The decision led him to sit with Grandpa Ronan at the dining table, where an awkward and silent dinner awaited them.
The clinking of spoons and forks echoed loudly in the quiet room as if amplifying the tension in the air.
"Grandpa, what kind of work are you offering me?" Darian asked, his voice slightly uncertain. He noticed how Grandpa Ronan occasionally glanced at Kirana, who sat with a cold expression.
Grandpa Ronan smiled faintly. "You will become a part of our family, Darian. You will be engaged to Kirana." That answer made Darian frown, sensing something was wrong. Engagement? That was not something that could be decided so quickly.
Sitting quietly beside Grandpa Ronan, Kirana suddenly glared at Darian with a look of hatred. Her face turned red, not out of embarrassment but from the anger she could hardly contain.
The dinner atmosphere grew increasingly tense, interrupted only by the mounting silence that pressed down on them.
Grandpa Ronan tried to continue the conversation, but every word he spoke only worsened the situation.
Suddenly, a loud "braak" echoed through the room. Kirana slammed her hand on the dining table, trembling, striking it so hard that several plates and glasses nearly fell. Everyone jumped in shock. Her face turned red as she struggled to hold back her rising anger.
"What do you mean, Grandpa?!" Kirana shouted, her voice echoing in the luxurious dining room.
"You're going to marry me off to this stranger? To someone whose background we don't even know?" She pointed at Darian with a trembling finger, her face full of hatred. "Are you crazy, Grandpa?!"
Arum Wijaya, with a sharp gaze, took a step forward. "Father, what have you done? Bringing a stranger into our home and matching him with Kirana? Have you lost your mind?" Her voice was cold and cutting, like ice piercing through bone.
Satria Adinata, usually calm, also appeared angry. "This is outrageous, Father! We can't just trust a stranger like that!" He eyed Darian suspiciously. "He could be dangerous!"
Amid the anger of his parents and Kirana, Sekar, Kirana’s younger sister, only wore a faint smile. Her smile was cynical, revealing a hidden satisfaction behind her cold gaze.
She didn't say a word, yet her smile was sharper than Kirana's harsh words. Darian felt a chilling air, not just from the Adinata family's anger but also from Sekar’s mysterious grin.
He realised he had entered a much more complicated situation than he had imagined. Grandpa Ronan looked profoundly disappointed and sad.
Grandpa Ronan slammed his fork and knife onto the table, causing Kirana, Arum, and Satria to jump in shock. The already tense atmosphere grew even more suffocating.
Sekar, still wearing her cynical smile, quietly observed. Darian could only stand frozen, unable to believe what had just happened.
"This is my decision!!" Grandpa Ronan yelled, his voice trembling with both anger and exhaustion.
Amid the anger of his parents and Kirana, Sekar, Kirana’s younger sister, only wore a faint smile. Her smile was cynical, revealing a hidden satisfaction behind her cold gaze.
She didn't say a word, yet her smile was sharper than Kirana's harsh words. Darian felt a chilling air, not just from the Adinata family's anger but also from Sekar’s mysterious grin.
He realised he had entered a much more complicated situation than he had imagined. Grandpa Ronan looked profoundly disappointed and sad.
Grandpa Ronan slammed his fork and knife onto the table, causing Kirana, Arum, and Satria to jump in shock. The already tense atmosphere grew even more suffocating.
Sekar, still wearing her cynical smile, quietly observed. Darian could only stand frozen, unable to believe what had just happened.
"This is my decision!!" Grandpa Ronan yelled, his voice trembling with anger and exhaustion. His face flushed red, and veins in his neck bulged. "If you don't agree, feel free to leave this house... and don't expect to inherit my wealth!!" He pointed at each family member with a shaking finger.
"You all only care about the inheritance! You don't value kindness and loyalty!"
Silence enveloped the luxurious dining room. Only the sound of heavy breathing could be heard. Kirana, Arum, and Satria exchanged glances, their faces mixed with anger, disappointment, and fear.
Grandpa Ronan’s inheritance was something they all desperately desired. The threat regarding the inheritance struck deeply.
Kirana lowered her gaze, biting her bottom lip in frustration. Still confused by the situation, Darian looked at Grandpa Ronan, trying to decipher the meaning behind each word spoken.
However, he knew that speaking any further would be pointless—here, he was just a pawn in a bigger game being played.
The suffocating silence was finally broken, not by words but by Kirana’s laughter. It was loud, piercing, and filled with disdain.
"So, this is it," she said, her voice trembling with suppressed rage. "You choose a beggar over your own family?" She pointed at Darian with a trembling finger. "Such a foolish decision, Grandpa!"
Arum Wijaya, usually calm, showed his emotions more restrainedly. She sighed deeply, then spoke softly but sharply, "Ronan, you will regret this. You will lose everything." Her gaze was cold and calculating as he subtly pulled Satria’s hand.
Sekar, who had been observing quietly all this time, finally spoke up. Her voice was gentle, but her words were sharp as a knife.
"Grandpa, don't misunderstand. We don’t want your inheritance. We’re just concerned for your safety." Her cynical smile remained on her lips, revealing that her words were nothing more than a façade.
Grandpa Ronan was silent, his face pale. He realised that he had made a difficult decision. He had chosen loyalty and kindness over wealth and power. He looked at Darian, then said quietly, “Darian, I apologise for their treatment. But I will not change my decision.”
The days passed in silence and tension. There was no meaningful conversation, just an uneasy feeling hanging in the air, waiting to explode. And even though they lived under the same roof, each person in the house felt more and more distant from each other.
Darian felt the hatred emanating from Adinata's family. They looked down on him, thinking of him as a foreigner who didn't belong in this luxurious house.
He realised that he had entered a world very different from his own. Not only must he struggle to survive in the city, but he must also face the wall of hatred built by his fiancé's family. Differences in background and social status become a significant barrier.
Darian spends long periods in the Adinata family's luxurious home, facing scorn, ridicule, and dismissive stares while doing whatever he can and whatever they tell him to do.
Though rich and arrogant, Arum Wijaya and Sekar Adinata never acknowledge Darian's existence. They treat him like air, even worse like trash to be avoided.
However, what hurts the most is Kirana and Sekar's treatment, especially since Kirana is his fiancée. Sekar, with all her intelligence, often throws sharp insinuations, making Darian feel small and worthless.
Sekar, with all her intelligence, often threw sharp insinuations, making Darian feel small and worthless. She frequently insinuated Darian's status as Kirana's fiancé as if it were a joke.
'His fiancé? More accurately, the waiter,' Sekar whispered once while Darian tidied the dining table. Kirana, known for her blatant behaviour, often made out with her lover, a handsome and arrogant man named Reynand, regardless of her status right before Darian.
Reynand, with his mocking smile, often made derogatory comments to Darian, even openly belittling his status.
Darian's eyes widened at the comments from Kirana's mouth. “So what do you want me to say? Your fiancé?” Karina asked Darian, which made his chest tighten even more.
Darian is Kirana's fiancé. The two of them seemed to be deliberately humiliating Darian, highlighting the difference in their social status in the cruellest way.
“If you consider me your fiancé...show me your advantages compared to me and Reynand.” Their actions and words were not just insults but also constant harassment, which became even more painful because it came from his fiancée. What should have been a symbol of happiness for Darian had turned into an endless hell.
Only Grandpa Ronan Adinata treated him kindly, showing a little respect and affection. Grandpa Ronan was the only reason Darian had managed to endure this far.
However, even Grandpa Ronan's kindness couldn't heal the deep wound in Darian's heart. He felt trapped in an unjust situation, where he had to bear all the pain and humiliation from his fiancée’s family.
Although calmer than his wife, Satria Adinata never defended Darian. He remained silent, allowing his wife and daughter to mistreat Darian. Satria's silence seemed to give his blessing to the mistreatment.
Darian felt alone, isolated, and in a luxury like a prison. He longed for the fresh mountain air and the simplicity of his old life. But he held on, clinging to his promise to Grandpa Ronan.
Several times, Darian felt he could no longer endure it all. He wanted to leave the house many nights to escape the coldness and daily insults.
But each time he was about to take that step, Grandpa Ronan would stop him with words of wisdom. "Be patient, Darian. Sometimes, time will change everything. Don’t let your heart be filled with hatred. Keep enduring." Grandpa Ronan always reminded Darian to be patient, even though his burden became heavier.
Darian knew Grandpa Ronan’s kindness was why he had survived this long. But in his heart, he felt increasingly trapped in loneliness and unending suffering.
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One morning, Darian received a phone call on his cellphone—a gift from Grandpa Ronan. Conversely, a distressed older woman’s voice delivered terrible news. The woman was Grandma Asih, Grandpa Darian’s neighbour in the mountains. Grandma Asih informed Darian that his grandfather, Grandpa Surya, was seriously ill.The news hit Darian like a blow to the chest. He felt torn. He needed to return to the mountains immediately, but he also had to ask for permission from Grandpa Ronan, his employer. With a pounding heart, Darian nervously approached Grandpa Ronan in his study.“Grandpa,” Darian called, his voice slightly trembling.Grandpa Ronan turned, his gaze sharp but warm. “What is it, Darian?”Darian took a deep breath. “I… I received some bad news, Grandpa. Grandpa Surya, my grandfather in the mountains, is very ill.”Grandpa Ronan furrowed his brow. He paused for a moment as if processing the information. The room grew quiet; only the faint ticking of the wall clock could be heard.“I
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The wooden house where Grandfather Surya raised him stood firm, though it appeared older and more worn.He felt a complex wave of emotions: longing, excitement, and a bit of fear. Fear of the reality that the life he once knew may have changed forever.Arriving in front of the house, he saw a thin wisp of smoke rising from the chimney. It was a sign that Grandfather Surya was still there. He took a deep breath, calming his heart, and knocked on the door.Grandfather Surya's voice could be heard from inside, "Who’s there?""It’s me, Yang," Darian replied, trembling slightly. The door opened, revealing Grandfather Surya’s wrinkled face, still radiating warmth.Grandfather Surya’s eyes sparkled when he saw Darian. He embraced Darian tightly, a hug full of affection and relief."You’ve come back, my child," said Grandfather Surya, his voice shaking with emotion. "I’ve missed you."Darian returned the hug, tears streaming down his face. He had returned to the place that had once been his h
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Darian’s sob caught in his throat. A dark shadow flickered at the edge of his vision, a swift, indistinct movement beyond the dim light illuminating the cottage.The next moment, two figures cloaked in black stood in the doorway, their faces hidden behind dark hoods. Only the silhouettes of their bodies were visible, sinister and menacing.The air suddenly grew cold, raising goosebumps on his arms. The old wooden door creaked open slowly, allowing a sliver of dim light to seep into the dark room. Darian felt his heart pound, the rhythm echoing in his ears. He smelled a strange, threatening scent.Without hesitation, Darian rose, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He clutched the necklace given to him by Elder Surya, squeezing it tightly in his hand.The onyx felt cold, offering a small measure of comfort. One of the cloaked figures moved, their footsteps slow but deliberate on the wooden floor, creating echoing sounds in the cramped room.“We have come to claim what is rightfully
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Darian felt the change. His body felt more substantial. Something flowed within him, a power that felt alien yet undeniably real. He felt an energy that gave life, healed, and granted him new strength.“And that’s not all,” the alien continued. “This new power comes from the connection between your body, the onyx necklace, and our technology. The necklace is a symbol of the legacy we’ve given you. Now, Darian, you must learn to control it.”Darian nodded slowly, though his heart was still filled with confusion and fear of what was to come. The gentle voice resonated again in his mind, making him feel more connected to this new power.“Darian, your power didn’t just appear. It’s the result of a long process, starting with the necklace. We connected you to us, and now you must prepare yourself for the greater challenges.”Darian stared blankly ahead. He felt tossed between awe and fear, realising he was now more than just an ordinary human.“Welcome, Darian,” a gentle, friendly voice ec
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A chilling silence fell over the room. Everyone was frozen in place, their eyes fixed on Darian. They felt something strange, something controlling their minds.They couldn’t move or speak, yet they didn’t cry or show remorse. They were transfixed, hypnotized by Darian’s power.“Karina,” Darian’s voice remained low but laced with power, “You betrayed me. You shattered the hopes I placed in you. You will face the consequences.”“Reynand,” he continued, “You stole my fiancée. You, too, will face the consequences.” One by one, he named the members of the Adinata family, insulting them with sharp, piercing words.He forced them to submit to his will but didn’t force them to cry or regret their actions. They remained silent, frozen, under Darian’s hypnotic control.The room was filled with a suffocating silence, punctuated only by Darian’s steady breathing. Darian stood in the doorway, his long shadow falling across the polished wooden floor. The room was silent, save for the ticking of an
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A black sedan sped past the road divider, uncontrollably skidding before finally falling off the overpass.In an instant, the car plunged, hanging momentarily in the air, before crashing into the road below with a loud thud. The sound of vibrating metal and shattering glass echoed around, creating chaos that shook the atmosphere.Flames began licking at the crumpled car’s body, sparks of red lighting up the darkness. Panicked screams and discordant sounds suddenly replaced the once lively city buzz.Amid the chaos, a black sedan lay mangled, fire starting to consume its body. The crowd screamed in panic, most busy recording the horrific incident with their phones while others retreated in fear.But Darian’s eyes were fixed on the figure behind the cracked windshield. A young woman, wonderful, slumped over the steering wheel.Her long hair cascaded, her face pale. She appeared unconscious. Kai’s voice echoed in Darian's mind, “She’s severely injured. The car will explode in less than a
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Behind her, Kirana followed with sluggish steps, her swollen belly becoming more apparent. Her expression was cold and cynical, and she seemed shocked to see Darian there, her eyes glaring at him with hatred."Oh, look who's here," Reynand sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. He pointed at Darian with his chin. "The poor village boy who suddenly got rich. So, this is how you got your wealth, huh? By clinging to those two beautiful women?" He laughed loudly, his voice full of scorn.Kirana smirked cynically, her eyes narrowing. "You village bastard!" She spat on the floor, then added in a whisper loud enough for everyone to hear, "Who do you think you are, daring to manipulate Miss Yara Pratama to get your wealth?"Reynand approached Darian, standing just inches away. "You know, kid," he whispered, his voice threatening, "I can make your life miserable. You're just lucky the Pratama family is cowardly. But I'm not." He gripped Darian's shoulder tightly, his eyes blazing with anger
Chapter 33: A Lesson in Humility
“This is the full financial report of all the Suryadi family’s assets, as you requested. All properties have been transferred to your name. And here’s the proof of the five trillion rupiah transfer to your account at National Bank Javaris City.”Arvid handed over the documents and the tablet to Darian. He didn’t apologize again; his regret and compliance were evident in his posture. Sekar watched from the corner of the room, his eyes glued to the tablet displaying the staggering numbers.Five trillion rupiah. The number spun in his mind, comparing it to his own family’s assets, which now felt so small and insignificant. A wave of intense inferiority struck him.Darian accepted the documents and tablet with no expression, his gaze sharp as he scrutinized Arvid. He quickly examined the transfer details and the financial report. The information displayed was accurate and complete.After a few moments, Darian nodded slightly. “Alright,” he said, his voice calm but authoritative. “I’ve rev
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The process was lengthy and required intense concentration, accompanied by soft music emanating from hidden speakers within the room. Yara and Dr. Anita could only wait anxiously, observing Darian's every move, occasionally whispering to each other, conveying their worry and support.After a while, Sekar began to show signs of consciousness. She slightly opened her eyes, her gaze still a bit dazed, but no longer displaying the blinding obsession. She found herself in Darian's private room, adorned with photos and awards.Surprise filled her face, mixed with confusion and the lingering effects of the drug that made her slightly dizzy. However, even in such a state, Sekar's characteristic sarcasm surfaced."Hey, beggar," she said, her voice still a bit hoarse, "what are you doing here? Have you become the pet of these two beautiful women? No wonder your clothes are expensive and nice now. You've managed to move up in the world, haven't you?" She tried to sit up, but her body still felt
Chapter 33: A Turning Point
Alex stood in silence, his vision blurring. He felt restless, his heart and mind waging war against each other. In an instant, he felt weak, as if the strength he had always prided himself on had been eroded by something far more significant—a truth that came not with physical power, but with profound wisdom."How can I do this?" Alex asked, his voice heavy with doubt. "I've come so far, Darian. So much is at stake."Darian didn’t respond with words but with action. With a gentle movement, he approached Alex and placed a hand on his shoulder—not merely a physical touch, but a symbol of support. Beneath that touch flowed pure energy, filled with genuine love, unwavering hope, and the belief that change is always possible."You don’t have to do this alone," Darian whispered, his voice soft yet resolute. "Kindness isn’t about being perfect; it’s about choosing to care even when the world feels heavy. Tolerance isn’t about ignoring differences but understanding that everyone has a story w
Chapter 32 : The Showdown
Thomas and Arvid were already waiting in the meeting room, while Darian hid in a strategic spot, ready to act if needed. Not long after, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. The door to the meeting room opened, and Alex walked in, dressed in a sleek black suit, a confident smile plastered across his face. Behind him, two large bodyguards followed, keeping their distance but remaining alert. “Good evening, Mr. Alex,” Thomas greeted, trying to sound friendly. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with us.” Alex nodded, his eyes scanning the room sceptically. “What do you want to discuss? I’m very busy.” Darian observed from his hiding spot, sensing the aura of confidence radiating from Alex. He knew this was a critical moment, and he had to be ready to act. “This is about a new investment opportunity that could benefit us all,” Arvid said, trying to keep the atmosphere calm. “We believe that with your connections, we can achieve even greater success.” Alex smirked c
Chapter 31: The Connecting Thread
Darian ushered Thomas, Arvid, and Yara into the modest yet comfortable villa. Once they were seated, Darian began recounting his encounter with Crocodile Boss at the nightclub and the information he had gleaned."I managed to get the name of the connection," Darian said, "Alex. He's linking Crocodile Boss to the mafia leader behind it all. I also found one of the Kardhana Sect elders there. We fought, and…" Darian pointed to a small scar on his arm. “…they challenged me. A challenge from the Kardhana Sect.”Darian paused, looking at the three people before him. "Now, I want to hear your thoughts. You know about Crocodile's shady business at that nightclub, right?."Thomas shivered, his face paling. "We… we were just nominal owners, Darian. We didn't know much about the operational details. Crocodile… he managed everything. We just received a portion of the profits."Arvid added, "We… we were afraid to ask more questions. Crocodile… he's very dangerous."Darian nodded, processing the i
Chapter 30: Kardhana Sect Challenge
Under the influence of Darian's gaze, Crocodile Boss told us everything. He revealed that there was a liaison who served as the spokesperson between the area controller (Crocodile Boss himself) and the mysterious mafdia leader. This liaison communicated the needs and instructions from the mafdia leader to the Crocodile Boss, and vice versa.“The liaison... his name is Alex,” whispered the Crocodile Boss, his voice weak and hoarse. “He... he's coming here tomorrow night... to audit the revenue from some nightclubs and casinos. He... he used to... have a lot of fun... with some call girls...”Darian nodded, digesting the information. He realized this was a golden opportunity to uncover the identity of the mafia leader. He would use this information to trap the liaison.“Thank you,” Darian said, his voice calm. The influence of his gaze disappeared, leaving the Crocodile Boss in a dazed and confused state.Darian left the Crocodile Boss in the room, returning to the main room, a plan alr
Chapter 29: The Underground King
He ordered a drink and sat at the bar, observing the people coming and going. He noticed a few groups that seemed suspicious, whispering and exchanging secretive glances. He realized that this nightclub wasn’t just a place for entertainment—it was a gathering spot for the underground elite.After a while, he saw him. A large man with a dragon tattoo on his arm sat at a VIP table, surrounded by several bodyguards. It was the Crocodile Boss.Darian observed him from a distance, noting every movement and interaction with those around him. He watched as the Crocodile Boss received an envelope from a well-dressed man, whispering something Darian couldn’t hear.Darian decided to approach. He walked toward the VIP table, his steps calm and confident. He pulled out a chair and sat across from the Crocodile Boss without uttering a word. The Crocodile Boss stared at him with a sharp gaze, sizing Darian up from head to toe.“Who are you?” the Crocodile Boss asked, his voice deep and gravelly.Da
Chapter 28: Love, Power, and Justice
We’ll decide what’s worth keeping or developing, my love,” Darian whispered, still holding Yara tightly, savouring the softness and warmth of her body. “Businesses like nightclubs and casinos… we should just sell them.The money can be used for something more meaningful. What if we establish a humanitarian foundation? We could focus on scholarships for underprivileged children or poverty alleviation programs in remote areas. What do you think?” He gently kissed Yara’s hair, waiting for her response with full attention.Yara smiled, her eyes glistening. “That’s an incredible idea, my love,” she whispered, her fingers caressing Darian’s cheek.“We could make a real difference, help those in need. I’m so proud of you.” She softly kissed Darian’s lips, gratitude and love radiating from every touch. Darian returned her kiss, his hands exploring the curves of her body with tenderness. Their gazes met, filled with love and understanding.The room was enveloped in warmth and intimacy. They k