MARRIAGE AGREEMENTS
ALVARO-LETHICIA

With a bitter feeling the bridegroom gulped. Patting her partner's hands gently. “Quiet, Aileen. If anyone should get punishment from God, I am the only one who will bear it. Because I proposed this marriage charade. Isn't that right?”

Aileen looked at him doubtfully. Samuel nodded his head firmly. His eyes are so shady. Making Aileen's heart gradually calm down again.

“Thank you, Sam,” said the woman was sincere.

“For what?” ask the astonished man.

“For...being a very good friend to me,” replied Aileen with a sweet smile.

Samuel's heart was broken for a moment. I sat next to the angel whose heart I did not have, the young man's mind went missing. Yes already. The important thing is that he can be happy and not feel pressured to marry me.

***

That day felt like a dream for Aileen. She stepped onto the altar of the church accompanied by Samuel who in a matter of minutes would officially become her husband in the eyes of the religion and law of this country. When he made a solemn pledge to live with a man who was not his lover, his heart was hurt. I'm sorry, James. Forgive me, he said many times in his heart. His feeling is very sad.

Likewise, when she and Samuel were confirmed by the priestess as lawful spouses in the eyes of God, Aileen was ceaselessly begging God for forgiveness in her heart. Truly he sinned greatly to desecrate the sanctity of the Father's house by going to marry a man who meant nothing to him.

I was like standing on a stage. Not the altar of the Most Holy Father, his mind is grievous.

And the woman's heart was racing as Samuel wore a diamond-encrusted white gold wedding ring on his ring finger. Geez, thought Aileen hot. It was James who put the ring on my finger. Not this guy!

Next in a hurry the woman wore the exact same diamond ring on the groom's ring finger. Samuel who felt the nervousness of his wife just smiled awkwardly. Thank you, Aileen, her mind is relieved. You have tried hard to run this charade well.

And when the man kissed his wife's cheeks as the ritual continued to inaugurate their marriage, Aileen could only smile wryly. His heart felt guilty for James.

Similarly, when he had to sign both religious and civil marriage documents, his right hand shook violently. Samuel clapped his hands at a glance and whispered, “It’s ok, Aileen. Just chill. Just two years, really..”.

The bride nodded slowly. Yes, only two years, Aileen Benjamin, her mind is firm. Just sign it. After two years, you are free!

After a long sigh, the documents were signed. “Good job, Aileen's. Thank you,” Samuel whispered again.

***

The reception of Samuel and Aileen's wedding took place very lively in a five-star hotel in Surabaya. The grand ballroom where the party was held was decorated with various living flower arrangements that looked very elegant. The theme of the event is the outdoor atmosphere of the French royal garden. In addition to a variety of ornamental plants are also provided a large fountain pond in the middle of the room that adds to the vibrant atmosphere.

The event opened with the presence of two MCs who were the famous male and female presenters of the capital. They greeted the guests cheerfully. Then make small talk by throwing jokes that make the audience feel entertained.

As the two MCs exclaimed to welcome the arrival of the bride and groom, all views of the guests were immediately directed at the grand ballroom's main door that was wide open. A wheeled horse-drawn carriage was driven by a French royal costumed driver. The train is round, white with a combination of gold, and filled with thin heart-shaped trellises.  Inside are the grooms and ladies who are kings and queens a day at the party.

Guests are bewitched in a Cinderella wedding story in a children's fairy tale. Not to mention the party dress worn by the groom's mother also invited the attention of the audience. The luxurious green dress is a combination of gold with a long and wide tail like a peacock!

The two MCs on stage unceasingly praised the beauty of the bride and the glamour of her mother-in-law. Aunt Tina really didn't want to lose to me tonight, Aileen thought amusedly. The queen mother managed to show her fangs by wearing a phenomenal peacock dress!

Meanwhile Ernie was wearing a dress of the exact same material as her besi but the model was simpler. Aileen looked at her mother affectionately. In her eyes the woman always looked graceful with any model clothes. Her aura of beauty radiated from her simple and thoughtful personality. How lucky Papa was to have such a patient and faithful Mama accompany him in joy and sorrow, the inner daughter of Ernie was enchanted.

The man sitting in the car with her. If this man wasn't Samuel, it was James…. How happy my heart is, she lamented in her heart. She admits that her marriage was designed so perfectly by Tina. Perhaps even if he were to divorce Samuel and marry James, his second marriage would not be this bright. Maybe even far below it! However, after all for Aileen the most important thing was the man with her wading through the ripples of marriage. Not a glamorous party that only happens in one night!

Thus the bride who is considered by the audience so lucky because it was hosted by a crazy rich Surabaya, it did not feel the slightest happiness in her heart. She even strengthened her heart to undergo ritual after ritual marriage in front of the crowd in order to cement her status as the legitimate wife of Samuel Manasseh, the sole heir to the country's most famous kitchenware company.

***

Finally finished the phenomenal wedding. Aileen's body felt sore as a result of too long standing on the stage to greet the guests. At the end of the event he still had to smile happily and stand up again to take pictures with all the family, friends, and other guests.

His own friends who were invited were not many. Only seven people. They come with their respective partners on average. Not one of them has been married. Aileen smiled in response to the congratulations of her friends and their hope for a happy life with Samuel. He experienced the hands of his friends one by one and invited them to take pictures together. None of the young men realized how much the bride did not really enjoy her own wedding.

After the photo show was over and the guests left the grand ballroom, Aileen invited her husband to leave the place immediately.

“I have not been strong to stand for long, Sam,” he lamented while grimacing. “Honestly my body is sore. Especially feet. Cinderella's high heels your mama's choice made me tormented.”