Chapter 13 (Torn Between)

Vox's voice echoed through the room. "Please proceed to the changing rooms to wear your dresses and suits for the ceremony."

Odalis rolled her eyes, while Nico let out a heavy sigh, clearly frustrated. "This is really going to help, huh?" he muttered, glancing at Vox.

"I'm only doing my job sir," Vox replied, his tone calm and emotionless.

Two humanoid robots appeared. "Please follow us," they instructed.

Nico walked ahead, while Maddie approached Odalis. "I'll go with you," she said softly.

In the changing room, another humanoid robot stood waiting. It introduced itself as Anna, the tailor. "I will create your wedding dress. If you'd like, I can recommend one. Please select the style on the screen."

Odalis stared at the screen, her expression distant. Maddie, noticing the sadness in her eyes, stepped closer. "Let's choose together," she suggested gently.

Odalis nodded, but the heaviness in her eyes didn't fade. As they watched the images of dresses flash across the screen, the weight of the upcoming ceremony pressed down on them both.

Meanwhile, Nico and Ronan entered their changing room. Ronan slapped Nico on the back. "Come on, man, pick your suit."

Nico closed his eyes, running a hand through his hair. "Just pick it for me," he muttered, his frustration clear.

Ronan raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. He could see Nico wasn't in the mood. The room fell silent, only the quiet hum of the machines filling the air.

Ronan sighed and tried to lighten the moment. "You know, it's not every day you get stuck in a forced marriage," he said with a slight grin.

Nico didn't respond, still with his eyes shut, shoulders tense. After a pause, Ronan sat next to him, trying his best to offer comfort. "I get it, man. I can feel the weight of it even if I'm not in your shoes. But... maybe this path has its good sides? You just can't see the end yet," he said, attempting to reassure Nico.

Nico shook his head, his voice full of frustration. "What ending, Ronan? I don't even know her. She doesn't know me. I'm not the settling type. I'll struggle like hell trying to adjust. I'll torture myself and maybe her, too."

Ronan gave him a sympathetic look. "I get it, man. It's a tough spot. But sometimes, things work out in ways we don't expect."

Plus, you don't have much time left until the vows. At least look good for your bride, man," Ronan said with a laugh, slapping Nico on the shoulder.

Nico gave a reluctant nod, standing up to choose his suit.

Meanwhile, Odalis continued scrolling through the designs on the screen, her mind far from the task at hand. She had no desire to choose a dress each option seemed just as meaningless as the ceremony itself. Maddie, however, was watching her closely, sensing her inner turmoil.

"Odalis, listen to me," Maddie said softly, stepping closer and gently taking Odalis's hand in hers. She looked into Odalis's eyes, her voice laced with empathy. "I know Nico. I've known him since he was a little boy. I'm his father's younger sister, his aunt. He's not a bad person."

Odalis stared into Maddie's eyes, trying to decipher the sincerity behind her words. Her grip tightened around her hand, the warmth of her touch offering a slight comfort in the cold silence of the room. But the weight of the situation was pressing in on her.

Maddie continued, her voice steady, though filled with quiet concern. "I know this whole thing is difficult. But you and Nico don't have a choice here. We can't defy the Union Protocol. I've heard of people who tried and ... they didn't make it. They were killed for resisting."

Odalis's heart skipped at the mention of death, and for the first time, the harsh reality of their situation hit her fully. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She had already known the risks, but hearing it aloud made it feel more real.

Maddie could see the confusion and fear swirling in Odalis's eyes. "I know you understand this already," she said quietly, "but I want you to hear it. I'm here for you, Odalis. I won't leave you to face this alone."

Odalis blinked, the words striking a chord deep inside her. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away, determined to remain composed. She turned her head slightly, trying to hide the emotion that threatened to break through. She didn't want to appear weak—not now, not when everything felt like it was slipping out of control.

Maddie saw the effort Odalis made to hold herself together, and her heart ached. "I'm serious," she said, her tone more resolute now. "I'll always be here for you, Odalis. No matter what happens."

Odalis, still looking at her, nodded slowly, though her voice caught in her throat. She didn't trust herself to speak, but the gesture—small as it was—was all she could offer in that moment. Maddie's words echoed in her mind, the promise of support settling somewhere deep inside her, even as she fought against the overwhelming fear and uncertainty that threatened to consume her.

Maddie gave her hand one final squeeze before letting go, her expression softening with understanding. The room was quiet again, the weight of their shared silence filling the space between them.

Odalis turned back to the screen, the designs now blurring in front of her eyes. She didn't know how she would face the vows, how she could possibly go through with any of it. But she knew, in some quiet part of herself, that Maddie's words were true she wasn't alone. And that was something, at least.