Between Love and Legacy
1163 Words
Morning sunlight spilled through the glass walls of Morell Industries’ headquarters, turning the marble floors into mirrors.
Anika sat behind her father’s desk, not because he allowed her to, but because he was running late and she liked to imagine what it would feel like when it was hers.
The chair felt too large, the office too cold. Everything about her father’s empire was designed to remind people of their place.
“Miss Morell?”
The voice of her assistant broke through her thoughts. “Mr. O’Connell is on line one.”
A smile tugged at her lips as she reached for the phone. “You mean my fiancé,” she teased.
“Right,” the assistant said, trying not to grin.
Anika pressed the button. “Good morning, Mr. O’Connell.”
“Good morning, Miss Morell. Should I congratulate you on stealing your father’s office again?”
She laughed quietly. “Maybe I’m just practicing for when it’s ours.”
“I like the sound of that,” Liam said. His voice always softened when he spoke to her even over the phone. “I’m heading to a board meeting with my father. Although I’d rather be talking to you instead.”
“Then maybe I’ll call you during mine and we can both escape.”
“Deal.”
She could almost see his smile through the line, that effortless charm that had first caught her off guard three years ago at a charity gala. He had been magnetic that night: the heir everyone wanted to impress, but somehow, he only noticed her.
And now here they were, days from the wedding everyone wanted, but few understood.
“Anika,” Liam said, his tone shifting slightly. “I’ve been thinking about the security issue at the docks. My uncle’s been unusually involved in the shipments lately. I might start auditing the ledgers myself.”
Her brow furrowed. “You think he’s hiding something?”
“I don’t know. But he’s been pushing my father to sign some new joint investments with foreign partners. I don’t trust it.”
“Then don’t sign anything until we review it together,” she said firmly. “You know your uncle’s not exactly the picture of transparency.”
He chuckled. “That’s why I love you. You see the lies before they’re even spoken.”
“I see what people want me to see,” she corrected. “There’s a difference.”
Before he could reply, the elevator doors opened, and Alexander Morell stepped out with the presence of a man used to owning every room he walked into.
“Playing CEO again?” he asked.
Anika smiled faintly. “ I'm just keeping the chair warm for you.”
“Good,” he said, straightening his cufflinks. “Because soon you’ll be keeping it warm for your husband.”
Her smile didn’t falter, but something in her chest tightened.
Her father moved behind the desk, already scanning through emails. “Your marriage is going to secure decades of prosperity for both families. I trust you’re ready to handle the responsibility.”
“Of course,” she said evenly.
“Good girl.”
It was praise, but it always sounded like a command.
Meanwhile at the O’Connell Headquarters, Liam loosened his tie as his father droned on about market expansion and partnerships.
Colby sat across the boardroom table, tapping his pen in rhythm, a subtle act of rebellion only Liam would notice.
Marcel O’Connell’s voice carried authority that filled every corner. “The merger will double our holdings and stabilize the import chain. I expect both of you to maintain discipline and unity. No unnecessary risks, no surprises.”
Colby glanced at Liam. “You make it sound like a marriage.”
“It is,” their father replied sharply. “Business is marriage. Every decision binds you to someone, sometimes forever.”
Liam smiled faintly. “Then I suppose I’ve already mastered it.”
Patrick ignored the comment. “And you, Colby, try to stay out of trouble this week. The press will be watching.”
Colby’s jaw tightened. “Don’t worry, Father. I wouldn’t want to ruin your picture-perfect merger.”
When the meeting ended, Liam caught up with his brother near the elevator. “You okay?”
“Fine,” Colby said, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Just tired of being the spare O’Connell.”
“Don’t start,” Liam warned. “You know I’d trade half the boardroom to switch places for a week.”
Colby smirked. “Yeah? You’d last two days before you started missing the attention.”
They both laughed, the easy kind that came from years of covering for each other.
But when the elevator doors closed, Colby’s laughter faded. His reflection stared back at him, tired, restless, and overshadowed.
Anika’s Apartment was minimalist and quiet. A contrast to the lavish homes they both came from.
Anika had insisted on staying there until the wedding. “I need somewhere that’s mine,” she had told Liam.
Tonight, the lights were low, candles flickering against the walls. She had been reading financial forecasts when there was a soft knock.
“Come in,” she called.
Liam entered, sleeves rolled, tie gone, a boyish smile on his face. “Tell me you weren’t working.”
“Maybe a little,” she admitted.
He sat beside her on the couch, taking the papers from her hands. “You’re going to run both companies before we even get married at this rate.”
“Maybe that’s the plan,” she teased.
He laughed, leaning in to kiss her forehead. “Don’t scare me. You’d actually do it.”
She smiled, curling up against him. “You love that about me.”
“I do,” he said. “You make ambition look so damn hot.”
He went in for a kiss, tasting her soft sugary lips. The kiss was tenderly deep and passionate, making the world around them feel too perfect. Liam pulled Anika even closer, both hands around her slim waist. Both breathing heavily, eyes closed.
Anika pulled away. “Slow down Mr O'Connell, our wedding night is almost here.” She said, letting out a little laughter.
“I know, but what can a man do when he's looking at such an irresistible lady.” Liam replied.
They both looked at each other and smiled. Anika resting her head on Liam’s chest, his fingers tracing idle circles along her arm.
It was peaceful, the kind of peace that always came before something broke.
“Come with me tonight, I don't like the idea of you sleeping all alone here.” Liam said softly.
Anika nodded, “alright Mr O'Connell, as you say.”
They got into Liam’s car as they headed to the O'Connell mansion.
That night, Anika dreamt of glass shattering of golden halls crumbling into dust.
And in the distance, a gunshot echoed through the dark.
- Writer
