â«ï¸Christian's POV...
"Good morning," I greeted my parents, sitting at the dining table. Ava, Nick, Liam, and MJ were already there, munching on breakfast. They all looked up and chimed, "Good morning!"
I raised an eyebrow at the food. "Without me?"
Ava smiled. "Come join us."
I dove into the food, but my mind was still somewhere else.
My dad, in his usual tone, suddenly asked, "Chris, are you dating anyone?"
I blinked, surprised. What's with parents and love at this age? They want their kids tangled in relationships, it seems. I calmly shook my head. "No, and I won't be."
My dad chuckled, clearly amused. "But I need an heir."
I smiled sarcastically. "I'm here. Isn't that obvious?"
Mom raised her brow, giving me a look that made me freeze. "But you don't have an heir, Christian."
I choked on my food. Nick and MJ both smirked, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
I wiped my mouth. "What?" I asked, confused.
Mom set her spoon down, her tone suddenly serious. "Listen, my boy. With this cold-hearted behavior of yours, you won't date anyone. But if you do, then we'll consider you for heir. Or, we have other options."
Nick raised his hand dramatically. "Please don't drag me into this race. I'm good where I am."
Liam, MJ, and Ava all nodded in agreement.
I grinned, unfazed. "You don't have an option."
Dad chuckled. "If you don't find a girlfriend soon, I'll make sure you marry Mary Haven."
I immediately sat up straight. "No way, never! You're talking like you'll take the oath in my place!" I laughed, trying to deflect.
Dad smirked, leaning back in his chair. "If I can make you, I can make you do things too. As my son, I've given you a choice: either marry her or find someone else."
I sighed, defeated. "Fine, I'll try."
Mom raised an eyebrow. "How much time do you need?"
"At least give me 10-12 years for this bitchy work I mean 'important' work," I said sarcastically.
Dad patted my shoulder. "Well, it's your mom's birthday in 4 weeks. We want to meet her three weeks from today."
With that, my parents left for Italy, and Nick clapped me on the shoulder. "Should I start calling Mary 'sister-in-law'?"
I groaned. "No. Fucking. Way."
Nick chuckled. "Alright, dude. So, any thoughts on your type, other than Mary?"
The rest of the group laughed as they raised their hands. Liam smirked. "So, what's your type?"
I shrugged. "Don't know. Just find someone for me."
Nick grinned. "Okay, dude. We'll find you someone so we don't have to see Mary in your bedroom everyday and night."
---
Time passes...
Two weeks had passed, and my friends were still sending me pictures of girls from parties. Each one, I immediately rejected. There was nothing to even look at. They all wore revealing clothes like they had no self-respect.
Whoever would be my girlfriend needed to have standards, something I admired. Why couldn't my parents wait? I'm just 26. It's not like I'm gay, I'd date someone-but only when I could handle the responsibility, and when I found someone I truly liked.
I said all of this as we sat in the living room.
Ava sighed, looking up. "But dude, you manage everything so well. It's time for a relationship. There's only one week left. What will you do?"
I leaned back in my chair. "If I don't find anyone suitable, I'll create one. But I can't be with Mary. She's disgusting."
Another two days passed. Still no girlfriend in sight.
Now, I was sitting in the living room with Ava, scrolling through papers while she continued reading her novel.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed. Mary. I declined the call. Then it rang again, FaceTime this time, with my parents on a conference call.
I had no choice. I answered.
"Hey, Chris!" Mary's annoying voice chirped. Her red hair-way too bright for her-framed her overly eager face. I couldn't stand her.
I waved weakly. "Hey, Mom, Dad."
Mary smiled, her eyes almost too wide. "I heard you're going to marry me!"
I rolled my eyes. "I haven't agreed to anything like that."
She pouted. "But you don't have a girlfriend! My dad will send a proposal, and our parents like each other."
I frowned. "I didn't knew our parents are marrying each other. We will be siblings then."
She groaned then turned to my parents. "Uncle, Aunt, please say something!"
Mom smiled sweetly. "We'll talk after five days."
Mary cheered. "I'll make you the happiest man, Christian. Believe me!"
"I already am , especially without you." I said coldly.
I couldn't take it anymore. "You know what? I do have a girlfriend. And I love her. No more extra honey. Now cut this bullshit."
With that, I cut the call.
Now my parents and Mary are continuously calling me to ask me ....ask me the name.
The name I didn't have.
The name I need right now.
I couldn't stop laughing at my situation.