5 Marry him

The dinner did not take too long as Carmen felt weak afterward. Alexander held her hand as he ushered her to the bedroom. His mannerisms were so soft that Cindy had to quickly look away lest the pent-up feelings come rushing out once again.

Alexander's parents, Roman and Violet Sterling, were also present. They were Carmen's in-laws after all. Mrs. Sterling still looked as young as ever and she smiled at Cindy, "My little Cindy is all grown up now, it has been so long since I last saw you!"

Cindy often frequented the Sterling Mansion as well to accompany her father Oliver Richards, and Mrs. Sterling was very fond of her. She had even teased her once that it would be great if Alexander married her one day. Cindy had blushed then.

She smiled towards her, "I have been fine. I also missed you very much when I was away!"

Violet laughed quietly, but the happiness did not reach her eyes. It was either because of the somber mood or she was thinking of something else.

Oliver Richards, Cindy's father, sat on the other side next to her mother, Millicent Richards. They were both very silent and staring into the distance. This was a huge matter for them because it was their child. No parent wanted to watch their own child die.

Cindy also stayed silent. The food on the table remained untouched as the workers came to clear it. No one was in the mood for anything.

Alexander suddenly walked in from the bedroom and looked towards her, "She wants to see you."

Cindy's eyes felt heavy for some reason, and her vision blurred momentarily. She stood up slowly and walked inside with Alexander following closely behind. She turned around, "You are coming in too?"

Alexander nodded solemnly.

Cindy found Carmen sitting at the edge of the bed. Her thin robes were almost falling off. She smiled as soon as she saw her, "My little Jing, come over…"

Cindy went over and fell into that embrace. Carmen's hands slowly smoothed her hair and back. Alexander stood by the side as he watched this scene unfold.

Carmen let go of Cindy and looked calmly at her. This was the first time they were speaking properly since she came so Cindy listened keenly, "Cindy, you have been running around these past few years making me so worried…I won't be here so don't run anymore around okay? I have always been worried about leaving you here all by yourself so you have to listen carefully to what I say…"

She paused. Cindy did not cry as she expected. Instead, something sharp stabbed her heart, and she almost couldn't breathe. It was as if a part of her was being cut out slowly. She listened as Carmen continued, "I want to leave someone to you. Take care of this person for me as he also takes care of you for me."

Cindy's eyes widened as she saw Carmen retrieve something from the cabinets. It was a marriage agreement. Cindy finally cried, "No."

Carmen laughed, "Yes…of course yes…no one else in this world will take care of you like he will. This is my last wish before I die, Carmen, I want you and Alexander to get married."

Cindy shook her head with all her might. Why was her sister doing this to her?

Carmen smiled as she wiped those tears off Cindy's face, "I have always known and I have also been sorry these past couple of years but you have been gone and I got sick and…" She took in a sharp breath.

Cindy cried, "I cannot sign them…please don't do this to me…he is your husband, you should take care of him by yourself. You should live. I want to be with you for the rest of my life so can you even try to live for him…please, don't go…don't make me sign those papers…"

Carmen looked towards Alexander for help, but he only stayed silent. She turned to Cindy, "He has never been mine, we were never even married in the first place. I am only saying this because he is the only person in this world who could ever be worthy of you…no one else and you are the only person who could be worthy of him, no one else…not even me."

Cindy Richards looked up quickly, "What do you mean?"

Carmen Richards blinked, "It was just a formality. The papers were never signed. You will understand all of this later."

Cindy still didn't understand.

Carmen hugged her, and she did not even explain further. She simply said, "This is my last wish. I have never asked you for anything but this time, please do this for me…and also, stay with me tonight. I want us to be like we were when we were children one more time."

Cindy could not say anything. She silently wiped away her tears as she stared at Alexander who was still standing by the side. He was saying nothing as if this had nothing to do with him in the first place.

Cindy hated all of this yet she still hugged Carmen to sleep.

That night, Carmen asked twice, "Do you promise me?"

Cindy could not take it anymore and said, "I promise…"

Carmen died in her arms that night.