Page 7 of Code of Heart
“You know, my dear, I’ve had an exceptionally long life…long enough to know what I’m doingmostof the time, and yet—somehow, I went through more personal assistants than I did IRS audits. And let me tell you, that’s saying something. But the truth is, I never really needed a personal assistant.”
Aurelia’s breath caught.
“I wasn’t looking for someone to file my papers or fluff my pillows—I had plenty of people already working for me that could have done that. Hell,Selenecould have done that…what I was looking for wasyou.”
Knowing how Aurelia would react, Eleanor reaffirmed her statement. “Yes,you. Out of all the people I could have picked,youare the one I wish to carry my legacy forward. And if you’re wondering why, well…it's simple. You’re family. Not by blood, but you’ve been the daughter I never had, the light in my otherwise delightfully chaotic life…and you’re so much stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
Her tone turned serious, her gaze piercing through the screen as she sat forward, leaning closer to the camera, her irises now a moving entity unto themselves, swirling as if another world existed in their depths—a storm raging within them.
Aurelia’s eyes shot to Charles, the silent question churning in her mind and written on her face:I’m her heir?
When he slowly and hesitantly nodded, she almost fell out of her chair in disbelief. Aurelia's heart was pounding so hard against her chest that it risked bursting through it.
“…I know about Kyle, that sorry excuse for a man you dated.”
That name made Aurelia freeze.
“No, it’s the one thing you never told me—you never needed to. But those bruises on your face that you tried to mask with artfully applied cosmetics, or the scratches on your arms you tried to cover up with long sleeves during unseasonably warm weather, told me more than enough.”
Aurelia unconsciously rubbed her arms as an uncontrollable shiver wracked her body.
“You’ve been walking around a shell of yourself ever since. It reminded me of when you were living in your car when we first met, and frankly, I donotapprove. That man is gone from your life. You’re not just a survivor; you’re awarriorcapable of forging her destiny and more...and you have far too much life ahead of you to let anyone dim your sparkle.”
Eleanor tilted her head, her tone conspiratorial. “Now, let me give you one last piece of advice from an old woman who has seen it all: people aren’t always what they seem. Some friends will prove to be foes, while others, who may be prickly at first, are the ones who will stand by you through thick and thin. Keep your eyes open, your ears sharp, and always trust that sixth sense. It’s rarely wrong.”
Sitting back with a proud smile, Eleanor sipped some tea. Aurelia frowned at the cryptic message.What did she mean by that?
“This inheritance isn’t simply money, my darling. It’s a gift and a foundation to help you become the fierce, unstoppable woman I always knew you were meant to be. Everything you’ve endured, every hardship, is a thread in the tapestry of who you are today. Embrace it. Own it. And don’t just live—thrive.”
More memories, some darker than others, slipped into her mind unbidden as she stayed rooted to her chair.
“Oh, and by the way…” Eleanor said casually—too casually—as she picked at her fingernails,“…you no longer owe me a penny for that condemned shack that you transformed into such a lovely home on the lagoon. It’s yours, free and clear. Title, debts, everything—all taken care of. You’re starting with a clean slate.”
Aurelia’s jaw dropped.
“Now, before you get too excited, therearestipulations. First, you’ll need to take over Starhaven Manor and at least continue holding the annual events my family has hosted for decades. Don’t roll your eyes! They aren’t traditions;they are legacies.The property and the money are yours. Spend it however you want. Promise me you’ll do something good with it—something that would makeyourselfproud.”
Aurelia didn’t know how to handle all this information.
“Oh, speaking of Charles, he should’ve told everyone about their staff bonuses by now. Lovely man, isn’t he? But for you, my dear, there’s an extra surprise: two million dollars upfront. Right now. However, the rest of your inheritance is in a trust with one final teensy condition to access it.”
Well, that doesn't sound too bad, Aurelia thought to herself.
“You can’t disclose to anyone that you’re my heir until after you’ve been married for a little while, unless legally required, and only with the approval of Charles,ourtrusted attorney. You’ll have a challenging time telling who your real friends are when all the leeches come out of the woodwork, so it's best to keep it quiet.”
Married?Aurelia thought to herself, confused by Eleanor's words.I'm not even close to being married.
Eleanor's eyes twinkled with amusement as she paused dramatically. This was it; this was the moment that would explain why Aurelia had been nervous all day. She was undeniably confident about it.
“You need to get married. Yes, you heard me.Married. But don’t worry, I’ve already arranged everything. I’ve hired the most sought-after matchmaker in the world, who happens to be right here in Joia City—one hundred percent success rate, no less. She’ll find you someone wonderful to help shoulder life’s burdens. Now, there’s no requirement to stay married forever—this isn’t a fairy tale—but youdoneed to put in an honest effort. Charles will be the judge of that. Oh, don’t even think about trying to outsmart him—he’s tougher than I ever was.”
There it was—the panic-inducing moment she had been anxiously waiting for.
A matchmaker?!
Eleanor chuckled softly, leaning back with a satisfied smile.
“My darling, this isn’t merely about finding someone to love; it’s about opening yourself up to the possibilities of life again. You’ve been through so much, but there is joy ahead—realjoy. Your husband, god bless his soul, is going to have a heart attack when he finds out what a knockout you are and smart to boot.”
