The movie theater screen was still displaying the cast credits when the studio lights slowly came on. Qiara let out a relieved breath, allowing her back to relax against the theater seat again. Beside her, Dewa had already stretched both arms as he chuckled softly.
“How was it, sweetheart? Fun, right?” Dewa asked, playfully ruffling Qiara’s hair.
“It was so good! Your choices are never wrong, Dew,” Qiara replied with a sweet smile.
They rose from their row of seats and walked side by side toward the exit. Throughout the mall lobby, Dewa held Qiara’s fingers tightly. His touch was warm and comforting.
Their two-year relationship had always felt warm, without any major storms. Dewa was a patient and loving boyfriend, the kind of man Qiara had always imagined standing beside her at the altar someday.
“Do you want to grab something to eat first?” Dewa asked once they were inside the car.
Qiara glanced at the digital dashboard clock. “I think we should just go home, Dew. Dad told me to be home before nine. He said there was something important he wanted to talk about.”
“Oh, okay. We’ll go straight home, then.” Dewa stroked the top of Qiara’s head before turning the wheel.
Their drive that night was filled with light conversation and laughter. But when Dewa’s car stopped in front of the gate to Qiara’s family’s grand house, an uneasy feeling suddenly seized her chest.
“Thanks for today, Dewa,” Qiara said as she unfastened her seat belt.
“You’re welcome, Qiara. Let me know when you’re about to go to sleep, okay?” Dewa replied sweetly. He pressed a gentle kiss to Qiara’s forehead.
“I will.” Qiara smiled, then got out of the car and waved until Dewa’s car disappeared around the bend in the road.
Qiara stepped inside the house. The living room was eerily quiet, unlike usual. On the center sofa, her Dad and Mom were already sitting side by side, their faces unusually serious.
“Good evening, Dad, Mom. I’m home,” Qiara greeted them hesitantly.
“Sit down, Qia,” her Dad ordered without preamble. His voice was cold and absolute.
Qiara frowned in confusion, then set down her small bag and sat across from her parents.
“What’s going on, Dad? Why does everything feel so tense?”
Her Dad let out a heavy sigh and stared straight at his youngest daughter.
“Qia, you have to marry Zacky.”
Qiara gave a small laugh, thinking her Dad was joking.
“Dad, that’s not funny.”
“I’m not joking!” her Dad snapped so harshly that Qiara flinched.
“What? No, I don’t want to, Dad! Zacky is Laras’s husband!” Qiara cried out in disbelief.
“Her former husband. Laras is gone, and you’re the one who has to become his wife. It can’t be anyone else!” Dad declared, leaving no room for argument.
Qiara shook her head hard. Tears began to gather in her eyes.
“But why? Why does it have to be me? Laras only died three months ago, Dad! And I have Dewa! I love Dewa!”
“Leave Dewa!” Dad cut in immediately.
“But why, Dad?!” Qiara sobbed, looking between her Dad and Mom.
“Why are you doing this to me? Why does it have to be my own sister’s former husband?”
“Because…” Dad let the sentence trail off, staring at Qiara with a burdened look full of secrets he could not bring himself to reveal.
“Because what, Dad?! Answer me!” Qiara screamed hysterically.
“You don’t need to know the reason! What matters is that I’ve made my decision. Your wedding will take place next week!” Dad declared before standing and walking away without another word.
Qiara looked at her Mom pleadingly, but Mom could only cry as she stared at her youngest daughter, helpless to do anything. Qiara’s mind went blank. Zacky, the brother-in-law she had always deeply respected and looked up to, was now being forced into the role of her husband.