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

"Under the authority of the Union Protocol, I stand here today to witness your vows, Nico Knight and Odalis Alvorin. The bond you are about to make is not only a promise to each other but also a commitment to the laws of the Union Protocol. As you speak your vows, remember they carry weight beyond this moment."

I, Nico Knight, take you, Odalis Alvorin, to be my partner. I promise to honor you, respect you, and share my life with you. I will stand by you through both good and bad times, through health and sickness. I will be faithful to you and support you, today and always. Do you, Nico Knight, take Odalis Alvorin as your partner in this marriage?"

Nico (pauses, looking conflicted, heart pounding):

"I... I do." (His voice is steady, but there's a hesitation.)

Vox (nodding, moving on to Odalis):

"Now, Odalis Alvorin, please repeat after me:

I, Odalis Alvorin, take you, Nico Knight, to be my partner. I promise to honor you, respect you, and share my life with you. I will stand by you through both good and bad times, through health and sickness. I will be faithful to you and support you, today and always. Do you, Odalis Alvorin, take Nico Knight as your partner in this marriage?"

Odalis (pauses, her voice shaking ever so slightly, unsure):

"Now, exchange the rings as symbols of your vows. Nico, please place the ring on Odalis' finger, and Odalis, please place the ring on Nico's finger."

(They exchange rings, still feeling the weight of the moment.)

"By the power of the Union Protocol, I now pronounce you partners. May your bond be strong, and may your commitment last forever."

Nico and Odalis exchanged rings, each slipping the band onto the other's finger. Nico's hand shook a little, but he managed to place the ring on Odalis' finger. She hesitated for a moment but then gently put the ring on his.

Both of them was relieved the kiss part was skipped. There was still so much tension between them, but at least they didn't have to pretend yet.

"With this, the marriage ceremony is complete. Under the Union Protocol, you are now partners."

Ronan and Maddie walked over to Nico and Odalis. Maddie hugged both of them tightly, not in celebration, but more out of support. Ronan did the same, giving both Nico and Odalis a quick hug.

There were no words of congratulations. Everyone knew what this was. It wasn't a real celebration.

After the hug, Maddie pulled back and whispered to Nico, making sure Odalis couldn't hear. "Be good to her."

Nico just nodded, don't know what to say. Both Nico and Odalis stood silently, their minds racing. They couldn't help but wonder what would change now that the ceremony was over. What would happen next? Neither of them had any clear answers, just a mix of uncertainty and unease hanging in the air. The future was unclear, and neither knew how to walk this new path together.

Chapter 14 (The Vows We Didn't Choose)