Relief floods through me—the tightness in my chest loosens, my breath releases. The library. MY library. My sanctuary. My heart.
It's mine and all the memories it holds. God, yes.
I'm already imagining curling up in the window seat, surrounded by—Adrian's voice shifts. Something in his tone makes me look up sharply. He seems almost ... apologetic? Careful?
"Provided..."
Wait, he's not done?
"Provided that Emerson is in a committed, loving relationship at the time of inheritance. She must present her significant otherto my attorney, Adrian Hale, for verification of the relationship's authenticity. Mr. Hale will assess the genuineness of said relationship through observation and questioning. If Emerson is not in such a relationship, or if Mr. Hale determines the relationship to be fraudulent, the entire estate and its contents shall be sold, with all proceeds donated to literacy charities."
He pauses, then adds: "Emerson has thirty days from the reading of this will to comply."
I stare at him, trying to process the words. Confusion first—what is he saying? Why are the words 'committed, loving relationship' coming out of his mouth? He can't…can he?
No. Wait a goddamn minute.
No, no, no.
Violet wouldn't, she couldn't have done this. My beloved grandmother forcing me to do something I don't want? Then, I feel her betrayal, cold spreading through my chest, stomach dropping to the floor. Finally, panic stirs within me—thirty days, I'm single, Adrian as judge.
My face goes hot, then ice-cold. My hands go numb. The brooch pin digs into my chest.
Violet. The one person who never pushed, never judged, never demanded I be anything but myself. And THIS is her parting gift? Manipulation disguised as inheritance? What the hell is going on?
"This is absurd!" Victoria jumps to her feet. "Ridiculous! Controlling!"
"Mom, wait—" Marcus reaches for her arm.
"She can't do this! It's emotional blackmail!"
I remain frozen, silent, drowning in shock. Across the table, Adrian sits, unmoved, still, his face could have been carved from marble for all the emotion it shows.
Victoria paces the length of the conference room, gesticulating wildly, her voice rising with each step.
"Outdated, patriarchal nonsense! As if being in a relationship determines your worth! I'll contest this. We'll contest this."
Marcus tries to calm her. "Mom, let's talk outside?—"
Victoria whirls on Adrian. "You should be ashamed, letting her write this."
Adrian stands to his full height. "Mrs. Blake, I advised Mrs. Blake against this clause. She insisted."
Victoria doesn't listen, storming toward the door. I notice Adrian's jaw tighten—the only crack in his perfect composure. Huh, so he IS human. Who would have thought?
Marcus squeezes my shoulder. "Call me later. We'll figure this out."
I can't respond. Can't move. He follows Victoria reluctantly, glancing back at me with concern before the door closes with a soft click.
There goes my only support.
Sudden silence fills the room. Just Adrian and me, alone in the conference room. The hum of air conditioning seems louder now. The sound of traffic below continues, muffled through the glass. I stare at the will papers on the table. Adrian remains standing, waiting.
Numbness spreads through my limbs. My thoughts circle relentlessly: thirty days, relationship, Adrian judges authenticity. Impossible.
The betrayal settles deeper. Violet knew I was single. Chronically single. Didn't have casual relationships. Refused to try online dating. Married to my work. She KNEW.
And she put Adrian—cold, allergic-to-emotions, infuriating Adrian—as the gatekeeper. Why?
