It was nothing but work and study, and that was how I managed to get into a prestigious city university.
My parents liked to brag, conveniently leaving out the part about my struggles, claiming that our family was just lucky and that I got into university by merely glancing at the textbooks.
Holly took their words to heart, convinced she was a genius who could ace the university entrance just by cramming at the last minute.
She clutched my workbook like it was a magic key to success, unaware that without putting in the hard work, she could never escape a poor family that devoured hope.
Before I knew it, the day had arrived for me to marry Anthony.
Anthony’s parents had arranged a little get-together at a city restaurant—a place my parents had never set foot in before.
Holly eyed their nervous shuffling with a sneer. “This place? It’s a far cry from the Golden Goose Restaurant in Nebula City.”
She was right. It was nothing like the high-rolling days of her previous life, flush with bribe money.
The wedding was a quiet affair, but every tradition was honored.
My mother-in-law, gripping my hand, whispered, “Yasmine, we wanted to do it up big for your wedding, but money’s tight and we scraped together what we could. I hope you understand.”
I assured her with a smile that it was all good, but Holly was visibly irked.
“If the official just gave the nod, folks would be falling over themselves to foot the bill. Who are you kidding with this poor act?”
Before my mother-in-law could snap back, a ruckus erupted from outside our room.
“Anthony, get your act together! The bride’s family is here, and you’re backing out now? What about your dad’s reputation?”
Was Anthony getting cold feet?
With an embarrassed grin, my mother-in-law excused herself to check on the commotion.
I did not remember much about Anthony, but I knew he was a stand-up guy.
Back in his previous life when Anthony was posted to the frontier, Holly turned up her nose at the rough life and would not join him. He took it without complaint.
Later, Holly got into trouble by using Anthony’s dad, Marvin Brown’s name to make money. Out of gratitude and because they were once husband and wife, Anthony gave her a severance payment once their divorce was finalized.
Anthony was not one to forget a good turn, ditching his bride last minute just was not in his playbook.
I watched the private room’s door swing as his buddies dashed out, each trying to talk some sense into him.
His face peeked through the gap in the door, his features more chiseled than the boy I remembered, with eyebrows sharp as blades and eyes that sparkled like stars.
“I refuse to marry this curse no matter what anyone says. I’ll repay my debts, but make her my wife? That’s not happening today!”
Curse?
The word cut through me, leaving a trail of icy numbness in its wake.
