*Ring, ring* _ glances over at her phone resting on the arm of the couch. A strange number is calling, she hesitates to answer but then curiosity gets the best of her and she decides to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Hello _, this is Mr. Beilschmidt." _ breathed and uneasy sigh.
"Is there something I can help you with?" she asked.
"Yes, the lawyers just came by earlier with a letter from your grandfather addressed to you. Apparently it was supposed to be delivered with the will, but it got misplaced. If Ludwig wasn't already out running errands for me I would have him drop it off to you. It seems pretty important so I thought I would call and see if you could maybe pick it up." she paused.
"Sure, I will be over in a few." his smile was almost audible
"Good, very good. See you soon Miss _." _ shuddered at the way he said her name like a snake taking it's first bite from it's victim.
*"Gilbert your father just called me and said that he as a letter from my grandfather addressed for me that he wants me to come over a pick up." - _*
*"Did he have any idea as to what the letter was about?" -Gilbert*
*"No, but I thought I would text you and let you know that I was headed over there and if you don't get a text that says I am on my way over with the letter send help."*
*"Will do."*
*Knock, Knock.* Mr. Beilschmidt opened the door that sickening grin plastered to his face.
"The letter is in my study; hold on one moment while I go and get it for you."
*Veet, Veet*
*"Everything going alright?" -Gilbert*
*"he is getting the letter now."*
"Here you are." he said holding the letter out to her.
"Thank you, unfortunately I cannot stay long, I just received a text from my boss asking me to come into work. If you could pass on the message on to Ludwig, it would be greatly appreciated." she replied in a cheerful tone.
"I will be sure to, have a nice evening Miss _." he answered sending chills up _'s spine as she walked back to her car.
*"got the letter. Headed your way now." - _*
_,
If you are reading this then I have past away before I was able to find you. I am sure that you have already read over the will and that all of our family's assets are now yours, but it most likely left out a very important tradition. Our family has set up arranged marriages for generations that take place on the eve of your 18th birthday, which hopefully hasn't happened yet or has not lapsed for too long. Mr. Beilschmidt has been my most loyal advisor and friend for many years now and has a very respectable son who I have arranged for you to marry. I know that you will be very happy with him.
With all my love,
Grandpa _
_ let the letter slip through her fingers, her face frozen in a state of utter shock.
"That's in three days!" _ sat down and took a few deep breaths. She looked down at the envelope beneath her and noticed that there was another piece of paper tucked inside of it. She gingerly pulled it out and began to read over.
"What is that." Gilbert asked. She looked up at him her face shade paler
"Notarized documents for the consent of your brother and I to be wed." she replied weakly.
"Kiku does this look like his signature?" Kiku looked at the document thoroughly.
"Yes this is grandpa's signature, and there is a notarized seal dating the time that he signed it which was a week or two before he died. _ and Ludwig are to wed in three days…"
_'s cheeks flushed red hot with anger.
"Did Ludwig know from the start? Did he think that by giving me this now, it would make it easier because I developed feelings?" Gilbert placed his hands over _'s fists. She loosened them and he intertwined his hands with hers. She looked up at Gilbert tears welling up in her eyes.
"I'm not ready to get married, not to Ludwig anyway." Gilbert hugged her tightly.
"We will figure something out, but for now you should go home and get some rest." she nodded as she hugged Gilbert one more time before leaving.