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.

________________________________________

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.

Leon, who had initially stood confidently in the dining room, gradually softened the tense atmosphere. He glanced at Lara, who remained silent, and gave a faint smile, attempting to reassure her before sitting down again.

"But don't worry, everyone," Leon said, his voice gentle yet authoritative. "I won't pressure Lara to answer now. She must also be surprised by my confession earlier. I just want you all to know my serious intentions."

Mr. Darma nodded slowly, while Aunt Vina smiled faintly, though she still appeared slightly shocked. Cantika sat quietly with an expression that was difficult to interpret.

Leon continued, "I also want to assure you that this won't affect my professionalism at work. You don't need to worry about that."

He stood up from his seat, exhaling deeply before glancing at his watch. "If you'll excuse me, I need to head to the office. Thank you for allowing me to stop by this morning."

Mr. Darma stood and shook Leon's hand. "Alright, Leon. I appreciate your bravery. We'll consider it. Take care on your way."

Leon bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, sir. And I apologize for not being able to leave with Cantika as usual today."

Cantika only gave a small nod, still visibly shocked by the situation's developments.

Before stepping out, Leon looked at Lara for a moment. "Lara, I hope you don't feel too burdened. Take as much time as you need."

Lara could only nod slightly, still confused by her own feelings.

Finally, Leon said his goodbyes and left the house, walking toward his car. The morning he had planned to mark a significant step forward felt heavier than he had anticipated.

Leon Sebastian Winata-his name had become well-known within the Marten Energy company. It wasn't just because of his status as a smart and competent head of finance but also due to his undeniable charisma. With his upright posture, piercing gaze, and confident demeanor, Leon always managed to become the center of attention wherever he went. Yet behind his captivating exterior lay a story few people knew. Leon wasn't just a successful young professional; he was also someone carrying the wounds of his past.

Leon sat behind the wheel of his car, staring straight at the road ahead. Behind his calm face, his mind replayed the plan he had been crafting for years. His statement this morning to Lara's parents repeated in his mind-the declaration that he wanted to marry Lara.

"Just one more step," Leon muttered, his voice almost drowned by the hum of the car engine. "This marriage is just a formality. I have no other choice if I want to dig deeper."

He took a deep breath, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. In his mind, the prominent name of Marten Energy-formerly MW Energy-seemed to dance, reminding him of the great tragedy that had changed his life. The fire. The loss. And then the mysterious accident that claimed both his parents' lives just a day after that fire.

Clenching his fist, Leon tried to suppress the sudden surge of emotion. "I won't stop until I uncover the truth. And if they were involved..." His voice trailed off, cold and resolute.

He glanced at the empty passenger seat beside him, as if imagining Lara sitting there. "I'm sorry, Lara," he whispered softly, almost as if speaking to himself. "You're just a part of this plan. I know it's unfair, but I have to do this. It's the only way."

Leon refocused on the road. The towering building of Marten Energy loomed in the distance, standing proudly as a symbol of the power he had been chasing. He steeled his heart. To others, he was a dedicated and ambitious finance director. But deep inside, Leon knew that his actions went beyond career aspirations-this was about uncovering the truth, seeking justice, and reclaiming what rightfully belonged to his family.

"This isn't about love or family," Leon said again, his tone colder. "It's about justice."

With that, he pressed the accelerator harder, driving himself closer to the ultimate goal he had waited years to achieve.

On the other hand, Cantika, who was usually cheerful and full of confidence, was stunned by Leon's confession that morning. Leon's words still echoed in her mind, leaving her speechless. She could only watch Leon leave in silence, unable to react. A morning that was usually filled with laughter and chatter with Lara turned into an awkward and tense one.

As Lara's stepsister, Cantika was an energetic figure who could effortlessly draw attention. She was the child from Darma's second marriage after Lara's mother passed away when Lara was only three years old. Despite their different family backgrounds, Cantika and Lara grew up together as sisters, although their relationship was not always smooth.

Cantika was known for her sweet beauty, charming smile, friendly demeanor, and extraordinary intelligence. However, behind all that, she harbored an immense ambition to prove herself as a worthy part of the prestigious Ariatama Marten family.

Lara, who often felt like a shadow in her own family since her mother's passing, saw herself as overlooked both in the family and the company-unlike Cantika, who seemed to achieve everything so effortlessly. But this morning, Lara felt different, as if she had an advantage over Cantika.

During the drive to the office, Lara looked at her father sitting in the front seat-a man she deeply admired. Darma, a father who loved his two daughters equally, always instilled discipline and simplicity in them. He was the CEO of the company founded by Ariatama Marten, their grandfather and the company's chairman, who still oversaw its operations. The business was co-founded with Sebastian Winata, Leon's late father, in 1990, before Leon was born in 1996. Ironically, a tragedy struck in 1998 when Leon's parents died in a car accident just a day after a mysterious fire engulfed the old office. The accident left Leon an orphan at just two years old.

The car drove slowly out of the luxury residential complex. Lara sat in the backseat with her father, Darma, while their family chauffeur drove at a steady, relaxed pace. Lara's eyes lingered on the grand house next to theirs-her grandfather Ariatama Maarten's home.

"That house is so magnificent, Miss," the chauffeur said, trying to break the silence. "Every time I pass by, I wonder how long it must've taken to build something that big."

Lara gave a faint smile. "It's not just about time, Pak. That house... it feels like it has its own story."

"What kind of story, Miss? From the outside, I just see a masterpiece. It seems like the people in that house worked really hard," the chauffeur said.

"Hard work, yes," Lara replied softly. "But behind it, there's so much that people don't know. My grandfather, for instance, isn't just the head of the family. He's like the center of everything. Every important decision goes through him."

"That makes sense," the chauffeur chuckled. "No wonder his car always leaves the gate first thing in the morning. It just passed by, too."

Lara nodded, her eyes following the black sedan that had exited the gate earlier. "Yes, Grandpa is always disciplined. It seems like no one in this family can afford to be relaxed."

Darma chimed in briefly, "That's a habit that must be upheld, Lara."

The chauffeur chuckled again. "But not everyone can be like your grandpa. I just saw Miss Monic drive by earlier. Wow, she has a different aura. It's like she always wants to stand out."

Lara smiled faintly. "Monic loves being the center of attention. She's ambitious, confident, and... a bit complicated."

"Speaking of complicated, is Miss Lara complicated too?" the chauffeur teased, making Lara laugh softly.

"No, I'm not as complicated as Monic," Lara replied in a joking tone. "But Monic is smart. She always knows how to make people agree with her."

The car kept moving, passing another house. A white car pulled out of its garage.

"Oh, that looks like Miss Syifa's car, doesn't it?" asked the chauffeur.

"Yes," Lara answered. "Syifa is different. If Monic is like fire, Syifa is calmer. But don't underestimate her-she's just as dangerous."

"Dangerous? How so, Miss?" The chauffeur glanced at her curiously through the rearview mirror.

"Syifa is graceful, calm, but she always has a plan. If Monic uses brute force, Syifa plays chess. Her moves are slow, but precise."

"Wow, your family is really fascinating," the chauffeur said, nodding. "So, what about you, Miss Lara? Are you fire or water?"

Lara chuckled lightly. "Maybe I'm just the wind. I'm there, but not too noticeable."

Darma smiled faintly at their conversation. "What's important, Lara, is that you know your role in this family."

The chauffeur spoke again, "But honestly, Miss, I can't imagine being part of a family this big. It must feel like living under constant pressure."

Lara sighed softly. "Sometimes it does feel that way. Everyone always seems busy and disciplined, but behind all that... there's so much that's unseen."

"Secrets, huh?" the chauffeur guessed with a smile.

Lara nodded slightly, then gazed far ahead. "Secrets that maybe not everyone needs to know."

After this light-hearted conversation, the atmosphere in the car returned to silence. Only the sound of the engine and the tires against the road could be heard. Lara shifted her gaze out the window, looking at the tall buildings beginning to appear in the distance. At the same time, she pondered deeply, "What is Leon's true purpose for joining our family company and now trying to become part of my family? Is it to uncover the painful truths of his past, or to seek revenge for it all-including his disappointment and anger towards Cantika?"

Her thoughts also drifted far back to the past, to the moment she first knew Leon as more than just a professional connection.

Lara vividly remembers the beginning of her closeness with Leon, the man who is now the Finance Director at Marten Energy. As a financial planning manager, their professional interaction should have been ordinary. However, everything started to shift when Leon showed an interest in Cantika, her stepsister.

That morning, the office atmosphere was calm, with only the sound of keyboards and soft conversations among employees filling the space. Lara was intently focused on her computer screen when she felt a light tap on her shoulder.

"Excuse me," a deep, formal voice said. Lara turned to find Leon standing behind her. Instantly, she held her breath, her heart beating faster. Nervously, she shifted to the side to give way.

"Please go ahead, Mr. Leon," she said politely.

Leon responded with a small nod and a fleeting smile before walking past her toward his glass-walled office. Once he was gone, Lara exhaled deeply, trying to calm her racing heart. From her desk, she could see Leon sit down and immediately start working with intense focus. She found herself mesmerized, watching the man she secretly admired speak seriously with some team members, his dedication making him appear even more impressive.

Leon's call for her to report to his office came sooner than she expected. Lara prepared the requested report and entered Leon's glass office with a composed demeanor, though internally, she couldn't shake her nervousness.

"Have a seat, Lara," Leon said, greeting her with a surprisingly warm tone.

Lara sat neatly and handed over the report she had brought. Leon began the discussion with brief comments about her work, occasionally asking detailed questions that impressed her with how attentively he listened to every word she said.

After the report discussion concluded, Leon leaned back in his chair and, unexpectedly, asked something personal.

"So, you commute to work with your father while Cantika drives her own car?" he asked, his expression unreadable as he looked at Lara.

Lara paused briefly, slightly surprised by the question, but quickly responded in a formal tone.

"Yes, sir. My salary and income aren't enough to buy a car yet, and I also feel more comfortable going with my father," she said, maintaining a professional demeanor.

Leon nodded slowly, still observing her with an interested gaze. "Understandable," he said briefly before steering the conversation back to work-related matters.

Lara simply smiled, avoiding delving deeper into the subject. However, the question left her with lingering curiosity. Leon's interest in her family, even briefly, made her feel there might be more behind his polite demeanor. She knew Leon was likely just making small talk, but she couldn't help feeling closer to him. Yet, she also realized that his attention might not be directed at her-it could be for Cantika instead.

That day, after office hours, Lara hurriedly packed up her desk and headed to her father's office to go home together. After knocking on the door and entering, she found two of the most important men in her life there-her father, Mr. Darma, and Uncle Jeri, who was also her father's assistant.

Lara entered with a warm smile, greeting both men she deeply respected. She reached for Uncle Jeri's hand and shook it respectfully. The middle-aged man smiled kindly, nodding slightly, as if understanding how much Lara looked up to him as a role model second only to her father.

"Uncle Jeri, how are you?" Lara asked, smiling.

"Good, Lara. It's always nice to see my favorite niece," Jeri replied, returning Lara's smile. "You've been quite busy in your new division, haven't you?"

Lara chuckled softly. "A little, but it's still manageable, Uncle."

After a brief warm conversation, Mr. Darma nodded, signaling he had an important task for Lara. "Lara, I need you to do something," he said, handing her a brown file that seemed particularly confidential.

Lara took the file with a serious expression, waiting for further instructions.

"Deliver this file to Cantika," Mr. Darma said firmly yet softly. "She's waiting in her office. But remember, this file must go directly to her hands and should not be seen by anyone else."

Lara nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. After bidding farewell to her father and uncle, she carefully slipped the file into her bag and walked out of the room cautiously.

The office was eerily quiet, with only the faint rustle of her footsteps echoing through the halls. The dimmed lighting cast elongated shadows, making the once-bustling workplace feel like a different realm. Lara quickened her pace toward the elevator, gripping her bag tightly.

Arriving at the elevator, she pressed the button and leaned against the nearby wall, trying to calm herself while staring down the dark and silent corridor. The usually vibrant office now felt strangely different at night-a world waiting to reveal hidden secrets.

When the elevator doors finally opened, Lara stepped inside and pressed the button for her destination floor-Cantika's office. She felt relieved, knowing she just needed to descend a few floors to complete the task and head home.

But as the elevator moved, it unexpectedly stopped earlier than anticipated.

"Why is it stopping here? I thought everyone from my division had already left," Lara muttered, puzzled as to why the elevator had stopped on a floor that wasn't her destination. The doors opened slowly, and there stood someone she never expected to encounter in such a situation.

"Mr. Leon."

Lara froze, her gaze locked on the man standing before the elevator with an inscrutable expression. Leon glanced at her bag briefly before raising a single eyebrow with a slight smile.

"Oh, excuse me. You're heading down, right?" Leon asked in a calm, low tone that sent an unusual wave of nervousness through Lara.

Lara swallowed hard, trying to smile even though she was sure her cheeks had turned red. "Yes, sir... Please, come in," she replied, her voice slightly trembling.

Leon stepped into the elevator, and the doors closed slowly, leaving the two of them alone in the small space that suddenly felt even smaller. His masculine, fresh scent filled the quiet lift, amplifying Lara's nervousness.

Standing slightly stiff, Lara tried to maintain distance without appearing awkward, though her heart continued to race. She stole a glance at Leon, who stood calmly beside her, his eyes fixed on the floor indicator above the elevator doors.