Ana's legacy

Ana stands over her father's grave with a tear rolling down her cheeks "I know you don't like it, you don't want me to leave but I have to" she says to her friend Mia standing next to her " I know but what if it doesn't go as planned" Mia responds holding her hands staring at her with uttermost concern written all over her face, Ana blinked and stared back at Mia,

"This is my legacy, I can't just let them absorb my father's Oil Well, that's my inheritance and I need to secure it," she says as she hardens the expression on her face, Mia sigh and looks back at her "I have to meet Armani Ortega, and secure this marriage contract as soon as possible," Ana continuing her statement as she places her hands on Mia's cheek and kiss her on the lips "If that's what you want, the lawyers are ready to meet and make the preparations," Mia says holding her hands and they both walked out of the cemetery.

Later that day Ana meets with her father's lawyer.

" Here are the documents of the contract, it was signed 8 years ago by the head of the Ortega family," the lawyer says, she immediately follows up with his statement "Armani Ortega," she says looking up at him "yes" he replies, she relaxes into her chair narrowing her eyes around the room then asks the lawyer "what is he like?" This she asks with curiosity in her voice, he relaxes into his chair like and exhales "Well he is hum what I would describe as ruthless, unchallenged there is a reason he is still the head of the mafia despite the fact he is the first son of the family, his ways are considered vicious but effective" the lawyer responds to her as he observes her moving uncomfortably on her chair, she could visibly tremble at the thought of him, then he pauses and looks at her with a worried face "are you sure you want to go ahead with this?" she looks up and him and blinks twice taking a deep breath "It's the only way I can't let Mr. Benson and the other shareholders take that Well" she breathes out "Even if I have to marry this ruthless mafia boss, I will" she says with determination and the lawyer nods his head in agreement "alright then".

She arrives at her apartment on campus and throws herself on the bed staring at her ceiling, "How do I leave school in my last year, I've worked hard to get good grades and have a GPA of 4.3" She shakes her head and starts sorting out her stuff to leave for Monaco in the next two days, after hours of preparation, she decides to go out for dinner with her friends one last time. "Hey, bitches what's up, how about one last dinner and you know where," she says as she picks up her phone to make a group call on her friends' group chat and they all laugh at the excitement to hang out.

She arrives at their favorite fancy restaurant in a silk dress that catches every inch of her curve and gets every head turning at the restaurant for her, then she waves her hand at where her friends are already waiting for her to break the stares, "now that's how you dress on your last night out with friends" Mia yells out in excitement and they all giggle along,

"I know right," Ana says as she chuckles with a slight blush over her cheeks.

They all have their seats for drinks while waiting on entrée, conversation starts blurting out between them and laughter follows.

"I can't believe you are actually leaving all this behind," one of her friends says out loud as it draws attention to her, then she continues with the statement " I mean we all started freshman year together and we have come this far, I know it's a matter of family honor but do you really need that Oil Well"

Ana looks at her immediately in annoyance at what she just altered, "You wouldn't know anything about family honor would you now, as you don't have one so no I can't relate with you on that" Ana snaps back at her as she looks back at her meal and continues in silence for a while. Fortunately the meal and champagne come over to their table and that breaks the silence,

"Oh, it's the champagne" Mia yells out breaking the silence, "finally" one of her friends responds in agreement with Mia's outburst, then Ana stands up to make the toast,

"Okay everyone, I can't believe it has been three years of ups and downs with you lot by my side, I'm honored to leave here knowing I had the best college years and I do wish you all a successful final year, it is honestly sad to have to leave without graduating together as planned but I had the best years and I would want it any other way, cheers", "cheers!" they all respond and clink their glasses together as they gulp their wine.

Ana and Mia arrive at her apartment after the night out to have a little time together, "You know what Kate said at the table wasn't all wrong even though she was insensitive about it" Mia says as she strikes a conversation between them, Ana looks at her and exhales then pulls out a bottle of wine with two glasses to continue drinking. "I'm aware of what I'm giving up but I rather give this up than that Oil Well," she says and sips her rich-tasting red wine then looks out her window, Mia moves closer and places her hands on her shoulder as a means of comfort "In that case you need to go in prepared, have you thought of what if he doesn't want to marry you, What would be your resort to that, you cannot come back empty-handed," Mia says and Ana turns to her, her nose grazing hers, "You're right, I need a strategic means, I need to think, this contract might not be enough, I need to bring something else to the table" Ana replies to her suggestion, "exactly" Mia responds as she presses her lips on hers and kiss Ana passionately, " I'm truly going to miss you, Ana Marson".

The next day Ana requests a meeting with the lawyer to go over one final detail.

"I need you to draft an offer today," Ana says in a hasty tone looking up at him, legs crossed "You're leaving for Monaco tomorrow what could you possibly need at the last minute," he asks in confusion, " I thought about it last night, I'm walking into another man's life and literally forcing him to marry me, the question stands, what if he doesn't want to?" she tilts her head in his direction allowing him to analyze the question,

" I see no reason why he won't," he answers shaking his head in disagreement,

" you said it yourself, he is ruthless and has his way of life, he could decide not to even with the contract, maybe offer me some compensation," she says biting her finger slightly

"Okay so what kind of offer do you have in mind," he asks,

" state that I would offer him 49% of the Oil well after the marriage, it would be my wedding gift to him," she demands with a straight face and seriousness in her eyes. He chuckles for a moment but can tell by her face that she is dead serious.

" Do you have any idea what 49% is?" he asked placing his fingers on his forehead, she sat up and stared straight into his eyes,

" I'm aware what it is, but if I want this mafia boss to wed me on time I need to entice the contract so he can keep to it, it would be my trojan horse when he turns the contract down" she exhales loudly " I need to go in there strategically." She appeals to him,

He then shuffles through some documents, picks up his phone, and makes a call to his office to get going with it immediately. " I've made the call but I'm sure you know what you are doing, this Well is your inheritance," he says with concern.

"And I would be left with nothing if he doesn't marry me so half bread is better than none" she replies looking down at her fingers hoping she made the right call.

"Alright then the papers will be ready tonight before your flight tomorrow, I do wish you good luck on this journey, and stay safe, I know your father very well and I think of you as a daughter," he says placing his hands on her shoulder, she takes his hand in comfort " I will, by the end of this my father would be glad I took this path," she says as she walks out of the office.

The next day, she boards her first-class flight to Monaco, as they take off she feels a sense of nervousness knowing there is no going back. She has taken this path and she needs to make sure her sacrifice isn't in vain. She arrives in Monaco city at 1600, she is then ushered to her hotel by the detail sent by Armani Ortega. She takes a deep breath as she arrives at her room, throws her stuff on the floor flings herself on the soft mattress, and has dinner in her room before meeting with Armani.

Her meeting with him is at 8 pm that night at his mansion in Monte Carlo, she wakes up at 7:30 pm then hurriedly starts dressing up to leave and she eventually arrives at 8 pm sharp.

The mansion is so big and has this aura of dominance all around it, she is escorted to his office door by the detail sent to pick her up, and then she stands at the door for a while and takes a deep breath "You can do this'" she encourages herself. She opens the door and she sees Armani Ortega sitting on his chair like a God sent by Zeus to punish women, just as described fierce and handsome, he asks with a deep but calm voice "You must be Ana Marson ''.

"Yes and you must be Mr. Ortega," she answers with a firm tone, he smiles and replies to her, "Call me Armani, after all, I am your supposed to be betrothed". Ana walks closer to him and shakes his outstretched hand then she takes her seat, "I trust your flight was pleasant" he inquires staring at her as he sips his scotch from the tumbler, " it was fine I took the first class so I was comfortable" she replies with a soft tone looking at her fingers trying to avoid his gaze.

"My condolences on your father, he was a great man and my apologies for not being able to attend the funeral in person but I trust you received my proxy," he says looking at her through his long thick lash.

" We received it and are most grateful" She clears her throat as she pulls out the contract, " I have my signed copy of the contract here I believe you have yours?"She asks him, placing her palm over the contact. He pulls out a document and drops it on the table " I do, signed by your father and me 8 years ago," he responds, placing his on his table as he exchanges eye contact with her.

"That's good so when do we start preparations," she asks in a rather hasty tone, he gets up from his chair and moves closer to her leaving about 3 feet apart from the both of them, with each step he takes she trembles within but remains calm as she slightly presses her thighs together inside her dress, he eventually got close to her and lifts her chin with his finger bringing them to eye contact, she gulps down ever so slightly "you are more beautiful than imagined, I haven't had a look at you since you were 15 when your father brought you here for the signing of this contract," he says staring into her eyes, she tries to hold his gaze but breaks out and look away from him,

"Well that's a good thing then," she says, pouting her lips.

"It could be but then there are complications, I can't marry you," He says in a relaxed tone and She immediately shakes her head in vexation "Of course you can, it's a deal that you made yourself," she says in response to his reluctance, he walks back to his seat, and relaxes into it,

" yes I did make that deal, I was younger and impulsive, I made a mistake and your father came to our aid, he didn't want money in return, he just wanted a deal that if he died without an inheritor I would marry his first daughter which were you and that alliance would name you successor with the backing of my empire" he exhales and continues,

" I made that deal in desperation. I never really did think it would go through as he could still have had a son and you were half the world away studying and would never be interested in this life."

She looks up at him and stares into his eyes this time,

"You guessed wrong, I'm keen on keeping my inheritance even if I have to marry you," She says with a rather daring tone this time,

" Look Ana we could make arrangements for other compensation," he suggests dismissively,

" money isn't the issue here Armani, our Well is about to be liquidated and absorbed by an egomaniacal bastard Frank Benson, he was my father's shareholder, he always envied him so with my father's death and no successor he is determined to take it, this contract is my final resort" she sighs and looks into his eyes hoping she reached him.

She tries to continue with her pitch when a sharp knock fills the room coming through the door interrupting the conversation, soon after a tall elegant blonde waltz inside and directly to his chair as they both exchange a kiss. "This is one of the complications I was talking about," he says smiling at Ana, "hi I'm Sofia Arison his girlfriend".

Ana shakes her head in confusion but tries not to show that she is bothered by the fact he has a girlfriend, "I'm Ana Marson" she replies to her introduction, Sofia quickly scans her from head to toe and bites her lip turning her attention back to Armani " I heard your bride has arrived I had to come to see her for myself", Sofia says as she gives a devious smile at him, Suddenly Sofia's presence begins to unnerve Ana " Mr. Ortega and I have unfinished business and it's quite late if you wouldn't mind" she directs at Sofia dismissively, Armani quickly turns his attention to Ana slightly impressed as he smiles a little to one corner of his lip.

" Did I forget to mention I'm the only child of the Arison mafia family, the second-highest ranked in Monaco '' She glances at Ana bitterly obviously offended, Ana only looks at her blankly as if she wasn't her goal for the night.

"It's okay Ana we will continue tomorrow at breakfast, I'm sure you need your rest," Armani tells Ana.

" Sure as long as we are alone," she responds to his invite, waiting for an answer from him.

" We will, breakfast is at 8 am" he replies sharply

"No problem, have a good night Mr. Ortega," she says, packing up her stuff and taking her leave.

The moment the door closes, Sofia turns to him "Are we going to have a problem babe?" she asks as she sits on his lap and caresses his hair stroking it seductively "I Doubt, I'm not ready to be married much less as arrangement" he replies as he strokes her thigh seductively, " I agree with the arrangement part but not the marriage part, I would really like us to settle down together soon, I'm already pitching the idea to my father" she tells and smiles," you know you shouldn't be making such plans without me" he responds to her, offended by her effort, he stands up to leave then she holds him by the arm "Don't tell me it's that kid that got to you" she asks with a deep frown, he swiftly turns to her "You went behind my back don't expect anything less, also I would appreciate it you don't call her a kid, I had high respects for her father" he responds to her outburst and swiftly walks away leaving her alone.

The next day, it is almost time for breakfast, she looks around her grand hotel room and paces about thinking of how to approach the situation " he has a girlfriend that makes it even more complicated for me" she thinks out loud and sighs hard in frustration, "I got to find my way around this" she murmurs to herself. It is a couple of minutes to 9, and the last thing she needs is to be late. She immediately puts on her floral, sleeveless dress that exposes some skin, packs her hair in a bun, puts on her sunscreen, and steps out.

She arrives at the gardens where they are supposed to have breakfast, she looks over at him, he is wearing sports track pants and and black long-sleeve polo top with dark shades, he is so alluring that she can feel him from that distance, but she gets a hold of herself and tries to overcome her nervousness not to blow this shot.

"Good morning Ms Marson," he says, gaping into her charming blue eyes.

"Good morning Mr. Ortega," she responds smiling back at him, " Armani," he says, correcting her once again, she chuckles and casually says "But you addressed me by my last name, it's clear we are still on a last name basis".

"Well it's because I'm the boss and your last name holds water around here," he says smiling at her.

"If it truly did you wouldn't have any reservations about marrying me," she replies swiftly, drinking her glass of juice.

" I told you it was complicated" he clears his throat,

"The only complication I see is your Sofia" She turns her head in his direction with a raised brow then she continues "But it's okay I knew the contract might not be enough for you so I came with something else to sweeten the deal", she takes out the contract offer and hands it to him, with a show of interest he removes his shades and takes it for examination.

She sits up and clears her throat " I'm going to offer you 49% of the oil well", she says courageously, his dark eyes lighten in surprise, that is the first she has seen of him since she arrived now she knows she has his attention, a certain confidence washed through her.

" I don't know much about mafia but you run a business, it is not enough to make money, you need to wash that money, now that's where your casinos come in but then you face complications and problems with the IRS but that Well is the ultimate solution to that, your 49% could be your legal washer because it becomes your legal front, let's not talk about the influence that comes with your share" she pitches to him, He looks up at her clearly impressed, it is an offer he couldn't refuse, his composure can tell it all he smiles and asks her,

"49% huh that's a lot you would be sacrificing" he replies to her pitch,

" desperate times require desperate measures'' She smiles smirking at him and asks him "So what is it going to be ?"

Ana takes a sharp inhale and exhales loudly as he says those words, "Yes Ana Marson I will marry you", She knows it was a sacrifice but she is glad to keep something at least.

"I'm glad to hear that from you," she says with a big smile across both sides of her lips.

" You did come ready for this, 49% there is a lot I could do with that, it was an offer I couldn't refuse," he responds to her as he sips his coffee, she then clears her throat and asks, "What Would you do about Sofia?" he drops his cup and looks into her eyes, she could feel the strength in his gaze as she tries to hold it,

"Sofia is my problem" he responds to her,

"I'm sure she is but I mean you both had something before I got here I don't believe she would just give it all up," she continues, looking at him innocently.

" Sofia well... can be impulsive that's why I would be the one to convince her about our marriage" he replies to her.

"It's not my business but you know the both of you were perfect, ruthless, and both mafia, I'm just a senior college girl with daddy's money, you know he wanted something different from me, that's why he sent me to France to school and get a career and probably get married" she chuckles,

"That's why he wanted another child who could handle all of this," she says looking at him through her lashes and noticing that he is glaring firmly at her, she blinks nervously and presses her lips, "I shouldn't be boring you with all this" She laughs slightly and drinks her juice while his facial expression is still rock hard, it is difficult to figure him out.

" Well we begin a courtship and in a month then the wedding commences," he says biting into an apple, she immediately shakes her head in disagreement "No, no I don't have a month, every day that passes Mr. Benson and his cohorts are a step closer to liquidating that "Well", the wedding has to be sooner" she looks down at her meal avoiding his gaze.

"The wedding will be in a month it can't go any faster", he replies, She takes a deep breath and looks back at him "We are in this together now, if I lose the Well so do you," she says widening her eyes at him, he then turns to her sharply and stares for moments " I'm impressed at how you go for this, alright then a wedding in two weeks and the meantime we could approach this Mr. Benson and thwart him how would you like that?" he asks glaring over her seductively, she adjusts on her seat uncomfortable by the glare, She clears her throat in response " I would like that very much".

" Okay this evening we have a meeting with Mr.Benson and make it known that you are coming for what is yours," he tells her,

" Great, we could visit him at his house in La Condamine. I would have my father's lawyers contact him," she replies with a big smile on her face as an inner joy erupts inside of her.

In the meantime an argument heats between Armani and Sofia about the marriage agreement, Sofia paces about the room stamping her heels to the floor "You told me that little mice won't be a problem, how is it that you're engaged to her today!" She yells through the room in frustration, Armani only sits back and watches her reaction before pulling out the offer and tossing it over the table,

"That's why," he says, She picks it up and examines it as her eyes widen in surprise "No she didn't," she replies in disbelief,

"That well is something I've been striving to get, I've always wanted to tap into something that huge, and now it's presented as a gift" he stands up taking her by the chin, and stares into her eyes fiercely "Do you know what it could mean for my cartel," he says to her stroking her cheeks with his thumb.

"We could get something like this together my love, it doesn't have to come through this means," she suggests to him softly caressing his cheeks. "With our both families united we can accomplish great things," she says as she kisses him trying to convince him, he kisses her back grabbing her waist violently, "mumm just like that," Sofia says as she bites her lip staring wickedly into his eyes.

" don't you see my love, we are synched in this love cycle and we are just perfectly ruthless together, send her home with a big compensation and let her live on a trust fund, and you and I could be one," She tells him as she kisses him and sits on the table spreading her legs inviting him in.

He smiles wickedly at her but then slams them shut "Not today, I have an appointment with a person of interest," he tells her turning her down then moves away from her and adjusts his suit, Sofia rolls her eyes in annoyance.

" the little bitch hasn't been here for two days and you're already turning me down, careful not to fall for her, I know innocent and young is tempting but they can never handle a man like you, your thirst can only be quenched by someone of the same viciousness," she says and walks away.

It is exactly 3 pm later that day, and Armani and Ana are on their way to meet with Mr. Benson, they sit opposite each other in the limousine, and conversation strikes;

"Are you comfortable?" he asks looking into her sad eyes, "I'm fine" she replies with a fainting tone.

" you seem tensed," he insists, "No I just haven't been involved in such since the death of my dad I just miss him you know," she replies rubbing her fingers together

" It will pass," he assures her, " thank you," she replies to him.

He looks at her and exhales "Do you really believe you can handle marriage with me, I can be very..." he trails his eyes all over her and she feels as though she were naked standing before him "Difficult" he continues.

She blinks severally and replies with a shaky tone " I have to"

"Brave I like that," he says with a devilish smile.

They arrive at the place and escort themselves inside, Ana feels the authority that Armani possesses, the audacity as they waltz into another man's home.

Mr Benson comes out and stands boldly in front of them, immediately a fury comes burning out of her stomach to her chest. She just wants to hit him in the face but holds her emotions down.

" I'm Ana Marson and I'm here for my birthright!" she demands viciously as she looks at the man who has tried to take away what belongs to her,

" So it's true, You whored yourself to the vicious mafia lord Amarni Ortega, your father would be ashamed," he says with an audacity that Armani couldn't place his hands on,

" My father made this marriage contract to protect Well from snakes like you," she responds to his insult.

" Didn't mean you had to go through with it, you could have just stayed back in France, finished your education, and married someone from a nice home," He says to spite her but then she looks at Armani expecting back up, but he only stays calm and observes.

" We are here to demand that you withdraw all processes of liquidation of Marson Oil Well effectively and to announce the alliance between me and Mr. Ortega which names me successor," she tells him, pinning her eyes at him.

"Alright then, since you are stepping up to the ownership, there would be no more liquidation. I would inform the other shareholders," he replies casually.

They step outside the house and she draws a deep breath,

" He is lying, you know," Armani tells her. She quickly looks at him in confusion, "What do you mean?"

" You may be intelligent and witty but you haven't been in the business as long as I have, there is a reason I didn't react to his insults, my name is spread throughout Monaco, and my presence alone should have trembled him but he was unusually calm, and no one absolutely no one gives up a process of dissolving a company just because a 23 years old daddy's girl asked nicely," he continues, staring into her eyes trying to see if she is getting the idea.

She shakes her head in realization " He is playing me and with such audacity he is really close," she says "Attagirl" he replies to her statement,

" But don't worry my men are already inside snuffing the light out of him," he tells her, smiling viciously

"What do you mean?" she stutters, "Why don't we go see for ourselves," he says as offers her a hand.

She gets inside with him and gasps "Omg," she exclaims, Mr. Benson is bloodied all over, strapped to a chair, and gagged with a cloth, "This is how you demand my little dove and he was more than happy to share under a few minutes," he says with a devious look, one of the bodyguards hands paperwork her, and she flips it open and it is vital information about the progression of the liquidation, her eyes broadens in shock,

" They have already finished dissolving the Well, without a successor by 24 November it's final" she reads out loud

" That's in 2 days, we can't stop it " he replies

" This means we have to get married tomorrow!"