3. I'm not a trophy that can be won

SERA

“So, Sera, when I said this afternoon that you have an important role here … I meant it.”

I did not reply to my foster father's words, I just stayed silent and watched, waiting for his next words.

Reggie smiled facing his four sons. “Whoever among the four of you can win  Sera’s heart and marry her, I will make him the main heir of the Blackwood Group.”

I spit out my drink. “WHAT?!”

Reggie's words echoed in the room, and for a moment, everyone was frozen in shock. My heart raced, my mind unable to process the sudden turn of events. I felt all eyes on me, waiting for my reaction.

Ace, Beck, Cal, and Damon exchanged shocked glances, their expressions ranging from disbelief to amusement at Reggie's unexpected proclamation. My heart raced in my chest as I stared at each of the men in turn, trying to gauge their reactions.

Ace, always composed and collected, was the first to speak up. “So, we have to compete to marry her just to prove ourselves to a father we don't even know? How interesting.”

“Think of it as a challenge, Ace. You like challenges, don't you?” Reggie chuckled lightly while stuffing a slice of steak into his mouth. He really felt like this was a trivial matter.

“I prefer logical challenges.”

Cal raised a hand, exactly like a student who wanted to be noticed. “Wait, I think... Sera has a say in this, right? It's not just about us, right?”

Right.

“Of course. If she doesn't choose you, then you fail. It's as simple as that.”

“That's not what I meant.” Cal looked frustrated. He looked at me with concern, maybe realizing from my response that I was not even aware of Reggie's plan.

“This is crazy.” Beck, who had been staring blankly at the table, now looked around. “I don't even know what to say.”

“Do you really think I care about the inheritance?” Damon finally blurted out. His eyes glinted cynically. “Or your willing?,” he added.

“I know what you desire, Damon. You don't have to pretend in front of me.”

Reggie's comment made Damon's jaw tighten. “You have no fucking idea.”

“I'm still here, you know,” I blurted out. I looked pleadingly at Reggie. My mind was spinning with the absurdity of the situation he had thrown us into.  Marrying one of these men to inherit a fortune and lead a powerful company—it was like a plot from a cheesy romance novel. “Reggie, can we talk for a minute?”

Reggie smiled calmly. “You can talk about anything here, my dear.”

I clucked in annoyance, feeling like I had been betrayed by Reggie. I obviously knew my father was a great businessman, a big shot businessman, who did a lot of things to get what he wanted. He knew full well that some of his decisions would upset or disappoint others. But this wasn't about business. This was about family. If only Reggie didn't see them as the same thing.

“I'm not … a trophy that can be won.”

Reggie put down his fork. His hands intertwined on the edge of the table, his gaze gazing lovingly at me. “You're more than that, Sera. You are the key to everything. All decisions will be in your hands.”

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before speaking again. “I appreciate your intentions, Reggie, but this is not the way to go about it. I won't be a prize to be won in a competition among strangers.”

Reggie's smile faltered slightly, realizing he might have miscalculated  my reaction. “Sera, I only wanted what's best for this family.”

“Which family?”  My voice was choked. I didn't realize the words were coming out of my own mouth. I loved Reggie, I respected him. But Reggie's idea—or maybe it was already his decision—was breaking my heart.

Ace, who had been observing the exchange with a critical eye, leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “And what if nobody succeeds?”

“Oh, I'm sure that won't happen.” Reggie looked back at me meaningfully, maybe he chose not to take my earlier words to heart and refocused on the point. “I have more trust in Sera than all my business advisors combined.”

Cal cleared his throat, his gentle eyes reflecting his concern. “I believe relationships should be built on mutual respect and understanding. It's not a game to be won.”

“That's right, Cal” Reggie said. “That is why I will give you all time, especially for Sera.”

“You make us sound like gladiators entertaining you for the last part of your life,” Damon commented indifferently.

I gave Damon a tense look. “I hope you can watch your words.” Although I was very, very disappointed with Reggie in this conversation, but I could not hear such words directed at him, except from my own mouth.

Unlike me, Reggie didn't seem to mind Damon's comment. “Well, it's indeed a matter of life and death, Damon.”

“We don't even know each other yet.” Beck sounded like he had just returned from his own world. “It's … too fast.”

“You have time. Use it wisely.” Reggie took a sip of his wine, then cut another steak. Of all the people here, only Reggie still had an appetite. Damon hadn't even touched his food at all.

“So, when … will this competition start?” Ace asked confidently. I and the other Blackwood Brothers looked at the man in astonishment.

Reggie, as if he had guessed it, laughed subtly. “It's already started, Ace. Ever since you all sat down at this table.” He returned to his four sons one by one. “In three days, my drivers will pick you up again. Until then, it's your chance to think and decide. If any of you don't come here with my drivers, I'll consider it a withdrawal from this inheritance.” And when Reggie's gaze fell on me, my heart throbbed. “That goes for you too, Sera.”

I froze in place. As an adopted child, I had long felt like an outsider in the Blackwood family. And now, suddenly I was the key to the future of this dynasty?

***

121224, Anne Joyce