Ella Harper sat alone in her small apartment, the reality of her grandfather’s will still sinking in. The envelope Victor Sterling had given her lay on the coffee table, and the weight of the contract inside seemed almost tangible. She glanced at the clock—it was late, and the city lights outside her window twinkled like distant stars, mocking her current predicament.
Her mind raced with questions. Who was Victor Sterling, really? What kind of life was she expected to lead now? And what did it mean to marry a man she had never met, bound by an old promise?
The soft chime of her phone broke her thoughts. It was a text message from her best friend, Mia, who had been trying to reach her all day.
**Mia:** *Hey, I’ve been worried! Everything okay? I heard about your grandfather…*
Ella hesitated for a moment before replying.
**Ella:** *It’s been a rough day. I need to talk to you about something important.*
Within minutes, Mia was at Ella’s door, her face filled with concern and curiosity. She rushed in and wrapped Ella in a tight hug.
“I’m so sorry about your grandfather,” Mia said softly. “I can’t believe he’s gone. How are you holding up?”
Ella pulled back, trying to muster a smile. “It’s been hard. There’s something I need to tell you. It’s… it’s about his will.”
Mia’s eyes widened. “What about it?”
Ella led Mia to the living room and gestured to the envelope on the coffee table. “It’s not just about leaving me his belongings. There’s a condition attached. I have to marry someone.”
Mia blinked in surprise. “Marry someone? Who?”
“Victor Sterling,” Ella said, her voice barely above a whisper. “A wealthy CEO.”
Mia sat down, stunned. “Victor Sterling? The name sounds familiar. Is he the same one who’s always in the news?”
Ella nodded. “Yes, that’s him. Apparently, my grandfather made a promise to him years ago. I don’t know much more than that.”
Mia stared at the envelope, then at Ella. “You don’t know anything about this guy? No background, no clue about his personality?”
Ella shook her head. “Nothing. Just that he’s wealthy and powerful. He came by today, and he seemed… calm and composed, but I couldn’t read him well.”
Mia frowned. “This sounds like a setup for a soap opera. You’re supposed to marry a stranger because of a promise made years ago?”
“I know,” Ella said, frustration evident in her tone. “It feels like my whole life has been turned upside down. I need to figure out what to do next.”
Mia took a deep breath, trying to process the information. “Have you thought about meeting him again? Maybe get to know him a little before making any decisions?”
Ella sighed. “I guess that’s the logical thing to do. I just don’t know where to start.”
Mia stood up and placed a comforting hand on Ella’s shoulder. “You’re not alone in this. I’ll help you however I can. Let’s find out more about Victor Sterling and what this marriage really means.”
Ella appreciated Mia’s support. “Thank you. I feel overwhelmed right now, but having someone to talk to helps.”
The following day, Ella decided to take Mia’s advice. She arranged a meeting with Victor Sterling to discuss the contract further. The meeting was scheduled at Victor’s sleek, modern office—a stark contrast to Ella’s humble apartment.
As Ella walked into the building, she was struck by the grandeur of the lobby. Marble floors, high ceilings, and a striking chandelier set the tone for the luxurious world she was about to enter. She approached the reception desk, her nerves on edge.
“Ms. Harper, Mr. Sterling is expecting you,” the receptionist said with a polite smile. “Please take the elevator to the top floor.”
Ella nodded, her hands clammy as she rode the elevator up. The doors opened to a plush office, where Victor was waiting behind a large mahogany desk. His presence was as commanding as it was soothing.
“Ella, welcome,” Victor said, rising to greet her. “Please, have a seat.”
Ella sat down, trying to keep her composure. “Thank you for meeting with me again.”
Victor smiled gently. “Of course. I understand this must be a lot to take in. What can I do to help?”
Ella took a deep breath. “I want to understand more about this contract and what it means for both of us. I need to know what I’m getting into.”
Victor nodded. “That’s entirely reasonable. The contract was made out of gratitude and respect for your grandfather. It involves a promise of marriage, but I want you to know that I am here to answer any questions you have and make this as clear as possible.”
Ella glanced around the opulent office, feeling out of place. “I’ve heard you’re a powerful CEO. What’s your role in this? How did this promise come about?”
Victor leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. “My company, Sterling Enterprises, is one of the largest in the world. Your grandfather saved my life during a dangerous situation many years ago. In return, I agreed to a promise to marry his descendant when the time came. It was a pact made out of honor and debt.”
Ella frowned. “Why was this promise kept from me? Why didn’t my grandfather tell me about it?”
Victor’s expression softened. “Your grandfather wanted to shield you from this burden. He hoped that you would have a normal life and that, when the time came, we could handle this matter with as much dignity as possible.”
Ella nodded, though she still felt unsettled. “And what does this marriage mean for me? What are your expectations?”
Victor’s tone became more earnest. “My expectations are simple: respect, honesty, and a partnership. This marriage is not just a formality; it’s a commitment to ensure that your grandfather’s legacy is honored. However, I am open to discussing the terms and making sure that it works for both of us.”
Ella considered his words carefully. “I need some time to think this over. This is a big decision, and I want to be sure it’s the right one.”
Victor nodded understandingly. “Take all the time you need. I’ll provide you with all the information you need and answer any further questions you may have.”
Ella stood, feeling a mix of relief and continued uncertainty. “Thank you for your understanding. I’ll be in touch soon.”
As she left the office, she felt a small glimmer of clarity amidst the confusion. The meeting had provided some answers, but many questions remained. Ella knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but with Mia’s support and Victor’s willingness to communicate, she hoped to navigate the complexities of her new reality.