Chapter Two: An Angel's Reward, Devil's Bargain

Silvia's POV

I walked into the Grey & Sterling Law Firm, a heavy weight on my shoulders. Even though I felt weak, I was mentally resolved to get a divorce. I had to protect my unborn child from a monster like Winston.

I made my way to the receptionist's desk.

“Good afternoon, ma'am,” she greeted me politely. “Do you have an appointment?”

“Yes,” I replied tersely. “I'm here to see Attorney Donna Grey.”

“Oh,” she raised an eyebrow. “You’re Mrs. Bradley, right? Ms. Donna is expecting you… Please follow me.”

Is she really expecting me? I cocked an eyebrow. Was she aware of the situation? Certainly not… I didn't tell anyone on my way here.

We arrived at Donna Grey's office shortly, and the receptionist knocked on the door. “Come in,” a familiar, soft voice responded from the office.

I watched the receptionist leave, then entered the office. It would have been awkward if she didn't.

Donna gestured at the chair in front of her desk. “What can I do for you today, Mrs. Bradley?”

Hearing her address me by that name made my heart churn.

“I want to divorce my husband,” I spat out the words.

Donna paused, her expression as neutral as ever. Perhaps it didn't occur to her that I wanted to divorce Winston.

“May I ask why?” She asked, unblinking.

“Infidelity,” I answered.

Donna leaned forward. “Do you have any evidence?”

“No,” I replied.

She nodded slowly. “That's alright. Whether you need evidence depends on the grounds for divorce… And of course, the laws of the jurisdiction.”

She paused, her gaze sharp. “Do you have a prenuptial agreement?”

I blinked. “I don't remember.”

“You don't remember?” Donna seemed genuinely concerned… or surprised, as the case may be.

“I… I don't care,” I said weakly. “I want to divorce Winston, not inherit his property.”

“That's fine,” she said reassuringly. “I’ll obtain a copy of your marriage records and review the documents…”

She then squinted, as if pondering something. “Mrs. Bradley, I'm sorry to say this, but there's another matter of far greater importance…”

I frowned. What could be more important than this divorce?

“I'm sorry to inform you…” Donna said, “... that your grandfather passed away three days ago.”

The news would have been devastating if only I were close to my grandfather. I remembered my relatives casting us into the streets the moment my father died in an accident. They'd swarmed over my father's fortune like hawks, discarding us like trash. They could all die for God's sake… I didn't care.

“As the executor of his estate,” she continued, “I am required to read the relevant provisions of his will.”

I saw her open the document lying on the desk. Just like the receptionist had said, she'd been expecting me…

“Your grandfather, Mr. Rashford Henry, bequeathed his entire estate to you,” Donna began. “This includes his shares in Henry Enterprises, all personal assets, and controlling interest in the company.”

I leaned forward, creasing my brows in disbelief. “Is this some sort of joke, or what?”

Why would my grandfather suddenly bequeath everything to me? Although my father was his first child, I've been gone for years! He wasn't supposed to even care about me. Besides, my mom was still alive. He could have just bequeathed everything to her…

“It's not a joke,” Donna said seriously. “And this is the document to prove it.”

I sat in stunned silence, not knowing whether to be happy or heartbroken. But I was yet to hear the twist.

“However…” Donna's expression became stiff. “... Mr. Rashford Henry attached a condition to the inheritance.”

I looked up, blinking.

“You must enter into a legally recognized marriage before you can take possession of the estate.”

Silence presided over the office for a long time. Neither of us said a word to each other, as I pondered the words. It sounded horrendous! How was I supposed to marry after my current situation?

As if sensing my thoughts, Donna leaned forward. “Mrs. Bradley, please think about your future…”

She slid the official will toward me, pointing out the strict legal clause. “You cannot inherit a single cent, since you're still married to Winston... You must finalize your divorce and be legally married to someone outside the Bradley family within seven days."

Seven days... My throat became dry as I read through the document. I was leaving a toxic marriage… only to be told I had to enter a new one to claim my birthright. Such an irony…

“I have to remind you, Mrs. Bradley,” Donna's voice interrupted my thoughts. “If you fail to meet the condition within seven days, the estate passes according to the alternate clause.”

No, I can't let this happen. This inheritance was my ultimate weapon to protect my baby and destroy Winston completely. I have to get married so that I can inherit my grandfather's fortune!

“I agree to the terms and conditions, Attorney,” I said seriously.

Donna nodded slowly, handing me a pen. “You made a logical decision.”

I took the pen, but hesitated. I couldn't help but wonder if I was really doing the right thing. Was it really worth it?

It took me a few seconds to make up my mind. I signed my intent to claim the inheritance. The clause never said I had to be permanently married to inherit everything. It could be a contracted marriage…

“Now, regarding your divorce,” Donna said, opening another file. She slid it across the desk toward me. “These are your divorce petition papers.”

I blinked, gripping the pen.

“I've drafted it based on the information you provided,” she said, clasping her hands. “Please review it carefully before signing it.”

I skimmed through the pages, gripping the pen. I didn't need to be told twice. I signed the papers furiously, sliding the file back to her.

“I'll have your husband served as soon as the petition is filed,” she said, leafing through the papers.

She then nodded slowly and walked toward the photocopier at the corner of her office. I waited patiently for her to photocopy the papers, listening to the buzzing sound of the machine.

When she was done, she returned to her seat. She slid the original file toward me and stood up. “You have to keep this safe if you really want this divorce.”

I also stood up, watching as she extended her hand toward me. I did the same, shaking hands with her.

“I wish you good luck, Mrs. Bradley,” she smiled.

“Thank you,” I replied. My voice seemed a little clearer now.

As I left my Attorney's office, I was filled with determination. I'd thought all hope was lost, but fate opened up another path for me. The air had never felt more refreshing.

“I promise you this, Winston,” I swore to myself. “As long as I breathe, I'll make you pay for what you've done…”