The Imposed Future

The morning began with a call I knew I had to make but didn't want to face. After the news of the arranged engagement between Sack and me, my mind had been spinning nonstop. How was it possible that our families had made such a huge decision without even consulting us? Although I understood that this was part of the world my parents lived in — a world of business, strategic alliances, and expectations — I couldn't help but feel trapped.

I sat in the kitchen, surrounded by the silence of the house. Olivia was practicing piano in the living room, and Sack had gone out for a walk to clear his mind. I picked up my phone and dialed my parents' number. I knew this conversation would be difficult, but it was also necessary.

"Hello, sweetheart," my mother answered in her usual warm tone. "How are you?"

"Hi, Mom. I'm fine, thank you. I wanted to talk to you and Dad about something important," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

There was a brief silence before my father took the phone.

"Lindsay, I assume you've seen the news about the engagement," he said, as direct as always.

I nodded, though I knew they couldn't see me.

"Yes, Dad. That's why I'm calling. I need to understand… why did you decide this without consulting me first?"

My father sighed, and I could imagine him adjusting his glasses as he spoke.

"Lindsay, I understand this may seem sudden, but your mother and I did this thinking about your future. During our visit to your new home, we could see how much you enjoy being close to Sack. We thought there would be no issue in formalizing something that already seems natural for you two."

"But… it's not just about us!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my frustration. "This isn't about how I feel about him; it's about how our families are using our relationship to consolidate a business merger."

My mother intervened, softening the tone.

"Sweetheart, we know you care about maintaining your independence. But this engagement will benefit not only our families but also you. Imagine everything you could achieve with the combined resources of both companies. It would be a huge step for your career in medicine."

"I don't want my career to depend on a business merger!" I replied, feeling my voice tremble slightly. "I want my success to be mine, not something imposed by an agreement."

My father adopted a firmer tone.

"Lindsay, I understand your concerns, but you must understand that this is bigger than you or me. It's for the future of our family. We've worked hard to build what we have, and this alliance will ensure we remain leaders in our fields."

His words left me speechless. I knew my parents weren't bad people; they simply saw the world through lenses different from mine. For them, this decision was practical and logical. For me, it was a threat to my personal freedom.

"I understand, Dad," I finally said, defeated. "I'll do what you think is best for the family."

I hung up after a few more words of farewell, feeling heavy. I hadn't managed to convince them, and now I faced the reality that my life was being shaped by decisions I hadn't made.

A few minutes later, I heard the front door open. Sack walked in, looking exhausted and visibly upset. He looked at me and immediately knew something was wrong.

"Did you talk to your parents?" he asked, sitting across from me.

I nodded, avoiding his gaze.

"Yes. They said it was because they thought we were already in a serious relationship, so they saw no harm in sealing it with an engagement. According to them, it's the best thing for the future of the family."

Sack frowned, clearly frustrated.

"I talked to my father too. As always, we ended up arguing. He thinks he's already given me enough concessions by letting me study medicine instead of business. He says this is the least I can do to make it up to him."

"What did you tell him?" I asked, worried.

"I told him I wouldn't accept being manipulated this way, but…" He paused, running a hand through his hair. "In the end, I know he's right about one thing. He's made sacrifices for me, and now he expects me to do the same. I don't have many options."

We sat in silence for a moment, both processing the magnitude of what lay ahead. Finally, I broke the silence.

"This isn't fair, Sack. Our relationship shouldn't be used as a tool for business."

He nodded, taking my hand.

"I know. But we can't ignore the pressure our families are putting on us either. Maybe… maybe we need to find a way to handle this without losing who we are."

Before we could continue the conversation, Olivia burst into the kitchen with her iPad in hand, smiling widely.

"Guys! I'm already looking at the details of your wedding! Look, I found some amazing wedding dresses for you, Lindsay. This classic white one would look perfect on you," she said, showing me the screen.

Sack and I were left speechless, unable to believe what we had just heard.

"Olivia, what are you doing?" I asked, incredulous.

"Well, someone has to start planning this. You two are too busy being dramatic to do it yourselves," she replied with total nonchalance.

"Olivia, we're not getting married now!" Sack exclaimed, exasperated.

"Of course not now," she said, shrugging. "But eventually you will, right? So I thought I'd get a head start."

I laughed despite myself, though the situation remained uncomfortable.

"Olivia, if we ever get married, it'll be years from now. And we're not even sure this is the right thing for us."

Olivia raised an eyebrow, pretending to be indignant.

"What do you mean, 'if'? Of course you'll get married. You're practically the definition of a destined couple. Plus, imagine the party. We could invite all the doctors from the hospital, and we could even have a cake shaped like a human heart. It would be epic."

Sack shook his head, though he couldn't help but smile.

"Only you would think of an anatomical cake for a wedding."

Olivia raised an eyebrow.

"Why not? It would be unique. Plus, it would reflect exactly who you are: future medical geniuses."

Without giving us time to respond, Olivia continued with her improvised planning, now taking it to extreme luxury levels.

"I've been researching venues for the ceremony. I thought of something really exclusive: a castle in Scotland. Yes, a real one. You know, something with ancient towers, huge gardens, and stunning views. We'll rent it for a whole week so all the guests can stay there. It would be like a mini vacation for everyone."

Sack looked at her, incredulous.

"A castle? Olivia, do you know how much it costs to rent a castle?"

She waved her hand dismissively.

"Details, details. Besides, with our families, I'm sure we can afford it. I've seen pictures of castles that even have private helipads. Imagine arriving by helicopter to your own wedding. Now that would be epic."

Lindsay burst out laughing.

"Olivia, this is ridiculous. No one needs a castle for a wedding."

"Of course they do," Olivia replied, completely serious. "And not just any castle. It has to be one with history. You know, where kings and queens held banquets centuries ago. Plus, I found one that has a golden ballroom. Literally, everything sparkles. It would be perfect for you two."

Sack shook his head, though he couldn't help but smile.

"What about the dress? I suppose you have extravagant ideas for that too?"

Olivia nodded enthusiastically.

"Exactly! I've already contacted a famous designer. I asked him to design something unique for Lindsay: a dress with diamond details and a train that could cover the entire ballroom. And not just any diamonds, of course. We're talking ethical diamonds, sourced directly from sustainable mines. I also thought about adding a veil with gold threads. It would be like wearing a work of art."

Lindsay's eyes widened.

"Olivia, that sounds more like a superhero costume than a wedding dress."

"Exactly!" Olivia replied, excited. "A dress that says, 'Here comes Lindsay Grove, future amazing doctor and lifesaver.' Plus, I've thought about the shoes. They'll be custom heels with Swarovski crystals. Literally, they'll shine so brightly they could light up the entire ceremony."

Sack put his hands to his head, pretending to be desperate.

"Olivia, this isn't happening."

"Oh, it definitely is," she retorted. "Besides, I've already emailed the chef of a three-Michelin-star restaurant. I asked him to prepare an exclusive menu for the reception. Each dish will be a culinary masterpiece. Imagine: lobster covered in edible gold, black truffles imported directly from France, and a dessert that includes handmade chocolate by Swiss monks. All served on fine porcelain plates with solid gold cutlery."

Lindsay and Sack exchanged a look of disbelief.

"Olivia, have you really thought about all this?" Lindsay asked, trying to contain her laughter.

"Of course," Olivia replied, proudly. "I even thought about transportation. The guests will arrive in luxury electric limousines, and you two will have a vintage Rolls-Royce for the exit. Oh, and we can't forget the gifts for the guests. I thought of personalized jewelry: small pendants with their initials engraved in diamonds. That way, everyone will remember this day forever."

Sack burst out laughing.

"Olivia, this is absurd."

Olivia glared at him.

"Of course not. And when you do it, I want to make sure it will be the most luxurious and memorable wedding in history. Plus, I've already hired a famous photographer who works with drones. We'll have aerial photos from every possible angle. It will be like a Hollywood production."