“Laras, please don't become a nun. If you become a nun, who will inherit all of Dad's wealth and businesses?” Those were her father's words several years ago, when she decided to become a nun.
“Dad can leave everything to Andre. He's your son, after all, and he can carry on your businesses.”
“Try thinking over your decision again.”
“I've already thought it through, Dad, and I've made up my mind to become a nun.” Laras continued to stand against her father's refusal to let her become a nun.
At the time, her mother could only cry and grieve over her decision, even though she desperately wanted to become a nun.
But the call in her heart to serve only grew stronger and more certain. She then enrolled in convent school in Yogyakarta, where she had spent the past six years.
Little by little, her parents came to accept her decision. Slowly, they began to face the reality that their only daughter would have to leave her family and choose to devote herself to God and serve others.
Laras truly had a kind nature. Even though her parents were well-off, she never flaunted their wealth.
Even now, she was well known for the kindness and sincerity of her service to orphans, homeless people, and street children. Although she had not yet graduated or taken perpetual vows in her congregation, her sincerity and kindness had already left a lasting impression on the people around her.
After graduating from college, Bram returned to his hometown in Malang, Jawa Timur. He worked in his parents' businesses, which spanned quite a few fields, including education, automotive, and retail.
Because of his parents' immense wealth, he felt conceited and frequently changed girlfriends. Many women were willing to date him simply because they were after his money.
But for Bram, there was only one woman in his heart whom he had never been able to forget: Laras.
Laras held a special place in his heart because of her wonderful nature, in addition to her beauty. That made it very difficult for Bram to forget her, even though he was surrounded by beautiful women.
Several years passed. This year, Rafael desperately wanted to find Laras again. They had been out of touch for years, and Bram had more or less forgotten where Laras lived. He searched several roads throughout Malang, all in the hope of finding Laras's house.
At last, he stopped his car in front of a house in an upscale neighborhood in the city.
Bram got out of the car and asked the security guard watching over the house.
“Good afternoon, sir!”
“Afternoon. Can I help you?” the security guard asked Bram.
“Is this Laras's house?”
“Laras? Who's that? As far as I know, no one named Laras lives here.”
“Laras. She's thin, of average height, with long hair and fair skin.”
“Who? I don't know anyone like that.”
“Is this Mr. Albert's house? Albertus is his name.”
Scratching his head, the security guard seemed to think as he tried to remember something.
“Oh, no. The owner of this house is Mr. Beni. As far as I know, he bought this house from someone, but I don't know that person's name. It could have been someone named Mr. Albert,” the security guard explained to Bram.
For a moment, he fell silent, thinking about what to do next. His thoughts drifted to Laras—the special woman who had always lingered in his heart. Laras alone had been able to make his heart tremble all these years.