Chapter 1 MARRIAGE CLAUSE

KIANA'S POV

The last six months has been nothing but hell and if I am being honest to myself, I am exhausted and frustrated to the core... It is already bad enough that I lost my dad about six months ago but somehow, he made my life worse even in death, I have always considered myself as daddy's girl which is why I'm beyond mad and hurt to realize that my dad doesn't love me, at least not in the way I thought.

My dad's death and the reading of his Will, changed my life in many ways than I can even count. I never really had interest in having a boyfriend or even getting married anytime soon but my dad somehow found a way to impose his wish on me by including a marriage clause on his Will.

"You have to get up Kiana, you can't stay in bed all day. I know that you are tired and frustrated but unless you have made up your mind to forfeit the estate, company and fifty million dollars, you have to get your ass up at some point and let's keep searching for a life partner for you, else you won't be able to meet up to the deadline." Lucy said immediately she stepped into the room and saw me laying in bed... I know she's trying to be helpful and supportive but I am tired and I am ready to give up at this point.

"Yes Lucy, I am ready to give up because this is messing with my mental health and I can't keep putting myself through these because I am trying to make my dad happy or get my inheritance. I am knackered, for months now we have been going from one restaurant to another, we have even gone to churches, clubs, bars, parks and gardens... I am seriously tired, I can't keep doing that. Let's accept that we have tried and just give up and call it a day, maybe this is just a sign that we shouldn't depend on my dad's money." I said exasperatedly but I kind of felt bad for saying the last part because I know Lucy has been nothing short of a good friend and yes the money will change our lives but I am stressed out mentally and emotionally.

"I know that it's not fair on you that your dad put the marriage clause on your inheritance but I am only pushing you to get the inheritance because I don't want you to regret not not doing your best to fulfill the marriage clause but I am your friend and I will support your decision and if you want to give up, that's exactly what we will do." Lucy said while staring at me with a sad smile and I didn't even realize when tears rolled down my eyes.

"Thanks Lucy for your understanding and support, I am sorry my dad did me dirty. We had so much plans for the money, I mean our spa business just went down the drain and I really wanted to get the inheritance but I can't anymore, the stress is driving me crazy and I can't get over the fact that my dad did me dirty, I am his only child for God's sake... I can't believe he did this to me." I cried out as the weight of his betrayal hit me again like it just happened even though his will was read six months ago.

"It's okay Kiana, please don't cry." Lucy consoled just as there was a knock on the door and I couldn't help but wonder who's at the door because we hardly receive visitors, especially because we don't exactly have other friends that can visit.

"Are you expecting someone?" I asked curiously while cleaning my face from all the tears.

"No but let me check." Lucy offered and she immediately got up to see who is at the door.

I stayed back in the room while thinking about our the course of my life has changed just because of an inheritance, I am sad and heartbroken but I will definitely get over it.

"This is for you, a delivery guy dropped it off." Lucy said immediately she returned to the room and handed me a brown envelope.

I'm not expecting any package from anyone, so I have no idea what this is but I am very curious and so is Lucy because she sat beside me immediately and watched me open the envelope. It contains a letter and I started crying as soon as I noticed that it was hand written by my dad.

"Hey Pumpkin,

You must be very infuriated at me for what I am putting you through but you should know I have my reasons and honestly I am doing this for your own good. You know how much I love you and I will come up with anything just to keep you safe if I have to.

I am sorry to tell you this through this medium but I have to, Bridget is not your biological mother, your mum Monica Reeds died after giving birth to you and I couldn't take care of you myself so I employed a nanny to help... Bridget was your nanny but one thing led to another and I eventually married her, I am so sorry pumpkin.

Not too long ago, I came back from a business trip unannounced with the intention of surprising Bridget but I was the one that was surprised. I over heard her in our bedroom with another man discussing how she doesn't love me or you and that she is only interested in my money, the both of them were planning on how they will take all my assets at any cost and elope together.

This and more is why I don't want you to have my properties and assets without fulfilling the marriage clause, I want you to have a man that will protect and defend you from her or any plans she comes up with, you are going to be alone when you read this and I don't want that for you, please My Pumpkin, fulfil the marriage clause... I am buying time for you by having her be in charge so she can feel relaxed and think I am on her side but the truth is, I don't want her near you or any of my assets.

I know this won't be easy for you Pumpkin but I want you to do it for your old man, it's going to be for your benefit eventually, I need someone to love, care and protect you for me while I am gone.

I love you so so much and your Mum loves you too... We will always love you pumpkin.

Love,

Gary "Dad" Reeds.