Charles 'the only son of Mr Grey' according to the Will of his late father, was given an ultimatum of two weeks to get a wife and five years to get a male child, otherwise he risks losing his inheritance to his cousin, he eventually met Esther 'that had just broken up with her boyfriend' and proposed a contract marriage to her. Esther accepted the offer and got married to Charles because she wanted to help her best friend's ailing mother who needed money for her treatment. She was their only hope and She agreed to do it for friendship's sake. Read to find out what becomes of Esther when she is unable to give him a child and also gets betrayed by the only person she trusts in the world-Her best friend
Chapter 1 The Will
***Charles***
The air was thick with grief as the close family and friends of my father filled the room, there was silence in the room, occasionally interfered by sniffing and sobbing. Their faces etched with sorrows and respect for the Deceased.
The Lawyer had called for a meeting with the close family of the deceased after we returned from the cemetery where Mr Grey, My father, The Billionaire CEO of Albee tech company, had just been laid to rest.
''My Condolences once again to the family of the deceased, I am so sorry for your loss.'' The Lawyer said in a soft tone.
''However, Mr Grey left some specific instructions before his demise about how his properties should be shared, he made me promise to read it to the family the day he is buried which I'm about to do.'' He brought out some documents from his briefcase and as he was about to read, he was interrupted by me.
''A will? What's the need for a will? Do I need to remind you that I am the only son of this man? I said in annoyance.
''You need to calm down Mr Charles, Your father was specific about the instructions and as his lawyer, I don't intend to go against his will as that will be unprofessional.'' the lawyer shot me a malevolent look.
''I don't care what is Professional and what is not Professional, the only thing that makes sense is that, I am the only son and automatically the owner of everything he owned, It is common sense, but it doesn't look like you have one.'' I chuckled loudly
''Shut up Charles! Is it not enough that you have no respect for anyone? Your Old man has just been buried and you still are not showing any respect for the dead. How dare you speak to the lawyer in such a disrespectful manner! you are going to sit down and listen to everything the lawyer has to say, You this spoiled Brat.'' My Uncle shouted from the corner of the room, fuming with anger.
People think of me as someone with no regard for anyone but there is one person that has been able to put me in check- My Uncle popularly known as Big Fred.
Big Fred is My father's' younger brother, he is popular for his unbiased nature- people even go to him to seek justice. He is capable of killing anyone that cheats his fellow man. He runs a drug cartel and is known to be the Don of the underground world,where the Big men in the city come to chill with girls and also run illegal businesses.
I do not want to be in the bad book of Big Fred and so I always try to avoid him at all cost.
''Big Fred, with all due respect, This lawyer is not competent, I have always told Dad when he was alive not to trust this man, I am sure he is the brain behind all these.'' I said brusquely.
''Let's hear what he has to say first before concluding wrongly.'' He made a gesture with his hand for the lawyer to continue.
''I am so sorry for any inconvenience this must have caused, I know this is a trying time for the the family but this will was handwritten by Mr Grey himself and he demanded for it to be read on the day he is buried.'' He paused and flipped through the pages of the documents he had initially brought out.
''Good day everyone, by the time you'll be reading this I would have been six feet below the ground, You all need to move on as quickly as possible, I have lived a good and purposeful life, I have amassed great wealth and I do not want it to be squandered by anyone, my son included.
30% of My assets should be given to Charity, 10% of it should be given to Fred.
This Empire that you are currently sitted in and the ownership of the Albee tech company should be given to Charles within the next fourteen days on the condition that he presents his wife and evidence of Marriage.
That is not all, he has to provide a male child before the next five years in order to remain the owner of the company. Otherwise, the inheritance should be transferred to Edward, My Nephew.
I hope and sincerely wish Charles turns a New leaf and decides to be a responsible family man.
Have a good life everyone.''
''That can never be my father's will, as I said earlier, The lawyer must have instigated this. I said facing Big Grey more in anger than in amusement.
''Mr Charles, I had nothing to do with your father's will and it will be in your best interest to do according to what the will states.'' he said derisively.
''Charles I need you to behave yourself.'' Big Fred stood pointing at me.
''I'm using this medium to thank you Lawyer Derek, and thank you everyone for coming to pay your last respect to Mr Grey, we appreciate your support during this trying time.'' He sighed.
I watched as Big Fred signed some Documents that the Lawyer gave to him and while everyone dispersed, I saw some people standing in twos and in threes gossiping about the Will.
''That serves him right, he is such a rude and uncouth boy, I'm sure he won't be given any of the inheritance because it will be impossible for him to find a wife before fourteen days.''
''Don't say that, I'm sure he will change.''
''He is not even worthy to be pitied, he has no regard for any one.''
I stood there as those words pierced me like a knife.
''Son you have to bring home a wife, I'm sure you can just get married to one of the many girls you go around the town with, if you don't bring home a wife I'd be more than happy to let Edward, My son take your place'' Big Fred said sarcastically.
''I don't have any girlfriend, I am single, where will I get a wife within fourteen days? it is outrageous.'' my heart thumping.
As Big Fred stood to leave he said to me ''Jokes apart, The Clock is ticking Son, Go and get a wife.''
''Is this how I am going to lose my inheritance?'' Tears welled up in my eyes as I began to think deeply of the next action to take.