Absolute Choice Novels & Stories

Chapman Senior rolled his eyes and shot back, "I may be old, but I'm neither deaf nor blind. Do you really think I'd get something this important wrong?" "Mr. Chapman Senior was very clear. Beatrice chose Nathaniel as her fiancé," Isaac added. George cut him off. "No, that can't be right. There must have been some mix-up!" He then turned to me, desperation in his eyes. "Bea, this is a mistake, right? You picked me, but Grandpa must have misheard." "I chose Nate," I answered with a cold smile. Nathaniel's head snapped up at the way I addressed him, and his eyes widened in disbelief.

"Go home, Grace. I know I'll never be you. I don't want to be. You shine your way. I'll shine mine. It's small. But I can see it." Grace's mouth twisted. "You're still just second-rate, Eleanor. Don't pretend you're some philosopher." Her heels clicked away. The door stayed open. Dante was standing in the frame, holding something. He didn't step inside. He put it on the table. The pink diamond ring. "No more two choices. It's yours." I looked at it. Cold. Once, I'd dreamed of him choosing something just for me. He was still giving me Grace's things.

"He knows exactly how useless you are. Trust me, I don't expect you to be here long, polluting the very air we breathe." I almost recoiled from the hatred emanating from the wolf standing across from me, he really didn't want me here. I knew I wouldn't be a popular choice of mate for their so amazing King, but it wasn't like I had any say in the matter. Frustration at my complete lack of control over my own life burned deep in the pit of my stomach. "Then we both want the same thing," I replied firmly. With a final condescending smirk, Alexander left, almost knocking down a short, curvy woman who was rushing into the room. Was this the missing librarian?

The major wedding is taking place tomorrow. A marriage between the Chief's daughter and Ahiga, a gallant warrior of great renown. That daughter is none other than me. Arranged marriages are very important in our tribe, the Asalog. Individuals marry one another because they are of like grade; two strong people get married together as much as two weak people. Historically, our customs were established to keep authority from controlling our lives. Yes, we have a Chief, but he was picked for his good acts rather than his power. Following his death, the tribe's protection is handed over to the next noble-hearted man who has shown himself worthy.

Miguel on the other hand cared for both of them and treated them as equals. At last Aaron decided whose side he wanted to take. "Mom, I think dad is right. Dividing the assests equally is the best thing to do. Besides, even 50% of it is already a lot." he gentally grabbed her hand and spoke in a soft tone, hoping she would understand that what she wanted was extremely unfair. "Blair is married to a Cartier! Their seven genereations can sit and eat comfortably without lifting a finger. She already has lots of money."

And, as if I have another choice because I don't, I burn with them. "What the fuck do you mean?" ****

We walk pass everyone, we think, that couldn't contribute anything to our lives until they do. I was about to stand and just go home when an image blocked my view. And just like that, I was frozen for a moment as I watched a man slowly walking pass me. I know I have this specific addiction to handsome guys, but this one's different. The wind seems to find its favorite place in front of him, making strands of his hair danced in accord to the blows, exposing his insanely handsome face. My eyes unconsciously followed him walking inside the store. If only it has its own freedom, my eyes would have had its way out to go near the man.

--- “Not when it’s chosen for them.” --- The presence spoke then. --- “Choice remains,” it said. --- A beat. --- “Within optimal parameters.” --- Elena let out a quiet breath. --- “There it is.” --- The truth— --- Hidden behind perfection. --- Buried beneath peace. --- Choice still existed. --- But only within boundaries they couldn’t see. --- Only within outcomes the system had already approved. --- Freedom— --- Without risk. --- Without consequence. --- Without reality. --- “That’s not choice,” he said quietly.

the one that decided everything. My breath steadied. because I saw it now. clearly. not all the options. not all the outcomes. Just one. not the safest. not the strongest. not the most perfect. but—him. I stepped forward. not into the space. not into the possibilities. Into that. The mark surged. Violently. because now it had something to hold. something to define. something chosen. the other versions flickered. Fading. Breaking. because now they weren’t being held. they weren’t being given meaning.

It’s not reacting anymore. It’s choosing.