3. Marry me

I'm currently trying to process what this man had just said.

"My father left me with that much money??" I exclaim.

Giovanni nods. "I understand this must come as a shock to you, when you get home and see your mother she'll explain to you better".

As if on cue the driver started the car and we were in motion. We sat in silence as I tried to process my thoughts. The divorce, father's death and now this. This seems too much.

We approached my parents' house and I was glad to see that it still looked like it had looked three years ago. Although the color had changed from baby blue to cream. The lawn was newly mowed.

I got out of the car just as my mother came out of the house. I just stood there staring at her. I wanted to say something but my tongue was at war with itself.

She looked older but more beautiful than I had last seen her. Her blonde hair was silver and she had it cut in a short bob. She wore a simple green dress that suited her nicely.

She stood there too and slowly raised her hand in an embrace.

"Mom". I ran to her and hugged her like I had never hugged her before.

"I'm so glad you're finally home." She squeezes me tightly. This was it and for the first time in years, I felt loved. I was a fool.

"I heard about Papa, I'm so sorry, I'm such a terrible daughter," I break into tears. She holds me tightly in her arms and I'm glad to be in her warm embrace.

"Shh now, it's not your fault it's that selfish man and his bitchy mother, the most important thing is that you're home, that's all that matters." She wipes my tears with the back of her hand.

"Mother what's this about Father leaving behind that much money. A trillion dollars?!!". I say raising my eyebrows theatrically.

She sighs and leads me into the house "Have a seat, my love." I sit on the armchair in the living room. The house had changed a bit since I last saw it.

She excuses herself and comes back with a glass of juice and some pastries. I thank her as she sits beside me.

She takes in a deep breath "When your father died he wrote in his will and made you his successor."

"I didn't even know Daddy had that much money," I say.

She smiles "Your daddy made a lot of money from his businesses and his investments. We were practically swimming in money. It took us to greater heights. Your father's shipping business grew and it became the largest shipping company in the states".

"Good day, ma'am". Giovanni interrupts as he strides into the room. He was tall, very tall.

Ah, Mr D'errico thank you for picking up my daughter I appreciate it." She turns to me

"Mr D'errico had worked with your father a few years back."

"Now honey there's something I need to tell you. At the moment Giovanni is the handler of your father's properties. Until you turn thirty you can't have control over it— Your father also wrote something else in his will, he wrote that till Giovanni sees that you are fit to inherit his businesses he will continue to handle them and you'll only be given a percentage out of the money, if he doesn't see you're capable enough he will become the sole owner of your father's businesses."

What?

I glance at Giovanni who stares at me with an undecipherable look on his face.

I furrow my eyebrows at him.

"If I see that you're capable. I'll release your father's properties over to you and you can make use of it however you see fit".

I look at my mother and she nods. "Is there no way to reverse this?" I didn't feel comfortable leaving that much money with this man who I didn't even know. I don't also want to have to prove anything to anyone, much more my worth.

"Honey your father trusts Mr D'errico enough to leave him with the businesses and you know your father doesn't just trust anyone".

Just because my father trusted this man doesn't mean I have to trust him too. I look him over. He had a devil-may-care attitude around him that I didn't like or maybe it was the way he looked at me. I felt a strange feeling down there as he stared at me. I quickly avert my eyes.

"I would like to talk to you In private." I stand and lead him to a corner of the house. When I was sure we were out of earshot, I turned to him.

"Let me make one thing clear, that money belongs to me and not you. it is my right and I don't think I have to prove anything to you."

He folds his hands " Oh I think you do sweetheart",

"Do not call me that." I retort sharply.

"You'll work for me and If you're able to convince me that you're fit to inherit your father's business and his wealth I'll hand them over to you, if you don't I'll continue to handle his properties until you're able to convince me".

"I'm not going to work for you," I say again.

"That's what's written in your father's will sweetheart."

"Under one condition," I say.

"What's that?"

"You'll marry me."

He smirks revealing breathtaking dimples "Are you sure about that?."

I pause for a moment then look straight into his eyes

"Yes, I'm sure."

I would marry this man and find a way to get my fortune back. Whatever it takes.

"The annual gala is holding in two days," I say.

The gala was like a fundraiser where auctions took place and the like. I had been to it with Zachary once or twice. But it had always been boring to me, just people trusting to show off how stinkingly rich they were. Zachary always ended up buying most of the items. Most of which were eventually kept in storage to be forgotten.

"You'll accompany me there and announce me as your wife." Everyone was going to know who I was. I would become the wife of the prestigious Giovanni D'Errico.

"What do I get in return?" He asked.

Wasn't handling my father's business enough for this man. What else did he want?

"What do you want?" I ask politely.

"A child".