Love Me Like I Love You

by Willow Winters

  Fitz taps on the table and says, “We found our first roadblock. I won’t lie to you. It’s not looking good. In order to break this agreement, the parties have to live in the same place for at least three months to demonstrate they aren’t compatible.”

  “I thought he had to pay ten million,” Pierce interjects and then starts scanning the document faster. “Do you know if my fucking brother read this before he signed?”

  I’m numbed, but this isn’t the first time I’ve worked on autopilot. “Not to my knowledge. Honestly, I knew about it, but I never read it either.”

  Why would I care? It’s his life, at least it only affected his life until now. Who knew it’s unavoidable and it might break me forever?

  “My guess is he didn’t care because his grandfather made all the decisions for him,” Fitz answers. “I wasn’t their lawyer at the time they prepared this, but I can tell you that Cyril hated when anyone questioned him, including Henry. Whatever he said was law. I can see twenty-two-year-old Henry signing this contract saying, ‘Fuck it. I’ll fix it later.’”

  “Well, he never did,” Pierce says, taking a deep breath. “Do we have a contingency plan?”

  I clutch my arms around my body and ask, “Why? Is there more?”

  “This fucking contract doesn’t give him many options to terminate it, and it screws him pretty bad if he doesn’t end it properly.”

  “How bad?” I swallow the big knot forming in my throat.

  “He could potentially lose Merkel to the Edelsteins.”

  “No,” I blurt. “He’s not losing it. Why are rich people so…so—"

  “Fucking arrogant?” Fitz answers. “Not all of us are, but…there are a lot of exceptions.”

  It occurs to me that Henry wouldn’t just lose to the house, and he’s a lot like his grandfather. There has to be something that can get him out of this mess. “Would the Edelsteins lose their company if it’s the other way around?”

  “Yes. Look deep, because there might be something to our advantage. Cyril wouldn’t just make this equally fair. He always played an angle,” Fitz responds.

  “We can fight this by claiming it was signed without the proper legal representation?” I say, grasping for straws.

  “Yes, but my brother is going to sound like an idiot, and while we get this invalidated, he has to play the part. Parrish is claiming that legally, she should be living with us because according to this paper, they have a serious relationship.”

  “They don’t, but you’re right,” I say frustrated with this new turn of events, because no matter what we do, “He’s going to try to claim that we omitted this information and argue that we didn’t follow the stipulations as required.”

  Leyla looks at Pierce. “You can’t let him do that. These people, they don’t have any place to go if we…”

  “Hey, I got this. The town will be safe,” Pierce says, placing his hand on top of hers. “Trust me. Okay, Lei?”

  She nods a couple of times.

  “That doesn’t mean I can’t keep her away from your man, Sophia,” he says. “While I figure out this part, she might have to stay with us to avoid forfeiting the inheritance”

  “In the house?” I swallow.

  There are only eight rooms in the mansion. Yes, I’m sure it doesn’t sound like a small property, but when you have nine adults and a toddler living in one house, there isn’t enough space. I’d know. I’ve stayed there every night for the past month. Where is she going to stay?

  “Can she stay somewhere else?”

  He gives me a sad glance and shrugs. “We can try to negotiate, but I can’t make any promises, sweetheart.”

  Henry

  “Why am I not surprised to see you in the middle of this fucking storm, Mr. Parrish.” You fuckin’ creep.

  “I’m going to kill you,” Blaire mumbles in my ear as she’s making her way toward the main door. “I’m heading to the office, but call if you need me. As usual, it was unpleasant to see you, Mr. Parrish.”

  “If all goes as I predict, I’ll be seeing you soon to deliver the check with Mr. Aldridge’s donation.”

  Blaire glares at me and says, “Fix this!”

  I’m about to ask where everyone else is when I hear voices coming from the living room. Vance and Hayes chat with a woman who sits on the couch. I assume that is Martina.

  “They found you,” Hayes says.

  “Of course. I was at the office,” I answer and turn my attention toward Martina.

  She hasn’t changed much since the last time I saw her during my grandfather’s funeral. She and her family were there to show their support. She’s tall, slim, and the highlights in her brown hair make her look almost blonde.

  “Henry, dear,” she says, smiling politely. “My lawyer has been trying to reach you for ages. We’re still confused as to who represents you these days. I’m grateful that I got ahold of Mr. Parrish. Your father recommended him when he summoned me.”

  “William?” I ask, and Hayes’s head turns in her direction, his eyes bulging. “When did you see him?”

  “January?” She waves her hand as if it doesn’t matter when or how that happened. “He was an acquaintance of my father and wanted to meet me in case he wouldn’t make it. I’m sorry for your loss. I’d have reached out if I had learned earlier.”

  It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her that the announcement was made public. Sophia took care of those small details.

  “Your father was lovely, and handsome just like all of you. I had no idea you…well, you have brothers.”

  Hayes and I look at each other. We have so many questions, and I bet he feels played just like I do. If we manage to dodge this one, there has to be more shit coming our way. We have to be ready. But he only says, “It’ll be fine,” as he squeezes my shoulder reassuringly. “If you need us, we’re going to be outside.”

  Translation, he’s not pissed, and I got his full support. My chest loosens up a bit. No matter what happens, my family is backing me.

  “To what do I owe you this visit?”

  “I’m getting mixed signals, Henry, and Daddy is concerned about my future. It’s in my best interest to go to the root and make sacrifices if that’s what is needed.”

  Her reply isn’t what I expect. What sacrifices? What… “Mixed signals?” I ask, but I want to say, “Let’s break this arrangement” is pretty self-explanatory.

  “Well, yes. First your father asks me to see him just to meet the future mother of his grandchild, and then you’re asking to dissolve our agreement?” She clutches the necklace she wears and says, “It’s pretty stressful, and what with my birthday coming up and all the preparations I have to make for the wedding?

  “Mr. Parrish here was telling me that you can’t get out of this town. You should’ve thought about that before you moved in here. We reserved the Natural History Museum years ago. I can’t just cancel it to marry…here.”

  “There are a lot of details you two have to resolve. The one detail I’m interested in is your living arrangements,” Parrish jumps in immediately. “This is a serious relationship, which means—”

  “This is a business transaction my grandfather set up when I was twenty-two. Unfortunately, I dismissed it and never thought about it until I moved into this town,” I lie because really I thought about it when I realized I am in love with Sophia.

  “As Ms. Edelstein explained, I contacted her to resolve this matter immediately, but there’s been a lack of communication between parties. My future is in this town. I see how you could try to twist this into one of William’s stipulations because you can’t seem to believe that we’re here to stay, or you want to see us fail. However, I wouldn’t drag a person who I barely know into this mess when my intentions aren’t the same as the ones my grandfather envisioned.”

  He stares at me speechless.

  “Mr. Parrish, I’m sure you’re just trying to do your job, even at times like today when it seems like you’re trying to fuck with us. If you don
’t mind, I’m going to solve this problem directly with Ms. Edelstein.”

  “Since Daddy told me to take charge, I stopped using the family lawyer and hired Mr. Parrish to be my attorney,” she explains. “He’s the one who suggested this visit as soon as I explained my dilemma.”

  Of course, he did. Asshole.

  I groan and say, “Call my lawyer, Mr. Parrish. I have nothing to say to you.”

  “I won’t leave the town until this is resolved.”

  “Just a reminder, you’ve been banished from The Lodge by Blaire. There is a bed & breakfast in Happy Springs. Enjoy it before I buy it and well…you’d be listed as a persona non-grata in there too.”

  He glares at me and then looks at Martina. “We’ll have this solved in a matter of days. Don’t worry.”

  “I trust you,” she says and then looks at me. “My bags are in the rental car. Have your maids take them to my room. I’d like to have dinner early. I’m not used to this time zone.”

  “Why are you here?” I ask. “This is very simple. I rescind the contract, you receive the money, and we’re done with each other.”

  My phone buzzes, and I check it immediately hoping for good news.

  Pierce: Did you ever read this contract?

  Henry: Once, like fourteen years ago.

  Pierce: You’re screwed. You can’t just pay her. There’s a trial period you have to go through before that can happen.

  I look up at her and then at the phone.

  Henry: You are kidding, right?

  Pierce: No, we’re on our way to the house.

  Henry: Is Soph coming?

  Pierce: No. She claims to have work to do, but I think she’s freaking out.

  “Henry, you’re lovely. A gentleman, unlike many men in our circle. I’m here because this is my future. The future my father secured for me when I was a teenager. I’d marry at thirty-two, have a child at thirty-three, and have financial security for the rest of my life. Ten million won’t buy me anything more than an apartment in Soho if I’m lucky. If you had sent me that ridiculous request ten years ago, I might’ve negotiated it and have my father secure me another suitor. Now, there’s no way I’m letting go of what my father worked so hard to get for me. You won’t get rid of me that easily.”

  She pulls out her keys. “Now get the servants to do something useful.”

  I stare at her hand and chuckle. “We don’t have servants, but I’ll make sure to have my sister-in-law add you to the chore board if you have to stay in the house. I can’t wait to see you feed the animals.”

  Thank fuck Pierce enters the house before she can speak. He looks at her and says, “At least your grandfather had good taste.”

  “Pierce,” I warn him. “What did you find?”

  “I assume you are his brother too?”

  “Pierce Aldridge,” he says, extending his hand. “One of seven and the guy who’ll be helping you crazy children get out of this mess.”

  “I don’t want to get out. I want to make sure we amend the current agreement. As I explained to Henry, this is my future. Nothing and no one will change my mind.”

  She leaves the house without saying another word.

  “Tell me what you found. You can crack any jokes later.”

  “You must cohabitate with her for the next three months in order to prove that you aren’t compatible.”

  I’m fucked. “She can say that we are. Didn’t you see her saying that this is her financial security?”

  “It’s not a ‘your word against hers’ kind of situation, actually. You have to live with her, go to a marriage counselor and show in good faith that you tried hard. If at the end you say that this didn’t work, it doesn’t matter what she says. You pay the money, and it’s over.”

  “There’s no other way out?”

  He shakes his head. “No, it’s pretty solid. I sent it to a colleague of mine in Colorado, and she agreed with our assessment. You signed this in your right mind, there were witnesses, and trying to do anything else will just eat the little time you have to get this contract overturned.”

  I narrow my gaze, swallow the orange size knot forming in my throat and ask, “Time?”

  “You have until the first week of August to contest it and start your free trial, which might be something she isn’t counting on. No offense, but I think you, children, just signed shit and obeyed like idiots.”

  As I’m about to tell him he’s wrong, I decide to keep my mouth shut. What’s the point of arguing when he’s right?

  He rolls his eyes. “Rich kids.”

  “What’s the plan then?”

  “Jump on the wagon and start playing house with your betrothed. This might be a blessing in disguise.”

  My head pounds because this isn’t what I wanted. “Soph?”

  He gives me a sad look and says, “I’m sorry, man.” He pats my back. “The prenup applies to this trial. You have to end things with her.”

  “Can you give me a summary of the prenup?”

  He nods. “The usual: no cheating, separate accounts, her monthly allowance—”

  “Wait, I have to give her a monthly allowance?”

  He nods. “Fifteen thousand dollars, plus provide housing, and the required accommodations to keep her happy. If not, you can lose a shit ton of money.”

  “What if I say ‘fuck it’ right now?”

  When he tells me I lose Merkel, I don’t give a shit about my legacy. I’m ready to let everything go. I march out of the house.

  “Aren’t you going to help me with my things?”

  “No, I have something to do. I’ll come back later and have my brother fly you back to Portland.”

  The sun shines, but it feels like a cold damp day. The overcast of what can happen is on top of me. My body feels heavy. I fight the weight of the world and hurry to Sophie’s house. We have to talk. This decision can’t be taken lightly, but I can’t lose her.

  When I enter, Fitz is in the kitchen pouring wine in glasses. Leyla, Blaire, and Sophia are in the living room.

  “We can poison him slowly, no one will notice,” Blaire suggests.

  “Ladies, I can’t be listening to this,” Fitz warns them, “Or I won’t be able to defend you if you get caught. However, one of my brothers is a former Ranger, and he owes me a couple of favors. I might be able to persuade him to shoot him by accident.”

  “Hey,” I greet her.

  She looks at me and smiles. “Don’t say it.”

  “We have an option,” I offer.

  “Don’t. Please don’t even offer me to be your dirty secret,” she says enraged.

  “I’d never do that, Soph. But this is wrong!”

  This moment feels like the last I’ll spend on this earth. Like my own death. I’d do anything, except lose her.

  “I can’t live without you for three months. I’ll give them Merkel. I don’t give a fuck.”

  “I do,” she says. “It’s not just a possession. It is a family business, and all those employees are our responsibility. You can’t possibly think that handing the company to those people is right. They aren't going to take care of our personnel the way we do.”

  “Soph,” I say, trying to say something palpable to argue with her.

  “Don’t see it as a simple financial loss. See the people who might suffer because of one selfish decision.”

  “What am I supposed to do without you?”

  “For the next three months, you’ll get to know her and make sure she’s not the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with,” she answers.

  “Just like that. You’re telling me this is over and to give her a try. You don’t care if I fall in love with her?”

  “I do and I don’t,” she answers. “I care because it’ll mean it’s really over between us. I don’t care because in the end, if you fall for her it means us was never real. Us was your first time letting yourself feel, and that’s good.”

  “You can’t possibly believe that. You’re just saying tha
t because you’re afraid I’m just like the other guys you dated before. That I’ll leave. I’ll never leave you, and that’s a promise,” I argue, trying not to lash at her. “I have to do this because you’re right. I can’t let our people down. I’m not leaving you. Trust me, please.”

  “Please don’t. Don’t ask me to trust you and wait for you, not when I have the short end of the stick.”

  “You’re right. I…we’re still working together, aren’t we?”

  She nods.

  “Leave,” Blaire requests softly.

  “I love you, Sophie.”

  When I’m out, I’m numbed, filled with a pain I’ve never felt before. I’m not losing her, but why does it feel as if I might never see her again? I walk without any direction, but when I stop, I find myself in front of William’s grave.

  “I want to blame you, but this one is on me because I gave no fucks about this arrangement. I always thought everything could be fixed with money. That’s what I learned from Cyril, Mom, and you. I can’t fix the face of the woman I love. I can’t take away her pain. Nothing will erase the hurt I saw just a few minutes ago. I can’t promise her anything because I’m in no position to say shit. What am I supposed to do now?

  “Months ago, this wouldn’t have bothered me. In fact, I might be willing to just sign the marriage certificate and get the nightmare over with, but I want to be married to my best friend. To my dream. Hold on to the one miracle that has happened in my life. You wouldn’t understand, William. You never met a woman you could love enough to give up everything for.”

  “He loved,” I hear a voice, and when I look, it’s Jerome Parrish. “But you’re right, not enough to give up what he owned.”

  I stare at him, studying the man who’s been nothing but a fucking prick and a pain in the ass for the past few months. “I thought you weren’t his friend.”

  “I wasn’t, but I can tell you that he was once a different person from the man you knew. It doesn’t help your situation. I realize you see me as the antagonist of his twisted testament. Sadly, I’m just the messenger and nothing more. In my opinion, you should’ve looked into this agreement before you signed it. You should’ve been more responsible for your future. Did you know William let your grandfather dictate his future?”