Marrying a Rich Bum

I Wanted

"Grandfather... I didn't do anything to her."

"The law is the law. If we break, there will be a recompense from nature."

All the men who were there sighed.

"I think he's right. Not that we don't trust you, but nature will react."

"But I didn't do it." Bima tried to dodge.

"Five. I think you understand this more than most. You know better the position of that woman. If it is still possible to find the perpetrator, then I will not hesitate to...."

"No, you're right." Bima cut. "He's what you expected, though different."

Bima looked at his grandfather. "Grandfather, he's like... Like the... Capate."

The old man nodded briefly without opening his mouth.

"What-like?" Someone else asked.

"No. That's enough for this." Grandpa Bima stood up. "Miss, I'm sorry. But, we must marry you for the safety of all."

"What?!" Mariana followed the stand quickly. "B-but why... We didn't do it."

"The laws of our village are somewhat different, Miss. We know you're just a victim, but it's been our decision."

"But I...."

Bima grabbed Mariana's hand. "Mariana, relax."

Bima looked at the elders, nodding politely. "May I ask permission to speak with him?"

"Please." The leader of the elders nodded quickly before Grandfather Bima opened his mouth.

"Thank you, Sheh Sinaro." Hanam nodded and brought Mariana into the room.

"What are you doing? Why don't you just refuse and just shut up?" Mariana pointed at Bima's face with a furious look.

"Shhh... Be calm. Calm. Listen to me."

"What else is your plan?"

"Do you believe me?"

"Depends" replied Mariana sewot.

"Then?" tanyakanya.

"We need to stay married. It's a customary decision."

"No!"

"But you're in danger."

"What do you really care?"

"My education? Of course I don't care about you. Butt..."

"Then don't even think I'll marry you!" Mariana cut.

"You will not get out of this place alive if you reject the customary law. That's it..."

"I'd rather die than marry you."

Bima gasps. His eyes stared at the angry woman who last night was like a little cat who lost this mother.

"Alright," said Bima finally. "I will tell the elders to prepare your coffins."

Bima turned around, stepped away.

"eek... Wait!" Mariana called, but Bima did not stop. His hand grabbed the door handle and pulled it open.

"wait. Wait, Bima. Wait." Wait." Mariana chased, grabbed Bima's arm and held the door.

Bima stared with a flat gaze.

"sorry. Me, I'm sorry. But, would it really be that serious if I refused to marry you?"

Bima shrugged, her hand reaching back for the door.

"Wait on! Hear me. L'm... I don't mean it. I just, I..." Mariana could not put the sentence inside her head properly.

"Listen, Mariana. I was just going to marry you on paper. I promise not to touch you if you don't feel ready to marry you. But in any case, customary law must still be implemented. If you refuse, that's okay. I'm ready to face the risk." Bima explained in a cold voice.

"What do you mean?" ask Mariana in shock.

"Aah already. It's free to explain, too, because you'll still refuse. Doesn't matter. I already told you the consequences, so now you should be ready to deal with it. Excuse me, I need to see the elders immediately." Bima put away Mariana's hand gently.

"Wait on! Bima, wait. L'm... Want to!"