"Don't pay attention to the states and words of others. Focus on this wedding. Live your role well and keep smiling," said Dominic to her.
For the first time, that man spoke her words. Although the tone was intimidating and seemed very cold, Radella did not dare to say a single word in front of the man and chose to nod her head slowly.
"Dominic Toretto, are you willing to marry Radella Amadeus Yori? Promise to always be together in joy and sorrow and love her sincerely?"
"I do ..."
"Radella Amadeus Yori, will you accept Dominic Toretto as your husband? Promise to always be together in joy and sorrow, and love him sincerely?"
"I do ..."
One stage had passed well for her. Both families could breathe a sigh of relief. They were very happy that Dominic was finally willing to marry Radella as a replacement bride for Jessica Yori who had gone who knows where.
Her parents-in-law are very proud and appreciate Radela who is willing to sacrifice for the honor of both parents and also the Toretto family. "Thank you for saving us all, Radella," said Adolf Toretto- her father-in-law.
"That is my duty as a child, Uncle. Forgive the mistakes my sister made," she said respectfully.
"From now on, think of us as your parents. Because you are the daughter-in-law of the Toretto family now. Don't feel awkward anymore," he said lovingly.
Different things with Mother-in-law who Radella disliked. In the woman's mind, she was just a replacement bride that she could get rid of at any time when Jessica-her dream daughter-in-law candidate-returned and married her son.
She only gave her a glance before finally refocusing on the guests who came one after another to congratulate the marriage of the Toretto family's son. Meanwhile, Dominic, who has now officially become Radella's husband, chose not to care about what was happening.
"What kind of marriage am I living in right now, God? Give me the strength to be able to continue to endure all," she said silently.
"You can sleep in that bed if you want. Meanwhile, I will sleep in another room. Don't worry, they won't know that we're not sleeping separately. Because, I purposely booked hotel rooms that are connected to each other without our families knowing."
Eve was silent when her husband spoke to her for the first time after the reception. She didn't expect him to have thought about this so far. Meanwhile, throughout the reception she was thinking about the first night she didn't want to have with him.
"I will never touch you, Radella. You're not the woman of my choice, so stay like this until it's time for my woman to come back and we'll get married after we separate of course," said Dominic to his wife–Radella.
"Cih, I don't want to be touched by you either. If it wasn't for saving our family's pride and honor, I wouldn't want to replace Jessica to marry you. Get out of here! I want to rest," she replied sarcastically, shooing the arrogant man out of their bridal suite.
"Arrogant!" said Dominic as he left through the other door connecting the main rooms.
Radella immediately locked the door connecting their rooms. Then, later, she took off her wedding dress and cleaned up. She chose to go straight to bed because she was too tired from the wedding party.
For some reason, she could not close her eyes that night. In fact, her body was too tired because of the time-consuming procession of events as well as energy. Plus, there were many guests from Toretto's family colleagues and also his family.
Finally, she chose to get out of bed and walk to the balcony in the hotel room. Again, it was because of pride that their family bought them the most expensive room in this five-star hotel with unquestionable facilities. However, their parents never knew that the room Dominic booked was connected to another hotel room.
He deliberately asked the hotel to find the best room according to his parents' request. However, Dominic asked them to keep the connecting room a secret.
This is where she is right now. Standing on the edge of the balcony looking up at the sky and the glittering city. While thinking about her fate after getting married to her sister's fiancé. Continuing to curse her foolishness for willing to take Jessica's place as a substitute bride. Wailing sadly at the thought of Theo Lazuardi-her lover who did not yet know about the decision that was made unilaterally.
"What should I tell him later if he comes back? Jess, why do you always put me in such a difficult position? Why don't you just tell him to cancel your arranged marriage without involving me?" Radella said between sadness and anger at her sister.
She never thought that their conversation over video call one week before the wedding would be their last. Because, after that, her sister didn't contact her at all.
In fact, when she arrived one day before her sister's wedding, she didn't get a happy welcome from her parents. Instead, it was the sad news of her brother's passing and her father's request to replace her sister as the bride.
"I seem to have my doubts about this wedding plan, Radella. For some reason, I feel that there is no compatibility between the two of us. I think Dominic is too cold and not as aggressive as my other exes," said her sister casually.
"You don't mess with me, Sista. Remember, you're the one who agreed to this arranged marriage. Don't let mom and dad find out about this and make them angry," said Radella to her sister who only laughed at the panic on her face.
"Hahaha, in that case, why don't you take over so that mom and dad won't be angry? What do you think?" said her sister with a crazy idea that scared Hana even more.
"You're crazy! I already have a boyfriend, and I will never go along with that crazy idea. It would be better for you to meet him one more time and talk about this together. Who knows, that way there's a way out," she suggested, but her sister ignored it.
"It's useless, it will only get me in big trouble," Jessica replied. "Never mind, you better go back home and help me prepare for the wedding. I'll close up first, bye."
She again stared at the darkening sky. The air was getting colder. She decided to go in when a drizzle began to fall on the balcony. Wiping away the tears that mixed with the raindrops.
"Why did you make the decision to bring me into your personal problems, Sista? Haven't you made it hard enough for me? Ever since I was little, I've always given in and been your shield. How long will this last?" said her softly.
Morning came. Radella was ready for Dominic's arrival and began the charade of their romance in front of their parents who were waiting to have breakfast together for the first time as a married couple. She opened the connecting door after Kevin sent a message.
"Act like a newlywed couple. Don't show a sad face as if you regret this marriage," Dominic said coldly.
"I would have done it without you even asking. Even though it feels sickening to have to put on an act. When is Jessica coming back, so I can be free from this burden," she said hopefully without caring about her husband's feelings.
"We better get downstairs before they starve to death waiting for us," he said, changing the subject.
They left the room together. After that, they entered the elevator to the ballroom to meet their parents and extended family who were staying at the same hotel before finally returning to their respective homes.
Today, both of them were scheduled to leave for Europe for their honeymoon as planned before Jessica decided to run away from home.
Unintentionally, they met Dominic's two female cousins in the same elevator.
Both of them seem to be looking for attention from him, who responds coldly. It was different when both of them only glanced sarcastically at Radella who responded with a mocking smile.
"Apparently, Jessica Yori is much prettier than her sister–Radella Amadeus Yori. You should have found Jessica and brought her back so you could get married. Instead of making her sister a replacement bride," one of them sarcastically quipped.
"Cyra is right. You should have looked for Jessica. Not—"
"Are you guys so smart that you're teaching me? Better take care of yourselves and stay out of my business. Got it!" said Dominic looking at both of them sharply.
"Got it, bro. We're sorry," they said simultaneously and rushed out as the elevator doors opened.
Radella just laughed at the behavior of the two young girls who in her opinion did not reflect the attitude of a girl from the upper middle class. After that, she glanced at Dominic who was the same as the two girls.
"Don't compare myself to those two girls. They didn't get a good upbringing from their parents who were very busy with business," Dominic said as if he knew Radella's heart.
"Apart from being a cold man, it turns out you have a talent for being psychic," she said as if mocking her husband.
"Is that how you judge your own husband, Radella?" asked him as he continued to walk towards the hotel ballroom.
"Remember, I'm only the bride, not your wife. For one thing, you're not my husband!" she emphasized.
"I don't care. But one thing is for sure, you are my wife in the eyes of God," he replied as he pulled Radella's hand away and grasped her fingers so tightly that she felt uncomfortable and tried to let go.
"Let go of my hand, you idiot, I don't like it!" said her, a little rebellious. However, he held her hand even tighter.
"Can't you see? Over there, they're watching the two of us. Don't rebel if you don't want anything to happen to your family," he said to her who immediately changed her attitude to that of a submissive wife and put on her best smile.
"You're a pushover," she swore irritably.
"Keep swearing, because I don't care. Your only job with me is to be the sweet Mrs. Dominic Toretto. Remember, you're just—"
"I'm just a replacement bride. Never mind, don't keep saying those boring things and focus on the play we're about to do, Dom."
Without realizing it, the two of them displayed a chemistry that was clearly displayed in front of everyone. The disputes and disagreements between them seemed to be a complementary spice in both of their households.
As time went by, they realized more and more that something was missing when one of them was not by their side. Everyone even saw how jealous Dominic was when a man tried to talk to her when he took his wife to an important event held by businessmen.
Or, when his cousins tried to make fun of his wife and they laughed carefree. Things he never got when he was still with Jessica Yori–his ex fiance.
"Why am I comparing the two of them now? What's going on with me? Am I starting to fall in love with her?" he said, holding back the pounding in his chest that beat faster when their eyes accidentally met.