Chapter 16
Vulcan
“You asked her to move in with you? Before the wedding?” Minji questions as she opens the folder containing more of my father’s assets and properties.
“I did.” I look around her office; everything has a place. This level of organized is what I strive to be, but then life happens, and organization goes right out the fucking window. “And she said yes.”
“Just like that?”
I think back to a week ago at the hospital. I thought she would have told me she needed time to think it over. But then again, it’s been a week, and our text messages haven’t been as consistent as I would like, which tells me she could be second-guessing.
I hate that I’m out of work for another eleven weeks.
I have too much time on my hands and nothing to do.
My life revolves around my career; without that, I’m trying to find out who I am.
That’s sad, really. At almost forty, without my career, I have nothing.
I’m beginning to see why my father’s will is set up this way.
“Just like that,” I answer, then gesture toward the file. “What do you have for me today?”
“All the assets, properties, and monies you will inherit once your marriage is finalized, and then I will show you what you’ll receive once the contract has been fulfilled,” Minji says, her voice all business.
“Are you still taking divorce cases?”
“Excuse me?” She looks up from the paperwork. “You can’t possibly be thinking of divorce before you’ve even said your vows?”
“I’m not. I was—”
“No, I no longer take on divorce cases. When I got married, I promised I would—enough about me. Why do you ask?”
“Curious, that’s all. When Karina and I… I would like for you to handle our divorce when this is all said and done.”
In what I’ve come to know is her unique way, she doesn’t even bat an eye. “Noted. Okay, let’s review these documents.”
Minji flicks through the paperwork. “Everything seems to be in order,” she begins. “Karina knows what will be offered to her once the marriage is finalized, but she has requested some changes be made.”
My heart skips. She doesn’t seem like the type to be money-hungry, but then again, I don’t really know her. “Changes? Don’t you think you should have told me this before my dinner with her weeks ago?”
“Your father was my client, and that extends to you. I’ll always make sure my clients are looked after. If anything, the changes are in your favor.” Minji shuffles the papers, handing me a document. “She only asked for three hundred thousand of the million being offered.”
“Are you serious?” My eyebrows lift and a small laugh escapes me. That’s peanuts compared to what I was bracing myself for. It’s as if she’s not interested in the money at all. She told me she was seeking financial stability. Does she really think that amount will get her far in this city?
“Why would she ask for so little?”
“She is experiencing financial hardship. During discovery, it was revealed that she transfers a sizeable amount of money to her mother every month,” she tells me. “She confirmed as much in our meeting and was the reason she was open to the date—”
“Speaking of,” I interrupt, unable to contain my curiosity, “you told her it was a date rather than—”
“It’s a date,” Minji explains with a sly twist to her mouth, “to a wedding, where she will be the bride. I just didn’t disclose that part.
” She waves her hand dismissively. “Anyway, Karina wants to give her mother that money in hopes she’ll leave her alone for a few years, or maybe even forever.
I’m sure her salary is more than enough for a comfortable life, but when you have a leech sucking you dry…
I suppose it’s no surprise she’s found herself in a situation like this. ”
She sighs and it lingers in the air, mixing with my thoughts.
I’ve always assumed anyone entering this sort of arrangement would aim for the maximum benefit.
But Karina… she’s different. Unpredictable.
Intriguing. Someone as young as her, not wanting to take me for all I’ve got, is a breath of fresh air, and I’m more than happy that I decided to pick her as my wife-to-be.
Still, as I mull over this new information, it’s hard not to feel a sting of guilt.
Why should she have to use this marriage as a getaway vehicle from her financial troubles?
A part of me wonders if there’s something more I can do for her, something that might ease her burden without attaching strings or making her feel like I’m pitying her.
“It explains the humble wedding she wants,” I mutter.
She should never have to feel like she’s carrying the world’s weight on her shoulders twenty-four-seven.
She deals with enough pressure at work. Hers is, what, one of the most stressful jobs in medicine?
A pang of guilt hits me again, and I wonder if I’m being selfish by even involving her in this mess.
“What a shame,” Minji says. “You’re right. She does seem to want distance from her mother. It’s probably best, given the circumstances.”
Minji hands me the folder. The papers feel weighted with more than legal jargon and inheritance details. They are a blueprint for a future I didn’t anticipate wanting this much.
“You seem to care about her a lot, and I think she may care about you more than she lets on.”
“Or maybe she just wants the money,” I reply, but even I don’t believe it. Not anymore. Especially not after what I’ve just learned.
“If it were only money,” Minji counters, “she could have asked for millions.” She taps the document again, emphasizing the low number. “She has no intention of bleeding you dry, and you know that.”
“You’re right. If you’re confident everything’s in order, we can get this finalized.” I look down at my watch. “I need to get going. I have new furniture arriving today.”
“Already turning your place into an our place.” Minji’s lips curve into a knowing smile. It wasn’t a question but a statement. I nod.
“Of course. I hope it helps her feel at home,” I tell her. Also, my penthouse is closer to the hospital, so that’s another plus.
“Before you go,” Minji adds, “let’s go over the timeline.”
I nod, gesturing for her to continue, and lean back in my chair.
In the beginning, it felt like three years would be an eternity.
Now, I’m not so sure. Maybe my perspective is shifting.
Maybe living with Karina will fly by, and we’ll both get what we want before going our separate ways.
Or maybe it will be a complete fucking disaster.
“I remember you saying I won’t be able to get the full amount until the end. ”
“That’s right. And once you tie the knot, you will receive the twenty million that is not contingent on the three-year marriage term, plus all the properties and assets that don’t have that clause attached.
If Karina’s signature is on that certificate, it will be yours.
” She gives it to me straight, and I appreciate that about her.
The properties and assets my father left me are more than I imagined. It’s more than I’d ever need.
“Does Karina have to wait for the three hundred thousand to clear before the wedding or after?”
“The funds will be transferred within three business days of the marriage certificate being filed. Once the documents are signed by both parties, we’ll need to schedule a meeting with the executor of your father’s estate to oversee the process.
” Minji shuffles through some papers and pulls out another document.
“There’s also the matter of the prenuptial agreement. ”
I groan. “Is that really necessary? She’s not asking for anything.”
“It’s standard procedure, particularly with assets of this magnitude,” Minji says firmly.
“And it actually protects both parties. Remember, your father’s will stipulates that if you divorce before the three-year mark, you forfeit the remaining thirty million.
A prenup ensures that your current assets remain protected regardless of what happens. ”
“Fine.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Draw it up.”
Minji nods. “I’ll have it ready for review by next week.”
The place is pure chaos.
My penthouse hasn’t been this unkempt since I moved in over two decades ago.
I don’t like mess, and right now that’s exactly what it is.
It’s like a cardboard fortress. A maze of boxes in the living room, stretching into the hallway, and exploding into the guest room.
The furniture delivery is supposed to make the place feel more like a home, but right now, it resembles a warehouse.
I should have known better than to set up a delivery like this when my surgery’s still so fresh.
With my arm in a sling, there’s not much I can do but stare helplessly at the growing mess.
I want to tear into the boxes and start putting things together, but even the simplest task feels overwhelming when you’re down an arm. They just dropped everything off and left without so much as a second thought. I’d consider it a practical joke if I had the energy to find it funny.
Why did I assume the delivery crew would build the damn things?
Apparently, “assembly included” is a loose term these days.
My pathetic attempt to push a box with my foot ends in defeat.
There’s no way I can handle this alone. I want Karina’s transition to be seamless, and right now, it’s anything but.
My phone buzzes in my hand before my thoughts can run rampant even more.
Valkyrie’s name flashes across the screen.
“Yes, baby sister,” I answer.
“Ew, you don’t have to answer like that every time—it’s annoying. Anyway, what are you doing? I need a drinking buddy tonight. Can I come over?” There’s a hesitance in her voice, an uncertainty that isn’t like her. Plus, she never asks, she just shows up.