Chapter 3 - The Mother Who Wanted Everything
Margaret arrived at the bridal suite without knocking.
Caroline was surrounded by flowers, makeup artists, and bridesmaids.
Margaret walked directly toward her.
“You look beautiful.”
Caroline smiled.
“Thank you.”
Margaret touched the veil.
“This was expensive.”
“Yes.”
“Michael paid for it?”
“No. I did.”
Margaret's smile tightened.
“I see.”
She looked around.
“You know, Caroline, being part of this family comes with responsibilities.”
Caroline met her eyes in the mirror.
“What kind?”
“Loyalty.”
“To Michael?”
“To all of us.”
Caroline turned.
“Of course.”
Margaret sat down.
“You're marrying into a very powerful family.”
“I know.”
“And powerful families protect their assets.”
Caroline's expression remained neutral.
Margaret continued.
“You should understand that marriage isn't just about feelings.”
Caroline almost laughed.
“That's true.”
Margaret smiled.
“I knew you'd understand.”
Then she handed Caroline a document.
“Michael wants you to sign this before the ceremony.”
Caroline looked at it.
“What is it?”
“An administrative form.”
Caroline remembered Grace's warning.
She didn't open it.
“I'll have my attorney review it.”
Margaret's smile vanished.
“Your attorney?”
“Yes.”
“Why do you need an attorney for a family document?”
“Because that's what attorneys are for.”
Margaret stood.
“You're making this unnecessarily difficult.”
Caroline looked at her.
“Maybe.”
Margaret leaned closer.
“Let me give you some advice.”
Caroline waited.
“Do not embarrass my son.”
Caroline's heart beat harder.
“I wouldn't.”
“You'd be surprised how quickly a marriage can become complicated.”
Margaret walked toward the door.
Before leaving, she turned.
“One more thing.”
Caroline looked at her.
“Once you become a Harper, certain things will no longer be yours alone.”
The door closed.
Caroline stared at it.
Then Grace entered.
“What happened?”
Caroline handed her the document.
Grace read it.
Her expression changed.
“What is it?”
Grace looked up.
“A transfer authorization.”
Caroline's voice became quiet.
“For the apartment?”
“No.”
Grace turned the page.
“For your investment account.”
Caroline froze.
“They're trying to take that too?”
Grace nodded.
“And there's something else.”
“What?”
“This document contains a clause referring to another agreement.”
“What agreement?”
Grace looked at Caroline.
“The one Michael has been hiding.”
Caroline's eyes narrowed.
“Can we get it?”
“I already have someone looking.”
“How long?”
Grace glanced at the clock.
“Not long.”
Caroline sat down.
“Because I'm getting married in a few hours.”
Grace placed the document into her folder.
“Exactly.”
Outside the suite, wedding music began.
Guests were arriving.
Champagne was being poured.
Photographers were taking pictures.
Everyone believed the story was beginning.
Caroline knew better.
May you like
Something was already ending.
And she still didn't know what Michael believed he had secured by marrying her.
