Wrongfully Yours

Tomorrow

WILLOW

I sat at the kitchen table, a fork in my hand, twirling a few leaves of salad absentmindedly. My phone buzzed in front of me but I didn’t look at it immediately. Instead, I glanced up at my mother, pacing back and forth across the kitchen.

She was on the phone again and I could tell by the tension in her movements that whatever she was discussing wasn’t good. I didn’t mind the quiet. I’d gotten used to the steady hum of her work calls over the years but this time, I did find myself wondering what was taking her so long because usually, she wrapped up these calls quickly but today, she seemed almost lost in whatever conversation she was having.

I turned my attention back to my phone, finally checking the message that had popped up.

“Don’t forget about our dinner tonight. Can’t wait to see you. Love you always.”

It was Ethan, of course. A smile tugged at my lips. I couldn’t help it. the thought of seeing him later had been the only thing on my mind. I quickly typed a reply but just as I was about to send it, I glanced up at my mother again.

Her movements had stilled. The phone was still pressed against her ear, but her face... was different. Her brows furrowed and her lips tightened. There was something in her eyes that made me worried.

“Mom?”

Slowly, she dropped the phone and sighed deeply.

“Your father’s dead.” She spoke, avoiding my gaze. “And he’s already been buried.”

Dead? Buried? It was too much, too sudden, too.....impossible.

“What?” I managed to ask as my mouth immediately became sour. How could he be gone like that? Neither of us uttered a word. I didn’t know if to scream or to yell or to cry. He has not always been present in our lives. I understood quite early that he had a family and my mother and I were mistakes. Mistakes that could not be dismissed.

Mother looked exhausted and I wanted to reach out to her, to ask her what we were supposed to do now but the words wouldn’t come.

Suddenly, there was a sharp knock on the door.

Mother stood up and I walked right after her before she opened the door.

“Good evening.” The man started with a wide smile on his face. “I am Peter Langley. I am the attorney handling your late.....well, your father’s estate.” He turned to me and I nodded. “I am sorry for your loss.” He continued, looking at both my mother and me. “I have come to discuss your father’s will. If you have a moment, it is important that we go over a few things.”

Mother and I glanced at each other and then, led him inside. The words “father’s will” hit me harder than I expected. I had never even thought about the possibility that he might have left something behind for us.

“Your father left a significant portion of his estate to you.” My heart skipped a beat. “In fact, he has left an equal partnership to you and your half brother. I believe by now, you should know your father already has a wife and a son.” He spoke and I nodded slowly. “Whenever it is fine by you, meet with your half-brother so you can discuss the terms of your father’s arrangement. As of now, you both share equal ownership of everything.”

I was startled to say the least. He stood up and stretched a card to me. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.” He spoke and I nodded.

After the lawyer left, my mother sat in silence, lost in her own thought. I too, was consumed by the shock of everything. I wanted to meet my half brother and possibly, his mother. The excitement mixed with a strange sense of curiosity. What was he like? What kind of person had my father left me to?

I didn’t want to sit around and wonder. I had to meet him. I glanced at my mother, who was still staring out the window, lost in her own thoughts. “I’m going to the house. I need to meet him.”

She looked up startled.

“Father could have shared the properties between us but he gave us 50-50 on his properties. The only reason why he would do this is because he wants us to meet. Also, I have always wanted a sibling. I deserve to know who he is, don’t i?”

She hesitated, then nodded, almost reluctantly. “Just.....be careful. You don’t know what kind of person he is.”

I nodded and drove out of the house. We lived just hours apart but we were never supposed to visit Father. It felt like I was disobeying Father but.... this was also his will.

My heart raced hard as I drove into the compound. The gate slid open before I could even speak.

“Good afternoon, ma. You’re welcome.” The gateman stepped aside, nodding politely.

“You.....you know I am?” I asked hesitantly and he gave a small smile.

“We were told to expect you.”

I didn’t know what it meant but I shrugged before driving in and I could not help but be amazed. The house was a state-of-the-art. This was.... magical. The door to the living room was opened and I stepped inside.....not sure of what to expect, High ceilings, glass chandeliers and expensive art stared down at me.

“I knew you’d come.” A male voice dropped from above. “I just didn’t think you’d show up this soon.”

I looked towards the staircase. He stood halfway down, arm crossed, leaning against the rail.

“I’m glad to finally meet you, Sloane. “ I smiled. “I’ve always wanted a sibling.”

He scoffed and shook his head.

“You mean, you’ve always wanted a piece of this?”

The smile on my face faltered immediately and he began walking down slowly and deliberate. “Let’s be honest, shall we? I don’t care about other things I have to share with you. There are people managing it and I won’t get to see your goddamn face but this house? This home? It’s out of your reach.”

“I’m not here to.......”

“Cut the crap. We both know your mother opened her thighs like a welcome mat just to have a taste of all this.... and now that her little plan worked, you’re here to complete it.”

My breath caught in my throat.

“I won’t let it happen.” He snarled. “I don’t care what the will says. You and that harlot of your mother will never be a part of this family. You are nothing but a stain that old man was too weak to clean up.”

I stared at him, frozen. For a second, I couldn’t feel my legs. With shaky hands, I pulled out my phone and called the lawyer’s number.

“Hi, Mr. Peter? This house... since it was left to both of us, does that mean I can move in whenever I want?”

“Legally, yes.” He sounded startled. “You have every right to occupy the property. The will is clear. Is something wrong?”

“No. “ I said lightly. “Thanks for confirming.” I ended the call and my half brother looked at me as though wondering what was running through my mind.

“I’ll be moving in tomorrow. You can go to hell for all I care. Nothing’s stopping me.” I turned to leave immediately. All I wanted was peace but if this was what he wanted, then let the games begin.