I had ignored the warnings.
I had asked about the inheritance before asking about the responsibilities of marriage.
And I had done it all because I thought I was smarter than the woman sitting across from me.
One month after the wedding, my mother visited the mansion.
She looked nervous as the chauffeur led her through the entrance.
When she saw me, she immediately noticed that something was wrong.
“You look tired, Daniel.”
“I’m fine.”
She studied my face.
“Are you happy?”
I looked toward the staircase.
“It’s complicated.”
We sat in the garden, where the afternoon sunlight fell across the stone paths.
I finally told her the truth.
I explained the prenuptial agreement, the limited allowance, and the five-million-dollar damages clause. I described the argument on our wedding night and admitted that I had married Margaret because I wanted her fortune.
My mother listened without interrupting.
When I finished, I expected her to comfort me.
