Ah. I forgot another strong possible reason.
Dignity. Ummm..is this to cover the shame of missing bride at the wedding? If this is true, this totally will nullify any objection that I may have. But I don't think this is the best solution of crisis that we have on.
On the other hand, if I placed myself on me the groom's shoes. The four lists of consideration I mention just now will also be applied to me. Urghhh. Not good. I can't help from wrinkled my own forehead.
First. The bride must be super beautiful.
I'm plain enough if compared to my older sister.
Second. Must come from a richer family.
I'm sorry. Disqualified on the spot. We are just average family with father, the breadwinner as salary working man.
Third.Must have equal value of intelligence or hidden talents that the groom recognize.
Harsh enough, if cleaning the plate with my gluttony skill can be counted, I don't think I have another talent, unique whatsoever. But I think I'm average smart though (even though my friends forever keep reminding that I'm also has a few loosen screw too). Because here I am, torturing my poor brain analyzing things just now.
Normal teenage girls might jump and say "YES! YES!YES!, right?
I mean, hey come on, is there any female in this world want to say no if you get the chance to marry super hot rich guy plus a single on top of that? Minus after meeting him about ..errr.. 1 minute and a half?
Fourth. ULTERIOR MOTIVE maybe with additional "s" behind the scene.
Well, does he even has a motive? The motive is not the right words. What he will gain from swapping the bride? It's not like I'm the one who forced his hand to marry me. We don't even know each other! After all, if the groom and Sis Gie weren't in love, they won't go as far as tying the knot, will they?
Aha! Fisting my right hand, I smack it with my left open palm. I'm having a light bulb-appear-above-my-head moment! If brother-in-law doesn't agree, then all this become pointless.
"I'm sorry, father. But marriage involves two consent party. It's wrong to do this to Sis Genie and brother-in-law definitely won't agree it." I said so seriously while at the same time try really hard to hide my joy for avoiding this catastrophe.
Missing bride on the wedding day already a big scandal. Replacement with bride's sister? The guests' tongues won't stop wagging for sure! Especially when we practically serve this juicy gossip to our busybody relatives. Please, I don't want to torture my overworked brain try to imagine the nightmare I might face later.
Good job my brain. We managed to untangle ourselves from this mess. There's no way the groom will say yes in this situation in the first place. Father just an ordinary man, nor did he has the unknown superpower to coerce my maybe-or-may be-not-become-brother -in- law from following this through. I really want to pat my own head but restrain it out of respect in front of my father.
"He agrees with it."
Just one simple sentence from my father. And I'm back to the square one. Not only that, here I thought I successfully walk out from the mess but somehow I fall down to even bigger MESS!!
Is he out of his mind?
I'm tired..physically and mentally. Feeling dizzy I slump on the bride-bed. Where are you, big sister?!!
Looking at her dejected daughter, Marshall's heart feeling more heavier. But the deed must be done.
"Father, is it the only option we have?" I ask with eyes full of pleading, hoping he withdraw his request.
Marshall just nodded.
"Can I talk to the groom first?" I ask weakly.
From father expression, it seems he wants to say something but in the end, he just nodded and walk out. And I have no interest to know the thing he left unsaid either when the situation right now will remain unchanged.
Feeling depressed, I just staring at the floor while waiting for the person who will, at any moment forcefully barging into my life. I heard footsteps entering the room but still, I didn't raise my head until I saw two big feet appear in the line of my sight.
Reluctantly I raised eyes and locked into two pairs of expressionless eyes.
Too bad the pair of eyes belongs to the man who outshines the other two companion. I still remember my grandma's advice when choosing a husband. Pick the plain one. They tend to be more loyal toward their partner.
A few minutes pass with staring competition. The other person stubbornly remains quiet. Left with no choice, I reluctantly break the silence.
"What's the catch?"
His eyebrow twitch. Then a deep and rough voice greeted my ear.
"Win-win situation."
This time I just raised my eyebrow, signaling him to elaborate it further. Instead, he just answers it with a single sentence.
"Your father needs son-in-law and I need a bride."
His response leaves me dumbstruck. Just like that?
"What about my big sister?" I blurted out
"Is she here now?" he asked deadpan.
I rub my face a couple of times. Sitting down while others towering you making you feel a little bit intimidated. Scratch that. Really intimidated. I rise and step closer to his personal space, try to gauging his face expression.
"Don't you love her? Isn't this the main reason why both of you are getting married today?"
I was so enraged with his nonchalant attitude. Why can't he be more serious? This decision will greatly impact three people!!
I started questioning my big sister's judgment in looking a man. What did you see in him, big sister of mine???!!