My name is Dr. Allison May, a medical professional with years of experience. Approximately five years ago, my grandfather brought a young man named Chuck Wallen into our home. He explained to my mother and me that Chuck would be living with us, as he had no place to call home. Chuck was an orphan who had been living with his aunt, who passed away from cancer. Initially, my mother and I paid little attention to him; to us, he was just another face, a person without a wealthy background, and we did not see him as our concern, especially given his orphan status.
Over time, my grandfather arranged for Chuck to learn to drive. Having recently completed his university education without securing employment, my grandfather believed it would benefit Chuck to serve as the family's driver while he sought suitable job opportunities. For my mother and me, life went on as usual, as long as Chuck did not intrude on our affairs. In fact, my grandfather held a deep affection for Chuck, so much so that we speculated he might eventually become the heir of our family.
The situation took an unexpected turn during one evening's dinner. As we enjoyed our meal, my grandfather made a proclamation that left both my mother and me bewildered. He announced that he had made arrangements for Chuck and me to get married. The idea seemed unfathomable; who would want to marry someone like Chuck, who had so little and no family to speak of? I found myself questioning my grandfather's judgment—was he serious, or had age caused him to lose touch with reality?
As I absorbed my grandfather's words, I realized that my mother was equally taken aback. "Dad," she interjected, "how could you even suggest such a thing? Can't you see how beautiful your granddaughter is? Not only is she a doctor at a reputable hospital, but how can you expect her to marry a driver with nothing to offer aside from his looks?" Tensions escalated at the dinner table. My grandfather, visibly frustrated, slammed his hands on the table and reiterated that this was not merely a suggestion; he had already made up his mind, and this was how it would be.
I have given this considerable thought. Chuck is an exceptionally diligent young man, and I wish for him to become my grandson-in-law. I have made my stance clear: my word is final in this household. Anyone who dares to oppose my wishes should be prepared to leave and not return.
Today, I found myself wondering what has come over my grandfather. Is he genuinely going to compel me to marry someone I do not even like, let alone love? Should I consider distancing myself from this family?
"But Grandfather," I interjected, refusing to acquiesce without a fight. "How can you insist that I marry someone I have no feelings for? Shouldn't love be more than just a mere relationship? It is a fundamental state of being." I continued, "Humans are akin to trees; they require roots to thrive. Without roots, one amounts to nothing. If you persist in this argument, I will sever those roots, leaving you with nothing."
At that point, he turned to Chuck, who remained composed and silent, akin to a saint. "Chuck, my boy," he said, "within you lies a sanctuary where you can retreat and discover your true self. Make me proud." Despite my efforts to oppose his decision, I found it futile as he threatened to bequeath everything to Chuck if we did not comply with his demands.
My mother, unwilling to see Chuck inherit everything, pulled me aside and advised me to yield to my grandfather for the time being. "My child," she said, "I understand that marrying someone like Chuck is not easy for you. However, if we do not concur with your grandfather, we could lose everything. Just trust me: marry him now, and once your grandfather passes, you can divorce him." "Mother! How can you speak of my grandfather's death so casually?" I questioned.
"Do you have any other options?" she replied. Though it was difficult for me, I had no choice but to submit and marry him.
One year later, as we believed that things were progressing well, we were taken aback when my grandfather proposed another outrageous idea that shocked us all, including my arranged husband.
"As you all know, I am aging day by day. I do not wish to leave this world without having held a grandchild from the next generation. The two of you, I'm unsure what you are waiting for, but I want to cradle your child before I die." We initially thought my grandfather was joking, but he repeatedly expressed this intention, leading us to realize he was serious.
I once again found myself compelled to act against my will, often reflecting on my wishes to be free from the constraints of my family. Confronting my grandfather, I questioned, "What have I done to deserve this? Do you truly care for me as your granddaughter?" He had initially coerced me into marrying someone I did not love, and now he was imposing the expectation of having a child with him. Truly, isn't this crossing a line?
My grandfather, a domineering figure, commanded obedience; I felt I had no choice but to comply with his demands. It did not take long for me to conceive with my husband, despite my reservations. After a year, I gave birth to a son who bore a striking resemblance to his father. My grandfather's happiness over the birth led him to reward me with a BMW X6, a gift I had long anticipated.
Tragically, my grandfather soon fell ill and subsequently passed away. Although his actions had often caused me distress, his death weighed heavily on my heart. Even with the prospect of liberation from my marriage, I found it difficult to wish for his demise.
Following his passing, I began to pursue a divorce from my husband. My mother and I endeavored to navigate the process, but our efforts proved to be challenging. It was during this time that I encountered a young and affluent man who professed his love for me instantly.
While attending to my patients at the clinic, I was approached by this young man alongside an older gentleman. After tending to the elder, the younger man returned, introduced himself, and expressed his affection for me. We later shared dinner, during which I confided in him about my circumstances. He offered to assist me in securing a divorce on the condition that I would become his girlfriend. Given his charm and good looks, I found myself agreeable to his terms.
A few days later, I told my arranged husband that I would be working late, when in reality, I planned to spend the evening with Louis, my new acquaintance.
Everything went according to plan; Louis successfully obtained the signed divorce papers, which I completed and awaited my husband's signature for the next morning. Following this, Louis suggested a plan involving the kidnapping of Chuck after we finalized the paperwork, a scheme that unfolded just as we had plotted.
The following morning, I managed to have my husband sign the papers. Despite his hesitations, he ultimately complied and exited the premises as instructed. With his departure, we believed the matter settled until an unexpected encounter at a meeting where I was to be promoted brought him back into my life. He appeared more handsome than ever, flanked by four bodyguards and accompanied by an exceptionally attractive woman and an elderly gentleman whose demeanor indicated that he was not just an ordinary person, but a man of considerable wealth.