46| The Will

"Your father don't want us to leave." I joined my husband on the bed after putting the twins to sleep.

He was so engrossed with his phone, watching the live match. "He wants us to stay as long as we want but I told him we'll be leaving when the twins turns one."

Pfft! "Really?" I snuggle and he wrap one arm around me, bringing me closer to him with his eyes still not leaving his phone. "We have to go back as soon as possible."

"Do you have plans? Why the hurry? Am still loving it here."

I rolled my eyes, getting fed up of him talking to me but yet still felt like he was talking to his phone. "Give me that." I snatched the phone from him and kept it one side.

"Honey, that was import..." He pressed his lips together, swallowing the rest of his words when he saw the look on my face.

"Saying something?" I raised my brows and chin, confidently. And he just shook his head.

"Nevermind." He covered us with the sheets, seeking my attention now as he snuggle closer and press a quick kiss on my lips. "You were requesting.....?"

"Stop making me repeat myself twice." I gave him a light knock on his head and he just chuckled.

"Okay, why the hell do you want us to go back so early?"

Wow, what a gut he got there. My brows rose in amusement. "You call almost a year 'So early's?" I scoffed. "Baby, I have to work, okay? My job still needs me. Perhaps, we can get a babysitter or nanny—oh, we already have Belinda or maybe we can put them in daycare, creche or whatever."

He kept quiet for few seconds before answering. "I already talked to your boss and she said you can take extra one year to pull yourself together."

"What?" My eyeballs almost poked out of its sockets. "Are you crazy? Tell me you didn't went far as having a conversation with that wood?"

He laughed, "Trust me, I did." He winked.

The tense of fury boiling inside me was to break his head in instant shot but I just keep my cool. He understood and that made him kiss me again.

"You always look cute whenever you're mad."

"Don't say that to me again."

"Why?" The back of his hand caressing my hair, "You're my wife and I want what's best for you. I don't like seeing you worn out, stressed, tired and exhausted at the end of the day. Perhaps, what do you work for if not for finance? I already told you, whatever you need are my responsibility. Why stressing yourself."

"For my degree, crackhead." I flicked his head, rolling my eyes.

"Why do you always roll your eyes at me, huh?" He tickled me.

"Are you—stop..." I couldn't help but laugh. "Jas and Elea will wake up now."

"No, come on, roll it, shorty."

Uh-huh, he didn't stop and we played TICKLE on the bed like five year old kids. I constantly hit him with the pillows but he gave several dodges. The bed sheet turned rough after we turned it to a playground.

We stare into each other's eyes for moments when he ended on top of me. "You're always getting beautiful every single day."

I know my cheeks are flushing like ripe tomato. He was about to kiss me but then, my phone rattled in. He quietly moved aside so I can reach for it. While I was with my phone, he was with his live match again.

Though it's a private number, I picked it up and waited for the other person to speak up first.

"Triana?" It's Georgina's voice. But why does it sound like she's crying?

"Hi, good evening too, Georgina. Are you alright?"

I heard couple of sniffs on the background, "Nothing is alright, Triana. Absolutely nothing. Your father had another attack this morning, he didn't survive it." She waited for my reaction but I just kept quiet.

Do I look like I care? For a man who never regarded me as his daughter? A man who used me for an arranged marriage with his friend's son? A marriage that almost sent me to an early grave?

Damn them all!

"You're not gonna say anything?"

"What surprised me is you crying for someone who isn't your relative."

"But he was once my in-law." She sobbed. "Am human, Triana. I have a heart."

"Well, to hell with that." My teeth gritted as I try my best to to escalate my anger on her. "In as much as am concerned, the only father I have is Mr. Carlos. He fathered me since I was a kid and only him deserve my respect not Mr. Robert."

"I understand, you my dear. I told your mother and she didn't show approve just like you."

"Why would you tell her such things? She has no business and connection with that ungrateful beast!" And that was when Dexter's attention was taken by me. I ignored him, "Listen to me Georgina, you can cry for him all I want but—"

"Fuck, no!" She stormed. "I'm not just feeling for him. I won't waste my tears on someone like that, you know?" She clicked her tongue. "Anne Marie and Fiona are fighting over the property Robert left behind and the properties Leo left for my grandkids too. Now, the court demands your presence in three days."

"Three days?" I snapped, poking three fingers like she could see me. "That's weekend, what have I got to do with this?"

"That's the point. I don't know." She sighed. "I'm so much specialized in the properties my son left for his kids. Think of what might happen if Anne Marie gets her filthy hands on them."

"But you'd know am not interested in Leonardo's properties." I said, Dexter's eyes darkened at the mention of his name.

I know he's still mad at him even after his death.

"Just come to the states this weekend." Georgina mumbled. "Saturday by 9 o'clock in the morning. You can return same day, but please bring my grand kids when coming. I really miss them." She said and hung up.

Dexter looked at me waiting for me to open up. "It's Georgina." I began to explain things to him. "Robert passed away this morning and the court wants me to show up this weekend for certain issues that has to do with the kids inheritance from their father."

His lips pressed together. He didn't say a word to me but I know he's super mad and furious. He pushed the sheet in annoyance and laid on his side of the bed quietly.

I slumped my head on the pillow, facing the ceiling as I think of what to do.

If only Dave was around, I'd have talked these things with him. He's more understanding than his younger brother. But it's been a month now since he was out of the country for a business appointment.

*********

At exactly 9am, we arrived at the supreme court of justice. If not for Dexter's private jet and chopper, we wouldn't have arrived this early. We took his private jet while few of his bodyguards came along with his chopper.

Since it was a free flight, Alyssa tagged along. I didn't want much company since the case won't take much of my time. Perhaps, my kids are supposed to be in school today. I had to risk their moment which was supposed to be spent in class. Though Billy grumbled and resisted but I insisted he comes with me.

Dexter had Jasper and Eleanor in the twins' baby carrier. While I walk Billy, Becca and Bella into the courtroom. I know it wasn't easy for me to convince Dexter these past few days before he followed me here. He never wanted me to come, infact, he forbided me from leaving the palace to New York. It was grandma and the queen who helped me convince him.

The moment we stepped in, Anne Marie stood up, walking towards us in a rush. I didn't almost recognize her. But before she could get to were I was, Fiona overtook her.

Panting like she just finished a marathon competition. "Triana dear, please listen to me. I know you don't like me but spare me your ears."

"And why should I?" My eyes narrowed. No one knew how much I hated this woman. She's the reason why my biological father and mother parted ways. "I didn't come here for you, Fiona."

"You heard her." Anne Marie mocked Fiona.

"And you either." I stated flatly. Directly talking to Anne Marie the bitch.

The both of them felt ashame as they strode back to their seats.

"Just one word and this whole thing will be done in no time." Georgina whispered in my ear.

"I should have given my order through a written letter. Maybe I wouldn't have stressed myself in coming." I answered her before turning my head to her direction.

She smiled. Her attention was later taken by my kids. "Oh look at my lovelies. They've grown so tall and big." She hugged Billy, Becca and Bella. "Ah, and you two munchkins." She reached for Jasper and Eleanor but they rebuked her, snuggling on their father.

"They're shy sometimes." Dexter chuckled.

We took our seats when the female judge arrived and asked us to. I noticed Anne Marie spying on me from her row. She was too shy to look up to me. The least I expected was her pouncing on me or raining me with all sorts of insults. I guess she has learnt her lesson now. And moreover, how to behave. I trust Georgina, she must have cautioned her.

Dexter intertwined his fingers with mine as the judge began to fire up the will.

"I give all my tangible personal property and all policies and proceeds of insurance covering such properties, to my kids." She cleared her throat and continued. "My two co-operative companies and mansion in Jersey belongs to my first and only son, Billy Calloway....."

"Huh?!" Anne Marie stood up with a huge scowl on her face. "That's not possible. That's the only place I have to live, where do I go to?" She faced my direction. "You won't let your son have it, right?"

"Miss. Marie, please sit." The judge objected.

She grumbled, taking her seat angrily. "Yes, your honor."

She adjusted her glasses and continued. "My chain hotels and restaurants belongs to my second daughter, Rebecca Calloway."

I remember the sly smile at the corner of Becca's lips. I know she's jubilating inside her now. I'm very happy for her too. Unlike Billy, who doesn't give a damn bout his father's inheritance. That boy is not interested in properties or business management. He's very much interested in being a professional footballer like his stepfather, Dexter.

Meanwhile, Bella was fidgeting with her little fingers as she waits for her turn in the will.

"My second mansion in New York City which was said to be sold has been recovered. I hereby hand it over to my third daughter, Isabella Calloway."

The judge was carried away when Bella squealed out loud. Alyssa quickly caution her to keep her excitement until we leave.

"And lastly but not the least, my family's airways, airlines and aircraft which belongs to me....I hand it over to my..." The judge paused, glaring down at us from the space in her glasses. "Your grace," She called on Dexter and everyone including Anne Marie turned towards our direction. "Do you permit me to go on with the one meant for your wife?"

Dexter looked down at me, smiling with his hand not leaving mine. "As long as it doesn't say DIVORCE I and her."

With full confident and delegated power, the judge carried on. "I hand it over to my ex-wife, Tria—um, duchess Triana Martinson." The judge rephrased the speech.

I know that's not what's written. Anne Marie fell for it as she whispered the word in shock. "Duchess?"

"My honor, with my permission, state whatever was written directly from the will. Just keep the titles behind, I'll bear." I understand if she's scared of me because of my royal ground or high class level but this is law. A constitution that knows nobody.

"Thanks, your grace." She smiled, flipping to the next page. "I know you must be married by now. I sincerely wish you a happy life with your new spouse. A life I couldn't give to you. I give you my airline industry, including my private jets as a reward and token for the time we spent together, though it wasn't beautiful but the kids you gave to me.....are. In addition to that, for all the patience, endurance, long-suffering and pains you bear in our marriage despite the maltreatment and torments I showed you instead of love, I bought your father's hospital and I hereby hand it over to you as the CEO. With one more thing I'll tell you, Triana. I'll forever love you even after death and I hope you forgive me for the times I hurt you. I love you." The judge shut the booklet.

I can't believe am tearing up already. Tell me am not easily emotional?

"That was a beautiful speech." Dexter's deep baritone voice made me remember I was seated next to him. "I hope he rots very well in hell or wherever he is right now." He smirked. "Woman-beater." He scoffed on the last word. When he realize I was sniffing and laughing same time, he frowned. "Don't tell me you loved his compliments."

"Come on, baby. You can't be ridiculous." I laughed, shaking my head. "I'm just showing pity so they don't think I have a stone heart."

"Oh, let them think all they want."

But the truth is......I really feel sorry for Leonardo. Just this one word brought half of his memories back to me again. I never expected my own share of the property. Meanwhile, Anne Marie was busy creating a scene until the officers and guards chased her out.

Both her and Fiona ended up fighting themselves outside the premises, while the clerk called me and handed all the documents to me. I and my kids did a little bit of signature and signing before we left for Denmark.