The Marriage Order

S3 Papa's Rejection

Sheryl Pov's

Reynand was serious about what he said. When I took him to the kitchen, the man greeted the mama and our housekeeper politely.

"Sore, Aunt, Aunt." Reynand greeted kindly, setting his sights on the two women. Mama's housekeeper nodded while smiling. While Mama looked surprised Reynand who entered our kitchen

"Sheryl, why is the guest here?" ask Mama to me.

"Di-dia–"

"I want to help, can I?" Reynand quickly confirmed my words.

"Help what?" Mama frowned.

"I'll help Auntie and Bibik cook," Reynand replied so casually.

Mama and her assistant looked at the surprised figure of Reynand, whereas I could only grin the horses, so noisy before them.

"Don't, Rey. You don't have to bother. A man should not spend his time in the kitchen. Moreover, you are Sheryl's guest. Let Aunt and Aunt do it." My mother refused the man's help.

"Ehm, what a pity. Though I bought some fish gurame when heading here. Wish Om the Great could change his view of me and our relationship."

"You want to seduce her through your cooking?" Mama asked.

"Yes, Auntie."

I don't know what got into his brain until such an idea came along. Reynand is really reckless. Papa is very selective in choosing food. How could he be so sure he could draw his sympathy from some of the fish that would be cooked?

I turned to Mama who seemed to be breathing out, then painted a smile on her face, "Yes, already. Consider this one of the ways," said Mama then turned to me, "get Rey a clean apron, son."

"Yes-yes, Ma," I said hurriedly picking up a clean apron from inside the kitchen cabinet.

I put that apron on Reynand's body. Unsure of his ability he made me whisper in his ear, "What are you doing, Rey? Papa is very selective in choosing food. What if you destroy his taste?"

Reynand turned to look at me. "Are you not sure of my abilities?"

"You're a man. If it's just an omelette I'm sure you can but when it comes to Papa's taste, I'm not sure at all." I shook my head slowly.

Reynand lifted both corners of her lips. His hand took both of my hands. "You forgot I ever made you another dish? Beef teriyaki with sesame and vegetable capcay. Did you forget to ever say it felt good?"

Reynand's words made my memory go back to a time where he was desperately trying to gain my heart after losing Baruna. But I completely forgot the taste of the cooking. At that time all I remembered was my sadness.

I shook my head. "No. I don't remember."

"Because you were just thinking about Baruna back then without looking at me." Reynand replied in a slightly different tone of voice. I heard how her voice sounded when she was jealous.

"Oh, come. I really don't remember whether your cooking was good or not. Why has your tone of voice changed for me?"

Reynand seemed to take a rough breath, then drew a faint smile. "It's okay. Just a little sad to remember."

"I love you, Rey." I immediately landed a kiss on her cheek. "As you say, we don't have to remember the past. It was really good or it didn't feel right then, I know you did it with all your heart. I'm the only one who doesn't understand your sincerity."

After saying that, I saw Reynand's face suddenly meet red. "I love–"

"When are you going to start, Rey?" Mom suddenly cut my man's words. I looked towards the two women who had been watching us since.

A few moments later, all the dishes were finished. We are waiting for the arrival of Papa and the others in the living room.

Time shows at six o'clock in the afternoon. Reynand and Mama seemed cool chatting casually.

"Your sweet sour curame is delicious. Since when can you cook, Rey?" mama asked suddenly with her random question.

"Thank you, Auntie," said Reynand then he fell silent for a while, before finally answering Mama's question, "maybe in college. I lived abroad alone. Because I don't really like the local cuisine there, I choose to cook for myself as simple as any cuisine."

Mama nodded. While I only listened to the chatter of the two since then. Half of my brain is overwhelmed by the excess anxiety about Papa that will probably immediately show its dislike to Reynand.

"Sher, you have a lot to learn from Rey."

I turned to Mama with my eyebrows raised. Says a defense of what Reynand said earlier when we were in London. "Rey said he was looking for a companion, not a chef."

"Haish! Still is! Don't you feel like you want to give your best to your partner? You couldn't cook for Ba– either."

"Should we talk about it? I've closed the book with him, Ma. Do not compare past relationships with present ones. Rey doesn't matter to me who can't cook."

I cut Mama's words. However, I did not like Mama to mention her name and parse the bad experience of our marriage which was very short lived.

Reynand suddenly landed a tight grip on the back of my hand, saying to Mama, "Yes, Auntie. Sheryl, however, I respect and love her. Cooking is business to all. What matters is our happiness in this relationship."

Mama seemed to take a deep breath and then snorted. "Alright, alright! Since you and Sheryl seem to love each other so much, Auntie won't comment much anymore."

Me and Reynand looked at each other. A red hue just appeared on our faces. The situation became silent for a while until suddenly the main doorbell rang.

"That must be your Papa!" Mom moved from her seat to the living room.

"Rey, how's this? Why am I being so nervous about meeting my own father?" I asked Reynand with an irregular heartbeat.

Instantly Reynand shook off a smile. His outstretched hand rubbed the top of my head so gently. "Calm down. If I can't get your father's heart yet, we still have time next time to do it."

I nodded with the same smile for her. Although it looks calm, I know how she feels this time. He must also be nervous and anxious to meet Papa.

Reynand and I got up, walked after Mama who had already welcomed Papa.

Not only Papa, in the doorway also seen Kak Reza and Kak Dita who stood looking at us with each question mark on their faces. I wanted to hug my real father, but somehow I could only stare at them.

"Why is that guy here, Sheryl?" papa asked in a cold tone as he looked at Reynand who was standing next to me.

I don't know where my courage came from. I grabbed Reynand's hand and held it so tightly in front of them. Seeing my actions, Papa widened his eyes so angry.

"Sher...." Reynand called me a whimper. Maybe he was surprised by my actions so blatantly on his palm.

"Don't you say we have to face it together?" I said back without looking at Reynand.

"Honey, Rey will come to dinner with us," said Mama immediately grabbed Papa's arm quickly.

"Ck! Why don't you understand, Rin? I would never approve of Sheryl's relationship with Reynand. Anton's son, they're both the same. She's gonna hurt Sheryl too soon!" firmly Papa immediately pulled his arm from Mama. He will lift his foot from before us.

"But Sa–"

Unable to bear. Instantly I screamed cutting Mama's words, "Pa, please don't be like this. Give us a chance!"