A Marriage Built on Ashes

Chapter 2:A Price for Everything

Sloane

I was confused.

“Hartford Harbor? It’s been abandoned for years. Nothing goes on there as far as I can remember.”, I thought to myself.

So, I wondered what could have been so important in years abandoned family project that made someone so determined enough to break into my car and leave a key for me.

I looked around again. I didn’t see anyone or anything suspicious. As far as I can tell, I’m the only one who noticed this.

“Wing B”, I said to myself.

I was curious. What could be in wing B of an abandoned building? Could this be some prank? It was hard for me to just brush it away after getting that strange text. Could it be connected? Was it the same person?

I knew if I went there immediately, I would delay the reading of grandmother’s will. I couldn’t afford to be a victim of breaking and entering and of lateness too.

I started my car, and drove towards the family house.

When I entered the dining room of the family house, I sat at the far end, my fingers tracing the mahogany table. A couple of other uncles, aunts and cousins were seated there already.

Then entered Aunt Claire and after Uncle Richard. They both sat to my right. Melissa sat across from me, her eyes fixated on the leather briefcase that Jonathan, had placed on the table as he entered the room

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’ll now proceed to read the will of Late Evelyn Hartford” Jonathan asked, his voice echoing in the vast, silent room.

He didn't waste time with sentiment. He briefly mentioned the preambles and went straight to the heart of the matter, the distribution of the Hartford Hotel empire.

“To my granddaughter, Sloane Hartford,” Jonathan read, his eyes fixed on the parchment. “I leave the entirety of the Hartford Hotels, including all properties, assets, and the controlling interest in the board of directors.”

I felt a brief surge of relief. I wasn’t totally expecting it, but I also wasn’t surprised.

I instinctively look around the faces of people listening. Some are smiling, some are neutral, and then my eyes catch Melissa.

“Really?”, she scoffs.

But she was cut short as he continued.

“However, this subject to a specific condition. To ensure the stability and legacy of the Hartford name, Sloane must be a lawfully married woman to assume full control. She has exactly three months from the date of my passing to fulfill this requirement.”

The silence that followed was deafening. I felt the air leave my lungs.

“And if she doesn't?” Melissa’s voice was sharp, cutting through the stillness.

Jonathan looked at her over his glasses. “If the condition is not met within three months, the entirety of the inheritance, the hotels, the assets, the controlling interest, will pass to Melissa Hartford.”

Melissa let out a short, jagged laugh. She leaned back in her chair, a look of triumph crossing her face.

“Well, Sloane, looks like you’re in a bit of a predicament. Last I checked, you were as single as they come. But I doubt even the most desperate man would want to marry into this mess in three months.”

“That’s enough, Melissa,” Richard muttered.

Jonathan continued with the will reading till he finished. The rest was just responsibilities here and there for other family members.

“Signed Evelyn Hartford”, he finally says as he folds the will and places it back in the envelope. Then in a murmur every one in the table got up to leave.

“Sloane, honey, your grandmother only wanted what was best for you.?” Claire said, her voice smooth and falsely comforting. “Think of it as an opportunity. A married life at this stage would open doors for much more you now, even beyond your grandmother’s assets”

I ignored her. My head is spinning. It was getting difficult to breathe in that room. I got up, ready to leave but was stopped.

“Miss Hartford, if I could have a moment of your time privately?” Jonathan asked, his tone urgent as he walked up to me. “There is more. Your grandmother left specific instructions that she insisted be shared with you personally.”, he said in whispers.

I hesitated, then nodded. I followed him into the small, study off the dining room. He closed the door, the click of the lock sounding like a gunshot.

“What is it, Jonathan? What else did she want to take from me?”

He sighed, reaching into his briefcase and pulling out a single, cream-colored envelope. “It’s not about taking, Sloane. It’s about protecting. Your grandmother didn't just want you to marry. She was very specific about who.”

My stomach twisted. “What are you talking about?”

“The will contains a clause,” Jonathan said, his voice low. “It states that for the inheritance to remain valid, the man you marry must be Cade. Cade Whitmore.”

The name felt like a physical weight. I laughed, a harsh, bitter sound. “Cade? She wants me to marry the man who destroyed my heart five years ago? The man who walked away when I needed him most? No. Absolutely not.”

“Sloane, I believed she...”

“I don't care what she believed!” I shouted, the anger finally boiling over. “The hotel can go to the grave with her for all I care. I am not selling my soul to a man who treats people like business transactions.”

I turned for the door, but Jonathan’s voice stopped me.

“She says you have three months, Sloane. After that, Melissa takes everything. By the end of this summer...you’ll have nothing”

I froze, my hand on the door knob.

“You can call me when you’ve made your decision,” Jonathan said quietly.

I didn't answer. I walked out of the study, through the silent house, and into the cool evening air. My mind was now a whirlwind of the text message, the broken window, and the impossible choice my grandmother had laid at my feet.

I walked toward my car, but as I got closer, I saw a figure leaning against the driver’s side door. The silhouette was now unmistakable.

It was Cade.