Chapter 6

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.