There he is. Standing 2 meters away from me with a small smile on his face. His neatly slick back hair matched well with his dazing face. As I was walking down the aisle, his intense stare glare deep into mine, telling me, begging to stop all of this. He was telling me that he didn’t want any of this. But I want it and I couldn’t bring myself to comply what he wants, because I love him. I couldn’t let him go even if I have to endure the consequences of marrying the person who is forced to marry me.

It started all the way back to when we were young. My parents and his have been best friend since birth. I remembered hearing them talking about our marriage and how all the best thing will come afterward. But they never know. They have never known that Kris despise me. He doesn’t like me at all. He called me clingy, annoying and a brat who always get what she wants. Nevertheless, I still love him. I admit that I was clingy towards him. I followed him, stalked him and even transferred my school to be with him. But, things got worse than before. I found out he had a girlfriend whom he loved to dead. I was infuriated. We were engaged and he was cheating. I went too far to the point that bullying her would make her stay away from him. I tried everything to break them apart and I failed plus Kris is starting to avoid me and even wanted to broke off our engagement.

Kris took my hand from my father and guided me towards the priest. I could tell that he was unwillingly to do so as his grip on my hand was quite hard.

“Kris Anderson, do you take Jessica Huderson to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honor her all the days of your life?” “I……do.”

“Jessica Huderson do you take Kris Anderson to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honor her all the days of your life?” “I do.”

As we exchanged vow, I saw a person got up and left the room at the corner of my eyes. Her heels softly echoed the hall as she ran away. From instinct, I grabbed Kris’s hand, preventing him from going. After all, he is becoming my husband and chasing after another woman on our wedding day seem outrageous.

“Jessica, you’re gonna regret this. I will never give you the love that you desire so much.” Kris whispered into my ear, making sure he emphasized every words for me to hear loud and clear. “I love you, too.” I said and sealed it with a kiss. I vowed to myself that I won’t let this marriage fail. Even if the biggest obstacle is winning his heart.

“Jess!” My mother comes and holds my hands in hers. I can see that she’s happy now, seeing me getting married, having a family of my own. My father shows up behind my mother and Kris’s shoulder. “Take care of her.” Kris nodded with a smile. “Make sure to love each other and be considerate when things happen, alright?” His dad said with a proud smile on his face. “We will.” I said.

“We’ll sleep separately. You’ll sleep in that room.” He pointed to the room at the far end. Right, we’re here now. Our house and as a couple, he wanted to sleep by himself. I let out a small sigh before glancing at him. “Why? We are husband and wife—“ “By name and those papers.” He cut me off immediately.

“But still----“ “I don’t love you Jessica and never ever will. Don’t think that this shitty marriage will tie me down. I will obviously divorce you one day.” He slammed the door shut leaving me frozen in my spot. That hurt. Does he hate me that much? Can he just give me a chance, even just a little bit? I held back my tears and quickly dragged my luggage to my room. I have to be strong or else things will not work out.

A week past by quickly than ever, Kris didn’t talk to me, not even a word. No matter how much I tried talking to him, he wouldn’t spare me a glance or words. He acted like there’s no one else in this house beside him. But it’s fine. I will try harder than this. There’s no way he can’t see through my love for him.

8PM

The front door burst open and Kris showed up. He’s back from work. I smiled excitingly and helped him take off his coat.

“How’s work today, Kris? Have you eaten? I make you dinner, go and take a shower first. I’ll-----“

“Look, Jessica.” After weeks, he finally looked at me straight in the eyes. I stared back at him happily, waiting for him to speak. “Stop trying. Whatever you are trying to do, it is not gonna work. So stop it. I’m annoyed.” “What?”

“You heard me. I don’t want any of this. Whatever you are trying, stop! Don’t try anymore while I’m still nice to you.” He snatched his coat back before going to his room. A tear slipped out of my eyes. One after another. I cannot stop my tears nor this painful tinge in my heart.