Chapter 3 – Blind Wedding

July leaned her head back against the steering wheel. All along she didn't mean to say that to Mary when Argus was with her. 

"W-what did I just hear…" Argus still had a hard time believing it. "July…" His eyes lit up demanding an explanation. 

Just a moment ago he asked July to marry him but got a cold reaction. It was clear that hopes had soared again. Meanwhile, July felt stupid because it looked like she was licking her spit.

Honestly, July has been dreaming of marriage for a long time, but in front of her love, she never shows it. Showing no interest in starting a household, not for no reason. All because her current chosen partner—Argus, whose July's big family relationship and him has a bad history. In other words, it is impossible to get the blessing for their relationship.

How could she bring the topic of marriage in front of the whole family by introducing him as July's future husband?

"My love July, say it! Am I wrong? It is now I'm misunderstood of anything? Misunderstood the situation?" Argus urged impatiently.

July sighed heavily, feeling cornered. "Argus, I need you to calm down first, okay..."

"What? Why? Am I wrong?" Argus became even more agitated and aggressive. "Did you mean when you spoke on the phone as the one, not me? O-or do you have another matchmaking partner?"

"No, I meant is you."

"I already guessed! Ooh, July… You accepted my proposal!" Argus wanted to hug July tightly but was immediately prevented.

"No!! Wait a minute, Argus!" July rebelled and refused. "Hear! I'm not done yet. But―" She had to be firm, the conversation wasn't over yet.

"What? Why?" Asked him annoyed that cut off this happy moment that should be celebrated.

She looked at him seriously with an angry expression. "You forgot what happened to us in the past? How can I tell my family that I will marry you!"

Argus's face stiffened as hard as a rock. One of the reasons their relationship is not publicly known is because if July's family finds out they will definitely be against it. So now they have to ask permission to get married. July knows very well how her whole family is.

It felt like Argus's brain had stopped. "T-then what should I do?" He looks frantic. "I'd do anything, July! Anything for you… For us! As long as we stay together and I can marry you, I am willing to plead and kneel before your family."

No, she knew even that would not succeed in getting her family to give them their blessing. 

"Argus, give me some time to think about this matter. We need to find another way out." July thought very seriously. "A solution not a confrontation..."

"What do you mean? You're not looking for an excuse to dump me are you, honey?" 

Argus couldn't understand why she had to find another way when he was willing to come to meet her family asking for a blessing, even though he had to die badly to atone for his past mistakes.

"Oh, Argus! Let me think in peace." She starts fed up with his petty attitude and suspicion of their relationship. Is July still not enough to prove herself for love?

 

Which woman would want to go back to the man who had hurt and betrayed her in the past if not July the one and only.

"Okay, I'm sorry baby... I trust you." Argus took July's hand and kissed it. "Do you need me to drive so you can think calmly?" and smiled showing off his charm.

"I want to go back home," she said briefly mentioning the destination.

"Okay my love, let me escort you." hurry he got out of the car to change and sit in the driver's seat.

Indeed, this is not the moment of marriage proposal like what Argus had imagined for a long time. But it's quite memorable with all the surprises and plot twists in it, which is probably why he desperately wants to be with July. Argus never feels bored when he is with her and feels more alive like a human when he is with July Foster.

***

Times passed since the moment in the basement the other day. July had been thinking hard and long until she finally came up with a brilliant idea or maybe crazy for anyone who heard it. No wonder her career is brilliant at work, as her intellectual abilities and talent for solving all kinds of problems prove it. Or maybe all of it had nothing to do with this crazy idea. At least that's what happened to Argus when she shared thoughts after spending days.

"Blind marriage?"

"Right!" July seemed enthusiastic about the idea.

"Huh?" Really, Argus looks stupid with his current expression. "What do you mean by blind marriage? Will the guests wear blindfolds like a masquerade party or something similar? Or will the entire wedding hall be pitch black?" 

Whether the thought of a new idea for a marriage concept is too good or her mental health was depressed due to the pressure of the situation, Argus was dubious for a moment.

His words could have been an interesting joke if their situation wasn't in such a precarious state, thought July. "I mean, I plan to keep our relationship a secret until the last second on the day of our wedding ceremony. At that time my family had no choice but to accept you instead of canceling the wedding."

"July… Are you serious about this? Is that possible?" 

To get married, of course, the family must meet each other. But no, maybe Argus won't talk much to his family if he gets married to July. Since this is his second marriage, Argus plans to just give the news. But his situation is different from July's, this is her first marriage. Naturally, July's  family wants the best for her.

"What about the invitation? How are you going to deal with your family's questions about your groom?" 

Yes, Argus is still in his intent that he must meet July's big family and surrender ask for blessings, or whatever until he is accepted.

"I told you, everything was planned perfectly. I've made it clear to Aunty that I will choose my own life partner. And I really want a simple wedding with only a few guests from relatives, close friends, and a few co-workers."

"What? Why simply? I even want a massive 3 day 2 nights party if I could, for nonstop!" He said vehemently.

"Massive party you say! What do you want to show off from your second marriage, huh?" July's reaction turned angry because Argus's words sounded ridiculous.

Argus immediately fell silent feeling self-conscious. July took a deep breath, trying to calm. Their conversation wasn't over yet and had to get back to the point. 

"My family won't be able to go against the decision I've made." Very confident. 

"Because after all, I will insist that they don't interfere in the preparations for this wedding." 

If necessary, she will threaten forever not to marry if they insist on taking part in the wedding preparation process. July knew very well what her family feared the most, that fear was their weak point.

 

"That's why we made a simple event."

Argus nodded silently, not daring to oppose her word at this point. 

"Oh, and about the invitation, you were talking about earlier. I will make a plan that there is no couple name or photo of us either on the invitation card or in the wedding room. Let people accept it as a new concept of modern style marriage. That's what I mean by blind wedding because the guests don't know the identity of my groom."

The more he listened, the more confused Argus felt with the concept of marriage proposed by July, but he did not dare to interrupt the explanation of the woman he loved so much. Seeing her who was so excited about planning their wedding at this time, automatically made a smile on his face shine brightly. Never had he felt this happy, staring intently at every part of the face of the woman he loved carefully...

"Argus! Hello... Are you still there? You heard me!" Call July to dispel Argus's daydream.

"Huh? Hm, of course, sweetheart. I agree and follow all your plans, whatever you want, dear…" The thought of living with July was enough to make Argus drunk with happiness.