Book 2: Chapter 80

Martina was in disbelief as she stared at Antonio. Her mind raced, trying to reconcile what he was saying with everything she had been told before. Mr. Hendrick never mentioned anything about needing to remain married for a year. 

She had been under the impression that their marriage was a necessary but temporary measure, one that could be dissolved once the inheritance was secured. The revelation that she might be trapped in this marriage for an entire year was like a punch to the gut.

"Antonio," Martina began, her voice shaky but firm, "Mr. Hendrick never mentioned any of this to me. Are you sure about this?"

Antonio cursed silently under his breath, the frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. Hendrick, you fool, he thought bitterly. Two days ago, Antonio had visited Hendrick to inform him that he wanted him to call Martina and inform her that the will required a year-long marriage for the inheritance to be fully secured, a complete fabrication of c