Mr. Anderson strode into Kelvin's room with a determination that seemed to shake the very pictures on the walls. Kelvin, who was hunched over a mess of wires and blueprints, barely looked up.
The air was thick with tension, the kind that precedes a storm."Kelvin," Mr. Anderson began, his voice stern and unyielding, "we need to talk about this marriage situation.
I've introduced you to Amanda, and I expect you to marry her."Kelvin sighed, setting down his tools.
"Dad, why can't you understand? I'm not ready for marriage. I'm on the verge of a breakthrough with my device. That's my focus right now."His father's face reddened, a sure sign of his rising temper.
"You will marry Amanda, whether you like it or not. If you refuse, forget about any support from me for your... contraptions."
"Dad, you can't just force me into this. It's my life!" Kelvin protested, standing up to face his father."Your life?" Mr. Anderson scoffed.
"I've given you everything. It's time you started thinking about your responsibilities as my son."Kelvin shook his head, a mix of anger and disbelief in his eyes.
"Responsibilities? To a woman I barely know? To a life I don't want?"Mr. Anderson's voice was like thunder.
"Yes, to a life that will secure our family's name and future. You're not seeing the bigger picture, Kelvin."
The room fell silent, the tension now a palpable entity between them. Kelvin's mind raced. How could he make his father understand that his passion lay in his inventions, not in a forced marriage?
Mr. Anderson's face hardened. "You think I don't understand ambition? I built this family's fortune from the ground up. But a man needs a partner, Kelvin. And Amanda is a fine choice. You will marry her, whether you like it or not, unless you plan to succeed without my help."
Kelvin's eyes blazed with defiance. "Then maybe that's exactly what I'll do. I don't need your assistance, or your approval, to make my mark on this world."
Without another word, Kelvin brushed past his father and stormed out of the room. Mr. Anderson's voice echoed after him, a mix of anger and desperation.
"You'll regret this, Kelvin! You'll see that you need family, need connections!"The door slammed shut, leaving Mr. Anderson alone among the remnants of his son's obsession.
Kelvin found himself wandering the streets, his mind racing with the confrontation. He couldn't marry Amanda; he barely knew her, and what little he did know didn't spark any semblance of affection in him.
But his father's ultimatum hung over him like a dark cloud. Without his father's support, his future was uncertain.As he walked, lost in thought, he bumped into someone. "I'm so sorry," he muttered, looking up.
It was Henry.
"Kelvin!" Henry called out, his voice slicing through the hum of the city.Kelvin looked up, a hint of surprise flashing across his face.
"Henry? What are the odds?" he replied, forcing a smile.The two friends embraced, a comfortable silence enveloping them as they stepped aside from the flow of pedestrians.
Henry studied Kelvin's expression, noting the shadows beneath his eyes and the tight set of his jaw.
"You don't seem yourself, mate. What's eating at you?" Henry inquired, his concern evident.Kelvin sighed, his shoulders slumping.
"It's my dad. He's pressuring me to marry Amanda. Says if I don't, he'll cut me off—no support for my business plans, nothing."Henry's eyebrows shot up.
"Marry Amanda? But that's crazy! You can't be forced to marry someone you don't love."Kelvin shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips.
"Love? I don't have time for that nonsense. Besides, Amanda and I are like oil and water."Henry leaned against the wall, pondering Kelvin's predicament.
"You know, Amanda might not be as bad as you think. She's got a good heart, and she's smart. Last time we talked, I actually enjoyed our conversation. She could be a great partner for you."Kelvin's eyes narrowed playfully.
"Oh, really? If you're so fond of her, why don't you marry her?"The two friends burst into laughter, the tension momentarily forgotten.
"Come on," Henry said, nudging Kelvin with his elbow. "Let's grab a bite. I'm starving."
They found themselves at a cozy eatery, the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering stew welcoming them. As they settled into a booth, the waitress approached with a warm smile.
"What can I get for you gentlemen today?" she asked, notepad at the ready. Henry glanced at Kelvin, who shrugged.
"The usual for me, and whatever he's having," Kelvin said, gesturing to Henry.The waitress nodded and walked away, leaving them in a comfortable silence.
Henry took a sip of water, his mind racing with possibilities."You know, Kelvin, life's too short to be unhappy. Maybe this whole situation with Amanda is a sign. Maybe it's time to take a leap of faith.
"Kelvin raised an eyebrow. "A leap of faith? Into what, a loveless marriage?"
"No, not necessarily into marriage. But maybe it's time to stand up to your dad. Live life on your terms."Kelvin leaned back, his gaze distant.
"I wish it were that simple, Henry. But without my dad's support, my dreams are as good as dead."Henry reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Kelvin's.
"Then we'll find another way. We'll make your dreams happen, with or without your dad's help."
The waitress returned with their meals, and for a moment, they lost themselves in the comfort of food and friendship. But as they ate, Henry couldn't shake the feeling that Kelvin was at a crossroads, one that would define the rest of his life.
As they finished their meal, Kelvin looked up, a determined glint in his eye.
"You're right, Henry. It's time I took control of my destiny. I'll talk to Amanda, see where her head's at. And then... I'll face my dad."Henry smiled, proud of his friend's resolve.
"That's the spirit. Whatever happens, I've got your back."They stood up, leaving money on the table for the bill. As they walked out into the fading light of the day, Henry felt a sense of foreboding.
He knew that Kelvin's journey wouldn't be easy, and that the decisions made in the coming days would change everything.Just as they reached the street corner, Kelvin's phone buzzed. He pulled it out, his face going pale as he read the message.
"It's Amanda," he said, his voice barely above a whisper."What does she say?" Henry asked, leaning in. Kelvin looked up, his eyes wide with shock.
"She's... she's gone missing."The words hung in the air like a dark cloud, and Henry felt a chill run down his spine.
As they stood there, the world around them continuing on oblivious, Henry knew one thing for certain: their lives were about to take a dramatic turn, and there was no going back.
"What do we do now?" Kelvin asked, his voice laced with fear. Henry didn't have an answer, as he tried thinking on what to do next, the question lingered, a haunting echo in the silence that followed.