The Marriage Clause

Chapter 3

Andrew

I sat in my study, calculating the assets I have as well as how to establish myself with it. I have to make do with what I have. It must work out. It has to. I have to do everything I can to make sure it works, so I can get the hell out of this social and economic mess.

Butler Frederick can have it all? How dare him give me three days to prove my worth as the Empire's CEO? Prove my worth? Where was he when I was working hard to grow the Empire? Where was he, when I would stay up all night trying to sign a business deal? In the kitchen, planning the next menu. Now, he tells me to prove my worth.

This is totally uncalled for. This is total insult. I have to leave.

At that moment, my phone began to ring. It was a recognized number. I answered it.

“Hello, Lawyer Henry. "

“Am I speaking with Mr Andrew James.?"

“ Yes, you are. I called earlier for consultation."

“Yes. I read about your inquiries. You can come in tomorrow by ten am. I would make an appointment for you. We have a lot to discuss. "

“ Okay. Sure. I would be there. Thanks." I concluded and hung up, only to find my Mom closely behind me.

I jumped, startled.

“Oh! Mom! When did you get here?"

"A while ago. Who was that?" She asked.

“A lawyer."

“ Lawyer Felix or Lawyer Philip?" She asked, referring to our family lawyers.

“No. Another one, for consultation. I need to know how I can win this fight, legally. My inheritance was given to someone else, I can't have my position taken as well. "

“ Exactly, son! You are on the right track. I was worried for nothing. When we returned from the Board meeting and you said you have to leave everything behind, I got really scared."

I stared at her for a while, and couldn't help but noticed how beautiful she is. Even at the age of fifty-five, my Mom could still turn heads with her model like physique, glowing skin, beautiful face and amazing fashion sense.

She probably won't be able to keep up with her luxurious lifestyle, once I leave. But, I can't stay for her. Not when I know seeing me humiliated, would hurt her even more.

“I never said I changed my mind." I corrected.

Her jaw dropped.

“If you are still leaving, what is the whole consultation about?" Mom asked

“To fight for my position as CEO, I need to know the law, but that is something I can do anywhere. This house doesn't belong to us anymore and it is easier, as well as, less humiliating to fight from outside. " I explained to her.

The earlier she knows how things would be, the easier it would be for her to accept it.

“ Andrew."

“Mom. My mind is made up. I am leaving my inheritance to the one it was given to. I am not interested in knowing what is in the other part of the Will. To hell with it. All I am after right now, is how I wouldn't lose my position as the CEO."

“ But, if you don't accept the first part of the Will and know what is in the second part of the Will, you won't get to keep your position."

“I would find a way to. Mom. You were there when that man asked me to prove my worth within three days. You still want me to stay after that?"

“Why won't you understand that he is trying to provoke you. He wants to provoke you into leaving and you being like is, is actually giving him what he wants."

“ I really do not care anymore, Mom. My mind is made up."

Mom sighed. She came close to me and held my hands in hers.

“I came with help, son. That was what brought me to your suite."

“What help?"

“ I just returned from a meeting with Mrs Mark. Despite everything, she is still willing to let you and Esther get married."

“What?!"

Esther Mark? What on earth has my Mom gone to cook up?

Esther Mark is the daughter and only child of Mr Martin and Cecilia Mark of Mark Holdings. The Marks have a standing company with an estimated assets worth billions. They also own ten percent of my company shares in their daughter's name, making her one of the major shareholders and board members.

The issue was Mom had tried three times in the past to get me engaged to Esther, despite the fact that I have always made it clear that I don't want to have anything to do with the young woman.

Not that she is bad or anything, I just don't see her in that light. Never would I see her as nothing more than a friend, if not close acquaintance.

I bolted out of my seat in anger, not ready to deal with any arranged marriage crap.

“Mom! I am not doing that. With all due respect, you would call Madam Mark and tell her to forget about the meeting you had with her earlier today, otherwise, you won't see me again." I threatened.

Cruel, but that is the only way I can get her to understand how serious this is. The last time she pulled this engagement stunt, I had to reject Esther in front of all her family as well as mine on the engagement day.

“What is wrong with you?! " Mom yelled angrily. “ The Marks are wealthy. Esther is a major shareholder in our company and one of the board members. Their foundation would support you to retain your position as the CEO and even become the Chairman. All you have to do is get married to Esther!"

“ No Mom! I do not want that. I can retain my position all by myself. I can win this fight on my own. I do not need a marriage of convenience to do so."

I snapped, grabbed the key of my motorcycle on the table and stormed out of the room.

***

I just can't believe my Mom and how insensitive she can be sometimes. A marriage of convenience, at this point of my life?

Just great.

I drove my motorcycle out of the estate into the street. I haven't cleared the street, when I sighted that friendly familiar figure.

Julia.

I drove to her side and parked abruptly.

“Oh my gosh! " She jumped, frightened.

“Andrew!" She yelled, when recognition dawned on her.

She quickly turned her face away, before looking at me. Her eyes were slightly swollen.

“Have you been crying? " I didn't know when I blurted that out.

“No. Just yawning." She replied.

She is lying. I can tell from the way her pupils did a three- sixty turn before she answered. She does that whenever she is cooking up what to say.

Julia doesn't know that I have her figured out like the palm of my hands. After all, I have been watching her since she was eight and I was ten.

I chose not to pester her further. She must have a reason for choosing to hide whatever is bothering her from me. Well, considering her personality, she can't hide it for long. She is that innocent.

“Where are you off to this night on your motorbike?"

“To get fresh air. Wanna go for a ride?" I offered.

She is the best distraction I need right now.

She nodded a yes. I gave her the second helmet.

“Hop on."

She did.

“Move on!" She said to me, excitedly.

With a smile on my face, I kicked the bike into a start. It jolted forward, jerking her along. She screamed and hit my shoulder playfully.

“Sorry. Hold on tight." I said, chuckling.

She ran her arms around my abdomen, holding tight unto me. I sped up into the night, with a grin on my face.