The Meaning of Marriage

Alexi was drowning in the past. He felt empty without her; he felt that it was the end of all, the end of his lifetime.

'How could I live peacefully when you are not here by my side?'

While he was immersing his self with his past reminiscences, Alexander came to barge in the dining-room. He was carrying a tray that was filled with a croissant and a cup of jam that would complement the aromatic and crispy bread—croissant.

He then unloaded the tray he was carrying and put it on their designated places. The croissant and jam were placed on the left of Alexi. He served the food with a bottle of tequila.

"Am I supposed to drink that all?"

"It depends. I am not drinking alcoholic drinks. You can drink it all. Please, suit yourself,"

He sneered, "Hahahahahaha… Alexander, stop fooling around. I know you are just afraid of revealing your sullied self to Evelina. I have known a lot of men who are like that," he stroked his chin as he thought of it.

Alexander glared at him for a few seconds then regained his calm demeanor, "Don't erroneously accuse me of being an immoral man. For your information, I am a doctor and I am a person who is not tainted with sullied and immoral deeds,"

Alexi raised his eyebrow, "Oh really? You don't drink? What else is there that you forbid yourself committing?"

"I don't smoke, I don't steal, I don't kill anyone if they did not do something wrong to me and my country and I would never have sex with anyone except Evelina, I don't break the laws, and I don't spread hatred,"

The statements that came from his mouth were enough for him to feel shock.

"What?! I cannot believe that you are such a gentleman, Alexander. Your country has a vast variety of beautiful ladies. How were you able to resist the temptation when you still have not recalled your memories with Evelina?"

He scratched his head, "Well, honestly I just don't know. I always thought back then that it was not yet the time,"

He was lifting his index finger, letting it dance, "Oh, I cannot believe how omnipotent your love is!! You always keep your promise as expected," his tone of uttering had a mixture of glum and sadness yet his face still upheld a joyful look.

Alexander was not a fool. He knew what was going on with him. He sat down beside Alexi and trying to initiate a new topic of conversation, comforting him.

"Alexi, what has been bothering you these past few days?" he glanced at the unbothered man, Alexi.

"I'm doing great as usual!! I would be glad if you just minimize your public display of affection with Evelina. It is quite bothering me,"

Alexander condescendingly gazed at him. He did not understand why would the man beside him have a great problem with such a simple idea. As soon as he thought of it, he then realized that the man was just creating an excuse, using it as a barrier towards his real emotions.

"Alexi, I know what has been occupying your mind. Stop making numerous shields and barriers, protecting your real emotions. Please be honest with me," his tone became serious and at the same time having a sincere fusion in it.

He supported his jaw with his right hand; his elbow was positioned on the table.

He displayed a contrived image of his smile, "Alexander, you know, you should not meddle with someone's businesses. I am living my life full of serene and tranquility," he replied

"Who am I? I consider you a great comrade of mine. Though I have not known you long enough, I have a gut feeling that you have good intentions and a good heart. You know, it is easy to forget the past when you hate it, but it is not easy to forget the past when you really cherish it,"

His words that were filled with wisdom definitely struck him. He was a victim of unforgettable love.

His eyes avoided him, making his dismay expression obvious, "Well… if that is what you think of me, then I will just tell you about her,"

The apathetic eyes of Alexander were now arousing in interest about the topic, "Her? Could it be… your wife?"

"Yes, in my heart she has always been my significant other and no one can replace her,"

"What? You mean… she passed away?"

Alexi was silent, not uttering a word. It only meant an affirmation.

"How? Since when?"

He gave a long sigh, "I really do not know where she is now. It was on the day of our wedding ceremony. We were about to exchange our vows yet suddenly, a man barged in. He was wearing a black cloak that covered his face. His face was not visible; there was a spirit of a dark dragon it was as callous and vicious as how it looked. He had taken my bride, Alina, and absorbed her energy. I was such a pushover, not being able to save the woman I love. I do not even know whether she was still alive or not," he said in despair

Alexander was wordless. He was not aware of what he had been through. Beneath the unctuous mask of his smile and laughter was dark and sad emotions enduring.

Alexander patted his shoulder, helping him regain his usual happy and joyous expression, "I apologize for my reckless behavior… I never should have been rough with you. I never thought that you have been holding and keeping in spite of what you have been through," he said in a genuine and kind-hearted manner.

"You do not need to apologize. I am extremely obliged that you comforted me, helping me unwinding my mood. I am so glad that you are supporting me and you have long been considering me as your comrade. A huge thank you, Alexander!" he hugged him out of the blue.

Alexi was quite over the top. He was certainly exaggerating. He was silently holding his tears and then wiped it secretly.

He released his hold of him and looked at the food that was prepared, "Oh, it seems that I have to consume this first. I have to eat the croissant before it gets cold, hehe…"

"You go ahead and eat more, Alexi," he offered, convincing him to savor and completely devour the meal.

"You do not have to, Alexander. You still have your beloved wife, Evelina waiting for you in the bedroom. Why not try to serve her as well?" both of his eyebrows rose as he was teasing him.

His face did not reveal any redness from embarrassment yet his ears have reddened, "Cut it out, Alexi. Just leave her be,"

"Oh, I see…It must be the effect of erectile dysfunction. Hahahahaha!!!"

His teasing made Alexander's eyes shot daggers, he glared at him, "Don't you ever wrongly accuse me of having contracted that kind of disorder,"

His glare did not affect the way of his teasing Alexander, he continued, "If you are not sleeping with her, then where will you sleep?" his eyes were smiling together with his mouth.

'It is good to see him happy and full of bliss again. On the other hand, it is quite upsetting me'

"You misunderstood, Alexi. I just want her to have some space,"

"Really? Do you really want to give her some space? Isn't that a saying when a couple is in a fight or misunderstanding?" He paused, exposing his shock expression, "So, are the two of you fighting, or are you just afraid of her skills on the bed?" he whispered, incurring his annoyance and anger.

"I would give that a big No,"

"I cannot believe that the Air Force military officer is fearful of the actions made by his woman on the bed," he said in a surprising manner.

"No, I am not! Alexi, you are going beyond the border! I truly respect her and that is why I gave her that. She needs some time alone. She also has the right to enjoy herself," he said in a loud voice.

"If that is the case, then why did you still marry her? Isn't marriage about the union of minds and hearts? Why are you doing that? She is your wife, Alexander and you should always be by her side, not leaving her alone and letting her go in this lifetime," Alexi then added, "A husband should always sleep with his wife. Oh, my goodness, the two of you are already married! Man up, Alexander!" Alexi wanted him to realize that marriage should not be taken for granted. He wanted him to grasp the opportunity before it was too late.

'Every minute, every second is precious. Spend it with your wife. You will never know when will she disappear or perish'

"I know, I am her husband. However, I am not caging her as other bastards do,"

"Oh, so it is like that? What if something happens to her? Will you still let go of her?"

"I will never let her go, Alexi. You know that I will never ever separate from her. If there is someone who is going to separate her from me, then he has to prepare for war,"