Alexander Sterling had been forced to admit it: his adult son was interested in nothing but drinking with his friends—at what he called “parties”—in the company of questionable young women. He often asked himself, Where, when did I lose sight of my only son? And the answer was always the same. He had devoted all his attention to his business, leaving the upbringing of their child entirely to his wife.
While she was alive, Alexander hadn’t noticed how spoiled Ethan had become. He believed his wife, who breathlessly told him what a great son he was, what successes he was achieving in school, and how many friends he had. Then, his wife passed away, and Alexander was confronted with a harsh reality. Four years had passed since Ethan’s graduation, but he was still “looking for a job,” and in between his searches, he successfully squandered money. Every time Alexander tried to reason with his son, he heard the same reply: “Dad, don’t lecture me. I’ll have plenty of time to work later. You’ll make sure there’s a decent spot for your only son in your company, right?” And he would add with a smirk, “Somewhere on the board of directors, maybe.”
After another cynical outburst from Ethan, this strange will was born, a document that greatly surprised the family’s lawyer.
“Mr. Sterling, of course, it is your right to make any demand of your heir that you see fit,” said Mr. Thompson, the family’s attorney for over twenty years, rereading the text with undisguised amazement. “But don’t you think the terms of the will are somewhat unusual and… severe?”
Alexander just shrugged vaguely. “What can you do? In the end, I am entrusting you to ensure the exact fulfillment of the conditions I have set.”
The lawyer looked at him closely again, and a thought flashed through his mind: He speaks as if he’s saying goodbye. But aloud, he only said, “Of course, Mr. Sterling. It is part of my duties.” About thirty minutes later, they parted.
A week later, Alexander Sterling was gone. He suffered a massive heart attack and didn’t make it to the hospital.
Mr. Thompson had been the Sterling family’s lawyer for the last twelve years. He knew the family well, was aware of all the deceased’s affairs, and understood perfectly what kind of son had been raised by such an intelligent, competent, and determined parent. Despite this, he was deeply impressed by the text of the will. Moreover, he couldn’t recall such conditions in his entire practice. He even tried to put himself in Alexander Sterling’s shoes and imagine how he would have acted. I wouldn’t have had the guts for this, he admitted to himself. His son must have really pushed him to the edge.
Meanwhile, the date for the reading of the will was approaching. As was customary, Mr. Thompson notified all persons mentioned in the document of the date and time. Ethan was the first to arrive. As always, self-assured to the point of arrogance, he sat in the indicated chair, crossed his legs, and stared at the lawyer, waiting for him to open the coveted envelope.
However, Mr. Thompson was in no hurry. Ethan waited another minute and then inquired, “So, what exactly are we waiting for?”
“For another person who is mentioned in the will,” the lawyer replied calmly.
“What other person?” Ethan didn’t even try to hide his irritation. “Am I not the only heir?”
“Patience, Mr. Sterling,” Mr. Thompson remained unperturbed. “You will find out everything in a few minutes.”
Ethan wanted to object, but at that moment the door opened, and a young woman entered the office.
“Hello, am I late?”
“No, no, you’ve arrived right on time.” The lawyer pointed to the chair opposite Ethan. “Please, have a seat.”
When the stranger sat down, Mr. Thompson paused briefly and finally spoke. “Ladies and gentlemen, I have invited you here for the reading of the last will of Mr. Alexander Sterling. The will was written by him personally, and at the time of its signing, he was of sound mind and memory.” The lawyer spoke quietly, calmly, confidently, as was his habit. “Allow me to skip the preamble and begin with the main substance of the document.”
The young people did not object, and the reading of the text began.
“All movable and immovable property, securities, and monetary assets,” Mr. Thompson began to list what was being inherited, “I leave to my son, Ethan Alexander Sterling.”
At these words, a self-satisfied smile appeared on the young man’s face. “Well, who would have doubted it?” he said to the lawyer. “And what is she doing here?” He gestured dismissively toward the stranger sitting opposite him.
“Please, do not interrupt.” Mr. Thompson gave the heir his signature stern look, which immediately quieted him. “I bequeath to my son, Ethan Alexander Sterling, on the condition that he enters into a legal marriage with Anastasia Miller and lives with her for no less than five years. If for any reason the marriage is dissolved before the expiration of the specified period, regardless of whose initiative, all my property and assets, including the personal trust fund established by my wife and me, will be transferred to the charitable foundation named after Hope Sterling. The marriage must be registered no later than one month from the date of the reading of this will.”
As the lawyer read the father’s will, Ethan’s face grew long and blotchy. Finally, purple with anger, he couldn’t hold back and yelled, “A blind marriage? He must have lost his mind!”
Mr. Thompson calmly waited until the fuming heir had exhausted his supply of emotions and then continued imperturbably, “After the registration of the marriage, the sole management of the foundation passes into the hands of the legal spouse of Ethan Alexander Sterling, namely, Anastasia Sterling.”
“No, I am categorically against this!” Ethan couldn’t contain himself, but the lawyer paid no attention to his outbursts. “I entrust the control over the strict execution of my will to the lawyer, Mr. Thompson. Now, that is all.”
The man paused and turned to Ethan. “Meet your fiancée, Anastasia Miller.” Mr. Thompson extended his hand toward the unfamiliar young woman.
Silence hung in the office. Finally, the younger Sterling said in a hollow voice, “This isn’t a will, it’s some kind of bondage. I wasn’t planning on getting married for at least the next ten years. No, I will contest this will in court.”
Mr. Thompson smirked. “As you wish, but you must understand, the services of lawyers cost a considerable amount of money, and the services of good lawyers cost a great deal. As I know, you have a very insignificant amount in your account. Your access to the funds in your trust was blocked by Mr. Sterling at the moment the will was drafted, and it will only be unblocked after the registration of the marriage. So, following the deceased’s instructions, I intend to begin controlling the execution of his will from this moment on. And since the will states that the wedding must take place in a month, I have invited a clerk from the marriage license bureau who will accept and register your application.”
Ethan lowered his head. He suddenly realized with clarity that the inheritance he had so eagerly awaited had in an instant turned into a mirage. He had come to the reading in high spirits, anticipating the party he would throw to celebrate his newfound access to wealth. And this is what happened. The will turned out to be a trap, the door of which slammed shut as soon as the lawyer finished reading. Oh, Dad, you really set me up, Ethan thought miserably, understanding that the lawyer knew his business and that it was pointless to even try to negotiate with him.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thompson asked his secretary to invite the waiting clerk. It was a middle-aged woman who looked at the heir and his fiancée with unconcealed curiosity. Mr. Thompson realized she too was encountering such a situation for the first time. It took them no more than fifteen minutes to write the application, register it, and set a date for the wedding.
Anastasia sat at her younger sister’s bedside and cried. She had learned to swallow her tears so that Lana wouldn’t see them. Her sister was dying, and she, Anastasia, could do nothing to help. Her family simply didn’t have the money.
Their family consisted of three people: her mother, Laura, her older daughter, Anastasia, and little Lana. Anastasia remembered a time when Lana wasn’t there. They had also lived as a family of three, but then her father was with them. Tall, handsome, with a shock of curly, dark blond hair and radiant gray eyes. That’s how he remained in her memory: cheerful, sociable, hardworking. He loved her mother and her, Anastasia. And how he had looked forward to the birth of his second daughter. A neighbor, Mrs. Marina, would smile and say, “Some men don’t wait for the birth of sons as eagerly as Paul waits for his daughter.” Her father had turned her mother’s return from the hospital into a real celebration.
Everything changed when the doctors diagnosed Lana with a congenital heart defect. Diagnostics, medications, hospitals, procedures—it was an endless cycle. At times, the little girl would get better. She would come to life, her laughter and gentle voice filling the house. But such periods didn’t last long. Lana would have another attack, and the cycle would begin anew. On one such turn, her father couldn’t take it anymore.
“I’m sorry, Laura,” he had said one evening, “but I can’t do this anymore. I have no more money, no more strength to earn it.” He stood up and went into the bedroom. Finally, her father came out, a travel bag in his hands.
“Dad, where are you going?” Anastasia had cried, running to him.
Instead of an answer, he hugged her tightly. He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, and whispered, “Forgive me, daughter, if you can.” He took the bag and left. He never returned.
Her mother received some money as child support, but it was catastrophically little. She took on another job, took on numerous side jobs. When Anastasia was in her final year of university, Lana’s condition worsened sharply. To help her mother, Anastasia got a job as an assistant accountant at a firm.
After another attack, her sister was hospitalized. The doctors stated: medication was useless. “She needs an operation,” they said.
“I agree,” her mother had said, looking at the doctor with hope.
“An agreement is not enough,” the doctor replied, the words clearly difficult for him. “The operation is innovative in your case. It can only be done in a Chicago clinic. It is not covered by insurance, and it is only performed on a commercial basis for now.” He named the sum, and Anastasia saw how her mother’s back stooped and her face darkened. They would never have that kind of money. Anastasia understood: it was the end. Lana was sentenced, and she, the older sister, had no way to help her.
“Anastasia Miller, may I speak with you alone?”
She turned around. A stranger stood in the ward, a man in his forties. She noticed an expensive suit under his white coat. Not a doctor, Anastasia thought. She followed the stranger out.
“Allow me to introduce myself. Mr. Thompson, a lawyer. I have in my possession the will of Mr. Sterling, and I am authorized to inform you of his wishes.” He invited her to sit on a sofa in the recreation area and sat down beside her. A bewildered Anastasia watched as he opened his briefcase and took out some papers. “This is the will of the late Mr. Sterling.” The man began to explain the contents in minute detail. The longer Anastasia listened, the more unreal the situation seemed.
“What do you say?” the lawyer asked.
She asked what interested her most. “But why me?”
“I do not know, Ms. Miller. The client did not let me in on such subtleties.”
“But how did he know my name?”
Mr. Thompson spread his hands. “That is also unknown to me. Mr. Sterling specified your personal data, told me which hospital your sister was in, and instructed me to ensure that the conditions of the will were strictly followed.”
“But you understand that this is some kind of nonsense. Or is someone playing a trick on me?”
The lawyer shook his head. “I agree. The conditions look, to put it mildly, unusual, but there is no trick here. Everything is very serious and very honest.”
“But how can I? Marry a complete stranger so he can get an inheritance? No, I don’t agree.”
“Don’t be in a hurry to refuse. The will is accompanied by several instructions. One of them states that immediately after submitting the application to the marriage license bureau, a sum will be transferred to your account that will cover the costs of the operation and the associated travel and accommodation.” He paused and added in a different, fatherly tone, “My advice to you is to agree. This is a real chance to help your sister. There may never be another opportunity like this. Especially since this marriage will be one of convenience. Mr. Sterling did not set a condition for the birth of children.”
Anastasia closed her eyes. On one side of the scale was Lana’s life, on the other, her emotions. In the end, what am I losing? It’s just a deal. And it seems like a very profitable one, especially since the marriage is just for show, Anastasia reasoned, thinking over the offer.
Mr. Thompson didn’t rush her, understanding the feelings that might be raging in the young woman’s soul. Finally, with a sigh, she said, “Alright, I agree. What is required of me?”
“Can I go?” Ethan asked Mr. Thompson sullenly after the clerk had left.
“Yes, Mr. Sterling. How would you like to receive a notarized copy of the will? Will you pick it up from me, or should I send a courier?”
“Whatever,” Ethan muttered and, forcing out a “goodbye” through his teeth, left the office.
Mr. Thompson and Anastasia watched him go. When the door closed behind the frustrated heir, the lawyer turned to the young woman. “Ms. Miller, we will continue to carry out Mr. Sterling’s instructions. Do you have the phone number of the doctor observing your sister?”
Anastasia nodded, scrolled through her phone’s notebook, and recited the numbers. A minute later, Mr. Thompson was talking to the attending physician. Without going into detail, he informed him that he was ready to transfer the money and clarified when the patient could be moved to Chicago.
“Well, Ms. Miller,” the lawyer said to her after he finished the call. “As soon as I receive the clinic’s details and confirmation that they are ready to receive you, the necessary amount will be sent to the hospital’s account. Travel expenses will also be transferred to your account.” Seeing a shadow cross Anastasia’s face, he hurried to reassure her. “Don’t worry. Mr. Sterling left me a corresponding instruction. Everything will be paid in full. The transfers are monthly, but of course, you will be required to conscientiously fulfill your obligations.”
Anastasia nodded. “You can be sure of that.”
“Excellent. Believe me, your sister will get better. The main thing is for the operation to be successful. The clinic is well-praised, the reviews are good. So, set your mind to a positive outcome and get ready for the wedding.”
“Why get ready? There won’t be a wedding,” Anastasia said calmly.
The documents fell from the lawyer’s hands in surprise. The young woman, noticing his reaction, couldn’t help but smile. “Well, I mean, there won’t be a banquet at a restaurant, just a modest wedding ceremony. It hasn’t even been a year since Mr. Sterling’s father passed, so it’s probably best to skip the feast. And honestly, I’m not in the mood for a party. The will doesn’t say anything about having a huge celebration.”
Mr. Thompson breathed a sigh of relief and confirmed, “No, there are no such conditions. It is your right to refuse the restaurant and guests. I think Mr. Sterling will agree with you. At least, I will convey your reasoning to him.”
By the evening of the next day, Anastasia had seen Lana off to Chicago. Her mother, a doctor, and a nurse flew with her. The hospital, given the special case, had ordered a medical flight, so in just over an hour, an ambulance met the helicopter at the Chicago airport. Her mother called late in the evening. “We’re fine. They’re already preparing Lana for the operation, they’ll perform it tomorrow.” Anastasia could hear her voice trembling.
The month flew by. There were no real wedding preparations, except that Mr. Thompson convinced Anastasia to visit some bridal salons and choose a dress. She didn’t buy a dress, opting for a light pantsuit instead. Mr. Thompson, understanding her perfectly, didn’t press the matter. Ethan also showed no enthusiasm for the upcoming wedding. He bought the first suit he came across without even trying it on, along with a shirt and shoes. He wouldn’t have done it—he had plenty of suits—but the lawyer was adamant. “Mr. Sterling, it seems to me that you, more than anyone, should be interested in the upcoming ceremony. And let me remind you, it is only up to you whether you receive the inheritance or are left with nothing.” The argument was ironclad.
Coming out of the store, he remembered the wedding rings. He wanted to dismiss the thought but wisely decided that the stubborn lawyer would send him to the jeweler anyway.
“Mr. Thompson, what size ring should I get for the bride?” he called him.
“Oh, decided to show some initiative? Commendable.” Ethan could hear the lawyer smiling over the phone. “I don’t know the size, but I will find out and call you back.”
The size turned out to be an eighteen, and Ethan returned home with two wedding rings. To the saleswoman’s question of what she could offer him, he answered indifferently, “At your discretion,” and then smiled. “To your taste?” The beautiful saleswoman’s taste turned out to be excellent. The price of the rings, too.
Shortly before the wedding day, Mr. Thompson came to see Ethan. “Show me the rooms you have prepared for Anastasia.”
“Let her choose any guest room,” the disgruntled heir replied. “We have five or six of them.”
“No, no, no, my dear sir, that won’t do. Prepare at least three rooms for your future wife: a bedroom, a dressing room, and a study. And don’t look at me like that. After the wedding, Ms. Miller will be heading a charitable foundation, and naturally, she will periodically have to resolve issues from home. She can’t very well work with documents in the bedroom, can she?”
“But there’s my father’s study,” Ethan tried to argue.
Mr. Thompson just raised an eyebrow. “And you, Mr. Sterling, do you not plan to work at all? May I inquire how you plan to live for the next five years?” There was a clear mockery in the lawyer’s voice, but the younger Sterling couldn’t find a response. “I’ll be back in a week to check on the conditions you’ve created for your young wife,” Mr. Thompson said with pointed formality. Ethan knew he would come, so he gave the necessary orders for the renovations.
The marriage registration was routine. Besides the bride and groom, the ceremony was attended by a pair of witnesses and Mr. Thompson. When it was all over, the necessary formalities observed, Ethan brought his wife to his parents’ house, showed Anastasia her rooms, gave a brief tour of the two floors, and went to his own room. The younger Sterling had enough sense not to go out with his friends that evening and cause another scene. He didn’t want humiliating talk spreading around town that his marriage was a sham.
Anastasia, left alone, looked around in confusion and wandered through her assigned rooms. Feeling that she was ready to burst into tears of self-pity, she went to the mirror and spoke sternly to her reflection. Pull yourself together, Anastasia. This is not the time. We still have five years to play the role of a happy wife. The money must be earned.
Ethan’s first impulse was to go out with friends and party until morning. However, after some thought, he decided against it. It wasn’t that his conscience had awakened. The younger Sterling was unsure how the lawyer would interpret his actions. And he was afraid of him. Moreover, it turned out that besides the will, his father had left several certified letters and instructions that Mr. Thompson intended to carry out with all seriousness. What if among them there was something related to where he should spend his first wedding night? Not worth the risk, the young man thought aloud.
So, his father had created problems. To force his only son to marry some unknown woman. Where did he even find her? Well, at least she’s not ugly. In the lawyer’s office, Ethan hadn’t really looked at the girl. At first, he hadn’t paid any attention, as he had learned for certain that he was the sole heir. And then, having heard the conditions, he had experienced such a range of emotions that he hadn’t been in the mood to look at the bride forced upon him. But he had only really looked at her that day. Ethan had deliberately dressed very slowly, driven unhurriedly, for the first time in his life obeying all the traffic rules, so he arrived at the license bureau late. He wanted to annoy the bride, to make her wait. What was his surprise when he saw Mr. Thompson, the witnesses, but the girl was not there. She refused. There will be no registration, a joyful thought flashed through his mind, but then fear washed over him. And the inheritance? To get into such a mess.
The witnesses he didn’t know. Mr. Thompson had invited them, probably someone from his office. Ethan wasn’t particularly interested. He was interested in something else. Where was the bride? Barely nodding in greeting, he asked. The lawyer’s lips touched with a barely noticeable smirk. “Well, if the groom allows himself to be a quarter of an hour late, then God himself commanded the bride to be so.”
Ethan ground his teeth in frustration. He had to wait for about half an hour. He was nervous, glancing at the lawyer, but he was completely calm. Did they conspire? Ethan thought angrily, but refrained from questions. He didn’t want to run into another portion of subtle sarcasm. Finally, a taxi drove up. Mr. Thompson immediately went to it and opened the car door, then helped Anastasia get out and led her to the groom. Ethan was surprised. He had expected to see a doll-like figure, drowning in wedding attire and coyly covering her face with a veil. Instead, a tall, attractive young woman in an elegant pantsuit the color of champagne splashes, which emphasized her slender figure, walked towards him. There was no elaborate, lacquered hairstyle, the result of a two-hour session in the master’s chair. A neat, modern haircut suited her very well and harmonized with her outfit. He involuntarily took a few steps towards her. Anastasia held herself confidently. A calm gaze from her gray-green eyes, smooth, graceful movements, a soft and velvety voice. Hmm, not bad, in principle, Ethan thought, now closely examining the bride. It’s nice to have such a wife, even if it’s just for show. At least it won’t be embarrassing to be seen in public.
During the ceremony, Ethan had to endure a few more unpleasant moments. To the traditional question of whether he agreed to take Anastasia as his wife, Ethan answered with a mechanical “I do.” But the bride, to a similar question, did not hurry to answer. The guy felt a chill run down his spine. The pause dragged on so long that the clerk was forced to repeat the question. And finally, Anastasia said the coveted “I do.” But how she said it! As if she were doing him a great honor. Hmm. She has character, Ethan concluded. I wonder where my father dug her up?
Anastasia peeked into the dressing room. A suitcase with her things stood modestly in the spacious room. On Mr. Thompson’s orders, it had been brought here while the registration was taking place. She barely had time to change when there was a knock on the door. Anastasia opened it and saw a woman of about fifty on the threshold. She apologized and asked if Anastasia would be having dinner. The young woman was about to refuse, but the angry rumbling of her stomach changed her plans. “Thank you, I’ll be down in a moment.” She wanted to go to the kitchen, but the woman stopped her. “I’ll set a place for you in the dining room. Come, I’ll show you the way.”
Anastasia stopped at the threshold of not just a spacious, but an overly large room. In the middle stood a huge table, around which were placed a large number of chairs. Along the walls were small cabinets and neat chests of drawers with dining accessories.
“And where is Mr. Sterling?”
“He said he wasn’t hungry and asked not to be disturbed,” the woman replied with a sigh and looked at her. “I’ll set a place for you now.”
Anastasia once again glanced around the room. She imagined herself alone, sitting at a giant table, and felt uncomfortable. “Oh, no need, I’ll have dinner in the kitchen.”
“But how can that be?” the woman was bewildered. But Anastasia had already left the hall. And there, in the kitchen, they got acquainted. The woman’s name was Tatiana. She had worked for the Sterling family for almost a quarter of a century, managing the household. Under her supervision worked a cook, a gardener, a janitor, a chauffeur, and a maid. “There are also security guards, but they report directly to the owners,” Tatiana explained. Anastasia liked her; she somewhat resembled her mother, and this seemed to make her warmer. In turn, Tatiana also took a liking to the young mistress, so much so that she made a promise to herself to protect her and not let her be offended by her flighty husband.
The morning after the wedding began with a visit from Mr. Thompson. “I’m here for you, Mrs. Sterling. Where can we talk?” Anastasia led him to her study. From his unchanging briefcase, Mr. Thompson took out documents. “Please familiarize yourself with these. These are the documents for the charitable foundation named after Hope Sterling. From today, you are the head of this foundation. I think you will have time to familiarize yourself with the contents by lunch. And after lunch, I will pick you up, take you to the office, and introduce you to the staff.” They talked a little more, and the lawyer left.
Anastasia immersed herself in reading. The charter, goals, program, implementation plan, reports on promotions and assistance provided, and accounting summaries. She became so engrossed in studying the documents that she didn’t notice half the day fly by. And then, as promised, Mr. Thompson came and took her to the office.
The change in leadership was a complete surprise for everyone. Well, more precisely, it was supposed to happen, but the employees were sure that the son of Alexander Sterling would be in charge of the foundation. So, the appearance of the young woman caused a real shock, especially since no one knew about the wedding. The exception was the financial director, Mr. Reynolds, who was on friendly terms with Ethan, but even for him, Anastasia’s appointment was news.
She, however, plunged into the work. If initially Anastasia had wanted to treat her new position formally, she gradually changed her decision. People needed help, and they were not to blame for Anastasia being in such a situation. The day came when she invited Mr. Reynolds and warned him that she was going to carefully check the accounting documentation.
“Are you interested in anything specific?” he asked arrogantly.
“I’m interested in absolutely everything,” Anastasia retorted. She didn’t like his reaction to her words, and perhaps it was this reaction that made her engage in the analysis more thoroughly. Fortunately, her economic education allowed her to do so. The results were disappointing. After a few days of painstaking work, Anastasia realized that large sums of money were disappearing from the accounts. A week later, the entire fraudulent scheme was revealed to her, with Mr. Reynolds as the central figure. The scale was simply astonishing. In the six months after Alexander Sterling’s death, he had managed to withdraw more than one million from the foundation. Mostly, it was the difference in purchases. Funds were allocated for expensive equipment and medicines, but in reality, cheap analogues were purchased. And if initially Anastasia had been in doubt, after visiting several hospitals that the foundation had helped, she received documentary confirmation.
Anastasia tried to understand if her husband knew about the theft. Mr. Thompson had warned her on the first day that they were friends. She really wanted to believe that Ethan hadn’t stooped so low. However, after tracking the transaction history, she soon became convinced that part of the funds had been transferred to her husband’s account. He was so sure of receiving the inheritance and the managing position that he hadn’t even tried to cover his tracks.
“Do you not understand anything at all?” Anastasia tried to talk to him in the evening. “Do you know that your scheme is a criminal offense?”
“What offense? Are you crazy? This foundation was organized by my mother. If my parents decided to spend money on strangers, then they are obliged to help their own son who is in a difficult life situation. Even from the grave,” Ethan laughed maliciously.
Anastasia was struck by his cynicism. He didn’t even try to hide the fact of the theft. “You overlooked one thing. Indeed, the foundation was organized by Hope Sterling, but the money in the accounts belongs to other people. And the foundation reports to these people annually for every dollar spent. Do you understand what you’ve done?”
Ethan looked at the angry Anastasia. Wow, and we’re also literate. Interesting, he thought, but aloud he threw carelessly, “Leave me alone. And don’t bother me with this again. Why are you meddling where you’re not asked? Can’t you just sit quietly for five years? Do you think after I inherit, I’ll let you stay even for an hour? Oh, you’re dreaming. You’re not only a fake wife, you’re a fake director.” Ethan, pleased with himself, whistling a popular tune, left the living room. And a few minutes later, the sound of him driving out of the yard was heard.
I may be a fake wife, of course, but I became the director on legal grounds, so the responsibility lies, among other things, with me, Anastasia said thoughtfully. She didn’t know what to do. More precisely, she knew that in such a situation, she should go to the prosecutor’s office with a statement about fraud, and they would gladly open a criminal case. Especially since the senior Sterling was gone, and no one would cover up the theft of Ethan and Mr. Reynolds. But Anastasia was worried that her actions might affect her sister. Yes, the operation had been successful. Lana was feeling as well as could be expected in her condition. But she needed to recover, to undergo rehabilitation, and her mother needed something to live on in the capital. To not be completely dependent on the Sterling money, she had managed to get a job, just like in her hometown, as a head nurse in the same clinic where Lana was staying. But the salary couldn’t cover all the expenses. After much deliberation, Anastasia decided not to take the risk. She thought that for now, she wouldn’t press the matter. Let her sister get stronger, finally recover. And when the doctors confirmed that the threat had passed and there was no trace of the former illness, she would hand over the documents to the prosecutor’s office. Anastasia felt no pangs of conscience for her decision. The sham marriage was initially a deal for her. And she was not going to make trouble just because some rich kid’s father decided to teach him a lesson. In the end, Lana’s life and her own reputation were more valuable to Anastasia than the Sterling family.
From the first day, the newlyweds lived parallel lives, as much as possible. Their worlds intersected only during visits to some events where they simply could not appear separately, etiquette did not allow it, but otherwise they were two complete strangers forced to live under one roof. When, on the day after the wedding, Ethan learned from the maid that Mr. Thompson had come to see Anastasia and they had talked about something, and then he had left, and she was studying some papers, the young man became worried. It has begun, Ethan thought angrily. When Anastasia came down for lunch, he tried to talk to his, albeit fake, but still wife.
“Anastasia, may I address you like that?” Ethan decided to show some worldly courtesy.
“You can even use ‘you’ informally. We are, after all, spouses.”
“Very well, that you understand this. Therefore, as spouses, let’s make an agreement between ourselves.”
“What kind?”
“We just have to tolerate each other for five years. Yes, the period may not be short, so I propose not to complicate each other’s lives.” Anastasia was silent, and Ethan was forced to continue. “The terms of the agreement are extremely simple. You do not interfere in my life and affairs, and I do not interfere in yours.”
“And you have affairs? I heard you were like the grasshopper in the fable, only dancing and singing.”
Ethan was breathless from such audacity. He was ready to snap at her, but the threat of losing the inheritance hung over him like a sword. Who knows what might come into her head, she might just run off to get a divorce on the first day. Forcing himself, Ethan squeezed out, “Well, not everyone can be an ant.” This was his first and last attempt to come to an agreement with his imposed wife.
The next unpleasant conversation took place about a month later. It was unclear how, but his wife had dug up their schemes with Mr. Reynolds. And she had done it so competently that she was able to surprise him once again. Then Ethan was forced to admit that he had underestimated Anastasia, but instead of listening to her words, he was simply rude. Why? He wanted to show his independence. After that conversation, Anastasia did not bring up the topic of financial machinations, and he was happy with his victory. However, a few days later, Mr. Reynolds called. “Mr. Sterling, I’m letting you know. There will be no more transfers.” He addressed his friend unusually semi-officially.
“I don’t understand, why?”
“Firstly, your wife has taken personal control over the execution of all concluded contracts and operations.” A pause hung. Ethan once again remembered his father with a kind word, for foisting such a wife on him. “Is there a ‘secondly’?” he asked gloomily, for some reason not expecting anything good.
“And secondly, as of today, I have been dismissed due to loss of confidence.”
“And you agreed with her? She doesn’t understand anything about the foundation’s affairs.”
“I tried to assert my rights, but your Anastasia laid a weighty folder in front of me and sweetly asked what I would prefer: to resign quietly or to write an explanation to the prosecutor’s office regarding the laundering of funds? Ethan, Ethan, you shouldn’t underestimate her.”
“But I desperately need the money. Especially now that I’m restricted from accessing even my trust fund.”
“Sorry, my friend, I can’t help you there.”
Ethan hadn’t expected this from his wife and couldn’t think of anything better than to forget about his status as a married man. She decided to show her character, he addressed the imaginary Anastasia. So, now I’ll show who’s the boss in the house. Get ready. From this day on, your life will turn into hell. And Ethan went off the rails. He lived as if in a daze. Parties, binges, cards. A mistress appeared, with whom he would disappear for weeks. Anastasia, however, tried to pay no attention to this. She threw herself into her work, so the adventures of her fake husband interested her little. The main thing was that there were no complaints against her. The transfers to the clinic and to her account were made monthly, without delay.
But when the unrestrained Ethan brought his mistress to the house, declaring that she would now live there, Anastasia couldn’t take it anymore and called the family lawyer.
“Mr. Thompson, I’m filing for divorce tomorrow. I’ve endured a lot, but there’s a limit to everything.”
“What happened?”
“Ethan has moved his mistress into his father’s house. I have honestly complied with the terms of the agreement, tried not to pay attention to his antics, but I can’t tolerate this anymore. Some vulgar girl will be insulting me. No, excuse me.”
“So, where is Mr. Sterling now?”
“At home in the living room with his girlfriend.”
“Mrs. Sterling, calm down, please. I’ll be right over.”
Mr. Thompson appeared an hour later. The picture before him was depressing. The completely unrestrained Ethan started being rude to Mr. Thompson, but he imperturbably turned off the blaring music and calmly addressed the heir. “Mr. Sterling, I am authorized to inform you that Mrs. Sterling is filing for divorce. You will be divorced quickly, as she is not claiming any property, and you have not had time to have children. But, I remind you, as soon as your marriage is dissolved, all property will be transferred to the charitable foundation. In the meantime, I will take measures to block your bank account and access to the trust fund.” As the lawyer explained, the expression of self-satisfaction slipped from Ethan’s face. Mr. Thompson paused briefly, observing the effect his words had, then added, “I recommend you start looking for a job and a place to live. You have very little time, one might say, none at all.” Mr. Thompson headed for the exit and, already at the door, turned and said with a smirk, “To think you would trade such an inheritance for this girl. Congratulations!”
Ethan stared blankly into space. He wanted to vent his anger on someone, but there was no one around. The mistress had vanished immediately after the lawyer’s departure. The servants had long since retired to their rooms. All that was left was Anastasia, but for some reason, he didn’t want to mess with her.
Mr. Thompson called when he had driven away from the Sterling house and conveyed to Anastasia the content of his conversation with Ethan. “Well, what happened can hardly be called a conversation. It was more of a monologue, but I brought him to his senses. At least his girlfriend rushed out right after me.”
“Thank you.” Anastasia’s voice was filled with weariness.
“Were you serious about the divorce?” Anastasia was silent. Mr. Thompson didn’t rush her. Finally, her voice sounded in the receiver. “I’m very tired. This year has been very difficult, and the role of a wife has exhausted me completely. I need to rest, to think. I’m leaving for Chicago tomorrow, I’ve already bought a ticket.”
“Alright. I wish you a good rest and recovery.”
Anastasia went to the office, left the necessary instructions, and after lunch went to the station. She didn’t see Ethan, and she had no desire to meet him. She loved trains, and even though the journey would take longer, it was so wonderful to think to the rhythm of the wheels. And Anastasia thought about Lana, about her mother, about the deal. She really wanted a divorce, to break this deal, but the fear for her sister stopped her.
Early in the morning, she was in Chicago and went to the clinic straight from the station. She hadn’t warned them of her arrival, so her appearance was a surprise for everyone. Anastasia listened to her sister’s cheerful voice, while she herself carefully looked at her face. It had freshened up, the illness was clearly receding.
“What’s the occasion for the celebration?” The doctor appeared in the ward unexpectedly.
“Dr. Nicholas, this is our Anastasia who has come,” a happy Lana hurried to share the news.
“I need to talk to you.” Anastasia turned to the doctor. “Do you have a minute?”
“Of course, let’s go to my office.” The conversation lasted a long time. She needed to know her sister’s current condition, what course of treatment she would have to undergo, and how much time would be needed for rehabilitation. “Alright, Dr. Nicholas. Thank you. But now I would like to clarify the financial side of the issue. How much will the final recovery cost?”
“I can’t name the amount right now. I need to check with the accounting department.”
“Please find out. And are you staying long?”
“I don’t know yet, but I’ll be here for a week for sure.”
“Well then, we’ll see each other.” A hint of joy seemed to creep into the doctor’s voice, but Anastasia didn’t pay it any attention.
At their next meeting, Dr. Nicholas named the sum. It was significantly lower than the initial one, but still unaffordable for Anastasia personally. Oh, Anastasia, Anastasia, we’ll have to postpone the divorce, she said to herself mentally. But it’s okay, we are strong, we will endure.
Two weeks with her family flew by. During the day, Anastasia spent time with her sister, and in the evenings, she unexpectedly acquired an admirer, the very same Dr. Nicholas. Surprisingly, the doctor found a lot of reasons to walk her to the apartment that Anastasia’s mother was renting. The path to the high-rise building became longer with each evening. For each other, they had long since become just Anastasia and Nicholas.
“Can you not leave?” Nicholas asked suddenly on the evening before her departure.
“I can’t, Nicholas, I have a husband, an obligation.”
He looked her carefully in the eyes. “You don’t love him.”
“Why do you think so?”
“Your eyes become cold. When people remember their loved ones, their eyes shine in a special way.” Anastasia looked away and answered inaudibly, “You’re right, I don’t love him.”
“Then why don’t you leave him?”
“Because it’s his father’s money that’s paying for Lana’s treatment. And as soon as I file for divorce, everything will end.” Anastasia waited for his reaction, but Nicholas was silent.
The next day, on her way to the station, she visited her sister. She wanted to say goodbye to Nicholas too, but he wasn’t in his office. She tried to call, he didn’t answer. A couple more attempts were also unsuccessful. Not meant to be, Anastasia sighed and, after thinking, deleted the number.
Upon her return, she started working at the foundation. She didn’t bring up the topic of divorce, and Mr. Thompson didn’t ask about anything. Winter came somehow unexpectedly and at once. Snowy, fluffy, with a light frost. Lana was getting better and better. Thanks to the fact that the money was transferred to the clinic regularly, her sister began to undergo rehabilitation without delay. And by the New Year, her mother and Lana planned to return home.
Anastasia sighed. How she didn’t want to return to a stranger’s house. Even in the yard, she realized that Ethan was having guests, and she wasn’t mistaken. A half-drunk company was buzzing, not noticing her arrival. Anastasia stood at the door for a moment, looking at the reigning bacchanalia, and went to her room. It took a few minutes to pack her things and call a taxi. So, unnoticed by anyone, she went out into the street. And when the car arrived, she gave the address of the courthouse and whispered, “Forgive me, Lana.”
Anastasia came to Mr. Thompson’s without a prior call. “Mr. Thompson, I’ve just filed for divorce. I understand that I’ve left Ethan without an inheritance, and my sister won’t complete the full course of treatment, but I can’t live in hell anymore.”
“Calm down, Mrs. Sterling. No one is blaming you. The full responsibility lies with Ethan. As for you, my client left clear instructions. Even in the case of a divorce, Lana’s treatment will be paid for until the end, and you, if you have handled your duties well, will continue to head his foundation.”
“Why?” was all Anastasia could say.
“My client was in debt to your father. He saved his life at the cost of his own. And so, Mr. Sterling decided to repay the debt.”
“And couldn’t he have done it without the will?”
Mr. Thompson sighed. “He was trying to save his son.”
Six months later, when Lana had fully recovered, Anastasia and Nicholas had a real wedding, with a bride’s dress and all their friends and relatives.
