Stolen Hearts

Chapter 1

The room was cloaked in darkness, save for the faint glow of the moon seeping through the partially drawn curtains. Quincy, lay soundly asleep in the sanctuary of his room. The air was heavy with the scent of lavender, emanating from a cluster of fragrant candles carefully arranged on his bedside table. The walls, painted in a soothing shade of cobalt blue, showcased an eclectic collection of artwork, each piece telling its own unique story.

As Quincy's dreams carried him deeper into the realms of slumber, a sudden disturbance shattered the tranquility. The door creaked open, casting a thin shaft of light across the room as Quincy's younger brother, Manu, barged in with a sense of urgency.

"Quincy! Wake up, brother!" Manu's voice echoed through the room, filled with an anxious energy.

Quincy groaned, his eyes fluttering open. The room came into focus, revealing the carefully curated details that reflected Quincy's refined taste. A sleek mahogany desk occupied a prominent corner, adorned with a collection of leather-bound books and a state-of-the-art laptop. Framed photographs capturing Quincy's travels adorned the walls, transporting him back to the breathtaking sights he had witnessed.

"What's the deal, Manu?" Quincy's voice rumbled, laced with annoyance, as he struggled to shake off the remnants of sleep.

Manu, undeterred by Quincy's grogginess, replied with urgency, "I know you're not going to like this, bro. I just turned on the news." He waved the morning paper in his hand dramatically, his eyes wide with anticipation. "Our parents are returning from their extravagant escapades, and they're hosting a grand charity event tonight. It's going to be the talk of the town, Quincy."

Quincy's heart skipped a beat as he absorbed the gravity of the situation. He sat up, his mind racing to comprehend the implications. "You know what that means," he muttered, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and anxiety.

"Yeah," Quincy sighed, frustration evident in his tone. "My time is running out."

Manu moved closer, his voice filled with concern, "Quincy, there's got to be someone you can bring as your date. Or perhaps, just perhaps, you can summon the courage to admit that you're not ready for marriage. You have to make a decision, brother. It's time."

Quincy felt the weight of his brother's words pressing down upon him. The room seemed to close in around him, the walls suffocatingly close. He knew he couldn't keep avoiding the inevitable, but the pressure was suffocating.

As Quincy wrestled with his thoughts, flashes of memories intertwined with his doubts. He remembered the conversations with his parents, the expectations that had been placed upon his shoulders. The weight of tradition and societal norms pressed upon him, threatening to drown him in an ocean of uncertainty.

The clock ticked away, each second reminding Quincy of the impending deadline. The room fell silent as the brothers exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. Quincy knew he had to confront his fears, face the truth, and make a decision that would not only shape his future but also define his relationship with his family.

Quincy and Manu sat down for breakfast, their plates filled with a spread of fresh fruit, pastries, and steaming mugs of coffee. Quincy absentmindedly scrolled through his phone, his eyes rolling as he read about the upcoming charity event that their parents had kept a secret. Just as he heard the keys turning in the front door, Quincy looked up to see his parents walking in, their faces beaming with affection and love.

His mother rushed over to Quincy, enveloping him in a warm embrace. "Oh, my dear Quincy and Manu! It's so wonderful to see you boys," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight.

His father joined in the display of affection, placing a hand on Quincy's shoulder. "We've missed you, sons," he said, a proud smile spreading across his face.

Quincy couldn't help but feel a mixture of annoyane. "So, when were you going to tell us about the event?" he asked, trying to maintain a sense of nonchalance.

His father chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "We wanted to surprise you both, Quincy. At this charity event, we'll be setting you up with three of the girls attending. You can get to know them better and finally announce your wedding announcement," he said, his tone filled with excitement.

"Guys, I just want to express my thoughts on this matter. As a 36-year-old individual, I genuinely believe that I don't need any assistance or interference when it comes to finding a partner or getting married. It's not a big deal if I don't end up tying the knot. I can still have a fulfilling life, build strong relationships with my family, and actively participate in all kinds of events. There's absolutely no difference in my ability to create a happy and meaningful life without a spouse,"Quincy says.

"Honey, we want to see you married and happy, not lonely. This life is so much better with someone," Mom says.

"Son, you know the answer. Let's not dwell, okay?" Dad says with warning toning but sad eyes.

However, just to throw a curveball into the conversation, I pose a question to my parents: "What if I already have someone in mind for marriage?" Quincy's words hang in the air, surprising both his parents.

Quincy's mom's eyes widen in disbelief and joy. "Oh my goodness, Quince! You're going to have your momma crying! Okay then, we'll pick two potential candidates, and you can introduce us to the special lady. OMG, I'm even more excited now! You know how much I love parties," he exclaims, a mixture of exasperation and amusement evident in his voice.

Quincy couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by his parents' love and enthusiasm. As he looked at their smiling faces, he knew that he would have to navigate the expectations and pressures placed upon him.