue her stepsister, suddenly declared his desire to marry her. Her feelings were a mix of love, bewilderment, and remorse.