Chapter 1 Mr Caldwell's Will

Donald Caldwell and his mother, Margaret, sit tense and uneasy.

Margaret clasped her fingers tightly around the edge of her purse. Donald sits across, his fingers drumming nervously on the arm rest, his eyes flickering from the lawyer to the closed envelope on the table. His jaw tightening with uncertainty as they awaited the reading of his late Father's will.

Mr. Davidson, their family's lawyer was ready to read the will out loud.

I, Edward Caldwell, Mr. Davidson started, being of sound mind and body, hereby state the following conditions for the inheritance of my estate, assets and fortune. Mr. Davidson's voice carries through the room, emphasizing the gravitas of the moment. The family listens, hanging on each word.

Donald's eyes narrow as he listens, trying to discern any clue in his father's words. He had thought he knew everything about his father's business dealings, but this was new and unexpected.

Mr. Davidson paused, then continued:

"To my son, Donald Caldwell, I leave my fortune and the rights to Caldwell Enterprises under the condition that you marry Anna North, a woman of my choosing, and remain wed for no less than one year. Only then shall you have access to the entirety of the inheritance and assume full control of the company."

The room goes silent.

Donald's face pales, his breath catching in his chest as his mind races to process the words. This is not what he expected.

"What... what the hell is this?" Donald said, his voice shaky as he muttered to himself.

Margaret's eyes widen with disbelief, her lips parting as she turns to Donald, her face a mix of confusion and anger.

"Is this a joke? Did your father really put this in the will?" Margaret whispered to Donald.

"I assure you, this is the exact wording of the will. The marriage must be completed, and only then will Donald gain access to the inheritance and assume control of the company. The terms are clear." Mr. Davidson said calmly.

Donald stares at the lawyer, his chest tight, the world spinning around him. His mind races. Anna North? A woman he has never even met. What could his father have been thinking? How could this be real? Why would his father, on his deathbed, leave such a cruel, unrealistic demand?

Donald eyes widened, his voice trembling with disbelief

"What? No... this has to be some sort of joke. You're telling me I have to marry some woman I don't know, and stay married for a year to get what's rightfully mine?"

"That's correct. Mr. Davidson nodded solemnly. The terms are non-negotiable. If you fail to comply with this condition, you forfeit all rights to your inheritance."

"No! This is absurd. He can't possibly have meant this. Margaret said raising her voice in anger

Donald stands abruptly, the chair scraping harshly against the floor as his frustration bubbles to the surface.

"This is insane. This doesn't make any sense," Donald said, his voice barely contained.

His hands curl into fists at his sides, his body rigid with tension. He feels a sharp sting of betrayal. His father had always been a man of strict rules, of cold calculations, but this... this felt personal. It felt like a betrayal. And worse, it felt like he was being trapped in a cage he couldn't escape from.

Donald gritted his teeth, "Then why someone I've never met?" Donald asked.

As per the agreement made between your father and Mr. North, this marriage was to secure the North family's future. The North family is in significant debt, and their financial situation has been a cause for concern. Your marriage to Anna North will ensure their debts are paid off, and your inheritance will be secured, "Mr. Davidson replied.

Donald's gaze turns to his mother, both of them equally stunned. His mother's face is pale, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. She had known of the North family but never in such a direct way.

"So... this is about money. His debts...?" Margaret asked her voice trembling.

Mr. Davidson nodded, looking at the papers in his hand. "Exactly. The marriage will not only pay off the Norths' debts but also solidify the Caldwell family legacy. Your father believed it would be mutually beneficial for both families, strengthening ties between the two companies. If Mr. Caldwell's wishes are fulfilled, you will inherit everything after one year of marriage."

Donald turned to his mother, eyes searching her face for some kind of answer, but she only shakes her head, her lips trembling in disbelief. She reaches out to take his hand, gripping it tightly as if to ground herself.

"How could he do this to us, Donald? How could he do this to you? Margaret asked, her voice soft, but sharp with disbelief.

The marriage, while legally binding, is seen as a necessary transaction to ensure the future stability of both families. Without it, the North family may lose everything. This was your father's plan to help both families survive," Mr. Davidson added as if trying to comfort them.

Margaret eyes narrowed, a look of concern creeping in as she turned to Donald. "What about Megan? What does this mean for Megan? She asked.

The mention of Megan stings. His stomach turns. He's already committed to her, already promised her they'd marry once he took control of the company. This wasn't just a blow to his family-it was a betrayal to Megan too. He had promised her a life together, and now, he's trapped in this absurd contract.

"This is so unbelievable." Donald whispered, rubbing his temples.

Mr. Davidson finally folding the will and looking at them both. "I'm afraid there's no changing the terms, Mr. Caldwell. The marriage must take place within the next month. You are both free to seek legal counsel, but I must stress that your father's will is absolute."