Chapter 4 My Grandfather's Will

Heading to Jessica's school to pick her up the next day, I stood outside in the bustling schoolyard, where children were joyfully reuniting with their parents. Although Jessica was just beginning her journey in kindergarten, I felt an overwhelming desire to personally collect her on her first day of school. Glancing at my watch, I made my way towards one of the teachers to inquire about my daughter's location. Suddenly, my breath hitched as I caught sight of Jared walking out with her.

The striking resemblance between the two of them was impossible to miss, evident to even the most casual observer. That scared me because I knew Jared was super smart.

" What are you doing with my daughter? I told you to stay away from her!" I yelled anxiously reaching for Jessica's hand immediately to bring her to my side.

Holding Jessica tightly, my loud outburst caught the attention of everyone around us. At that moment, fear gripped me as I picked her up and hugged her. Had Jared already discovered the truth? Suddenly, it dawned on me that Jared might have taken her hair.

" Can we calm down? You are making a scene, Michelle." Jared said looking around as other parents stared at both of us.

" Excuse me, do we have a problem? I am the principal of the school, Ms. Reynolds." A woman in her mid-40s said approaching us to make sure everything was okay.

" We do. Call the police. This man is harassing my daughter." I lied knowing I had no other option since Jared wasn't going to leave us alone.

"Jessica is my daughter and I know it. I am not harassing her. I just want to spend some time with her." Jared said making me clench my hand.

" Jessica is not your daughter. How many times do you want me to say it? This is the last time I will warn you. Next time, I will let your wife know what you are doing. I bet that she will be happy to know that you are following your ex-wife and her child around like a lost puppy." I said angrily before taking Jessica back to the car.

Driving away from the school, I couldn't help but steal glances at my daughter, Jessica, in the rearview mirror. Her usually talkative and energetic demeanor had been replaced by a strange quietness, indicating that she must have been deeply affected by the events earlier. My mind was racing with worry as I knew that my daughter was soon going to start asking me questions.

Suddenly, my phone starts ringing catching my attention. Spotting my grandfather's name, I pulled the car to the side stopping so I could answer the call. The moment I pick it up, I can't help but feel anxious and scared as I hear the news.

" What? My grandfather had a stroke? What hospital? I'm on my way now." I said heading to the hospital.

Arriving at the hospital, I headed up anxiously leaving Jessica with my secretary as I went up to see my grandfather. The doctors and nurses had already filled me up on the condition of my grandfather as I headed to the elevator. His weak heart was no secret to anyone which was why I had always done my best to hide certain news from him. Spotting my grandfather unconscious, I rushed in catching the scent of strong antiseptic the moment my leg crossed into the room. The room was wide and spacious which was a good thing since I wanted the best for my grandfather.

" What are you doing here? Is there a problem?" I asked as I entered the room seeing Tristan.

" Your grandfather wanted me to give you this. Please read over this document immediately and sign. Both of you." My family lawyer said adjusting his glasses as he handed me an envelope.

Ripping open the envelope with urgency, I pulled out the papers, and my breath stopped as I scanned the words. My disbelief turned to shock as I realized the contents of my grandfather's will. I couldn't believe what I was reading - it was as if the ground had shifted beneath me. Glancing over at Tristan and our family lawyer, I let the papers slip from my fingers onto the table.

" This has to be a mistake. Are you sure this was drafted by my grandfather? It's ridiculous. Marry a total stranger to keep the company? My grandfather would never agree to such nonsense." I stated shaking my head.

" Well, it's nice to meet you again, Ms. Williams. I believe that our marriage won't be that bad as long as we work out the details in advance. I won't interfere in your life and you won't do the same in mine. Deal?" Tristan asked making me scoff at him.

" Is this the man my grandfather wants me to get married to? Look at him." I said stretching out my hand to point at Tristan.

" What's so wrong with me? We don't have a choice. Not if we want to lose our positions to our rivals. I also received my grandfather's will the moment your grandfather collapsed. Otherwise, I wouldn't have even known that they were such good friends. How bad can't it be to get married?" Tristan asked.

" I have a child. A four-year-old child that needs stability and a good household." I pointed out staring at my grandfather's lawyer.

" I'm afraid there is nothing that can be done. The will that your grandfather left stated that you had to marry Mr. Tristan Grant in order to become the Chairman of the company." My grandfather's lawyer said making me gasp as I staggered backwards stunned by everything.

" It's just for a year. After a year, we can get divorced and everything will be okay. Isn't that right, Mr. Lawyer?" Tristan asked making me look at my grandfather's lawyer.

" That's correct. Both of you just need to be married for a year to claim your inheritance. Think about it very carefully." My grandfather's lawyer said leaving Tristan and I alone.

Grasping the ring on his finger, Tristan took me by surprise and dropped to one knee to propose. At that moment, my mind raced with worry for my young daughter. I hoped she wouldn't be heartbroken by the changes ahead. While everything felt unexpected, I saw this marriage as a way to protect us and convince Jared that Tristan was Jessica's father.

" What do you say? Will you marry me?" Tristan asked making me nod my head.

" Do I have a choice? Yes." I said staring at Tristan as he got up to put the ring on my finger.