Chapter 6: Turning Down an Offer
757 Words
The days following the birthday dinner were surprisingly peaceful. I was no longer burdened with all the household chores, thanks to Dad's firm declaration. No one dared pick on me, not even a scolding from Katherine... I mean, Mom.
But this didn't mean Mom had suddenly accepted me. Far from it. We simply avoided each other, crossing paths only during breakfast and dinner, and even then, only if Dad was present.
I was fine with this arrangement. As long as they left me alone, I was content.
Still, a lingering nervousness gnawed at me. Something felt off, like a storm brewing on the horizon.
And as they say, good times don't last forever. That night, my parents had a fight. I could hear their raised voices from my room, but I wisely stayed out of it. I waited, knowing that if there was something I needed to know, they would tell me.
As expected, the fight eventually ended, and my father came to my room. "Laura, darling," he began, his voice heavy, "would you like to pursue your degree abroad?"
I didn't know why, but I sensed a connection to the fight. Before I could answer, he continued, "It's okay if you don't want to, but please consider it. I know you're confused and don't understand why I suddenly want to send you abroad. But know that it's for your own good. "
" Dad, I don't understand. I need to know why," I insisted.
He took a deep breath. "Laura, I want you to be my successor."
I couldn't believe my ears. "Dad, what are you saying?"
"You heard me correctly," he confirmed. "I'm planning to pass my properties on to you, to inherit my company." Before I could protest, he interrupted, "You're the right person for this, Laura. You're smart, kind, and patient, unlike your sisters."
"But Dad..."
"No buts, Laura. I've thought this through. I'm making you my successor because I trust that you'll take care of your sisters when I'm gone."
"Dad, I'm sorry, but I'm not the right person for this," I said firmly. "Even if I accepted, Mom would be the first to oppose it."
"I've already talked to her," he assured me. "Don't worry about your mother."
"So that's why you two were fighting," I realized.
He nodded.
"I knew it," I sighed. " Mom would never agree to something like that. Please, Dad, reconsider. I want a peaceful life. I want a family's love. If you make me your successor, won't I become Mom's top enemy? She'd be happy if I weren't around. Please don't do this. You're still strong, you're not going anywhere. Why do you need a successor? "
"Laura, my darling, don't worry about your mother," he said gently. "She'll understand eventually. But what about you? What do you want? Don't think about what others will think or do. Have you ever asked yourself what you truly want? Tell me,." His gaze was serious, unwavering.
"Me?" I hesitated. "I just want a peaceful life."
But was that really what I wanted? Or did I not even know anymore?
His expression fell slightly, disappointed that my answer wasn't what he'd hoped for. He stepped closer and said, "Laura, I want you to know that I care about you, and only you. You're more than qualified to be my successor. "
"But Dad, I can't," I reiterated.
He sighed. "I understand, Laura. At least accept my offer and go abroad to continue your studies, okay? "
"Okay, Dad, I'll go," I agreed. "But don't expect me to take over your company. I'm not interested in the construction industry anyway."
He sighed again and said, "Come here, Laura. I respect your decision."
I felt a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Dad. Maybe I'm just as useless as they say."
"No, dear, you're not," he reassured me, pulling me into a hug. "It's just not your time to shine yet."
In his embrace, I felt safe and loved, as always. I even blamed myself for turning him down. He was clearly disappointed, and I hadn't expected to refuse his offer.
But I had no choice. I was afraid of what Katherine would do if she knew I was inheriting the business. She already disliked me; what more could I expect if she found out? I had to turn him down to protect myself from further trouble.
Call me selfish, cowardly, or whatever you like. But I had lived my whole life in fear, and that wasn't going to change overnight.
- Writer
