1. A CRAZY DEMANDS

"Marry Radit.”

“W-What??”

Amanda looked up, her eyes widening in shock, her face still bearing traces of sorrow. She couldn’t believe the unexpected words she had just heard from her dad.

“You heard me right. I want you to marry Radit. Be his wife and also Ayra’s stepmom.”

“NO WAY!” Amanda snapped sarcastically, her voice loud as she rejected the absurd request. “I do want to get married, Dad, but definitely not to Radit. I’m going to marry Andre. He even proposed to me in London.”

With confidence, Amanda raised her left hand, showing off the blue diamond ring on her finger, a gift from her beloved fiancé. But her dad remained unmoved, as if her evidence held no significance.

“I’ve never asked much from you. This time, please listen. You’re the only one I can count on.”

Amanda let out a small scoff. “I love Andre, Dad. I only want to marry him!”

“Ayra needs a mother’s love. You’re the only one who can give her that. I can’t bear the thought of Radit marrying someone else. You’re Dinda’s older sister, so it’s only right for you to take her place. Don’t be selfish, Amanda!”

“Selfish??” Amanda exclaimed, her face flushed with anger. “What about me, Dad? What about my future? This isn’t right. Radit is still —”

“I’m here, Sir.”

The voice interrupted Amanda’s outburst. Her dad sighed softly and gave a faint smile.

“Finally, you’re here, Radit.”

“Sorry, Sir. Ayra was being fussy, so I stayed with her for a bit,” Radit said politely.

“Alright then. You two can talk. I’ll head upstairs.”

Amanda huffed, taking a moment to regulate her breathing. She sized up the man in front of her from head to toe. Not even once had she ever imagined becoming Radit’s wife.

“Dad wants us to get married. I’m sure you’ll refuse just like me, right? So let’s —”

“I agree.”

“What??” Amanda burst out laughing, shaking her head in disbelief. “Do you even realize who you’re talking to?”

Radit nodded firmly, leaving Amanda momentarily speechless.

“I know. You’re Dinda’s sister. She used to be my wife, but now … she’s gone. People who’ve passed away can’t come back, right?” Radit said calmly. “The only thing on my mind is Ayra. I hope you understand.”

“It’s that easy for you to say?”

“Yes. Dinda wouldn’t be angry about this either.”

“You’re insane!” Amanda muttered, disbelief etched on her face.

Instead of responding to her remark, Radit stood up and offered a faint smile. “I think there’s nothing more to discuss. I’ll take this as your agreement. This is all for Ayra’s sake.”

Amanda felt a sharp pang in her chest. Radit didn’t seem the least bit reluctant about the sudden marriage arrangement. She couldn’t fathom what was going on in her former brother-in-law’s head.

That evening marked the final gathering of family and neighbors to honor her late sister, Dinda. Amanda, who had been silent most of the time, grew restless upon hearing snippets of whispered conversations.

“Radit should just get together with Amanda. Now that she’s back from abroad, Ayra will have someone to take care of her.”

“Yeah, maybe Amanda’s love life is cursed because Dinda got married before her.”

“See? That’s why you should never let someone get married before you.”

Unable to bear it anymore, Amanda headed upstairs, hoping to clear her mind.

“D-Dad?”

Amanda nearly spat out her drink in shock when her dad appeared beside her out of nowhere. She let out a frustrated huff, her gaze narrowing at his unusual expression. Her brows furrowed further when she noticed the woman who had joined them.

“Sweetheart,” the woman addressed Amanda softly. “Radit is a good man. We’re proposing this marriage for both your and his benefit, especially for Ayra. She still needs a mother’s love, and you’re the perfect person for the role.”

“Oh, really?” Amanda shot back with a sarcastic smile and a sharp glare. “You’re saying this so you don’t have to take care of Ayra, aren’t you?”

“Amanda!!” her dad scolded. “Watch your mouth! Tiara is my wife, even though she didn’t give birth to you.”

“Of course, Dad. Go ahead, keep defending your precious wife!” Amanda snapped, her anger boiling over.

Her dad opened his mouth to respond, but Tiara gently placed a hand on his arm, silently urging him to stay calm. They exchanged a brief glance before turning back to Amanda.

“You’re almost 35, Amanda,” Tiara said softly. “It’s about time you settled down. Andre isn’t a good man, sweetheart.”

“You don’t know anything!” Amanda retorted swiftly. “Yes, the entertainment world has its risks, including baseless rumors. But I trust Andre, and he’s the right choice for me.”

“What about your niece? Ayra needs a mother figure, dear.”

“I can take care of her without marrying her dad!” Amanda declared, her voice rising in frustration.

“Sweetheart, please think it over,” Tiara pleaded, her eyes filled with concern.

“Ugh. Everywhere you look, there’s a sugar baby or sugar daddy. But me? You want me to be a sugar mommy? Radit is way too young to be my husband. This is insane!”

“Age is just a number. What matters is —”

“Exactly,” Amanda interrupted sharply. “Just like how Dad is 20 years older than his stunning wife. Makes sense, right? Even if it’s, well … you know.”

“Stop changing the subject, Amanda. This is about you!”

“Well, I’m still not doing it. End of discussion!” Amanda folded her arms, her gaze brimming with defiance.

“You stubborn child! You’re impossible to reason with!” her dad shouted, his temper flaring. Tiara once again attempted to calm him with a gentle touch. Amanda, now fed up, stood up abruptly.

“Where do you think you’re going?” her dad demanded.

“I’m done,” Amanda replied firmly, standing tall. “You’ve never understood me, Dad. Not once.”

“Amanda, wait! You have to marry Radit. If you don’t —”

“What? If I don’t … why doesn’t Tiara marry him instead? How about that?”

“You!! Ugh!!”

Amanda was about to walk away when Tiara’s sharp cry made her spin around.

“Dad!!”