A Marriage of Vengeance
958 Words
Marriage Contract.
"That document states that you will marry my granddaughter for one year and live with her during that time. After that, your company is yours," the old man said smoothly.
Drake’s eyes narrowed.
"I will also settle all of your father’s debts," he added.
Drake's mind reeled. Just moments ago, he had been standing over his father’s grave, swearing vengeance. Now he sat across from the man responsible, hearing an offer he couldn’t easily refuse.
What kind of grandfather did this?
Arranged marriages weren’t unusual in the business world, but this? His grandfather was the one setting up the conditions? Was no one willing to marry his granddaughter that he had to contract someone into it?
"While you're married to my granddaughter, you can start running your company," the old man continued. "I will appoint you as CEO, and I’ll have one of my most trusted assistants help you rebuild."
Drake clenched his jaw. Ever since his father's fraud case surfaced, the company had taken a nosedive. Employees—loyal workers who had been there for years—lost their jobs. His father had never treated the company like just a business. To him, it was family.
"We will also take care of the legal matters and the fraud case," the old man added.
Drake’s gaze darkened. "Was it not you who caused it?" he asked, voice sharp.
The old man didn’t answer.
Drake took that silence for what it was—an admission.
So why help him now? Why this sudden act of generosity?
Was he that desperate to get his granddaughter married?
"If there’s anything you'd like to negotiate, let me know," the old man continued. "I can have my lawyers adjust the terms and conditions."
He leaned back, voice calm and calculated.
"For now, I will absorb your company under El Fuego. You will manage it, and after one year, it will be separated, fully under your control."
The weight of his words hung in the air.
Drake stared at the documents.
A deal with the devil.
And yet—how could he refuse?
"Why are you doing this?" Drake’s voice was edged with fury. "Just so you know—I despise you and your family. If it weren’t for you, my father would still be alive."
The words were raw, filled with unfiltered resentment.
No matter what the old man laid before him, Drake couldn’t simply forgive.
But the offer… It was something he couldn’t ignore. A chance to rebuild his father’s company. A chance to regain everything they had lost.
At a price.
Marriage to his granddaughter.
The old man sighed. "I’m a father too. I have my reasons, and frankly, they don’t concern you. Think of it this way—we both benefit. You reclaim your father's business, and my precious granddaughter gets a husband."
Drake’s jaw tightened. "Why only one year?"
He needed to know. Why such a specific time frame?
"Like I said, this is business," the old man replied smoothly. "Consider it part of the contract. After a year, you two will separate, and you can marry whoever you want."
He paused, studying Drake. "I heard you had a fiancée before."
The mention of Nancy made Drake’s fists clench.
"Had," he bit out.
"I don’t know what kind of twisted logic you have, but fine—I’ll take the deal." His voice was cold, decisive. "But I have conditions."
The old man raised a brow but remained silent, waiting.
"Every employee my father lost—every single one—gets their jobs back," Drake declared firmly.
He knew none of them had wanted to leave. They had been forced out, stripped of stability when the company collapsed. And now, under new management, fresh faces filled the positions while the loyal workers were discarded.
"Anything else?" the old man asked, unfazed.
Drake’s lips parted slightly, watching him. Was he really this desperate to get his granddaughter married?
He took a breath, voice steady.
"You will not change my father’s company name. And more importantly, you will clear my father’s name and declare his innocence."
His eyes burned as he met the old man’s gaze.
"That’s all?" the old man asked, as if expecting Drake to demand more.
"My personal affairs remain my own," Drake stated firmly.
The old man’s eyes darkened slightly. "Let me make something very clear about ‘personal affairs.’ Even if this marriage is only contractual, I will not tolerate you having relationships with other women while you're married to my granddaughter. Wait until the year is over."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice dangerously calm. "My granddaughter is the most important person in my life. If you mistreat her in any way… Trust me. I can be your worst nightmare."
Drake held his gaze, expression unreadable. He knew nothing about the old man’s granddaughter—but he knew the power this man wielded. Even politicians bent to his will.
"Henry," the old man called, turning to his assistant standing behind him. "Did you get all of his conditions added to the agreement?"
"Yes, sir," Henry replied respectfully.
The old man gave a curt nod and stood. "Good. Be at this address on Saturday. You’ll meet my family—your future wife."
He slid a piece of paper across the table. Drake barely glanced at it before gripping the edges tightly.
His fists clenched as the old man exited the restaurant.
He had no choice but to accept the terms. If he wanted revenge, he had to endure this.
Montefuego. That name carried weight, power, and influence—not just in the country but beyond.
A family with connections in the government, even close to the president.
And soon, he would be bound to them.
- Writer
