BloomnGleam

In the dystopian city of Rylos, where the government dictates love through a behavioral score-based lottery, Nico Knight is a man who’s always gotten what he wants. A nightclub tycoon with a reputation, he’s never had to answer to anyone until the lottery pairs him with Odalis, a quiet librarian with an air of calm that feels almost too controlled.

To Nico, Odalis is a puzzle of a woman too ordinary, too unremarkable to pique his interest. But there’s something about her stillness that begins to intrigue him. Beneath the surface, he senses a storm she’s carefully hiding. Nico finds himself questioning whether he really knows what he wants or if his true challenge lies in the mystery of Odalis herself.


(Sneak peak scene)
Nico slouched on the couch, drunk, eyes fixed on Odalis as she read, the quiet hum of the room wrapping around them like a soft cocoon.

Nico:
You know, I never imagined a woman like you would be in my life. Quiet, composed... not my taste.

Odalis (without looking up):
And what did you imagine?

Nico:
Someone like me. Loud. Reckless.

Odalis:
Sorry for the disappointment.

He blinked, his eyelids heavy, the pull of sleep growing stronger.

Nico:
“You’re like... an angel, in the wrong place.”

His head dropped back, surrendering to sleep.

Odalis glanced at him, a faint smile playing at her lips.

Odalis (whispering):
“You’re wrong, Nico Knight.
Maybe the wrong place is exactly where I need to be.”

She tucked him in, the soft rustle of fabric the only sound, and returned to her book. The silence between them now felt strangely comfortable.

Rays of Us

Nico arrived at the meeting point and was shocked. It was a huge wedding hall. Androids and humanoid robots were running the place, and there were security androids at the entrance.

Nico got out of his car and walked up to the entrance. A security humanoid stepped forward and asked for permission to enter. Nico explained that he was chosen in the lottery and needed to meet his match. The humanoid scanned his lottery number and confirmed his information.

After a quick check, the humanoid nodded and you may enter. Nico cursed quietly, still shocked by the situation. He couldn't believe he was actually here.

Inside, everything felt cold and strange. Nico's mind was full of questions. Nico stood in the long corridor, his mind still reeling from everything that had happened. Behind him, a humanoid woman approached, her movements smooth and efficient.

"May I assist you?" she asked in a calm, neutral tone.

Nico turned to her, still confused. "Yeah, I need to show my lottery number."

The humanoid woman nodded, holding out a small device. "Please provide your lottery number."

Nico hesitated for a moment before pulling out the envelope and handing over the number. She scanned it, her eyes glowing slightly as she processed the information.

"Thank you," she said once the scan was complete. "Please follow me to your marriage hall."

Nico's heart skipped a beat. "Marriage hall?" he echoed, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Yes," she confirmed. "Your match will arrive soon. You are early."

Nico stood frozen for a moment, trying to process her words. This was real. There was no turning back now.

Odalis stepped into the building, her eyes widening as she took in her surroundings. The place clearly resembled a marriage hall—gleaming white floors, elegant decorations, and soft lighting. It all felt surreal.

A humanoid woman approached her, her movements fluid and efficient. "May I assist you?" she asked in a calm, polite tone. She asked for lottery number scanned it. "Your match is waiting."

Odalis blinked, still processing the situation. "My match... is waiting?" she asked, confused.

"Yes," the humanoid responded. Please follow me."

Odalis felt a lump form in her throat. This was really happening. A match someone chosen for her by the Union Protocol. She had no idea what to expect, but she had no choice but to go through with it.

Odalis walked behind the humanoid, her heart pounding with each step. She could feel the tension in the air as she moved closer to the room. When she stepped into the large hall, everything seemed more grand than she expected, and it felt strange to be there.

He was standing at the end of the hall, looking just as shocked as she felt. Their eyes locked, and everything around her seemed to blur. His face... she recognized him. It couldn't be. This was impossible.

Her breath caught in her throat, and her mind raced. Why was he here? Why was he her match? Her heart hammered in her chest as she tried to make sense of the situation.

He, too, looked completely stunned. His expression mirrored hers confusion, disbelief, and maybe even a disgust.

The humanoid standing beside Odalis gave her a gentle push. "Please, go ahead. Your match is waiting," it said, as if everything was perfectly normal.

But nothing about this felt normal. Odalis stood frozen, still trying to process what was happening, while he stood there, equally stunned by the turn of events.

Chapter 10 (The Chosen One)