Marriage For Convenience

Prologue

    It was not surprising why most couples get married, then get divorced months later. But here comes a young lady who finds exactly in the same situation that she herself detested. She didn't really like to be married and find herself on the process of being divorced.

    Finding marriage to be sacred and the idea of marriage being trifled upon makes her angry. But what is she to do? She was desperate, rather her family was desperate. They needed her help.

    She would ask forgiveness to what her actions would cost - her beliefs.

    For most people it was transcendental and treading in marriage then divorce is nothing but a small price to pay just to be a naturalized citizen. Morals have been taken less heed of by her people as they have found themselves liberated by time, culture, and society.

    "Sweetheart, are you sure about this man?" her mother asked.

    "How do we know that he won't sell you to the syndicate or your body parts?" her father added, concern grew in his voice.

    Her younger brother Tom, turned to her. "Sis, just get me some nice, cool looking shoes. All right?"

    "I want a new school bag!" Elisa, the youngest shouted.

    "You two! Stop it!" her mother scolded.

    "And besides...your sister's safety matters most." her father said, concerned.

    "Ma...pa...Winnie scouted the man for me. She said that he is a decent guy and that he is a business analyst. He has a good paying job and comes from a well-to-do family. Please don't worry. I promise to be careful...and...I'll call to tell you how I'm doing." Marie assured her parents.

    Raising her hand as if to brush the insect in the air. She said, "Plus...he will be paying for everything except the plane ticket. Winnie told me that I should handle it myself. I'll be staying in his apartment at St. Louis, Missouri. Separate bedrooms."

    "Sweetheart, we just want to know that when you get there you'll be fine. We'll be worried if something awful happens to you. Anyway, how did Winnie know about him?" her mother asked.

    "Her boyfriend, Henry. He brought her to a business party and they were introduced."

    "His name? His age?" her father asked.

    "Stephen Lee Gates. He's 37." Marie looked at her father, wondering when this whole interrogation would end. "So...how are you doing?"

    "I'm still breathing, eating, and conscious. Quit worrying about me. Keep yourself healthy and safe."

    Marie became emotional. "Take care...ma, pa. Tom, Elisa, behave yourselves."

    "Sis, don't forget my shoes." Tom reminded.

    "School bag for me!" Elisa, excited.

    "All right...but...I have to get married first." She laughed. "Bye, take care."

    Tom turned off the computer. "Ma, will she be visiting us before she goes to America?"

    "Of course she will. But first, she'll have to process everything." His father confirmed.

    "Then we'll have your father the best doctor. All right...everyone...to the table. Dinner is ready." She wiped her hand on her apron. "Wash your hands Tom, Elisa." Then, she walked to her husband and helped him to the table.