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I wonder what she’ll think of this whole inheritance clause. If she wants this as badly as I do, maybe she’ll see it as a glimmer of hope for us. But if she doesn’t want me, I guess she’s going to steer me away from her entirely. This is the make or break moment for me and her.
I’m anxious to know exactly what’s on her mind.
Chapter Four
Amelia
“So, what’s on your mind...Leo?” I ask. The name feels strange coming out of my lips. I’ve only ever called him Mr. Harris. But now, this is a step closer for us.
A step closer to what I’ve wanted from him for so long. He’s opening up to me about something, and it’s going to bond us together. I only hope it makes him see me the way I want him to.
His eyes are dark as he paces the room. I can tell that he’s agitated. I’ve seen him look this way on days where business deals go awry, or when he’s had an argument with his father. In fact, I’ve seen this look in his eyes a lot since his dad passed away. Maybe he’s here for advice about grief.
“I’ve been handed a conundrum,” he says stiffly. “Something that I’m unsure how to handle.”
I shift uncomfortably. I don’t know what makes him think I can help him. I’m not smart enough to help him with something serious. And besides, why doesn’t he ask one of his many friends or workers? Why me, of all people? I’m glad he’s here, but I’m scared I have nothing to offer him. I’m just the maid, after all.
“I received a copy of my father’s will,” he says. “And of course, he left everything to me. His entire business will be mine. His entire fortune will be given to me. His house, his properties abroad, his staff, his cars, everything. But there are conditions to his will that I have to meet...or I get nothing.”
I frown. Why would his father make him work for his inheritance? He’s his only son, and from what I could tell, they were very close with one another. What reason would he have to try and stop his son from inheriting his fortune?
“Well, what kind of conditions are we talking about here? I mean, I guess you should do whatever it takes to get your inheritance. You deserve it, after all.”
Leo grits his teeth. “I thought so too. But it seems my father is playing a cruel joke on me from beyond the grave. He has insisted that I get married in the next thirty days...or I will lose everything.”
My eyes widen. Surely I didn’t hear him right?
“He uh, he wants you to get married? Did he say to who?”
“He hasn’t implied that it should be to anyone in particular...but I’m sure he had someone in mind. I guess I’m supposed to figure out who it is and ask for their hand. But that isn’t what I want. I want to marry for love someday not just because my father has told me I have to,” he growls. “And that’s the other thing. If I ever get a divorce, then I lose everything. If I don’t marry someone I love, then I’ll also lose everything. It will cost hundreds of employees their jobs. So what am I supposed to do? Force myself to feel something for someone?”
I feel my heart sink a little. If only he knew how much I care for him. Can’t he see that his perfect woman is right in front of him? I might be nothing special, but I’ll love and care for him as long as I live. I’ll give him everything and anything he wants. I’d be devoted to him no matter what he throws my way. He could hurt me a million times and I’d still want him. Doesn’t he realize that I could be the perfect wife?
The problem is, he’s miles out of my league. Why would he want me when he could have anyone in the world? He’s handsome, rich, and intelligent. Women must be falling at his feet all the time. Why would he look twice at me, the lowly curvy maid?
And yet here he is, standing in my room. Why did he come here? Did he come for advice or did he come here with a proposition?
My heart pounds in my chest. If he’s here to ask me to be his, then I already know what my answer will be. I know I’m getting ahead of myself, reading into this way too much, but the thought of him falling for me fills me with unimaginable joy. I’ve waited so long to be wanted, to be loved by the man of my dreams. Now, I’ve been presented with an opportunity to prove myself. He needs a quick solution to his problem, and I’m here to offer it.
