Rich By Inheritance: series one.: part of me.

**CHAPTER ONE** *Lyra's Perspective* The irritating voices of my neighbors shattered my peaceful slumber. “You better get that mischievous niece of yours out here now!” That was Mariah, the owner of the bakery down the street. I couldn't stand her, but I resisted the urge to confront her. All I wanted was to continue sleeping. “Stop causing a scene, Mariah. Go back to your shop and focus on baking pies, not stirring up trouble!” My aunt's voice cut through the morning commotion. Can't they settle their disputes like adults? “Tell your niece to show herself, or we'll break down your flimsy door!” Uncle Zach threatened. Does he forget I caught him red-handed with Mariah? It's as if he's daring me to spill the beans to his wife. “Leave, or I'll knock some sense into you with this stick,” Aunt Kia warned. “You think this is over? We'll be back for that little troublemaker of yours,” Uncle Zach sneered. So now I'm the troublemaker? Let's see how he feels when his wife learns the truth about his affair. Shaking off their drama, I attempted to return to my chocolate cake dream when a sudden splash of cold water jolted me awake. Standing before me, with a stern expression, was my aunt, Aunt Kia. “So you skipped school to cause trouble in the neighborhood,” she accused, gripping my arm tightly. I winced in pain. Why is she blaming me for everything when she's the real troublemaker? “Get up! You're going to school,” she demanded. “No, Aunt. I won't,” I retorted, wrenching my arm free and storming out of the room. “You disobedient child! I'll deal with you!” I heard her shout, but I didn't care. Ignoring her threats, I strolled through the neighborhood, exchanging greetings with some and smirking at others who despised me. I loved the liveliness and freedom of our neighborhood. I headed to Aunt Makayla's salon. She always had the juiciest gossip. But before I continue, let me introduce myself. I'm Lyra, raised by a single parent—my mom, who's currently serving time in prison. She was arrested when I was ten, accused of theft and robbery. I refuse to believe it; my mom isn't capable of such things. Since then, I've been living with Aunt Kia, the most annoying person alive. But when I turn eighteen, I'm out of here. That's a promise I made to myself. I miss my mom dearly and wish she were here with me. Entering Aunt Makayla's salon, I greeted her with a smile as she painted her toenails. “Nice job, Aunt Makayla,” I said. “Hey, Lyra. Heard you raided Maria's pantry and took off with a whole feast,” Aunt Makayla remarked casually. I was taken aback. How could she think that? I saw an opportunity to expose Maria and that cheating scumbag, Zach. “That's all lies,” I replied, leaning in closer. “But guess what? Uncle Zach and Maria are having a little affair.” Aunt Makayla's jaw dropped in shock. “How do you know?” “I caught them getting cozy in Maria's kitchen,” I whispered. Her eyes widened in disbelief. “We have to tell everyone. I can't keep such a huge secret,” she exclaimed, rising from her seat. This was about to get very interesting. THE NEXT DAY. ** Trouble Brewing** --- **Lyra's Perspective** "I've warned you countless times to keep that big mouth of yours shut," Aunt Kia scolded, her grip on my ear tight. I winced in pain. "Ouch," I groaned. "How do you know about Zach and Maria's affair?" Aunt Kia demanded, still holding onto my ear. "I caught Zach and Maria in the kitchen, romancing," I confessed, hoping she would release me. "You brat with a big mouth! You may look innocent, but you're trouble," Aunt Kia fumed. "I wonder where you inherited this troublesome attitude." Surprised by her words, I quipped, "Aunt, I inherited it from you. You're the most troublesome person I know." A swift spank to the back of my head silenced me. "Get out of here, you brat. Like mother, like daughter. Your mom's in prison, and I hope you don't end up there too," Aunt Kia spat angrily, releasing my ear. I hurried to my room, rubbing my sore ear. Sitting on my bed, I noticed the scent of freshly baked banana bread wafting in from a neighbor's house. As I pondered, a heavy banging on my window startled me. "Who's there? Do you want to break the window?" I shouted, annoyed. "It's me, Anian," a familiar voice called back. I opened the window, still irritated. "Do you want to break my window?" I asked, eyebrows raised. "Sorry, but I've got exciting news. Some rich people moved in, and they're hosting a party. Everyone's invited!" Anian exclaimed. The aroma of banana bread suddenly made sense. Eagerly, I joined Anian outside. "Shane and the others are already there," she added. "What are we waiting for then? Let's go," I said, and we hurried off. Arriving at the elegant building, we were stopped by two imposing guards at the entrance. "Where do you think you're going?" one of them grunted. "To the party. Everyone in the neighborhood is invited," I replied confidently. They exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter. "This party isn't for beggars or servants," one of them sneered. Annoyed, I retorted, "We're not beggars!" Their laughter grated on my nerves. "Enough! Let's go, Anian," I said, turning away. As we left, a mischievous idea sparked in my mind. I lit a match and set fire to the flowers near the doorstep. We fled, hearing the guards shout for help. Never mess with Lyra. As we caught our breath in a safe spot, Anian's laughter faded, replaced by worry. "What's wrong?" I asked. "We could get into serious trouble. What if someone got hurt?" Anian fretted. "There's nothing to worry about," I reassured her. Returning home later, I overheard a heated exchange between Aunt Kia and a tall man. "I don't care. Either pay for the damages or go to jail," the man insisted. Aunt Kia pleaded, "Please, I don't have that kind of money." "Get ready for jail, then," the man threatened. Panicked, I intervened, stepping into view. Aunt Kia's expression turned sour. The man eyed me, recognizing me as the troublemaker. "Is she your niece? The one who almost set my house on fire?" Aunt Kia nodded, ashamed. "Why would you do such a thing?" he demanded. "They called us beggars and wouldn't let us in," I explained defiantly. "By almost burning my house down?" he countered. Realizing the gravity of my actions, I softened my tone. "We can't afford to pay, so find another punishment." After a moment's thought, he decided, "She'll work in my house for seven days to pay for the damages." Shocked by the severity of the punishment, I reluctantly packed my belongings and followed him to his car. "I never expected such mischief from someone with such an innocent face," the man remarked. "People always underestimate me," I replied with a smirk. As we drove away, I hoped there would be enough food at his house. At least I was free from Aunt Kia, even if it meant facing new challenges. Everything happens for a reason. -- ** Unexpected Comfort** Entering the house filled me with awe. Its beauty and comfort enveloped me, providing a warmth I hadn't felt before. Compared to Aunt Kia's place, this was heaven. The furnishings, from the elegant chair to the sleek glass table adorned with trinkets and a small statue, along with the chandelier, added to the ambiance. "Why are you still standing?" the man asked, prompting me to realize I hadn't even asked his name. "Can I know your name, uncle? I'd hate to keep calling you 'mister man,'" I asked politely. "It's Kenneth," he replied, causing my eyes to widen in recognition. The name carried some weight for me. I had encountered two other Kenneth's before, both with troublesome reputations. One was a school bully who eventually got expelled, while the other was caught pretending to be a beggar on the streets. As if sensing my thoughts, Uncle Kenneth asked if I was okay. I shook my head, deciding it was best to be honest. "Uncle, I hope I'm safe here because all the Kenneth's I know or have come across have been trouble," I confessed, hoping for reassurance. A small smile played on his lips in response. "My kids are in their room; I'll call them down. Are you hungry?" he inquired at just the right moment. I nodded eagerly. I hadn't eaten much apart from a biscuit I snagged at Aunt Makayla's salon, and I couldn't turn down a meal. "After dinner, I'll have my nanny show you to your room," Uncle Kenneth said, putting my mind at ease about where I'd be sleeping. All I could think about was food. I could handle sleeping anywhere, but hunger was unbearable. As Uncle Kenneth headed to the dining room, I followed, marveling at its beauty and organization. With just six chairs, I quickly claimed one, eager for food. Impatience gnawed at me as I waited for the meal. My stomach rumbled loudly, betraying my hunger. Soon, I heard footsteps accompanied by chatter. Two identical twin girls, likely my age mates, rushed in and began arguing over a particular chair. "That's my chair. I got here first," one insisted. "No, I sat here yesterday," the other countered. Their squabble over one chair seemed absurd to me, especially with other seats available. "Don't talk to me like that. I arrived first, so I'm sitting here," the second twin asserted, claiming the chair. "I'm older, so you have to listen to me," the first twin argued. "By just five minutes, which means nothing," the second twin retorted. The situation threatened to escalate, but thankfully, Uncle Zach entered, silencing them. They begrudgingly took other seats, shooting each other defiant glares. Observing the commotion, I noticed a boy taking his seat, adding to the eclectic mix of characters at the table. Finally, the nanny arrived with the food, and I wasted no time digging in. Amidst the chaos, Uncle Zach introduced me to his children, who seemed fascinated by my recent escapade. The twins bombarded me with questions, while Uncle Kenneth intervened, restoring order. As I finished my meal, a natural bodily reaction resulted in a burp, drawing surprised looks from the others. To me, it was a normal occurrence. Feeling satiated for the first time in a while, I stretched and yawned, signaling my exhaustion to Uncle Kenneth. He instructed the nanny to escort me to a spacious room, far grander than my own. After washing up, I collapsed onto the bed, feeling grateful for the comfort and safety this new environment offered, and quickly drifted off to sleep.