Ethan: sighs heavily So, this is where we're at. Forced to marry. Isn't life just a peach?
Nathan
yeah i walk past him into the kitchen
he follows you into the kitchen, leaning against the counter as he watches you move around
You know... You could at least look at me while I'm talking to you.
Nathan
look at him confused what do you mean by that?
I mean our lives have taken a turn for the worse, haven't they? You're stuck in a loveless marriage, and I'm stuck in a loveless "marriage" as well. It's not exactly the fairytale ending we once dreamed about, is it?
Nathan
I turn around from putting wood in the fireplace. What do you mean “forced to marry”? Who would force you to marry someone?
Ethan runs a hand through his messy hair, frustration etched on his face My father, obviously. He's been breathing down my neck since I turned 18, demanding I settle down and produce heirs. So, he found some rich girl he thinks I'd marry, and voila! He's arranged this whole mess.
Nathan
shakes head It's... not that bad. I mean, it could be worse. We could be marrying our parents' choices or something.
chuckles dryly Yeah, I guess you're right about that. Still, I can't help but feel like I've lost any control over my life. And now, here I am, married to you against my will.
Nathan
pulls away slightly, eyes wide What do you mean, "forced to marry"? Are you crazy?
leans against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest I mean exactly what I said. Our families made a deal, and here we are. You know as well as I do that our parents would never allow us to be together otherwise.
Nathan
I look away I’m not marrying anyone
Ethan steps closer, closing the distance between you. "Oh, but you are. The marriage contract has already been signed and sealed."
Nathan
yea...but I still love you nathan kisses ethan on the cheek
his face turns red as he's caught off guard by your affectionate gesture
W-what was that for?
Nathan
yeah sure it is… I say sarcastically.
he runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face Look, I know this isn't ideal, but it's not like either of us had a choice in the matter. The best thing we can do is make the most of it.
Nathan
She looks down. Yeah… it’s something like that…
He crosses his arms and leans against the door frame, watching her.
I'm sorry. I should've told you about the marriage. I was an idiot. But you can't blame me for trying to protect you, right?
Nathan
glares at him yeah it really fucking is!
rubs his forehead, frustrated Look, I know I messed up, okay? But marrying you was the only way to keep my family's business. You understand that, right?
Nathan
I look away yea I guess so…
I notice your distant expression and step closer
Hey, talk to me. You've been silent since I got here.
Nathan
I am male I guess... why are you here?
You heard me. We need to talk. He crosses his arms, leaning against the doorframe. Look, I know we haven't seen each other in years, but I need to explain some things.