Rafael continued to gaze at Rara with an expression that was difficult to interpret. He gave a crooked smile, then released Rara's wrist and stepped closer.

Staring at Rara from head to toe, Rafael's judgmental gaze made Rara feel extremely uncomfortable. Despite her discomfort, she tried to remain calm and refrain from provoking Rafael, fearing he might harm her.

"What Mama said is true. This girl needs to take responsibility for everything she has done," Rafael said in a soft but emphatic voice.

"Responsibility for what? I haven't done anything to be held accountable for," Rara objected. Taking two steps back from Rafael, she pointed to the woman still lying in a pool of blood. "This woman was already like this when I passed by. I know nothing."

Rafael raised his hand in the air, showcasing his stern gaze, which made Rara feel extremely fearful, causing her to swallow hard.

"Say what you want. But you must take responsibility by marrying me tomorrow morning," Rafael said.

Upon hearing this, Rara was immediately shocked, furrowing her brow. "Marry? To a stranger I just met? That's not possible. I know nothing about this woman. Why should I be the one to suffer?" Rara promptly rejected the proposition.

"Hey, murderer girl," Yuni interjected, "If you refuse to marry my son, you will end up in prison." The middle-aged woman threatened with emphasis.

"Let me go to the police station. Let's see if I am truly innocent in this matter. You are just misunderstanding! I have never killed anyone, so don't label me like that!" Rara responded, determined not to give in. She had to defend herself. If she surrendered, she couldn't predict what would happen to her.

Rafael hearing the scolding, Rafael felt extremely enraged; he could not stand a stranger shouting at his mother. In the next moment, Rafael firmly grasped both of Rara's shoulders, carrying her with force to face him.

"Let me go! It's very painful!" Rara cried out, persistently trying to break free from Rafael's grip. However, her efforts were futile as he only tightened his grasp, causing Rara to grimace in pain.

"I have decided that you will marry me tomorrow morning. This decision is final," threatened Rafael. "So now, you must come with me."

"I refuse! Why should I go with you? We are strangers, and I don't want to marry you!" Rara objected. She continued to resist and made efforts to free herself from Rafael's hold.

However, Rafael did not allow Rara to break free. Starting from her shoulders to her wrists, he then bound her hands using a rope provided by Yuni from inside their car.

"What are you doing? Let me go! Help... anyone, please help me," Rara shouted loudly.

However, her efforts were in vain. The street was deserted and far from any residential areas, making it unlikely for anyone to hear her cries unless someone happened to pass by.

Yuni, who observed the scene, only smiled cynically. The middle-aged woman felt delighted as she found a potential replacement for her son. This way, the embarrassment of the canceled wedding would be avoided the next morning. With this situation, they could also compel Rara to admit her guilt in killing Nara. Neither of them would let the girl go freely; there had to be consequences for Rara.

After tying Rara's hands, Rafael promptly dragged her into his car.

"Justice will be served," Rafael hissed before starting the car engine and speeding away.

Throughout the night, Rara continued to cry. She never expected that her act of kindness in trying to help someone would end up like this. Instead, she was accused as the perpetrator and now held captive in a room. Rara was confused about what to do. The surveillance there was very tight, and even the room where she was confined had no access to see outside; the only way out was the entrance door.

Rara had no idea what Rafael and his mother were planning next. The girl desperately hoped that Rafael's words to make her a replacement bride were not genuine. She did not want that to happen.

Shortly after, the room's door opened. Ratna was already there, neatly dressed in her kebaya, hands on her hips as she looked disdainfully at Rara.

"Get me out of here!" shouted Rara in frustration.

Yuni did not respond; the middle-aged woman pressed the switch to turn on the light. Then, she approached Rara and knelt in front of the girl. Despite seeing the angry glare in her eyes, Yuni was not afraid at all.

"You must get ready. Because today is your wedding day with Rafael," said Yuni.

"I've said it, I won't marry a stranger! Let me out of here! Please ... help!" Rara screamed, hoping someone would hear her from outside.

"Enough. Save your voice, no one will hear you," Yuni chuckled at Rara's continued screams.

Tears streamed down the woman's face. She was furious but felt helpless at the moment. Iren wanted to punch Yuni's face right then and there and escape, but it was impossible as her hands and feet were tied.

"What's this? Why aren't you ready yet? Today is our wedding day," Rafael arrived with full arrogance.

Iren immediately looked away, feeling disgusted by the faces before her.

"She's been rebellious and screaming all this time. Make her understand," Yuni stood up in front of Rara.

This time, it was Rafael who knelt in front of Rara, his hand touching Rara's chin, forcing her to look at him. "You turned away from me, hm?"

"Ck. Let me go," Rara snapped.

"I just want to tell you, if you refuse to marry me, then... your family won't be safe," threatened Rafael.

Rara had no choice but to agree to marry Rafael. After hearing the threat, she felt extremely scared. She didn't want her family to be involved in all of this. Despite this being an incredibly tough decision for her, to protect her family, Rara was willing to do anything.

"Is the bride ready?" Yuni asked from behind the door. The middle-aged woman observed Rara through the reflection in the vanity mirror.

"She's ready, ma'am. Just need to bring the bride out," replied the makeup artist.