His Revenge, My Marriage

CHAPTER 4: SECRET BETWEEN ENEMIES

The first thing Emily did after leaving the boardroom was call her personal lawyer. The second thing she did was to reach out to two more lawyers. Before midnight, she was able to reach out to six of the best legal minds money could afford. But then, the response was always the same— nothing could be done. The will was very valid. And the clause was very enforceable. She wanted to challenge it. But doing so would take years according to what she was told.

However, the Lancaster group didn't have years before it would crash. “Unbelievable!" Emily growled with frustration painted all over face. Why on earth would her grandpa put her in a situation like this?

She walked to and fro in her penthouse with thoughts spiralling everywhere. In less than a month, she lost her fiance, her grandpa and now possibly her inheritance. Nothing was making sense. It looked like someone was breaking her life apart, piece by piece. Knock. Knock. Knock.

She ignored it. But it came again and this time louder. The intercom finally buzzed and the concierge’s voice came through. “Ms Emily, you have a guest. Mr Blackwood is here." Hearing the name triggered her. “Send him away. I have no business with him." There was a little pause before he spoke again. "Ma'am, I'm afraid he's insistent. He said it's very important that he sees you.” Emily wasn't moved. "I don't give a damn. Send him away.” A different voice came through this time. "Five minutes, Ms Emily Lancaster,” Damian said in a calm and steady tone. Emily sighed. “There is no freaking way I'm letting you in. You have no business coming here….and at this time too. I would rather swallow glass.” “Four minutes, then. Give me four minutes of your time." Emily was mute for a while. She considered it. Hesitantly, she agreed. "Fine.” Two minutes later, Damian was in the house. It felt like the atmosphere had changed. Emily was annoyed by the fact that she couldn't help noticing his presence. Damian calmly took his jacket off and placed it over his arm. Emily remained standing with a face that was not really welcoming. There was no intention to offer him a seat. Damian scanned the place and exhaled casually. “The view is quite impressive." Emily refused to be flattered. “I know. Get to the point." Damian fixed his gaze back to her. He could see that she was not willing to let things be just cool. "I am here to discuss marriage with you. How is it going to be?" Emily folded her arms against her chest and sighed. “There isn't going to be any marriage." “Then, you stand to lose your shares to me." “That isn't going to happen either." Emily was very blunt with her words. Damian chuckled mildly. “You are very stubborn, you know." Emily got close to the door. “Four minutes are gone.” Damian was mute for a moment. It seemed as if he was analysing the moment. “Do you know why my family hates yours?” He finally asked her. Emily frowned at the question. It was very clear enough. “Business rivalry," she replied. Damian chuckled. "No. That's not it,” he replied and turned to face her. His gaze was suddenly intimidating. “Business rivalry is what the newspapers say. That's not the truth." Emily suddenly forgot about the timing. A new wave of curiosity was sweeping through her. "You tell me, then," she said. “What is the truth?" Damian paused for a moment, as if weighing her. He sighed and took a step closer. “Ten years ago, my father entered into a business deal with a trusted person." His voice became icier. “That business collapsed." Emily unfolded her arms, not sure where the discussion was headed particularly. “What does this have to do with us?” She queried him. "Everything,” he replied bluntly. "My father lost everything. That scandal destroyed our reputation." Emily's thoughts twitched a bit. She heard bits of that story as a child. But the elders always changed the topic whenever she arrived. “He was blamed for everything that happened.” He paused for a second and continued. "Six months later, he took his own life.” The statement hit Emily badly. In that instant, her breathing became tight. And she had no idea when she croaked out, “I'm sorry." Damian gnashed his teeth. “Are you?" “Why are you telling me this?" Emily queried him. “What am I supposed to do with this? Do you want my pity?" Damian shook his head. “I'm telling you because the man who took the blame for what happened to my father was your late father.” Emily's countenance changed. That wouldn't be possible. She shook her head. There was silence between them for a moment. “My father?" “Yes." "No," she said. “My father wouldn't—" "Why wouldn't he?” He pressed on. "Are you saying he wouldn't protect his own interests?” He took steps closer to her. With every gap he covered, the room became smaller. " Stop.” She said, Damian obeyed. There was silence for a moment. Then, she spoke again. “Are you saying my late father caused the death of yours?" A layer of uncertainty crossed his face. He shut his eyes briefly. "I used to." Used to. That meant he no longer thought so. Her racing heart slowed down. “You are impossible.” Damian smiled mildly. "I've been called worse.” Emily c****d her head. Damian made her head spin. "What do you want?” She asked him finally. "You,” he replied bluntly. "A marriage with you.” It was still not making sense. “And what do you stand to gain? What do you really want?" Damian was calm. Then, he said, “The truth. All I want is to figure it out. Think about it. Your betrayal. Your grandpa's death. Everything. Think about it all." Emily gave it a thought. She could see it all. But then, he was Damian Blackwood, after all.

He glanced at his wristwatch and opened the door. Just before leaving, he paused and said, “I don't expect you to happily play the bride. No. But you will have to be the bride if you want to save the Lancaster Group." The door clicked shut. He was gone. Silence filled the penthouse again. Emily was in thoughts.

She was angry and curious at the same time. They were enemies, not because of a business rivalry, but because an age-long secret was still hanging in the balance. To marry him or not….she was lost in her confusion.