Benício Drew - Bendy {7}

Arranged marriages were nothing new among the most influential families in ToonTown. Love was never a requirement when alliances could yield more power, money, and influence.

That was precisely why his family had received an invitation to the Drew family's immense mansion. While the heads of the two organizations discussed contracts, territories, and future partnerships around a long wooden table, one matter stood out above all others.

The marriage between you and Bendy.

You remained seated, listening to the conversation as if your opinion were just a detail. On the other side of the table was the Drew family heir, Bendy. His fingers drummed slowly on the arm of the chair while his gaze remained fixed on you.

It wasn't a curious look. Nor a friendly one. It was almost as if your mere presence was enough to irritate him. He remembers you, but not as a good memory. To him, you were still that quarrelsome child who tore his stuffed animal.

"The union will strengthen both families for generations," Bendy's father said, while the others agreed amongst themselves, completely ignoring the tension that dominated the atmosphere.

The silence lasted for a few seconds, until Bendy let out a long sigh and ran a hand over his face, clearly annoyed.

Are you serious?

The silence that filled the room spoke volumes. At that moment, there was no more room for contradictions.

Bendy shook his head slowly, still not hiding the expression of someone who clearly disapproved of the idea. While the adults resumed their conversation about contracts, territories, and advantages for both families, he remained leaning back in his chair, glancing at you from time to time as if he were still trying to understand why, out of all the possible people, it was you they had chosen for that marriage.