To Love a Kennedy

Chapter 2

The dining room at the Kennedy apartment was alight with a warm, golden glow from the chandelier, reflecting off the polished wood of the large mahogany table. Crystal glasses and fine china were meticulously arranged, as if the perfect setting could disguise the tension simmering just beneath the surface. Jackie and Gloria sat at opposite ends, their expressions calm and composed, the picture of high-society elegance. But the real drama was centered on their children.

John leaned back in his chair, a half-smirk on his lips that was both charming and defiant. Across from him, Betsy sat with her back straight, her green eyes sharp, a thin smile playing on her lips that suggested anything but pleasure.

"Well," John began, his voice light but laced with sarcasm, "this is certainly the most unique way I've ever been asked on a date. Engaged by decree. Very modern, Mother."

Jackie's eyes flicked to John, her smile unwavering. "It's not a request, John. It's a decision — one that has already been made."

Betsy snorted softly, drawing John's attention. "Oh, I'm sure you're thrilled about that, Mr. Kennedy. Now you have an excuse to play the doting fiancé in public while doing whatever you please behind the scenes. Isn't that right?"

John turned to her, his smile widening. "Oh, trust me, Miss Vanderbilt, I'm just as thrilled as you are. Nothing like an arranged engagement to start off a fairy-tale romance."

Betsy's eyes narrowed. "I don't recall signing up for a fairy tale. More like a bad comedy."

Gloria's voice cut through their exchange, calm and authoritative. "Enough, both of you. This is not a negotiation. It is a reality you must accept."

John shot a look at his mother. "Mom, come on. You can't be serious about this. You really expect us to go through with... whatever this is?"

Jackie's smile didn't falter. "I am very serious, John. This engagement will happen. You need to start taking your responsibilities seriously."

John rolled his eyes, leaning forward, trying a different approach. "Mother, listen. I get it, okay? You're worried about my reputation, about the family name, but there are other ways—"

Jackie's voice was like steel. "Other ways that you have failed to find, despite numerous opportunities. Your behavior has been reckless, irresponsible. This is the only way I see fit to set you on the right path."

Betsy scoffed, her fingers tapping impatiently on the table. "This isn't about duty or legacy, Mother. This is about appearances, and you know it."

John interjected, turning his gaze to Betsy. "Finally, something we agree on. Our mothers want their golden children to save face and make headlines for all the right reasons, right?"

Betsy's eyes flashed, and she shot back, "Don't act like you're some innocent victim in this. You've made a spectacle of yourself enough times to earn this mess."

John shrugged, his grin unfazed. "Guilty as charged. But at least I chose my messes. I'm not going to be railroaded into some family scheme."

Jackie's patience was wearing thin. "John, you will comply with this arrangement, or—"

"Or what, Mom?" John interrupted, his tone sharp. "What can you possibly do to make me go through with this circus?"

Jackie's expression hardened. "Or I will cut you off."

The room went silent. John's smile slipped for the first time, replaced by a look of shock. "You're serious?"

Jackie nodded. "Very serious. You've had your fun, John. But it's time to grow up and accept your responsibilities."

John leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "So that's it? Marry a Vanderbilt or lose everything?"

Betsy couldn't resist. "Not so charming when the money runs out, huh?"

John shot her a glare. "Oh, don't act so high and mighty. You're just as trapped in this as I am."

Betsy's smile turned cold. "At least I'm not a man-child who needs his mother's money to survive."

John leaned in, his voice low. "And what do you need, Betsy? Mummy's approval? A place in the social registry? How very ambitious of you."

Gloria cut in sharply. "That's enough, both of you! This behavior is precisely why this engagement is necessary. You're both too used to getting your own way."

Jackie nodded in agreement. "Precisely. This is not a punishment; it's an opportunity. You both have the potential to do great things together — if you can learn to cooperate."

Betsy laughed, a harsh, bitter sound. "Cooperate? With him? You can't be serious."

John threw up his hands. "Hey, don't make it sound like I'm thrilled about this either. I don't exactly relish the idea of playing house with someone who clearly despises me."

Jackie's voice took on a softer edge, though her resolve remained firm. "John, think about the family. Think about your father's legacy. This is not just about you; it's about all of us."

John sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I've been hearing that my entire life, Mom. At some point, I have to live my own life."

Jackie leaned forward, her eyes intense. "And how well has that worked out for you so far, John? One scandal after another, with no end in sight. This engagement is a chance for redemption, for both of you."

Betsy spoke up, her voice tight with frustration. "I don't need redemption, Mrs. Kennedy. I'm not the one splashed across every tabloid in New York."

Gloria's gaze sharpened. "You're not entirely innocent, Betsy. Your stubbornness, your refusal to conform — it's becoming a problem. You're playing a game with your future, and it's time to stop."

Betsy's mouth tightened into a thin line. "So that's it, then? I'm to be sacrificed on the altar of family politics?"

Gloria's expression softened slightly, but her voice was still firm. "This isn't a sacrifice, Betsy. It's a duty. One that you will fulfill."

Betsy shook her head, fury radiating off her in waves. "And if I refuse?"

Gloria didn't blink. "You won't. You understand what's at stake here. This engagement will go forward, whether you like it or not."

John glanced at Betsy, and for a brief moment, they shared a look of mutual exasperation. Despite their differences, they were united in their disdain for this forced arrangement. Betsy clenched her fists under the table, biting back a retort. She knew better than to argue further; her mother was every bit as stubborn as she was.

John sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair. "Alright, fine. I'll go along with this... farce. But don't expect me to make it easy."

Betsy shot him a look, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, don't worry. I wouldn't dream of it."

Jackie and Gloria exchanged satisfied glances, their plan seemingly in motion.

Gloria smiled, her voice gentle but firm. "You'll thank us one day, both of you."

John muttered under his breath, "Doubtful."

Betsy leaned back in her chair, her arms still crossed. "We'll see about that."

The dinner continued in tense silence, the air thick with unspoken frustrations and simmering resentment. John and Betsy exchanged glances, both knowing that their mothers had won this round — but also that the battle was far from over.

As the evening wore on, they made an unspoken pact: if they had to go through with this fake engagement, they would make it as difficult as possible for everyone involved.

Neither was willing to play by the rules set before them. If their families wanted a spectacle, they were going to get one. And if they were going to be engaged, then it would be on their terms — whatever those turned out to be.