Chapter 6 An Unexpected Twist (2)

The moment hung heavy with tension as I locked eyes with Ashley, the unspoken resentment palpable between us. With a wry smile, I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and folded my arms, watching them both intently. Their schemes for my daughter were transparent, but I was determined not to let them succeed.

"Michelle, this isn't over," Jared said staring at me before he led Ashley away.

As I watched them walk away together, a pang of jealousy washed over me. Their togetherness radiated joy and love, serving as a reminder of the happy times Jared and I once shared. Despite my blindness, our days were bright and carefree. I made every effort to compensate for my disability, hoping to sustain our happiness, but my efforts were in vain.

" Let's go," I said turning around to leave when Tristan held my hand stopping me.

Glancing at Tristan, I noticed him giving a subtle nod in my daughter's direction. She had fallen silent, clearly feeling bewildered. I knelt down to her level, mustering a bright smile to mask my own sorrow while studying her expression.

" Why are you sad? If you're sad, mama will be sad too. Is that what you want? Look at me." I said bending my head down.

" I'm not sad," Jessica said making me raise my head.

Despite sensing her deception, I chose to ignore it and simply nodded. After seeing her off to school, I waited until she was inside before turning to look at Tristan. His face was expressionless as he remained silent, leaving me bewildered. Did he see me as a vindictive mother, trying to keep her child away from her father because he betrayed me? I knew Jared could be a good father to Jessica, but Ashley was someone I couldn't trust at all. I was the only one who could provide Jessica with the care and love she needed. Since Jared was refusing to give in, I had no choice but to show him the true extent of my power and resources.

" Hello? I need a favor from you" I said calling my best friend on the phone as I walked back to the car.

" Michelle, what are you planning to do?" Tristan asked walking up to me as I planned the best way to deal with Jared.

Pulling the phone from my hand to get my attention, Tristan tucked it into his pocket making me glare at him with annoyance.

" Stay out of this. We already agreed that we wouldn't interfere with each other's lives." I said lashing out as I removed my hand from his.

Tristan's change in expression struck me deeply, filling me with a sense of guilt as I witnessed the unmistakable hurt in his eyes. Although it lasted only a moment, it felt like an eternity. Running my hand through my hair, I took a long, deep breath to release my pent-up frustration. Tristan certainly didn't deserve the brunt of my anger.

" Tristan, I am..." I said stopping as Tristan raised his hand.

" You are right. I made a mistake." Tristan said walking away.

" Where are you going?" I asked feeling apologetic since I knew we had only brought one car to drop Jessica off.

Tristan's silence left me with a heavy heart as I made my way to my car. As I sat behind the wheel, I couldn't shake off the feeling of regret. As I started driving, I noticed a gleaming black car pulling up to where Tristan stood. A sense of relief washed over me as I saw him being picked up. With a deep breath, I decided to continue on my way to the office.

Today marked my debut as my grandfather's stand-in. Despite having managed numerous major projects and events, I had never taken full charge of the company. Stepping out of my car a few minutes later, I paused to take in the sight of the massive crowd that had gathered to welcome me.

" This wasn't necessary," I said talking to my secretary as I headed inside going straight to my office.

" Everyone was excited about your promotion. It's only normal that they would want to come and show their support." Lily, my secretary said making me halt just as I was about to head to my seat.

" Is there support going to make me become the Chairwoman? Instead of putting up such pretense, they should do a better job with their work. I read the report on the hotel. What is going on? The customers are few. Tell everyone that I want ideas before the end of the day." I said taking my seat.

" Yes, ma'am," Lily said nodding her head before she left.

As I reached for the stack of massive documents resting on my desk, I settled into my chair and delved into the intricate details they held. My grandfather had poured his heart and soul into managing our family's hotels, and now, it was my turn to carry on his legacy. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and in strode our family lawyer, his intense stare arresting my attention. I had a sinking feeling that he wasn't about to deliver favorable news.

" What do you want? I'm married now, aren't I?" I asked fixing my gaze back on my documents.

" I came because I realized that you didn't read the document I gave you before. Your grandfather's will." Anthony said making me sigh.

" I read it. Do I look like someone who will sign something and not read it? What do you want?" I asked staring at him.

" You didn't hold a white wedding, Michelle. It is stated in the will that you have to hold a proper wedding and you must have a child within one year of your marriage." Anthony said making me stand up.

" What?" I asked stunned.

As Anthony handed me my grandfather's will, he folded his arms and watched intently as I began to read. Despite having glanced at it earlier that day, I hadn't bothered to scrutinize all the pages, assuming there wouldn't be any surprises. But as I revisited the clauses outlining my inheritance, I was suddenly overcome with dizziness, stumbling backward in disbelief.

" This can't be true. Have a baby? I don't want to have a baby with a man I barely know. Having to get married is more than enough." I said angrily when suddenly, the door opened again.

"What is this I am hearing? You're getting married again?" A woman with blonde hair asked making me close my eyes.

" Not now, Mia," I said inhaling and exhaling once more.

" I'm pregnant!" My sister, Mia said making me open my eyes in shock.

" What?" I asked looking at her.

" I'm pregnant. Doctors said the pregnancy could be fatal but I don't want to terminate it. You have to take care of me." Mia said making me gasp in shock.