Disclaimer: I don't own the Infernal Devices series or the characters that are referenced in this story. All rights belong to Cassandra Clare.

Chapter 1


"He has to get married to her, there's no other way around it." Edmund Herondale explained to his wife. "I'm sorry, but it's completely necessary. I can't deny Benedict anymore."

Young Will was confused at that statement. Who was getting married to who? All he knew was his parents were fighting again. He tried to block it out by covering the pillow over his head, but the argument still entered his ears.

"Oh fy nuw, Edmund. Why did you have to gamble half your company on a simple card game? Now our son is in a forced marriage with a girl who he finds unpleasant. Is there any other way to pay Benedict back?" Linette exclaimed.

Will sat up at the statement instantly. He had to marry someone? That thought filled him disgust and he shivered in revulsion. Who was the girl? If Benedict wanted Will to marry someone, it would have to be... Tatiana?! Will had to physically restrain himself in almost vomiting in disgust. Ever since the annual ball, Will had avoided Tatiana like the plague. She'd follow him everywhere just to try to get his attention when he just wanted to hang out with Jem.

"Benedict insists on it. He finds Will to be a perfect match for Tatiana. My guess is that he wants to merge our companies from that marriage and take over. Not that it'll ever happen. I'll find a way around it, I promise Linette." Edmund said softly.

Will didn't know what to make of this. He wished that this was a sick joke, that his dad would say this was just a prank for April Fools. But April was five months away.

"Will, what's going on cariad? Go back to bed." his sister Ella whispered.

But Will could not go back to sleep after hearing that. He was tempted to burst into the room and refuse to marry but decided not to. He sat back on his bed, thinking about how to confront his parents about this. After much tossing and turning, he finally fell into a turmoiled sleep, plagued with nightmares of actually going through with the marriage.


Will sighed as he tried to ignore the walking striptease that was currently on his desk. Ever since he had publicly broken off his arranged marriage with Tatiana after Benedict Lightwood's death and his eldest taking over the company, women in the business world from all over have been trying to tempt him into sex.

"Come on, Will. Loosen up a little and have some fun!" Leah Kingsmill drawled. "You only live once, you know." She was currently in only her undergarments and was trying to force his attention on him.

"Thanks for pointing that out, but my answer is still no. Honestly, after all those women that I've refused, do you really think I would really agree to this? I've refused way better women than you and I could have taken any one of them. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work I have to get to and this conversation bores me." Will said. Turning his attention away from her, he looked over the report that his partner sent him, but before he could reply, a hand slammed down in front of him.

"What the fuck did you just say? I am a catch! I could honestly get any guy I want and you're lucky I chose you. You should be flattered."

"Do you really think I would pick you over any of the other women that were here before you?" Will smirked. "Many of them had a much better personality or looks that you. If other guys would pick you over any of the other women, they have no standards. Get dressed and leave before I call security."

"Fuck you! You'll regret this. When you come begging for me, I'll be laughing!" Leah shrieked as she struggled to get dressed.

"Keep dreaming." Will snickered as he turned his attention back on the report he was looking at.

Leah, after getting dressed, opened the door and stormed off.

"Close the door," Will called out into the hall.

In response, she flipped in a bird as she walked to the elevators with people in Will's office watching.

"How mature and classic." Will sighed as he put his head in his hands. He had to deal with this at least twice a month and that scene was mild compared to the other reactions he's gotten from some of the other women. The wildest was when Sandra Lindquist refused to leave his office and she had to dragged out, kicking and screaming.

"Wow, another one? There has to be some kind of record for this thing." Jem said dryly. "I admire your abstinence, but would it kill you to rebuke them less cold?"

"You have no idea. That was one of the less crazy ones." Will grinned as he rose to greet Jem. "Back from your treatment?"

Jem was his best friend. Meeting when they were twelve, Jem was the son of Jonah Carstairs, one of Edmund's work associates. However, Jem has been diagnosed with stage III leukemia and had been undergoing chemotherapy for the past few months. He was studying to be a lawyer when the news came and had to pause his studies. Will personally offered to pay for his treatment, but Jem refused it.

"Yep, and they just did a PET scan. Cancer's gone, but they'll continue to monitor me for the rest of my life. Bella's really happy about it." Bella was Jem's girlfriend and unlike many girlfriends, stood by him when he was given the news and continues to do so.

"That's great news! We'll celebrate with a party." Will exclaimed. He had been depressed ever since the cancer appeared.

"It is, but let's talk about you. Why was she so mad? She practically pushed me out of the way when I walked past her. What did you say?"

"I just told her the facts. I wouldn't have taken her even if she was holding a gun to my head." Will rubbed his head. "Honestly, why are these women throwing themselves at me? There are so many other eligible men out there."

"Are you crazy? Look at yourself? You are young and single. You own a successful company and FYI any guy who looks like you could probably get any girl you wanted."

"I guess, but I would have thought they would get the hint that I wasn't interested after the first ten women I refused. Leah was the 28th. Speaking of Leah, I should probably send her an apology so her father doesn't get mad at me." Will said. He walked outside and was confused when no one was sitting at the PA's desk. "Where's Zoe?" he asked the office.

Rachel looked up and said, "She ...um quit sir. She walked out after yelling at you that she was done dealing with the women that were screaming at her when you refuse them."

Will frowned. Zoe was one of the best PA's he's ever had. She did almost everything right, which is more than he could say for his other PA's. Mentally cursing, he thought about how much effort it was going to find another PA like her. "Who's the replacement then?" Will asked.

"There isn't -" Rachel's voice was cut off as a new voice answered.

"That would be me."


Translation

oh fy nuw- Oh my god

cariad- darling/sweetheart, a term for endearment