4. Unwanted marriage

The dad was right. Sooner or later, Amanda would become Radit's wife. No matter how much they delayed it, the outcome would still be the same.

There wasn't much to prepare since the atmosphere at Yuda's luxurious house was still filled with mourning. Earlier this evening, the middle-aged man breathed a sigh of relief as the doctor had permitted him to go home. That’s why tonight, all the extended family was gathered to hear the important news that would take place the next day.

"That's great, Yuda. We fully support Radit getting married," chimed in one of the relatives in the living room.

"Yes, Ayra won’t lose love and care because her aunt will take over raising her."

There were countless more words of encouragement received by Yuda, making Amanda's father even more confident in the decision. Meanwhile, the two soon-to-be newlyweds were having a private discussion in the backyard, choosing a quieter spot so others wouldn’t overhear.

"Listen, Radit. Our status only applies on paper. Don’t ever hope for anything more," Amanda warned her ex-brother-in-law, who was also her soon-to-be husband. "I’m doing this just to please my dad. Afterward, I’ll find a way to get divorced. Period."

"I understand," Radit quickly replied.

"After we’re married, I don’t want to have anything to do with you. Everything is just for Ayra," Amanda stressed, leaving Radit to nod in agreement again.

Amanda was about to issue another threat but stopped when she heard footsteps approaching. She immediately clamped her mouth shut.

"What are you two talking about? Getting close to each other already?" asked a middle-aged woman, who was Amanda’s father’s cousin.

"No, nothing like that," Amanda denied, forcing a smile. "Just discussing some important points."

"Well, it’s okay. You’ll be husband and wife soon anyway," the woman chuckled softly. "Remember, Radit, to treat Amanda well even though she and Dinda are sisters. And Amanda, be a good wife and mother to Ayra."

Amanda only responded with a short hum. Deep inside, she felt trapped, as if this marriage was adding even more weight to her already burdened life.

---

Unlike most couples about to get married, neither Amanda nor Radit showed even the slightest hint of happiness on their faces.

Sadness swept over Amanda as she glanced at a framed photo of herself and Dinda. It felt like she was betraying her sister by marrying the same man.

"You’re beautiful," praised the makeup artist who had just finished enhancing Amanda’s look. "What do you think? Is there anything missing?"

The woman in her ivory white kebaya weakly shook her head. "No matter how I look, the outcome remains the same."

"Sorry, I was just trying to help."

"It’s okay," Amanda said with a faint smile.

"I can only pray you’ll find happiness. There are plenty of cases like yours where everything turns out fine."

Amanda didn’t respond to the statement. Instead, she stared at her phone, which had been silent since last night. Tears streamed down her face when she saw a picture of her boyfriend.

"Could you leave? I want to be alone," Amanda hinted at the makeup artist to leave the room.

"All right. I’ll go now."

"André!" Amanda struggled to hold back her sobs as she saw his name appear on the phone screen.

"Babe, are you okay? Sorry I can’t make it to Medan yet to meet your dad again. It just feels off to bring up our wedding plans with your family still in mourning."

"Yeah."

"Hey, are you all right?"

"Yeah, I’m fine. I have to go now."

CLICK!

Just as Amanda ended the call, she noticed Radit standing at the door. She had no idea how long he’d been there.

"What?" Amanda asked with a look that didn’t betray any guilt. After all, she had warned him earlier that their relationship meant nothing to her.

"I haven’t asked about the dowry yet. Sorry," Radit finally said.

Amanda laughed bitterly, treating his comment as a joke. "Whatever. I don’t care."

Radit nodded slightly before turning away and leaving the woman who would soon be his wife.

The long-anticipated moment arrived—though only eagerly awaited by Yuda, who was determined to see Amanda and Radit married. For the two of them, it marked the beginning of their misery.

With just a single statement of consent during the ceremony, they were now officially husband and wife. Wishes of congratulations and blessings poured in for the couple, with everyone hoping they would live happily ever after.

"Amanda!" called out Yuda firmly yet softly. His beautiful daughter turned to him. "Show respect to Radit! Why are you just standing there?"

Amanda hesitated but then turned to Radit, who now stood directly in front of her. Reluctantly, she extended her hand to him, bowing her head to place her forehead against the back of his hand.

As for Radit? The man, who had only been a widower for over a week, gently kissed the top of Amanda’s head.

CLICK! CLICK!

Camera flashes captured the moment between them. The status that once labeled them as in-laws had officially transformed into husband and wife in an instant.

There was no extravagant celebration, unlike most weddings. Only close family and neighbors were invited. What mattered was that everyone knew Radit had now "moved up."

"By the way, where’s Ayra?" asked Yuda to his wife.

"Wait a moment. She was sleeping earlier. Let me check inside," Ayra’s mother replied before heading off. Shortly after, she returned with a small baby girl in her arms.

"From now on, you’re not just Ayra’s aunt—you’re her mother now."

Amanda merely responded with a glance at little Ayra, her stepdaughter, who could only respond with cries. Of course, at just one month old, she was too young to remember her biological mother.

Looking at Ayra’s face, which resembled Dinda’s, Amanda’s tears began to fall uncontrollably.

"Ayra," she whispered, gently touching the tiny hand.

Her heart warmed as the little one gripped her finger tightly. The baby gazed at her intently.

"This is Mama Amanda, Ayra. You have a new mom now," Ayra’s mother said with a smile, watching Amanda deep in thought. "Let Mama Amanda take care of Ayra tonight. You and Radit must be exhausted after today."

Ah, of course. Amanda suddenly remembered what lay ahead—tonight was their first night together. No, Radit wouldn’t try anything, not when they had made their agreement beforehand, right?

A knock at the door interrupted Amanda as she was drying her hair. She quickly moved to the door and found Radit standing there.

"Dinda?"

Amanda’s eyes widened in shock as she heard that name.