The condition

Chapter 1

Violet Wells pushed open the heavy wooden door to her grandfather's office.

"Grandpa, if you wanted to know about the mother of your grandchildren and your grandson's well-being, you could have just called," Violet said, her voice filled with exasperation. "No need to give me a heart attack."

"Violet, my girl, dramatic as always," her grandfather, Christopher, chuckled as he strode toward his chair. "I'm so glad you didn't have an actual heart attack."

"Me too," Violet replied, rolling her eyes dramatically, prompting both of them to laugh.

"Violet," her grandfather began, his tone growing serious, "the reason I asked you to come to the office is that I’m getting old, and I need a successor."

Violet nodded, the sudden shift in mood setting tension in the room.

"We both know that will never be your father," he added firmly.

"Well, your reasons are justifiable," Violet agreed.

"Grandpa, honestly, you’re not that old. You’re still healthy enough to run the company, so you shouldn’t worry yourself about—"

"Vio, I’ve planned other things to do," her grandfather interrupted. "I don’t intend on sitting behind a desk until I’m 70."

"You want me to take over?" Violet asked, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over her.

"Yes, but on one condition," her grandfather said.

"What condition?" Violet inquired, growing curious.

"You’ll have to get married and have a child within the space of a year."

"What?! Grandpa..." Violet exclaimed, disbelief evident in her voice.

"Failure to do so, the successor of the company will be Liam, your stepbrother."

The mention of Liam's name sent a rush of anger through Violet. Liam was a manipulator and the product of her father's betrayal.

"Grandpa, after everything Liam and his mother have done, there's no way you would give him such a right," Violet protested.

"Your father's mistakes and those of his mother have nothing to do with him," her grandfather responded. "He’s still my grandson."

"We both know he’ll make my life—and that of my mom and brother—miserable," Violet shot back. "Grandpa, after everything I’ve been through, your condition isn’t fair."

"Do you think I would lay down a condition that would bring harm to you, Vio?" her grandfather asked, leaning forward, his voice soft yet firm. "I watched you grow up. I saw the young girl who decided to be an adult and defend her mother and brother. The little girl would stay up until both her mom and brother were asleep. The seven-year-old who cried herself to sleep because she had to grow up too quickly."

Violet swallowed hard as her grandfather continued, his words hitting her deeply.

"All I want is to eliminate all that pain from you," he said gently. "I believe you're the most suitable person to take after me. I know you won't let me down when it comes to running the company. But I also know that with the responsibility you’ll have to those who love you—and to the company—you will lack time for yourself. All my life, I’ve made money, and I’ve learned that while money can make you happy, nothing feels like having a family. That’s something I want you to have—a family of your own, one that will bring you joy."

"Okay, Grandpa," Violet said quietly, feeling a deep sense of unease.

"Good, Vio," he said, leaning back in his chair. "You have time. The year has just begun."

As Violet left the company, she was unable to interact with any of the employees as she usually did. Her emotions were all over the place.

If I don’t find a husband before next year, how will Mom, Wave, and I survive? she thought as she made her way toward the entrance. Knowing Liam and that horrible father of mine, they’ll do everything to ruin our lives. I can’t let that happen.

Lost in thought, she suddenly bumped into someone.

"Oh my gosh, I’m sorry!" Violet apologized hastily. "I wasn’t paying attention."

"It’s okay," the young man said as he wiped off his suit. "Well, I guess this is the universe’s way of telling me to limit my coffee consumption," he added with a smile.

"I’m truly sorry," Violet insisted. "Let me get you another one."

"No, that’s not necessary, Miss—"

"Violet. My name is Violet," she introduced herself. "Please, I’ll feel bad if I don’t. Plus, the coffee shop is just over there," she said, pointing to the building across the street.

"Okay, that would be nice," he agreed.

As they sat down with their coffee, the man asked, "So, what could make a beautiful girl like you so lost in thought?"

"Life, basically," Violet replied with a sigh.

"My name’s Alex," the man said.

"Okay, Alex, thanks for letting me buy you coffee. I hope I didn’t waste too much of your time."

"Oh no, I needed a break. You’re not the only one dealing with life's problems."

"Wow, what a relief," Violet said, smiling. "Gosh, if only it were this easy to meet my husband..."

"Husband?" Alex asked, his interest piqued.

"Uh... I was thinking out loud again," Violet stammered.

"No, seriously. You’re looking for a husband?" Alex asked, staring at her as if trying to read her thoughts.

"Yes. No. Look, thanks for the coffee, but I’ve got to go," Violet said, standing up abruptly.

"I’m sorry if I was prying," Alex apologized. "I just thought... well, this might sound crazy, but if what I’m interpreting is true, we could help each other."

"Wait, you’re looking for a wife too?" Violet asked, her curiosity growing.

"Yes," Alex replied, his gaze locked on her.

Coughing awkwardly, Violet responded, "You know what? I’m going to take my leave. Nice meeting you."

"Hold on," Alex called out. "If you change your mind, here’s my business card. We can help each other."

Violet took the card and left the coffee shop.

"Mom, I’m home," Violet called out as she entered the house, dropping her car keys on the shelf. Suddenly, she heard yelling.

"Mom?!" Panic and fear enveloped her as she rushed to the source of the noise. She was stunned to find her older brother, Wave, in the middle of one of his episodes, and her mother on the floor, crying.

"Violet, he just started acting out," her mom sobbed. "His episodes are getting worse."

"Wave, look at me. Everything will be okay. Come down from the balcony, okay? Please..." Violet begged, her voice trembling.

Wave, who couldn’t understand, attempted to jump off.

"Wave, please!" Violet cried out, tears streaming down her face. "Big bro, please."

She carefully made her way toward him, and just as she reached him, she grabbed him and pulled him away from the balcony, injuring her hand in the process.

Instantly, Wave started gasping for air.

"Wave!" their mother screamed. "Violet, he’s not breathing. Call for help!"

***

"Doctor, how is he?" Violet asked the instant the doctor appeared before them.

"He was lucky you brought him to the hospital the time you did." The doctor uttered.

"We were able to stabilize him, but his condition is deteriorating. I’ll change his medication, but that’s all I can do for now. I’m so sorry," the doctor said, his voice heavy with regret.

"Wave was so cute when the doctor first handed him to me," Violet’s mother sobbed. "But then I realized he wasn’t moving. Maybe if Lucas—his father—had signed the documents right away instead of causing a scene, my baby would’ve been fine. But instead, he abandoned us and called my son names. He hated our innocent child because he was sick. Instead of helping, he left us."

"Mom, calm down, okay? I’m here, and nothing will happen to Wave," Violet reassured her mother. "Please don’t cry."

As she hugged her mother tightly, Violet pulled out Alex's business card from her pocket. I need to do this, she thought to herself. I can’t let them suffer anymore.

She stared at the name on the card: Alex Vanguard.