CHAPTER 35: GREGOR’S WILL PART 1

Braelyn’s POV

I could not believe we got that close. When I remembered images of how reckless I had been the night before, I felt like crying into my pillow. How was I going to face him now after saying all that stuff about being family?

If he hadn’t stopped me, lost in the moment, we might have gone through with it and even raw. Raphael was right, he was dangerous, more dangerous than I thought.

A heavy weight stayed on my chest, a lingering thought that was driving me crazy. What was the difference between Raphael and me? I questioned my principles, but then again, this marriage had already lost its sacredness.

The only reason Raphael and I were still together was because of Dad’s will. If I insist on divorcing, the consequences would be on me.

6 years more, could I survive that long? Today was a very important day for the Volkov family, and once again, I had to face them, not just that family, but Lucien.

I drew in a deep breath before I pushed the door leading to Gregor’s office. He has insisted on the will being read here.

The creaking sound of the door all drew their attention, their eyes were filled with expectant gaze which quickly dulled.

"Tch, I thought it was the lawyer." Olivia clicked her tongue, not bothering to hide her disdain. The rest didn’t bother about me except Ronan, who still acted civilly as my father-in-law.

"Good morning father and mother. I hope you had a lovely night." I chimed, extending my greetings. Ronan smiled politely.

"Good morning Braelyn. Our night was fine." He replied with a reassuring smile before asking me some random questions about my welfare. Natalia chirped in occasionally but I could still see she was upset about the last Amelia incident.

.

"I’m glad you are doing well. You left us worried yesterday after you disappeared." She chimed in. It was a harmless statement on the surface, but she was reminding everyone of the fact that I skipped the funeral.

Ronan frowned, but I didn’t take her words to heart. Yesterday I acted a bit recklessly and accepted the fact that I should not have skipped the funeral.

"I’m sorry for leaving on short notice, but I wasn’t feeling too well." I gave a harmless excuse before taking my seat in the lounge area.

Almost everyone was here aside from the young men of the family. Ronan and Natalia were rather calm, as the eldest son he was sure of having a good amount of assets. Olivia was a bit nervous not just because she was the only daughter.

Rumours had it that Gregor and his daughter’s relationship turned sour when he had a mistress younger than she was. Considering the story from Olivia’s side, her dislike of Lucien was understandable.

He was the fruit of her mother’s biggest betrayal. She watched her mother suffer in disperse while Lucien was favoured by Gregor.

Because of the circumstances of his birth, Lucien also suffered; he was hated by the entire family from birth. The entire story was messed up ..

"How long will it take the lawyer to arrive?" Olivia hissed irritated. Natalia spoke up.

"Please be patient Olivia. He is running a few minutes late, and besides, he won’t start until all the parties to the will are present." Natalia patiently explained. Olivia snorted and muttered something about a particular rascal that always came late

Soft whispers drifted around the room, and my attention was drawn to my screen, which lit up with a text notification.

Genny: I will be returning soon. When will you be returning from the funeral?

It was my best friend Genevieve. I smiled and replied immediately. My fingers are rapidly tapping the screen

Lynn: The ceremony is done, hopefully, if nothing unexpected happens, I will be back soon.

As soon as the message was sent, the door creaked open, I looked over again, my brows furrowed as my gaze fell on Raphael. I hadn’t seen him since last night, he didn’t return to the room.

"Good morning, sorry for arriving late." He apologised as he strode in. Natalia gasped, her face was etched with worry.

"Didn’t you have any rest last night? You look awful." She pointed out the disturbing dark circles he had under his eyes. I had also noticed them.

Was he up all night because he was worried about Amelia? I scoffed at the thought. Raphael chuckled, rubbing his head.

A part of me wanted to care, another part hated myself for it.

"It’s nothing. Something urgent came up at work which I had to handle overnight." He explained sheepishly. My gut told me he was lying. His welfare had nothing to do with me.

If he dies that might work to my advantage. Weirdly that thought sounded pleasing.

Natalia and his sister Natasha nagged him about his workaholic nature. I ignored them naturally.

. "How could you let him overwork himself, Braelyn?" Natasha called me out. My lips twitched before I could retort, Raphael chirped in.

"This has nothing to do with her. It was urgent work; last night was taxing on everyone." I narrowed my eyes on him. Something was suspicious about him.

Raphael smoothed things over and then took a seat beside me. His hand naturally reached out for me. Instinctively, I wanted to yank away, but I could only stop the urge when Raphael gave me a warning look.

"Why are you sitting here?" I grumbled keeping my voice low but loud enough for him to hear. He kept a straight face as he replied.

"Where else will I sit?" He retorted and I scoffed at him.

There was a soft knock on the door followed by the butler’s voice. "Mr Walters has arrived." Everyone tensed up on the arrival of the lawyer

Mr Walters walked into the study with a briefcase in his hand and a stern expression which said: I’m here for busy only.

"Good morning everyone." He greeted the room before moving to the seat reserved for him. Their attention was all focused on him, curious about their portion of the Volkov wealth Gregor had left for them.

Walter cleared his throat before he spoke again. "I can see almost everyone is here aside from the youngest son. We will have to hold on. Everyone has to be present before the will can be read." He stated.

Olivia’s face scrunched up. "It must always be that bastard. Why can’t we just go ahead? I doubt he would show up." She grumbled and was instantly cut off by Ronan.

"Mind your words. This isn’t the place." He cautioned before adding. "We will wait for Lucien as intended." His words had authority.

Olivia wasn’t settled. "What if he doesn’t show up? That boy..."

"That boy what?" A calm voice cut her drawing everyone’s attention to Lucien who arrived fashionably late. "I didn’t know a day would come

when you would be dying for my arrival, dear big sister." He sneered.