“I told you already,” I said, forcing another small laugh, sharper this time. “I’ve thought it through. I’m not getting any younger. In our world, waiting too long makes you… irrelevant.”
“Don’t talk like that,” he snapped, slipping back into the voice of a boss, not just a brother. “I’ll arrange an introduction with the man we selected. At least see who you’ll be tied to.”
“There’s no need,” I replied calmly, even as something inside me cracked. “I trust our parents’ judgment. They wouldn’t align me with anyone careless. Arranged or not, I’m sure the decision was calculated.”
Silence filled the line. Then came his sigh—heavy, conflicted. Years ago, my refusal to fall in line had rattled the family, especially him. Hearing me finally yield seemed to lift a weight off his shoulders.
“I’m relieved you’ve accepted it,” he said quietly. “When are you coming back? Are you sure you don’t want to meet him before we seal anything?”
“No,” I answered without hesitation, practicality hardening my voice. “The faster it’s done, the faster the family can move forward. Set the date. One month from now.”