Ice Cream
the promise of the past

Ryan could feel the trembling of Reina's hand which was still frightened for all the previous events, a nightmare when she had to be subjected to harsh treatment and foul intentions where it was almost tarnished.

But Ryan did deliberately wait when Reina received the rough treatment of the three men. All was to teach Reina a lesson, that no matter how high of a family status she had, no one would be willing to help her in danger.

"I saw you yesterday like a man who could manage everything as he wished, but now, you're no more like a frightened little boy who can't save himself." Said Ryan.

"I don't think this could have been a laugh at Ryan."

"You're right, but do you understand now Reina, when your family isn't here, you're nobody, except a scared woman." Ryan was clearly insinuating Reina.

Reina knew what Ryan was saying, she stopped her footsteps, let go of Ryan's hand and stood still.

"You really think I like living in a family like I do now." Reina spoke in a tunggi tone.

"With everything you have, you're really enjoying it." But Ryan kept pushing Reina.

"You don't know anything Ryan."

"Yes I do not know.you have changed for everything, it is because of the wealth and power of the Ardantio family."

That's what Ryan saw from Reina's life, having a family with all she could get, without the hassle, fighting desperately and risking self-esteem for what she asked for.

"You think my life is easy ? Wrong, I was never comfortable being at home with that woman." Angry Reina answered.

The woman Reina was referring to was Sela, her stepmother.

"Don't joke, even if you reject it, it doesn't change the truth, if you've been hanging on to your father's name."

With mixed feelings Reina stepped quickly to leave Ryan without a care to look back.

While Ryan, no need to pursue or assume that what he said was wrong. Because from Ryan's point of view, Reina only considers herself a victim of injustice in this life.

As for Ryan who had experienced various trials, he was forced to accept without being able to bargain, of course there was envy if it had to be juxtaposed in Reina's life.

"Yes... Humans have their own problems, but you're just not grateful for your own life, Rein." Ryan said alone.

The day was getting late, leading Ryan to step away to return to his home.

*******

On a soft bed...

A puffed-up man settles down and enjoys the time before bed to read a book. Brahman thought of something that had never crossed his mind.

About the death of a close friend named Abram, he was the father of Ryan and also the husband of Istianti. During this time Brahman only considered everyone around him as a tool to achieve the goal, without caring if using dirty ways, Brahman did not put any mercy.

As he had experienced before, the sudden presence of Ryan and Isti made Brahman uncomfortable, because he himself knew that Abram's death had something to do with him.

Brahman's memory plunged freely into the past, two years when conflict broke out between Brahman groups and other mafia groups who were clearly looking for trouble because they lost competitiveness in the tender of the Trans Sumatra development project.

Of course it is not strange, if the rival Brahman wants to destroy the project in the hands of the opponent, therefore the enemy Brahman sends his men.

At that time, in his office, a letter from Abram was on Brahman's desk, it was a surprise that it read 'resignation'.

Brahman's hard hand hit the table... "What the hell is Abram, you intend to ruin my project, after I leave the responsibility of the leader to you."

"Calm Brahman, I have no intention of leaving now, I will continue this project until it's finished, so don't worry."

"But still, you intend to resign, we've been best friends for decades."

"It's not about Brahman's friendship, it's about me being an employee and you're his boss, it doesn't make my life any better." Abram answered by understanding Brahman's attitude.

It was a reason Brahman could accept, but several reasons made him hesitant over Abram's intention to resign.

Brahman knew how much Abram contributed to making rapid progress for the company, including the intelligence and hard work of one man that he could get rid of rivals easily.

"I want to start my own business, and leave behind the dark world we've both been through."

A heavy breath came out, he knew there would be a time when Abram chose another path and this could not be stopped...."All right, do whatever you want, but remember Abram, you have to keep this a secret."

"I promise, Brahman."

But things changed, as the sound of bullets erupted and the screams of the workers rang out loud. Looking from the window of conditions outside, in fact, many foreigners have gathered with a bad purpose.

It is not unusual for Brahman, who is a group sent by a rival to destroy his business.

Not yet had they had time to get out, a puff of smoke and the heat of fire began to pour into the room that became Brahman's workplace, this action obviously did not ask for any demands, he said, the rival who sent them was only in command to kill Brahman.

The door opened with a gun pointed at Brahman's place, but Abram stood up to protect Brahman and received four live rounds.

But one bullet was missed, and it went through Brahman's thigh to make them both fall.

"Oi. Abrams... Oh." Shouted Brahman calling Abram's name out loud.

Abram's limp was filled with blood dripping onto the floor, his face turning pale and a soft voice to tell Brahman.

"Brahman, please... Please don't involve Isti and Ryan. I beg you." Abram said slowly.

The situation got worse for Brahman, seeing the roof that could not survive after the fire would collapse, and instantly fall right overhead.

But Brahman had not yet saved himself, his body being pushed strong by Abram for the last remaining energy. But after all, Brahman opened his eyes in a hospital with severe burns.

And all are still clearly visible on the waist to the right until now.

It is Brahman's last memory of Abram. A debt that he cannot forget.

The door of the room slowly opened, revealing the young lady walking over, seeing Brahman's facial expression so complicated, it made him wonder.

"Papa, what's going on ?." Sela.

"It's not important, just a little remembering the events of the past."

"But not usually papa looks so moody."

"What's so right." Ask Brahman who does not know about his own mind.

A little smile when he saw the young woman who had become his wife was quite attentive, but slowly a heavy breath came out as if showing a problem.

"I'm thinking about Ryan and Isti."

"Oh, what you're worried about, aren't they just asking for help." Reply Sela is confused.

"More than that, between me and Ryan's father, I've known each other for a long time, and for some reason Ryan's father's death has something to do with me." Limas Brahman replied.

"Then why would you help them if they're uncomfortable because of what happened to Ryan's father."

"It's a matter of promise, even if it has nothing to do with business, but promise still has to be paid off."

More than that, Brahman's face is not like one who is worried, but rather a complicated matter weighs on his mind.

"What you're afraid of, there's no way Ryan's going to destroy your business."

"I'm worried about the person behind Istianti."

Sela was curious..."Who are they ?."

"Forget it, it's probably just my concern." Brahman shies away from that question.

And immersed himself in the blanket to sleep enjoying time with Sela.