Brandon

"Brandon, you have to meet my parents tonight," Rachel pleaded with her boyfriend, her eyes filled anxiousness and nervousness.

Though their relationship was relatively new, Rachel was head over heels for Brandon. With his charming curly hair and sparkling brown eyes that lit up whenever he smiled, she had no doubt that he was the love of her life.

"Tonight?" Brandon asked, disbelief evident in his voice. Rachel nodded eagerly, her anticipation growing.

"Why? Just two weeks ago, you didn't even want me to meet them at all," Brandon said, clearly confused.

Rachel hesitated for a moment, contemplating how to approach the subject. She decided to shield Brandon from the truth, not ready to reveal that she was betrothed against her will. Even she found it hard to believe.

"I know it's sudden, but I've told them about our relationship, and they're really eager to meet you," Rachel lied, hoping he would agree. She couldn't bear the thought of losing Brandon.

Brandon's eyebrows furrowed as he considered her words. "I'm not sure I can meet them tonight," he replied, his tone uncertain.

Rachel felt her patience waning, and her response came out more aggressively than intended. "Why not?" she snapped, catching Brandon off guard.

"I just feel like you're not telling me something," Brandon said, a hint of concern in his voice.

Sensing his suspicion, Rachel knew it was time to come clean. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage.

"Fine, the truth is... I'm betrothed to someone else," she confessed, her voice quivering. "My parents want us to get married, but if they meet you and like you, maybe they won't stand in the way of our happiness."

Brandon burst into laughter, and Rachel's heart sank. "What's so funny?" she asked, her frown deepening, feeling the weight of her situation.

"Come on, babe, stop being silly," Brandon replied, still chuckling.

"You think I'm joking?" Rachel retorted, her frustration mounting.

"Yeah, you're not serious, are you?" Brandon asked, his laughter fading when he saw the seriousness etched on her face.

"Yes. I'm serious. Dead serious," Rachel replied firmly, her eyes pleading for him to understand. "In fact..."

"That's not possible. Your parents can't force you into marrying someone. That's crazy," Brandon interrupted, his voice filled with disbelief.

"I know. But that's what they're doing, and I have to stop them. That's why you have to meet them," Rachel explained, her tone tinged with desperation.

"And you think that will work?" Brandon questioned, his voice laced with doubt.

"I'm positive. And if it doesn't, I'll just fly to Paris with you," Rachel replied, injecting a touch of sarcasm to lighten the mood. Deep down, though, she hoped her parents would genuinely accept Brandon, sparing her from marrying a stranger.

"I love you," Brandon said suddenly, his words breaking through Rachel's thoughts and melting her heart.

"I love you too," she replied, her voice filled with both tenderness and uncertainty, hoping that her parents wouldn't come between their love.

*********

"You're betrothed?" Carlos, Nick's friend, exclaimed in disbelief as they sat at the bar, sipping their drinks.

Nick slumped in his seat, clearly feeling down. "Yeah, apparently," he replied, his voice heavy with resignation.

Carlos couldn't help but chuckle. "That's the craziest shit I've ever heard," he said, trying to inject some levity into the situation.

Nick nodded, appreciating the attempt at humor. "I know," he replied with a sigh.

"But you can't let your parents do this to you, man," Carlos said, concern evident in his eyes as he looked at his friend.

"I don't know, Carlos. There seems to be no way out. My dad is dead serious about cutting me off permanently," Nick responded, his frustration palpable. He knew his father wasn't bluffing.

"Yikes, that's harsh. But listen, don't give up just yet. There has to be something you can do," Carlos encouraged, placing a supportive hand on Nick's shoulder.

Nick rubbed his temples, deep in thought. "I wish it were that simple, but it feels like my options are incredibly limited. It's either her or my inheritance, and I can't joke around with losing everything I've worked for," he explained, his frustration seeping into his words.

Carlos let out a sympathetic sigh. "That's a tough spot to be in, buddy. But remember, you have my support no matter what you decide. Good luck," he said, raising his glass in a silent toast.

"Thanks, Carlos," Nick replied, grateful for his friend's unwavering support.

Carlos finished his drink, taking a moment to savor the last sip. "So, when are you leaving?" he asked, breaking the silence.

"Tomorrow. I'll be having dinner with the girl and her family the day after," Nick answered, a sense of resignation in his voice.

Carlos raised an eyebrow. "Well, I guess all we can do is hope she's pretty. It would make things a little easier for you," he commented, trying to inject a touch of optimism.

Nick turned to him, a wry smile crossing his face.

"Yeah."