Day we met

Chapter 22-Broken souls

Ric's parents were waiting in the living room, ready to inform him of their decision. Ryan and Reva had tried to argue against their parents' plan, but their objections fell on deaf ears. In their family, their parents' decisions were always final.

When Ric saw his parents sitting on the couch, he felt a sinking feeling in his chest. Each step he took towards them felt heavier than the last. When he finally stood in front of them, he was frozen with anxiety. Antony, his father, cleared his throat, preparing to deliver the news. Reva and Ryan exchanged dejected looks with Ric, their expressions filled with sympathy

"Ric, we have arranged a blind date for you, and we want you to meet the girl," Antony announced. Ric's heart sank further.

Ryan and Reva had good reason for their disapproval. The girl, Ava, was notorious for her arrogance and condescending attitude. She looked down on people from lower social classes and was often disrespectful to elders. Her reputation was well-known, and the thought of having her as part of their family was distressing to both Ryan and Reva. They couldn't understand why their parents would choose someone like Ava for Ric.

Ric stood there, speechless and overwhelmed. He had always believed that Mia liked him, but he didn't want to force her into anything. Respecting her decision, he had stopped contacting her, and she had eventually transferred to another institute. Now, faced with his parents' decision, he felt trapped.

"Why Ava?" Ryan finally spoke up, his voice filled with frustration. "She's not the kind of person we want in our family. You know how she treats people."

Antony's expression hardened. "We've made our decision. Ava comes from a respectable family, and this arrangement will be beneficial for us."

Reva shook her head in disbelief. "Respectable family or not, she's rude and disrespectful. Ric deserves better."

Ric listened to his siblings argue on his behalf, feeling a mix of gratitude and helplessness. He knew his parents wouldn't budge. Their decisions were final, and he was expected to obey without question. His anxiety grew, but he knew he had no choice but to comply.

"Ric," his mother interjected gently, trying to soften the blow, "we believe this will be a good match for you. Give it a chance."

His father, exasperated by Ric's passive demeanor, finally snapped. "Ric, we're tired of you," he uttered suddenly, his voice filled with frustration.

Ric, without much thought, conceded. "I'd gladly do that."

His parents exchanged glances, startled by their son's uncharacteristic behavior but secretly pleased at the thought of Ric agreeing to meet with Ava.

"Are you sure about this?" Antony asked, wanting to confirm Ric's decision. He knew that if Ric changed his mind later, it could lead to complications and potentially damage their reputation.

"Why, Dad? Don't you have faith in your son? But before that, I want to continue my studies," Ric replied with a hint of defiance in his voice. Antony felt a flicker of happiness at Ric's seemingly mature decision.

"Fine. When you're done with your studies, you'll marry her as we arranged," Antony agreed, satisfied.

After the discussion, Ric was left alone with Ryan and Reva. Ryan immediately voiced his concern. "Ric, do you know what you're doing?"

"Yes, Ryan, I'm sure about my decision. I have no problem marrying Ava," Ric replied firmly.

"Brother, think about it. Ava isn't the right match for you. You'll ruin your life if you marry her. She doesn't love you or care for you; she only loves money," Reva implored, hoping to make him see reason.