Chapter 4 Inheritance With Conditions

• My brother and his wife Rachel arrived at my parents' house. My mother was thrilled to see that my sister-in-law's pregnancy was starting to show. She was eagerly awaiting the birth of her grandson. Although there were many months to go, she had already planned every detail. Her eyes lit up with joy as she hugged her and stroked her belly.
• — Hello Adrien — said my brother, approaching me with a hug. Despite the grandmother's death, his face looked at peace.
• — Brother — I replied, stretching out the "O" and returning the hug with a complicit smile — How are you preparing for the adventure of being a father?
• He scratched his head, looking a bit uncomfortable, and I couldn't help but laugh at his expression.
• — I'm still trying to get used to it — he replied finally. The nervousness in his voice was evident. It was understandable, it would be his first child.
• — Well, you should be — Rachel intervened, rolling her eyes.
• He gave her a hug and a kiss as a way of apologizing. I, on the other hand, continued to laugh discreetly at the situation. I observed my brother and his wife, and I was happy for their happiness, even in the midst of the veil of sadness that covered our family. They were a reminder that life goes on, even in the most difficult moments.
• The lawyer arrives punctually and we all head to my father's office. My mother, Carl and his wife, sit in front of the desk where Mr. Woods, the family's trusted lawyer, takes a seat. My father and I decide to stay standing next to them, ready to hear my grandmother's last will and testament.
• The lawyer proceeds to read the will, his voice slow and solemn filling the room. He mentions the date of death and the legality of the document, assuring us that my grandmother was of sound mind when she wrote it.
• —I, Claire W. Rowan, being of sound mind and disposing memory, do hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. I appoint my only heir, my son Richard Hamilton Boyers, and, in default of him, his children Adrien Hamilton Mills and Carl Hamilton Mills. — the lawyer begins to say, capturing our attention — To my son Richard Hamilton Boyers, I leave the titles of property of the houses located in Connecticut and California, along with all his assets, as well as twenty percent of my capital. — The lawyer pauses to take a breath and continue — To my grandson Adrien Hamilton Mills, I leave my properties in Washington, forty percent of my capital, and the entirety of my shares in the company. — I direct my gaze towards my brother and he nods in agreement. My sister-in-law makes a face at the declaration, which is not missed, but I decide to downplay it. — Finally, to my grandson Carl Hamilton Mills, I leave the residential complex in Miami and the remaining forty percent of my capital. I appoint Jaydan Woods as executor to administer and distribute my assets according to the terms of this will. In the event of the simultaneous or prior death of my primary heirs, I designate as alternative beneficiaries to... — I continue to specify the details of the document. My brother and I keep looking at each other throughout the reading of the will. My eyes widen with surprise as I listen to the words that reveal the generous inheritances and properties that correspond to each of us.
• But then, the lawyer pauses before continuing, creating suspense in the air.
• — There is an additional clause — informs Mr. Woods solemnly, maintaining his stoic expression.
• We all look at each other, intrigue and uncertainty painted on our faces. My father nods seriously, indicating to the lawyer that he should continue.
• — All my decisions must be carried out with immediate effect — the lawyer continues — except for my grandson Adrien, who must first be legally married in order to receive his inheritance.
• I'm left speechless by the last part of my grandmother's will. I can't believe what I'm hearing. "Get married?" "Now?" "Why?"
• — What? — I exclaim, unable to contain myself — Is there no mistake?
• The lawyer shakes his head and shows me the document signed by my grandmother. There's no doubt, it's her handwriting.
• — I'm sorry, Mr. Hamilton, but those are the conditions set by your grandmother. If he doesn't comply with them, he won't be able to access his inheritance. — He adds, confirming what he's said.
• The lawyer continued speaking, explaining the additional clauses of the will, but I wasn't listening to anything else. I was too stunned by the news. I looked at my father for help, but his expression was one of concern and confusion. After the reading was finished, my father shook the lawyer's hand and we accompanied him to the door.
• My grandmother, even in her final moments, still thought that I needed to get married to become responsible. She knew that I hadn't been a good example of responsibility until a couple of years ago, so I reflected on her request and realized that she considered Ericka unworthy of something as serious as marriage. Despite the fact that my grandmother and Ericka had never gotten along, I knew that I loved my girlfriend and she loved me. But was that enough to get married? Were we ready to take that step?
• My father squeezed my shoulder with concern and looked at me with compassion.
• — Don't worry, son — he said, giving me a pat on the back —. You have your girlfriend...
• — Ericka — I interrupted, seeing that he didn't remember her name. He looked at me with regret and nodded. — I'm not worried, Dad — I admitted with a forced smile —. Although I know that none of you want Ericka, or consider her worthy of being part of the family, I love her and I'll propose to her.
• In reality, I was very worried. I didn't know if Ericka would want to marry me, or if I was ready to take that step. But I also didn't want to lose the inheritance from my grandmother, which had cost me so much to achieve. I was caught between two difficult options, unsure of what to do.
• We walk towards the living room where the others are, the silence takes over the space and everyone looks at us as we arrive, aware that they are talking about me.
• — Sorry, I was supposed to meet up with Ericka — I say something awkward.
• I bid farewell to my mother, giving her a quick kiss, and leave without saying goodbye to the others, avoiding breaking down in front of everyone.
• I head to the car, take out my phone and dial Ericka's number. Although we will see each other, I agreed to let her know beforehand. On the second ring, she answers.