MARRIED WITH BROTHER-IN LAW

"Ashton, I implore you. Marry my sister."

At that moment, Ashton shook his head repeatedly. Instead of accepting Miranda's offer to marry her sister again, he adamantly rejected his wife's request.

Ashton Wolf, a man working as a contractor and lecturer, had officially married Miranda Stone, a designer, just three months ago. Despite knowing from the beginning, before deciding to marry, that Miranda was suffering from stage four brain gland cancer, he chose to maintain the relationship and make her being his wife.

However, Miranda's condition had worsened over time, and she was currently hospitalized. Worried about leaving Ashton alone and with no one to care for him, Miranda asked her husband to marry her sister, especially since Alice was also an orphan, with no one to care for her.

"No. I don't want to!" Ashton flatly refused. "Besides, why should I marry Alice? I love you, Miranda, not someone else."

"Ashton... Alice is my sister. Besides, I can't make you happy. I am seriously ill and can't have children at all. The doctor even said that my life expectancy---"

"Can't last long?" Ashton interrupted immediately as if knowing what his wife was going to say. Though aware of Miranda's possibly short life expectancy, Ashton always dismissed that reality. "Doctors are not Gods. Whatever they predict, you won't go anywhere if it's not your time."

Miranda sighed softly. In her weakened state, she tried hard to convince her husband.

Miranda thought time was running out. Before being called by God, she wanted her husband to fulfill her wishes.

"I beg you. You know that Alice and I are orphans. Our mother passed away a long time ago, and our father has never been known until now. If I'm not here, who will be there for Alice? She's still in college, and I trust no one to protect her."

"Alice is already an adult, Miranda. She's 22 years old. I'm sure she can take care of herself."

"But I can't leave in peace if Alice is unmarried and has no man to take care of her. I beg you to grant my request."

Ashton fell silent momentarily, unsure how to refuse or contradict.

"Anyway, I don't want to marry another woman!"

Seeing how determined Ashton was to fulfill her request, Miranda fell silent. She gazed closely at her husband's face, diving into his brown eyes, and then Miranda whispered.

"Can't you just grant my request once?"

"For God's sake, Miranda. I'll do whatever it takes. Anything. Just don't marry another woman."

Miranda smiled sadly. She nodded, firm in her decision. If Ashton couldn't fulfill her request, she wouldn't force him anymore.

"Fine. I won't force you anymore. But after this, please divorce me. So I won't have any burden when I leave you."

"For God's sake, Miranda, don't be selfish."

Ashton was almost running out of words. Seeing Miranda, who is usually calm, become stubborn again, his wife continued to plead, insisting he marry another woman, which made Ashton feel conflicted.

Ideally, Ashton should be happy. What man wouldn't be pleased to be generously allowed to marry again, especially a young virgin much younger than Ashton or even Miranda herself?

Yet again, Ashton wasn't a man who easily switched his affections. He wasn't a fickle-minded man who agreed to marry again when asked.

"Don't put me in such a difficult position," Ashton weakly expressed.

"Just grant my request once in your life," Miranda murmured, looking deeply into Ashton's eyes. Then she softly muttered, "Can't you just grant my request?"

"Yes, Miranda. I'll do whatever it takes. Just don't marry another woman."

Miranda nodded in agreement with what Ashton said. In her heart, she thought it didn't matter if Ashton didn't immediately love her sister at the beginning of the marriage. The important thing was that Ashton agreed to marry Alice after she was gone.

Moreover, Miranda believed that God could change hearts. She was confident that someday her husband would submit and eventually learn to open his heart and love Alice.

"Thank you for granting my request," Miranda said happily. "If that's the case, after I'm gone, I want you to marry Alice as soon as possible."

"As soon as possible?"

Miranda nodded again.

"Yes. You can marry her immediately, one week after my departure."

"Miranda. Why are you talking as if you're sure you'll leave tomorrow? Aren't you sure that God will extend your life? Are you eager to leave me?"

Miranda shook her head repeatedly.

"Not like that. It's not that I'm happy to leave you. It's more about resigning myself to my current fate. Moreover, death is a certainty. My condition is getting weaker day by day. Rather than wasting time, I'd rather prepare for my departure."

"I still can't rush."

"Why?" Miranda asked curiously.

"How would people react when you've just left, and I'm already prepared to remarry? I have yet to discuss this with our father and mother. Whatever happens, they deserve to know about this major decision."

Miranda nodded understandingly. She couldn't argue with what Ashton had just said. Even though he was an adult and could manage his household, Ashton still needed to inform his parents about this. Moreover, when Miranda was gone, Alice would replace her as the Wolf family's daughter-in-law.

"Alright. Let's discuss this with Papa and Mama first. But I hope you will be okay and later cancel what you promised. After I'm gone, I want you to marry Alice as soon as possible."

Ashton nodded this time. Looking directly at Miranda, he reassured his wife.

"I will never break my promise. I hope, after this, you will be satisfied because you have succeeded in making me marry a woman I don't love at all."

"What?! Marry Ashton?"

"Yes. I beg you, please marry and become Ashton's wife after I'm gone."

Alice shook her head repeatedly. Just arriving at the hospital, she was already confronted with an unreasonable request.

Last night, after returning from class, Miranda contacted Alice. The woman, six years older than Alice, asked her to come to the hospital immediately.

In essence, Miranda and Alice were just stepsiblings. Alice was originally the baby brought by Rauf Alfarezi when he married Fatima, Miranda's mother, who had been a widow for a long time.

Being cared for together made Miranda cherish Alice as a real sister. Until Fatima passed away, Alice stayed with Miranda, as Rauf himself disappeared, leaving the two of them behind.

During last night's phone call, Miranda asked Alice to come quickly, claiming she had something important to discuss. Alice had no idea and never expected that her sister would suddenly ask her to marry her brother-in-law upon arriving at the hospital room.

"Don't be crazy! Why should I marry Ashton?"

Miranda took a deep breath. Staring intently at her sister, she tried to reach for Alice's wrist and gently held it.

Miranda hoped dearly. After explaining, she wished Alice would understand and grant her request.

"Alice, you know that I am seriously ill right now."

"I know that. But it doesn't mean I should accept your very unreasonable request."

"This is not unreasonable, Alice. My time may be running out soon. It could be tomorrow, the day after, or an hour from now that I won't be here anymore.

"And then?"

"I'm just worried that after I'm gone, Ashton will have no one to accompany, care for, and take care of all his needs. Besides, you'll be alone too. No one to watch over and protect. By marrying each other, at least you can complement each other."

"No," Alice shook her head repeatedly. From the look in her eyes, she rejected her sister's request. "Your request is too absurd."

"Alice, I beg you," Miranda pleaded. Tears even fell, wetting her cheeks. "I know this sounds selfish, but I believe you two are compatible and can complement each other. Rather than Ashton marrying another woman, it's better if he marries you. So, please fulfill my last request to marry Ashton after I'm gone."

Alice took a deep breath until her shoulders lifted high. Honestly, she was confused about how to respond. After all, there were many dreams she wanted to pursue after finishing her studies.

Instead of preparing to chase her dreams, she was asked to marry and start a family. Moreover, the partner would be a man she didn't love.

"Don't worry," Miranda continued. "After getting married, you can continue your studies and pursue your career. Besides, Ashton is not the type of husband who likes to restrain."

"It's not that simple," Alice said in confusion. "You know that Ashton is a lecturer at my university. What will other students say if suddenly I marry a campus lecturer and even the brother-in-law of my sister?"

"For a while, you can keep your relationship secret while at the university. Besides, you'll graduate soon, right?"

"Why do you have to force this, huh? Alice also knows that Ashton will definitely-"

"Relax. Ashton has agreed to marry you. Now, it's just up to your decision."

Alice fell silent at that moment. Despite her efforts to object, her words were immediately countered by Alice's final statement that Ashton had agreed to marry her in the future. In this situation, what other way could Alice use to refuse?

"I beg you. I'm not asking for anything. Please grant my last request-"

Before Miranda could finish her sentence, her condition suddenly deteriorated. Her labored breathing made Alice panic, and she immediately called the medical team for assistance.

While crying, Alice prayed, hoping her sister's condition would improve again.

***

In a different place, Ashton intentionally visited his parents' house. He intended to convey Miranda's request for him to remarry after her passing.

"Do you want to marry Miranda's sister? Did I hear that correctly?"

Zein looked surprised to hear what his eldest son was saying. Suddenly dropping by, and now bringing such shocking news.

Zein knew that his son's wife was seriously ill. From the start, he never prohibited Ashton from remarrying and marrying Miranda, who claimed to have a short lifespan.

However, Zein truly did not expect or anticipate. Today, he learned that his son planned to remarry, especially with a woman who was the sister of his daughter-in-law.

"Ashton doesn't want to. But Miranda keeps insisting. She argues that there won't be anyone to watch over and protect her sister after she's gone. So, Ashton came here to ask for your opinion."

"Ashton... Papa is okay with you if you want to remarry as long as you're capable. When do you plan to get married? Are you sure?"

"So, according to Papa, what should Ashton do? Honestly, Ashton doesn't love Alice."

Zein was silent for a moment. Presented with a question by his son, he also started to ponder.

Zein realized that Miranda's condition was worsening. But, he never once thought that his daughter-in-law would willingly let his son remarry.

"Papa has no right to interfere in your household affairs. You're already an adult. You can decide what's good and bad for your life. As long as you can, Papa won't object. The important thing is, after you get married, you must take responsibility. Don't neglect or hurt your wife just because you don't love her."

"Besides, love can grow over time," Hana added, responding to her husband's words. "Papa and Mama even got married because of an arranged marriage and didn't love each other at first. But look at us now. We've been able to endure until this moment, right?"

Ashton remained silent, not giving a response. In his silence, his phone suddenly rang. Seeing an unknown number calling, Ashton intended to ignore it. But, seeing that the number kept calling, he believed there must be something urgent.

"Hello."

"Ashton. It's Alice."

Ashton raised his eyebrows momentarily. Wondering where and for what reason his sister-in-law's sister was calling him. Although he knew Alice was Miranda's sister, Ashton rarely had conversations, let alone greetings, via phone calls or text messages.

"Ashton," Alice called again.

"Y-yes, what's up?"

"Miranda," the woman on the other end said tremblingly.

"Miranda? What happened to Miranda?"

"Her condition is deteriorating. Please come to the hospital quickly."

Ashton didn't say anything more. Ending the call, he hurriedly went with his parents to the hospital.

Upon arrival, Ashton was informed that his wife had been moved to the ICU. Right in front of the room, a doctor was waiting to provide the latest updates and explanations.

"Mr Ashton," called the male doctor handling Miranda's case at the hospital.

"What's happening to my wife, Doc?" Ashton asked anxiously. His face showed concern, fearing something bad had happened to his wife.

"Mrs. Miranda's condition is deteriorating. The medical team and I deeply apologize. We can't do anything more."

The doctor bowed his head, resigned to Miranda's condition, which seemed beyond help.

Meanwhile, Ashton seemed frozen for a moment. His lips felt dry as he struggled to respond.

"I think, Mr Ashton, you should see Mrs. Miranda before it's too late."

Ashton nodded. He quickly stepped into the ICU. There, he found Miranda lying weakly, with Alice by her side, waiting.

"Miranda..." called Ashton when he positioned himself next to his wife.

"Ashton..." Miranda replied weakly. Her eyes looked melancholic, her face clearly showing signs of weakness, as if she was enduring the pain that was currently striking her. "I'm sure my time is near. I'll be gone soon."

"Don't say that, Miranda." Ashton hissed, shaking his head, asking Miranda to stop speaking. "Don't say that. You're not going anywhere. You'll be fine."

"No," replied Miranda. "I'm sure it's time for me to go now. I hope, after I'm gone, you'll keep your promise."

Miranda then glanced at Alice, signaling for her to come closer. "Alice. After I'm gone, Ashton will take care of you. I hope you can live safely and comfortably with him."

Miranda then turned to Ashton again. This time, it was her husband whom she addressed.

"Ashton... I entrust Alice to you. I beg you to take care of her and love her. Please don't ever neglect her. Especially, don't hurt her feelings."

"Miranda-"

"Please keep your promise."

"Miranda, I promise," whispered Ashton softly. His voice sounded heavy, suppressing the sadness that had been gnawing at him as he saw Miranda's condition worsening.

"Ashton... my head hurts so much. It will burst, and I can't bear it anymore."

Ashton then approached, giving her a brief hug. He then brought his face closer, kissing Miranda's cheeks and silently guiding her to recite the tahlil prayer before she finally departed.

Ashton was truly overwhelmed by sadness. On the fourth day after Miranda's departure, he still seemed to linger in the atmosphere of mourning.

Many family members had tried to console him, but Ashton appeared to continue closing himself off. It was as if Miranda's departure had truly shattered his life.

He couldn't even bring himself to start the day for work. Engaging in even the slightest activities, he seemed completely devoid of enthusiasm. It was as if the center of life within Ashton had suddenly stopped rotating forcibly.

"Ashton, how long are you going to be like this? It's not good to linger in sadness for too long," Zein expressed his deep concern. Never before had he seen his son so deeply distressed.

"Mama is sure that Miranda wouldn't want you to mourn her like this," Hana added. Alongside her husband, she tried to make Ashton understand and put an end to his grief. After all, there was no benefit in sinking too deep into sorrow.

"From the beginning, I knew that Miranda was seriously ill and could leave anytime, Ma," Ashton said with a heavy tone. He took repeated breaths, trying to unravel the tightness that seemed to have taken residence in his heart.

"However, it feels so heavy. I know I should be content. But, there are moments when I feel reluctant because there are still many dreams of ours that have not been fulfilled."

Hana, sitting right next to her son, reached out to him. Gently rubbing Ashton's shoulder, she tried to strengthen the 35-year-old man.

"What else can we do? It's Miranda's destiny to reach this point. We can't protest or hold back her departure."

Ashton nodded. However, behind the sadness he felt, there was also an underlying anxiety that troubled his mind.

"I know. I understand that."

"In that case, let's put an end to this sadness," Zein ordered seriously. "It's our duty, as the ones who are still alive, to continue living. Moreover, there are many things and responsibilities that you need to take care of, right?"

Ashton nodded.

"Yes, including marrying Alice as soon as possible. By God, I feel unprepared, Pa," he complained as if overwhelmed. Anyone would feel the same as Ashton. Just being left by a beloved wife and suddenly faced with the promise to remarry.

"But, I can't step back either."

"If you're not ready, should I take your place?"

Suddenly, from behind the bedroom door, El Rumi, Ashton's younger brother, appeared. After hearing his brother's apparent distress, he deliberately approached, intending to lighten the mood with his teasing remarks.

"Besides, Alice is beautiful. According to my eyes and taste, she's even prettier than the late Miranda."

Ashton immediately shot him a sharp look. He couldn't accept the comparison of his late wife to another woman, especially from his own brother.

"Don't speak nonsense, El."

"I'm speaking the truth," Elrumi argued. "Seriously, if you're not interested in marrying Alice, let me take your place and marry her."

"Hush!" Hana immediately pinched El Rumi's arm deliberately. She found her youngest son's behavior amusing. "Do you think marriage is like community service? Can be exchanged or replaced. Don't speak so casually."

El Rumi laughed. Instead of being quiet after being reprimanded, he became more enthusiastic about teasing.

"Well, rather than Ashton being troubled like this, it's better if I replace him, Ma. Instead of wasting it, it's a pity to let a beautiful woman go to waste."

"If only this duty could be delegated or handed over to someone else, it's better if you let El handle it," Ashton retorted irritably.

"If you're not ready, don't proceed," Zein warned again. The middle-aged man suddenly worried that his son might make a wrong and hasty decision. "Marriage is not a game. It's a lifelong commitment. Don't make a decision in regret and end up hurting someone and then suddenly asking for a divorce. Instead of committing a sin, it's better not to do it at all."

Ashton took a deep breath again. He didn't know how long he would be haunted by this dilemma. If he followed his heart, he wouldn't be ready to marry again. But Ashton had already made a promise. There was a commitment he had to fulfill.

"If I follow my heart, I'm definitely not ready. Just imagine, I'm still grieving, and now I have to prepare to marry a woman I don't love. But, no matter what, I've promised Miranda. And a promise is a debt that must be paid or fulfilled."

"So, are you fixed on marrying Alice soon?" Hana asked to confirm, trying to reassure her son about the decision he had made.

"Yes. According to the promise, I'm going to marry Alice this week."

"What? This week?"

Hana was taken aback. She was quite surprised by the decision her son had just made about when to hold their second marriage.

Ashton had initially said he wasn't ready. So why did he now seem to be in a hurry? Hana knew Ashton was a responsible person. She thought her son needed at least two or three weeks to calm himself after being left by his wife.

However, Hana truly did not expect Ashton to decide to marry this week, just a few days after his wife's passing.

"Isn't it too sudden? It's only been four days since Miranda left, As. If you still need time to sort out your feelings or calm yourself, there's no need to rush."

Ashton nodded. He understood why his mother was surprised, even appearing confused.

"It was Miranda's wish for me to marry soon if she's no longer here. Besides, whether it's now or later, whether it's tomorrow or the day after, it doesn't make a difference. In essence, I still have to marry a woman I don't love."

"Yes, Mama knows. It's just that-"

"Enough..." Ashton cut her off. "Mama and Papa don't need to worry anymore. Just pray that this decision is the best. And again, even though the wedding will be simple, I hope you and Papa are willing to help me prepare for all of this."