Chapter 3 : the deal

A girl with short, black hair approached carrying a tray with cups of tea, a small saucer of sugar and chocolate biscuits.

She trembled for a moment, holding the tray steady before the strange look of a young man. He was afraid of creating an embarrassing scene before the unexpected visit.

The young man winced at his mother's strong pinch.

Gerald Young came down to greet them. He had washed his face and adjusted his tie. It had been decades since the Young mansion had visitors, least of all with someone asking for the hand of a family member.

He shook hands with the visitors.

A young man with pale skin, black hair, slicked back short. He was wearing a blue suit, with a red tie and black shoes. He wore a gold lion brooch in the pocket of his suit, along with an orange handkerchief. He was perfectly shaven. He was five feet sixty, his mother being taller than him. She was wearing a white suit and red high heels. Her blond hair was pulled back very tight. His roots were black, a sign that he was dying, as were his fine dark eyebrows. Her skin was very pale, her eyes blue, and her lips thick and red. She did not appear to be over fifty and looked well preserved. Virginia would feel a great envy if she saw her, if she didn't look as tidy, slender and thin as her.

- I invite you to sit down.

The three of them sat in green armchairs, with gold decorations. The hall was very white, with a chandelier hanging above it. The walls were decorated with pictures of all the members of the Young family, displaying clothing from different eras. The only one missing was Sophie, the youngest of the Youngs.

-I am very sorry that we bothered you at this time, and in this way, without prior notice - the young man apologized- My name is Albert Blake.

- I am Caroline, widow of Blake.- she introduced herself.

-With a widow, I imagine you don't have to have a father. - He commented, before that name.

- Lorcan Blake, he was not my father, but I loved him as such. We are bound by a bond stronger than blood and genes, and he has legally recognized me as his son.

-I'm very sorry - Gerald asked, acknowledging that he spoke too quickly.

- There is no doubt that - Caroline took the floor - he was the best man I ever knew. It was wonderful- he fixed his eyes for a moment.- He must rest in peace, in glory with God. Let us remember the past with affection, our deceased loved ones.

Gerald did the same, thinking of his son Robert.

- Now let's think about the future- Caroline resumed- I know that the reason for our visit will surprise us, we ask for the hand of her granddaughter Sophie.

- I don't know what they have in mind, my answer is no.- Gerald flatly refused. He lost all manners until then, he looked them straight in the eye, like an enraged bull. - Speak now, what is behind all this circus of yours?

She knew that Sophie Young's life was a gossip in the village. They called her the prison maiden, Rapunzel and the freak. His name was accompanied by comments of mockery and pity. Even within the same mansion, the same words could be heard.

- I will not give my beloved granddaughter to a guy like you. They want to make fun of my granddaughter! They think they can play with Sophie, because she is sick and that is why the external world of the tower is her enemy! Get out of my house, intruders! - He shouted at them. His face was red, and he spat on their feet.

Calm down, Mr. Young. - half Caroline.

- We know that Sophie is not locked in the tower for whatever reason. It is something very serious and it affects not only her but also many other people who unfortunately do not have enough financial resources to create a bubble that you call a tower. Albert said calmly. -He suffers from a disease, in which his immune system is very weak and any disease he catches can mean his death. If I or my mother get wet on a cold night of rain and lightning, we catch a cold. We'll spend a few days in bed and recover like nothing happened. Sophie, on the other hand, can fall into bed and never get up. Your immune system does not develop the defense cells to defend your body from harmful viruses and bacteria. Something similar happens if it is a fall or a blow. Their regenerating cells of skin, cartilage, muscles and etcetera do not work in the same way as me or anyone else to heal.

-Well- Gerald applauded sarcastically- I would have used better terms. You are not as ignorant as I thought.

-And because of this disease, thousands and thousands of children and young people die. Someone like this does not reach old age and misses out on many things. You, thanks to the money, were able to create a bubble of protection around her, to take care of her and that nothing bad happens to her. But others...- she let out tears, her voice began to crack - They can't. Living precariously, these special children are exposed to many dangers.

-Yes it is. - Caroline took a handkerchief out of her pocket - it's very sad. My late husband and I donated and are part of a non-governmental organization that helps protect these families. Oh how sad. I wish I could do more.

-I wish I could do more.

Mother and son blew their snot into their handkerchiefs and wiped tears from their faces.

Gerald watched them angrily. She clenched her fists, she felt that they were making fun of her granddaughter and she did not swallow the drama that they put on her face.

They stopped crying and cleared their throats.

-Well, if you ask, if there is something else. Something involving the interests of the Blakes. Caroline said a little happier. He looked at his son, and he continued.

My father left a will. He said that I could not take possession of the entire inheritance, if I did not marry.

"And how much do you have now?" Gerald asked, narrowing his eyes, and relieved at last that they let out the whole story.

"Only twenty percent," he confessed.

- And obviously you want the other eighty percent to spend on who knows what.

- Yes, but I don't like to waste money.

- And why don't you choose any other woman to marry? I am sure that anyone falls at your feet, before a young and handsome millionaire.

My father wanted me to settle down. I confess that I am a womanizer- he revealed, with red cheeks embarrassed - Today when I arrived I couldn't help but look at the butt of the girl who brought us tea.

- Even so, it is clear that it is not enough reason for you to choose my granddaughter. And if you're like that, I'm not going to give her to you so you can step on her honor by sleeping with any bitch that comes across you.

- The will has a clause. I must not be unfaithful to my wife, not even seeing a picture of another naked woman other than her. If I do so, eighty percent of the inheritance passes to my wife and the divorce proceedings begin. The will is linked to a prenuptial contract, where these foundations are laid.

- And what happens if your wife dies, without children involved? - Gerald attacked, distrusting everything a lot.

- I keep everything. But does he think I'm a murderer? What do I want to marry Sophie, knowing that she is sick and that she can die at any moment with only dust? And by the way keep part of the Young's fortune? - Albert victimized himself, becoming offended.

-My son is not a murderer! A womanizer yes, but he would never pluck a hair out of a woman! Caroline was shocked.

-I'm sorry, but in the face of the strangest marriage proposal I've ever heard in my life, there's nothing left but to distrust. This is not even legal.

- I swear that everything is legal. Can we talk alone? To clear up the whole paper thing for you. In the meantime, Albert, you can stay and have your tea, which must have gotten cold.