The Inheritance

The dimly lit study echoed with the creak of leather chairs and the faint rustling of paper. Richard sat rigidly, his fingers drumming against the armrest. The lawyer, a middle-aged man with thinning hair and a pair of spectacles perched precariously on his nose, was meticulously sifting through a stack of documents. The air was thick with tension, a palpable silence hanging between them.

"Mr. Richard, I have here the last will and testament of your father, Mr. Philip." The lawyer’s voice was steady, yet it carried the weight of the moment. Richard's eyes flickered with a mixture of anxiety and curiosity. This was it—the moment that would define his future.

The lawyer cleared his throat, adjusted his glasses, and began to read. "To my beloved son, Richard, I leave my entire estate, including the five thousand oil factories and all other properties and assets, under one condition: he must marry to inherit my wealth. This marriage must be out of genuine love and not convenience. Only then will the assets be transferred to him."

Richard’s heart sank. He had anticipated some conditions but never this. His father had always been a romantic at heart, despite the harsh realities of the oil business. Yet, this stipulation seemed both cruel and impossibly idealistic.

"Marriage?" Richard muttered, more to himself than to the lawyer. "How am I supposed to find someone I love under such pressure?"

The lawyer offered a sympathetic smile. "Your father was very clear about his wishes. He wanted you to have a fulfilling life, not just filled with wealth, but with love and companionship."

Richard leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his dark hair. "Did he think it would be that easy? Love isn't something you can just... find on command."

The lawyer nodded. "I understand, Mr. Richard. However, the terms are clear. You must be married to inherit."

Richard stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the wooden floor. "I need some air," he said, striding towards the door. The lawyer watched him go, a look of pity in his eyes.

Outside, the estate grounds were lush and expansive. Richard walked aimlessly, his mind filled with despair. He had always known his father to be a visionary, but this? This was beyond anything he could have imagined. The thought of marriage had always been distant, a future consideration. Now it was an immediate, pressing concern.

He found himself by the family’s rose garden, a place his mother had adored. The vibrant blooms seemed to mock his turmoil. Richard sank onto a bench, his head in his hands. How was he supposed to overcome this new reality?

---

That evening, Richard decided to confide in Lucy, his trusted assistant. She had been with the family for years, and her loyalty and discretion were beyond reproach. He found her in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

"Lucy," he said, leaning against the doorway. "Can we talk?"

Lucy looked up, concern etched on her face. "Of course, Richard. What’s on your mind?"

Richard sighed, taking a seat at the kitchen island. "It's about the will. My father has made it clear that I need to marry to inherit everything."

Lucy’s eyes widened. "Marry? That’s... quite the stipulation."

"Tell me about it," Richard muttered. "I don’t even know where to start. How am I supposed to find someone I genuinely love under these circumstances?"

Lucy paused, considering her words carefully. "Your father wanted you to have a life filled with love and happiness. He didn't want you to end up alone, like he did after your mother passed."

Richard nodded. "I get that, but it feels like an impossible task."

Lucy set down the knife she was using and walked over to Richard, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You’re young, Richard. You have time to find the right person. Maybe this is an opportunity to explore what you really want in a partner."

Richard looked up at her, his eyes filled with uncertainty. "I hope you're right, Lucy. Because right now, it feels like I'm trapped in an impossible situation."

---

 Richard decided to step outside for some fresh air. The balcony overlooked the city, its lights twinkling against the night sky. He leaned against the railing, lost in thought.

"Mind if I join you?" a voice said from behind.

Richard turned to see a young woman with striking features and a confident Looks. She wore a simple yet elegant black dress, her hair cascading in loose waves.

"Of course," Richard replied, gesturing to the empty space beside him.

The woman stepped closer, her gaze fixed on the cityscape. "It’s a beautiful view, isn’t it?"

Richard nodded. "Yes, it is."

They stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of crowds muffled in the background.

"I’m Michelle," she said, extending her hand.

"Richard," he replied, shaking her hand. There was something different about her—an air of genuine interest that he hadn't encountered in others.

"What brings you out here?" Michelle asked, leaning against the railing.

Richard hesitated, then decided to be honest. "Just needed a break from the crowd. It’s been a long few weeks."

Michelle smiled sympathetically. "I can imagine. These events can be overwhelming."

Richard glanced at her, intrigued. "And what about you?

"I’m here with my fiancé, Mark," Michelle replied, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "He’s busy networking inside."

Richard noted the shift in her tone. "Is everything okay?"

Michelle sighed. "It's just... complicated. Mark and I have been through a lot, and sometimes it feels like we’re drifting apart."

Richard felt a pang of empathy. "I’m sorry to hear that. Relationships can be challenging."

Michelle nodded. "Yes, they can. But enough about me. What about you, Richard? Why the long weeks?"

Richard hesitated again, then decided to share. "My father passed away recently, and his will has put me in a difficult position."

Michelle looked genuinely concerned. "I’m sorry for your loss. If you don’t mind me asking, what’s the difficult position?"

"He stipulated that I have to marry to inherit his estate," Richard explained. "It's... complicated, to say the least."

Michelle’s eyes widened in surprise. "That’s quite a condition. How are you handling it?"

"Not well," Richard admitted. "It’s hard to find someone genuine under these circumstances. Everyone seems to have an agenda."

Michelle nodded thoughtfully. "I can understand that. Genuine connections are rare."

They lapsed into silence again, each lost in their own thoughts. The city lights flickered below, a reminder of the world outside their personal dilemmas.

After a while, Michelle broke the silence. "Richard, I know we’ve just met, but if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here. Sometimes, it helps to have a friend who understands."

Richard smiled, appreciating her sincerity. "Thank you, Michelle. That means a lot."