The Marriage Contract: A Marriage for Help

Chapter 4

The Greene were one of the oldest family in California. They were known for their businesses across all industries in California, they could basically be called the economy lifeline of the state.

Rumor has it that, the Greene family has it's roots in the black side of the industry with only having moved to the white side three generations ago yet becoming one of the most influential family in the state, they were known for their ruthlessness and precise dealings in business especially with the intelligence and actions of Nickolas making the family more glorious than the previous generation.

Nickolas walked into the building with fast strides and haste ignoring and leaving the servants in shock yet each maintaining their composure as a single action could get them fired.

Nickolas walked to a room that seemed like a study with an old man sitting behind a desk. The old man had an aura and dominance that couldn't be ignored,with eyes still sharp that nothing could get past his notice, those that knew of him knew he was an icon to be reckoned with during his youth and a ruthless character when crossed. It could be said that Nick's character was like an extension of him as Nick had grown up under his care since he was a child.

“You sent for me, grandfather”, Nickolas said as soon as he sat down in front of the old man.

The old man raised his head from the book he was reading and glancing at Nickolas, he replied; “Hello to you too grandson, I have been well…. Thanks for asking”.

Nickolas chuckled and said “we both know that isn't the reason for this summon, grandfather besides I can see that you are more than well”.

Eyeing him, his grandfather replied; “Very well then, I heard that the evening didn't go as planned, yet the night seemed like a party of two with no prior invitation or meeting”.

“Grandfather, I believe you already know the events that happened and you don't need me recounting them for you”.

“Yes, I don't need you doing that but how did you two meet?”. Grandfather questioned.

“It was simply by accident”. Nickolas replied.

“An Accident? Yet you asked her to be your wife? Nickolas. What if she is a fraud or an assassin?”. Came the question with a laugh.

“Grandfather, are you spying on me?" She is not any of what you mentioned and you know it, besides it's easier than accepting any lady chosen by the clan members” replied Nickolas.

“True, but there is something you must know and you have to be careful of Nick”.

“Which Is?” Nickolas asked.

Closing his eyes and opening them, he took a deep breath and said “she was originally the bride chosen for you when she was a baby but certain events led to the dissolving of the engagement”. Grandfather replied.

Nickolas sat in shock, surprised at his grandfather. Looking at him to see any sign of joke on his face but knowing his grandfather, he would never joke with a topic such as marriage let alone the words he just said. “But…how can it be?. I mean she is just the foster daughter of some medium class family with nothing significant to their name”. Nickolas said

Grandfather looked at him and sighed saying “you are right, she is a foster daughter but forces behind her are greater than any family combined which our Greene family cannot compare to as they could make or mar us”.

Nick stood up from his seat with his hands rubbing his face, he said “well, whatever it is I believe I can handle it because I have set my sight on her and I intend to marry her”.

Grandfather looked at him from his seat and said “I believe that you are aware of her betrothal to the young master of the Regens family or are you intending to also be a side piece?”.

“Don't worry grandfather, she will take care of it but I must marry her and there is nothing you, the clan or anyone can do for that matter”. Nickolas said while adjusting his suit intending to show how serious he was.

Grandfather, still looking at him, said “I can only advise you to be very careful because forces sleeping and issues dead will be awakened for this marriage”.

Still standing, Nicholas looked at his grandfather and said “very well grandfather, I will be taking my leave now as there is an important meeting in Asia for the raw materials needed for the production of the semiconductors. As you know the trade of yesterday evening went south which happened to be the handwork of one person in the Greene family that we both know and now we have to start again thanks to that person”. Nickolas said with anger burning in his eyes.

“Calm down, Nickolas, all will be taken care of in due time except you don't want the leader position anymore”. Grandfather reminded him.

Nickolas scoffed and replied; “as if that will happen, except they want the decline and death of the Greene family altogether besides I would actually want to see who can compete with me for that position, not that I need the Greene name and influence anymore”.

“Nickolas!, you don't mean that”. Grandfather shouted at him with his palm banging the desk.

“I am sorry grandfather, its just frustrating to put in all the work and plans while some people specialize in disrupting the plans made, yet they are quick to ask and spend the dividends made if such plans did go through”. Nickolas complained.

“How are you so sure that he is responsible and what evidence do you have? What if it was the handwork of our enemies and outside forces?”. Grandfather asked him.

Nickolas raised a brow and asked “are you sure grandfather that the enemies and outside forces combined could have been responsible for such a job I dare say it was done neatly and well without an inside person in the family helping them?”.

“Like I said before, all in due time. Do not play any funny games and remember the rules Nickolas”. Grandfather said with a sigh.

“Yes grandfather, I would like to leave now if there is nothing else”.

Grandfather looked at him one more time and waved his hand granting him leave. Nickolas bowed and left with angry strides and a dark face once again because he knew he could not take action against the events of yesterday. He seemed to have hit another soft spot with no evidence to show.

Grandfather looked at the direction facing the door before returning his gaze to the book on the desk. Then did it become clear that it was an album he had. After turning two pages, he raised his head and sighed again saying “it seems like there is bound to be chaos no matter how we try to prevent it and it will definitely lead to that matter again, only if he will listen and stop now”

“It cannot be prevented, besides what happened in the previous generation was borne of misunderstanding and greed but with the intelligence of the young master and mistress, it can definitely be reduced”. Replied another voice in the study.