A Divorce He Regrets

Chapter 166:

“As stated in the will,” he began, his voice even but carrying a weight that made the words settle heavily in the room, “all major assets, including properties, investments, and controlling shares in Graham Industries, will go to Raina Graham.”

A hush fell over the room. I felt the eyes of everyone present land on me. My hands, clasped tightly in my lap, grew clammy under the sudden weight of their gazes. My heartbeat pounded in my ears, a mixture of shock, apprehension, and—if I was honest with myself—an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

The lawyer continued, undeterred. “Miss Graham will be responsible for running the household, ensuring its upkeep and management, and she is tasked with doing so alongside her brother, Dominic Graham, who will assist her as co-executor of the estate.”noveldrama

I glanced at Dominic, whose jaw was set as he gave me a small nod. It wasn’t approval or disapproval—it was acknowledgment. An understanding between us that this was now ours to bear.

The lawyer adjusted his glasses again, pausing briefly before continuing. “Additionally, Raina will be tasked with the care and well-being of her grandmother, Edith Graham.”

I swallowed hard, blinking back the prickling sensation behind my eyes. Of course, I would look after Grandma. That part was a given. But hearing it stated so plainly, as though it were just another line item, made it feel… heavier.

Finally, the lawyer’s expression softened slightly, as though the next part of the will carried a more personal weight. “The last provision states,” he said, his tone gentler now, “‘To my beloved granddaughter, Raina, I entrust not only the legacy of the Graham name but the hopes of its future. I pray she will find a man who truly loves her, who will stand by her side and lift the Graham name even higher than where it stands today.'”

The silence that followed was deafening. I felt the weight of the words settle over me like a suffocating blanket. My chest tightened as I tried to process what my grandfather had written. A man who truly loves me? The bitterness rose before I could suppress it. Hadn’t I already trusted the wrong men?

Dominic cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “Well,” he said gruffly, his voice cracking slightly, “Grandpa always had a way with words.”

A soft, almost bittersweet chuckle rippled through the room, but I couldn’t join in. My eyes remained on the lawyer, as though staring at him would help me make sense of the knot of emotions tangled inside.

“That concludes the reading,” the lawyer said, glancing around the room. “If there are any questions or concerns regarding the provisions, you may contact me directly.”

I nodded numbly, though I had no questions—only an overwhelming, sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

After the reading of the will, I stayed busy helping Grandma get settled in for the night. Her shoulders were heavy with grief, and every movement seemed slower, burdened by the loss. Once I tucked her into bed, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible, I stepped into the hallway and leaned against the wall for a moment.

I could hear the soft murmur of Dominic speaking to the last of the guests downstairs. The house, despite being full of people, felt unbearably empty. Grandpa’s absence loomed like a shadow in every corner.

I needed a moment to myself. More than anything, I needed to talk to the kids. I needed to hear their voices, even if just for a minute, to remind myself why I was holding it all together.

As I walked toward the back of the house, I caught a faint smell wafting through the air. It was sharp and acrid—something I hadn’t expected. Cigarette smoke? My brows knitted together as I followed the scent outside.

There he was. Alex stood near the side of the house, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a lit cigar. The sight of him with it dangling from his fingers caught me completely off guard.

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