The Laws of Marriage

RORA

“Rora, there’s someone on the door for you!”

I just finished my daily makeup when Jill, my roommate, called out from the living room. She sounded excited for some reason.

“In a minute, Jill!”

I wasn’t expecting anyone to visit me at the moment. Also, it’s 7:10 am on a Monday.

After removing the curlers on my hair, I got up and went out of my room. I’m still so tired after the lectures on taxation laws from last night that the exhaustion turned out to be dark circles under my eyes. I did my best to cover it with concealer, but I guess I’m too tired that no concealer can save it.

As soon as I stepped out of the door, I noticed a third person in the living room. He was talking to Jill and she was nodding. It didn’t take long before her eyes met mine and she broke into a grin.

And then the man turned around.

My lips parted. It’s Sean. My fiance.

Sean has sleek black hair that’s always combed back. Since we were in high school he’d been an eye-catcher, which isn’t surprising at all since he’s everyone’s dream type: tall, dark and handsome. He’s also the kindest person I know. Maybe those were also the reasons why my parents chose him to be my future husband. The best they know.

“Rora! I’m sorry I haven’t called beforehand.” - he walked towards me and gave me a peck on the right cheek.

I saw Jill raised her eyebrow. She knows the whole story of how I brought myself in this situation, but this is the first time she’s met Sean.

“It’s okay. Are you here for a meeting in the city?” - I asked. He’s been busy managing his family’s hotel business since the turn of the year.

Sean shook his head.

“No, I visited a potential hotel branch nearby. I just came to drive you to work…maybe?”

I licked my lips. Sean understands the situation, too. He knows I only agreed to the marriage because I had no choice; because it’s the only way my parents would let me continue my law school after finding out about it after three years.

I turned to look at Jill, who nodded frantically.

“Fine. Are you sure?” - I asked.

“Yeah. It’s the least I can do.”

I gave him a shy smile. I guess the last time I saw him was two weeks ago when I visited him at the office to deliver some plans for the wedding. I got caught up with law school stuff right after that. And I guess he got busy with work, too.

I nodded and excused myself to get my bag. From the background, I can see Jill wiping the washed dishes clean and placing them back on the cabinets. She’s already on her work clothes so I guess we’re both ready to go.

-

“Are you sure you haven’t forgotten anything?” - Sean asked as he looked at me up and down.

I frowned and shook my head.

“Nothing, it’s just… I’m used to seeing you with a huge backpack and a thick book on your hand. Don’t you have class tonight?”

I chuckled.

“Nah, Judge Ramona has an urgent work tonight. He can’t meet us for class.”

There’s a sudden illumination on Sean’s face. Behind us, Jill got into the car and closed the door.

“Nice meeting you, Sean. Thank you for doing this.” - Jill said

Sean’s eyes didn’t leave me when he said thanks. And then he started the car and we got on our way.

The car ride was filled with stories of Jill and her pending wedding preparations with Kyle. Between us, I’m the first who got engaged first but their wedding is sooner than mine. Unlike me, she only focused on working at Breather, this entertainment magazine where we both work at. On the 5 pm mark, she then goes home to relax and tend to her personal life. The same time I go to law school for my night classes.

“Shall I turn to the left or to the right?” - Sean

“Left. And then there’s the office… the light green building.” - I said, pointing to the Breather. Alas.

Sean parked the car and Jill said her thanks. When I was about to unbuckle my seat belt, he stopped me by calling my name.

“Yes?”

“Let’s have dinner tonight.” - Sean said.

I gulped. I know the answer should be an automatic yes. I should not be thinking about too deep like this.

“I…”

“Please? I hardly see you these past days.”

A pang of guilt hit me… but what do I do? I’m a junior law student. I have no time for my personal life. However, I know he’s right. I am marrying him, it is a basic principle that I should at least try to spend time with him. To know him better as a husband.

After all, I gave my word to my parents.

“Okay.”

He looked relieved.

“That’s great. I’ll pick you up after work.”

I stretched my lips for a smile and got off the car. Jill waved a goodbye as the car honked. Right when Sean disappeared on the corner, Jill let out a shriek. I bet she has been holding that back since we were at the apartment.

“You didn’t tell me your fiance’s a real life Adonis!”

I frowned. I think that’s an exaggeration.

“Come on, Rora. It’s not like being engaged to this gorgeous man is a bad thing.”

I shot Jill a confused look. I swear I told her this is only an act of compromise. She then raised both her palms in the air.

“Okay, okay You don’t need to be upset with me. Are you meeting him after work?”

I nodded.

“Yes, we’re having dinner tonight.”

Another shriek.

I walked ahead of Jill to the company’s gate. She’s right. Any woman would kill to be Sean’s wife and I’m lucky enough that he finds me attractive.

I guess this dinner won’t be so bad at all.