"From today I declare you two as husband and wife." Said the priest blessing the two brides who were in front of him. Now I allow you to kiss each other as a sign."
Rio and Laras looked at each other, Rio half-heartedly kissed Laras's forehead, only for a short time as a formality according to him.
The wedding was held in secret, only the Thomas family came. As for Laras's parents? They didn't come, even to contact them Laras couldn't, Laras's parents really disappeared somewhere. Her Mama and father were completely distant from her. Laras suddenly burst into tears, he didn't think he would marry Rio so soon. Laras could see a hint of compulsion emitted by Rio.
(flashback)
Laras wiped her tears from her cheeks to her chin, she had enough complaining. Looks like Laras has to leave the Thomas family residence, there is no peace and comfort for her there. Laras knew this was wrong, but she had surrendered to God.
"You are sure to leave the Thomas family residence."
Laras nodded.
"I'm sure auntie, I have some savings from my previous work. That's enough for a few months and to rent. Maybe after this I'll look for another job."
"Hahhh... aunty can only accept your decision Laras. But don't forget to call aunty if you have any need or whatever."
Aunt Lin took Laras in a warm embrace, but suddenly Aunt Lin fell silent when she saw someone who was now standing behind Laras's body.
"Master?". She said slowly.
Hearing master's words, Laras immediately let go of her embrace and turned her body. She was no less surprised when she saw the figure of Rio who had already stood up and was looking at her with glare.
"You are not going anywhere, you will stay in my house. With my family and Aunt Lin." he said coldly.
"why?". Laras asked hesitantly.
"Because you, will marry me. Isn't that what you want."
Laras's body suddenly froze instantly. Mixed feelings immediately consumed him. He really can't escape the Thomas family's ties.
.
.
.
During the return journey, there was no conversation between Laras or the others. Time to go back to the Thomas family's house, or can Laras call it the in-laws' house? I don't know, Laras doesn't know what situation or role she is currently playing.
Laras kept her head down, she didn't dare to raise it. Before entering the car, he had a chance to meet Rio's gaze, Han understood that gaze very well. Even though their status changed from master and servant to husband and wife, Laras could tell that the look Rio gave her was a huge rejection. She was aware of it.
Was this marriage wrong? A marriage full of drama and compulsion. Laras instilled in herself that this marriage was just a stage for her.She couldn't hope for more, but for her she still had to take care of Rio, because he was her husband.
.
.
.
"You sly brat! Now you've made it!" just as Laras entered the mansion, she already received a scream from Fania. Seeing their mommy tantrum, Reza and Rafi prefer to go back to their respective rooms.
"Tara! What are you saying dear." Steven tried to calm his wife down.
"Just let her know, I'm sure you were the one who teased and framed my son! Remember! Even though you're married to my son, your status is still a servant in this house, keep that in mind." Fania wasn't satisfied with just yelling at Laras, with emotions overflowing Fania violently pushed Laras's body to the ground.
Rio was surprised by the actions taken by his mother, but he pretended not to see it, he turned his gaze elsewhere so he wouldn't see Laras's begging eyes asking for help.
"Tara!" Steven snapped in a high tone.
"I will never accept this sly woman as a daughter-in-law, once a maid is always a maid.
Fania returned to her room, leaving behind her own mess. She didn't care if Steven would scold her so badly after this.
Steven bent down and helped Laras to her feet. He stroked the top of the head affectionately, giving strength to his sweet daughter-in-law.
"Please be patient with Fania's attitude, she is now your mother-in-law. She is actually good. It's just that she doesn't believe in and accept the conditions, please Laras don't hate her."
"Yes Master." Laras answered in a small voice.
"No, I'm not your master. Call me daddy."
"O-okay dad." The answer was hesitant.
"Rio, now take Laras to your room. Now she is your wife, so from tonight Laras will sleep with you."
"B-but dad..." Rio tried to argue.
"No buts or later. Now hurry up and bring Laras! She must be tired." after giving orders to Rio, Steven also went into the room to follow Fania there.
Rio took a deep breath, today really drained all his thoughts, calm, and emotions.But, because he didn't want to hear anger from his father, Rio had to take Laras to his room.
"Follow me!" Rio stepped in first, leaving Laras who was full of doubts. He timidly started to follow Rio to the second floor, to be precise in front of Rio's room.
"Enter!" he said with a little shout to Laras who was still silent in the doorway, she opened the door but was reluctant to enter.
"I said come in! Are you deaf?! I don't have time to deal with your indecision!" he said with a sharp look at Laras.
Laras hurriedly dragged her feet to enter the room. She was really afraid that Rio had looked at her like that, just as Laras was inside. Rio immediately slammed the door hard making Laras jump in surprise, Rio didn't go inside.
Laras took a deep breath, today was really tiring. Even Laras couldn't even cry, she just stared blankly into the room that felt empty and dark.
Sick.
Congested.
Afraid.
Quiet.
Ostracized.
Laras's got too many emotions.
She looked up.
"God, I will never stop believing in You. I always believe in all the plans you have arranged, even in the worst case scenario that I have to play my part. But one thing I ask for, please take care of my little baby."