The Destiny That Speaks

Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Leo's House

Over the next few weeks, Azura's journey to pretend to be nice to Leo continues

juts. In his heart, he felt a heavy burden, but he knew that eventually, the truth would be revealed and Ravendra's company would be protected from the threat of destruction.

One day, Leo took Azura to his house. Leo gets bored with cooking outside the home. Leo wanted to show off his skill in cooking to Azura. Azura objected, but for the sake of her goal, she complied with Leo's wishes.

Leo said with a smile. "Hey, Azura. What if we don't eat out today? I want to take you to my house and cook you some food."

Azura answered somewhat doubtfully. "Oh, Leo. I appreciate your offer, but I honestly don't want to trouble you."

Leo insisted. "Not to worry, Azura. I love cooking and I'm sure you'll love my cooking. Besides, I'm bored with the food outside, so it's a great opportunity to try homemade cooking."

Azura thought for a moment. "All right, then. But only if I can help too. I don't want to sit idly by while watching."

Leo smiled broadly. "of course! I would love to have a personal assistant in cooking. Let's go to my house and see what we can cook together."

They also left for Leo's house by riding Leo's black Toyota Fortuner. With a feeling of uncertainty, Azura continued to play her part. He knows that Leo's goal is to make him more attached to himself, but at the same time, he also doesn't want to show his suspicions.

The moment they arrived at Leo's house, Azura felt a different atmosphere than usual. Leo's house is located in a quiet and exclusive suburb. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and green trees, her house exudes an elegant yet friendly aura. From the outside, the house has a modern architectural style with a classic touch that is seen from the mansard-style roof design and large windows that are decorated with classic frames.

The front yard of the house is decorated with a wide variety of ornamental plants and flowers that are carefully placed around the stone-covered driveway. The garden gives a fresh and natural feel when guests enter his house. There is a patio in front of the main door decorated with warm colored wooden furniture, creating a comfortable atmosphere for relaxing outside.

When entering the house, the atmosphere of a classic and luxurious interior is immediately felt. Dark brown wood flooring gives an elegant touch throughout the area. The spacious living room is equipped with a neutral colored sofa, a coffee table with an artistic design, and art paintings on the walls. The soft illumination of the crystal chandelier gives the impression of luxury and graceful.

A separate dining room with a living room but still open, with a large dining table surrounded by loveseat. The view to the garden outside provides a comfortable atmosphere when eating. The kitchen located on the side of the dining room has modern equipment and a well-organized design.

There is a staircase leading to the top floor, where there are private bedrooms. This house combines luxury with comfort, creating a suitable place for Leo as a place to live. Every detail looks well thought out, from classic interior design to a neat garden. Although Azura came to this house with a certain intent, she could not help but acknowledge her real beauty and comfort.

"Welcome, Azura. I'm glad you could come to my house" Leo greeted as he extended his hand.

Azura followed her smile, trying to show that she was fine. "Thank you, Leo. I'm curious about your cooking skills."

Leo takes him inside his kitchen, and Azura feels the atmosphere of Leo's house is very different from her own. Leo seemed to be very enthusiastic about preparing food in the kitchen. He put on an apron and moved agilely around the stove, occasionally throwing a smile at Azura.

Leo began removing food ingredients from the refrigerator and shelves, while providing an explanation of his cooking plan.

Leo explained. "You know, Azura, this cuisine is actually quite simple. We'll make pasta dishes and steaks with special sauces that I've created myself."

Azura was curious and smiled faintly. "Special sauce?"

Leo tasting sauce. "Yes, I do have a bit of talent when it comes to cooking. This is my secret sauce that can turn ordinary pasta into a special dish."

Azura laughs. "Good, Leo. I wonder how it feels later."

While working together on the ingredients, they talked and laughed. Leo shows off his cooking skills, while Azura tries to help as much as possible, although sometimes it feels awkward and stiff.

Azura said while stirring the sauce. "It's the first time I've cooked with someone in someone else's kitchen, Leo. I usually prefer to cook at my house or Mama's house."

Leo smiled gently. "I'm glad you're cooking with me. Who knew we could make a fun moment together."

After they finished cooking, the table was lined with tempting pasta dishes. They sat together at the dinner table, and Azura tasted the dish.

Azura surprised. "Leo, this is so good! The sauce is really special."

Leo smiled with satisfaction. "I'm glad you like it. I always try to give my best in everything."

Leo then proudly presented the steak on the plate, his smile radiating so brightly. "This is for you, Azura. I know that steak is your favorite food."

Azura looked at the dish in front of her, and had to admit that the steak looked so tempting. He tried to show a sincere smile, even though his heart was swayed between his heavy duty and the culinary delights that were in front of him.

"Thank you, Leo. It looks amazing," Azura said in a soft voice.

Leo sat across the table and cut his steak skillfully. He served it to Azura, then Azura took the first bite. His eyes sparkled as he looked at Azura's reaction after tasting it.

Azura tasted the steak carefully, feeling the texture and taste so delicious. He couldn't deny how good the food was, and Leo did have an amazing skill at cooking.

"How does it feel?" leo asked with a hopeful expression.

Azura smiled and nodded. "It's amazing, Leo. You're really good at cooking."

Leo smiled in satisfaction, and the awkward atmosphere between them began to subside. They started talking about various things, including favorite songs and movies. Azura tried to show a friendly and familiar demeanor, although in her heart she still felt uneasy.

Leo took a sip of coffee from his cup and smiled at Azura. "So, Azura, what's your favorite movie right now?" ask her in a relaxed tone.

Azura tried to answer in the same tone, even though her heart was still pounding. "Hmm, actually these days there's a lot of movies that I like. But if I had to pick one, maybe I'd pick a romantic drama movie."

They keep talking about the various movies they love, creating a more relaxed atmosphere between them. Azura tries not to think about the big plans she is having towards Leo, and is more focused on the ongoing conversation.

Leo listened enthusiastically and engaged in conversation. She looks so excited when talking about her favorite movies, and Azura feels that she is getting closer to Leo. Even though he knew that this was all part of the plan, he did not feel perplexed by the feelings that started to appear.

As they continued to speak, Azura tried to take her mind off the grand plan that she would reveal later. He tried to enjoy the moment, although his heart was still full of consideration and worry.

Leo went on to tell her about some of the music concerts she had attended, and Azura tried to listen attentively. He felt that the longer he talked to Leo, the harder it was for him to pretend and hide his intentions.

However, Azura also knows that this is a step she needs to take to confront Leo and dismantle her plan. In his heart, he promised to stay strong and continue his plan until the end.

When lunch is over, they spend more time on the living room couch. Azura tries to deepen their conversation, find out about what is on Leo's mind and try to uncover information that could be useful to his plan.

However, the longer they spoke, the more Azura felt that she should stick to her plan. Leo is skilled at making himself look like a changed man, but Azura knows that his goals are still the same.

Leo turned the conversation to a more serious topic. "Azura, I feel happy that we can talk like this again. I feel like we can be like we used to be."

Azura took a sip of her drink, trying to keep her friendly attitude. "Yes, Leo. I feel that way too."

Leo brought himself closer to Azura, trying to take Azura's hand. "Azura, I want to tell you something. I know I've made a lot of mistakes in the past. I realized that you must be mad at me, but I wanted to apologize. I want us to go back to what we used to be, like good friends."

Azura felt her chest rustle, but she refrained from looking too surprised. He decided to play his part well. "Leo, I know that we have many memories together. But you also know that a lot has happened between us. I just wish we could make peace and forget the past."

Leo grabbed Azura's hand with a feeling. "I want us to be able to do more than make peace, Azura. I want us back together."

As Leo got closer, Azura felt a gust of cold wind on her skin, as if carrying memories from the past. His eyes closed for a moment, and he was carried away in a flashback that suddenly came. He felt himself going back to very different moments, in his previous life.

Azura's memory takes her back to a dark room, where Leo's touch touches her gently and Leo's lips clench her lips in tenderness. It was as if he was stuck in a state where love and passion were so firmly entwined between them.

Azura felt a tension in her body, remembering how she felt the force of attraction between them. His memory is like sliding into lustful moments, where Leo touches every curve of his body so intimately. When he kissed her, Azura felt a deep throbbing feeling.

Azura suddenly felt her heartbeat beating faster as the memories of her previous life increasingly clearly filled her mind. He recalled how Leo had taken him into a room filled with tension and desire that was hard to ignore.

The memory felt real, as if he was re-experiencing the moment. Azura's eyes glazed over as she recalled how she had been brought into Leo's room. Inside that luxurious room, he felt how the atmosphere was turning increasingly intense.

Just then, Leo clasped his hands tightly, making him feel trapped in the inevitable reality. The atmosphere inside the room seemed to be filled with tempestuous energy, reminding him of such a complicated past experience.

Leo's hand crept gently on the back of his hand, like a stream of electricity shaking his skin. Leo's eyes looked at him with an unconcealed desire, and Azura felt her heart pounding uncontrollably. So many emotions come along with those memories, such as mixed feelings of desire, fear, and regret.

However, this time, Azura knew that she was in control. That memory might affect her feelings for a moment, but she won't allow herself to get caught up in the wrong feelings. He must stay focused on his mission, dismantle Leo's sinister plans and protect the company, Ravendra, as well as himself.

With determined determination, Azura returned to the present moment. She felt her hands still tremble, but she was trying to keep her appearance calm. He would not allow himself to be trapped again in a web of emotions that ruined his plans.

Now, Azura sees herself sitting on the sofa where they are exactly as in her previous life. Leo was nearby, creating a seemingly inevitable affection. Azura felt a sense of unease between desire and doubt.

Azura knows that she must act, she must execute her plan to take revenge and expose the evil that Leo committed. He has to stay focused on his goal.

Azura felt her hands still trembling. He realized that he had to maintain a balance between pretending and his true purpose. Although memories of the past haunt him, he knows that he must remain steadfast in his plans.

Azura felt her chest grow heavier hearing Leo's words. He knows that Leo still has him as a target, and he has to stick to his plan. "Leo, I. I need more time to think about it. We don't have to rush."

Leo nodded, though looking somewhat disappointed. "Sure, Azura. I'll give you the time you need."

After spending a long time at Leo's house, Azura finally bailed to go home. He knows that his plans are getting more complicated with each of these meetings, but he has to continue to play his part well. As she leaves Leo's house, she feels a mixture of heavy heart and hope. The hope that things will end well and the truth will be revealed.

Just as Azura was about to turn her car towards the road towards her house, she came across a familiar car in her eyes. It became clearer by looking at the license plate attached to the red Honda Jazz car. Azura was curious, she turned around and followed the car.

Azura follows the car, and it turns out that the car stopped at Leo's house. Azura pulled her car over, keeping her distance from being seen. He grew curious about what he saw, and finally a young woman of her age got out of the car.

Unbelievable yet this was the fact before him. Azura witnesses how Lita, her best friend, hugs and kisses Leo so affectionately. Likewise with Leo, he hugged tightly and returned Lita's kiss with passion.

As it turned out, this was the betrayal they had committed behind Azura all this time in her previous life. Now Azura knows everything, but her feelings are different now. There is no jealousy, no heartache, there is only anger for revenge. What they planned, will not happen again.

Azura came home upset, not because she saw them making out, but because Lita so easily betrayed her. Even Lita was brave and could take her life. Lita who was so good changed after being consumed by the seduction of her love Leo. Leo is really evil.

Arriving at home, Azura was surprised because Ravendra was waiting for her. He forgot, if today he and Ravendra had to go to his grandfather, Mr. Doni, for dinner together.

Azura looked at Ravendra with a shock that could not be hidden in her eyes. He felt guilty for forgetting about their plan to go to his grandfather's house, Mr. Doni. Although he was surprised, he tried to smile and approached Ravendra.

"I'm sorry, honey," she said in a soft voice, but the unease still read on her face. "I forgot about our plan."

Ravendra smiled, his face radiating with understanding. "It's okay, Azura. Maybe you have some business that makes you forget, I understand."

Azura was relieved to hear Ravendra's words. He knew Ravendra was an understanding and patient man. However, Azura's heart was still troubled by what she had just witnessed at Leo's house. He wanted to express what he saw to Ravendra, but he was also afraid of how Ravendra would react.

***