Gina's POV
My eyes widened, disbelieving.
"What?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Mr. Jenkins nodded. "Yes, Gina. You are now the sole beneficiary of your grandfather's vast wealth and business empire."
All of it? To me?
I thought of the countless charities, the employees, the business partners... How could Grandfather leave it all to me?
Lana's gasp echoed my shock.
"But...why?" I stammered.
Mr. Jenkins consulted the will. "'To my beloved granddaughter, Gina, I leave my legacy, trusting she will continue my vision and make me proud.'"
Tears welled up in my eyes. Grandfather's faith in me was overwhelming.
The weight of responsibility settled upon me like a mantle.
Saxton Enterprises. The mansions. The philanthropic endeavors.
It was all mine now. I felt both honored and terrified.
Mr. Jenkins handed me a folder. "The details are all here, Gina. Your grandfather's team will assist you in the transition."
As I took the folder, a sense of purpose began to stir within me.
Grandfather had trusted me with his legacy.
I wouldn't let him down.
Mr. Jenkins continued, his words dropping like a bombshell. "However, there's a condition to the inheritance, Gina."
I frowned, sensing a catch.
"Your grandfather stipulated that you must marry Alexander Blackwood within six months of his passing," Mr. Jenkins announced, his expression neutral.
My jaw dropped.
"Alex Blackwood?" I repeated, stunned.
The same Alex Blackwood I'd met at the gala flashed into my mind.
"Why?" I demanded, trying to process.
Mr. Jenkins consulted the will. "'To ensure the continued success and stability of Saxton Enterprises, I deem it necessary for Gina to marry Alexander Blackwood, a trusted businessman and financier, who will assist her in managing the company's funds.'"
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.
Arrange a marriage? To someone I barely knew?
Lana's gasp echoed my shock.
"But...that's absurd!" I protested.
Mr. Jenkins' expression remained impassive. "I'm afraid it's quite clear, Gina. If you don't comply, the entire estate will revert to a trust, controlled by the board of directors."
My mind reeled.
Grandpa, why?
I thought of Alex Blackwood – a multimillionaire, allegedly. What kind of person was he? Why did Grandfather choose him?
A shiver ran down my spine.
Was I being forced into a loveless marriage?
"Is there...anything else?" I stammered.
Mr. Jenkins nodded. "One more condition: you must reside with Mr. Blackwood at his estate during the duration of your marriage. The marriage will last for just two years."
My world spun out of control. But I managed to get a hold on myself. It's just two years. With my Grandpa's wealth in my name and getting married to a multimillionaire, this would be my perfect tool for revenge.
I will make sure that Julian, my stepsister and Monica will pay for all their atrocities.
Making up my mind, I signed the papers, giving my consent to an arranged marriage for the sake of revenue.
*******
Alex Blackwood's POV
I nursed my whiskey, staring into the amber liquid as the bar's dim lighting wrapped around me.
My mind wandered back to the deal I'd made with the late Wilson Saxton.
Flashback:
I sat in Saxton's study, desperation clawing at my chest. My company, Blackwood Industries, was on the brink of financial collapse.
I needed an lots of capital, and Saxton was the only one who could provide it.
Saxton leaned back in his chair, eyes piercing. "I'll give you the funds, Alex and everything other thing that you might ask for. But I want something in return."
I hesitated, sensing a trap.
"Marriage," Saxton said, his voice firm. "You must get married to my granddaughter, Gina."
My eyes widened. "Marriage?"
Saxton nodded. "She'll inherit my estate, including Saxton Enterprises. You'll help her manage the company, ensure its success and protect her from any form of harm. In return, I'll provide the funds to save Blackwood Industries."
I weighed the risks. Marriage to a stranger, tying myself to Saxton's legacy...but the reward was too great to ignore.
"I agree," I said, extending my hand.
Saxton smiled, a hint of satisfaction. "I knew you'd see it my way, Alex."
The lawyer presented the contract, and I signed, sealing my fate.
Back in the present, I sipped my whiskey, reflecting on the deal. Had I made a mistake?
Gina Saxton.
I'd seen her once, at a charity gala. Beautiful, elegant, poised...and soon to be my wife.
Our marriage would be a merger, nothing more. I'd secure my company's future, and she'd gain a partner to navigate the complexities of Saxton Enterprises.
But what about love? Passion?
I pushed the thoughts aside. This was business. The marriage would last for just two years anyway.
As I finished my drink, my phone buzzed. A text from Saxton's lawyer:
"Mr. Blackwood, Wilson Saxton's passing has triggered the terms of the agreement. You are expected to meet with Gina Saxton to discuss the arrangements."
My gaze locked onto the message.
It was time to seal our fate.
I handed the bartender my credit card, settling the tab. As I turned to leave, I noticed the restroom door slightly ajar. Assuming someone had forgotten to close it, I pushed it open to investigate.
A figure slumped against the sink, head bowed.
Concerned, I stepped inside.
The figure slowly lifted its head, revealing a familiar face – Gina Saxton.
Her eyes, usually bright and alert, were glassy and unfocused. Her makeup was smudged, and her hair disheveled.
"Gina?" I said softly, approaching her. I caught a whiff of alcohol on her, she was drunk.
She looked up, her gaze locking onto mine. For a moment, we just stared at each other.
Then, without warning, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine.
I froze, taken aback by the sudden kiss.
Her lips were soft, warm, and inviting. The whiskey on her breath mingled with the sweetness of her mouth.
As I hesitated, Gina deepened the kiss, her hands grasping my shirt.
I couldn't resist.
My arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. Our lips moved in sync, the world around us melting away.
For a fleeting moment, I forgot about the arrangement, the business deal, and the obligations.
All I knew was the taste of Gina's lips, the warmth of her body, and the spark of desire igniting within me.
Five years later, the estate is no longer just a retreat. It’s a sanctuary—a living, breathing testament to the resilience of love, family, and legacy. As I stand by the grand oak tree in the heart of Seraphina’s Garden, I can hear the laughter of children echoing through the estate. My daughter is among them, her golden curls bouncing with every step as she runs around with her friends, her infectious giggle carrying on the breeze.Seraphina. The little girl who was born during a storm and who now, in the light of day, flourishes as a beacon of joy and hope. She’s everything I ever dreamed of and more. Every day, she reminds me of the strength I had when I thought I had none. And every day, she teaches me that the future is always worth fighting for.I watch as Alex kneels on the grass, helping her with the butterfly she’s carefully cupping in her hands, showing her how to let it go, how to trust the world outside. His love for her is something more than I ever imagined. A father’s l
Gina's POV There’s something sacred about peace—not just the absence of chaos, but the quiet fullness of a life hard-earned. I used to wonder if I would ever know such a feeling. Now, sitting in the sun-drenched solarium with my daughter giggling in my lap and Alex stretched beside us on the chaise, I know I’ve found it.I’ve found home.And it didn’t come wrapped in the perfect package or with a roadmap. It came in storms and secrets, in compromise and conflict, in tear-streaked nights and breathtaking mornings. It came in the arms of a man I never expected to love. And in the eyes of a child who showed me how to live without fear again.That’s why I decided to write it all down.My story.Our story.At first, it started as therapy. I needed a way to untangle the knots left behind by everything that had happened—the contract marriage, Victor’s threats, the courtroom battles, Evelyn’s truth, and the secrets buried deep within the Saxton legacy. But the more I wrote, the more I realiz
Gina's POV We named her Seraphina.The moment I held her in my arms, I knew there was no other name that could ever fit. She was born from fire and softness, from struggle and grace. And as she blinked up at me with those curious hazel eyes, so much like mine yet startlingly like Alex’s, I felt my heart permanently tether to hers.“Seraphina,” I whispered against her soft cheek, brushing a kiss there. “You’re going to change everything.”****Weeks passed in a blur of midnight feedings, lullabies hummed through tired lips, and soft coos that echoed down the estate’s halls. Alex and I were exhausted, but blissfully so. Our world had narrowed to a singular, perfect focus—her.The estate, once a symbol of looming uncertainty and painful inheritance, had become our sanctuary. But I didn’t want it to be just ours. My grandfather’s name had been dragged through courtrooms and sullied by lies. I wanted something different—a legacy rooted in healing, not conflict.That’s how the idea for the
Gina's POV The nursery smelled like fresh paint and baby powder, soft sunlight streaming through the white lace curtains that fluttered slightly in the breeze. I sat on the rocking chair near the window, my hand resting over my growing belly, which had become more prominent with each passing week. I was just seven months along, and though I felt constantly tired and achy, I also felt an overwhelming sense of love swelling inside me—more than I thought was humanly possible.Alex had just left for a quick meeting with our lawyer to finalize some estate documents. Evelyn was downstairs preparing her herbal tea mix that she claimed would "bring me peace of mind and smooth sleep," and Lana was folding tiny baby clothes in the corner of the room. It was a quiet morning. Too quiet.I shifted in my seat, rubbing my belly as a sharp ache shot up my spine. I winced but brushed it off. Pregnancy was full of strange sensations—this had to be just one of them. But a few minutes later, the ache r
Gina's POV The courtroom was colder than I remembered, its marble walls echoing the low murmurs of conversation, the clicking of heels, the scratching of pens. I wasn’t physically there—I was still confined to my bed—but through the live stream set up on my bedside table, I watched everything unfold.Alex sat at the front beside our lawyer, composed and confident in his tailored navy suit. Beside him, Evelyn, dignified in a modest beige dress, clutched a worn leather folder tightly in her lap. Her hands trembled slightly, but her eyes held the strength of someone ready to face the ghosts of her past.I pulled the blanket tighter around me, my heart pounding. This was it.“Court is now in session,” the bailiff announced.I gripped the edge of my blanket. This wasn’t just about reclaiming the estate anymore. It was about reclaiming the truth—our family’s truth. It was about protecting our baby’s future from a man who had threatened everything we held dear.Victor sat across the room, a
Gina's POV The room was silent except for the steady ticking of the antique grandfather clock that stood tall near the window. I lay in bed, propped up with an array of soft pillows, my hands gently resting on my growing belly. The sun had barely risen, but I hadn’t slept. My mind buzzed with anxiety, thoughts turning in endless circles.Alex had been pacing the hallway since dawn, talking to lawyers and strategists, his voice hushed but urgent. I could feel the weight of our reality pressing down harder with each passing day. The threat Victor posed wasn’t just legal anymore—it was dangerous, personal. And with each letter from Evelyn, each scrap of evidence we uncovered, the stakes only grew.I had never imagined a world where my family’s legacy could turn into a battlefield, or where protecting my unborn child would mean playing dangerous games of deception and strategy.When Alex finally stepped into the bedroom, his face was pale but determined. His suit was pressed, his tie per