Their Perfect Match

Chapter 1: The Perfect System

Mia sat in front of her vanity mirror, watching her reflection with anticipation and calm. She had always trusted the system that dictated nearly every aspect of her life. There was little room for error in this society—especially regarding relationships. The government had established a flawless system, or so it seemed, designed to ensure that people were paired with their genetically perfect match. It was the foundation of their world, where emotions were minimized and logic prevailed.

For as long as Mia could remember, she had waited for her match to be announced. Mia had always trusted the process, unlike others who felt anxious or skeptical. After all, the data showed that couples matched through the Genetic Compatibility Bureau (GCB) had the highest levels of satisfaction, success, and emotional balance. A perfect match meant an ideal life, or so she had been told.

Today, she would finally learn the name of the person who would complete her life, the one she was destined to be with. She had followed every protocol, submitted every genetic test and behavioral analysis, and passed each psychological screening with flying colors.

Looking into her eyes in the mirror, she couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement. This was it. The moment she'd been waiting for.

The government’s algorithms had never failed.

Mia walked briskly through the city streets, towering glass buildings reflecting the perfect blue sky. Around her, people moved with a purpose; their movements were efficient, and their expressions were neutral. Everything was designed to keep people content, calm, and productive in this future society. Emotional outbursts, spontaneity, and impulsive decisions had no place in a world where logic ruled.

As she arrived at the Central Genetic Bureau, she was greeted by its sleek design. The GCB was the city's heart, where lives were planned, relationships were formed, and society’s order was maintained.

She joined a line of other hopefuls, all waiting to receive their match results. Her friend, Hannah, stood beside her, nervously twisting her fingers.

“Can you believe it?” Hannah whispered. “In a few minutes, we’ll know who we’re supposed to spend the rest of our lives with.”

Mia smiled reassuringly, though she didn’t feel the same unease as her friend. “It’s exciting. We’ve trusted the system our whole lives. They’ve never made a mistake.”

“I know,” Hannah muttered, still looking doubtful. “But what if… I don’t know. What if it doesn’t feel right?”

Mia glanced at her, slightly perplexed. She had never questioned the system before. Why would she? The data, statistics, and science have proven its efficacy. Genetic matches weren’t based on fleeting feelings or impulsive attractions. They were based on deep, biological connections designed to ensure long-term compatibility.

“Trust the process,” Mia said softly, touching Hannah’s arm. “It’s never failed anyone.”

Moments later, a soft chime rang through the building, and one by one, the attendees were called into private rooms to receive their match results.

When Mia’s name was called, she walked forward with steady confidence. She was ready.

Inside the room, a soft light illuminated a sleek, white console. An attendant stood behind the console, expressionless, tapping at the screen.

“Mia Carter,” the attendant said in a calm, mechanical voice. “Your genetic match has been identified. Please wait for your result.”

Mia’s heart quickened. This was the moment.

The screen blinked once before a name appeared.

Liam Hale.

A wave of relief washed over her. Liam Hale. She didn’t know him personally, but she recognized the name. He was a high-ranking government official and one of the most respected members of society. If anyone represented the values of their world, it was Liam Hale.

“He’s perfect,” Mia whispered to herself.

But before she could fully process the information, the screen blinked again.

Another name appeared.

Caleb West.

Her breath caught in her throat. She stared at the screen, her mind racing.

Two names?

That wasn’t possible.

The system had only ever paired individuals with one perfect match. There had never been a case where someone was matched with two people. Mia glanced at the attendant, her eyes wide with confusion.

“I… I don’t understand,” she stammered. “Is this a mistake?”

The attendant’s expression didn’t change. “There is no mistake. The system has determined that your genetic matches are Liam Hale and Caleb West. Further instructions will be provided.”

“But—”

Before Mia could protest further, the attendant motioned for her to leave the room. Stunned, Mia walked out in a daze, the weight of the revelation pressing heavily on her. Two matches? How could that be?

Later that evening, Mia replayed the day's events in her apartment. She had always trusted the system, but this… this was something she hadn’t prepared for. How could she be matched with two people from such different worlds?

Liam Hale epitomizes the system’s stable, logical, and robust ideals. His life was dedicated to maintaining order and ensuring the future of their society.

On the other hand, Caleb West was a name she had only heard in whispers. He was part of the underground resistance, a group that challenged the very system Mia had always believed in. They claimed that the government’s control over genetic matches was a form of oppression, robbing people of their free will.

And yet… both men were her genetic matches.

The system had never been wrong before. But Mia felt doubt creeping into her mind for the first time.

What did this mean?

Could she trust the system, or had everything she believed in been a lie?

Mia received instructions from the GCB to meet her matches the following day. The thought of facing either man was daunting, but she knew she had to see them—both of them.

Her first meeting was with Liam Hale. Sitting across from him in a pristine government facility, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. Liam was everything the system promised—calm, composed, and utterly confident. His piercing blue eyes studied her intensely, making her heart race.

“It’s an honor to be your match,” Liam said, his voice steady. “I’ve read your profile. We are truly compatible.”

Mia nodded, though her mind still buzzed with the revelation of her second match. She could barely focus on Liam’s words, her thoughts constantly drifting to Caleb West.

Later that night, she would meet him. The man from the shadows. The rebel.

And as much as she tried to push the thought away, a part of her couldn’t deny the thrill of it.