Chapter 11 (The Marriage Rules)

Nico was frozen, his mind racing, but his body couldn't move. He stood there, unable to look away as she walked toward him. His heart raced in his chest, and every step she took felt like it echoed in his head.

He couldn't believe it. It was her. He remembered her face from before. He had met her at Maddie's, and after talking to her for a little while, he knew she wasn't his type. Her personality didn't match what he usually liked in a woman.

Suddenly, a humanoid robot entered the room, its movements fluid and almost indistinguishable from a real human. It stood still for a moment, then spoke in a calm, precise voice.

"My name is Vox," the robot said. "I am here to take your vows and guide you through the process. Before taking your vow, we need two people from each side. Please call someone from your family or friends. You will have 2 hours to invite them here."

Then, Vox turned and left the room, its footsteps silent as it disappeared down the hall.

Nico stood there, stunned, processing the request. He cursed under his breath, feeling the weight of the situation hit him harder than ever. His mind raced. Who would come to this strange, forced ceremony? he said.

Odalis, standing next to him, broke the silence. "I only close with Maddie. I'll call her," she said, her voice low.

Nico exhaled sharply. "We have no choice. I'll call Ronan," he muttered, feeling a sense of dread wash over him. They both called their contacts, but Ronan knew what was going on. Maddie, however, was shocked. She would definitely come, though.

They both waited in uneasy silence. Nico glanced over at Odalis. "We have no choice, Odalis. Your name is... right?" he asked, his voice tight.

She nodded, her expression unreadable.

Nico cursed again under his breath, his frustration rising. There was no escaping this. The reality of the situation was sinking in deeper than ever.

Vox entered the room once again, his movements as fluid as before. "I will now explain the marriage contract rules that must be followed," he said in his calm, precise tone.

He handed one paper to Nico and the other to Odalis, and then began reading the rules written on them.

The Union Protocol Marriage Rules

• Mutual Agreement to Marry

Both people must agree to marry. Once both agree, the decision is final, and both must consent willingly.

• Shared Household

Both must live together in the same home for the entire marriage. Living apart is not allowed.

• Shared Financial Responsibility

All money, including earnings and expenses, must be shared equally. If one person does not contribute fairly, an investigation will be conducted.

• Commitment to the Relationship

Both partners must work to maintain a healthy relationship by supporting each other emotionally, physically, and mentally.

• No Infidelity

Having an affair or being involved with someone else will lead to serious consequences. The punishment will depend on the situation.

• Annual Relationship Review

Every year, there will be an official check to see how the relationship is doing. If it doesn't meet the required standards, penalties will be applied.

• Respectful Conduct

Both partners must treat each other with respect. Any form of abuse, whether physical, emotional, or mental, will lead to an investigation and severe punishiment.

• Mandatory Conflict Resolution

Couples must attend counseling sessions to work through any issues. Failure to do so will result in penalties.

• Procreation Clause

Couples are encouraged to have children to help increase the population. At least one child is expected within five years of marriage, but exceptions may be made for health reasons.

• Non-Separation

Divorce or separation is only allowed in extreme cases. If one partner is abusive, the other must report it. In such cases, the relationship may be terminated, and the offending partner may face severe legal consequences, including the death penalty.

• Public Image

Couples must maintain a public image of happiness and unity. Public arguments or disputes may lead to penalties or intervention.

• Monitored Communication

The government may monitor communication between married partners to ensure that the rules are followed. Suspicious behavior will be investigated.

• Partnership in All Decisions

Both partners must share responsibility for all important decisions, such as where to live, finances, and career choices. One-sided decisions can lead to penalties.

• Legal Consequences for Violating Rules

Any violation of the marriage rules may result in legal actions, such as fines, reassignment to another marriage, or public punishment.

"These rules are designed to ensure that marriages from the Union Lottery remain successful and that society stays in order," Vox concluded, waiting for their response.

Nico and Odalis were both silent, absorbing the weight of the rules, realizing how serious the marriage contract truly was.