Chapter 8
Calliope’s POV
My parents regarded me with expressions etched with concern as the lawyer posed the question. I understood their worry; the last occasion we sat in this manner was three years ago, when I rashly declined the inheritance and fled to marry Thaddeus.
My grandmother had always adored me, so it was no surprise that when she passed three years back, she left everything to me–albeit with one condition: I marry the man she had chosen.
That man was Lucian Drake, sole heir to the Drake Group of Companies. His family shared a long–standing friendship with my grandmother, who sought to unite
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our families. But at that time, I was too headstrong to entertain the idea.
During my recent hospital stay, as I concocted my plans for revenge, I looked him up. Not only was he strikingly handsome and unattached, but his company was among the top three wealthiest in the US, alongside our family’s.
I discovered something intriguing enough to persuade me to dive in–after all, Grandma had chosen him.
“Honey, perhaps you should take some time to consider this,” my mom interjected, disrupting my thoughts.
I reassured her with a smile, “It’s all right, Mom.” Turning to the lawyer, I affirmed, “Yes, I agree to marry Lucian.”
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The lawyer nodded, handing me documents to sign, which I did without hesitation.
“Once your marriage license is registered, you’ll have full access to your inheritance,” the lawyer stated as she departed.
Leander’s worried eyes met mine the moment she left.
“Sis, are you certain? You’ve just come out of a marriage with Thaddeus,” he reminded me.
“I’m fully aware, Leander. Now, please arrange a meeting with Lucian for me tomorrow,” I instructed.
Leander frowned, “I doubt I can arrange it so
soon.”
“Just tell him it’s his bride calling, Leander. He’ll come running” I assured him with a
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grin.
My parents watched as I retreated inside. Their proud smiles bolstered my confidence -I was ready to make my mark.
The next morning, I rose early, taking my time with my appearance. I applied delicate makeup and chose a black dress with a slit teasing my thigh. It accentuated my curves and revealed just the right amount of cleavage.
Leander gasped upon seeing me. “You look like you’re on a mission, sis.”
I chuckled, “Indeed, I am.”
Leander handed me a car key. “Mom asked me to give you this. They had an early office meeting, so they’ve already left. Your driver is waiting downstairs.”
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I embraced him, “Thanks, Leander”
“Can I tag along?” he inquired hopefully.
“No, kiddo, this is official business. Go enjoy your game,” I replied.
Leander made a face as he ascended the stairs, calling, “Good luck!”
Descending to the driver, I handed him the keys to my sleek black SUV. I slid inside, a mixture of excitement and nerves bubbling within.
Leander had reached out to Lucian, and upon hearing it was his bride, he agreed to meet. We scheduled our meeting in the privacy of a lavish hotel suite.
As my car rolled into the hotel, I glanced at
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my watch. I was half an hour late. I took the elevator up, only to find the meeting room empty.
“I thought you’d disappeared again,” a familiar husky voice teased from behind.
Turning, I found myself face–to–face with Lucian. His blue eyes and tousled dark hair were even more appealing in person. They sparkled as they fixed on me.
“Hello, Lucian, I’ve come to revisit the marriage proposal from three years ago,” I stated.
He stepped into the room with a smile, “Right to business, I see. No small talk or explanations on why you left me in the lurch back then. You’re the reason I’m still single.”
“And I’m here to rectify that. Small talk is
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unnecessary,” I replied.
Lucian studied me, shaking his head. “No, whatever game you’re playing, I’m not interested.”
I laughed lightly, “I’ve done my homework, Lucian. I’m not the only one with a strategy. I know you don’t have complete control over your family’s company until you marry me. Your grandparents left you with an identical stipulation.”
Lucian shrugged, “I could marry someone else and continue managing the company as is.”
I scoffed, “And hand the company to your cousin? You’d sooner perish.”
Lucian smiled, “Since you know me so well, Calliope, aside from your inheritance, what
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do you want from this marriage?”
I beamed, “Just two requests.”
He inclined his head, “All right, what are they?”
“First, a grand wedding celebration once we’ve registered our marriage license,” I said.
He nodded. “Fine. What’s the second?”
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