The Love That Passed

Jared’s POV

Today, I am going to talk to mom about the wedding. Yesterday was a mess and I didn’t know what I would do if Stacey called again. I should refrain from coming to her every time she calls me. It’s not good, even if I was just being forced into this marriage, I still need to respect Colleen.

We were at the breakfast table and mom was quiet. I was waiting for her to talk but we were almost finished, but she wasn’t even looking at me. “Mom,” I called her. “I am going to marry Colleen.” I added and she sighed.

“You have to think about it. I didn’t want Colleen to suffer,” Mom said. I don’t know how I should feel concerned, I was his son but she was more concerned for Colleen than me.

“Why would she suffer? Isn’t it me who will suffer more?” I asked her. I was furious but I held myself. I didn’t want to argue with her anymore, especially when I found out that she had been sick.

Mom looked at me and shook her head. Did I say something wrong? Am I really the one who is at fault here?

“I already said I agreed, why do you want me to think about it again? It was because of the company that I broke up with Stacey. What more do you want?” I asked her, suppressing my anger.

“It was because of that. You agreed because of the company. What if, after marriage, you hurt her? Not only physically but emotionally?” Mom replied.

“Mom, I am your son. Don’t you know me? When did I ever hurt a woman?” I asked her in disbelief. Is that how she knows me? She didn’t even think about how she brought me up for her to think about me that way.

“If you are determined, then I am going to tell you this. Whatever she needs, you’re going to give it to her. She’s not the type to explain things, so you may misunderstand her from time to time. She lives her life all by herself and relies on herself alone.” Mom said. I didn’t know that Colleen was like that. Although I saw that she was living a simple life when I went to her house last night, I thought that she was just trying to look humble.

“She wouldn’t ask you for anything without a valid reason, so never say no to her. She didn’t want to agree to this marriage, so don’t think highly of yourself. She doesn’t like you at all. I mean, she doesn’t like to feel anything special involving anyone,” Mom added. I was getting curious but I didn’t want to get myself involved with Colleen as well.

“If that’s what you want, it’s fine by me.” I replied, ” But she had to stay away from Stacey. She was broke because of our break up so please tell Colleen to stop hurting her already.” I told her and I saw mom, making a face. As if I was telling her something that was unbelievable.

“Whether you believe it or not, Colleen is not capable of hurting anyone. She’s very fragile and couldn’t even hurt a fly.” Mom replied.

I wanted to believe her as well, but I couldn’t. Thinking she was the reason that Stacey and I broke up.

“Jared, I am not going to ask you to like her or to love her, she wouldn’t like that as well. But please be respectful to her the way you respected me and Ingrid. If you cannot treat her as your wife, at least treat her as a human being.”

“If you are that worried about her, why did you insist on marrying us off?”

“I had my reason, although I cannot tell you about it, not because I didn’t want to but because I am not in the position to tell you,” Mom said. Now I am getting curious. “To make everything simple, I like to help her because I owe her my life.” She added. I just agree with her, so there will be no more discussion.

“How about you, Ingrid, is there anything you want to say?” I asked my sister. She had been really quiet and I couldn’t even tell whether she wanted to say something or not.

“Mom told you almost everything as well as the most important, so I don’t need to say anything.” She replied and continued eating. My family was so into Colleen so she had better be good, as they say. But the fact that she hurt Stacey, although she doesn’t look like one, I still have this wall against her.

“Jared,” mom said, looking at me, she looked like there was something she wanted to tell me, “Just in case you really can’t accept Colleen, can you stay with her for at least three years?” mom asked. I was taken aback for a moment. Is she actually asking me to stay married to Colleen for three years? Is it OK for her to divorce Colleen after three years?

“What do you mean, mom?” I asked, I wanted her to give me an answer, and as I looked at Ingrid, she was looking at mom as well as warning her.

“I was just saying, just in case you cannot feel anything towards Colleen at all. As much as possible, I didn’t want you to divorce her. You know my stand on that matter. So please try to look at her good side and try to get to know her.” She replied.

Maybe she was really concerned about Colleen. That’s why she was saying that. If that’s what she wants, I can’t blame her. I will try to be civil with Colleen at least.

“Mom, I wanted our wedding to be simple,” I told her, and she looked at me.

“There’s no need for that, you will just sign and register your marriage with no more ceremonies.” She replied and I looked at her shocked. Don’t women like their wedding to be grand and be known by their friends and relatives? I looked at Ingrid and I saw no reaction from her either.

“Is it OK with Colleen?” I asked her.

“She doesn’t like the marriage itself either, so it’s fine with her. She doesn’t like taking pictures and making memories, so no need.” She said and sighed. “I was actually forcing her to have that at least but she said no, I was afraid that she would back out. That’s why I agree with it,” she added.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

I don’t know why mom would care whether she agreed or not. As far as I can see, mom and Ingrid arranged this marriage because they don’t like Stacey. So any woman would be OK other than my girlfriend, I mean, ex-girlfriend. This concluded that mom and Ingrid liked Colleen so much.

“Then just tell me when I am going to sign and I will ask my assistant to process the registration.” I told them.

“Just sign and I will be the one who will process it.” Ingrid said, does she have no trust in me? “Don’t look at me like that, I am going to the Civil registrar as well, so I volunteer to do that for you.” She said as she noticed the look I was giving her.

“My friend Loraine asked me to get the forms for her and her fiancé.” She added. I know Loraine. They had been bestfriends for years, so I believed her.

“Before you leave for work, sign the papers so Ingrid can bring them later.” Mom said, so it was already prepared. I guess they really like our marriage to be done as soon as possible.

“OK,” I replied. Because I was done eating, I got up and went to our mini library and waited for Ingrid there with the papers.

I was browsing on Colleen’s social media account and I noticed that there was nothing to see there. All her posts were a simple “Thank you for life” with a smiley emoticon. I don’t think she enjoyed life though. The post may be thankful, but I can feel that she was sad while posting it.

Ingrid knocked and came in with the papers. “You can sign here,” She said, pointing to the part where my signature should appear.

“Mom said that you would be moving into a grand villa with Colleen. If you need my help to pack your things, just tell me.” She said after I signed.

“Wait, are you throwing me out of our house?” I asked and Ingrid laughed.

“Silly, why would we do that?” She said and the smile on her face was gone and sadness took place. “Colleen wanted you to live separate from us. I guess she didn’t want us to see if you two were having some misunderstanding.” She added. So it was Colleen’s idea. She wanted a house of her own now?

I nodded at Ingrid, “When are we going to move in there?” I asked. Grandiose Villa is not far from the mansion, it was mom and dad’s first house and mom didn’t want to sell it as it holds memories of her and dad as they started their business.

“It’s up to you. Colleen has something to do so both of you can take your time.” She replied happily. She left the mini library and I decided to go to the company. I had to do everything so I could settle early in Grandiose Villa. I already agreed to this marriage so I will just do my part.