"I’m aware of that. Of course, the effects wouldn’t happen overnight. There are two billion people in the world. For this system to truly function, everyone would have to create their electrical profile, and that’s difficult to achieve. But even so, I estimate that in the United States alone, the number of True Mate matches could rise from five percent to perhaps twenty, maybe even twenty-five percent. That’s already a massive number."
"And what happens to families and couples who’ve spent decades in stable relationships with people who are not their True Mate? Everyone suddenly starts searching for their other half? Society would be thrown into chaos…!"
More voices erupt around the table. The directors start talking over one another. Some argue in favor of it, shouting that we could make fortunes from patents, database access, licensing agreements, and match results. Others argue it’s short-sighted, that eventually the pharmaceutical industry itself would collapse because True Mates rarely get sick.
Some insist that’s nonsense, pointing out that Malden’s profits rely heavily on pheromonal products, scent suppressants, heat and rut inhibitors, and countless hormonal treatments people would still need.
The arguments echo through the room.
Everyone wants to speak at once, while I sit there listening. Then I glance toward Gabriel.
He watches me closely, his eyes filled with light and absolute faith in me.
Finally, I rise to my feet.
"None of you are in a True Mate Bond, gentlemen, which means none of you understand the happiness and fulfillment that comes with it. I cannot, with a clear conscience, keep this discovery hidden from humanity. I always wanted my life’s work to be something that could give people health, happiness, and longevity, and this is exactly that. I respect your opinions, and of course your concerns will be considered. We’ll work together on the process of introducing the database to the public and determining what the costs will look like. But my decision is final. This discovery belongs to humanity, and I have no right to keep it for myself."
"We’ll lose billions, Mister Lowen," Doctor Volkovic says sharply.
"We’ll survive. We’ll expand into other sectors. We have a biorobotics division. Military contracts. Hospitals and maternity wards. And we still manufacture countless medications that even True Mates will continue to need. Yes, we’ll survive. And at the same time, we’ll give people something priceless… a choice. That’s the key word here. It will depend on people’s own decision. No one will be forced to submit their print. Only those who truly want to."
The directors sit there looking at one another helplessly, but they already know my decision isn’t one that can be easily overturned.
"We need to develop a strong implementation strategy," Adams says on my behalf. "One that minimizes losses while still allowing people access to this incredible opportunity."
He believes in the project too, and I’m glad to have him by my side.
The discussion continues. Voices rise and overlap, but then I catch Gabriel staring at me again.
He smiles so broadly I can practically feel the wave of happiness and pride radiating from him.
Ignoring the fact we’re in the middle of a board meeting, he walks over.
He leans down slightly, close enough for only me to hear.
"You know you’re incredible, right? Absolutely incredible. Your father said you were meant to do something important for this world, and I think I know what it is! True Mates for all!"
"I don’t know about if this is the one important thing," I say with a grin, winking at him. "I’m not done yet."
The noise in the room continues, but I no longer care.
This invention will reach the world. Maybe not this year. Maybe not even in two. But it will happen.
Because people deserve to have a choice.
My fingers intertwine with Gabriel’s. I’m no longer afraid to let the world see we belong to each other, especially not here, in front of the board. They’ve all accepted it by now. Even Simon, although he was quite shocked! Well, they never really had any other choice.
We’re inseparable, and Gabriel’s presence strengthens me. His energy fills me with renewed determination, and with a loud clap of my hands, I silence the room.
"Gentlemen. I know emotions are running high. But let’s begin by discussing the implementation strategy. One at a time. Doctor Fallon, you had your hand up. Go ahead."
I glance at Gabriel once more.
An ocean of love in his eyes.
I already had almost everything before. I was satisfied with my life.
But I’d never experienced the highest octave of it, such a deep happiness that I wholeheartedly believe should be aright of all human beings.
