Episode 2

ALANA

I spent several minutes holding my grandfather's hand, waiting for him to wake up. And when he finally did, I could see the fatigue in his eyes.

"Hello," I said, tears welling up in my eyes.

"Hello princess," he greeted with a weary voice.

"The man you sent for me says you're very sick. That's not true, right? You'll be just fine, and we'll go for ice cream every Thursday like we always do, right?" I asked, crying.

"I won't be able to, my little princess. But wherever I am, I will always watch over you because you are my most precious treasure," my grandfather expressed.

"I don't want to be alone," I told my grandfather, clutching his hand.

"And you won't," my grandfather affirmed. "You will know in due time, but I want you to know that no matter what happens, never doubt that this old man loved you more than his own life, and I will always protect you." As my grandfather spoke, the machines began making strange noises.

I ran out and called the nurses, who summoned the doctor. But after several attempts, they couldn't do anything. I collapsed to the floor, crying in despair. I had lost the person who loved me the most in life. He was the only one in my family who took care of me. What am I going to do now? I still have a year until I come of age, and I don't know if I can bear living in that house without my grandfather's occasional visits to rescue me from that hell, even just once a week or a month. And now, who will I talk to about everything while eating ice cream on Thursdays?

The rest of the family acted as if nothing had happened. The only one who shed a few tears was Lucia. Mr. Fabian never cried for his father. I always knew he was devoid of feelings, but I had hoped it would be different with his father. When I finally managed to calm my sobbing, the lawyer spoke to us and told me that my grandfather's last wish was to be cremated and have his ashes scattered at the nearest beach. So, tomorrow, the lawyer will come for me to carry out his final request. When we arrived home, I went up to my hideout, which is what I call my room. There, I broke down again, feeling like my life was slipping away as I cried. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and I fell asleep.

The next morning, someone woke me up by splashing water on my face with a glass.

"What's wrong with this crazy person?" I spoke, annoyed, as the cold water drenched me.

"You better show some respect, you wretched girl. The lawyer is downstairs with the old man's ashes. Hurry up so they can leave quickly," Lucricia shouted, gripping my hair, and then stormed out.

I started to cry. I had hoped it was all a nightmare, and that my grandfather would be fine, but it wasn't the case. He left me alone. With a heavy heart, I stood up and went into the bathroom to go through my daily routine. I put on a black dress, tied up my hair, wore comfortable shoes, and went downstairs. The lawyer was there along with Lucricia and Fabian, pretending to be kind in front of him. We all had breakfast together at the table, but I could hardly eat. Afterward, I left with the lawyer. In my hands, I held a small urn containing my grandfather's ashes. We arrived at the nearest beach in Miami. The lawyer gave me some privacy as I scattered my grandfather's ashes on the beach. After a few minutes, I finished and got back into the car with the lawyer. I didn't feel like talking, but I realized the route was different from the one that led home.

"Where are we going?" I asked the lawyer.

"To an apartment your grandfather left for you. I will explain everything that will happen from now on," the lawyer explained, and I nodded. I have no idea what plan my grandfather had before his death, but I know whatever it is, he did it for my well-being.

Upon arrival, I saw that it was a luxurious place. We entered and went up to the top floor. There, I saw a very spacious apartment filled with luxuries. I swiftly explored every room—it was beautiful. It had four bedrooms, a large kitchen, an office, and a spacious living room.

"This place is beautiful," I expressed to the lawyer.

"This is where you can live after your divorce," the lawyer said, and I turned to look at him as if he were crazy.

"I'm not married, what are you talking about?"

I asked.

"Please sit down and let's talk."  I obeyed and sat in front of him.

"What's going on? What did my grandfather do?"

I asked, concerned.

"

Alana, you are the greatest treasure your grandfather had. A few months ago, he ordered an investigation into his son and his wife to know how they treated you. He had suffered two heart attacks before and knew he didn't have much time left. When the investigators provided him with all the information about how badly your father and his wife treated you, including the times you were physically abused, your grandfather couldn't bear it and had a third heart attack. That's why he ended up in the hospital. I don't know how he managed to sort everything out before he died, but he did."

the lawyer explained.

"So, he died because he found out how badly his son and his wife were treating me?" I asked, tears welling up in my eyes.

"Yes, that's why he arranged your marriage to a very powerful man. You're underage, but your grandfather had legal custody of you. Your mother had handed it over to him before she left. But when your grandfather died, your father would have obtained custody of you. The only way to ensure that your father doesn't have control over you or the fortune your grandfather left you is for you to get married. Your husband will be the one taking care of you, and your grandfather's will won't be read until you turn 21. In the meantime, a group of lawyers and you, your sister, and your father will receive a monthly allowance from the company." the lawyer clarified, leaving me unsure of what to think.

"I understand that he did it to protect me from my father, but who will I marry? I don't want to be with someone without love." I expressed my worries.

"Don't worry, this is just a contract to protect you. Your grandfather granted me custody so that I can authorize your marriage. I can't take care of you as I travel all the time. The wedding will take place tomorrow, and it will only be you, the groom, the groom's family, and a few of your grandfather's friends. If you want to invite someone, just let me know. Furthermore, the marriage contract ensures that your husband won't lay a hand on you or mistreat you in any way. He won't force you into intimacy if you don't want to. And, after three years, if you wish to divorce, you can do so, and you'll be able to live in this apartment. Additionally, you can study whatever you desire at the university. Of course, this contract is confidential and only known by you, your future husband, his lawyer, and me. No one else knows about it, which is why you'll have to behave like a normal couple in public and even kiss each other." the lawyer explained.

Upon thinking about it, if I stay with the man who fathered me and his wife, I'll be beaten and insulted daily. They probably won't pay for my university either and will try to keep the monthly allowance that I'll receive. So, getting married seems like the best option. But who will I marry?

"I accept the wedding with the terms proposed by my grandfather, but who will be my husband? Please don't tell me it will be an old man." I asked nervously.

"No, he's not old. He's 27 years old but looks younger. Believe me, many have tried to capture him but failed. Although he was married four years ago, he had an accident that left him in a wheelchair. Luckily, he underwent surgery two years ago, started his rehabilitation, and now he's as if nothing happened. However, his wife left him because of the accident, she didn't want to be married to a man in a wheelchair, and he suffered a lot because of it. He never wanted to get married again, but this is a favor he owed to your grandfather, whom he loved dearly. That's why he agreed to marry you." the lawyer told me.

"It's unfortunate what happened with his ex, but I'm glad he has recovered. Does he know what Fabian and his wife did to me?" I asked, feeling uncomfortable.

"No, he doesn't know. Your grandfather only told him that he wanted to protect your fortune and didn't want your father to take over the company. That's why the reading of the will won't happen until you turn 21, so that no one knows the percentage each person is entitled to until you can manage your share alone." the lawyer commented.

We talked for a while, but she never told me the name of the man who will be my husband, so I will have to wait until the wedding tomorrow. The lawyer left, not without telling me that tomorrow he will bring my wedding dress and they will come to do my hair and makeup. He also told me that he will speak to Fabián and his wife. I don't want to be in his place when he does.

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