Sapphire (Book #3 of the Jewel Series)

Catherin Mia looked her parents in the eye, her tone resolute. "I can't do it, Mom, Dad. I still want to finish my studies," she said firmly, rejecting their proposal for her to marry their chosen suitor.

As the eldest in a humble family of farmers, Catherin understood the value of education. Despite being in her sixth semester at 21, she felt that marrying at such a young age wasn't right for her. Marriage had never been a part of her plans.

Catherin's aspiration was to graduate, gain work experience, and possibly have a stable income before considering marriage. She had never been involved in a romantic relationship, as her parents had raised her to be cautious and avoid interactions with unfamiliar individuals. Additionally, she believed that dating would only be a distraction.

Since her youth, Catherin had been preparing herself for an arranged marriage, out of respect for her parents' wishes. However, she insisted on completing her education and establishing her career before thinking about marriage.

"Mom, why does it have to be so sudden?" Catherin asked, her voice trembling, unable to believe that her parents were asking her to marry at the age of 21.

"You're in your sixth semester, about to graduate. There's nothing wrong with you getting married now, Catherin," Kayona said lovingly.

"Am I being sold because of Father's debt to Mr. Louis?" Catherin asked, almost in tears upon hearing Kayona's explanation.

"Your father owes money for Ava's surgery. Mr. Louis said that we don't need to pay with money, but with a promise. A promise to marry you to Mr. Louis's son," Kayona replied, further breaking Catherin's heart. Ava was her younger sister who was still in elementary school.

Three years ago, Ava had an accident that required surgery. The exorbitant hospital bill forced Max to borrow money from his boss, Mr. Louis. Catherin knew very well that at that time her father had no other choice. Only Mr. Louis could help their family. However, Catherin never expected that her father promised to marry her to his boss's son.

"Mr. Louis came here yesterday, asking for your father's promise," Kayona said, noticing how Max had been silent after she requested Catherin to marry his boss's son.

"Mr. Louis also offered to fund Ava's surgery so she can walk again without any aids. But, you have to marry his son now." Kayona looked at Catherin with teary eyes. Catherin knew her mother had no other choice but to ask her to marry her boss's son. This way, their family's debt would be settled, and Ava could walk normally again after the surgery scheduled for a few months later. The surgery costs would also be covered by Mr. Louis.

"Can't we wait until I graduate before getting married, Mom?" she asked Kayona, who was unable to hold back her tears. Kayona kept wiping her tears, making Catherin feel sorry for her.

"Mr. Louis wants it as soon as possible, Catherin. He wants to see his grandchild soon," her mother continued between sobs.

"Is his son old, Mom?"

"Mr. Louis's son is turning 30 this year. But, because he's busy with work, he never had time for a relationship. That's why Mr. Louis decided to arrange his marriage with you," her mother explained.

Catherin fell silent, looking at Max's regretful face. She realized that her father didn't want to force her into marriage either. But he also had to keep his promise to Mr. Louis - his boss. Catherin felt sorry for her parents. She also wanted to see her sister, Ava, walk normally again.

"Alright, Mom, I will marry Mr. Louis's son. As long as I can continue my studies," Catherin said to Kayona.

Catherin looked at the woman who had carried and raised her. Despite everything, her mother's warmth and love had made her a strong woman.

Afterward, Catherin looked at her father's face, the face of a man who was willing to work day and night to provide for his wife and children. Catherin herself was not among the brightest students, making it difficult for her to find scholarships. However, she chose to work at a restaurant near the campus to help with her family's finances. At least she never asked for money just to buy snacks.

"Thank you, Catherin," her parents said simultaneously, embracing their daughter tightly.

Catherin then saw Ava standing behind the door all this time. The little girl seemed to be smiling, with tears in her eyes.

"I hope my choice is not wrong, I hope I can lighten the burden of Dad and Mom," Catherin said to herself.

***

The day had come when Catherin had to celebrate her wedding. She was already wearing a white dress and being attended to by a makeup artist sent by Mr. Louis. The wedding event was simple, attended only by immediate family. Catherin couldn't help but shed tears; she couldn't deny the pain in her heart due to this arranged marriage. What made her even more distressed was that she was marrying suddenly and hadn't prepared herself mentally. Her marriage wasn't for love, but to repay her parents' debt.

"Don't cry, miss. Your makeup might smudge," said a makeup artist. Catherin smiled at her, not wanting to trouble her.

"You look beautiful, miss. Please don't cry," said Ava, who suddenly appeared from behind and hugged Catherin tightly.

"I'm sorry, miss. Because of me, you're forced to marry someone you don't know," Ava said, patting Catherin's back gently, making her older sister want to cry even more upon hearing her words.

"No, I'm marrying willingly. Please pray for me, I hope the family I am about to build will be a happy one," Catherin said. She let go of the hug and looked at her younger sister, Ava. Then, Kayona called her to come out because the wedding ceremony was about to begin.

Catherin walked out of the room, seeing that her house was already filled with many people. The attendees were only her extended family and perhaps some others from Mr. Louis's family.

She looked at the handsome man sitting in front of the table. He was her future husband, the future head of her family. He was someone she had never met before, someone nine years older than her. He still looked young, handsome, and strong. So why did he have to marry someone like Catherin? Why didn't he marry a woman who was on the same level as him? That's what Catherin questioned, considering she was just a farmer's daughter.

"I'm just a subordinate's daughter, why does he want to be arranged with me?" Catherin asked herself.

Catherin then walked toward the prepared place. The man referred to as her future husband didn't even glance at her for a second, as if he didn't care who he was marrying. It seemed like he was also forced into this marriage. Catherin could tell from his expression that he didn't show any signs of happiness. This made Catherin even more distressed; she worried that she wouldn't be able to maintain their marriage in the future.

Would their marriage be happy if neither of them desires it?

To be continued...