Chapter 8 (No choice but to Follow)

Nico sat in his penthouse, holding the envelope, his mind racing. Ronan, who had just come down the stairs, noticed the tension on his friend's face.

"What's going on, man?" Ronan asked, walking over.

Nico looked at him, still in disbelief. "I've been chosen... by the Union Protocol. One of the 100 people for the lottery."

Ronan's eyes widened. "Wait—what? You?"

"Yeah," Nico said, his voice low. "I have to meet my... match. A complete stranger."

Ronan shook his head in shock. "So they just pick people at random? This is crazy."

"Apparently, it's a big deal," Nico muttered, gripping the envelope. "I have to meet her at some point... at a designated place. I don't even know who she is."

Ronan's expression turned serious. "This doesn't sit right with me, man. What are you gonna do?"

"I don't have a choice," Nico replied, frustration creeping into his voice. "It's either follow their rules or face the consequences."

Ronan frowned. "That's messed up."

Nico nodded, still processing it all. "I'm just trying to figure out how this ends."

Odalis stood still in her small apartment, holding the envelope. She couldn't believe what had just happened. Chosen? The lottery? It didn't make sense. She felt confused and overwhelmed with so many questions, but no answers.

She stared at the door, remembering how the Union Protocol members had just left. Their words still echoed in her mind.

Her hand shook as she held the envelope tighter. Should she call Maddie? Tell her about what had just happened? Odalis wasn't sure. Maddie was always there for her, but this? It was too strange.

She looked at the paper again, hoping the words would change, but they didn't.

Odalis hesitated. She needed help, but she didn't know if Maddie would understand.

After a moment, Odalis picked up her phone, staring at Maddie's name. She took a deep breath and pressed the call button. Then hesitated.

Odalis stared at the paper once again, her eyes focused on the date tomorrow. She couldn't believe it. She only had one day to get ready to meet her match, the person chosen for her by the Union Protocol.

Her heart raced. Tomorrow seemed so soon. She had so many questions. How could this happen so quickly? And what did it even mean to meet this person?

She was confused and worried. Was she really ready for this? How could someone just be picked for her like this?

Odalis ran her hand through her hair, feeling the weight of everything. She thought about calling Maddie, but she wasn't sure anyone could help her understand all of this.

With a deep sigh, she set the paper down. Tomorrow was coming, whether she was ready or not. She had no choice but to face it.

Nico stared at the envelope again, his hands were sweating slightly as he read the rules part. The words were clear, and they made his stomach turn.

Must agree to the marriage or face severe punishments:

Imprisonment: Being locked away in a high-security facility.

Physical Labor: Forced to do hard, exhausting work as punishment.

Loss of Privileges: Losing basic rights like food, technology, or the ability to travel freely.

Behavioral Scoring Decrease: Having your behavior score lowered, which could affect your status in society.

Monetary Fines: Being fined heavily, taking away money or resources.

Surveillance: Being constantly watched and monitored, losing personal privacy.

Family Punishment: Your family members may also face consequences for your actions.

His mind raced, the weight of the statement sinking in. He had no choice. This wasn't just some random event, it was a command, something he couldn't ignore. If he didn't show up at the meeting place tomorrow, the consequences would be serious.

Nico clenched his jaw, frustration building inside him. He didn't want this. He didn't want to meet some stranger, forced into some system he didn't believe in. But it didn't matter he had no say in the matter. The Union Protocol had chosen him, and now he had to follow the rules, whether he liked it or not.