Chapter 4: The Conditions

Damian Pov

I reached the front of the Cole mansion, and the large gates swung open as I drove in. I pulled to a stop, stepped out, adjusted the cuff of my suit, and headed inside. I made my way straight to Grandpa's study, the place I knew he would be at that hour.

When I reached the study, the door was open. I walked in and immediately realized this wasn't an ordinary meeting. My mother sat beside the bookshelf, elegant as always, though concern filled her expression. My younger sister, Victoria, lounged on the sofa with a knowing smile, while Grandpa sat in his armchair, his cane resting beside him as he sipped his coffee. His gaze remained fixed on the television.

I slipped my hands into my pockets and took a few steps closer. My gaze shifted to the screen. To my surprise, the news report from earlier was still playing, the same announcement about my marriage filling the room. I stared at it for a moment before looking at Grandpa.

"Good afternoon, Grandpa."

His hand stilled. He reached for the remote and muted the television.

I walked over to my mother.

"Good afternoon, Mother."

A warm smile crossed her face as I took her hand and kissed the back of it.

"It's good to have you home," she said.

I turned toward my sister.

"Victoria."

She looked up with amusement.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up."

"I'm here now," I replied before taking my seat.

"Judging by the headlines, I would say I'm today's main attraction," I said, looking at Grandpa.

"I didn't expect you to," he replied, setting his coffee cup down. "Would you like some coffee?"

"No, Grandpa. I'd rather know why my face is on every news channel."

A brief silence settled over the room. Then Grandpa leaned back.

"For generations, Cole Enterprises has remained in this family. Every heir inherited the company only after marrying and securing the family lineage. Your great-grandfather followed the tradition. Your father followed it. Now it is your turn."

I frowned.

"What does that have to do with me?"

"Damian, you need to get married," my mother said calmly. "You're thirty-four. Time doesn't wait for anyone, and neither does tradition." She studied me for a moment. "I believe you've seen the video circulating online by now."

"I did," I replied evenly, meeting Grandpa's gaze. "Now I want an explanation."

Grandpa's expression remained calm.

"I made an announcement. I informed the public that I'm looking for a wife for my grandson. Any woman who believes she's suitable should step forward."

A dry laugh escaped me.

"You announced to the entire city that I'm looking for a wife without asking me?"

"I simply opened the door," he replied. "The choice of who walks through it is yours."

"I have someone in mind that you would love," my mother said, handing me a photograph.

I took it and looked down at the woman in the picture.

"Vanessa?"

I looked back at her.

"That's your suggestion?"

"Yes, Damian. Have you forgotten her already? You two were best friends growing up. She's living overseas now, but she'll be returning to the city soon."

Victoria laughed.

"Everyone used to call you and Vanessa the school sweethearts. People were convinced you would end up together."

"That was then," I said. "Marriage isn't part of my plans."

"Perhaps," Grandpa said, his voice quieter now, "but this isn't just about marriage." His expression hardened. "You've spent years building your reputation, Damian, but this family was built on more than wealth."

I stared at him.

"I don't even have a girlfriend, let alone a wife. You can't be serious."

"I'm very serious."

"Cole Enterprises isn't yours to inherit unless you fulfill the family's tradition," Grandpa continued. "Marriage isn't a request, Damian. It's a condition. Without a wife and an heir to carry the Cole name, neither the family trustees nor the board will recognize you as the rightful successor."

I folded my arms.

"So this is an ultimatum?"

"Don't think you're the only Cole who wants that position," he said. "There are others in this family waiting for you to fail."

He slowly rose from his seat, his gaze never leaving mine.

"On my eightieth birthday, I expect to see you standing beside your lawful wife."

My jaw tightened. So they wanted to force me into marriage just to secure my inheritance. I had spent years building Cole Enterprises into an empire. I wasn't about to let an outdated family tradition dictate my life. I held Grandpa's gaze.

"Then do what needs to be done."

******

Ariana Pov

The moment I reached the street, the tears I had been holding back finally spilled down my cheeks. I kept walking, refusing to stop as everything around me blurred through my tears. My chest ached with every step, but I forced myself forward.

I didn't want to think about Adrian anymore. I barely noticed the traffic or the headlights cutting through the dusk, and I didn't see the vehicle approaching until it was almost too late.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" a voice shouted nearby, sharp and panicked.

My head jerked up, but not in time.

Someone grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the vehicle's path, steadying me just as the car roared past. I sucked in a shaky breath.

"Thank you," I said to the stranger.

"Watch out next time," he replied, his voice low and warning.

I nodded, still trying to steady my breathing.

My heart was still racing from the shock. I slipped a trembling hand into my purse and pulled out my phone. I glanced at the screen. Dr. Kyle rarely called unless something important had come up, and a knot formed in my stomach as I answered.

"Hello, Doc. Good day. Is everything okay with Olivia?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

"Olivia is fine," Dr. Kyle said.

I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

"I actually called with some good news. She's been accepted into the new treatment program."

My heart leaped.

"That's amazing! Thank you, Doc," I said, unable to hide the relief in my voice.

"Her medication is covered by insurance for now. Everything is fine at the moment. If anything changes, I'll inform you."

"Thank you, Doctor."

With that, the call ended. An hour later, I arrived at Serena's apartment. I had come to think of it as my apartment too. I had been living with her there for a year and a half, and it had started to feel like home.

Home was supposed to be where you felt safe and happy. For me, Serena had become that home. I had been knocking at the door for about thirty minutes, but she hadn't answered or returned any of my calls or texts.

"Strange," I whispered.

I tapped my fingers against the edge of my phone as I waited, my gaze drifting toward the slightly ajar door.

A chill ran down my spine. Serena never left her door unlocked.