Chapter 6: Outsider

Freddy paced back and forth the room. Mr Louis watched closely as his facial expression changed. 

“Freddy calm down let me explain it to you.” He said with a calm voice. 

Freddy grab the nearest chair and sat down but was still tensed while he waited for his grandfather to speak. His feet kept tapping the floor.

“Actually, you've been betrothed for a while back now. Her name is…” 

“I don't really care about her name, I just want to know how and when this happened?” Freddy added.

“Ok then, let me explain it to you. You know I and George grew up in the same place before his father established a big company and they relocated to the city.” He replied but paused. 

“His parents didn't like me much because we were poor. Before George left he made a promise to find me again.” He said and chuckled.

Freddy stared at his grandfather still unsatisfied with his narration.

“And he did. We met at a conference almost six years ago. He told me at that time how sick he was, he also said his family had issues.” Mr. Louis paused and then opened one of the drawers. 

He took out a brown file and opened it. The file contained Mr. George's medical report, a phone number and also the picture of a young pretty lady with brunette hair.

“This is what he gave me. I thought I could help him, but I am afraid I am no longer fit. I told him about you then. 

He already liked you even without meeting you. So he asked me your age and if you had any girlfriend and I know you don't have one. You are way too busy to have one. 

He said he planned to give most of his assets to this young lady.” He said as he raised the picture that was in the file.

“Her name is Natalie. She's the only one who truly cares about George now. She's been the one taking care of him all this while. 

He wants someone he can trust to be right by her side because it won't be easy. He believes she's the only one capable of holding the Hardcastle Empire.” He added.

“But what does this have to do with me?” Freddy asked, trying to pretend he doesn't understand what his grandfather means.

“He wants someone who he trusts. He trusts me so by extension he trusts you too.

 That's why he made me sign an agreement with him, that I will have you marry Natalie.” He replied.

Freddy a bit pissed stood up. “But grandpa you can't just decide like that. I mean not without asking me first. 

I don't like this idea at all. What will Natalie and her family think? 

They don't even know me, I…I don't even know them besides we are not even in the same class, what would they think...”

 “Freddy, please calm down, Natalie is the only one her grandfather trusts. Take this number and call him. 

He is known as Mr. Gabriel, George’s lawyer. He is aware of the betrothal. He will help you once you get there.” M. Louis said as he handed Freddy the file with everything inside. 

“Does she also agree with this? Does she know?” Freddy asked as he collected the file. 

“No she does not. That's why you need the lawyer's help.” Mr. Louis could see that Freddy was skeptical.

“Please Freddy. This is the only thing I have ever asked you to do for me. I promise this is the last thing I would ever ask you to do for me. Then I can finally die in peace.” 

Freddy, seeing how important this was to his grandfather, finally agreed. “Ok, I will do this, but only because of you. I won't stop your treatment either.

 I will give some money to Ted for your drugs and for him. You don't need to work anymore.

Call me if there's any emergency.” He said as he kissed his forehead before leaving his room.

Freddy kept in touch with the lawyer to ask what he needed to do. The lawyer informed him to come to his home in the city.

Freddy then waved farewell to his brother and grandpa before leaving for Mr. Gabriel’s house.

Getting there, Mr Gabriel explained more details about Mr. George’s family and the current situation in the house. 

He explained to him that Natalie is currently incharge according to the statement by Mr. George before he sled into a coma.

“Are you ready to go to the Hardcastles mansion?” Gabriel asked.

“I am not sure.” Freddy answered a bit nervously.

 “I know. Trust me it doesn't get any easy from there but don't worry I am behind you.” Gabriel said assuring freddy as he pat his back. 

They both left for the Hardcastle’s mansion. Getting to the Hardcastle’s, Freddy's jaw dropped at the size. 

It was enormous. He had never seen anything like that before. Mr. Gabriel led him inside the gates towards the living room of the main house. 

Freddy gazed at the fountain and garden area and began to feel like an outsider. He knew they were not in the same class at all. 

He started to wondered what they will think of him, most especially because he was dressed in a simple t-shirt and pants.

Gabriel told Freddy to wait in the lobby while he addressed everyone inside. After which he will introduce him to everyone.

The lawyer went in. “So everyone I have called you all out because the lawyer has something very important to tell us all. Go on sir.” Natalie's father, Harry said as he created space for the lawyer beside him. 

The lawyer cleared his throat and said “Good morning everyone. Sorry to disturb you all this morning but I have carried out the task Mr. George had instructed before he went into a coma.” As he paused and opened his briefcase. 

“Does father want to share his will already?” Natalie’s aunt Elizabeth asked, sounding a bit too excited. 

“Elizabeth, can you just let the lawyer speak please?” John, Natalie’s uncle said shawning his younger sister, who was very displeased with this gesture of his. 

“Sorry for the pause. Well I believe we are all aware that Miss Natalie is now incharge of the Hardcastle Empire as said by Mr. George himself previously…” 

Elizabeth and the rest of the family members apart from Natalie, John and Harry react negatively.

 The lawyer continued, “I will pass this document to everyone for a clearer understanding.” He said as he passed a document to each family member. 

They each begin to read the document simultaneously as the lawyer continues. 

“Mr. George stated there that Mr. Fredric Bosman is to be betrothed to Miss Natalie in order for her to access the Hardcastle Estate. 

The whole family went into a frizzy state. Natalie wondered what Gabriel was talking about. 

“He’s here at the moment. Come in Freddy.” The lawyer said. As the door opened. 

This young man over here is Mr Frederic Bosman.” The lawyer concluded as Natalie started to laugh hysterically.