"Do you know why it didn't work?"
"Let me guess. Because I didn't believe it enough?"
"No, because I wasn't with you. We have to try it together!" I repeat the same words he said to me so many years ago.
"Oh, you remembered that, too?"
I place my hand on his heart. "Because I keep my precious memories safe."
He says nothing. It’s useless. I already know what it would mean.
We get up, though we’d prefer to stay a little longer and talk. Nate accompanies me inside, putting a hand on my back and making me enter first. The air we breathe is different from before.
"It's like you're throwing me into the lions' den."
"Right? I thought the same thing."
"You're such a gentleman!" I say.
"Don't worry, I'm watching your back."
"My back or my ass?"
"I refrain from answering," he says, shaking his head before sitting down.
"Since we're all finally here, we can sit down," Duke Weister says.
Nate and I sit on the sofa while Dad and the duke sit opposite us. The maid serves us a drink while I notice our fathers looking at each other like accomplices.
"So, guys, this evening will be a special one, especially for you. In just over two months, Izy will be 25. I remember well, isn't it?"
"Yes, of course...” I reply cautiously.
"Twenty-four years ago, Lucas and I made a pact. Traditions have followed one another for centuries and therefore must be respected as such."
"Without discussion," Dad replies, looking at me.Is this a warning?
"I don't think I like what they have to say," says Nate.
"On the contrary, it's a wonderful thing. Nathan, you and Isabel are going to get married."
I burst out laughing, but when I notice my father's serious gaze, I realize it isn’t a joke.
"This is a joke, isn't it?" Nathan asks as if he has read my mind.
"Don't mess with traditions," the duke replies harshly. "For generations, our family has followed the custom handed down by our fathers. Finding a deserving and perfect wife for our sons. The concept of marriage has changed over the centuries. Usually, the future spouses saw each other for the first time in front of the altar. I can say that you have an advantage. You already know each other, you’ve grown up together. The fundamental basis of a marriage is mutual trust and respect..."
How stupid I am. And I thought it was love, too.I look at Nate and notice that he’s nervous. He looks straight ahead, but I have the feeling that he’s somewhere else in his head.
The duke continues his sermon, and I start to lose my breath. I feel like my back is against the wall. "No, it won't happen! How? How could you have thought we could accept such a thing?"
"Isabel, that's enough! So it's decided, and so it will be!"
"I hope you're kidding, Dad!"
"Isabel!"
"No, no ‘Isabel’! Mom would be so disappointed in you!"
