"We can't trust anybody but you to be Ervan's wife, Frenda." The woman whom she had known for the last 15 years as an angel who became her adoptive mother suddenly said ridiculous words that surprised her.
Frenda still couldn't give any reaction other than to sit still and gape in confusion.
"We know this is too sudden for you, but at your age, isn't it right that Daddy and Mommy try looking for a husband for you?"
Again, Frenda still couldn't react. The only thing she did was blink and stare at her adoptive parents in disbelief.
They have proposed a ridiculous marriage arrangement between Frenda—the adopted child they've been supporting for the last 15 years- and Ervan—their own son.
Is she dreaming? Because all this time, she had never once thought that her adoptive parents would propose an arranged marriage for their son with an orphaned woman like her.
Frenda has been recognized as an adopted child, but so far, she does not live at home with her parents, nor does she know the figure of Ervan, who has inherited his father's business to lead a model agency that is quite famous. Everything about Ervan sounded like a far-fetched fantasy to Frenda. Especially, when she remembers her status as an adopted child.
"I…"
Frenda was at a loss for words.
She could not accept the arranged marriage but also had no courage to refuse.
Because apart from being indebted for the kindness and compassion of her adoptive parents, she also feels that she has no right to refuse a perfect man like Ervan.
Ervan with all his success is not a suitable comparison for her, who is currently working as an accountant in one of the leading public accounting firms, commonly known as the Big Four Company.
"We won't force you, Dear. Don't feel burdened by this request. You can refuse if you feel that Ervan doesn't fit—"
"Mom," Frenda cut off the woman sitting across from her with a hopeful look. She rubbed the back of her mother's hand, feeling the softness of her skin and the kindness of her heart that radiated clearly through every soft word from her lips, "how could I refuse?"
"You could," Her adoptive father joined in, "if you feel this isn't going the way you want, you can refuse, Frenda."
Frenda took a deep breath, "what path do I want?" she muttered curtly, "I'm an orphan, Dad. But you guys were kind and helped me for the last 15 years. I can be like this because of your kindness. You are always sufficient for my every need. Before I even had the chance to ask, you've already fulfilled everything. I think there's nothing wrong if I try to fulfill one of your requests, right?" Frenda wore a smile at the corners of her lips.
"So you agree?" Her adoptive mother returned her gaze full of hope.
"The problem is not me, but Ervan," Frenda giggled, " Is he willing to be asked to marry an ordinary girl?"
She hopes Ervan will refuse the ridiculous arranged marriage because he doesn't accept his parents' plan. Because even though Frenda never knew Ervan's personality, she was sure that a moderate man with free thinking like Ervan would not want to be trapped in a marriage relationship with an obscure woman from an orphanage. Moreover, apart from being an orphan, her status was also the adopted child of his parents.
"You don't have to worry about that problem. Let me take care of everything." Her mother wiped her tears full of emotion, "I'm happy because you will be the daughter-in-law of our family, Dear." She said as she pulled Frenda into a hug.
Frenda had no right to refuse, but she was sure that Ervan would refuse when his parents revealed their plans.
Yes, she is sure that Ervan will reject that...
Unfortunately, Frenda's expectations about Ervan were wrong.
Because, two years later… Frenda had difficulty swallowing her saliva because now she was sitting side by side with Ervan at their wedding reception.
Ervan did not refuse. He accepted the ridiculous arranged marriage that Frenda wanted to refuse at first. And now they both must be trapped in sacred marriage vows witnessed by the entire extended family, friends, and their co-workers.
They have a real wedding—a perfect and luxurious wedding party. But for a moment, they forget that a perfect wedding is only the beginning of an imperfect marriage. Wedding parties do not guarantee that life after marriage will always be filled with perfection. An unperfect marriage that leads them to a second chance.