Chapter 1

• SANDRA'S POV
• The loud chatter and lively atmosphere in the dining room of the Smith’s family mansion was everything one could hope for, except I wasn’t welcome here. My grandfather, Edward Smith, the current head of the Smith family had three sons— Uncle George, Uncle Richard and my father Andrew.
• Uncle George had two children, Stellah and Samuel, while Uncle Richard also had two children, Stacey and Liam, and I was the only daughter of my father. As my father was the least favored son, I was despised by default especially because my mother wasn’t from a remarkably rich background.
• I didn’t have the good fortune of growing up with my parents’ love and was sent to live with a close friend of my great grandfather. My return two years ago was only possible because the great uncle who raised me, my great grandfather’s friend passed away. His death was very mysterious and left behind quite a few questions.
• Since my return, I was never given the respect or regard a family member, or the youngest grand-daughter of the Smith family deserves. My grandparents, my uncles and my cousins all looked down on me, but I endured everything not wanting to cause more trouble for my poor parents who have been through so much already.
• I sat silently picking at my food, watching as my grandparents doted on their precious grandchildren. I’ve long accepted the fact that I was not one of them. Stellah and Stacey excitedly shared about their lives and relationships while everyone else listened. No one paid attention to me or my parents as we silently ate dinner at the far end of the table.
• Suddenly, there was a commotion in the living room. It sounded like someone was trying to get an audience with our grandfather. Soon, the butler entered with a pale face as he looked at the head of the table nervously.
• “Sir, someone from the Anthony Family is here to see you. They say it’s important.” I watched with interest as my grandfather, Edward pressed his lips and his eyes hardened.
• “Tell them, we’ll be there soon,” he nodded. Whatever it was, my grandfather was definitely not happy about it.
• Rushing through the meal, my grandfather led the way with my grandmother close behind him, followed by his precious sons and their families to the living room. My parents looked reluctant but slowly followed at last. I decided to stay at the door and observe their meeting first. A group of men, all dressed in black occupied one side of the living room as they took in their surroundings with a hint of disdain.
• ‘Ah! Finally some fellow feeling.’ I thought with a small smile.
• "Mr. William!” Looking somewhat shocked. “What brings you here?" My grandfather asked, once he saw everyone settle in their seats.
• Mr. William? Isn’t that the right-hand man and personal assistant of Levy Anthony, the youngest and most powerful member of the Anthony family?
• “We’re here for the marriage agreement between the Smith and Anthony families.”Mr. Willam replied with a blank face.
• Now, that’s interesting! I didn’t even know any such agreement existed and from the looks of it neither did Stellah and Stacey. The shock and horror on their faces was absolutely priceless. While everyone knew that Levy Anthony was absolutely ruthless but his success since he took over the family business was not public knowledge, and was labeled a good-for-nothing man by his enemies. Hence, the idea of marrying him was definitely not appealing for women who want to be a social climber. However, I know there's more to Levy Anthony than meets the eye. I wonder how Stellah and Stacey would feel if they knew the Anthony family is not as simple as they think.
• I watched the carefully thoughtful expression on my grandfather's face. My eyes narrowed as it confirmed my suspicion. He already knew about the marriage agreement. Then, he turned to look at his beloved grand-daughters Stellah and Stacey, a pained look on his face. I resisted the urge to laugh at the dramatics. Silently, I typed a message on my phone and continued to watch the drama unfold.
• “Grandpa!” Stellah instantly cried. “I can’t marry Levy Anthony. You know I am already engaged to Mark. We’re planning on setting a date soon.” Mark Jackson, the heir of the Jackson family, one of the wealthy families in the city. Of course, they wouldn’t want to break Stellah’s engagement with a man who could bring their family more respect.
• “Grandpa, I am working hard to build my life and career. Besides, I am in a committed relationship with Jack. We’ll be engaged soon too. This agreement was made by two members of the families that are no longer alive. You can’t hold us to it.” Stacey cried out. She looked close to hysteria. Of course, Stacey, in her second year of university was a renowned actress, and was dating her boss Jack, the owner of Eza Entertainment company.
• “Dad, the agreement states, any one of your grand-daughters can marry the eldest grandson of the Anthony family. Sandra is one of your grand-daughter’s. Why can’t she marry Levy?” My second uncle, Richard chimed in before anyone else could say a word. I knew that he’s always disliked my father, and he used every chance he got to bring my father down.
• “No! Dad! Please, don’t do this! It will ruin my daughter’s life. She is my only child, and she has just returned to us. She is still so young and has her whole life ahead of her.” My father begged, and my heart ached for him. His entire life, he let his family walk all over him, but he was standing up for me. Before I could interrupt, my phone buzzed and I went through the details I received.
• “What has your daughter done for the family?” My grandmother suddenly yelled bringing my attention back to the scene in the living room.
• Ha! As if I would do anything for these vultures.
• “She’s not in university, she’s stupid and ugly. At least she would be of some use this way or do you want one of your nieces to marry Levy and become the laughing stock for breaking up with excellent men. This agreement was made by your grandfather before he died, and it should be fulfilled!” She exclaimed, her haughty demeanor doing nothing to hide her disdain of us.
• “This was your grandfather’s dying wish. Stop being selfish and envious of your brothers and their families.” My grandfather's voice boomed. My uncles have nothing to be envious about, if anything they’re jealous of my father’s capabilities but they’d never accept it.
• “If Sandra doesn’t agree to marry into the Anthony family, you can pack your bags and leave with your worthless wife and daughter.” My grandfather— no, Edward, yelled. This was not my family, it never was, and it’s time to embrace the truth. I decided I've heard enough, and entered the living room.
• I surveyed the room, coldly watching each and every member of this so-called family. They didn’t deserve my parents or their love or respect. It’s time to end this farce for good. Then, I turned to look at the men from the Anthony family before my gaze settled on my parents and my heart softened.
• “I will agree to marry Levy Anthony, but I have a condition,” I announced.
• Both my uncles' families sneered at me. “If you think your good-for-nothing ass is getting a dime out of the inheritance, then dream on.” Liam, one of my cousins said. I barely resisted the urge to roll my eyes at him.
• “You have no claim to the family fortune. Don’t act like a fortune hunter.” My grandmother said, it didn’t stop there, everyone had to say something or the other about us.
• “Enough! If this is what you think about us, and if this is how you treat my daughter? I don’t want to be a part of the Smith family anymore. My wife, daughter and I are leaving immediately.” My heart swelled with pride at my father’s announcement. After years of disdain and insults he was finally standing up for our family.
• “I bet you do Andrew. May I remind you of the exclusive work contract you have with me? You cannot work anywhere except the Smith Group.” He laughed, a cruel mocking laugh. No one deserved this, especially not my father, and I was at my wits end with this family.
• “That’s enough!” My voice, cold and full of fury echoed through the living room. No one thought I would snap at them this way, but they’ve crossed all limits today.
• “The marriage agreement clearly states that if the Smith family fails to ensure their end of the deal all of Smith family’s fortune will be given to the charities. If I don’t agree to this marriage, it means you have to pick one of your two precious grand-daughters to marry Levy. Which means it's the matter of which one of your precious grand-daughters do you love the least? Either that or you will lose everything you hold so dear to your heart. Which means bidding farewell to the company, the mansion, the fortune and the luxurious life you’re all so used to.”
• My words cut through the sudden silence as everyone in the room realized I know more about the agreement than they do. The agreement created is iron-clad to ensure strict compliance from both parties. Knowing they could lose everything by not adhering to the agreement was bringing them distress and panic.
• Good!