Chapter Text
Henry stared at the letter from his late aunt. He didn't know whether to be in awe of his aunt having the last say in his love life, or lack there of, or to drive forty minutes to where she is buried and spit on her grave.
Margret Du Pont, a wealthy socialite, known for her many charitable works, had passed 8 months ago. Known as Aunt Maggie to Henry, whom she raised like her own son, because his parents were too busy living their separate lives.
Even though she never married, she was a romantic at heart, and wanted Henry to find someone to love. Margret had hoped that he would have settled down while she was alive, but she had a plan up her sleeve.
The letter stated that Henry had to marry before his 40th birthday to claim the sizeable inheritance she left him. If not, he would forfeit it and the money would be divided among various charities.
Dear Henry,
I hope this letter finds you in good health, although I fear you may find it distressing at first.
As you know, my affection for you was boundless, and I cherished the role of being both an aunt and a guide in your life. You’ve always been like a son to me, and it is in that spirit that I continue to look out for your well-being, long after my passing.
I write this with love, though perhaps a touch of mischief, in the hope that it will nudge you toward something I know you may have been reluctant to embrace: love, companionship, and marriage. I know you’ve never been one to rush into such matters, and that’s why I wanted to give you a little incentive, one that I hope will push you in the right direction.
In my will, I have arranged for a considerable inheritance to be left to you, a gift that could greatly benefit you in your life’s pursuits. However, there is one condition: you must marry before your 40th birthday. Yes, you read that correctly, my dear.
Marry.
Find someone who can share in your joys and burdens, someone to build a life with. If you do not fulfil this condition, the inheritance will be divided among various charities in my name.
I understand this may come as a shock to you, and perhaps you’re wondering why I have put such a stipulation in place. Let me explain. While I respected your independence, I could not ignore the fact that you have always seemed... lonely. And in the end, I wanted to ensure that you would have the means to live a fulfilling life, both materially and emotionally. A marriage, one rooted in love and care, would, I hope, bring you the happiness I always wanted for you.
I know this is no small ask, but I believe in you. You are capable of so much more than you realize. Take it as a challenge, if you must, just be sure that when the time comes, you marry someone who loves you deeply and whom you love in return. Life is short, Henry, and love is a treasure. Don’t let it slip away simply because of stubbornness or fear.
I will be watching over you, my dear. I trust you’ll make the right choice, but remember, you have until your 40th birthday to claim your inheritance.
With all my love and the deepest of hopes for your future.
- Aunt Maggie
Henry's fortieth birthday was in 6 months.
"Fuck." He uttered, mentally making a list of potential marriage candidates.
His aunt wanted him to marry for love. Henry needed to find someone, and fast, who would marry him so that he could claim his inheritance, and then divorce in a year or two, with decent divorce settlement.
He thought of Cassandra Moreau. A socialite he knew, but quickly discarded the thought. While Cassandra and he would make a great power-couple, she was too much like him. Not to mention, she had her sights set on a beautiful, tough as nails US Marshal down in Kentucky. And Henry had no plans to get in between that.
Arthur De Lacey, a well-known architect, came to mind next. Only, and Henry could kick himself for this. He had set Arthur up with a British Art Curator, and it seems the two men were on they way to walking down the aisle.
Henry ran through most of the persons he knew who wouldn't mind marrying, for a short time, for money, only there was a hiccup with each person. It wasn't until he was going to bed, his phone buzzed with a message, that the perfect person came to mind.
Golden Boy (11:34pm): "It's done."
Henry smiled as he responded to the message.
HP (11:35pm): "My office. Tomorrow at 3pm. Don't be late."
He doesn't know what he didn't think of him before. Donal Ressler will make the perfect husband. He would claim that inheritance in no time.
Donald didn't disappoint.
Henry walked into his office, at 2:58pm, after meeting with a senator to find Donald Ressler seated in one of the visitor's chairs looking bored with his surroundings.
"Donald." Henry greeted, walking around his desk, as he removed his jacket and hung it up. "You look well."
He was a bit disappointed when he wasn't graced with Donald's usual glare of disdain. The look he was received was exasperation.
"Get to it, Prescott." Donald said, his eyes boring into Henry. "What do you need to get done now?"
Henry's face remained neutral as he sat down, and pulled out a file, sliding it across the desk towards Donald who merely glanced at it before looking back at Henry, making no move to reach for it.
"What's that?"
"A deal." Henry responded.
"I don't want it." Donald immediately replied.
"You haven't even looked at it."
Donald clenched his fist out of Henry's line of sight. "Prescott, whatever deal you're offering cannot be good." He started rising, "so, if that's all, I will be go-"
"Sit. Down."
Henry's tone and eyes were hard.
Donald, hating it, did as commanded. He was tired, mentally and physically, and whatever Prescott was playing at was exhausting him even further.
Henry clasped his hands together and leaned forward. His eyes steady as he spoke.
"If I told you that the blackmail would stop, and the evidence surrounding Laurel Hitchins death, would disappear, if you did one, simple thing for me, what would you say?"
"I'd call bullshit."
"I am being serious." Henry's voice was levelled.
Donald smirked, "and so am I. Nothing is 'simple' with you, Prescott. I do this 'one, simple thing' for you and I am in even deeper shit."
Henry sighed, and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Leaning back in his chair the regarded Donald.
"My late aunt left me a sizeable inheritance."
Donald shrugged, "use it to buy yourself some morals. I going to go now."
"I am not finished, Agent Ressler."
"Fucking hell, Prescott, none of this has anything to do with me."
"Oh, but it does, Donald."
Donald looked at him. Really looked at him and a shiver went down his spine.
"Stop looking at me like that." He snapped. "You look like the fucking devil in a bespoke, 3-piece suit."
Henry looked smug.
"Ok, I'll bite. What does your inheritance have to do with me?"
"There is a certain condition to me claiming my inheritance."
"Which is?"
"My aunt stipulated that I need to get married before my fortieth birthday, or I forfeit my inheritance."
Donald dragged a hand down his face. "Still don't see how that has anything to do with me. What? Am I to vet your potential spouses.
"I already found the perfect candidate."
"Good for you. Can I leave now?"
"Open the file."
Donald stared at Henry, who glanced pointedly at the closed file then back at Donald.
Tired of the games, Donald snatched up the file and flipped it open, only to freeze. Staring up at him was a photo of himself. A recent one he had to take for his FBI credentials renewal. There were copies of his records, dental, medical, education.
"What the hell is-" his eyes finally saw the contract paper-clipped to the other side of the file-folder. His eyes widening as he read it.
MARRIAGE AGREEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF INHERITANCE CLAIM
This Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of this ___ day of ______, 2026 (the "Effective Date"), by and between:
PARTY A: Henry Prescott, (hereinafter referred to as "Henry" or "Party A"), whose principal address is 2500 Grand Meridian Way NW, Penthouse 4A, Washington, D.C. 20007,, and
PARTY B: Donald Ressler, (hereinafter referred to as "Donald" or "Party B"), whose principal address is 811 North Quincy Street, Apartment 302, Arlington, Virginia 22203.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, Henry Prescott is the beneficiary of an inheritance from his late aunt, Ms. Margret Du Pont, which is contingent upon the fulfilment of certain conditions as outlined in Aunt Maggie's last will and testament; and
WHEREAS, one such condition is that Henry must marry before his 40th birthday, otherwise forfeit the inheritance; and
WHEREAS, Henry has determined that Donald Ressler is a suitable candidate to enter into a temporary marriage for the sole purpose of fulfilling the condition set forth by Ms. Margret Du Pont will, thereby allowing Henry to claim his inheritance; and
WHEREAS, Donald Ressler agrees to enter into this marriage under the terms set forth in this Agreement, understanding that the marriage is of a temporary and contractual nature, and is not intended to create a permanent marital bond.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. Purpose of the Marriage
The parties hereby agree to enter into a marriage solely for the purpose of allowing Henry to fulfil the conditions required to claim his inheritance as stipulated in Aunt Maggie's will. This marriage shall be considered a legal contract, not a romantic or permanent relationship.
2. Duration of the Marriage
The marriage shall commence on the day it is legally formalized (the "Marriage Date") and shall continue for a period of no less than one year, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. The marriage may be dissolved after one year by mutual agreement of the parties.
3. Financial Considerations
a. Incentive Payment: Upon the formalization of the marriage, Henry agrees to pay Donald a one-time compensation in the amount of US$2,500,000.00. This amount shall be paid in full within five business days of the Marriage Date.
b. Post-Divorce Payment: Should the marriage be dissolved after the one-year term, Henry agrees to provide Donald with a divorce settlement in the amount of US$10,000,000.00, which shall be paid within 30 days of the finalization of the divorce.
c. Inheritance Claim: Upon the completion of the marriage, Henry agrees to claim his inheritance and use part of the funds, as necessary, to settle any obligations arising out of the marriage, including but not limited to legal fees and financial support for Donald during the term of the marriage.
4. Marriage Obligations
a. Public Perception: Both parties agree to maintain the appearance of a legitimate marriage to the public and any third parties, including but not limited to family, friends, and business associates. The parties shall attend any required events, social functions, or public engagements as necessary.
b. Living Arrangements: The parties agree to cohabit in a manner that appears as a typical married couple. This may involve residing together at an agreed-upon location for the duration of the marriage.
c. Emotional and Legal Support: Both parties agree to provide each other with the minimal emotional and legal support required to fulfil the terms of the marriage. However, this marriage does not require any romantic affection, commitment, or emotional involvement.
5. Termination of Marriage
a. Termination by Mutual Agreement: The marriage may be terminated at any time by mutual agreement of the parties, provided that at least one year has passed from the Marriage Date.
b. Termination Due to Breach: If either party breaches the terms of this Agreement, the other party has the right to terminate the marriage immediately and may seek damages for any losses incurred due to the breach.
c. Legal Dissolution: Upon the agreed-upon dissolution of the marriage, the parties will cooperate in obtaining a legal divorce. The cost of the divorce will be borne by Henry.
6. No Marital Rights or Claims
The parties explicitly acknowledge that this marriage is being entered into for the sole purpose of fulfilling the conditions of Ms. Margret Du Pont's will and does not entitle either party to any rights or claims outside the provisions set forth in this Agreement. Neither party shall have any financial or property rights in the other’s assets, except as expressly stated in this Agreement.
7. Indemnification and Liability
Each party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other from any and all claims, liabilities, or damages arising from any legal proceedings, actions, or claims not related to the terms of this Agreement.
8. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Washington, D.C., without regard to its conflicts of laws principles.
9. Dispute Resolution
In the event of any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the parties agree to attempt to resolve the dispute through good faith negotiation. If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, the parties agree to submit the matter to binding arbitration in Washington, D.C., with a mutually agreed-upon arbitrator.
10. Miscellaneous
a. Entire Agreement: This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, or representations regarding the subject matter hereof.
b. Amendment: This Agreement may only be amended or modified by a written instrument signed by both parties.
c. Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date:
Party A: Henry Prescott
Signature: __________________________
Date: __________________________
Party B: Donald Ressler
Signature: __________________________
Date: __________________________
Donald looked up at Henry, horror clearly written on his face.
"You want me to marry you, so that you can claim your inheritance?"
Henry smiled as stood, walking over to the bar-cart. "No need to sound as if I am going to kill you." He said as he poured two glasses of bourbon.
"I would prefer that to this bullshit." Donald threw the file and contract back onto the desk. "You're out of your mind if you think I would ever marry you, even if it's just for convenience."
"You would be benefiting as well, Donald."
He walked over to Donald, and placed the drink in front of him.
"I stopped drinking."
"Oh," Henry's eyebrows raised. "Didn't know that." He threw back his drink, and then drank Donald's share. "It's a good deal. You should take it."
"I should punch you in your throat."
Henry's eyes hardened, his smile turned mean. "Try it."
"Fuck this." Donald stood and made his way to the door.
"Don't you want to know how much my inheritance is?" Henry called after him.
Donald opened the door with more force than needed.
"One hundred and fifty million dollars."
A framed painting fell to the floor when the door was slammed shut.
Henry was patient. He did not get to where he was by being impulsive.
However, he had not heard from Ressler since Thursday when the FBI Agent stormed out of his office. And it was now Sunday night. Henry frowned as he stared out at the night sky, unable to see any stars because of the light pollution.
He thought Ressler would have jumped at the chance to get rid of the blackmail. With Henry as his husband, he would have been protected by spousal privilege, not to mention, a powerful defence attorney at his side.
"Maybe Golden Boy has more morals than I gave him credit for." He mumbled to him, sipping his drink.
The quiet of the penthouse was broken when his phone rang. Henry glanced at it, where it laid on the coffee table, in irritation. While Henry liked the power that came with being a fixer for the elite, it was also a pain as his peaceful moments never seemed to last long.
The phone had stopped ringing when the reached it, only to start back up a few seconds later. Henry smiled when he saw the name flashing on the screen.
"Agent Ressler." He answered.
"You get rid of every shred of evidence before. That's the only way I will agree to this."
Henry's grip tightened on his phone. "No."
"Have fun forfeiting your inheritance, Prescott." Donald said over the phone. "Because, from where I am standing, it seems you have no more options."
"Fine."
"Tomorrow, 2pm. And I want to there."
"You have yourself a deal, Agent Ressler." Henry kept his tone cool. "But do not try to double-cross me. It won't end well for you.
"Tomorrow, 2pm."
The call disconnected.
Three days later, Henry and Donald got married, in a quiet ceremony, in a courthouse room. It was just them, the judge and the clerk as a witness. Donald was dressed in a dark grey suit he had worn to his favourite cousin's wedding the previous month, and Henry was dressed in a 3-piece, navy blue suit that was literally made for him.
In less than fifteen minutes, the judge pronounced them legally wed, Donald was married to the devil in a tailored suit.
Donald couldn't leave the courthouse faster if he tried. He stood on the steps, looking out the at afternoon traffic when Henry walked up and stood beside him, dark sunglasses hiding his gaze.
"Congratulations, Prescott." Donald refused to look at him. "You're even richer now."
Henry had no problem looking at his new husband.
"You're also a rich man now, Donald." The sunlight glinted off the metal of his shades. "And free…somewhat."
"Fuck off, Prescott." Donald said in parting.
"I expect your things to be moved into the penthouse by the end of this week."
He smiled when Donald flipped him off in response.
Living with Donald was easy. He was hardly ever at the penthouse, and when he was, he came home late, left early. When he wasn't working, Donald stayed hold up in his bedroom.
It was like living with a phantom, but Henry didn't mind. He had fulfilled his aunt's stipulation, received his inheritance, and had a handsome husband, if only temporary. He could live like this for a year, and then he and Donald would amicably part ways, never to see or talk to each other again.
It was the perfect arrangement.
The shit hit the fan two weeks later.
"Mr. Prescott, I wasn't aware of this." Mr. Harris Anthony, his aunt's lawyer said to him.
They were in Harris's office, that felt more like a cosy reading room, than a law office
"Your aunt had another lawyer. And he just delivered this letter for you."
Harris slid the sealed letter across the small coffee table towards Henry.
Henry didn't know what to expect. He was not even aware that his aunt had another lawyer. He opened the letter, and read.
Dear Henry,
If you’re reading this with that familiar look of suspicion on your face, then good, your instincts are still sharp.
First things first: I hope you are well, behaving yourself (within reason), and not getting into too much trouble without me around to scold you properly. You were always very good at pretending you didn’t need guidance, while somehow ending up exactly where I nudged you.
Now, about that inheritance.
Yes, I gave it to you with love. Yes, I meant every penny of it. And yes, before you ask, I absolutely planned what I’m about to say.
You see, my dear boy, the inheritance was never meant to be a prize for simply getting married. Anyone can walk down an aisle once, smile for photographs, and call it a day. No, no. I wanted more from you than that.
You must remain married.
Should you decide that marriage was merely an experiment, a phase, or an inconvenience you’d rather return for store credit, then I’m afraid the inheritance must be returned as well, with interest. Consider it rent for the life lessons you borrowed.
I can hear you protesting already: “Aunt Maggie, that’s hardly fair!” To which I say: nonsense. You were always at your best when challenged, and I wanted to be sure you chose love with intention, patience, and a willingness to weather a few storms instead of running at the first sign of rain.
Marriage, Henry, is not about perfection. It’s about showing up, apologizing when necessary (often), and learning that partnership is worth the effort. I simply wanted to make sure you didn’t treat it like a temporary arrangement.
So, choose wisely, love deeply, argue kindly. And once you make that promise, honour it, not for the money, not for me, but for the life you are capable of building.
And remember, walking away may be easy, but keeping your word is far more impressive.
I trust you’ll manage just fine. You always do, once you stop overthinking.
With all my love, a raised eyebrow, impeccable foresight, and just enough firmness to keep you honest,
- Aunt Maggie
Henry refolded the letter and replaced it in envelope.
"Thank you, Mr. Anthony." He stood and shook the man's hand. "I'll see myself out."
Henry's facade remained intact until he was seated in the privacy of his car, behind darkly, tinted windows and closed doors.
"FUCK!" He punched the steering wheel, ignoring the pain that shot up his hand. "Fucking, hell. Aunt Maggie, you have truly fucked me over this time."
Donald was going to murder him.
It took three days for Henry to tell Donald, and when he did, it was not pretty.
Henry waited until the penthouse was quiet.
No phones. No background music pretending everything was fine.
Donald was standing in the kitchen when Henry finally left his office to tell him.
“We need to talk,” Henry said.
Donald let out a sharp, humourless laugh. “You people always say that right before you ruin someone’s life.” But he did not turn to face Henry.
Henry swallowed. His fingers brushed his pants pocket, feeling the stiff edge of the envelope. “I found out something a few days ago, regarding my aunt’s will.”
That got Donald to turn. Slowly. His eyes were wary, already tired.
“Did she add another charity? Another deadline?” He asked.
“No,” Henry said quietly. “Another condition.”
Donald’s jaw tightened. “Henry.”
“I didn’t know,” Henry said immediately. “I swear to you, I didn’t.”
Silence stretched between them, thick and brittle.
Henry pulled the envelope out and held it up towards Donald. “She had a second lawyer who delivered this to her primary lawyer, Harris Anthony.”
Donald stared at the envelope as if it might bite him.
“What does it say?” he asked.
Henry hesitated. Just a fraction of a second. Then he crossed the room and placed the letter on the island between them.
“It says,” Henry replied, voice low, “that the inheritance wasn’t just conditional on me getting married.”
Donald’s fingers curled slowly into fists.
“She wants me to remain married,” Henry finished. “If the marriage ends, I have to repay everything. With interest.”
Donald picked up the letter with hands that were no longer steady and scanned it once. Then again. His eyes moved faster the second time, like he was looking for a loophole. A punchline. Anything.
There wasn’t one.
When he reached the end, his shoulders sagged, as if something essential had finally given way.
“So that’s it,” Donald said hoarsely. “You didn’t just marry me for the money. You trapped me with it.”
“No,” Henry said, stepping forward instinctively. “No. That’s not-”
Donald’s hand came up, sharp and trembling. “Don’t.”
Henry froze.
“I didn’t know,” Henry repeated, desperation creeping into his voice now. “If I had- if I’d known she would do this-”
“What?” Donald snapped. “You’d have warned me? Or you’d have found someone easier to cage?”
“That’s not fair.”
Donald laughed again, but this time it cracked. “Neither is this." He threw the letter back onto the island.
He turned away, pacing once, twice, running his hands through his hair before clasping them behind his head, fingers laced tight like he was holding himself together by force.
“I didn’t agree to this,” Donald said, staring at the wall. “I agreed to a contract with an end date. I agreed to play husband, not become collateral.”
“I know,” Henry said softly.
Beyond the glass, the city kept moving. Indifferent to the drama happening in the penthouse kitchen.
Donald took a long breath, then another, visibly working to keep himself upright.
When he finally turned back, his eyes were red, rimmed with unshed tears, but his voice was controlled.
“You don’t care who you break as long as you get what you want,” he said.
“That’s not true.”
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s true,” Donald replied. “It’s what this looks like.”
Henry opened his mouth, then closed it again. There was nothing he could say that wouldn’t sound like an excuse.
“I’ll be ready for tomorrow night’s gala,” Donald continued. “I’ll smile. I’ll shake hands. I’ll stand beside you and look like I belong there.”
“Don-”
“But tonight,” Donald cut in, his voice sharp with finality, “I don’t want to see your face.”
Henry nodded, because this time, he deserved that much.