Decision Stands

Before Tyron could continue, Rohit roared and rose from his seat. "What? I beg your pardon, Mr. Tyron... Are you inciting instead of mediating!"

The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Tyron, unfazed by Rohit's outburst, stood calmly. "Rohit, my intention is not to incite but to ensure that we respect the wishes of John and Glays. This is their life and their decision."

Rohit's face turned a deep shade of red. "Respect their wishes? What about the wishes of their families? Do you think this arrangement was made lightly?"

Tyron raised an eyebrow. "And do you think forcing them into a marriage they do not want will honor the families' legacy? This is the 21st century, Rohit. Arranged marriages without consent belong in the past."

The audience watched with bated breath, some nodding in agreement while others whispered among themselves. John and Glays stood together, their resolve unwavering.

Rohit scoffed. "You speak of respect, yet you disregard the sacrifices our families have made. This marriage is about more than just two individuals; it's about uniting our families and securing our futures."

Tyron nodded thoughtfully. "I understand the significance, but should that come at the cost of personal happiness? Should we disregard their feelings entirely?"

Rohit's fists clenched. "And what would you suggest? That we simply abandon our traditions and let the young ones do as they please? That's a recipe for chaos!"

Tyron smiled wryly. "Perhaps we should consider a balance, respecting traditions while also embracing the need for individual choice. After all, traditions should evolve with time, shouldn't they?"

The heated exchange was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a door creaking open. It was Damaris coming in to check on John but one of the guest signaled her to wait. She quickly excused herself from entering in.

Henry and Vicky stepped forward, their presence immediately commanding attention. Henry, with his silver hair and dignified bearing, exuded authority. Vicky, elegant and poised, had a steely glint in her eyes.

Henry cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Let us all take a moment to calm down. This is indeed a matter of great importance, and it deserves to be addressed with the utmost respect and consideration."

He turned to the audience, his tone softening. "For those who may not know, our families, the Francisco and the DeLuca families, have shared a long and storied history. Faruk Francisco, John's father, and I have been friends for decades. Our bond has always been strong, and this union was meant to solidify that bond even further."

Henry's gaze softened as he introduced his wife. "This is my beloved wife, Vicky. We have been blessed with only one daughter, Glays. She is the light of our lives, and we have always wanted the best for her."

Henry's voice swelled with pride as he spoke of Glays. "Glays is not just our daughter; she has been shortlisted among the top twenty upcoming starlet celebrities in the music festivals championship. Her talent and dedication have brought immense pride to our family."

The audience leaned in, eager to hear more about Glays' accomplishments. Henry continued, "Her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Glays started performing at a young age, and her passion for music has taken her to heights we never imagined. She has won numerous awards, her albums have topped charts, and she has a fan base that continues to spans the globe."

Vicky chimed in, her voice filled with admiration. "Not only that, but Glays has also proven to be a savvy businesswoman. She owns two successful companies in Golden City, both of which have contributed significantly to our family's fame and wealth."

Henry nodded, his eyes glistening with pride. "Her achievements in the music industry and her entrepreneurial ventures have set a new standard for our family. We are incredibly proud of her."

Vicky's expression shifted from pride to sorrow as she addressed the audience. "I have put so much effort into convincing Glays to embrace this marriage. I have always believed that seeing her married to John would be a wonderful culmination of our family's dreams."

As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. She pulled out a handkerchief, dabbing at her eyes. "But it seems my dear daughter has other plans. She has always been strong-willed, and her dedication to her career is something I admire deeply."

Vicky's tears turned into sobs, her voice trembling. "I just wanted to see her happy, to see her in a loving marriage with a wonderful handsome man like John. But I also understand that her heart lies with her music, and I cannot deny her that. Maybe to give her a chance but John, I hope you hear me up, Glays is your bride and we vowed this. Take care of in the coming future. I can see you togather."

Her emotional outburst brought a mix of sympathy and unease among the guests. Some shifted uncomfortably in their seats, while others exchanged empathetic glances. The room felt heavy with unspoken words and unfulfilled expectations.

John, standing beside Glays, felt a wave of empathy for Vicky- the intended mother in-law. He knew the pain of familial expectations and the burden of living up to them. He glanced at Glays, who was visibly moved by her mother's tears.

Glays took a deep breath, her eyes meeting her parents'. "Mom, Dad, I know how much this means to you. I know the sacrifices you've made and the dreams you've had for me. But I have my own dreams too."

Her voice was steady but filled with emotion. "My music is not just a career; it's my passion, my identity. It's what makes me who I am. I need to follow my path and focus on my career right now."

Glays continued, her voice growing stronger. "Maybe one day, if the stars align and everything falls into place, I will consider marriage. But for now, I need to pursue my dreams and build my future on my terms."

She turned to John, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Besides, maybe John isn't the one for me. Maybe our paths are meant to be different."

The audience was stunned into silence. The atmosphere was tense, the air charged with the weight of Glays' declaration. Henry and Vicky exchanged a look, their faces a mix of disappointment and resignation.

Henry, taking a deep breath, rose to his feet. His voice was calm but firm. "We respect your decision, Glays. It is not what we had hoped for, but we understand that your happiness is paramount."

Vicky, still dabbing at her eyes, nodded in agreement. "We only want what's best for you, my dear. We will support you no matter what."

Henry addressed the room, his voice filled with a quiet resolve. "Let us give Glays the space she needs to pursue her achievements. We will stand by her, as we always have. To John, I believe in you kindly, be like a hunting lion!"

The room fell into a contemplative silence, the weight of the moment settling over everyone. Glays and John exchanged a glance, their unspoken bond stronger than ever. They knew that this was just the beginning, and they were ready to face a lot of realism.

Henry's final words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the family's enduring bond. "We may not always agree, but we will always support each other. That is the true strength of our family."

The audience slowly began to disperse, leaving the room with a sense of unresolved tension and anticipation for what was to come. Henry and Vicky remained seated, their faces reflecting the complexity of their emotions.

As the last of the guests filed out, Henry turned to Vicky, his voice barely above a whisper. "We did our best, my love. Now, we must let her find her way."

Vicky nodded, her tears finally subsiding. "Yes, we must."

Henry's gaze shifted to Glays and John, his expression unreadable. "The future is uncertain, but we must trust in our children's choices."

The room fell into a hushed silence, the air thick with the promise of change. As the doors closed behind the last guest, the family was left to grapple with the new reality, each member carrying the weight of their own hopes and dreams.

John stood up and cleared his throat. His facial expression shown with a little disappointment his eyes scanning the surrounding. "Uncle Rohit, you are no longer my uncle, can you be in position to pay? Will you afford the price?"

Immediately, Rohit rose on his sit. "Hey! Stop it. Are you accussing me, right? Do you have the right? Don't play around the hot soup. Okay?