The Quiet Contract

Lisa

Lisa POV

My eyes flickered between her parents, both seated across from her at the large dining table. I could sense something serious lingering in the air even before her mother spoke, her voice gentle yet firm.

"Lisa," my mother began, glancing toward my father for a moment, "we have something to discuss with you. It's... about a promise we made a long time ago, one that involves you."

My father cleared his throat, his expression a mix of pride and concern. "You're going to marry Jennie Kim," he said, his words direct. "Her family and ours agreed on this years ago, and we believe this union would be beneficial for both families."

I took a slow breath, absorbing the weight of their words. Marriage with Jennie Kim—someone I'd admired from a distance, someone I'd never imagined I'd be tied to. I had seen Jennie at various gatherings, but we had barely exchanged a word. Despite her quiet admiration, I had always kept myself hidden, never wanting to overstep.

"Okay," I said softly, I gaze lowering to the table. My mind was a whirl of questions, but one thought rose to the surface above all others, and I couldn't keep it to herself. "Does Jennie... know?"

My father nodded, meeting her eyes. "Yes. Her family has already told her. I'm sure she'll come around."

The knot in my chest tightened. Jennie knew. And Jennie, being the confident, powerful woman she was, might not be happy about this. I could already imagine Jennie's sharp gaze, her cold aura, her unmistakable disappointment. The thought made my stomach twist uncomfortably.

I sat there, listening to my parents as they laid it all out for me. The promise they'd made with the Kims, the future they envisioned, and the name of the person who'd be... my wife.

Jennie Kim.

Even though I'd seen her at gatherings, maybe even admired her a bit, we'd never actually spoken. She was a force, commanding every room she entered with that sharp confidence and an aura that kept everyone on edge. I'd always watched her from a distance, feeling... well, more than a little intimidated.

And now, out of all people, she was the one I was meant to marry.

It didn't feel real. But instead of the questions I thought I'd have, only one thing filled my mind. I looked up at my parents, my voice barely above a whisper. "Will she be okay with it?" I couldn't help the worry that crept in. "I mean... what if Jennie hates me for this?"

My father gave a reassuring nod, his voice calm. "She might be a bit... surprised at first, but that doesn't mean she won't understand. Her parents already spoke to her about it."

But the tightness in my chest didn't ease. I couldn't shake the feeling that Jennie would look at me with that same cold stare, only this time it would be filled with resentment. And the thought of her being angry, of her hating me, settled heavily on my shoulders.

"Are you okay with this?" my mother asked, her hand reaching out to mine.

I nodded slowly. "Yes... but... it's just... I don't want Jennie to be unhappy because of me." It felt strange to say out loud, but I couldn't help it. The last thing I wanted was for her to look at me like I was a burden, someone she was forced to endure.

"Give it time," my mother said gently. "You're stronger than you think, Lisa. Jennie might see that one day."

I wasn't sure if I believed it.

I sat there in silence for a while, the weight of their words settling into my mind like stones sinking to the bottom of a pond. "Jennie Kim," I murmured, almost to myself. I tried to imagine her reaction—how she'd look at me, what she'd say. Her expression when she found out. She had that piercing gaze, the kind that saw straight through people. And I wasn't sure I'd measure up to what she expected... or wanted.