Chapter 3: Arranged Marriage

I stared at my twin sister’s face with a questioning look, still couldn’t believe what I just heard. I didn’t expect that her one last wish would be this consequential that would greatly affect my life.

All of a sudden, I felt reluctant to fulfill my promise. ‘Why did I put myself into a difficult situation such as this?’ I asked myself. Then I thought, ‘Or was it only a prank?’

“I didn’t know that you also love playing a prank, my dear twin sister,” I remarked, followed by an awkward laugh. But deep inside I was really anxious. What if she was serious about it?

And my suspicion was right. Angela remained serious as she dejectedly stared at me.

I stopped laughing as I bit my lower lip. ‘So, it’s not a prank.’ I whispered inside as I sat straight in my seat, waiting for what she would say next.

“It’s not a prank, Ash. I’m really telling you my last wish. I want you to attend the wedding on my behalf. They will not know since we look alike. Anyway, I understand if you can't do it for me.” She mumbled with a gloomy expression in her eyes. Then she stood up from her seat and acted to walk away.

Seeing her dispirited, guilt consumed my heart. I quickly stood up and pulled her right hand, stopping her from leaving.

“Anj, I’m sorry. I just - I just couldn’t believe it. You know, I wasn’t aware of it. You didn’t mention it before. Can you enlighten me? I mean, what arranged marriage? Who is that man? And why do you want me to pretend? Besides–”

I was not able to finish what I wanted to say as Angela cut me off by raising her right hand in front of me.

“Wait, Ash. Calm down. I know you have a lot of questions. I will tell you everything.” She uttered as she sat back in her seat.

I followed her and sat back in my seat as well. Then, I let out a deep sigh. “Alright. I will listen.”

Angela sipped her water before she started. And after putting down the glass of water, she clasped her hands together on the table.

“I think I was eighteen at that time when mom had this arrangement with her college best friend after they met at their Alumni Homecoming. That I will marry the son of her best friend when I reach twenty eight of age. Of course, at first, I was against the idea because I don’t know the guy, but later on, I agreed.” She revealed. Then she paused for a while as she sipped her water again. I just looked at her, waiting for her to go on with what she was saying while trying to figure out how I could help her.

And so, she continued, “I agreed when mom got sick. You know, because I didn’t want to give her more worries. Because that was the only thing I knew that would give her peace of mind. Hoping that it would help her get better.” 

“Then why don’t you just get married?” I inquired, thinking there was no problem at all if she would do as they planned.

“I can’t marry him now because of my condition. Listen, Ash. If only I could postpone the wedding. But it was already scheduled. Unfortunately, next week will be my surgery as well and it will take place overseas which I cannot delay since it took me a year to have a schedule with the surgeon. That’s why I really need your help. Only this one, please? Don’t worry, I will be back as soon as I can.” She explained desperately, trying to convince me.

My forehead creased as I was confused. “I still can’t get it, Anj. Why don't you tell him your reason? I’m sure he would understand. He might even help you.” I insisted, neglecting the other things she said.

“Ash, he might, he might not pursue the wedding when he learned about my disease.” She reasoned, worry was visible in her eyes. Nevertheless, I ignored it.

“Then, don’t push through with the wedding!” I suggested. It sounded like I solved my twin sister’s problem with that idea.

“Listen, if I don't push through with the wedding, I will pay them ten million dollars. Where will I get that amount of money?” She confessed.

My eyes widened in shock as I repeated, “Ten million dollars? But why do you need to pay them?”

“Because everything was set already and it’s stipulated in the agreement that if the marriage didn’t take place, there’s a fine. That’s why I could no longer back out.”

This time, I was the one who took a sip of water since my throat suddenly felt dry. I realized that my twin sister was really in big trouble. 

“Why’s there such an agreement? And why did you agree?” I questioned as I knitted my brows together. 

Angela took a deep breath before she replied. “It was mom who made that agreement because she really wanted me to marry the son of her best friend, thinking that it was the best for me.”

“Still, it didn’t make sense. Okay, given that there was such an agreement. Do you think they will still charge you for that fine after knowing that you are sick?” I wondered.

My twin sister didn't respond right away as if she had run out of answers to my questions. After a while, I heard her let out another sigh.

“Ash, you still don’t understand. Maybe they are really after the money. Anyway, it’s okay if you don’t want to help me.” She conceded with a frown.

I could feel that she was upset by the way our conversation went. And that made me worry. I didn’t want her to feel like I didn't want to help her.

“Anj, it’s you who doesn’t understand. You know, it’s not that simple. I would act as someone's wife. And you’re fully aware of what a married couple does. And that’s okay with you?” I explained calmly, hoping that she would understand me this time.

“Remember that it’s only an arranged marriage. Thus, no love between us. And come to think of it, we don’t know each other yet which means that we will start getting to know each other first. They didn’t even set a honeymoon for us. So, there’s really no chance that we would make love after we get married.” She explained as she stared deeply at me like she was evaluating if I was convinced or not.

I didn’t reply, so she continued. 

“Anyway, I also have an idea of how you could avoid making love with him until I return. If only you would agree.” She divulged. Then she paused for a while before she added, “If only I had a choice, Ash. Of course, I would not put you in this kind of situation. But – but I understand if you will not do it as you promised.”