Blaze craned his neck to see which of his mother's jewelry she had given Alia. He was greatly displeased when he saw that it was the sa jewelry his late father had gifted his mother on her wedding day.
"Mom, don't you think this is..."
"It's my gift to my daughter-in-law. Do not interfere." Maria cut her son off.
"Fine." Blaze decided he would collect it from Alia at the end of the contract.
"Now before I reveal the second box to you two, I would love to have your marriage certificates."
"Huh!" Alia was stunned.
"Why?" Blaze asked, frowning.
"For safekeeping," Maria replied sweetly.
"But Mom I can take care..."
"I know you can take care of it, Blaze." Maria cut her son off. "But I want to keep it so that you two won't go behind my back and get divorced." She said bluntly.
Alia's jaws dropped in both bewildernt and guilt. She wanted to say sothing but words failed her. So Blaze ca to her rescue
"Mom, who said anything about us getting divorced." Blaze's forehead furrowed.
"Then you wouldn't have any problem giving the certificate right? Or do you think I was born yesterday? I'm your mother and you got so of your smart genes from . You will bring the marriage certificate to first thing tomorrow morning, okay."
"Fine." Blaze felt cornered by his mother. But one year was a long ti change her mind.
"Secondly, I want to appreciate you both for taking that bold step to beco husband and wife. As your mother, it is my duty to advise you and guide you so that your love will bloom."
Alia felt a cold chill run down her spine at the ntion of the word, love. She tried to keep an indifferent expression even though her heart was pounding in her chest.
Blaze, on the other hand, acted as though he was perfectly comfortable with his mother's statent even though he was boiling within.
"I understand that you too may have gotten together secretly for the wrong reasons," Maria said, her intense gaze shifting from Alia to Blaze and back to Alia, seeing through the mask they both wore. "But I'm not going to ask what it is. Neither will I judge the past. I believe you two are destined to be together and nd broken rifts. And I pray I live long enough to see you two beco one."
Alia shifted uneasily in her seat. This discussion was getting too deep and emotional for her and she feared hurting Maria in the future.
"Sure, Mum, so can we know what's inside the box already? Alia and I need to be sowhere by 7:00 PM." Blaze was beginning to feel irritated with the discussion.
"I'm still talking young man and I am aware of the ti. Don't interrupt ." Maria chided him sternly.
"Sorry, Mom."
"Lastly, It is my promise that I will do everything within my power to ensure your marriage stands the test of ti." Maria picked up the dium size box and opened it.
Alia and Blaze stared blankly at each other and the empty partitioned box.
"Mom, are you up to one of your puzzle gas again?"
"No darling. This is not a ga. I understand your expression because this was the sa way I felt when my late mother gave this box. It's called the marriage trial box."
Alia could feel her heart pounding as she stared blankly at the box.
"This box has two equal sides as you can see. Half of it is coated in gold and the other half, in red. You both know what that colour symbolizes, so I won't dwell on it."
Maria paused to catch her breath before continuing.
"Marriage is not a ga or sothing you can treat casually. It is a beautiful union that is built on these three unmovable pillars; love, trust and devotion. If you stand by these pillars and are truthful to yourselves, your marriage will blossom. But if you disregard any of these pillars, your marriage might crumble. But we all know that marriage is full of ups and downs that is why my mom gave this marriage trial box, which I will be giving to you today Alia. It has been very helpful in my marriage and I believe it will also be helpful to you."
"Mom I don't think this is necessary. Alia and I can handle..."
"Shh!" Maria raised her forefinger to her lips as she stood up and walked over to them. She handed the box to Alia as she pulled a stool close to the couple and sat in front of them.
"Alia I know my son and his fiery temper. I know he may not be the perfect husband material right now. But I believe with ti he will beco the best version of himself."
Blaze gritted his teeth, trying his best not to lose his temper.
"This is what I want you to do for . For every ti my son says or does anything nasty to you, I want you to write it out on a piece of paper and put it into the red section of the box. Then whenever he does sothing extraordinary or impressive, I want you to write it on a piece of paper and put it in the golden section of this box. At the end of each month, you will take note of his good deeds versus his bad deeds and compare them with the previous month. If he is improving you will know and if he's getting worse you will also know. This will help you redirect your energy and focus your goal on making your marriage work. Can you promise you will do this?"
Alia swallowed the lump in her throat, her palm itchy and sweaty, as the thought of disappointing Maria weighed heavily on her chest. "Mum... I...I"
"Don't give an answer right now." Maria cut Alia off, afraid she might reject the box. "Just take the box and go ho. Try it out for fun and give a response in the next three to six months."
Alia exhaled, nodding her head "Okay."
"Thank you." Maria hugged Alia briefly before turning her attention to her stoned-faced son.
"Hello champ, are you mad at your old lady?" Maria said stroking his chin.
"You know I can hold a grudge against you for too long." Blaze stood up and kissed his mother on the forehead. "Unfortunately, Alia and I have to go now if we are to et up with our appointnt."
"It's fine." Maria stood up and so did Alia.
"Alia, do not forget that this is now officially your ho. You are free to co in anyti and any day you want. I will have your room prepared."
"Thanks, mom." Alia smiled in gratitude.
Alia and Blaze briefly said their goodbye to Eugene and Henry before leaving the mansion.
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