The Married Man Who Loved Me

“The family home in Oak street will belong to everyone who is family”

Daniella notices her step mother’s face grows tighter at this statement.

“At least for now. There are conditions that have to be met before the family home will be passed down to a specific person. I will reveal these conditions in due time. For now, everyone has access to it”

Mrs.Donna leans in, her voice cutting through the air. "And what about Blackwood Enterprise?"

Mr. Hartwell sighs and removes his glasses.

"Regarding Blackwood Enterprise, Mr. Blackwood's wishes were specific. Initially, he wanted to pass the business to a male heir. However, since he did not have a son, he set a condition."

Donna raises an eyebrow. "Another condition? How typical of him. What is it this time?”

Daniella winces at the insensitivity of her step mother.

Gloria giggles and excitedly states. "I know what it is. The company goes to the person who actually LOVES him the most. And we all know I would easily win this without trying”

Alicia stares at her sister with a sneer on her face. "Haha! Funny of you to think you will be in the market to compete? You were rarely around Papa when he was alive. Too busy traipsing around Europe with a new catch”

Gloria gives her a look. "Please, we both know you’re just jealous that I don’t have to beg men to love me”

Donna rolls her eyes at their bickering. "Girls, oh stop it. This is serious."

Everyone leans forward.

"The Blackwood Enterprise," Mr. Hartwell continues, "will go to the first daughter who marries and has a legitimate son.”

Donna gasps loudly. A noise escapes Alicia’s throat and even Daniella finds herself surprised.

“What did you say Mr Hartwell?” Donna asks with a strained voice.

“The male heir of the first legitimately married daughter gets full ownership of Blackwood Enterprise."

------------------------------------

Daniella Blackwood sits in the dimly lit study of her late father, surrounded by his scent. The weight of his loss presses down on her, making it hard to breathe.

As she wipes her tears away, Daniella hears the faint sound of voices outside the study. She recognizes the voices of her stepmother, Donna, and her stepsister, Alicia.

Their tones are hushed but urgent.

Daniella edges closer to the door, curiosity overpowering her grief. She listens intently, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Mom, can you believe that brat gets access to 2 properties?” I get only the beachfront," Alicia says, her voice whiny and petulant..

“Oh Alicia, once we find you a husband and you have your own son, you can get access to the company. That is where your interest should lie." Donna's voice is sharp but calm.

"You’re right mum. I need to find myself a suitable man soon as possible. Preferably someone really handsome and tall too. Someone who is really rich too so that I can be envy of every circle”

Donna laughs then, a cold and calculating sound. "That should be the last thing on your mind Alicia. There are other qualities you should look out for. Qualities we will go over later”

Alicia smiles then.

“On the other hand, I guess we shouldn’t be too scared. It’s not like Daniella could possibly find a husband before me. I mean look at her”

"A husband?" Donna scoffs. "I have better chances of finding myself a husband at my age than she does. . Who would want someone that looks the way she does.”

Alicia sighs. "You're right mum. But, still we shouldn’t underestimate her."

Donna's voice suddenly turns bitter. "Once you have the make heir, she’ll have no claim to anything. And then we can kick her out of the mansion too."

Alicia snickers. "Finally. It’s been torture having her here! Can’t wait for the day she’s finally out of our hair."

The conversation outside continues, but Daniella can’t listen any longer. She steps back into her father’s study, gripping the armrests of her father’s chair.

Her mind races with the implications of what she’s just heard. The mansion, her father’s legacy, and the company—they were willing to do anything just to get it.

Daniella wasn’t surprised at the way they spoke about her. While they had never outrightly called her out, from their actions it was obvious that they never liked or accepted her.

She was after all, a living proof of her father’s infidelity.