Painful Past

Aruna Prasetyo never imagined that his life would change drastically in one night. As an ambitious marketing manager, he is always focused on his career. But one night, after having dinner with his family, his mother, Mrs. Siti, gave him surprising news.

"Aruna, Mom and Dad have decided something important for your future," said Mrs. Siti in a soft but firm voice.

Aruna frowned, feeling something strange. "What do you mean, Mother?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

"We have matched you with Alvino, the CEO of the company where you work. "He is the son of your father's old friend," explained Mrs. Siti.

Aruna was silent. His name is often mentioned in the office, Alvino Widjaja, a young CEO who is charismatic and a perfectionist. He was known to be tough, cold, but highly respected for his extraordinary leadership.

"Why didn't I know about this before?" Aruna tried to calm herself.

"We wanted to confirm everything first before telling you. "We think this is a good opportunity for your future," said his father, Pak Joko, wisely.

Aruna felt betrayed. "But what about my opinion? Don't I have the right to choose?"

"We know this is sudden, but try to meet him first. Who knows, you might find something unexpected," persuaded Bu Siti.

With a heavy heart, Aruna agreed to meet Alvino. Their first meeting was arranged at a fancy restaurant.

Aruna arrived at the restaurant early, wearing a simple but elegant dress. When Alvino entered, his charismatic aura was immediately felt. He looked calm and in control.

"Good evening, Aruna," said Alvino with a faint smile.

"Good evening, Mr. Alvino," answered Aruna, trying to sound polite even though her heart was still uncertain.

"Just call me Alvino. "We're not in the office," he said while sitting in front of Aruna.

Dinner started awkwardly, but Alvino tried to lighten the mood by talking about his work and hobbies. Aruna was surprised to find another side of Alvino that not many people knew about. He apparently likes climbing mountains and reading history books.

"So, what do you think about this matchmaking?" Alvino asked suddenly, looking at Aruna seriously.

Aruna took a deep breath. "To be honest, I feel depressed. I always believe that true love cannot be forced."

Alvino nodded slowly. "I understand. I also feel this is too sudden. But maybe we can try to get to know each other better first. We don't need to rush."

Aruna felt a little relieved hearing that. "Okay, we can try."

As time went by, Aruna and Alvino started to meet more often. They spend time together, both in the office and outside. Aruna began to see the gentle and caring side of Alvino, which had been hidden behind his cold attitude.

"Aruna, how about we go hiking this weekend?" invite Alvino one day.

"Climb? "I've never climbed before," answered Aruna, a little hesitant.

"It doesn't matter. I will help you. "This could be a good opportunity for us to get closer," said Alvino with a reassuring smile.

During the climbing trip, Aruna felt more connected to Alvino. They talk about many things, from their dreams to their biggest fears. Aruna began to realize that behind his strict attitude, Alvino was a caring and sincere man.

However, not everything went smoothly. One day, Aruna saw Alvino with a woman in a cafe. Feelings of jealousy and insecurity began to take over him.

"Who is she?" Aruna asked when they met again.

"Oh, that's Anita, my old friend. "We were just talking about business," explained Alvino, but Aruna felt he was hiding something.

"I don't like feeling like this, Alvino. "If we want to be serious, we have to be honest with each other," said Aruna firmly.

Alvino was silent for a moment, then sighed. "I'm sorry, Aruna. I didn't mean to hide anything. I'm just not ready to talk about my past."

Aruna understood, but still felt doubtful. "I need time to digest all this, Alvino."

After several weeks of contemplation, Aruna decided to talk to Alvino. They met in a quiet park.

"Alvino, I've thought about everything," said Aruna firmly.

"Me too. "I don't want this relationship to start with lies or doubts," Alvino answered in a soft voice.

Aruna took a deep breath. "I want us to try harder to get to know each other. I need honesty and openness from you."

Alvino nodded. "I agree. I also want this to work, Aruna. I will be more open about my past."

Aruna smiled, feeling the weight on her shoulders lifted slightly. "Thank you, Alvino. I will also be more open with you."

As time goes by, their relationship gets stronger. They learn to support and understand each other. Aruna discovered that behind Alvino's cold and strict attitude, there was a man who was loving and caring. And Alvino discovered that Aruna was a strong and brave woman, who was able to change her views on love.

In the end, they realized that the arranged marriage which initially felt like a burden, actually brought them to the true love they had been looking for.

After deciding to be more open with each other, Aruna and Alvino began to build a deeper and stronger relationship. They often spend time together outside of work hours, from casual dinners to challenging hiking trips. Every moment gives them a chance to get to know each other better.

One sunny morning, Aruna and Alvino decided to go to a remote lake which they had often heard was a beautiful and calm place. The two of them sat by the lake, enjoying the beauty of nature while sharing stories about their childhood and dreams for the future.

"I never thought that this arranged marriage would lead me to a place like this," said Aruna, looking at the calm water in front of her.

Alvino smiled gently. "I never imagined either. At first I was skeptical about everything, but now I feel lucky to get to know you better, Aruna."

"What made you change your mind?" Aruna asked, curious.

Alvino answered after a moment of reflection, "When I saw how persistent and enthusiastic you were in facing challenges, I knew that you were a special woman. You gave me a new perspective on life and love."

Aruna smiled hearing those words. He felt happy to hear that their relationship had grown in such a natural way. However, there are still doubts within him, especially about Alvino's past which has not been fully revealed.

"Alvino, about your past..." Aruna stopped for a moment, trying to find the right words.

Alvino nodded, indicating that he was ready to listen.

"I know it's not something easy to talk about, but I want to know more about you," continued Aruna softly.

Alvino took a deep breath before answering, "I understand. I will tell you, Aruna. Even though there are parts of my past that weren't always bright, I believe that with this honesty, we can build a better future together."

Aruna nodded, feeling relieved that Alvino was willing to open up to her. They continue to spend time together, developing a deeper relationship and deeper understanding of each other.

Several months later, Alvino decided to take Aruna to a big company party held by his company. This is an important moment where they will be officially introduced to Alvino's colleagues and business partners. Aruna felt a little tense, because she was not very used to the world of parties and formal events like this.

"Just relax, Aruna. Everything will be fine," said Alvino, trying to calm Aruna.

They arrived at a luxurious event location, decorated with sparkling lights and music playing softly in the background. Aruna felt a little awkward among the crowd of people wearing formal clothes and smiled faintly at the people introduced by Alvino.

In the middle of the event, Aruna found herself standing next to Alvino, looking at the crowd curiously.

"How do you feel?" Alvino asked, trying to greet him with a gentle smile.

Aruna shook her head, "I'm still a little nervous. But I'm grateful you're here with me."

Alvino smiled, "I will always be by your side, Aruna. Don't hesitate to ask for my help if there is anything I can do for you."

The two of them spent the evening walking around the event, meeting various people from the business world and listening to interesting stories and ideas from Alvino's colleagues. Aruna began to feel more comfortable in a crowd, feeling appreciated and supported by Alvino's presence beside her.

After the event was over, the two of them sat in a quiet corner outside the building, enjoying the cool evening breeze.

"I want to thank you, Alvino," said Aruna sincerely.

Alvino looked at her attentively, "For what, Aruna?"

"To bring me here, to get to know you better, and to be a part of my life," Aruna answered with a warm smile.

Alvino held Aruna's hand gently, "I am also grateful to have you in my life, Aruna. I never thought that this arranged marriage would bring us the true happiness and love that we have now."

The two of them sat together, looking up at the stars in the clear night sky. In silence, they reflect on their long journey together, from uncertainty and doubt to the trust and love that grew stronger between them.

From a surprise meeting at a restaurant to tonight at a company event, Aruna and Alvino learn that true love doesn't always come the way we expect, but often comes when we least expect it.

With patience, honesty, and mutual understanding, they discover that fate can sometimes change a person's life in unexpected ways, bringing them the happiness and life they dreamed of together.

After several weeks of contemplation, Aruna decided to talk to Alvino. They met in a quiet park on the outskirts of Jakarta.

"Alvino, I've thought about it carefully," said Aruna firmly.

"Me too. I don't want this relationship to start with lies or doubts," Alvino answered in a soft voice.

Aruna took a deep breath. "I want us to try harder to get to know each other. I need honesty and openness from you."

Alvino nodded sincerely. "I agree. I also want this to work, Aruna. I will be more open about my past."

Aruna smiled, feeling relieved that some of the burden on her shoulders had been lifted. "Thank you, Alvino. I will also be more open with you."

As time goes by, their relationship gets stronger. They learn to support and understand each other. Aruna discovered that behind Alvino's cold and firm attitude, there was a gentle and caring man. Meanwhile, Alvino finds that Aruna is a strong and brave woman, who is able to change his views on love.

However, behind their closeness, something is hidden in Alvino's life. Even though they are getting closer, Alvino is secretly in a relationship with a woman named Lina. Lina was his girlfriend for a long time, and their relationship was kept secret.

One morning, when Aruna accidentally found a short message from Lina on Alvino's cellphone, her world shattered. His heart felt like it was breaking into a million tiny pieces. Questions and doubts flooded his mind. Was everything she experienced with Alvino just an illusion? How could Alvino hide this from him?

"What happened, Aruna?" Alvino asked, seeing Aruna's pale face when they met at the office.

"What is your relationship with Lina?" Aruna demanded in a trembling voice.

Alvino was silent for a moment, his eyes trying to find the right words. "Aruna, I..."

"Please tell me the truth, Alvino," interrupted Aruna firmly, pain and disappointment mixing every word that came out of her mouth.

Aruna looked into Alvino's eyes sharply, waiting for an honest answer. Both of their hearts were pounding amidst the tense silence.

Alvino took a deep breath before finally nodding slowly. "I'm sorry, Aruna. Lina is someone who has been in my life for a long time before we met. We have a complicated relationship, and I don't know how to tell you."

Aruna felt like her world was collapsing. Everything they built together felt destroyed in an instant. "So, you've been lying to me from the start?"

Alvino grabbed Aruna's hand full of regret. "I didn't mean to hurt you, Aruna. I love you, I really do. But Lina is a part of my past that is difficult for me to talk about."

Aruna slowly withdrew her hand from Alvino's grasp, feeling hurt and disappointed. "I thought we were building something real. But it turns out you're still attached to someone else."

Alvino tried to explain, "I want to explain everything to you, but I'm afraid of losing you. You are so special to me, Aruna. I don't want to lose you."

"You have made me feel betrayed, Alvino," said Aruna in a trembling voice. "I need time to think things over."

Alvino felt hopeless, seeing the feelings he created crumble before his eyes. "I'm sorry, Aruna. I'm very sorry for hurting your feelings."

"I need some time alone," Aruna said quietly, before turning around and leaving Alvino alone in their office.

That night, Aruna sat alone in her apartment, trying to reflect on everything that had happened. He felt hurt, but in his heart there was still room for Alvino. They had been through so much together, and the feelings couldn't just be erased.

Meanwhile, Alvino sat pensive in the living room of his apartment. His thoughts drifted between Aruna and Lina, two women who filled his world in different ways. He realizes how complicated this situation is and how the choices he makes affect not only his life, but also those around him.

Weeks passed without a word being spoken between Aruna and Alvino. Both of them tried to find their footing in the silence filled with uncertainty. Aruna ponders whether she can forget the betrayal she felt, while Alvino wonders whether he can correct the mistakes he has made.

One morning, Aruna received a short message from Alvino. "Can we meet to talk?"

Aruna's heart pounded hard when she read the message. He wasn't sure if he was ready to face Alvino again. But on the other hand, there was a part of her that still wanted to seek answers from the man she had loved so deeply.

They met at a small cafe in a quiet corner of town. The two sat in a corner, with a cold cup of coffee between them. The atmosphere around them was tense, but they both felt the need to talk about everything.

"I don't know where to start," said Alvino in a low voice.

Aruna looked at him with a gaze full of mixed feelings. "You have to start with honesty, Alvino. I need honesty from you now."

Alvino nodded, swallowed hard before finally speaking. "I love you, Aruna. But I can't ask you to just forget everything. Lina is a part of my past that is difficult for me to face."

Aruna took a deep breath. "I know you have a complicated past. But I can't survive if you're not fully here with me."

Alvino felt tightness in his chest. He tried to explain his feelings clearly. "I don't want to lose you, Aruna. You mean a lot to me."

"I love you too, Alvino. But this can't continue like this," said Aruna in a soft voice.

They sat side by side in a silence that felt heavy between them. Both knew they were reaching a point where a big decision had to be made.

"What should we do now?" Alvino asked, his eyes searching for certainty in Aruna's eyes.

Aruna looked at him sharply. "I need time to think things through. You should also think about what you really want."

Alvino nodded slowly, absorbing Aruna's words with a heart full of confusion. They sat together for a while longer before finally deciding to each go home.

That night, the two reflected on their conversation with heavy hearts. Aruna finds herself caught between the love she still feels for Alvino and the pain she experiences because of the betrayal. Meanwhile Alvino pondered about how he could correct the mistakes he had made without losing the woman who had made his heart beat so strongly.

Days passed, and their relationship felt like it was on the edge. They both try to find a way out of the emotional impasse they are in.

One morning, Aruna received a call from her mother, Mrs. Siti. "Aruna, Dad and I want to meet you. We want to hear the latest news about you."

Aruna agreed to the meeting with a pounding heart. He knew that this was an opportunity to get advice from parents who had always supported him.

In a cafe near her parents' house, Aruna sat between them awkwardly. "Is there something you want to talk about?"

Mrs. Siti looked at him gently. "Aruna, we know that your relationship with Alvino is not easy. But we want you to know that we always support your decisions."

His father, Pak Joko, nodded in agreement. "We want you to be happy, Aruna. Whatever you choose, we will support you."

Aruna felt touched by her parents' support. "Thank you, Ma, Pa. I'm facing a difficult situation."

"Now, how do you feel about Alvino?" asked Mrs. Siti with great concern.

Aruna took a deep breath before finally answering. "I love him, Ma. But there are things that are difficult for me to accept."

Mr Joko nodded. "Love is not always easy. Sometimes we have to go through difficult tests to achieve true happiness."

After meeting with her parents, Aruna felt a little clearer about what she should do next. He knew that he had to face Alvino and talk things through clearly.

They met in a quiet park in the corner of the city in the afternoon. The sun slowly set behind the trees, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere around them.

"Alvino," Aruna called softly.

Alvino looked at Aruna with a look full of regret and hope. He knew that this was a crucial moment in their complicated relationship. "Aruna, I want to apologize for all my mistakes. I know I have hurt you in a way that I cannot overcome."

Aruna sat beside him with mixed views, trying to balance her conflicting feelings. "Alvino, you know how deeply I feel for you. But I feel hurt and betrayed."

Alvino nodded slowly, fully understanding how important trust is in a relationship. "I don't want to lose you, Aruna. You are everything to me."

"I love you too, Alvino. But I find it difficult to forget this betrayal," said Aruna in a low voice, the pain still felt in her words.

Alvino took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "What can I do to fix everything, Aruna? I'm ready to do anything."

Aruna looked at him with a sharp gaze. "I need honesty from you, Alvino. About Lina and about your past. I need to know everything."

Alvino felt tight in his chest, but he knew that he could no longer hide anything. "Okay, Aruna. I'll tell you a story."

Alvino started telling about Lina, a woman who had been a part of his life for a long time before they met. He explains how their relationship started and why the situation is so complicated. He talked about his difficult past and how he tried to keep both his relationships going.

Aruna listened with a trembling heart. Even though he felt sick and hurt, there was a part of him that understood how complicated Alvino's life was. However, jealousy and insecurity still filled his mind.

"What is your relationship with Lina now?" Aruna asked when Alvino finished telling his story.

Alvino shook his head slowly. "We're still emotionally involved, but our relationship is unstable. I know it's wrong, but I don't know how to resolve it."

"I feel confused, Alvino. I love you, but I also can't live with this uncertainty," said Aruna in a trembling voice.

Alvino held Aruna's hand gently. "I don't want to lose you, Aruna. You are the most important thing to me."

"What do you want from this relationship, Alvino?" Aruna asked sharply.

Alvino looked into his eyes sincerely. "I want us to have a future together. I want to fix the mistakes I've made and build something real with you."

Aruna nodded slowly, trying to process all the information she received. He knows that the decisions he makes will affect his entire life, not only now but also in the future.

"Maybe we need time to think about everything," said Aruna gently, pulling her hand from Alvino's grasp.

Alvino felt hopeless. "I understand, Aruna. I will give you the time you need."

They sat together in silence, every second feeling like an eternity between them. Time passed without any words being spoken, but their presence for each other was strong in the small space where they sat.

After the meeting, Aruna and Alvino took their own time to reflect on their relationship. Aruna talked to her parents, seeking advice from them who were always there for her in every step of her life. On the other hand, Alvino tries to solve the problem with Lina, trying to find a fair solution for all parties.

Several weeks passed before Aruna and Alvino met again. This time, they chose a small, cozy restaurant on the outskirts of town. The atmosphere around them was tense, but both felt it was important to talk.

"How are you, Aruna?" Alvino said with a faint smile when he saw Aruna arrive.

"I'm fine," Aruna answered briefly while sitting across the table from Alvino.

Alvino felt tense. "I hope you're okay. I wanted to talk to you about something."

Aruna looked at him with a sharp gaze. "What is that, Alvino?"

Alvino took a deep breath before finally speaking. "I have decided to end the relationship with Lina."

Aruna was silent, trying to absorb the sudden news. "Is it true?"

Alvino nodded slowly. "I realized that I couldn't continue living in uncertainty, Aruna. You are the most important thing to me, and I want to focus on building a real relationship with you."

Aruna felt mixed. On the one hand, there is a sense of relief that Alvino has finally made a decision. However, on the other hand, he felt anxious about what would happen next.

"Are you sure about your decision, Alvino?" Aruna asked with great concern.

Alvino looked into his eyes sincerely. "I'm sure, Aruna. I want to focus on our relationship and build a bright future with you."

They sat together for a while, contemplating the words they had just exchanged. Aruna felt her heart lighten a little, but she knew that their journey was far from over.

After that meeting, Aruna and Alvino restarted their journey to build a strong relationship. They spend time together, talking about their future and resolving any remaining issues between them.

Alvino tried to be more open about his past, telling Aruna honestly everything that had happened. Even though there were difficult times, Aruna supported him wholeheartedly, knowing that the spark of their love still surged in his heart.

Several months later, Alvino proposed to Aruna at their favorite place by the lake. Under the bright moonlight, he knelt before her.

"Aruna, you are the light of my life. I can't imagine my life without you. Will you marry me?"

Aruna looked at him with tears in her eyes, touched by the deep love of the man in front of her. "Yes, Alvino. I want to."

They hugged each other tightly, embracing the future they built together with love and loyalty. Even though it started with an unexpected match and difficult trials, they eventually found the true love they were looking for.

Their wedding was attended by their closest family and friends. Behind the happy smiles and hearty laughs, they know that they have overcome many obstacles to get to this point. They learn that love doesn't always come easy, but when they fight together, it is the most precious thing in the world.

As time goes by, Aruna and Alvino continue to build their life together.

Aruna and Alvino enjoy their honeymoon on a beautiful tropical island. They walked hand in hand on the beach, their hands clasped tightly together. The rays of the setting sun reflect beautiful colors on the calm sea water. Both of them felt like they were in heaven, experiencing beautiful moments without the burdens and tensions they had been facing.

However, behind their happiness, shadows of the past still haunt them. Lina, a woman who has long been a part of Alvino's life, does not accept the fact that Alvino has chosen Aruna to be his life partner. Even though Alvino has ended his relationship with Lina, the shadow of his former lover still lurks.

Lina, a strong and firm woman, never lets anyone take what she thinks is hers. After hearing the news that Alvino would marry Aruna, Lina felt angry and humiliated. For him, Alvino is his, and he will not let anyone take him from him, even though Alvino himself has made the choice to leave him.

In her luxury apartment in the middle of the city, Lina sat alone on a large sofa with a bottle of red wine in hand. His facial expression was dark and full of conflicting emotions. He gripped the wine glass tightly, sipping each sip with determined movements.

Her thoughts drifted between sweet memories with Alvino and deep disappointment over his decision to end their relationship. He never imagined that Alvino would actually marry another woman. For him, Alvino is an inseparable part of his life, even though that decision may not be completely in his control.

"Alvino, how could you do this to me?" Lina muttered in a trembling voice, remembering the beautiful moments they spent together. He tried to understand how everything could change so quickly just like that.

His cell phone rang, interrupting his bitter thoughts. He stared at the screen tightly before finally answering the call. "Yes?"

The voice on the other end of the phone was firm and impatient. "Lina, I know you're upset. But you have to accept it. Alvino has made his choice," said Lina's friend, Nadia, in an empathetic tone.

Lina took a deep breath. "I can't, Nadia. I can't just let him go. He is a part of my life."

Nadia sighed. "You have to understand that this reality cannot be changed. You have to let it go and seek your own happiness."

Lina was silent for a moment, contemplating her friend's words. He knew that Nadia would not be able to fully understand his feelings, but he also knew that he could not restrain Alvino with strength. "I don't know what to do, Nadia."

"Let time heal wounds, Lina. You need to focus on yourself now," said Nadia gently.

After ending the phone call, Lina sat on the sofa with her wine. He let his mind drift between his memories and complicated feelings. He knew that he had to move forward, but how?

Meanwhile, in Aruna and Alvino's apartment, their married life was going on beautifully. They adapt to each other's habits, finding compatibility and happiness in every moment they share together. Even though their past is still a lurking shadow, they both try to focus on the future they are building together.

Alvino continues to try to be a good husband for Aruna, giving him sincere attention and love. Every time he saw Aruna smile or heard her laugh, his heart was filled with infinite happiness. He knew he had made the right choice, even though the process was never easy.

However, their calm did not last long. Lina, who is still struggling with her own feelings, decides to confront Alvino directly. He messaged her, requesting a meeting at a neutral location.

Alvino, stunned by the request, agreed to meet with Lina. Although he knew that this could be a difficult encounter, he also felt that he had to face it head-on.

They met at a small cafe in the corner of the city on a sunny afternoon. The atmosphere around them was tense, with silence hanging in the air. Lina sat at the table opposite Alvino, her eyes looking at him with a look filled with mixed emotions.

"Alvino," Lina called in a softer voice than he expected.

"Lina," said Alvino, trying to maintain a calm demeanor even though his heart was pounding in his chest.

Lina took a deep breath before finally speaking. "I can't let you marry Aruna, Alvino. You are part of my life, and I can't just lose you."

Alvino felt shocked by those words. He tried to choose his words carefully. "Lina, I understand that you feel hurt. But you also have to understand that I have made the decision to marry Aruna."

"I won't let that happen," Lina said firmly, her gaze glaring at Alvino.

Alvino felt pressured by this situation. He didn't want to hurt Lina any further, but he also knew that he had to defend his life choices. "You have to try to understand, Lina. We can't go back to the past."

Lina responded in a tone filled with despair. "I love you, Alvino. I can't imagine my life without you."

Alvino shook his head slowly. "We have to end this, Lina. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but we have to move on with our lives."

Lina looked at him sadly. He felt like his world was collapsing in front of him, but he knew that he couldn't force Alvino to come back to him. "I don't know what to do now."

Alvino took a deep breath. "You need to find your own happiness, Lina. I will always remember our memories well."

After the meeting, Lina left the cafe with a broken heart. She felt alone and hurt, not knowing where to turn for support. He knew that he had to find a way to move on with his life, but the feeling of losing Alvino was still very strong.

Meanwhile, Alvino returned to Aruna with a heavy heart. He felt relieved that he had resolved things with Lina, even though the process had been painful for both of them. He told Aruna about the meeting, and Aruna gave him sincere support.

"We have to focus on our future together, Alvino. We have been through so much together