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 ran his fingers over the contract again, cursing under his breath. The rules were clear, and they were impossible to ignore. He felt trapped. There was no way out.

He glanced over at Odalis, who still had that emotionless expression on her face. Her thoughts were hidden behind a mask, and Nico couldn't figure out what she was thinking. Maybe she had already accepted it, but he couldn't.

"I can't accept this," he muttered aloud, his frustration building.

Odalis stayed quiet, clearly deep in thought. Finally, Nico broke the silence. "Did you really agree to marry me?" He scoffed, shaking his head. "Sorry to say, but I'm not okay with this."

Odalis looked at him coolly. "Do you really think we have a choice?"

He stared at her, anger rising. "We can't get married. We can't."

"Don't get me wrong, Nico," she replied, her voice flat, "I don't have the slightest interest in marrying you either. But it's clear we are not on the same page two people. This isn't about liking each other. This is about surviving this."

"So, how do you think we'll survive this?" Nico asked angrily, his voice sharp.

"I don't know," Odalis replied calmly. "But we have to. We don't have a choice."

Nico stood there in silence for a moment, his mind racing. "I've never heard of anyone defying them," he said, his frustration growing. "Either they make people shut up, or people just follow the rules without question. It's all so stupid."

A few moments passed in silence. Nico and Odalis sat quietly in the room, each lost in their own thoughts. They waited for Maddie and Ronan to arrive. Ronan and Maddie rushed into the room, followed by the humanoid assistant.

Ronan looked at Nico, his eyes wide with disbelief. "What the heck, man? Is this really happening?"

Maddie, equally stunned, turned to Nico and Odalis. "What's going on? You two have been chosen?" she asked, her voice filled with shock.

Odalis nodded quietly, and Nico followed suit, his face tense.

Ronan, still trying to wrap his head around it all, glanced at Nico. "So, I'm the best man for you, and mom is Odalis' maid of honor?" His voice was dripping with sarcasm. "What a wonderful wedding," he muttered angrily.

Nico couldn't hide his frustration. "Bullshit," he muttered under his breath. "This is ridiculous."

Vox entered the room again, his voice as calm and precise as always. "Now that the best man and maid of honor are here, we can proceed with the wedding ceremony." Nico's palm was sweating, and so was Odalis's. They exchanged a quick glance, then turned to look at Vox. Vox spoke, his voice calm and unwavering. "The marriage begins now." He gave a small, almost unsettling smile.

Chapter 12 (The Wedding Begins)