Chapter 5

Byron's two brothers came again. To my surprise, the one earlier who was naughty stood next to me. Paul also sat quietly next to Byron.

"By the way, I am Kenjo. Your handsome brother-in-law." I ignored him, and I wasn't in the mood to play with him. "Oh, little bro, your wife is rude ah." I looked at Byron when Kenjo said. He didn't look at his brother. "Both rugged," added the noisy Kenjo.

"Alright, Amando and Mariane, you can leave your daughter here. We'll call you when the wedding is over." What? Will you leave me?

"Wait, Ma'am, why should I be left behind? II have to go home." I turned to Mom and Dad, who agreed. What is this? "Mom, Dad. Can't I come back here the next day?" I beg.

"Amanda, we talked about you here just today. We'll take care of Marla." I'm afraid I have to disagree with what Dad said. I told my siblings I was going home today.

"I've accepted what you want. Can't I want it first? I'll take them home; first, I have to say goodbye."

"Amanda. They will be the ones who will say goodbye to your siblings, and we will buy your clothes for you tomorrow." I shook my hands at what their father said. They were going crazy—all of them.

"Mom, I'm going home to our house. They're waiting for me, and I can't help but say goodbye to them personally." I looked at Byron's parents and him. "Can I come back here tomorrow? I won't run away if that's what you're talking about."

"Oh, cool girl." I stared at Kenjo when he commented.

"No." I was almost depressed when I heard Byron's voice. What's his problem? We're not married yet, and why does he seem so anxious? It looks like he doesn't have the habit of hanging out with women either.

"It's still early, and you want me to come back later? I'll say goodbye to them," I insisted. Why does this family seem to choke me?

"Let her, hon." I looked at their mother. "Maybe she needs to bid goodbye to her sisters?" goodbye? I'm not leaving. I'm just getting married, but why do these people seem to close in on me right away?

"Okay, fine, just come back here later, Amanda." I nodded to their father.

"Can Byron go with her?"

"No," Byron answered Kenjo's question immediately. "I'll fix something in the office," he added and then left. I looked at Kenjo, who shrugged at his brother.

"Do you want me to go with you?" he asked. Is it feeling kind, or is it true what he is showing? The first day I saw this family, I didn't know if it was okay.

"It's me. I can do it, and then I'll be right back." I was about to turn around when Paul spoke.

"I'll go with you."

Another, "I'll take care of it; just hurry." I immediately left in front of them and left my parents. After all, I didn't take them home with me.

I immediately hailed a taxi and boarded. I don't know what to say to the two. 'I'm getting married or not, so 'I'm married, just today.'

I don't know, and I can't afford to leave them. How do they study? Can I refuse or not just take them with me? Or maybe I'll look for a job while I'm not with them so that somehow I can still provide for their needs.

I quickly entered the house when I got down. Marla also came out with Mia. To her surprise, I immediately took Mia in his arms.

"Are you okay, Ate?" she asked. I turned to Mariz when she approached us.

"I'm okay. I'll tell you something." I went in first and sat down with Mia.

When we were all seated, I didn't even know how I would let them know.

"Sister, do you have a problem?" Marla asked.

"How's your conversation?"

"Who's talking?" Marla asked again what Mariz said. I took a deep breath first and faced them fully—traces on their worried faces.

"I'm getting married."

"Huh?"

"W-what?"

I bowed when I felt myself crying again. Is this right? Is it impossible to back down from my choice?

"Is what I heard right? Are you getting married? And to whom? How did it happen?" Marla asked, one after another.

"I married the family of the man they owed Papa because I didn't want Mariz to pay them."

"What?!" Marla suddenly stood up in a rage. "What are you? Debt settlement? Why don't I know this? Amanda, Mariz?" Mariz averted her eyes, and I faced her. I gave the child to Mariz first.

"Marla, if I don't do it. Mariz and our parents will be in downfall."

"Bullshit reason! It's always you. We're always the ones who suffer from what they're doing. What about us? How are you? Aren't you tired, or are you just showing that you're strong? Do you think we're blind and numb? Mariz and I don't feel you're having a hard time anymore? Once in a while, we want to stop studying to find a job and make up for everything we do, but we don't do it because we want to graduate! "W-what is this now? Are you going to sacrifice again? Think about yourself. Take a break at least once."

It was as if my heart was pounding when I heard what she was saying, and I couldn't help but cry in front of them. Even I, I want to relax.

"P-please, think about your decision first. If you can get out of there, do it for us." I shook; I couldn't. My family will be ruined.

"I'll come out when I'm done paying the debt. We'll still meet."

"What if not?! What if you can't come back to us when you leave this house, huh?! Amanda, your weakness is even necessary. You're weak, you always show that you're okay, but we know you don't like what you're doing! "I got up and faced her.

"I want it, Marla! I want to protect you. Isn't that enough?"

"That's enough, Amanda. By protecting us so much, you get hurt."

"  That's enough." We both turned to Mariz, who was already crying and covering Mia's ears. I was almost depressed when I saw Mia crying, too.

"P-promise, this is my last sacrifice for them," I said weakly. I can't even talk to express what I feel. "I'm leaving."

"A-Amanda…"

I bit my lower lip and approached the three of them for a tight hug because I didn't know when I would see them again.

"I'll be back," I whispered.

This time, I want not to leave here first. I want to be with them, but the chance is everyone's barrier.

We turned to the door in shock when I heard the man's crisp voice.

"Let's go."

"What are you doing here?" I asked. I thought he wasn't going.

"Your drama is over, so go back home." He immediately turned away when he said that. I took a deep breath and faced my sisters, who now felt sorry for me, their faces visible.

"Be careful here. I'll visit you and Mia. Take care." I kissed Mia on the cheek and lifted her for a moment.

"Sister, I don't want him for you. I don't have a good feeling about that man." I ignored what Marla said. I knew that. I don't want to be tied to such a guy.

"Amanda." I turned to Mariz. "What if you fall for him?"