Chapter 2

"What?! Marry Ashton?"

"Yes. I beg you, please marry and become Ashton's wife after I'm gone."

Alice shook her head repeatedly. Just arriving at the hospital, she was already confronted with an unreasonable request.

Last night, after returning from class, Miranda contacted Alice. The woman, six years older than Alice, asked her to come to the hospital immediately.

In essence, Miranda and Alice were just stepsiblings. Alice was originally the baby brought by Rauf Alfarezi when he married Fatima, Miranda's mother, who had been a widow for a long time.

Being cared for together made Miranda cherish Alice as a real sister. Until Fatima passed away, Alice stayed with Miranda, as Rauf himself disappeared, leaving the two of them behind.

During last night's phone call, Miranda asked Alice to come quickly, claiming she had something important to discuss. Alice had no idea and never expected that her sister would suddenly ask her to marry her brother-in-law upon arriving at the hospital room.

"Don't be crazy! Why should I marry Ashton?"

Miranda took a deep breath. Staring intently at her sister, she tried to reach for Alice's wrist and gently held it.

Miranda hoped dearly. After explaining, she wished Alice would understand and grant her request.

"Alice, you know that I am seriously ill right now."

"I know that. But it doesn't mean I should accept your very unreasonable request."

"This is not unreasonable, Alice. My time may be running out soon. It could be tomorrow, the day after, or an hour from now that I won't be here anymore.

"And then?"

"I'm just worried that after I'm gone, Ashton will have no one to accompany, care for, and take care of all his needs. Besides, you'll be alone too. No one to watch over and protect. By marrying each other, at least you can complement each other."

"No," Alice shook her head repeatedly. From the look in her eyes, she rejected her sister's request. "Your request is too absurd."

"Alice, I beg you," Miranda pleaded. Tears even fell, wetting her cheeks. "I know this sounds selfish, but I believe you two are compatible and can complement each other. Rather than Ashton marrying another woman, it's better if he marries you. So, please fulfill my last request to marry Ashton after I'm gone."

Alice took a deep breath until her shoulders lifted high. Honestly, she was confused about how to respond. After all, there were many dreams she wanted to pursue after finishing her studies.

Instead of preparing to chase her dreams, she was asked to marry and start a family. Moreover, the partner would be a man she didn't love.

"Don't worry," Miranda continued. "After getting married, you can continue your studies and pursue your career. Besides, Ashton is not the type of husband who likes to restrain."

"It's not that simple," Alice said in confusion. "You know that Ashton is a lecturer at my university. What will other students say if suddenly I marry a campus lecturer and even the brother-in-law of my sister?"

"For a while, you can keep your relationship secret while at the university. Besides, you'll graduate soon, right?"

"Why do you have to force this, huh? Alice also knows that Ashton will definitely—"

"Relax. Ashton has agreed to marry you. Now, it's just up to your decision."

Alice fell silent at that moment. Despite her efforts to object, her words were immediately countered by Alice's final statement that Ashton had agreed to marry her in the future. In this situation, what other way could Alice use to refuse?

"I beg you. I'm not asking for anything. Please grant my last request—"

Before Miranda could finish her sentence, her condition suddenly deteriorated. Her labored breathing made Alice panic, and she immediately called the medical team for assistance.

While crying, Alice prayed, hoping her sister's condition would improve again.

***

In a different place, Ashton intentionally visited his parents' house. He intended to convey Miranda's request for him to remarry after her passing.

"Do you want to marry Miranda's sister? Did I hear that correctly?"

Zein looked surprised to hear what his eldest son was saying. Suddenly dropping by, and now bringing such shocking news.

Zein knew that his son's wife was seriously ill. From the start, he never prohibited Ashton from remarrying and marrying Miranda, who claimed to have a short lifespan.

However, Zein truly did not expect or anticipate. Today, he learned that his son planned to remarry, especially with a woman who was the sister of his daughter-in-law.

"Ashton doesn't want to. But Miranda keeps insisting. She argues that there won't be anyone to watch over and protect her sister after she's gone. So, Ashton came here to ask for your opinion."

"Ashton... Papa is okay with you if you want to remarry as long as you're capable. When do you plan to get married? Are you sure?"

"So, according to Papa, what should Ashton do? Honestly, Ashton doesn't love Alice."

Zein was silent for a moment. Presented with a question by his son, he also started to ponder.

Zein realized that Miranda's condition was worsening. But, he never once thought that his daughter-in-law would willingly let his son remarry.

"Papa has no right to interfere in your household affairs. You're already an adult. You can decide what's good and bad for your life. As long as you can, Papa won't object. The important thing is, after you get married, you must take responsibility. Don't neglect or hurt your wife just because you don't love her."

"Besides, love can grow over time," Hana added, responding to her husband's words. "Papa and Mama even got married because of an arranged marriage and didn't love each other at first. But look at us now. We've been able to endure until this moment, right?"

Ashton remained silent, not giving a response. In his silence, his phone suddenly rang. Seeing an unknown number calling, Ashton intended to ignore it. But, seeing that the number kept calling, he believed there must be something urgent.

"Hello."

"Ashton. It's Alice."

Ashton raised his eyebrows momentarily. Wondering where and for what reason his sister-in-law's sister was calling him. Although he knew Alice was Miranda's sister, Ashton rarely had conversations, let alone greetings, via phone calls or text messages.

"Ashton," Alice called again.

"Y-yes, what's up?"

"Miranda," the woman on the other end said tremblingly.

"Miranda? What happened to Miranda?"

"Her condition is deteriorating. Please come to the hospital quickly."

Ashton didn't say anything more. Ending the call, he hurriedly went with his parents to the hospital.

Upon arrival, Ashton was informed that his wife had been moved to the ICU. Right in front of the room, a doctor was waiting to provide the latest updates and explanations.

"Mr Ashton," called the male doctor handling Miranda's case at the hospital.

"What's happening to my wife, Doc?" Ashton asked anxiously. His face showed concern, fearing something bad had happened to his wife.

"Mrs. Miranda's condition is deteriorating. The medical team and I deeply apologize. We can't do anything more."

The doctor bowed his head, resigned to Miranda's condition, which seemed beyond help.

Meanwhile, Ashton seemed frozen for a moment. His lips felt dry as he struggled to respond.

"I think, Mr Ashton, you should see Mrs. Miranda before it's too late."

Ashton nodded. He quickly stepped into the ICU. There, he found Miranda lying weakly, with Alice by her side, waiting.

"Miranda..." called Ashton when he positioned himself next to his wife.

"Ashton..." Miranda replied weakly. Her eyes looked melancholic, her face clearly showing signs of weakness, as if she was enduring the pain that was currently striking her. "I'm sure my time is near. I'll be gone soon."

"Don't say that, Miranda." Ashton hissed, shaking his head, asking Miranda to stop speaking. "Don't say that. You're not going anywhere. You'll be fine."

"No," replied Miranda. "I'm sure it's time for me to go now. I hope, after I'm gone, you'll keep your promise."

Miranda then glanced at Alice, signaling for her to come closer. "Alice. After I'm gone, Ashton will take care of you. I hope you can live safely and comfortably with him."

Miranda then turned to Ashton again. This time, it was her husband whom she addressed.

"Ashton... I entrust Alice to you. I beg you to take care of her and love her. Please don't ever neglect her. Especially, don't hurt her feelings."

"Miranda—"

"Please keep your promise."

"Miranda, I promise," whispered Ashton softly. His voice sounded heavy, suppressing the sadness that had been gnawing at him as he saw Miranda's condition worsening.

"Ashton... my head hurts so much. It will burst, and I can't bear it anymore."

Ashton then approached, giving her a brief hug. He then brought his face closer, kissing Miranda's cheeks and silently guiding her to recite the tahlil prayer before she finally departed.