Married To My Sister's Husband
Chapter 4 Inherent Request

A lot had happened since the evening of the engagement party and everything was beginning to overwhelm Livy.

The day after the engagement party, Livy had received a call from Heather to hang out and go shopping.

She had tried to explain to Heather how busy she was but to no avail, so she was practically dragged on the shopping spree by Heather.

Livy wasn't a fan of hanging out with friends or going shopping, let alone with someone she barely knows.

But as the day went by, she slowly became comfortable with Heather who could talk, gist and laugh all day.

It was amazing how much she had enjoyed their hang out and shopping, well since she had not done any of those like for ever.

Heather didn't waste any time in planning a spa date the next day ahead of the wedding, which was just two days away.

After the beautiful afternoon she had with Heather, Livy soon became perplexed when she got a text from Markian's secretary, informing her of a dinner reservation Markian made that evening. She was certain there must have been a mistake somewhere so she called back just to make sure. It was no mistake. A reservation have been made for both she and Markian at a very fancy restaurant. How? No, why does he want to have dinner with me?

She can barely comport herself at the mere sight of him, sitting with him would just be on a different scale of scary. How on earth would she be able to sit alone with Markian, all evening?

Should she cancel and make up a story like saying she's busy with work? But her mother had relieved her of all duties ahead of the wedding preparations.

It won't be a huge white wedding ceremony with grand reception and lots of people, but something simple.

A small court wedding with family members only, preceded with a small reception afterwards.

"He hates me, so why does he want us to meet?" Livy kept asking herself with no answer at all.

Well, it's a good thing she went shopping, at least now she had something beautiful and elegant to wear to her first date ever.

Appearance- her mother would always say, is very important.

Even though she was certain nothing good would come out of this dinner date, she still consciously anticipated it.

She had dreamt of a day like this ever since she first laid eyes on Markian.

He had been very nice to her back then, but she was too shy to thank him for his help or even ask for his name. Would he remember that day, or was it some meaningless memory so easily discarded. She got dressed early and anxiously waited for the time. She laid on her bed staring at the ceiling when slowly but surely, she dosed off to sleep.

She found herself in a play house she recognized quite well, it was hers and Sophy's play house when they were kids.

She was lying and the bed just like when they were kids, playing pretend sick daughter of a billionaire, while Sophy was the doctor.

She tried getting up from the bed but someone stopped her. It was Sophia. She hadn't changed at all, just like when they were kids. Sophy was her 6yrs old self, while Livy was her grown up self.

She took Livy's hands to check for pulse just like a doctor would, while Livy just lied there staring as her twin sister examined her.

She can't remember when last she had had any dream of Sophy since her death, so it was both a surprise and a relief- but she just couldn't help but stare.

"Well, Miss Liv you have been stressing a lot lately, so you broke down. You've been diagnosed with 'stressyphoria', and all you need now is a good rest. Forget about the 'what if' and 'could be', just do what your heart says and be happy for once". Sophy said, as she wrote down on her fake notepad.

Everything looked the same, her sister was as beautiful as always just like their mother- tall, slender and elegant.

Livy took after their father and though he was a handsome man, she had often wished she took after her mother instead.

Livy didn't say anything, she just laid on the bed and stared at her sister as she made funny remarks and talked about funny memories from their childhood.

She missed Sophy so much, more than she wished to admit or show- but instead of mourning, what is she doing? She's about to get married to her sister's husband.

No other betrayal was as worse as that, she thought.

Letting the smile fall off her face, she said with teary eyes "I'm so sorry Soph, I'm not a very good sister. You would still be with us if... if...maybe it would have been better if it was me instead".

"Sorry. I couldn't hear you amist all the negativity and nonsense you've just said. Shut up and don't say anything, you always end up saying the stupidest things..." Sophy replied in a sarcastic nonchalant way, making Livy chuckle a little.

This was her sister. She always was easy going and had a way of making everything better no matter what it was. It really wasn't a surprise Markian fell in love with her.

Sophy had always been Livy's strength throughout their years, and even after death she still found a way to give her the strength she needed.

"...what I want to know is where you got such a gorgeous gown from? Wow...look at you looking all cute and beautiful. So tell me, you are still in love with Markian right?" Sophy asked excitedly, shocking Livy at the mention of 'Markian'. And with that Livy woke up. She continued to stare at the ceiling for few seconds before she reached for her phone to check the time.

It's almost time to leave, and she would prefer getting to the restaurant before Markian does. She doubts she would be able to walk properly at the sight of him.

Right on cue, a maid came in to inform her that her ride was ready and she shouldn't be late -courtsey of her mother. Seems Markian had spoken to Judy about this dinner date, so one of the best ride was waiting downstairs for her.

All her years, she have never been as nervous as she was right now going to meet with Markian -and she is always nervous.

'What exactly I'm I doing? How on earth can i manage a meeting with the man my heart have yearned for all these years?'

She could barely calm herself down just thinking about him, and she was even more scared her nervousness and anxiety would show.

For some reason, she really cared about what he would think of her timidity and shy nature.

What if she results to rudeness and ruins everything? Her mother would never forgive her for that.

'Olivia relax, it's not an execution, it's just a dinner date. Maybe, he wants to know a little about you, nothing to worry about,' she told herself to calm her racing heart as she entered the car and drove off.

It was a 15mins drive to the restaurant, so she got there at exactly 7:05pm.

She was unnaturally early, but it's OK since she's very nervous, at least she has more time to prepare for her first meeting with her soon-to-be husband.

So also, she wouldn't have to risk nervously tripping on her foot while walking towards him if he had beat her to the restaurant first.

After what seemed like the longest 25mins ever, she was beginning to feel that maybe he had changed his mind.

Why would he even want to try and meet with her? Because, asking her on a date means he is trying to at least get to know who he will be getting married to, but she really doesn't think that he gives a hoot about any of that at the moment. Right after she finished her thought, she felt a familiar presence as the air around her changed, sparking some excitement and joy within her.

She looked up to see a dashing, handsome Markian walking straight in her direction.

For a brief moment she wasn't feeling at all nervous as she was, instead she was filled with some sense of pride as all the young ladies- even some elderly women ogled at Markian as he walked past them to get to her. 'Could this be real?' She wondered.

It seemed so unreal like one of her fantasies of Markian.

Only when he finally got to her, did she realise that she was done for.

She suddenly flushed in embarrassment at the evidence that she was lost at the mere sight of him, and this excited him for some reason.

Markian was not one to admire another person let alone admire just any woman's beauty that wasn't his wife, so he gave himself a mental slap. But it wasn't enough to stop his mind from thinking that; 'Livy looked so beautiful tonight'. She wasn't his wife. Well, technically speaking she was going to be his wife in two days, but it still wasn't right to think of her as a woman - or like his woman.

They both had a brief formal greeting before proceeding to take their seats.

He soon noticed her quick change of demeanor to one similar to her mother's- Judy. Stiff and unpredictable, this was the person he knew- this is the Olivia he had grown to detest.

Her vacant expression, stiff and pretentious personality had driven him far away from her.

She didn't say anything, neither did she once look up at him.

Only when the waiter came and handed them the menu to place their order, did she look up.

After they had both made their orders, the waiter left the table. Pouring himself a glass of wine, Markian decided to turned towards Livy and look at her dead in the face.

He wants... No, he needs to hate this lady that agreed -without hesitation- to marry her own twin sister's bereaved husband.

He had thought she was pretending all this while that she detested him, but now he knows without a doubt that she's really up to something.

She had cohort with her mother to trap him in a loveless marriage deal, making him break the promise he had made to Sophy at her funeral- that he would go on with his life but he would never fall in love nor get remarried until he dies.

She looked very innocent from the outside, but he is just replaceing out how opposite her true form really was from how she appears to be.

He had really hoped that she would be twice as hurt as he was about this whole arranged marriage madness, but she wasn't- not at the slightest.

At the engagement party, she wore a very bright smile with a mix of fabricated shyness -like an already newly wedded bride- that could fool anyone into believing this is a love marriage.

That was the moment he knew what her role may have been in everything.

She wasn't the least bit sad or bitter about the situation, she seemed really happy and grateful -like she just hit a jackpot or something.

It made him really upset to think she was ok with everything, he had really hoped she wouldn't be. Deep down, he thought she was his last chance to help make Mrs Luthel understand that this alliance is way too far-fetched.

But just like his parents and Mrs Luthel, Livy is completely on board with the whole idea.

They both ate their meal in an awkward silence, none of them was ready to break the ice.

Livy thought of how she could break the deafening silence crowding them, but she was busy trying her hardest to first hide her shaky hands.

It's official, her first date with Markian was turning out to be the worst date of the century, and she's too nervous now to do anything about it.

What can she do anyways?

She was right from the very beginning, she never should've accepted to come here- was a big mistake.

She tried her best to speak first, at least to thank him for the meal. Then she would take her leave since it's obvious there's nothing for them to say to each other.

As if he read her mind, "how was your meal? Hope it was up to your standards?" he asked out of the blue, shocking her.

"It...it was delicious, I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for asking", she replied courteously while trying to hold his gaze but failed woefully.

And just like that, as if she had just released a bolt of silent-lightening that is usually accompanied by a scary thunderstorm, she suddenly saw the rapid change in his countenance.

He was now wearing a wicked smirk, one she was not very familiar with.

"You must be a pro at making people see you as a delightful angel that can do no wrong, am I right? ... And I must say, you deserve an award for your amazing acting skills. A clear epitome of pure deception- you really are your mother's daughter," he calmly mocked, feeling quite satisfied.

Livy just sat there wide eyed and petrified to the core. She could feel her eyes getting blurry with tears and in no time now they might fall through.

What was he saying to her right now? What did she do wrong? Have she made a mistake she was not aware of? Is this about the engagement party? Should she had tried meeting up with him after the ceremony, as to be on a clear ground with him?

"Did I do som...is anything the matter? I...i don't seem to understand what you're trying to say", she tried to speak, but the burning sensation in her throat was making her words sound shaky- just like her entire body was.

He simply scoffed, as if oblivious to the fact that he just hurt her by raining insults on her.

"Everything became a mistake the moment you got involved. And to think that I believed you would be different. Your sister would always say to me, 'she would come around eventually, then you would see that she is not as bad as you think she is'. I was a fool to have believed her words, because above everyone else your betrayal is the heaviest". "Wha... What betrayal are you speaking of? I don't understand. I would never betray you nor anyone", she spoke disheartened.

"But you did! You are! You're betraying your sister, you're betraying her trust, you're betraying your sisterhood and you're betraying me too!" he spoke furiously, placing both hands on the table as he made a loud bang. These drew people's attention as everyone turned to their direction, but soon went on with their own business.

'Sisterhood? How?' Growing up, Livy and Sophy had made a pact not to date each other's exes, or make a move on any boy the other liked. But she had forgotten all about the pact they had made as little children. Markian is right. And along with a treacherous feeling also came the feeling of guilt.

She would be betraying her own sister if she goes on with this marriage. He was her sister's husband, but she still agreed to an arranged marriage with him.

She felt terrible, so terrible she wants to escape. Someone should come save her and take her away from this man in front of her, whose eyes are constantly reminding her of how terrible she is.

"I'm sorry... It's not my fault, our parents... they made the decision, I.... I tried, but... " she spoke chokingly, but was interrupted before she could finish.

"then help me put an end to it. If our parents won't listen to either of us, let's make them listen together. If you show up at the court house on Friday, then it's official. We would both be wedded, but I promise you it'll only be on paper. I'll never recognize you as my wife, you'll never have a place in my heart or in my life and I will hate you for that betrayal forever. But if you don't show up at the courthouse, then the marriage would be cancelled, and you would really have proved that you had no part to play in this shenanigan," he instructed boldly.

"You don't understand...my mother, she... she would make sure I'm there even if she have to drag me there herself." Livy tried to explain, but it fell on deaf ears.

"You have until tomorrow to decide, I'll have my jet ready to take you to any part of the world you wish to go to- with all provisions taken care of, until this whole madness settles down. If you need anything- anything at all, all you have to do is give me a call and I will make it available. You can think of it as a short vacation from everything and everyone here. If you do this, I'll believe you tried yours best to stop this marriage. But if you don't, then you are just as guilty as they all are, because you did nothing", He spoke accusingly. This is the first request he has ever made from Livy, but why does it feel like a threat?

Something in her eyes pained him and made him try to reason with her from a different approach. So, he took a deep breath and calmed his heavy heart. Then with warm eyes he spoke to her emphatically.

"I know you don't want this just as much as I don't, ...so I'm pleading with you. I'll do anything you ask of me, just help me fulfil this one promise...I beg of you. Leave and don't come back until everything here is settled. I don't want to get married to you or any other woman for that matter because, my heart and soul belongs to Sophy -always have and always will be. No other person can take her place in my life...no one. Since was your twin, you of all people can understand how it feels like to be in my position. If I get married to you... I'll be betraying her memory, it's all I have left of her. So, please don't take it away from me, please". Markian pleaded hopefully.

This was all he could do, and he dreaded the fact that he have to hand over such an important decision to someone whose motives were yet unclear.

Livy felt the strong urge to cry her eyes out. How could life be so cruel to her.

For a long time now she had always imagined how it would feel like to be invited on a date by Markian. How he would spoil her and tell her how beautiful she looked. Then a day would also come when he would go down on one knee and propose to her.

Is she being selfish by feeling and trying to believe that her dreams might come true? She was just a normal girl with normal feelings, having normal dreams and fantasies about her crush.

But today that man- the same man she had loved all this years was sitting in front of her and pleading with her to run away on their wedding day.

He is begging her to help him keep the memories of his late wife -her twin sister- alive, and that it was the only way she would be able to prove her loyalty and honesty.

What a sick twisted game fate was playing with her.

She shook her head at her willingness to want to trade her last chance of being with the only man she have ever loved for the sake of he's and her late sister's love. What an irony.

She wiped the tears that now stained her soft cheeks with her palm, "OK, I... will go. I'll leave town...I'll go very far away and stay there until everything calms down here. I'll do what you want, but..."

"no buts, ok? Daniel would be waiting outside your mansion on Friday morning by 10:30am. You have to stall your mother and make her leave for the courthouse before you. Daniel will drive you to the airport and go with you to wherever you wish to go to. Only when you are settled in will he return back here." he interrupted not wanting to hear a single 'but' from her.

How eager he was to send her away. She really wants to hate him as she had always lied she does, but she can't. Somehow, she understood exactly where he was coming from.

Her words froze on her lips and all she could manage was a slight nod of her head.

Maybe leaving Minnesota will be a good thing. She could start her life all over from a different place. A place where her mother's power or influence can't reach her or stop her from following her dreams.

Leaving Markian might also help her heal from the piercing pain she was suddenly feeling in her chest.

In the end, they really were not meant to be - or so she thought