Inheritance of Hearts

Her Will

‘I'll join you soon, give me some time,’ Sharon said in a calm but assuring manner as she got up to change to a more suitable dress.

‘You should hurry, I’m sure you want to know why he is here and he doesn’t have all the time.’ Sullivan seemed to be handling the moment better.

Sharon wiped her face with her fingers and searched for something more appropriate to wear, settling for a long flare dress.

It didn't take her long before she flipped the keys on the door and walked out of her room.

Sharon’s footsteps reverberated through the quiet hallway, a steady rhythm that made Sullivan sit up straighter. The lawyer shifted in his seat, glancing toward the doorway just as she appeared, her long dress swaying with each step.

Sullivan sat on the couch with a man dressed in black and white.

‘Mr. Thompson, I've been looking forward to hearing what’s in the will. Let’s not delay.’

‘Yes, Sullivan, today’s the day. It’s always a significant moment when a will is read. I hope it aligns with what everyone expects.’

‘We've been waiting for this for days! It’s such a crucial step. Do you think there will be any surprises?’

‘It’s possible. We’ll find out soon enough.’

Their eyes caught each other on Sharon’s arrival.

‘Goodday. You must be Mr. Thompson.’

‘Good afternoon, Sharon. Yes, I’m Jonathan Thompson. I’m here to discuss the will of Mrs. Theresa, as you may know.’

‘Yes, of course. Welcome, please sit down. Can I offer you something to drink before we begin?’

‘No, thank you. I appreciate the offer. I’m here to go over the details of Miss. Theresa’s will.’

Sharon gave Thompson a still look, how could he have referred to her mother as Miss while her husband was sitting right here by her side?

Sullivan squinted in disbelief at what he heard, he leaned back on the sofa with the hope the lawyer would correct himself.

Thompson continued. ‘I will ensure that all arrangements which are necessary are made according to her wishes.’

‘Alright. I’m ready to go over everything. What do we need to cover today?’

‘I will begin by reviewing the will itself and explaining its key provisions. After that, we’ll discuss any immediate actions required and address any questions or concerns you might have. Does that sound good?’

‘It sounds perfect. Let’s get started.’

Looking beside the chair he sat on, Thompson picked up a black briefcase. Putting it on his legs, he flipped the locks and brought out the document which contained Sharon’s mother’s will.

In it was written “Dear Loved Ones,

I, Theresa, at the time of writing this, testify to be of sound mind and disposing memory, do declare that this is my last will.

I hope this message finds all of you well and brings relief throughout a difficult moment like this. It is with deep love and care that I write this will. It is to express my wishes for the distribution of my assets.

If I am married at the time of my passing, I trust my husband Sullivan to manage all my assets including the restaurant according to the values we shared and intentions.

However, if I am not married, I wish for all my property to be handed over to my beloved daughter, Sharon, who I know will manage it wisely and with the love I have always had for her.

May all of you find peace and strength in these decisions.

With all my love,

Theresa.”

Sharon’s brows furrowed as she tried to process the lawyer’s words. Her mother’s conditional phrasing—'if I am not married'—echoed in her mind, filling her with confusion and unease. Why would her mother include such a clause?

Sullivan’s legs crossed each other, looking more composed than he seemed minutes ago before hearing the will.

‘This is Mrs. Theresa's will.’ the lawyer said Mrs this time.

‘With this, if anyone has an objection, let it be made known.’

He returned the document to his briefcase and closed it appropriately.

Jonathan Thompson continued.

‘Next week we shall go through the process we call probate, where every necessary procedure will be completed.’

A slow grin spread across Sullivan’s face, his fingers drumming rhythmically on the armrest. His posture relaxed as if a weight had been lifted, yet his eyes gleamed with something darker—satisfaction, perhaps.

Sharon looked at them in silence as they exchanged pleasantries. Still processing all she had heard from her mother's will.

Leaving for her room as soon as Mr Thompson got up. Technically, the will brought her relief from weeping over her mother’s death.

Sharon paced her room, her thoughts a whirlwind. Every word of the will replayed in her mind, stirring questions she couldn’t yet answer.

The lawyer had just left when Sullivan picked up his car keys to leave the house.

Sullivan stormed out of the house, his face carrying an expression rather not tensed. He climbed into the red car, and the engine roared to life, followed by the screech of tires, that made Sharon wonder what had sent him off in such a rush.

Her attention drowned by the noise from the car Sharon peeped through the window to see, thinking more about what made him step on the accelerator like that.

Driven more by concern over the recent development of her mother’s will, she couldn’t lay hands on anything tangible to ease her troubled spirit and her instincts were not satisfied.

She decided to visit the Restaurant to see how things were going over there.

Sharon stood at her closet, checking through her clothes with a determined expression to find an appropriate dress.

Today, Sharon would visit her mother’s restaurant, a place she hadn’t stepped into since the funeral. Memories of better times tugged at her heart as she prepared for the visit.

As a customer and a supportive daughter she intends to make a good impression, being genuinely interested in the business.

She picked a smart and comfortable outfit, a navy blouse and tailored jeans, making sure she looked good.

Her hair Sharon styled sitting before the mirror and with every brushstroke on her face she took her time to do her makeup.

‘psst, psst’ came the sound the spray nozzle made as she applied nice scents to her neck. Just in time she finished preparing.

Taking her purse as she walked towards the door, feelings of anticipation and nervousness, she noticed sweat on her palms.

Not giving in to how she felt, Sharon pulled the door open and was on her way. She drove carefully and wouldn't let anyone or anything ruin her day. It took Sharon half an hour to get to the restaurant.

‘Hello ma'am, welcome to our restaurant!’ The restaurant security staff smiled at her, welcoming her to the restaurant.

‘Hi! Thank you.’

‘It’s a pleasure to have you here. I must say, you look fantastic today! That dress is stunning.’ Indeed she was blooming.

‘Oh, thank you so much! It was quite a moment deciding this.’

‘It does. If for any reason you need anything or have any questions, feel free to ask. Enjoy your time!’

‘I will, thanks again!’

Sharon was overcome with the longing of past events of herself and her mother as soon as she entered the restaurant and perceived the aroma of dishes that were recently made.

The low continuous indistinct sound of people talking and a rattling noise of plates made her uneasy. Her gaze swept over the busy employees and animated diners before settling on the VIP area.

As Sharon stepped into the private VIP section, her heart skipped a beat. Sitting there, like she owned the place, was Jennifer. Sharon’s breath caught as disbelief turned to simmering anger.

‘What is going on here? Sharon asked, her eyes wide open and unblinking. Why is she sitting there?’ It was Jennifer.