THE BATTLE FOR INHERITANCE

Mona Lisa Anderson

MONA LISA ANDERSON

The old man from the other night was very right. Because by the weekend my little hotel was filled with customers and also Sandra was by my side to assist me in everything I did…which I couldn't be more grateful about.

Though. I almost wrecked the hotel a few times that night. I was still able to put everything back in place.

I even had time to create a little garden. At the rooftop, which had always been my favorite.

Life was really peaceful this way for me but in one part of my mind I kept the thoughts of going back to the author when I was financially stable.

"Lisa. You have two visitors and they are not here for any accommodation but want to speak with you. They dressed so professionally, I am sure they are here for business." Sandra said smiling.

" Really?".

" What if they are here to sponsor your little business and expand it". Sandra was imagining things again.

" Stop imagining things that can't happen, I just opened this last week and now you suddenly think I have investors. What would I need investors for in this little mansion." I said to Sandra but mostly myself not to keep my hope up. I walked up to the guests and they really were dressed formally, with suits and even their ID around their neck. They definitely come from a company.

"Miss Monalisa Anderson". How could they easily recognize me and even my full name?

" Hi… ugh I definitely don't know any of you but you seem to be familiar with me?". I asked both of them. Joining them on the table just beside the kitchen.

"You run this little hotel?." One if the strangers asked, or were they really sponsors like Sandra said. I should stop imagining rubbish that Sandra said to me.

"Yes ..I run this bed and breakfast hotel". I said to them, they both smiled at each other pointing their ID cards at me.

"We come from an industry that works with pixie animation and we loved your novel and want to create a film entirely on your plot". Ugh. It's just this industry trying to pester me into selling what belongs to me.

"This isn't the first time your company came to me concerning my story and I would give the same response I always gave",

" No!." I said but they still looked determined.

" We can't leave here with just a no from you. We would be sent back here to continue pestering you, because we believe this is the storyline that would help our company get back on its feet. We can feel the success that comes with it." They tried to sound convincing.

" But it is mine and I don't plan on giving it out. I don't need your money". I said harshly. Before producing to leave

" Please miss Monalisa… we can lose our job if you refuse our offer." They pleaded, why can't they understand that is the only thing I have left that hasn't been taken away from me and I plan on cherishing it as mine. I came back to this Mansion, renovated everything and started a hotel here only because I want to make a comeback to the author's firm.

"Am sorry but it's too late to change my mind. Just find an alternative or something else, another author. Anything but not my story and if I find out you went ahead with it. I would like your company for it." I warned before heading back to my garden which I was tending to.

I can't believe people can be so selfish. They want to buy all my rights to my story. A story I had worked hard for. I can't let that happen.

The minute I give all my rights to that novel to them my parents won't be happy with me. Because I am only fulfilling my mother's wish because of the dream I had for myself.

"Why did you tell them that way". Sandra asked, sitting beside me, like she did not just eavesdrop on everything that happened.

"Are you being serious? I should actually give my novel out to them. Because of a little cash ". I said to Sandra who looked at me a bit embarrassed.

" I am sorry I asked in that manner. It's just they refused to leave and pleaded with me to talk with you. Which was where I was heading to". Sandra explained. Making me even more furious. I rushed back downstairs to meet them still standing and talking within themselves.

"What did you not understand from what I said earlier!". I exclaimed. Opening the main entrance for them.

" Leave!". I added. They seemed surprised at my actions but I really did not have a choice. I just couldn't let go of that novel not ever.

"Miss Monalisa". They called.

"Not a word from you please". I said to them, They looked at me one last time, a bit disappointed as they walked out. I know their jobs were at stake but unlike them. My whole identity was at stake.

" I am sorry". I whispered to them, hoping they would understand.

"That was harsh Lisa…don't even start with your lectures, I don't have time for that." I said, slamming the door. Taking a seat at where they had previously seated.

I remembered how much emotions I had to put into that story, things I couldn't imagine were in my head that came out for that book to come to life and now all these industries want to take credit for it. If that was how easily I wanted to lose everything I would have put so much effort into it. Whenever I read that novel I can't help but feel at the fact that I lost the chance to be with my parents at their last moments because I was too dedicated to that book. And now they want to buy it from me for the success of their industry.

"Just stop thinking about it Lisa. I am sure they won't be back here after what you did to them." Sandra assured me, making me smile.

" I really hope so too" I said to her, intertwining our hands together. She places my head on her shoulder for comfort. She was all I had left.

AVERY PETSON

I stood at the airport continuously looking out for my half brother who was back in the States after avoiding all the work and now wants fame. I can't believe I fell for my grandfather's trick and did all the work.

I even had a banner with his name on it in case he didn't recognize me.

He stepped out of the door looking like a prince. He even had a shade on, he immediately sees me and has that devilish smirk on his face which clearly meant. I am back to ruin your efforts like it never happened.

"Brother ". He hugged me tightly. We were two different people despite being from the same father. He took everything from my father but had to get blond like his mother and had green orbs like her. While I took my father's eyes and anyone who doesn't know the both of us as brother's. Won't ever call us brother's.

"Liam". I replied.

"Why did you have to place a banner out? I could have easily been able to recognize you from the crowd". Liam said, staring at me from head to toe.

" It has been two years. And besides, grandpa forced me into doing all of this."

" So if grandpa had not forced you to come here you won't even say 'hi' to your brother." Liam said to me and actually handed his luggages to me, what does he take me at? His personal servant. But instead of taking it, I dropped it on the floor and went ahead to start the car engine.

"Bastard" I said to myself feeling my temper getting the best of me.

"Why did you just walk out like that?." He asked, sitting beside me.

" I don't know why but I guess the fact that I am senior to you is enough for me not to help you with that luggage of yours". I said I started the engine. He scoffed and stared out the window.

"Why did grandpa send for me so urgently?". Liam asked me like he had not discussed everything with Grandpa before coming.

"Maybe to be his assistant or….. CEO" I replied sarcastically.

" Are you angry about something?". Why did Liam suddenly act so innocent when I know the kind of person he is.

I refused to respond to his dumb questions. He starts laughing out loud, how much I hate that laughter he makes.

" Maybe he wants to finally make me the heir to everything, despite your mother treating me like a piece of trash all this while. You know, I always knew I was grandpa's favorite". He said to me, I can't wait for Liam to leave my life. I just hope that isn't a reason why grandpa called for him. Because bringing us all together would cause nothing but more trouble for the industry.