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 multiple times or something?
"Who's tense?"
"The neighbor next door. It's you, obviously."
"No," retorted Ashton confidently. "I'm not tense. Just normal."
"Such a big ego not to admit it. Besides, if you want to back out, there's still time. Alice hasn't come out of the room yet. If you want, I can take your place; it's still possible. Don't worry, since I was a kid, I've been used to being a stuntman and taking your role to get scolded by mom and dad."
El Rumi's sentences were loaded with sarcasm. Remembering when they were young, Ashton was indeed a very active, overly creative, yet intelligent child. Because he frequently caused trouble and didn't want to be punished, El Rumi, who Ashton often used as a scapegoat, covered up his own mistakes.
Knowing Ashton was a clever child, their parents believed that El Rumi, who was often blamed from a young age, was the troublemaker. In reality, El Rumi was a sweet and obedient child. And because of his attitude, he willingly played along when Ashton asked him to switch roles.
"For God's sake! If you want to switch roles, I really want it to be you marrying Alice."
"Fine, step aside. Let me take over," replied El Rumi with a serious expression. Whether he was joking or truly serious with his statement was unclear. However, judging by his gestures, Rumi seemed genuinely offering himself. "Don't worry. I sincerely accept it, body and soul. As I said before, Alice is beautiful. It's not a loss to marry her. Besides, what you're doing here is threatening the existence of singles."
At that moment, Ashton raised his eyebrows. He tried to understand the meaning behind his brother's words.
"How am I threatening?"
"Very greedy. Getting married twice. And all of your wives are beautiful. Just switch or give me a chance since I don't have a partner. Relax, from a young age, I've been used to being your stuntman and replacing your role to be scolded by dad and mom."
Ashton pulled a face right away. His eyebrows raised high. He tried to digest the meaning of his brother's words.
"That's your problem. That's why, when looking for a wife, don't be too picky. But seriously, if we could switch roles, it's better if you're the one marrying Alice."
"If you're not ready, why force yourself? Humans are the ones getting married. They have feelings."
"I know," Ashton nodded. "What can I do? I've already promised the late Miranda. From the beginning, I wasn't interested in marrying Alice. But this is a promise that must be kept. I'm not the type of guy who breaks promises. Although, honestly, I'm not sure if this marriage will last or not."
El Rumi shook his head. He was confused with his brother's seemingly indecisive attitude. Moreover, if he wasn't ready, why force himself to get married? Didn't Ashton consider Alice's feelings? Such selfishness.
"If you can't break the promise, you better learn to open your heart. How can you get to know each other or even love each other if you don't try? Besides, you'll live together later. I'm sure, over time, you'll get used to it."
Ashton smiled dismissively. He shook his head.
"It's not that easy to open up to someone new. In my heart, up to this moment, there's only Miranda."
"Who says it's difficult? You haven't even tried. Never draw conclusions about something we've never done," El Rumi said at length. He was getting annoyed with what his older brother had expressed. "Anyway, I'll just pray that after getting married, you'll become a responsible husband. Not just keeping promises but neglecting your duties as a husband afterward is an evil deed."
After saying these meaningful words, El Rumi gently patted Ashton's shoulder. A moment later, he signaled to his brother to get ready. Moreover, the officiant they had been waiting for finally arrived, and the preparations began.
"Ashton... are you ready? The wedding procession will start soon."
Zein asked for confirmation. From his seat, the middle-aged man looked at his son's face. Waiting for the answer that his eldest son would give.
"I'm ready, Dad."
Zein nodded. Waving, he asked Ashton to get ready to enter the ballroom. After meeting Alice, they went through a series of wedding processions until finally, they officially became husband and wife.
"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
Fortunately, Alice was able to get through her first day of internship safely, comfortably, and without any issues. She repeated her prayers of gratitude numerous times. Whenever she was confused or encountered difficulties, Rumi promptly helped her. The man also didn't hesitate to provide explanations patiently and tirelessly.Whether it was because Alice was his sister-in-law or because Rumi always treated everyone kindly, one thing was certain: Alice was truly helped by his presence. When else would a deputy manager come down personally to explain and provide examples to intern employees?"Rumi, actually, you could have just explained earlier. I can try it myself, you know. There's no need to go through the trouble of providing examples. It might make the other interns uncomfortable."Alice whispered and glanced around discreetly. After exiting the elevator, she observed the staff bustling around, preparing to leave.Yes, Alice was worried. As a new employee, especially just an int
"We're going to the movies, right? As promised, it's my treat this time."On the other end of the line, Gladis's voice came through clearly, inviting Alice to go out. Since today was Saturday, Alice was off from her internship schedule as usual.Since last night, when chatting with Gladis on the phone, they had planned to go out this weekend, have a meal together, and also watch a movie at the cinema.Actually, activities like this were routine for Alice and Gladis, happening every other weekend. From the start, they even agreed to take turns treating each other.However, because Alice got married some time ago, the activities they were supposed to do last week had to be postponed temporarily. Until finally, finding the right time and opportunity, Alice and Gladis agreed to go today."Yeah, all set. I'm ready. Just need to do a quick touch-up and put on lipstick, then head straight to your place.""So, what movie are we watching for sure? Please not a cartoon," Gladis whined. She knew
"You have to maintain your attitude while at Mom's house. Show everyone that our relationship is fine and there's no problem."Before getting out of the car, Ashton gave a command-like warning to his wife. He asked Alice to behave sweetly and affectionately in front of the extended family gathered at his parents' house today.Like it or not, Ashton had to do this. He didn't want too many questions from both parents and relatives if he and Alice kept their distance."Yes, Mr. Ashton. Don't worry. I won't embarrass you.""Good," nodded Ashton. He then turned off the car engine. Gesturing for Alice to get out, he walked towards the main hall which seemed already crowded with relatives who had come.Alice paused for a moment, surprised. How could she not be surprised and awkward when entering her in-laws' house, Ashton suddenly grabbed her wrist without prior permission. Holding it casually, he walked side by side with Alice. Right now, they looked exactly like a real married couple. Affe