His Revenge, My Marriage

CHAPTER 3: THE WILL

Days later, everyone was gathered at the cemetery to bury her grandpa. Black dresses filled the entire space. It drizzled unrelentingly for the past couple of hours. Everyone seemed to have umbrellas over their heads as the priest gave the final words. But Emily? She stood there and took it all in. No umbrella. Her entire body was drenched by the rain. A couple of moments later, the elder was laid into the ground and everyone began to disperse except for the family and some top members of the board. “Everyone, to the Lancaster headquarters now!!” That was the voice of the lawyer. Emily knew what was next— the will. Somehow, she found it unsettling. One moment, everyone is mourning the dead and the next moment they are interested in the will. Emily stood there while everyone left. She was hanging purely on survival instinct. Serena crept behind her and whispered, “Come and face your shame." Emily didn't budge. Three hours later, everyone was in the corporate boardroom of the Lancaster headquarters. The long and well polished mahogany table was occupied with people. Executives and senior board directors plus predatory extended family members — everyone was eager to know the outcome of it all. Where Emily sat, Serena and the rest of the family couldn't stop looking at her. But for her, her eyes were somehow fixed on the large empty swivel chair idling at the extreme of the desk. That was the place of her grandfather…who was now dead.

Lawson cleared his throat and all the attention got to him. “Thank you all for coming," he said and adjusted his glasses properly. “We are gathered here to execute the contents of this will.” He pointed at the file on the table. Emily grunted. “Grandpa was just laid to rest and we are suddenly talking about sharing his Will." “Sorry, ma'am," Lawson replied. “Mr Lancaster expressly made it clear that the will should be executed immediately following his funeral in the presence of the people in this room at the moment." The next couple of minutes revolved around sharing of properties and some foreign investments…charitable trusts and the rest. The main meal was still on the way. The Lancaster Group. That was the bone of contention. Lawson was done with everything. It was time for the real deal. He took a break and looked at everyone. The tension in the room was thick enough that you could literally touch it. But Emily was seemingly distracted. She just kept looking at the vacant chair. “Regarding the controlling shares of the Lancaster group, Miss Emily Lancaster is designated as the primary heir to my entire controlling stake, assuming full executive control.”

There was a collective murmur of approval from the board members. However, Serena was not having a good time. She had hoped that everything would go down the hill for Emily. But it was not the case. Emily was lost. Her thoughts were elsewhere. “Emily?" "Yeah,” she responded, looking lost. "Sorry.” "You are to take over from your grandfather as the highest shareholder. You are to have full executive control.” She managed a smile on her face. Her grandpa always trained her for a responsibility like this.

However, the business was in a serious crisis. Taking over meant a whole lot. She nodded her head. “I understand." Lawson looked back at the paper in front of him and continued reading. “However, it has to be under a condition." The entire room got filled up with curiosity. Emily was suddenly intrigued. What could her grandpa want so badly from her that he had to include it in his will to her? “A condition?” She asked. Lawson looked up with a cold expression on his face. "Yes,” he replied before continuing.

"Within ninety days of my passing, my granddaughter, Emily Lancaster, must enter into a legally recognized marriage with Damian Blackwood.” Emily could not believe her ears. This had to be a joke. She had to get married….What the heck?

There was absolute silence for a moment. The entire boardroom froze completely. Then, suddenly, Emily slammed her palm on the table, cutting through the silence of the room. “Is this a prank or something?" She queried Lawson. “You can't be serious right now." Lawson sighed partially. “Everything I have said is accounted for in the Will. It's not a joke. It's the only condition provided by your grandfather for you to take your place and replace him.” "Damian Blackwood?” A board director cut in. "This can't be possible!” Another fired. Emily sank back into her chair. Her entire body felt completely paralysed. Damian Blackwood. He was a very notorious and ruthless business mogul known for taking over businesses. In the past two years, he has given a greenlight on his interest in the Lancaster group. And now this …..?

It made no sense at all. Why would her grandpa want this for her?

“There is no mistake at all," Lawson continued. “If Emily Lancaster fails to fulfill this condition within the specified period, all shares will go to the secondary beneficiary." Serena chuckled. “That should be me." “Who is the secondary beneficiary?" Emily asked. Lawson cleared his throat and said, “Damian Blackwood." The entire boardroom erupted into chaos. Shouting directors. Cursing relatives. Emily could not hear it anymore. She grabbed her bag and turned towards the double doors.

But before she could take a single step, the double doors swung open. Every conversation was cut off midair. A tall and imposing figure emerged through the door. His charcoal suit was perfectly made. His dark hair was slightly damp from the rain outside. Damian Blackwood had arrived.

He took very solid steps towards Emily, ignoring everyone in the room. “Ms Emily Lancaster," he called her. “Mr Damian Blackwood," she returned the energy.

“Sorry for your loss." “Thank you." He turned to Lawson. “Has the document been read?"

“Yes, Sir," Lawson replied. “I just finished." “Good," Damian said. Emily sighed, a chill running down her spine. "You knew.” Damian remained expressionless. "I was informed.” Emily's tone became stern. "Then, let me save you ninety days of waiting. I will make it very clear. I will never, under any circumstances, marry you.” The entire room was silent. Everyone was watching the drama that was trying to unfold. But Damian was silent for a moment. He simply stared at her with his deep piercing eyes. Then, he let out a wry smile through the corners of his mouth. “Ms Emily Lancaster, we should go somewhere private and discuss our wedding.” Emily stared at him in utter shock. He wasn't negotiating. Looking into his eyes, she could tell he already knew there was no way she would forfeit her shares to him….and that only meant she would say yes…eventually.