Wrongfully Yours

Wait till you find out

WILLOW

“You did what?” Mother narrowed her brows. “You were supposed to introduce yourself, not declare war.”

I didn’t respond. I just stared out the window, jaw clenched, replaying every venom-laced word he threw at me. All through the ride, I could not stop thinking of his words. I marched into the room and shut the door behind me. Leaning against the wall, I finally let the rush of emotions settle like an ash around me. I had gone in there so full of hope. A stupid, childish hope.

I thought I’d finally get the sibling I always dreamed of but did I really want to live in that house? Under the same roof as someone who hated the sight of me?

Who blamed me for sins I never committed?

I sat on my bed, running my fingers through my hair. Maybe I had acted on impulse. Maybe I should have though it through. My phone rang almost immediately. It was Autumn, my best friend.

“Hey, you okay? You sound off.” She started as I picked up the call.

I hesitated for a minute and bit my lips. “I think I just started a war I’m not ready for. Listen, it’s complicated.” I rolled on my bed.

“Spill.”

“I have a half-brother. I lied to you and Ethan that my father is dead...” I bit my lip. “Well, he is dead now and he... he is Theodore Graves”

“What?!” I expected the response and I shut my eyes. Of course, I expected that reaction. I never told anyone that he was my father. How could I explain to everyone that my mother was just a side chick to that man?

“I know and we can talk about that later. Well, the thing is... he is dead now and father gave my half brother and I equal partnership over the properties. I tried to meet him yesterday but he attacked me before I even had the chance to say hi. He claims I have come to steal his legacy.

I told him I am moving in tomorrow but i....i am scared. Mother says I shouldn’t but....”

“You should move in. I am fully in support of you. Girl, you need to teach that spoilt brat a lesson.” She spoke. That was the boost I needed. “I would have loved to go with you but I have to go to the hospital by morning.” She spoke. Of course, I understood.

Mother tried to speak to me and convince me not to go but how could I even do that? They had stripped me of everything. They had buried my father with my knowledge.

Staying in the house where Father spent the major part of his life would only help me feel the warmth of him.

“You don’t have to do this, Willow...” Mother tried to discourage me just as I held on to my suitcase. This was a rushed decision but desperate times call for desperate measures.

“I will come to see you over the weekend.” I responded before stepping out quickly. I had so much running through my mind yet I struggled and continued the ride. A sigh escaped my lips as I was led into the house.

“You really do not listen, do you?” Sloane walked down the stairs, his hands neatly tucked in his pocket.

“It’s good to see you too, Sloane. I believe you had a wonderful night.” I smiled at him as I walked into one of the rooms in the house. Of course, I had read so much about him. I thought the media was wrong but then, he had proved them right.

All he did was stare at me as though wondering what to do. I on the other hand was unbothered. Or I pretended not to be.

My heart raced as I got into the room. It was...... nothing like I was used to. It was big, beautiful and....magnificent.

“How much do you want? Tell me..... sister.... what do you want in order for you to leave this house? It means a whole lot to me and I am willing to do anything to protect it.” He crossed his hands.

I moved closer to him before letting out a sigh.

“This is the closest thing to my father. This is the closest way I can bond with him. He had an affair with my mother that led to my birth and I am sorry for that but Father was barely around. I couldn’t even see him before he was buried.

I miss him so much and this.....” I looked around. “This is the only way I can have his memory and feel his warmth. I have always wanted a sibling and I am really happy to see you. I hope we can live here together as a family and have a cordial relationship.” I stretched my hands to him but he scoffed.

“I guess we have to do this the hard way.” He muttered as he walked away.

I shrugged and sat on the bed. I had been trying to reach out to Ethan but there was no response from his end and it got me a tad bit worried.

**

I had spent a week in this house yet every hour felt like eternity but I struggled to remain in the house. Mother did try to call me severally and discourage me from staying back in the house but I refused to pick up her call.

I sat at the far end of the dining table, sipping tea. The house felt too quiet for how loud the tension was. Everything in it screamed that it belonged to Sloane. The thoughts made me smirk.

Suddenly, he walked in with the kind of presence that begged to be hated. He had that careless air of a man who thought the world belonged to him. He didn’t glance my way as he opened the fridge.

“You know....” He said, voice dry as dust. “There’s something deeply wrong about waking up to a stranger stealing your breakfast.”

I didn’t utter a word. I had better things to do that engage him in a fight.

“You really think you belong here?” He questioned walking towards me with slow, deliberate steps. “You think because a will said fifty fifty, that makes us family?”

I leaned back in my chair and shook my head. “I don’t recall asking for family. Just my half.”

He scoffed and shook his head. “You’re nothing like him.”

“And you’re too much like him.” I replied softly. “Except less kind, less wise.... and far less useful.”

With a furrow etched to his brows, he walked away angrily. A thin smile found its way to my face at his expression. Just then, my phone beeped. Before I could pick it up to see what it was, he stepped out with a smirk etched to his face.

“I am certain you believe the properties is the only thing your father left for you.” He spoke dramatically as he wore his suit. “Wait to find out what kind of mess your dear father left for you pretty soon. Oh, you do not need to wait too long.” His lips thinned into a smile before he stepped out.

I knew he was simply trying to get under my skin. That was all.

I picked up my phone to see who had messaged me.

And then, my heart stopped. What.... what the heck was this?