The Magnate's Island Bride

Chapter 3 - Stipulation

“To my grandson Nicholas, I leave the bulk of my properties, my business investments and finances too.” The lawyer glanced at him, “Before she passed on, she ensured her assets were settled with the others, so everything here is in your name.”

“To Steffie, my darling girl. I know life won’t be easy for you, but I hope that this will be able to help you in some ways. I leave some finances for you, as well as a newly established company.”

“What?” Steffie breathed.

“Steffie?” His voice hoarse with emotion was filled with shock.

Steffie sat stiffly trying hard not to react to his voice. He turned out to be the very man she’d bumped into months back on their trip. That surely explained the reason for the familiar feeling and why she felt drawn to him.

Nicholas was taken aback further as to whom the woman was in full aspect. She wasn’t just the woman who’d bumped into then but also indeed, the woman he still cared very much about. Although he cared deeply for her, he was still angry with her about the past. Glancing at her from the corner of his eyes. He was curious as to the relationship between Steffie and his grandmother. Seemed they were close. Why was she close with her and not him? He felt a sudden burst of anger filled him pushing away the shock, but he suppressed it.

The lawyer reached into his case, fished out the envelopes with her names and passed them over. “These are for you. Everything will be explained in this letter, but if you have any questions feel free to ask. I need to speak with Nicholas a bit.”

Steffie nodded, stood from her chair, took the envelopes and slightly wobbled out the door without tripping over her feet. She could feel the tensity of his stare on her back. It was just as intense as back then. She didn't know what was going to happen next but she wanted distance between them.

The lawyer turned to Nicholas. “She left these accounts for you, two of which are private and can only be accessed,” he paused for effect. “Only, If you accept and comply with her stipulation.”

Screwing up face, Nick was taken a back, “Stipulation? What do you mean?”

With a shaky smile, the lawyer nodded. “Yeah, that’s what’s she said and had written here.”

Calmly, Nick pondered the situation. A stipulation? What was his grandmother up too?

“What’s the stipulation?” He asked, bored. Crossing his arms to his chest he leaned back further into the chair.

Fishing the last of the envelopes from his case, the lanky lawyer handed them over to Nicholas with shaky hands. “I believe she explained it all in there.”

Unfolding his hands, Nicholas stared at the lawyer for a second longer, leaned forward and took the envelopes. Slowly, he ran fingertips against the scribbled note.

Opening the letter, read the first line and caught off-guard, his cold unemotional face slipped for a minute, again!

“s**t!”

~❤~

The tiny village looked quite peaceful, from the oceanfront view porch, on the edge of the cliff where he stood. He couldn’t get over the shock of today. What was his grandmother trying to accomplish? Most importantly, what did she mean?

He recalled the conversation with the lawyer and only got more annoyed.

“Is there anyway out of this stipulation?”

Shaking his head, the lawyer responded, “I’m sorry, No. If you fail to comply or don’t wish to accept the stipulation, this part of the heritance goes solely to someone else.”

Nick wasn’t so much interested in the wealth left, but he was curious as to why there was a stipulation on the one thing he wanted most. The one thing he always cherished. A thought flashed through his mind and he glanced at the lawyer.

“Who would it go too, if...I refuse to comply?”

Taking a deep breath, he steadily voiced. “Ms Monroe.”

“Damnit!”

Standing up, he paced the floor of the room, could this get any worse?

The lawyer got his things together, eyeing Nicholas like a deer caught in a trap, then excused himself. Just before walking out the door, he turned as if recalling something, “Your grandmother was a very loving woman. I hope despite whatever stipulation, you appreciate her. Also, she was quite fond of Ms. Monroe.”

The way he said Ms. Monroe, made Nick uncomfortable, which caused him to observed the lawyer closely again, while he continued.

“Your grandmother loved having her as company and vice versa.” The lanky lawyers face smiled tentatively with care.

Nick didn’t say anything, just watched him with a blank face. He didn’t want to assume anything but it seemed that the lawyer fancied Steffie. The lawyer left with a thoughtful smile on his face, which caused Nick to be more un-nerved than he aught to be. He didn’t analyze why the thought of the lawyer having a liking to her made him uncomfortable or annoyed. Shaking off that unwelcomed feeling, he walked back to his office, tucked the letters into his jacket pocket and got ready for his meeting.

It was a long and tiring day. A day filled with surprises and interesting turn of events.

This small townlet, Nets of Reef, along the northeastern coastline, well known for its touristic views, fisher-folks and lively community spirit, was protected by the longest barrier reef alongside the island.

Folks of this small town, are quite welcoming and friendly. The population, made up mainly of the grassroots society, a few refined individuals and some expats, all seem to get along peacefully.

Driving the rental car along the twists and turns, he glanced at the small town. The village was exactly as remembered. It always seemed colorful and lively, with pieces of history littered at every corner. The new buildings, along with the vintage ones, uplifted the area, giving a feel of passing through a time warp.

Slowly, leaving the community behind, until he came across a feeder road off the main road with a chained gateway, Nicholas drove just taking in the vast changes. Pulling off the road, he stopped, got out and walked towards the gate. Looking up at the colorful display of dripping sunlight with rays that paint the clouds in greyish orange, left him amaze at the beautiful view. The harvest moon was steadily taking position, reflecting eternal formation.

Glancing around at the trees, the wind sighed on this restful evening. Occasionally, a vehicle would pass by with a drone breaking the peace. He walked over to the rusted gate, retrieved the key from his pants pocket, pulled the chain from the gate and rolled the gate to the side. Walking back to the car, he got in and started forwards. He drove by past a former farm, a few rundown shacks and finally the deteriorating cottage he loved so much.

This was where he felt at home. However, he just stared at it for a moment.

Minutes later, he went back out the path he drove and back to the small town towards his parent mansion. He was home, where he could sit relax with no disturbance and just be himself. So he thought. As if by sheer torture, his phone ringed. Looking at the ID that showed up, he groaned like a kid. Leaning back into the seat, he tried to get comfortable, and connected the call.

“Hey mom, dad.”

“Hey baby,” came her silvery voice, sounding in the car. Her smiling face filled the screen as she glanced in, pushing his father to the side. “How was the flight?”

“It was the usual,” he muttered.

“I didn’t catch that, honey.”

“I said,” he sighed “it was exhausting but safe.”

Conversing with his mother was exhausting. So much more than thoughts of the events earlier in the day.

“Oh, that’s good.” She glanced at his father and then back at the screen.

“How does it feel to be back there?”

“It’s a good feeling, dad. Didn’t realize I missed here that much.”

“How long are you going to be there?” his mother asked anxiously.

Lifting an eyebrow at her question, he looked at her inquiringly. “Not sure, momma. Why?”

“Oh, nothing, nothing. I was just being curious.” She quickly put in.

Both he and his dad looked at her questioningly. Her fair brown cheeks, burned with embarrassment. “Can’t a mother ask a question?”

“Didn’t say that,” he couldn’t help but feel that something was weird about her question. She usually never questions his where about. That was until he informed his parents of he having to return to the island.

“Have you met with the lawyer yet?”

“Yes, I did. Grandma left a few letters for me, seeing I was not able to be contacted before her demise.”

“Have you read them yet?”

“No,” he gave her another look. What was this? What was she after?

“Oh, okay.” She dropped the subject. “Have you gone by the house?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“How did you find the refurbishments?”

“It looks good,” he remarked uninterestingly, “especially the backyard.”

That made his mother smiled happily. But before she could continue with her questions, he cut her off.

“Mom, I’ll call you guys back. Everything is okay and I am settling in. When all is done, and it’s time for me to return, then I will.”

He looked at his dad meaningfully. From beside his mom, his dad sat observing her, then nodded at him. His father understood what wasn’t voiced. A minute later he got off the phone.

Inhaling and exhaling, Nicholas tried to relax.

Lost in view of the skies quickly darkening, Nicholas let his mind replayed the day’s activity. He pulled his jacket from the passengers seat, ensured all the windows were up and disembarked the car, locked it and walked towards the family mansion.

The gravel along the footpath, crunched beneath his shoes. And the sweet fragrance of the roses that lined the pathway filled the air. Taking him back to the past. The insects chirped in the trees and grass, creating melodies of peace.

Entering the house, he walked through the vast hall and into the kitchen, got a drink of water, went up to his room and washed the filth of the day away.

Wiping hair with a towel, he out of the bathroom. His eyes glanced towards the dresser beside the bed where the envelopes sat.

He walked over, took them up and sat upon the bed. Tearing open the envelope, he pulled out the letter and read the words.

My dear boy,

If you’re reading this letter then you know I’m no longer with you. Know that grandmother has always loved and wants the best for you.

He could imagine his grandmother smiling as she wrote this.

I have left you as my benefactor. I know you work hard and work takes you far, all over, but please do not live for work. This is my reason for the stipulation. Don’t hold it against an old woman, what I have requested of you.

I am not sure what happened back then between you two, but I know that this maybe the reason for you never wanting to return. However, I had to take measures so that you could and would.

Nick smiled, silly old woman.

When you left, that young woman, Steffie, was never the same again. Something inside of her, that light she used to have, went missing. You brought out the best in her. Something about her changed. She became solemn and doleful. I don’t know what it was, and despite my many probing she never told me.

Bare in mind, she only did what your mother asked of her. This much I know and can tell you. I know you blame her but you really shouldn’t. Anyways, all I am asking is that you grant me my dying wish and try your best to make up for the loss. I am not forcing you,

Not forcing me? That’s an understatement grandma.

but please mend the distance between you two. Also, she knows nothing of my wishes. I have left her a little something and I hope that you pass it on to her for me. It has to be you to deliver it.

Me?!

Why does it have to be me? Of all the luck in the world, it just had to be him.

One last thing, be happy my dear boy, don’t live for work. Return to your roots and the family business, which I have left for you.

Family Business? What family business?

Find peace and love, settle down, and try to enjoy the finest things in life. Life is short. LOVE IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR! Take this second chance and fight for it. Hold on to it and don’t let it go. That’s my only wish and hope for you.

Find her!!

Love always,

Grandma.

He was left in a daze. What did grandmother mean? What happened between his mother and Steffie? Why such a stipulation?

If before he was perplexed and filled with questions, then now he was totally confused. He needed answers!

What the hell was going on? What family business? What was he missing?

~❤~

Beneath a full moon, along lonely shores, strolled lovers hand in hand. The majestic beauty of a clear night sky, with twinkling stars, made one wish for things better left in the past.

Steffie grew restless and found herself strolling along the graveled path leading to a place where she could just enjoy the beauty of the night.

Nestled between the coverage of trees, along the cliffs edge stood a private gazebo. A quick glance around let her know that no one was around, so she thought.

The moonlight shone its silvery beauty, casting the darkness with light. Outlining distance mountain peaks, the horizon and surrounding trees. She inhaled and exhaled softly, lifting her face to the cool breeze and moon, as if in praise.

Her thoughts drifted off to earlier. Being requested to a will reading, of whom she wasn't related to left her in total wonderment. Yet, the shock that accompanied the reading of the will was something she wasn't expecting. Even how she'd slowly unraveled and quickly dialed Lucas, firing questions at him.

"I need you to be honest with me."

"What?"

"I need you to be frank with me. Why is he here?"

"Why is who here?" he chuckled.

"Lucas!"

"Be more specific darling, I know a lot of 'he', so to whom are you referring?"

"Nicholas. Why is Nicholas really here?"

She sounded quite agitated. Seeing him again, she tried her best to not accept the reality.

"Oh, him. Yeah, you would have to ask him yourself." he responded mischievously. "Didn't y'all cross paths? Did you had a chat yet?"

Lucas knew fully well they didn't cross each other paths and converse yet he was asking her such a question. They'd only met briefly in the office and she'd left soon after.

Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she went on to inform Lucas, "The only paths that were crossed was at the will reading."

"How did that go?"

Swallowing hard, she spoke recalling the meeting. "You were there, you should know!" she scoffed.

"Yes, I was there, but I wasn't paying much attention."

"Tsk."

"So, what did he say to you?"

"Huh?!" lost for a minute, Steffie tried to regroup her thoughts and understand what Lucas was asking. "He didn't say anything. After the lawyer read and told me about the will, I didn't bother stay to chat."

"Why not?"

"Because, we have history and there's nothing to chat about." she hissed like a cat in annoyance.

"And?"

"There's no 'and' about it." she muttered beneath her breathe, hoping he didn't hear her but of course he caught it.

"Steff, you have to face him eventually. You had better get yourself together and prepare to face him."

"I don't have, to prepare myself for nothing!" she stubbornly said.

"Remember, it's a small world. And our little community is even smaller. You will have to face up with him, eventually!"

Scoffing she continued. "Yeah right."

"What was that?"

"Nothing." she tried a slight change of topic, "So, how long is he here for?"

"Why don't you ask him the next time you see him?"

She could tell Lucas was enjoying her distress. She pictured his face grinning while he jest her.

"Who said I'll see him a next time?" she said in a soft voice, feeling the anticipation within, slowly build and flow through her veins.

Lucas had laughed out happily. "You will." and they'd disconnected.

Sighing, she took in the environment, got off the bench and walked closer to the flowers edge. The refreshing, salty ocean's air and the calm swash of the sea along the sand was soothing, causing reflective thoughts to wander.

Leaning against the pole, staring at her, was a figure she'd missed when glanced about. He'd silently watch as she strolled along the pathway, the gravel crunching lightly beneath her shoes, until she walked over to the alcove.

Turning to return to the seat on the wooden bench, she froze. Heartbeat racing, she held her breath. She was unable to utter a word. She held back a scream. Who was it lurking in the dark in the gazebo?

The silence was deafening and to stop her from having a full on heart attack, Nicholas broke the silence.

"Do you always go around walking in the dark by yourself?"

Releasing the breathe holding, lifted her hand to her chest as if to ward off the terror she just felt. "Why are you here?"

Tilting his head, he stared at her, "Aren't I, suppose to ask you that?"

She glared at him. He was always so arrogant, but he was right. She made to step past him, but he stopped her. His smooth timbre voice floated over to her. Making her shiver with unwanted warmth.

"You didn't respond to my question earlier."

"What questions?" she was at a blank.

Did he ask her something?

When?

What did he ask?

As if speaking to a troublesome child, he rephrased his question. "Do you make it a habit to walk around in the darkness by yourself?"

"Ooh. No, I don't always do. Except when it's on a night like this." she indicated the full moon, breathing a little easier.

"You really should be more careful. You don't know who lurks in the bushes or is targeting you."

"Why would anyone target me?" she tilted her head, looking at his dark silhouette, filled with curiosity.

He shrugged. "Don't know. It could be anyone. The point is, be more careful in the future."

Being a soldier left him always on high alert. He couldn't just take things lightly.

She felt like there was something he wasn't saying. They fell into an awkward silence. He suddenly stepped into the light of the moon and her heart was set to racing again. This time not of fear, but something more potent.

He was breathtaking. Heart hammering beneath the thin silk summer dress had on, she felt goosebumps along her skin and a tingling sensation in response as his eyes drift over her. She had a sudden thought, that this was dangerous. He was dangerous.

"Don't stay out, too late." he smiled at her, then turned and walked away into the night.

What was that?

She didn't linger, but made her way back home.

That night, the memories poured in and suffocated her. Her soft olive face contorted to the twist from fitful dreams. Nightmares filled with broken promises made between them.

Life had played her cruel.

She'd later woke up, and with tears flowing like silent river, got up and walked to her balcony. This sleepless beauty, beneath twinkling lights sat, basking in joyful perspective of sweet serenade by hidden insects, the breath of midnight lingers on, slowly. And her mind replayed memories like a movie.

"Give me a reason why I have to hurt him?"

"Because you're from different standings in society," she'd looked at her like scum, "And you're not fit to be apart of my family."

Shaking her head, she brushed those negative comments away.

Yet, fifteen years later and plagued with those memories Steffie stood lost as to why they had to cross paths again.

~❤~

Fifteen Years ago...

A young woman, sat on a wooden bench in the middle of town, in a large park. Unhappy thoughts ran through her mind, filling her with such uncertainty that she felt weak. She was facing an unexpected situation, never foreseen. But here she was and had to ponder some difficult decisions.

She was alone, hurt and filled with vast anger at life and herself for falling into such a situation.

“I’ll be fine,” she whispered brokenly, “I can survive anything.”

You would think that finding the person you love, and who loves you back would be a great thing.

Yet, it wasn’t. Not for her anyways.

Steffie Lebeau, an eighteen year old woman with much potential, just out of college and seeking opportunities to accomplish goals set, perched solemnly in the largest park on island, without seeing anything.

Leaning into the bench, she stretched her slender legs out, crossing them at the ankles. Folding her arms across her bosom, she inhaled and exhaled shakily.

Natural, curly black hair with gold highlights, was gently pulled back into a ponytail with a few escaping strands whipping into her face in the moderate afternoon breeze, shining with a dazzle in the sunlight.

Shiny brown eyes, usually expressive, seemed lost in a faraway moment. Gentle heart shaped face and lips, which always seemed to hold a warm inviting smile, was scrunched up into a troubled frown. She was in a state of confusion, with her life turned upside down.

Such a beautiful day, with the sun shining brightly in the clear blue summer sky. Gentle sway of the leaves and plants which expresses the soft cool breeze that could be felt ever so often, while rays peeked through the leaves and branches from the tree to warmed her cold skin.

She heavily sighed.

Glancing about, she took in the view.

Eden Gardens, a large park with various sizes of trees and lush green grass, stretched across from one point to the other. Where a few colorful flowers along the park, cut in a way that made it seem mesmerizing. The air, filled with sweet fragrance from roses, lilacs, lilies and other flowers that could be found within, even from a perfumed tree, created a calming and peaceful surrounding. Filled with children’s laughter, people milling about having their lunch or a drink, lovers cuddling or students lounging on the freshly cut grass studying, the park was where most people came.

Despite the humidity of the weather, it was a place one could relax and enjoy the coolness from the heat. Occasionally, a vehicle or two drove by along the road within or outside of the park, breaking the tranquility. In the near distance, apart from the excitement of the town, waves crashing against the boulders and dock could be heard.

Catching a glance at a mother playing with her baby, she instantly returned to wistful thoughts. Drooping shoulders, shaky sigh, she bowed her head. Why was this happening to her of all people? Couldn’t she just be spared a happy time in life? Blinking back the tears, she fought the urge to cry. She soothed herself firmly, that she could do this!

Taking a glancing at her watch, shequickly gathered her belongings, stood up and walked to the exit. Pushing away the morbid concepts away, and refusing to succumb to such a gloomy path, she recalled the conversation she had with Julianna.

“There are other way to deal with this.”

“What other ways?”

“For starters, you could inform him.”

“I already did that, there was no response.”

“That prick!”

“It’s okay, I expected that.”

“What?" shocked Jules folded her arms across her chest, tapping her right foot annoyed, "Explain yourself.”

“I can’t tell you even if I want to.” She sighed dispiritedly and turned towards the window without seeing the view, recalling the threat, ‘Don’t contact him no more, when you’re done.’

“Some of us are destined to fail, while some are destined for greatness," she mumbled "Nick and I, well, we're not destined for each other.”

“What really happened between you two?” Jules asked curiously.

“We loved each other but society interfered.” Society in the form of a high class shrew.

“Society?” Lost, Jules asked, "What exactly are you not telling me?"

“Yes. Society and its greedy clause.” taking a deep breath as if carrying a weight, Steffie said. "There's something I wish I could tell you but for reasons I just can't right now."

“Oh, okay." Thinking for a moment, "Well, there is getting rid of it.”

“Yeah, that could be an option.” she broodingly responded.

“Or you could keep it?”

“Yea that too.” she agreed vaguely.

“Steff, whatever the decision, you got me as support. I’ll always be here for you no matter what happens.”

With a sad but grateful smile, Steffie walked over to Jules and gave her a hug. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome hon, no need for all this. We’re family and most of all, friends.”

“I know,” voice breaking, Steff squeezing her eyes closed. “I have no idea what to do or where to go from here.”

“Don’t frustrate over the decision. What will be, will be.”

At the time, she’d held on to the suggestions. But she just couldn’t seem to take that dangerous path. She wasn’t that kind of person. She was raised better than that. She had morals she lived by and despite the overwhelming situation, she would not break them.

Birthing a bastard wasn’t in the plans, but neither was ending an innocent life. When she’d learned she was pregnant, the shock and pain was overwhelming, then it was quickly replaced with annoyance and hate. Having a baby now, when on the verge of getting her dream started off, was complicating matters for her.

Big time!

So many nights, she had laid in bed, silently crying and wondering what to do. She’d reached the deep end of a life she’d fought so hard to keep together.

A life, with a fragile existence, seeking the beginning of new growth. Looking at the way things are, she had just a bird’s eye view of a changed future.

But will it last, will it work if she took that path? Was it the right choice and decision?

She would eventually know.

Back to present...

It was a struggle to move on with all the hurt that she had within but she was determined to move forward.

At night, body and soul felt lost. While everyday felt like she was scrapping at nothing, but knew that beneath the ruins of what littles left of her life, she got to let go. She had to become better, grow a strong heart.

She would never forget the pain of loss. The memories were all bittersweet. While it was said that time healed all wounds, hers didn’t seem to be getting there.

Everyone thought she’d gotten better. She hadn’t. She’d only gotten better at hiding her emotions.

Showing a strong front to all, but bowing in pain every time when alone. Mostly, she found escape through her work. She focused all on getting her business started and to where it was now off the ground, doing satisfactorily. Afterall, she’d achieve her goal, and became a ruthless workaholic.

Steffie became more reserved, and very unsociable. She just couldn’t face the pity in their eyes, and the concern in their voices were just too hard to endure.

As if in slow motion, the memories of that year played over in her mind like a movie. They were happy. They’d even made plans for a future, each had their own goals but would accomplish it all together. But that vile woman had walked in and demanded she end it all. Hands bunched into fists Steffie felt a sliver of anger, pain and hurt flowed hotly into her veins as it always did when she reflected on the conversation.

“You’re not fit to be apart of my family, so find a way to end it. I don’t care how and what you say, just do it!”

“Why can’t you just let us love each other?”

“Love? Love? Do you even know what love is?” She’d looked at her with scorn, “I don’t want to hear that word out your mouth again. If you love him, you’ll let him go so he can better himself.”

“All I ever did was cared about him, now you’re asking me to hurt him.”

She'd done what was asked of her. Was she wrong? Yet, here he was. Why was he back? After years, how do she face him?

~❤~