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."
Upon the departure of her sister and to avoid unnecessary back-and-forths during mourning events, Hana asked Alice to stay at Ashton's house for a few days.Feeling that her time was sufficient, and also not wanting to overstay her welcome at her late brother-in-law's house, Alice decided to bid farewell. Moreover, she had many tasks and responsibilities to attend to.Since Ashton's parents happened to be staying there as well, Alice chose to say her goodbyes before leaving. She wanted to express her gratitude for the hospitality she received during her stay."Aunt. Uncle..." Alice greeted as she approached Hana and Zein, who were sitting in the living room. "I want to say goodbye for now."Hana and Zein both looked up, offering warm smiles in response to Alice's words."Why the rush?"Alice smiled politely and shook her head. She didn't want to overstay her welcome, and there were academic and work responsibilities waiting for her."I have to leave because there are matters I need to
Alice looked down shyly. In front of her, Hana Syanaz was busy sorting through and selecting clothes for her to wear later.Like Ashton's previous statement, today the birth mother of the man came to pick up Alice and even helped pack her belongings. Instead of taking Alice straight home to Ashton's residence, Hana made a detour to one of the famous boutiques.Alice thought that the mother-in-law of her late stepbrother stopped by intentionally because she wanted to buy clothes or was looking for something.However, Alice's assumption was completely wrong. As soon as they entered the boutique, she found out that Hana was actually looking for clothes for Alice to wear in the solemnization ceremony.Yes, Alice had to be aware. Once again, quoting Ashton's words from last night, whether they liked it or not, the two of them had to prepare because the day after tomorrow, they would soon be getting married, as promised to the late Miranda."Alice.""Alice Ashborne."The baritone voice of t
Ashton occasionally appeared to be a little bow-headed. Taking deep breaths repeatedly, the man tried to dispel the nervousness that now enveloped him, filling him. Even though this wasn't his first experience getting married. Moreover, despite the tagline of no love involved, he couldn't deceive himself that the nervous feeling still haunted him.Meanwhile, right beside him, sat El Rumi. The sharp-nosed man occasionally engaged Ashton in conversation. Intentionally teasing. The aim was to keep his older brother from being too tense through each step of the wedding process unfolding tonight."Just relax. Don't keep your face all tense and nervous like that. Just treat it like replacing a dry towel. Besides, you're a Pro, meaning you have experience with marriage, right?"Ashton immediately looked up, then turned. Staring sharply, then putting on a slightly annoyed expression. It seemed unfair that his younger brother called him a pro at marriage. Did they think he had been married mul
"Should I go to the room first? Alone?"After being instructed by his siblings and cousins to rest immediately, Ashton immediately invited Alice to go to his room. Instead of continuing to be the subject of ridicule, he'd rather avoid it altogether. Otherwise, the temptations and teasing from his cousins could be even worse than before.However, as he was about to climb the stairs to the second floor, the tall and handsome man stopped in his tracks. Once again, his name was called, this time coming from his father who asked him to bid farewell to distant relatives who were about to leave."Yeah. Why? You scared?" Ashton turned around. His eyes coldly met the gaze of the woman who was now his wife. "You heard Abi calling me just now, right?""No, it's not like that." Alice quickly shook her head. She was just asking. Why was Ashton getting so touchy?"So what's the problem then? Or do you want me to carry you to the room?"Alice blinked. She was momentarily surprised by her husband's b
Alice feels like she just wants to escape from campus. She remembers well that today there's a schedule where Ashton will be teaching at her campus. Previously, when she was still his sister-in-law, Alice was just relaxed. Despite rarely, and even hardly ever, exchanging greetings outside of academic matters, she didn't care much about Ashton's presence or his cold demeanor towards the students. But now, especially after yesterday's incident, Alice feels traumatized. She's even afraid of meeting or facing her husband. Imagine. After shouting at her and making her cry, Ashton didn't apologize at all. He even acted casually, as if nothing had happened between them. The man even went as far as giving a warning which made Alice feel uncomfortable again."Never dare to touch something that doesn't belong to you. If I catch you damaging property again in the future, not only will you change rooms, I might even consider moving you out of this house."Alice thought, after marriage, her husba
To relieve boredom, after class, Alice intentionally stopped by at a coffee shop. Her head was spinning thinking about which company she should choose for her internship, which was already very close.Alice had been confident about registering herself with companies that were on her 'wishlist' that she had made long ago. But, once again, the dream vanished. Everything was chaotic because of Ashton, who stipulated not choosing the same companies as their friends.Now, Alice was confused. Where should she look for a company to do her internship?"Alice!"Lost in thought, she heard her name being called. When she snapped out of it, Alice looked up to find Rumi standing right in front of her, smiling broadly."It's so lucky to meet you here. Can I sit with you? The other seats are all taken."Alice nodded slowly. Then she gestured for Rumi to sit in the empty chair in front of her."What are you doing here alone?" Rumi asked casually."Just doing laundry.""What?""I'm at a coffee shop, o
Throughout the day, after finishing one class, Alice seemed busy sorting out internship matters with Rumi. Fortunately, what the guy promised was indeed delivered. As a result, Alice, who was initially feeling overwhelmed, now could breathe a sigh of relief. Alice admitted that asking for help from insiders really felt different from the independent path. Not only that, starting tomorrow morning, she could even begin working. So, what other blessings from God should she deny?"Rumi, thanks a lot for your help. If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be clueless about which company to intern at. You know your brother set such annoying deadlines."Rumi nodded with a smile. Just from his face, it was evident how satisfied he was. It was a joy for him to have successfully helped a pretty girl like Alice solve her problems."You're welcome. As long as I can help, I'll be there for you. Besides, it's easy to just slot you in as an intern at my office."A broad smile immediately appeared o
Because she was tired of being kind, this morning Alice decided to have breakfast by herself. After showering and performing the dawn prayer, she prepared and then enjoyed her breakfast without waiting for Ashton.She thought to herself, how nice. Just once she felt hungry. This time, Alice wouldn't waste her precious time waiting for someone who didn't care about her."Being obedient to one's husband is indeed a wife's duty. But, if her husband is as stubborn as a T-rex like Ashton, I might need to think again."Alice continued to grumble while eating the sandwich on her plate. The annoyance from last night hadn't faded within her. She even swore in her heart that from now on, she wouldn't bother being polite. Especially not pretending to be kind in front of Ashton."Anyway, from now on, I'll just be myself. Let him like it or not. It's his fault for constantly causing frustration."But, her complaints vanished when Ashton appeared in the dining room. Not wanting to be in the same ro