Chapter 5 Marriage Behind Debt

Emberly's expression turned uncertain upon hearing Alice's serious decision. She felt it was a wrong choice, knowing that Alice was likely compelled to accept Mr. David's offer. She feared her daughter's life might become harder after she had convinced herself of her decision.

For now, Emberly hoped she could still persuade Alice. If Alice's decision solidified and couldn't be changed, Emberly could only resign herself to her daughter marrying someone who wasn't Alice's choice.

"Sweetheart, are you serious about accepting Mr. David's offer?" Emberly asked with a doubtful look after hearing Alice's words. She was quite shocked by the seriousness in Alice's statement. Emberly believed her youngest daughter was making a drastic choice by accepting Mr. David's offer. She knew Alice must be doing this under duress and feared Alice's life would become even more difficult once she was sure of her decision.

"I am, Mom," Alice responded, sounding resolute without a hint of hesitation. However, deep down, she was unsure and afraid of the decision she had made. But Alice pretended to be okay, not burdened by the decision she had made herself.

Alice had to convince herself; she did all this to make her mother's life peaceful, away from the burden of her father's debts. She didn't want to trouble her sister-in-law, Anne, who had just been married for half a year. Alice understood Anne also had her own household needs and didn't want to make her worry about their father's debts.

Emberly shifted to face Alice directly. "Alice, please reconsider. It seems your decision isn't convincing yet, and I'm sure you're not entirely certain about what you've chosen," she said, her gaze fixed on Alice's eyes that had just lifted after previously bowing down, afraid to see her mother's response.

Alice smiled faintly, thinking this gesture would assure her mother of her decision. "No, Mom, my decision is final. I'm accepting Mr. David's offer to marry his son," she replied, sounding firm. Again, it was just Alice's pretense, not wanting to make her mother suspicious or worried that she was doing this out of compulsion.

Emberly shook her head, disagreeing with what Alice said. "No, Alice, you don't even know who Mr. David's son is, and you're confidently accepting Mr. David's offer?"

"Don't force yourself to accept Mr. David's offer. Mommy and your brother will surely find a way out of this problem, so you shouldn't make a decision that could slowly break you. Marriage happens only once in a lifetime, Alice. Mommy doesn't want you to marry someone who isn't your choice. Moreover, you don't even know Mr. David's son, right?"

Emberly continued her lengthy advice, trying to persuade Alice, who remained silent and listened. Even now, Alice was still pondering all of her mother's advice, which was entirely right. However, Alice still had to force herself to accept David's offer. Alice wanted her family's problems to be resolved quickly.

"I'm certain about my decision, Mom. I won't change it because it's final. I'm saying this to inform you, not to ask for your opinion," Alice responded smoothly, her face serious as if she was slightly offended by what her mother said.

Emberly stared deep into Alice's eyes, searching for any hint of dishonesty. But not long after she gazed at Alice, her daughter turned her face toward the TV screen.

This action further confirmed Emberly's suspicion that Alice was forced into her decision. Emberly sighed heavily.

"I beg you, please reconsider your decision, Alice, because Mommy wants you to marry only once. Marriage isn't something to joke about or take lightly. It needs to be thought through carefully for the future."

"If you're truly certain, Mommy suggests you meet Mr. David's son first, just to get to know him, even if it's only briefly. If you find he's not right for you, that could change your mind," Emberly continued to advise Alice to change her mind. She strongly disagreed with Alice marrying someone she didn't know.

"Yes, Mom, I'll talk to Mr. David to meet his son. But if I'm not allowed to meet or talk to his son, I'll just accept Mr. David's decision," Alice replied, although she wasn't confident in what she said. Alice was hesitant to say that to Mr. David.

"You'll do it yourself? Don't you need Donny's help to talk to Mr. David? Donny could help you, Alice," Emberly suggested, immediately countered by Alice, who was actually quite stubborn.

"No need, Mom. I can manage on my own. I don't want to bother Brother Donny," Alice said convincingly with a smile.

"And one more thing, I'd appreciate it if you don't talk about this to Sister Anne and Donny yet. Let me handle it and I'll tell them later when I'm ready to hear their advice. Maybe I'll tell them over the phone when they're back at their house so I don't have to hear Anne's nagging," Alice requested of her mother. Her face pleaded with her mother to grant this wish.

Emberly sighed upon hearing her youngest daughter's heavy request. She always found it difficult to hide her daughter's problems.

"Alright, but Mommy can't promise," Emberly responded, making Alice instantly hug her mother's arm tightly. Don't forget Alice's pleading gaze, resembling that of a kitten.

Emberly sighed softly at the sight. "Okay, Alice, Mommy will try."