The Contract Scheme

There are people I don't quite recognize at Dad's funeral. They look like moguls and tycoons , dressed in silk black , with bodyguards around them. One would think this is the burial of the Mafia. But then, Dad could have been Mafia. Who knows?

"Rachel," I turn around and see Mum walking up to me. "We have to head home soon. The reading of the will will be taking place."

"Can't it be done tomorrow?" How do you read a dead person's will the same day you bury them?

"No, Rachel. It has to be done today. "

"I'll meet you at home. " She looks at me for a lingering second before moving on. I want to see if I can strike up a conversation with any of these people. Maybe attract a business collaboration.

A small smile spreads across my face. I'd just buried my dad in less than ten minutes, and I'm already thinking of striking a deal. Oh well. He wired me that way.

I see one of them walking up to me - Dad's friend , Mr. Westwood.

"Rachel," he smiles. "How do you do?"

"I'm very well, thank you. How do you do?" I reply , as politely as I can.

"I'm alright. Where's your mother?"

"Oh, she's just gone home."

"The poor thing. Is she okay? Make sure you take care of her , " he says with a sympathetic expression on his face -one I don't find irritating, unlike the others.

"Yes, sir, I will."

"If you ever need anything, feel free to come to me, okay?"

"Okay, sir."

"Alright now. I'll be on my way," he says as he gives me a light, fatherly pat on the back and walks back to his car.

Oh well. I guess it's time to head back home.

Once Jason pulls into the driveway, I start to feel nervous. I wonder what could be in that will. I enter the house and see Mum, Aunt Vera, and Aunt Lillian - Dad's sisters ; Collins, Jude, Stephanie, and Rina - my cousins ; lots of other family members whose names I' ve forgotten ; and Dad's lawyer, present to hear Dad's will concerning his properties.

They all stare at me, but I don't care. I greet Mum and walk past the rest of them to take a seat.

"Mr. Raymond?" Mum breaks the silence. "You can go on now, please. "

"Thank you, Mrs. Hartley."

He starts reading out the will, but I'm not even paying attention. I'm soaking up everybody's expressions .

"...and to my only daughter, Rachel Hartley," Mr. Raymond's voice echoes my name, pulling me back to the present. "I bequeath Hartley Holdings, on the condition that she weds within two weeks of this being read. Should she fail to marry within the stipulated time, the company shall be given to my first nephew, Collins."

My mouth goes dry.

I can feel the air tighten around me. It's as if everyone else