Chapter 43

Secrets Beneath the Surface

The days leading to Ramon and Violet’s wedding were a whirlwind of preparations, excitement, and anticipation. The guest list had grown to include dignitaries, industry leaders, and close friends, all eager to witness the union of the enigmatic billionaire and the woman who had captured his heart.

Ramon, however, carried a weight few could see. His wealth and success were undeniable, but the source of it—the supernatural system that had transformed his life—remained a secret, even from Violet.

He had wrestled with the decision to tell her countless times, especially now as they prepared to build a life together.

One evening, as they sat together on the balcony of their penthouse, Violet rested her head on his shoulder. The city below sparkled like a sea of stars, but Ramon’s thoughts were elsewhere.

“You’re quiet tonight,” Violet observed, her voice soft.

Ramon hesitated before responding. “Just thinking about everything. The wedding. The future. Us.”

She tilted her head to look at him. “It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But we’re in this together, Ramon. Whatever’s on your mind, you can share it with me.”

He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her trust in him was unwavering, yet he couldn’t bring himself to shatter the carefully constructed facade. “I know. And I promise, when the time is right, I’ll tell you everything.”

Violet studied him for a moment but didn’t press further. She trusted Ramon, and if he needed time, she would give it to him.

The following morning, Ramon stood in his private office, staring at the system’s interface. Its familiar glow filled the room, a constant reminder of the source of his power and wealth.

System Notification:

"Upcoming Event: Life-changing decision at the wedding. Prepare for potential revelation of the system."

Ramon’s heart sank. The system was rarely this direct, and its ominous tone left him unsettled. Would someone discover the truth during the wedding? Would Violet?

“What am I supposed to do?” he muttered, pacing the room. “If she finds out, will she even understand? Will she stay?”

The system offered no response.

As the days passed, Violet began to notice a change in Ramon. He was more distracted, his usual confidence tinged with hesitation. One afternoon, as they finalized seating arrangements, she placed a hand on his arm.

“Ramon, is something bothering you?” she asked. “You’ve been distant lately.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s nothing to worry about, Violet. I’m just trying to make sure everything is perfect for you.”

She frowned, not entirely convinced. “You know I don’t need perfection. I need you—honest, present, and by my side. That’s all that matters.”

Her words struck a chord, but Ramon still couldn’t bring himself to reveal the truth.

The wedding day arrived in a blaze of sunlight and clear skies. The ceremony was set in an expansive garden, surrounded by towering oaks and blooming flowers. Guests mingled in the golden afternoon light, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

Ramon stood at the altar, dressed in a tailored black tuxedo, his hands clasped in front of him. As Violet walked down the aisle, her gown flowing like water, his heart swelled with love. In that moment, nothing else mattered.

The vows were exchanged, the rings slipped onto fingers, and the crowd erupted into applause as they were pronounced husband and wife. Ramon kissed Violet, his promise to her unspoken but firm: he would protect her from the weight of his secrets, at least for now.

The reception was a grand affair, with music, dancing, and speeches. Mark, Ramon’s childhood friend, gave a heartfelt toast, speaking of Ramon’s resilience and the love he had found with Violet.

“Ramon has always been a force to be reckoned with,” Mark said, raising his glass. “But it’s Violet who has truly brought out the best in him. To their future together—may it be filled with happiness and adventure.”

As the guests cheered, Ramon caught Violet’s eye, her smile radiating joy. Yet beneath his own smile, his unease grew.

The system’s warning lingered in his mind, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to happen.

Later that evening, as the celebration began to wind down, Ramon and Violet slipped away to a quiet terrace overlooking the estate. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over them.

Violet leaned against the railing, her gaze on the horizon. “This has been the most magical day of my life,” she said softly.

Ramon joined her, slipping an arm around her waist. “I’m glad. You deserve nothing less.”

She turned to him, her expression serious. “Ramon, I know there’s something you’re not telling me. I haven’t pushed because I wanted you to come to me when you were ready. But now… I need to know. What is it that you’re hiding?”

His breath caught, the weight of her question pressing down on him. He had always known this moment would come, but he had hoped it wouldn’t be so soon.

“Violet…” he began, his voice faltering.

Before he could continue, a loud crash from inside the reception hall interrupted them. They turned to see guests scattering, their faces pale with fear.

Ramon’s security team was already moving, their radios crackling with urgency.

“What’s happening?” Violet asked, gripping Ramon’s arm.

“I don’t know,” he said, his mind racing.

The system chimed urgently.

System Notification:

"Crisis Detected: Protect your loved ones. Possible exposure of system imminent."

Ramon’s stomach dropped. He pulled Violet close, his mind working rapidly.

“Stay here,” he said firmly. “I’ll handle this.”

“No, Ramon,” she protested. “Whatever this is, we face it together.”

He looked into her eyes, her determination mirroring his own. “Then stay close to me. No matter what happens, trust me.”

Inside the hall, chaos reigned. A group of masked intruders had forced their way in, their demands unclear but their presence threatening. Ramon’s security team was holding them at bay, but the situation was volatile.

One of the intruders spotted Ramon and Violet and pointed a weapon in their direction.

“You! Ramon Sterling! We know who you are. Step forward, or she pays the price.”

Ramon’s blood ran cold. He stepped in front of Violet, shielding her with his body.

“Let her go,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “I’m the one you want.”

The intruder smirked. “That’s right. The billionaire with secrets. Let’s see what you’re really hiding.”

As the tension escalated, the system activated.

System Override: Crisis Protocol Initiated. Enhancing user capabilities.

Ramon felt a surge of energy course through him, his senses sharpening and his mind clearing.

He moved with precision, disarming the intruder and subduing him in seconds. The other intruders hesitated, clearly unprepared for the resistance they now faced.

Within moments, the security team regained control, apprehending the remaining intruders. The guests, though shaken, were unharmed.

Back on the terrace, Ramon held Violet close, her face pale but her grip steady.

“What just happened?” she whispered.

Ramon hesitated, the weight of the truth pressing down on him. He had no choice now.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” he said, his voice trembling. “Something I’ve been keeping from you for a long time.”

Violet looked at him, her eyes searching his. “Ramon, whatever it is, I need to know. No more secrets.”

He took a deep breath. “The success, the wealth… it didn’t come from hard work alone. I have something—something that’s guided me, given me abilities I can’t explain.

It’s called the system. It’s not from this world, and it’s the reason I am who I am today.”

For a moment, Violet said nothing, her expression unreadable. Then she stepped closer, placing a hand on his cheek.

“Ramon,” she said softly, “I don’t care where your success came from. What matters to me is who you are—your heart, your integrity, your love for me.

That’s what I fell in love with, not your wealth or abilities.”

His chest tightened, a wave of relief washing over him. “You mean that?”

She nodded. “I do. But I hope you know that we face everything together from now on—no more secrets.”

He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. “No more secrets. I promise.”

As they stood together under the moonlight, Ramon felt a newfound sense of freedom.

For the first time, he was truly himself—no masks, no lies, just a man ready to embrace his future with the woman he loved.

Related Chapters

Latest Chapter