3. AREN'T YOU ASHAMED

"Mom, I'm still going to marry Amanda."

The words made Amanda turn her head slowly. Right next to her, Radit stood tall, lowering the hand that had touched her shoulder earlier. She blinked slowly, unable to believe what the man—still her supposed brother-in-law—had just said.

"You don’t consider me your mother anymore, Radit?" his mom said, shaking her head, her gaze looking hurt. "I came all this way to defend you. And this is what you do?"

"Mom."

The woman took a step back, then glanced at Amanda, her father, and her stepmother with a disapproving look.

"You’ve brainwashed my son. You’re all cruel!"

After hurling those words, she stormed off. Radit quickly excused himself and ran after his mother, leaving Amanda frozen in shock, unable to utter a word.

"Sweetheart, come on, let’s have breakfast. I ordered chicken porridge earlier. It’s on the coffee table," her stepmom coaxed.

Since Amanda didn’t respond, her dad gestured to Tiara to lead her to the table.

"Dad."

"I’ve already eaten. I’m fine, sweetheart. Don’t worry about me. Go on," her dad said with a reassuring smile. "Don’t overthink it, okay? You’re my daughter, and no one has the right to judge you. No one."

But how could Amanda not overthink it? The harsh words from Radit’s mother, who was about to be her mother-in-law, kept ringing in her ears.

Even as she ate, the food tasted bland. Amanda ate in silence, staring at the TV playing something she didn’t even register. Her mind was still stuck on the hurtful remarks from her future in-law.

"My mom is a tough person," Radit said, now sitting beside her.

Amanda still didn’t respond, her gaze fixed on the medical staff changing shifts at the nurse station. Radit tried to explain his mom’s shocking behavior from earlier, but Amanda’s first question caught him off guard.

"Aren’t you embarrassed?"

Radit raised his brows, confused. "Embarrassed about what?"

"I’m old. This year, I’ll be 35. And you? We’re nearly ten years apart," Amanda said bitterly. "Your mom’s right. You’ll eventually feel embarrassed to have a wife like me—someone who’s practically an aunt."

"Really? You might be right," Radit said casually.

Amanda’s heart sank. She hadn’t expected him to say something like that.

She thought he’d console her with sweet words or change the subject to something more uplifting. Instead, he...

Her confidence, which had never wavered before, felt shattered. Amanda stared at him, stunned, until she heard him laugh.

"Why did you agree to this ridiculous engagement? Are you just trying to mess with my dad?" she snapped, her anger bubbling to the surface.

Radit quickly shook his head, then smiled. "No, no. Dinda was right. You’re quick to anger. I’m just wondering how someone with your temper manages to be a model. Isn’t it stressful?"

"Stop deflecting!"

"Okay, okay," Radit said, clearing his throat and trying to stop laughing. "Let me ask you something first. Is there a rule that says age difference matters in marriage?"

Amanda shrugged. "How should I know? I’ve never been married."

"True, but you’ve seen your dad and Tiara’s marriage. They seem happy and steady."

"That’s different," Amanda cut in quickly. "It’s normal for husbands to be older than their wives. But us? This is ridiculous, Radit."

"I don’t care," Radit replied firmly. "We’re the ones getting married. Not my mom or anyone else."

The conversation ended there. Radit noticed the crisis of confidence Amanda was grappling with. Her usual proud demeanor had turned into one of self-doubt.

"Sir, wait!"

Radit paused as a janitor jogged toward him. Amanda, who was a few steps ahead, also stopped, watching the scene unfold.

"What’s wrong?" Radit asked.

"Your sister left her phone," the janitor said, handing over the device.

Amanda quickly rummaged through her bag and smacked her forehead, realizing her mistake.

"Thanks," Radit said, taking the phone.

"No problem."

"See?" Amanda snatched the phone from Radit’s hand. "That’s just one person calling me your sister. Imagine how many more will."

Radit nodded nonchalantly. "Well, you are still my sister right now. Where’s the problem?"

"Talking to you is impossible. You just don’t get it," Amanda said, exasperated.

Frustrated, she headed toward her dad’s hospital room. But before she could touch the door handle, Radit grabbed her hand.

"Right now, we’re still brother and sister, but soon, we’ll be husband and wife. Am I wrong?" he said softly, smiling. His calm gaze met Amanda’s fiery one. "Don’t be mad all the time. You’ll lose your beauty faster."

Did his words make Amanda swoon? Absolutely not. She rolled her eyes and strode into the room.

"There you two are. Where have you been?" her dad asked, clearly having waited for them. "Come, sit down. We need to talk about the wedding."

"This soon?"

"Yes," her dad answered firmly. "Radit has already spoken to his mother. There’s nothing standing in your way now."

"But, Dad. I haven’t even—"

"What now, Amanda?" he interrupted, giving her a pointed look. "I heard from Tisa that you’ve taken three months off work."

Sure, but that was for my engagement to Andre, Amanda thought bitterly, unable to say it out loud. Now, everything had changed drastically.

"I’ve already contacted the wedding organizer," Tiara announced as she entered the room.

"Everything’s ready. In two days, you’ll officially be husband and wife."

"WHAT??"