The Unspoken Promise

Dropping A Bomb.

The families had gathered again, but this time, the atmosphere felt different. Jace could sense something in the air as he sat with his parents in their living room, the usual warmth overshadowed by a weight he couldn't quite identify. His mother, Evangeline, was seated with a calm but serious expression, while his father, Nathaniel, leaned forward, fingers interlaced, looking thoughtful yet determined.

Evangeline broke the silence first, her voice calm yet carrying an unusual firmness. "Jace," she began, her eyes meeting his, "we want to talk to you about something important. Your father and I have been discussing it for some time now."

Jace's brows furrowed slightly, but he nodded, trying to hide his unease. "Okay..."

Nathaniel leaned in, his gaze steady. "You're turning twenty-one soon, Jace. And as you know, in our family, there's a tradition—a commitment, really. This is an age when we start thinking about settling down, finding someone to build a future with. A spouse."

Jace's heart skipped a beat, though he kept his expression neutral. "Are you saying... you want me to get married?"

Evangeline nodded, giving him a soft smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Yes. We know this may seem sudden, but it's not just about tradition. It's about finding stability and creating a life with someone who will be a partner to you."

Jace's mind raced, flashes of quiet moments with Vivienne flickering in his thoughts. This wasn't something he could ignore—he knew his parents had these expectations, but he hadn't imagined they'd bring it up so soon, especially not like this.

Nathaniel continued, oblivious to the turmoil in Jace's mind. "And Jace," he said carefully, his tone shifting slightly, "we've noticed you and Vivienne have become... close. Maybe even a little too close."

Jace blinked, caught off guard, but before he could respond, his mother spoke up.

"Your relationship with Vivienne has been sweet, Jace, but we know it's not serious. It's natural to have a bit of fun, but we're looking at the long term now," she said, her eyes steady. "We believe it's time for you to think about a proper match. A marriage that will build both of you up, not something that's just for... enjoyment."

Jace opened his mouth to speak, but Nathaniel raised a hand. "It's final. No more playing around with Vivienne," he said, his tone firm. "You're getting married."

The words hung heavy in the air, their finality sinking in, and Jace sat there, caught between his parents' expectations and the secret, growing bond he shared with Vivienne.

*********************************

Meanwhile, across town, Vivienne's parents were having a similarly intense conversation with her. Cassandra and Sebastian sat across from her at the kitchen table, their expressions unreadable, though there was a seriousness in their eyes that made Vivienne's heart pound.

"Vivienne," her mother began, her voice soft but steady, "your father and I have something important to discuss with you."

Vivienne looked between her parents, sensing the gravity of the moment. "What is it?" she asked, her voice calm but edged with worry.

Sebastian cleared his throat, meeting her gaze directly. "You're nearly twenty-one, Vivienne, and in our family, that means something. This is the age when we start thinking about settling down, about the future. About marriage."

Vivienne's eyes widened slightly, but she managed to keep her composure. "Marriage?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Cassandra nodded, reaching across the table to place a comforting hand on Vivienne's. "Yes. It's a tradition, one that's been a part of our family for generations. We want you to find someone who will be a true partner, someone who fits into the family and shares your values."

Sebastian leaned in, his expression firm. "We've noticed you've been spending quite a bit of time with Jace lately. And while we understand the friendship, we both know it's just that—fun, a passing phase. But now, we need you to think seriously about what's next."

Vivienne felt her stomach twist, but she forced herself to hold her father's gaze. "So... you don't think I should be with Jace?"

Cassandra's eyes softened, though her voice remained steady. "Sweetheart, Jace is a wonderful young man, and we're glad you two are close. But we don't believe it's the right path for you. This is about building a future, finding someone who will truly bring out the best in you."

Sebastian gave her a nod, his tone gentle but firm. "So, no more laughing about with Jace, Vivienne. You're getting married."

The finality in his words echoed through the room, settling over Vivienne like a weight she hadn't been prepared to carry.