13 [Bonus chapter] An Act

"Nora and Sara, you understand that neither of you is yet twenty. So, I hadn't expected that you would marry early, and I would have to execute the will quickly. You'll both receive a copy of the will for review and second opinions if desired. For now, I'll explain in simpler terms.

When you turn twenty, one of you will inherit a valuable commercial property situated in a prime location, generating substantial rental income. The other will inherit a property with comparatively modest value. However, the prerequisite for this inheritance is marriage. Even then, you'll only receive rental income from these properties. To gain full control, you must remain married for three years."

"Now, there were other conditions that would have applied if you weren't married, but they are now irrelevant. So we come to the second part. Whoever marries first will have the first right to inherit the lucrative property, while the other will receive the rural property."

As William Doughby finished reading the will, silence filled the office. Sara appeared ecstatic at the prospect of inheriting the property with lucrative income, and Lara seemed content. Everything had turned out for the better. In fact, she couldn't have hoped for a better outcome.

"Is there any way to contest the conditions of the will, Grandpa Doughby?" Nora asked quietly.

William opened his mouth to clarify, but Lara beat him to it as she snorted, "What? Now you're going to fight your family for money? So what if your younger sister inherits the city property? If you ever need support, you can always turn to her. Why bring disgrace to the family name and my parents?"

William sighed and shook his head as he said, "There's no way to challenge this. If a will like this were made today, it would, of course, be invalid. But this one was made almost eighteen years ago. And I personally drafted it, so I can assure you it's watertight. Certain parts of it can be disputed, but if you're wondering whether it can be overturned, the answer is no."

"And there's no need to challenge it. My parents are already long gone. I don't want them turning in their graves at the thought of their granddaughters fighting for their money!" Lara interjected.

William Doughby nodded and smiled at Lara for the first time, complimenting, "Good. Your parents would be proud of you, Lara."

Lara Anderson smiled thinly at the man and cleared her throat. "Since Nora isn't yet twenty or married, only Sara can claim her right for now. Nora, sweetheart, you can leave. We'll come back here next year for you. Uncle William, let's sign the execution papers; she can at least start receiving the rent money. It would be a good wedding gift for Sara and Antonio, even though Antonio is well off..."

"I don't think that's possible, Mother." Lara frowned at Nora, who had interrupted her and reasoned with her.

"Nora, please listen to your mother. Have I ever refused to provide for you? As your mother, I spent so much on your failed wedding. Why fight for what isn't yours? My parents left this as a blessing for their granddaughters. So why fight over it?"

"Mother, you misunderstand. I'm not trying to fight or take anything forcefully. I'm only saying that the will can't be executed in Sara's favor right now. But and this isn't me trying to fight you, but are you sure this is your stance about our grandparents' will? After all, I was the one who was supposed to be married yesterday. So, if things hadn't changed, would you still have the same opinion about what I should receive?"

"Of course, Nora! But it was fate. You were the one supposed to get married, but Antonio and Sara fell in love and got married. So this is fate. And you know I believe in not fighting Fate."

"Yes, Mother. I understand. Then, Grandpa William, please execute the will as per my grandparents and mother's wishes."

Lara gave an approving nod to Nora and then even graciously added, "I'm sorry for misunderstanding you, my dear. I mistook your actions. I should have known that you would never do anything to harm your younger sister. You even stepped aside from your wedding so that Sara could be happy. You really are a great daughter. Yesterday was painful for you, so I won't say anything about you staying at Isabella's house. But tonight, come back home. After all, I have only one daughter at home to dote on..."

"Mother..." Nora interrupted her mother slowly. It was painful to hear her mother say the words now when just yesterday she would have given the world to hear them from her.

Lara Anderson was, however, too excited to hear Nora and had already turned toward Antonio and Sara, congratulating them for their wedding blessing from her parents.

Finally, when she quieted down, Nora stood up and announced, "Grandpa William, I'll be taking my leave now. Mother, I won't be coming home. I've moved closer to the university."

As expected, Lara wasn't much bothered about her daughter's new living conditions and simply waved her away. But as Nora stepped closer to the door, she finally spoke the last lines: "Mother, Sara might have some problems claiming the will, though."

That put a stop to Lara's excitement as she frowned at Nora, who continued, "Because she isn't married, Mom. Sara and Antonio aren't married. The priest yesterday was fake, and so was the wedding certificate. It was all an act."

And with that bomb dropped in her lap, Nora walked out of the conference room with a smile on her lips.