Chapter 2 After several weeks of contemplation

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.