"Cornelia, don't be a mute. It's just us three here. Just spill the beans about your thoughts on love," Briana prodded when Cornelia didn't respond.
"Everyone has their own take on love. I'm just sharing mine, not speaking for everyone," Cornelia casually glanced at Marcus, who didn't react, and was apparently not interested in her views.
"We all want to hear what you think, especially my brother," Briana gave Marcus' sleeve a playful tug. "Bro, don't just stuff your face. Say something."
Marcus looked up, clearly interested in Cornelia's views yet pretending not to be. "We're all hitched here. Why not share some marital wisdom to make our lives more harmonious?"
Marcus' words made Cornelia feel like she was in a boardroom instead of a dinner table, expected to chime in. "If you guys want to hear it, I'll share. But let me make it clear that if my views don't conform to yours, you can't get mad."
Marcus would never get mad at her. "No way."
Briana liked Cornelia more than she thought and wouldn't get upset over differing opinions either. "Cornelia, just spill it."
Cornelia confessed, "I'm kind of skeptical about love."
"Why's that?" Briana probed.
Cornelia began to explain, "When people decide to tie the knot, it's not always for love. Maybe they're attracted to looks, maybe it's about family background, or some other unavoidable reason."
"Cornelia, I admit those situations exist. But you can't deny that some people get married for love," Briana countered.
Cornelia chuckled, not wanting to argue with Briana. Everyone had their own take on love and she couldn't force her views on others. "You're right. I won't deny that."
Cornelia's lack of fight bored Briana. "Why aren't you arguing with me, Cornelia?"
"Why should I? Everyone has their own views," Cornelia shrugged.
"If it's as you say, then two people who don't love each other wouldn't last in a marriage," Briana stated.
"People who marry for love also end up in divorce. Two people without love can still make it work. I think if two people decide to enter into matrimony, they should be responsible for the marriage, and not be unfaithful. They should take care of each other in sickness and solve problems together. Communication is key," Cornelia countered.
"So, you're saying marriage is about living life together?" Briana dropped the conclusion.
Cornelia nodded, "Basically, yes. If the quality of life after marrying doesn't surpass that before the wedding, I personally don't see the point of tying the knot."
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