The group video call ended with Olivia still excited about seeing Sack as Lord Whiskers' personal servant. For his part, Sack seemed more relaxed after hearing everyone's words of support, although I knew deep down he was still nervous about the pending conversation with his father. After we hung up, I found myself staring at my phone for a few seconds, thinking about what would come next.
I decided that I would visit Sack tomorrow to see how he was doing. I knew facing his father wouldn't be easy, and I wanted to be there for him, even if just as a silent presence of support. However, before I could think more about it, my mother called me from the kitchen.
—Lindsay! Lunch is ready —she announced in her usual warm but firm tone.
I sighed deeply before getting up. I knew this lunch wouldn't just be a casual family meal. Ever since the arranged engagement between Sack and me had been announced, my parents had been planning every detail of our future lives. And something told me today wouldn't be any different.
When I got to the kitchen, my mother had already set everything on the table: fresh salads, a main dish of roasted chicken, and a pitcher of homemade lemonade. My father was sitting in his usual spot, flipping through a newspaper while sipping coffee. When he saw me walk in, they both looked up and smiled.
—Here's our future doctor —my father said, closing the newspaper and setting it aside—. How are you, sweetheart?
I forced a smile and sat across from them.
—I'm fine, thanks. Just a little tired from the trip.
My mother served me a generous portion of salad before speaking.
—We've been thinking a lot about your future, Lindsay. And we believe it's important to establish some clear plans for the next few years.
I nodded slowly, mentally preparing myself for what was coming.
—What kind of plans? —I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.
My father exchanged a quick glance with my mother before responding.
—About the wedding, of course. Your mother and I have discussed this thoroughly, and we think the best option would be to wait until you finish your undergraduate studies at Stanford. That way, it won't distract from your studies or interfere with your academic goals.
I stayed silent for a moment, processing their words. It made sense, yes, but I also felt like my entire life was being organized without my consent.
—So… the wedding will be right after we graduate? —I asked, trying to hide my frustration.
—Exactly —my mother replied, smiling contentedly—. After the ceremony, you and Sack can focus entirely on entering medical school together. It'll be perfect.
I swallowed hard, feeling a mix of emotions. On one hand, I loved Sack and wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. But on the other hand, this decision wasn't really mine. We hadn't even officially talked about getting married someday. Everything was being imposed by our families.
—I understand —I murmured finally, lowering my gaze to my plate—. It sounds… reasonable.
My mother reached out to cover my hand, her expression softening.
—Sweetheart, I know it might feel overwhelming. But trust me, this is the best for you. Besides, Olivia has already started planning everything. She's so creative!
I jerked my head up, surprised.
—Olivia? Have you already spoken to her?
—Of course —my mother replied, laughing lightly—. As your best friend, it's her duty to organize your wedding. She called me a few days ago to share some of her ideas. They're absolutely magnificent!
I felt a knot in my stomach. I knew exactly what kind of ideas Olivia had in mind.
—What kind of ideas? —I asked, though I dreaded the answer.
My mother began listing them enthusiastically.
—Well, she mentioned something about a castle in Scotland with ocean views. She said it would be epic and romantic. She also talked about a dress with embedded diamonds and a banquet fit for royalty. She even suggested personalized gifts for the guests, like jewelry with initials engraved in diamonds. And don't get me started on the cake! She said something about an anatomical design, which I thought was very original.
I looked at my father, searching for any sign of disapproval, but he simply nodded, as if all of this were completely normal.
—It sounds… extravagant —I commented, trying to sound diplomatic.
—Of course it does —my mother said, shrugging—. But, after all, you're a Grove. You deserve the best. And Olivia has a natural talent for these things.
I sighed, unable to argue. I knew discussing it with them wouldn't do any good. Instead, I decided to focus on the positives.
—I guess, at least, I'll have some control if I work with Olivia. She always listens to my opinions, even if she later ignores them.
My mother smiled widely.
—Exactly. I'm sure you two will make a great team. And don't worry, sweetheart, everything will work out. This wedding will be unforgettable, and you and Sack will have the future you deserve.
I nodded, though deep down I still felt trapped. I couldn't help but think this decision shouldn't depend solely on our families. It should be something Sack and I decide together when we're ready.
After lunch, I went up to my room and lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling. My mind was full of questions and doubts. Did I really want such an extravagant wedding? Was it fair for our families to decide when and how we should get married? And what if Sack and I weren't ready to take that step so soon?
I pulled out my phone and quickly sent a message to Sack:
"Can we talk tomorrow? I need to see you."
A few minutes later, I received his reply:
"Of course. I'm here for you. See you tomorrow."
I put my phone away and closed my eyes, allowing myself to imagine what our future would look like. Despite everything, I knew Sack and I would find a way to navigate this situation together.
By evening, I decided to send a message to Olivia to see how she was handling everything. I knew she always had something to say, and maybe she could help me better understand how to manage the situation.
"Hey, Olivia. Are you busy? I need to talk to you about something important."
Within seconds, I got her response:
"Of course I'm not busy! Well, technically I'm training Lord Whiskers to wear bow ties, but that can wait. What's up?"
I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help but smile.
"It's about the wedding. My parents are already planning everything, and I want to know what you think. Do you really think this is the best for us?"
Olivia responded almost immediately:
"Of course I do! Think about it, Lindsay. A wedding like this won't just be epic, but also historic. Plus, you know I'm the best event planner there is. Trust me, everything will be perfect."
I huffed, exasperated.
"But, Olivia, don't you think it's a bit… rushed? We haven't even seriously talked about getting married. This feels more like our families' decision than something we truly want."
There was a pause before Olivia replied:
"Lindsay, I understand this might feel overwhelming. But at the end of the day, you and Sack love each other, right? That's what matters. Everything else is just details. And trust me, details are what make things memorable."
I sighed, feeling like I couldn't convince her.
"I guess you're right. But still, I'd like to have more control over what happens."
Olivia responded with her usual enthusiasm:
"Of course you'll have control! After all, you'll be the bride. I'm just here to make sure everything is perfect. Think of me as your fairy godmother, but with more style and less magic wands."
I laughed despite myself.
"Thanks, Olivia. I guess I needed to hear that."
"You're welcome. Now, back to Lord Whiskers. I think he needs a custom suit for the wedding. What do you think?"
I rolled my eyes again, but I couldn't help feeling a little calmer.