𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝑰𝒏 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 4

I don't know how long I sat in the driveway, looking at the red door. Haunting me. Mocking me. It had been there centuries before I was born, I'm sure. But it stood there as though it was planted there to taunt me every time we were there.
Because the Red door may have been there for hundreds of years, but it had newly painted when I was all but 8. By my parents.

I remember the dusted blue overalls they wore, as mom stood on a ladder to paint the corners precisely while dad held the ladder.
"I'm pregnant, not incapitated. Now hand me the brush!"

I got out of the car, hoping to wash away the surfacing memories. Dinner at the Manor. That's not really what I was hoping for this week. And even worse? Just me, Grandpa, and the lawyer. No, I knew there was something off.

"Nico. I'm glad you made it. How has work been ?" said granpa as I walked into the living room. Walls covered in a coat of creme white and a family portrait above the brick layered fireplace, embroidered by old floral patterns on the metal mantle. "Of course. How could I turn down such an invitation?" I replied as I sat down. Also, it's not like I had much of a choice,you would have made sure I made it. Whether I liked it or not.

We ate the 5 course meal that was prepared by the kitchen staff, special request as per grandpa's words. I could imagine it now , his conversation with Anderes about it. 'Dinner alone with my eldest grandchild . Couldn't think of a more fitting situation for a special meal'
As we were offered dessert, our family lawyer, Miss Cameron, walked in. At a slight nod from grandpa, Anderes led her away to another room. "Well then, let's get to business," he stated as he got up from his seat at the end head of the table.

I followed him to his study, where we found Miss Cameron seated. The study consisted of an ancient and well-kept desk that was situated close to a pair of double doors that opened up to the balcony. Bookshelves filled with old and rare literature pieces that have been passed down from generation to generation. The rustic style rug that grandma had brought for grandpa for one of their wedding anniversaries, at least that's the story we were told. The room screamed old and yet brand new looking and sophisticated. From the built-in shelves covered in no speck of dust but rare literature to the velvet cushioned seats by the desk.

"Take a seat, Nico. We have business to tend to," commanded grandpa. He and Miss Cameron had themselves comfortable at the table, with a file out in front of each seat and a laptop beside Miss Cameron's file. I took my seat beside Miss Cameron, with one clear thought in mind, 'I am not going to like this' .

And I was right.

"As executor of my son's will, Roman Vasilios, I have been given special terms on delivery. Mr Vasilios had made a request that they will be shared section by section to each of his children. To my firstborn Nicolas Roman Vasilios..." began grandpa. "I leave to inherit 28% of my shares of Vasilios Corp that I had left to my father, Roman Vasilios II, on condition of course. The conditions that were not influenced by any other than myself are as follows:
Nicolas Vasilios is to be of marital status, and he will receive his share 3 years into the marriage. If , for any reason, his marriage ends within a period of 6 months after a marriage certificate is issued, he will forfeit his shares ,equally to his siblings Xion Vasilios, Chloé Vasilios and Lowie Vasilios. My estate property in Greece is included in the asset to be inherited by Nicolas Vasilios and 25% of fundings in the 'Vasilios Future' at the World Bank. A sum that is currently estimated to be in 50 billion, with further interest after my passing. A letter will be given to Nicolas Roman Vasilios along with the other 3 benefactors stated in the last clause, once the conditions of Lowie Vasilios have been met."

"Do you have any questions, Mr Vasilios?" asked Miss Cameron a few moments after Grandpa had completed reading the will. I remained quiet, replying with a shook of my head. "Can I have a moment alone with my grandfather?"
"Sure. I have to leave anyway. My office will be on call once you are ready to discuss a way moving forward. Though I do not suggest taking too long," stated Miss Cameron as she rose from her seat. She left the room, the door clicking a little too loud for my liking as she shut the door closed.