inheritance war

Chapter 3:The bruises beneath silence

The drive to the hospital was suffocating.

No one spoke. Not even a whisper. The air inside the car felt too heavy, like grief itself had taken up space between them. Mrs. Lawrence sat in front, her cries rising and falling uncontrollably.

Jane sat at the back, her hands locked together so tightly her fingers hurt. She couldn’t accept it. Just hours ago, she had seen her father alive. Weak, restless, but alive. Now suddenly, he was gone? It didn’t feel right. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

When they arrived at the hospital, everything felt painfully normal. Nurses walked past. Patients’ families sat around. Life continued as if nothing had happened.

But for the Lawrence family, everything had ended. A doctor approached them quietly. I’m very sorry for your loss.”

Jane didn’t respond. She studied his face, searching for something, guilt, fear, anything. But there was nothing: just a calm, practiced expression. The doctor led them into the room. Mr. Lawrence lay still on the bed.

Mrs. Lawrence broke down immediately, throwing herself beside him, crying uncontrollably. But Jane didn’t move.

She walked slowly toward the bed, her eyes fixed on her father. His face looked peaceful, but something about it unsettled her. Then she saw it. His neck.Dark bruises.Clear. Uneven. Suspicious. Jane’s heart began to race.

“No…” she whispered.

Her hand trembled as she gently tilted his head to the side. The marks became clearer like fingers had pressed hard into his skin.

Her eyes widened. This is not cancer. Her voice shook.

Leo (the first son). Her brother turned, slightly irritated. What is it? Jane said to him, Come here. Now

He walked over, and the moment his eyes landed on their father’s neck, his expression changed just for a second.Fear.Then it disappeared.

“What about it?” he asked coldly. Jane stared at him in disbelief. What about it? Leo, someone killed him

The room went silent.

One by one, the others stepped closer. Shock spread across their faces as they noticed the bruises. Mrs. Lawrence looked up, confused What is she saying?”Jane turned to her, her voice breaking. Mum Dad didn’t die of cancer. Someone murdered him.”

A gasp filled the room.

But Leo stepped forward immediately.Stop.”His voice was firm. Commanding. We are not saying that.”Jane blinked. What?”

“We are not telling anyone this,” he repeated. Jane’s anger flared instantly. Are you serious? This is murder! We need to call the police!”

“The police?” Leo snapped. “And then what? “They investigate!” she fired back. Exactly,” he said sharply. “They investigate everything.”Jane frowned.“What are you talking about?”Leo stepped closer, lowering his voice.“Our father had enemies. Dangerous ones. And not just that, He paused.“He had secrets.”

Jane felt a chill run through her. What kind of secrets? The kind that will destroy this family, Leo replied.

Silence filled the room.

He has done things, Leo continued, things that, if exposed, will ruin all of us. Do you think the police will look into his death? No. They will dig into his life. And when they do, what do you think will happen?

Mrs. Lawrence sat down heavily, her face pale.

Leo said to his siblings, "I’m protecting us," he said softly. Jane shook her head slowly. So we lie? Yes. The word hit so hard, Jane said. “I can’t do that.”

“You will,” Leo replied firmly. The others said What if he’s right? one of them said quietly. The second son(ben). We can’t risk it. Jane looked around, her heart sinking. They were choosing silence—even her mother. Tears filled Jane’s eyes, but she held them back.This isn’t over, she said quietly. But no one answered. The decision had been made.

They took their father’s body home and with it, a lie. To the world, Mr. Lawrence died of cancer. But Jane knew the truth. And she wasn’t going to forget it. By the time they got home, mourners had already begun to gather. The house was filled with whispers, cries, and forced sympathy.

Not long after, Mr. Lawrence’s younger brother arrived. (Aaron)” Mrs. Lawrence cried, rushing into his arms. Aaron Lawrence held her tightly. Please, don’t cry anymore. Be strong. Jane watched him closely. He looked calm. Too calm.Almost like he already knew.

Before she could think further, a security guard rushed inside. Sir, the press are outside, Leo nodded immediately. I will handle it. Leo Lawrence stepped out with Aaron.

Cameras flashed instantly. Reporters began shouting questions. Did he die of cancer? When is the burial? Was he sick for long? Leo raised his hand. Yes, our father died of cancer

“Are you sure?”A voice cut through the noise. Leo’s eyes locked onto the speaker, a journalist standing boldly at the front. I’ve heard something different, the man said. The crowd murmured. Leo forced a smile. Come inside. Let’s talk.

The man followed. But instead of a discussion, he was taken into a room. Aaron was already there. The door shut. And suddenly, violence. Leo punched him hard. What do you think you’re doing? Aaron joined in, kicking him brutally. You want to expose us? The man screamed, trying to protect himself, but they didn’t stop.

Until“STOP!”The door burst open. Jane rushed in, her eyes filled with anger and shock. What is wrong with you? She pushed Leo back. Are you trying to kill him, too? Leo said to Jane, "Stay out of this." Jane shouted. This is exactly why I won’t stay out of it

She helped the injured man up. Can you walk? He nodded weakly.

Jane turned to her brother, her voice cold. If you ever do something like this again, I will expose everything myself. Leo stared at her. And for the first time, he looked afraid.

Jane went to her mother's room to explain what her brother and uncle had done to the journalist. Her mother went to meet them and warn them not to do that again, and it slipped out of her mouth, and she said, " Do you want to expose us? Aaron was confused and asked, "What do you mean?"

Jane said immediately that your brother didn't die of cancer he was murdered

Aaron what? He looked so shocked, and you all are keeping this away from me; at least he's my brother

Mrs. Lawrence warned them all not to expose that, and she asked them to start preparing for the burial