Sia's awareness of the tournament's rumors, or lack thereof, became a significant aspect of her considerations. She found herself in a unique position, as she had not heard about the particular rumor regarding Sin's supposed connection to a devil during the tournament. This was not due to any oversight on her part, but rather a consequence of the circumstances surrounding the event.
One critical factor was the collective memory erasure that had occurred among the tournament's participants and attendees. This act of selective memory manipulation had effectively wiped clean the recollections of many individuals, rendering them unaware of certain events or occurrences. In this case, it meant that Sia, like others, had no knowledge of the rumored devil incident.
Compounding this absence of information was the deliberate fabrication of a different rumor—one that implicated Sin in the manipulation of the tournament's outcome through financial means. This rumor, designed to divert attention away from the true events involving the devil, further clouded the already complex web of perceptions surrounding Sin.
Sia's lack of awareness regarding these rumors underscored the intricacies of the tournament's narrative. It was a reminder that truth and perception often diverged, and that the manipulation of information could shape public opinion and influence the course of events.
Sia's belief in the fabricated rumor concerning Sin's manipulation of the tournament's outcome with financial influence created a sense of confusion and bewilderment within her. She couldn't reconcile the image of Sin's undeniable strength with the notion that he would resort to spreading falsehoods about his victories. This puzzlement led her to question him directly, seeking an explanation for his actions.
However, Sin's response, or rather, his lack of response, only deepened the mystery. His silence in the face of her inquiry left Sia without the answers she sought. It was a subtle yet impactful gesture, one that hinted at the complexity of his character and motivations.
Sin had orchestrated the fabrication of the rumor about his financial manipulation of the tournament's outcome, a fact he was fully cognizant of. It was a deliberate move, one that he had suggested to Sia's parents as part of a carefully considered plan. His motivation behind this strategy remained a closely guarded secret, known only to him.
Sin's deliberate choice to withhold an explanation, even when directly questioned, underscored his enigmatic nature. It left Sia with a sense of frustration and a growing desire to understand the reasons behind his actions. The silence between them spoke volumes, serving as a reminder that there were facets of Sin's persona that remained hidden from view.
Sin and Sia reentered the room where their family members were engaged in cheerful conversation. It was a stark contrast to the somber thoughts that weighed heavily on Sin's mind. He couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness, knowing that the central figure of discussion—Sia—had not yet agreed to the proposed marriage. The room's current atmosphere of happiness would likely dissipate if they were privy to this pivotal detail.
Madam Rubi, ever perceptive, noticed their early return and inquired about it. Her remark drew Sin's attention, and he responded with a polite nod, acknowledging their early return. However, the unspoken tension surrounding the marriage proposal lingered in the air, casting a shadow over the otherwise convivial gathering.
Sin's internal thoughts revealed a touch of humor and irony as he considered the narrative development of his relationship with Sia. He mentally quipped that they had already invested significant time and narrative effort—symbolized humorously as "more than six chapters"—in building up their relationship. In this fanciful metaphor, Sin seemingly acknowledged the need to progress their story beyond its current stage.
However, when he addressed their family members, he adopted a more diplomatic and considerate tone. He conveyed that he had concluded their private conversation for the time being, suggesting that there were no immediate issues to address. This gesture was perceived positively by those present, as it indicated his willingness to engage in the conversation at a later, more appropriate time.
Sia Amir, in particular, seemed attuned to the underlying dynamics at play. She recognized Sin's decision to defer the discussion as a conscious effort to preserve the cheerful atmosphere within the room. This astute observation showcased her ability to navigate the intricacies of their situation and her capacity to read between the lines of their interactions.
In essence, this exchange highlighted the delicate balance Sin and Sia were trying to maintain—striving to honor their familial expectations while also respecting their individual reservations and uncertainties. As the narrative of their relationship continued to unfold, the tension between personal desires and familial obligations remained a central theme, shaping the contours of their evolving story.
The contrast between the familial joy in the room and the underlying apprehension of the pending marriage negotiations served as a poignant reminder of the complexities that often accompanied such arrangements. Sin and Sia, while navigating their individual reservations and uncertainties, were also conscious of the impact their decisions would have on their respective families.
As the family continued their conversation, the unspoken matter of the impending marriage remained an unspoken undercurrent, a topic that would inevitably demand their attention and require resolution in the days and weeks to come.
Sin's decision to excuse himself from the gathering marked the end of their current interaction. As he stood up, the Amir family bid him farewell with apparent contentment, their smiles conveying a sense of camaraderie and warmth. However, there was one notable exception—Sia, who wore a smile that Sin perceived as disingenuous.
Sin couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at the sight of Sia's feigned smile. It was a wry and knowing response, a silent acknowledgment of the complex dynamics at play between them. Sin's ability to see through the facade, to perceive the tension beneath her smile, revealed a certain level of insight into her true feelings and motivations.
As he departed from the gathering, Sin carried with him a wealth of unspoken thoughts and emotions, aware that their story was far from concluded. The dynamics between him and Sia, marked by smiles that concealed deeper truths, hinted at the narrative layers yet to be unraveled in the chapters that lay ahead.