Chapter 2
Mr. Edward nodded solemnly. "Yes, Mr. Kane." That is exactly what the will says.
Grandma Helen's sobs became louder. "Alexander, please. You must do this. Your grandfather's legacy cannot just be handed over like that."
Alexander's jaws constricted. I understand, Grandma. But marriage? A child? Within such a short time?"
"Think about what your grandfather built," Grandma Helen begged. "It wasn't just about the money. It was his life's labor and dream. You have the ability to keep it alive.
Alexander ran his hand through his hair, the weight of the situation bearing down on him. "I need some time to think," he said finally.
"You don't have much time," Mr. Edward told him. "The clock is already ticking."
Alexander sighed deeply. "Then if I don't have much time, so be it. Donate it. As if I care."
Grandma Helen gasped. "Alexander, you cannot be serious! "Your grandfather's legacy."
"I know, Grandma," he replied, his voice tired. "But I refuse to be coerced into a life I do not want. "I'll figure something out on my own terms."
Grandma Helen shed tears as she looked at him. "I hope so, Alexander. "For your and the family's sake."
Alexander sighed and ran a hand over his hair. The weight of his family's expectations had always been a burden, but it seemed terrible today.
"I appreciate everything Grandpa has done for us," he added softly, "but I need to make my own way. If I don't, I'll never be really satisfied."
Grandma Helen held his gaze firmly. “Just promise me. You won’t let your grandfather’s years of hard-earned wealth go into the orphanage. Please, just fulfill his last wish so he can be happy in heaven too.”
Alexander’s shoulders slumped, feeling the weight of her plea. “I understand, Grandma,” he said quietly. “I’ll do my best to honor his last wish, but I still need to find a way to balance it with my own life. I don’t, and I never will betray my own heart just for money. But out of consideration for you and the entire family, I will give it serious thought.”
She nodded, wiping away a tear. “That’s all I ask, Alexander. Just don’t forget what he worked so hard for.”
Alexander took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. Just then, Edward, the family lawyer, approached him with a calm expression.
“Am I free to go now, Mr. Kane?” Edward asked.
Alexander nodded, forcing a smile. “Yes, thank you, Edward. I appreciate all your help today.”
Edward gave a reassuring nod. “Remember, Alexander, you don’t have to make any decisions right away. Take your time to consider all your options. Contact me anytime time if you need further help.”
“I will,” Alexander replied. “Thank you again.”
Later that evening, Alexander drove back to his mansion, sat in his study, and reflected on the day's events. The flickering light from the fireplace formed long shadows, reflecting the tumult in his head. He had always admired his grandfather's perseverance and vision. Letting his life's work go would feel like a betrayal. But could he truly meet someone appropriate and start a family in such little time? The very concept seemed absurd, given his previous romantic experience which almost killed all of his emotions.
Years ago, Alexander was madly in love with Emily. They had met in college, and their connection was instant. She was intelligent, and ambitious, and shared his aspirations. He truly had a moment where he considered proposing to Emily, to build a home that belonged solely to them and to have many adorable babies together. (Of course, if Emily was willing)
But just as he was about to propose, all of his beautiful plans turned into fucking jokes. On the anniversary of his relationship with Emily, he wrapped up a multi-million dollar project meeting early just to show up at Emily's office to pick her up after work. Then he took her to the city's most beautiful rooftop garden restaurant to celebrate her birthday.
To surprise her, he deliberately told her he was busy that day. But when he appeared, holding flowers in the pouring rain, what he saw was Emily kissing another man. In that instant, he let go of the flowers, and the petals fell onto the wet ground, just as his heart shattered and turned cold.
Everyone who had worked with Alexander knew that betrayal had no place in his dictionary. Yet he was willing to give Emily a chance to explain. However, the only explanation he ultimately received was that he was merely a ladder for Emily to climb the social hierarchy, which she could discard when he was no longer useful.
The revelation devastated Alexander and filled him with suspicion. Shortly after their separation, he discovered that Emily was pregnant. The child was not his; it was the result of her affair with another man. This news hit Alexander hard, making him determined to avoid emotional attachments in the future.
Faced with the prospect of starting a family, all those old scars were reopened. Could he really trust again? Could he meet someone who loved him for who he was, rather than what he represented?
Alexander sat in his study, knowing he had to make a decision. The weight of his grandfather's legacy hung heavy on him. He needed a plan, a means to honor his grandfather's desires without jeopardizing his own health.
He glanced at the stack of documents on his desk, then at the family portrait on the wall. Determination filled his eyes. He refused to hurry into anything. He would take it one step at a time, making sure not to make the same mistakes as before.
The door creaked open, interrupting Alexander's thoughts, and his loyal assistant, James, entered. His expression was a little hesitant, but his eyes were filled with resolve. "Sir, if I may," James said tentatively, "I have an idea."
Alexander looked up from the materials on his desk, his interest piqued. "Go on."
James took a deep breath and met Alexander's stare. "I realise the strain you're under to carry out your grandfather's desires, but I believe there's another way to do it. What if we take a different approach to finding a partner?
Instead of attempting to force a relationship in a short time, I know this is unorthodox, but what if we can find someone ready to marry for convenience? Someone who understands the terms but isn't searching for a traditional relationship?"
Alexander raised an eyebrow, curious. "A marriage of convenience? Are you suggesting that instead of looking for a traditional partnership, I should locate someone who is willing to marry me on certain terms?
James nodded. "Yes, exactly. This person would accept the marriage with the idea that it is mostly intended to fulfill your grandfather's wishes. It's a legal arrangement, not a romantic one. In this manner, you can fulfill your grandfather's request without having to deal with the emotional difficulties of a traditional relationship."
Alexander slumped back in his chair, his mind whirling. "And why didn't I consider this approach myself?" he wondered aloud, feeling both frustrated and relieved.
James tried to grin reassuringly, but he knew his boss's mood was still not good. "I'm glad the idea resonates with you, sir."
Alexander's eyes narrowed as he stood up, his tall frame throwing a lengthy shadow throughout the room. "Now that you've provided an option, James, I need you to find me a qualified applicant within 48 hours. If you fail, you'll lose your job."
James' eyes widened slightly, but he quickly recovered his composure. "Understood, sir."