Inheritance and Heart
1072 Words
Lily stood tall, her posture firm as she greeted her uncle while offering her father a cool smile. “It’s too late, Dad,” she declared, turning away, determined to focus on the present.
Her grandmother approached her father, a serious look on her face. You shouldn’t apologize after decades. She is your daughter, and without her acceptance, you married… Her gaze flicked toward Lily’s stepmother. Let’s leave that aside. Why can’t you show her baby sister? Her father remained silent, choosing to walk away instead.
A knock at Lily’s door interrupted her thoughts. It was her uncle. Lily? Can we talk? he asked. She nodded and followed him into the back garden, where the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers.
How are you, dear? I heard about the case, he inquired gently. I’m fine. I’ve got a huge gang of mafias with guns, Lily quipped, a smirk playing on her lips.
Her uncle placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I know you don’t like these things, like your mother, but in business, we have to face a lot.” Lily nodded, listening intently.
Changing the subject, her uncle looked hopeful. “Your little sister arrives this evening. Do you have a gift for her?” Lily sighed, fatigue washing over her. I feel tired. I think I’ll take a short nap. But before leaving, she turned back to her uncle with a warm smile. “You’re the only one who asked me how I am.”
Meanwhile, back in her group chat, Jasmin was stirring the pot of boredom. “Guys, I feel so bored,” she messaged. Riya agreed. “Me too.” But Lily chimed in, “It’s just the start of the holiday!”
Suddenly, Lily had news. “Jasmin, Thomas is in town.” Frustration bubbled in Jasmin as she threw her phone down.
Jasmin burst into the living room, urgency in her steps. Mom! My friends are planning a three-day trip. Get your bag packed! She exclaimed. Her mother, occupied with groceries, barely registered her enthusiasm.
Jasmin’s dad entered, carrying a tray of fruits and sweets. Thomas is also coming, honey. Go find a cute dress! He said cheerfully, but Jasmin’s mother gave him a warning look, signaling him to stop talking.
Crossing her arms in defiance, Jasmin pouted. “I’m not going.” Her mother countered gently, “It’s childish to hide from him.”
“It's not your fault you got rejected,” her father added, trying to be comforting. Jasmin winced, the hurt evident in her eyes.
A moment of silence passed as her parents exchanged a look, then her father tickled her feet playfully, coaxing a reluctant smile from her.
The next morning, the family gathered at Lily’s mansion for her grandfather’s anniversary. During the ritual, Lily spotted her little sister for the first time, and a warm smile spread across her face as she peeked from the crowd.
After the ceremony, as everyone settled for lunch, Lily’s uncle from Mexico began speaking loudly about his business shares, causing discomfort among the guests.
Lily’s grandmother stood, demanding attention. “I have something to share,” she announced, gesturing for her secretary to bring forth some papers.
The secretary cleared his throat and read aloud. The grandfather has three sons and one daughter. The daughter, Ms. Lily Flores, inherits all shares in California, the mansion in Seoul, and the company in California. Gasps filled the room, a ripple of shock sweeping through the gathered family.
Grandmother continued, her voice steady. It’s not completed. After Lily’s 25th birthday, these assets will belong to her alone. At that, Lily’s stepmother rose angrily, storming out of the room.
Lily’s father approached her with a serious expression. “We need to talk,” he said, his tone grave. Lily walked over, her stepmother sitting with her arms crossed, her anger palpable.
“Are you happy with the assets share?” her father asked, trying to gauge her feelings. Yes, of course. The rights go to the proper one, Lily replied, her voice firm.
Her stepmother interrupted, fuming. “What about your sister?” she demanded. Lily responded coolly, Dad can provide for her. He’s capable of earning.
“But—” her father tried to interject, but Lily cut him off, her anger rising. If you had married properly after my mother died, things would be equal. You married her after blackmail.
A bitter laugh escaped Lily’s lips, her eyes flashing with pent-up frustration. Her father shouted in frustration, “Lily, stop!”
Tears filled Lily’s eyes as she paused, looking at her father. Mom knew about this before she died. Her last words were to take care of you. With that, she stormed out of the room, slamming her door behind her.
Meanwhile, at Riya’s home, her family was gathered for dinner when a fierce storm hit, causing the lights to flicker ominously.
“How long is this going to take?” Riya’s dad wondered aloud, glancing at the stormy sky. Suddenly, a loud knock echoed through the house.
Riya’s mom grabbed a broomstick for safety and cautiously opened the door, revealing a soaked man standing at the threshold.I’m so sorry! Our car broke down. We need to find my daughter, the man said urgently. Riya’s mom immediately embraced him, ushering him inside.
“Here, take these towels!” Riya offered, handing over some towels as they both shivered. Riya’s dad poured hot green tea, the steam rising in the chilly air.
Riya’s mom, concerned, asked, Why are you traveling alone in this area? It’s dangerous!
The man replied, looking worried, Our son went to find a mechanic. We can’t handle this cold. Just then, the woman received a call from her son, her expression turning anxious.
“He’s lost and can’t find the mechanic's shop,” she said, her voice trembling. Riya’s parents exchanged worried glances.
Turning to Riya, her dad said, Riya, take the umbrella. Maybe he went on the subway. Riya nodded, determination filling her eyes.
“I’ll go,” she stated, stepping outside into the torrential rain, searching for the shop.
As she arrived, she spotted a small light in the distance. The shop owner waved her in, and Riya rushed inside, nearly soaked through.
When the man turned around, Riya’s eyes widened in shock. “Jack!” she exclaimed, the recognition hitting her like a wave.
- Writer
