*****
All eyes were on Aksa. They couldn't believe what he had just said.
"Don't joke, Aksa. This isn't just about pride. It's also about your relationship with Almira. Your future, son," Zora said, approaching her son.
Almira's eyes were still fixed on Aksa. She couldn't believe Aksa's decision. She had always known Aksa as a very cold person. He never even spoke to her. Furthermore, Aksa had chosen to run his family's company out of town. This made Almira wonder about Aksa's intentions in marrying Almira instead of his younger brother.
"Maybe that's the best solution, Aksa. Papa agrees. That way, this event will still go on even without Galang," Bastian agreed.
"Agree, you say? You're only thinking about your pride without asking Almira's opinion on this. It's Almira who will be the one going through this, not you," Marina protested.
"I don't agree with Almira marrying Aksa. Aksa isn't the one who should be responsible for Galang leaving his wedding. And I don't want Almira's future to be unhappy because you only care about your own pride," Marina said again.
"Marina... calm down. I don't agree with this either," Zora said.
"Dad, Aksa can't replace Galang. This isn't as easy as we think. Please think about how Almira feels right now," Zora said, hoping Bastian would think of another way.
"Aksa... I know you want to save our family's reputation. But I don't agree with you sacrificing your feelings and Almira's because of Galang's selfishness," Zora added to Aksa.
"But mom..." Aksa argued.
"Enough, Aksa," Marina interrupted.
Zora moved closer to Almira. She stared at the girl's face, which was already wet with tears.
"No, son. Maybe Galang isn't a good match for Almira. But I don't want Almira to marry a man she doesn't love. It's better to cancel this event," he said, staring into Almira's sad eyes. He could see the devastation in the eyes of the girl he had been with for twenty-five years.
"Zora. What are you saying? Do you want people to talk about this out there? They'll all embarrass us because of Galang? I don't agree," Bastian retorted, half-shouting.
"Enough, Dad. Enough. Enough thinking about other people's opinions. Stop worrying about what others think of our family. Now... we should be thinking about Almira's feelings. The girl who should have found happiness today... is hurt because of our son," Zora snapped.
Zora joined Almira in sobbing. She almost collapsed to the floor if Almira hadn't been supporting her shoulders with her hands.
"Don't say that, Auntie. It's not just Almira who's hurt because of Galang, but you and your family are hurt because of him too. And Almira can't stand it if people out there talk badly about this family, Auntie. Almira has considered this family like her own. And Almira will do the same with Aksa. For the sake of the good name and dignity of the Rahardian family," Almira said in a slightly calmer tone now. Although she could still hear her sobs.
"I know you'll do what's best for this family, Almira. But not at the expense of your future. I don't agree with you marrying Aksa. This wedding should be canceled. We'll go home and get back to our lives as before. And as for Galang, you have to forget him. Just pretend you never knew him... And this family, too. A family that only prioritizes their own pride over yours," Marina protested again.
Marina really couldn't accept that Almira had to continue her marriage, but with Aksa. As a sense of responsibility for his sister's actions, he felt for Almira and his family.
"I built the company and the good name of Rahardian from scratch. Now I don't want it all to end in vain just because of an irresponsible son like Galang. This wedding must go on even though Galang will no longer be the groom," Bastian said.
"What do you mean, Dad?" Zora asked.
"Almira... Will you marry Aksa for us, dear?" Bastian asked, looking at Almira.
His eyes showed a look of hope. With eyes that also held anger and a million sorrows, he pleaded with his future son-in-law.
"Bastian... Are you crazy? Almira will not marry Aksa!" Marina shouted in disapproval.
"Marriage is not a game, Bastian. It's a bond and a great responsibility. It's not enough to just use self-respect and the family's good name as an excuse."
Bastian could no longer deny every word Marina had said. He approached the chair and sat down.
"Aunt Marina... Let's just say this marriage was forced to save my family's reputation. But here, we're also thinking about Almira's reputation. What would people say if Almira didn't get married? Galang didn't show up for their wedding? It's possible that people would think Almira made a mistake and Galang wouldn't show up for her wedding, right? This is just the way it is... Because, in truth, marriage is God's plan for our future," Aksa replied.
Almira stared at Aksa silently. Having not heard Aksa's voice for a long time, Aksa now spoke like a savior in Almira's painful life. Aksa's very gentle words shattered Almira's heart amidst the heated argument.
"Aksa will still marry Almira today," Aksa said firmly again.
Almira's body suddenly froze. Her blood flow seemed to stop. She fell silent and went limp at the same time. All eyes were now on the girl who had been raised solely by her aunt.
"What about you, Almira?" Marina asked softly.
"Almira, darling," Marina called.
Almira looked at Marina hesitantly. Her heart was trembling. Cold sweat continued to pour down her face. She looked at her aunt's face, then at Zora, and finally at Aksa, who wasn't looking at her at all.
Aksa's eyes moved to Almira's. They locked eyes. And for the first time, their hearts fluttered. Not as other people. But as prospective brides and grooms.
There were problems to be resolved. There were wounds still hidden. There was a heart she had to protect. And a debt of gratitude she had to repay.
"If Aksa is willing, Almira is willing too, Auntie," Almira replied resignedly.
"Really, Almira?" Bastian asked with sparkling eyes.
Almira simply nodded, and Zora immediately hugged her future daughter-in-law.
"Thank you, dear. We are indebted to you. Auntie will never take you for granted," Zora said, kissing Almira's forehead. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Bastian couldn't hide his emotion. The owner of the international hotel was so amazed by Aksa and Almira's decision. He hugged Aksa tightly.
"Thank you, Aksa," Bastian said.
Aksa simply nodded, smiling wryly as he looked at Almira, who was still in her mother's arms.
*
*
*
"I accept the marriage and the marriage of Almira Wardani with a dowry of one hundred grams paid in cash."
"What about the witnesses? Is it valid?"
" Valid."
" Alhamdulillah."
After the marriage vows, Aksa offered the back of his hand, and Almira immediately kissed him reverently. After that, Aksa kissed Almira's head passionately. Almira immediately burst into tears.
She was so happy to be married. But this wasn't the kind of marriage she had hoped for. Marriage to Aksa hadn't been on her radar.
"Where are you, Lang? Why did you do this to me? What did I do wrong to you, Galang, that you couldn't bear to come to our wedding. The wedding we've been planning for so long?" Almira cried.
***
Aksa and Almira are finally married, right? But what about Almira's heart? Who might still have hope for Galang?