The Unexpected Inheritance.

Richard's Pov.

Sitting at my modest apartment and staring at the letter from Clifford Wonder got me contemplating on what the letter is all about. 

After reading and glancing through the letter I realized I was named the sole heir to his entire fortune and company. Still in shock as his words were unbelievable.

I remembered how I first met Clifford Wonder in a meeting at a business conference. 

One of the things that impressed him was my integrity and hard work, although we had few conversations but I never thought it would result in this.

Judging from my poor background were dreams without realities, the letter came with a document which demands my autograph. 

Signing the documents felt like a business arrangement, little did I know there were more to that. 

My heart raced as I read through the letter again wondering how a Billionaire would choose a poor man like me from a small town. 

Everything looks like a joke, in which I doubted my potential, discrimination became my only option seeing myself as nothing but a poor brat.

One of the things I believe in, is the reality in front of me and the opportunities I am ready to grab. 

My life was about to change drastically and I wasn't sure if I was ready for what lay ahead.

As I read further into the letter my excitement turned to dread, I found out the letter was fixed with a condition that made my heart beat: the latter was based on my marriage to Clifford's daughter.

I was asked to marry Olivia Wonder within six months if I really wanted to claim such an inheritance.

I couldn't believe it, I'm already engaged to Emily, the love of my life. How could I explain this to her? 

The inheritance is a big opportunity but the price to pay for it is very expensive.

I felt trapped, torn between my loyalty to Emily and the promises of a life altering fortune.

I knew I had to face this all alone, but I had no idea where to start. I called Emily and asked her to meet me at the coffee shop for a quick chat.

Sitting across from Emily at the shop, I felt a knot in my stomach. I handed her the letter. 

Her worried look triggered her curiosity on what the letter was all about.

Watching her face as she read in shock and confusion which clouded her expression.

"This is insane, Richard," she said, her voice trembling.

I tried explaining the gravity of the situation but Emily's eyes were filled with tears.

"So you're choosing money over us, how could you do this to me". She whispered.

"I will never choose money over you Emily, I love you and I'm ready to spend the rest of my life with you". I pleaded. "But this could change everything for us".

"I can't believe you're saying this to my face, what has come over you do you know the implications you're setting yourself in?".

She shook her head, unable to comprehend the betrayal, she angrily stood up leaving me alone with my thoughts.

The coffee shop which was once a place of warmth and comfort, now felt cold and empty. 

The separation between us seemed unbeatable and I felt lost and alone.

Determined to confront the situation, I arranged to meet Olivia Wonder the Billionaire's daughter.

I felt out of place among the opulence as I finally met with her. 

Olivia greeted me with a cool gaze. She was strikingly beautiful, her smile, charisma and posture got my attention. Her hair of confidence unsettled me.

As we sat in the luxurious room Olivia wasted no time.

"I know why you are here", she said bluntly.

I nodded, feeling the weight of her words in which I swiftly interjected. 

"So what do you think I'm here for or have I been monitored by you?".

"My father chose you for a reason". She continued. "But don't think this will be easy." I felt a chill.

"What do you mean?". I asked cautiously. Her smile was icy.

"You'll have to prove yourself Richard, this isn't just about the money, it is about loyalty and trust".

"I've integrity, that's why your father gave me such an offer".

"Time will tell and with time you will know who your heart belongs to".

"What do you mean?"

I asked, but to my surprise, she didn't respond and instead she walked away from the mansion.

I felt more ensnared than ever. My ordeal was only beginning. 

And I realized I had stepped into a game where the stakes were far higher than I had anticipated.

I was determined to understand the full scope of the inheritance and its condition, I kept wondering why I was chosen by him. 

With no time I began investigating Clifford Wonder's history. I spent hours reading over old articles, business records and interviews.

The deeper I delve into this the more uneasy I became. Clifford was a shrewd businessman with a complicated personal life.

There were rumors of family discord and dark secrets concerning the Clifford family. 

I heard a shocking revelation that Clifford's wife died under mysterious circumstances and Olivia had been implicated but never charged.

The piece of the puzzle began to fit together, revealing a web of intrigue and danger.

The inheritance was not just a windfall; it was entangled in a situation for more than I could ever imagined.

I needed to tread carefully to protect myself and those I love. 

With the weight of my discoveries I have no choice but to confront Olivia for another meeting.

Olivia wasn't that easy to meet or talk to, even when I pleaded to speak with her again she paid deaf ears to my request.

The only thing that got her hooked was the fact I promised to tell her who's responsible for her mother's death.

It was worth anticipating only if she knew my other plans. No one knows what would really happen if she found out I was only playing with her intelligence.