Terms of Love

Emma Carter adjusted her blazer for the third time, ensuring every seam lay perfectly flat. Today was crucial for her. She was meeting with the senior partners at Branson & Fields to discuss her potential promotion. She'd worked tirelessly for this moment, sacrificing weekends, holidays, and even a facade of social life. As she walked briskly through the bustling streets of Manhattan, Emma's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, expecting a message from her assistant, but frowned when she saw the caller ID. “Maggie Carter.” “Grandma, I can't talk right now,” She muttered under her breath before silencing the call. Her grandmother' rarely called and when she did it was never good news. Maggie probably called just to talk about more pressure to adhere to family expectations. She breathed in to get rid of the thoughts of her grandmother and tried to focus on the meeting ahead. In the grand boardroom at Branson & Fields, she adjusted her blazer feeling the familiar flutter of nerves. Today was the day she has been working towards for years, this meeting could make her the youngest partner in the firm’s history. Her heart pounded but she took a deep breath, steeling herself. The boardroom was imposing with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. Emma took a confident stance at the head of the table as she presented her case with precision and confidence, earning nods of approval from the senior partner. Mr. Branson gave a slight nod. “Well done, Ms. Carter. Your precise preparation and attention to detail are exactly what we need. Let's move forward with your plan” Emma felt a surge of pride as she took her seat, knowing she had made a significant impact with her presentation. “Emma, you've done exceptional work. You're exactly what this firm needs,” Mr. Branson said in a fatherly tone as the meeting came to an end. “But we need to ensure our partners are fully committed. You understand the importance of stability, both professionally and personally, don't you?” Emma nodded, trying not to show her irritation “Of course, Mr. Branson. I’d understand and I'm fully committed." As she left the office, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was a text from her best friend, Sarah Matthews: Drinks tonight? We need to celebrate your future partnership! Emma smiled, replying quickly Absolutely! Meet you at our usual spot at 7 Emma arrived at the bar she and Sarah visited often, its dim lighting and familiar atmosphere providing a much-needed escape. Sarah was already there, a cocktail in hand, her auburn hair catching the light as she waved Emma over “Hey babes!” Sarah exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement “To the future partner!”She raised her glass, her eyes sparkling with pride. Emma laughed, sliding into the seat across from her. “I don't have it yet but thank you” She clinked her glass with Sarah's, taking a sip of her favorite cocktail; the familiar taste brought a sense of comfort. She leaned forward, her expression serious now. “Soo, How did the meeting go? You seemed pretty confident this morning” Emma sighed, placing her glass on the table. “It went well, I think. They seemed impressed with my presentation and my plans for the firm's growth. Mr. Branson even pulled me aside afterward to give me some positive feedback” Sarah's eyes widened with excitement “Girlll! That's amazing! I knew you'd nail it. So when do you think they will make it official?” She shrugged,a smile tugging at her lips. “I’m not sure. Hopefully soon but you know how these things go– lots of red tape” Sarah nodded,taking a sip of her drink. “Well, I have no doubt you’ll get it, You’ve worked harder than anyone I know.” Emma smiled proudly but was interrupted by the buzz of her phone. It was an email notification from her grandma– yes her seventy-two year old grandma uses email!. She sighed, opening it reluctantly Emma, we need to talk. It's urgent. Come by the house as soon as you can. Love, Grandma. Emma's heart sank. Her grandmother never said “urgent” lightly. She showed the message to Sarah, who raised an eyebrow “Looks like Maggie has something serious to discuss,” Sarah said, her tone laced with curiosity “You think it’s about the inheritance again?” Emma shrugged, trying to shake off the growing unease. “Probably. She never lets up, Last time she called it urgent, she wanted to lecture me on the importance of family legacy.” She shook her head. “She’s relentless But you’ve got this, Erm...Just try and don’t let her get to you.” Emma sighed, nodding. “I’ll try. It’s just... exhausting.” That evening, Emma arrived at her grandmother's stately townhouse, a sense of dread settling in her stomach. She always felt as though she was traveling back in time when she was in Maggie’s home, with its opulent façade and immaculate lawn. The inside was tastefully decorated with period pieces and wall-mounted family photos. Maggie Carter, a formidable woman with piercing grey eyes, greeted her with a stern expression and immaculately styled silver hair. Maggie motioned to the old sofa in the sitting room “Emma, sit down. We need to discuss your future” Emma sat, bracing herself “What is it, Grandma?” She took a deep breath, her eyes boring into Emma's. “Your 30th birthday is approaching and as you know, our family's trust fund is contingent on certain conditions being met” Emma nodded while holding back a groan “Yes, I know. But I’m doing everything I can-” “Everything except getting married” Maggie cut her off abruptly, her voice leaving no room for argument. “You have until your 30th birthday to marry, or you forfeit your inheritance” Emma stared at her grandmother with a mix of shock and rage “You can’t be serious. That's just... archaic!” “Emma, this is for your own good. Stability in your personal life will reflect positively in your professional one. Consider it a nudge in the right direction” Emma clenched her fists, struggling to maintain her composure “Grandma, I've worked incredibly hard to get where I am. I don't need a husband to validate my success” Maggie’s gaze hardened “It's not about validation, Emma. It's about balance. You can’t pour everything into your career and neglect your personal life. The trust fund was established with this principle in mind." Emma's voice rose in frustration. “Balance? You think forcing me to marry will create balance? It's my life, and I should be the one to decide what's best for me” She leaned forward “And as the matriarch of this family, it's my responsibility to ensure our legacy is preserved. This isn't just about you, It's about our family's future” Her eyes flashed with anger. “So you think blackmailing me into marriage is the answer? What about my happiness?” She sighed, already getting weary of the conversation “Happiness often comes from unexpected places. Sometimes, we need a push to see beyond our narrow views. I believe this will be good for you in the long run” Emma stood up abruptly, unable to sit still any longer. “I can't believe you're doing this. Our relationship is already hanging by a thread and now you're threatening my future for some outdated notion of stability” Maggie rose to her feet as well “You have six months, Emma. Find a suitable partner, or the trust fund will go to your cousins. I hope you understand this is for your own good” Emma felt a surge of misery and anger but she knew arguing further was pointless. Her grandmother was as stubborn as ever and once she made a decision, it was nearly impossible to change her mind “This isn't fair!” Emma said through gritted teeth, turning to leave. As she walked out of the townhouse, Emma's mind raced. How was she supposed to find a husband in six months??!