Sinclair Ashes

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I sat at the breakfast table, staring at the lavish spread my father had arranged. Croissants, fruit and an assortment of pastries lay before me, but I had little appetite. “Good morning, Ava,” my father said, his voice booming as he entered the room. He wore his usual tailored suit, the fabric crisp and perfectly pressed. Robert Sinclair was a man of power and precision, and he expected the same from everyone around him. “Morning, Dad,” I replied, forcing a smile. I poured myself a cup of coffee, hoping it would help clear the fog in my mind. The rich, dark liquid slid down my throat, but it did little to settle the unease that churned within me. As I took a sip, he sat across from me his expression serious. “I have something important to discuss.” I braced myself. Important conversations with my father rarely led to anything good. “What is it?” He leaned forward, his hands clasped together. “I’ve been thinking about Sophie. I believe it’s time to officially give her our family name.” My heart dropped. “What? Why would you do that?” The words escaped my lips before I could stop them, a reflexive protest against a decision that felt utterly wrong. Sophie’s mother passed away a year ago, she wasn’t the best stepmom but at least I tolerated her and she tolerated me but her daughter on the other hand was just impossible and she still is. Everything with her is just competition and I don’t know why. She is an annoying spoilt brat and I don’t get what she is still doing here staying with us, I mean her father is still alive and he is also rich. I guess she just likes the status that comes with this family. Our family is the second most powerful in the country after the Blackwood family of course, our family rival or should I say my father’s rival. Anyways back to the point I don’t get why my father wants to give her our family name. My father raised his eyebrow, his tone calm yet authoritative. ‘She’s family now, Ava. It’s only right. You know how important family legacy is.” “But she is not your daughter,” I protested, my voice rising slightly. “I’m your daughter. It feels…wrong.” “Wrong?” He leaned back, crossing his arms. “Sophie has been part of our lives for years now. You should embrace this. It’s a sign of unity.” I shook my head, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “Unity? Or favoritism? It feels like you are replacing me with her.” “Dad she has her own family. It would make sense if her father was dead but he is alive” “Don’t be dramatic,” he replied, his tone clipped. “This is not about replacing anyone. It’s about strengthening our family ties.” I pushed my chair back, unable to contain my emotions. “Strengthening our family ties? By giving her your surname? It feels like betrayal.” My voice cracked, weight of my feelings crushing down on me. My father’s expression hardened, and I felt the familiar chill of disappointment wash over me. “You need to understand that this decision is not just about you. I’m just thinking about the future of our family.” “Thinking about the future of our family? Really?” I said my voiced laced with annoyance. “Did you think about the future of our family back then when my mom passed away and within a month you got married” “I was doing what was best.” He replied totally shocked by my outburst. “Doing what was best for who? You did what was best for yourself. You didn’t even mourn her death or let me mourn my mom in peace but instead you introduced me to a new family that I didn’t need.” I replied my anger rising. This man couldn’t see the wrong in his doings. He couldn’t see it back then what was going to make realise his mistakes now. He clearly didn’t care for anyone but himself. I’m shocked as to why he hasn’t remarried yet , maybe he really loved Lucy. The love he failed to give my mom and I hate him for that. “Lucy was good to you.” My dad barked clearly he was getting angry but I wasn’t backing down either. He should know that I am completely against this stupid idea of his. This is ridiculous, his dearest Sophie is eventually going to get married and she is going to take her husband’s surname. “That’s not the point dad and you that.” I said my tears threatening to escape my eyes. I stood there, my heart racing, feeling the weight of his words pressing down on me. The breakfast spread suddenly felt suffocating, the walls closing in. I wanted to scream, to run away from this life that felt so constricting. “Fine,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “Do what you want. I couldn’t change your mind back then and I won’t change it right now either.” With that, I turned and left the room, the taste of bitterness lingering my mouth. I needed air, space to think. As I stepped outside onto the balcony, I gazed out the city below, feeling lost in the world that seemed to be moving without me. The skyline was dotted with skyscrapers, each one a testament to ambition and success. But all I could think about was how trapped I felt. My father’s words echoed in my mind. “Strengthening our family ties.” It sounded noble but not to me, it felt like betrayal of everything I had known. Sophie had come into our lives as a step-sibling, but now she was being elevated to a status that felt undeserved. I leaned against the railing, letting the cool breeze was over me. My thoughts drifted to my mother, who had always encouraged me to stand my ground. She would have fought for me, for what was right. But she was gone now, leaving me to navigate this turbulent world alone. As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, I heard footsteps behind me. It was Sophie, her smile was bright and disarming. ”Hey, Ava! Ready for the day?” I turned to her forcing a smile. “Sure. Just enjoying the view.” She stepped closer, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I can’t wait for the family announcement! It’s going to be special.” “Special for you maybe,” I said, my voice laced with sarcasm. “What about me?” Sophie’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. ‘Come on, it’s a good thing! Think of all the opportunities it’ll bring for both of us. We’ll be a united front!” “A united front? You and I don’t even get along.” I echoed in disbelief flooding my voice. “You mean a united front under your new title. What about my place in all this.” “Don’t be like that, Ava. It’s just name. It doesn’t change who you are or how Dad feels about you.” “But it changes everything,” I insisted, my frustration boiling over. “It’s like you’re being rewarded for something you didn’t earn.” Sophie crossed her arms, her expression shifting to one of the defensiveness. “I didn’t ask for this! It’s not my fault your dad wants to include me more.” I sighed, feeling the tension between us thickening. “I know it’s not your fault, but it feels like I’m losing my place in my own family.” “Maybe you need to adjust your perspective,” she shot back, her tone sharper than I expected.” “This could be a chance for us to grow closer. You’re making it about you when it should be about all of us.” I turned away, the ache in my chest deepening. I wanted to scream, to make her understand how I felt, but words eluded me. Instead I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside. “Let’s just get ready for the announcement,” I finally said my voice steady but strained.” “I will try to be supportive.” Sophie beamed, oblivious to my internal struggle. Deep down I knew she was enjoying everything that was happening. “That’s the spirit! It’s going to be amazing.” As we walked back inside, I felt a mix of dread and resignation. I couldn’t shake the feeling that today would mark a turning point in my life, but was I ready for it?