The News that Changes Everything

The day began with a statistics class, a mandatory subject for all undergraduate students in science and engineering. Lindsay, Olivia, and I knew that mastering statistical concepts would be crucial if we wanted to advance in our careers, especially since modern medicine relies heavily on the interpretation of clinical data and scientific studies.

The professor, an older man named Dr. Marcus Cohen, known for his rigor and ability to make even the most boring numbers seem exciting, entered the classroom carrying a stack of printed graphs and his laptop. His energy always managed to capture our attention from the very first minute.

"Welcome," he said as he placed his materials on the table. "Today we're going to talk about how to interpret data in scientific studies using descriptive and inferential statistics. This will be useful in any field you choose, but especially if you plan to pursue careers related to research or data analysis."

Lindsay immediately pulled out her iPad, ready to take notes. I did the same, trying to stay focused. Olivia, however, seemed to be having trouble finding her rhythm. While attempting to write something in her digital notebook, her left hand moved as if she were playing an imaginary piano.

"Olivia," I whispered, leaning toward her, "are you taking notes or composing another symphony?"

She shot me an offended look.

"I'm doing both, obviously. Not all of us can be as… rigid as you two."

Dr. Cohen continued explaining a practical example using real data from a recent study on the effectiveness of a new treatment for heart disease.

"Imagine this," he said, showing a graph on the projector screen. "A hospital conducted a clinical trial with 500 patients. Of those, 300 received the experimental treatment, while 200 received a placebo. The results showed that 78% of the treated patients experienced significant improvements, while only 42% of the placebo group showed any kind of progress. Now, here's the key question: what does this number really mean? Is it enough to recommend the treatment globally?"

Lindsay raised her hand, surprising me a little. Although she had always been brilliant, she rarely spoke up in such large classes.

"Professor, shouldn't we also consider the margin of error and possible biases in the selection of the patients? For example, if the patients in the experimental group were already in better health initially, that could influence the results."

Dr. Cohen smiled widely.

"Excellent observation, Miss Grove. That's precisely the kind of critical thinking I hope to foster in this class."

Olivia huffed under her breath.

"Of course, because everything has to be perfect for Lindsay. Even medical studies."

Lindsay shot her a quick glance before returning to her notes.

After class, we headed to the university cafeteria. The place was packed with students chatting animatedly, some discussing group projects, others simply relaxing before their next class. We sat at our usual table near a window overlooking the central garden of the campus.

While Lindsay and I reviewed our statistics notes, Olivia took out her phone and started scrolling through the news distractedly. Suddenly, her expression changed dramatically. She held the phone up in front of us, showing us a headline that filled the entire screen.

"Guys, you have to see this," she said, with a mix of astonishment and theatricality in her voice.

The headline read: "Business Union Between Two Giants: The Medical and Real Estate Merger That Will Change the Country."

Below it, a photo showed Victor Steele, my father, shaking hands with Thomas and Amelia Grove, Lindsay's parents. Both couples wore diplomatic smiles, but their postures exuded power and determination. The article detailed that the two families had formed a strategic alliance to expand their businesses in key sectors, including medical technology, real estate, and health tourism. But what truly left us stunned was the last part:

"According to close sources, this business union will be sealed with the matrimonial engagement of the heirs of both families, Lindsay Grove and Sack Steele. Although the young couple has yet to issue an official statement, the formal announcement is expected in the coming months."

Olivia slowly lowered the phone, looking at us with a feigned expression of indignation.

"And what about someone telling me that my best friends are engaged? Me, their closest friend, finding out through a news article online! How is this possible?"

Lindsay was pale, her hands trembling slightly as she took Olivia's phone to read the full article. She looked at me, searching for some explanation.

"Sack… did you know anything about this?"

I shook my head, although I couldn't deny that something like this was predictable. My father had always been a master at leveraging any opportunity to expand his empire, and our relationship with Lindsay was too valuable for him to let slip by.

"Not exactly," I replied, trying to stay calm. "I knew my father would probably try to use our relationship for something like this, but I didn't think he'd do it so quickly or so publicly."

Lindsay let out a frustrated sigh.

"I can't believe this is happening. Our relationship isn't… it can't be seen as something commercial or for convenience. This has nothing to do with who we are as people."

Olivia, always ready to dramatize any situation, placed a hand over her chest as if starring in a soap opera.

"It's like Romeo and Juliet, but with multimillion-dollar contracts involved! Only instead of rival families, we have families wanting to merge through you two. It's epic."

Lindsay rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile weakly.

"Thanks, Olivia, but this isn't funny. This is going to change how people see us, both inside and outside the university. What happens if people think we're together just because our parents decided it?"

I leaned closer to her, placing a hand on hers.

"Listen, Lindsay. What I feel for you has nothing to do with what our parents think or plan. We're the ones who decide our future, not them."

Olivia snapped her fingers, interrupting the moment.

"Exactly! Plus, if anyone says anything, I'll personally tell them that you two are the most genuine couple I've ever seen. Well, after me, of course."

Lindsay let out a small laugh, though she still seemed worried.

"But what do we do now? We can't just ignore this. My parents must be involved too, and they're surely expecting us to follow the plan they've laid out."

I looked at Olivia, who was still reading the article with fascination.

"Is there anything else in that article we should know?"

She nodded, adopting a serious tone for the first time in a long while.

"It says the merger will include joint investments in hospitals and medical research centers. It also mentions that both empires hope to consolidate their leadership in the tech sector. Basically, they're turning your relationship into a giant corporate agreement."

Lindsay closed her eyes, breathing deeply.

"This is exactly what I wanted to avoid. I wanted our relationship to be something private, something no one could manipulate or use against us."

Olivia frowned, thoughtful.

"Well, we could tell them we're not interested in following their plans. After all, you're Lindsay Grove, the future amazing doctor, and you—" she pointed at me "—are Sack Steele, the next hero of medicine. No one can force you to do something you don't want."

I nodded, feeling a surge of determination.

"She's right, Lindsay. We're not going to let anyone control our lives. If we have to face our parents, we'll do it together."

Lindsay looked at me, her eyes filled with gratitude and a bit of relief.

"Thank you, Sack. I know this won't be easy, but with you by my side, I think we can handle it."

Olivia clapped excitedly.

"That's the spirit! And if you need help organizing a revolution against your families, count on me. I'll be your secret strategist."

We all laughed together, though we knew the road ahead would be complicated.