Chapter 3

Ashton was truly overwhelmed by sadness. On the fourth day after Miranda's departure, he still seemed to linger in the atmosphere of mourning. 

Many family members had tried to console him, but Ashton appeared to continue closing himself off. It was as if Miranda's departure had truly shattered his life.

He couldn't even bring himself to start the day for work. Engaging in even the slightest activities, he seemed completely devoid of enthusiasm. It was as if the center of life within Ashton had suddenly stopped rotating forcibly.

"Ashton, how long are you going to be like this? It's not good to linger in sadness for too long," Zein expressed his deep concern. Never before had he seen his son so deeply distressed.

"Mama is sure that Miranda wouldn't want you to mourn her like this," Hana added. Alongside her husband, she tried to make Ashton understand and put an end to his grief. After all, there was no benefit in sinking too deep into sorrow.

"From the beginning, I knew that Miranda was seriously ill and could leave anytime, Ma," Ashton said with a heavy tone. He took repeated breaths, trying to unravel the tightness that seemed to have taken residence in his heart.

"However, it feels so heavy. I know I should be content. But, there are moments when I feel reluctant because there are still many dreams of ours that have not been fulfilled."

Hana, sitting right next to her son, reached out to him. Gently rubbing Ashton's shoulder, she tried to strengthen the 35-year-old man.

"What else can we do? It's Miranda's destiny to reach this point. We can't protest or hold back her departure."

Ashton nodded. However, behind the sadness he felt, there was also an underlying anxiety that troubled his mind.

"I know. I understand that."

"In that case, let's put an end to this sadness," Zein ordered seriously. "It's our duty, as the ones who are still alive, to continue living. Moreover, there are many things and responsibilities that you need to take care of, right?"

Ashton nodded.

"Yes, including marrying Alice as soon as possible. By God, I feel unprepared, Pa," he complained as if overwhelmed. Anyone would feel the same as Ashton. Just being left by a beloved wife and suddenly faced with the promise to remarry.

"But, I can't step back either."

"If you're not ready, should I take your place?"

Suddenly, from behind the bedroom door, El Rumi, Ashton's younger brother, appeared. After hearing his brother's apparent distress, he deliberately approached, intending to lighten the mood with his teasing remarks.

"Besides, Alice is beautiful. According to my eyes and taste, she's even prettier than the late Miranda."

Ashton immediately shot him a sharp look. He couldn't accept the comparison of his late wife to another woman, especially from his own brother.

"Don't speak nonsense, El."

"I'm speaking the truth," Elrumi argued. "Seriously, if you're not interested in marrying Alice, let me take your place and marry her."

"Hush!" Hana immediately pinched El Rumi's arm deliberately. She found her youngest son's behavior amusing. "Do you think marriage is like community service? Can be exchanged or replaced. Don't speak so casually."

El Rumi laughed. Instead of being quiet after being reprimanded, he became more enthusiastic about teasing.

"Well, rather than Ashton being troubled like this, it's better if I replace him, Ma. Instead of wasting it, it's a pity to let a beautiful woman go to waste."

"If only this duty could be delegated or handed over to someone else, it's better if you let El handle it," Ashton retorted irritably.

"If you're not ready, don't proceed," Zein warned again. The middle-aged man suddenly worried that his son might make a wrong and hasty decision. "Marriage is not a game. It's a lifelong commitment. Don't make a decision in regret and end up hurting someone and then suddenly asking for a divorce. Instead of committing a sin, it's better not to do it at all."

Ashton took a deep breath again. He didn't know how long he would be haunted by this dilemma. If he followed his heart, he wouldn't be ready to marry again. But Ashton had already made a promise. There was a commitment he had to fulfill.

"If I follow my heart, I'm definitely not ready. Just imagine, I'm still grieving, and now I have to prepare to marry a woman I don't love. But, no matter what, I've promised Miranda. And a promise is a debt that must be paid or fulfilled."

"So, are you fixed on marrying Alice soon?" Hana asked to confirm, trying to reassure her son about the decision he had made.

"Yes. According to the promise, I'm going to marry Alice this week."

"What? This week?"

Hana was taken aback. She was quite surprised by the decision her son had just made about when to hold their second marriage.

Ashton had initially said he wasn't ready. So why did he now seem to be in a hurry? Hana knew Ashton was a responsible person. She thought her son needed at least two or three weeks to calm himself after being left by his wife.

However, Hana truly did not expect Ashton to decide to marry this week, just a few days after his wife's passing.

"Isn't it too sudden? It's only been four days since Miranda left, As. If you still need time to sort out your feelings or calm yourself, there's no need to rush."

Ashton nodded. He understood why his mother was surprised, even appearing confused.

"It was Miranda's wish for me to marry soon if she's no longer here. Besides, whether it's now or later, whether it's tomorrow or the day after, it doesn't make a difference. In essence, I still have to marry a woman I don't love."

"Yes, Mama knows. It's just that—"

"Enough..." Ashton cut her off. "Mama and Papa don't need to worry anymore. Just pray that this decision is the best. And again, even though the wedding will be simple, I hope you and Papa are willing to help me prepare for all of this."