HSC: Chapter 5

       “Do you, Travis, take Eunice to be yours? And do you, Eunice, take Travis to be yours? Do you both promise your hearts to be with each other? Will you walk hand in hand wherever life's journey takes you? Will you keep living, learning, loving, and growing together for the rest of your lives?” 

      “I do, I do,” Travis and I both answered. We looked at each other, but I couldn't see any emotion in his eyes. He was just going through the motions of the ceremony.

     “And now for the rings, Travis. Please place this ring on Eunice and repeat after me,” The judge said. Travis nodded.

I looked up at Travis again as he took the ring and repeated what the judge said. 

      “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and vows, to cherish always and forever.” My heart ached as he said each word without any emotion, and it hurt to think that everything he said was fake.

  

     I took the ring and repeated what the judge said, looking directly at Travis as I did so.

      “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and vows, to cherish always and forever.” If he had no emotion when saying those words, I was the opposite. Every word I spoke was true, from the heart, with no deceit or pretense.

     I used to dream of marrying someone I loved, and that was Travis. But now that it's happened, I'm not happy. I was sad because I'm the only one in love in this set up because he is in love with another woman. This wasn't the wedding I had dreamed of. I want someone who loves me back. But what else can I do? for the sake of the company? Arranged marriage? Oh, arranged marriage still exists.

    “By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. Please seal your love with a kiss.”  My heart pounded quickly. I was nervous. Would he kiss me? on the lips? Because if he did...

He was going to be my first kiss.

     His face slowly moved closer to mine. I closed my eyes  and waited for his kiss. I could hear my heartbeat, and I felt his breath. He was so close...Omg! Here it is, he is about to kiss me.. 

     After a few seconds, I felt the warmth of his lips on my forehead. I quickly opened my eyes in disbelief. Geez, I thought he was going to kiss me on the lips but…Argh! It's embarrassing! I waited for nothing! 

      I looked at him. He was just staring at me with a smirk on his lips. 

  

     I heard applause around us, but I didn't pay attention in that. 

    “Disappointed?” he said with a grin. I avoided his gaze. Geez, I was too assuming. I thought he was going to kiss me on the lips, but it was on the forehead. It's really difficult to assume! It hurts my feelings.

    “You really look disappointed. Do you think I'm going to kiss you on the lips? Tsk, in your dreams, Aaliyah Eunice. These lips won't touch you because they're only for the woman I love. Do you understand? So don't expect it to happen.” I felt a certain pain in my chest because of what he said, he was so mean! So heartless!

     I was about to face him to rebuke him because he was so mean, but our families came over to congratulate us.

     “Congratulations dear! Welcome to the family!” Mommy Kim hugged me tightly, and I hugged her back. I am now married, Travis and I are married.

    “Thank you mommy.” Mommy Kim released her hug and held my face.

     “I am so happy that you are now part of our family. You take care of Travis, okay? I know you'll be a good wife. Just be patient with him. If he hurts or fights with you, don't be shy to tell us, we'll take care of it.” I nodded and I would like to speak but Travis interrupted. 

    “Mom, stop it,” he said as he looked at me.

   “And Travis, take care of Eunice. Never hurt her, okay? Because if I find out that you hurt her, I will be mad with you.” I smiled at what Mommy Kim said. It's happy to watch her and Travis together, like a meek sheep when Mommy Kim is around, but when she's not, he's like a tiger ready to pounce.

    “Don't worry mom, I'll take care of Aaliyah.” I winced in secret in my mind because of his answer. If Mommy Kim only knew the situation between her son and me, she would probably faint. Should I tell her? Just kidding! I don't want trouble, so I'll just keep quiet.

    “Good, I'm counting on you, son,” Mommy Kim said..My mom came over and approached me.

    “Congratulations to both of you, sweety. Be a good wife, okay? Don't give Travis headache, ok?” I smiled and nodded at Mommy. 

    I'll do my best as his wife, even if he doesn't love me. I'll make him feel and see that he deserves me as his wife. So, that even after a year of marriage, I'll have no regrets. I still did my part as his wife.

    “Yes, mommy,” I said.

    “Okay, that's enough. Let's go to the restaurant I reserved, the newlyweds might be hungry.” Mommy Kim interrupted us. 

    “Yes, let's go!” 

     They walked out ahead of us, while Trish pulled me along and stopped me from stepping forward. Travis glanced at us, but he continued walking out and left us behind.

     “Gosh, you know, I was so restless earlier! I thought you were going to back out.” I chuckled at what she said. I thought it was something serious.

     “I told you, there's no turning back now.” 

     “Yeah, right, you're married now. But congrats, bestie. I know this decision was difficult for you, and I also know that you love my brother very much. He's so lucky to have you. You've loved him since then until now. Why did he have to meet Mayell? It would have been better if he noticed and loved you instead. Everyone would be happy, right? there would be no fixed marriage.”

     “I wish so too, but who knows, right? I'll do everything for Travis. I just hope he sees it," I said never lose hope. 

    “And I hope he loves you back too! Forget about that cheating woman." I was about to say something to Trish when we both turned to the door and saw Travis peeked at us, his eyebrows furrowed.

   “Are you two finished? Let's go! They're waiting.” Travis lazily said.

    “Here we go! Let's go, bestie!” Trish pulled me and we walked past Travis who just looked at us.

    We walked faster and saw Mom getting into the car. I was about to get into the car when Mom stopped me.

    “Sweety, ride with your husband's car, okay? We'll go ahead. Take care.” I was surprised. 

    I was left stunned when mommy closed the car door, and Mommy Kim pulled Trish, who now had a sulky face because we couldn't go to the restaurant together.

    I was left standing there, dazed, as the two cars sped away. Wow! Did they really leave me?

   “What? Are you just going to stand there?” I snapped back to my sense and looked around for my husband. He was already standing in front of his car not far from me.

     I quickly walked towards him, opened the shotgun seat and got in. I didn't want to risk being left behind.

     He got in too and drove off.

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