I never thought a simple dinner at Grandma Evelyn's house would be so wild. She was wearing a pink dress, looking like a debutante even though she was 69. While we were eating spaghetti and lechon, she suddenly stood up, holding a wine glass, and seemed to say something groundbreaking. “Grandchildren, children, sons-in-law—listen up, everyone!” she said. The entire living room fell silent, and then she looked at me.
I'm Sophie, 30, single, independent, and have my own business. I've never had a boyfriend because my career is my priority. But Grandma has other plans. “Sophie,” she began, “I want to have a family before I turn 70. So if you're not married by my birthday next month… you're out of the inheritance.” It was as if a grenade had exploded in the middle of the dining table. Andrei stopped chewing on the lechon skin.
I couldn't believe it. “So I'm not worth it because I don't have a husband?” I asked, almost shaking with annoyance. “You chose to prioritize work, I—I'll choose who I'll leave everything to,” Grandma replied, very seriously. And because I'm competitive by nature, I didn't punish her with a fight… I punished her with a challenge.
I downloaded dating apps, went on blind dates, joined speed dating in BGC—I did it all. But my God, it's so hard to find a sensible man. One, believes the moon landing was fake. The other, has a snake collection. Then there's another one, I missed it—our date turned into a business presentation.
With so many failures, I asked myself: “Am I doing this for myself or just for the inheritance?” I've built a business, educated myself, and paid the bills at home—but just because I don't have a ring on my finger, does that make me feel like I'm lacking?
One night, I talked to Grandma. “Grandma,” I said, “I know you have a point. But marriage isn’t the only measure of success or love.” She fell silent. “But if you really want a grandchild, I’ll just be a sperm donor,” I joked. She looked at me, laughing. “That’s how I like you, Sophie. Brave. I just want to see you happy.”
I realized, it's not just about the inheritance. Grandma just wants peace of mind—that I have someone to share my life with. It turns out that marriage on paper isn't necessary. What's needed is knowing that you won't be alone as you grow older.
Now, I'm not married yet, but I have a potential boyfriend—Marco, whom I met in the elevator. Now, we're partners in business and coffee. Grandma? Still carrying on the legacy. “You don't have to get married,” she said. “Just make sure you're happy… and you plan to love.”
