The entire family gathered in the living room and engaged in a lively discussion. Grandma, with a mischievous glint in her eye, turned to Isabella and asked, "Isabella, do you have a boyfriend?"
Alexander, quick to intervene, said, "Grandma, does she have friends? Let's not talk about boyfriends just yet."
Benjamin chimed in, "Just because she doesn't have a boyfriend doesn't mean she might not have fallen in love."
Their father, seeking to steer the conversation, said, "Let's hear from Isabella herself. What does she have to say?"
Isabella, with a hint of humor, laughed and said, "Out of everything on my mind right now, everything in my budget, everything on my list... do you think what I want to do now is have a boyfriend to deal with? All I need to focus on is being successful."
Her challenge was met with a response from her mother, "Aren't you successful enough, Isabella? You're now a renowned surgeon, wealthy, and accomplished. Is that not enough?"
Her mother continued, "Isabella, you're twenty-nine. Be quick about whatever you want to do, dear."
Grandma's eyes sparkled with determination. "Isabella, I'll give you a month to bring your boyfriend home. But within this timeframe, I'll set you up on blind dates with plenty of eligible men. And by the end of this month, I expect you to have made a decision about marriage."
Isabella's eyes widened in protest. "Grandma, that's too much pressure!"
Grandma waved her hand dismissively. "I know how these things work, dear. You need a push. And I want a great-grandchild to spoil!"
Alexander chimed in, "Yeah, sis, you're not getting any younger. It's time to settle down."
Benjamin added, "Besides, think of all the fun we'll have at your wedding!"
Their mother nodded in agreement. "Isabella, your grandmother is right. You need to focus on your personal life now. You've achieved so much in your career, but family is important too."
Isabella's father cleared his throat. "We just want what's best for you, dear. And what's best is a good husband and children."
Isabella felt the weight of her family's expectations bearing down on her. "But what about my own happiness? My own choices?"
Grandma's expression turned stern. "Happiness comes from fulfilling your duties, dear. Now, let's start making arrangements for your future. I have some excellent candidates in mind, and I'll introduce you to them soon."
Isabella sighed, feeling a sense of resignation. "Grandma, please... can't we just enjoy the rest of the evening without talking about this?"
Grandma waved her hand dismissively. "No, no, dear. We need to get started on this right away. Your aunt will help me make a list of suitable men, and we'll begin setting up meetings next week."
Isabella's siblings exchanged amused glances, and Alexander chimed in, "Yeah, sis, you're in for a treat. Grandma's got a whole lineup of nerds and Mama's boys waiting for you."
Benjamin added, "And don't forget the 'excellent candidates' grandma has in mind. I'm sure they'll be real winners."
Isabella shot her siblings a mock glare, but Grandma just smiled sweetly. "Oh, don't worry, dear. I'll find you someone perfect. Now, let's get started on the arrangements..."
Isabella's mother intervened, "Now, now, let's not tease Isabella too much. We just want what's best for her."
Grandma nodded in agreement. "Exactly! And what's best for her is a good husband and children. Now, let's get to work on this. I'll call your aunt and we'll start making a list of potential husbands."
Isabella threw up her hands in exasperation. "This is ridiculous! I'm not a prize to be won or a problem to be solved. Can't I just make my own decisions about my life?"
Grandma's expression turned stern. "You're being stubborn, Isabella. This is for your own good. Now, let's get started."
The rest of the evening was a blur of discussions about potential husbands, wedding plans, and babies. Isabella felt like she was losing her mind.
As the night drew to a close, Isabella's father pulled her aside and whispered, "Don't worry kiddo. We'll support you no matter what. Just remember, you have the right to make your own choices."
Isabella smiled weakly, feeling a small sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to escape this arranged marriage trap...