Episode 7

MARKUS

The lawyer had called me today for the reading of my grandfather's will, but I wasn't in the right mindset for it. However, he insisted, so I told him we would meet at my father's farm. It wasn't something that excited me since, as the news media announced, I was the sole heir to his entire fortune as his only relative.

We went straight to my old man's office, and my friend Mauricio was with me. I asked the lawyer if he could start, but he told me to wait for the other person to arrive. I was quite surprised and asked who it was, when suddenly the door opens.

-Please come in - says the lawyer.

-Hello.

-What are you doing here? - seeing that little opportunist again annoyed me.

-She is the other person we were waiting for, so I will begin with the reading.

The lawyer discussed all the assets my grandfather had and proceeded to explain how they would be distributed according to his last will.

-I, Rodolfo Meyer, hereby state my final wish that 40% of my assets be left in the hands of my grandson, Markus Meyer, and the remaining 20% to Christiane Fischer, whom I got to know and love as if she were my granddaughter.

For my grandson to take possession of the other 40% of my fortune, he must marry my dear Christiane, and likewise, if she wants to inherit the assets left in her name. The marriage must last for 3 months; otherwise, all my money will be donated to charity.

I stood up, indignant at this little plan of hers.

-This cannot be - I asked, furious. She got up from her chair with a strange expression on her face.

-As far as I'm concerned, she can do whatever she wants with that money. I'm leaving.

-Miss, this is Mr. Meyer's last will.

She walked out without looking back.

CHRISTIANE

That day, when I called Bettina, she informed me that I should be present for the reading of Mr. Rodolfo's will. I didn't want to attend; it was certain that his miserable grandson would also be there. But Angelika insisted, and she accompanied me. I would never face this alone.

Angelika was right; I had to hear the final wishes of my dear grandfather.

I couldn't believe the things the lawyer was saying. When did my grandfather come up with the idea that I could be with his grandson? I would never accept that for all the money in the world. So I stood up and left, a tear rolling down my face. My friend, who was waiting for me, followed.

-Where do you think you're going? - Markus was annoyed.

-I don't have to answer to you. - He scared me, but I wouldn't let him humiliate me again... not this time. He grabbed my arm.

-You're not going anywhere until we resolve this - he said angrily, but I pulled my arm away.

-I'm not staying here for another second.

And I walked outside with my friend. On the way, I told Angelika everything. She was very surprised and asked what I planned to do. She knew what Markus had done to me, how he had humiliated me that night. I told her that nothing would change. Everything would remain the same. I had many needs, but no. I would graduate soon, find a job that paid well, and be able to pay off my father's debts. I just had to wait a little longer.

MARKUS

I talked to the lawyer to see if there was anything I could do to avoid this marriage, but he told me no. If I don't marry Miss Fischer and endure the stipulated 3-month period, I won't receive the remaining 40% of my grandfather's fortune. I was still the president of the company and owned some properties that belonged to my father, but it bothered me that all the money my grandfather had worked so hard for would be lost...

-Markus, here's what you asked for. If her father has a huge debt...

-I knew it. Talk to them, put pressure on them, take away everything they have, their house, their business, whatever it takes, offer them a great reward.

CHRISTIANE

When I arrived home after leaving work, I found my mother and sisters sitting outside.

-Mom, what happened? Why are you all out here?

-Daughter, they took everything from us. Our house, our furniture. They said the payment deadline had expired.

-No, it hasn't. Where's dad?

_He's in jail, apparently they closed down the cafeteria and he got upset and hit one of the men.

_Mom, don't worry, we'll get through this. I'll do everything possible to make everything go back to normal.

I called Angelika to see if she could accommodate us at her house, and she agreed with much excitement. I didn't know what to do, I was up against a wall. Even if I took out a loan at work, I would never be able to pay even a quarter of my father's debt. And now, with him in jail, I'll have to find a lawyer to secure his release. I'm trapped with no way out, except for one option that I don't like.

The next morning, I had no choice but to accept marrying that wretched Markus. It was only for three months. I prayed that God would give me the strength to endure it.

Here I am again, I thought as I got out of the taxi.

_Bettina, Mr. Meyer is waiting for me.

_Yes, he's in the office that used to belong to his grandfather.

I knocked before entering and heard a hoarse voice say, "Come in."

_Here I am, I've come to sign the marriage certificate. - He looked at me, handed me the documents, and watched as I signed them.

_Who would have thought that such a plain and unremarkable woman could be my wife.

I wanted to say many things, but I held back.

_Wait, I haven't finished yet. We will be living in my father's house in the city. I want you to bring your things tomorrow, Jackson will come to pick you up.

_Alright.

_You may leave now.

I left the house breathless, unable to believe all of this. I always dreamt of getting married, but with someone who loved me as much as I loved them. This was a nightmare that I would only wake up from in three months...

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