The next morning, a gentle knock on my door pulled me from my restless sleep. I groaned, not wanting to face another day in this nightmare. When the door creaked open, Thalira's mother entered, carrying a tray laden with a sumptuous breakfast.
"Good morning, Eileen," she greeted with a soft, almost maternal smile. "I brought you some breakfast. I hope you slept well."
I sat up slowly, my eyes narrowing. "I didn't. What do you want?"
She placed the tray on the small table by the window and took a seat across from me. Her elegance was intimidating, every movement graceful and deliberate.
"I understand this is difficult for you," she began, her tone soothing. "But I assure you, the perfect match system is designed for the greater good. It's meant to ensure the best possible future for our people."
I crossed my arms, my jaw clenched. "I don't care about your system. I care about my choices, my feelings. And I don't love Thalira."
